HIS DELICATE ROSE

Part 22 : Zaim just found about Helena

Helena lay on her bed with her facedown, tears streaming down her cheeks. She wanted to leave, to escape this place right away. She started missing her family with every passing moment.

Just then, Jessica entered the room. Helena quickly stifled her sobs, sensing it was Jessica. Jessica sat beside her lying figure, gently stroking her back, and spoke in a soft, comforting tone.

"My precious baby, Jessica's favorite diamond, Jessica began, her voice laced with regret. "I'm so sorry, honey. I never imagined things would turn out this way."

Helena, still lying in the same position, she murmured, "I want to go home. I want to be with my parents."

Jessica pressed her lips into a thin line, her heart heavy with guilt. She replied, "Of course, my precious baby. I would do anything for you. But your parents will be here in two days. I can't let you stay there all alone. You're my responsibility now."

Jessica's worry deepened as she watched Helena in that condition. Just then, Ali called Jessica, asking about Helena's condition.

Meanwhile, the whole way, Zaim couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in his chest. He felt restless, his heart continuously pulling him back, telling him to return to the villa. The discomfort grew so intense that he rolled down the window, feeling suffocated and hoping the fresh air would calm him, but it only made him more anxious.

He couldn't understand why he felt this way-why his heart was so insistent on going back, he tried to shake his thoughts because he had no desire to return to that place, which had become a living hell for him.

Grabbing his temples as his head throbbed with pain, he kept seeing Helena's face flash before his eyes. At times, he thought he was losing his mind. Unable to bear it any longer, he instructed the driver, "Head towards the mosque in the countryside. I need to pray."

The driver nodded, changing course towards the mosque.

When they arrived, Zaim entered the mosque, removed his shoes, and headed to the ablution area. After performing ablution, he stood to pray his nafl namaz . As he reached the tashahhud, he joined his palms together and began making Dua.

"Ya Allah, what is happening to me? Why has my heart been so restless since I came to Japan? I didn't feel this way even in Korea, where my Helena lived. What is this strange feeling? Why am I so distressed? Please guide me, ya Ilahi. Give me a sign so I can understand.

Please protect my Helena. What if she's in trouble?" Tears began to stream down his face, but he kept going. "I can't even imagine a single scratch on her body. Please, protect her from all harm. Let every trouble she faces come my way instead. Ya Allah, my Rose's Allah, the protector of the entire Ummah."

He stayed in prostration, lost in prayer, for the whole night. Meanwhile, Helena cried her heart out until she could cry no more. She spent the entire night awake, praying from Tahajjud to Fajr, pouring her heart out to Allah. It was a long, painful night for both Helena and Zaim.

The next day, Jessica found Helena sitting in the Mohammadi garden. Helena sat with her knees drawn up on the chair, her arms resting on them, and her chin on her arms. She was deep in thought, replaying the events of the previous night. Jessica approached her softly, calling her name.

"My precious baby."

Helena didn't respond, lost in her thoughts. Jessica grew concerned and leaned in to get a better look at her, then gently placed a hand on Helena's shoulder.

"Helena?" she called again.

Helena snapped back to reality, lowering her legs to the grass and adjusting her posture. She looked at Jessica and asked, "Yes, Aunty? Do you need something?"