𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 39

{1 month later}

After praying tahajjud, she was in prostration and didn't feel like raising her head. The peace she experienced in that position was indescribable. Her heart was calm, her mind was tranquil-there was no worry, no tension, and no complaints. While she had many unuttered prayers in her heart, she chose to remain silent in her patience. She wanted to be patient because Allah is with the patient, and in this life, all she desired was her Rabb-her Lord. She sought His blessings and guidance, which would be more than enough for her. After everything she had faced in her life, she felt that she had had enough and didn't want for anything more.

---

Ayaan had completed his MBA and was now pursuing a PGDM. He would study in Pune for one more year before applying for a specialization in Mumbai, his dream city. During this time, he was fully aware of his feelings for Ayat, but he hadn't shared them with anyone yet. He wanted to confess his feelings to her first, and only if she was willing would he announce it to anyone else; her consent was paramount. As he reflected on this, he made his way to the canteen, determined to confront Sidra. After witnessing Sidra and Ayat looking worried in the garden area after the previous lecture, he felt compelled to ask Sidra about it. Sidra had told him something soul-shattering: that Ayat was getting married. However, when he pressed her for more information, she claimed it was just a joke. Even though he felt slightly relieved to hear it was a joke, he still couldn't find peace. That peace would only come when Sidra provided him with the full story.

---

After praying Fajr, she went into the kitchen. After breakfast, she started preparing lunch while softly reciting Surah Yaseen, her voice barely audible. Everything had changed; her parents were much more worried about her than before. For the past month, she hadn't met anyone-not even Sidra or Sabeeha. She had grown to accept that she didn't deserve to be around people, so it was better to be alone.

"Appi, is lunch ready?" Anaya asked as she entered, rushing in, excited about her application to study computer science and learn coding. She had discovered her passion, but she couldn't understand why the same could not apply to Ayat. She didn't want Ayat to marry again, but their parents were doing everything they could to expedite the marriage process. Anaya often overheard Aadam and Salma discussing how Ayat had become a burden to them.

"It's all ready, Anaya. But wait, let me take this tray to the lounge," Ayat said. She noticed that Aamna aunty had come over again.

"She's back again-to sprinkle salt on our wounds and instigate Ammi and Abbu?" Anaya said irritably, dropping her bag on the dining table. Ayat stopped in her tracks.

"We shouldn't speak like that about anyone, Anaya," Ayat said, trying to reason. Anaya understood how bad it felt to Ayat, whenever Aamna aunty came around.

"Don't hide anything from me, Appi. I know how Ammi and Abbu have started treating you in this past month. I can tell you'll be feeling yourself burden on us" Anaya said, holding her sister's shoulders. "But you're wrong. If Ammi and Abbu don't want to help, I'll get a job, and we will live together."

"Anaya, shh," Ayat said calmly, but it was clear that Anaya struggled to grasp what Ayat was feeling inside. Anaya missed the sister ayat used to be, the one who shared everything with laughter and giggles. Now, Anaya couldn't remember the last time Ayat had smiled; she had built a wall around herself.

"But Appi-!" Anaya began, worried, but Ayat gently let go of her hands.

"I'll be back after serving them, and then we can have lunch, okay?" Ayat said, her tone is still calm. Anaya nodded, though reluctantly, as Ayat moved toward the lounge. Just as she was about to enter, she overheard a conversation that made her pause.