Hers to Love

Chapter 17

Amir's POV

Being a Muslim man, I feel a strong sense of responsibility toward my family. It's not just about providing or protecting; it's about honoring the values and traditions that have been passed down to me. My role is to ensure my family's well-being, to be there for them in every possible way, and to make decisions that reflect our beliefs and values. This responsibility is something I carry with me every day.

When I think about Maria, I see her as an incredibly kind person. There's something about her that feels so genuine and warm. My mom absolutely loves her, and I can see why. She's always telling me how special Maria is, how much she enjoys her company. If Maria and I were the same age, I know my mom would be saying she found the perfect girl for me. But as things stand, I can't ignore the gap between us, even though I know how much my family cares for her. It's complicated, balancing what I feel, my responsibilities, and the expectations that come with them.

I'm not proud of it, but when it comes to women, I haven't always been the best Muslim. I've committed haram, done things I know I shouldn't have. It's something I struggle with, knowing that my actions don't always align with the values I was raised with. I guess you could say I'm a typical guy in some ways, giving in to temptations that I know I should resist.

But with Maria, it's different. I'm so afraid to treat her the way I've treated other women. There's something about her that makes me want to be better, to respect her in a way I haven't always done in the past. I know she deserves more than that, and the thought of hurting her or disrespecting her terrifies me. It's like she brings out a side of me that wants to do the right thing, even when it's hard.

I've been talking to two girls lately, and they keep me entertained. It's easy, no strings attached, and they help me pass the time. But even with them in the picture, I can't shake the way I feel about Maria. It's different with her—more serious, more complicated. The other girls are just a distraction, something to keep my mind busy, but with Maria, it's like I can't just treat her the same way. There's something deeper there that I can't ignore, no matter how much I try.