Love's Gentle Embrace

Inner Heart

**Ruhaan's POV**

The day had finally come, Dajaan. The day I could fulfill your last wish. I know I'm late—too late, perhaps—but your words always lingered in my heart: "Noor is your destiny."

I prayed, Dajaan. Every day and every night, I stood in the darkness of Tahajjud, whispered in the silence of Nafl prayers, pleaded at the foot of the Kaaba, in the rain and in every place where I felt closest to Allah. I begged Him to unite me with Noor, to bring our destinies together, just as you had foretold. I searched for her, just as you asked.

 

And now, here I am, standing on the brink of destiny fulfilled, yet burdened with an unfamiliar weight. What is she going through? What pain might she be carrying in her heart? I don't know if I can carry this alone. First, you left me, Dajaan. Now, DaduJaan (referring to Mr. Suleman, Noor's grandfather) is leaving me too. How can I navigate all this without you both? Ya Allah, give me the strength to carry this responsibility, to take care of Noor as you both would have wanted.

Tears welled in Ruhaan's eyes as he gripped Mr. Suleman's frail hand, a deep sense of sorrow washing over him. The sight of DaduJaan lying weak, his breaths slow and shallow, only intensified the ache in his heart.

Suddenly, a presence stirred behind him. Noor's father, Mr. Ahmad, approached, his face etched with both sadness and quiet strength.

"Ruhaan, beta..." Mr. Ahmad began softly, his voice trembling but filled with resolve.

Ruhaan quickly stood up, his eyes meeting Mr. Ahmad's. "Yes, Uncle. Please tell me."

"I... I don't fully understand what's happening," Mr. Ahmad confessed, his eyes glossy with unshed tears. "But I trust Baba Jaan. I trust Allah. And because I trust them, I trust you." 

His hand rested gently on Ruhaan's shoulder, as if transferring not just his hopes but his burdens as well.

Ruhaan's heart tightened at Mr. Ahmad's words, his voice breaking softly but filled with the weight of a father's love.

"And because I trust you," Mr. Ahmad continued, his eyes brimming with tears, "I'm giving you my most precious Noor—the *noor* of my eyes."

The emotion in Mr. Ahmad's voice struck Ruhaan deeply. He felt the enormity of what was being entrusted to him—the heart, soul, and life of Noor, the one he had prayed for so fervently, now handed to him by the man who had raised her with such care.

Ruhaan's eyes filled with tears as he gripped Mr. Ahmad's hands firmly. "Uncle... Baba, I swear by Allah, I will guard Noor with every breath I take. She is not just my responsibility, she is my heart, my prayer. I will protect her, cherish her, and be her shield in this world and the next. As the noor of your eyes, she will become the light of my life. I promise you that."

Mr. Ahmad closed his eyes briefly, as if absorbing Ruhaan's words deep into his soul. He gave Ruhaan a nod, overwhelmed but reassured by his heartfelt promise.