---
Inara Sofea stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting the folds of her hijab, a soft, deep emerald green that contrasted beautifully with her warm caramel skin. The delicate fabric draped gracefully around her shoulders, framing her face and accentuating her features. She loved how it made her feel—confident, elegant, and deeply connected to her faith.
Today, she had chosen a flowy, white tunic adorned with intricate gold embroidery along the sleeves and hem, paired with tailored black trousers. The outfit was modest yet stylish, allowing her to express her personality while adhering to her values. She stepped back, admiring the entire look: the way the tunic flowed with her movements and the rich colors that spoke of her heritage.
"Inara, are you ready?" her father called from the living room, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
"Just a minute!" she replied, smoothing down the fabric of her tunic one last time. She loved her father dearly, and their bond was strong; he was her rock, especially since her mother had passed away years ago. As the only child, Inara felt a deep responsibility to support him, just as he had supported her through everything.
---
Entering the living room, she found her father, Amir, seated on the sofa, engrossed in a book. He wore his usual attire: a simple white kurta that highlighted his dignified presence, paired with dark trousers. The wrinkles on his forehead softened as he looked up, and he smiled warmly at Inara.
"You look beautiful, my dear," he said, setting his book aside.
"Thank you, Baba," Inara replied, a blush creeping to her cheeks. "Are you ready for our meeting with the community center today?"
Her father nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, it’s important we finalize the plans for the upcoming charity event. We need to make sure everything is in order."
Inara felt a rush of pride. They were working together to organize a fundraiser to help support local families in need. It was a cause that resonated with her, embodying the values of compassion and community she had been taught.
"Let’s go, then," she said, grabbing her purse, which was adorned with a few colorful pins reflecting her artistic spirit.
---
The drive to the community center was filled with light chatter about the event.** Inara glanced out the window, watching the bustling streets of their city, vibrant with life. Her mind wandered to her dreams of becoming a successful graphic designer, envisioning the kind of projects she could create—art that would resonate with people, just as her mother had always encouraged her to do.
As they arrived, the community center stood proud and welcoming, with its large glass windows and bright, inviting colors. Inara took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Remember, Inara, just be yourself," Amir reassured her as they parked. "Your ideas are valuable."
"I know, Baba," she replied, feeling a wave of gratitude for his unwavering support.
---
Inside, the center buzzed with activity. Inara spotted several familiar faces, including Aisha, her childhood friend, who wore a striking mustard-yellow hijab that contrasted with her blue dress. Aisha was always vibrant, her personality shining through in everything she did.
"Inara! You look stunning!" Aisha exclaimed, rushing over to embrace her.
"Thank you! I love your outfit!" Inara replied, admiring the way Aisha’s hijab framed her face, accented with a few delicate pins.
"Ready for the meeting?" Aisha asked, her excitement contagious.
"Absolutely!" Inara felt the energy of the place uplift her spirit.
---
As they entered the meeting room, the atmosphere shifted to one of focus and determination. Inara took her seat at the long table, where community leaders were gathered, each representing different backgrounds and faiths. She looked around, feeling the diversity and strength in the room, all there to work towards a common goal.
"Alright, everyone, let’s get started," the center director said, tapping a pen against her notepad. "We’re here to finalize the details for the charity event. Inara, would you like to present your ideas first?"
Inara nodded, her heart racing. "Yes, thank you. I’ve been thinking about incorporating some visual elements that reflect our community’s diversity. We could create banners and digital media that tell our stories."
As she spoke, Inara felt herself come alive. Her passion for design shone through, and she articulated her vision clearly, gesturing to a few sketches she had prepared. The designs showcased vibrant colors and symbols that represented the different cultures within their community.
"I love this concept," Amir chimed in, pride evident in his voice. "It’s important to highlight our unity through diversity."
"Absolutely," another community member added. "These visuals will help draw more people to the event."
Inara felt a surge of validation; her ideas were resonating. The meeting continued, with everyone contributing their thoughts, and for the first time in a long while, Inara felt a sense of belonging and purpose.
---
After the meeting, Inara and Amir walked out together, the sun shining brightly overhead.
"You did wonderfully, Inara," Amir said, his smile warm and genuine.
"Thank you, Baba. It means a lot to me." Inara felt a sense of fulfillment wash over her, knowing that they were making a real difference.
As they walked back to the car, Inara's thoughts drifted to her dreams of becoming a renowned graphic designer. She longed to create pieces that would resonate with people’s hearts and challenge societal norms. But with every step, the familiar weight of her family's expectations began to creep back in.
"What about your own dreams, Inara?" Amir asked, sensing her hesitation. "You can pursue your passion while helping others."**
"I know, but sometimes I feel torn between my responsibilities here and what I want for myself," Inara confessed.
"Just remember, my dear, pursuing your passion doesn’t mean abandoning your values. They can coexist beautifully."
Inara smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for her father’s wisdom. "You’re right. I need to remember that."
---
Back home, Inara sat at her desk, surrounded by sketches and ideas for her designs. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow across her room, and as she picked up her pencil, inspiration flowed through her.
She began to sketch, envisioning her designs coming to life. Her heart raced with excitement, the vision of her work helping to inspire others driving her forward.
In the quiet of her room, she felt a sense of peace, the soft melodies of a playlist she loved playing in the background. It was then she realized that while her life was influenced by her faith and family, she had the power to carve out her own path.
---
As night fell, Inara stepped outside onto the balcony, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. She looked up at the stars, each one shining brightly, a reminder of her dreams. She closed her eyes, envisioning a future where she could blend her love for design with her faith and values.
"One day," she whispered to herself, determination swelling in her chest. "I will create art that speaks to the world."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Inara returned to her sketches, ready to bring her ideas to life.
---
YOU ARE READING
If Only
RomanceTyler Lewis-a Christian writer and heir to his family's business Inara Sofea-a Muslim graphic designer who lives with her widowed father. What will happen if they accidentally cross paths? "Sometimes, love isn't enough "
