Amir sat in the living room, his thoughts miles away as his parents, along with Hamza and Sara, conversed casually. Ever since Mohit had been arrested and Ayesha had started moving forward, a new storm brewed inside him. It wasn’t just relief for her; it was something deeper, something unsettling. A strange, gnawing feeling that wouldn’t leave him alone. He knew what it was—his heart was divided between the past and the present, between Layla and Ayesha.
He hadn’t spoken about it, not even to Ayesha. How could he? How could he explain that he felt something for her while still holding on to the memory of his late wife? It felt like a betrayal to both women—one who was gone, and one who was here, alive, and slowly healing before his eyes.
His mother’s soft voice pulled him back to reality. She had been watching him closely for days, sensing his inner turmoil. “Amir,” she said gently, “you’ve been so distant lately. What’s troubling you, my son?”
His father, always observant, chimed in, “It’s written all over your face, Amir. We can tell something is weighing heavily on your mind.”
Amir hesitated, but he couldn’t keep it inside any longer. “I… I don’t know, Abbu, Ammi. I’ve been trying to understand what’s happening inside me. After everything with Ayesha, I’ve grown… attached to her. But I feel guilty. It’s like I’m betraying Layla’s memory. I’m confused, and I don’t know what to do.”
His parents exchanged a knowing glance, then his mother reached out, placing her hand on his arm. “Amir, you’re not betraying anyone. Layla will always have a place in your heart. But life moves on, and Allah has given you a new companion in Ayesha. It’s not wrong to care for her. It’s not wrong to be confused. What matters is that you find peace in your heart.”
His father nodded, adding, “Sometimes, the heart needs time to adjust to new realities. You were a loving husband to Layla, and you’re trying to be the same for Ayesha, but it’s natural to feel conflicted. What you need is clarity—and only Allah can give you that.”
His parents’ words lingered in his mind, comforting yet still leaving him with questions. He needed to clear his mind, to seek solace in a place that had always brought him peace—his favorite mosque.
---
Later that evening, Amir made his way to the mosque, the place he always turned to when life overwhelmed him. It was a small, quiet mosque on the outskirts of the city, away from the noise and busyness of daily life. He had come here many times before, finding comfort in its silence, its serenity.
As he stepped inside, the familiar scent of prayer mats and the sound of quiet whispers of devotion greeted him. Amir performed wudu, the cool water calming his nerves. He then found a corner and began to pray, pouring his heart out to Allah, asking for guidance, for peace, for clarity.
With his forehead pressed to the ground, he made sincere Dua, whispering, “Ya Allah, please help me. I’m lost between my past and my present. I don’t want to wrong Ayesha, nor do I want to forget Layla. Guide me to the right path, make my heart clear, and show me what Your will is for me.”
After the prayer, Amir sat quietly, letting the calm of the mosque wash over him. As he sat there, reflecting on his thoughts, a familiar voice called out to him.
“Amir, my son,” the Imam’s voice was warm and kind, full of wisdom and affection. He had known Amir since he was a boy, guiding him through many of life’s challenges.
Amir stood up and approached him, offering his salaam. “Imam Sahib, it’s good to see you.”
The Imam smiled, studying Amir with his wise eyes. “You look troubled, Amir. What’s on your heart?”
Amir sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I… I’m confused, Imam Sahib. After Layla’s death, I never thought I could care for anyone else. But now, with Ayesha… I feel something, but it makes me feel guilty. I don’t know if it’s love, or if I’m just grateful for her presence. And I don’t want to hurt her by being unsure. What should I do?”
The Imam listened quietly, nodding. After a moment of reflection, he spoke, his voice calm and measured. “Amir, love and attachment can take many forms. What you’re experiencing is not unnatural. It’s normal to feel conflicted when you’ve lost someone as important as Layla. But remember this: Allah in His wisdom gives us different companions for different phases of our lives. You loved Layla deeply, and that love will always remain in your heart. But Allah has brought Ayesha into your life now, not to replace Layla, but to be with you in this new chapter.”
Amir nodded, absorbing his words.
The Imam continued, “It’s also important to understand that emotions don’t always come with clarity at first. Your heart is healing from grief, and it’s learning to open again. Don’t force yourself to define what you feel right now. Give yourself time, and trust in Allah’s plan. If Ayesha is meant to be your partner in this life, that bond will grow naturally. And if you’re feeling grateful for her presence, that too is a blessing.”
Amir felt a sense of relief as the Imam’s words sank in. “So, you’re saying I shouldn’t rush to figure it all out?”
“Exactly,” the Imam replied, smiling kindly. “Trust in the process. Layla is gone, but she’s still a part of your heart. And Ayesha is here, becoming part of your present. Allow yourself to feel, without guilt or pressure. Let Allah guide your heart to what’s right for you.”
Amir closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his confusion lift slightly. “Thank you, Imam Sahib. I needed to hear that.”
“Anytime, Amir,” the Imam said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Just remember, you don’t have to carry this burden alone. Make Dua, keep your faith strong, and be patient with yourself.”
Amir nodded, feeling a renewed sense of direction. He had prayed for clarity, and though all his answers weren’t yet clear, he felt a peace he hadn’t felt in weeks.
---
As Amir left the mosque and drove home, he realized that his journey with Ayesha wasn’t something he needed to force into a specific direction right away. He needed to let his heart heal, to let his emotions guide him naturally. Whatever was meant to be between him and Ayesha would happen in its own time.
And for now, that was enough.
YOU ARE READING
In The Grip of Trust
RomanceA scared bond A broken girl far from Allah A broken man submitted to Allah at any point of life. One lost the will of living, other one trying hard to be happy and survive. Healing the wounded hearts in the grip of trust . Trust on each other,trust...
