𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

Chapter 3

Zahra lay in bed and staring at the ceiling. Her mind full of Hisham. She couldn't forget the memory of his voice, and his kindness.

But that night, as she sleep, her dreams were filled with images of Hisham. They were walking together side by side.

The next morning, it had felt so real, so vivid. But dreams, she reminded herself, were just that—dreams.

Meanwhile, Hisham found himself thinking of Zahra more often than he'd care to admit. It wasn't just her beauty that captured his attention, but the way her faith and kindness shone through in everything she did. He admired her, but admiration was one thing—feelings, he knew, were another.

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At work, his colleagues noticed his distracted demeanor. Hisham, usually focused and precise, seemed lost in thought during meetings. His coworker, Bilal.. who had known him since their university, finally spoke up during lunch.

"Everything okay, Hisham?"

Bilal raising an eyebrow as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"You've been a bit... absent lately."

"Huh? Oh.. I'm fine. Just a lot in my mind, I guess.."

"It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with a certain someone, would it?"

Hisham blinked.

"What are you talking about??"

Bilal grinned.

"Come on, man. I've known you for years. You're not the type to get distracted unless there's a good reason. So... is there someone?"

Hisham hesitated, but there was no point in denying it. Bilal was one of the few people he trusted completely.

"Ehmm... maybe. I met someone at the mosque. Her name is Zahra."

"And then?"

"And.. she's different.. she thoughtful, dedicated to her community, and there's something about her that just feels... different. But I don't want to rush into anything. I'm not even sure if it's more than just admiration at this point."

"Hisham.. you know, admiration is often the first step toward something deeper. But, you're right to be cautious. If there's one thing I know about you, it's that you take these things seriously. Just take your time, and if it's meant to be, InshaAllah.. Allah will guide you both."

Hisham smiled, grateful for Bilal's perspective.

"InshaAllah.. I just want to make sure my intentions are clear before anything else."

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In the evening, after a particularly busy day at the youth center where Zahra volunteered, she sat with her close friend, Layla. They were sipping tea at the balcony of Zahra's apartment.

"You've been quiet lately, Zahra.. is everything okay?"

"There's something I've been thinking about. It's... complicated."

"Complicated? How? Is it about a guy??"

Zahra smiled shyly.

"Ehmm.. yes.. his name is Hisham. We've met a few times at the mosque, and I can't help but a feel a connection. But I'm trying to keep my emotions. I don't want to carried away by something that might just be in my head."

"Zahra.. I've known you for years. You're not someone who jumps into things without thinking. If you're feeling something, there's a reason for it. Maybe it's worth exploring."

Zahra sighed.

"I don't know, Layla.. I've been praying and I know that if it's meant to be, InshaAllah.. Allah will make a way. But sometimes I wonder if I'm just overthinking.."

"That's the beauty of it, Zahra.. you don't have to have all the answers right now. Just trust in Allah and let things unfold naturally.."

For now, they would both wait.. trusting in the hands of fate.