WINNER OF HEART♡

◇part 26◇

Janan lay in her room, the night dark and still. A strange sensation suddenly stirred in her chest, tightening like a band around her lungs. It became difficult to breathe—suffocating even. Gasping, she jolted awake, her chest heaving with each strained breath. "What’s happening to me? Oh Allah, help me," she whispered between pants, her voice trembling.

It was the middle of the night. Despite the eerie feeling that clung to her, she knew what she needed. She rose quietly and performed ablution, letting the cool water calm her racing heart. As she stood in prayer, her forehead pressed to the floor in sujood, tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Ya Rab," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "Oh my beloved Allah, there is no helper but You. Help me, Ya Rab, help my Ramin find me. I feel him searching for me... I feel he's not well. Unite us, oh Allah... unite us in the most beautiful and Halal way."

The weight of her worries left her heart as she poured everything out in her prayer, her soul seeking refuge in the Divine. After her Tahajjud prayer, she sat by the window, awaiting the Fajr adhan. The night air was cool and crisp, but suddenly, a gust of cold wind brushed through the window, sending a shiver down her spine. She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, staring at the stars that hung in the dark sky, twinkling like diamonds.

Meanwhile, Ramin’s plane had just touched down. He and his security team headed straight for the address Zain had given them, but as soon as they arrived, Ramin felt his stomach drop. There was nothing there but a desolate, muddy plot of land. The frustration bubbled up inside him, and with a shout, he slammed his fist against the car in anger.

"Sir, I think this was just to distract us," Zain said, trying to calm him, but Ramin’s rage was uncontrollable. He grabbed Zain by the collar, his eyes blazing.

"I'm going to kill that bastard with my own hands... He’s playing with fire," Ramin growled, his voice low and dangerous.

They got back into the car, heading toward their hotel. His security team followed closely behind, but Ramin’s mind was elsewhere. The frustration, the desperation—it all swirled together until he realized he hadn’t even prayed Fajr. Immediately, he turned the car around and drove to the nearest mosque. There, as he stood in prayer, his heart finally found some peace.

"Ya Rabbi," he whispered, tears threatening to fall. "Help me... help me find her."

After the prayer, he returned to his hotel. As he entered his room, his phone rang. Seeing Imam Rizwan's name on the screen, Ramin picked up the call,

"Uncle... My Janan," Ramin's voice broke, tears spilling freely now.

"What happened, my child?"

"I couldn't find her, Uncle. I’ve failed." His voice was raw, filled with anguish.

"Ramin," the Imam's voice was gentle, filled with wisdom. "Allah has planned the perfect timing for you two to unite. You must trust in Him. Remember, your Janan told you she’s going for Umrah in December, but you couldn’t wait. You grew impatient and rushed to find her... Have patience, my son. Allah’s timing is the best. You will meet when He wills it."

Ramin’s sobs quieted as the words sank in. His shoulders slumped as the weight of his emotions began to lift. "I was impatient, Uncle... But I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as Allah wants us to."

"Take care of yourself, Ramin," the Imam urged.

"I will, Uncle. Allah Hafiz."

"Fi Amanillah."

Ramin ended the call, the Imam’s words still echoing in his mind. He closed his eyes, letting memories of Janan fill his thoughts. The way she smiled, the sound of her laugh—everything about her played like a movie in his mind. He wiped away the lingering tears and whispered, "Oh Allah, forgive me."