My Heartbeat

Chapter 28

The next morning, soft sunlight peeked through the curtains in Jimin's room. He stirred awake, still feeling the weight of last night's emotional turmoil. Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, thinking back to his conversation with his father. Despite his resolve, uncertainty lingered in his heart.

After freshening up, he glanced out his window toward Ayna's house, just next door. The sight of her window brought a faint smile to his lips, though the ache of last night's conversation was still fresh. He wished he could simply tell her how he felt without the barriers standing between them.

Meanwhile, in her room, Ayna was lost in thought as she gazed out her own window, fingers resting lightly on the windowsill. Her mind replayed her talk with her mother from last night-revealing her love for Jimin had been a huge step, and she felt vulnerable yet relieved. She wondered if her mother had managed to tell her father about it, or if things would stay silent for now.

In the quiet of her room, Ayna whispered to herself, "Please, Allah, guide me... and give Jimin the strength to fight for us."

Downstairs, her father called out, "Ayna! Breakfast is ready!"
His cheerful tone suggested he was still in the dark about her feelings, which gave her some relief but left her with a sense of urgency.

At the same time, in Jimin's house, Ali entered his son's room with a gentle knock, carrying a cup of tea.
he said, handing the cup to Jimin. "I hope you're ready to start the day with a fresh spirit. You'll need that strength if you're serious about pursuing Ayna."

Jimin took the cup with a grateful smile. "I know, Dad. And I'll need a lot of it. I'm willing to give every effort... even if it takes a lifetime."

Ali nodded, a look of pride in his eyes.

"Love is indeed a journey of patience and dedication. Remember, I'm with you in this."

As they both sipped their tea in comfortable silence, Jimin felt a renewed determination. He knew the road ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace every challenge.

Jimin's phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. Glancing at the screen, he saw Haris's name flashing and felt a jolt of surprise-his mind immediately jumping back to the "mission" they'd talked about. With a quick look at Ali, he excused himself, stepping onto the balcony before answering.

"Assalam o Alaikum," Jimin greeted, trying to keep his tone calm.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Jimin," Haris replied, his voice steady. "I just wanted to let you know... I have a flight in two hours."

"In two hours?" Jimin echoed, stunned. "That's so soon!"

"Yes," Haris confirmed. "Something came up, so I have to leave earlier than planned."

Jimin took a steadying breath, his mind already racing with questions and concerns. "Wait, don't go yet. I'll come over as soon as I can. Please, let's meet before you leave."

Haris paused for a moment before responding, "Alright, Jimin. I'll wait. Just be quick."

Jimin hung up, his heart racing with a mix of urgency and concern. Haris's sudden departure felt all too abrupt, and he didn't want to let him leave without a final conversation.

Turning back to his father, Jimin explained briefly, "I have to go meet Haris before his flight. There are things we need to discuss."

Ali nodded, sensing the importance in his son's expression. "Go, Jimin. And remember, whatever is on your heart, speak with clarity. You never know when it might be your last chance."