Our Journey

8. Blooming

Caught off guard by the depth of his words, Hidayah felt a rush of emotions wash over her. Her heart raced at the prospect of something more, yet her mind spun with disbelief. Did he really see her as more than just a colleague? The thought was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

"I... I don't know what to say," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. In her mind, she was jumping up and down, wanting to scream from happiness, yet the nerves twisted in her stomach made it hard to fully embrace the moment. "I mean, this is so unexpected!" 

Aaron offered her a gentle smile, sensing her hesitation. "Take all the time you need to decide. We're off for Christmas and New Year's, so there's plenty of time to think about it." His tone was calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions inside her. "I just wanted to let you know how I feel. And no matter the outcome, I'll respect your decision."

Hidayah felt a wave of warmth at his words. He was being so considerate, and it made her heart swell. "Thank you, Aaron. That really means a lot."

"I'm not trying to rush you or anything," he added, running a hand through his hair, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. "I just thought it was important to be honest about my feelings."

Her mind raced as she processed everything. This was what she had secretly wished for, yet the reality of it was daunting. "I need some time to think," she finally said, her voice steady despite the chaos in her heart. "This is a lot to take in."

"Of course," Aaron replied, his smile unwavering. "Just know that I'm here, and I'm excited about what could be." He took a step back, giving her space, but his eyes held hers, filled with genuine warmth and hope.

As Hidayah watched him, she felt a flutter of happiness mixed with uncertainty. She wanted to believe that this was the beginning of something beautiful, but her mind was filled with questions and fears. Did he really mean it? Was she ready to open her heart to someone?

As Hidayah drove home, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The car was filled with the echo of Aaron's words, a confession that had both thrilled and unnerved her. "Take all the time you need to decide... I just wanted to let you know." The sincerity in his voice replayed in her head, causing her heart to race. The prospect made her stomach twist; how could she express something that felt so monumental, yet so fragile?

When she arrived home, her family immediately noticed the distraction etched on her face. "Everything okay, Hidayah?" her father asked, concern lining his voice. "Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" she replied, a bit too quickly, brushing off their inquiries even though her mind was miles away, caught in a blend of excitement and uncertainty.

She sat on her bed, her heart a flurry of emotions, replaying Aaron's words in her mind. They had lingered in the air, each syllable resonating within her like a soft melody: "I want to get to know you the right way."

Feeling overwhelmed, Hidayah closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She recalled the teachings of her family, especially her parents, who had always emphasised the importance of seeking guidance through prayer. After a moment of contemplation, she made her way to her prayer mat, the fabric cool against her skin as she settled down.

"O Allah, guide me in this decision," she whispered fervently, performing her Istikhara prayer. As she recited the words, a sense of peace washed over her, soothing her turbulent thoughts. She prayed for clarity, for understanding, and for the ability to see the path that lay ahead.

After her prayer, Hidayah pondered the significance of family in her life. They had always taught her that the blessings of her loved ones were paramount, especially when it came to matters of the heart. "I should talk to my parents," she thought. "Their opinions mean everything to me."