Destined Strangers

Chapter 30

Just because you're soft doesn't mean you are not a force. Honey and wildfire are both the color gold.

Victoria Erickson

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As Sania returns, the night has already passed significantly. She walks slowly toward the room, her footsteps almost inaudible. Her heart is filled with a strange sense of unease. She doesn't know why, but something about this situation makes her suspect Azlaan is involved. For some inexplicable reason, she regrets her decision today. Maybe Azlaan acted out in anger, or maybe it was truly just an accident. Her mind feels like it's shrouded in a thick fog, clouding her judgment.

She stops just outside the door, standing there for a few moments, staring blankly at the handle. She hadn't anticipated that this incident would wound her so deeply. Taking a deep breath and mustering up the courage she barely feels, she slowly pushes the door open.

Inside, the room is wrapped in a heavy silence. Her gaze first falls on Nour, sitting on the sofa.Then, with great effort, Sania shifts her eyes to the bed.

Hassan lies there, asleep, his face peaceful. She glances at him for just a brief moment before the weight of her emotions becomes too much, and she turns away. Walking over quietly, she lowers herself onto the seat beside Nour.

"Where did you go?"

"I had to go."

"You could have told me. I was getting worried," Nour says, turning to face her.

"Sorry... I just couldn't think straight."

"Don't worry," Nour reassures her, though her eyes study Sania's face, taking in the exhaustion visible in her features. Sania closes her eyes, leaning back against the sofa.

"How was he?"

"Fine... he was asking about you."

Her heart clenches with a brief surge of emotion.

"Was he in any pain?" She asks with a barely audible voice.

"He's still under the effect of the sedative. He woke up for a little while, then fell back asleep."

"Hmm..." She murmurs, leaning forward slightly. She opens her eyes and reaches into her bag, pulling out her keys.

"Go home, Nour. Get some rest,"

"I'm fine," Nour protests, shifting uncomfortably.

Sania offers a small, tired smile. "I'm here. You can come back in the morning. He's asleep anyway. What are you going to do here? Go and get some sleep."

"But you also..." Nour starts, but Sania cuts her off.

"I'm fine." Sania's voice is decisive as she hands the keys over.

Reluctantly, Nour rises to her feet, her eyes lingering on Sania for a moment before she glances at Hassan one last time. After a quiet goodbye, she slips out of the room.

After Nour leaves, Sania sits there again, her head bowed, eyes closed, and hands clasped.

Time passes, and she remains seated, avoiding looking at Hassan's face. Perhaps this is her way of coping stress.

WHEN THE FAJAR Adhan echoes, she prays in the room. As she finishes her prayer and makes dua, she realizes that Hassan has woken up. Her heart races as she folds the prayer mat and turns toward him. Even now, it's hard for her to look at him.

He's still lying down, his eyes half-open, the dullness in them contrasting with the small smile he gives upon seeing Sania. Her heart sinks instantly, and a lump forms in her throat. She feels the weight of unshed tears pressing inside her chest, but she forces herself to remain composed.