married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

Episode 28 "New roads, old wounds"

Khalid's POV

I woke up today at 5 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. I had this familiar anxiety the kind I always get when I'm about to start something new. My mind keeps spinning with thoughts.

Today, Mahmoud and I are heading to university together. Mahmoud is another cousin of mine. He's a quiet, smart guy very different from Ahmed. He's easygoing too. We're in the same university now, but Mahmoud is a senior, in his fourth year. I'm honestly a little jealous. By the time I graduate, he'll probably already be done with his master's. LOL.

Anyway... about Yusra.

So far, we're getting along well. She's shy and kind. I think Ahmed was just trying to scare me with all that talk she's not crazy, or at least that's what I believe for now.

She told me she's turning twenty in a few weeks. I just turned eighteen last week, Alhamdulillah. Ahmed's been teasing me about her ever since, and I can't lie I don't hate it.

You might be thinking it's too soon to move on from Zahra. And yeah... technically, it is. But the truth is, I have no chance with her, and I've decided to move on and make better, more conscious choices in life. I used to wish I could have her all to myself but this is what Allah has written for me. I have to accept that. Whatever He does, it's always for the best.

The new Khalid is into mutual love now not one sided heartbreaks. I've realized I can't force anyone to love me. Love should never be forced. One person's love alone can't sustain a relationship.

Anyway, enough of that. It's already 8:00 a.m., and my class starts at nine. The university is just a 10-minute drive away. I packed my books, laptop, and everything I needed. Then I headed to the bathroom, took a shower, and wore my favorite black sweatpants with a t-shirt. Since it's winter and super cold outside, I added a black jacket. Today's look: black and white. Clean. I like the contrast.

I grabbed my bag, locked my door, and went to call Mahmoud.

My aunt told us to eat before leaving, but we were running late, so we took breakfast along to uni.

The drive to school was fun. Mahmoud and Ahmed kept going on and on about the university's basketball team. They said I should join. I gave them a "maybe" because I'm really more into football. I can't even play basketball well I just thought I might give it a try.

We got to campus around 8:45. They helped me find my class, then we headed to the cafeteria for a quick bite. Yusra was there too, sitting at a nearby table with her friend.

We greeted each other, and she just smiled. That smile subhanAllah it's really something. It's sweet and calming. I'm not lying, I feel like she likes me. She's been blushing at the least funny jokes, which is kind of weird, but also... cute?

It's funny how I'm always trying to give relationships a chance. I just pray that this time, I don't end up hurt and depressed like before. I've promised myself: no more attaching my heart to what's not mine. That's why I've decided to talk to my aunt today make things clear from the start.

Crazy, right? I've only been here for a week, and I'm already thinking of getting into another... situation. But such is life. I've promised myself I won't invest my heart anymore just my mind. If she agrees, Alhamdulillah. If not, khalas, life goes on. No fantasies this time I need to be bold.

Cling! The bell rang for end of first class. I packed up my calculator and laptop and headed to the cafeteria. We had a 30 minute break before the next lecture, so Mahmoud told me to meet them back at the cafeteria.

We spent the entire break chatting and drinking coffee then returned to class. The final class was psychology. The lecturer was super chill and engaging. I even got to talk with some classmates especially Abdul Aziz. He's nice, and Maa shaa Allah, he seems really grounded in the deen. Our whole conversation was about faith. We reminded each other a lot. I think we'll be good friends.