CAPTIVE

CHAPTER 12

Dedicated to @Ballo_S

Haniyya's POV

I woke up to the sound of the call to prayer. Ever since I was small, the sound always brought me peace. I felt it was a reminder that I was lucky to be alive and Allah had something great in store for me. I needed that assurance.

I got up and stretched my arms. My whole body felt so sore.I untied my veil from my leg. My bruise seemed to look worse and it hurt even more than it did yesterday. I hope it hasn't been infected. I limp to the masjid to get ready for fajr.

It was quite far but every step was worth it. I performed ablution slowly, trying not to scream anytime the water touches one of my several bruises. I didn't realize i had so many till now.

I got to the female section of the masjid and put on an abaya and hijab from the shelf. I sat in the corner as i read he qur'an quietly. I was so lost in the surah i was reading that i didn't notice a young lady staring at me. I looked way but she kept her gaze on me. Her gaze wasn't the type to make you feel uncomfortable. For some reason her eyes felt warm and made me feel safe. I smiled at her and she smiled back. I returned the Qur'an to the shelf and went back to my spot. I became lost in thought as i felt a presence next to me. It was the lady that was staring at me earlier.

"you have a lovely qira'a", she whispered.

"thank you", I answered shyly. Compliments always made me feel uncomfortable.

I expected her to try to bring up a conversation but she didn't. She just sat next to me and silently did her dhikr.

The imam started the fajr prayer, I became at rest as the prayer started. The imam's voice drowning all my fears and worries. Leaving me at peace with nothing to worry about.

After the prayer ended, i sat quietly as people left the masjid quietly, reuniting with their friends and family going their separate ways. I stared at the mat. Where do i go now? I am starving and do not even have a single penny to get something to eat. I removed the hijab and abaya and sat down, thinking of my next move.

"Are you okay", I get startled by a familiar voice. It's the lady i had a short conversation with. That's if you would call that a conversation. Her eyes show a lot of concerns as she waited for my reply.

"Um yes. I am just waiting for my brother", i half whisper hoping she wouldn't notice I'm lying. It was quite obvious she knew i was lying but i guess she decided to just let me be.

"Alright then. Have a lovely day......" she stopped halfway. I guessed she was looking for what to address me as so i just completed is for her anyway.

"Haniyya". She smiled wide as if she just won the lottery. I sense a little recognition in her eyes but they fade away as she hugs me warmly.

"I'm Jian". She releases me and rushes out of the masjid. What a weird lady, But surprisingly i like her.

I cuddle up in the corner as i stare out the window. I get a chill as the wind hits me. I get a feeling in the pit of my stomach. A good feeling.

I think today is going to be different.

Unknown POV

I grab my phone off the dresser as i switch off the aadhan from my Muslim pro app. I cant believe its time for fajr already. I know i slept late but i didn't think time would fly so fast. It's like one minute i put my head on the pillow and the next minute I'm hearing the aadhan.

I rub my eyes and do a long stretch. I decided to stay at my place tonight. The last thing i needed was Bappa and Maryam's nagging. I needed peace. You also need Haniyya. My subconscious reminds me. I had trouble sleeping trying hard to take in all that i discovered. It seems so unreal. I feel like my life has suddenly turned into one of the novels i read. I get up slowly and walk to the toilet to perform ablution.
By the time I'm done, I check the time and realize I'm late for prayer. I can't make it to the masjid on time. It would take me at least 3 minutes to get there. So I just decide to pray at home.
I spread my prayer mat and say my tasleem.
After I'm done, I just sit and stare at the wall. I feel exhausted. I say my dua quietly and fold the mat.
Something about the way the wind blows the trees outside intrigues me and before I realize what I'm doing I open the balcony door and stand outside. The cold wind makes me feel at ease for some reason.
I sit on the bamboo chair and stare at the sky. It's still dark outside.
A cold wind hits me and I feel a thousands goosebumbs appear on my skin. I shake it off and stand up.
Something about the windy morning makes me happy. I look at moon and smile. Ammi always loved the moon so much. When I was younger I would wake up in the middle of the night and find her standing by the window staring at the moon. She said it always brought her peace.
I could just hear her voice saying
"Noor am stay strong. Allah knows what's best"
I shake it off as I close the door.
I have a good feeling today is going to be a good day.