Requital (COMPLETED)

Chapter 32 -Determination.

"Never give up so easily. It should not be, that your fear or reluctance to do something becomes a means of regret in the future. You will never know what the outcome will be, if you don't try. Trying might hurt you at times, but it will not kill you. If you fall, make sure you pick yourself up and try even harder the next time. If every attempt fails, do not become sad, do not grieve, for Allah definitely has a better and a more beautiful plan in store for you."

(Jauhariy)

* * *

The Ahmed family were sprawled on the living room couches, chatting and laughing at Muaz's antics.

After reminiscing the sweet moments that they had shared with Zahra, Muaz diverted the conversation to a different topic to lighten the atmosphere.

Zahra was still a sensitive topic in the house and as much as they wanted to forget that she existed, for it created pain in their hearts, they could never forget her, it just was not possible. She was the eldest sibling, she was the light of the house, the glue that kept the family firm together. She was such a sweet and gentle soul, never looking down upon anyone and never ever giving up on anyone nor degrading anyone. She cared way too much about those around her and seeing another person in pain caused her immense pain. She really and truly lived up to her name, she was the flower of their lives and like a flower that emits it's sweet fragrance even after it is crushed, the fragrance of her sweet memories that were indeed tangible, still lingered in their minds, even after her death.

Her inner beauty was like the softest of petals, her gentle and kind nature like a delicate flower, her constant efforts and her earnestness to make a difference, her helpful nature and her caring attitude made her a wonderful teacher, a lovable daughter and an amazing wife.

Indeed the claiming of such good souls is the decree of Allah, yet the heart still grieves, not because the heart is displeased with the decision of Allah, but because of the loss of such a good, kind and unique soul, for Zahra and the likes of her, are seldomly found in the current world.

Luqmaan smiled in contentment as he watched his family seated together, joking and laughing after such a long time.

The death of his most beloved child had taken a toll on all of them and when Suhaib fled after her janaza, it had affected them greatly.It felt like they were all slowly falling apart. No one genuinely smiled or laughed in the house anymore, every smile and laugh seemed forced and feigned.

Zainab had lost that sparkle in her eyes, Taeeba had locked herself in her room for even longer periods of time, only coming out when her mother needed help, or for necessities. Muaz had become awfully quiet, so unlike his normal jolly and bubbly nature, Suhail had been lost amidst all the depressed people, not knowing what to do, he kept himself busy with his play station and whatever else he could find. Tasneem had began nagging more and more, constantly questioning the death of Zahra, and him, he was numb. He didn't know what to say or do to make them feel better, he felt helpless and his helplessness caused him to stress and his stress caused his health to dwindle away, and his dwindling health led him to the hospital.

He was thankful to Allah that he was able to leave the hospital a few days after he was admitted. The doctors had scared his family for no reason, maybe he was very frail and with his severe heart condition, he seemed like he was on the verge of death, but he was much better now and he supplicated that Allah SWT granted him a long life so that he could  live to see each of his kids settling  down and be at ease, but most importantly he just wanted to see his son happily married before he left the world. He just hoped his son realised very soon, what a gem Yusaira was.