OUR JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

chapter 5 :New Beginning..

20th June , 2020
I dedicate this chapter to you all.
Thanks for your unflinching support 🌺🌺

Ray's Pov

Coming to Daru Salam was never a bad idea . I have tolerated enough so i had to flee , don't think i am a bad girl
because i left my friends and family without saying goodbye..

Sameeratu Abdul Hameed , well that is my best friend..i know she would have a hard time learning the Qur'an alone..
I was her mini tutor and she was my coach and counselor..i don't call her counselor for no reason. She was always there to guide. Sameera saw everything beyond the Horizon..
Ammi always says Sameera was too smart for her age. It has always been Sameera bringing up ideas and me developing and evaluating them for best results.
So sad i wouldn't be around when Our results will be out .that's in six months time .

"Dear Sameera , wherever i maybe,  remember the beautiful things we did
and the memories we made out of  them..
Unity and trust are the bed rocks of our relation..it pains my heart to disappear without a goodbye but i know you'll forgive me if you learn the truth about my sudden elope. "Trust the process you'll always say , i pray you do same !!hhuhh..

Ray takes  a deep breath and wipes the tears she failed to fight..

It's been a week since i arrived. Alhamdulillah i have healed so fast ,no more limping and holding of  walls.
Aunty Jameela says i would have to attend a welcome party where i get to know everything and everyone here..

I  met mama Ayi , the chief attendant, she reminds me of aunty Zakiya , so full of life and compassion.

Nuur has been my first friend here ..
She is chabby. I know we'll make a great pair In shaa Allah ..

Like i said i am waiting to called !

....knock...knock....
Come in..
Nuur comes in with a blue sacrf..
There you are Rayan..
Don't be scared , i know you're Nervous. I would have to blindfold you to the Hall.

Ray obliged willingly as Nurr ushered her to the venue.
They ascended the stairs cautiously.
Ray was asked to stop . Nuur knocks at the door and it was opened in  grand style..
Looks like that's is how things are done here .
The blindfold gets  untied , Nasheed is being sung , leaving Ray in awe.
There was a sparkling Banner right before the stage , more like a passageway.
It had the Inscription;Ahlan Wa sa'alam .
Ray looks at Nuur with teary eyes..
She nods her head , reassuring her everything was going to be okay..
She was ushered in by cute twins of about 8 years old. With hugs and perks ,they took her to the stage where she had a full view of the place..

There were balloons of different colors arranged around chandeliers ,
Making the atmosphere welcoming..
Flower petals were sprung , creating beautiful feathery patterns on her white laced dress.
Ray plastered a big smile on her broad face , embracing the moment like a childhood fairytale .
At that point , Ray promises to heal her broken heart , accept whatever Allah had in store for her and learn to love the people she will soon call family..

Mama Ayi commanded everyone's attention and asked them to take their seats..
An introductory speech about Daru Salaam was delivered by Shelter one's ( Abu Bakr sideeq ) Patron , Ustaaz Sulaiman..
Youngsters sung a soothing Nasheed about the rules and regulations of the House..
Ray observed and learnt some of the rules ..

It was now time to choose a shelter for Ray .All the patrons wanted her as a member .
Mama Ayi suggested they organized a Lot and the house Ray picks shall be her Home.

There were 4 coloured papers ,
Green , Blue , Yellow and Red..
Each had a name inscribed in it.
Ray had to pick one of the folds..
After debating on which to choose,  she made a decision after observing the prying eyes of all as the clock ticks and tucks . Yellow fold was her choice  , she announced the name , Khadija Bint khuwaylid . Members of shelter Number three roared and clapped as they welcomed a new member..
Nuura runs to the stage and gives her a bone crashing hug .
"Welcome to our shelter" !

She was introduced to her patron, Aunty Rawda , who was happy to meet her . She told her a few things about the shelter and asked her to feel at home.
"Never hesitate to ask for help , i'll always be in my cabin " she says..
Ray thanks her with a hopeful smile.
Nafisa being the house captain takes her in as all the Room mates welcomed her....

Ray's POV..

I met teenagers  my age and that made me happy,  at least they sounded cool.
I was taken to room 6 which was upstairs. There , i met Amina , sabiqa and Humaira . We were four in the room.
Two beds at the left and right sides..
There were two wash rooms each having two cubicles with a water closet..
The tiles were white with  blue stars embedded within 
I am so gonna love it here ! I exclaimed !
Yes you will ,  In shaa Allah
Says all except Humaira . We had a Trio-hug , hands on deck with the slogan "pearls of Jannah " .

I gave Humaira my best smile but she ignored me with an attitude. I didn't know why she was acting that way .

The doors flung open with Nafisa and Nuura carrying my stuffs.
Nafisa asked me to press the bell at the abandoned corner just in case i needed help.

Sabiqa was the afable type , smallish yet full of energy.
Amina cracked jokes as we arranged my things . Nuur asked sabiqa what was wrong with Humaira this time and she says she doesn't really know.
"Don't bother about her antics , she's always like that with new mates but she'll come around " says Nuur.

They dispersed after Nafisa Announced bedtime.
They bid goodbyes and Ray rushes to freshen up.

Sometimes we meet people who become better than some blood relations. I have never dreamt of leaving a home Abhi and Ammi created with love and compassion. Apart from my writing pads my home has always been my second safe haven until the demise of Abhi . I loved my home but i had to flee to seek solace elsewhere. Daru salaam has by far proven the best. Today has been a demanding one and i pray tomorrow becomes a bright day.
                          MaryamAhmad043

I know i have been away for sometime.
But E-learning is no good news. I am still writing exams but i managed to scribble this because i love you all.
I hope i am worthy of your forgiveness
Marimad loves you🌺🌺

Back to today's update
What are your thoughts?
What do you think about Humaira?
Will tomorrow be a bright day?

P.S....
i know we are all battling with one or two things in life and we are scared of what our lives may turn out to be. If you need a listening ear , do not hesitate to slide into my dm.
You can send a mail too
pearlsoflove555@gmail.com
I am ready to hear you out..Don't keep it..sharing is healing sometimes.