Since they were kids

A new page turnt

*2 years later*

Ihsaan's POV

I could see the friendship between Tasleemah and I slowly drifting into the wilderness. Up until this stage , I did not reveal my secret. We were both getting older which meant we would now have to adjust to a life without the friendship we shared being the same as it used to, for Islamically it wasnt allowed for opposites to free mix once they reached the age of maturity. Despite the fact that we weren't matured at 11, we both agreed that it was best that we implemented the "no physical contact" rule so that we'd be better able to adjust to it when reality hit us later down the line.

Graduation was around the corner which meant I was one step closer to fulfilling my ultimate dream which was to further my Islamic studies and become a Hafeezul-qur'aan Inshaa Allah. However, it also meant I wouldn't be able to see Tasleemah again until 4 years time. The mere thought of this made my heart sink to the floor. The thought of not seeing her for so long brought me into a state of despair which in turn took away the joy I should be feeling at this stage leading up to my graduation. I already felt so close to her like she was already my wife. "I have to move on" I convinced myself each day that slipped away but to my dismay, it was of no use.

*Two days leading to the graduation*

I paced back and forth in my room trying to build the courage to tell her. How am I going to say it? How is she going to take it? Thoughts rushed through my mind like lightening. I could already find myself sympathizing towards her. We were best friends since age four and since then we were inseparable.

With one deep breath I built the courage and began to dial her number. "Assalaamu alaikum" she chirped at the other end of the line. "Wa alaikumusalaam. What's up Tassie? Ready for graduation?" I responded hestitantly trying to find the best way to break the ice. "But of course! Can't wait to collect my prize!". The excitement in her voice brought a huge grin on my face. Ohhh, how embarrassing and pathetic it would look if she saw me like this, I thought. "Cool, cool.. Me either! But I'm wondering what Br. Mahmood is gonna have to say when he's calling me to collect my award... Dude you know he hates me." I giggled, trying to lighten my nervousness. We sat there talking for a while until finally , this was the moment. "Hey, Tass, I.....I wanna tell you something" I sttutered. "Ok , was sup? Spill. Something wrong?"she questioned. " Not really, its both good and bad" I paused "I'll be leaving to go to Saudi soon to study for four years". I sat still waiting patiently for her to respond."Tass?" I said once more. Less than a minute later she ended the call. I looked at my phone screen in disbelief. Did she just hang up on me?

Tasleemah's POV

I dropped myself on the bed and began picturing the graduation in my mind. Yes! Just two days away! I screamed excitedly. I was mostly excited about collecting my awards for outstanding performance in Islamic Studies, English and , thanks to Ihsaan, Mathematics. He was a genius when it came to math and worked tirelessly in ensuring that I also got an A. Even in academics, we were the perfect team. Just as he crossed my mind the phone rang. "Oh my" I gasped. I could never get enough of talking to him. I pressed the green button and gave the salaam. "Wa alaikumusalaam. Hey Tass. What's up? Ready for graduation" he responded." But of course! Can't wait to collect my prizes!" I responded excitedly." Cool, cool..Me either! But I'm wondering what Br. Mahmood is gonna have to say when he's calling me to collect my award. Dude you know he hates me" he responded giggly. From the tone in his voice I could tell that something was wrong. Moments later, he spilled"Hey, Tass, I....I want to tell you something" he stuttered. " OK, was sup? Something wrong?" I asked with deep concern. "Not really its both good and bad..... I'll be leaving to go to Saudi soon to study for four years" he responded. My mouth dropped to the floor in shock. Tears trickled slowly down my cheeks. I quickly hung up the phone and sat lifelessly on my bed. "I'll be leaving to go to Saudi soon to study for four years". These words kept replaying in my mind. I'll surely miss him.