Winning her heart

Indeed, she had blossomed into a woman of striking beauty and elegance. With each passing day, Hadi found himself discovering more layers to Masooma's personality. He observed the grace with which she interacted with his parents—a depth of respect and love that made him reflect on his own interactions with them. Her kindness extended to everyone, including him. Since that day, he had chosen to ignore her, yet a part of him longed to bridge the gap, to speak with her, and to mend the fractures between them. The desire to apologize often tugged at him, but his stubborn ego and pride held him back.

They both made a concerted effort to steer clear of each other, but family dinners became a realm where avoidance was nearly impossible. On one such occasion, as the family gathered around the dinner table, Masooma and Rumaisa found themselves seated side by side, with Rafiq and Hadi opposite them. The conversation meandered toward selecting gifts for an upcoming relative's wedding.In the midst of this chatter, as Masooma reached for her water glass, Hadi, too engrossed in the discussion, unintentionally placed his hand over hers. The sudden contact startled both of them, and their hands retreated with lightning speed. Hearts pounded, and eyes darted away. Masooma focused intently on her plate, while Hadi, attempting to appear nonchalant, scratched his head. Though determined not to acknowledge her, he couldn't resist stealing furtive glances, caught in the subtle currents of their unspoken tension.

Hadi, Rumaisa, and Masooma had finished their shopping at the mall and were waiting outside for Hadi to retrieve the car from the parking lot. Suddenly, Rumaisa remembered something she had forgotten to buy and asked Masooma to wait while she rushed back inside. Masooma stood alone outside.As she waited, a woman with narrowed eyes began to stare at her, despite Masooma being in abaya and niqab.

"Do you know you are making me uncomfortable?" the woman said angrily, gesturing towards Masooma. "You are scary."

Masooma chose to remain silent, understanding the futility of engaging with such a person.

"Are you deaf? Can't you hear me?" the woman continued.

In response, Masooma looked at her and calmly asked, "Why don't you leave me alone? Don't you have anything better to do?"The woman persisted with offensive remarks, insinuating that Masooma was a threat and should go back to her "Arab land" to avoid contaminating their own.

Masooma, maintaining her composure, responded, "You are mistaken. Go educate yourself about Islam, and then we can talk."

Rather than defusing the situation, Masooma's measured response further angered the woman. She verbally abused Masooma, attempting to remove her niqab. Onlookers gathered, some recording the incident on their phones.

However, Masooma didn't allow her to do so. She fought back, doing her best to protect herself. Suddenly, two strong hands intervened, pulling the women apart.

"How dare you touch her?" Hadi's voice was cold, and his eyes turned red with anger.

Despite Hadi's intervention, the woman didn't stop.

"These people need to die!" she screamed, attempting to attack Masooma once again. Hadi shielded Masooma, pushing the woman away, and she fell to the ground. Now, she began creating a scene, claiming that Hadi had hurt her, trying to garner sympathy. Unfazed, Hadi wrapped his arm around Masooma, comforting her.

Rumaisa, having rushed out after hearing the commotion, joined them. Masooma, upon seeing her, ran into her arms, bursting into tears. The police arrived, and after investigating the incident and reviewing the video evidence, it became clear that the woman was committing a hate crime. They promptly arrested her.

Further inquiries revealed that the woman was a drug addict with a history of violent attacks. In the past, she had assaulted a Japanese man, mistaking him for Chinese and accusing him of spreading the coronavirus. She had also attacked a restaurant owner, accusing them of being animal murderers for serving grilled meat.

Despite the traumatic experience, Hadi, Masooma, and Rumaisa were allowed to go home. As they were heading to their car, the police were escorting the woman to a police vehicle. Suddenly, the deranged woman grabbed an officer's forearm, pointing at Masooma. Hadi, keenly observant, swiftly pulled Masooma to the ground just in time, and a bullet intended for them hit a tree near the shopping mall. In the process, Hadi cut his forehead due to the fall.

Rumaisa and Masooma were shaken and terrified by the incident. Despite Hadi's insistence that it was just a small cut, they rushed him to the doctor. No one was willing to take any chances. The doctor disinfected the wound and applied a bandage. After the medical attention, they returned home. However, that night, Masooma found it impossible to sleep. Restlessness enveloped her, fueled by the fear of what could have happened. Despite the cut being minor, the incident had left her deeply unsettled. Unable to find solace in sleep, Masooma sat upright. Seeking comfort in prayer, she performed ablution and decided to engage in the Tahajjud prayer. During the moments of prostration, tears silently streamed down her face. Gratitude overwhelmed her heart, and she was thankful to Allah for protecting Hadi. The realization struck her: if anything were to happen to him, how could she have lived?'

The next day, as Masooma prepared for college, Hadi noticed her. His eyes lingered on the cut on her forehead, a silent reminder of the previous day's incident. Masooma, too, wanted to ask about his well-being, but hesitated.

"Why do you wear this niqab? As far as I know, it's not mandatory," Hadi remarked casually, reaching for an apple from the fruit basket.

"I believe wearing the niqab is mandatory. Besides, I wear it to please Allah Ta'ala. And, inshallah, no matter what happens, I won't stop wearing it," Masooma replied, alluding to the events of the previous day, and then left.

Hadi watched her departure, her words resonating in his mind. "'Please Allah?'" he echoed internally, the impact of her conviction settling within him.

Hadi had come to the mosque after a long time with his father, Rafiq, for the Jummah prayer. The imam was delivering the Friday sermon."Today, I would like to talk about something important that is related to half of our deen. Can someone tell me in Islam what's equivalent to half of our deen?"Hadi, sitting at the back, observed many people raising their hands. The imam pointed at a person and said, "Brother, you answer."

"Marriage," the man replied.

"Correct. Marriage is equivalent to half of our debt. Yet, how many take this seriously?" The imam paused. "Many of you might say, 'What are you saying, Sheikh? We take this quite seriously.' I know. I know. We all take marriage seriously. However, I'm talking about the fitnah related to marriage. Nowadays, I've found many men and women asking me this question: 'Sheikh, my parents forced me to marry so and so, and now I can't tolerate him or her. What to do?' Now, brothers, let me make this fact clear: Parents forcing their children to get married to someone against their will is haram.The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: A previously married woman should not be married without being consulted, and a virgin should not be married without asking her permission. They said, O Messenger of Allah, how is her permission given? He said, By her silence.(Reported by al-Bukhaari, 6455) Aaishah reported that a girl came to her and said, My father married me to his brothers' son in order to raise his social standing, and I did not want this marriage [I was forced into it]. Aaishah said, Sit here until the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) comes. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came, and she told him about the girl. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent for her father, and then he gave the girl the choice of what to do. She said, O Messenger of Allah, I have accepted what my father did, but I wanted to prove something to other women. (Reported by al-Nisaai, 3217) So, both the guardian and the woman must agree to the marriage.

Parents cannot force their sons to marry against their will. Nowadays, when a son likes a girl and, Alhamdulillah, he doesn't want to start a haram relationship, he goes to his parents to send his proposal to the girl's family. However, his family rejects it because they don't like the girl's appearance, hair, or family, even if the girl is extremely pious. They make the son choose between the girl and his parents. In the end, the boy gives up and marries the girl that his parents chose for him. Then what happens next? He comes to me and says, 'I can't love this girl.'

Hadi looked at his father, who was staring at the floor. Then he returned his attention to the khutba. The imam continued, 'So, your parents made a mistake, Akhi. But let me tell you, if you are going to marry someone, you are capable enough to bear your and your wife's expenses. What made you agree to your parents' decision in the first place? You shouldn't have given up on your choice. We are indeed obliged to abide by our parents, to treat them with love and affection, and not to even say 'oof' in front of them. Yet, as a man, you are free to choose your wife and marry her. A woman needs the permission of her guardian. Even so, her guardian can't marry her against her will. You can marry the girl you want and still fulfill your duties to your parents as a son. But you gave up and married someone else. And now you can't love her. So, what's the innocent girl's fault? Why must she suffer for your actions?'

This time, Hadi lowered his eyes and looked at the carpet. His shoulders slumped. He remembered the words he told his mother, and he could only imagine how Masooma had felt hearing those words. 'Akhi, marriage is not a joke. This is half our deen. Don't make it a child's play. Fear Allah and do justice.' After the sermon was finished, all of them prayed salah. During prostration, tears rolled down from Hadi's eyes. This was the first time he shed tears in front of the Almighty. He had realized his mistake, but already it was too late. He had caused a lot of damage to their marriage. After they came out of the mosque, Rafiq placed his hand on Hadi's shoulder and said, 'We are sorry, son. Your mother and I are sorry for forcing this marriage on you. But your mother had no other option. If she wanted to bring Masooma with her, she needed a relationship. Otherwise, the villagers would never let her go. Don't think your mother was wrong. At that time, she did what she thought was right. However, now we will fix everything, Insha'Allah. We've consulted a divorce lawyer. Soon, we will file for divorce.' Hadi felt like someone had inserted a dagger into his chest.

Rumaisa and Rafiq weren't home, and Hadi was feeling terrible. His head was heavy, he felt weak, and he had a severe headache. He stumbled into the kitchen and asked his mother to make him strong coffee. Then he returned to his room and lay down on the bed, feeling dizzy and unwell.

Hadi's eyes were still squeezed shut due to pain and discomfort when he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," he said, his voice weak and strained.

Suddenly, he felt someone's soft fingers on his forehead. It was Masooma who had made the coffee since Rumaisa wasn't at home. She also brought tablets for him.

But when she saw him, she became worried. His milky white skin had turned completely red. She could sense his discomfort.

She placed her hand on his forehead to check his temperature. Her eyes widened in shock. He was burning with fever.

Hadi opened his eyes, and Masooma bent over him. "You have an extremely high fever," she said, her voice full of concern.

She rushed outside and returned with a bowl of cold water and a napkin. She soaked the towel and put it on his forehead. Hadi felt a sense of relief as the cool water eased his fever.

Masooma repeated this a couple of times before telling him to rest and go outside.

Later, she came back with a tray containing a bowl of soup, water, and medicines. Hadi, who was trying to sleep, opened his eyes upon hearing her footsteps.

"Mama told you to drink this soup and take the medicines," Masooma informed.

While preparing the soup, Masooma called Rumaisa and informed her about Hadi's ill health.

Masooma was about to leave when Hadi said, "I don't feel like eating anything now."

"But you have to," Masooma insisted. "Otherwise, how can you take the medicines?"

Hadi got up and took the medicine. He was about to slip it in his mouth when Masooma grabbed his hand. Hadi glared at her.

"It's not good to take medicines on an empty stomach, Hadi," Masooma said, her voice gentle but firm. "It's important to eat something to give your body the strength it needs to fight off the fever." She explained as if she were talking to a small child.

She sat near him and grabbed the bowl of soup.Rumaisa had told her that whenever Hadi became sick, he made a fuss while eating. She requested Masooma to ensure that he was not staying on an empty stomach. Hadi felt strange. His heart skipped a beat. He likes to hear his name in her mouth.She took the spoonful of soup and brought it near his lips. Hadi drank the soup without making any fuss. His penetrating gaze on Masooma was making her nervous. Yet she tried to stay calm. She quickly made him drink all the soup and wipe his face.

She explained the importance of eating the soup as if she were talking to a small child, her voice soft and reassuring. She sat near him and grabbed the bowl of soup, her movements gentle and caring. Rumaisa had told her that Hadi often made a fuss while eating when he was sick, and she had requested Masooma to make sure he didn't stay on an empty stomach.

Hadi felt a strange sensation in his chest as he heard his name on Masooma's lips. His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but stare at her with an intensity that made her nervous. Yet she tried to stay calm, her focus solely on taking care of him.

She carefully spoon-fed him the soup, her patience unwavering despite his lack of appetite. She watched him closely as he drank, making sure he swallowed each spoonful. After he finished the soup, she wiped his face with a soft cloth, her touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

She made sure he took his medicines, her eyes filled with concern. When he finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, she let out a sigh of relief. He was making her nervous, and she couldn't quite explain why.

As she left the room, her heart still racing, she placed her hand over her chest, trying to calm the butterflies fluttering inside. She had never felt this way about anyone before, and she didn't know what to make of it.

Rumaisa and Rafiq couldn't come back due to the snowstorm that had ravaged the city. Masooma looked outside through the window, her heart sinking as she saw no signs of the storm abating. She had already made Hadi eat his dinner and given him his medicines, but she couldn't shake off the strange feeling that had been swirling in her chest since seeing him earlier. Even during dinner, she had avoided meeting Hadi's gaze. The way he looked at her, with that piercing intensity, did something to her. Her heart raced faster, and she felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. It was a sensation she had never experienced before, and it left her feeling confused and flustered.

Now that her studies were finished, she decided to check on Hadi again, just to make sure he didn't need anything. After taking his medicines, he seemed to be feeling much better, and she hoped he was finally asleep.

She tiptoed into his room, careful not to make any noise. As she approached his bed, she realized he had fallen asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful in slumber. She smiled softly, feeling a surge of protectiveness toward him.

She was about to leave when she paused, unable to resist the urge to tuck him in properly. She gently pulled the duvet up over his shoulders

In that moment, her gaze was drawn to the cut on his face. It was peculiar, yet she found an odd allure in it. The mark served as a constant reminder of the day he had saved her, and each time she saw it, a rush of gratitude and affection enveloped her.

Driven by an irresistible impulse, she delicately traced the contours of the scar with her thumb. Hadi, sensing her touch, reciprocated by firmly clasping her hand. However, their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted as a fierce storm rolled in, causing the electricity to flicker and eventually plunge the room into impenetrable darkness.

The generator, their last bastion of light, succumbed to the storm's fury. With the room now shrouded in complete darkness, Hadi instinctively drew her closer, and she found herself falling into the refuge of his embrace. In a swift motion, he shifted their positions, placing himself above her.

Amidst the pitch-black room, the sole illumination seeped through the window from the tumultuous storm outside. Their eyes locked in the dim light, reflecting an unspoken connection. The synchronized beats of their hearts resonated in the silence, and the proximity between them intensified, exchanging the warmth of shared breaths.

Anticipating resistance, Hadi was surprised to find Masooma keeping her eyes closed. A subtle smile played on his lips, realizing that she was allowing the moment to unfold. In that profound darkness, a silent understanding passed between them. Hadi leaned on her face.

As the storm howled outside, the rest of the night became a beautiful blend of two hearts finding each other again. In the cozy darkness, they created a new melody of love, warmth, and passion.

Rumaisa and Rafiq returned the next day, the snowstorm finally subsided, and the roads were clear. Masooma, who had prepared lunch, was now working on the salad. Rumaisa joined her in serving the dishes, sharing news about the relatives' house. However, she couldn't help but notice that Masooma seemed unusually quiet.Concerned, Rumaisa stopped and asked, "Masooma, what happened? Why is your face so red today? Are you alright?" She walked over, placing a hand on Masooma's forehead. Hadi and Rafiq entered for lunch, making Masooma even more flustered. "No, Mama. I'm fine," Masooma assured, though Rumaisa wanted to make sure.At the lunch table, Rafiq turned to Hadi, saying, "I heard you were sick. How are you feeling now?" Hadi replied, "Better." Rafiq, looking at Hadi's seemingly radiant face, teased, "Yes, I can tell that. I expected to see your pale face. Surprisingly, your face is glowing. Your mother was worrying unnecessarily." Hadi glanced at Masooma, causing her cheeks to flush again.

Hadi looked at his parents and then, at Masooma, decided to drop a bombshell: "Mom and Dad, I wanted to talk to you about something important." Rumaisa, passing the curry to Rafiq, asked, "What is it?"

Hadi, eating casually, dropped the bomb. "I think it's time we announce to the world about my and Masooma's marriage. I was thinking we should arrange a small wedding party."

The shock on Rumaisa's face was palpable, and Rafiq raised his eyebrows, scrutinizing his son. Rumaisa was about to react when she looked at Masooma. Surprisingly, Masooma showed no signs of anger or displeasure; instead, she silently stared at her plate with her cheeks flushed.A huge smile lit up Rumaisa's face, and she abruptly hugged Masooma. "You can't believe how happy I am today. Alhamdulillah. Many thanks to the Almighty!" she exclaimed, squeezing Masooma tightly. Rafiq also smiled, and the room was filled with an air of unexpected joy.

.---------

Hadi stepped into his bedroom, adorned with an array of flowers that filled the air with a sweet fragrance. In the middle of the bed, Masooma sat, resembling a traditional bride. A smile graced Hadi's face as he locked the door, approached her, and gently lifted her veil.

"MashAllah, you look extremely pretty," he complimented, his eyes reflecting admiration.

"Thank you," she replied, meeting his gaze before shyly lowering her eyes. A smile played on her lips, stained red.

Hadi took her hand in his, pressing it gently. "Today, I want to apologize for every time I hurt you. I'm sorry for every word that caused you pain," he said sincerely, placing a kiss on her hand.

Masooma reciprocated, saying, "I'm sorry too."

"Sorry for what?"

Hadi inquired.

"Sorry for everything I said inside the car," she admitted.

"Ah, that day. You really hurt my ego. I never thought you considered me so bad," Hadi confessed, and Masooma smiled.

"I was just angry because of what you did," she explained.Then, she opened up, "Hadi, when Mama told me you didn't want me as your wife, I was broken. I fell into depression. In those dark times, I found solace and comfort with the Almighty. I prayed  Tahajjud, asking Allah that if you were better for my life and the afterlife, He should put love for me in your heart. And if not, he should erase your love from mine. I never thought Allah would fulfill my dua. Yet, the Most Merciful did. When you said you started showing interest in me, I was upset. I thought you liked me only because I had become beautiful. However, the day you saved me from that woman, risking your own life, I realized that Allah had put love for me in your heart. After all, He is Al-Wadud, the Most Loving. I also realized that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.""Hadi, let's pray two Rakahs of Salah to thank Allah since He cleared all our misconceptions about our marriage and put love in each other's hearts," she suggested.

"Sure," Hadi agreed, sealing his agreement with a kiss on her forehead. Together, they prayed, marking the beginning of a new journey. They didn't know what this journey held, but one thing was certain: with the blessings and Rahma of the Almighty, they would support each other, leading a happy and prosperous life and ensuring their afterlife flourished.

The end.

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