Different Hearts

Yes to his request

There is a reason behind everything.

Remember that Allah created you and that He makes you perfect, so you are beautiful just the way you are. You are a truly remarkable person because of him.

It's not about stressing over things or being beautiful.

Prayer, w*****d reading, texting friends, seeing your parents smile and knowing you are the reason behind it, having lovely dreams, traveling, and spending time with your loved ones are all ways to be happy.

Ultimately, trust in Allah, who is the best planner, and leave everything to Him.

Yumna:

******

I rubbed my eyes, stifled a yawn, and stretched my arms.

I was not a big fan of the mornings.

Alhamdulillah, I sighed after taking off the duvet and looking at the time. For tahajud (midnight prayer), I had woken up at 4:30 am without an alarm, which was a blessing in and of itself. We are extremely fortunate to be able to pray and make dua at any time of day or night. An arrow that never misses its mark is the dua offered at tahajjud.

After ablution in the bathroom, I opened the prayer mat, prayed two rakaats, and set the alarm for 7:00 a.m. I muttered to myself, "Alhamdulillah for another day." It was challenging to get out of bed in the morning; occasionally, I had to set three alarms because I slept in late, immersed in my w*****d books and watching lectures by Mufti Menk. Fortunately, I managed to get out of bed.

**********

The hand waving at me went unnoticed because I was so absorbed in contemplating what Allah had in store for me this year while I was sitting on the balcony.

I was struck by how lovely nature is, and today I even had a chance to see the sunrise! Praise be to Allah (subhanAllah).

"Dear sis, I called you three times. What's wrong?" With a worried expression on his attractive face, he asked. He always had my best interests in mind.

Although brothers can be obnoxious and overly protective, they can also be loving, and I adore him for that. Thank you for giving me a sibling like him, Allah willing.

"Considering a special someone?" With a grin on his face, he asked cheekily, "Ya Allah!" That lighthearted tone simply indicated that he was planning something, and I hope that's not what I'm thinking.

"I have prepared pancakes and chocolate syrup because it's your favorite," he said, pulling me to the dining table. He enjoyed preparing meals, particularly breakfast. Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare, he would always say.

He has been there for me from the beginning, taking care of me as he promised our parents, who died in an accident (may Allah grant them Jannah). I always tell him to settle down because, after all, who would dare turn down my wonderful brother? He always responds that I should get married first, and we always end up glaring at each other every time this subject comes up because we are both stubborn.

I have given him the task of selecting the person Allah has sent and the one he believes is best for me, insha'Allah, even though I am still not ready.

I just looked at him blankly as he began, "So," biting his pancake slowly and looking at me gravely. "He asked about you again," he said.

Who was he? I had a question.

The last time he told me that someone had inquired about me but I had turned them down, I knew exactly who he was referring to. I wasn't prepared; hopefully, it wasn't the same individual.

Every girl must eventually leave her home and move in with her in-laws, and I totally get that.

He looked me in the eyes and begged, "Please give him one chance; he just wants to get to know you." "He is my best friend and the CEO of his family's business," he said with gentle yet important blue eyes.

A marriage that was arranged? I always thought arranged marriages were a good idea and had been waiting for that special someone.

Do you think I should try?

I have never been in a relationship. Above all, I feel too young and am incredibly shy. I am only 22 years old. When I accept the new stage of my life, will I be able to manage it? Almighty Allah, lead me. He asked again after I had said no, so maybe it's your plan because I don't know him and don't know what he knows about me. Exactly who is he?

"So, dear sister, are you going to give him a call?" With a hopeful look in his eyes, he asked me again. Since they were best friends, why not do it if it made my brother happy?

Besides, maybe I should give him a chance, since my brother knew him well.

I nodded my head while glancing down. I have no idea why, but the idea of meeting him and getting to know someone new made me feel shy and sick to my stomach. "Insha'Allah," I said to myself, "I will perform Istikhara tonight."

"All right, so let me tell you a little bit about my friend. He runs his family's business as CEO and resides with his parents," he started. Although he has flaws, such as being easily angered, a little arrogant, and prone to mood swings, when he is at his best, he is an amazing man. And he has blue eyes, which I know you like in young men," he said in closing. His eyes narrowed nervously and his brows furrowed as he waited for me to answer.

"Are you ready to meet him?" he repeated, grinning. He'll always be making fun of me if I agree.

"Yeah, I am ready," I said, taking care not to look at him as I finished my pancakes.

Taking out his phone, he dialed a number and said, "I persuaded her to come see you, but you will pay a heavy price if you ever hurt her."

Please, Allah, help me.

***

I could feel my heart racing at the thought of meeting him. What would he be like? As I wiped my mouth with a napkin, I wondered if I was truly prepared for what lay ahead.

The anticipation weighed heavily on my mind, each tick of the clock amplifying my anxiety. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the encounter, hoping that my resolve would be enough to face whatever challenges awaited me.