SHATTERED

It’s Graduation Day

CHAPTER 4

It is graduation day, as Denzel is finally going to the university in another city. I was happy and sad at the same time. How do I cope with the distance? Will this work?

The bittersweet feeling of watching a loved one embark on a new journey. Coping with distance can be challenging, but many couples make it work.

As we stood together, holding each other tightly, I felt a mix of emotions. I was proud of Denzel for taking this step, but the thought of being apart was daunting. "How will we make this work?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

Denzel smiled reassuringly.

"We'll make time for each other, Hikma. We'll talk every day, share our experiences, and support each other from afar. We'll make this distance a temporary obstacle, not a barrier to our love."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. We made plans to stay in touch, scheduling regular video calls and visits whenever possible. As Denzel left for the university, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was willing to make it work for our love. My best friend Amina was always there, encouraging and supporting me.

Weeks passed and Denzel and I wrote to each other sharing our experiences together, months were counting and I will also be graduating soon and be moving to university. My parents couldn’t afford Denzel’s university so I had to attend a university in my city, as for Amina, she moved into a new city with her family.

As I navigate through the few months of my university, Denzel and I faced a new challenge. Our families, though supportive of our relationship, had differing expectations due to our religious backgrounds. My family, devout Muslims, wanted me to prioritize my faith and potentially have a Muslim partner. Denzel's family, practicing Christians, had similar expectations for him.

One evening, during a video call, I mentioned my family's concerns about our future together. "Denzel, my parents are worried about our different faiths. They want me to marry someone who shares our beliefs."

Denzel's expression turned thoughtful.

"I understand, Hikma. My family has similar concerns. But for me, our love is what matters most. Can we find a way to make it work?"

I appreciated Denzel's perspective, but I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. We both had to navigate our families' expectations while following our hearts.

As we navigated our differing faiths, Denzel and I had open and honest conversations about our beliefs and values. He pleaded with me never to allow religion to come between us.

One evening, as we sat together, Denzel turned to me and said, "Hikma, I know our families have different expectations, but I want you to know that I'm committed to our relationship. I'll always be here for you, and I hope you'll do the same for me."

“I will never forgive you if you betray me and marry someone else,” he added.

I smiled, feeling grateful for his love. "I will never disappoint you, Denzel. And I appreciate your love."

As we looked to the future, we knew that our love would face challenges. But we were determined to make it work. One day, my mother sat me down, her expression serious.

"Hikma, we've been discussing your relationship with Denzel, and we're concerned about his faith. We think it's best if you marry a Muslim."

I felt a surge of frustration.

"Mother, I love Denzel, and he's a good person. Our faiths may differ, but that doesn't mean we can't make it work."

My mother's expression turned stern. "We've already spoken to your father, and we've decided that you should marry a Muslim. It's for your good, Hikma."

I felt my heart racing as I stood up, determination in my voice. "I understand your concerns, Mother, but I won't give up on Denzel. I'll make my own decisions about my life and my faith."

The disagreement left me feeling torn between my love for my family and my love for Denzel. How would I navigate this challenge? I called Denzel, my heart racing with anxiety.

"Hey, I need to talk to you about something," I said, trying to compose myself.

"What's wrong?" Denzel asked, concern etched in his voice.

"My family... they want me to marry a Muslim," I explained, feeling a lump in my throat.

Denzel's voice was calm and reassuring. "We'll figure this out, Hikma. We can make this work. Just believe in me and stand by me."

I appreciated his optimism, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. "I don't know, Denzel. My family is pushing for it. What if they don't accept you?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Denzel said. "For now, let's focus on us and our love for each other. We can make this work, Hikma."

His words comforted me, and I felt a sense of determination. Maybe, just maybe, our love could overcome the distance and cultural differences.

As I lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of my family's expectations and Denzel's reassurances, I felt torn. Part of me wanted to please my family and follow their wishes, but another part of me couldn't imagine living without Denzel.

I thought about our conversations, our laughter, and our adventures together. Denzel made me feel seen and heard in a way that no one else ever had. Could I give that up?

But what about my family's happiness?

Would they ever accept Denzel, or would our relationship drive a wedge between us?

The questions swirled in my head, making it hard to sleep. I knew I had to make a decision, but which path would I choose?

Tears streamed down my face as I thought about the potential consequences of my choices. I felt like I was being pulled in two different directions – my love for Denzel versus my duty to my family.

The weight of their expectations crushed me. Would they disown me if I chose Denzel? The thought sent shivers down my spine.

I felt guilty for even considering a life without my family's approval. But at the same time, I couldn't bear the thought of living without Denzel.

The emotional turmoil was suffocating me. I didn't know how much more I could take.

In that moment, I wished I could talk to someone who understood my struggles. Amina's words of encouragement echoed in my mind:

"Follow your heart, Hikma."

But was it that simple? Could I follow my heart without considering the consequences? My family's disapproval turned into drastic action.

A few months after I graduated from the university, my parents called me to announce my engagement to a man of their choice, a devout Muslim from our community. I was shocked, feeling like my world had been turned upside down.

"Dad, I don't love him," I protested, trying to reason with him.

"Hikma, this is for your good," he replied firmly.

"You'll learn to love him."

I felt trapped, like my life was being dictated by others. Denzel's voice echoed in my mind – "We'll find a way, Hikma, do not betray me." But what could we do now?

The thought of marrying someone else was unbearable. I knew I had to take drastic action, too.

I knew I had to act fast, so I confided in Amina, and together we hatched a plan. The day of my escape arrived, and my heart was racing.

I packed a small bag and slipped out of the house, determined to start my own life. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I couldn't stay.

I found a small apartment in a quiet neighborhood, far from my family's watchful eyes. It was a struggle to make ends meet, but I was determined to prove to myself that I could do it.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I learned to navigate the city, found a job, and slowly built a new life.

The freedom was exhilarating, but it came with its own set of challenges. I had to learn to rely on myself, to trust my own decisions, and to face my fears alone.

As I looked around my small apartment, I felt a sense of pride. I had taken control of my life, and I was starting to find my way.

But the question lingered – would I ever find my way back to Denzel, or would our love remain a distant memory? It’s been 5 years already, and he kept reassuring me about his love.

I threw myself into my new job, determined to succeed. The long hours and demanding workload were a welcome distraction from the ache in my heart, different suitors but I remain focused