Episode 8
251 Words
Chapter 8
Nawal sat on her prayer mat, eyes closed, whispering a silent dua.
Her heart felt lighter than it had in years. She had let go of the burden she didn’t even realize she was carrying.
Minhaj’s apology had been unexpected, but it had given her something she hadn’t known she needed—closure.
She wasn’t angry anymore. She wasn’t hurt.
She was free.
A soft knock at the door made her look up.
"Come in," she called.
Maahi entered, a teasing grin on her face. "Busy talking to Allah about your mysterious prince charming?"
Nawal rolled her eyes. "Very funny."
Maahi sat beside her. "You seem… different. Happier."
Nawal nodded. "Because I am."
Maahi’s expression softened. "Minhaj?"
Nawal took a deep breath. "He apologized."
Maahi’s eyes widened. "And?"
"I forgave him."
Maahi blinked. "Just like that?"
"Just like that."
Maahi shook her head. "I swear, Nawal. You have the purest heart I’ve ever seen."
Nawal smiled. "It wasn’t for him, Maahi. It was for me. Holding onto the past was only hurting me. Letting go… it gave me peace."
Maahi exhaled. "I’m proud of you."
Nawal laughed. "You should be. It’s not easy being this wise, you know."
Maahi nudged her playfully. "So? What now?"
Nawal looked out the window, watching the sunset paint the sky in warm hues.
"Now? Now, I live my life the way it was always meant to be—without regrets."
And for the first time in a long time, she truly meant it.
- Writer
