Only Her

HE HAS ARRIVED

Take care of yourself, girl. Stop avoiding people, stop fighting about the past, stop abusing your body, stop worrying about what happened, forget about yesterday's pain and tears, pray for whatever is wrong with you, and start over. Because you are the Almighty's creation, you are strong and beautiful; never let anyone walk over you.

You are not defined by the opinions of others.

***

AHLAM.

I gazed around the beautiful room they had given me, magnificently furnished, as they took me under their protective wing. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would live in such an extravagant home such as this.

A huge hand-carved bed with colorful cushions and a delicate white hand-sewn blanket was in my room. There was a curved 65-inch Samsung Smart TV on the wall opposite the bed. Beneath the enormous wooden fireplace were a number of multi-sized, colorful floor cushions; they looked very comfortable, I thought. An antique dresser table stood next to the white marble ensuite bathroom, and the purple lounger I had been using earlier was at the foot of the bed.

The tiny but charming balcony, which was accessed through double patio doors on the right side of the room, was filled with fragrant Clematis Armadii climbers and jasmine that clung to the patio wall and between the balcony rails. The walls were painted off-white, and on the bookshelf were pictures of their lovely landscaped garden and a variety of novels on subjects ranging from religion to mystery to romance.

My brother and I were in the top ten when my late father ran the company creatively and successfully, despite the fact that his family was not wealthy when he founded it.

For everything Allah had given us, we were eternally grateful. Unfortunately, we humans have an inbuilt tendency to constantly complain, regardless of the weather or our circumstances—or lack thereof. You can not buy happiness with money. How many people own pricey homes but never experience love or happiness?

May the Almighty soften our hearts and lead us. Ameen.

I prayed for my departed family members, whom I sincerely missed, while I was seated on the bed. It seemed like yesterday that the four of us were joyfully organizing a trip aboard. As I recalled that terrible and unforgettable night—the darkest of my life—tears began to form in the back of my eyes.

Clinging to the bed linens, I shivered and closed my eyes, trying to recall the incident's specifics. But I was startled out of my reverie by a knock. "Come in."

I answered calmly and quietly, and to my surprise, Aunty Faiza's gentle, kind face was beaming widely. She was obviously excited to see her son again after six years apart, so I reasoned that she should. But little did she know what I had planned with her daughter Hania? the goal of staying away from her son.

"I have gifts for you, Ahlam! Since you have been ill, we have not gone shopping for you yet, so we decided to get you this beautiful gown to wear today. I hope that is alright. With an enthusiastic kiss on my forehead, she told me, "I believe it will fit you flawlessly and appropriately cover you up. I have noticed you wear long sleeves all the time.

I did not realize I was crying until she wiped away my tears and embraced me. Hugs can be reassuring during these moments.

"Do not cry, please." Ahlam, I know you are hurting and that you are experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions, but please, my love, try not to let your beautiful face be ruined by the tears. As she held me at arm's length and wiped away my tears, she yelled, "Come now, come and join us downstairs, we are all waiting for you and the party will begin shortly - Oh!" She handed me a gift bag full of Clarins face creams and makeup and said, "I almost forgot, I also bought you this." In exchange for the gift, I hugged her to show my appreciation and affection for her. What if I told her I was happy to stay in my room? What prevented me from having the courage to tell her? Was it because I was trying to keep her safe? After everything she and her family have done for me, how could I let them down?

My family had accepted the fact that I preferred to stay at home instead of going out to parties or shopping. I used to stay home and lose myself in spiritual books whenever they had business gatherings or weddings. Reading would be my first choice if you were to ask me what I would rather do.

It seems strange to me now that my brother was the complete opposite of me and I was always the quiet, distant family member.

When I was angry or in pain, I used to confide only in Allah and my parents.

Do not be concerned about the crowd; you and Hania will be by my side, Ahlam. "No one will have the courage to confront you or ask questions," she said, her smile and eyes sincere.

Faiza and Hania both have pure golden hearts, which is something very rare to find in today's world, even though some people are rich and greedy. I was also greeted warmly and given the impression that I had known Faiza's husband for a long time, Uncle Firoz, whose name I can only remember.

I eventually told Faiza aunty that I just needed some time to unwind and that everything was OK. After a brief period of hesitation, she finally agreed, but only after I promised to call her if I needed anything. I nodded obediently, and she quickly left to prepare for the evening.

The gown style that Faiza Aunty had chosen for me piqued my interest. I was shocked to see how beautiful and expensive it was when I removed it from the gift bag. It flowed so beautifully from the waist to my toes and was black with gold lace down the neck and on the sleeves. It was gorgeous. I have never worn anything like it. Praise be God, Alhamdulillah.

Not only did this gown fit me perfectly, but Faiza aunty must have known that I like wearing black, which is why I bought it. As if it were made specifically for me, Mash'Allah (God has willed it), it was stitched and designed. Choosing not to wear makeup was a decision I made and kept.

When I remembered to put on my large glasses, I saw only a plain hijabi girl in the mirror. I was proud of that about myself, so why should I give a damn about what other people think?

I felt insecure and like I needed a partner when I was twenty-five, but I know that Allah has other plans for me.

I have never been attracted to guys who tried to get in touch with me and then gave up. Detesting forbidden relationships, I was glad of my brother's intense protectiveness toward me.

Despite my difficulties in high school and college, I was always a mediocre student, which is strange. Academically, I had always had trouble. Even though I know there must be many people in the same situation, I choose to thank Allah rather than fail myself. Never compare yourself to others because, although we all have difficulties in life, we can all accomplish our goals in different ways.

As I was saying my prayers and taking three deep breaths, I heard another knock on the bedroom door. I said, "Come in," and as I fixed my black hijab, I noticed Hania's gorgeous princess pink gown and minimal makeup. She had a big smile on her face and her headscarf was slung loosely over her shoulder, as if her brother had appeared.

As she walked up to me by the open patio doors, she exclaimed, "Everyone is waiting for you," which made my fingers twitch uncomfortably.

"You look so beautiful," I said, trying to change the topic, and all she did was shake her head knowingly.

"But you look even more beautiful, Ahlam." She complimented me once more, and my eyes widened in confusion. I was telling myself that I did not look very pretty.

"Hania, please refrain from making untrue remarks about me," I returned in a whisper.

"All right! "Then wait till we go down stairs, you will see that I am not lying," she said, and I began to question what she meant.

"Are you not even going to inquire as to whether my brother has arrived yet?" She asked me a question, clearly interested. It was clear to her that I wanted to know where he was, but I could not express it.

"Oh no! I just gave her a suspicious glance, wondering if she was on my side. With a lighthearted tone, she remarked, "I forgot, we had planned to make you stay away from him."

Is his presence an invitation into my life, or is it an invitation into theirs for me to join this household? Ya Allah! please help me.

With a smile, she said, "Well, in case you are curious to know," "My brother has definitely arrived," she added, jokingly. I slapped her hand away while laughing.

She exclaimed excitedly, "I really can not wait to ship you two. I have no idea how other people in the house are feeling. It was not until my naive self realized what she meant when she used that term that I understood it. She burst out laughing, and I turned away shyly.

I said tremblingly, "I do not want to come to this party, Hania," and waited to see her reaction.

"And what is the reason for that?" A mysterious, masculine voice was curiously interrupted by the open door. I stood motionless, looking down at once as Hania gave us both a wide-eyed, laughing look.

You are unique; just wait for Allah's timings for someone to come into your life and make every moment exceptional.

****

Main Characters.

Main leading girl=Ahlam.

Main leading guy=Aahil.

Aahil's sister=Hania

Aahil's father=Firoz

Aahil's mother=Faiza

Ahlam's family =passed away

Fahim:Aahils best friend

Kamran:Aahils best friend

Hania:Alayna's friend

More you will find out in the coming chapters.

InshaAllah(If GOD wills)

Alhamdulillah(Thanking Allah)

Namaz(Islamic 5 times day prayers).