Chapter 3
The car stopped suddenly, jolting them awake from their peaceful slumber. They had been sleeping, leaning on each other for support. Hashim rested his head comfortably on her shoulder, taking advantage of her average height. Haleema, in turn, had her head atop his. The abrupt halt created an awkward moment between them. To remove the tension, Hashim opened the car door and stepped out. Haleema struggled to gather her belongings, clutching her purse in one hand and her dress in the other. Observing her struggle, Hashim called the maid over to assist with her things. Meanwhile, he held the edge of her dress, ensuring it didn't drag. As she glanced back at him and offered a grateful smile while saying "jazakAllah", Hashim was taken aback by the sound of her voice, he stopped in his tracks-it was the first time he had heard this voice but it felt familiar. Unbidden tears welled up, and he quickly wiped them away, reminding himself that he was already married to someone else
As they both entered the mansion, it was filled with complete silence. Just then, Hashim's phone rang, and he picked up the call. Meanwhile, the maid also arrived and said, "Sir, the room is ready." She was about to leave when Hashim spoke in an authoritative and firm voice, "Take her to my room. I'll be there after praying my salah." Haleema and the maid left the area, while Hashim continued with his call.
KIM HALEEMA
As I left the place, I entered the room. It was beautifully decorated with rose flowers along the edges and jasmine surrounding the bed. My heart skipped a beat upon witnessing such exquisite decoration. I took slow steps toward the dressing table and placed my purse there. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I removed my heels. After taking a deep breath, I asked the maid to leave. Rising from the bed, I walked to the corner and retrieved the prayer mat from the cupboard. Facing the qibla, I removed my veil and began my Salah. It took nearly an hour to complete, as I felt nervous. After finishing, I adjusted my veil again and raised my hands in Dua, asking for His mercy.
I was crying and repeating the same words again and again
Ya Allah, please have mercy on me. Help me accept him please, Ya Allah, I have lost everything since childhood but after getting you I didn't ask for anything because I got the every thing I was lacking. I know if you have planned this nikah then surely something will be very good in this. Ya Allah help to accept him with all my heart. Ya Jaami, You are Greatest, the uniter, you can help us to create amazing relationship. Ya Baatin, you are Secret Keeper, the Knower of the Hidden, you know all my secrets, help me to clarify myself Infront of him, Ya Qadir you are most Powerful, help me to fight with all those people who are the reason of my sufferings since childhood. Ya Allah, bless me with your amazing rehmat and help me to bloom my relationship
After rising from the prayer mat and wiping away tears that flowed without my knowledge, I carefully returned the mat to its place. Anticipating my husband's imminent arrival, I walked toward the bed. There, on the nightstand, lay a beautiful pink rose-the very flower I adore most. I was momentarily taken aback, wondering how he knew my preference. Perhaps it was also his favorite, I reasoned, and with that thought, I reassured myself.
KIM MOHAMMAD HASHIM
I started walking towards the masjid, which was two streets away from my mansion. As I entered, I proceeded towards the prayer room, and tears started streaming down my face. My lips trembled, and my whole body began shivering. I felt weak on my knees and bent directly in prostration. My head was burning while my chest tightened in pain. It hurt a lot, but I couldn't tell anyone other than my Rab. He is the only one who will listen to me without judging me. Today, I am going to hurt an innocent soul again, but my past should be revealed in front of her. I will leave today and then return after accomplishing something. Pushing my thoughts aside, I offered my Salah and completed my Zikr. I cleared my mind, offered Nawafil. After spending some time in prostration I lifted my head and talk to my Rab.
Ya Allah, please help me forget her. I am starting my new life and I don't want to hurt her but without telling my past I will not get comfortable. Ya Allah, Ya Rab please help me. Keep her happy wherever she is because nothing was her fault, give her hidayah of right path and help me to accept Jeon Haleema as my wife. Ya Allah please accept my only request please help me open my heart for her. I only rely on you.
With that I get up from my place and left.
As I reached home, I went towards my room and knocked on the door. I heard a timid "come in," and I twisted the doorknob. I entered and saw her dressed in the same dress, still wearing her veil. I asked her in a low tone, "Why didn't you remove the veil?" She looked at me, and when her blue eyes met mine, they were as deep as the ocean. The glittery makeup gave them the feel of a romantic sunset. I was lost in her eyes when she said in the same timid voice, "I was waiting for you to remove it; it's your right to see my beauty." My breath hitched at her words. She was waiting for me, and there I was, remembering someone else. Guilt filled my body as I walked towards her on the bed and sat in front of her.
AUTHOR'S POV
Both were trying to say something, but the words were stuck in their throats. Both of their faces were covered—one with a veil and the other with a mask. He lifted his hand towards her veil and asked for permission, “May I?” Haleema nodded her head slightly. He was about to remove her pin when a knock on the door halted their movements. Hashim, in a loud authoritative tone, asked the person to come in while getting up from the bed. He was shocked when he saw his brother entering and his whole demeanor changed from dominant to a little cat. He said in a low tone, “Hyung, you here?” Seeing the change in tone and personality, Haleema let out a low giggle, which caught Hammad’s attention. He noticed her and said while lowering his gaze, “Assalamualaikum, noo.....na.” Haleema watched him in shock and said in horror, “WalaikumAssalam Oppa,I am younger than you; you can call me by my name. Noona sounds too old.” Hammad smiled widely, looked towards her, and then said in an adorable tone, “Can I call you siso? It was my wish to have a sister, but then I got two brothers.” Haleema smiled a little and said, “Of course, you can call me anything.” Hashim was looking at them, smiling a little.
Hammad shifted his attention towards Hashim and said, “Your flight is in 3 hours; it’s 9 pm. You have to leave for the airport at 11 pm, and don’t be late. You know how Dad will react.” Listening to his words, Hashim remembered his purpose of Nikah and directly shifted his attention towards Haleema, who was looking at him with questioning eyes. The eyes that had shown affection and nervousness minutes ago were now questioning him about everything happening. Hammad looked at them and realized the situation. He looked towards Hashim and said, “Hashim, it’s getting late. I am leaving. Don’t be late and carefully carry all your documents. I’ll meet you at the airport.”
The news of Hashim’s imminent departure was like a storm cloud on the horizon, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of their lives, which had barely begun to intertwine.
What were these hidden pains that they had only hinted at in hushed conversations with Allah?
The Nikah which was a beacon of hope, a chance to heal old wounds for Haleema's life, What was the true purpose of this Nikah in Hashim’s life?
Each moment was a step closer to a unknown future, where the past and present would collide, and the true nature of their bond would be tested. The journey ahead promised to be one of discovery, heartache, and perhaps, redemption.
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