Unfinished Promise

The first light of dawn seeped through my curtains as I woke up at Fajr time. Yaaa… I had missed Tahajjud 🫠. Shaking off the guilt, I reminded myself that today was special—my very first international flight, and my dream destination awaited: South Korea.

I quickly freshened up, then performed wudu. After slipping into my gilbab, I offered Fajr prayer right there in my room. Once my prayer was complete, I sat quietly and recited the Qur’an, letting the verses fill the stillness of the early morning.

With a calm heart, I returned to finish packing the things I had left over from the night before. Clothes folded, bags organized, everything seemed ready… until a memory suddenly struck me. Three years ago, on the same date…

I remembered how my Khala had told mumma about Azlan.

"He’s going to Germany today for his studies," she said excitedly. I had been curious, a little jealous, but mostly impressed—Azlan had always been ambitious. Who would have thought that day would mark the start of something so big, so far away… a company, a life I could only hear about from afar.

Shaking off the memory, I smiled. Today was my turn to chase my dreams. South Korea, here I come.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called.

And there she was—my lovely mom. “Assalamualaikum, Mumma! You’re up early?”

She smiled, a little teary-eyed. “Yes, I couldn’t sleep. And the reason… you brat, you’re leaving! Come here, let me hug you.”

I ran into her arms, feeling both happy and sad as she kissed my head. My eyes pricked with tears, but I held back a sob.

“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself,” she whispered.

“Yes, Mumma, don’t worry,” I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Just then, my dad entered the room, smiling warmly. “And you better promise me you’ll call every now and then, young lady,” he teased, ruffling my hair.I laughed softly and nodded. “Yes, Papa, I promise.”

My little sister peeked in from the doorway, holding her favorite plush toy. “Bring me something pretty from Korea!” she squealed, jumping into my arms for a quick hug.“Of course, little brat ,” I said, hugging her tightly.

“Okay, enough emotions now,” Mumma said, wiping her eyes. “Go take a shower and come for breakfast before everything gets cold!!..okay mumma I said ..hez let's take shower otherwise ur dead !! After a quick shower, I dressed in comfortable clothes for travel. My suitcase is now fully packed, I checked everything once more. Passport, tickets, wallet… all ready.

Breakfast was lively—my dad reminding me to eat well, my sister chatting about her school, and my mom sneaking in small advice between bites. Every word, every gesture made my heart heavy and full at the same time.

Soon after, the car arrived to take me to the airport. Mumma sat beside me in the back seat, holding my hand, while my dad and sister waved from the driveway.“Are you excited, Hez?” Mumma asked softly.“Yes, Mumma… but I’ll miss you all so much,” I said honestly, my voice trembling slightly.She squeezed my hand. “I know, beta. Just remember, no matter where you go, our dua will always be with you.”

At the airport, the hustle of travelers, rolling suitcases, and announcements in multiple languages made my stomach flutter. I waved one last time to my family before heading toward the boarding gate. This is it… my dream is finally starting.

Meanwhile, miles away, Azlan was driving back from his company. The city lights blurred past as his mind kept drifting… not to work, but to hezlin but he didn't know why !!

He pulled out his phone and called his cousin Deniz.

“Deniz, where are you?” Azlan asked, trying to sound casual.“I’m heading to the airport, Azlan bhai ,” Deniz replied hurriedly, glancing at his watch. “I have to see Hezlin off—she’s going to South Korea! I’ll call you later, okay?”Before Azlan could respond, Deniz hung up.Azlan pressed his hand against the steering wheel, exhaling slowly. So… she’s leaving, and I only found out now? His thoughts kept drifting to Hezlin—her smile, her excitement, and that subtle determination he had always admired.Great. She’s going to chase her dreams, and I…I just found out. Now what?

Finally, he parked the car outside his home. Sliding the keys aside, he sank onto the sofa, letting the silence settle around him as his mind replayed Hezlin’s image again and again.Great. She’s going to chase her dreams, and I… I just found out. Now what?

Finally, he parked the car outside his home. Sliding the keys aside, he sank onto the sofa, letting the silence settle around him as his mind replayed Hezlin’s image again and again.