Ficool

Chapter 9 - Episode 9 – "Conflict"

[Scene: College library, quiet and warm. A few students studying. Alvira is reading a Korean culture book, hidden inside her coursebook. Zaina walks in, holding two cups of coffee.]

Zaina (sits beside her):

"Still hiding your secret love affair with Korea in textbooks?"

Alvira (grins):

"Some love stories need secrecy to survive."

Zaina:

"Or maybe... they only exist because of secrecy."

Alvira (softly):

"You think I'm crazy, don't you?"

Zaina:

"No, Alvi. I think you're brave. But I also think you're standing on ice that might crack any moment."

Alvira:

"I know. But when I hear him sing, I feel safe… like someone finally understands."

[Scene shift: Later that night in the dorm. Yasmine, Zaina, and Alvira sitting on the floor with snacks and soft fairy lights above.]

Yasmine:

"Okay, real talk. If by some miracle you met him—like for real, face to face—what would you say first?"

Alvira (smiling, dreamy):

"I'd say… 'You don't know me, but your existence pulled me out of some really dark places.'"

Zaina:

"And then what? Run away before your parents disown you?"

Yasmine (playfully):

"Or before your hijab flies off from shock?"

[They all burst into laughter.]

Alvira:

"No seriously… I wouldn't do anything haram. I just want him to know that a girl once prayed for him without asking anything in return."

Zaina (quietly):

"Do you ever feel guilty, Alvi?"

Alvira (pauses):

"Every day. But my feelings don't feel dirty. They feel… distant, poetic. Like loving a star."

[Scene: Flashback. Alvira alone in her room, three years ago. Her teenage self watching their old MV for the first time.]

Narration (Younger Alvira's thoughts):

"He didn't even look that special. But something about his eyes... it spoke sadness. And I wanted to comfort it."

[She stares at the screen, silent tears rolling down.]

[Scene: Back to present. Alvira is journaling by candlelight.]

Narration (Alvira writing):

"I'm scared. Scared of losing my imaan. Scared of wanting something that might not be halal. But also scared that maybe… this dream was given to me by Allah for a reason. Maybe it's not the boy. Maybe it's the journey."

[Scene: The girls walking to class. A group of students talk loudly nearby.]

Random Student:

"Did you hear? That fan girl from our batch is writing stories about that idol guy. Real cringe."

Another Student:

"Yeah, she's obsessed. Not even from our culture. What a waste of time."

[Zaina clenches her fist. Yasmine notices and whispers.]

Yasmine:

"Ignore them. Don't say anything."

[But Alvira hears everything. Her smile falters. But she keeps walking.]

[Scene: Later that day, hostel rooftop. Windy, golden hour. Alvira is alone. Zaina joins her silently.]

Zaina:

"You heard them, didn't you?"

Alvira (nods):

"Yeah."

Zaina:

"You okay?"

Alvira (gazing at the horizon):

"I'm used to being misunderstood. I think… when your heart feels deeply, the world sees you as weak. Or insane."

Zaina (firmly):

"You're not insane. You're just… different. And different scares people."

Alvira:

"But Za… what if I'm wrong? What if this love, this dream… is pulling me away from Allah?"

Zaina (takes her hand):

"Then let's make a deal. We both ask Allah for a sign. And whatever the sign says… you'll follow it with strength, even if it hurts."

Alvira (nods slowly):

"Okay. Tonight, tahajjud. Just me, you, and Allah."

[Scene: Midnight. A soft blue prayer mat. A girl kneeling. Whispering in Arabic. Tears soaking the rug.]

Narration (Alvira's prayer):

"Ya Rabb… if this is wrong, make my heart forget it. But if this is written, if my dreams hold a purpose, let it unfold only through what is pure. I will surrender. But please… don't let me break while waiting."

[Scene: Next morning. Group chat notification. A post shared by Yasmine. Headline reads: "Idol talks about loneliness, prayer, and meaning of life in new interview."]

Yasmine (text):

> "He said he believes there's something bigger than fame. Something spiritual. He started learning about religions… and said he's curious about Islam."

Zaina (text):

> "Alvi… read that again."

[Alvira stares at the post, her hands trembling. Eyes wide with disbelief.]

To Be Continued....

More Chapters