[Scene: University Campus – Midday, Library Corner]
It had been a quiet week. Alvira had thrown herself into research papers and late-night study sessions. The distraction helped dull the ache she couldn't name.
Zaina, who always sat across from her in the library, nudged her with a packet of chips.
Zaina:
"You've been staring at the same line for five minutes."
Alvira (smiling tiredly):
"Because it's talking about how mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell… for the seventh time."
They both laughed softly. But the laughter didn't reach her heart.
Somewhere inside, Alvira still waited—though she'd never admit it aloud anymore.
[Scene: His Apartment – Early Morning]
A message notification buzzed on his phone.
Imam Farid:
"As-salaamu Alaikum, brother. Hope you remember the session today at 10 a.m. Looking forward to it."
He stared at the message.
That greeting.
It used to feel foreign. Now, it felt like home knocking on the door of his heart.
He typed slowly, almost reverently.
Him:
"Wa Alaikum Assalaam, Sheikh. I remember. See you soon."
His first salaam.
Not just a greeting. A quiet declaration.
[Scene: Masjid Meeting Room – 10:15 a.m.]
Imam Farid smiled as he entered, placing his bag down. The young idol had brought a notebook again. His eyes weren't tired today. They were… light.
Imam Farid:
"You look different."
Him (smiling):
"I feel different."
They spoke about Tawheed. About prophets. About sincerity.
Then the Imam gave him a book titled "Letters to the Seeker."
Imam Farid:
"Sometimes, what you're chasing… is chasing you back through Allah's plan."
He clutched the book, nodding.
He wanted to tell someone.
Her.
[Scene: Alvira's Room – Evening, Rain Falling Outside]
She sat cross-legged on her bed, typing out a long fan letter.
> "You don't know me. Maybe you never will. But I see you—past the fame, past the makeup, past the lights. If you ever find yourself feeling lost… just know there's a Creator who never lost sight of you. That's all. Just… take care."
She didn't post it.
But she whispered "Ameen" after reading it aloud.
[Scene: His Room – Night, Lit Only by Desk Lamp]
He was rewatching a fan compilation of him from four years ago.
Then a comment caught his eye. It was buried in thousands.
But it stood out.
> "When your smile fades, I hope your soul remembers how light feels. May God guide you always. Ameen."
His fingers paused.
He knew that username.
He had seen it under every post, every video, every livestream replay.
He clicked the profile. It was private.
But the name…
> @eloquentelvaira
He whispered it like a prayer.
And smiled.
[Scene: Back to University – Campus Café, Next Morning]
Zaina stared at her phone in shock.
Zaina:
"ALVIRA. HE LIKED YOUR COMMENT. ON THAT FOUR-YEAR-OLD VIDEO."
Alvira blinked.
Alvira (stunned):
"No, he… what?! That's not real."
Zaina turned her phone toward her.
There it was.
> Liked by him.
Her breath caught. A rush of warmth and disbelief flooded her heart.
It wasn't a confession.
It wasn't a message.
It was…
A salaam of his own kind.
Silent. Subtle.
But it reached her.
To Be Continued....