[Scene: Early Morning – His Apartment, before Fajr]
The call to prayer echoed softly through the app he had installed.
He sat on the rug he had quietly ordered online, a Quran translation open before him. His lips trembled slightly as he recited Surah Al-Fatiha slowly—his voice unsure but sincere.
He didn't know all the movements perfectly yet, but he tried.
One hand on his chest as he finished.
Him (whispers):
"Guide me to the straight path…"
A tear slid down his cheek.
It wasn't just about her anymore.
It was about Him.
[Scene: University – Campus Gardens, Afternoon Break]
Alvira sat under a tree, her journal open, scribbling poetry in Urdu.
> "Uski duaon ka asar tha…
Ya meri tanhaiyon ki sada?"
("Was it his prayers or the cry of my solitude?")
She'd seen the notification.
She hadn't told Zaina yet that he followed her back.
She didn't know what to think.
What did it mean?
Maybe nothing.
Maybe everything.
[Scene: Masjid Courtyard – Evening]
After his Islamic studies session, he lingered behind.
Him (to Imam Farid):
"I want to take the Shahadah."
The Imam smiled warmly but cautiously.
Imam Farid:
"Are you sure? This is between you and Allah. Not for someone else."
Him (softly, firmly):
"I started for her. I stayed for Allah."
The Imam nodded. Tears gathered in his eyes.
The declaration was made. His heart felt full for the first time in years.
A new name whispered in his soul: Ilham Taib- meaning inspiration from Allah, Returns to Allah
[Scene: Alvira's Room – Midnight]
She was on her prayer mat, her forehead pressed to the ground, whispering a desperate, trembling dua.
Alvira (crying softly):
"Ya Allah… If he ever comes to You, don't let the world make him turn away."
She didn't know what storm was coming.
She just felt the winds changing.
[Scene: A Quiet Café – Two Days Later]
Zaina almost choked on her coffee.
Zaina:
"WAIT. He FOLLOWED YOU BACK?!"
Alvira nodded slowly.
Zaina:
"Are you gonna message him?"
Alvira (quietly):
"No. I left it to Allah. That includes silence too."
But deep inside, hope sparked like a fragile flame.
[Scene: Social Media – A Week Later]
He posted for the first time in months.
A simple caption under a photo of a sunset and a prayer mat.
> "Every journey begins with a direction. Mine faces the Qiblah now."
The internet went into frenzy.
Speculation. Hate. Confusion.
But also… inspiration.
Alvira didn't comment.
She just placed her hand on her heart.
Alvira (softly):
"He found it."
[Scene: Masjid Courtyard – Night]
Ilham sat quietly with Imam Farid again.
Ilham (smiling):
"Do you think she knows?"
Imam Farid:
"If she prayed for your guidance, she knows in her heart."
Ilham looked up at the moon.
Two paths. One direction.
One Qiblah.
And maybe… one day, one prayer.
Together.
To Be Continued...