[Scene: University Hall – Late Afternoon]
Alvira walked out of her lecture, arms full of notebooks and papers, exhaustion settling into her bones. The semester was getting heavier, and her thesis was demanding more than she had imagined.
She tapped her phone open.
New Email: Subject – "Interview Opportunity: Cultural Voices"
She frowned, half-expecting it to be spam. But then she read it again.
It was real.
A well-known Korean broadcasting company was hosting a mini-series about foreign students' life experiences and their journey in Korea—culture, emotions, challenges, faith.
And she had been nominated.
Alvira (to herself):
"What...?"
She called Zaina immediately.
Zaina (squealing):
"Girl! This is HUGE! This is Allah opening doors! You better not say no!"
Alvira:
"But what if someone recognizes me? My name? My views? What if… he sees me?"
There was a pause.
Zaina (gently):
"Maybe that's okay now. You're not hiding anymore."
[Scene: Ilham's Management Office – Same Time]
Ilham had been in meetings all day, discussing the rebranding of his solo identity. No more glamour. No more stage performances. He was slowly removing himself from that industry, choosing more value-driven platforms.
His manager entered.
Manager:
"Hey, you remember the Cultural Voices thing you agreed to guest on? There's this girl they might feature—a Muslim international student. Really interesting story."
He raised an eyebrow.
Ilham:
"What's her name?"
Manager:
"Uh… Elvaira, I think that was her Username."
He froze.
Was it...?
No. Couldn't be.
Still… a soft hope fluttered in his chest.
[Scene: Alvira's Apartment – Night Before the Shoot]
She stood before her mirror, wrapping her hijab carefully, smoothing the edges. Her nerves buzzed beneath her calm expression.
Ruhi knocked on the door.
Ruhi:
"Ready?"
Alvira:
"As I'll ever be."
She looked at her reflection once more.
> "Bismillah. I'm not here for anyone's approval. I'm here to speak my truth."
[Scene: Interview Studio – Bright Morning]
The lights were warm. The stage cozy. The backdrop was soft and minimalist.
She sat on a small couch, heart pounding.
The interviewer smiled kindly.
Cameras rolled.
Interviewer:
"Miss Elvaira, welcome. Tell us a little about your journey."
She took a deep breath.
Alvira:
"I'm from a small town in India. Grew up with strong values and faith. But I also had dreams. Not all of them were accepted or understood. I loved a music band once… deeply. It shaped a lot of who I am."
She paused, gauging the interviewer's reaction.
None. Encouraging smile.
She continued.
Alvira:
"But life isn't about getting what we want. It's about who we become while desiring it. I chased something for years. And in that chase, I found Allah more than anything else. That changed everything."
[Scene: Ilham's Apartment – Same Time]
He sat with a cup of tea, scrolling his tablet absently when a clip popped up.
"Featured Student: Elvaira from India"
He clicked instantly.
There she was.
The voice. The mannerisms. The honesty.
He listened to every word.
His eyes didn't leave the screen.
When she said "...I found Allah more than anything else," he smiled.
Isa (softly):
"So did I."
[Closing Scene: Studio After Shoot]
The camera stopped. Alvira breathed out, feeling like she had just removed years of weight.
As she walked toward the exit, the producer called out.
Producer:
"Hey! Just so you know—your story might air alongside a very special guest episode. Someone who's been on a similar journey."
Alvira:
"Oh? Who?"
Producer:
"We're still finalizing… but it's Ilham Taib."
Her heart skipped.
She didn't speak. Just smiled gently and walked into the light outside.
To Be Continued....