*Chapter 5: The Silent Agreement*
The first days of marriage passed in a quiet haze. Fatima and Danlami shared the same house, but it felt like two strangers living under one roof. Their conversations were brief and formal, measured with careful words and hidden emotions.
Each morning, Fatima woke before dawn to pray *Fajr* and reflect on the weight of her decision. Her heart still ached, but she reminded herself of the *Quran's* guidance on patience and trust in Allah's plan.
Danlami, on his part, kept his distance but was always polite and respectful. There was no sign of the arrogance or cruelty she had once feared. He helped around the house sometimes, and when he spoke, it was with a quiet tone that surprised her.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the *adhan* for *Maghrib* echoed through the neighborhood, Danlami approached Fatima in the sitting room.
*"Fatima,"* he began hesitantly, *"I know this marriage was not your choice. But I promise you, I will not make this difficult for you. If you ever want to talk, I am here."*
Fatima looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception. But all she found was sincerity.She nodded slowly, feeling a strange mixture of hope and doubt. Maybe, just maybe, this forced union could become something better — or at least bearable.
For now, they had a silent agreement: to coexist peacefully, with respect and dignity.
Yet deep inside, Fatima wondered — could her heart ever forgive and forget? And what future awaited them both?
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