"The voice of another became the echo of her own soul, reminding her that she was neither weak nor strong, but unapologetically herself, worthy of love and respect."

Happy reading....

Shaziya stared out of the window, lost in thought. The passing scenery blurred, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

Azlan, noticing her disheartened expression, decided to break the silence.

"I'm Azlan Shaik," he introduced himself, his tone gentle.

Shaziya, snapped out of her reverie, looked at him in surprise. Her eyes widened slightly as she recalled her sister Safiya’s stories about a man named Azlan Shaik.

"Do you already know about me?" Azlan asked, curious about her reaction.

Shaziya hesitated before nodding quietly. Azlan's curiosity was piqued, wondering how this strong yet innocent woman knew about him when they had just met.

"How do you know about me?" he asked, his voice kind and inviting.

Shaziya hesitated but then explained, "My sister, Safiya, told me about a man named Azlan Shaik who helped her after an accident. She couldn't stop praising you."

Azlan smiled, surprised. "Safiya is your sister? What a small world," he remarked with a warm smile.

Shaziya glanced at him, her gaze softening as she noticed his kind eyes and gentle demeanor. Safiya was right, he was indeed good-looking and a gentleman.

Azlan caught her eyes and smiled before returning his focus to the road.

Feeling embarrassed for staring,
Shaziya mumbled under her lips," Astagfirullah!" biting her lower lip and pulled her scarf to cover her face.

To divert her from her embarrassment, Azlan asked, "What are your likes and dislikes?"

Shaziya was taken aback. It was the first time someone had shown interest in her preferences. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she fumbled for words.

"It's okay if you don't feel like sharing with a stranger," Azlan reassured her. "I understand."

Gathering her courage, Shaziya spoke softly, "I don't have many interests. I've always been busy with family responsibilities. But when I have free time, I love reading novels. They provide an escape from reality."

As she spoke, Shaziya felt as if a dam had burst. She found herself sharing her life’s struggles, her responsibilities, and her dreams. Azlan listened intently, amazed by her strength and resilience.

He felt immense respect for her and a pang of sorrow for the sacrifices she had made at such a young age.

"You're incredibly strong," Azlan said, his voice filled with admiration. "It's not easy to shoulder so much responsibility."

Shaziya looked down, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment at his words. "It's just something I had to do," she replied softly.

"Still," Azlan continued, "it takes a special kind of person to do what you've done. You should be proud of yourself."

For the first time in a long while, Shaziya felt seen and appreciated. She glanced at Azlan, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. His words had touched her deeply, providing a glimmer of hope in her otherwise tumultuous day.

Azlan, sensing her emotions, gave her a reassuring smile. "You're not alone, Shaziya. Sometimes, sharing your burdens can make them a little lighter."

Shaziya nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. For the first time, she felt a sense of relief, knowing that someone understood her struggles. The journey to home felt a little less lonely with Azlan by her side, offering her a glimpse of hope and companionship.

The car came to a gentle stop in front of Shaziya’s home. Azlan turned to her, his expression thoughtful.

“If you’d like, I can explain everything to your mother,” he offered, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Shaziya shook her head, appreciating his kindness. “No, thank you. I appreciate your gesture, but I will handle this on my own.”

Azlan smiled, impressed by her determination. “Inshallah, everything will be fine soon. Don't dwell too much on what others say or think. At the end of the day, it’s us who have to cope with our struggles. Don’t let it affect you.”

His words were soft but carried a deep sense of conviction. Shaziya felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She nodded, taking his advice to heart.

Azlan watched her with admiration as she gathered her things and stepped out of the car. “You’re stronger than you think, Shaziya,” he said softly, almost to himself.

She gave him a small, appreciative smile before closing the car door.

Azlan stayed for a moment, watching her walk towards her home with a strong, determined gait. He mumbled a prayer under his breath for her well-being before driving away, his thoughts lingering on the remarkable woman he had just met.

Shaziya walked into her house, her heart still heavy but with a newfound sense of resolve. She knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time, she felt she had the strength to face it head-on. Azlan’s words echoed in her mind, providing a small yet significant beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

As she entered her home, she was met with her mother’s concerned gaze. Taking a deep breath, Shaziya prepared to share the tumultuous events of the day, ready to face whatever came next with a strong heart and an unyielding spirit.

-----

The front door burst open with a loud thud, and Safia stormed in, her face lit up with excitement. "I just saw Azlan Shaik!" she squealed, her voice echoing through the house. "The great Azlan Shaik!"

Her joy was infectious, her enthusiasm palpable. But as her eyes scanned the room, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. She saw her mother, Hoor, with tears streaming down her face, and Shaziya sitting beside her, looking utterly dejected.

Safia’s excitement evaporated, replaced by immediate concern. She rushed over to them, kneeling in front of her sister. "What happened?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry.

****

Oh No! Seems like it's going to be complicated between the sisters? 🤐

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Allah Hafiz ✨