"I love you."
"Love you more."

As I sit here, pen poised above the page, I find myself contemplating the path we have traveled together. It dawns on me that this is precisely how our tale was meant to conclude. Hassan's love has always been the sanctuary of my heart.

Our narrative stands as a powerful testament to the essence of genuine love. Yet, this longing of mine has faded into a mere dream, a soft murmur of my spirit. The stark light of reality has broken upon us, casting our love into the shadows of the forbidden.

Still, within these written words, our passion endures. A fantasy, perhaps, but one that nourishes my very being. In the stillness of the night, I can still sense Hassan's presence. His whispers linger like a gentle breeze, caressing my soul.

Though destiny has wrenched us apart, the bond we share remains unyielding, a flame that continues to glow. Thus, I cling to this dream, this beautiful illusion. In its embrace, I discover my peace. Our love story, though woven from fiction, is my reality—a reminder that love transcends all barriers, even those imposed by the world.

This tale began as a mirror reflecting my own desires—a yearning for love to triumph over all. Through the journey of Hassan and Zainab, I have unearthed my own comfort. May their love ignite a spark within you, dear reader. May you uncover your own truth within these pages.

Farewell, and may love illuminate your path.

— Zainab

THE END.

My mind wandered off to that day when I bid my farewell to him...

The final day of exams had arrived, and with it came the bittersweet knowledge that he would soon be gone. I found myself wishing fervently for the day to stretch on indefinitely, for each passing moment felt like a step closer to a chasm that would swallow him whole, leaving me in a world devoid of his presence. Time, in its relentless march, seemed cruel.

As my exam concluded, I hurriedly gathered my things and stepped out of the hall, my heart racing with the hope of finding him. And then, like a beacon in the crowd, I spotted him—walking ahead with his friends. We brushed past each other, and in that fleeting moment, the world around us faded. Time slowed to a crawl, and I longed for this instant to linger, to stretch into eternity. Our arms nearly brushed, and I fought against the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch him. It felt like the saddest of farewells.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, and a lump formed in my throat, constricting my breath. I crumpled the exam paper in my hand, the weight of sorrow pressing heavily on my heart, making it difficult to inhale.

Taking a deep breath, I turned back once more. There he was, standing still, his gaze locked onto mine. For one last time, his hair caught the breeze, and for one last time, I beheld the sparkle in his eyes. I held him in my sight, knowing he would soon become a mere memory. Yet, in that fleeting moment, he waved goodbye.

I stood frozen, a statue of regret. My hand remained still, unable to return his gesture. My mind faltered, caught in a loop of what-ifs and should-haves. I knew I would carry the weight of this moment for the rest of my days, but still, I remained motionless as he drifted away into the throng. Away from me. Away from my vision. Away from my life.

Now, only the echoes of his memory lingered in the air around me. A part of me would forever ache for his warmth, forever in love with the ghost of what we had, tucked away in the recesses of my mind.

He swept me away on a whirlwind of emotions, a silent ride on a roller coaster that left me breathless. In that fleeting moment, I was blissfully unaware of how swiftly time could slip through my fingers.

When I returned home that night, the air was thick with the weight of my sorrow, and my cries echoed through the stillness. My tears soaked into the fabric of my pillows, each drop a testament to my heartache. My diary, once a vibrant canvas of my thoughts, now lay dampened and muted by my grief.

I'll forever miss our shared memories, our taste in movies, people, humor and more. I'll forever miss him.

To fall in love was never a crime. Yet, to fall for a star that shone just beyond my grasp felt like the gravest error of all. Still, I hold no regrets. I cherished every fragment of my memories with him, and that love will forever remain etched in my heart.

Dear diary,

I love him.