The Untainted
– Messages in the Dark
The night was too quiet for Balkis.
She sat at the edge of her bed, staring at her phone like it might explode.
One message.
Just one.
And yet it felt like she had tipped over something fragile.
Her screen lit up.
Unknown Number:
It's noted. We'll handle it from here.
Her throat went dry.
That was it?
No questions.
No hesitation.
Just… we'll handle it.
Her conscience screamed now.
What have you done?
She locked her phone and threw it gently onto the bed as if distance would erase responsibility. But the message echoed in her head.
She told herself it was harmless.
She only shared information.
That's all.
She didn't lie.
She didn't fabricate anything.
She simply mentioned the upcoming dinner at Qazeem's house.
That was public knowledge anyway… right?
Her chest tightened.
But why did she send it to Segun?
Why did she feel like she had just opened a door that shouldn't be opened?
*******
The Next Morning
Rihannat woke up uneasy.
Not scared.
Not anxious.
Just… unsettled.
She sat up on her bed and whispered her morning adhkar softly, letting the familiar words steady her heart.
"Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel…"
Her phone buzzed.
Rayyan:
Don't forget, your mom said they're finalizing outfits today for the dinner.
Dinner.
She exhaled slowly.
The formal visit to Qazeem's family.
It suddenly felt heavier than it had the night before. Some moments later a knock came from the door.
"Who is that?" She asked.
"Please can you open the door?" A student voice answered her.
She walked to door, opened it and saw the girls who spiked her drink at the party with their parents and one officer standing behind them at the door. She was surprised.
Oh. Hello sir's and ma's. How can I help you.
(Cleared throat) Rihannat dear, please, we all came here to seek your forgiveness. We know what they did was bad, they have learn their lessons and they will never try it again, please for God sake forgive them. We are also at fault for what they did, maybe if we had trained them better.......,
" kneel down and apologize now." One of the mothers commanded sharply.
All the girls were about to kneel when Rihannat stopped them with a raised hand. "Hold on". She said softly and sigh.
"Begging would not have been enough if the unknown had happened, it won't bring back the lost dignity but Allah showed me His mercy by protecting me from your cruelty. You are very wicked Bola. Did I offended you somehow because I cant recollect doing you wrong or did I?" Rihannat asked frankly which was met with silence.
"So why are you so against me?! Why did you and your friends try to taint me?! What did I do to you people?! Subbanallah! What you did is inhumane! I can only pray Allah guides you. Dont seek my forgiveness, seek for Allah's forgiveness. Who am I to judge when He has vindicated me. He is the best disposer of affairs, I leave everything to Him."
"But....please from today, stay away from me I beg you. And this shouldn't repeat itself or else i wont sit and watch! I will not tolerate a second time." She told them calmly then turned to the parents and the officers. "I am very sure it won't end simply like this if it was any of them this happened to, but because I an from a lesser background doesnt reduce my dignity. Thanks for coming, they can leave now officers." Rihannat turned around to enter her room while the officer gave an appreciative nod, students have gathered outside to watch the spectacle, some thought she will request for some ransom but she did otherwise.
Her words spark a lot of discussions among the students who were also from a low background, students who were being bully and maltreated, students who have also being trampled on by bola and her group before. "I may be from a lesser background compared to yours but my dignity should not be trampled on." It was a powerful statement to them.
Don't worry lady, my daughter is leaving today, I will transfer her to another school.....
Me too...
Three parents spoke before she left, she smiled at them, saying nothing. She gazed at the other three ladies, bola, another girl standing beside her, looking at Rihannat with hidden disdain in her eyes. And the girl who was saying at the party that day, that she wasn't among them, that she was innocent.
The guilty lady came to her before rihannat walked away, holding her hand. Bola was looking elsewhere, maybe out of guilt or something else, she doesn't care anyway. The lady walked guitily to Rihannat and whispered "I am very sorry, please forgive me. And Beware of bola, she won't leave and she won't rest, I doubt she won't retaliate against you, so be careful. I am sorry for what happened. I have decided to change my ways and leave to make better friends in another school. I would have loved to stay but I believe this is the best. I am very sorry, sincerely. I hope we'll meet again....very soon. Take care of your self and call me in the future if you need my help or something, l will be glad, don't refuse me please, take me as a friend who is guilty, I want a chance to atone for my sins but I dont want to stay in the school anymore so call me when you need someone. " She left after that. Leaving a crumpled piece of paper containing her contact in Rihannat's hand.
The crowd disperse as the parents took their kids, leaving with the officer.
Rihannat lazily look at the two who aren't transferring to another school, so far they don't cross me,its fine....., she mutters and return to her room. Giving a faint whisper of goodluck to the remorseful lady. She kept the paper with a smile, "I wish you well new friend". she said softly.
***************
At Basit's House
Basit barely slept.
He stepped out into the living room early, finding Ridwan already there, staring blankly at nothing.
"You didn't sleep," Basit stated quietly.
Ridwan gave a half smile. "You too."
Silence stretched.
Finally, Basit spoke.
"Do you think I'm foolish?"
Ridwan frowned. "For what?"
"For loving someone this much."
Ridwan's chest tightened.
He looked away.
"No. Loving someone isn't foolish."
"Then what is?" Basit asked.
Ridwan hesitated.
"Loving someone and not preparing yourself for the possibility that they may not be yours."
The words hung between them.
Basit absorbed them slowly.
"You think she won't be mine?"
"I think," Ridwan said carefully, "that Allah's plan is always better than ours."
Basit nodded.
But his jaw tightened.
Because faith doesn't erase longing.
Meanwhile…
Faridat watched Ridwan from the kitchen doorway.
He looked distant.
Different.
She felt something crack quietly inside her chest.
He used to laugh freely.
Tease her.
Stay longer than necessary.
Now he barely met her eyes.
And she finally admitted it to herself.
She didn't just miss his company.
She missed him.
Afternoon – University Campus
Rihannat walked beside Rayyan and Balkis, unaware of the storm swirling quietly around her.
Rayyan was animated, discussing fabrics and colors.
Balkis was unusually quiet.
"You okay?" Rihannat asked gently.
Balkis forced a smile. "I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
Every time she looked at Rihannat, guilt pricked her.
What if Segun does something reckless?
What if they show up at the dinner?
No… they wouldn't dare.
Would they?
Her palms grew sweaty.
"Balkis?" Rayyan nudged. "You've zoned out like five times."
"Just tired," she lied.
Rihannat studied her face for a moment longer.
Something was off.
But she didn't press.
Evening
Across town, Segun leaned back in his chair, rereading Balkis' message.
A formal family dinner at Qazeem's house this weekend. Important.
Bayo smirked. "So the godbrother is serious."
Segun tapped his fingers thoughtfully.
"Very serious."
"And?"
"And," Segun's eyes gleamed coldly, "important events are delicate."
Bayo laughed softly. "You're not planning to crash it?"
Segun didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he picked up his phone.
"Sometimes," he said slowly, "you don't crash events."
"You create distractions."
That Night
Rihannat stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her hijab.
She studied her reflection quietly.
Her heart felt conflicted.
Qazeem had always been kind.
Protective.
Respectful.
But lately, his presence felt more intentional.
More watchful.
And Basit…
She closed her eyes briefly.
Why does my heart feel heavier when I think of him?
She pressed her hand lightly against her chest.
"Ya Allah… remove from me what is not good. And protect me from fitnah I cannot see."
Outside her window, the wind rustled softly.
As if carrying unseen intentions through the night.
Three homes.
Three silent prayers.
Three hidden fears.
And one dinner approaching.
******************>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What will happen when intentions, jealousy, and pride gather under one roof?
************
Sometimes when hatred and jealousy runs deep, it becomes hard to let go. So pray and stay away from it as it destroys your faith and connection to God. Only Allah's mercy can bring the heart back if He loves you!.
@OlukoyaZainab