Just then, Eiden sauntered in, a playful smirk on his face. "Your so-called slow workers," he teased, causing Iliana to roll her eyes in frustration. She resumed her zikr, her fingers moving deftly as she focused on her prayers.
Later that night, Eiden found himself at a club, the lights flashing and music pounding as he reveled in the nightlife with his friends. The atmosphere was electric, and he could feel the bass vibrating through his body. It was past midnight, and he had indulged in one too many drinks. He flopped onto a plush couch, two girls nestled beside him, giggling and leaning into him.
"Girls, come on, let's party!" he shouted over the music, his voice full of excitement. The girls laughed, their faces glowing with joy. "Eiden, you're the life of the party!" one of them exclaimed, playfully nudging him.
"Of course! Who else would keep this place alive?" he replied, throwing his arms around them and grinning widely. Laughter erupted around him as his friends joined in, dancing and cheering. "Let's get another round!" he called out, raising his glass high.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" one of his friends teased, raising an eyebrow. Eiden waved him off, his confidence soaring. "I'm just getting started! This night is ours!"
As the music thumped louder, Eiden soaked up the carefree energy, enjoying every second of the wild night. "This is what life is all about!" he shouted, the thrill of the moment consuming him. He felt invincible, lost in the whirlwind of laughter, dancing, and the intoxicating allure of the club.
At midnight, Syed Ahmed returned home after a two-day trip, the fatigue of travel evident in his eyes. He embraced Esra warmly, seeking comfort in her presence as he sank into the couch. "Where is Eiden, my dear wife? Is he out again at that club?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "How many times have I told him to stay away from such haram places? He never listens to me."
Esra looked down, her heart heavy with concern. "I don't know, Ahmed. He left earlier and hasn't come back yet," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She nodded, reflecting the worry that had settled in her heart. "I'm scared for him. It feels like we're losing him."
Syed Ahmed sighed deeply as he took off his coat, the weight of his worries evident in his demeanor. "Let's eat dinner, Esra. I'm really fed up with him now," he said, shaking his head in disappointment. "Every time I think he's finally understood, he goes right back to it. It's exhausting."
As they prepared for dinner, Syed Ahmed paused and offered a silent prayer. "May Allah grant him hidayah," he whispered, hoping for guidance and clarity for Eiden. Esra looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding. "We just have to keep praying, Ahmed. Maybe one day he'll realize how much we care," she said gently, their hearts united in their love for their son and their desire for him to find his way back to the right path.
Eiden stumbled back home at around 3 am, his head spinning from the night's revelry. He knocked on the door five times, each thud echoing his impatience. "Open this bloody door!" he shouted, his voice slurring slightly.
Syed Ahmed, his father, opened the door, and Eiden immediately averted his gaze, feeling a wave of shame wash over him. "I'm sorry, Dad," he mumbled, his words barely coherent.
Syed Ahmed's expression was a mix of disappointment and anger. "Astagfirullah... Astagfirullah," he exclaimed, his voice booming with authority. "Get out of my sight! Go to your room!"
"Do you think this is a joke? Look at you! You can't even stand straight!" Syed Ahmed's eyes burned with frustration.
Eiden swayed slightly, struggling to keep his balance. "I just wanted to have some fun with my friends" he stated, desperation creeping into his voice.
"Fun? This isn't fun, Eiden! This is reckless and irresponsible!" Syed Ahmed shot back, his disappointment palpable. "You're throwing your future away for a few hours of mindless partying."
As Eiden reached his room, Syed Ahmed sighed heavily, his heart aching for the son he barely recognized. "What have you done to yourself?" he muttered under his breath, the frustration mingling with concern as he closed the door, leaving Eiden to face the consequences of his choices alone.
As Eiden staggered into his room, the effects of the alcohol weighed heavily on him, and he collapsed onto his plush bed. His mind began to wander back to that unforgettable moment when he first saw Iliana. "It's funny how stunning she looks, even in all that covered attire," he thought, a smile creeping onto his face. "Her blue eyes? They remind me of the ocean, shimmering like sunlight dancing on the waves. And her voice, oh, it's sweeter than honey, soothing and rich. But it's her boldness that truly captivates me, fierce like a lioness ready to defend her pride."
He shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. "What am I even thinking? She's my enemy—how could I forget that? But then again, what if I could convince her to break free from that ridiculous religion? Just imagine, she could be mine." With a deep sigh, Eiden closed his eyes, his mind swirling with dreams of possibilities as he finally surrendered to sleep, a mix of desire and conflict lingering in the air.
Iliana was nestled in her bed, drifting in and out of sleep when her phone rang, jolting her awake. "Assalamu Alaikum, who is this?" she mumbled, still half-asleep. The voice on the other end sent chills down her spine. "Ms. Iliana, if you don't stop working on that cancer medication project, I will ruin you—physically and mentally. I will erase your existence."
"Who are you?" Iliana demanded, her heart racing.
"Your death," the voice replied ominously. "I will kill you, just like I killed your parents in that accident, if you remember."
"What do you mean?" she gasped, panic rising within her.
But before she could get another word out, the call abruptly ended. Iliana sat up in bed, her mind racing. "Ya Allah, who was that?" she whispered, her voice trembling. She tried to call back, but the number was unreachable.
With her heart pounding, Iliana quickly swung her legs over the side of the bed and rushed to the washroom. She performed wudu, cleansing herself, and then spread out her prayer mat with urgency. Kneeling down, she began to recite Surah Ash-Sharh, seeking solace in the words.
After a few moments, she sat on the prayer mat, her forehead pressed to the ground in sujood. "Please, Allah, help me against those who wish to harm me. My Lord, if he truly killed my parents, bring him to justice," she cried, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her cheeks.