Jungkook flopped onto his bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Hey, Jungkook, why didn't you go to the club tonight?" he muttered to himself, feeling his mind swirl with thoughts he couldn't quite grasp. He buried his face in the mattress, ruffling his hair in exasperation. "The irony is... I still don't have Iliana's number saved. Should I ask her? But then it'll look like I'm desperate."
He glanced at the clock on his wall, noticing it was already 11 PM. "She always hides her hair behind that cloth... I wonder what color it is." Lost in his thoughts, Jungkook barely noticed when his mother knocked gently on the door.
"Son? Can I come in?" she called softly.
"Yeah, come in," he replied, feeling a bit lighter as she entered. Esra sat down on the edge of his bed, and he let his head fall onto her lap. She chuckled and lovingly ruffled his hair. "My dear son, do you remember that friend you spent eight years with? He's coming back tomorrow, and guess what? He's converted to Islam. His father just called your dad," she said quietly. Jungkook's eyes widened in shock and excitement.
"Eomma?! He converted to that religion? Anyway, I'm just glad he's back!" Jungkook exclaimed, his heart racing at the thought of seeing his old friend again.
"My son, his father are coming too, and here's the kicker—his wedding is in just three days."
"Wait, what?! He didn't even tell us! I'm not going, no way!" Jungkook pouted, crossing his arms defiantly, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden news.
"Don't say that! You know his mother suffered from cancer, and she passed away. His father has gone through so much too, so they moved to the UK for a fresh start."
Jungkook sighed, shaking his head in resignation. "Okay, okay, Eomma, I'll go. But still... it feels so sudden."
"He'll be coming straight to our house, tomorrow" she added, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Okay, fine! But I'm not wearing anything fancy!" Jungkook replied, a mix of annoyance and curiosity bubbling inside him. The thought of reuniting with his friend after all these years was both nerve-wracking and thrilling.
Iliana sat on her bed, tears streaming down her cheeks as memories of her parents flooded her mind. "Ya Allah... I miss them so much. Mom and Dad, without you, I'm just a mess," she whispered, her heart aching with loneliness. The room felt emptier than ever, and she couldn't shake the feeling that a part of her was lost along with them. "No one is here to look after me or make dua for me," she continued, her voice trembling with the weight of her grief.
With a heavy heart, Iliana rose from her bed and moved toward the window, gazing out at the night sky, the stars twinkling like distant memories. "Allah, my Rab, please grant me peace," she prayed softly, her hands clasped together in desperation. In her other hand, she held a small box that contained her mother's cherished handkerchief and a delicate necklace that had been passed down through generations.
Gently, she opened the box and brought her mother's handkerchief to her nose, inhaling its familiar scent. "Ah, Mom... it still smells like you," she murmured, feeling a bittersweet comfort wash over her. The fabric was worn but held the essence of her mother's warmth, a reminder of the love that once filled their home.
As the memories played in her mind, a flashback took her back to a happier time. She recalled the day her mother had been getting ready for an important event, her heart swelling with pride. "InshaAllah, I will also be like Appa, a highly known businesswoman across all of Asia," Iliana had said with determination, hugging her mother tightly.
Her mother smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from Iliana's face. "Your father is receiving an award today. Ah, dear, you're still not feeling well. Otherwise, I would have taken you with me," she had replied, planting a soft kiss on Iliana's cheek, her eyes shining with love and concern.
"She is my princess, my warrior, my Iliana," her father, Abdullah, had said warmly, enveloping her in a tight embrace. The love in their home was palpable, a fortress that protected her from the outside world.
"Let's go, Aliya, Iliana, my dear. I have a special gift for you," he had said, his eyes sparkling with excitement as they headed toward the car, filled with laughter and joy.
Iliana had looked out from the window, waving as her parents called out, "Allah Hafiz, Iliana!" Little did she know that would be the last time she would see them. The accident had taken them away, leaving her with only memories and a heart full of longing.
As the flashback faded, Iliana wiped her tears, holding the box tightly to her chest. She felt the weight of her loss, but also the warmth of her parents' love lingering in her heart, a flicker of hope in the darkness. "I will make you proud, InshaAllah," she whispered to the stars, feeling a renewed sense of purpose amidst her sorrow.
In the morning, Iliana stepped out to her car, looking radiant in her light red frock adorned with delicate white prints, complemented by her white hijab and chic black boots. She always had a way of lighting up the day.
As she settled into the car, she turned to Asma with a bright smile, saying, "Let's go," and began her zikr, feeling the calm wash over her. Just then, Zahra's excited voice broke through. "Guess who is here!"
Iliana's heart raced with joy. "MashaAllah!" she exclaimed, leaping out of the car to envelop Zahra in a warm embrace. "Finally, you're back after all those years! It feels like a dream!"
Zahra grinned, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Ah, Iliana... you won't believe it, but my marriage is just around the corner!"
Iliana jumped in excitement, her mind racing with joy as she momentarily forgot about her period. The two friends shared an infectious excitement, their laughter echoing in the air. "Your marriage?? You didn't even tell me! I can't believe it!"
Zahra nodded, a mix of joy and nostalgia in her eyes. "You know my parents divorced and all the chaos that followed. I had to move abroad with my mother, and it was a tough time."
"I know, I know... but my dear Zahra, everything is finally coming together! Let's make your wedding unforgettable! I'll take two weeks off just for you! We'll plan every little detail together!"
Their hearts were full, knowing that despite the years apart, their friendship remained a beautiful bond, ready to celebrate this new chapter in Zahra's life.