Love Story Part Finale Part 2 (A Regret)

Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “None of you is truly a believer until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” [Muslim]

                           "Thanks Kamal. See you for the next medical check-up. Salam", the woman moved to the lift to go to her car. She turned again, "Sure, just remember to make an appointment with that doctor next time, i can't be there every time, you know my department is the another side of the building. I can accompany you occasionally. Sorry, so be careful, next time bring your parents with you. You know your condition, Amirah", she laughed as if it was a joke, "It's okay, i'm standing aren't i? See you later", "Salam, my dear". She went home realizing it is still early in the morning, so she went to her workplace for work, "Salam people of 'Inner Beauty', i'm home!". "Salam, Amirah, i thought you were at the hospital for your monthly check up? What are you doing.....", she hugged her friend & smiled, "It's okay, the doc said i'm find, the lump is just a small one, thanks Allah they found it early last year, all i have to do is just see them monthly & take some medication. But the doc asked for me to relax a bit & take a vacation, so can i? Tomorrow?"

                        Her friend, Putri Riza, who was also the owner of the boutique shook her head with Amirah strong-will. "If you want to take a week vacation, i would give, but just a week" they both laughed while cleaning & preparing the shop for the customers. "Ring! Ring!....", "Amirah, your phones ringing, i told you to change the ring tone, it's so boring", "Yes, yes, i know. Salam, Kamal, did i left something?". He moved to his window with a very deep gaze to the river next to the hospital, "Did you tell Danial yet? About your condition? Does he know anything? I think you should tell him at least that you're getting the surgery end of this year", "Well, when the time comes, i'll tell him everything, okay? Don't worry about me, i will be fine, i've gone through a lot more than this. Allah's always with me, so, at the time's right, he will too'. "I hope you know what you're doing, i leave everything to you, send my salam to Riza. Salam, take care", a couple of tears just rolled down as she stopped the call. 

                              "Wow alhamdulillah, this morning is so good, thanks to Riza, i got the day off. I hope he's not late this time", as she was staring through the window with a novel on her hand. As Danial came & took the time to talk with the parents, "Salam, Dan, thanks for coming, so, how's the interview?", " They say i've got good points, but they'll contact me next week", As he was trying to figure out his & Amirah's relationship, she was also trying to get the words out of her mouth, "Should i say something? Maybe just about cancer, or rather just about the medical check-ups? The truth is i really want him to be there at the time of surgery. What am i thinking?", "So, that's my answer, i have nothing more for you. Because i know you'll find a better answer, you always one step in front. So, i'll take my leave now. Sorry for the disturbance, Salam". She was shocked, she couldn't have time to react, same went for her parents with that unexpected confession. "It couldn't end this way, i got to try,.... Wait! Let me walked you both out. You came, as a host, let me"

                           As she was trying slide in the news about her disease, she was confused herself about him, 'what is he trying to say?', "I hope you'll not regret with your decision. Well, it's been a long time i've seen your serious face, the last time was when you're working hard for your boxing tournament. That's when i fell in love with you". They stopped walking, time froze at that instant. "I thought i was kinda lost for awhile, dreaming like a normal teenager, finding love like they say. But, you were just too dense, you can't see anything but yourself. That's why i tried to find a new protector that can be there with me always. Now, like you said, i did find Him, and He showed me something that you can't, but he wanted me to have someone that can help me along the way. At that time, i thought it was Kamal, but it just doesn't add up, especially when he already got a partner to lead her to the everlasting destiny". 

                          "I'm sorry, but i really can't be that guy to lead you, i'm not that strong....", "But.... What's he apologizing for? He's not that weak, i'm praying for you, i want you to be there with me there too, Allah, what do i need to do? He's running away, should i tell him or not?". "Well, if that's what you think, then i can't force you to change yourself, right? It's okay, i believe with what you say, i'll find someone that can be the knight, be Allah's soldier which will protect me. That's that, i hope you find someone that you can help to lead. Be stronger, take care, insyaAllah. See you later", she smiled & waved. He smiled back, "Salam, Amirah, thanks, good bye", "Salam, Dan, thanks too". As the knight was moving further & further away, the tears came back again without no red lights to stop them. Suddenly, a Volvo sports car, which was at the right time but at the wrong place, curved straight to a collision with Danial. "Watch out! Danial!...."

               "Where is the mistake in this meeting? What did i do wrong?", she opened her eyes where she was lying on the carpet or 'sejadah' as they say, evidently she also had a dream after her solatul istikharah. "Allah, what sign are You giving to me in that dream? Is it selfish of me to let him go without me giving him a burden? Is it really okay?................

     

Love Story Part Finale Part 1 (A Wish)

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend. {Book 41, Number 4815 : Sunan Abu Dawud}

                   "Yes, come on in, she's been waiting", the guard in charge letting Danial in with his father's old car. "Wow, it's still the same since the last time i came. What should i say to her parents? What do you think, unc?", "Well, how about start with 'salam', then let them know why are you here". With his habit of sweaty palms, his agitation created an intense environment. As he was walking down the huge hallway, a 5-feet retired engineer from a prestigious company shook his hand as a greeting, "Salam, long time no see, doing well? How's here, Malaysia? The humid is not like Australia i suppose". "Laughing in this early morning, is not lively of you honey", intruded his wife. "Here, have some tea, help yourself with the 'karipap', i made them this morning. Well, it's uncle's favorite", "Thanks, dear, you always know how to tackle a husband's heart, Dan, help yourself". Danial nodded nervously as he was dining with two lively lions. "So, what brings you here?"

                     He put down his tea, "Well, the thing is, i have something hat i want to talk about with Amirah, i hope she's free, she said she has no plans for today", break the ice with a smile. "Alright, i'll call her down", "So, in the mean time, i hear you got an interview in my previous company, how did it go?". Meanwhile, in the upper floor, "Mira, Danial is downstairs, waiting for you. He said he has something say. What did you two talk about?", a girl who was staring at the window, cheerfully went downstairs. "Salam, Dan, how's the interview go? Any luck?", "Salam, well, they say i have good points, but they will contact me next week". Amirah sat between her parents, with a calm face she refilled their teas, "Here, you look washed out". "It's ok, i'm here because i want to give you the answer", he stood up, as she and her parents observed keenly. 

                    "What's my love for in this world? Well, after a hard long of analyzing, i'm just lost, because before this i really don't care about love because for me, love is too complicated. My parents didn't really know me, just met me before school & at dinner, well, they're trying to make a living like they say. The only true friend i had since childhood was you, Amirah. Making jokes, scolded me, be there when i fell into the deepest hole, always made me your hero as if i'm superman. I thought that feeling was mutual, as i'm your forever protector. Now, since you went & left me to be with the real 'Protector', i was lost, so i followed you, i want to see this new protector that made you so confident, the side that i've never seen. Now i know, who He is, and i want to know Him with all my heart, so that i can be stronger just like you. My love, is still a mystery that i haven't solve. So, that's my answer, i don't have any more for you. Because i know you will find a better answer, you always one step in front. Okay, so, i'll take my leave now. Sorry for the disturbance. Salam". He maintained his composure & left them.

                    While his uncle caught him with a confuse face imprinted due to his confession, "What are you doing? You came all the way here, to show that you're that weak? Should not be that rash, why didn't....", "I'm sorry, but i've made my mind". "Wait! Let me walk you two out, you really came. As a host, let me", Danial agreed with the young lady's request. "As the daughter of 'the man of the house', i can't refuse". They moved to the car, both of them didn't say a word, while the uncle had a hard time trying to figure out the what to say along the way home. "I hope you'll not regret with your decision. Well, it's been a long time i've seen your serious face, the last time was when you're working hard for your boxing tournament. That's when i fell in love with you". They stopped walking, time froze at that instant. "I thought i was kinda lost for awhile, dreaming like a normal teenager, finding love like they say. But, you were just too dense, you can't see anything but yourself. That's why i tried to find a new protector that can be there with me always. Now, like you said, i did find Him, and He showed me something that you can't, but he wanted me to have someone that can help me along the way. At that time, i thought it was Kamal, but it just doesn't add up, especially when he already got a partner to lead her to the everlasting destiny".

                   "I'm sorry, but i really can't be that guy to lead you, i'm not that strong....", "But....", both of them couldn't move as if there was glue under their shoes. "Well, if that's what you think, then i can't force you to change yourself, right? It's okay, i believe with what you say, i'll find someone that can be the knight, be Allah's soldier which will protect me. That's that, i hope you find someone that you can help to lead. Be stronger, take care, insyaAllah. See you later", she smiled & waved. He smiled back, "Salam, Amirah, thanks, good bye", "Salam, Dan, thanks too". He turned around awhile as the maiden of the house seem further, & further away. Suddenly, a Volvo sports car, which was at the right time but at the wrong place, curved straight to a collision with Danial. "Aaaaargh....".


            "What's wrong with this picture? What did i do wrong?", he woke up on the carpet which is called 'sejadah', a remembrance for he was just finishing his solatul istikharah where he fell asleep right afterwards. "But why would He show me that dream? Is it that wrong to find You before i find her, my soulmate? Is it really okay?................

Love Story Part 13 (The Question)

“Remember Me, and I will remember you, give thanks to Me and do not be ungrateful” (Al-Baqarah: 152).QURAN

             "Really? You're not joking?" laughed a man with a white coat, thinking their laughters & smiles are temporary for that day as the married doctors got the opportunity to be together with old friends. "I'm not playing with you, Kamal, at this one time when i was walking downtown, some crazy girl chase me while playing the guitar. Maybe she was really desperate for money", "So, Danial, did you give any?" the laughs stopped. "I look into her eyes & said 'Here take some, do what you like with it, but please take a bath, it helps to get more, peace upon you', then, i gave & walk away", with no impression, Danial drank his coffee. "Wow, that's cool, so what happen next?", " Well, Dr. Yasmin, the last time i saw her again, she was doing well, new clothes, new songs, & not chasing anybody for that matter". Everyone giggled, seeing the irony of people changing with just a few words of inspiration.

             The tangerine clock took its time to move the arrows from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., accompanying the four friends at the coffee shop adjacent to the hospital. "Danial, 3 years in the Down Under, any great candidates for the future?", "Pardon me? Candidates? I really can't say that i have a chance, i'm just still not confident with me in that situation". Silence came suddenly for that 2 seconds, "Amirah, what about you? You look like you're ready", "Oowh, me, well, let's just say, my parents made me meet a few in their liking, but i just turned them down. Not to my standard", that words made the others broke the silence with small laughs, except for the guy beside her. "Why did you reject them? Are they that bad? I thought your parents have good taste", seeing curiosity overtook Danial, "Well, they didn't give the right answer to my question, so i let them go. Can you give me that answer?", her words shocked the others, as if she was trying to make a request for a 'hand in marriage' scene to his childhood friend. 

                     He tried to make it as a joke, trying to vanish the awkwardness of the air, "i'll take that challenge, what's the question, if i may ask? I'll give you something you can't reject" making a smile out of it. "Well then, what's your love for in this life?", "Hmmm, that's a tough one, right Min. I hope you find the right answer, Danial, i can't help you now",  "Darling, we better go, there's a complication in room 105, nice meeting you two. Salam". "See you later, guys. What can i say, a doctor is like a superman, when there's trouble, there's  us, salam" the last laugh made their departure a memorable one. "I'll walk you to your car, nowadays, people are very aggressive", "Thanks, it's not far though". They both walked down to the parking lot with the sign board 'Visitors's sticking at the side, searching a yellow Toyota sports car which appear to be new based on the plate number.

                     "Well, aren't you going to give the answer? You said you'll hand me an acceptable one. It's ok, you can give me anytime, but before someone else does, or else, i have to accept him of course" she chuckled with a hand covering her mouth while starting the car. "Give me some time, i'll try to make it on time although i always didn't. I'm always one step behind you, maybe this time i could catch up with you", "Well, i'll wait, just come over to the house sometimes, the address is still the same. Okay, i'm going now, i'll pray for your success, insyaAllah, see you soon. Salam, Dan". She reversed the car & move away, while giving a smile, "InsyaAllah, salam, Amirah!". He went back home, feeling happy, but his mind when out of the box, suddenly that question came out, 'What's my love for? In this life?', trying to fill his minds with memories & words, searching his brain for the correct answer. "What's love? Did i even know what's love? How can i have love? Well, love is really complicated, what's mine for?........ 

Love Story Part Intermission

A man asked the Prophet (pbuh) "When will the Hour be established O Allah's Apostle?" The Prophet (pbuh) asked, "What have you prepared for it?" The man said, "I haven't prepared for it much of prayers or fast or alms, but I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (pbuh) said, "You will be with those whom you love." [Bukhari]

              Salam, some loops in life showed the best of ourselves, some unleashed the darkest side from our heart. That mystery is for ourselves to solve, the world around you is just a factor that help you choose which road is right, & which road is wrong. Even though our steps are walking in the right path, is not certain we're not going to meet another junction. Even though our heart may lead us to the wrong direction, doesn't mean the opportunity to change is impossible. 

                 Some say, "Everyone said i've everything, but why do i feel like i've nothing?" or, "Why can't i go back in time? Why am i here?". These quotes are just some of the questions from people who are stuck in that loops, couldn't see the future, just see the past, couldn't see the peak of the mountain, just see the ground. They are busy thinking to turn back, rather than facing the road head on, they're worrying that the pain would be unbearable. Can this be stop? Can they get help? Are they going to be there until the end?

                  The solution is always there beside us, most of times we can't see it, at that time, the people who're in your circle of life may give you hints. The bigger the circle, the more the people who'll be there to help us in that circle. Sometimes, if you think there aren't people in your circle, you should look again for sometimes you could see the one that never left you since before you were you're born, the one is god, Allah. Sometimes, He will let you see Him, sometimes, He will not. However, if you always remember Him, He will always remember you more. 

                       In life compared to this fictional story, there can be a lot of endings as in life there are many roads, many junctions. For this story, the main character's life, it'll be just 3 roads, 1 question, 3 answers. As they say, life is stranger than fiction, life is temporary, life is a flowing ocean where everyone is on their boats to find their true paradise for their real life. The true ending in this story is actually for the readers to find out in their own life. So, be careful with what choose, be grateful with what you get, try to be better in the future.

Love Story Part 12 (The Last Supper)

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: “He is successful who has accepted Islam, who has been provided with sufficient for his wants and been made contented by Allah with what He has given him.” [Muslim]

            The first that came up in Danial's mind was pouring the water filled with flowers for keeping the graves of the dead in well condition. He took a cab, cancelled his delayed lunch with his cousin, & went straight to the cemetery where his parents rested. Having a hundred in his wallet after forgetting to exchange his australian dollars to ringgits, with not a minute to spare, he managed to sat in front of the two graves, giving his fullest in praying for his parents. The guilt he had for his mistake, as he didn't manage to be there for his parents burial ceremony. That day when he succeed to arrive, everyone was already gone home except for his uncle Mad, short for Ahmad Said, the closest uncle he got. That day, he perished with little hope to move on, being the one left with no siblings, with an empty house. 

            "Dan, don't stop here. You still got your life to take care of, until your last breath, don't ever give up. He will be there, just believe in Him. We will also try to help, that's what family's for" advised his uncle. Danial hugged him, as if he was saved by the words. With that, he went back & refreshed, until  came the time to return. 3 years later, there he was, sitting at the same place, still trying to throw away the sorrow. Suddenly, the ringing of his phone broke the moment, "Salam, yes. Okay, i'm coming home". Drove on to his old house, where his uncle who became the caretaker of the house while he was gone, was waiting for him with his cousins. While passing through the roads & new buildings, made him wonder, "What else i missed in these past years?".

                 "Thank you, i really appreciate the welcome party, thanks a lot", announced the man of the house with a joyful smile. After the others when back, he had a small talk with uncle Mad, making sure he's up to date. "You know, Dan, since you're going to start working at the company that gave you the offer back at Australia, i would greatly recommend you to take your father's car. I tuned it up before you came back, so his in tick top shape. You should start practicing your driving, the system there is different compared to here, so don't try anything stupid", "Sure, unc", they laughed while having some cream caramel made just for Danial by the best chef in the family. 

                  "Wow, just 5 days, but i really get a hang of this. Maybe i would pay a visit to Kamal at the hospital. Where's his number?", said to himself while scrolling down his old contacts. Then, he stumbled on a name which he was familiar with, 'Amirah'. "Ring, ring. Ring, ring", "Maybe she's busy", whispered alone. "Salam, Dan? Are you in Malaysia? How'r you?  Are you busy?", he was stoned for a while, worrying what words would come out. "Salam, yes, i just got back. Actually, i'm not busy at all, the interview for my job is not till Sunday. Are you free? Maybe we could hang out with Kamal at the hospital his working". It was set, there would be a reunion with his old friends, but the future doesn't give any clue, for Danial didn't foresee his destiny going to change......     

Love Story Part 11 (Tears of Happiness)

Narated By AbudDarda' : The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There is nothing heavier than good character put in the scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection. [Abu Dawud, Bk 36 Num 4781]

               "One more day, i'm coming home, mom & dad", slow whisper of the heart echoed, moving through his whole body. While he was going through the pictures of his parents in the computer which was sent by them just before the big accident, the tears just rolled down, synchronizing with the rain out of his window. He also scrolled down the new communication website which was popularly called  'Facebook' to find a bunch of his friends' pictures & 'comments' about their new trip together to the 'Kinabalu Mountains' in Sabah. "One more day, i'm coming home, you guys", monologging in his apartment. A lot has passed for the pass a couple of years since his departure to Down Under. In his first 4 months, he managed to show his best in what he loves to do to the education board by winning the annual engineering competition held by the university, while at that time in his hometown, he lost his protectors, his heroes, all because of insensible actions of some bikers who they love to be classified as 'Mat Rempit'. "Allah, thanks for the courage & strength....".


                 Sound of the announcement waved out the huge terminal where people were moving back & forth, trying to find their portal to the required destination. "To all passengers for flight MH124 to Kuala Lumpur, your flight will be delayed, thank you", stated by the woman of the control tower, giving bad news to others including Danial as he was so excited just by thinking he could make it for lunch with one of cousins. "It was not the first time this happen, but why now?" thought alone while reviewing again the new flight time. The first delay was on the day he was going to fly to Australia, where his parents & his friends were there to see him departed except her. He knew she wasn't coming, especially when her huge project was a-thread thick from the deadline. That day was the longest goodbye he made, challenging his patience & his strength to let go.


                       "Hello, sir. Welcome to Malaysia Airlines, would you like some drinks, sir?", "No, thanks", sighed with relief as he managed to comfortably sit & ready to say hello to his mother land. "When you come back, call me, we should get together sometime, if you're free...", "Sure, Amirah. I'll let you know". A lot of changes took their places in his life, beside the tragedy were the joyful ones, Shafiq, his best friend got his first baby who is a  boy, the other one was Halim's wedding which was held in hawaii, the day he had his finals for his second year. His cousins who were his disciples during his high school years, one of them worked in a multilevel company in exportation & importation of car engines, the other two got to Ireland & United Kingdom doing medicine & accountancy respectively. "They grew up so fast, even over pass me, i've thought them well", he chuckled by himself after reading the e-mails he got from his cousins, while the other passengers  were quietly dozing off in the 8 hours journey.  


                          He also opened an e-mail from Kamal who just ended his degree in medicine at Russia, going to do his housemanship in Kuala Lumpur Hospital with his wife. "Thanks for the advise, it really helped me changed...", his tears rolled down again, with a happy face that time as the tears accompanied him to sleep. At that time he managed to sleep all the way, skipping lunch which was postponed due to heavy turbulence by the bad weather in the northern part of Australia. "Sir, Sir. Sorry for the delay, what do you want for your lunch?", "Could you give me awhile to think, thanks", the stewardess walked away, leaving him a choice to make to suit his appetite. " Is it time for solat zohor? Where's the window? .....   

                    

Love Story Part 10 (Separation)

Doa when leaving home, say;

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ

(BISMILLAHI TAWAKKALTU ALALLAAHI, WALAA HAULAA WALAA QUWATAA ILLAA BILLAAH) "I depart with Allah's name, relying on Him. It is Allah who saves us from sins with His guidance (the ability to do so)." (Tirmidhi)

                The crowd nailed there eyes to the couple who made their way  through the aisle towards the dining table prepared near the 'VIP' guests. However, the man with the mic had his eyes glued on the bridesmaid with her beautiful greenish shiny dress & a scarf covering her head which made her appear like a swan who, gracefully went down the hall. "Psssst...", whispered loudly by the head staff, Shafiq's mother. Danial regain his focus & continued the ceremony with the recitation of the doa. "What am i doing? i thought i've erased her out of my mind, this is dangerous, i wanted to change. Well, this will be over soon, it has got to end", taking his time with himself while a good friend of the groom, Kamal took the stage for a while for the doa. "Thanks again for giving me the pleasure to give the doa. You're coming to my  wedding, right? It's next thursday, you got the memo, right?", "Kamal, i think i couldn't be there, my flight is tomorrow", "I see. Well, let's have fun today". 

                  The guests enjoyed the food which were served with 12 different dishes including 6 different deserts, thumbs up to the groom's mother's catering enterprise. They dined with their families, the children laughed with their relatives, the good neighbors pay their respects to the couple's parents, the friends of the couple gathered together, having photographs which a token of appreciation for the great memory, while the rest eased their farewell after being entertained by the musical band who made the ceremony a cheerful one. "Salam, how do i look? Not too flashy, right?", "Well, Amirah, it is kinda a bit flashy, but as long as you didn't stole the thunder from the bride, you're fine". She smiled trying to stopped laughing, "You still can make me laugh, are you also coming to Kamal's wedding? Are you still going to be the host there? If you are, then it will be boring to see your face again", he tried to join the laughs, but he just couldn't. "I got the offer, i'm going to Australia tomorrow, so...".

                     Both of them were left in silence for a while in the busy hall, trying to gather their thoughts, putting some phrases to say good bye. "Well, you still have your e-mail, if you still have the urge to open it that is, hope you can still keep in touch. At last, my friend's dream of studying overseas in engineering is accomplished mission. How long will it be?", "Em, 4 years i think, because i've done my pre-degree here, so it's not that long. Well, alhamdulillah i got sponsored for my course. If you come back, i let you all know, we can get together & catch up," she nodded with sparkle in her smile.  "Come on, you guys. Everyone's waiting to take a picture with the groom at the stage. Hurry up!", a man with his expensive high-tech camera hanging on his neck called with a joyful tone, gathering the friends of the groom to capture a moment of happiness inspired by their smiles.

                          Both of them swiftly took their places at the 10-meter long stage with the main star at the center, "Amirah, thanks for still believing in me, insyaAllah you'll accomplish your dream too", "Thank you, Danial....". "Alright, everyone look at the camera, say 'Cheeeeese'....", "Cheeeese", shouted all of them. At 11:30 pm, everyone emptied the building, leaving the host sitting at the couch at the spacious lobby accompanied by his cloudy head. "Good bye, Amirah. Salam". He mumbled alone with a mango juice on his right hand, stopping a habit which was drinking his favorite alcohol for more than a year because he was scolded by her for his misbehavior in a party last year. In another room, the young lady was sitting at her bedroom window, watching the rain started to fall, "Good bye, Danial. Salam". She waited for her eyes to get sleepy, not giving any effort to go to bed, thinking on what's planning for her tomorrow....... 

Love Story Part 9 (The Last Rehearsal)

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reported Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as saying: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)

                     "Can you tell me why do i have to do this one more time?, with a small sign of regret in his face, the man with the tie at his right gave a giggle, "Danial, this is a rehearsal for the wedding party, & as a host selected by the groom himself, you should be honored. It's  not easy to see your best friend getting married". Without thinking, he grabbed the microphone &  babbling about some of the darkest secrets they kept for each other. The audience let the groom running for his life with their laughters, catching the culprit who's holding the microphone. Danial ran out the hall, trying to find a better hiding spot, suddenly, "Salam, Danial. Looks like you've been busy especially being one of you're favorite role, the man with the mic", "Amirah, good you're here, the flower arrangements are unsupervised. See to it that it is attended, thanks for your help", he walked pass her as if nothing happen. 

                 After solat A'sar, he went out with the group of waiters to finish the last touchings for the decorations. While the long walk down the corridor, he remembered the last conversation with her which was with Kamal also. "Salam, both of you. Thank you for everything Danial, because of your presence which we're destined to meet before this by Allah, i'm what i'm now. Thanks Kamal for the knowledge, maybe i will get through this test smoothly, InsyaAllah. See you both next time if Allah made it as our future. Salam....", he reminiscing the words which really gave some motivation to make his change, his hijrah a successful one. "Ok, now let's now gather our attention to the bride & groom which had just arrived with the recitation of selawat....", "Great, thats a good posture & tone of voice, just give a little deeper version of it, so that you get their full focus...", tips from the mother of the groom, Shafiq, made the host a temporary star. 

                       The day where it all began, everyone made preparations for the arrival of the guests, especially for the 'very important person', setting the tables by the reasonable-fee hired caterers, the PA systems by the hotel itself, & the host for the day. With the music which themed by classic malay songs, & some Islamic based rhythms, the hall was lively set up & the decorations made a great aura of malay culture. Everyone wore nice clothes, which none of them made any offensive appearance, while the the band which was brought in also insisted wearing a full suit of the malay traditional outfit. "Salam, wow. You look dashing, wearing the that  outfit, i kinda like the image you brought out with the keris at your waist, really traditional. Actually, who's party this is for?", "Salam, nice joke Amirah, well as the host, the green & the suit were requested by the couple themselves. So, do not criticize that much", smiles made a happy welcome for both of them.

                          "Doing this as charity? It's too much, you said you're going to give a little", "Come on, Shafiq, it's a gift because i didn't came for your recitation of your nikah, please take it, sincerely from my parents & i", with a smirk, he put the cheque into his hand. "Alright, but i will help you out for yours, ok, Kamal?", "Sure, buddy". The jubah clothing man moved across the hall to the given table where he sat himself with the groups of friends which were school-related people with the groom. "What do you know about the bride?", "Well she's also a medical student who he met on his journey there in egypt", "Wow, that's great, both doctors, sure lead a busy life", they talked their way through the boredom & took some pictures for making a chain of unforgettable memories. "Now, let's move our attention to the bride & groom........

                         

Love Story Part 8 (The Moment of Truth)

Volume 9, Book 89, Number 255: Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle said, "Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Quran and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others." (sahih Bukhari)

                "Kamal, you're going out again? You're very busy man, even busier than the prime minister", cheerful atmosphere created by a joke of a mum of four stopped a walking man from heading out the door. "Just seeing a friend, i'm taking the 'Swift'", grabbing the key with haste, he went straight to the garage. Knowing at that moment of time, his watch had just passed ten minutes after the time he supposed to get his breakfast, but because of an urgent matter he needed to attend to, all scheduled activities for that day were just shown to the trash. "I hope you can make it....", looking repeatedly at the message that he received made him nervous as if this going to leave a memory in his life. "I hope everything's alright, is it my fault?.....", alone in the car with his twisted mind & his voice as the radio host for the day, talking about the connections for the past one month & what had to do with him in the middle, made the scent of the new morning fader into the intense situation.

                    "I hope i'm not late, why does this always happen to me? Can i do it in front of him? I don't know, I hope he's there", mumbling anxiously  while the words were clearer in her heart. The young woman rode on her automobile, taking a risk which she wouldn't had taken in her past. "He's going to be there, you got to go, Amirah. If you think it's worth it, then, go with no regret....", her friends' advices were ringing along with her heartbeats. "Oh, no. Where's a free parking when i needed",  she was lost, scouting around while continuously keeping an eye on the time. Taking her time at the elevator, she managed to arrive in time, suddenly, her breathless steps to the restaurant were stopped by the presence of a guy at the opposite side of the table. "I'm too late, he's going to ruin it", sight of hopeless filled her heart."Thanks for coming here, i was not sure you're going to come after the last incident, which i'm terribly sorry", the man with the grey-bluish shirt nodded, sincerely as a sign of apology.

                "It's ok, actually i'm kinda worried that i have given any harm because of my ow actions. I think i who should apologize", "No,no, it was my foolishness. Actually Amirah & I were childhood friends since kindergarten, since her parents moved here 15 years ago. We were close, i was there when she needed me, but it was just when we started going to different classrooms in high school that made feel like i need her more than she needed me actually. However, i didn't say anything because if i let it out, i know she would scold me and we would be arguing instead of making her smile, i made her cry. She never had any occurrence with other guys except me, especially when i always tried to protect her from them, although not all of them were 'bad' ones, i realize i was dragging her back instead of pushing her to the top". "I see, well, i've seen a lot of situations involving relationship, but yours are a bit complicated. Actually, i didn't catch the connection why i'm here in the first place", he took Kamal hands with tears dropping to his hands. 

                 "Please, i need to change myself, this change is not for her but myself, being in this misery made me look into the things that i had lost, & i had gained. I want to become better so that i can find my happiness without hurting others' quest for theirs. Can you help me?". With the grasp of his brother's hands, "Absolutely, i will help you. The first thing you must do is forget about her & focus on your true lover, Allah al-Merciful. If you can control yourself towards her, then, you can see her but you must be strong & don't let yourself to the Devil. Actually, i have a book that you could relate to, 'Hamka: Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck'. If you think you have the urge to change then go live your life with no regrets, fill your moments with the benefits of the world & the afterlife....". The intensity of the room grew as their meeting were interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming from a red high heel shoes which made both of them paused..........     

Love Story Part 7 (The Friendship)

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:  

         The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.

It was related by Muslim (also by Malik and Abu Dawud).

           
              "It's been 3 years since our last boys out, we really had fun back then, so how's egypt? Doing well with medicine?", " It's been that long? Wow, medicine took it's toll, but it really change me, i'm not that lazy boy you used to hang out with, I think,". Words of joy is replaced by laughter from the undergraduates' giggling. "What about you? I came late at the reunion, you still making a fool out of yourself for her, are you still in love with her?". The exhausted guy who once acknowledged as a carefree guy in high school, filled with problems that couldn't stop bothering him,"No comment, you heard it before, you still giving me a question mark on the topic?", "Sorry, i didn't realize you would bring it till now, like i said before, she doesn't love you, there are other fish to catch. Nowadays, the fishing rod is automatic, you don't need to care about catching one, but rather how to grap hold of it once she's in your hands". 


                     That night, Danial kept on thinking what's there to change to get her back, making his sleep delayed from midnight till dawn. His eyes turned red, tiredness was his starting facial expression of the day, making the rest of the day look blurry. "Yo, bro, did Shafiq came yesterday? You invited him to the football match tonight, right? Because i don't want this  extra ticket going to waste, he's here just for the summer break, so, let's give him a good time". Danial just mumbled some words signalling 'no problem', although his mind was nowhere in the room. He's trying to solve a love affair which resembled two circles that never intersect. The closer he  got to her, the further away she was, the solution was he needed a bridge for the two circles, persistent he was. 

                  "Thanks for the call, it's been long since i got to see a football match which not related to egypt, very excited, Hey, what's wrong?", he dozed off, still looking into the past, seeing a chronicle series of events which putting him & Amirah as the romeo & juliet, "You'd never understand, you only see yourself, not others...." her voice saying those words made a whole in his heart, "Could it be that i'm just not good enough for her? Why did she say that?", speaking to a mirror in his mind, showing a creepy sight for the man standing beside him, as if he was in another dimension where time stop moving. "Salam, Dan, are you here with us?", "What?! Oh, sorry. I was thinking about upcoming semester", his sight was brought to the player whose skills with the ball were his signature out of the field.
             
                    "That was a good game. Well, see you all at college", "Wait, you're going back already?", doubts were shown on his 'normal' behavior. "Dan, can you give me a ride home, after all, you're going to pass through the bus station, right?". Both of them set sail to a destination, but their hearts didn't cross each other. "Dan, you know that we've been friends since primary, right? You told me everything, now there are doubts about myself keeping a secret? Come on" insisted Shafiq with a concerning face. "I know what to do, i'm going to change, but first, there's something i need to level with the guy, that's all", Shafiq just nodded, proving his understanding of the situation, "You know, i still got time before the break ends, maybe i can help". Danial smiled, with a low & soft tone, "Thank you, bro". "Now it's my turn to tell a secret, I'm getting married next semester........

Love Story Part 6 (The Fine Line)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 1Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."

            "Em, salam. She's waiting for me? Where?", a well-dressed young woman moving swiftly from stall to stall, in search of the desired target, with her high heels, she stopped in front of 'Life & Culture'. "Yes, Amirah. You're here, let me introduce to you my date, this cute girl, Sarah", the girl was shocked seeing a man who's in his 30's but having a high-schooler as a girlfriend & without awkwardness between them. "Ha,ha,ha. I'm not a girl anymore. I'm a lady, you would never have a real girlfriend if you act like this, bro". With that, there's a sign of relief, making her chest less heavy, "Is this your sister? She's pretty, seeing her brother not that bad himself", the man laughed, "Obviously, my act kinda dull, but yes, she's my going-to-seat-for-PMR sister. Well, she thinks she's older than she looks, for me, she's just a sheep with me as a shepherd. Guarding her from the wolves of the world" 

                "Salam, is this the friend you'd be talking about? She's quite lovely", the shopkeeper moved out from the register & prepare tea for the guest with the help of the two siblings. The two of them talked for a long period of time, sharing experiences between them, giving advice while the other accepting her flaws. In the  mean time, the other two sneak out & got themselves a couple of ice creams. "She's okay, you're going to make her your 'close friend'? Or do you have someone in mind? Anytime soon you'll getting married, & i'm alone with the boys back home", "You're a bit over your level when it comes to this. She's nice, but with her stage, i'm not sure i can help her move closer to Allah, i'm not that strong yet. Marriage, well, it's too soon, although some of my friends had already engaged themselves, but i really don't know about myself".

                         "Okay, it's was nice meeting you, does your mother like headscarfs? Well, if she does, i have a variety of colors, well, you said she just got back from Haj, maybe she had in mind with some of the designs i got based on Egyptian patterns. Would you like to see it?". For the young woman who never had any intentions about wearing it herself, felt a little interested with it, seeing Sarah wore it with full of grace. "We're back, wow! You look beautiful Amirah, it really suits the dress", "Actually i'm trying to find the right one for my mother, she's head size is not that different with me. I always see how my mother wears it, but this is my first time wearing it myself, so please don't laugh". Kamal walked in & his pace were getting slower, with that he paused, amazed with a graceful swan in front of his eyes, "Emm, it's look great, i think your mother will like with your choice, nice color indeed. That's why it's perfect for you with the course you're taking". "Thanks....", she took it off & headed to the register.

                     "'Thanks for the ice cream, it's a bit hot this time around", "You're welcome, but brother always said that in Russia, it's cold enough to make an ice cream in that instant, that's winter. In summer, bathing twice a day feels not enough". They all laughed, while sitting in a restaurant near the parking lot, "About before, so you're saying you don't want to marry in this near future?", "Wait, what are you both talking about?", he smiled with a little tremor in his heart, "Well, my sis, asked me  about couples & marriage, for me, couples doesn't exist, there's only friends & wife, nothing in between. In my opinion, there's only love after the sacred bond, before it, it's just false dreams & promises which hardly ever become true. In my state, it's better for me as a medical student to marry early before I graduate, so that there's no complications in my housemenship, which will be the peak of my busy days". "I see,.........    

              

Love Story Part 5 (The Romeo)

“A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry.” (Saheeh al-Bukhari)

            A man strolled by, leaning on a pillar, "Why are you here? Are you coming because of him?", "What are you talking about? I don't even know him, he's just the organizer of this reunion, apparently he invited me", "I recognize that look you gave him, the same look you gave to me when you ask me out last 3 years. Now you're looking for another one". The man stared at her eyes, showing the anger from the disappointment she slammed at his face at New Year, when she ended their bond. She turned away, facing the crowd, to the people that have no regret in their faces, looking to the world as platforms to success, for her as another stage to be humiliated. "Where are you going?", "Don't worry, i'm not gonna hurt him, just want to see his face up close".

              "Hi. I'm Danial, maybe you don't know me. Well, i'm not as famous as you, but i would like to say that if you do anything to Amirah, you better watch your back", "I'm sorry? Did i do something wrong?", he laughed out loud making them the center of attention, "You think with your family's wealth, your rank as a oversea student, and  that disgusting face which they say as 'good looking', you  think you can get whatever you want? Life is fair, and you will  not make it look bad". Everyone was shocked of his statement, you can feel the heat flowing in the air, making an intense situation for the victim of Danial's unpredictable anger. Suddenly, the girl with the green dress moved through the busy crowd and stoped him, "Enough! You should not be here, i've told you the reason we broke up, it's because of your insensitive self & ego, i can't take it anymore. Go home! I don't want see your face anymore!". He took his leather jacket & stormed out, making a cheerful party to a silent one. 

               "What did he know about her? Nothing! I knew her since the first day of primary school, i've been there for her, looking out for her, seeing her cry, i can't breathe, seeing her smile just making me the happiest man on earth", he kept saying in his head, trying to see what she saw in Kamal that he doesn't has. "When we were small, I would be there if she run away from home, I always be there. Arrrrgh, why him!" Being at the gym & giving all out with his punches, made him calm down for a while, replacing his mind with the feeling of pain in his body. Joining the boxing club encouraged him to train hard & discover his new talent in the sport, which caught Amirah's eyes. "Am i that cold? Everytime i'm with her, didn't any my emotions even touch her?", "Salam, Dan."........

 

Love Story Part 4 (The Meeting)

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Allah has written for the son of Adam his inevitable share of adultery whether he is aware of it or not: The adultery of the eye is the looking (at something which is sinful to look at), and the adultery of the tongue is to utter (what it is unlawful to utter), and the inner self wishes and longs for (adultery) and the private parts turn that into reality or refrain from submitting to the temptation.” [Sahih Bukhari]

                    "Alhamdulillah, i can still drive this car, but being at my right side is kinda weird. Well, i'm not going that fast, so no worries, right?", a habit of talking to oneself was a natural thing for the man at the steering wheel, moving pass the neighborhood with his old nationally made car. "Piiin!Piin!, Move faster, old man", suddenly a fast moving car filled with girls cut his path, making an impression as they were late for an important meeting. "Wow, they really are aggressive here", he didn't mind the attitude, adding to that, their car were quite heavily tinted, so faces were not recognized. "Did you see that man with the glasses? What a snail, no wonder he's using that hunk of junk, right Amirah?", "What? sorry, i didn't see his face. Are we there yet?", "No, dear, is going to be a 10-minute journey, so, not in this nearest time. Besides, there's a heavy traffic near us, so i think we're gonna be a bit late", with the voice of the three girls in the car made the sound of the radio undetectable. "Amirah, why are going to this reunion again? Didn't we always see this people at the neighborhood, the mall, the college, & before, you didn't have interest in this sort of meeting. Why now? Is there someone you want to see?", "Oh!Oh, is he there? You want to go & patch things up?", both of her friends made her more nervous than ever.

               "No, i just want to see my old friends, that's all. They're your friends also, right?", with that she made her statement & a silent face. "Hello, bro. Everyone's there already? Or that's mean i'm late. I know the coordinator should be early, but i woke up late, not use to the different time zone. I know it's already 3 days being here, but give me some time", he laughed out loud in the car alone, making jokes with the person on the phone who happened to be his best friend & assistant in the reunion. "Great, I'm here, oh, i'm so late", he parked the car, & rushed to the 3rd floor, where a crowd of people who were in their 30's making conversations at the food court. "Salam, to all, sorry for being late, apparently russians are used to be late. Thank you for being here, enjoy the meal at the food court, which is self service, & let us be reunited", they laughed along with applause, making an end of the organizer's speech. 

              "Alhamdulillah, you did it again, you organized another one, although it's always a big gap to the other one, you always busy, going places, with your study as a medical student, doing charity & services, you're really unbelievable", Othman, the once student leader of their respected school, giving his respect to a future doctor as they say. "Thanks a lot, i appreciate it. Anyway, is good to see u all here again, making this meeting an eventful one. Actually, i've invited a friend, Amirah, do you know her?", with confusion in their eyes, they pointed to a girl wearing a green dress with jeans at a table near the corner. "O, my God, that guy that stood up back then is the man that i said before, now i think he saw our faces. Wait, he's coming this way, act natural", " Wait, the organizer? What's his name?", "Shut up, act natural", by a few inches from the table, the man put up his right hand, "Salam, Amirah, is it? I'm Kamal, we spoke on the phone, thanks for coming. Sorry, i'm late, the busy streets, got to make use to".

                           She stood with a tremor in his hands, "Salam, it's good that you made it, actually we're not that close back then, because you're in the 1st class, & i'm in the 3rd, so we kinda...", "She's now in college, doing a degree in fashion you know, very creative, she a great designer at that", she pinched the girl next to her with small grin on her face, telling to back off. "Alhamdulillah, that's good, well, i can see your outfit is very striking, just that,........, I mean, it's okay. Well good luck with that, i think i have a friend that works in fashion, she's now have her own boutique. If i get her number, i'll send it to you. Enjoy the party", "Thanks", the smile she made was printed in his head for no reason, making him panic & ran from the scene of the crime. "Was that a sparkle?..........

Love Story Part 3 (Bloodline)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said : "The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled." (Malik and Abu Dawud)

               "Alhamdulillah. Wow, home sweet home. Where're they?", a young man stood firmly at the exit where people waited for the arrival of the passengers, trying to spot out a familiar face within the huge crowd of patient escorts. Suddenly, he recognized a smile that he long waited to see, for the past 3 years he only could see it through the camera of a computer with a low reception because of his apartment abroad was out of range. He felt the familiar warmth from the hug of his parents, knowing his joyful brothers & sisters were with him, he felt home. The minute he got home, he went to his room & planned to go with his family to see the movies, everyone were so excited. They prepared the popcorns & sodas, the seats numbers were set, after done doing their prayers together, they all gathered at the cinema downstairs where booking queue was always free. At that night, the family were complete, "Can i be strong enough when one of them will be gone? Would they move on if i left them later on?", that phrases kept echoing in his head. 


                      When the sunrise was upon them, he was already on the move, trying to make use of his holidays before he had to go back by searching his close friends & making plans of a gathering. After waking up his friends by making phone calls in the early morning, he went to his favorite park & took his time alone with Allah's creations. "Alhamdulillah, the air here is very clear, it's nice to jog in the morning", while he passed some old folks who felt age wasn't a factor to get good exercise, he also going through some names in his old mobile who he never realized the existence of forgotten friends. "Okay, nice try getting through me, but it won't last. Take this. What?!", "Brother, you're getting rusty, maybe you stick with just studying", although he lost a battle of sword fighting at the video games, the laughs were medicine to his heart.


                      "The karaoke tonight, are you going? At the same place", his brother just smiled & walked away, "Well, it's worth the try, he's not the singing type", he laughed slowly. 'Amirah', that name rang some bells, but he didn't get a clear view of who she was, just a name he discovered in the friend list. "Well, i should just call her, maybe she could jog my memory", the phone rang for a while, but the person at the end of the line seem not interested to take it. "Hello? Who's this?", "Salam, this is Kamal. I think we're in the same school, is it in high school?", he started to feel ashamed of his lack of memory strength  although he's a medical student. "Wait, Kamal? The one that's in Russia, doing his degree in medicine? It's been a long time, you're on a holiday?", hearing that made the boulder on his chest shifted away. "We're doing a gathering of friends from the high school at the Mall in KL, insyaAllah. i hope you can join. Just to get back on tract with the others", "Sure, i'll be there".


                    "Wow, that last song took out my last breath, this next song is for you, sis", they all clapped, showing gratitude to the hero of the night of his effort to amuse the others although they know it weren't that good. "Tomorrow, i'm going out, meeting some friends. I'll come back at 6 pm. Okay?", "It's alright, but make sure you got enough money & don't dress like a russian, put in some malaysian style a bit", his family would always comfort him although by going away for a moment, making them feel  unease, that's his parents, his guardians. "InsyaAllah, i'll buy some doughnuts for them. i think i remember their favorite", a gratitude for their smiles............