Part 3: The Final Part

Two Hearts Apart has ended.
Feel free to stick around and read the previous chapters!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

A note to all young girls out there

Two hearts apart may have been a fictional tale, but the tale itself rings very true to all of our lives and all that we are forced to deal with.

Trying to brave the storm of teen hormones and the sea of boys is not a very easy task. We are, at best, vulnerable beings who long for comfort, warmth and affection. All these things, that we so desperately crave, though there is nothing in itself wrong with it, if directed in the wrong way, it can be very destructive.

I personally live in a society of extremes. There are those who believe that young girls and boys should not interact at all. They treat attraction and love as if it is something unnatural, and forget that we are forced to mix with the opposite sex on a daily basis. They have thus failed to teach us the proper etiquette when it comes to boys. 
Then are those who give young people free reign. They openly condone dating and 'having fun', and forget that these can invariably lead to life altering and indeed very haram situations. They expect young people to automatically understand where to draw the line and this, in my opinion, is unrealistic.

Yes girls and boys mix with each other every day. Yes mixing inevitably leads to attraction. This is all normal. This cannot be stopped. What we do with our own selves, that is the only thing we can control.
So my dear sisters let me say this to you now.
Don't forget Allah...
In all those times when your feelings and your attractions seem to get the better of you, please try not to forget that there is an All-Seeing Creator who is aware of all you do.
In all those times when your hormones seem to get the better of you, please don't forget that this passing phase will not last, but that the bad deeds that are being recorded in your book will remain forever.
You are the only one who can control how you behave. So behave in a manner that will never cause regret because regrets often come too late.
Don't ever give in to what you know in your heart to be wrong simply because you think you've found 'the one'. The 'one' my dear sister, is only the 'one' you were meant to marry. And then everything can be done in a halal manner.
You will only end up with 'the one' that you were meant to end up with and no amount of sin will ever change that. So be strong and remain steadfast in your faith, and look forward to all that Allah has in store for you.

You are precious, your modesty is precious, your innocence is precious and your imaan is precious.
Don't ever forget that.

Sincerely
Your sister



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The End/Beginning of it all

Note to all the readers out there:
This is the final chapter! DO NOT read on if you have not read all the previous chapters! Massive spoilers ahead! Instead, look on the side menu to find Part 1. You'll be thanking me later! ;)

Enjoy!



Zahraa and Zaheer were married, 2 months later, in a small and intimate affair with just their closest family and friends. They had wanted their wedding to match their expectations of marriage; a simple yet sunny outlook on all that was to come.


Just after the nikkah had taken place Saaleha had taken Zahraa aside and given her a warm hug.
“You’ve filled us all with hope” she said to Zahraa.
“How did I mange to do that” Zahraa had replied astonished.
“Well,” Saaleha had said: “You’ve showed us all that you can sacrifice what you want in order to do things the right way, in order to do what you knew was better. And now today is a testament to the fact that Allah has still given you all that you yourself always wanted.”

Zahraa’s eyes had welled up with tears. In reply she said to her “Well Saal, you know it wasn’t easy, and there were times when I might’ve slipped. But you reminded me didn’t you? You held my hand and pulled me back up. So thank you for everything.”

“I told you back then” Saaleha said to her. “We all only end up with exactly what was meant for us. That doesn’t mean we musnt go out and do our best, but it certainly does mean that we must make damn sure we don’t do the worst.”
Their sisterly bonding moment was cut short with the arrival of Hafsah and Miriam, and the three of them instantly, amidst excited chatter, whisked Zahraa away in order for her to go and meet her new husband.

And then she saw him there and she was filled with a love that she thought would make her heart explode.

And then he saw her smiling at him and he was instantly brought back to the very first moment when he beheld that very same breathtaking smile. Only this time it was directed at him, this time she was his.

And they both knew in that moment, that this was surely destiny.



The End

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Chapter 16: The reunion

The reunion between Zahraa and Zaheer was a moment that both of them would not soon forget. After reading his email Zahraa, too stunned and emotional for words, had instantly sent a reply. ‘Yes’ is all her email had said.

Zaheer hadn’t replied. He was done wasting time. He had other plans and he didnt want to waste his time with emails. He had spent years pining after this girl and he knew for certain that based on her intellect, character and piety, she was most definitely the girl for him. The minute after he received her reply, with a huge smile on his face, Zaheer began setting his plans into motion.

The next day he was on her doorstep.

With a bunch of roses in his hand and a big smile on his face he waited to be invited in, sat in her lounge and very calmly asked her father for his daughter's hand in marriage. Zahraa wasn’t even there at the time. She had known nothing of Zaheer’s unexpected visit and was still waiting for him to reply to the email she sent the previous night. Out shopping with Saaleha, Zahraa walked into her home to find Zaheer sitting and chatting comfortably with her parents.

She was so shocked that she almost dropped the parcels that she had in her hand.
“Whats going on here?” Zahraa managed to mumble through the wild surprise and excitement that was occurring in her mind.

Nobody replied for a while and the silence only made Zahraa more anxious.
She repeated her question: “No really, can someone tell me whats happening here?”

“Relax Zahraa” her father said smiling. “Your mother and I have just been chatting to this very nice fellow over here. It turns out that he is actually interested in marrying you”

Now Zahraa was so surprised that she actually had to sit down to catch her breath. Sure Zaheer had asked her in the email to marry him, but she hadn’t expected this. Not like this. Not so soon.

“So” her father continued: “We think he is a very good guy and very well suited for you too but well... we need your input.”

Zahraa was at a loss for words so she continued staring, first at her parents then at Zaheer, then at her parents then back at Zaheer.

Now her mother spoke: “Yusuf I think that we should give these two a chance to talk don’t you? Let them catch up and all of that and then we can take it from there. Poor Zahraa does seem a bit stunned.”

With that Zahraa’s parents quickly left the room, leaving Zahraa and Zaheer staring at each other.

Zaheer was the first to speak: “So you gonna marry me or what?” he said with a smile on his face. “I know you said yes, well im assuming that's what your yes was for...am I right”
Zahraa spoke slowly. “Yes, you're right, but well you really managed to catch me off guard Zaheer. I didn’t think you meant that all this should happen so well... soon!”
“Why not?” Zaheer asked blatantly. “I wasted enough time Zahraa. If I wasn’t so stupid we’d be married a long time ago. I didn’t wanna waste another moment spending my days without you.”
“But come now Zaheer” Zahraa replied, finally regaining her composure. “We not even sure about this.”
“Zahraa I have never been so sure about anything before. I know we never really know and for that reason I've been reading Istikhaara salaah and making dua. And again I say, I have never been so sure about anything before.”

Zahraa remained silent.

Zaheer continued talking.

He moved closer to her looked right at her and said honestly and calmly:
“Look, Im not saying that I cant live without you, because well I'm sure I could. Im saying that I don’t want to. Im not choosing you because of some stupid high school crush that Ive harboured for years, im choosing you because I know that you have everything I need in a partner in order to have a successful marriage. Im not saying that we wont have our bumpy roads and rocky paths, its inevitable that we will. Instead Im saying that while I know that marriage may be tough, you’re the only person I want by my side when I conquer those bumpy roads and rocky paths. And I know that with you Allah will always come first, and I know now that that is what is most important."

Now it was Zahraa’s turn to reply and again she was at a loss for words. What could she say at a time like this? How could she even fathom what her heart was feeling?
“Okay Zaheer” she said eventually. “Let’s do this. I’m with you. I’ve always been with you. Let’s travel this path together. Let’s do it.”

Zaheer smiled and Zahraa smiled in return

No longer apart, now they were finally together.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Chapter 15: The letter

Zahraa received the letter via email early the next day. She read it slowly. Then she read it over and over again.

I'm not good at this kind of thing. I'm not the guy who writes poetry, who cries for sappy music and is aware of all of my feelings. This is not my thing, and I know I’m not good at it.
That being said, please forgive me for what will probably be a failed attempt at an honest rendition of my heart.

You once said that our two hearts weren’t meant to be together. Well, I have to disagree. I think that our hearts were never meant to be apart. You are a part of me as I am of you. Forever more.


I know that I failed you. When you said that you didn’t want to chat anymore, I should have agreed then and there to stop it all. I should have chased after you until I caught up, and married you right then. More than anything I feel bad that you were the one that had to end it all. I should have known, for my own imaan, not to engage in acts that would lead to sin. In all those moments with you I forgot Allah, but you never did. Not only that, you reminded me too. And for that I will always be grateful!


My father said that when contemplating marriage you should ask yourself whether the girl would make a good mother, wife and a trustful companion. In your case, I can easily answer yes for all those questions. You are the best choice. Your looks might fade someday and any infatuation between us may slowly wither; but your character and your spirit will never die, and those are the two best things about you. It is for that very reason that my heart is a witness.. I could never give up on you. You were always meant for me.
 I need you in my life Zahraa, your passion astounds me, your piety inspires me and you wisdom spurs me on. You make me want to do everything better. You have improved my life, and I cant bear to let you go.
I wont try to make any excuses for myself. I have failed you and I know that. I handled everything so wrong. I didn’t think that I was ready for marriage, but that was just fear that was crippling me. Now I know that Im ready, and I know that there is only one person that I want to take that plunge with. I know that you have someone else in your life right now, but I ask, no I beg you to give me as second chance. And if you do, I promise- I’ll spend my lifetime making it up to you and treating you in a manner that you deserve to be treated.


So I ask you, Zahraa, please forgive me. Please overlook all my faults. Please let me find my way back into your heart. Oh and Zahraa, please marry me.
Zaheer


By the time Zahraa was done with the letter tears were streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The end is here!

Ok...so this story will be concluding this week and because of this things are going to be a little different.
So please...this is the part where you pay attention.
Each day, from Monday to Thursday a new post will be put up at 8:30 am.

On Monday and Tuesday the post will be the last 2 chapters of this story.
Wednesday will post a short epilogue.
Thursday will post an important but meaningful message to all the young girls who have been following this story.

And that will conclude it all.
I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this journey as much as I have.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Chapter 14: Discussion and Deliberation

It was a day after Ahmed’s waleemah, and Zaheer was still at a loss for words. As soon as his encounter with Zahraa had ended, he had contemplated fixing it. When he got home he went straight to his computer with the hope of sending her email that might fix everything. But he didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know where to begin. Instead he ended up sulking, spending hours just lying on his bed and staring at his ceiling.

Now a day later Zaheer, afraid that the ceiling pattern would be imprinted in his mind forever, decided that he needed to stop sulking. So he got up, left his room and roamed about the house. He didn’t really know what to do. He was in no mood to leave the house and still recovering from yesterday’s events. He went to sit in the lounge where his father was reading a book.

No sooner had his son sat down that Imraan closed his book and looked at him enquiringly. “What’s wrong?” Imraan asked.
“Nothing.” Replied Zaheer evasively.

Imraan was silent for a moment. He looked carefully at Zaheer and said: “Come on, tell me what your problem is. Your mother and I can both see that something is going on.”

Zaheer, whether too exhausted to pretend as if everything was alright, suddenly started speaking. Not one to share so much information with his parents, Zaheer surprised even himself.

He told his father about everything that happened with Zahraa over the past few years. He told her how much he cared for her. He explained how Zahraa had ended things and how out of touch they had become, and then further explained all that had happened yesterday.

Imraan listened intently to all that Zaheer said.

When Zaheer had finally finished Imraan just looked at him without saying anything.

“So what should I do now?” asked Zaheer.

Imraan remained silent. Then he slowly and methodically he began: “well son, I can see that all this is bothering you, but I really don’t see the problem here.”

“What do you mean?” asked Zaheer astonishingly. “weren’t you listening to me?”

“Oh I was listening.” Replied Imraan. “I just cannot see what the problem is. It all comes down to a simple question really; do you care enough about this girl to marry her, yes or no?

Zaheer hesitated for a short while, contemplating how best to illustrate his feelings and concerns. “Yes, I really care about her.” Zaheer answered “But that was never the problem. The problem was always that we were too young, and well, marriage was a problem for me.

Imraan shook his head slowly: “No no son” he said: “Marriage is never a problem in Islam, instead marriage is the solution to the problems. What are you so afraid of anyway?”

Zaheer thought about it for a while before answering: “How can I be a good husband?” he asked. “I mean look at me, I'm not ready. I mean a couple of weeks ago I thought I might lose my job. I cant even take care of myself, how can I take care of her?”

Imraan grinned a soft grin and gently shook his head again. “What is wrong with you youngsters today” he jokingly teased. “Sometimes I think you all go out looking for drama! Why are you all always complicating matters? It’s so simple, let me explain.”

Imraan sat forward, clearly concentrating now, ensured that he had his son’s full attention,and then began explaining.

“You see” he explained. “Provision comes from Allah. doesn’t Allah tell us that Allah is the provider? So we need to always remember that Allah has our provision sorted out. Furthermore we just need to ensure that we are obeying Allah, and that we are satisfied and grateful for the provision that Allah has granted for us.” Imraan paused for a moment before continuing. “Let me tell you a little story. When your mother and I just got married, we lived next to a sweet old lady. This lady had 2 sons. One of the sons were rich and the other one was poor. Each day the poor son would come and visit his mother. He would bring for her groceries and presents. He would take her shopping whenever she needed. Often she would tell us all about how good he was and how happy he made her feel. Now keep in mind that this was the poor son. He didn’t have that much to spare- but he always took care of his mother. As for the rich son, well to be quite honest, we only met him once. His mother hardly spoke about him and he didn’t seem to come see her very often.

Well over the course of time we would hear how the rich son got a divorce and various other problems in his life. He didn’t seem to be very happy and his life was filled with problems. As for the poorer one, well he was always happy and carefree. He had a loving wife and family and he seemed as if he had true contentment.

Their story was a lesson for me, a lesson that I’ll teach you today. Money and wealth does not give you contentment. Contentment is a gift from Allah. You get it when you do things that Allah loves, like helping your mother or caring for your neighbour. You cant buy contentment.”

Zaheer was beginning to get the point, but he let his father continue without any interruptions.

“You see” Imraan said. “If you get married because you want to abstain from sin, then Allah will make that path easy for you. And more than that, if you do the right thing, Allah will give you contentment. Life is not about money. Life is not about the numbers, this is not mathematics. Provision comes from Allah, so why must we sit and worry about it? Can you understand this?”

Zaheer nodded his head slowly. “So I guess” he replied “that what you’re trying to say is that I shouldn’t really stress about money stuff. But how can you say that, especially since providing for our families is our responsibility? Don’t you stress about it all.”

“Yes,” replied Imraan. “It may be our responsibility, but where does it come from? Only Allah! As for me, I don’t worry about it. Each day I make a special dua to Allah, each day I go out seeking only halaal rizq, each day I work hard at my job- to try and deserve this favour of Allah, and each day I thank Allah for all the bounties that He bestows upon this family.”

“So basically” Zaheer asked “you’re saying that I should have married her?”

“Uh uh” replied Imraan. “I'm saying no such thing. I'm giving you the facts of life here. Now that you understand these facts, you can make an analytical decision. You’ll have to consider, is this a good girl? Will she make a good mother, a good wife? Will she remain faithful and true to you? Is she Allah fearing? Will she provide you with a good home. These are all questions you must consider before contemplating marriage. Its not all about the romance and hormones. Marriage is an important decision. You have to approach it level headedly and considerately. Its not like the Hollywood movies. Their marriages never last anyway, do they? What I'm saying is this: when you reach a point where you're considering marriage, don’t wait around for the day when you’ll get a better job or higher salary- understand that Allah will put blessings in your money when you do the right thing. Furthermore when you’ve found someone special, make sure she’ll be good for your condition in this life and the next, make dua, ask Allah for guidance, consider it all carefully; then make your decision. That’s the best advice I can give.”

Zaheer remained silent, clearly lost in thought.

Imraan got up and began leaving, patting Zaheer encouragingly on his shoulder. “Don't worry son” he said positively. “It sounds harder than it is. Just put your trust in Allah, then all will be easy.”

“Thanks for this.” Zaheer said. Imraan nodded and walked out.

For a while Zaheer just sat there, completely still. He sat there in silence, contemplating the past, the present and the future.

After much deliberation Zaheer went into his room, switched on his computer and began writing a letter.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Chapter 13: The Aftermath

“I'm such an idiot!” Zahraa sobbed hysterically . “I mean a part of me thought that when we saw each other again everything would just automatically fix itself.” How stupid can I be?”
After her conversation with Zaheer, Zahraa had managed to stoically maintain her composure. Miriam had seen the two of them talking and was curious to know what had happened. But Zahraa, afraid of her emotions getting in the way, had brushed it off evasively. She had spent the rest of the day juggling as much tasks as she possibly could, just to keep her mind occupied. When Miriam had insisted that she stop working and just enjoy the waleemah, Zahraa insisted that she didn’t want to. The truth was that she was afraid of silence and peace right now. She needed to keep moving, to keep doing, lest she find the time to actually digest all that had just happened with Zaheer.

It was in the stationary car with Miriam, after the waleema, that she finally succumbed to her emotions and broke down.
“What have I done?” Zahraa said, blowing her nose. “I mean I’m the one who ended it, right? So it’s all my fault, isn’t it?” As she said this her tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

“Listen” Miriam said, trying to be the voice of reason. “You did what was right. Don’t doubt yourself. You feared Allah enough to end it with someone you really cared for. What other alternative did you have?”

“I could have controlled it” Zahraa cried. “I could have just had enough self control. We could have made it work. And now he’s gone forever and it’s all because of my stupidity.”

“How could you have made it work?” Miriam asked, trying her best to console her. “You know as well as I do that these things are impossible to control. You know how you feel in those situations Zahraa, affection, attraction, arousal- it’s all like a drug that we so easily get addicted to. You just want more; you don’t even stop to think about the consequences.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t need to end it completely Miriam” Zahraa said. “I'm sure there must have been another way.”
“Well” Miriam continued encouragingly “At the time, in your case, there wasn’t another option. Yeah, it would have been great if Prince Charming swooped in and married you. Then you could have had it all. But that didn’t happen, and that wasn’t you fault. So stop acting as if you did something wrong. You didn’t!”

Zahraa remained silent, wiping her tears away.

“You have to believe me” Miriam continued “You’re an inspiration for us all, so please don’t even question all your beliefs.”
Zahraa actually giggled: “An inspiration” she said mockingly, half crying half laughing. “Come on Miriam thats taking it a bit far.”
“No I'm serious” Miriam replied laughing: “Do you remember a couple of months ago there was a guy that I was In to?”
“Yes” Zahraa replied. “I remember, that guy from work right?”
“Yip, that same one.” Miriam replied. “He was all sweet and stuff and I really liked him too, but after a while he wanted to get too physical, you know what I mean right? so well, I ended it. And listen Zah, though I never told you before, I have you to thank for that.”
“Great!” Zahraa said sarcastically. “another person lonely and miserable because of me!”
“Stop it!” Miriam shouted playfully. “I'm not joking. I admire you. Sure, I liked the guy. But I kept on thinking about you. If you could let go of Zaheer, who you liked so much, because you feared doing something wrong, then how weak must I have been to continue things with this guy? That thought gave me strength. If you could do it then I could do it.”

Clearly emotional, Zahraa started sobbing again.
No need for words or arguments, this time Miriam just remained silent.

After a while Zahraa stopped crying, reached for a tissue and wiped her face. “I guess its just that at times like this I just question myself.” Zahraa said. “I mean it’s not like he dumped me for someone else you know. If he did then I think I would have just moved on with life. And even though I always blamed him, I always really understood why he didn’t wanna propose. I get it, really. It was just so much easier to blame him. But I guess that there’s really nobody to blame, is there?”
“I guess not”, Miriam replied sadly.
“And I guess” Zahraa continued “that its just sad because I just realized the distance between us. Its like tonight, for the first time, I realized that we’re actually apart. Somehow that was just so shocking, and so sad.”

“You know Zahraa” Miriam said: “You’ll only end up with who you were meant to end up with. Maybe Zaheer and you were just not meant to be together. Sometimes in life people go out with each other for years, doing all sort of crazy bad stuff, and then they still don’t end up getting married. So maybe you and Zaheer were never meant to be together after all. At least you can console yourself with the knowledge that you stayed away from all that stuff because you feared Allah more. If you guys were meant to be together, it would have happened. He would have proposed, you would have said yes and that would have been the end. I think that you should feel happy, because Allah knows what you went through and Allah will not only reward you for it, but will still give you what’s best for you. You never forgot Allah, and insha Allah Allah wont forget about you!”

Zahraa remained silent. But after a short while she said: “Thanks Miriam, that helps alot.”

After that Zahraa’s mood improved dramatically. “Its getting late Miriam” she said. “Maybe we should head home now.”

On their way home Zahraa suddenly said: “By the way, I really don’t think it’ll work with Haarith. I mean clearly I still have unresolved issues and feelings and stuff with Zaheer right? After tonight, I just don’t have the stomach for all of that with Haarith you know? Besides, it wouldn’t be fair on him right now.”
“Are you sure?” Miriam asked.
“I think so.” Zahraa replied. “He’s really great, but I just really cant picture myself marrying him right now. And I think it’ll be better to end it now, in the beginning stages. And well, I’ll just make dua and ask Allah for guidance right?”
“It’ll all be fine.” Miriam said.
“Insha Allah!” Zahraa replied. “I really hope so!”

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