Chapter 8: Trust on Allah
At Home
That evening she removed her abaya, had dinner, and chatted with Kashaf.
Kashaf had recently come to Pakistan with her baby daughter, Inayah.
Zahra loved picking Inayah up whenever she slept.
This often led to playful arguments.
Kashaf would put the baby to sleep, while Zahra would wake her up just so she could play with her.
Oddly enough, Inayah never cried in Zahra's arms.
Holding the baby, Zahra and Kashaf discussed a girl their mother had chosen as a potential bride for Hadi.
Kashaf also asked Zahra about her studies.
Zahra answered absentmindedly while continuing to play with Inayah.
A Few Days Later
Professor Sarwar and Zahra were discussing something when Zahra brought up the cake incident again.
Professor Sarwar: “I've already apologized. In fact, this is the second time I'm saying sorry to you.”
Zahra: “It's alright. I forgive people. I do small acts of kindness now and then.”
She laughed behind her niqab.
Slowly, the two began talking more often.
Zahra found herself looking forward to those conversations.
At university, they discussed one topic after another.
A genuine friendship was beginning to form between them.
A Few Days Later
One afternoon, Zahra was sitting with Kashaf.
She wore a white shalwar kameez with a yellow dupatta, while Kashaf wore a green kurta with white trousers.
Zahra: “Kashaf, what if we arrange Hadi's marriage with Fajr?”
Kashaf: “To be honest, Mom mentioned the same thing to me, but I changed the subject.”
Zahra: “I'll invite Fajr tomorrow and ask her what she thinks.”
Kashaf: “I think it would be better to speak to her parents first.”
Zahra: “That's true.”
Kashaf: “Then I'll tell Mom.”
A few days later, Hadi and Fajr's engagement was finalized, and soon afterward their wedding date was set.
Preparations began immediately.
During the Wedding Preparations
Zahra: “Can I tell you something?”
Kashaf: “As if you'd stay quiet if I said no.”
Zahra: “Don't tease me.”
Kashaf: “Alright, tell me.”
Zahra: “Do you really think everything will be okay?”
Kashaf: “In shaa Allah. Fajr will take good care of the family.”
Zahra: “I hope you're right... but I have a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.”
Kashaf: “Zahra, not every feeling comes true.”
But Zahra knew something about herself.
Her intuition had never failed her.
She believed that Allah never guided His servant toward a false warning.