"be pure; positivity will follow.
be positive; kindness shall blossom.
be kind;happiness will arise
be happy; love shall follow - hafsa."

Sulaaymaan had welcomed one of the last guests for the evening and ordered Aasiq to shut the doors.

Once he did that, Sulaaymaan bent close over his ear and whispered certain rules.

"I hope you'll be awake throughout the ceremony. And make sure to be around Afra at all times. We have to remember that she's the main target."

Aasiq nodded curtly, throwing glances over his men who were listening with deep concentration.

"In Shaa Allah sir, we shall do our level best. Please stay strong and calm."

Sulaaymaan patted his back and nodded his head at the rest of the men before taking off for the stage.

A large number of reporters pounced in his pathway, but he firmly held his hand and walked without giving as much as a glance.

If there was one thing he absolutely loathed from the pits of his heart, it was the incessant behaviour of the reporters and their tendency to pounce and make him feel enclosed and suffocated.

The large crowd had already started to cheer and applaud loudly as he climbed the few steps to the stage. Waving at everyone and smiling sweetly, he tested the microphone before him with his finger.

Positioning his hands over the high podium, he took in a deep breath and faced the silent mob of the audience who had their eyes curiously fixed over him.

"Assalaamualaikum and a hearty welcome to the members of my nation — "

The crowd burst into loud cheering. Taking a deep breath, he patiently waited for them to settle down.

"As I was saying, I welcome you all to this auspicious evening as we gather here to begin a new year of my life."

He stopped to lick his lips and gather everything that he had been preparing to say.

It was some sort of tradition that  birthday be celebrated. Despite the enjoyment it had brought along during the initial years of his life as he remained unaware, it only burdened his soul and made him feel uneasy on the spiritual level as an adult now.

Sure birthdays were the times of happiness and success.

However all he could visualise was the one year of his life that he had lost. And that was just wasn't the end. How he had lead that one year was the subject of unease and unhappiness.

"I stand here today with the motive of educating the youth of today — who — I've seen majorly involved in quite nasty habits."

The cameras flashing at his face didn't make him feel quite comfortable but he had made it a point to let his feelings rest no more as they were of essential need to the society.

"I am a leader. A leader whose job, whose objective is to guide the nation he rules and put forward policies and procedures that follow the universal law of justice. Furthermore, as a Muslim it is of utmost importance to me that my country followes the rules laid down by the holy scripture and by the commandments of the holy prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alaihi wa sallam. He had not put his efforts into cherishing Islam only to find us keep it locked in our cupboards or cabinets or racks and complain of unhappiness, depression and mental illnesses!"

The crowd remained silent — too silent — as they kept their gazes locked onto him.

"I am, as I've clearly mentioned, a leader. On the yaumal Aakhirah — or to put it simpler — on the day where secrets shall be revealed and justice shall prevail, I'll be questioned of how I handled my position as a leader. Every minute detail shall be interrogated. Whether or not you want to take my advice and follow the instructions I put down, it's upto you. I can — unlike what many misunderstand — show you something. Whether you chose to embrace the seen or ignore it solely depends on you. I wouldn't like to be punished for not complying to the rules of my duty as both a Prince and a Muslim."

He paused, ducking his head a little and swallowing the dryness in his mouth.

"First and foremost, let's start off by saying that this is the last time I'll be officially celebrating my birthday or anyone's birthday at that."

The crowd gasped, a reporter even dropping the camera. Sulaaymaan's eyes followed it's fall and scrunched his face as it crashed against the floor and ended up with a few pieces spreading apart from it.

"Um, sorry about that camera." He apologetically smiled at the dumbfounded man with a large cowboy hat. "I will pay you for it. Don't you worry mate."

He smirked confidentally at the man whose face broke into a grateful smile and diverted his attention back to the others who were smiling.

"I won't repeat that lest anyone should break something even more precious — "

Everyone laughed lightly and Sulaaymaan smiled and shrugged.

"However you all do get the idea of it. I have understood that birthdays are not encouraged in Islam. It's best to put the facts out since I'm aware of it. I have decided that instead of wasting money on extravagant preparations and celebrations, I'd like to donate and make use of the money I've been blessed with by giving charity. What I am easily throwing into lavish lifestyle can be used to fill someone's stomach with food. If that won't give you true happiness that I don't know what else will."

Everyone stood up while applauding and Sulaaymaan had to do something to show his appreciation and gratitude. As lowly as he could he bowed his head as a mark of respect.

A few minutes later they had all settled down, awaiting his resumal. He cleared his throat in the microphone, pulled it a little closer to his mouth and faced his entourage.

"The other thing that happens is we often forget Islam and that you and I have been blessed as Muslims. You forget that you've been blessed and that you need to be thankful for it. Stop wasting time, stop listening to music, stop indulging into haraam activities, stop getting into silly fights with fellow Muslims, stop getting into haram relationships, stop fighting with your parents, stop being a bad person in general."

His voice raised and as his gaze wildly swept across the audience, everyone looked at him regretfully.

"My dear brothers and sisters, time won't wait for you. It won't wait for anyone. Now you are sitting her with me. Who knows when the death angel shall descend to take you for the final journey ? Who knows if you'll get to tell your parents you love them ? Who knows if you'll ever be able to brace your spouse and confront your feelings for them ?....."

He trailed off, his gaze unknowingly getting stuck on Afra who was staring back at him from the table a few steps ahead of him. It was a dilemma ; he didn't really think he had the capability to give that empowering of a speech. His only aim was to let the people leave with something islamic than with cakes in their tummies.

And here — in a rather unbelievable situation — Afra was gazing at him with so much moistness in her vision that he felt heat crawl into the back of his neck.

Not able to handle the sudden change in emotions, he began to fluctuate his vision believing that she would end looking at him in whatever manner she was.

Unfortunately she didn't.

Not wanting to waste any more time and distract the audience than they already were, he awkwardly took ahold of the microphone and continued a little softly.

"It's high time we mend our ways. And being a leader,I am to encourage the religious habits of obtaining endless peace and tranquility. Without any further ado, let's move forward in the name of Allah. And lastly, let's hope and pray that Allah guides us all and makes us among the best of the Ummah."

Afra had almost lost a part of herself to his words. They were not only realistic but far more superior than anything she'd ever paid attention to.

It left her spellbounded. Although Sulaaymaan never had been anything like the image in her head, she still could not believe that he truly was working towards becoming a better human and an amazing Muslim.

He was a true leader.

She had left behind everyone, matching each of her step with Sulaaymaan's. Although she was far, away from his sight, it felt like their feet matched perfectly well. Everytime he kept a step forward she'd walk with hers aligned with his. And that brought immense happiness to her.

Their paths were the same.

Their goals remained the same.

All that mattered now was her hesitation to fade away.

She was very much blessed to have had a man who respected women as a husband. Who would do anything to keep his family happy. Who would go to lengths to make others happy. His scars reflected the true colours he beheld.

It was sad that Inaya's mother — Mariam — couldn't have her husband by her side. A man she so dearly loved and cared for.

Afra definitely couldn't feel what she did, but she could sort of understand what it must have been like now that she had been married.

H

er head crashed against a man's chest and was instantly grabbed by her arms.

Steadying herself, she held a hand to her head. At first she had forgotten that there was somebody still holding her. Quickly straining her neck, she peered uneasily into the brown eyes of Sulaaymaan's cousin.

"I'm sorry.....I...didn't see you."

She wriggled out of his grasp and staggered a few steps back.

He smiled causally and waved a hand around.

"That is absolutely fine."

She didn't listen to what he had said as her gaze naturally fell over his leg and stuck there. It was peculiar how he had a large plaster securely bound around his leg.

She titled her head slightly as several thoughts came tumbling down in her mind questioningly.

"How did you get hurt Mr Waasay ?"

She asked, almost threatingly. Something about that wound made her stare harder at it but when he didn't give her an answer she tilted her head to meet gazes with him.

His eyes looked into hers like he were inspecting them after which he broke into an anxious laugh.

She didn't join him. Her eyes narrowed.

"You see, I ended up getting bit by a dog. It was like two days ago."

Her eyes squinted even narrower.

"I see......"

She trailed off, shooting one last glance over his leg. After a quick moment, she sighed and stepped aside without giving him any indication that she was leaving.

After she had walked quite a distance away from him, she turned around and watched until he disappeared behind the staircase, limping.

"This can't be a coincidence. Those eyes, that voice, the very prepared leg injury....."

She trailed off, taking each step planning her move and analysing her thoughts.

In a few minutes, she had taken to her feet in a frenzy looking for Aasiq. If she could trust anyone at that moment, the only pwrson most applicable for the position would be him. Sulaaymaan was a few steps away and perhaps he had noted her frenzied state,but she didn't give much thought to that.

When after roaming the entire hall — and ducking several relatives trying to squeeze her in between them — she decided on getting her hands on any other member.

Behind Sulaaymaan — who was busily ordering people around — stood one familiar face from Aasiq's team.

Gathering her gown, she marched as fast as she could without trying to be seen by her husband.

As she stood behind that guard's tall figure shouting out to someone, Afra took a deep breath and positioned her palm over his shoulder to gain his attention.

He whirled around with a frown, but upon seeing her his face softened and a large smile paved way.

"Oh Miss Afra? How may I help you?"

Afra smiled politely and spoke in a hushed tone.

"I can't seem to find your leader Aasiq so I need you to convey my news to him and all the others."

His smile faltered and she nodded sternly.

"I want you to keep an eye on Sulaaymaan's cousin, Waasay. This man is very coincidental to me. His eyes, voice and not to mention that injured leg —"

"I'll get to it right away."

He had started to make a quick run, but Afra held him in place by holding his arm.

"Wait! We aren't done yet. Make sure to keep it as natural as possible. Keep a strict eye on him. And don't mention a word to Sulaaymaan."

He turned to face her with a frown.

"That's right. We're keeping it from Sulaaymaan. Waasay is his cousin. Sulaaymaan would want to give the benefit of the doubt to him which could give Waasay — if he's the one — the chance to escape or use the opportunity for his advantage."

The guard took a minute to understand and nodded vigorously.

"I understand madam. I'll get going."

Afra smiled and patted his back.

She stood and keenly observed her surroundings while peripherally watching him skim through the crowd to catch up with the others.

Once he had gone out of her sight, she took deep breaths to calm her perplexity. Today had been vety hectic for her and she had not handled so much all at once in a long time. Perhaps that was why she could feel her head begin to throb lightly.

Sulaaymaan had moved a little towards her left, while laughing with a group of males.

Seizing the moment she trudged to join him.

As she neared, the men around him started to fix their gazes upon her. She smiled and greeted softly to which they all replied back. Sulaaymaan turned around and his face brightened up with a goofy grin.

"Oh Afra ? What's up ?"

She pursed her lips and nervously shot her eyes across the small gang around him.

Sulaaymaan was quick to get the idea. He turned around and excused himself for a few minutes and returned his attention to her.

"You okay?"

She nodded and drew a little closer. 

"Alhumdulillah. However there's this one thing I wanted to ask you."

Her tone was hushed and naturally Sulaaymaan frowned.

"Sure, go ahead."

Afra bit her lip, hoping that he wouldn't take it too seriously.

"Um....you see I met your brother Waasay......?"

She dropped to being silent towards the end, wriggling her fingers and unsure of proceeding.

Sulaaymaan nodded and smiled enthusiastically.

"You already met him? That's cool. I mean, I haven't yet met my family."

He shrugged.

"Why not?"

He pursed his lips, eyeing the surroundings.

"There was just too much to look after. Finally I'm left to myself now so...."

He trailed off, smiling at her.

Afra stayed quiet a moment and slowly began to talk again.

"So, erm....you see I was worried kind of for him. Waasay I mean."

Sulaaymaan's carefree smile died and a frown took its place.

"What do you mean?"

She shrugged, trying to keep it casual.

"You didn't know ? A dog bit him. He has this huge plaster around his....now which leg was that.....?"

Sulaaymaan blinked at first. And then he frowned even harder.

"Dog bit him? When?"

Afra innocently nodded.

"Two days back."

Sulaaymaan repeated her words in disbelief. And a few minutes later, he chuckled.

"No no....I'm pretty sure you've misunderstood him for someone else. I just met him last night for assisting me in some shopping."

« Assalaamualaikum Princesses ❤.

How are you my loves?

Jazak'ALLAHU QAIRAN KATHEERAN for the immense love and support.

This book is on the #11 position. Alhumdulillah. Yay ! ❤❤❤❤

I can't thank you all enough for showering me with soooo much happiness.

Stay blessed and safe all the time.

Ilysm !!!! ❤❤❤

Much much love,
Me ;) »