chapter 5:

I lay on my side in the comfort of my bedroom, a multitude of thoughts drifting through my mind as I contemplated the intricacies of life. Rays of sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm golden glow on the room. The gentle breeze ruffled my long brown hair, which spread across the pillow like an earth-toned waterfall. 

Outside, the sky stretched out before me, a vast expanse of blue that seemed to hold infinite possibilities. It was a picturesque scene, the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a delightful picnic. Despite the calendar indicating the end of October, the weather remained surprisingly warm and inviting, adding an unexpected touch of tranquility to the day.

I stood up, took a moment to tie up my hair, and gazed out of the window. The view offered a glimpse of our beloved garden, a sanctuary that held a special place in my heart. It had once been my grandmother's cherished oasis, a testament to her love of nature. Lush flowers, meticulously planted by her loving hands, adorned the garden, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and scents. 

As I absorbed the beauty of the scenery, a soft breeze caressed my face, carrying with it a sense of peace and serenity. From the elevated position of our home, one could catch a glimpse of the sea in the distance, its azure waters shimmering under the sunlight. My eyes followed the path of a vibrant yellow butterfly as it gracefully alighted upon a crimson rose, adding an extra touch of elegance to an already stunning flower.

Something stirred within me, and I realized I had an overwhelming urge to capture this moment. My eyes shifted from the enchanting scene outside towards the pen and notebook resting on my desk. With a determined resolve, I reached for them and began to jot down my observations. Describing each detail, I sought to immortalize the beauty unfolding before my eyes, as if preserving it on paper would make it last forever.

Unexpectedly, my attention was diverted by a tall figure making his way toward our garden. He paused and scanned the surroundings, his gaze fixating on the delicate butterfly. Delving into his bag, he retrieved a camera and expertly snapped a photograph, a genuine smile gracing his lips. His appearance exuded strength and confidence, his physique adorned by a simple yet fitting white t-shirt, blue denim jeans, and black vans. It was clear that he took care of his body, possessing the kind of attractive features that would undoubtedly capture the attention of many.

A feeling of familiarity washed over me as I realized I had seen him before. He was the same strikingly handsome man who had appeared in my dreams not long ago. Surely, Allah had taken his time and imbued him with extraordinary physical beauty. From his sun-kissed complexion to the captivating glimmer in his emerald-green eyes, every aspect of his appearance seemed meticulously crafted. His rosy lips were softly drawn, complementing his slender nose and defined jawline, while the strength of his neck hinted at the underlying muscles that defined his entire form – strong arms, powerful thighs, and a well-toned chest and abdomen.

Caught in a trance, I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It felt as if he and I were the only two people in existence, our connection transcending the limits of the garden and encompassing an entire world of its own. When his gaze met mine, a look of pure admiration and awe shone through his eyes, as though I were the most captivating being in existence. Yet, I couldn't help but doubt the impossibility of such a claim, considering my disheveled appearance in pink pajamas, my hair fashioned into a messy bun, and my swollen face due to just having woken up minutes before. Despite these concerns, I was utterly unable to break the connection, transfixed by his presence.

In that moment, it became evident that he was a foreigner, standing out amid the familiar surroundings like an ethereal visitor from a distant land. Suddenly, he playfully winked at me, and a deep blush crept up my cheeks, engulfing them in a fiery hue of embarrassment. It was beyond clear that he had caught me stealing glances at him, and the mischievous smirk on his face served as undeniable proof.

Our interaction resembled that of two strangers, awkwardly caught in a curious moment of curiosity and attraction. He, a mysterious visitor trespassing in someone else's garden, captivated by a girl he had never met. Me, standing behind the curtain of my bedroom window, observing and admiring a man I had only encountered in the realm of dreams two weeks prior.

Before I could dwell further on this serendipitous encounter, a knock interrupted the suspended silence of the room. I turned around, concealing myself behind the veil of the curtains, a glimmer of hope lingering within me that this captivating stranger would grace my sight once more. 

"Come in," I said, my voice carrying a tinge of curiosity and anticipation. The door creaked open, and to my surprise, there stood the last person I expected to see - my mom. Confusion momentarily clouded my thoughts as I wondered why she had ventured into my room. What could be the reason behind her unexpected presence?

My gaze met hers, and I couldn't help but notice the warmth of her smile. It was a rare sight, one that immediately halted me in my tracks. Did my mom just smile at me? The realization struck me like a gentle awakening, unraveling a sense of wonder within me. Something was definitely amiss, for her smile held a secret, a hidden treasure waiting to be revealed.

As my mind raced with possibilities, my mom's words jolted me out of my thoughts. "Yes, mom, what do you want?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She maintained her radiant smile, adding an element of suspense to the air.

With a gentle tone, she spoke, "Zina dear, I have wonderful news for you." Her words hung in the air, the weight of anticipation settling over the room. My heart quickened its pace, mirroring the excitement that coursed through my veins.

Eager to uncover the nature of this news, I leaned in, waiting for her to continue. The suspense grew thicker, enveloping the room like a thick fog. My mind spun through countless possibilities, wondering what momentous revelation awaited me.