30. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?

Hassan's pov

The waves moved slowly, crashing gently against each other and the shore. The light ocean breeze was soothing on our skin as we walked on the semi-dry sand toward our destination. The moon reflected on the water, casting a soft glow around us.

It was a little after nine o'clock, and we had just finished praying Isha before getting ready to come here. Leaving the house without praying was never an option, and I felt so grateful to have found someone who values Salah as much as I do.

Halimah looked like an angel in her white dress. I'm not sure what it's called, but it flows and has many layers, making her look almost otherworldly. She really represents the light she has brought into my life. My Nur. Just as the moonlight helps us see through the dark tonight, Halimah lights up my life and helps me through tough times.

She turned to me, and from the crinkle of her eyes and the slight squint, I could tell she had a big smile under her niqab.

I had arranged a private picnic on the beach to end the night, and I was impressed with how quickly it was set up, considering I had booked it last minute.

As we walked, up ahead I could see the soft glow of lanterns and fairy lights lighting up a cozy nook just for us. The blanket was laid out perfectly, adorned with plush pillows and a throw blanket, for us to settle in and relax. A wicker basket sat in the center, filled with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fresh fruits, and chocolates. Two wine glasses and a bottle of Apple juice were nestled beside it. The employee from the catering company seemed to be putting the finishing touches as she spruced up the pillows. Anna, if I remember correctly. She was the one I was in contact with from there.

"Hassan, this is so pretty!" she gasped as she finally noticed the setup. She looked up at me with excitement, starting to walk faster. Her enthusiasm made her pull me along, causing me to panic slightly at her speed.

"Halimah, be careful, baby," I said quickly, gently slowing her down.

She huffed but complied, and we finally reached our destination. Anna approached us with a friendly smile.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Musa. I hope everything is to your liking?" she asked politely, gesturing behind her.

"Yes, everything looks so pretty," Halimah exclaimed, lightly clapping her hands in glee.

Anna and I laughed, amused by Halimah's clear childlike happiness.

"I'm glad it's to your satisfaction. I will be taking my leave now. Have a good night," Anna said as she picked up her things and left.

Halimah looked back and forth between me and the setup, and I chuckled as I realized she was quietly waiting for my go-ahead.

"Go ahead, Nur Ayn," I said with a soft grin, motioning for her to sit down.

Halimah squealed with delight as she took off her flats and settled down against the pillows facing the ocean. She looked perfectly at home with the serene aesthetic around her. I removed my shoes and joined her, sinking into the soft pillows shoulder to shoulder.

I wrapped my arm around her, snuggling close, which made her giggle softly.

"Hassan, this is so sweet of you," she cooed, turning to face me. Her hands reached up to caress my cheek.

"You deserve this and more," I replied, melting into her embrace. "Just being with you is everything I could have hoped for. Your presence brings me peace," I continued genuinely.

I couldn't fathom how I had managed to live without her in my life. Allah had given me the strength to get by in those days, knowing that He had the ultimate gift waiting for me. I am so grateful that He didn't take away my blessings because of my past mistakes. Halimah is Allah's mercy to me.

Halimah stared up at me, her pupils expanding as her eyes filled with tears.

"I... love you... so much, wallah," she said in a shaky tone, her voice cracking.

I felt myself tearing up from the overwhelming intensity of my feelings for this woman. If Allah weren't protecting me, my heart would burst from the love it held for her.

"I love you with everything in me," I responded, giving her a peck on the bridge of her nose. I lifted her niqab slightly and moved closer, peeking under it to see her face. Her cheeks were tinged red, and she wore a wide smile that made me chuckle.

She closed the small gap between us and gave me a tender kiss, then pulled back with a giddy laugh. She clapped her hands lightly and turned towards the food display. As she inspected each item, she burst into laughter, picking up a container and turning to me. Her reaction made me laugh as well, imagining the expression she must be making under her niqab.

"Hassan! You made that poor lady prepare chocolate-covered pickles for me? This is so embarrassing, ya Allah!" she exclaimed, still laughing.

"I wouldn't dare leave out your pickles, baby, no matter how weird it is," I teased.

"Well, thank you," she said swiftly, opening the jar and carefully lifting her niqab to take a bite, making sure she didn't stain herself.

I joined her, picking up a container of chocolate-covered strawberries and taking a bite. Halimah turned to stare at me, and I quickly realized she wanted a bite too. I offered her one, and she accepted with a smile.

We ate in silence, enjoying all the food. Halimah feeding me and vice versa. After we packed away the containers, I moved to sit opposite Halimah. I rummaged through the bag I had brought and pulled out a red henna cone. Halimah squealed with delight as she lifted up her niqab after making sure the coast was clear , doing a little dance in her seat.

I laughed at her excitement. Halimah had been begging me for weeks to do her henna. I kept telling her I would think about it, but secretly, I had been practicing so that when I did it, it would be perfect.

I pulled out a black cloth and laid it on her lap to avoid staining her white dress, then rolled up my sleeves. She mirrored my actions, rolling up her sleeves with a big smile on her face.

"Do you have any designs in mind?" I asked, hoping she actually had none because I had been practicing one specific design and felt confident I could replicate it perfectly on her hand.

"No, no. You do your thing," she said excitedly, wiggling her fingers in front of me.

I took her left hand and placed it gently on her cloth-covered lap, then squeezed the henna paste onto her skin and started drawing.

Surprisingly, Halimah sat still and didn't move around as I had expected. She remained in place but chatted away, talking my ear off. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The henna design began at her wrist, covered her hand, and crept up her pointer finger. I held my breath while working on the tiny details, even incorporating my name into the design. Naturally.

After thirty minutes, I was finished. I reached into my bag for a mini electric hand fan to speed up the drying process. Halimah laughed, saying, "You came prepared, huh?"

"Of course," I said with a smirk, placing the fan close to her hand and scrutinizing the design to make sure it was perfectly done.

"Hassan," she called softly, placing her hand under my chin and lifting my face to look at her.

"Thank you for this... for everything," she said tenderly.

"Baby, I—" I started to say, but she interrupted me.

"No, listen to me. I never thought I would find this kind of love in this dunya. I thought love wasn't meant for me. I didn't know I would find the love of my life, and it turns out you were closer than ever. Thank you for loving me wholeheartedly, with all my flaws. You always brush off what you do for me as if it's nothing, but it's everything to me. You're my dream come true, and you have to—no, you need to—believe and understand that. Our baby is going to be so lucky to have such a kind, gentle, loving, and selfless father," she finished in a shaky tone.

I was stunned into silence, listening to her speak. I cleared my throat to distract myself from the sob that wanted to escape.

"Thank you," I finally said once I composed myself.

"Forever welcome," she responded softly.

I looked down at her hands and saw that the henna had dried. I got up and offered my hand to her, helping her stand.

"Let's go wash the henna off," I suggested.

Halimah looked around as if to ask where.

"The ocean, silly," I said teasingly, pulling her with me.

"Uh, Hassan?" she called as she walked beside me.

"Yes?"

"You do realize I can't bend down low enough to wash my hands, right?"

"Good thing you have a hunk of a husband who will do everything. All you have to do is stand there."

"Show off," she mumbled, not so quietly. I gave her a playful glare as she giggled.

"Waddler," I said as a comeback. She's recently been waddling, and it's the most adorable thing ever. She denies it every single time.

"Hey!" she protested, giving me a shove. It didn't move me an inch, but I overdramatized and stumbled with a groan.

"SubhanaAllah, Hassan, are you okay?" she rushed out, wrapping her arms around my waist to steady me.

"Better now," I said cheekily, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She laughed, realizing my antics, as we walked into the lukewarm ocean water.

I bent down, scooping up water and pouring it over her hands as she rubbed off the dried henna, careful not to stain her dress. I did this about four times until all the henna was washed off, leaving the design on her hand. I had to admit, I did a pretty good job. Halimah gave me another hug of appreciation, then stayed in my arms as we stood in the water, watching the waves race down to the shore.

The moon beautifully illuminated the scene, casting a gentle, silvery light through the darkness. The soft glow reflected off the rippling waves, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

This moment reminded me of a deeper truth: no matter how dark life may seem and how much pain you are in, there will always come a time when light must break through the shadows. Just as the moon's light gently dispels the darkness of night, hope and relief eventually find their way into even the most troubled hearts.

Life is filled with its share of challenges and hardships, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and lost. But just as the moon continues to shine night after night, offering a beacon of light in the vast darkness, so too does hope persist. It may seem distant and faint at times, but it is always there, waiting to guide us through our toughest moments.

Standing with Halimah, feeling her warmth and love, I was reassured that no matter what difficulties we might face, we would overcome them together.

The moon's light also symbolized the mercy and blessings of Allah, reminding me that He never leaves His servants to struggle alone. Even in our darkest hours, He provides signs and moments of relief, guiding us toward ease and understanding. The trials we endure are temporary, and with faith and patience, we can get through them, emerging stronger and more resilient.

As we stood there, the gentle waves lapping at our feet and the moonlight reflecting in Halimah's eyes, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I knew that no matter what lay ahead, we would face it with the unwavering belief that light will always find its way into our lives.

If the hurt comes, so will the happiness.

Fa inna ma'al usri yusra

So surely, with hardship comes ease.

~

Assalamu alaikum!!

Excuse my tardiness, I'm slammed with tests and assignments. Exams are coming up too so I'm all over the place. I hope you like it.

#FreePalestine #FreeCongo #FreeSudan

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