Nuha was finishing up a few pending emails when her phone buzzed. Seeing Nawal's name flash across the screen, she smiled.
"Salam alaykum, Nuha! Are you free? I'm coming to pick you up so we can pray Jumah together," Nawal's voice was upbeat but slightly hurried.
"Walaykum salam, Nawal! Yes, I'm free," Nuha replied, grabbing her bag and locking her office door.
"Good! I've got to tell you about this case I just finished," Nawal said as she climbed into the passenger seat of her car. "Honestly, the way cases of rape are increasing nowadays… I swear, most victims are young girls, barely able to defend themselves. I just wrapped up one.. the rapist's a rich man's son. It was tough, almost impossible, but alhamdulillahi, justice was done."
Nuha listened intently, nodding as she buckled up. "Mashallah, Nawal… you never back down, do you?"
"Never. Someone has to stand up for them," Nawal said firmly. Then she leaned back, smirking. "Though, I have to admit, it's nice to have someone like you to complain to about all this darkness. Keeps me sane."
Nuha chuckled. "I'm honored. Though I'm not sure if I'm the best person for venting about crimes and courts."
"Oh, you're perfect. Soft enough to care, smart enough to understand, and brave enough to listen," Nawal teased. "Don't think I don't notice you being the perfect secretary for Mr. Shuaib either."
Nuha laughed softly. "You mean Mr. Strict-Professional-Can't-Smirk-Shuaib?"
"Exactly. How do you survive working with someone like that?" Nawal asked, genuinely curious.
Nuha shrugged, smiling to herself. "I just… focus. I can't let him see me flustered. It's part of the game, I guess."
Nawal raised an eyebrow playfully. "Game? Oh, come on, you're definitely enjoying some part of it."
"Maybe a tiny bit," Nuha admitted, rolling her eyes.
Rayyan, on his way for jumat decide to stop by at Nuha office to offer her a ride to the mosque but he office was locked.
" Where is miss Nuha go?" He asked a lady passing by
" Someone came to pick her up, I think she went to the mosque" she said
" Okay" he said but he wasn't satisfied.
He already got her a car so what was the deal
After Jumah, they decided to have lunch at a quiet restaurant. The place was nearly empty, giving them the chance to relax. They waited for the menu when suddenly, two men approached, walking toward their table.
Nawal immediately straightened. "Stay back! Don't even think about..."
Nuha grabbed her arm gently. "Nawal, look." She pointed discreetly at the security cameras and filming equipment.
Nawal froze, her eyes wide. "Oh… oh, we're being filmed?"
"Yes," Nuha whispered, stifling a laugh. "They're shooting a commercial or something. Relax."
Nawal's face turned red, and she quickly gathered her bag. "I feel so dumb right now," she muttered.
Nuha laughed softly, following her out. "You were heroic, though. Very heroic."
By the park, Nawal had already called Kaysan, who had brought Shan along. Nuha and Shan stayed a little apart, watching Nawal with Kaysan, completely at ease.
Shan leaned slightly toward Nuha. "She's fine, isn't she?"
"Yes. She's always fine when Kaysan is nearby," Nuha replied.
Shan nodded, then smirked. "And you? You look a bit tense."
"I'm running late for work," Nuha admitted, adjusting her bag.
He offered her a half-smile, gentle but teasing. "Then I insist on dropping you off."
Nuha hesitated. "Are you sure? You've already done enough today."
"I promised three days out with Kaysan, remember? And you're the last stop today," Shan said, leaning slightly closer. "Besides… I enjoy the company."
Nuha laughed softly. "You really love to be in control, don't you?"
Shan grinned. "Only when it comes to making sure you get where you need to be safely."
Nuha rolled her eyes, but there was a warmth in her smile. "You're ridiculous. And romantic, by the way."
"Romantic?" he echoed, mock offense in his voice. "I prefer the term 'considerate with style.'"
Nuha phone beeped, it was a message from ryyan telling her to pick up something from a store when coming back.
Shan dropped her off in front of the shop she needed to visit.
"Here you go," he said, glancing at her
Nuha smiled. "Thanks, Shan."
"Bye" he said, smiling as well
She stepped out, unaware that Rayyan was watching from across the street. His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw her getting out of another man's car. His jaw tightened, a protective instinct flaring briefly before he pushed it down.
Rayyan followed her into the shop, walking quietly behind her. "Nuha."
She turned, startled. "Sir? I… didn't expect…"
"I didn't see your response to my message, so I came myself," he said softly, eyes fixed on her.
Nuha's heart raced. "Oh… I thought I could pick it up quickly"
Rayyan's gaze softened as he stepped closer.
Nuha swallowed, feeling a warmth rise to her cheeks.
Rayyan leaned slightly, just enough that she felt the subtle closeness. "Your scarf… it's slipping," he said quietly, reaching out to adjust it. His fingers brushed her shoulder lightly, careful, gentle, intimate.
Nuha's breath caught. "I… thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The cashier, watching them, smiled. "Wow… you two… you look perfect together."
Nuha's face burned red, but she couldn't look away from him. Rayyan's eyes held hers for a moment, intense, almost claiming. "Shall we go?" he said finally.
They got outside and walked towards where he parked his car.
" Is your car faulty?" He asked
" No"
" Don't you like it?'
"I do" she replied, still slightly breathless from the moment inside the shop.
"Then why didn't you take it to the mosque?" he asked, his voice calm, but the slight tension in his jaw betrayed his curiosity.
"I went with someone… didn't want to stress," Nuha said softly.
Rayyan's jaw tightened fractionally, but he didn't push further. He opened the door for her, sliding into the passenger seat beside her.
The drive back to the office was quiet but charged. The smooth hum of the Lexus under them, the subtle brush of proximity, and the lingering tension from the shop made every second feel heavy with unspoken words.
Rayyan stole a glance at her from time to time, noting the blush on her cheeks, the way she fiddled with her bag, the soft, distracted smile on her lips. He wanted to reach out, to touch her, to hold her close but professionalism held him back, though just barely.
Nuha, for her part, felt the heat of his gaze like a gentle flame against her skin. She couldn't help but replay his careful, intimate touch on her scarf in her mind, and a small, shy smile tugged at her lips.
By the time they reached the office, both were acutely aware that the afternoon had changed something between them. The Lexus, the shop, the slight brush of his fingers..it had all been more than mundane errands.
Nuha stepped out of the car, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest, while Rayyan watched, silent, allowing himself a fleeting moment of indulgence in just being near her
In the evening, the front door closed softly behind Nuha as she got home
She stood there for a moment, keys still in her hand, listening to the familiar silence of the house. It wasn't the peaceful kind. It was the kind that felt like something was being swallowed whole.
"Ummi?" she called.
"In the kitchen," Aisha replied.
Nuha walked in and stopped by the doorway.
Aisha stood by the stove, though nothing was cooking. A pot sat there with the lid on, untouched. Her back was straight, her scarf perfectly in place, but her shoulders looked tense.
Nuha tilted her head. "You're pretending to cook again."
Aisha didn't turn. "I'm not pretending."
"You are," Nuha said, stepping closer. "You only do this when you're worried."
Aisha smiled faintly. "Since when did you become a mind reader?"
"Since I became your daughter," Nuha replied gently. "Ummi… what's wrong?"
Aisha finally turned off the stove and faced her. "Nothing is wrong."
Nuha crossed her arms. "You didn't even ask how my day went."
"I assumed you'd tell me anyway," Aisha said lightly.
"That's not true," Nuha protested lightly. "I can be very mysterious."
Aisha finally turned, drying her hands. "Mysterious? You? Nuha, when you're excited, the whole house knows."
Nuha grinned, then softened. "Okay… maybe a little. But today was… a lot."
Aisha sat at the dining table. "Come. Sit."
Nuha joined her, resting her chin on her palm.
"I got picked up for Jumu'ah today," Nuha began. "Nawal came all dramatic as usual. You know she never enters anywhere quietly."
Aisha smiled faintly. "I know."
"She spent the entire drive complaining about her latest case. You should have heard her. She was ready to fight the whole world."
Aisha nodded, listening, but her eyes were distant.
Nuha continued " it was a rape case she just won."
"A rape case?" Aisha asked softly.
"Yes," Nuha replied. "The girl was younger than me, Ummi. And the man… rich, powerful. Everyone thought the case would be buried."
"But it wasn't," Aisha said.
"Alhamdulillah," Nuha smiled. "Nawal fought like a lion. I was scared she'd jump out of the car and start arresting people herself.
"We prayed together," Nuha continued. "Then… honestly, chaos happened. I'll tell you later."
Aisha's fingers tightened around the edge of the table.
"And Rayyan?" she asked casually. Too casually.
Nuha blinked. "What about him?"
"You always mention him," Aisha said softly. "Even when you don't realize it."
Nuha laughed, embarrassed. "Am I that obvious?"
Aisha didn't answer.
Instead, she asked, "Did you eat?"
"Not yet " Nuha said.
A pause.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Nuha asked again, this time firmer. "You look tired. Not work tired. Something else tired."
Aisha inhaled slowly and looked down at her hands.
"I went out of town," she said quietly.
Nuha leaned forward. "You told me that."
"To your father's hometown."
Nuha's breath caught. "And?"
Aisha inhaled deeply. "And some doors should not be opened when the heart is not ready."
Nuha frowned. "That's not fair."
Aisha reached across the table and held her hand. "I know."
"Then tell me," Nuha insisted. "Please."
Aisha's lips trembled. "Not today."
Nuha swallowed hard. "Ummi… you always say we don't hide from each other."
"I'm not hiding," Aisha said softly. "I'm protecting."
"Me?" Nuha asked.
"Both of us."
Silence settled between them.
Nuha finally whispered, "Did you find my father?"
Aisha's grip tightened.
"Yes."
Nuha's heart pounded. "Is he...?"
Aisha looked up quickly. "Enough."
Nuha froze.
"I'm not ready," Aisha said, voice breaking just slightly. "And I don't want your night to be heavy."
Nuha's eyes filled with tears. "You're carrying this alone."
Aisha smiled sadly. "I've carried worse."
Nuha stood and wrapped her arms around her mother. "You don't have to anymore."
Aisha held her tightly. "I know."
A car honked outside exactly twice.
Aisha pulled away quickly and wiped her face. "That should be Danish."
Nuha rolled her eyes. "So impatient. I'll go get my bag."
At the door, she turned back. "Ummi?"
"Yes, my heart?"
"I love you."
Aisha smiled fully this time. "I love you more than my own breath."
As Nuha walked out, Aisha sat back down, her strength finally slipping.
"Ya Allah," she whispered, tears falling freely now, "give me courage."