The Morning's Awakening
It was morning. The soft light streamed through the window and fell into the room.
Onik was still in a deep sleep. Suddenly, a sharp sound of crying reached his ears. This was not the crying of regret from the previous night; this cry was the outpouring of a profound, unbearable anguish rising from the depth of the heart.
Onik scrambled up. He saw Ira sitting on one side of the bed, her back leaning against the headboard. In her clenched fist was a folded piece of paper.
Ira was crying so hard that her body was shaking. Her tears, which had been remorseful last night, had today turned into a shriek of intense rage and betrayal.
Onik quickly got out of bed and rushed to Ira.
Onik (voice worried and confused):
"Ira! What happened? Why are you doing this? What is that in your hand? Please tell me!"
Ira looked up. Her eyes were red, swollen, and her gaze held no love—only intense hatred and the pain of being betrayed. All the tenderness she felt for Onik last night instantly dissolved into revulsion.
As Onik reached out to put a hand on her shoulder—
Slap!!
Much louder and with full force than the night before, Ira delivered a stinging slap across Onik's other cheek. Onik, startled by the unexpected blow, nearly fell but managed to steady himself. This blow did not just land on his cheek; it struck Onik's very soul.
Ira (shrieking, every word on fire):
"What have you done to me! I gave you everything! And what did you give me?! You are of a different religion... why didn't you tell me?! I am Muslim, and you—"
Ira couldn't finish. Her crying intensified. The fact that he had concealed this truth for so long felt to Ira like the greatest deception of all.
Onik stood there, hand on his cheek. His eyes were downcast, for he knew that at this moment, nothing he said would reach Ira. He knew this explosion was inevitable. He had made a mistake—concealing the truth was his fault.
Onik (suppressing the pain, almost a whisper):
"Ira... listen. I... I mean... how did you find out?"
Onik couldn't finish his sentence. Ira threw the paper in her hand at Onik. It was likely an ID card or some other document.
Onik (head bowed, admitting the truth despite his hesitation):
"You are right... I tried to hide it because I was afraid... I am not Muslim. I... I am a Christian."
Hearing this, Ira seemed to tremble even more violently. No tears were falling from her eyes now, as if all her water had dried up—she just stared at Onik with fury and disappointment.
Ira (in a savage voice, lips trembling):
"Afraid? Were you afraid of me? Of my faith? You knew how difficult the difference between our religions is! Yet you deceived me?"
Ira rapidly moved towards Onik and tightly grabbed his shirt collar, pulling it. Fire blazed in her eyes, and her voice was broken by her crying.
Ira (shouting, shaking Onik's shirt):
"I gave you everything! Everything! What I gave, I am not the same girl anymore! You know this well! Knowing all this, you played such a game with my life!"
Ira's fingernails dug into Onik's skin, but he offered no resistance. The sting of his conscience was far greater than the physical pain.
As soon as she finished speaking, Ira's internal dam completely broke. Her screaming stopped, giving way to an intense wail. She held onto Onik's shirt and sobbed uncontrollably. This crying was not just for religion or identity; it was for the ultimate sacrifice of all her trust, love, and future, and the agony of being betrayed in return.
Onik stood still, head lowered. He silently accepted every word of Ira's accusation. He could not even raise a hand to soothe her, knowing that his touch would only fuel her hatred right now. He just watched through tear-filled eyes as the person he loved broke down because of his lies.
Onik knew that at this moment, only one truth could prove his love—the truth he had kept hidden for too long. He gently loosened Ira's hands from his shirt. Ignoring his throbbing cheek, Onik began to speak in a soft, steady voice.
Onik (with sorrow and regret):
"Ira... please, let me speak just once. I know there is no forgiveness for the pain I have caused you. All your anger, all your accusations are fair. I made a mistake, a big one. I truly... I'm sorry."
Onik momentarily let go of Ira. His eyes were fixed on her tear-stained face.
Onik (taking a deep breath, his voice emotional):
"Yes, I am Christian. And I hid this identity because I was afraid of losing you. But do you truly believe I wanted to deceive you? I loved you, Ira. I loved you so much that I wanted to make your world my own. I have been practicing Islam for a long time now, for you."
Hearing Onik's unexpected confession, the intensity of Ira's crying instantly ceased. Her eyes froze, and where there was only hatred a moment ago, now settled extreme disbelief and profound astonishment.
Ira (stunned):
"What... what are you saying?"
She quickly glanced at the folded paper (the ID) Onik had thrown. That paper confirmed his Christian identity—and now Onik was claiming he was practicing Islam! Struck by these two contradictory truths, Ira was speechless. She just stared at Onik in silence, her hands trembling, all the strength drained from her body by this single sentence from Onik.
Onik, who had been enduring the physical pain, the mental stress, and the burden of revealing his secret, finally could not take any more.
Onik (closing his eyes in distress):
"Ira..."
His head suddenly swam. All the strength in his body seemed to vanish in an instant. Before Ira could understand what was happening, Onik lost his balance and collapsed on the floor. His body went limp, the sound of the impact shattering the silence of the room.
All of Ira's anger, pain, and doubt instantly transformed into terrifying panic. She screamed.
Ira (in fear and anguish):
"Onik! Onik!"
She quickly knelt beside Onik's still body. Onik's cheek was still red from the slap, but now his face was pale, and he was completely motionless.
Ira (desperate, gently patting Onik's cheek):
"Onik, wake up! Talk to me! Please!"
With no response from Onik, Ira's heart pounded with fear. Without thinking, she quickly grabbed her phone. Her hands were shaking, but she desperately tried to recall an emergency number.
Ira (grabbing the phone quickly, whispering to herself):
"Doctor... I have to call a doctor! Now!"
She shakily found the emergency number on the screen and started to dial. Ira managed to call the emergency services for an ambulance. Her voice was trembling, but she somehow managed to give Onik's address. Minutes felt like hours. She put water on Onik's forehead, calling his name repeatedly.
Finally, the faint sound of a siren began to draw closer. A team of doctors and an ambulance quickly arrived at the house. Their presence slightly alleviated Ira's panic.
The doctor calmly assessed the situation. Onik was carefully lifted from the floor and placed on the bed. The doctor checked his pulse, measured his blood pressure, and examined his eyes.
Doctor (after the check-up, urging Ira to calm down):
"Don't worry, my dear. He is perfectly fine. This is likely the result of Extreme Mental Stress, Emotional Shock, and Physical Exhaustion."
The doctor added:
"His blood pressure dropped suddenly. It seems he has been under deep mental distress for a long time. And... (he paused for a moment looking at Onik's reddened cheeks)... these facial injuries probably couldn't handle the strain of the moment either. All he needs now is rest. I am giving him a mild sleeping pill so he can get into a deep sleep."
Ira breathed a sigh of relief. A huge weight lifted instantly from her entire body. Onik was alive—that was everything to her.
While the doctor explained the medication and instructions to Ira, she was still looking at Onik. Onik was in a deep sleep, a slight sweat on his forehead. Ira remembered her own slaps—the first from fear, the second from extreme hatred. She was the one who had caused Onik so much pain.
After the doctor left, Ira slowly sat beside Onik on the bed. In her hand was still the folded paper that had changed their lives in an instant.
Ira (whispering to herself):
"You did so much for me... and what did I give you? Two slaps and suspicion?"
Onik was now in peaceful sleep. And Ira, sitting beside him, was overwhelmed with affection and regret.
Ira sat quietly for a while. Then she carefully leaned towards Onik. There was no longer any sign of anger or accusation in her eyes; now, there was only deep affection and remorse.
Ira sat holding both of Onik's hands. She felt his hand was warm, but limp.
Ira gently touched Onik's forehead, then lovingly brushed his hair back. Her heart ached at the sight of his pale face. She saw the mark of her first slap on one cheek, and the reddish imprint of the second blow on the other.
Unable to stay still at this sight, Ira slowly brought her face close to his.
Then, in a mix of regret, love, and profound commitment, Ira leaned in and gave Onik a deep kiss on the lips.
Pulling away from the kiss, Ira whispered into Onik's ear—the words she had forgotten in the rush of her morning rage:
"Love you... I will never leave you, Onik. Never."
Ira rested her head on Onik's chest, vowing that from now on, her love would be the balm for all of Onik's pain. In this silent moment, she felt that their relationship had only been strengthened by this difficult trial. She closed her eyes, seeking calm in Onik's warmth.
Just then—
A deep, sacred sound drifted in from afar. Breaking the silence of the city, still under the effect of the sleeping pill, the call of the Adhan (the Muslim call to prayer) could be heard from a distance. It was the Fajr Adhan, the eternal call of Islam.
Upon realizing the truth of Onik's conversion to Islam for her, the sound of the Adhan brought a unique sense of peace to Ira's heart. This sound seemed to affirm Onik's sacrifice and the sanctity of their relationship. In emotion and reverence, Ira kept her eyes closed, the sacredness of the dawn lingering on her lips.
Meanwhile, despite being in a deep sleep due to the mild sleeping pills, Onik gently stirred, likely feeling Ira's deep breathing, her touch, or the change in the environment. Feeling the sacred sound of the Adhan and Ira's head resting on his chest, Onik woke up.
Waking up, Onik saw that Ira was not sleeping peacefully beside him, but was finding reassurance in his embrace, her eyes closed—perhaps because of the Adhan. There was no hesitation or pain in Onik's eyes at that moment, only deep love.
He very carefully, so as not to wake Ira, wrapped his arms around her. Then he gently kissed Ira's cheek. Onik's silent touch was the expression of his gratitude, his promise, and his eternal love.
But neither Onik's affection nor his touch could disturb Ira's tear-stricken body. Taking refuge peacefully in Onik's chest, Ira was now deep in sleep.
This early morning, after the lies, the anger, and the blow, one remained awake as the guard of love, and the other slept safely in the ultimate refuge of that love.
The first rays of morning light were just entering the room, and in that peaceful atmosphere, Ira was deep in sleep on Onik's chest. Onik was looking at her with love after kissing her cheek.
Just then—
Ira's phone, placed on the bedside table, rang. The screen displayed the name "Ma."
Onik flinched slightly. He gently moved Ira from his arms, and, without risking waking her, quickly picked up the phone.
Onik (in a very low, careful voice):
"Hello, Aunty. It's Onik."
Ira's Mother (from the other side, worried voice):
"Oh, Onik? Where is Ira? Put her on. Why did you take so long to answer the phone? Is everything alright?"
Onik knew he couldn't reveal anything about the morning's drama or Ira's condition. He quickly fabricated a casual lie.
Onik (in a calm and normal voice):
"No, Aunty, nothing to worry about. Actually, she was reading a very interesting book last night. She stayed up late reading the story, so she's in a deep sleep now. I answered because the ringing might have woken her up."
Ira's Mother (relieved):
"Oh! I thought maybe she was ill! Alright. But tell her not to sleep too long. And to eat something on time after she wakes up."
Onik:
"I certainly will, Aunty. Don't worry. I'm looking after her."
Ira's Mother:
"Alright, son, take care of yourselves. Talk to you later."
Onik:
"You take care too, Aunty. Bye."
Onik hung up the call and placed the phone back on the table. He sighed in relief that the situation had been managed. He saw Ira still sleeping peacefully and soundly, untouched by any external event. Onik gently stroked her forehead, assuring himself that she was not in any discomfort.
Onik slowly moved to the edge of the bed. He slowly and with extreme care lifted Ira into his arms.
Ira was still in a deep sleep. In Onik's arms, she lay limp like a soft bird. In her weight, Onik felt a deep sense of responsibility and boundless love.
Holding Ira close, Onik cautiously walked across the room. He pushed open the glass door and headed towards the balcony.
The cold, refreshing morning breeze touched both of them. Onik stood on the balcony.
Before their eyes, the vast, calm blue sea was visible on the horizon. The remnants of the night's storm had vanished, and the sea was bright and vibrant in the morning light. The waves gently crashed against the shore, and the immensity of the sea seemed to spark a new promise in Onik's heart.
Onik held Ira gently, placing his lips on her forehead. The vast scenery around them seemed to bear witness to their love—a love that was more immense and beautiful, having overcome all barriers, religions, and emotional pain. He breathed deeply, as if all his remorse and fear were being carried away with the breeze.
The sun had fully begun to rise on the horizon, and its light awakened a new conviction in Onik's mind. He realized that his greatest duty now was to fulfill the promise he had made for love.
After standing for some time, Onik returned from the balcony, taking extreme care not to disturb Ira's sleep.
He slowly and gently laid Ira down on the bed. Ira turned over, but her sleep did not break. Onik tucked the soft blanket around Ira. Then he gently kissed her forehead one more time.
Onik looked at the clock. The time for Fajr had not yet passed. He quickly prepared himself.
The time had come to take the first step on the new path he had vowed to walk for love.
With firm steps, Onik went to pray.
Ira was deep in sleep, and Onik began a new life of faith and love in another corner of the room.
After finishing his prayer, Onik quietly returned to the bed. He watched Ira. She was still in a deep sleep. To avoid disturbing her, Onik leaned against one corner of the bed. He picked up a book from the table—it was an introductory text on Islamic theology he had recently bought.
Time passed and it was noon.
After a long, deep sleep, Ira finally woke up. Her head felt heavy. Even with her eyes open, she remained still for a while, trying to understand where she was and what had happened. The emotions of the previous night, the intense crying of the morning, and the sight of Onik fainting flashed through her mind. Terrified, she quickly reached out beside her.
Her hand touched Onik's empty spot. Ira quickly sat up in bed.
And that's when she saw him.
Onik was sitting peacefully in an armchair right beside the bed. He was wearing spectacles and was reading an open, heavy book. His face no longer held the sharp anguish of the morning, but a calm, steady concentration. He wasn't wearing a shirt, just a t-shirt.
Ira was completely stunned by this calm, unfamiliar sight of Onik. She saw that the book, whatever it was, was certainly not about vampires; the letters were a mix of Arabic and Bengali. This silent scene was living proof of what Onik had said that morning—he had truly embarked on the path of her faith.
Ira stared steadily at Onik. A thousand questions filled her mind, but no word escaped her lips at this moment. She only saw that the man who had deceived her was the very man who had fundamentally changed himself for her. In her eyes now, there was no anger or accusation, only deep love and an unspoken question.Ira stared fixedly at Onik. The morning's events—the betrayal, Onik's collapse, and the blow she herself dealt—were still churning in her mind. This silence was unbearable. She had to speak.
Ira gently got off the bed. Onik, without raising his eyes from the book, sensed her approach by the soft sound of her feet.
Ira stood in front of Onik. Before Onik could speak, Ira softly pushed the book out of his hand and set it down.
Onik looked up at her through his glasses. His eyes held a silent question.
Ira (In a strained, broken voice):
"Onik... why... why did you do it? Why did you take such a risk? And... and that paper..."
She was about to speak—to unleash all the accusations, pain, and questions in her heart—at that moment, Onik looked at her. Onik said nothing, offered no explanation. He knew no words would be enough right now.
Onik quickly stood up. He wasted no time in pulling Ira towards him.
Onik held Ira tightly and with an intense, deeply passionate kiss on the lips.
That kiss held no mischief; it held the depth of his promise, the remorse for his mistake, and the fear of losing her. The kiss stole every question from Ira's mouth, silencing her complaints with warm affection.
Ira trembled at the unexpected intensity. She felt she still needed to talk, that she needed to break free from his embrace.
But Ira could not say, "Let go."
🌊 The Quiet Aftermath
When Onik's deep kiss ended, Ira felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and relief. But the mixture of the morning's trauma, Onik's illness, and the intensity of the kiss made her feel slightly awkward.
Ira felt shy. She gently slipped out of Onik's embrace. The difficult conversation was abandoned. All the answers she sought seemed to be contained in the touch of Onik's love.
Ira quickly moved towards the balcony.
She found a comfortable chair there. She picked up the discarded vampire storybook she had been reading. But her mind wasn't on the pages; she was simply looking for an excuse to stare at the morning sea.
Behind her were the glass doors and the soft light of the room. Behind her, the blue sky and blue sea shone like a vast canvas in the morning light.
On the other side, Onik showed no rush. He knew he should let Ira calm down on her own right now. Onik remained seated on the sofa, his glasses still perched on his nose.
He was sitting there, mesmerized. His gaze was fixed on Ira. All traces of the morning's pain had vanished, replaced by a serene smile on his face. He simply watched the person for whom he had made such a great sacrifice return to his life, safe and secure.
Behind where Onik was sitting, white curtains swayed slightly with the breeze. Through the gap in the curtains, the blue sea was visible, as vast and boundless as the deep peace and renewed commitment in Onik's heart.
They were both silent. One was pretending to read, and the other was reading the story of love in the other's eyes. This tranquil scene proclaimed that the storm was over, and the new chapter of their love had begun.