Time skip.
As Iliana stepped into her home, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She quickly took a warm bath, washing away the day's stress, and slipped into her cozy clothes that wrapped her in comfort. Standing in front of the mirror, she began drying her golden-brown hair, which glistened like spun gold under the soft light, casting an almost magical aura around her.
Once she felt refreshed, she turned her focus to her evening prayers, knowing it was time for Isha. Kneeling on her prayer mat, she whispered, "Ya Rab, I'm just your sinner servant. Please, never abandon me, my dear Rab. Since my parents left this world and returned to You two years ago, the absence has felt like a heavy weight on my heart. Life without them is so harsh."
Her voice trembled as she continued, "My Rab, grant me the strength to carry on. Ya Rab, please protect me from falling into haram and guard me against those who think ill of me."
As she bowed in sujood, tears streamed down Iliana's lovely cheeks, each drop a release of her pent-up emotions. In that moment of vulnerability, she let her heart cry out, seeking solace and connection with her Creator, feeling both the pain of loss and the hope for guidance
Iliana woke up at midnight, her footsteps soft against the floor as she roamed through her house. The stillness of the night wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and then her eyes caught the moon, shining brilliantly outside her window. A chuckle escaped her lips, and her blue eyes sparkled with delight at its heavenly glow. "Very beautiful, MashaAllah..." she murmured, feeling a deep connection to the beauty above.
The beads in her hand glided smoothly between her fingers as she began her zikr, each repetition a soothing balm for her soul. "Ya rab, grant me sukoon," she whispered, her heart longing for tranquility.
As she performed her tahajjud prayer, every sujood became a moment of solace, a chance to connect with the divine. With each bow, she felt the weight of her worries lift, replaced by a sense of purity and peace. "Ya Allah," she prayed earnestly, "tomorrow I will start my new project. Please, grant me the strength and guidance I need." The serenity of the night enveloped her, filling her with hope and determination, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
On the other hand, Eiden was slumped in his chair, lazily sipping wine, his clothes a mess and the chaos of his room reflecting his inner turmoil. Everything was broken, scattered around him like the pieces of his mind.
"Son? What happened? Why have you been like this for a week?" Eiden's mother entered the room, her heart heavy as she took in the sight of him, barely able to stand straight, lost in his own world.
"Mother? It's been a week since I've slept. My eyes are heavy, but I can't find any sukoon. Damn this freaking world!" Eiden's voice was thick with frustration and weariness, as if the weight of the world was crushing him.
"Well, you don't believe in any religion or in God, so how can you expect to find sukoon? If I told you about my faith as a Christian, you'd probably just brush it off. And your father follows Islam, which is one of the best religions out there. Why not give it a shot?" she suggested, hoping to reach some part of him.
As she began to gather the mess he had created, Eiden's anger flared. "Every religion is freaking shit, especially Islam!" he shouted, his words laced with bitterness and defiance.
Seeing her son so enraged, his mother didn't want to escalate the situation. With a resigned sigh, she turned and left the room, leaving Eiden to wrestle with his demons in solitude, the silence of the room only amplifying his turmoil.
The next morning, Iliana prepared herself with care, her black abaya shimmering like the stars in the night sky. Her striking blue eyes complemented her attire perfectly. Clutching a rosary in her hand, she continued her zikr, finding solace in the rhythmic prayers. After slipping on her gloves, she stepped outside to her car.
As she exited her house, she softly whispered, "Bismillah," when she spotted her assistant waving at her. "Mam, here!" Asma called out.
"Assalamualaikum Asma, good morning!" Iliana greeted her warmly as she settled into the car.
"Walikum assalam, Mam. A very good morning to you too!" Asma replied with a bright smile, starting the engine.
As they drove, Iliana gazed out the window, letting her arm rest comfortably on the ledge, lost in her thoughts. The world outside blurred by, each passing moment a fleeting glimpse of life.
When they arrived at the company, Eiden stepped out of his vehicle at the same time. He wore a stylish brown coat over a crisp white shirt, paired with brown jeans that accentuated his casual yet polished look. He noticed Iliana as she exited her car.
"Good morning, green chameleon," Eiden said, casually slipping his hand into his pocket as he stepped in front of Iliana, leaning down slightly to catch her gaze.
"Mr. Archaeopteryx, let's get to work," Iliana replied, her annoyance evident as she shot him a disgusted look. In a swift motion, she crushed his foot beneath hers.
"Ouch! Foolish lady, just so you know," Eiden winced, trying to mask his surprise with a playful tone.
Iliana turned and walked into the company, leaving Eiden staring after her in disbelief.
"Asma, check the details of today's project," she instructed, greeted by her colleagues as she made her way to her cabin. Eiden trailed behind her, taking a seat at the table in front of her as she settled into her chair.
"Sit down, Mr. Archaeopteryx. Don't test my patience," Iliana warned, her focus shifting to the recent documents spread out before her. Eiden remained perched on the table, undeterred by her words. Just then, a knock interrupted them, signaling that it was time for Miss Iliana's coffee.