The next day, Aaliyah arrived at the university library earlier than usual, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She had been thinking about Hamza nonstop since their chance encounter the previous evening. Was it normal to feel so drawn to someone you had just met? She shook her head, trying to focus on her books, but her mind kept wandering.
A few minutes later, she noticed him sitting at a corner table, quietly reading, his backpack at his feet. He looked up, smiled, and gestured for her to join him. Aaliyah walked over, careful not to trip over her own nerves.
"Assalamu Alaikum," Hamza greeted warmly.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam," she replied, taking a seat opposite him.
For the next hour, they worked quietly, sharing notes and occasionally exchanging thoughts on assignments. Yet, beneath the calm, Aaliyah felt a tension she hadn't expected. She had never spoken to someone in this way—someone who seemed to truly listen, to respect her opinions, to understand her heart.
As they packed up to leave, Hamza cleared his throat. "Aaliyah… would it be okay if we walked home together? Just for a bit?"
Aaliyah hesitated. Walking home with a boy might raise questions, but something in Hamza's respectful gaze reassured her. "Okay," she said softly.
They walked side by side through the busy streets, careful to maintain a respectful distance. Conversation flowed easily, about studies, dreams, and life, but then Hamza paused, glancing at her.
"There's something I want to tell you," he said gently. "I really like spending time with you… but I need to be honest. My family… they have expectations. I don't think they'd approve of me getting close to someone without knowing her properly."
Aaliyah's chest tightened. She had expected this—after all, family was everything—but hearing it aloud made it real.
"I understand," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "My family… they would feel the same. But I also believe that if something is meant to be, Allah will guide us."
Hamza's eyes softened. "You're wise beyond your years, Aaliyah. I admire that."
They continued walking in silence for a few moments, the city buzzing around them, but in that space between words, a quiet connection formed—one of understanding, respect, and patience.
As they parted ways at the corner of her street, Hamza bowed his head slightly. "Tomorrow, same time?"
Aaliyah smiled, her heart feeling lighter. "Insha'Allah," she replied.
That night, as she prayed and reflected on the day, Aaliyah realized that love wasn't just about feelings. It was about trust, respect, and faith. And even though challenges awaited, she felt a quiet certainty that their hearts had truly aligned.