Anisa sat by the window, her sketchbook abandoned on her lap, staring at the soft golden hue of the evening sun. The quiet of the apartment made her mind wander, and suddenly, a memory from four years ago came rushing back, vivid as if it had happened yesterday. š
She remembered how it all began,in college.
Though they were in different faculties, fate seemed determined to bring them together. Classes, assignments, and mutual friends created moments of chance that slowly turned into conversations, laughter, and then something far deeper. š
Her first real visit to Zayan's small home came soon after their friendship became more. She remembered stepping into the modest house, noticing the careful attention of Zayan's mother and elder sister. Their eyes had scanned her from head to toe, judging every detail of her appearance, every gesture, every smile.
She had felt their scrutiny, the weight of their expectations, and the invisible barrier they had created. Zayan had explained later how reluctant they had been to accept her. Arguments had flared, voices raised, and harsh words spoken,words that still lingered in her memory like sharp echoes. š
Anisa could still hear Zayan's mother's stern voice:
"Zayan, my sonā¦ you are not meant to be with a girl who doesn't fit our ways. Anisa is Christian; we believe in Allah. Your paths do not align. If you continue this relationship, you will have no place in this house."
The words had cut through the air and into their hearts. š
And yet, Zayan had taken her hand;firm, determined, unwavering. š¤
He had chosen her over everything he had ever known. He had left the house, ignored the protests, and come to live with her in this new neighborhood, risking his family's approval and comfort for love.
Anisa remembered the trembling strength in his grip, the quiet promise in his eyes that he would protect her, no matter what. That day had been a declaration,not just of love, but of defiance, sacrifice, and courage. š
She closed her eyes and let the memory settle, feeling the warmth of that choice once more. Every hardship they had faced since then, every small struggle, every sacrifice had stemmed from that same moment,a man choosing love over all else, and a woman brave enough to follow.
Even now, she could still feel the determination in his hand, anchoring her in ways that no words could describe. āŗ