The Untainted
– Messages in the Dark
The night was too quiet for Balkis.
She sat at the edge of her bed, staring at her phone like it might explode.
One message.
Just one.
And yet it felt like she had tipped over something fragile.
Her screen lit up.
Unknown Number:
It's noted. We'll handle it from here.
Her throat went dry.
That was it?
No questions.
No hesitation.
Just… we'll handle it.
Her conscience screamed now.
What have you done?
She locked her phone and threw it gently onto the bed as if distance would erase responsibility. But the message echoed in her head.
She told herself it was harmless.
She only shared information.
That's all.
She didn't lie.
She didn't fabricate anything.
She simply mentioned the upcoming dinner at Qazeem's house.
That was public knowledge anyway… right?
Her chest tightened.
But why did she send it to Segun?
Why did she feel like she had just opened a door that shouldn't be opened?
The Next Morning
Rihannat woke up uneasy.
Not scared.
Not anxious.
Just… unsettled.
She sat up on her bed and whispered her morning adhkar softly, letting the familiar words steady her heart.
"Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel…"
Her phone buzzed.
Rayyan:
Don't forget, your mom said they're finalizing outfits today for the dinner.
Dinner.
She exhaled slowly.
The formal visit to Qazeem's family.
It suddenly felt heavier than it had the night before.
At Basit's House
Basit barely slept.
He stepped out into the living room early, finding Ridwan already there, staring blankly at nothing.
"You didn't sleep," Basit stated quietly.
Ridwan gave a half smile. "You too."
Silence stretched.
Finally, Basit spoke.
"Do you think I'm foolish?"
Ridwan frowned. "For what?"
"For loving someone this much."
Ridwan's chest tightened.
He looked away.
"No. Loving someone isn't foolish."
"Then what is?" Basit asked.
Ridwan hesitated.
"Loving someone and not preparing yourself for the possibility that they may not be yours."
The words hung between them.
Basit absorbed them slowly.
"You think she won't be mine?"
"I think," Ridwan said carefully, "that Allah's plan is always better than ours."
Basit nodded.
But his jaw tightened.
Because faith doesn't erase longing.
Meanwhile…
Faridat watched Ridwan from the kitchen doorway.
He looked distant.
Different.
She felt something crack quietly inside her chest.
He used to laugh freely.
Tease her.
Stay longer than necessary.
Now he barely met her eyes.
And she finally admitted it to herself.
She didn't just miss his company.
She missed him.
Afternoon – University Campus
Rihannat walked beside Rayyan and Balkis, unaware of the storm swirling quietly around her.
Rayyan was animated, discussing fabrics and colors.
Balkis was unusually quiet.
"You okay?" Rihannat asked gently.
Balkis forced a smile. "I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
Every time she looked at Rihannat, guilt pricked her.
What if Segun does something reckless?
What if they show up at the dinner?
No… they wouldn't dare.
Would they?
Her palms grew sweaty.
"Balkis?" Rayyan nudged. "You've zoned out like five times."
"Just tired," she lied.
Rihannat studied her face for a moment longer.
Something was off.
But she didn't press.
Evening
Across town, Segun leaned back in his chair, rereading Balkis' message.
A formal family dinner at Qazeem's house this weekend. Important.
Bayo smirked. "So the godbrother is serious."
Segun tapped his fingers thoughtfully.
"Very serious."
"And?"
"And," Segun's eyes gleamed coldly, "important events are delicate."
Bayo laughed softly. "You're not planning to crash it?"
Segun didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he picked up his phone.
"Sometimes," he said slowly, "you don't crash events."
"You create distractions."
That Night
Rihannat stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her hijab.
She studied her reflection quietly.
Her heart felt conflicted.
Qazeem had always been kind.
Protective.
Respectful.
But lately, his presence felt more intentional.
More watchful.
And Basit…
She closed her eyes briefly.
Why does my heart feel heavier when I think of him?
She pressed her hand lightly against her chest.
"Ya Allah… remove from me what is not good. And protect me from fitnah I cannot see."
Outside her window, the wind rustled softly.
As if carrying unseen intentions through the night.
Three homes.
Three silent prayers.
Three hidden fears.
And one dinner approaching.
******************>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What will happen when intentions, jealousy, and pride gather under one roof?
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Sometimes when hatred and jealousy runs deep, it becomes hard to let go. So pray and stay away from it as it destroys your faith and connection to God. Only Allah's mercy can bring the heart back if He loves you!.
@OlukoyaZainab