As-Salaam-Alaikum 

Plz pray before you read if it's time to pray and you haven't...

Enjoy the Chapter!!!

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"She believed in me when People rejected me..." 

- Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) speaking about his wife Khadeeja

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Arina's POV

Once done with the Airport- style security checking, our carry-on bags were screened  and we walked to a metal detector. We also filled out a health questionaire just in case. 

We were then directed by one of the crewmembers to the check in line where we each of our picture was taken and we were issued with a Cruise card which will serve as our ID cards on board. 

It was now finally time to board the ship that has been waiting to receive us. We followed the signs given to the gangway where we encountered some ship photographers.

The extremely excited Alina did not let this opportunity go and request for some pictures. Alina pushed me and Adam first and did not listen to our objections even once so we had to accept our defeat.

I and Adam stood next to each other and posed for a picture but the photographer signaled us to come a bit closer and a bit more. I felt Adam's shoulder brush against mine and his arm wrapped around my waist making me look at him surprised while he was facing the camera and that's when I heard the camera clicked and the picture being taken. 

Alina squealed and jumped seeing the picture and then demanded some family photos of us four. After taking a bunch of pictures we finally walked on the gangway up to the entrance of the ship.

We entered the atrium of the ship. The atrium of the ship is known as the heart of the ship. It was so beautiful with glass elevators and spiral staircases to take the passengers to their respective cabins or decks. There was hustle bustle, live music was playing and there were high ceilings featuring panoramic views of the whole scene from the upper decks. This 360 degrees fun spot is also home to the Guest Service Desks and gift shops and cafes. It looked like we were in a mall. 

Thankfully, Our suites were ready so we took the elevator to the deck where our suites were situated in. Once we reached Alina's suite, she entered telling us that she will join us in our suite in 15 minutes and same with Alex who was busy snapchatting.

Me and Adam entered the beautiful suite and I was awestruck looking the enormous suite with the amazing furniture. I dropped my backpack on the nearby couch to take a quick tour of the suite with Adam well, I had to drag him by the hand with me. Argh, his mood swings can be really annoying at times. 

I was so glad we had a balcony in our bedroom as I love coming to the balcony first thing in the morning to admire the beauty of the nature created by Allah. I find happiness in stargazing sounds cliche but blah, running around in the rain especially playing soccer in the rain and hiking in the beautiful mountains. 

The ocean view from the balcony was so mesmerizing, the blue see the skyline of Barcelona could be seen from the balcony. The birds flying around was a sight to see. I saw that the entrance of the ship was closing indicating that we will soon set to sail.

I felt a presence behind me and the scent of Adam's cologne filled the air.

"Beautiful" He whispered 

"I know" I smiled and looked ahead

We stayed there for a while until we heard a knock. Adam proceeded to open the door revealing Alex behind it.

"Hey!" He greeted and we greeted back

"Are you guys ready? We want to tour the ship, don't we?" Alex asked why munching on his snickers bar.

"Yeah sure we will just join you! Where is Alina" I asked 

"She is in front of her room talking to someone on the phone I guess"

"Ok!" I smile and he leaves

I grab my backpack and wait for Adam but he doesn't come.

"Adam? We have to go"

"I can't go now. You go and I will join you guys later." He replies

"Reason?"

" I have a video conference in about 5 minutes with some clients back in States"

"But Adam we are on holiday!! Not here to attend video conferences!" 

What's up with this guy attending conferences everywhere whether its home or holiday!

"This one is really important and it's just an hour long! I will join you after that. I promise."

"You always do this!" I huff and turn around to go not before hearing him sigh 

I meet up with Alina and Alex, Inform them about Adam and we go towards the Elevator in order to go to the atrium.

The ship has already left the port and started sailing to our first excursion which was Ajaccio, France. 

We first proceed towards a nice cafe to get some drinks and then start to check out the gift shops. Me and Alina find some really beautiful earrings and decide to buy them whereas Alex buys himself a perfume.

Then we go to collect our photographs and pay for it before going to the deck which has the swimming pool and outdoor activities. Everything looked so beautiful Masha Allah.

I decided to face time Maya and show her around. Good thing Amira is also with her so me and Alina talk to them for a while and Alex is doing some photography with his camera. Soon Adam join us so I bid goodbyes to the girls and check if it's time to pray Asr and it is. 

We find a quite spot and Adam leads the prayer while me and Alina stand behind him and do the same. Once done with prayers, Alex decides that we go to the Arcade room and play some games so we agree and proceed towards the Arcade room.

It was so much fun! We played the games for so long competing against each other. I win most of the game against Adam to which he said:

"I am being a gentleman letting you win"

So I challenged him for the next one and guess who won again? ME! 

I used to play these games a lot since childhood. I and Zaid used to play Wii, Xbox and Ps4  a lot till now. Ah, miss those times.

We even played some Girls vs Boys games, Had the best time of our lives. An hour before Maghreb prayers we went to our suite, getting some drinks and snacks on the way. We video called home and talked to mom for a while before watching TV.

Alex went to his room to take some rest before the welcome dinner organized by the Cruise. Normally the Cruises don't have their Formal Nights on the first and last evening of the Voyage due to the luggage handling concerns but they wanted to welcome us to with the Formal Night.

Soon its Maghreb time so we pray our prayers before getting ready. The men will be wearing suits and the ladies formal dresses.

I take my dress out and get everything set while Adam goes to get ready once he's done it now my turn. I wear my dress:

I wrapped my hijab around the head, put on some really light makeup and wear my heels walking out of the room not before grabbing my clutch. 

I see Adam waiting by the door so walk towards him. 

He looks at me and says "You look...presentable?" I roll my eyes in my imagination of course but give him a smile.

He can't even compliment!

"You don't look bad yourself" I reply

"I never look bad!" He says proudly making me roll my eyes at him in real this time

We walk out and meet the others before going to the ballroom on the main deck. Everything is so beautifully decorated and the crew members were waiting to welcome us. There was slow music playing in the background.

Soon the ballroom was filled with people. Men were dressed in elegant suits and polished shoes whereas ladies were dressed fabulous gowns with gleaming jewelry. Everyone was dressed in their finest attire with smiles on their faces. 

When everyone was in the hall, the captain started his welcome speech and this was an opportunity for us to meet the ship's officers. After that, there were a few performances. The amount of effort that went into organizing this night could be seen clearly. 

After the performances, it was time for the photography sessions. I and Adam took some couple pictures with different poses. It was quite an awkward situation but the pictures came out perfect Masha Allah. I took some pictures with Alina and all four of us took some as a group.

Soon it was time for dinner so the appetizers were served on our tables. For the main course dinner, we had to go to the buffet to get the dishes we wanted.

Alhumdullilah they had a section serving only halal dishes and drinks. The sumptuous dishes on the tables were making my mouth water. I and Alina got our desired dishes and sat together to eat and the men did the same. 

After dinner it was time for the couple dance, Mother Alina once again demanded me and Adam to dance.

I was reluctant to this idea as there were a lot of people around and I would never be comfortable to talk in front of them.

"Arina! I know what you are thinking but they are going to dim the lights so no one will see you" Alina reassured

Adam placed his hand in front of me and I gradually accepted it placing my hand in his and walking with him to a corner.

The lights were dimmed and music started playing. Everyone started dancing, Adam placed his hands around my waist and I placed mine on his shoulders and started dancing.

I could see Alina sitting on the table having dessert and Alex asking some girls if they wanted to dance with him but was turned down as they already had partners so eventually started dancing alone with a cone of ice cream in his hand.

Looking around I could see everyone in their own world and Alina giving me thumbs up. This girl!

"Arina! Stop fidgeting with your fingers and relax! It's just a dance" Adam said

"Umm..Yeah, I'm relaxed!" I gave him a small smile

He doesn't have any idea about the butterflies in my stomach as if they are celebrating Eid.

Soon the dance came to an end! Alhumdullilah.

After a couple of performances, there was a closing speech with a round of applause and then everyone started to proceed towards their cabins to retire for the night.

We also proceeded towards our suites. Saying our good night to the others me and Adam made our way to our room. I quickly took a shower and dressed up into my Pj's. I then wore my abaya on top for the prayer while I waited for Adam to be done with the shower.

I placed the prayer mats on the floor when Adam finally came out.

We prayed, recited Surah Mulk and then laid down on the bed, ready to call it a night.

"How was your day?" Adam asked

"Amazing Alhumdullilah" I smiled 

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HEYYYY!!!

How are Y'all?

Alhumdullilah I am good!

RAMADAN MUBARAK!!!!

Alhumdullilah we are blessed with another month of blessing. Make the best out of it everyone! Please include me and my family in your prayers. 

My exams will still be going on in Ramadan which is argh so sad but oh well.

7 exams done and 12 to go Insha Allah so please pray for me.

For the countries who have Ramadan Mubarak!

And for the countries like mine..How did your first Roza go? Alhumdullilah mine went great!

Anyways! Hope you like the chapter!

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT!

Love Y'all

-Iiman