This chapter is dedicated to Nightingale520, Jazakillahu khair for the dedicated votes❤️. She is also writing an interesting piece. Do check it out.
#Jazakumullahu khair❤️💕#

Aa'yat's POV

I dressed up and waited till Habiba arrived. We then headed to class together.

When we arrived at the entrance, the voice of the lecturer could be heard loudly through the sides of the class, so we hesitated for some minutes before we finally summoned the courage to enter.

We got in and the lecturer paused as he addressed us by telling us how he destets late coming and that we should never come late to his classes again.

We apologized and took to our seats. I turned to my side and Inayat's friend caught my attention. She seemed to be looking at me earlier before I turned to her. I looked away immediately as I didnt want to have any business with them.

Genetics? I sighed. This isn't new to me.

This isn't new to us either. Habiba laughed.

30 minutes into the boring lecture, Habiba was busy on her phone while I adjusted my siting position as I was already having a back ache. It was a lab, what was I expecting?
Sitting stoods sat everywhere in the class and those who didn't get to sit on those sat on the long tables.
Me and Habiba included.

I turned to look behind me and to my greatest surprise saw a figure which looked like Junaid. He was so focused on what he was penning down that he didn't even realize my gaze was fixed on him.

OMG! Thank you God. Now I believe in coincidences. I whispered with smile as Habiba turned to see who I was talking about.

What are you saying???..... She whispered in return.

That guy over there, is my knight in a shinning armour. My crush. I chuckled.

Who? Junaid??? The shy and reserved guy? You gotta level up your taste sis, I doubt this guy can give you the love you deserve. He doesn't know anything pertaining love. She rolled her eyes as she continued pressing her phone.

Junaid's POV

I sat down with Mansur by my side and my other male colleagues, as we anticipated the arrival of the lecturer.

She walked in alongside her friend and I lowered my gaze immediately.
Ya Allah, she looks so gorgeous on Hijab. I praised.

The lecturer came in and the lecture began.

Minutes later, Aa'yat walked in alongside a lady I recognized as Habiba. No one really likes her in our department and she has no friends. She acts so proud and belittles almost everyone.

Subhanallah, What is Aa'yat doing here???? I questioned in defeat as I asked Mansur.

I don't know Man. Could she be in this department?? He asked back surprisingly.

I doubt it dude. Let's just wait and see. I answered in wait.

She sat close to Habiba and from the looks of things, they were here for the lecture.

Ya Allah, I can't let her see me. She would jump at me again which I don't want to happen. I almost cried.

I just focused on the lecturer and kept jotting down some vital points.

Suddenly, a guy called my attention to something and as I raised my head to see, it was Aa'yat.

She was waving at me as she muttered the word "Buddies" if I heard her well.

I silenced her with a finger on my lips as I turned to face what I was doing.

I would just agree to being buddies once and for all in order to avoid other future stalking scenes. I declared in my mind.

Could she have purposely come here just because she wanted us meeting one more time???
Just how much findings has she done to know this much about me. I thought.
Well I should really talk to her about this after this class. I don't want things getting out of hand. I added.

One hour and some minutes later, the class was over and I checked to see if the lady I love was still nearby. Alhamdulilah she wasn't. I smiled.
I really don't like it when we meet or share gazes because she doesn't seem to like it either.

I walked behind Mansur as we walked out of the class.

Look Junaid, it's the phone number girl. Mansur called out as we got downstairs towards the department's exit.

It was Aa'yat. She was sitting on the built blocks reserved for sitting alongside Habiba.
Way to go fate, I could barely even summon the courage to talk to her alone talk more of having Habiba at the other end. I sighed in distress.

We kept walking further and just as we approached them, Aa'yat stood and followed us.

I could hear Habiba's voice mouthing something to her. I should head out first, but don't worry, I would be sitting in front of zenith Atm. I decoded.

Junaid!..... She called out and I turned.

She walked closely towards us which made Mansur and I to dress back a little.
She then halted.

Hello Mansur, she greeted.

Assalamualaikum sister. Mansur greeted back but got no response.

I see we met again..... She smiled widely at me.

Subhanallah...... I muttered in defeat as I returned with fake smile.

What are you doing here Aa'yat? I asked calmly.
There seemed to be students approaching so we went aside to somewhere more calm and silent as Mansur and I still maintained a reasonable distance from her.

What are you doing here? I asked again.

Well, this is my department. She answered.

What? How?? You must be joking. I have never seen you in this department before which implies you are lying. I accused.
Tell me the truth, you came here because you wanted to prove your abilities right??? I added.

So funny.... She blurted out. Fine, I like you and if possible want to keep seeing you every blessed day, but you really think I would go as far as attending your lectures???
Do you even know how annoying some lectures are??
Well, I wasn't here for you. I was newly transferred to this department and as you can see, that is why I am here. Nothing more. She confessed as I stared in silence.

I headed a sigh.... And gave a weak apology as I explained to her how I thought she came because of me and all.

Don't you worry, I understand you. You aren't the type to have ladies around and I totally respect that. I just came over to remind you on our agreement. She smiled.

"Being Buddies" she cheered.

Not buddies Aa'yat, Brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. I corrected.

Whatever, anyone is okay for a start. She smiled.

Fine. I agreed.
I checked my wrist watch and it was 10 minutes past 12pm. It is almost time for Zhur. I called as I turned to Mansur who has just been watching us both all this while.

Oh, you mean the afternoon prayer right? She queried.

Yes, Mansur answered in my stead.

We should head over to the masjid now. I stated. And you should be on your way to perform your salat too. I added as I waved and turned to leave with Mansur.

But I was stopped by a sentence she blurted.

I don't pray...... I think I heard her say.

What? Did I just hear you well? I asked in confusion as I looked at her in the eyes for the very first time.

Yes, I don't. She repeated.

Why? Aren't you a Muslimah? You said your name was Aa'yat right? Mansur began questioning but I cut him off.

You look as if you are telling the truth. I confirmed.

Yes I am. She answered boldy.

Where are your parents??? I asked. Aren't they with you or something? Aren't they Muslims. Didn't they teach you how to pray??? I asked at a go.

Well, My mum is okay but I don't know about my Dad and I don't care. She answered. Plus my mum tells me to pray but she hardly taught me how. I mean she thought me how to but didn't last for long. She stated.

Why??? Solat (prayer), is a compulsory aspect of Islam and a must perform duty as a Muslim. It is amongst the five pillars of Islam at that.

SOLAT (PRAYER) is the second pillar of Islam after Shahadah (faith). Muslims are required to pray five times daily and also being a Muslim, it is obligatory on us to offer solat five times daily.

Solat establish a direct relation with the believer to the creator Almighty Allah. When Muslims prays no matter alone or in the congregation, they are standing in front of Allah without any discrimination. When Muslims pray in the congregation they all stand together and at that time, all are equal no matter how rich or poor one is.

SOLAT IS COMPULSORY AS A MUSLIM!!.....

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an; "Recite what is sent of the book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer; for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance that Allah is the greatest thing in life without the doubt. And Allah knows the deeds that ye do." (Qur'an, 29:45)

In another verse, Allah Almighty says: "And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down in worship." (Quran, 2:43)

"They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite God's revelation through the night while prostrating." (Quran, 3:113)

Allah Almighty says about real friends and relate them with offering solat in the Holy Qur'an in these words:
"Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His messenger, and the fellowship of believers,- those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly in worship." (Quran, 5:55)

In one of the prophet Muhammad SAW Hadith, the compensating nature of prayer is described in these words; "The five daily prayers and the Friday prayer until the Friday prayer is an explanation for what is between them." (Sahih Muslim).

Abu Huraira reported that the messenger of Allah said: "The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself (Sujud), so make supplications.

In another Hadith, prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said, "Between faith and unbelief is abandoning the prayer." (Muslim)

The prophet SAW said: "The key to Paradise is prayer; the key to prayer is wudu (Ablution)." (Musnand Ahmad).

THEN WHO ARE YE' TO NOT PERFORM SOLAT???
I queried.

She just kept looking at me in a confused state showing she didnt quite understand a bit of all I said.

I checked my time and it was time for Zhur already.

I let out a heavy sigh before asking her to hand over her phone which she did without hesitation.

I typed in my phone number and gave it back to her before uttering the words.
"We are buddies now okay....." I smiled

She let out a bright smile and happiness and joy were written all over her expressions.

Thank you so much dude... She muttered.

We should head to the masjid now. I said as I turned to Mansur who has been watching us closely all this while.

We baded her goodbye as we turned to leave.

I had a final conversation with my subconscious as we walked away.
"You approached me for a reason but I would accept you for another reason. You seem lost in this duniya, so I would win your soul back for Allah. In Sha Allah I promise..."

Waw Ma Sha Allah😪😭❤️

I wish I can try winning a soul too for Allah.....😥

See you next time Allah's willing.
Yhu_so_shy