"we meet people not by coincidence but by destiny. every person who comes always leaves behind fingerprints that teach us different lessons essential for a wise life - faaris."

Faaris had dropped Inaya just a while ago at Afra's place where she was staying with Hafsa and Afra's cousins . It may have seemed like he was Overreacting but what else could he do when Inaya was discussing certain Islamic topics with him even during the period when they were enjoying ice cream and in the car as well .

She was talking to him .

Faaris had lost hope in trying to reassure Inaya and build a good image of himself . Somehow , his deepest efforts remained unnoticed and there was so much stress he had , that for the time being he had decided to let things be and focus on his job more . He also was very much aware that a lot of important details were hidden from him , which if he disclosed to her , she would perceive clearly the reasons behind his actions .

However , Mariam had very strictly stressed out that she would be kept hidden to it . She believed her daughter would take drastic measures instead of discerning the whole story . Which Faaris highly doubted .

He knew Inaya as a responsible , strong willed and unbiased woman who strongly stood by the right and did her best at fighting with the wrong . That's what Daanish loved about her too . And so did he . He admired her passion and strength to do something for the welfare of the society . But then again , Mariam was her mother and she precisely knew her daughter more than anyone else .

Though Faaris still highly doubted it .

Now driving along to his apartment , he wondered if his relationship would eventually grow stronger with her or if she would still be hesitant to stay by his side . Eating together did seem like a small step towards starting out on something big and more beautiful , but he still had uncertain emotions haunting him .

Specifically the fact that she could find out about the truth that was hidden from her . He didn't mind it though because it was necessary to not have any secrets in relationships . But what made him jumpy was Mariam's warning about Inaya about how she would take a very uncalled step . Mariam knew Faaris loved her more than any word could ever describe and that he lived by keeping a photo of hers alongside him . If at all , she did leave him and go on her own path , he'd be dead mentally .

And he feared that .

Taking in a huge breath , Faaris pulled down the car window and realized that life offered more sorrows than happiness . It was an art of absolute art of delicacy to pull out the happy events from the sorrowful ones . If he had Inaya , he'd deal with the sorrows just as they were . But if he didn't , things could get very complicated and he would most probably die .

All he knew for sure was Allah had his back . That no matter what , everything that would happen would benefit him greatly in the long run .

Whether it be good or bad .

Or Inaya .

Sarah had been pondering upon her decision to write down letters to Derek to know him better . She figured the idea would serve as a perfect platform to help her get closer to him . Especially when she felt like she forgot how to speak in his presence , let alone be able to meet his eyes . Regardless of how awkward it felt when they were left all alone , she still felt comfortable around him .

Something that she never felt before .

However , thinking about it now , she didn't quite feel like he was fine with the letters . It had been two days since she first gave him her letter . It didn't contain anything much and would have taken a few hours at the most to reply back to it . Yet , it had been days and there was no sign of it .

She felt a tear slip down her cheek .

She should have known that nobody loved shy and introverted girls like her . Even if there were people who didn't mind it , it did not matter to her . Because the person she liked , didn't probably even know she existed . Without any friends and social circle , Sarah had always been isolated and pushed away . She had been very stupid in thinking that a guy like Derek would even appreciate her presence .

But atleast she had friends now .

Had she known earlier that her cousin and their friend would turn out to be such good people , she wouldn't have ignored Valerie's constant nagging regarding Afra and Elsa . Talking about Afra , she really missed her already and it had not even been a day . Her voice always rang in the house like sine hyperactive kid and she always hopped around , either disturbing anyone engrossed in their work or cracking jokes at anyone sitting idly .

Other than her , Sarah enjoyed Hafsa and Inaya's company greatly . While Inaya seemed mature and responsible , Hafsa seemed easy going and cheerful . She always found something good in any situation and cracked the whole serious feel . The other day , she met Mariam and was enthralled by what a strong and inspirational person she was .

Like everyone else , she too didn't like Muslims much . After reading about the several terrorists and ISIS in specific , she wished to never come across Muslims .

She was wrong . Very wrong .

What media portrayed was clearly not how Muslims were . Sure , there may have been many bad Muslims out there but that didn't mean every single one of them was a terrorist and was supposed to be treated as one . It was very unfair . She couldn't have forgiven herself for harshly treating somebody just by what the news told about them .

She loved Muslims .

"Hey , Sarah ."

Sarah's head snapped up to the door as she jerked up on her bed , relaxing when she saw who it was .

"Hi Hafsa ."

She took a seat in front of Sarah , putting a hand on her crossed leg . "Sarah , you've been crying . What's wrong ?"

Hafsa's face showed deep concern , almost making Sarah burst into tears .

"Nothing . I just.....felt like crying ." Sarah muttered .

Hafsa sighed and pulled closer to her , wrapping her hands around her waist .

Sarah's head rested on her shoulder .

"I don't know what you're going through . But God knows . And he is with you . As a matter of fact , all the pain you're going through is his doing . It is all a part of his plan . In the end , it's all for your own good . He wants to make you suffer so that you learn how to endure pain and torment in a better way and so that he can give you something much more valuable than what you had asked for . Or many a times , it is all a test . A test that you pass to taste the sweet fruit of success . No matter what , he'll bend you . But never break you . Don't give up hope . Hope is a survivor's greatest warrior . And a beautiful gift by God ."

Hafsa constantly rubbed her back , emitting a tremendous amount of warmth from her touch .

"Thank you Hafsa . You're the best ." Sarah smiled softly , pushing back her hair .

Hafsa winked ,"That I am ."

Sarah chucked and found herself laughing away her worries as her gaze stood transfixed on Hafsa's beautiful personality .

She had to just stay strong .

God would take care of the rest .