A/N: After reading this story, I hope, from the deepest of my soul, that you'll be kinder, more understanding, and more compassionate to our Muslim brothers and sisters. They're the most wonderful yet misunderstood people in the world.

Let there be light.

Epilogue

If I have to describe her, Parvana Naia Bukhari is an angel who stepped into a pandemonium.

Ito ang pumasok sa isipan ko habang mabigat ang loob na naglalakad sa dilim. It was so random. I had a very tiring day and I thought I would end it with a glass of brandy, and Naia, exceptional as she is, suddenly came into my mind.

The quiet chatters of people filled the room and the occasional tinkles of crystal glasses against each other rang in my ears. Lifting one of my heavy boots, I sauntered towards the waiting bartender at the bar and ordered the usual.

"You're back again."

Nilingon ko ang babaeng biglang nagsalita sa aking tabi. Malayo ang tingin niya, pero alam kong ako ang kinakausap niya. For a woman, she's really tall. Dressed in a skimpy red dress that reveals most of her skin, she nursed her iced margarita in silence. Albeit the dress is provoking, she's got an aura that she's not here looking for a bang.

I sighed inwardly. Even if she is, I'm not even interested.

"Do I know you?" sa mahina at magaspang kong boses na tanong sa kaniya.

"Highly unlikely. But I know you..." she chuckled softly and took a sip from her margarita. "Who wouldn't know you?"

Isang hilaw na ngiti lamang ang iginanti ko sa kaniya. She smiled back, but it was nowhere near the smile I've been missing for all these years. It was not genuine. It was fatal and sensual. It's inviting men. She's like a siren luring foolish sailors to their death.

I've seen clever predators like her before. She's the type to hoodwink people with her elegant and sensual looks, and then bleed them dry for her own benefit. I could tell she's not new to this. And in other instances, she would've been my type of woman. Bold and daring. In other instances, I would've grabbed her by the waist by now and drown her in kisses before we stumble to bed.

But I couldn't get myself to do it.

Sa mabagal na paglingong muli sa bartender ay pumasok na naman siya sa isipan ko. The pair of soulful eyes that smiles her angelic smile. It was very genuine, endearing and it's driving me crazy that I missed her so much.

"I have a place down the street." Patuloy naman ng babaeng nasa tabi ko. She's cool and got herself maintained throughout the conversation. But despite her flirtatious smile, I could see the coldness in her eyes that could never be concealed with her heavy makeup. "If you want..."

"Sorry, shawty, I'm not in the mood tonight." Tamad kong wika at nagkibit-balikat. She stared at me, a quick surprise crossing over her pretty face, before she snapped herself back again.

"Oh... right. You're dating that governor's daughter, right?"

"I'm not dating anyone." I said tiredly. "Even if I am, I'm still not interested."

She pursed her lips and squinted her eyes at me, probably annoyed by the fact that she can't easily lure me. Maybe a few drinks will help to convince me, but I wouldn't be hanging around here for too long otherwise I would land tomorrow's headline in my drunk state again.

It would drive my road manager crazy.

Tinungga ko ang laman ng aking kopita at mabilis na ibinalik iyon sa counter, kalakip ng aking bayad. Tamad kong isiniksik ang kamao sa aking bulsa at nagsimula nang humakbang palayo.

"But if you ever change your mind..." the woman went on. Tumigil ako at nilingon siya. She smiled hopefully at me. "If you ever change your mind, you'll know where to find me."

In the end, I nodded at her and headed out of the bar with a heavy heart, cursing myself. I'm supposed to feel lighter after a glass of brandy, but it didn't help. That woman was supposed to take her off my mind with her sensual invitation, but it didn't help either.

Immediately, I told Nigel to drive me back to the house. Gustuhin ko mang pumikit at matulog na lamang sa backseat ay hindi ko magawa. Patuloy niya pa ring ginugulo ang utak ko. Mga alaalang hindi ko kayang ibaon sa limot ang siyang unti-unting pumapatay sa akin ngayon.

I refused Monica's offer of a light dinner once I got back. Diretso kaagad ako sa hagdanan patungo sa aking kwarto. She quickly disappeared to the kitchen, probably to prepare the lemon water I always drink before going to bed.

Kicking the door open, I shrugged off my leather jacket and let it fall to the floor. The room is cold and dark. The memories are becoming more vivid and stronger by now. I must be crazy, because I could even hear her sweet laughter somewhere inside the room.

I locked the door and collapsed on my bed with my boots on. As soon as I closed my eyes, a tantalizing image of her popped inside of my head.

Gusto kong magmura nang malakas. I've been missing her so much for the past few years and the most frustrating part is, I couldn't do anything about it. I may have all the fame and money in the world, but I don't have any single idea where she is right now.

It took all of my self-restraint not to send some of my men to track her down. I could easily do it. By the end of the day, I will have all the information that I need to locate her. But I made her a promise, and I will certainly not break it. Iyon na lamang ang ipinangako ko sa kaniya.

I was aching for her the whole night that my thoughts brought me back to the first time I saw her. In the school's hallway, looking lost and confused.

Sure, I've seen girls in a hijab before but she's really different. If I would have to describe her beauty, it would be ethereal. Divine and pure and saint-like. She looked like the angel that Michaelangelo would love to paint.

From her big, doe-like eyes to her soft plump lips, everything about her is glorious. And the more I stared at her, the more I think that she's born to be glorified and worshipped by men. She's the type of girl that would fuel your desire to go to war, or to face Goliath alone. She's captivating and she makes me want to take care of her, when I couldn't even take care of myself properly.

The first time I saw Parvana Naia Bukhari, I knew I was in deep trouble.

"Anong pangalan mo?"

I could almost see her wince. I wanted to curse myself because clearly, she's afraid of me. Immediately she looked down and mumbled her name.

"N-Naia..."

"Naia...?"

"Parvana Naia..."

"Oh. Parvana Naia Ferrer..." I said teasingly, hoping she'd at least smile and be comfortable around me. Gusto kong maramdaman niya na hindi ako intimidating, at mas lalong wala akong balak na masama sa kaniya. She's making me feel as if I'm an ogre right now.

Despite the screams of her classmates, I wasn't able to get any reaction from her. Tahimik lang siyang nakaupo. She's so poised that I would have thought she's trained to behave like a princess throughout her life. One look at her saint-like beauty and anyone can conclude that she's got Bedouin blood running in her veins.

Tinaboy ako ng guro nila at pinalabas ng classroom. I threw her one last look and instantly felt guilty when I saw how uncomfortable she was for all the teasing. She must've think that I am a fool right now. An idiot. Biglang gusto kong iuntog ang sariling ulo sa pader dahil sa kagaguhang ginawa.

"Kita mo yung Muslim na transferee sa section nila Zoey?"

Kanina pa ako naiirita sa sirang zipper ng knapsack ko nang marinig ko ang tanong na iyon ni Felix kay Wenceslao. I snapped my head annoyingly to their direction, and I saw my friend shrugged.

"'Di pa eh. Bakit?"

"Ang ganda, tol!" Felix said with bright eyes. Mas lalong uminit ang ulo ko lalo na nang ngumisi siya. "Pormahan ko kaya?"

"Subukan mo." Iritado kong ibinagsak ang bag at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Biglang namutla si Felix.

"B-Bakit, Zeus? Syota mo?"

I pursed my lips. I'm really pissed off right now and I don't even know why. Pati si Wenceslao ay binalingan rin ako.

"Syota mo?" pag-uulit niya sa tanong, bahagyang gulat sa narinig mula kay Felix.

"Hindi." Wika ko sa mariing boses. "Pero walang pwedeng pumorma sa kaniya. Lalo na ikaw, Felix."

He laughed out loud. "Eh hindi mo naman pala syota eh!"

"Tangina mo. Huwag mo ngang gagalawin." Banta ko sa kaniya.

He grinned loudly. "Oh, relax. Hindi na nga." Natatawa pa niyang wika, biglang nawala ang takot na nararamdaman sa akin.

I cursed and headed out of the room. I am irritated by the fact that she's new and being targeted by the local fuck boys in our community. They must know by now that she's not the type of girl they can fool around with. She's so much more than that.

My friends noticed my sudden distance from them, especially if they're talking about Naia. Naiirita ako kapag siya ang biglang nagiging topic. I couldn't blame them, because she's really beautiful. For a small, provincial school like this, she's like a saint amongst us.

Pero hindi ko pa rin gusto na pinag-uusapan at pinagpapantasyahan siya ng mga lalaki. Some are even wondering what she'd look like without hijab. Muntik na akong makipagsuntukan sa gagong iyon.

"Kung gusto mo siya, ba't di mo ligawan?" untag sa akin ni Troy, isang tanghali habang kumakain kami ng tanghalian sa tambayan naming puno ng mangga.

"Di pwede." Tipid kong sagot sa kaniya.

Levi turned to me. "She seems like a nice girl to me. I'm sure magugustuhan siya ni Mommy."

"Di nga."

"Bakit? Kasi Muslim siya?"

Hindi ako umimik kaagad. Tumawa si Wenceslao.

"Ang sabi ni Troy, ligawan. Hindi pakasalan! Ba't ka na namomroblema d'yan kung Muslim siya? Eh na-syota mo nga si Nazrah noon."

The metal hands of guilt landed on my shoulders upon hearing my bandmate's words. What we I had with Nazrah before... it was all fun and games. We both know what we needed from each other and we draw a line. I never even considered it as a relationship. Sure, she mentioned once or twice that she's a Muslimah but I never saw her wear a hijab.

I suddenly appreciated the beauty of that piece of fabric because of Naia. Because of how she's wearing it, as if it's her crowning glory. She wears it with pride and elegance you would think it's the most expensive hijab in the world.

I'd like to think of her as a rose. She's really beautiful, but with beauty comes pain. I know it won't be easy for me to reach someone like her. I'm not even a Muslim man. How can she even gaze at me the way I gaze at her?

Hindi ako nakasagot sa tanong ni Wenceslao. They exchanged looks, knowing that I am in a big, big trouble by now. If my feelings spins out of control, it might scare her away.

I spent most of my high school days mulling over what I really feel for her. It might just have been a simple, harmless attraction. She's just really beautiful, that's why I am drawn to her this way.

"Don't worry. I'll include you in my prayers, Zeus."

Tinitigan ko siya nang matagal. She's smiling in front of me right now. But if she's this good to me, and I am now more attracted to her soul than her pretty face, is it still just a mere attraction? I wouldn't say so.

Naia is the kind of girl that will include you in her prayers after talking shit about her. She's that good.

I should be happy. Dapat masaya ako na nginingitian na niya ako. Na komportable na siya sa akin. Zoey helped a lot to bring the two of us closer. But I still feel terrified, because the more I get to know her, the more I want her.

Unang nakapansin sa pagbabago ko ay si Mommy. I no longer hang out with my old friends. The bottles of brandy in the cupboard remained untouched and I was never seen with another girl again.

"How's school, son?" she asked sweetly, one night, while I am helping her to wash the dishes. Hindi ko rin alam kung anong pumasok sa isipan ko at naisipan kong tulungan si Mommy. I just needed to keep myself busy and get her off my mind. Washing the dishes that time seemed so appealing to me.

"Fine." I shrugged. I'm not the smartest guy in the room, but I'm not the dumbest either. I could maintain average grades, albeit some of my teachers are saying that I have potential and that I'm just too lazy to study.

"Hindi ka ba nahihirapan? Graduating ka na."

"Hindi naman po."

She nodded and stole a quick glance from me. My mother is as elegant as ever. Even washing the dishes, I felt like standing next to a queen. Maybe that's one of the reasons why my Dad is so smitten to her until now.

"Girlfriend?"

"Po?"

She smiled kindly at me. She knows all about my escapades when it comes to girls. Wala namang problema kay Dad na magka-nobya ako. Ang gusto lang nilang dalawa ay yung ipinapakilala ko sa kanila. But I never brought any girl to the house ever since I started dating. I just felt like if I bring a girl in front of my parents, yung seryoso. Yung babaeng alam kong pang-matagalan. So far, I haven't met that kind of girl yet.

"Wala ka pang ipinapakilala sa amin ng Dad mo..." untag niya.

"Wala po kasi akong girlfriend." I murmured, reaching for a glass and setting it aside. Nilingon ko ulit si Mommy. Mas matangkad na ako sa kaniya ngayon. But she can still be intimidating if she wants to.

"Wala? Eh si Parvana?"

I grunted. My parents saw me with her the other day and now they won't stop nagging me about her.

"Friends lang po kami. Hindi ko po siya girlfriend, Mommy."

"Hindi?" I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice.

"Hindi pa."

Nagtawanan kaming dalawa ni Mommy. Napalingon si Dad sa amin na abala sa pakikipag-usap kay Ninong Julius, pero agad din namang ibinalik ang tingin pagkatapos niyang ngitian ang asawa.

"But seriously, I think she's a good girl. Parvana." She commented.

"More than you could ever tell." Humina ang boses ko at tumamlay.

"Something wrong, Zeus?"

Umiling lamang ako at tumahimik. I could want her as much as I can, but I know that she will never be mine. She's too young, too fragile... and we have different beliefs. How am I supposed to understand her if we don't even share the same religion?

Days were filled with deliberation. My young heart at that time thought that it was just a stubborn crush. That it will fade away, somehow.

Maybe I was mocking the power of fate for so long that it pulled a cruel joke on me. I have never fallen in love before but I knew exactly how it felt when it comes to her.

I, a Catholic boy, have fallen in love with a Muslim girl.

The softest divine creation I've ever met.

Alam kong walang patutunguhan ang katarantaduhan ko pagdating kay Naia. Minsan ay ramdam kong natatakot pa rin siya sa akin. I constantly blame myself for my rough edges. I wanted to be soft for her. I wanted to be the man that she needs in her life.

But I know I could never be that man.

So when she got married at such a young age, I cursed all the saints I knew. That pain was unbearable that I have to numb myself for a few days before I get to dragged my shattered soul to attend her wedding.

Seeing her wear a wedding dress and walking to the aisle towards a man that isn't me killed the remains of my soul. I felt lifeless at that time. I blamed everyone I could think of and I got angry at myself.

Dapat pinaglaban ko siya. Dapat hindi ko siya iniwan. Pero gago ako eh. Alam kong hinding-hindi ko mapapantayan ang mabibigay ni Malik sa kaniya.

Naia is not aware that I am losing myself every time I see her.

After the wedding, I distanced myself. Not just from her, but from everyone. Mom got worried because I no longer join them downstairs for dinner or even play the piano for the family. Dad's trying to talk to me but to no avail. A part of me died and the weeks following her wedding was my mourning for my dead soul.

College came and I could barely live. Naging sarado ang puso ko sa lahat ng bagay, maliban sa musika. Ibinuhos ko lahat ng nararamdaman ko sa pagsusulat ng kanta at pag-awit. Zoey was there for me, constantly worried, and even though I appreciate it, I couldn't even bring myself to thank her for her presence.

Ilang buwan ko siyang hindi nakita. Every night, I drive myself crazy just by imagining her being happy with Malik and serving him as his wife. I die of jealousy just thinking that he'll be able to see her take off her hijab and admire the full glory of her face when I couldn't. I know exactly where she is but helpless as I am, I couldn't even go near her or see her again.

I tried to understand her father's decision. He's old and wants his daughter to be secured. Any father would take the opportunity of having his daughter marry a man who can secure her future. Iniisip ko parati kung gaano kabigat sa loob ng ama niya ang desisyon na ito. He's just being practical. But his practicality, undoubtedly, had broke both of our hearts.

Years passed and I was starving for information about her. I know she's in contact with Zoey these past few years. And it's the only thing that's keeping me sane, knowing that she's well and doing good in her life. But I couldn't bring myself to ask Zoey if she's still married to Malik, or if she already has children. I'm sure it would break my heart if I hear about happy stories of her own family.

"Nagpa-convert ka?" Zoey almost dropped the bass and stared at me with wide eyes. Pati si Wenceslao at Troy ay natigilan rin.

I nodded with pride. The Muslim culture had long captured my interest when I saw Naia for the first time. My intentions of being converted changed as I grew older and started to appreciate the beauty of their religion. And in one of the busy years of my life as a musician, I decided to become one of them.

"Holy shit." Troy exclaimed. Nagkatinginan silang dalawa ni Wenceslao. Hindi nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang awa sa mga mat ani Zoey. She knows that I'm still in love with Naia until now and I probably made the decision in hopes that I could still be with her.

Well, that is just one of the many reasons why I converted.

"Zeus..."

"It's cool, guys. I'm a converted Muslim now. Wala namang magbabago. Pwera nalang sa may mga pagkain na akong hindi dapat kainin at inuming hindi dapat inumin." Biro ko pa sabay halakhak. No one laughed with me. They all looked serious and worried. I can't blame my bandmates if they think that right now, I am going crazy.

I sighed.

"I deliberated over this decision for a long time. Desisyon ko 'to. Dito ako masaya."

"Naiintindihan naman namin Zeus..." ani Zoey sa maliit na boses.

"Pero sana huwag nalang lumabas pa sa media." I told them with a small smile. "They've feasted on our lives for so long. Ito nalang ang natitirang ipinagmamalaki ko na gusto ko mga importanteng tao lang ang nakakaalam."

They all nodded and we went on with our practice. None of them were expecting that I'd come back as a converted Muslim after my short trip to Saudi Arabia.

And even though I know we were both leading separate lives now, I got her name inked to my skin. I vowed to myself that I will never love a girl as much as I love her, and if I can't have her, then I might as well spend the rest of my life being alone.

Gustong-gusto kong itanong kay Zoey ang kalagayan niya ngayon. The last time I saw her, she was crying over the injustice for her father. It was such a dreadful day, when she was covered in pig blood and humiliated for being a Muslim. I've never been that angry to the point that my heart cries for murder of people who mistreated her.

Ang gusto ko lang ngayon ay mapayapa siya, kung nasaan man siya nakatira. She deserves some peace. Naia is a gentle soul and the world doesn't deserve her. I don't deserve her, either. But if given a chance, I will do everything, everything just to be deserving of her love.

I noticed that Zoey had been acting strange a few days before our concert. Inignora ko iyon, thinking that she's just stressed out because of Andreus. The two of them never really had a proper breakup and I know she's still healing from things she'd like to keep private.

The day of our concert feels like the first time that I'm up on stage. I still feel the goosebumps, the euphoria of being the center of it all and singing my heart out. Wala ito sa napag-usapan namin but I decided that the opening song will be Never Be My Bride. I remembered her again. Sa desperadong pag-iisip ay umaasa akong kahit dito man lang ay marinig niya ako. Na maabot ko siya kahit alam kong impossible.

The blinding lights from above and the screams of thousands of jumping people made my heart race while performing. It was a moment of glory, not just for me, but for the rest of the band. I was blinking back tears. Sweat rolled at my back and I could hear the blood pumping in my ears.

My heart is hoping helplessly, that in the thousands of people surrounding us, she's there. She's one of them. Listening and shouting the lyrics. Supporting me.

Gusto kong matawa sa sariling imahinasyon. Nababaliw na ata ako. A decade has passed and I am still madly in love with her. How is that even possible?

"Zeus..." Addy came to me after the meet and greet and hugged me tightly. "That was..." she huffed, out of words.

I smiled at her tiredly. I know that our manager is very proud of us, even though we've been yelled and cursed at most of the days because of our tardiness.

Addy wiped a tear from her eyes. "That was the best performance I've seen of you so far..."

Tinanguan ako nina Wenceslao at Troy, ngiti naman ang isinagot sa akin ni Zoey. We're all gathered in a small room at the backstage, and I'd like to reward myself a glass of brandy for that successful concert.

Matapos akong yakapin ulit ni Addy at pasalamatan ay nagtungo na ako upang kunin ang kopita. I was already pouring the amber liquid into my glass when I heard that familiar soft voice.

"Habibi..."

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa narinig. For a moment, I thought that the alcohol had already gotten into my head and that I am hallucinating right now. I've been wanting to hear her voice for a long time that I have created an imaginary scene where she's calling for me right now.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa baso at nilingon ang pinanggalingan ng boses. My bandmates looked just as stunned as me when my gaze landed on the woman standing on the doorway.

Naia.

"Zeus..."

From here, I could see her lips tremble as she stared at me with watery eyes. My heart was about to explode at that time, as I stared at her, whipped and tantalized. All those feelings I bottled up for the past decade came crashing down on me again.

And the first thing I noticed about her isn't the sparkle of her tears or even how beautiful she had gotten over the years.

It was her hijab. It's gone. It's fucking gone.

"Jesus, Naia..." I sauntered towards her, struggling to keep my mouth from exclaiming profanities and curses, seeing my baby without her pride, her hijab. "Where the fuck if your hijab?"

Gusto ko siyang yugyugin at nang matauhan siya. Gusto ko din siyang yakapin, dahil matapos ang ilang taon ay muli kaming nagkita. Gusto ko siyang kumustahin at kausapin pero wala akong nagawa. She just turned me into a stone, watching her with wide eyes and seeing her for the first time with her hair down.

Her eyes welled with unshed tears again. I wanted to punch myself right now for making her feel this way. She shouldn't be crying. If anyone deserved to be happy right now, it should be her.

"I am not a Muslim woman anymore, Zeus..."

My world came crushing down at her words. If it weren't for the composure that I had long mastered for years, I could've lost it when she revealed the reason of her rebellion.

"I did it for you..."

Fuck, baby, no. If there's anyone who should be making sacrifices between the two of us, it should be me. Not you.

Para akong mababaliw sa nalaman kong iyon. I was disappointed at myself and disappointed at her. Confusion has taken over me. Gusto ko siyang iuwi at huwag nang ilabas pa sa mundo pero ayaw ko ding ipagdamot siya. She's a good woman and everyone deserves to be blessed even just a little of her goodness.

As soon as I knew that she had long divorced Malik, I know I shouldn't be wasting any of my time. I contacted everyone I know of to make sure she's within an arm's length this time. Even the chairperson of the foundation that she's working for, I talked to.

I wanted to catch up the years I lost with her.

I instructed Nigel to fetch her from the small apartment she owned, and to be of excellent service to her the entire trip. I know she's not hard to please with. Siguro kung bibigyan mo siya ng santan na kinuha mo lang sa tabi ay sobrang masaya na siya. She's that grateful for every little thing.

Inviting her to my house was when I took the leap of faith. Now that she's here, unmarried, and healthy, I got to take my part of winning her again. What we had back then was real, even though it ended in a tragedy. And if she says she lost her feelings during the decade that we were apart, then I'll just have to move heaven and hell to make her fall in love with me again.

I'm that desperate to have her.

I wanted to talk her down but my emotions are overwhelming me and I could tell that she's hurt. I wanted to hug her right away but I couldn't hide the pain in my voice.

"After this conversation, Zeus... am I still welcome in your house?"

Tinitigan ko si Naia. Why is she even asking me that kind of question? Of course, she's welcome in my house! I built it for her!

"Good." Naia started gathering her things and I started to panic. If I don't say something now, she'll walk out of the door again and I'm going to lose her again. I can't afford a replay of my insanity without her. "Because my daughter, Tamara, is a huge fan of yours. I hope you'll do me a favor and sign her album. I'm going to bring her here next time. But right now, I just want to leave."

It was a huge punch in the gut, her words. It was much harder to take in than the fact that she's not a Muslim woman anymore. I know there's a possibility that over the years, she had gotten pregnant and already had a kid but I dismissed it. I told myself that if it happens, I'll father the child and take both of them to my house.

That's just speaks of head over heels I am for her.

"Your daughter...?"

"Yes."

"Potangina." Napamura nalang ako sa sobrang sakit nang kumawala ang isang hilaw na halakhak mula sa akin. "Potangina talaga."

She left the house quietly and I stayed there with a broken heart. I stared at my piano and cursed at myself. Kasi alam ko... alam ko na kahit isang dekada ang nakalipas, siya pa rin.

Her having a daughter surprised me. Hindi ko iyon nalaman sa pagpapa-imbestiga ko sa kaniya sa nakalipas na mga taon. I thought I was ready to meet her, but she still had the effect on me even though she's unaware.

I mulled over her words that night, knowing that even if she claims she's born a dozen children, I'll still accept her and take care of her. I really don't want to lose her again. Mababaliw na ata ako kapag nangyari ulit iyon.

I called my men again to have her investigated. Pakiramdam ko may mali. She's not telling me something. All those inconsequential conversations are to cover up the awkwardness that we were both trying to avoid after meeting for the first time in a decade.

And when I found out that Tamara is the daughter of Malik and Hegia Kiram, nagkabuhay kaagad ang loob ko. Naia can be cruel sometimes, without her even knowing it...

The happiness I felt of our reconciliation was beyond words. I felt like if I have to describe it, I wouldn't be able to justify the depth of it, no matter how much I decorate my diction.

From then on, I worked so hard just to keep her safe. And mine. Ilang beses akong muntik na mabaliw nang dahil sa kaniya. She got into a car accident because of my stupid brother. I nearly lost my shit that time. Kung hindi lang siya nagtamo ng minor injuries ay baka kung ano na ang nagawa ko sa kapatid ko.

And when I asked her to marry me, to say that I was the happiest man alive was an understatement. Takot akong mawala ulit siya sa akin at ayaw ko na siyang pakawalan. Her sweet yes is enough of a lullaby that I wouldn't bother hearing again and again for the rest of my life.

Right now, she's wearing a wedding dress and she's headed towards me. A jolt of pride and arrogance swelled in my chest. I felt like all my accomplishments were nothing if I couldn't have her by my side.

I was able to catch a glimpse of her muttering a silent prayer while in the middle of celebrating and I couldn't help but mutter a prayer of my own, too.

Allah, I am forever indebted to your grace for giving me such a wonderful wife, even though I don't deserve her. I promise to work, for the rest of my life, so I could be deserving of her.

The happiest day of my life was soon followed by one of the scariest moments I could barely survive. Seeing her in the hospital bed, looking so weak and lifeless stripped the soul out of me.

Alam kong may sakit siya, pero hindi ko inakala na ganito kalala. With her cheery attitude, who would've thought that she's suffering inside? Once, Monica told me that she's applying lip tint to her lips to conceal her paleness. And sometimes, I could feel her slipping out of our bed and dashing straight to the bathroom, to throw up.

Para akong pinapatay nang paulit-ulit habang nakikita ko siyang nahihirapan. She's a divine creation with a pure heart. She shouldn't be suffering like this.

"Naia... please..."

"Go now. I'm going to be okay."

Sa lahat ng hiningi niya sa akin, ito na ata ang pinakamahirap. Ang iwanan siya habang nakikipaglaban siya sa kamatayan. I wanted to be there for her. Hindi ko ata kakayanin kung may mangyayaring masama sa kaniya.

But I couldn't say no to my habibti. Lahat ng gusto niya, gagawin ko. Isang sambit niya lang, hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na ibenta ang kaluluwa ko para sa kaligtasan niya. I love her that much that I wouldn't mind losing myself than to lose her.

It was such a dreadful day, and I didn't know how I was able to perform in front of thousands of people while my life is undergoing surgery. All the yells, the cheers, the screams of delight were nothing to my ears as I think of her. Siya at siya lang ang iniisip ko, habang nasa entablado, kumakanta at tumutulo ang luha.

"Naia..."

She softly opened her eyes and gazed at me lovingly. My heart swelled in so much happiness. Waking up next to her is the best thing in my life and it happens every morning. Parang ayoko nang umalis sa kama kapag siya ang unang nakikita ng mga mata ko sa umaga.

"Good morning, habibi..." she murmured in her soft bedroom voice.

I kissed her temple. "Good morning, habibti..." I whispered, and pulled her closer. I have to convinced myself every morning, that she's real and I'm not dreaming. I have to tell myself again and again that she's strong and she's a survivor. And that nothing bad will happen to her again as long as I am alive. I will protect her, body and soul, from anyone who tries to hurt her.

I could feel her contentment while we snuggle in the bed for a few more minutes, letting the early morning light stream through the windows and slant the wooden floor. The house is quiet and peaceful.

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata. Hanggang ngayon ay nakakaramdam pa rin ako ng takot sa tuwing umaalis ako ng bahay at iniiwan ang mag-ina ko. It was such a traumatic experience, not just for her, but for me. Doble ang naging takot ko sa pwedeng mangyari sa kaniya.

It's like I'm battling against the world just to keep her alive and in my arms.

The terrorist attack that happened a few years ago is dreadful and will never be forgotten. Naia almost lost her life trying to save her students. Her story became an inspiration to most of the people after the tragedy.

She was dubbed as the heroic teacher and was invited to numerous interviews, all of which she declined while she was recovering.

"I realized my mistake, Zeus. I should serve as your wife and the mother of your child from now on. I could still serve this country without having to compromise my safety. I'm sorry I made you so worried."

Hinding-hindi mawawala sa isipan ko ang sinabi niyang iyon. She stopped teaching after the incident, gave birth to our son, and since then, she stayed at home to become a loving wife to me and a nurturing mother to Khalid.

I was holding my wife and whispering prayers to her ears when I heard light footsteps echoing down the hall, followed by the twisting of the doorknob and the door bursting open.

"Baba! Mama-jan!"

A soft chuckle escaped from my wife's lips. Gusto ko pa siyang uguyin at yakaipn ngunit naramdaman ko na ang pagtalon ni Khalid sa kama namin. He dove face first to his mother's stomach before lifting his cute little face and grinning.

"Good morning!" he sang in delight.

"Good morning, baby..." Naia leaned towards and placed a kiss on his lips. Mas lalong lumaki ang ngiti ng anak ko.

Pinagmasdan ko ang anak ko. Maraming nagsasabi na suplado daw siyang tingnan, at kamukha ko daw siya. Maybe it's because of the angry eyebrows and the menacing eyes. For a kid, he could be intimidating if he wants. It doesn't help that he has a towering height. But when he smiles his gummy smile, he could melt the heart of everyone. He's an adorable kid.

"How's your sleep, little bud?" I asked in a murmur, ruffling his hair.

"Don't mess my hair, Baba!" he protested and leaned away. "I fixed my hair today because I'm going to take Mama-jan on a date!"

Umarko ang isang kilay ni Naia sa sinabi ng anak. "On a date?"

"Yes!"

Excited na tumalon ang bata. He impatiently looked at us and pointed outside.

"Tara na po! Nagpatulong po ako kay Ate Monica po!"

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Naia. Natatawa siyang bumangon at inayos ang buhok. Before she could slip out of bed, I grabbed her arms and kissed her gently on the lips. Hindi na iyon pa nakita ni Khalid dahil dali-dali na siyang lumabas ng kwarto at tumakbo.

"I love you..." sa malambing na boses kong wika.

Her eyes turned watery as I know that her heart melts every time I say those words to her. She kissed me back and smiled against my lips.

"I love you..." she whispered and sighed.

Bago ko pa maisipang i-lock ang pinto at manatili nalang dito sa loob kasama ang asawa ko ay pinilit ko na ang sariling bumangon. We were both laughing as we headed out of the bedroom.

Khalid lead the two of us to the flower garden. Naia was touched to see him prepare a breakfast for the three of us, though I know that Monica did most of the cooking. He even picked some fresh flowers and happily placed it on a vase.

Natatawang tumakbo si Naia patungo sa anak at niyakap siya. I stared at the two of them, my heart bursting in joy. Waking up next to her, with our son who's just as sweet as her, a man couldn't ask for more.

And as I stared at her longer, I realized that I will never, ever love a woman like I love her even if I die and be rebirth. In the next life, I know my soul is going to look for her and love her ardently again.

I, Zeus Vincenticus Ferrer, is smitten. Forever bewitched by her soul.

Parvana Naia Bukhari-Ferrer, I pledge myself to you, for this is our gospel. I see the face of death in your eyes and even so, I will love you with every bit of my bleeding heart.