Sefinat: (couldn’t believe her ears, short of words) I… I…
Habibah: (wiping her tears) You have every right to be angry… every right to want him dead. Subhanallah! Your own blood?! This is beyond cruel.
Sefinat: (tears drip down her face) The same brother I put my life aside for... the same person I fought for—just to get justice for his death. And over your side is the one who destroyed his own sister’s life? What the hell?! Of all women? Your sister? He deserves to be burnt alive. Your own brother o! Omoh… people are wicked. This is heartbreaking.
Akeelah: (watching their reaction sadly) I guess you’re lucky then. Your brother must be a good guy for you to defend his name like that.
Habibah: (gazes at her, feeling even more sorry) Yaa Allah! Alhamdulilah… Alhamdulilahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. When you think you're going through a lot, then hear another person’s story… you’ll forever be grateful. Alhamdulilah.
Sefinat: I know I haven’t experienced what you went through—this rape thing… but somehow, we still share a common trial. It’s like we were meant to know each other for a reason.
Akeelah: What do you mean?
Sefinat: You see, Habibah here… she was also a victim. She was raped by her own husband—forced every night. Lucky for me, I wasn’t… but we all have one trial in common. We’re all orphans.
Akeelah: (soft sigh) Hmmmm…
Habibah: (suddenly breaks down in tears)
(Akeelah and Sefinat look at each other, alarmed.)
Sefinat: Babe… are you okay?
Habibah: (wiping her tears) It’s just so sad, you know? Just imagining what she’s been through… how could people be so heartless? Why??
Sefinat: I guess that’s life. And the worst part? Someday, someone will hear your story and still say Alhamdulilah for theirs. That’s how broken this world is. But still… Alhamdulilah. I’m grateful for where I am.
Akeelah: (exhales, heart slowly finding ease) Hmmmm…
Habibah: (grabs Akeelah’s hand and pulls her closer) Akeelah… you’re a fighter. You’re a queen. You’re a warrior. You’re a survivor… and you’re a winner. You won. Believe me when I say—we didn’t meet by accident. It’s destiny. We’re here to help each other, to learn from each other. And right now, I’ve learnt more than I ever imagined.
This—right here—is Allah giving you a second chance to walk The Path of Forgiveness. Your brother? He deserves nothing but a brutal end… but you’ve already taught him a lesson he’ll never forget.
I know… I sound crazy saying this. I know it’s hard to even imagine forgiveness. But if you do… if you truly forgive and move on… everything will become history. You can rise. You can start over—right on the path of Islam. You can own your story and let others learn from it. You can change lives, Akeelah… if only you’re ready. And if you are—we’ll walk with you.
You know… ever since I met this lady beside you—(gestures to Sefinat)—my way of thinking changed. I finally started facing my fears. We met for a reason, I believe it. And you can do this. Please… for the sake of Allah.
Sefinat: (grabs both their hands) And me too. I’ve learnt something great from your story.
This world… it admires beauty. But the beauty queen has no idea of the fitnah it brings. Now I understand why Allah commands us women to cover… even our faces. It’s not oppression—it’s protection. And now? I’m in love with the niqab.
And I love you so much, Habibah. I’ve learnt so much from you. Since we became friends, my heart has changed. I want to explore this duniyah with you… till my last breath.
(turns to Akeelah)
And you? We won’t force you. But we can help you. Help you become better… help you prove to the world that you’re not just a victim. You’re a survivor. A warrior. We can make a difference… together.
So… what do you say, my Queen?
Akeelah: (laughing through her tears, overwhelmed) You guys… are amazing. I’m ready. I want to start over. If only I can have you both by my side… always.
Habibah & Sefinat: Absolutely. Definitely. It would be our pleasure…
Sefinat: (smiles) How about this—you come with me to my state. Let’s start over… together. Like sisters. We’re not safe here anyway. What do you think?
Akeelah: (bright smile) I’d love that.
Habibah: (pretends to be sad) So you guys are leaving me behind?
Sefinat: C’mon! We’ll always visit. And video call, voice call, voice notes—you know we got you! I love you guys jor.
Habibah: Sisters till Jannah hug! (They embrace each other tightly)
Akeelah: (smiling, eyes sparkling with joy)
Habibah: Sefinat… I have just one small favor to ask, please.
Sefinat: (sighs playfully) Now what?
Habibah: Just stay for a few more days. Let’s bond more with Akeelah before you whisk her away from me. And too bad—my so-called husband is coming back tomorrow. I just pray he doesn’t stay long so we can have quality time together.
Sefinat: (exhales softly, glances at Akeelah) Hmmm… What do you think?
Akeelah: (clears her throat gently) Whatever you decide… I’m okay with it.
Habibah: Yayyy! Thank you so much!
Sefinat: At least allow me say yes first na!
Habibah: I know you can’t say no. I just love love! (pulls them in for another group hug)
Akeelah: (smiling deeply, inner peace beginning to form) Just like that… in the blink of an eye, my entire life has changed. Now, I’m surrounded by laughter… by strangers who feel like family. Is this… a wonder from Allah?
*************************************
LATER IN THE NIGHT – HABIBAH’S MATRIMONIAL HOME
Habibah: (folds her prayer mat, picks up her phone, and jumps into bed) What a day… let me talk to my girls. I’m already missing them. (suddenly sees a message pop up) Hmmm? A prospect? (reads it — it’s a transaction receipt) Oh my— (sits up quickly) A prospect paid for my product?! (hands shaking with excitement as she responds to the message and begins the registration) Ya Allah… (platform sends a congratulations message) Masha Allah!!! I just made a sale! Sefinat needs to hear this! I can’t believe it! I need to tell my coach! Who do I call first?! (hurriedly dials Sefinat’s line) Pick up girl! Pick it!
Sefinat: (answers playfully) As-salaam alaykum, beautiful…
Habibah: (screams in joy) I just made my first sale! Oh! Sorry. Wa alaykumu-salam warahmatullah!
Sefinat: Are you serious?!
Habibah: Yes! I just made my first money online without even owning a product! It feels like a dream!
Sefinat: Masha Allah! Congratulations, my love! I’m so happy for you! I should join you o, so you can coach me too. How much did you make?
Habibah: 11k from just one sale! Imagine if I keep selling daily! Ahhh! This doesn’t feel real… but it is! Alhamdulilah! (suddenly hears the door being opened) Wait… hold on. (lowers her voice) Who is that? (no response) Uhmm… I’ll call you back. (hangs up)
Amir: (walks in cheerfully) As-salaam alaykum, my love. (opens his arms)
Habibah: (not surprised) Wa alaykumu-salam. I thought you said you’d be coming back tomorrow.
Amir: You know I love to surprise you. C’mon, my hands are wide open… is that how to welcome your husband?
Habibah: (exhales softly, walks to him, gives a quick hug, and lets go) Welcome… how have you been? (takes his bag)
Amir: Thank you. (drops on the couch) Please get me a glass of water.
Habibah: Okay, sir. (walks to the kitchen)
Amir: What did you make for dinner? I’m starving.
Habibah: (muttering in the kitchen) And if I didn’t cook plenty nko? Coming without notice.
Amir: Did you hear what I said?
Habibah: Yes… rice and stew.
Amir: (sighs) No swallow?
Habibah: (returns with the water and places it on the table) Do you want me to prepare it? Too bad I don’t have any soup. I’d have to go outside to buy.
Amir: Never mind. Just bring the rice. Make it plenty.
Habibah: Okay, sir. (goes back into the kitchen)
Amir: (removes his shirt and trousers, now in his underwear) Please hurry.
Habibah: (returns with the meal, places it gently) Here, sir.
Amir: Thank you. (starts eating)
Habibah: (watches him, concerned) You don’t look well… are you sick?
Amir: Extremely. I’m still recovering. And if I hadn’t called, you wouldn’t have even checked.
Habibah: I’m sorry… I hope you’re taking your medications?
Amir: Yeah.
Habibah: (softly) May Allah grant you complete shifaa. (takes his bag and heads to the bedroom)
LATER THAT NIGHT – 12:34 AM
(Habibah is fast asleep. Amir lies awake in deep thought.)
Amir: (thinking aloud) Should I wake her or let her be? No… I will. It’s my right. She can’t say no. (taps her gently) Dear…
Habibah: (groans, turning sleepily) What is it?
Amir: I’m in the mood…
Habibah: (sighs heavily) Aren’t you tired? Can’t we do it tomorrow?
Amir: I want it now.
Habibah: (sits up, checks the time) Baby, wallahi I’m tired… and you know you take so long. Please… I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.
Amir: I said I want it now.
Habibah: (mumbling) I don’t know why you’re so addicted to sex…
Amir: When last did you even let me touch you? Over a month now! And now you’re saying no again? Do you know the Angels curse a woman who denies her husband? (begins caressing her) Don’t stop me this time. Free your body for me. (starts kissing her)
FEW DAYS LATER – NIGHT – AISHAH’S ROOM
Aishah: (heading to her room singing to herself, finds the door open) Who’s in my room?! (enters and sees Jabir holding a phone) What the hell are you doing in my room?!
Jabir: You mannerless fool! (approaches and slaps her across the face)
Aishah: (shocked) You slapped me?! (attempts to hit back but he grabs her hand and slaps her again—she falls hard to the floor) Are you insane?!
Jabir: Let this be the last time you step into my room or touch my stuff. The next time, I’ll make your life miserable.