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SWAPPED DESIRES: EPISODE ELEVEN


 Khadijah story side

(During the night)


I was lying on my bed, lost in a story on Facebook, when my phone rang. An unknown number.


Khadijah: As-salamu alaykum.


Mansur: Wa alaykum salam warahmatullah. Please, am I speaking to the sister I collected her number from this evening?


Khadijah: Oh… yes, I’m the one.


Mansur: Thank you so much for giving me your real number. Some people would have given a wrong one. I really appreciate it.


Khadijah: You’re welcome… sir.


Mansur: Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Mansur. I’m a Muslim, I strive to follow the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). I’m a graduate, and I run a business. I’m 29 years old… and you?


Khadijah: Masha Allah… my name is Khadijah Ibrahim. I’m a Muslimah too, I follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). I’m a student… and I’m 18 years old. You’re… much older than I am, sir.


Mansur: Masha Allah, I’m really impressed. But please, don’t call me sir. Age is just a number.


(He pauses slightly, his tone softening.)


Mansur: I came to the school today for something, even though I graduated from here. But when I saw you… my heart just melted. Your dressing, your composure, the way you carry yourself—everything about you is Masha Allah. And when I approached you, the way you responded… I was amazed. You have good home training.


(He exhales gently.)


Mansur: Let me be honest with you. I have interest in you. I want to know you more… and if Allah wills it, I would like to marry you. In fact… I want to marry you.


Khadijah: (She suddenly coughs, trying to catch her breath.)


Mansur: I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I think I shocked you. Forgive me. But I’ve already started developing feelings for you—and it’s for the sake of Allah. Please… say something.


Khadijah: I… I don’t even know what to say. I’m speechless. This is so sudden… you just met me, and now you’re saying you love me? How do you expect me to believe that? There are many players out there—my mom warned me about them. I can’t fall for something like that easily. I’m sorry.


Mansur: I understand. Truly, I do. Your mother is right—there are many deceivers out there. But I’m not one of them. You’re the first woman I’ve been this honest with… and the first I’ve approached like this. Please, I’ll give you time. Think about it. Pray about it.


Khadijah: This is… unbelievable. I’m not even ready for marriage. I’m still young.


Mansur: Please don’t say that. I won’t rush you, I promise. Take your time. Khadijah… you carry the name of the first woman who accepted Islam, the beloved wife of the Prophet (SAW). You’re special. Please… just think about it.


Khadijah: (She smiles faintly.) Okay… I’ll get back to you. I need to discuss this with my mom and my ustaz for better understanding… especially about early marriage.


Mansur: Masha Allah. Jazakillahu khairan. I’m truly grateful.


Khadijah: Wa iyyakum. You’re welcome… sir. As-salamu alaykum.


Mansur: Wa alaykum salam warahmatullah.


(End call)


Khadijah: (staring at her phone) Wow… I can’t believe this. A man just confessed his feelings to me… just like that? SubhanAllah. Mom 2 needs to hear this. I definitely can’t tell Mrs. Slap.


(She dials.)


Mom2: (picks up) As-salamu alaykum, my daughter.


Khadijah: Wa alaykum salam, Mom. Good evening, ma.


Mom2: Good evening, my dear. How is your studies? Hope it’s not too stressful?


Khadijah: Alhamdulillah, Mom. I’m getting used to it.


Mom2: Alhamdulillah. May Allah increase your knowledge. But this late call… it’s already 10pm. I hope there’s no problem?


Khadijah: Not really… I just need to talk to you about something. Is Daddy beside you?


Mom2: Hmm… give me a moment.


(She lowers the phone slightly.)


Mom2: (to her husband) Honey, this is a private conversation between me and my daughter. Please, can you excuse us?


Dad: Okay…


Mom2: And please take Abdullah with you. I don’t want him disturbing us.


Dad: Alright.


(She returns to the call.)


Mom2: Okay, my dear. I’m listening.


Khadijah: (She explains everything.) That’s why I’m calling you, Mom. I need your advice. Do you think I should accept? What if he’s a deceiver?


Mom2: Masha Allah. First, I’m really happy you told me. Thank you for trusting me as your mother—it means a lot to me.


(She pauses gently.)


Mom2: Secondly, at your age, it’s normal for men to approach you. But you said he proposed? That shows seriousness. Let me ask you a few questions.


Khadijah: Okay, Mom.


Mom2: Are you ready for marriage?


Khadijah: Thank you for not misunderstanding me… honestly, I haven’t thought about marriage yet. But since he said it, my mind has been everywhere. I don’t know, Mom… and even if I’m ready, my parents won’t agree. They might even punish me… they’ll be disappointed.


Mom2: (smiles softly) My dear, you’re still naive. Let me ask you something else.


Khadijah: Okay, ma.


Mom2: Would you rather get pregnant in a haram way and then marry… or marry in a halal way before pregnancy?


Khadijah: I would rather get married first… before pregnancy.


Mom2: Good girl. I don’t want you to repeat the mistake your mother made before having you. I know she carries regret… and I don’t want that for you.


(Her voice softens with emotion.)


Mom2: What you need now is to be prayerful. Ask Allah for guidance. Perform istikhara. Don’t rush—but don’t ignore something that could be good for you either. What I want for you is the same thing I want for my own children. I love you so much… my first daughter.


Khadijah: (smiling) I love you too, Mom. I thought you had children from your first marriage?


Mom2: Yes, I do. Two boys… plus Abdullah makes three. Then you and your siblings make it seven.


Khadijah: (laughs softly) Thank you so much, Mom. Jazakillahu khairan.


Mom2: Wa anti fajazakillahu khairan. Good night, my dear. Don’t forget your evening adhkar.


Khadijah: I won’t, ma. Good night.


(End call)


Khadijah: (whispering to herself) I still can’t believe this is happening… Ya Allah, this is too much. I have so much to talk to You about tonight.


(She sits up, determined.)


Khadijah: Tahajjud… here I come.



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