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“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
Rumi
Chapter 2
“If you should love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you6.”
The station was buzzing with people. The scene was best described as bustling and chaotic. Travellers chasing after their trains, babies in prams screaming their lungs out and kids running in circles and driving their parents mental. Despite the clamorous mood, Sofea found the atmosphere to be strangely calming, in an odd kind of way.
The departing trains were tooting out their whistles, as reminders to the passengers to get onboard.
Sofea picked up her pace. She was late. She could hear the chugging of the train on the platform.
Oh, no! Sofea decided to run instead. I should have not dilly-dallied at the bookstore, she scolded herself.
made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees7.”
“Oh, sorry. Thank you,” Sofea said sheepishly as she took the muffler from the stranger.
have always been her go-to places to visit whenever she travels.
Shafique looked at his watch. He was running late. His meeting at the University of Edinburgh
The lady slowly turned around. She looked very young. Shafique was not sure of her nationality, but
into a full-time job. He loves his job. It gives him the opportunity to travel all over the world and visit some
respect and love. A person whom he can have endless conversations with. A person who would be willing to
Chapter 3
“My mercy encompasses all things10.”
The airport was crowded with people from all walks of life and from around the world. Some walking, some running and some, patiently waiting.
Sofea checked her boarding pass again. Her flight was boarding at Gate 12 and she was nowhere near it.
I really must stop doing this, she scolded herself. Running is tiring, she told herself. As usual, Sofea was too caught up browsing through the books at the Duty-Free shop that she forgot to check the time. She only realised her folly when she heard the “last call” announcement was made.
Sofea was at JFK airport. The library had sent her to a “librarians” meet in New York. It is an
A feeling of deja vu washed over here. She felt that the scene has played once in her life before, but
“I’m sorry. What was that ma’am?” asked the officer.
Sofea snapped out of her daze and quickly handed her boarding pass to the officer. Sofea collapsed
saw something dropped to the ground. Immediately, he recognised that it was a boarding pass.
Chapter 5
“Allah loves the steadfast18.”
The phone on her table rang. Sofea glanced at it and saw that it was her boss calling. She quickly picked up the call.
“Hello?”
“Sofea, can you do me a favour? I’m supposed to meet Mr. Chong regarding our library orders but I’m still in a meeting. Can you go ahead and meet him first while I wrap up this meeting real quick? I don’t want to keep him waiting alone,” asked Mrs. Julia, the head librarian.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll go now,” replied Sofea. She grabbed her notebook and quickly ran downstairs to
in. The first thought that crossed her mind was that Mr. Chong dressed very well for a salesperson. Very
“Wait, are you stalking me? Are you a spy?”
Sofea asked accusingly and looked at Mr. Chong
stalk her as they did not know each other. It must have been a coincidence, she told herself.
The handsome man was frowning at her. Then, slowly, a small smile appeared before his expression
“Waalaykumussalam21. My name is Sofea and I am filling in for Mrs. Julia for a while. She is still
“I’m sorry for jumping on you. It was uncalled for. Plus, I did not get to thank you properly for
“Okay, Sofea. I need you to work with me on this order. I have my hands full with this charity
Chapter 8
“Perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you.31”
The sound of someone knocking woke her up from her slumber. Groggily, Sofea opened her eyes slightly then squint at the sunlight that was shining through the curtains.
She closed her eyes again and tried to remember where she was. Am I late for work, she wondered sleepily. Who is that knocking? Room service? Do I have a butler? Is somebody hammering away? There was also a loud vibrating sound coming from beside her.
What is that sound? It cannot be my alarm, Sofea thought. She groped around blindly with her
hand, to find the source of the sound. Her hand came into contact with something very furry. Her eyes
Sofea recognised her mum’s voice, calling from outside her room. I am home, she told herself, happily.
Salahaddin again. Salahaddin was in town with his family hence her dad had invited all of them over.
he was feeling artistic. He had a round face with fair complexion. Akhbar is always ready with a smile.
“Hhmm…,” said Zulaiqha, looking unconvinced.
seem to be able to cook a decent meal hence Sofea would normally be assigned to do other household
commented Suraya, laughing. “Those two have matching naughty faces, I’m telling you!”
“Oh…okay,” grumbled Sofea as she dragged herself out of the kitchen and reluctantly walked
was lean and well built. For an old man, Salahaddin is still very good looking, Sofea had to admit. He
“You, again!” Sofea shrieked. Shafique gave a slight laugh, “I promise you.
Sofea. Sofea moved to stand behind her dad and was quietly fidgeting.
Akhbar simply laughed.
“Come, let’s eat. Dinner is served,” said