*Shehzana’s Diary* *Date: Friday, 20th June 2025* *Garments for Each Other* Alhamdulillah… life has been peaceful lately. There’s a soft rhythm to the days now — warm chai in the morning, my father in law reciting Surah Yaseen beautifully every morning , and Ahmad’s laughter filling the home every evening. It’s like Allah gave me a little pause, a chance to breathe between life’s storms. But now, the calm is shifting again. Ahmad broke the news gently over dinner last night: he’s been called back to Germany for the road construction project. At first, my heart sank a little — a lump formed in my throat. But then he smiled and said, “This time, you’re coming with me.” I was stunned. I had tears in my eyes. Imagine the girls told me to demand. Alhamdulillah, I didn't do any such silly thing. I never asked. I never hinted. I never complained about not going anywhere on a honeymoon . And now this — a beautiful gesture straight from his heart. Not because I demanded it… but because he thought of me.And because Allah loves the patient. Ya Allah… I thank you for this gift. For softening hearts and tying them together with mercy... Rehana returned on Thursday with her entourage — and she wasted no time. She called this morning, her voice bubbling with unfinished gossip and exasperation. “You will not believe what happened, Shehzana. Our girlie’ trip? Total disaster. A proper drama series, I tell you.” She whispered with impatience. “Uh oh… what happened?” Don't give me a panic attack!! I replied trying to keep my composure. “Rania’s husband turned out to be Aisha’s college friend! And not just casual friends — they had this weird ‘old flame’ kind of energy going on. Every time we went for padel or a walk, those two made sure to pair up. Rania noticed. And let me tell you… fireworks. They had this screaming match in the hotel corridor. So awkward.” “Inna lillahi. Rehana, that’s terrible.” I gasped “And wait — it gets worse. Shiraz… he was sneaking out every night. I knew he was vaping.” “What? Are you sure that was it? ” “Exactly! I asked him once, he denied. Then I caught the smell again and confronted him. And you know what he said? ‘It’s just stress relief, Rehana, not a big deal.’” “Then what did you do? “ “I let it pass there was so much going on Shezi, I can't explain… “Rehana said with frustration. “Like? “ “like … like… at the barbecue on the last night, I noticed Shuraiqa kept trying to corner him for small talk. Like, she had this flirty thing going. I don’t want to sound paranoid, but…” “You’re not paranoid. I saw signs even before the trip. That’s why I warned you — couples’ trips can get messy. It non Islamic. Boundaries blur. Shaytaan doesn’t need an invitation.” There was a long silence. “I should have listened to you. I really regret it now.” she sighed into the phone. I didn’t say ‘I told you so.’ I just let her talk until her voice steadied. She needed comfort, not correction. But I felt bad. Really bad. I could have made her understand. Then all this would not have happened. "Rehana, now make a firm intention not to do this again. This should be the last time for any couple outing!!" I said firmly. Just as I ended the call, Zahra called. Her voice was shaky — I knew something was wrong. “He married her, Shehzana. That woman. I had a gut feeling about it. I tried to stay positive. That’s why he kept asking for time, pretending he was confused. It was all a lie. He had a whole plan behind my back.” My heart broke for her. “I’m so, so sorry, Zahra. I can’t imagine how down you must feel.” “What do I do now? Tell me. Should I ask for khula? Pack up and leave? What if he comes crawling back?” she said in one breath. “Listen, Zahra. Don’t make any decisions in a state of shock or heartbreak. Let yourself grieve. Cry if you have to. But don’t act in haste. This pain is fresh. You need clarity, not chaos.” “But I feel like such a fool.”she cried. “You’re not a fool. You loved, you trusted, and you were sincere. That’s not foolish — that’s noble. You hold your dignity close and take your time. When you're calm and collected, then make your decision with istikhara Understand, that Shariah has given him that right. “ “No Shezi, Shariah did not give him the right to an affair, a right to immodesty… “She sobbed softly on the phone. I stayed with her in silence, just letting her know she wasn’t alone. Then, as if the day wasn’t already full of emotions, Shamila texted. “Shehzana, I really want to visit Apa tomorrow. But I don’t want to go alone. Will you come with me, please?” My heart softened. Apa has been unwell, and visiting her is long overdue. I replied, “Yes. Let’s go together after madressa on Saturday afternoon. We’ll take something nice for her. She’ll be happy to see us both. Then you can talk to her. ” It’s been a day full of stories, some heavy, some healing. But as I close this entry, I feel a sense of quiet strength. Every test around me is a reminder that marriage is not a fairytale. It is a sacred garment — woven with mercy, tested with difficulty , and held together only by effort and sincerity. Ahmad choosing to take me with him — that’s not just a travel plan. That’s a love language. And me listening to my friends’ heartbreaks — that’s also a language. A language of being present, even when there are no perfect answers. May Allah keep our garments intact and beautiful. . Ameen. – *Shehzana*.