He knelt down in front of her, his knees on the ground as if seeking forgiveness. Slowly, he said, 'Hajiya, good evening.' She lifted her head from the TV mounted on the wall in a large wall cabinet. She turned her attention to him, studying his face, then looked at the girl sitting on the floor applying ointment to her leg and said, 'Azima, get up and go to bed.' The girl quickly stood up and said, 'Good night, Hajiya. May Allah wake us up in good health,' Hajiya replied softly. She turned her gaze back to him and began to speak authoritatively, 'Shamaki, sit properly. May Allah bless you.' He responded, 'Amen, Hajiya.' She continued, 'It seems you have seen someone who has captured your heart, either by impressing you or attracting you. Tell me something about her.'

He adjusted his sitting position, not surprised by his mother's words, as she was a very perceptive woman who could read people well. If you spent thirty minutes with her, she could describe many of your traits or behaviors. She was also quick to detect lies. He said, 'Hajiya, I saw her once going to Islamiyya. I wanted to talk to her, but she ignored me and walked away. Instead of getting angry, I just followed her without her knowing until she entered the school. I tried to see her again about six times but couldn't find her. Today, I was lucky to see her in a shop buying something. I waited for her to finish and followed her home. Now, I am seeking permission to visit her house if granted.'

Hajiya was silent for a while, then said, 'Go to bed, but before that, I want you to perform the Istikhara prayer and come back to me in the morning with the same story you told me.' He stood up slowly, thanking her and wishing her a good night. 'May Allah bless you,' she said, picking up a water bottle beside her to drink.

He woke up suddenly, looking at the other side of the bed where she was sleeping. The dream replayed in his mind, and he felt the need to take a bath as he had in the dream. He had never experienced this before, even during his bachelor days, maybe only when he was a young man in early adolescence. He prayed at home because he had woken up late and couldn't remember the last time he missed the Fajr prayer. He lay down for a while, feeling a slight fever. Then he heard a knock on his door. He sat up and allowed the person to enter. It was Azima, dressed in her school uniform. She said, 'Brother Shamaki, Hajiya asked me to check on you.' He replied, 'Tell her I am coming.' He got up, put on a blue short-sleeved jalabiya with intricate embroidery, and went out.

As he entered the living room, Meema ran towards him, shouting, 'Daddy!' He lifted her up and held her close, asking, 'Where are Mubina and Anisa?' She pointed towards their room and said, 'They are inside, Rahin is getting them ready.' He asked, 'And you?' She replied, 'I am about to be dressed too.' He put her down and told her to hurry so they wouldn't be late. She ran off, and he headed to Hajiya's section.

She was sitting on her prayer mat, her legs stretched out, covered in a luxurious hijab, her familiar scent filling the room. She was holding prayer beads and reciting quietly. He sat down respectfully and greeted her, 'Hajiya, how was your night?' She exhaled regally and replied, 'Fine, Shamaki. What happened today that you missed the Fajr prayer?' she asked with concern. He lowered his head and said, 'I woke up feeling unwell and overslept.' She asked, 'What came of the Istikhara prayer you performed last night? Did you feel any unease about the girl, or did Allah reveal anything to you in your dream?' She bombarded him with questions. Shamaki replied, 'I still feel love for her and dreamt about her.' He lowered his head, unable to describe the dream. Hajiya said, 'I am listening.' He rubbed his face and glanced at her, seeing her piercing gaze, knowing she wanted to understand if he was lying. He said, 'We met in a certain situation, Hajiya. May Allah make it good.'