Chapter 20

"I haven't heard such words from any mystic before; perhaps he possessed hidden knowledge or could read people's minds. Maybe he had some mystical powers that allowed him to offer prayers tailored to my situation. Who was he, and why did he appear before me? I don't know how many mysteries exist in this universe, and all these mysteries seem to unfold right before me. Regardless, whatever it was, may Allah accept his prayers.

Several days passed, and there was no sign of Osman. Palwasha remained deeply saddened in her heart, but she eventually returned to her daily routine. She had come to understand that Osman would not return because if he had intended to, he would have. She had abandoned her search, leaving everything to fate."

Suddenly, Palwasha received a message:

"Are you Palwasha? I am Iqra. I need to talk to you."

Palwasha was surprised and replied, "Yes, I am."

"Okay, listen carefully to what I'm about to say. Are you the same Palwasha that Osman likes?"

Palwasha was bewildered by how this person knew and why they were asking. She replied, "I don't know who you are, and it's none of your business whether I have any connection with Osman."

Iqra sent pictures of Osman. "You must recognize him now, right?"

Palwasha, puzzled, finally said, "Yes, now why are you asking?"

"Good, Osman gave me your number. I'm a family friend, and he told me everything about both of you. So, there's no need to worry. I have something to tell you."

"Okay, go ahead," Palwasha said.

"I have to tell you that Osman has been hospitalized for several days. He has cancer, and the doctor says it's in a severe stage. It's difficult for him to survive, but his life and fate are in Allah's hands now. He doesn't have his phone with him in the hospital, so no one can contact you until he regains consciousness. Listen, Palwasha, I know this may sound strange to you, but it's the truth. His family knows about you because he wanted to propose to you, but then his brother and sister-in-law opposed it because his sister-in-law wanted him to marry her own sister. This led to family conflicts, and that's when he fell ill. I was given your number in case of an emergency. I'm sorry for the delay in informing you; I completely forgot until now."

"Listen, Iqra, what kind of sick joke is this? What are you saying?"

"Palwasha, I understand that this must sound bizarre to you, but this is the reality. His family knows about you, and that's why he wanted to marry you. But now, he's in this situation. When I go to the hospital, I'll let you talk to him; don't worry."

"Thanks a lot."

"My pleasure. See you later. I have some work to do. Goodbye, Palwasha."

Palwasha's mind was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. She had never met Osman in person, but their connection was so deep and genuine that she felt like she had known him her entire life. They had exchanged messages, shared dreams, and created a bond that transcended physical presence. The thought of losing Osman to a severe illness like cancer was unbearable.

She sat alone in her room, lost in her thoughts, remembering the late-night conversations, the laughter they had shared, and the promises they had made to each other. It was as if Osman had become an integral part of her existence, filling a void she didn't even realize existed. She had envisioned a future with him, a life full of love, happiness, and shared dreams. Now, that future seemed uncertain and fragile.

Palwasha couldn't help but wonder why fate had played such a cruel hand. She questioned the fairness of a universe that had brought Osman into her life only to threaten to take him away. She felt a profound sense of helplessness, unable to do anything but worry and pray for Osman's recovery.

As the days passed, Palwasha found herself constantly checking her phone, hoping for a message from Iqra with news of Osman's condition. Each passing moment without an update deepened her anxiety and sadness. She longed to hear Osman's voice, to tell him how much she cared for him, and to assure him that she would be there for him, no matter what.

In her solitude, Palwasha found solace in her faith. She turned to Allah in her prayers, pleading for Osman's recovery, for the chance to meet him and share the life they had envisioned. She realized that sometimes life tested one's strength and commitment in unexpected ways, and she was determined to face this trial with unwavering hope and love.

Palwasha knew that, despite the distance and the uncertainty, her feelings for Osman were real and profound. She held onto the belief that their connection was destined, and that somehow, they would find their way to each other, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.