Chapter 1:"His Heart, My Faith"

Episode 1: A Soul's Journey to Love

Multan International Airport – A Heavy Goodbye

The evening air at Multan International Airport carried a strange mix of excitement and heaviness. The soft murmurs of people, the distant announcements, and the rolling of suitcases filled the space around me. But inside me, a storm raged—silent yet overwhelming.

I stood at the departure gate, my luggage beside me, and my family and friends gathered for my farewell. I had prepared for this moment for months, yet now that it was here, my heart felt heavier than I had expected.

"Zoya, take care of yourself," my mother said, her warm hands gripping mine tightly. "Eat on time. Stay safe. And never forget your prayers."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "I will, Ammi. Don't worry."

Beside her stood Tariq Bhai, my friend who had always been like an elder brother to me. He wasn't related by blood, but his concern and protective nature made him feel like family.

"Tariq Bhai, pray for me," I said softly, looking at him.

He frowned slightly, studying me as if trying to read something beyond my words. "Of course, Zoya. But what do you mean?"

I hesitated for a moment before replying, choosing my words carefully. "You know, when I spent time with Baba, I always dreamed of achieving a higher degree. I wanted to do something big."

He nodded.

"But sometimes, life changes your direction. My plans have shifted. Now, I am going to a new world… searching for something."

I didn't explain further. I didn't tell him exactly who or what I was searching for. But the weight of my words seemed to reach him.

Tariq Bhai's expression turned serious. "Zoya, you are stepping into a completely different life. If you ever feel lost, if you ever feel like this path is too difficult, don't hesitate to come back."

I forced a small smile. "I promise."

He didn't hug me—our friendship had always maintained a respectful distance—but he raised his hand and placed it gently on my head. It was a silent blessing, one that I would carry with me as I stepped forward into the unknown.

With a final look at my family and friends, I picked up my bag and walked toward the security check.

"This is not just a journey for education. This is something bigger. Something my heart is leading me toward."

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On the Plane – A Silent Prayer

The flight to South Korea was long. Too long. It gave me hours to think, hours to overanalyze everything.

I was travelling from Pakistan to Thailand first. From there, I had a connecting flight to Busan, South Korea.

The layover in Thailand was brief, with just enough time to switch planes. When I boarded again, the atmosphere inside the flight felt the same—calm yet distant.

I had no idea that someone important had just joined this flight.

I sat by the window, the world outside feeling distant, like an old memory fading away. My heart was full of emotions—hope, fear, longing. And in that moment, I did what I always did when I felt lost.

I prayed.

In a soft voice, barely above a whisper, I spoke in English—words only meant for Allah.

"Ya Allah, guide him. Bring him to the right path. Make his heart recognize the truth. Give him peace, Ya Allah. Help him find the way to You…"

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away, but my voice remained soft, shaky, and filled with something deep.

And then, as if fate had planned this moment, I started whispering the lyrics that had changed my heart.

"I'd rather be lost in the dream… than wake up to reality."

The lyrics came out naturally, almost like a prayer themselves.

I had no idea that the person sitting ahead of me had recognized them.

He had heard my soft voice. Heard my quiet prayers.

For a moment, he froze. Confused. Curious. Shocked.

"Who is she?"

The words I spoke in Urdu were unknown to him, but the pain in my voice, the trembling prayers, and the familiar lyrics made him turn slightly—almost as if he wanted to see who was behind him.

But he didn't.

And I? I had no idea who he was.

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Arrival in South Korea – An Unexpected Encounter

The moment the plane landed at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, a strange feeling settled in my heart.

I am here.

I stood up, gathering my things. The person in the seat ahead of me moved as well, hesitating for a moment. He wants to look at who is sitting in the back seat. He just wants to see the person who sing lyrics and prays.... But I didn't notice. My heart was too heavy, my mind too lost in emotions.

I adjusted my mask, fixed my headscarf, and pulled on my coat. My outfit was simple—a long frock that touched my legs and comfortable jogger shoes. I blended into the crowd like just another traveller.

As I stepped out of the plane and into the arrival hall, the air was filled with noise—loud, excited voices and camera flashes.

At first, I ignored it.

But then, something made me turn back.

My heart stopped.

A massive crowd had gathered, screaming, shouting, pushing to get a closer look at someone.

I couldn't see clearly—but I felt it. A presence that sent shivers down my spine.

"No… It can't be."

The crowd was thick, security tight. But in the middle of it all, a figure moved.

For a brief second, I caught a glimpse of him.

And the world around me froze.

Joen. J.

I couldn't breathe.

"How…? How is he here? This was my flight. Does that mean… he joined from Thailand? But why? Why was he in economy class?"

Before I could process my thoughts, he suddenly stepped out of his security circle.

The fans screamed louder, flashes of cameras blinding the space.

I stood there—paralyzed, frozen in shock.

"Was he the one sitting ahead of me?"

I didn't move. I couldn't move.

Minutes passed like seconds.

Then—a hand touched my shoulder.

I jolted back to reality, turning quickly.

A man stood before me, holding a sign with my name.

"Miss Zoya?"

My lips parted, but no words came out. My heart was still racing, still echoing one name.

Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, I asked:

"Where is Joen. J?"

And in that moment, everything changed.

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To Be Continued…