Chapter 16

Yushraf's POV

"Hey! Wake up, it's time for prayer. Adhaan has already been said." I heard Mubarak say to me, then followed a few tap on my shoulder.

I opened my eyes and stood up immediately, then followed them to the masjid to pray fajr.

When we returned to the cell, I could not keep my mind off what Mubarak had told me last night. It was really unfortunate to be accused of what one knows absolutely nothing about, especially of attempted murder. But that was life - unpredictable. Always changing and showing us new things, from different perspectives.

I was still lost in thought about how Mubarak managed to hide his feeling without been discovered in thought, emotions, guilt or any form of regret on his face. Indeed he was really trying, but I knew it did bother him, especially being accused wrongly of attempted murder by the people he thought he could trust. It was really unfortunate and I pitied him a lot.

I felt a light pat on my shoulder and I raised my face, only to meet with Mubarak's concerned one.

"Hey, what happened? Why in deep thought this early morning?" He asked

"Uhmm...nothing really. It's just that I have realized how selfish I've been and how ungrateful to the Almighty."

"Selfish? Ungrateful? I mean why are you using these words on yourself? In what way do you think you are selfish. So far, you have never acted selfish to me."

"No, Mubarak. That's what I have been, even before coming here - a selfish person, because I'm always lost in my own thoughts. I think about my sister only. I think of how she's coping, and lastly I'm always thinking of how to get my revenge on those that wronged me.

"I never thought of anyone's feeling here. How they are or the real emotion behind their smiling faces. I always share whatever bothers me and I did get encouragement from you all, but I never for once cared to ask or know why you guys are also here. I mean you, Khalifa, Jibrin and Idris, while you all already know about mine and also sympathise with me. Mubarak, tell me, is that not selfishness?"

"Yushraf, I understand why you're blaming yourself, but trust me, that is not an act of selfishness. It's just the way of minding your business. Caring and thinking about your sister only, is also not a crime, Yushraf. As a human being, every brother is very possessive and also protective of their sisters and if I can still remember vividly, she doesn't have anybody apart from you, right? But Almighty Allah is watching over her wherever she is.

"Getting revenge on what happen between you and that girl, it will not make you a greater person, rather it will just make you feel guilty for what ever you did to her and also your conscience will keep judging you, because you have a good upbringing and have been trained rightly by your parents. Remember the Almighty Allah forbids us from paying evil back with evil, rather you should try and change their ways, but seeking for revenge is a bad idea, Yushraf and I'm not in support of that, wallahi.

"Allah is the Almighty and most powerful. He is the one in control and He, alone can make us face trials and hardship. He, alone can also ease our pain and wipe away our tears, so Yushraf, you have to be patient. He, alone can also make that revenge for you. Forgive and forget. It is the only power to move on with your life. This world is very short to hold grudges. I promise you that one day she shall come to look for you and ask of your forgiveness, because she will regret each and every action she took that day.

"I know you are softhearted, but you are trying hard to hold grudges against her, which is very bad. Forgive her for the sake of Allah and in sha Allah, the almighty Allah will reward you." He preached.

"I'm so impressed and just speechless because through your words, I realize my life has been in darkness, but for the first time, I can now smile genuinely, because I was going on the wrong path, but you were able to pull me back to the right path and I can now see brightness. Thank you, Mubarak. Wallahi, I felt happy and good. I'm really glad I have a wonderful friend that is so religious and kind enough to advice me. I promise you, I will stop holding grudges against her and also forgive whatever happened. Though it will really be difficult to do that, I will try my best to avoid her, because seeing her will make me have flashbacks of the ugly memory of the past that has already been buried.

"May Almighty Allah bless you and rescue you from here soon and also make our friendship stronger, not just here, but forever, in sha Allah." I prayed.

"You're highly welcome, Yushraf and for your prayer aameen thumma amin. I have a feeling you will soon be out of here too." he said and gave me a brotherly hug.

"I hope so too."

We were still conversing, when we heard the clicking sound of locks being opened. A guard came in and forced us out to start working on the portions given to us.

Immediately we finished, we went straight to the dinning hall, where we were served like animals, because even beggars were not treated in such manners.

Back in cell, Khalid could not let us hear word anymore, since he was going to be bailed out today. He had spent a whole week locked up.

According to Khalid's story, they were financially stable. His dad, Alhaji Hamza Shettima owned many stations in Nigeria and also had shopping complexes here in the country and also a branch in Dubai, where goods are being imported to Nigeria. He told us his dad was well known for his business. He also went further to tell us he was the type of man that didn't tolerate nonsense and also did not let his children spend money unnecessarily, which is the reason why Khalid ended up in prison.

Khalid was arrested after his dad discovered he stole money from the company's account, without even letting him know. He called a detective immediately and had him arrested.

After several interrogations, he confessed that he used the money to host a party for his friends. But now Khalid had learned his lesson and also realized the value of the money he wasted on party.

I was so happy for him, because he had realize his mistake already and was ready to ask for his father's forgiveness and also make amends.

"Khalid Hamza Shettima "A guard called for him. Khalid answered and stood up immediately. Since he already knew they came there to take him out, he gave us a brotherly hug each. The moment was so emotional, like he should stay back, but life was all about moving on.

"We shall meet again one by one, in sha Allah. It was really difficult at first, but with you all, I was able to cope and stay happy with less thinking, God bless you all." Khalid said with teary eyes and left.

It was just the four of us left now, waiting anxiously for our fate - for a miracle. I sighed and we went back to our discussions.

After we finished dhur prayer, I was called upon, just an hour after Khalid left, which was indeed a miracle, just as I had thought.

At first, I thought I was not the only Yushraf Sufyan there, but after checking round, I realized I was the one, so I stood up and exchange pleasantries with Mubarak and others.

I was directed to the common room, where my clothes, shoes and wrist watch were returned to me.

Immediately our eyes met with her, I lowered my gaze and left to change into my clothes. I changed in another room and returned. I was given some papers to sign, which I did and left.

I stepped out of the prison and was so relieved, just thinking of Reedah and how she was going to react on seeing me.

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