NEW LIFE : A SECOND CHANCE

"My point is this. First, do not preach," Omar began.

"Preaching works because the people who come to those sermons, actually want to listen. But if the person goes to those sermons to cause chaos, the words spoken will not enter their hearts."

"So are you saying that Sophia is one who wouldn't listen? She's not like that," Ali insisted.

"I told you that when a woman loves you, she will do anything for you. Even convert," Omar continued but Ali cut him off.

"I won't ever force her to convert," Ali insisted.

Omar felt like slapping the back of the boy's head, "Did I say you are to do so? Islam forbids force and commanding someone to convert or blackmailing them emotionally would be 'force' as well."

"Now stop interrupting and?derailing the point I am trying to make!"

Ali blinked. Oh yes. Right. Omar had a point to make.

"The best way is by example," Omar finally got to his point with relief, "Since you want her as your wife, and see her as your wife, then treat her like your wife. With respect. With care."

"She will see you, and know that you are as you are, due to your belief. She will naturally become curious. If she ask, you answer. Don't be stingy in sharing," Omar continued.

"You are going to share a life together, and keeping quiet about anything is detrimental to the relationship," Omar pressed on, "Talk, share, show example."

"If it's meant to be, it'll be."

Was it really that simple?

Omar watched the boy who was seriously contemplating what had been said.

The boy was a good seedling.

He could tell how much Sophia meant to him, and he was truly scared. Omar had been lucky, in the sense that he had been much older than Ali right now when he met Faten. He had also been through a few relationships.

So, he was more 'mature' and stable in emotions.

Ali, on the other hand, was still a growing and emotional teen. Meeting his love for the first time. Was this a good thing, or a bad thing?

Only God knows.

Omar thought back of how he really started working for MIB.

Although he had told the truth, he had just left out a few things. Like, Faten had come to him with the offer by "J". How, after he had proven himself, and Faten admitted she never divorced him - he was promoted.

J had convinced Faten that Omar had changed. How he regretted everything. She didn't believe J at first, but soon, decided to give him a chance. She didn't trust Omar fully for he had betrayed her so badly.

So the entire 'low pay job' was all a test.

Previously, he had been so intense at earning money that he neglected his family. After that, however, he changed and focused on his family. Even though he was offered better pay to work elsewhere, Omar never changed jobs.

Thus, Omar felt he owed his life to "J". Anything J asked of him, he would do willingly. After all, if it wasn't for J, he would have lost his family - his heart - forever.

Since J wanted him to help guide Ali in finding his true love, it was the least he could do. He would do that, and more.

"Think back on all your conversations with your beloved," Omar started to say, "Has she ever shown interest in your life?"

Ali nodded.

"So what did you tell her?"

Ali mumbled something.

"What was that? Speak up," Omar grunted, wondering what was wrong with the boy. He was suddenly looking quite guilty.

"Nothing," Ali finally admitted.

"WHAT?!" Omar couldn't help but shout in surprise, "Whyever not? Isn't that the best time to show her what life is like in your house? Does she not need to know these things? If she's showing interest, why are you killing it?"

Ali's eyes were wide.

"NO! I am not doing that!" Ali said, in denial, "I just wanted to hear about her, and hear what she ..."

"So you can know about her, but she can't about you?" Omar cut in, looking at him then shook his head, "You're actually sabotaging your own relationship."

Ali slumped back in his chair, realisation slowly dawning on him.

"Try putting yourself in her shoes," Omar continued mercilessly, "How would you feel if she didn't share her thoughts or answer your question properly?"

Ali felt bad.

"What do you think she would think, if you're not willing to share?"

Ali's heart started beating rapidly.

"At the end of the day, God can show you your soulmate, but it is you who has to earn the right to have her."

"Is it too late??Have I already lost her?" Ali asked fearfully.