Chapter 238 Love Conquers All? (1/2)

Ali waited patiently for the answer to a question he never dared ask before.

”They were bullying you,” Kyle said simply.

”You weren't afraid of me?”Ali pressed on.

Kyle had been the only one that did not look at him with fear or hatred. Even at that young age, the emotions spilling out could be so negative. And being so young, they weren't restrained at all in voicing them out.

So why was Kyle so different?

How come Kyle treated him like any other person?

Kyle looked at Ali and tilted his head. He knew the unspoken question Ali had. Wasn't Ali a hidden spy? A sleeper agent? Or a ticking time bomb that would just go 'suicide bomber' and blow up the whole school?

How could he explain that as Kylie, living in Country M had given him exposure to all sorts of races and religions? Kyle wasn't ignorant of the truth and thus, wasn't swayed by the prejudices or misunderstandings that were prevalent in Country TZ then, of the lesser known religions like Islam.

It couldn't be said to be the same for the others though, so it was only natural that Ali would have been bullied. It's better now as there is more awareness - and people tended to be more accepting when said person is within a 'popular' group.

”Should I have been?” Kyle asked gently, his eyes clear as he looked at Ali in the eyes.

Ali sighed and gave up.

He knew that there was something more to it than what Kyle was saying. He found it incredibly amazing that he could have such clarity in mind and thought, even at that young age.

The fact that Kyle could simply accept him wholeheartedly, without prejudice and question, was something Ali lapped up like a man who found an oasis in the middle of the desert. Kyle was his oasis at that time, healing him in ways that he didn't think possible, and making Ali the way he is now.

Sometimes, Ali thought ... if he hadn't met Kyle, would he have turned out just the way those people feared? When you are bullied without rhyme or reason, what would happen if the bullied fights back?

Ali sighed and figured the 'why' was not important anymore.

What's important was the pure brotherhood bond they have.

Being an Elite Five had given Ali a layer of protection that he wouldn't have had otherwise. It also made people much more receptive to him and Islam, so the negative perceptions weren't so prevalent.

At first, people did try to diss Kyle for bringing Ali into his 'group' but the die-hard Kyle fans shot them down. As time went on, people became more and more accepting and Ali had a much easier life.

The prejudice wasn't eradicated but it had lessened considerably. He knew he owed a lot to Kyle. Words that came out of Kyle's mouth sounded simple but he knew Kyle was anything but simple.

”You know, in my religion, all manner of behaviour is regulated. People only see the restrictions like no pork or alcohol or the rituals like fasting and the daily prayers,” Ali began, changing the subject again, his eyes looking in the far distance.

”But it's more than that,” Ali said, trying to explain, ”It's a way of Life. Every single restriction and rule has a reason for it. One that is essentially for your own well being and health.”

”I may have been born a Muslim, and brought up as one, but I am not a Muslim by force. I truly do believe in its teachings and agree with them. It's here,” Ali said, hitting chest where his heart is, ”I truly believe in it, in here.”

Then his eyes started to get watery again, and a single tear flowed down as he asked in despair, ”So why is it so hard now? Why am I doubting now? Why ... why did it have to be her?”

Ali took a deep breath, wiping that tear away angrily.

”Because you're still young,” Kyle replied softly, understanding Ali's pain and confusion, ”And it's your first time being in love. Of course, your feelings for her are strong and overwhelming.”

Kyle looked in front of him, his eyes not really focusing on what was in front of him but was thinking of the past, of his first love. Husband.

”You already said, didn't you. If she is your destined one, it will be. No matter how long it takes, it will be. If she's not to be, no matter what, you'll never be happy in the end,” Kyle said.

Ali gave a short laugh, which was more in disdain at himself, ”Easier said than done. What am I supposed to do? Just wait? Just watch? What?”

”I remember a sermon I had to listen to once,” Kyle began, ”It's raining heavily. You're in a car that can only seat two. You come across a bus stop that had three people, getting quite soaked from the splatters. A sickly old lady, your best friend and your destined one. Who do you choose to help and pick up?”

Without waiting for an answer, Kyle continued, ”You give your keys to your best friend, get him to send the old lady to a hospital or home and sit with your destined one.”

”Huh?” Ali looked at him in confusion.

”God may have determined who is your destined one, but it doesn't mean you just sit back and she will fall on your lap,” Kyle explained.

”God will give you the opportunity, but it is up to you to use it. If you had taken the girl, she would have thought badly of you for leaving the poor old sick lady behind, right? If you had not taken the girl, then she may not be there anymore when you get back.