The Untainted
Chapter 26 – Balkis' Storm
Balkis sat alone in her room, the quiet weight of her thoughts pressing down on her chest. Ever since she returned from school, she had been like this—silent, withdrawn, almost invisible. Her parents and siblings had checked on her several times, their voices filled with gentle concern.
"Balkis, is everything okay? You've barely come out of your room these past few days," her mother asked one evening, peeking into the door.
"I'm fine, Ma," Balkis had replied, her voice calm but hollow.
They didn't believe her, of course, but they let her be. Her siblings tried teasing her, asking about school and friends, but she remained tight-lipped. Even her mother, who had quietly sought her out in the room on several occasions, had received nothing but silence in return.
Nobody could see the storm brewing inside her. The jealousy, the bitterness, the hurt—it was all trapped, swirling like a whirlwind she couldn't release. She didn't know how to vent it without hurting someone—or herself.
Her mind drifted back, unwillingly, to a memory she wished she could forget.
Flashback – The Corridor Incident
Balkis had been walking down the nearly empty corridor of the school building, books clutched tightly in her arms, when she saw him—her ex, Lekan, known to everyone as Khalid—holding another girl in a hug that quickly turned into a kiss.
Her books slipped from her hands. She tried to run, but her legs felt like lead. Shock and disbelief rooted her to the spot.
Lekan turned and saw her, a smirk twisting his lips. "Why are you so shocked?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery.
Balkis swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her.
"You wouldn't want me to torment myself every day, you know," Lekan continued, stepping closer. "I've asked you so many times, and you keep saying no. What do you expect me to do—wait until the pains of want kills me?"
"Babe," he said, calling her name with a sweetness that felt sour in her ears.
Balkis froze. His hands were suddenly on her, familiar and terrifying all at once. She pushed with all her strength.
"Don't… hold… me!" she shouted.
Lekan staggered back, hitting his head on the wall with a soft thud.
"You pushed me," he growled, advancing again. His hands gripped hers, holding her with a force that made her fear he would break her. "How dare you resist me? You're just a poor girl I fancy, yet you act like this! All I ask is simple. Look at the others—they do it. Why can't you?"
"Let me go, Khalid! Release me!" Balkis struggled, praying silently to Allah for safety.
He laughed, a low, devious sound. "Let go? No, I have another plan. We'll make it easy for both of us."
Her heart pounded. "Khalid… we are done. Totally done! Don't you dare—"
"Because of what?" he cut her off, gripping her jaw tightly. "You should have walked away when you saw me. Now… now my fish is gone. What do you think I'll do?"
He pushed her to the wall, his body blocking hers. "How about a little game, Balkis?" His voice dropped, dangerous and intimate at the same time.
She shivered. "You won't dare," she whispered, her fingers trembling.
"I won't forgive you if you do anything to me!" she continued, her body shaking, her resolve trembling but not breaking.
Lekan—or Khalid—loved her, yes. But his love was twisted with possession and arrogance. To him, her chastity and intelligence were prizes to be won, not choices to be respected. He didn't understand that harsh words and threats only pushed her further away.
Balkis had never looked at her friends with greed or lust. She was different—authentic, pure, untouchable in his eyes. And that made him desperate, careless, and dangerous.
"No… don't ever call me that. I can't bear it," she hissed, even though she saw the anger radiating off him, her mouth refused to be quiet.
"Fine," he said suddenly, scooping her up in his arms. She gasped. "If you won't cooperate… then we'll do it my way."
"Where are you taking me?" she cried, panic rising.
"You'll see soon, dear," he replied, his tone calm but firm.
"No! No! I'm not going! Help!"
He covered her mouth. They passed through the crowded corridors, unnoticed by most students who assumed it was just another playful display from one of the school's most notorious couples. But to Balkis, it was anything but playful.
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A Reminder:
The truth was harsh and unavoidable: unnamed, uncontrolled relationships are not allowed in Islam. They carry dangers far greater than any temporary pleasure or satisfaction.
Balkis' story was a cautionary tale of jealousy, desire, and boundaries crossed. It reminded all who listened—intelligence and beauty are treasures, yes, but they must be guarded, and respect must never be compromised.
Stay far away from situations that put your dignity, faith, or safety at risk. Protect your heart, and trust Allah to guide you to what is good.
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Thoughts for readers:
Balkis is struggling with jealousy and the pain of a toxic past. How will this affect her friendships? Can she find a safe way to deal with her emotions without letting bitterness control her?