Sincerely, Malika.

Though this beautiful story doesn't last, at least I keep it in me. November 30, 2024 Part 1: Arrival The day before, I was completely drained from work, but my work had gone so well that I felt glad to face tomorrow even though I had no time for proper preparation. Yet, when I woke up, I felt so calm. I didn’t really get the nerves I had expected. The journey to the airport felt like a fleeting moment. My parents hugged me before I left, their prayers for a safe and wonderful trip making me feel more secure and blessed. At the airport, it still felt surreal. In just a few hours, I’d finally meet him. Two years of communicating online—two years of texts, photos, and imagining what his voice might sound like in real life. Now it was about to happen, and I didn’t know how to process it. During the flight, I kept replaying all the what-ifs in my head. What if he didn’t show up? What if he changed his mind? I walked to the baggage claim, feeling calm. While waiting for my luggage, I lo...

Don't you notice that lately, there's so much talk and content about how “marriage is scary.”? Whether it’s social media, the news, or just random conversations, it’s sometimes about infidelity, abuse, neglect, or people growing apart. It’s honestly overwhelming sometimes. Like, is this really what marriage is supposed to look like? I get why so many people feel this way. Those stories are real, and they’re heartbreaking. They make you wonder, “Is love enough? Is commitment enough? Is it even worth it?” But as much as these fears are valid, I don’t want them to take over how I feel about marriage. For me, I imagine marriage as something truly beautiful. A partnership where you can feel safe, loved, and understood. I know it won’t always be easy; it’ll take effort and patience, but I believe that if it’s built on mutual respect, love, and compassion, it has the potential to be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. That’s why I’m writing this post, as a reminder to mys...