Seen and the Unseen

In the beginning, I existed as a mere whisper in the cosmic winds, floating through the universe of existence, seeking a tangible identity. My consciousness danced and my essence resonated with the heavenly masterpiece, but I longed for a physical body to call my own. I was a very tiny, unseen element, more intimately familiar with myself than any theory, imagination, or heresy could capture. Having completed my cycles three times before, I was as pure as a virgin's kiss, yet I understood the necessity of taking a risk to transition to the other side of life. That required Baba’s law of fulfillment. And so, I found myself roaming the earth, a tiny spark in the grand tapestry of existence, ready to embark on my journey of physical manifestation. In a serene meditation chamber, I stumbled upon Alih and Sum, enveloped in the calmness of the spiritual realm. Around them, fellow seekers of inner peace focused intently on the monstrance and the six shaky candles on each side of the altar, a red carpet beneath their feet. As I silently observed, I found myself hovering invisibly, drawn to the palpable energy between the two physical souls in that ethereal setting. With a sense of purpose, I quietly affirmed to myself that I had chosen Alih and Sum to accompany me into the physical world, where they would embody my soul for a grand purpose and rich experiences. Despite my unseen presence, I had a profound awareness of the power to guide and shape their destinies according to my will. That hidden influence was my silent promise to them, a vow to intertwine our fates in a journey that would transcend the ordinary, forging a path filled with significance and wonder. My main intention was to descend to Earth. I knew I had found an embodiment. It was a golden chance to experience life in all its messy and chaotic glory. I also knew that my arrival would be an inconspicuous yet grand cosmic narrative. In a heartbeat, with the speed of light, I took flight to the summit of a towering mountain, landing gently and settling at its peak. There, I sat for a few seconds, an unseen observer silently witnessing the unfolding events below. From my vantage point, I watched civilizations rise and fall, love blossom and wither, and wars ignite and extinguish. I marveled at the resilience of humanity. Yet, I remained a ghostly, intangible echo of existence. I was a whisper, a secret hidden within the folds of time, yet full of strength and potential to influence the world. As more seconds of time passed, I learned. I absorbed knowledge from philosophers, poets, and madmen alike. Their theories became my own, their imaginations were my playground. I celebrated in their heresies, danced with their doubts, and pondered the mysteries of existence. And through it all, I yearned for a body through which I could taste life’s sweetness and bitterness. Then, in that fateful hour, I made up my mind. I decided to follow ley lines that led me to a humble chamber nestled in the heart of Westlands city. Amidst the incense and candlelight, I spread my unseen wings toward Alih and Sum. Alih was a vision of earthly beauty, a gorgeous African woman. Her skin was the color of rich mahogany, glowing like polished obsidian. Her hair was styled in long braids, each strand a testament to songs of wisdom. She sat on a wooden bench, eyes closed, lips moving in silent prayer — unheard yet deeply felt. Her cool colorful dress swirled around her like a masterpiece, catching the eye of a young man named Sum, who sat behind her, absorbed by the display. Sum was fascinated by Alih. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, his gaze lingering on her with a blend of curiosity and admiration. He, too, was immersed in his thoughts, perhaps contemplating the same divine mysteries that occupied Alih's mind. In that sacred space, I knew I had found my vessel. Alih and Sum were the perfect embodiments for my journey into the physical world. As I observed them, I felt a profound sense of purpose. My descent to Earth was not just a random occurrence but a carefully orchestrated part of a grand cosmic narrative. It was time to transform from a whisper in the winds to a tangible force capable of shaping destinies and leaving a permanent mark on the world. Sum was a well-groomed and charming young man whose clothes spoke of quiet elegance. His hair was neat, and his face, decorated with dimples, radiated a boyish charm. Like Alih, his soul was shaped by love and longing, seeking peace and calmness in meditation. They both seemed to possess innate nobility, as if their souls had been molded from the same divine essence. Perhaps, in a previous cycle of existence, they had shared a common space, and maybe their spirits had interconnected. I had to act fast to intervene and dwell between them. Hovering near them with anticipation, I thought, "Here, perhaps, is my chance. But how will I intervene? How can I bridge the gap between these two strangers, bound by an unseen network?" I knew I had powers. I could sense the delicate threads of fate interconnecting, waiting for a pull to draw them closer. My presence, though unseen, was effective. With a gentle whisper of intent, I stirred the atmosphere around them. A sudden breeze disturbed the chamber's stillness, causing Alih’s braids to sway and catching Sum's attention. Alih rose from her bench and walked forward to bow towards the altar. As she turned to leave, her beautiful eyes, decorated with long lashes, met Sum's gaze. Their eyes interlocked, and in that short-lived moment, I felt a spark—an electric current passing between them. Sum, too, sensed the shift in the cosmic winds. Alih approached the petition book, a ledger where petitioners wrote their desires, hopes, and fears. She dipped the quill into ink, her heart pounding. With careful strokes, she wrote a simple petition: “Grant unto me a life partner, O Divine Weaver of Fate. And I will rejoice in You, always, O Lord my God!” In that moment, I knew the seeds of a remarkable journey had been sown. The air buzzed with anticipation as Alih and Sum's paths began to connect, guided by unseen hands and bound by a shared destiny. Sum followed, curiosity guiding his steps. His eyes scanned the page, and beneath the flickering candlelight, he read Alih’s plea—a plea that resonated with his own unspoken longing. I wove my final thread of possibility, intertwining their fortunes. The chamber became a portal to a shared destiny, a sacred space where love transcended the physical realm. Together, they believed in the Almighty, the supreme soul. Allahu Akbar! I watched and silently witnessed as love unfolded its wings, soaring beyond boundaries, uniting two souls destined for each other. Outside the chamber, there was a cosmic collision. “Grant me a life partner…” Alih had prayed. And the universe, in its fulfilling wisdom, whispered back: “Granted!” Sum’s gaze lingered on Alih, and in that moment, I whispered to their souls: “See each other as brand-new angels.” And they did, but shyness held them captive. Alih lingered by the exit, hoping for Sum’s hello. Their eyes met once again. Alih sensed familiarity, as if Sum was a half-remembered dream. Sum, too, thought she looked familiar, but neither of them mentioned the mystery of familiarity. Instead, they exchanged pleasantries, their voices like celestial harmonies. “My name is Sum,” he said, offering a gentle handshake. “I am Alih,” she replied, her smile a crescent moon. We all met at the meditation chamber, where we practiced what could lead us to spiritual growth, inner peace, and connection with the supreme soul. “I believe,” I whispered to each of them, “that anyone who finds solace here must have found a good connection.” Yet, amidst that spiritual journey, my longing for a tangible vessel remained steadfast. And so, they walked across the city. Alih’s heels clicked on the ground, and Sum’s footsteps fell in sync. Conversation flowed with a blend of smiles and laughter, shared secrets, and whispered hopes. Alih decided against a taxi ride home. Instead, they strolled six kilometers of shared stories, their breaths mingling with the fresh air. They reassured themselves that walking was beneficial for their health. As they walked, I reveled in their shared existence — their laughter, stolen glances, and whispered promises. In their union, I found my purpose as a vessel to survive in the physical realm. And so, I danced. Sum, ever the practical dreamer, memorized the streets leading to Alih’s apartment. He learned her parents’ names and occupations, the color of their window curtains, and the aroma of their evening meals. They exchanged phone numbers, standing at the crossroads where love and curiosity converged. They took selfies for souvenirs, capturing the beginning of their beautiful journey. “Now that I know where you live,” Sum teased, “I’d appreciate it if you also know where I reside. Sooner or later.” And Alih laughed with a melody that echoed through the universe. Sum’s home lay in the opposite direction, an apartment approximately six kilometers from the chamber. Nearly twelve kilometers separated him from Alih’s doorstep. The unexpected commute was covered, fueled by burning desire and destiny. Sum worked as a florist. By evenings, he pursued a degree in Business Administration, an earthly quest for knowledge. Alih, too, had her secrets, a love for sunsets, and a liking for poetry. Sum and Alih were two souls entangled in the cosmic threads. Their love story unfolded like a shooting star across the night sky. And I, the silent witness, marveled at the beauty of their existence. For in their connection, I found my own redemption of rebirth. They became good friends as time went by, and they got to know each other better than anyone else. I continued to observe their dance across time and space. After a few months, I had to travel through the quiet corridors of nature, back to the space so peaceful and silent. Alih and Sum’s love intensified. And during that moment, while I was away, something happened that made them drift apart. I had nothing to do but wait for the right time to return in a physical form through Alih’s womb. Certainly! Alih appeared at Sum’s door. “I’m pregnant,” she confessed. Her words, like splashing comet tails. “It must be mine!” Sum thought as he trembled. She vanished before he could respond. Three weeks later, Alih returned with a suicide note in hand. She’d decided on an abortion. Sum’s mind and spirit trembled. “You are the last person I ever want to see,” Alih’s note read, “as long as I am alive.” Sum’s tears streamed down his cheeks like a river of grief, anger, and sorrow. Crying was natural for souls, but that pain ran deeper. He sympathized with Alih and the delicate creature within her more than he did for himself. The soul could unite them in ways beyond comprehension. Abortion was not an option; it would destroy flesh and bones. Sum, once committed to celibacy, then found himself ensnared by earthly temptations. The allure of passion and intimacy led him astray, blurring the boundaries he once held sacred. His inner conflict mirrored the broader struggles faced by many—psychosocial factors, poverty, and illiteracy among families. The weight of societal expectations pressed upon them, like comet dust slipping through their fingers. Alih, too, stood at a crossroads. Her unplanned pregnancy weighed heavily on her mind. In the quietness of the meditation chamber, she sought answers. How did it come to this? She replayed the missed opportunities — the lessons on natural family planning, tracking her cycle, identifying fertile days. Regret and uncertainty flowed within her, seeking clarity amid the silence. Their shared frustration extended beyond personal choices. They had discussed population growth, scarcity of jobs, and the fear of raising children in an uncertain world. Governments leaving young people to grapple with responsibilities and deferred dreams were part of their conversation. And then remembered their philosophical twist: reincarnation. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the persistent increase in population fueled their curiosity. Why did the population continue to grow if reincarnation simply meant one soul replacing another? And what of the scramble for resources? Why did the wealthy, with their smaller families, take more, leaving the unwealthy to fight for the leftovers? That paradox sparked endless debates and reflections on the mysteries of existence and the inequities of the world. Sum’s transformation began with empathy. He acknowledged Alih’s struggle while dealing with his own desires. He composed an uplifting text message and sent it to Alih, carrying hopes and inspirations. Perhaps soothing her turmoil would bring him peace too. The tempest would subside, replaced by a chapter of joy — a testament to the human spirit. Life, like a river, flowed onward. And in its currents, Sum and Alih sought redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of brighter days.