As Naufal climbs the front steps, a gentle smile greets him in the courtyard. Someone is waiting — with affection, with quiet concern. There is warmth in the questions she asks. In Naufal’s eyes, once shadowed by despair, there is now a glimmer of love. Shafna is there — and from now on, they face life together.

On the night of July 30, 2024, Naufal lost 11 members of his family in the devastating landslide at Mundakkai-Chooralmala. When darkness gave way to morning, he was left alone — orphaned, with no one to call his own. In that moment of unbearable loss, it was friends and loved ones who stood by him. With their unwavering support, and gentle persuasion, Naufal found the courage to begin again. Last month, he married Shafna, a native of Ambalavayal.

“When Naufal’s proposal came, I was taken aback at first,” says Shafna. “I thought about the pain he had endured. But eventually, I accepted it as God’s decision. We’re moving to our new home next month.”

A former expatriate for nine years, Naufal says it was his family that kept him going — to wait for him, to share stories with, to stand beside him in joy and sorrow. They were always just a phone call away. Coming to terms with their absence took time. 

The first anniversary, according to faith order, was marked last Sunday with prayers. Many stood by him that day — those who knew him well, and those who didn’t.

The small shop he now runs, named ‘July 30’, began with support from the KNM. It is thriving. The ones who help him at the shop are from Chooralmala and Mundakkai — people who are dear to him.

“This shop is a means of livelihood for eight families,” Naufal says. “The house provided by KMCC Muscat at Muttilpeedika is ready, and we will shift there next month.”

“I never imagined I could smile again. Everything — it’s all God’s decision,” he says quietly.