We have reconciled (rujuk), but my heart is still on guard. How do we truly start afresh?

Feeling on guard after rujuk is normal, and trust usually returns little by little through consistent actions. Do not force yourself to feel completely at ease within a week. Instead, tell your spouse directly what helps you feel safe, for example: ‘I need you to let me know if you'll be home late.’ Set a weekly time to talk about your relationship, not only household matters. Celebrate the small changes you see, because praise encourages further change. If old wounds keep surfacing in every quarrel, a couples counsellor can help you work through them without dredging up the past. Allah says: “...and let them forgive and overlook” (Surah an-Nur 24:22). Read the explanation in communication and emotions.