Wakey wakey I need you...

Chapter 6

A few months left for the year to end. Soon I will be someone's wife, cooking, cleaning and overall being a woman.

Sacrificing the opportunity of finding a Cinderella story…father told me that it was Mr. yacobs son, the boy I picked garden flowers with.

I hadn't seen him in years. Mr. Yacob was my fathers biggest shareholder, and any disrespect towards him could cause a huge heap in our family…so even if I wanted to go against everything I couldn't, especially if I slowly feel a piece of me fall in love with Zafar, I begin to die a little at the thought of having to lose him to someone else.

" it's 4 am, I'm tired and moody why did your competition have to be today of all days?"

" Because it can, and you owe me so you have to come with me."

" where's the competition either way?"

" My dearest cousin, that isn't your biggest concern right now," I say tossing snacks to her, " what you should be doing now is packing up."

" blah, blah, blah…whatever, "she says sticking her tongue out at me.

It was early, and my usual bedtime…I have a pretty messed up sleep schedule, I had to drive to the venue at 7 pm for the signup, my dojo registered as participants so it was kind of compulsory for me to go.

Zafar said he'd meet me there.

We arrived Friday afternoon and stayed at one of my grooms to be hotel, I felt uncomfortable.

" funny bumping into you here, is this where you're helping out this weekend?"

" jee(yes), that's why I told you I'd meet you there."

" convenient, but you should've told me earlier…I was going to hop in with you, Elham's annoying."

" ha-ha, be nice, I have to go now see you tomorrow," he said winking at me as he rushed down the hall.

Elham left the room immediately and did not return before bedtime, for some reason we switched roles, or maybe she was also out when I was. It did not bother me though, it was her life, not mine.

The next morning I got up and had a short cardio class before I got ready, I rushed to the hall with a rented car and made my way through. I could recognize a few faces, but the majority were new, my nerves were shot… I think I went to the bathroom at least 20 times.

They opened up the ceremony with demonstrations, then everyone began competing from the youngest to the oldest.

It was a noisy scenery, I could barely hear myself think, it was frustrating and Elham was missing since last night, speak about moral support.

It was finally my turn, luckily Zafar had arrived on time so I felt a little relieved. He was the only support system I had on that day…I had terrible flashbacks before my fight but I managed to pull through and score gold in all categories.

I felt relieved when it was over, and my teenage trauma did not hold me back.

Elham was still missing but left a text, she would be home before today ends, which helped me have dinner peacefully with Zafar.

" wow, well done to you… let's go out and get some barbeque!"

" yes please!"

We arrived and ordered our food together, Zafar believed that the one who won in rock paper scissors would have to pay, and so far his been the one emptying his wallet.

" okay random thought, question time, " I say handing the menu back.

" shoot," he says putting his phone away.

" the most irrelevant idea that's been on your mind these days?"

" don't call me a freak, but I think that you look slightly prettier with a hijab ( headscarf)"

" When did you see me with a hijab?"

" during that masjid(Muslim prayer place) program, you seemed busy so I avoided you."

" Interesting, I like how you conveniently wherever I am," I say rolling my eyes

" look, foods here!" he said quickly changing the topic.

I felt my heart skip a few beats, I was annoyed…but felt a little part of me yearn for another one of his compliments.

We ate and he left, Elham arrived at the hotel, it was almost time to leave…she had bruises all over her arms and looked a little drunk. She pushed me to the side and flopped herself onto bed, ignoring me.

I decided to reschedule our tickets to give her enough time to rest, so we would only arrive on Monday….

At first, I did not want to seem nosy, but she grabbed my arm and begun crying…I felt her pain. She looked finished like she hasn't showered for days, hasn't eaten well. So I handed her some water and sat her down…gave her a tissue and hugged her, allowing her to let it all out.

I have never seen her so devastated. Before she could speak, she blacked out in my arms….I felt my pulse drop.

She was still breathing but was out cold, I quickly phoned Zafar and called him over to give her a check-up…we rushed to the hospital together.

I was a strong person and I hardly cried but seeing her in the state she was…broke my heart little by little.

" Nura, I'm going in for the exam…but you have to stay outside."

" I understand, please take care of her for me."

" cheer up, she'll be fine."

During frustrating moments like these, comforting words become a dagger, and even if they are the correct ones…they are a shock and a constant reminder of what your facing during those moments… and I cannot bear the thought of losing someone who has not lived their life for themselves once.

" I trust Allah (God), he knows why he’s making her go through what she's facing."

" I agree… I'm going to get you some food, you haven't eaten since this morning."

" no need, I'm not hungry…"

He still went out to buy me some food…I guess he could even hear my tummy grumble a mile away. He persuaded me to have a few bites and then we spoke about the competition, to distract my mind from the current distress.