2 Chapter 2 He has arrived

Girl, get hold of yourself, stop hiding out, stop bickering about your past, you survived, stop abusing your body, stop overthinking about what happened, scrub away pain and tears of yesterday, pray for whatever is troubling you and start again girl, you are strong and you are beautiful after all you are Almighty's creation, never let people walk over you.

Opinions of people don't define your reality.

***

AHLAM.

I glanced around at the beautiful room that was presented to me when they took me in under their loving wing; it was so beautifully decorated. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would live in such an extravagant home such as this.

My room contained an expensive hand carved large bed, covered with a delicate white hand sewn blanket with colourful cushions decorating it. A 65' curved Smart Samsung TV hang on the wall directly opposite the bed and beneath it stood a giant wooden fireplace with beautiful and colourful assortment of floor cushions of all sizes scattered around it; so cosy I thought to myself. The purple lounger I was seated on earlier was positioned at the foot of the bed and there was an antique dresser table close to the white marble ensuite bathroom.

On the right side of the room were double patio doors, which lead out to a small but beautiful balcony with the scent of Jasmine and Clematis Armadii fragrant climbers which clung on and up against the patio wall and between the balcony rails. The walls were painted with an off-white neutral colour, displaying photos of their picturesque landscaped garden and a bookshelf with a collection of books from mystery to romance to religion.

At an early age, my late family were not as well off but when my brother started a business with my father that he run efficiently and resourcefully, we were among the top ten.

We had everything that Allah had blessed us with and for that alone we were always thankful. Sadly, whether we have everything or not, whether it rains or shines, we always complain; that's the nature of us human beings. Money doesn't buy happiness. How many people have expensive houses yet no happiness or love.

May The Almighty guide us and soften our hearts. Ameen.

Sitting down on the bed, I prayed for my deceased family who I missed wholeheartedly, it only felt like yesterday when the four of us were happily trying to organise a trip aboard. I began to feel the build-up of tears at the backs of my eyes when I recalled that one horrible and unforgettable darkest night of my life...

Feeling a shiver run up my spine, I closed my eyes, grasping onto the bedsheets tightly and tried to remember details of the incident but only to open them again when a knock removed me from my trance. "come in".

I somehow responded calmly in a low voice and was surprised to see aunty Faiza with a wide smile spread across her soft kind face; she was so over thrilled to have her son return home after being away for six years and why shouldn't she I thought to myself. But little did she did she know what I had planned with her daughter Hania? The mission of avoiding her son.

"I've brought gifts Ahlam! As you've been unwell, we haven't yet been on a wardrobe spree for you so decided to buy you this beautiful gown to wear today, I hope you don't mind? I think it will fit you perfectly and will also cover you up appropriately, I have noticed you always wearing long sleeves" she informed me while kissing my forehead with excitement.

I didn't even realize I was crying until she wiped my tears away and hugged me.

"Please do not cry Ahlam, I know you are feeling pain and must have so many mixed emotions running through your mind but please do not let it spoil your beautiful face with signs of having wept my dear" Holding me at arm length, she wiped away the flow of my tears and said cheerfully "Come now, come and join us downstairs, we're all waiting for you and the party will begin shortly - Oh! I almost forgot, I've also bought you this" she handed me a gift bag, which contained a variety of Clarins face creams and makeup. Accepting the gift from her, I hugged her showing my love and appreciation. How can I tell her I just wanted to stay in my room? Why couldn't I find the courage to tell her? Was it because I did not want to hurt her? she and her family have done so much for me, how could I let them down?

My family had accepted it when I informed them that I preferred to stay at home instead of attending parties or going out shopping. I used to stay at home drowning myself with spiritual books whenever they had to attend weddings or business functions. If you were to ask me what I'd prefer doing; without a doubt it'll be reading.

Thinking back, it's so strange how I was always the distant and quiet one in the family while my brother was the opposite.

Whenever I was troubled or in pain, I would always ever express them only to Allah and my parents.

"Don't worry about all the people who will be there Ahlam, you will be by my side, as well as Hania's. No one will dare question you or approach you" she said with a trustworthy smile and sincerity in her eyes.

There are some people who are rich and greedy in this life but Faiza and Hania both have pure golden hearts and that alone is very rare to find these days. Faiza's husband, whose name I remember so far as Uncle Firoz also welcomed me with open arms; a really warm gesture that made me feel like I've known him for years.

After a short while, I reassured Faiza aunty that I was okay and that I just needed a little time to unwind. Hesitating for a few moments, she agreed but only once I promised I'd call her if I needed her for anything. I nodded obediently and she left shortly after to prepare for the evening ahead.

Intrigued with the style of gown Faiza aunty chose for me, I removed it from the gift bag and was astonished in how undeniably expensive and beautiful it was. It was black with gold lace from the neck down to the waist and sleeves, whilst from the waist down to my toes, it flowed out so elegantly.... It was absolutely gorgeous. I've never worn anything like it before. Alhamdulillah (praise be God).

Faiza aunty must know I like wearing the colour black to have purchased this particular gown, not only did it fit me perfectly but it was stitched and designed like it was made for me alone Mash'Allah (God has willed it) I decided to avoid makeup and did exactly that.

Remembering to put on my large specs, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and all I saw staring back at me was a plain simple hijabi girl but I loved that about me, why should I care about how others see me.

25 years of age and unmarried, I felt insecure and need of being with someone but I know Allah has something planned for me.

I have always avoided guys when they tried to reach and they eventually gave up. My brother was very protective over me too, which I was thankful for as I hated forbidden relationships.

I had always struggled during my high school and college days and it's strange that however much I may have struggled, I always ended up as an average student. I know there must be many others in the same category but I thank Allah rather than failing myself. Many of us struggle in life but each one of us has different capabilities of achieving goals, never compare.

I prayed my Namaz and blew three times on myself whilst hearing another knock on the bedroom door. Fixing my black hijab, I responded "Come in" and my eyes widened seeing Hania, she looked incredibly beautiful in a princess pink gown with very light make up on. Her headscarf was hanging loosely over her shoulder and she wore a wide smile plastered to her face... maybe her brother had arrived.

"Everyone is waiting for you," she informed me excitingly, while walking over to me by the open patio doors; my fingers nervously playing together.

"You look so beautiful," I replied changing the topic and she just shook her head knowingly.

"But you look even more beautiful Ahlam," she complimented me back and my eyes widened in confusion. I barely even looked pretty I thought to myself.

"Please don't give me false comments Hania" I replied in a whisper

"Ok! Then wait till we go down stairs, you will see that I am not lying" she responded and I began to wonder what she meant by that.

"Won't you even ask me if my brother has arrived yet?" she asked me with curiosity. There was no denying that I was indeed interested in his whereabouts but I couldn't tell her that.

"Oh! I forgot, we had planned to make you stay away from him" she said in a mischievous tone and I just stared at her suspiciously, was she on my side or not?

Does his arrival mean an entry in my life or does my entry in this household mean one in theirs? Ya Allah! please help me.

"Well, just in case you are intrigued in knowing" she said smiling "my brother has definitely arrived," she said in a teasing tone and I just smacked her hand away playfully.

"I don't know how anyone else feels in the house but I truly cannot wait to ship you both," she said excitingly. I didn't know what she meant by that term until my innocent self-realised a little later and I just looked away shyly while she giggled out aloud.

I hope she doesn't become match maker .

"I don't want to attend this party Hania," I said nervously and waited for her reaction while looking down, I just want to spend some time with my thoughts and not the crowd.

"And why is that?" a mysterious manly voice interrupted interestingly by the open door. Hania stared wide-eyed at us both with amusement, while I just stood there frozen to the spot, immediately looking down.

What's happening? I didn't even have the guts to turn my face and come face to face with the unfamiliar voice.

****

Characters.

Main leading girl=Ahlam.

Main leading guy=Aahil.

Aahil's sister=Hania

Aahil's father=Firoz

Aahil's mother=Faiza

Ahlam's family =passed away

More you will find out in the coming chapters.