Extremely sorry for the late late update. I hope you enjoy! 💕

HER POV:


“I don’t think I should waste my time, Iris. I’ve got an assignment to submit next week.” I spoke hesitantly, pulling Iris’s sleeve to grab her attention. Iris rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Come on, Romma. You’ve got plenty of time.” She said. “And besides, we’re already here. Trust me. You’ll have a blast!” She winked at me.


I looked up ahead of me. We were walking towards a small two story building. A beautiful garden was splayed outside with sparkling grass and a beautiful assortment of flowers. I looked around, seeing multiple bushes. The atmosphere was so serene and beautiful.


“I’m not worried about not having a blast.” My eyes were glued to the garden as I spoke. “I just don’t want to get low grades. I want to apply for a scholarship and you know why that is.”. Iris nodded, mockingly. “Yeah, yeah. I know you want to get a scholarship but being cooped up in your bedroom for a whole week won’t transform you into a genius.” She told me. Before I could open my mouth, she spoke again. “Now lighten up yourself. It’s a party not a funeral. I want you cheerful and happy when we get inside.”. Iris sounded like a mother. It made me laugh at how easily she could switch to being a dumb 24 year old to a sassy grandma.


I obeyed with a nod, chuckling . Iris cocked an eyebrow at mep but she let it go once we climbed the three stairs in front of the main door.


“That’s more like it.” Iris nodded in approval. She rang the bell. Both of us waited patiently outside when I started thinking about the party. Iris told me it was a youth club set by a few sisters who were converts. They held Islamic classes and activities for the young Muslim generation living here in Canada. They threw parties like these every once in a while and Iris and I decided to check them out this once.


I did know a few girls who went here but never really checked it out myself. I was expecting to be impressed. Places like these made me feel at home. Where I didn’t have to be frowned down upon. Especially in a society like mine.


The creaking of the door opening shook me out of my thoughts.


I looked up at the woman standing in the doorway. My face brightened up looking at her welcoming smile. She had a long hijab on that covered her abdoman. She was wearing an abaya underneath. The woman looked at Iris. “Assalamualaikum, Iris! So happy you could make it!” She beamed. Her brown eyes twinkled. “Wa salaam, Yumna. It’s my pleasure.” Iris replied, giving her a gentle smile. The woman, supposedly Yumna turned to look at me.


“And who is this lovely young lady?” She asked, reaching out to shake my hand. “This is my bestie, practically my sister from another mom. Her name’s Romma.” As Iris introduced, I shook hands with Yumna. Yumna nodded knowingly. “Nice to meet you, Romma. I’m Yumna. Hope you have a great time today.” She spoke softly. She looked like she was probably in her early thirties.


“Oh my, I’ve kept you standing for so long. Come in, girls!” she moved aside, motioning us to come in. Iris and I exchanged a look before we walked in. We found ourselves in a corridor. It was decorated with balloons. Despite the cute and lively decor, it was oddly quiet.


Then it came to me. Of course this wasn’t the kind of party I was used to. For sure, there would be no music booming in the whole building. Nor would there be any girls and boys hooking up right And left. I rolled my eyes at that.


Yumna took us to a room. We could see the crowd inside. There were about 20 to 25 girls—hijabis. It made me feel more secure about mine. We walked in, no one really noticing us. When i turned to Iris, she had already set her eyes on a girl familiar to her. By the looks of it, she was probably gonna walk up to her. I grabbed her arm and pulled her close to me. “You’re not leaving me in this pool of strangers.” I hissed. She laughed a little before nodding.


“Well, you girls enjoy. I need to tend to a little things. In shaa Allah I’ll catch up with you later.” Yumna told us. We nodded before thanking her. She gave us a final wave before vanishing. Iris quickly turned to face me. “Romma,” she called. “hmm?” her mouth formed a grin when she said. “Let’s socialize!”


“But, we hardly know anyone.” I looked around the room for a double check. “We can start from there.” Iris pointed at the same girl she was going to walk up to. Both of us walked up to her.


As we got closer, I noticed that the girl looked very young. In her mid teens or something. A peach hijab was wrapped around her head neatly. Her skin was fair but had a tint of brownish it. Her eyes were big and her lashes were long. Her eyes were probably the most beautiful feature.


“Salam, Faryaal.” Iris beamed. The girl — Faryaal turned to Iris. Her original smile turned into a look of excitement. “IRIS!” she practically screamed before pulling Iris into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” she cried. Iris laughed. “Me too!” she returned the hug.


By now, I felt like no less than a third wheel.


“This is Romma. She’s the one I told you about. It’s her first time here. “ Iris had already broken the hug and had started introducing me. About time. The girl turned to me. “Oh! Romma! It’s a huge honour to meet you! Iris has told me so much about you.”


And here I thought Iris had come here for the first time or something.


“She did? I hope they were compliments.” I laughed nervously. Faryaal nodded excitedly. “Don’t worry, they were!” she told me. Faryaal and I talked a bit before Iris went to grab some food for us. We were left alone when Faryaal started. “Honestly, you should come here more often. Attend a few classes and stuff.” She advised, crossing her hands over her chest.


“You know, Romma. When I first started coming here, my father wouldn’t even speak to me. He hates the fact I wear the hijab and want to study Islam.” I frowned. “Why did he not like it?” I asked, pondering if there was ever such a situation. It never occurred to me that the way my dad encouraged me to wear the hijab, others' dads would tell them to take it off.


Faryaal’s face fell. Her expression was all gloomy.  “I come from a traditional Indian family. For us, our respect and rank in the society means a lot. Although my family is traditional, we aren’t really religious. None of the girls in my family wear the hijab. When I started it, my parents got worried that it would change the way people think about us. They were worried we would be considered “old fashioned”.” She let out a sigh, expressing the disappointment she felt.


I just looked at her with a sad expression. I only knew how to sympathize with her.


“Is everything okay now?” I questioned with concern. I couldn’t do much to help her but I could at least ask her if she was fine. Faryaal moved her eyes from the floor to me. She nodded slightly, her mouth forming a small smile. “Alhamdulillah. Even if mom and dad don’t approve of it, my Allah’s pleased. I don’t intend to stop anyway.” Her smile brightened. She wasn’t smiling about what she said, rather she was smiling because she had peace in her heart and she confident about what she was doing. Most of all, she knew Allah was pleased with her.


I just kept quiet. Even speechless for a while. I kept thinking that I wanted to achieve this level of serenity and peace in my life. Faryaal was an amazing girl. She made me look like a new convert. Despite being so young and surrounded with fitnah everywhere, she managed to overcome her emotions and desires.


She was no slave of herself.


“May Allah keep you strong. Mashaa Allah, what you’re doing is amazing.” I smiled at her encouragingly. Before any of us could say anything further, Iris stepped in. “I brought food!” She exclaimed. Faryaal and I turned to her in an instant.


“Great! I’m hungry!” Faryaal announced. All of us started to dig in. The day went pretty well after that.  I made a lot of new friends. Best of all, all of them were struggling Muslimahs like me. It made me feel secure and safe that there were people like me who were trying their best. Iris was right. I did have a blast.


Alhamdulillah.

HIS POV:


“How is everything over there? I heard Bisma had fallen sick because of the sudden change of the weather.” Nadia Khala spoke into the phone, as she roamed around the house. I was stressing my brain on my online studies and Nadia Khala didn’t care at all. She was busy talking to Fatima Baji, my older sister.


“Alhamdulillah, she’s better now. I gave her medicine last night and she’s been feeling better.” I heard my sister’s voice say from the phone. Khala was video chatting. Hearing her voice made me realize how much I missed her and the rest of my family. “Can I speak to Waqqar, Khala?” As if on cue, Fatima baji asked. Khala turned to look at me. “Sure. He’s sitting right here in front of me.” She smiled as she handed the phone to me.


With a smile, I took the phone and put it close to my face. “Salaam, Baji!” I waved a little. “Wa salaam, Waqqar! I missed you.” She told me. The video quality was good and I could see the whole living room in the background. “Me too, Baji. I’m just so busy nowadays. Wish I had time to talk to you more.” I explained showing her my laptop and the pile of books scattered all over the small table.


Fatima Baji raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I didn’t know you joined University. I heard you were gonna work full time for an apartment.” She asked. I nodded. “I am working full time. Though it barely satisfies my expenses alone. It’s not much but better than nothing.” My voice came out boring and serious. “I’m doing online studies. Will get my degree after four years, In shaa Allah.” I didn’t like talking on this subject.


It made me remember all the stuff that I was unable to achieve. I can’t even live with my wife let alone pay for her expenses. It gave me a sense of anxiety and let me tell you, it WASN’T a good feeling.


Fatima Baji listened quietly, wearing her thoughtful expression. She was quite older than me and it was obvious because of her mature and grown up nature. “So, you’re still not ready to get together with Romma.” She confirmed, looking at me through the phone. I let out a sigh, my good mood vanishing. I nodded slowly, extremely disappointed at myself.


“Look, Waqqar.” She got straight to the point. “You don’t need to indulge yourself into these small jobs. Think bigger. You can’t stay like this for a moment longer! It’ll affect your relationship so much. You need to find an apartment as soon as you can.” Baji had this firmness and strictness in her voice that seemed to feel as if she was shaking me and shoving her words into my head. I sat up straight.


“I know Baji!” I huffed. “But how can I get an apartment without money?!”


Baji got quiet. She sat back into the white sofa she was sitting on. She looked at the ceiling, thinking deeply about what I said and figuring out a solution. After several seconds of silence, Baji sat up again and looked at me. “I’ve got an idea.” She said. I nodded, motioning for her to continue. “Plan a visit to Pakistan for three months. Since Romma doesn’t have a visa, she can only come here on a visit before she gets hers. There are many job offers over here and since it’s your own country,  you can get some help from Waqqas or other family members.” Baji paused. 


Before I could say anything, she added, “And Pakistan’s a lot more accommodating. I’m telling you Waqqar. You have a huge chance over here. Trust me.” She ended, a satisfied smile on her face. I blinked twice, letting all that sink in. “Wow Baji. You literally just gave me my whole future plan.” I laughed a little. Baji went along with it.


“So, what do you think?” She asked once we were done laughing. I hummed, looking at the ground in thought. “It’s worth a try.” I looked at Baji. “I’ll think about it for sure.” I gave her a grateful smile. Fatima Baji cocked an eyebrow at me. “Don’t think about it, plan it.” She ordered firmly. “I want your butt over here in the next two months, got it?”


I let out a nervous chuckle. “Got it.”


“In shaa Allah.” Both of us added.



HER POV:

Rrrnnnngg...


I glanced at my phone. Not wanting to get my hands out of the warm and cozy comforter I had over me. It was cold and I didn’t want to let my hands freeze all over again after warming them up with such difficulty and hard work.


Rrrnnnnggg...


The sound was louder this time. Groaning, I reached out for my phone placed neatly on the side table. With drooping eyes, I saw “Violet” flashing on the screen in big letters. With a frown of confusion, I wondered why she would call me. I tapped on the answer option and brought the phone to my ear.


“Hello?” I asked. “Hey Romma!” Violet replied cheerfully. A smile formed on my face automatically and I replied. “Hey, Violet. How ya doing?” When all the formalities had ended, I asked her the reason why she called so suddenly and out of the blue.


“Can’t I call one of my best friends?” She asked, pretending to be offended as she let out a dramatic and fake gasp. “No, No. Of course not! You can call anytime.” I said, quickly. “Well, Stacy Lucy and I were going to a party when we decided to invite you. We were thinking we could go back to old times.” She explained, hesitantly. I smiled to myself inwardly.


They were good friends. “I would’ve love to but I really don’t want to let you guys down. You know I don’t like all that drinking and dancing stuff anymore.” I tried to explain. “You’ll have fun without me.”


Though Stacy, Lucy and Violet would be known as ‘good girls' according to western society nowadays, their ways were still not to my liking. Not to this Romma. The old Romma would’ve squealed in excitement and rushed to get ready but not this time around.


I heard silence at the end of the line. “Well. Okay. I guess you’re right.” Violet spoke after a few seconds. “Thanks for the offer anyway.” I said, gratefully. Violet was going to hang up when I stopped her. “Wait, Violet!”


“Yeah?”


“How’s Maria?” I asked a little lowly, feeling hesitant. “Oh, Maria shifted back to Iraq a few weeks ago.” Violet replied, casually. My heart sank. A thousand questions ran through my head. Was it because of me she went? Because she was too heart broken or what? Technically, I had no part in this whatsoever. But my heart ached for her. “Is everything okay with her? Why did she leave so suddenly?” I asked, concern lacing my voice.


“Oh, don’t worry Romma. She’s perfectly fine. She was already planning to leave for Iraq after graduation. Nothing’s going on. I even heard she’s gotten engaged or something.” Violet laughed a bit at my old habit of poking my nose into Maria’s business. Sometimes, I felt as if Maria had a huge role in my high school life which turned out to be an important part of my life since Waqqar was my husband now.


Maybe Maria and I were what they call, ‘Frenemies’. 


I let out a sigh of relief. Alhamdulillah. Maria got engaged. I made a quick silent dua for her to be happy in life. “That’s a relief. Well, thanks for the info, Violet. Talk to you later.” I said as both of us said our goodbyes and hung up.


I placed my phone back on the side table before shoving my hands under the warm comforter. They were cold and I literally shivered as they touched me. I closed my eyes after saying all my duas. I had a date with Waqqar tomorrow and it made me want the night to come to an end as quickly as possible.