CHAPTER 8 (I)

After spending the evening at the bridge, they decided to grab some lunch in a nearby restaurant they had found, earlier.

Though, the place was recommended by many, both of them couldn't confirm as to if it was halaal. So they decided to go with something vegetarian.

The place seemed so relaxing and comfortable. It wasn't lavish, like those white linen clothed tables and such. It gave them a homely vibe. What with their earlier sour mood, the place seemed to be perfect, in lifting up their spirits.

They both chose some, Central European and Czech cuisine for the evening.

Zaira, of course being herself, hadn't failed to unleash her foodie interests. Even though, she already had some dessert, she seperately ordered some blueberry icecream, to go with.

Zubair hadn't paid much attention to her throughout the occasion, but he did notice her excitement towards the flavour.

Since it had been the evening, they were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the setting sun, while dining. Soon after, the bridge lit up, providing them an alluring view of the bridge.

More than the sun’s rays that had reflected on the bridge, the public lighting seemed blindingly beautiful.

Each of the thirty or so, statues became more magical in the lights located on the stone railings.

The scenery was so dazzling.

***

They had to walk back through the bridge, in order to return to the BoHo Prague, where they were to spend the night at.

While Zaira concentrated on each of the gargoyle statues built along the bridge, Zubair surprisingly, took his camera out.

When Zaira caught him, focused on his camera, it surprised her. She, not in her sane mind, ever perceived him as a guy who was much interested in anything aesthetic, much less, photography.

"Uhm, Hi!"

Someone's cheerful voice caught her attention.
Startled at the sudden voice, she looked at the person who was standing in front of her.

Woa.

It was a local guy, she assumed.

But it wasn't just one person. It was a group of youngsters. They had seemed like a tight band of friends who were having fun.

The guy spoke English, thankfully, but with an accent, ofcourse.

"Hi? Er-"

She was confused to say the least. She didn't know how to react.

Were they lost?

Because she and Zubair weren't any better in this stuff, themselves.

Before she could embarrass herself further, Zubair came to the rescue, much to her relief.

But he was blocking her view, so she sidestepped and looked over his shoulders.

"How can we help you?" His voice seemed distant, almost like a warning.

"Thank God! Actually, we had been quite hesitant in approaching both of you, because we weren't sure if you guys were a couple."

The boy looked back at his companions and laughed reassuringly.

"Oh?" Zubair seemed confused too.

Now that Zaira noticed, there were around seven of them. Four boys and three girls. They were holding various supplies and complicated things with them. There were large DSLRs, tripods, camera bags, huge lenses, laptops which were propped up on the railings, and many more.

It all clicked, when she noticed that the identical cards which hung over their neck.

"Hello. We are students from a local college, here in Prague, majoring in Photojournalism and Phtogrgrapy Arts. We were just working on one of our pieces, when we noticed the both of you. Would you be able to do us a favour?"

One of the other boys, came forward and spoke up.

Zubair looked at hi. for a moment, before replying.

"Hi. I am Zubair, and this is my wife, Zaira."

Wife. 

That word struck a chord in both of them, unwillingly.

Zubair quickly caught himself before wondering off in his thoughts. He cleared his throat,

"We are actually tourists who just arrived here, So, am not sure how we can be of help?"

"That makes it all better." The boy smiled warmly.

***

After introducing themselves, and after ten  minutes of explaining their purpose, we both agreed, to help them.

Not that we were very interested, but still.

They were struggling students, who were supposed to finish their work on a theme related to local diversity in Prague.

My 'different yet unique' hijab had caught their attention, as they had said. While they were aware, we were muslims, they didn't want to offend us.

It seemed really heart warming, to see these students trying to be so cautious around us, with their words.

Simply putting it, they wanted us in their project.

Well, we really couldnt refuse. As muslims, ot was our duty to spread peace and teach the others of our beliefs. In a world where we were always targeted, this seemed like a really good chance to show them that not all of muslims were 'terrorists'. The group had been so kind towards us, and we wanted to help them.

So, they filmed us, specifically Zubair. I just stood beside him like the idiot I was, while he delivered a few words about what he liked in Prague, the people and so and so.

The real ordeal arrived when, they wanted us to pose for pictures.

They set up all their equipments around the place and prepared for a full fledged shoot.

We couldn't even refuse.

"Yeah, that's right. Just about there. Can you two just move a  little closer?"

Max shouted, while holding the DSLR, propped on the tripod. There was quite the distant amng them, so they needed to speak louder, to converse. The others were busy, making sure everything was in place.

Quite reluctantly, Zubair inched closer. There were still free inches left between us.

This was so hard.

The last time, they had been standing closer to each this much, was during their wedding, perhaps.

They both weren't much of touchy people, to say the least.

"This is so uncomfortable." Zubair huffed, silently.

"Zaira, come closer, woman. Don't just stand there like a statue. Let get this over with!" Zubair told her frustrated.

She scowled at him. "As if it's my fault! You're so despicable, Zubair !"

Max, who was oblivious to this, shouted,

"Zubair, Zaira! Move a little bit closer. And smile! We need a closer shot!"

"Ugh! How much mo-", a quite shriek cut her words, when she was suddenly tugged sideways.

Zubair had caught her by her waist, and tugged her towards him. It looked like they were side hugging almost.

Zaira felt her face warming. Her face was turning pink.

She wondered if Zubair felt the same.

They were both pressed so close. She wondered if this was normal. They were a couple, after all.

"Yeah! Now, that's what we are talking about! Smile! This is going to be a perfect shot!" Agatha shouted, over the distance, excited.

She tried her best to smile for the shot, but she doubted it worked.

She almost grimaced, when a thought struck her.

The picture probably looked like a lovey-dovey couple enjoying their honeymoon in Prague.

They knew better.

***

After the entire ordeal, and once the group of students who had acquainted well with them, offered to treat them to some coffee, for their favour, they parted ways.

They really had a nice time with them, well apart from the awkward photoshoot.

***