Assalam-O-Alaikum!
Those who haven't prayed, pls pray your salah first. :)
Those who haven't finished their homeworks/assignment be a good kid and do it first  ;)
Make sure your mom/dad is not calling out for you! :D

Diljah

" Humble & down to earth. That's the word you can suggest to refer her. Yes, my fellows, this is the girl I'd like to dedicate my award to and that's not because she simply let her game lose to save me, not because she is my friend,but because she proved me what many couldn't while asking me to stay calm while she herself took the hurt in saving my injured foot by getting herself a sprain.
I might've won this competition, but I want you all to appreciate and take into consideration the fact that I'm moved... I'm moved greatly by this gesture of hers...
This competition was not only a competition for me, but was a source of bringing happiness and enlightenment to see our dreams come true.This competition, as you all know had been practiced upon for long enough and now when the day finally arrived she just let go of her tiresome weeks of indulging into this game. I've seen her all in while, the glint in her eyes whenever it was referred about the Olympics'18, her chuckles when discussing her sessions with us mates, and other stuff. Durre, I'm sorry buddy I couldn't keep your secret a secret anymore. You definitely deserve applause. "

The Audience stood in awe and amazement, everyone's gaze was redirected towards Durre who was standing few inches away from me at the stage. Another thing about her was that she was a staunch believer of her practices, of the religion she followed and reflected much - wearing a headscarf while sporting for a vigorous activity or even thinking about it seems too weird for me.I was a Christian, and though we never shared mutual interests in our cultures but we did in being friends.

' Diljah... Why did you pull this all?? I said it was okay, afterall what are friends for! This isn't fair, now I'll have to face so many pairs of eyes boring holes through me plus give some *OhBlessMyGreatSoul* remarks '

She was literally cringing for coming forward and just say a few not so *OhBlessMyGreatSoul* remarks and just leave. As simple as it is.

' Assalam-U-Alaikum-Warahmatullahi-Wabarakatuh everyone! As you all got to know about my sprain, and whatever Diljah said is partly true and partly not. I did help her because her foot was injured, and secondly I knew how important it was for her to win this competition to get qualified for the international championship.
Umm.. So that's it.. You don't need to put an invisible crown on my head, because I'm already a princess '

Turning aside towards me she winked and then got down the rostrum, making her way through the crowd amidst the deafening praises she recieved by the host's high pitched voice and the background drum rolls music.

After the end of award ceremony, as per the usual weekend schedule we had planned, we went ahead to our 'meeting point ' in the nearest Dunkin Donuts, that was adjacent to our school and so it was not much problem. Being 10th graders our moms were strict but as Maarij and Durre were neighbors, and my mom usually tagged along so we had a lil friend's time. But today we were returning from the school directly, so we were only friends!

In our household, it was common to have the girl 'set' for someone before she dares to find herself one and so I had to discuss this with them as the thought had been intruding my now and then, consecutively, every now and then!

" Guys, before you all start with your stories. I really, really need to tell mine! Before I get the stomach ache for burdening it with the fear too long! My sympathetic system is already activated and... "

Maarij cut me off by placing her palm on my lips, and Durre continued the task of replying to my scientific brain.

' Yes we know it well, so please push it back your tongue to the path that follows to your Brain. Come to the point. Ammi has asked us to return by 6:00 sharp and we have exactly one hour left. '

Earning poker faces from both of them, and the hmphs of my breathes finally allowed me to say what I wanted to.

" Mom is planning to rope me with some Nadir, she thinks we can get engaged officially and then she will marry me off as soon as I finish my college. "

The expressions on their face changed to that of subtle disbelief and annoyance, and then an explosion of sophisticated laughter was heard.

' She thinks she is flying on cloud nine to escape the board exams. Pooh baby. '

' No No Durre, she actually is considering getting into a relationship. Can't you see her beautiful black shining orbs? '

' Let me tell you Maarij, isn't this same Nadir about whom she used to tell tales of sneaking into his garden to eat ripened mangoes and he even used to help her since her 5th grade, by ducking down for her allowing to climb on his back?? '

Giggled Durre.

' Ohh yeahh, this is the same boy I guess. But as far as I remember Di told us that he had a big fat nose and despite his cute colour tinted cheeks, it had acne which she is not fond of at all. '

And Maarij wasn't any less to pull my leg in this situation which they found worth catchy.

' And his nerdy attitude, with round glasses and... '

" Shutup! Shutup you guys! That's enough, I'm leaving. "

' Oh pooh baby '

' Okay, now serious! Durre be serious pls, so tell us now what do you think should be done to face or fight off this Nadir boy?? '

" I think I've a plan. "

I said, with an evil smirk plastered on my face and soon clapping of hands in union of three friends could be heard across the tables. Oops we went too loud!

*
Durre' Shehwar

Coming back home, I was really tired as it had been long day.I had to pray Asr namaz (salah) as it was soon to get qaza(delayed).

Performing wadhu, and then reciting dua after wadhu I spread the prayer mat and stood face directed towards Khana Kaabah, the center of worship where all Muslims bowed their heads towards in front of Allah Rabbul Izzah.

Later, I found some time to rest my back for few minutes but something made me quickly shift my position from that of comfortable to unease in bed. I could hear my abba whispering about my lack of proposals which showed disinterest of many people from our community in marrying me, and the fact that I was turning older day by day, and also that I should be married off soon after my board exams. I mentally face palmed myself and stopped myself from not banging my head with the headboard of the bed.

I quickly typed a text to Maarij asking her to come on the balcony, I needed to see her urgently! Yes , we were parallel neighbours and my flat was on the same floor as hers on the opposite building with not too much space between them, as it was an apartment system.

Now Maarij was calling me to give some lame excuse, definitely.

' Why are you asking me to get up when I'm resting comfortably on my cozy bed? Are you jealous because you've not finished your project and I've already done? '

I knew she would reply exactly this. I had been discussing my boredom in completing  the project recently.

" Argh! Are you coming or not? It would've been better if Diljah was in your place! She could've ... "

' Okay, Okay DramaQueen I'm coming. Let me wear a dupatta! '

And then the moon was cited!

" Abba was discussing about getting me fixed too. I.. I don't want to get married.. I mean yet Maarij. And you exactly know why! "

' Why? '

" Huh, as if you don't! "

' What's harm in marrying your cousin? This happens in desi people right? Then what's the flinch? '

" That's because I'm just 15 plus I seriously don't want to marry someone whom I'd been calling half of my life as bhaiya, bhaiya! (Brother) "

' Hahaha! That will change after marriage right?? So now what? '

" Maarij you don't understand! "

' Then make me. '

" Nothing. Few things are better left concealed. I hope Allah will sort out this for me. "

' I'll pray for you Durre, just breathe in and exhale. And now the exhaled air is your frustration and breathe in again and now this is your fresh dose of hope and patience. Trust Allah. Everything will be fine. As for Diljah, we can hope that coins turn out in her favor as well. '

" JazakAllah dear "

' Waantum Fajazakumullah , will catch later! '

*
Hunain:

Brushing the thin layer of perspiration from my forehead with my sleeves, I sat down on the wooden bench occupied near the car garage. I was an engineer by profession, and I loved to be among cars. Designing them, modifying the new parts and omitting the ones unpleasant to me, working to care for them as if they're some living creature gave me the best of time surfing. As I hated to feel lonely.

Gulping down cold water from the bottle the little boy brought, I made my muscles relax by just stretching my arms and soothing my aching legs. I had been working for too long.

' Why don't you take your leave now beta? I'm sure the company isn't receiving their order by tomorrow right? And you have left a really small amount of work to finish by . '

Dad called me from somewhere inside.

" Nai abbu, (No dad) , I just want to take rest for a little while. I will come back to the garage by 9 in the evening. If you want, you may leave I can manage it.. Don't stress yourself. "

' Yeah that I can see. But, why do you act so tough on yourself? '

" We should take hold of time before it takes a great deal of crazy hold on us. "

' Hmm, chalo beta I'm tired now. I really need a cup of tea from your mom's hand. '

" You never stop loving her abbu, I wish I could find someone too that will make my love ceaseless one day... "

' Oh son, don't be jealous. Just remember, in keeping the carriage of marriage move forward swiftly, you just need to hold hand of your partner throughout the bumpy or smooth path. And pray. Pray to Rabb to bless you with a spouse who is dear to Him so that she can be dear to you. '

" In sha Allah abbu, I believe in Him. "

' Well, now that you've taken interest in changing your relationship status, I must talk about this to your mom. '

" Ahh abbu, not again pls. I don't want to see random girls before finding one for myself. Allah will Himself send her for me. Again. I will say. I believe in Him. You just don't worry okay? "

Dr. Saaleh:

✨Aamanar Rasulu Bima Unzila Ilaihi Rabbihi Wal' Muminoon, Kullun Amana Billahi Wa' Malaa'ikatihi Wa' Kutubihi  Wa'Rasoolih, La Nuffariqo Bayna Ahadim Mir Rusoolih, Wa Qaaloo Sami'ena Wa'Ataw'ana Ghufranaka Rabbana Wa'Ilaikal Maseer.La Yukkaliful Laa'Hu Illa Wus'aha, Laha Ma Kasabat Wa Alaiha Maktasabat, Rabbana La Tuwakhizna Innase'ena Auw Akhtaw'ana, Rabbana Wala Tahmil Alaina Isran Kama Hamaltahu Alal Lazeena Min Qablina, Rabbana Wala Tuhammilna Ma La Tawqatalana Bih, Wa'Afu Anna, Waghfir Lana, Warhamna, An' taa Mawlana Fansurna Alal Qaumil Kafireen ✨

( The Messenger Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam has believed on what was revealed to him from his Lord, and the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels, and His books, And His messengers saying " We make no distinction between His messengers " . And they say, We hear and we obey. We seek Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the final destination.Allah does not charge a soul except with that within it's capacity. It will have the consequence of what good it have gained, and it will bear the consequence of what evil it has earned. " Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we've forgotten or erred. Our Lord and lay not upon us burden like that which You laid upon those before us, Our Lord and burden not with which we have no ability to bear . And pardon us and forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our protector and give us victory over the disbelieving people. " )

' Alhamdulillah, the operation is successful. '
I removed the surgical mask from my face, and smiled at my other team doctors. Glancing at the little girl lying on the bed peacefully , I kissed her forehead and wiped the lone tear escaping my eyelid. A sudden grasp of my shoulder from behind, made me turn. Dr. Mehmood was standing just behind me.

" I know what you're trying to hide. Just stay patient. Allah is always there with us. Isn't this statement from you? "

' Indeed. Dr. Mehmood, I am all good Alhamdulillah. '

Reciting the last verses from Surah Baqarah gave me the strength and patience, faith and hope, to carry on the task I'm operating despite my trembling figure or my messy mind. I sustain. I am able to conquer my weaknesses. Only and solely with the help of Allah.

I'm here again with a new novel, and In sha Allah this time I hope I'd much better than my previous one HAE.

My novel will be different, as I always say, than others and if you read with persistence you'll find out why.

Pls vote and comment, share if you find it awesome! ;)

~Nabiha Noor 💞