My legs are aching, I've been standing from the start of the period; head bowed and fists curled at my sides.

'Why didn't you do your homework Nasreen? Why?'

I keep staring at the desk, fear gnawing at my heart. 'Give me your hand' Ms. Suleiman commands. Uncurling my fists, I slowly outstretch my palm towards her.

Twang! Twang!

The long slender steel ruler hits it's mark. I hold back the tears that sparkle at the brim of my eyes, the sharp pain shooting through my hand like an electric shock. I take back my hand in reflex.

'Nasreen you' the school bell indefinitely interrupts Ms. Suleiman announcing the end of school. With one last look she finally leaves me. Some of the boys snicker at me while the girls avoid my eyes and leave the classroom. I shove the books quickly in my bag and run out as fast as possible.

'Abbu wait for me!' I call out to my sister as I spot her walking beside him.

She turns around and smiles at me. He smiles too.

'How was your day Nasreen?' he asks me cheerfully. I shrug. School days for me never were and never will be any good though I do enjoy studying.

'So I'll meet you tomorrow thikke. Bye Nasreen' he speaks to Abbu before turning to me. Abbu blushes and waves him goodbye, I wave too.

'Noor, Nasreen; go wash your hands and legs and come to the kitchen, lunch is ready' mother calls out from the kitchen.

As we wash at the tube well, I can't help but ask Abbu a question that has been nagging me for so long.

'Abbu are you really going to marry Ibrahim bhai? I mean really?'

She doesn't look at me but smiles and says that yes she would. She doesn't say anything else. I frown. I'm 11 and she is 17, there is so much age difference between us yet we have always shared everything with each other but this is the only topic she has not said much about.

I remember when the proposal came, it was April-May I think. Mother had immediately agreed because unlike the other girls in the village who were married off to men double their age, Ibrahim is only 6 yrs older to Noor. Besides Ibrahim has a government job of some sorts and he works in Lahore.

As we sit at the floor behind the small wooden bed table's, I notice that mother has cooked special recipes today. My mouth waters as mother puts the plate on my bed table. My hand immediately reach for the chicken tandoori when Noor slaps it away, 'Pray to Allah first, where has your manners gone Nasreen' I grimace and pray with Abbu and mother.

'Times are changing so fast, Ya-Allah save us from the evil' mother exclaims.

I feel confused, what could have happened now?

'What happened Ammi?' Noor asks mother, she sighs and continues,

'The fire has reached Punjab. You know how easy it is to manipulate and brainwash young boys and that's what has happened. Some rogue Muslims and many young boys have attacked many villages not very far from here. Burned houses, took the women away and caused complete chaos'

 This type of stories were of far of places like Calcutta but how have they reached so near home already? my expression matches Abbu's, a look of confusion mixed with annoyance.

'But why are they doing this Ammi?' Noor asks before I can. Mother's eyes hold a different glow to it.

'They think if they kill all the Hindus than surely Lahore will fall in Pakistan'

What! have people gone mad?. It feels so wrong. I don't understand why is it happening what is happening?.

Ammi continues though, 'For this bunch of nonsensical people we will suffer. Already even in our village people have started discriminating us, whispering behind our backs that we are murderers. Lajjo next door doesn't anymore take the little food items I send sometimes. I have heard that many are not even allowing Muslims to enter their kitchen lest it should become impure. And in the outskirt of the village where the poorest of the poor live, Muslims are treated like untouchables of untouchables, I have seen with my very eyes'

There is a certain edge of anger in her voice, 'I think Lahore should fall in Pakistan you know, otherwise how will we survive this Hindus'

I don't know, I feel kind of terrified as well as relieved by the idea of Lahore being a part of Pakistan not India. I look over at Noor, she seems deep in thought.

'Now now, go wash your hands and let me clean this all' mother says to us as we finish our lunch.

****

The dark always fascinated me; I can't sleep if there is even a sliver of light. And it is due to this narrow beam of light entering my and Abbu's room; sleep has not taken me yet.

'Nasreen?'

'How do you know I'm not asleep?'

'I always know' even though it is still dark, I know that Abbu is smiling.

'What is it Abbu?' I ask. There is pause and then she replies,

'You asked if I really will marry Ibrahim or not na? Well I told you I would. Do you know why? Because with how fast everything is changing around us, I'm afraid. If I marry him, at least I'll be able to look after you and Ammi, take you someplace safe if major riots breakout. Abba left us when we were so small, How long will Ammi look after us? its because Abba left us lot that we are living without any problem but then how long will this continue? And moreover you are a girl, I am a girl; it will dangerous for us, a household run by women with no men to protect? So that is why I am marrying him and besides he is good too'

I can't say anything. I don't even know how I feel after this confession of her's. She doesn't ask me too, just turns around.

I wonder what Allah has in store for us. I love my mother and sister more than anything in this world and I don't ever want to lose them.

I really don't.

A/n

Hey guys thank you for reading. Now if you liked this chapter don't forget to vote and comment.

I know some of you are wondering why the Hindus and Muslims who have lived together for centuries wants to get separated now, but it's true with the growing atmosphere of violence people really started feeling so.

Anyways, till next time;

Keep smiling, stay beautiful/handsome and never ever give up:)

Love,

Ena