LAIQA'S PIC👆

I sat down on the bed revising my scripts. There was a new program that would be airing later this week and I had been appointed by the director to be the host. 'getting out of your comfort zone', he had said.

In the four years that I've been working there , I've always been behind the camera. This would be my first time, and probably the last time that I'll be showing up on air and working with the media. I'm planning on leaving and pursuing my dreams.
Just a month left, I'm definitely sure I could endure that.

A knock disturbed my rehearsals and I told the person at the door to come in.
"hey Auntie Huda, I am visiting a friend and hoping that you could accompany me", Ayesha announced walking in the direction of my wardrobe.

"sorry, but I don't feel like going out," I replied my eyes trained on her movements.

She pretended to not have heard me as she rummage through my clothes, and pulled out a dress assessing it. Shaking her head, pulled another one out of my collections.

"what are you doing? I'm not going out and it's final. You aren't changing my mind ", I ordered and watched as she paused momentarily before continuing with her actions.

She could be stubborn when she wants.

" masha Allah! Would you look at this creation? It's perfect ", she chirped, holding up a dress.
She turned, allowing me to see what was in her hands.
" that's an Abaya", I said flatly.
There is nothing special about a dress.

Watching as her face morph into that of disbelief, I continued my practice until I heard her shrill voice.
"No! You're coming with me because I refuse to let you wallow in loneliness", she declared.
"who says I'm lonely? I'm very much occupied if you hadn't noticed ", I retorted.

I was bent on staying within the four corners of my room;the only place I could ever call mine.
Thinking she was going to reply back, I was surprised to see her shoulders dropped in disappointment, and she returned the dress to its place leaving the room.

I instantly felt bad. Here, someone cared about me but I'm pushing her away. I can't even bring myself to be civil with anyone... I'm a bad person who only derived joy in seeing others in pain.

I can't breathe... Everything's messed up. I'm the cause of the problems of everyone around me. I need to leave.

I hadn't realized that my feet had led me to the wardrobe. Pulling out some clothes and undergarments, I put them in a bag. Grabbing my toiletries and other miscellaneous belongings, I made sure to only take things that were mine to begin with.

Glancing at my room one last time, I turned to go when something bright caught my eye. Moving forward, I picked up the piece of paper on the floor.
The stranger's complementary card;it must have fallen off when I was packing the bag.

I shoved the paper in my bag and left the room leaving my bags. I needed to have a conversation with Abu first.

On my way, I saw Laiqa and Tahira talking with their mother. Just before I could turn my eyes elsewhere, our gazes met and she opened her mouth like she was going to speak.

I walked away, I don't want to hear whatever trash it is that would come out of her mouth. She had struck me enough in places that hurt.

"Huda? ", I heard Tahira call, but I ignored her and stood in front the golden brown mahogany door.

Knocking, I said the taslim loud enough for anyone behind the door to hear, and Abu's reply came through.

I entered the room closing the door behind me. Abu sat on his chair reading the newspaper, his reading glasses perched on the tip of his nose in a peculiar way.

For a moment, I stared at the man who had raised me and looked after me when everyone left my side. His charcoal black hair now had some grey strands standing out, and his beard was also turning grey.

"Huda ", he called and I realized that I've been staring at him without saying a word.
" Abu ", I murmured.

My throat felt constricted and I was finding it difficult to construct a proper sentence. A pair of hands which belongs to my father gently grabs my face forcing me to look up at his face.

Tears welled up in my eyes, I couldn't. I just couldn't find it to look into the face that always held affection for me.
I couldn't look at the eyes that never left me alone in the dark. I couldn't look at him, fearing he'll see a monster I had become.

A person who does nothing but brings trouble and separate bonds. A person who is self centered and selfish. A person who doesn't deserve to be happy.

"Abu am I really a bad person? Is that why everyone left me? ", I cried as he pulls me closer in a warm embrace.
I couldn't help but think that maybe... Maybe if I vanished from the surface of this earth, no one would need a reason to feel bad.

" Huda, you're a human being and no one is perfect. Not every human will see you for who you are. You've got to stop thinking that everybody hates you", he said with a strong voice that I couldn't help but think if that was the truth.

"but Abu, they said it all didn't they? They all wished they never met me", I sobbed, my tears drenching his shirt.

Suddenly, I was pulled away from the embrace. My bloodshot eyes met with a familiar brown eyes that had always showered me with love ever since I could remember.

"never say that, Huda. You're always loved no matter what. Never forget that! You should never think that you're alone in this world. I'm always and forever be here for you", he reassures me and I nod in tears.

I'll never doubt his love for me. He was the only one I had in my life currently and I could never forget that.
"I know Abu... I know", I breathe.

I sat down on the floor and did some breathing exercises. It had always help.
I could sense my father's stare on me. He must be wondering what triggered my emotions making me cry.
Even I couldn't remember the last time that I had shed a single tear this past few weeks.

Clearing my throat, I looked up at my father who was calmly waiting for me to speak up. I didn't know how he'll take this.

"Abu, I want to move out of the mansion ", I simply stated avoiding his eyes.

I waited for a response, probably a statement disagreeing with my decision but when nothing came out, I looked up and met his gaze.

I couldn't describe his face emotions as he just gazed at me intently. After two agonizing minutes of staring at me blankly like the way Anisa does, he nods.

Confused, I ask "you agree with my decision?"
"I don't agree fully, but I know that for you to have come to that decision, it must be serious"
"thanks Abu... For understanding me", I pull my lips in a smile.
"but I have to approve of the place you'll be staying ", he commanded and I nod.
" thanks Abu-", I hugged him "-for always being there".

* * *
As soon as I came out, the soon- to- be wedded sisters came to my view. I internally groaned.
"I don't want to hear your voice today, can you kindly grant my wish today?", I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.

"don't you dare! ", I exclaim while forcefully pulled my arm out of Laiqa's grip as she tried to hold me.

I've had enough.

" what do want to say today, huh? Didn't have enough time to speak your mind last night, sweetheart?" I said with no hint of emotion in my voice.

Seeing as she continues to stare at me in silence,I pushed past them walking forward until Tahira decides to stay in my way.

Now,I'm definitely getting annoyed.
" seriously? Haven't you guys had enough talking to me 'cause if you try to provoke me today-",

Making sure to use my intimidating voice,I looked at both of them in the eye,finishing my statement.
"-I won't back down".

Just as I had said that did Sama suddenly appears,standing in our middle.

"Huda please hear them out ", she pleads.

I snort,
" what? So they might start spluttering nonsense again? I'm sorry, but I have no time for petty arguments with hormones- driven sisters ", I said making sure to emphasize the word 'sisters '.

Anisa who was going out saw us and came closer pulling out the ear buds in her ear. She seems to have known what they were going to say as she shook her head to them in negative,then turning away from us,and walking out through the front door.

I gestured towards Anisa who was now out of our sight,
"you understood her, right? Leave me alone... All of you!",I said infuriated and begin walking away.

" at least some one understands me in this mansion ", I muttered making sure that my voice was loud enough to reach their ears.

When I opened the door, I took a backward glance at them to find Sama gone and the girls staring at me; Tahira even had tears in her eyes.

Such a drama queen!

I halted remembering that I didn't have my handbag with me and rushed upstairs. I also drape a chiffon hijab over my curly mess of a hair which was in a bun.

Then, I picked up my car keys;I never took it out yesterday to the bar, I recalled earlier this morning. I had walked out and ask Sofia to call for a cab.

I guess I'll just have to suspend my relocation to some other day. But for now, I needed to head somewhere important.

I've always been a fighter, and I don't plan on giving up soon. I was going to get my life back on track ;alone or with help.

The most important information was: I would keep fighting till I'm back to who I am.
It is either now or never. The ball is in my court and I get to decide what to do with it;play it, or reject it.

Author's Note:
So what do you think is her next move?
What do you think of her sisters; Tahira, Laiqa, Ayesha and Anisa?
What is your thought on Sama?
What is your general thoughts on the chapter?

Feel free to express your thoughts through the comments section below!
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See you in the next chapter!
Next Update :
Much love.
Your lovely Author,
Midha...