Since they were kids

Hijab-ista '08

Tasleemah's POV

I went in the school bus and slumped down on the first seat I came across. I gazed through the window and admired the picteresque scenery of the town  as we made our way to school.Suddenly, I began reflecting on life. I really have blossomed over the years. I was never a gregarious person until Dauriyah stepped in my life. My only friend as you know, was Ihsaan. These days, I found it alot easier to socialize with people as Dauriyah was a social butterfly, hence, her friends became my friends. Her upbeat personality and charisma was infectious and her smile was so inviting. She was basically loved by everyone including the teachers. She literally had everything going for her. I on the other hand was a plane Jane who at one point, would much rather wear simple sweats and a T-shirt. Now, literally my whole wardrobe has transformed into girly stuff. I was now much more self conscious about what I eat, what I wear and even how I walked. These changes were not only as a result of Dauriyahs lifestyle, but puberty also played a part I guess . Especially since I  discovered my new crush on Fahaad, off course I'm gonna make a special effort to impress.

Ihsaan suddenly crossed my mind as I sat there still gazing through the window. How's he doing? Unlike me he never really had difficulty in meeting new people so that was obviously not my concern, but, is he still doing well in school? Has his features changed. I mean, mine certainly has these past two years. I'm a lot taller now, and my strict dieting has gotten me pretty thin. Has he grown a beard yet? I grinned widely as the thought crossed my mind. He always longed for one.Ihsaan having a beard... Nah, just couldn't picture it. But who knows, maybe he does. "Tassie are you even listening to what I'm saying??" Dauriyah barked sounding really annoyed. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't the slightest clue that she was speaking to me. "I'm so sorry .... Was just.... Never mind, I'm sorry now what were you saying?" I responded apologetically. " Ohhh.... Day dreaming bout my brother huh?"she teased. I froze as the words slid through her lips. How does she know?! " Umm. What?" I responded pretendimg to be oblivious. "Umm, ok then, maybe you were really just blushig at the dress" she responded with great sarcasm. "Come on, really? You think I didnt know... Ughhh, Im not so slow you know" she continued. I was so taken aback that my mouth grew dry from nervousness. Ok, just spill. "Well yeah I kinda do" I blushed shyly turning my head away from her hungry eyes. She seemed so excited about this whole situation. " So does that mean that he knows?" I asked curiuosly twitching my fingers nervously. At this point, I was preparing myself for the worst outcome-rejection.

"Oh my gosh! Look at that deer, its so cute! Look" she squeeked pointing on the roadside. I swiftly turnt  around and looked around expectantly. There was no deer. She began giggling instantly. Are you serious? This is her way of changing the subject. Ahhh, oh well, maybe he doesn't like me after all. " Whatevs... Nice way of changing the topic huh?" I responded in a low and barely audible voice. I felt a mixture of hurt and rejection welling up in my  stomach. " Of course he does Tassie, you didn't see how much he was stareing at you that day? His stareing alone was pretty self-explanatory"she said after scanning my face. " I'm just playing, ha ha ha.... Dude, you really like him though... Why'd you keep this from me though?"she questooned. "Well... I dunno.. Cause he's your brother... Its just kinda wierd that I like my best friend's brother you know"  I responded, as I turnt around to face her. "Well, Imma be straightforward it's kinda wierd for realzz" she manifested. " But, I think its pretty awesome that y'all like each other though.. I mean the attraction was so vivid between you too" she continued. "You think?" I asked blushing. " Yahhh, I mean, I've been waiting one full month for you to confess to me, but it seems like you had no intention to so I had to just bring it up. Ahh, you know how annoying it was for me to be waiting on something that'll never happen?" she went on, causing me to feel guity. "Well, its not like I wanted to leave you in the dark... To be honest I kinda tried to just allow myself to forget about it a little... I mean,.. He looks wayy older than me ... And, whats the point of telling you... " I responded. "Besides, I'm only 14 I can't get married" I continued. We both began laughing histerically at the thought. I mean, I do have a crush, but do I want to marry him as a result of that? Well, to be honest, I wouldn't completely dismiss the idea, but I knew deep down that even if I was up to it, my parents would have shot it down right away, obviously because of my age. I was just so confused at that point. Part of being a teenager I guess. 

We arrived. I shoved my thoughts away and carefully got out of the seat. Dauriyah led the way as we made our way out. As we got out and stood infront of the school, I immediately noticed how beautifuly decorated the school was. Light pink, silver and lime green balloons embellished the edges of the concrete rooves, bringing a scense of vibrance. The colour scheme continued on the columns, as they were also wrapped with balloons, each having "Hijab-ista Sistaz" styishly written in blue glitter marker. The entrance was floaded with students, anxious to buy their tickets to go in. Thankfully, we had already bought our tickets weeks ago and so, we stepped in the compound without having to worry about the hassle. The lawn was accessorized with huge, glittered balls. Vines of artificial flowers hugged the upstairs railings. The environment was engulfed with the euphonic nasheeds of Maher Zain, Sami Yusuf, Native Deen, 786 and Dawud Wharnsby. Young sisters were prettyly dressed in pink abayas and lime green kimars selling candies and refreshments. Damn, it hasn't even started as yet and I'm already excited.

As we strolled along the compound, we ensured to stop at each stall to see  the items that were being sold.

Not long after, it was time for the fashion show to begin. We all hustled to get a good seat at the front along with some refreshments that we bought earlier. "Come on Muslimahs, we bout to get turntttt uppppp !!!"the host sang on the mike , modeling unto the stage . The cheers and screams lifted the roof as the Arabian chants blasted through the speakers and vibrated our seats.

Shortly after , the models strided unto the stage one by one showcasing the lasted fashion trends, which I must admit, I would never wear; simply because they were outfits that screamed "look at me" and Im not the "look at me" kinda girl ( if you get me ), but I must admit , they were pretty hot.

The show proceeded for about three hours. Half way through , I found myself dozing and battling sleep. It wasnt boring, but I cant remember the last time I sat one place looking at one thing for that long. I became uneasy and began shuffling in my seat. I bent down to pick up my soda when I realised that a note was tucked under it .

With great curiousity , I took it up and slowly opened it scanning the audience in front of me to see if anyone looked suspicious. As I brought my eyes back to the paper I saw two words scribbled in cursive and decorated with hearts around the edges. My eyes widened with disbelief. As I uttered the two words , two hands grasped my shoulders from behind and lowered their chin close to my ear. " Hi beautiful" a deep husky voice said smoothly in my ear. I slowly turnt around and could not belief what was before my eyes.

Fahaads eyes locked  with mine as he smirked flirtatiously tiltly his head and scanning my reaction . "Ummmm, hi " I responded weakly , slowly turning my eyes away from his hungry glare.Adrenaline rushed through my veins as he went on speaking . " How are you ?"he asked,as he gently removed his his hands from my shoulders and found a seat right next to me. My heart pounded like a drum and my breathing was becoming hitched as I pretended to be calm and collected. " I'm fine" I responded with a half smile. I began pondering, Where the hell is Dauriyah ?! I have no confidence booster here!  I bet that shes the one who set it up  ...  Ughhhhh.... 

I was shoved out of my reverie when I heard a voice . "Is everything OK?" Fahaad questioned, with a smile plastered across his face. Does he find my shyness amusing? "Yeah im OK, where's your sister?" I questioned , trying  to avoid the awkwardness.

"Oh , she had to leave , she said I should take you home" he responded. What?! She left me here , that's the first thing , and on top of that she told her brother to take me home??? Hell no . I'm not going home with him.

" Ummm, that's OK , I responded politely as I got up and made my way through the door of the auditorium.