The Halal Way

Chapter 01

"Oh god Dariya!" My mom exclaimed opening the door to my room.

"What mom?" I asked trying to open my eyes.

"You haven't even started to get ready, we have to leave in an hour!"

"I just prayed Dhuhr, now I need some rest!" I groaned.

"Let me make one thing clear, we are gonna leave at exact two so you better be ready before it." She said closing the door.

I had just come from school and was really tired and wanted to sleep but an old friend of my dad's had come from Australia and had kept a lunch at his house for all of his friends.

My dad only had two really close friends from his childhood. One of them was Uncle Jabbar who was in the army and lived in Islamabad and one of them was Uncle Ahsan who lived in Australia.

He had been there for a lot of years, even before I was born and was so busy in his work that never got the chance to visit.

Apparently, he owned a multi billionare company there but now that he had reached his retirement age and his son had officially taken over his business, he had come to visit.

Since my dad was an only child, the only company I had was with Uncle Ahsans daughter Amira and his son Amir growing up, but since his recent shift to Islamabad we rarely met. So I was super excited to meet them.

My thoughts were interrupted as my phone beeped indicating that there was a message.

My business teacher had told us that since we were studying about entrepreneurship these days, tomorrow he had invited a young very successful entrepreneur who was currently visiting from abroad.

I was excited about tomorrow. After a lot of time, I had found myself enjoying the subject I took. Maybe it was because of the teacher I had.

I feel like a passionate teacher always motivates the student to take interest in the subject.

And I loved classes like these in which we listened to speeches by passionate and successful people who once themselves struggled and then rose to success.

I was interrupted by my thoughts as my house help Sheila came in and put my ironed clothes on the bed.

"Oh god Baji you haven't started to get ready till now! Your mom and sister are all ready and about to go in the car!" She exclaimed.

"Oh shoot! Sheila my lovely friend, please don't tell her anything. Come sit in my room till I get ready  and watch your favourite show!" I said as I passed her the remote.

Sheila loved to watch TV shows and was always waiting to get free and watch her favourite show.

I knew she wasn't gonna deny that.

After that I got ready quickly, wearing my maroon kaftan that my mom had gotten me for eid and pairing it up with some heels.

I had no time to wear my lenses, so I sneaked my glasses into my bag.

I knew my mom hated when I dressed up and wore glasses and honestly I agreed with her because it just destroyed the whole vibe but it took me like fifteen minutes to get lenses on one of my eye and I had no time to waste, so I handed Sheila the key to my room and quickly got in the car.

......

I must say for a family that lived abroad, there house seemed to be in a very good condition.

Well it had to, because they were multi billionares.

And well it wasn't a house, I must add. More like a very huge mansion.

Honestly, I wasn't a fan of these huge type of houses. I thought there was no feeling of home in them.

Even if one day I was able to save enough to get myself a place this huge , I don't think I would ever want to.

It just didn't feel like home to me.

As my dad parked the car, we stepped out and started to make our way to the entrance when my mom suddenly stopped.

"Oh shoot, I forgot the present I bought for them in the car! Dariya, my dear can you please get it for me?" She asked.

I was wearing heels. A long dress. I had to walk back. What if I fell? I wasn't even wearing my glasses?

But islam emphasised on obeying your parents.

Maybe Allah would get so happy with me, that there would be lasagna in the menu and brownies for the sweet dish?

My mouth watered at the thought.

"Sure." I told her.

My dad passed me the keys to the car and I started to make my way towards where abu parked the car.

Midway, I thought it was better to put on my glasses because now my mom won't be able to scold me infront of the guests.

So I stopped and started to find the glasses in my bag.

Which turned out to be a big mistake.

Because what I didn't notice was that I was standing in between their parking area which was more like that in a mall.

And what I didn't think of at all was that suddenly a car would come flying and hit me.

I fell with a thud.

"Oh god Dariya im so sorry, I totally didn't see you there!"

I looked up on hearing the familiar voice of Amir.

"And yes that's how you greet me after six months!" I exclaimed as I tried getting up.

"I'm so sor....." He started, but he was suddenly cut off.

"Are you crazy or what, didn't you see her standing?"

My eyes immediately went on to the person who was apparently coming running towards us.

I had no idea who this was.

Apparently a very muscular built man who stood some feet over Amir.

"Who are yo...." I started but he seemed to have no interest in me.

He looked extremely furious. His rage evident through the deep breathes he was taking. His eyes directly looked into Amirs.

"What if she had come under?" He yelled as he pushed Amir with his hands.

"Woah woah stop it mister." I said standing up.

"Why are you talking to him like this? Its okay, he's my friend. It was my fault." I said.

On that notice, he looked at me and one look at him and I immediately averted my gaze because first of all  it was wrong to look at the opposite gender like that and  second of all especially if he was that handsome.

I could notice his blue eyes on mine as I tried to ignore him and asked Amir to come get the present from the car with me.

"Who was that?" I asked.

"Probably some psycho." He replied.

"Are you sure you are okay Dariya?" Amir asked as he looked at me limping slightly.

"I think i'll do." I replied.

But deep down I knew something wasn't right.

My food hurt like hell.

A/N: Salam guys! I hope you liked the chapter. While I was reading it, I noticed it was a little fast paced. Please tell me do you like this pace or do you want me to take it slow?

Don't forget to vote and comment.

-fatima.