The Weight Rumours Hold

Chapter 9: Survival

Coming back to home sweet home was the best part of my days after a tiring full day at college.
Today, I decided to walk home to get some fresh air and empty my head. I took a sip of my favourite drink and a deep breathe admiring the view with my headphones in to block out any noise. Before I got home I quickly put my headphones away. Yes, I was not allowed them, I only got lucky because I have college as an excuse.
I pulled out my keys to open the front door but surprisingly it was already open with my dad standing there.

"Oh dad" I smiled and proceeded to take my shoes off once I got inside

I looked up after not receiving an answer and saw him holding out his hand. I happily greeted him with a handshake until his expression changed giving me the impression something was wrong

"Haniya give me your phone right now"

My heart raced automatically and my brain tried to think of everything I've done wrong in my life. What could it be this time?

I pulled it out of my pocket carefully and handed it over, while making a quick prayer to god hoping it's not too much trouble.
I quickly changed my clothes and came rushing downstairs.

"Oy Imran what's going on? Why did he ask for my phone?"

"It's bad" he whispered.

"What how? What did I do this time?"

"HANIYA come here I need to talk to you!"
Dads loud voice boomed from the sitting room making my heart jump in fright internally.

Damn, dont panic it's okay. I tried every possibility to calm myself down but my nerves were only creeping higher. My hands started to shake and my breathing became heavy. I clenched my fists and got ready for the worst. This really wasn't a great time for a panic attack.

I walked in cautiously and sat down on the sofa, I wished I could just sink in and dissapear.

"Haniya who the hell is this boy?"

He pulled out his phone and showed me a picture

"I send you to college and there you are hanging out with boys, do you not have any shame?"

I looked at the picture carefully and instantly recognized the guy standing next to me. His greenish eyes and brown hair gave it away. But who took that picture?

"He's my friend, we just walked out of college together"

His voice grew louder and he walked towards me

"Dont lie to me! look how close you are with this boy huh. What is this? What will people think? Our daughter goes out and chats with boys. You go to college to do work not make boyfriends"

"Its not like that"

"Oi Chup kar (shut up) first you do this and you still have the audacity to lie and talk back. So your telling me your auntie is lying? We told you not to walk around with Safiya and this is your way of listening. Well done...
Look at you youngsters think you can trick your parents"

Oh so that's who it was. Now my own family is enjoying getting me introuble. Knowing my Asian family they must have made a rumour about it and misunderstood the picture in a hundred different languages.

"That's it your not getting your phone back till I decide. Every night you will leave it downstairs before 10pm do you understand?"