HUSNA

Chapter21

"Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person's life." – Jackie Chan.

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Faiza's laughter echoed through the room as she held up a peach lace outfit against the light. "Husna, wallahi, this one will make you glow. It's peach with a touch of white. Classy, soft, elegant...just like you."

Husna frowned, gently running her fingers over the fabric. "It's beautiful, Faiza, but... don't you think the skirt is too tight?"

Faiza gave her a  side-eye. "Tight ke? You look perfect! Don't stress me, please. You've been hiding that shape for too long... today, we're bringing it out small-small."

"Faiza..." Husna sighed, clearly hesitant. "I don't know."

"You know what?" Faiza said, her tone turning warm. "You're lucky, Husna. Some of us are still praying for your kind of life. You've got an adorable hunk like Yaya Hameed watching over you."

Husna's brows shot up immediately, a faint frown creasing her forehead. "Faiza...please."

Faiza raised her hands defensively. "Okay, okay! Calm down. I didn't mean it like that, haba. My hussy, you know I'm only teasing."

She  managed a small laugh, but it sounded hollow even to her own ears. She was used to masking her discomfort...smiling through what she didn't want to explain.

"Are you mad at me?" Faiza asked softly, studying her face.

"No," she  replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Of course not. I'm just... nervous."

Nervous. That was the easiest lie she could come up with. Lying was easier than explaining what she truly felt.

Faiza shook her head, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to push. "Anyway, tell me... after our outing, are you and Yaya Hameed going anywhere? Dinner? Drive? Something romantic maybe?"

Husna rolled her eyes. "You're crazy."

"Stop pretending!" Faiza exclaim , laughing as she fastened a necklace around Husna's neck. "You think I don't see the way he looks at you?"

"Faiza..." Husna's tone was half-warning, half-pleading.

"Fine!" Faiza raised her hands in surrender, grinning. "But wallahi, today, he'll faint when he sees you."

She stepped back and admired her handiwork. Husna looked effortlessly elegant.. her peach lace gleaming softly under the afternoon light, paired with silver jewelry and light lip gloss. Faiza herself wore a rich purple lace outfit that shimmered beautifully. Together, they looked like a perfect Eid pair...bold and gentle.

"4:30 already!" Faiza gasped, grabbing her purse. "Let's go, my hussy. You look super duper cute!" She leaned forward and pecked Husna's cheek.

Husna only shook her head, smiling at her friend's dramatics.

After informing Husna's mother, the girls finally headed out. Her siblings had gone yawon Sallah, but Husna and Faiza had their own plans...makeup studio first, then lunch.

At the studio, Faiza went all out, instructing the makeup artist like she was preparing a bride. Husna sat quietly, trying not to fidget. When the makeup was done, she looked at her reflection and froze.