WrongSufferedAtHands

10.

After three months of not attending school, Afiyah discovered that her headmaster had not stamped the certificate with the illicit participation. It was an empty threat intended to frighten Afiyah and Kainat. Since it was their final year in school, they were spared expulsion and allowed to finish their studies.

But, it was too late for Afiyah. Afiyah was informed by Hareem that her father wanted her to remain in the house unless he marries her. Her marriage was the only alternative available for her father, she assumed.

As the temperature ascended once again, gusts of wind from the north would blow, and the rain would follow after. She was elated to lastly see Talal, but just a glimpse of him because her cores absolutely smashed into pieces as she witnessed him neglecting her, paying no heed to her. As though it were her fault, she was unable to simply look into his eyes. Talal followed suit, avoiding eye contact and even extending greetings to her.

Afiyah believed that her life was on the brink since all it would take to jolt her out of her stupor and send her plummeting over the high cliff was a little prod. In the midst of the throng, greeting a male relative was equivalent to slashing someone in the rear. She began to maintain a respectful distance from everyone, especially those who may be able to inflict wounds on her that were worse than the ones she previously suffered.

She would be discovered in her room, reciting the prayers and pleading with Heavens for sympathy and redemption whilst sitting on the prayer mat. She spent the majority of her time hoping and praying on the mat, and she wouldn't fold it unless her eyes dried up from all the tears of sorrow. She wouldn't leave the mat until her heart had given up and she was at a loss for what else to ask to Allah.

But above all, she requested Allah for tolerance, perseverance that he might grant her.

"I don't get what the big issue is here; it'll just take two days." In frustration, her father eventually yelled at her. Khizar was the sole reason Afiyah had been hesitating to go to her aunt's house for her son's wedding. They were going to spend two days at Khizar's home. She couldn't concede to stay under one roof with him, not when she was aware of his intentions towards her.

"I just... I just want to stay home." After tackling with her subconscious, she stuttered.

"With whom? Everyone is going to go there."

She remained silent once more, unable to offer any more justifications. She was aware that her father would urge her to discuss it in public, something she could never do. She will ultimately be required to follow her father's orders.

She dropped her head and swallowed her anguish. She gave one, then two nods.

Accept it Afiyah, accept the misfortunate.

As she peered out of the wire mesh window, her hazel eyes would linger at every separate individual dancing and thoroughly enjoying their time on the stage. She sensed her chest being thudded by the loud soundtracks, which also made it difficult for her to detect her own breathing.

Afiyah chose a plain outfit this time since she was reminded of the last time her cousin scolded her for wearing such gown. The blouse was a modest work of threads with a flowing skirt, her hair was tied in a messy bun.

She had been standing there for thirty minutes at this point, debating whether to walk outdoors or not. She was terrified to meet everyone after learning that her father had spoken to his sisters and aunts about the incident at the school. She was worried that they would label her as a debauched woman and call her obscenities.

She shifted in her spot as she paid attention to noises coming from behind her; she could hear her cousins laughing as they passed. They overlooked her, as if she didn't serve a purpose of her existence, and continued on their way. She saw as they snapped a picture and chuckled at the others' ridiculous dancing skills.