FATE INSPIRED

Chapter 18

Layla

When we pulled up to the Pilates studio, Ya Malik grumbled one last time, "See, if this wasn't on the way, I wouldn't have agreed." He said playfully, trying to break the heavy silence as I thought. I knew at that moment the main reason he had to come to pick me up after class was so that he'd tell me about the introduction. I knew him enough to know that.

I laughed, unbuckling my seatbelt. "Thanks, best driver ever."

"Yeah, yeah," He muttered, waving me off, but I caught the hint of a smile on his face.

Once inside, I headed to the locker room to change out of my abaya. I pulled on my workout gear, a sleek black long-sleeve top, and matching high-waisted leggings that gave me full coverage but allowed easy movement. The fabric was breathable and flexible, perfect for the stretches and poses Pilates demanded. I wrapped a lightweight headscarf around my head, keeping things simple and functional for the session.

The studio was all-female, which made it even more comfortable for me. The room was serene, with large windows letting in soft natural light and mirrors lining one wall. The instructor, Mariam, was a calm, encouraging woman with a lean, athletic build and a warm smile. She always guided us patiently, making sure everyone moved with the correct form.

"Alright, ladies, let's start with our warm-up," Mariam's voice echoed as we all took our places on the mats. "Layla, welcome back. Where are your girls?" She asked with a smile.

"Don't worry, I know they are coming back to us soon too." The gym wasn't for us at all and I knew they will change their minds sooner or later. We didn't have enough time to go to the gym together, so everyone went at their convenience. Knowing Rahilatu and Lulwa, they probably didn't even go once yet, hence why they haven't switched back to Pilates.

We began with gentle stretches, focusing on loosening our hips, shoulders, and backs. I loved this part, the slow, deliberate movements that woke up every muscle in my body. We moved into a series of cat-cow stretches to warm up the spine, followed by standing roll-downs that stretched my hamstrings and lower back. Each motion felt deliberate, and fluid, like a dance, and I could already feel the tension of the day melting away.

After the warm-up, we moved into the main workout: a combination of core-strengthening exercises and leg work. We used resistance bands and Pilates rings to add intensity, moving through leg lifts, bridges, and various planks. My core burned with effort, but it was the kind of burn I adored, one that reminded me I was building strength and control.

Mariam walked around, adjusting our forms and offering encouraging words. "Great work, Layla! Keep your core engaged!"

The class flew by, and before I knew it, we were cooling down with stretches again, focusing on lengthening the muscles we'd just worked. I loved the final moments of class, lying on my mat, eyes closed, just breathing.

When it was over, I felt refreshed, my body tired in the best way possible. As I left the studio, I couldn't help but think about how much this routine kept me grounded. It wasn't just a workout, it was self-care, a time to connect with myself and step away from the craziness of law school, even if just for an hour. And maybe the thought of going on a date with Asad tonight.

Two hours after Pilates, I could feel the telltale soreness settling into my limbs. Every muscle felt a little tighter, and I regretted not easing back into the routine after weeks away. I probably shouldn't have scheduled Pilates on the same day as my date. But at least it had kept my mind from spinning off into anxious overthinking. My entire day had been packed, with barely a moment to pause, and maybe that was for the best since I didn't overthink tonight.