Forbidden

1. Pakistan Here I Am.

The plane wheels landed with a jolt, awakening my senses from sleep. I woke up panicking because of the sudden movement. I would have stood up if not because of the seat belt still strapped on my waist. Then I heard the voice of the flight attendant through the speakers overhead. I let out series of sighs as I calmed myself down.

It was 8:00 AM when we arrived at the airport which meant it was already 9:00 AM in Pakistan as it was an hour advance from Dubai time. I unclasped the silver watch from my wrist which my cousin gifted me on my birthday. I stood on the side of the air bridge to give way to some passengers exiting the plane as I turned the dial to adjust the time. Hello Pakistan, here I am. I muttered to myself as I dragged my jetlagged-body and waited for my baggage on the ground floor. Well it was just a three-hour flight, but I was not a morning person. Plus I did not get any sleep prior to my flight. I should really fuel up with a cup of coffee later.

It had been a week since my mandatory vacation leave at work started. I did not make any plans of travelling or going anywhere. I only wanted to stay in my room, read books or watch movies and series online. My cousin, Kristoff, who was also my roommate had been so insistent that I should take this time as an opportunity to travel to other country. I can still hear his voice in my head as he pestered me everyday to do this, to meet new friends, and enjoy life while I am still young.

I know, I am still young. I just had my birthday last month and being twenty five is not that old yet. I thought as I checked the incoming bags. Mine was still not in sight.

"Believe me, you should really do this. Money wouldn't be a problem there since the conversion rate is high. Or I can give you money to spend during your vacation. Please cuz, you should travel and enjoy your life while you're young." He started. "You, sitting at home reading for a week? You're practically a hermit in disguise," Kristoff teased, nudging me as he chopped vegetables. "At least do something exciting-go see the world while you're still 'young and restless."

"Oh, you remember Kashifa right? He went home today. And he is asking if you want to visit his country. He can travel with you while you're there. You can even stay at their house." He said while helping me cook in the kitchen.

Who would forget Kashifa when he had been here in the apartment twice a week? He would stay with us from afternoon until after dinner time and went home at ten in the evening. He and my cousin had been workmates for three years already, while I just met him on my birthday.

"You know what cuz, I think Kashifa likes you." Kristoff added. I looked at him with a questioning face as if saying 'How did you know?' "He had been asking me about you since the first time he saw you on your bithday." He continued. "And did you remember how many times he had visited us here in the apartment? He visited twice every week and he had been bringing just anything, too." I rolled my eyes at the teasing looks of my cousin.

"You're just imagining things. He is just super friendly. Don't put meaning to anything you see." I answered. " Maybe he just needs a new friend as his old friends are already boring?"

"Haha. He mocked a laugh. "Maybe cuz, but the way I see it, it's different. Have you seen the way he looked at you? Can you tell the difference how he looked at the both of us?" My cousin teased me more. I gave him another eye roll.

"Let's just focus on the food we are cooking. I do not want to entertain any thoughts about him right now cuz. You know he came from a different religion and culture... and he was brought up in a different society with norms not the same as ours." I said, raising my fingers to count off the points I raised. My cousin nodded his head and raised both of his hands in surrender.

"But you should really travel when your leave comes, cuz. You have been working here for four years already, yet you only stayed in the apartment during your leave. If your parents were alive, they would also push you to enjoy your life. Go out more, make new friends, and enjoy. I guess I am repeating myself." He said with a loud laugh.