"Why aren't the banners put up yet Layla? And who's at the registration table? It's already 10.30 and our program starts at 11.00 and what.." I'm cut off by my phone ringing and I slip it out of my coat pocket.
"I'm onto it.." Layla grabs the opportunity to get away.
"Assalam alaikum" I answer as I sigh.
"Walekum assalam Namra, I'm so sorry dear I'm running a bit late but inshallah I'll be reaching in a few minutes.." the lady's voice at the other end responds.
"No problem Sister Taiba.. Our program still has a few minutes to start" I reply to our guest speaker for the event.
"Ok then see you. Assalam Alaikum" she responds.
I cut the call after replying to her Salam.
That was our guest speaker for the event, Taiba Alam. She's an Islamic public speaker and motivator along with being a full time stay at home mum of three adorable kids.
I look around at the hall I'm standing in. It's a huge place and has one double door main entrance at one end. At the other end right opposite to the door is the stage. The stage has two sets of stairs on either side and dark blue velvet curtains are hanging over it. A number of banners and posters about our event cover the walls of the hall. The rows of chairs placed in the centre for the audience and some of the chairs are already occupied by the ladies.
I'm Namra Khan, 22 years old, a management graduate and a practicing Muslim. I'm a member of Women In Islam (WII) which is basically a group of young muslim girls who work to spread the true message of Islam by holding programs all over the city. Our programs usually include speeches, question and answer sessions on a range of topics like Women's rights in Islam, Women and Islam- Oppressed or Elevated?, Youth and Islam etc. We also include games, quizzes and other fun activities to make our program more interesting.
"Hey Namra we need to start" I feel someone tap my shoulder and turn around to see a girl with a dark blue scarf neatly wrapped around her head.
"I'm a bit nervous...what if I mess it up" the girl fidgets with her fingers as she looks worried.
"Don't worry Mehreen. You can do this" I assure her but she looks unconvinced.
"Oh come on sis this isn't the first time you're giving a public lecture" I continue.
"Listen I've given lectures infront of 20 or 30 people max. Not frigging 100 people.." she grumbles.
"125 actually. Anyway your talk is in the second half of the program so relax you have like 2 more hours to go" I smile.
"Assalam Alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatahu, Good Morning and Welcome to Women in Islam's one day seminar Ilmventure- Polish Your Imaan. I'm Syra and I'll be your host for today.."
I look towards the stage and notice a short girl clad in a black scarf and a black abaya speaking into the mic.
I and Mehreen quickly go and take our seats where all the other organizers are seated.
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Pic of Namra--->
YOU ARE READING
Forbidden Territories
RomanceThis is a story about six people, Namra,Mehreen,Adarsh,Veer,Osama and Naina who come from different backgrounds. Being complete strangers they are put in situations where they have no option but to look out for each other. Journey through their li...
