RUNNING

Chapter Nineteen

"Love is when you are happy to wake up beside the same person everyday of your life and you feel thankful that they are always there."

Time passes by so fast and the semester is finally coming to an end, Maraya wrote her last paper today and it was a relief that she wouldn't have to think of studying, at least for the meantime. decided to honor Afnan's invitation to the islamic programme that will be taking place today,since the time she has
It's been two weeks now that Afnan have told her about an islamic lecture organized for Muslim sisters that will be taking place today by 4p.m, since Maraya has already finishes her paper around eleven thirty in the morning she decided to honor the visit.
After enjoying some siesta in her room, Maraya took a shower and said her Asr prayer after which she wants to give Afnan call and ask her if the lecture has commenses but she decided against it as she wants to surprise her with her attendance. She look through her wardrobe and could not find any Hijab, well not that she has one she just hope to get a decent clothes for the lecture. Well don't be surprise, it is a common practice among females in the hostel to dress in hijab whenever they are attending any islamic lecture even though you may never see them with the hijab before or after the lecture.
Maraya is not used to using someone's dress but as she checked the time and it's already half past for, she can tell that she is running out of time so she took Afnan's hijab that was hanging by the side of her wardrobe. It was the hijab she used that morning before going to the class for her examination so Maraya guessed, she kept it out because she wants to wash it.
When Maraya got the venue, she was glad the the hall is not filled up and the lecture is yet to commence. At first, she was shy to enter the hall being her first time to such gathering, but then she remember she is not there for anyone. As she stepped into the hall, she was surprised as she raises her head to meet Akin's gaze and they exchange a knowing glance. Akin was busy testing the speaker with some male students and other female students are busy arranging the stage.
Maraya finds a place to sit on the second row so that she will be able to concentrate on the lecture, she looked around but could not see Afnan which make her wonder where she could be. But before she has enough time to think, Afnan enters with an elderly woman and other female students. Maraya can note a striking resemblance between the elderly woman and her roommate but she decided to wave it off, well she doubt she will be able to let it go because the resemblance is too much to be a mere chance.
The lecture took about two hours before it finally ends and it was as though, a cover has been removed from Maraya's face. It was an awakening lecture that gave her so many answers to her own very existence, the lecture speaks about the role of women in building a positive society.
She felt like she has strayed so much away from her purpose of creation, she had neglected her role as a muslime woman for a long time and that she has a lot to cover up so that she will not be left too far behind. She looked towards the presenter and realizes it was time she takes a turning point in her life.
After the lecture she tries to walk out fast so as to meet the presenter, the truth is that she did not know what she is going to tell her but she just know she need to meet her first. She met her at the entrance of the hall talking with Afnan and some group of people.
"There you are." Afnan signalled her to join them as she sighted her presence.
"Asalamu alaekum." Maraya greeted the presenter with a small smile.
"Wa alaekum salam." Raheela offers her hand to shake Maraya wearing a big smile.
"Her name is Maraya and she is my roommate." Afnan said to her Raheela and turned to Maraya with a proud smile. "My aunt"
Well, Maraya was not expecting that even though she clearly saw the resemblance between the two. She managed a smile without any word and Raheela gave her a warm smile, though with one look you can't really tell what a person is truly like but it is also true that first impression determines how well you relate with someone and mostly it last for a long time, if not forever.
For some unknown reason, she felt comfortable around Raheela and they had few jokes, some words of encouragement and most importantly to her she got an invitation from Raheela which she would have instantly accepted if not for Afnan who told her aunt to delay the visit until they resume in two weeks because she will be traveling home the next day. So they all agreed that they will meet again in sha Allah as family after their resumption.
Maraya felt great about her new found relationship with Afnan and she was surprised that she never really miss Beatrice's absence and she feel so contented about everything around her. Like can truly peaceful when you focus your energy on improving what you already have and thankful for every good things in your life.
After Raheela left, Maraya and her friend walks happily to their room talking about the lecture she delivered. Maraya was able to learn more about Raheela and she was stuned as to how she can strike a balance between her religious life and material life. She learned that being pious Muslimah and devoted wife and mother does not mean you can not achieve great things in life, she looked forward to learning so many things from Raheela when they finally meet and to her the two weeks seem too long.
Life can sometimes be funny, some weeks ago Maraya would not be eager to meet anybody especially when she is not going to talk about fashion. She smiled at herself as she fold the last cloth into her traveling box. She closed the box and fold up Afnan's hijab that she had used ealier so as to return it.
"Sorry I didn't have the chance to ask you before taking this." She handed the hijab to her.
"No problem." She reluctantly collect the hijab "But do you know how much it suits you when you used this?" she folds the book she was reading.
"Really." Maraya smiled at herself, she guessed that she was saying it only to encourage her.
"am not joking about it." She smiles reassuringly "You can keep it, i dont think you have any hijab after all."
"Thanks. This will mark my first hijab." She smiles assessing the hijab.
"that means it is not going to be your last hijab."
"You can say that i guess."
"May Allah make it easy." Afnan said smiling
"Amin." She moves back to her bed and sit crossing her leg. "So tomorrow you go home?"
"In sha Allah." She flipped to the next page of the book; civilization of virtues, she has been reading the book since the beginning of the semester and she is yet to finish because she like to read it with concentration and write out some notes.
She has noticed for a long time that Maraya used to read some of her islamic book secretly not knowing that she is aware so has bought her a book that she knows will benefit her and assist her in improving her spirituality. She hoped to give her the book tomorrow as a surprise when they are departing to their homes.
Maraya noticed that Afnan is deeply engrosed in the book she is reading so did not want to disturb her. Though she wanted to talk more with her about her spirituality but she know that they will have enough time in the future to discuss together since they will be meeting in a week time in Afnan's house as they already planned some girls time together during their holiday. She gently lay to sleep after saying some of the du'a that is to be recited during sleep, this is something she learned from Afnan after they came close as friends. It is the first time she can say that a friend had a positive impact in her spirituality since she grew up and she silently prayed that Allah will benefit her more through Afnan and increases her too in her iman.