Path to Disaster-ON HOLD

Prologue-Part 1

"Meena! Where have you gone?" Mama yelled, her voice echoing throughout the house.

"I'm on my way Mama! It takes time to get ready you know," Ameena Sheikh answered, securely fastening her hijab on her head. Blinking several times, Ameena gave herself a one over, mentally analysing the appropriateness of her attire; a billowy cream skirt paired with a loose blouse, and a grey cardigan safely on her shoulders. Nodding her head in approval, she grabbed her bag containing her wallet and phone and took off, shutting her door behind her. Strutting towards Sumayyah and Zaina's room she knocked swiftly before flinging the door open, only to witness the two sisters sitting side by side with a MacBook in front of them, an ear phone plugged in each one of their ears. They were both dressed for the simple occasion, yet were wasting time watching unnecessary YouTube videos.

Startled, both sisters looked at Ameena, identical guilty smiles on their faces. This was a regular occurrence in the Sheikh household, the two younger sisters would sit together and watch so many videos that they themselves had turned into videos. Ameena shook her head, smiling slightly.

"Guys! We need to get going. I'm sure that drama will still be on when we come back a few hours later."

Zaina nodded, dragging Sumayyah by her arm and pulling her up. Sumayyah groaned but followed their older sister out of their room and down the spiral staircase. When Baba Sheikh had first brought up the idea of moving houses, the girls had immediately wanted a house with a spiral staircase, just like in the fairy tales and movies. Of course Mr. Sheikh had obliged, after all, he had 5 beautiful ladies under his care, and he made sure all of them were very happy.

"Ok girls, now we are going to the Gold Coast but only for a while, I have to meet with an old friend of mine anyway. Ameena, I'm going to need you to take your car and drive your sisters there first. Your mother, Sanah and I will be meeting you at Broadbeach alright? I have a meeting." Baba stated, grabbing his wallet and keys from the kitchen island. Mam walked in, Sana wrapped up safely in her arms. Mrs. Sheikh was a boisterous woman, who was always cooking. She was in her own world when she entered the kitchen.

"Which friend are we meeting this time Kareem? How many friends do you have anyway?" she questioned, handing Sanah over to Ameena and shutting the windows.

"You know them Reah. Amir Farooq and his family. Remember? He used to be close friends with Mohamed and we used to know each other quite well. I heard he recently moved into town so I called him up and were going to meet up. His wife and kids will be there too so this will give you a chance to meet them." Baba finished, already half way to the door. Mam sighed and trailed after him, mumbling under her breath about never getting a break.

Ameena and her sister exchanged glances but followed suit, walking towards Ameena's white Corolla. Buckling up Sanah in her baby seat, she sat in her seat and started the engine. The twins sat on either side of Sanah, leaving the passenger seat empty.

"So have I turned into your chauffer or something?" Ameen questioned.

"Actually, yes you have. Miss Sheikh, please take us to the beach. And quickly, if you don't mind," Sumayyah stated, sitting up straight and jutting her chin out, a cheeky smile on her face. Zaina grinned, her brown eyes lighting up as she copied her sister's movements. Ameena glared at them threw her rear view mirror, backing out of the garage. Her parents Hyundai following suit, both cars started off towards the highway.

"Subhanallathee Sakharalana Hatha Wa Ma Kunna Lahu Muqrineen Wa iNna Illah Rabbina Lamun Kaliboon" The three sisters recited, with baby Sanah watching them intently, her small mouth trying to mimic their words.

The Sheikh family wasn't overly strict, yet they were fairly conservative. Mr and Mrs Sheikh had taught their daughters the basics about Islam, and sent them to Islamic schools, along with daily Qur'an classes at the local mosque. Ameena and her sisters always tried to implement their religion in everything they did, as they had been taught by their parents. Of course, growing up in a western country would have a few effects, yet the Sheikh family were proud in the amount of knowledge they knew about their Deen. They would sit every night, after their sundown prayer (maghrib) and read Ahadith and stories from the Prophets time, to gain and refresh their knowledge.