That Muslim Girl

Zia's Morning

Zia, short for Razia, met Zakar when she was a resident at John Hopkins. He was looking for Dr. Riyaz, the best oncologist in the country, unfortunately Riyaz retired three months back, and the new doctor wasn't willing to treat stage 4 cancer. But Zakar really needed somebody though, his mom had suddenly fallen in ill and he had no idea what to do, so Zia went along with a few other coworkers to see if they could help. Sadly, the cancer had spread to her entire body and there was nothing the doctors could do. Zia, however, had a strong hope in God and his many miracles, and prayed with her whole heart for the family. Zia and Zakar would meet periodically to check up on Mrs. Ali and what-not. Slowly they fell for each other, and soon had a small nikkah a month before his mother passed away.

                Ever since then Zia had been part of the Ali family, taking care of Sameer; helping Naina in whatever she needed; and being the support system they all needed.  Zia loved them as if they were her own siblings. Yet somehow Zakar and Zia seemed to grow apart, both busy in the same world. Right now though, that was the least of Zia's problems she had to: get Sameer ready for school, make sure Naina's inevitable killer hangover disappears, and get ready to work without any sleep.

                After making breakfast for Sameer she packed a lunch, and buckled him safely in the carpool car. Thank god for carpool. Next, she made the best hangover recovery shake she knew of, Zia had a lot of experience seeing as her roommates found themselves drunk on several occasions. Quickly and quietly she left the shake on Naina's table with a note "Pinch your nose, and drink it. It'll help promise-Z".  Zia was furious at Naina for her actions especially for acting like that in front of Sameer, but her and Naina hadn't had the best relationship so she can't just go in there and brush it off. She'll deal when she gets back from work. "Oh shit," Zia whispered, she had forgotten she had a consultation at the clinic across town at 9:00, it was 8:50! She had 10 minutes to get across town!  Jumping in her car, Zia sped down to the clinic praying he whole time she didn't get caught by a cop. Alhumdulliah she did not.

Walking inside to the unfamiliar waiting room, Zia walked up to the receptionist inquiring where exactly she needed to be, the nice lady directed her to a full examination room full of the state of the art equipment, Zia quickly fell in love. While staring in awe at the amazing machines ( she was a nerd that way) when the door swung open and in came Jarold. "Hey babe, I see you've found the new equipment", he greeted.

"Mmmhmm it seems I have," responded Zia, still gawking at the equipment, she was so happy she gets to work here two to three times a week. It's a doctor's heaven.

"Anyways listen," Jarold exclaimed seating himself on top of the newly polished desk, "your 9 o'clock is running late, something about traffic and here being uber far from her home, so I'm going to show you a tour of the place, you know cause of the reconstruction and what-not, and you being awall for the past six weeks." And without letting Zia say another word he dragged her out of her office down the hall only to round the corner to see a guy hugging his girlfriend goodbye.

"Aww...what a cute couple," commented Zia right before the guy turned around and faced her. His face was familiar, his eyes were the same she remembered, his hair was longer, but it was the same him. It was Zakar. Or someone who looked extremely like him.