Until Now

Chapter 4: Lethal

She never needed bars.

It was words that held her hostage.

Azka Mirza (the scribbled stories)

Minha knew Maria from childhood. She was Waliyah's cousin and Minha's class fellow in school and college. Maria and she had never been friends but they were neither enemies. Maria was amongst the crowd of many people who were envious of Minha but at the same time respected her. Maria was an average student. Her father was a well-known politician; she was blessed with the same attention and fame that is written in the fate of children of influencers.

As soon as Minha stepped into Maria's mansion, she realized that the party was filled with celebrities and politicians. "I should have known it", she sighed internally. Waliyah walked towards her khala, Maria's mother who hailed the girls warmly. "I am so glad Minha you came, I was looking forward to meet you." Minha thanked her. "So, what have you decided to do in future"? You know Maria has always been a middling and she got a place at UBC in Canada." Minha's smile fell from her face for a second before she put on the facade again. "Aunty, I have decided to change my field. I have applied for Psychology at University of Winchester." Maria's mother smiled sympathetically at her and went to greet other guests.

As the night progressed, Minha had told various people about her studies. She hated every minute of it. She abhorred the fact that those same people who never gave a shit about her, were now giving her apologetic smiles. She didn't want peoples' empathies. She knew they were happy from inside that she didn't get into an engineering university just like them. After answering the question for umpteenth time, she went to the balcony to get some air while everybody else was inside to see the magnificent cake

While standing at the edge of the railing, Minha looked at the lawn of the house. She was surprised to know that a woman with eyes as blue as ocean and rosy cheeks was already looking at her with interest. The unfathomable woman was in her late 60's probably with wrinkled skin and a cane in her left hand. She mildly smiled at Minha. Minha smiled back at her. After a while that woman went inside the house and so did Minha.

Waliyah approached her and both of the friends congratulated Maria. Maria accepted their gifts smiling and soon all of the friend started coming to her. Minha was tired so they soon went home.

Minha reached home at 11: am. She changed into some comfortable clothes, took her pills, did wudhu and offered namaz. While making dua, she whimpered and fell short of words.

"Oh, you didn't get admission, poor you." "You know Minha I was worse than you at studies but I still got admission in a university in Australia." Roars of laughter and her own voice filled with mirth. "You remember Arhaan, he competed against you in debates and you defeated him at National level. He is in UET now."

So many voices. Why do people think that bullets and guns are the only things that hurt others? Words are the most lethal weapons of all.

Minha opened Quran and started reading it. She came across this ayah and started crying. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied. She believed those words and knew that Allah will probably ease her pain. Then, her eyes fell upon this ayah. By the remembrance of Allah, Do hearts find rest. She immediately knew what she had to do.

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Assalumualikum! Juma mubarik remember me in your prayers.

P.S the chapter is unedited you are welcome to point out mistakes.