The Truest Soldier-Islamic Life Story

Chapter Five

Asima was glad she had made a new friend– even if it broke her mental do-not (getting too friendly with the guys). The two had joined the rest of their comrades-to-be on a military bus. The driver narrowed his eyes at her hijab as did some others as she took a seat, but none told her to take it off. She was relieved to know that at least the army was making a few gains towards inclusivity.

When they'd all stepped off the bus, Asima lost sight of Zaen. About a hundred or so other trainees mingled loosely outside the gates before they were allowed in.

At the sight of a man in a decorated uniform, the Colonel, a hush fell over the crowd. He stood with his back straight, shoulders back, feet apart, and hands behind his back. He had the aura of confidence Asima wanted. He scrutinized the men and women before him, his gaze lingering on Asima –making her heart skip a beat– before moving on.

"Take a good look around you, folks," the Colonel said. A few of the trainees did as he said. "I don't want any of you thinking you're going to survive here like some lone ranger–" his eyes landed on Asima. She played with the ring on her finger, trying to keep calm. "–You do that and you'll get your ass beat. When we're not building you up, you're working as a team, and you're dying as a team. Am I clear?" When he was met with a dis-unified "yes sir," he frowned. "Now get inside and choose a bunker. You have a very long time before you see your mothers again."

Another officer guided the trainees inside. Here, Asima caught sight of some women heading for a bunker. Deciding to go with religion first, Asima dashed after them rather than look for Zaen. But she was the odd one out, leaving her to an empty bunker beside the one the two other women had chosen.

Just then, Asima realized Adil's ring was no longer on her finger. Placing her things down, Asima rushed to the entrance hall they'd been at, scouring the floor for her ring.

When she found it, Asima made a quick grab for it and headed back to her bunker. Except now, her stuff had been kicked out of the room, and lay in a heap outside the two-man bunker.

Shock and humiliation raged through her. The two men glanced at her, and turned away with a shrug.

"Asima!" She turned to see Zaen, a couple rooms away, motioning for her to join him. Swallowing hard, Asima took her things and squeezed through, ducking her head in shame.

****

Zaen had seen what had happened to Asima, but he knew it was best not to say anything. She had kept her back to him for a few minutes and he thought he'd even heard her sniffle.

At last she turned to face him, forcing a small smile.

"Thanks."

Zaen flashed her a smile. "Not a problem. Couldn't leave my sister out like that, now could I?" Her jaw dropped slightly and Zaen chuckled at the reaction. "Yes, I am a Muslim," he said, answering Asima's unspoken question.

"Huh. Shoulda known," she said, sitting on the floor. A moment of silence passed between them.

"So," Zaen said, leaning against the wall. "How do we manage this?" She understood what he meant and she gazed around. The bunker wasn't all that big, but it wasn't too small either.

"I sleep on the bottom bunk," Asima said after a minute. "You don't get out of bed in the morning until I tell you I'm ready since you can't see my hair. That good enough?" Zaen nodded.

After a while, Zaen began unpacking his things, telling Asima about his childhood and his pet cat Sassy. She interrupted a few times to talk about her childhood –mostly about an older brother– but Zaen didn't mind. He had a feeling they would get along well. Really well.

Just then, the Colonel knocked before entering.

"Asima Khadhija and Zaen Kawari?" The two nodded. There was a pause. "We don't allow male and females in the same bunker." Asima and Zaen shared a glance.

"We–" they started.

"For now, I'll see how things go. Dinner is served in an hour, exactly at eight. Be there." The Colonel waited for a "yes sir" from the two before walking out.

When the hour had passed, Zaen and Asima walked over to the cafeteria, taking their seats together. After a meal of salad and water (the chicken they had was given away), they headed back to the bunker they shared.

As they did so, someone shouted, "Looks like we got some love birds already!" A few chuckled, but most just stared silently at them.

"Not even day one," Asima said. "Imagine what the next eight weeks would be like."

"Fun," Zaen answered with a grin.