Take off your Hijab (Rewriting)

Zachary Fransisco Perez✅

"Her eyes kept on searching for you even when she was supposed to feel complete"

Third person's POV

Throughout the ride, Amal kept glancing down at her phone, only to look away seconds later. She was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she didn't notice Abtal's watchful eyes in the rearview mirror.

"Okay?" Abtal asked, his voice breaking through her reverie. Amal looked up in confusion, but then realization hit her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Hey, we've arrived!" she cheered, eager to shift the focus away from herself. She knew her brother-in-law was incredibly observant and could read her like a book. It was a trait she found both impressive and frustrating. Just like she had told Zach, she hated it when people seemed to understand her too well, like they had been studying her from the beginning of forever to the end.

Amal waited for Abtal to grab her small bag of clothes and the plate of food her sister had prepared for her the night before. As they reached the door, Abtal pressed the doorbell, but the sound of the chime echoed through the empty house with no response. Amal's frown deepened.

"Maybe they're not around? Let me try my key," she suggested, glancing at her brother-in-law, who gave a nod and stepped back from the door. Amal fumbled with her key, turning it in the lock. As the door swung open, she was met with darkness, her heart sinking as she realized the house seemed empty.

"It seems like no one is home," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. She turned to see that even Abtal had disappeared, leaving her alone in the dim hallway. Reaching out blindly, she found the light switch and flipped it on.

Suddenly, the darkness was shattered by a chorus of voices shouting, "Welcome back!" The sound was so unexpected and overwhelming that it nearly made Amal's heart leap out of her chest. As the lights brightened, she saw everyone—her parents, her sister and husband, Ariana, and Aysha—popping out from hidden corners with beaming smiles.

The surprise was so profound that Amal was momentarily speechless. Her eyes filled with tears as she took in the sight of the lovingly decorated house, with "Welcome Back" signs and balloons that made the place look like a celebration of its own. The warmth of the surprise hit her, a stark contrast to the loneliness she had braced herself for.

Amal's initial shock faded into a wide, genuine smile as she looked at her family and friends, her emotions a mix of relief and joy. "Aw, thank you," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Her gaze lingered on each familiar face, the realization of their effort and affection making her heart swell. The decorations and signs were more than just a surprise—they were a testament to the love and support that surrounded her, even when she felt most vulnerable.

"Eh, you deserve it," Safia, Amal's mom, said, pulling Amal into a warm hug. Amal wrapped her arms around her mother, feeling the comfort of their shared strength. Safia, though typically shy, had been Amal's rock through thick and thin, and the embrace spoke volumes of their journey together.

"Welcome back, daughter," Safia's voice was soft, but her affection was palpable. Amal grinned at her mother's tender words.

"Thank you, Daddy," Amal replied, breaking away from Safia to hug her dad. The gentle squeeze from her father brought a sense of security that only he could provide.

"And me? Won't I get a hug too?" Ariana chimed in, playfully pushing Azad away from Amal. The sight made Amal laugh, a sound that felt like a balm for the weariness she had been carrying.

"Hey, that's my sister!" Azad said with a mock glare at Ariana, adding a layer of playful rivalry to their affection.

"Who cares? She loves me more," Ariana teased back, making Amal laugh again. It was Ariana's quirky way of showing love, a sentiment Amal cherished deeply.