One Last Sin #Watty's2015

Part 1

Salaams!! Here's the First Part of The Short Story.

Enjoy!

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'I'm gonna change. Completely. After Ramadan, I'm gonna be a good Muslim. A Better One.'

Karim was determined to be the Best Muslim. He had his mind set on being the Best, during this Ramadan that was coming up in a week. Obviously depending on the moon, but it was to be concluded it might start on Sunday.

As said before, Karim really wanted to change for the better. And let's just say, Karim said the same statement for the last two years, but carried on going astray. After his father past away through Heart Cancer, Karim blamed his father's death on Allah*.

Then one day his mother showed him the right ways, but still Karim carried on doing what he was best at. His mother was fed up with trying to persuade Karim to change, but Karim was having none of it. Karim dated many girls- few of them already being married.

Last year, Karim went to the Masjid* for Eid prayer with his brother. He saw Sheikh Abdullah and Saif Rahman- old friend's of Karim.

Sheikh was a Hafiz*, and tried to also tell Karim to change. Sheikh had a rough past. The three of them used to get into all sorts of trouble. Go out at late, drink driving and getting into jail a few times. Three at the least.

Sheikh met the Imaam* at the Masjid and the Imaam instantly recognised Sheikh. He was Sheikh's father's uncle's son. Bit of a mouthful I know. Sheikh saw how devoted to Islam he was, so Sheikh then on decided to change.

Meanwhile, Saif's story was different. Saif was developing, as in he knew most about Islam- he practiced Some of the Five Pillars of Islam. But still found it hard to practice all the Five Obligatory prayers. He'd found his inspiration when his mother went on TV and spoke about Islam. Both his parents were very religious.

As Karim entered The Masjid, he'd forgotten to take off his shoes. People gave him weird stares. So then Karim ran out with tears in his eyes. He was truely guilty of what he'd done in the past years, but was angry. Very angry.

Now, in the present, Karim was dead set on becoming a Good, Practicing Muslim Man.

He'd told his close friends and family of what he was going to do. Nothing's gonna make me change my mind... But... He stopped there, because his mother started to speak, "Son, I'm very proud of you." She sighed a deep sigh, and carried on. Karim knew it was going to be something deep. Something about his late father.

"I know, the past years haven't been your best, but Insha Allah*, with Allah's help, I'm sure you will be as strong as your father." Karim looked up to meet his mother's eyes. They were glistening, and almost said- 'I'm Proud of my Son'. Karim gave her a smile. The kind of smile when you know your parents are truely proud.

But then, his mother had to ruin the momment as she said, "Hakeem, can you give me and Karim a momment?" Both, Karim and Hakeem looked at each other, puzzled looks evident on their faces. Karim shrugged. He honestly didn't know where this was leading to. Hakeem silently nodded and walked out, closing the door behind him.

"So, Ami what did you want to talk about?" He started off.

"Well, as you are reaching the age," There it was. Bam! He knew exactly what she was going to say next. He'd heard the same thing being said to Hakeem too.

"I want you to get married." Yep. He thought. He didn't want to get married. Not now anyways. First he wanted to ask for Forgiveness before going near any kind of girl. Then he would think of settling down.

"I'm-I'm sorry, Ami. I just can't get married." As he said that, he saw his mother's proud eyes turning to stone. Cold, icy, stone. He looked away. This always happened. First it would be all cheerful and happy, but then someone would have to go and say something to ruin the mood. This is exactly what's happening to me, Karim thought.

"Karim," His mother said sternly. Annoyance laced in her voice.

"Listen to me. Yo-" Before his mother could carry on, Karim interjected.

"NO! Ma, I don't want to freaking get married! Why don't you freaking get that I'm happy the way I am?!" His throat hurt, and his head felt like it was about to explode like a bomb.

By now they were standing up. Face-to-Face.

Karim needed to calm down. He needed to calm before he did something he would regret.

"Kar-" Karim's mother was going to proceed, but the amount of force on her cheek was enough. Enough for Karim to now know that the proud moment was long gone.

I just slapped my mum! Karim, ran out of the house. While he was running, he was thinking. Thinking of how stupid it was to slap the one that gave him birth. He felt a hot tear exit his socket, and left it there. He didn't want to slap her.

Karim kicked the wall with his foot.

After calming down, he made his way back home.

He heard rustling nearby and immediately made a run for it.

He was being watched.