Scarred For Life

Chapter 9

*
"Well, that was a complete waste of our time," Maryam said as they peeled away from the lights. "I'm never attending any seminar like this ever again."

Afrah merely nodded, keeping her eyes on the road.

"I'm probably going to end up actually joining the programme, you know," she continued. "It sounds decent enough, and it's for a good cause. But couldn't they just have sent a bulletin or something to our WhatsApp groups instead of making us sit through all of that?"

"Yes," she said simply.

"So," Maryam turned towards her with a quizzical look, "what did you think about it all?"

"Hm?"

"The seminar," she sighed as though she were explaining to a child that 1 plus 1 does not equal 11. "Will you sign up?"

"I have enough on my plate already, and right now I only want to concentrate on graduating," Afrah replied.

"Well obviously we won't be signing up just for the fun of it," Maryam smirked. " We're signing up because it's a good cause. We get to travel to underdeveloped places and help out the needy. Think of the reward you'll get from that. Also, - though it's not a significant reason why we're joining - we'll get to see that tall, dark, mysterious and oh-so-good looking man."

"Sounds like someone has a crush," Afrah tried to laugh.

"Well, he's not Idris Elba, neither is he Chris Hemsworth, but he's a close second."

"How many times do I have to remind you that you don't have a shot with either of them? Both of them are major Hollywood actors, and one of them is an actual superhero."

"I'll take my chances," she sighed dreamily as Afrah pulled over next to the restaurant.

"Whatever," Afrah said. "Can you please go in there and get us a table? I need to make a phone call."

"Let me guess, you're calling your mummy?" Maryam laughed.

"Since when did it become a crime to want to speak with my own mother?"

"Since you made it your number one priority," Maryam said as she opened the door. "I'll see you in there."

Afrah waited until she saw her entering the building before she allowed herself to breath again. It was taking all her effort not to break down completely and start crying all over again. Back in the hall, it had been fairly easy to conceal the tears. All she had to do was pull her veil forward so it reached the top of her eyelids. That was, with the pretence of adjusting the veil, she could wipe away the tears without anyone noticing. But sitting so close to the person who knew her the most, it had taken a monumental effort to restrain the tears.

And all for what?

She had probably imagined it. It was all probably just a figment of her imagination. After all, he had been too far away to be absolutely certain. Maybe it was a trick of the light. Or perhaps there was a split second when her mind wandered back to that day, and her subconscious projected the image in front of her. That could only be the reasonable explanation.

But deep down, she knew it couldn't be. Afrah had lived with that image for the better part of her life now. The nightmares still haunted her; the shadows still followed her. And everywhere she went, the thought of the man who violated her still followed her like a vengeful demon from the deepest pit of hell. So if she had seen the ghost of the man in this stranger's face, then there must be a connection somewhere.

But just to be sure, she had to speak with her mother. Only she would be able to put her at ease, or cause her to spiral deeper into her misery.

As was customary, Umma answered on the second ring.