The Crown in the Storm ✔️

All is well

After finishing the story and closing the book, I ruffled Shumaila's hair. An hour ago, she had very shyly asked me to read her a story and now she was lying with her head on my lap. She giggled and hid her face. The girl next to her, Aleena, smiled at me, her eyes sparkling bright with hope. I smiled back, got up and turned to talk to the school teacher beside me.

"As much as I like being here, I'll have to be on my way now" a chorus of no's greeted my announcement. "Don't worry, I'll be back"

"Thank you so much Begum Sahiba for taking out the time"
"Don't be silly. Anything for the children. Thank you for letting me be involved. You'll be hearing from the Ministry of Education soon," I said and moved to shake hands with the principal. "Thank you, you've been very helpful. I've learned a lot and you're right there's definitely room for improvement"

"It's an honor Begum Sahiba. Thank you for the visit"
"My pleasure" I answered. "Bye, kids! Have fun, study hard," I said waving at the kids.

"Bye Begum Sahiba!' They said altogether, waving back. I walked towards my car when a small tug stopped me in my tracks. I turned around to see Shumaila, standing there clutching a piece of paper in her hand. The Principal rushed forward, worried.

"Hi," I said bending down to her level. She blinked and handed me the piece of paper. Flipping it over, I looked at the drawing. A princess stood in front of a castle. There was a long winding road that led to the city and in there, she had drawn a small rectangular building, this school, and herself. The girl was holding a crown in her hand, looking at the princess.

It was a drawing of us.

"This... is amazing," I said giving her a hug. "I'll cherish this forever" I stared at the drawing for a second. I seemed so forlorn and aloof in the picture, surrounded by walls, unreachable. I just lived in a castle on the hill. The Principal and Shumaila stood back as I waved and got into the car, with a heavy heart.

"Come on! We just got these, you can spare an hour" It was hours after the school visit. I was researching engagement policies when Izzy has barged into my room. London might not be such a bad idea for him. He was getting antsy.

"Please, it's our wedding video," Hania said in a more controlled tone. I let out a sigh and followed them to the theatre room. Ammi Jaan and Uncle EJ were already there, talking over some popcorn. Rania was curled in her chair, asleep. Izzy shook her awake and she glared at him.

"The guests will arrive in a couple of hours, I have to go over the preparations," Ammi Jaan said as Izzy started the video.

"It's only half an hour-long" Hania replied. I sat next to her and accepted the popcorn she handed me.

The lights dimmed and I fanned my face. Was it too hot in here? I was feeling woozy. Nausea threatened to take over and I put the popcorn away. The video started and I stared at all of our faces on the big screen, trying to focus. The rest of my family had not noticed anything. The wave passed and I relaxed in my chair. We were at the wedding ceremony now. Izzy and Hania were laughing and dancing around, Rania and I were whispering in the corner, Zaroon stood to the side and Uncle EJ was charming some lady.

I laughed along with my mother, as we watched the wedding traditions unfold on the screen. I grabbed Izzy's hand, forcing him to stop as he ran towards Hania. Another wave of nausea made me clutch my stomach. Feeling the need to throw up I ran out of the room and crashed on the floor.

"Is she okay?"
"What's wrong with her?"
"Call the doctor! Izzy can you carry her upstairs..."
"What's wrong with her? Elena? Elena? I'll do it"

My brain felt like mush. The swinging motion was making it worse. I clutched at a collar and rested my head on a hard chest. I focused on the strength of the arms carrying me. My carrier had a slightly woodsy, masculine smell. Funny, Izzy never smelt like that. I inhaled the masculine smell and curled in.