The other Half of my Deen

part 6

Nahida auntie asked me to take some pictures with her family. So then Zaahir and omar came up on the stage where I was standing and took pictures with me. Then Abba Ammi and zain bhai came up on the stage and took pictures with me and Zaahir. And then mehak came and posed with us for a few snaps. All this while I hadn't even looked at Zaahir, I don't know if he looked at me. Mehak pulled both of us with our hands to another room. It was decorated extra beautifully. There were just three chairs and a dining table with food. We assumed it was for me, Zaahir and mehak. We went and sat on those cahirs. Mehak whispered something in Zaahir's ear. I tried to hear it but I couldn't. And then Zaahir said something to mehak.

Zaahir: mehak, I thought I know this girl. But I don't know why I feel like I'm a stranger and she doesn't even want to see me here.

He was staring at me. I looked up for a moment. I look into his eyes and he was looking at me. I looked down again immediately.

Zaahir: see that? She doesn't even want to see me.

Mehak: Nausheendi. I think you can talk to him now.

Nausheen: talk about what?

I said this to mehak as softly as possible so that zahir doesn't hear us.

Mehak: di. Just talk.

Zaahir: how have you been?

Nausheen: Alhamdulillah! Very well. What about you?

Zaahir: Alhamdulillah I'm good.

After a couple of moments of silence

Zaahir: so, how's everything going?

This question leaves me blank. It reminds me of Rayyan. But even thinking of him or remembering him is a sin now.

Zaahir: it's okay. You don't HAVE to talk.

He eats his lunch silently. I could see how his face fell. Mehak was already into her food. Even I eat my food, without talking anything else.

After we all finish our lunch. We wash hands and then Zaahir give mehak a paper.

Zaahir: this is my number. Tell your di to talk to me if she wants.

I think he was not happy about me not talking to him. I was just scared. But, he gave the paper and walked out immediately. I was still sitting there and mehak was playing on her iPad. I wanted to go behind him and tell him I was just scared and nervous. But, running with this dress and this jewellery and today when everyone's keeping an eye on you was a bad idea. So I took the paper from mehak's hand and stored the number on my phone.

A few days passed, I got busy with my college. I hadn't talked to Zaahir since that day. And one day I asked Ammi's permission and planned to go out for dinner with Zaahir. I called him.

Nausheen: hello?! Assalamu alaikum!

Zaahir: walaikum assalam

Nausheen: Nausheen

Zaahir: oh wow! I wasn't expecting you to call.

Nausheen: what're you doing tonight?

Zaahir: no plans... why?

Nausheen: let's eat dinner together.

Zaahir: I guess you've got the wrong number.

Nausheen: eh no.! See you at 7 at taj.

Zaahir: ok. Bye. See you.

I wear a yellow kurta and pair it with a black leggings and a black hijab. I apply kohl and some gloss on my lips. I ask Zain bhai to drop me to the restaurant, at 7. Zain bhai parked the car. We both thought we'll have to wait till Zaahir came. But, when we entered the restaurant we saw that he was already there. Zain bhai said salaam to him and he left.

Nausheen: asslamu alaikum!

Zaahir: walaikum assalam!

He pulls a chair for me. I blush, give him a polite smile and sit down. Then he sits down on the chair opposite to mine.

Zaahir: how are you doing? Sab khairiyat?

Nausheen: Alhamdulillah! Everything's okay.

We both looked at each other and I looked down shyly and smile. I can feel him staring at me. We didn't talk much. He looked so cute. I hope I looked good enough too.

Zaahir: what do you want to eat?

Nausheen: anything.

Zaahir: I wanted a clear and a confident wife. But what to do? I should manage with you.

Nausheen: I'll take a cheese grilled sandwich.

Zaahir: I thought we're eating dinner.

Nausheen: yeah. Dinner.

Zaahir: sandwich is snacks.

He turned towards the waiter

Zaahir: one sheekh kabab, and two plates prawn biryani. We'll order the dessert later.

Waiter took the order and walked away. The waiter came with our order and served it to us. I eat slowly. Thinking of something to talk about.

Zaahir: so, what are your plans?

Nausheen: about what?

Zaahir: MY wedding. J

Nausheen: oh so you mean MY wedding.

Zaahir: OUR wedding...?

Nausheen: I'm going to Hyderabad next month, only with cousins, for shopping.

Zaahir: Is the wedding date changed?

Nausheen: no! It's just 4 months from today.

Zaahir: shopping already?

Nausheen: yeah. But that's immediately after my semester end exams and at that time I cannot spend time shopping. And it's the biggest day of my life and so I want everything to be the best.

Zaahir: oh! Can you repeat what you just said? I was surprised, you talk so much.

Nausheen: now don't embarrass me.

Zaahir: I'm telling you I like it when you talk. By the way, even I want to buy clothes for all my cousins, all the girls. I've been saving for it ever since I started working.

Nausheen: that's so sweet. First time I'll be going out just with my cousins. I'm so excited. We're planning to just buy clothes for all my cousins the first few days and then when Abba Ammi come, we'll buy clothes and jewellery for me. Actually, why don't you send your cousins with us? Even I'll get a chance to make them friends. I'll ask Abba to make extra arrangements for few more people. I think it's okay. Because it's just us, I mean all girls.

Zaahir: that's a nice idea. But, are you sure? I mean, your cousins? Will they be okay?

Nausheen: I will ask Abba and then I'll ask them. You also ask auntie and your cousins, if everything's okay we'll plan.

Zaahir: okay, I'll ask everyone at my home. But won't you miss too many classes?

Nausheen: No, it's my last semester, so, I have only two theory subjects. And other projects are almost over so it's fine.

Zaahir: okay cool!

Even before I realised I had talked too much and my food was over. Even Zaahir had finished eating. Zaahir paid the bill and then we left that place. And when we reached my home.