An eighteen year old Saira stood at Zev’s front door holding a large container. “Azrah darling, come in!” Zev’s mother, Tasneem welcomed her. “Thanks Aunty.”
“What do you have there?” Tanveer asked, looking at the container. Azrah grimaced. “I need to ask Zev something… so I thought to butter him up, I made… round samosas” Azrah said nervously.
Tasneem laughed and cupped Azrah’s cheek. “You are so good to my boy, Azrah. Go on, he’s in his room.” she said.
“Azrah, hi.” Zev turned to greet her, when she’d knocked at his door softly. College was doing him good – who would’ve thought? He was starting to come out of his shell more and more.
“Hey. I brought you something. I made samosas.” she said quickly, and thrust the container into his hands. He looked at her incredulously. “You know I don’t eat samosas…” he said warily.
Azrah flicked her hand up dismissively as she paced around nervously. “I made them round, okay?” she almost snapped. Zev raised an eyebrow at her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, standing in front of her and stopping her from pacing.
“Yes. I just… I wanted to ask you something, but you can’t say no.” she said, looking down. “Awww Azrah, come on. You know I will say no if I have to. What is it?” he asked.
“I want you to come with me to my prom, please? I really, really want to go, but I… I want to go with you.” she blurted out.
Zev took a step back.
When he was in high school, no one questioned him about not going to his prom. He had enough of the bullies that didn’t understand him during school hours – why would he subject himself to that after hours?
“No…” he said slowly, and turned to look out of the window of his bedroom, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Knowing his drama queen, she was about to burst into tears any second now.
And… he couldn’t stand her tears.
“Zev please! It’s just one night. School hasn’t been easy for either of us… but for one night, I would like to get all dressed up and feel like a princess… and I won’t have a good time if you aren’t there.” she pleaded, trying very hard not to cry.
She knew her tears didn’t affect him, but she didn’t want to break down either.
“You’ll be fine, Azrah. You’re eighteen; you’re bubbly and friendly. I am sure you’ll have a better time without me.” he stated.
“We have to take a partner.” Azrah said feebly. Zev clenched his fists at his side. “Has no one asked you?” he asked.
“Yes, someone did but I want to go with you!” she snapped. She’d never lost her temper with Zev; she was always gentle with him, but she couldn’t stop herself today.
