Unforgettable

Chapter 1

The library was quite as usual.Risha sip her coffee as she read an inspirational book.She is known to be reserved and shy,but never cease to overlook injustice. That is when she becomes as talkative as a parrot.Risha never dated nor ever fell for a guy.A pain she has always carried with her till now.Watching her friends going out with the opposite sex didn't make her feel inferior.She is always in for halal. Her religion has always been her top priority. Trying to pick her cup of coffee, it accidentally dropped on the floor breaking the glass and empting it remaining content.
The cleaner rushed to Risha's side to clean up the mess.Few people were present, but it felt like the whole world was laughing at her clumsiness
"Am so so sorry".she said with a pleading face.The cleaner gestured her not to worry,she got this."Thank you".Risha packed her bag and went towards the reception to borrow the book she was reading. She was already a regular there, so there was no need for any formalities. The librarian has to take note of the borrower and thats all.
    A cab she booked earlier stood at the entrance of the library. It took off immediately she boarded it.Risha hated attention like hell.Within a 20min drive,they arrived at her home.She paid her fare and thanked the driver for his service "Greetings mom,greetings sister in law.How are you my cute baby Niya".she made a cheeky and funny smile at the small figure in the baby's cot.
"How was your day dear?"Aisha,her mom asked as she sat near her only daughter to help remove her suffocating hijab."Mom it was cool.I just went to the library thats all.The house is very quite,where are the cats and dogs"she giggled along with her mom referring to her two lovely handsome brothers and her caring, easy going sister in law Laila.Her sister in law emerge from the kitchen holding a glass of water for Risha.Sis Laila,you are not part of them.She said trying to escape from her sister in laws wrath.Laila gave her a smirk and raised her hands to hit her head but held her two cheeks playfully."we will definitely eat you up since you think of us as dogs and cats".Baby Niya gave a  sharp cry waiting to be picked by her mom."Shussssh my baby girl,your aunt is being naughty and needs discipline,why are you intentionally distracting me with your cry hun"Laila said picking her daughter from the cot.Both Aisha and Risha burst with laughter making Laila pout."Mom in law you too,not fair.I pray my husband and dearest brother in law come soon to see how am being bullied."
Aisha took Niya from her mom to soothe her and gave Laila a pat on her shoulder kissing her forehead.Laila blushed and hug her mother in law."please continue with your drama here,am going to have a nap in my room."says Risha.She gave baby Niya a peck on the palm and went upstairs. "No dinner for you Risha"shouted Laila from downstairs "No problem sis Laila,you know am not the eating type" came her reply."Mother,let me feed Niya her milk and put her to sleep so you can go and pray"says Laila taking giggling Niya from her grandmother. "Alright dear.Don't forget to wake Risha when you are about to prepare dinner.You Know she doesn't like it when you do the household chores alone"
         "Ok mother"came Laila's reply
It was evening and the house is alive once again "mom I thought I asked where my brothers are.Today being Saturday, I think they should be around right, and even I left them before going out"Risha asked with a confused expression."Ammm...they have gone to a friends.. wedding yh, and even we will be going after dinner"Aisha said hesitantly. "Mom you should have told me earlier, so I will prepare."came Risha's childish excuse."what is there to prepare,u are even lucky u were told"
Laila mumbled the words under her breath exchanging glance with her mother in law.Risha noticed their secret glances but refuse to say a word about it."When they get tired they will spill the milk out"
  "We won't lose this time around"Aisha said as if reading her daughter's mind.
True to her moms words they didn't say anything until they left their home.It was Risha's day but she has no clue. She wore a red stylish Abaya with her black hijab,with little make up applied and a black heel."Mother does she remember, I wonder why she is dashing"asked Laila
        "You should know your sister by now,even u can't beat her when it comes to sense of fashion, even though she doesn't like to appear in a crowd or attend occasions,as her mom,I wonder how she comes out great whenever we are going.Thats her nature dear.Don't worry, she has no clue about the surprise party.She never remembers this day."They both chuckled.
Laila made a call to her husband Yasir telling him they are at the entrance. With baby Niya in Risha's arms, they entered the dark room with candles lit at the corners of the room."come on Risha give Niya to me and take your bag"says Laila.The light was suddenly put on and shone brightly in the large room.The decor was so fantastic and marvelous. Before Risha could say anything,she found herself standing on a red carpet alone.
  "Where did mom and laila vanish to" she thought .
She walked further until she got to the middle of the room.She heard applause along with a birthday song as they started to come out behind the curtains.Risha gave a shocked and surprise expression by bringing her hand to cover her mouth.Two guys held a large printed flyer slowly opening from both sides.HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR DEAR RISHA was written on it.Her two brothers came to hug her,followed by her mom and sister in law,and then came her two best friends Tessa and Nadia.Other colleagues came along to wish her as well".Since we have tonights guest here,the one we desperately waited for this whole while.please welcome Risha Siddiqui to give us a speech"suddenly came her little brothers voice.Risha nervously walked to the platform and held onto the mike speechless for sometime.
"Words can't describe how grateful and happy I am to receive such a surprise from you.As a stupid dummy who always forgets her birthday,"
These statement made everyone laugh,cause this is not the first time she forgot nor will it be the last
"With my families,friends and other distinguish guests present, I would like to say a big thank you to you all.Thank you."
She came down the platform and gave her big brother Yasir a hug"Thank you brother."The party went on after the speech and few friends came to exchange words with her.Food,drinks and fruits were abundant.Their dad left them a fortune,enough to look after them a lifetime if only they effectively utilize them well,which they sure did for the past 4yrs their dad passed away in a car accident.
  "Hey".Nadia hit her from behind."Hi" Tessa too greeted."You guys are soo mean.How can you do this to me.Seriouly"she run after them to hit them,their laughter blended with the music saving them from being noticed. They all came to a stop and hugged her passionately "Happy birthday Isha"they chorused
   "Thank you very much"What a scene am seeing here.Nabir her younger brother interrupted making them break their hug."ladies,please is time for your dear friend to cut the cake"
"Oh yh t'is true"says Tessa making her American accent so obvious.They both pulled their friend towards the table where the cake stand like a Christmas tree.So beautiful and well decorated.A cake knife was handed to her and a birthday song sung along.Risha is now 23yr old.She gave the first cake to baby Niya who fought with it as if she knew a sweet was given to her.She gave the next cut to her mom,then her sis in law before giving to her brothers and her two friends.The party went on but it was getting late.The guest started to leave one by one until it was left with family and friends."Isha we will be leaving.We will call you tomorrow insha Allah."says Nadia
"Have a goodnight dear"Tessa said giving her a peck on both cheeks. Risha walked them both to the door and saw them take off.They stay close so they came together. We also left afterwards. We were all worn out so no one uttered a word on our way back.