A Promise | 🗸

10 | hatred & confrontation

*I would like to mention none of the images used in my book besides my author's note and hugs and kisses banner are mine unless otherwise stated. Credit goes to whomever the image belongs too

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10

It had been a while since we last saw Rukaiya and Fatima, and since our parents had recently gotten really close, they had invited us to dinner.

I had a last-minute study group, so Bhabi and I will go together once I'm done.

I hated every minute of that study group, the kids were all so obnoxious, and for some reason, they all gave me weird looks, was it because of my hijab? I didn't think that sort of judgement still existed today but all the kids there were Caucasian besides this one girl Mary. She was this beautiful dark-skinned girl who was the sweetest person ever! She always helps me out.

It was around 8 when we had finished, and Mary and I were walking to our cars.

"TERRORIST," someone yelled.

"RAGHEAD"

"OSAMA"

Oh lord, not this again. I quickly got into my car and said bye to Mary.

I drove out of the parking and cried on my way home.

I thought we had gotten over this?

Why am I still labeled as a terrorist?

Why are people so mean?

Arriving at the house, I noticed Bhabi waiting for me as she was all dressed up looking beautiful. I quickly wiped my tears and greeted her.

"Hello Jaani, how was everything," She said, opening the door.

"Alhamdulillah, awesome, you ready to go?" I lied through my teeth

"I put your dress on your bed. Go get dressed. I'll start the car."

I nodded and went upstairs.

I looked at my bed and saw this beautiful dress. It was a beautiful white & gold Salwar Kameez. The detailing was so gorgeous, and the dress itself was gleaming.

"What do you think? I got it specially made in Dubai for you."

"I love it, thank you so much," I said, hugging her.

"Okay, now I'll actually start the car hurry up now," she said, exiting the room.

I put it on, but I didn't like it- not the dress, of course, the dress was a work of art but the dress on me. I couldn't help but notice how chubby I looked and how my arms were bulging out of the dress even though the clothing was loose on me. I didn't feel pretty, especially with what happened at the study group.

"Hurry up," Bhabi yelled from outside.

Before I could criticize myself anymore, I went downstairs, and we were on our way.

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The house was bouncing with noise. It felt like the house was shaking.

All the lights were on, and you could smell Aunty's mouth-watering food from across the street. I rang the doorbell. It took them a while to come to the door due to the noise.

"Salaam Anum Api! and Saima come in come in!!"

I was so shocked by who opened the door.

"Fatima? You little antisocial rat? You opened the door for us?" I said, not being able to find the words.
Fatima was very antisocial. She hated opening the door when people came over—something about awkward talk.

"Of course! How could I not for my favorite sisters!" she said, grabbing both of our hands and taking us upstairs.

On our way up, I couldn't help but glance for someone.
Not Zayn, of course, psh
I would never he is nothing but trouble.
As we went upstairs, we passed by a room wide open filled with testosterone.
Gross

 Bhai, Zayn, some random but adorable little kids, and 3 other dudes that I have never seen in my 23 years of existence.

All eyes turned to us, including the beautiful caramel ones, and Bhai came up to us. I couldn't stop staring at him; he was like a magnet. He looked so handsome oh my Allah

Astagfirullah. I really need to work on lowering my gaze.

"Hello, my darling," Omar said, kissing Bhabi's cheek.

He was so brave for a brown guy to show affection in front of others he would never hesitate to give Bhabi a kiss or call her babe in front of people. He really is breaking cultural barriers. Oh, I wish I had what they had. But sadly, boys are nothing about trouble.

"Gross," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Hey, I heard that," Omar said, flicking my forehead.

I was about to walk away when Bhai stopped me.

"Saima why didn't you tell us that Zayn interviewed you?"

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