chapter 4

After yesterday's incidents, Sahar thought she would not share this with Julekha, considering she might be busy practising. School had started a week before her arrival and yeah, she is a student with piles of books left to ponder.

With a bright smile, she entered her classroom and dominantly placed her bag on 'her' seat.

"So, you're back. Unexpected." Hanar said as she was walking a few steps behind Sahar.

"Yeah. It's my seat." She gave her a smile.

Hanar mouthed a 'whatever' and harshly threw herself and her bag on the bench.

"Hey, wanna have some Tic Tac. Your breath stinks?"Hanar said shaking a small box or tic tac which was obviously empty.

"umm..No. But I will like to have some answers." Sahar replied, trying hard not to slap her mouth shut.

"What kind of a person eats answers. Anyways, say it. I am not that bad."

"Despite being a Muslim why do you hate us?" Sahar asked, promptly.

Hanar stoned. Certainly, it was a very sensitive question. "Since I bullied you I will answer it. Listen, woman, it's you Muslims who made me hate you after she left me, all for you people's sake!"

Sahar arched an eyebrow in question, "Really? For my sake? Who?"

Hanar's eyes had turned red in colour as if something was suffocating her breath. Suddenly, Qora appeared piercing through Sahar's dominating figure. She was holding a small bottle of medicine and gave a few drops to Hanar.

"You! Can't you see her condition is critical? I can't believe you are the one suited to be her bench mate. "

Sahar bitted her lip in guilt. She didn't mean to wake up old thoughts.

"I am sorry." She stammered in a squeaky voice.

"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever."

Classes started. Today, Erica was present and her lectures were amazing. Not at all boring but soothing. The kind that wants you to remember everything. At last, Erica said, "I see a new face between you all. Sahar, come and introduce yourself."

Like a cat, Sahar made her way to the front.

"Hello. I...I a..mm Sahar. S...Sahar S.. uuuSsuleyman."

Erica patted her on the back and whispered, "No need to get afraid of such a small crowd. Think of them as your friends."

Which Sahar did and incredibly, she could announce the latter part of her speech much easily.

"Thanks, Miss." She said, after.

"Miss?"

"Oops sorry! E..Rica."

"Good"

Sahar thought that making another conversation with Hanar would only add complications so she subsided this desire of hers.

The bus was still quiet but things changed slightly, she was offered a biscuit.

And this time she smiled and accepted it instead of saying that freaking No.

She was happy because of him. His name was still unknown provoked a sudden desire inside her to thank him. But how? She doesn't even know him. Perhaps, he would come today too, but what if he doesn't?

She didn't know his whereabouts. His family, life, class, age nothing. But she wanted to know and was tempted to.  On her way from her stoppage to home, the sun was blazing directly on her head and tiny droplets showered down her forehead as if some food was sizzling on her head. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she saw a radiant boy of about a year younger than her. His eyes were in sync with his lips, smiling. Something thumped inside her heart. And she quickly lowered her gaze. That boy didn't seem to notice her and was lost in his own ecstasy; walking shoulder on shoulder with his friends. They were almost five in number, but he was the one standing out. Sahar gulped and bit her lower lip to conceal her smile. 

"Assalamalaykum Ma!" Sahar entered the house.

"Walaykumassalam." An answer came.

"Sahar, A new friend of mine wants to meet you. No Buts!"

"Ugh...Ma! You know I don't like meetings."

"But she has two gorgeous sons with one of them having your favourite eye colour. Hazel."

"Whatever."

Getting ready wasn't Sahar's cup of tea. She was the kind likely to drown inside the sea of clothes. Mostly because she couldn't decide as hell. It wasn't her fault. And to be more precise, Mrs Suleyman's.  She was the one who wouldn't let Sahar do what she thought was the best. It included choosing dresses, books, friends, etc. etc. But now, after all this while she wants her to make decisions, which, of course, was impossible.  Scratching her forehead Sahar stood in front of her Almirah, confused. 

"Sahar!" She heard that voice.

Overjoyed, Sahar jumped to the hole and shushed him, "Hey, Ma is home today. We can't shout like that." she whispered.

"Sahar? What was that?" She could hear Mrs Suleyman. 

"No one Ma! Just me." 

Then she turned and addressing 'him', said, " Now, what are you doing here?"

"Nothing much. Someone's gonna visit my house today so, I gotta stay at home."

"Woah, I also have to go somewhere." Sahar gasped, " Could it be yours?"

"Maybe. Any names?"

"No, Didn't ask."

"Looks like my brother is crying for me. Bye."

A  brother? Who cries? Maybe he is a toddler. 

After a phone call demanding advice by Julesha, Sahar picked up her blue maxi dress. And as for the hijab, she chose a yellow one synchronising with those big flowers on her dress. 

"Assalamalaykum." Sahar's Ma greeted. And Sahar waited anxiously for these pleasantries to end.

"Assalamalaykum Aunty." Sahar played her move.

"Walaykum Assalam" The lady replied. Although the freshness of youth had faded, she had managed to preserve a smiling, lady-like face. "Come. Come."

Sahar gulped another drop of nervousness and blinked in perplexion. Soon she was seated, visually in comfort but mentally in discomfort.

"Sahar dear, Go and give these sweets to your aunty. She might be in the kitchen." 

"But.." She protested.

Mrs Suleyman glared and said, " GO. And yeah, ask her to not to take any kind of tension."

Grumbling, Sahar walked to what she thought was the kitchen. But alas, alas, it was a bedroom with a view of a boy, sleeping cosily on his desk. Sahar yelped making him wake up, " Who are you?" He cried. Hazel eyes...

"Ummm...I am so...sorry.", she stammered. " Here are the sweets." She shoved the bag hanging her head in shame. 

"What's happening here?" Another boyish voice made its entry.