{Dedicated to @SapphireCrystal_28 for supporting me with such enthusiasm which always leaves me in awe!! Thank you very much!!:) <3}Best of luck for your exams, darling!:) }
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Chapter Nine
A Catastrophe
(Maahirah Furqaan)
I stare at Summer as she crouches on her knees, and her loud wrecking sobs fill the air. The thing which surprises me is that I feel no sympathy towards her. Every second that ticks off, feels agonizing and excruciating, leaving me only impatient and angry.
"I'm so sorry....I really am..." She starts saying this between her cries.
"Why?" I question her, not bothering to hide the disgust in my voice.
“I'm so sorry!" She sniffs.
"Will you quit saying that?" I clench my fists.
"B...but, I honestly didn't want to do it, but Sandra made me do it!"
l look at her - her disheveled condition is enough to tell me that she won't notice if I snatch whatever is in her hand.
Summer continues to wail. I walk a little closer to her, and bending, I snatch the thing from her hand. A loud shriek escapes her throat. She tries to pull out of my hand, but I push her away. For a second, I start chanting in my head hit hit hit. But her head doesn't hit the bed's end.
I unclench my fist, and look at the small tiny blue packet in my palm. My eyes bulge out as I realize what it is. Pills. They are pills.
Rectangular, whitish small pills.
I turn the packet over and upside down to know what is. But there is nothing written on it. Simple blue shiny small, packet.
"What are these? Were you trying to kill me?"
“Nytol, and no, I wasn’t trying to kill you!” Her breaths are steady now.
Nytol! Sleeping pills.
"Sandra gave it to me." She swallows.
“Why?”
"To make sure that you would be in a deep slumber the whole day." Her face tear-stained, as she wipes the lingering tears on her cheeks.
"Why?" I ask again.
"She wanted you out of the way. And, I told her they have nothing going on, but she won't listen. She said she was hundred percent sure that something was going on between you and him. She told me," Another sob escapes.” If I wouldn't put the pills in your bottle, she would unveil my true self."
Fear runs down my spine." Who is he?"
"Aayan!" She says.
I blink. I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't. I wanted to tell her that there is nothing going on, but I couldn't. I wanted to ask what did she mean by unveiling her true self, but my mouth stays clamp; as of someone has glued my lips with super sticky glue.
All I say is," We'll talk in the morning. It's late."
She doesn't argue, or maybe she does but I didn't hear her. Picking up the water bottle, I throw it in the dustbin; and cover it with papers just to hide the bad deed committed by her.
After changing my clothes into something more comfortable, I get in the bed. Summer's bed is next to the table which separates the two beds. I pull the covers up, and turning off the lamp, I lay on my right side - my hands tugged under my head.
I close my eyes, and just like a time machine, my mind travels back in time.
Sandra, I and Fadiya were best friends back in middle school till grade seventh. We used to have an amazing time together; tea-parties, sleepovers, watching movies, sneaking out (in the evening, of course- not at night) and we had a best time together, laughter and happiness only circled us.
But, it all changed by the end of grade seventh, and I still remember that day. It was our (my and Fadiya's) first day with headscarf (hijab) and we were quite nervous and at the same time exciting. We knew most of the students will hate after this, and we were relying on Summer to support us…but…
I and Fadiya enter the school; there is a big smile on our faces. I look around and indeed students gawked at us, throwing daggers behind our backs. I didn't mind, and I know Fadiya doesn't either.
It took me ages to get accustomed to hijab. I wore it to the Masjid, at someone's house, but not in malls or school. I first started wearing it in the malls, somewhere in winter break. And, now I took a step to wear at school. Fadiya merely joined me in this, and she said been waiting for this day since forever.
Once when I reach my locker and Fadiya and I part way because her locker is in the other hallway so she went there. I tell her that I'll meet her in homeroom.
As I'm loading my things in my bag from my locker, I hear a loud shriek behind me. Immediately, my head snaps towards the source of the noise.
Sandra looks horrified as she makes her way towards me. Her flats making click-clack voice. She's wearing a skirt and a sleeveless top. Her hair in high ponytail.
"Hi," A smile plasters on my face and I beckon forward to do our best friend handshake, but to my horror, she backs away.
"What. The. Hell. Are. You. Wearing. On. Your. Head?" She emphasizes on each and every word.
"Oh, this." I touch my head."Is hijab or headscarf. Cool, huh?"
"Cool, my foot. How could you wear this? Have you turned into a terrorist?" She yells and I'm pretty sure everyone can hear us and out of my peripheral vision, I look and confirm my assumption- a crowd has gathered to witness this.
"Sandra," I begin in my calm soothing voice."I'm still the same. See?" I gesture at my body. "And, I'm wearing this just to be a good practising Muslim!" I answer as shortly as possible.
She takes deep breaths, and for a second, I think, she's ready to move on. But, once again, she surprises me; she leans in closer - clutching her bag closer to her body.
"We cannot be friends anymore. We're done. I do not want to be friends with people like you. Who hide themselves in their beards or headscarves." She storms off leaving me confused, dazed and in trance.
After that day, I and Fadiya tried our best to make up with her, but no she won't budge. She stood hard as a rock, not once returning our gestures or smiles. Eventually we gave up, after Sandra went out of line.
In the beginning of grade eighth, Sandra gathered Summer, and together they started ruling the middle school. We didn't mind her sudden fame or popularity, no, not at all. But, we did mind, when Sandra started bothering us, not directly, of course, but indirectly.
It is somewhere after summer break, when a girl from one of my classes gives me the most venomous look ever. I'm confused way beyond my thoughts. She used to smile at me and herthis look sends shivers down my spine.
I ignore it.
In the school cafeteria, everyone is talking but as soon as I enter everyone hushes up and stares up at me.
Feeling self-conscious and rather bashful, I make my way towards Fadiya and Ellie. I give them a questioning look and they both shrug. Once I sit, the atmosphere comes back to normal.
I'm enjoying my lunch when a drawly and bossy voice averts my attention. "Hey," Sandra stands next to me. Her both hands on her waist, and Summer stands next to her. Sumer has the same look on her face, but less scary.
"Hi," I smile, politely.
"Do you know what's going on around the school?" She trains her gorgeous green eyes on me, ignoring Fadiya and Ellie.
"We've no idea but I'm sure you're behind it." Fadiya replies curtly.
Fadiya thinks that Sandra has turned into snotty school queen-bee and will not return to us. However, I believed that Sandra will be back to her old self someday soon.
"No, I'm not." Sandra fake-gasps.
Fadi snorts.
"But, since when did you start liking Darren Smiths?" Sandra smirks.
I blush. I might have a incy wincy bit, crush on him. But no one knows this. Not even Fadiya. None.
So, I deny.
She laughs."Of course, you do not." She then speaks in a louder tone."I know you ogle behind his back in classes. And, you have a cardboard cutout in shape of Darren with which you cuddle at night. And, oh, you've named your teddy Darren!”
The whole cafeteria is silent. I hear my own heartbeats. Students look between me and Darren. Of course, that is a plain lie, but, my lips are sealed they won't open. My tongue has lost the power to deny her.
"You lying scumbag!" Fadiya shrieks." You know she doesn't date. You just want to mark her personality and character dirty. Because...because you know she is one of the nominees for Winter Ball Queen."
"Fadiya. Lets. Go." I stand up. My eyes meet Darren across the cafeteria and he looks away. All I can think is that maybe he hated the fact that he was rumoured with me.
"Listen up, Sandra, whatever game or scheme you’re pulling won't work at all. Not with me." I say.
Sandra files her nails and Summer answers."We're not doing anything. We're just stating the true facts."
" Well, I guess what, this rumour won't knock me down. If you're going to act as our enemy now, very well then, count us in this game, too." I point at Fadiya and me.
That was the day, my rivalry against her increased. We started becoming enemies. I didn't know that I was doing something wrong. My thirteen year old brain thought it was a good fun to plot behind Sandra's back.
And, I even lost the Winter Ball Queen award because I didn't attend it. I couldn't. Sandra won it and Summer was the runner up.
We all have regrets, don't we? Each and everyone in this world has regrets; some of us have few some have more than they can imagine. But, what the funny thing is that we’re given choice, choice by Allah Almighty, but, we (usually) end up choosing the one path (most of us do know) will regret, however, we choose it. Just like a toddler who has no clear thinking and no judgments. He just grabs whatever he sees on the floor, and puts in his mouth, without thinking about the consequences of his actions.
Just like everyone, I do, too, have a regret – and, that is Sandra. She's my greatest regret. Since the day one I should have had stopped her from spreading those rumors, but I didn't. Instead I laughed whenever someone told me a rumour about me. The more I heard, the more I ignored. I knew (everyone knew) Sandra was behind it, but I never ever made the move to scotch-tape her mouth from spreading more fibbers. I let it be the way it was.
Rumors......they spread like fire, faster than light, no one is able is able to conjure it up. They just go on flying around. We do know that a single spark of fire destroys the entire forest, leaving behind a devastated, barren old land. Just like that fire is rumours, and the forest is certain traits or qualities in a person - that slowly starts to decompose due to those nasty rumours.
Rumors destroy the person entirely, cutting him deeply; only pain and long lasting scars are left behind.
In high school, rumors about me were mostly pathetic and stupid. For example, I once heard that I'm married to my cousin, and even I heard this that I'm bald and that is why I cover my hair.
(These rumours I'm pretty sure were not spread by Sandra!)
I never minded these kinds of rumours. But, I do loathe those rumours in which I'm shipped with a particular guy, I do not even personally.
(Thanks to Allah, I had been victim of these rumors only once, in grade eight. Well, until now....)
Such kind of rumours terrify me because I'm scared my Dad will hear them since he has a good relationship with the staff in here, due to my deceased mother who used to be a teacher in Winters Academy before she passed away.
It never once crossed my mind that I'll be paired off with Aayan, and for this Sandra is responsible. I can't believe she thought that we (Aayan and I) were together. How gruesome of her! And, I didn't know that the trio (Summer, Sandra and Sarah. Sarah joined them in high school) will scoop so low to just have me out of the way. How thick can they get!
A sigh escapes my throat, and I turn and toss on my bed. This is not the place. Not the time to think about such things. I shouldn't worry about it. Not now. By, I do so know what I'm gonna tomorrow InShaaAllah!
Summer is on her bed, but I don't know whether she is sleeping or not and I DO NOT care.
The last thing I pray before going to bed is that no one should hear about the rumours about me and Aayan.
***********************
The next morning, I get up to the ringing of my cellphone. Without looking at the Caller's ID, I answer it.
"Hello?"
"Maahirah?!" Vaneeza, my sisters blasts from the other end.
"Neez?" I rub my eyes with my other hand and throw off the covers.
"You did not call me, you only called Mom!" She complains.
I laugh. Aw, my baby sis called me!
"Don't laugh. I miss you!"
"Awh, I miss you, too, my baby sissy!"
"When you come back bring for me chocolates!" Then, she screams."Mom is coming. I didn't tell her that I'm using her mobile, So, bye and, I love you!" She says hurriedly and disconnects the line.
I laugh."Love you, too."
Summer's bed is empty.
Then, it hits me. Yesterday's event and I quickly stand on my feet.
Just then, Summer chucks out of the washroom; a towel in her hand. Her hair wet. She's humming at tune."Good morning, Maahirah!"
I just ignore her.
"I'm so sorry about yesterday....."
"About that...can you just not bother me about it...and, please do not even bring yesterday, Summer!" I cut her off.
"So, I take it," She fumbles with the towel."You haven't forgiven me, right?"
"Forgiven!" I sigh.
I want to say her No, I don't wanna forgive you. But all I say is ,"Yes, Summer I've forgiven you!"
She stares at me; not believing it at all. And, neither can I.
This is the biggest problem with me I'm way too easy at forgiving someone when he/she is involved in something indirectly. This isn't something good; I always assume it is not. But, maybe it is. Forgivness is a single word, yet it takes a great deal of courage to forgive someone. In my case, I mean Sandra.
I ignore Summer's blabbering about how sorry she really is and blah blah blah. I need to get away from her. I look at the watch and I'm horrified to find that it is only quarter to seven. And, I've only fifteen minutes to get ready.
"Blimey!" I semi-yell, dragging my body to washroom.
When I walk out of the washroom - fully dressed, I pick up my backpack and take out my spiral notebook with a pen.
Opening a random page, I start jotting down in quick neat handwriting.
Sandra,
I and Aayan have nothing going on. You should learn to keep your mouth shut and use that mouth of yours for uttering something good.
You're more than welcome to 'spend a day with Aayan' or if you wish you can spend your whole life with him, and I will not stop you. Because I DO NOT CARE!
Yours,
Maahirah
I tear that page and put it in my pocket. Summer has already left, I assume because she isn't the room. I leave my room exactly at seven.
When I knock on room 202, my heart is pounding fast. I don't hear a voice permitting me in so I get in the room myself.
There is a loud ruckus going on inside. There aren't only seven students but there are at least twelve students circling someone. I walk a litter closer and find that Aayan is the centre of attention and Antonio isn't anywhere at sight.
"Hey!" Ellie hugs me and I smile at her.
Aayan is the centre of all this attention because he's in disguise. He is wearing Ray-Ban glasses (he wears it only when he disguises, I guess). His mop of hair is in weird style; neither too flat nor too spiky. He looks good. He's wearing brown cargo kind of pants (which I might add brings the colour of his eyes more prominent and they appear to be hazel rather than his usual chocolate brown orbs) and a casual hoodie
"Coming through, coming through!" Antonia speaks behind us and we all disperse as he walks in between the rows of students; followed by Iva.
Summer enters, panting.
Where was she, anyway?
"Okay, I hope the students on my list are present in here!" Antonia speaks, and his eyes fall on Aayan."Who on Earth are you?"
"Aayan Aslam!"
"Why are you dressed like this?" He asks.
"Mr.Brackson asked him to, Sir!" Sandra replies instead.
I cringe at her voice. I wipe my head around to look for Fadiya. But to my disappointment, she isn't around.
"Why?" He asks.
"Because he's a celebrity, for goodness sake!" Iva says exasperated.
"A what?"
"Antonia he sings. He's a singer." Iva points at Aayan.
"Oh, have you given a concert in Brazil before?"
"Yes, Sir. Three times." Aayan smiles widely.
"Have you ever attended his concert, eh Iva?"
"Yes, I've Antonia and they aren't that special or amazing!" She smirks.
I laugh, but quickly clap my hand on my mouth when I realize that I'm the only one laughing and everyone in the room is scowling at me (including Aayan) Except Iva and Antonia. The first one smiles at me, and the latter looks pleased.
"Very funny, Iva!" Aayan glares at me, and then focuses his attention on Iva.
Iva just smiles. I wonder that maybe Iva and Aayan know each other, it seemed like they were really good friends.
"Okay," Antonia says."First of all, call me Antonia and not Sir. And, Iva take your students in another room."
Once when the six students and Iva leave. Antonia grins.
"We're going,"A pause. He looks at us. His eyes glistening." Did you all had breakfast?"
"No," We reply.
"Then, go on and have breakfast, after that I shall tell you about our today's plan!"
We left with an order to meet exactly after thirty minutes.
The corridor is too crowded and my eyes only search for my best friend. After craning my neck, and pushing people I find her.
I make my way towards her, but, stop dead in my tracks; like a deer caught in headlights. Someone has just sucked out all the air, energy, out of my body through a vacuum pump, and everyone around me evaporated. It's only me, staring at Fadiya and Sarah (one of the trio).
Fadiya acknowledges my presence, waves at me, and then continues her conversation with Sarah. I turn around, feeling no more hungry but in need of fresh air.
As I cross the corridor and enter the less-crowded reception, my eyes flash a note; Revenge. This must have had been left by Sandra when I had thrown a ball at her stomach. This is her revenge; to spread rumors and to make my friendship with Fadiya weak.
*********************
"Oh, darn, I'm tired!" Ellie plonks down next to me in our little mini-bus which Antonia hired for a day.
"Yeah!" I sigh.
We've have been spending the entire day touring The Tijuca Forest. It was amazing. There were different species of plants, all the branches tangled up in colossal way. Some of the plants were way too ancient. Thank God, we didn't spot an animal.
We toured in a rented car provided by the management of the forest and, we toured on our foot.
We were also joined by Iva's group, to my pure horror. Iva's group consisted of Sandra, too. I kept a good ten feet distance from Summer and Sandra.
Aayan and Iva are really old friends. They teased each other a lot. Laughed. Joked. And, Sandra will join them, too, she will laugh at their joke only a little bit late, when those two will stop laughing and go on the next topic. Poor Sandra, she would then whisk away.
Though, she did cling to Aayan. Shrieking. Squealing at every sight. I didn't turn around to glance at their way just because I didn't want to raise any other uproar.
I stayed with Ellie and Chace. Fadiya's mentor took them to a museum to which I was grateful to. I've no idea how will I face her. Or how will I begin a conversation!
Antonia assembles us back into the hotel and tells us that we’re free to do whatever we wanted to. Ellie intertwines her fingers with mine as we make our way towards the elevator. "Can you believe only four days are left for this enchanting magical trip to end?"
I stop, abruptly." What? That's impossible! A week ended?"
She laughs."Yeah, it did!'
"Maahirah!" A voice cuts through the hallway, and I spin around to find Aayan making his way tous with Sandra at his heels.
What does he want?
"I've been looking for you!" He pants.
"What do you want Aslam?" I sigh.
"I've a question regarding biology!"
Sandra tsk-tsks. And, I've the tendency to ignore her existence.
"Yes?"
He frowns for a while, looks at Sandra and then says."Why - er- we, um, breathe through nose when we -er- have a mouth for it!? I mean we can open our mouth whenever we feel the need to inhale fresh new oxygen!"
What? "I didn't get you, Aayan!"
"C'mon I'll explain to both of you," He points at Ellie and me as he presses the button for the lift to come."And, umm Sandra, I'll see you later!" He then mumbles under his breath."Or never!"
I and Ellie stifle a laugh, and get in as doors open.
He gets in."My answer, Maahirah?'
"Um, because you see.....it will be tiring..."
The doors close and Aayan hushes me. I look at him confused.
"But, your answer?" I say and glance at Ellie, who looked nonplussed.
" Oh, really? Do you think I'll ask a stupid question such as that!" He scowls.
Ellie laughs, real loud. It takes few seconds for me to put two and two together, and then soon enough, I'm laughing and Aayan joins us.
"Man, she's a pain!" He murmurs.
"Tell us about it," Ellie rolls her eyes.
Aayan's eyes meet mine and he smirks.
" What?' I wriggle my eyebrows.
"I see you're using the elevator again!" His smirk only widens.
I feel heat creeping on my cheeks." Aw, shut up!"
Ellie looks perplexed and stares between at me and Aayan. I avoid her gaze. I've no idea how I will explain her.
"I'll see you girls later!” He walks out of the elevator.
I and Ellie part ways. She doesn't question me at all. Ellie was never curious one. She is a firm believer in time and opportunity. She believes when time will come she'll find out her answers.
When I enter my room, I'm surprised to hear laughter echoing down my room. This whole aura feels unpleasant to me, and I wonder why.
I walk in cautiously. The couch has been pushed at the corner of the room, right across the beds. And the people sitting on that couch gossiping makes my mind twirl. And, I feel like I'm zooming around a tornado, which is spinning so fast, whirling with me, and I'm lost in it with no way to come out. Forever stuck.
However, when I shake my head, I realize that I'm still in the same room, standing watching the scene unfold in front of my eyes. I grip the bed's edge to steady myself.
"Hey, Maahirah!" Fadiya smiles at me, and Summer and Sarah follow her lead. I turn away from them to hide the disgust creeping on my face.
"You should hear Sarah's story about her brother when he returned home drunk. It's hilarious." Fadiya says between her guffaws.
"Get out of my room!" I say through gritted teeth.
"Um, what?" Fadiya frowns. Even though I can't see her face but I know she's frowning. You just don't go on being friends with someone for more than eight years. No, you know them better than anyone else.
"Get out of my room!" I repeat turning around to face her.
"This is my room, too. I shifted back in here. Mr.Brackson told us to do so!" Fadiya stands up.
"But, it is not theirs'!" I point at Summer and Sarah who instantly back away at my accusation.
"Huh, what do you have against them?"
"Aw, what?" My voice rising."Did you forget what they did to us!?"
"That was past, Maahirah!" She barks.
"Past or not they are still the same!" Out of my peripheral vision, I see both of them leaving the room.
"Maahirah, you can't judge a book by its cover!" She fires back.
My eyes bulge out."You..."
"I'm leaving, Maahirah!" She picks up her bag."I'm going for shopping with Summer!"
"I never stopped you!" I say.
"I wish you will realize that you're reason against them are invalid and stupid and illiterate. I'll see you tonight!"She pushes me on the bed, and I fall with a thud. She storms out, leaving me confused, stupid and puzzled and shocked.
Did you ever lose two things over dear to you in a single day? No? Well, I did I lost my brain along with my best friend! Shouldn't this be considered as a major catastrophe, huh?
I've no idea what are Sandra’s motives or the whole trio's as a matter of fact. Whatever scheme they are playing they will lose in it, InShaaAllah! I really really hope though!
People say that to stay alive in this world, you've to fight to survive. But, Dad always says,'You can't fight fire with fire, Maahirah. You'll only end up hurting yourself or the other person. You've to be good to leave a mark in that person's heart, and that person will be ashamed. Only then, you can leave in peace and harmony in this world."
But, I say that we've to fight fire with fire. I cannot be the water to extinguish that fire. No way, I'll be the oxygen and I'll ignite that fire, and then fight.
It's payback time Sandra!
I need a plan which I'm pretty sure I'll not come up in here. I'll observe her and then pull some tricks out of my sleeves. Not, now!
I dig my hands in my pocket an pull out the note I wrote for Sandra. I tear it into pieces, with a smirk on my face.
I'm letting you win, Sandra, just for now!
***********************
Assalmu Alaiykum!
I know a short chapter, and um, but it was an important chapter! You got to know Sandra and Maahirah's past! It stunk, right?;)
But, indeed, rumours play an important role in destroying a person and a friendship!:/
Fadiya and Maahirah on fight!Are Sandra and her group pulling something ? But what have they got to do with Fadiya?
Haha!;)
Lol...I'll update ASAP!!:)) Btw, the next update will be the last chapter....in Brazil!!;) Then, Home Sweet Home!!*_*
Now, can you all VOTE, COMMENT AND PROMOTE AND ADD TO YOUR READING LIST!:DDD
Please!:))
PLEASE VOTE IF YOU LIKED IT!:)
Until then,
-MidnightWhisperer
<3