Is liking someone a crime?.
If yes, then she has done that crime and paid the price. A rather heavy price.
One year ago and half year ago:
Have you ever liked someone so much that you just want to see them smile no matter how?. That when they ask something you do it?. That when they look at you then you feel happy?.
She has felt that.
"Huzaifa ke baare me soch rhi thi?". Her best friend Aliya asked smirking (thinking about Huzaifa)
She blushes looking down at her feet, "Haan". (Yes)
"He will come around. He never stays away from you for too long". Aliya said looking at her phone chewing her gum
She nodded holding her book tighter to herself adjusting her glasses as they walk inside the university corridor.
Amina Sheikh- is the beloved family member of the joint family of Yusuf Sheikh who is her grandfather with great wisdom and power. She was from a creative business family where every single member be it woman or men are loving as well as independent in their own sense. Most of the marriages in their family were done with their own employees and none of them ever stop their thirst to achieve their goals however this time they all had more support.
Many envies the bond each of the member's shares between them and they proved that no one can ever break that. They are always connected and the love between them always stayed strong.
For years, many people have tried to ruin the finance of their family and later they came to know the only way they will break is to break their family which they fail miserably in.
She has witnessed the strong bond of love in every single member without any hierarchy in between that allowed everyone to share without being pressured for it.
She has dreamt for a love since young age admiring all the married loving couple around her. She was the youngest in the family and the love she received was unreal.
Just like her family, she has a different dream which everyone supported of becoming a very popular doctor. She had chosen neurosurgeon as her course and she is last year in which will end in a few more months.
She didn't know these few months will change her entire life.
She didn't find Huzaifa the whole day and that made her sad. She was given many assignments and others whose deadlines were approaching. With her hard work and dedication, she had managed to find herself a job in the best hospital as their trainee but she was soon her hard work will pay off.
"I am so jealous you have the most perfect life". Aliya whined beside her as she waits for her driver, "Loving rich family, good in studies and everything is just so perfect".
She chuckled lightly at her words sending a quick prayer of gratitude to her Lord, "Aliya you have a loving family who loves you to sacrifice everything on you. And studies if you work a little harder instead of being an Instagram influencer you will do more better than me".
"Whatever". Aliya mutters looking at her nail
"Amina". She heard Huzaifa calling making her eyes widen as she looks at Aliya
Huzaifa is her Ahmad chachu (uncle) oldest son who is the same age as her. They both study in the same university and stayed at the same house since they were young.
She has a crush on her cousin.
He was the only one who was very sweet to her since she was young first then others joined. So, naturally, she felt something for him and in her teenage, she came to know about it when Aliya insisted and interpreted her feeling that way.
"Here. Do my assignments". Huzaifa said handing her the assignment hurriedly running away without another glance
She sighs.
She already has a lot of work with today giving hours to the hospital this will be really hard.
"See he came". Aliya said smirking
She heard her driver coming and she looks at Aliya to greet her once when she looks behind Aliya she founds her brother- Omar.
Omar is the oldest brother of Aliya who loved her dearly. He is five years older than her and is a businessman just like her family members.
"Salam, Omar Bhai". She greeted politely and shyly after Aliya insisted
Because she never truly feel comfortable interacting with male especially if it's not her family.
He nodded at her greeting looking at her intently then asking Aliya to come as they have to leave. After Aliya went she sits inside her car greeting her driver looking down at Huzaifa's assignments shaking her head.
He always does that.
Since they were young he would have her do his homework while he plays. Asks her for her Icecream whilst she didn't have a taste of it. Asking for her favourite toys and playing with it without involving her and the list goes on.
She never said anything because she likes that he paid attention to her briefly.
He must be going out with his friend now that he asked her to do this. She shakes her head starting the work in the car until she reaches the hospital. Her father influence did follow her around and she never has genuine friends without them asking favours. Aliya was the only one who never asked anything from her besides that she complains about her perfect family.
In the hospital, people know who she was but thankfully her 40 years old boss selected her on her qualifications rather than influence however the world is too small and they knows about her.
She manages to have another friend beside Aliya who is Hira. She is the one who studies in different universities, same year and age but she is rather a sweetheart. She admires her family but never ever asked her much then she share. She knows about her crush which she discusses more with Hira than Aliya because it's more comfortable for her.
"Again his work?". Hira said frowning not liking how her friend is always doing someone else work, "How will he become a good doctor if his assignment is done by you?".
She smiles sweetly, "It's no big deal. He is the one who gives the exam anyway".
"Yeah! But these are added in those marks too". Hira said sitting beside her, "You already have so much to do on your own and it is not right. Even if you like her you shouldn't have to kill yourself to prove that".
She sighs tired, "I like doing his work".
Hira shakes her head at her friend's word, "I hope you get someone who likes doing your work, making you happy and prioritise you over everyone and everything because that my friend will be your true love".
"Which is Huzaifa". She said chuckling earning a slap from Hira
"Which will be what Lord had written for you". Hira said patting her shoulders as she went away for her rounds
One month later:
She sits with her father playing with his hand which she always does laying her head in his lap while he massages her head talking to her about his day kissing her forehead time to time and everyone around her gushing over her.
"I have something to say". Huzaifa said nervously as everyone looks at him anticipating, "I-I want to get married to someone".
Her eyes widen and she stilled as her breathing stopped for the moment thinking that he was going to say her name. She can feel the excitement colliding her nervousness and she already prepares herself to say yes as soon as he says the words.
"I want to get married to Aliya". He said breaking her every dream and her innocent heart in the process
"Aliya- Amina best friend?". His mother asked smiling
And his confirmation broke another piece of her.
She gulped down her tears running to her room when no one was watching as she feels herself breaking down instantly while she had no one to speak to about it.
A week later:
She hasn't talked to anyone and avoided meeting Aliya as a whole. She doesn't know how to speak to her and what to say. Should she congratulate?. Or ask why?.
Their family met immediately and the alliance was confirmed. She didn't take part saying she isn't feeling well staying in her room.
However, they will be engaged for now after a week until this semester finishes and so does their university.
"Why are you avoiding me?". Aliya asked crossing her hand on her chest looking at her accusingly
She passed her a guilty smile, "S-Sorry. I was busy".
"Really?. I know you are lying". Aliya said angrily, "Is it because of my engagement-".
"Can we talk about it later peacefully?". She suggested to which Aliya nodded leaving her alone
She sighs.
She decided to not attend the classes today and called Hira to a cafe so she can tell her everything and maybe she can help.
She did tell her everything.
"So, you are telling me that she knew and yet she did that?. What kind of friend is she?". Hira asked fuming
"It wasn't her fault. Huzaifa-". She reasoned
"No, she agreed to it immediately. She didn't ask time and she didn't say a thing then came accusing you. Can't you see?". Hira said concerned at her innocence that might cost her later
She shakes her head not wanting to think negative about her, "What do I do now?".
"Let him go. If he was meant for you he wouldn't go and if he wasn't then Lord has someone amazing for you". Hira said smiling lightly
She nodded.
Hira saw Aliya entering but since she doesn't want to leave Amina alone here she took the seat behind facing the other side so Aliya doesn't see her using her phone.
Amina smiles a little at Aliya who glare at her making her feel tiny because no one ever looked at her like that.
"Aliya, I know I was wrong and I shouldn't have ignored you but I didn't know what to do. You already know about my crush on him-". She started explaining
"He is my fiancee now". Aliya said rudely making her shrink back
"I know. I know. That's why I don't want any misunderstanding between us. I have decided that I will not crush on him it was wrong to do even before. I will let him choose what he wants and will never ever interfere in your lives again". She said honestly
"You better not". Aliya warned while she nodded with a smile
One month later:
She sits on the carpet raising her hands asking for forgiveness for the thoughts she has had about someone she shouldn't. She had done that for the past month since before the engagement asking her Lord to take all her feelings away if he wasn't meant for her.
She has felt lighter.
"Beta, are you crying?". Her father asked concerned sitting beside her hugging her to his chest
"Ammi yaad aa gayin". She cried holding onto him (I remembered mother)
"She is in a better place, Meri Jaan. She loved you so much and I am sure she must be watching over you being so proud of you". Her father coaxed lovingly kissing her forehead
Her mother died after giving birth to her which is why everyone was more attached to her. Her family made sure to protect her from the sharp words of people. In school, her other cousins always cover her to not have her bullied. Same for every other part of her life. She never heard any means words, no raised voice and nothing.
Everyone was gentle with her.
Last day of the university:
Their graduation was postponed and she wasn't interested anyway. She was more into knowing about her job being permanent which she soon received she was. She informed Aliya first thing however she just didn't respond.
"I am so happy for you". Hira said hugging her tightly, "We will be working together for so long".
She giggles, "Yes, we are. I can't wait to tell this at home".
"Go on. It's your off time and inform me about everyone reaction". Hira said enthusiastically
Hira doesn't have a family. She was brought by an orphanage and worked through her way to reach this high. She was actually glad that she secured this job now she will be a lot more stable.
She enters inside excitedly, "Baba Baba Baba Baba".
She enters inside the lounge to find everyone sitting their tense and the people in the centre are Huzaifa and a very very angry Aliya.
She walks to sit beside her father who opens his hands for her as she sits behind him.
"There is no reason to break the engagement on such small matters". Huzaifa said angrily
"Don't speak to my sister that way". Omar said angrily
"Look, it isn't that big of a deal and she is just-". Huzaifa started
"What is the matter?". Aliya's mother asked
"Matter?. He never listens to me and never do what I want. This is all because of her". Aliya screamed angrily pointing at Amina who snuggles more into her father hold with the loud screaming
"W-What did I do?". She asked scared and her father wraps his arms tighter around her
"Don't bring my innocent daughter in your matters". Her father said angrily, "And don't accuse her of anything I will not take anything said against her lightly".
Aliya smirks, "Really?. Because your innocent daughter has the audacity to seduce my fiancee".
Her heart stopped.