The chronicles of Layla

Party in London

Nighttime came and left leaving me in the solitude of my thoughts without caring to fold me in the cocoon of its warmth. I prayed to God that morning should never come but who I'm I to alter the Order to nature. Due to high insomnia, I arranged my box a countless number of times. I promised to never shed a tear again because I have accepted my fate with two hands.

I slept a little after fajr and woke up to the sound of my lovely brother's voice.

"Laylee, wake up" why was he whispering?

" I opened my blood red heavy eyes and looked at him" his face was blank so I couldn't read it and make out what he thought.

"Layla, what happened?, what I'm I hearing from Baba?" I didn't look at him neither did I say anything.

"Please answer me"

"What did he tell you?"

"Is it true?"

I nodded meekly

"I know there is more into this. I'm not going to pressurize you and I'm not saying what you did is correct. Just know that know matter what I will always be there for you. He offered me a teary smile which I was grateful for, for it had been long since I smiled or someone smiled at me.

I always knew Arman was an open minded person and I was grateful of it.

He believes me

He believes me

Someone believes me

Allah is with me.

"Have you finished packing?"

"Yes, it's just the few things I need to put in my hand luggage"

"Okay, Hurry up. Baba is waiting" I heard him say before he went out and closed the door behind him.

>>>>>

The farewell I got will forever be engraved in history as the most cold farewell ever. Nobody was in the house except for Arman. I mean my parents were not even there. Mama went to the saloon, so she said and Baba had a golf match with his friend. They each left a letter for me.

Arman drove me to the airport. We reached there on time. The passengers were already boarding the plane. I got checked and said my farewells to him.

"Ma'am, do you need a blanket? You're shivering."

I looked up at the British hostess and said "Yeah, thank you"

"You're welcome" she had an accent which I admired.

She came back after a few minutes with a thick wool blanket and gave it to me. She had a beautiful smile. I thought of her as nice person or perhaps it's just part of her job to smile. I wrapped it around my small frame and I felt the warmth seeping through instantly which lead me into oblivion, the world of complete deep slumber.

>>>>>

Past

There's a birthday party at sholly's, wanna come?" Rukky asked.

"Nah, I'm sleepy. Wish her for me"

"You'll really pass. She hosts the best party on campus. Free drinks."

"I can't really. That's not my call. I have test tomorrow"

"Okayyyy, if you say so but you're missing and don't blame me later."

"Don't worry. I won't. Lisa is coming over to revise for tomorrow"

Lisa came after an hour and we revised for the Chemistry test.

"Lisa I'm tired" I groaned

"Wake up, Layla. You know this course is not easy."

"I'm sleepy, wake me up after 30mins"

"Okay"

"Oh my God, Lisa wake up. It's already 8am, freaking 8am" I yelled.

"s**t, s**t,s**t" I heard Lisa muttering. She slept off and we passed through my alarm.

We got up and changed in the span of 15mins. The exam hall was in the second block. We rushed out of the door and ran to the hall.

"How was the test?" Lisa asked

"Let's not talk about it, Alhamdullilah kawai. How was yours?

"Hmmmm. Glory be to God."

"Let's go and sleep joor."

We were on our way to the hostel when we met Rukky on our way making out with a guy. When she saw us, she couldn't hide her embarrassment and ducked her head down.

"Hey Layla , what's up.meet my friend Ishaq. Her friend?! Her friend?! Wow. How far will Rukky go.he gave us a nervous wave.

"Hi ishaq, I'm Layla and this is my friend, Lisa.

********************************

"Will you please come with us?" Lisa and Rukky have been pestering me because Ishaq invited us to this cool seniors party.

"No oooooo, means noooooo" she said the dragging the "o" at the end

"Please, just this once"

"I can't wallahi. It's just not me"

"Nothing Haraam, I promise." They looked at me with puppy eyes that I fell for.

"Okay, just this once. I have nothing to wear."

"I have the perfect dress for you"Rukky hurriedly went to her closet a pulled out a blue halter O neck long chiffon dress.

"This is not me. It's too outgoing." I said immediately I saw the dress.

"No, it's just perfect for you. Just try it on. You can pair it with your black heels.

"Yeah, it looks good. Go and try it on. The party will start by 9." Lisa urged.

I changed into the dress and I was surprised to see how it fit perfectly.

"Wow! Wow! You look breathtaking. Slay mama. Pepper them."I heard them say.

I blushed and thanked them. "We have a problem ladies. I can't go out like this. My hands and back is open."

"It's okay. It's night time. No one will see you and the place is dark." They tried convincing me.

"Okay, I'll go. We'll be back by 12 right?"

"Cinderella story koh, let's just say half past 12. Rukky grinned.

We all laughed and finished dressing up. We took selfies and walked out of the door.

The house was blaring with the music and noise. We entered and Rukky introduced us to some of her friends before we met Ishaq talking some of his friends.

The music was booming loudly while Lisa dragged us the dance floor.

"I can't dance Lisa" I yelled over the music.

"Just move your body anyhow you want." Lisa shrugged

I stated moving my hips side to side and I relaxed after a few steps back and forth.

Rukky came back with drinks and gave us each.

"Beer for Lisa and fruit juice for sanity Laylah."

I collected it and gulped down the chilled drink. It tasted funny but wow! It tasted good.

Adrenaline pumped through me and my body moved along the rhythm. It felt refreshing. I didn't have a care of the world. I felt lightheaded and empty.

***********************************