"Your reflection in the mirror should be of the person you truly are and not of the person other people want you to be"- Amalkhan807.

Yumnah watched with great amusement as her friend Asiya dug into her 'special red box' an overly dreamy look etched all over her face. She chuckled to herself when she heard Asiya let out a dreamy sigh followed by a loud squeal, followed by another sigh, followed by another loud squeal, the list just being endless.

"MashAllah Yumnah, you are so lucky. Yasir is just so romantic, isn't he?" asked Asiya and immediately let out a loud laugh when Yumnah replied by snorting and rolling her eyes.

"Yeah right!"

"But just look at all these beautiful things he bought..."

"Let me tell you something Asiya. Yasir Hosseini can only be three things and that is- annoying, annoying and more annoying. That's it!" huffed Yumnah while angrily crossing her arms over her chest.

"Oh really?"

"Yep!"

"Then why are you blushing while talking about him?"

"I am most definitely not."

"You so are," said Asiya completely amazed with how deeply her friend was blushing just by the mere mention of her husband's name.

This was definitely true love, something she doubted she would ever have. Especially her, someone with no personality, no good looks with just nothing to offer. She was just the plain old Asiya and she doubted any man out there would want to marry her. As for Yumnah on the other hand things were different. Yumnah was breathtakingly beautiful and as much as she knew that Yasir could not see her, it was still crystal clear as to how much he loved her. He and Yumnah both loved each other not for their looks but for who they truly were and Asiya heavily doubted that there could be another man out there who thought the same.

"I am not blushing. This is my very pissed off look," said Yumnah while pointing to her face and breaking Asiya out of her reverie of thoughts.

"Look at you miserably trying to convince yourself."

"I am so not and if it is this box which is making you term him as romantic, then for your information, I am the one who made it. Yasir doesn't even know it exists."

Asiya smiled to herself knowingly after which she help up a few cleaned up chocolate wrappers along with a huge dried up rose for her friend to see.

"But he is the one who got for you everything that lies in it now, didn't he?"

"Yes, but...," began Yumnah but stopped and looked away a distant look on her face.

"Are you still mad at him?" asked Asiya as she gently squeezed her friend's shoulder in a reassuring way.

"No, I am really not mad at him Asiya. It's just that I...I... I miss him terribly. I miss him so much that I really cannot explain. Yasir had become like my pillar and I don't think I will be able to spend more days without him; you know?"

Asiya nodded her hand in understanding after which she asked...

"But how can you not be mad at him Yumnah? Especially since nothing that happened was your fault? I doubt I or anyone else for that matter could be able to do what you are doing and fine, I understand the love part but how could you not be annoyed with him especially since you are the victim here and an innocent one at that? Wallah I just do not understand. Explain this to me please?"

Yumnah laughed while shaking her head after which she lovingly cupped Asiya's cheek, her eyes twinkling because her friend's sudden outburst couldn't help but remind her of Khaleel. Every single thing Asiya had said was so something Khaleel too would say.

"You see Asiya, from the very second Yasir married me, he has always showered me with nothing but love and respect. He has always treated me like his equal, his life partner and even more so his crime partner," said Yumnah with a laugh as memories of her and Yasir sneaking out of the mansion at night came flooding back. She laughed even more when she remembered how he always agreed to run after the bus with her despite hating it.

"There are so many beautiful and thoughtful things he has done for me without me even knowing it and so how can I be mad or how can I not forgive him for just the one thing that he has done wrong? Yes, of course he did do something that hurt but I cannot get myself to dwell on that one bad thing. All the things he has always done right keep reminding me of the beautiful person my husband truly is and how much he really loves me and that is why Asiya. That is why," said Yumnah with a wide smile.

Asiya stared at her friend in utter disbelief completely awed by Yumnah's way of thinking. It was truly something so deep and sincere. Something completely indescribable.

"You know Asiya, I feel like these days 'love' is just but a far-fetched word. People just use it right left and centre without truly meaning it or even when they do mean it, people make it feel so sacred that a person is not allowed to make mistakes while in love just because mistakes would mean that a person does not love you enough and that, I feel, Is utterly ridiculous. Love should be easy, it should be from the heart and I feel the purest of love will be the one full of mistakes and flaws. How we deal with those mistakes and how we accept those flaws is what precisely describes love."

"Just because Yasir sent me back home does not mean that he does not love me and neither did this mistake of his make me love him any bit less. Since I claim to love him, then of course I should also be able to know him and understand him and all I know is that Yasir and Hisham were like this...," said Yumnah as she crossed her two fingers and raised them in the air for Asiya to see.

"The two brothers were inseparable and Yasir's every single moment revolved around his Akhi- his brother, his best friend, his everything. Therefore, I can only but try to understand how shaken Yasir was when Hisham left. He was extremely devastated and all that he asked me to do was to give him some space and some time and that is what I am trying to do though with much difficulty," said Yumnah though whispering the last part.

Asiya slowly nodded her head in understanding, her heart overwhelmed with different feelings regarding all that Yumnah had just told her.

"MashAllah that is so nice of you Yumnah. Yasir is indeed a lucky man but then again isn't all this you are doing compromise?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know how they say right. Like why is it always us women who have to compromise everything? Why are we the ones to sacrifice always? Why aren't men ever at the receiving end?" asked Asiya.

Yumnah once again let out a hearty laugh, because once again Asiya couldn't help but remind her of Khaleel. It seemed that that it was always about logic for the two and she wondered how it would feel to have the both of them in the same room.

"Well, marriage is all about compromises and even men do compromise a lot you know?"

"Pssht, yeah as if...," said Asiya while rolling her eyes.

"In Sha Allah, one day when you too get married, you will know exactly what I am taking about, my dear Asiya," said Yumnah while playfully pinching her friend's chubby cheeks.

Asiya remained silent for a while after which she said...

"I don't think I will ever get married Yumnah. I don't even want to you know..."

"And why is that?" asked Yumnah, confusedly and her heart went out to her friend when she saw her gulp almost as if she was about to cry.

"Did anyone tell you something Asiya?"

"No, it's just..."

"What is it my dear?"

"It's me Yumnah. It's just me. Just look at me. Who would even want to marry me? I have no class, I have no looks, I'm just so weird and I don't think people even like me. Everyone wants somebody beautiful, funny...the other day you know...," said Asiya by now a few tears streaming down her face.

Yumnah took her friend's hands into hers encouraging her to continue.

"The other day, I went out with a few friends of mine from the university and I really had a great time and all and we obviously did take a lot of pictures as well you know? I then sent some of the pictures to my family members and never have I ever felt so horrible Yumnah. All they noticed, is how I didn't have any makeup on yet all my friends looked so fashionable and pretty. Someone even said that they hope I stop wearing this black abaya and instead wear something more fashionable but decent. Nobody noticed as to how happy I was or that I had made new friends."

"Asiya..." said Yumnah as she soothingly rubbed her friend's back.

"I don't get it Yumnah. Why do people keep comparing me? Why can't I just be different? Wallah I am unable to do somethings. I can't even put eyeliner on myself. I have tried but I can't. I don't want to be fashionable either. I'm comfortable with the way I look. But then no, I have to change. Apparently guys don't like girls like me and that is why I have decided that I will never get married. Why should be the one to compromise? I am just going to go buy a few CATS, A BIG COFFEE MUG AND FLUFFY SLIPPERS. I then plan on looking for an island and live alone on it," said Asiya as she angrily wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"Wow, and what if someone wants to come visit you on that island?" asked Yumnah, finding Asiya's outburst totally cute.

"Well then they will have to swim."

Yumnah laughed as she pulled her friend in for a big tight hug. Asiya had it all wrong and she couldn't wait to help her friend see things in different light.

"Aww Asiya, my dear, you have it all wrong. First of all, I never want to ever again hear that you don't have the looks. That is very very wrong. Allah swt created all of us perfectly and in the best way and it is very wrong of you to have such low esteem. You are beautiful and that is it."

"If people have a problem with the way you look then that is their problem not yours, okay Asiya?" asked Yumnah and Asiya sheepishly nodded her head.

"As for the other things, all I can tell you is, if someone tells you to do something, do it only if you think it will bring you closer to Allah. These other things are just worldly things and you don't have to change yourself because of them."

"As for marriage, just because you are of age does not mean that you have to get married now and you certainly do not have to change yourself Asiya. Work on yourself, work on your deen, get your degree and Wallah when the time is right and when the right person comes along the only time you might go to that so called Island, is for your Honeymoon," said Yumnah cheekily and Asiya too could not help but let out a shy laugh.

"Yumnaaaah."

"Asiyaaaaa."

"And finally Habibty, if you are a then remain one if that is truly who you are. The wrong people will definitely see the wall but as for the right people, they will see the no matter how small it is."

"And Wallah all that I can see in you, is a flower. A flower waiting to blossom but only when the time is right."

"Oh Yumnah, aren't you just the best? How I wish everyone thought like you. Thank you," said Asiya as she flung her arms around Yumnah her face radiating with immense joy and maybe just maybe some new found self-confidence.

They both were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door and Yumnah's joy knew no bounds when the door opened only to reveal Yasmin.

"Mama!" shrieked Yumnah as she hastily got up from the bed and ran to hug her mother in law.

"Asalam aleikum my love," said Yasmin, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Waleikum salaam," both Asiya and Yumnah replied in unison.

Yasmin's eyes drifted to the girl standing behind Yumnah after which much to the surprise of Asia, she asked...

"MashAllah and who is this pretty girl Yumnah?"

"This is Asiya, my very close friend Mama. We go for Quran classes together and Asiya is also studying medicine at one of the local universities here," said Yumnah.

"MashAllah and why doesn't your close friend ever come to visit you at the Hosseini Mansion?"

Yumnah stuck her tongue out at Asiya and then said...

"You have no idea as to how many times I have invited her over but as you can see, Asiya is painfully shy..."

"Oh that's just nonsense. You should come over to the house at times my dear. Trust me all that shyness will fly out the window the minute you meet our crazy family," said Yasmin and Asiya who by now was beetroot red could not help but only nod her head timidly.

"Well, I hope I didn't interrupt anything," said Yasmin and laughed when Yumnah snorted while shaking her head and then led her to sit on the bed.

"Not all Mama, Asiya came over to help me sort out some clothes for charity and we are actually almost done," said Yumnah as she sat next to Yasmin on the bed.

"I will just fold the last of the clothes and put them in the box," said Asiya wanting to give the two some space to talk.

As soon as Asiya got busy folding the clothes, Yasmin took hold of Yumnah's hand and asked...

"And how are you my dear?"

"I am fine Mama but look. Just look. There is no baby bump yet," said Yumnah disappointedly and Yasmin couldn't help but smile though Yumnah could clearly see that it didn't reach her eyes.

"In Sha Allah soon my love and speaking of the baby, your Baba has sent loads of fruits for you. I left them in the living room but he has given strict instructions on how to eat them. Until today, I didn't know I was married to Hussein the dietician," said Yasmin and Yumnah couldn't help but laugh.

Leave it to Hitler to always overdo things.

"Though, not all the fruits are from Hussein, Yumnah. Yasir also told me specially bring you some and he also made me remove all the fruits that you don't like. He also didn't want you to know this but..."

"How is he Mama?" asked Yumnah eagerly.

Yasmin remained silent for a long time almost as if she had so much to say but just didn't know how to.

"He is not okay Yumnah. I feel like I have not lost one but two of my sons. Yasir has completely forgotten what sleep is. All night he stays put on that prayer mat of his and what breaks my heart the most is when someone rings the doorbell or when a phone rings. You should see how his eyes light up with hope only for them to be dimmed seconds later."

Yumnah bit her lip in a bid to hold back her tears as her heart broke in to a million pieces. How she wished that she could just be there for him.

Silence reigned the room after that as both mother and daughter were too overwhelmed with emotions to talk any further. It was all so intense that Asiya who had been quietly folding clothes in a corner couldn't help but speak up just to break the awkwardness.

"The clothes are all folded Yumnah, I think I should be leaving now since its getting late," she said.

"I should also get going my love. Khaleel has been waiting in the car," said Yasmin as she stood up.

"What? Khaleel is in the car? Why didn't he come up?" asked Yumnah confusedly but laughed and rolled her eyes when Yasmin answered with...

"Apparently, he is still pissed off at you. That is why!"

Asiya then began to drag the heavy box across the room only for Yumnah to stop her.

"Mama, can you guys drop off Asiya at her house while on your way back? She only lives a few streets away."

"But of course, you don't even have to ask my dear."

"No, seriously it's okay, I will take a taxi," said Asiya but had to relent because Yasmin and Yumnah would hear none of it.

"Il just pass by the kitchen and pass my Salam to Saeeda. Asiya dear, my son is downstairs, he should be able to help you with that heavy box. Call Khaleel, Yumnah," said Yasmin as she made her way out the door.

"NO! YA ALLAH. DON'T CALL HIM. SO AWKWAAARD. IL CARRY IT TILL THE CAR," screeched Asiya much to Yumnah's amusement.

"Chill it's just Khaleel..."

"I SAID I WILL CARRY IT..."

Yumnah shrugged her shoulders in defeat and then once again watched with much amusement as to how Asiya struggled to carry the heavy box down the stairs.

Asiya got to the driveway after much struggle only to find a guy standing next to a car his back turned to her.

"Cough and grab his attention," she mentally told herself.

"No, that would be rude. Then how? Should she say excuse me? Awkwaaard!"

"Asalam aleikum," she finally said after mustering up all the courage she had.

"Waleikum salaam," said Khaleel as he immediately turned around only for they eyes to meet and for a second, they both literally froze.

Asiya just could not believe it. It was that guy. The one with the blue eyes. The one from Hisham's Walima. The one she had splashed water on. He was aunt Yasmin's son?

OH CRAP!

Khaleel on the other hand too could not believe his eyes. He knew her alright. It was that girl from the Walima. The one he couldn't stop thinking of and there she was standing right in front of him. His heart soared as it thunderously beat against his chest because he just could not believe that he too, had found his water girl.

***

PLEASE DO VOTE AND COMMENT.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK OF ASIYA?

I PUT A LOT OF EFFORT IN TO THIS CHAPTER, I REALLY HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT ❤

AS FOR THE RIGHT ANSWER TO THE TREASURE HUNT...THE ANSWER WAS...IMRAN( REFER TO CHAPTER ONE)

SHOUT OUTS TO THE FIRST 5 WINNERS:

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UNTIL NEXT TIME,

ASALAM ALEKUM ❤