Everything was going terrible.

Exams were right around the corner and all I could think about was whether NASA had released actual footage of angels speaking in space. I mean it is possible with now a days technology and what not. Learning about cells and gene inheritance was a bore, but nothing could be done. Being a straight A student had it's perks, and also the not so clever moments, when you didn't know how to speak to anyone because of your introverted geeky personality.

Suddenly a knock alerted my space thoughts.

" Laila mum burned the roast chicken again come down" Nadir screamed even though he was a total of less than 4 feet away from me. My fists could only handle so much pressure before it landed on his mischievous grin. I mean what is it with asian families and screaming so much.

At this point counting down from 10 was not an option either especially when I wanted to see what the commotion was all about.

Sighing in futile, my books were long forgotten and instead what lay in the kitchen corrupted my brain. You see, my mum was a great cook, but everyone had their downfall, and that was my mum's forgetfulness. Similarly to how Macbeth's downfall was his hamartia. Mum had forgotten so much in her life, which lead me to wonder as a kid whether she knew I was her only daughter. Forget that did she even know my birth date? I don't think so.

Way before I got into the kitchen, I was pleasantly greeted by the smell of burnt chicken and charcoal-y potatoes. Delicious. I thought. Dinner will sure fill me up for my revision tonight. Looks like I'd have to survive on noodles. Again.

"Mama, why do you always burn the food?" Mum looked up with a frown, flinging her oven gloves over her shoulder.

"Don't just stand there girl, help me out" it was my turn to frown. I didn't know what could be done to help her. I mean, that poor chicken looked like it served its time in hell and came back to earth to haunt us. But none the less, I threw away the burnt potatoes with a pout. Poor potatoes.

"Mum, I'm so hungry right now, I wasn't able to revise properly, I feel like mice were running around in my stomach" which was true. Mum just shook her head and threw the chicken away into the bin. Thankfully dad had turned off the alarm and went back to watching news on the T.V.

"Look, dear, I have some left over biryani from last night. Warm that up for you and your brother, I will sort something out for your dad" looks like biryani it was then and not noodles. With that, mum prepared dinner for dad, without burning anything this time. Alhamdulillah. And I, well I was stuck with biryani. I wasn't complaining though, when my mum didn't end up burning food, she made bomb biryani and anything else.

Once dinner was out the way I could finally go over my bio notes before my mini mock test tomorrow morning. Mondays were not my day, especially when a test was awaiting me.

It was a pleasant feeling to wake up to Surah Nuh as my alarm. I still had another half an hour to get to College so I decided to do my skin care routine. I know it's bad of me to be inconsistent but I'm just so busy and plus, right now my exams are my top priority.

I had successfully reached college, and stood outside my classroom. There I saw my Biology class-mate, Mandie. She was a gorgeous girl, standing at 5"4 with clear chocolate skin and curly black hair. As soon she saw me, her face transformed into a smile.

"Hey girl, how've you been, are you ready for the test"

"I was born ready Di. You know me" I flipped my hijab behind my shoulder for extra sass. To this, she just rolled her eyes grinning.

"Of course, you clever clogs. I don't even know why I bother asking" giggling, we went inside the class once the teacher arrived.

"Hush hush di, you're a clever clogs too"

Breaking the classroom from its chatter, Khalil announced the test will begin. I answered the questions to my upmost knowledge and put the pen down to let sir know I've finished. Soon, he came round to take my paper and I left the room. A few minutes later, Mandie exited and we both headed out to eat in a nearby subway. We still had another hour until our maths lesson began.

"Have you seen the news Laila. Five people were killed in a shoot out in the south of Spain" announced Mandie in a whisper, as if she was behind the killing.

"Yeah Di, I did. It's sad to think that people have the nerves to kill others. Something which only God can control"

"I know right. According to my investgations, it was between two rivalry gangs. Within this month, 20 people have been announced dead. That's not what the disturbing thing is though. Pictures were leaked online of a symbol of a crown burned into the skins of the corpse. Underneath it read 'viva la mafia' "

From my short spanish knowledge, I think that meant long live the mafia. Shaking my head I could only pray that things in Spain would go back to normal. It now had a curfew starting at 8 due to fear of being caught in the rivalry.

"I'll be honest with you Di, that's scary. And to think that humans have been branded this way?"

"I know right. Don't worry too much about it though, we've got other things to be worrying about, like our A-level exams" I wouldn't put it past Mandie to reveal such horrifying news and then act as if it's not that bad. Shaking my head, I got up with her and made our way towards college.

"You're right, what else can we do but pray for the innocent" She hummed in approval.

A week later both me and Mandie had gotten an A in our biology test, and following on from that, an A In Maths and Chemistry. It wasn't long when our actual exam season rolled around and nerves were as high as ever. I still remember the day when it was our last exam and the amount of relieved fellow class mates there were around me. I'm just happy I got through this time without graying any of my hair or stressing too much. Alhamdulillah.

Present

"Indeed with every hardship comes ease". God couldn't have been more correct. And for this reason, I was able to do my exams without stressing too much. Fast forward to the first year of university, as part of my medicine course, I am required to go to another country within europe to apply my med knowledge and gain experience.

I've always had a fascination with Spain and the language spanish itself. So there was no doubt I wouldn't be applying to that. The only difficult thing was whether I would be allowed. Despite being a capable adult University student, my parents would still view me as their little girl, and for that sole reason, they had me tied up in a cucoon of comfort and safety. But now, it was time to open my wings and fly to spain.

Being a muslim girl can be hard, especially when you can't go anywhere without your parents knowing every last detail to the drop. Thankfully, Alhamdulillah, we had a family friend living in Madrid, with only three daughters and no sons. Perfect for my parents. The Mukhtars are very close to us, much more than blood, so due to this a bit of my parents worry would lessen.

They were hesitant due to the news regarding Spain, but thankfully Auntie and Uncle Mukhtar convinced mama and papa.

It was only a matter of time before leaving for Madrid. I still had 24 hours to go. I checked if I had everything on my list and ticked each thing off as my mother read it for me.

"Passport"

"Check"

"Medical books"

"Check"

"Tooth brush and skin care products"

"Check and check"

"Alhamdulillah looks like you've got everything Laila now all you need is a good dinner and night sleep" nodding half heartedly, I looked inside my suitcase one more time, fully satisfied I didn't leave anything.

"I'm going to miss you so much dear. I don't know how I'm going to live without you" mum lathered me with kisses around my face and hugged me very tight. Just when she pulled away tears started falling from her eyes, making me emotional and also teary eyed.

"Mum you're acting as if I'm getting married. And besides it's only six months" to this she lightly slapped me on my arm

" I'll video call you everyday and update you on my life"

"I know dear, may Allah give me sabr"

"Ameen"

"Sum Ameen"

***

It was the next day and I barely had any time to sleep. The majority of my night was spent texting lameesa In Madrid about my plan and which hospital I was assigned to etc. Mandie was also doing medicine but in a different university. I wish she was with me.

Now that the morning arrived, I carried my suitcase downstairs. Dad met me half way and insisted on doing it himself.

Now that I was downstairs did I really feel upset. I wouldn't see my annoying brother for half a year, and I wouldn't be entertained by his drama at school, and how one kid had a fight and other kids did drugs. The usual that every kid goes through In high school.

After having breakfast, I had to leave for the airport and looked at the house one last time before locking the door behind me. Soon, we all reached the airport and carried my bags to the aisle. Once everything was done, I was alone from here. Here goes nothing.

I sighed in sadness before hugging my parents and kissing them on the cheek. They reciprocated the action and soon I was being smothered by Nadir's hug. Going in for a kiss turned out to be a bad thing , as he moved away so fast muttering under his breath.

"What are you doing Laila i'm a grown up now don't even think of kissing me" his eyes wandered around making sure nobody saw. I chuckled in amusement before grabbing my carry on bag.

"We will miss you so much Jani, make sure to eat on the plane and drink lots of water. Don't forget to make your own meals sometimes and don't give the Mukhtars a hard time. Keep your phone on twenty four sev-"

"I think she gets the picture dear, leave her be" dad interrupted, chuckling. Turning to me, his eyes held a proud look, as if he finally realised his small girl is not so small anymore and is going to a different country all by herself.

"Laila make sure your the best of yourself to the patients and don't forget your prayers. Call as soon as you land dear. I love you my little goat"

"I love you too baba"

We all came into a small group hug, except obviously my little bro, but I just shoved him into the hug, before he could mumble and get away.

"I love you all. Please don't worry about me I will be fine In Sha allah"

"In sha allah dear, now go. You'll miss the plane" dad announced hurriedly.

I lightly laughed. Asian dad's always are the time conscious ones. And with a wave goodbye, I turned around towards what was to come. The patients I would encounter, the amazing food, my best friends. But also, this new chapter in life which God decided to Grant me. Alhamdulillah.

***

Why do you think I set this chapter a year ago? 🤔

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25/12/20