❝They've promised that dreams can come true- but forgot to mention that nightmares are dreams too❞

Oscar Wilde

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Cold darkened pits stared at me.

I tried to shield out my hand, but couldn't.

I tried to move my mouth to let out even a meek scream. But couldn't.

I tried to run away. But couldn't.

Almost like I was stuck. As if my feet were plunged into quicksand and my brain had been scraped out of my skull, making me unable to feel or think.

Turning around wildly, nothing could be seen but darkness. A never ending abyss of onyx black, playing with my senses. Was this real? Why does it feel as if my eyes are closed? Were my eyes closed?

Everything was tantalising my senses. Especially the eyes staring back at me. They seemed like a beacon of light at the end of a tunnel. But this was no tunnel. This was the devil's mind, where every evil of the world resided here.

Those eyes were coming alarmingly close at a quick pace, but yet were still far away. I tried to scream, run away but nothing could be done. It's hoarse voice calling for me.

"Laila"

The dark made it unable to see anything. I was blinded by my own thoughts. Blinded by being unable to do anything. It called for me again. Those eyes scorching my body up into flames.

"Laila!"

I couldn't witness myself being burned up. The fire slowly starting at my feet enveloping me in that heat up to my neck, the eyes still there, lingering around me, curved up, almost as if smiling.

With an earthquaking scream, the fire engulfed my face leaving nothing but ash behind. One last scream was given out.

"LAILA!"

Panting heavily, I see Lameesa looking down at me worriedly. Her hands on my shaking shoulders. Was I crying? It was soon confirmed as my body let out an uncontrollable sob.

"Shh. Habibti it was just a bad dream Laili. Calm down. Shhh" her words offered me a blanket of comfort. In contrast to my vivid nightmare. It seemed all too real.

"Lameesa. Can you stay with me here for the night" I said, slightly calming down. She nodded eagerly placing me into bed. Out loud she recited surah An-Nas in arabic. The meaning of the words paced around my mind. Making me feel at peace.

Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,

The sovereign of mankind,

The god of mankind,

From the evil of the retreating whisperer.

I woke up to the sunlight blaring at me through the windows. Already I could feel the day would be a good one. Alhamdulillah. I tried not to think of my nightmare. Those eyes felt too surreal, showcasing avery evil intention a person could comprehend.

Today was Saturday, which meant a day off my work. I used this time to catch up on my family properly. The ringing voiced out in the room. Nadir answered.

"Assalamualaikum Laila. How are you?"

"Wa alay-kamus salaam Nadir Im good. How are you and mama baba. Hope you're not giving them a hard time "

His scoff could be heard through the call, to which I imagined him rolling his eyes.

"I'm a big man Laila. I can look after myself and my parents thank you very much" he let out. I giggled, shaking my head.

"Speaking of the angels and here they arrive. Here talk to Ammi and Abu g" I nodded, later realising they can't see me.

"Assalamu-alaikum Laila how are you?"

"Wa alay-kamus salaam Im good ammi g how are you? And baba?"

"Alhamdulillah dear. Just went out to get some groceries now tell me jaani. How is your work?"

I began by telling mum about work, and how the kids there were a bundle of joy. I transferred the call to a video call. Baba piped in and looked at me with those glimmering eyes, shining with pride once again. I couldn't help but feel a lot of gratitude for my position and how far I've come in life. Alhamdulillah.

Soon the call ended with me and Nadir making funny faces at each other. Mum somewhere in the background scolding him. I giggled before waving and ending the call.

Making my way downstairs, everyone was still asleep, so I decided In making breakfast for them as a change. Uncle and auntie needed a rest for all that they've done for me. I decided on some chai and omelette alongside paratha. Today they'll get the full Pakistani experience.

By the time I'd finished with the last paratha auntie came down. Her nose in the sky grinning.

"Is Habibti making us her infamous Pakistani breakfast?"

I nodded, giving her a hug.

"Yes auntie, I decided it's time you guys tried my breakfast. Now what can I get you madam?" I said voicing a fake waitress persona, pretending to grab my non-existent notebook from my back pocket.

Auntie played along very well, looking through a non existent menu.

"I think I will have your breakfast menu. Gracias"

I needed in all seriousness but finally the facade broke down and we shared a hearty laugh. Right on time, uncle saunters in, rubbing his slightly chubby stomach.

"Breakfast smells delicious today Laila. Thank you habibti" I smiled at uncle, serving him. Soon the girls came and sat at the table, eagerly looking at the food. I quickly served them and immediately they dug in.

"Mashallah Laila this breakfast will make me full until night time" Sajdah said, licking her fingers before sipping her chai. Her twin chimed in, nodding.

"Yes yes. Jazakallah Laila" I smiled at them asking if they want more.

"Oh no I think I'm about to pass out" they both said in synch.

"That's the effect of Pakistani food" I said to which the entire table let out a laugh.

"You can say that again" Lameesa exclaimed sitting against the chair, her hand on her now grown stomach.

"Alhamdulillah" I said getting up and taking the empty dishes to the sink. I quickly washed them before auntie could turn down my opportunity. Auntie came up behind me, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh Habibti. If only I had a son, you would've been mine" she said sighing. I smiled awkwardly, not knowing what else to do.

Soon the girls come into the kitchen, joking and laughing. I smile at their lifted mood. Especially Lameesas'. Although she wouldn't show it, I could tell she was nervous and scared about the incident that happened to me at the bus stop. So I was glad her mood was lifted, and no longer that grey cloud loomed over her.

The day passed in happiness and peace. It was going to be sunrise soon, so me and Lameesa decided to go and get some groceries. Auntie was busy at home making our food. She said since everyone is together today, well eat a grand meal. Grabbing my black chiffon scarf, I wrapped it around my head before going out with Lameesa.

After a ten minute walk, we reached the store and immediately got to work. Lameesa went to get meat whilst I went to the fruit and vegetables section.

From the corner of my eye I saw something dark pass by me. Quickly my head whipped in that direction, a snippet of my dream passing through my mind. Dark clothes were nowhere to be seen among the crowd. Weird. I swear I saw something.

Calm down Laila. You're just paranoid. Deciding to quickly grab the vegetables, my hand came in contact with paper? What's paper doing in the middle of a carrot tray? I looked around me. Perhaps it was someone's ingredient list? Or receipt?

I unwrapped the neatly folded paper, curiosity getting the best of me. What I saw made me halt in my steps. A shiver running down my spine, immobilising me.

Tick tock. Tick tock. How long until you die perra.

Underneath the note was a crown. Sitting regal and proud on the paper. As if it owned the words written themselves. Above it 'viva la mafia' was written. It looked familiar but from where? I looked at the elegant cursive writing, as if the writer had all the time in the world to write and send me this note.

Slowly, my vision became less blurry and i immediately put the note in my pocket. Shakingly I made my way to the counter and placed the ingredients on top. lameesa joined me a few seconds later doing the same. With one look at my worried face, she quickly pays for the ingredients. I was in too much fear and shock to move, so she held my hand, leading the way.

I didn't even realise when we'd reached until Lameesa stopped me in front of her house. Her eyes holding concern.

"Now will you tell me what scared you like that? I'm getting worried sick Laila"

"It's- it's the guys Misa" at the memory of the men, the note felt as if it was burning in my pocket against my hand. I took it out placing it in Lameesas' hand. She looked at me in confusion before standing still. Tears began welling up in my eyes. I was scared for the Mukhtars and myself. God why did that God awful night happen.

Lameesa let out a few cuss words In spanish which I recognised, making me cry even more as she wasn't one to cuss at all. And when she did it usually meant two things. She was angry or the situation was serious.

"Lameesa. What should we do? Im so scared. Those guys are after us and even threatened us. We must go to the police lameesa" I was desperate to get rid of this mess once and for all. Desperate for any type of help.

"Laila. Please calm down. You're gonna make me cry and if I do, I'll be useless until morning. Please for our sake calm down. I will let mama know that you're not feeling well and will come down later. I want you to go rest, whilst I think of something to do" I nodded quickly, hugging lameesa tightly.

I quietly made my way upstairs, making sure no one would be disturbed. Closing the door behind me, the memories rushed back like a tornado. Swirling my thoughts into it's high tide, making me lightheaded. Sliding down the door, I remained sat down.

How could everything have gone downhill? I thought I was safe? I thought nothing would happen. Ya Allah what type of test have you put me through? Who are these people? What do they want from me?

Scurrying away from the door, I quickly went to sit at the table. Soon Lameesa came inside locking the door behind her. Her walking around in circles made the anxiety rise in me more.

"Lameesa for god sake. What should we do? Were trapped"

"We need to inform the police. There's no other way Misa. If we don't were in trouble. If we do. Were still in trouble. But it's a risk we have to take" she exclaimed, sighing in exasperation.

"Okay well tell the police first thing in the morning. I don't care. Either way we're stuck, but at least we'll have told the authorities, they'll do something right?" I looked at lameesa expectedly.

"Right?" I question once again for my own sanity.

"Si. Let's go downstairs and not worry. We'll see what the day has in store for us tomorrow. In sha allah everything goes well"

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Took the picture above when I was going on my daily walks. It's so cool right?

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Enjoy this long chapter. What do you think will happen next?