Mending the Broken

Chapter 2

AMAL

AGE: 17

Obviously, I spent all my time after that looking up on the internet for magic. I got to know various details. Black magic existed and it did harm people. In fact, there were also magic spells on the Prophet SAW, due to which he became very sick.

This research lead me to look up on Islam. I know it sounds crazy, but there are some things in your life that completely transform you. And what I saw was definitely not a joke.

After that, I had tried to stay as far away from my mother as possible and did not just casually roam around in the house.

I mostly kept to myself. For most people, keeping to themselves leads to depression and anxiety but for me, there is no place I’d rather be than with my nose thrust into the Qur’an.

It gave me hope. The stories of the Prophets and how they overcame difficulties. The fact that Allah will reward those who practice His religion and obey Him.

Knowing this, it became easy for me to start wearing Islamic clothes. And, obviously, that was where my patience was tested. The prayers and other acts of worship are only between you and Allah but this? It’s a whole new story.

I swallowed up every insult thrown my way. Ignored the opposition in my own household and tried to be firm.

That is what the hijab and jilbab are. They’re a declaration that you don’t care what people say or think. It’s only to seek Allah’s pleasure.

. . .

AAHIL

AGE: 26

Most people would think I did my Masters’ in Mathematics, right? They aren’t wrong. Except . . .

I drew up a plan. I decided to study all the subjects that I had interest in. You know, since I couldn’t seem choose one.

How? Easy. I privately took up my tests and passed. Or as my parents would say to other people, “Our son has a 4.1 GPA!”

So, yeah. Math was done in 6 months and dare I say, I’ve lost all interest in it for the time being.

Next came Politics and History. I took my exams but the results aren’t here yet so I can’t really know if I can study further.

Even if I did pass, I can’t study further. Not in Lahore, at least. Because what I’m interested in isn’t offered here.

Gender Studies.

So, right now, I’m just going to focus on the Business. After all, I am the CEO. But I vow to myself that one day, one day I’m going to leave all this behind and make my dreams come true.

Which, in this case, is a Masters’ in Gender Studies.