Chapter 10: Offline
© Abu Zaynah
Afsana logged onto her laptop and opened up Internet Explorer. She went onto Google search and typed in ‘Afsana Nadeer’. After that evening she wanted to see what Google had on her. Continue reading Chapter Ten: Offline →
Chapter 9: Flashback
© Abu Zaynah
The readers by now are probably wondering what took place that evening in the cafe and why was Afsana so upset by what had happened. As you read on you shall discover the secrets of that evening in October when Amjad had received the proposal with the CV and photo from his mum. Continue reading Chapter Nine: Flashback →
Chapter 8: Changes
© Abu Zaynah
That night Afsana went up to her room and locked the door shut. With tears rolling down her eyes she contemplated the evening that had just passed. Many lessons had been learnt that evening. She learnt not to put too much hope in others and that sometimes fate had other plans for a person than the one they had envisaged for themselves.
Continue reading Chapter Eight: Changes →
Chapter Seven: The Conversations
© Abu Zaynah
“A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. You should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser.” said the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him). He (may peace and blessings be upon him) also said “When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks to marry your daughter, comply with his request. If you do not do so, there will be corruption and great evil on earth.” Continue reading Chapter Seven: The Conversations →
Chapter Six: The Meeting
© Abu Zaynah
The Moroccan Cafe was a small cosy eatery ran by a local Moroccan family. It has been a local landmark since 1987 when the owner, Mr Mohammad, set it up after his arrival in the UK from Morocco as an asylum seeker.

Continue reading Chapter Six: The Meeting →
Chapter Five: The Preparation
© Abu Zaynah
The day had finally arrived. For Afsana it came too quick. She was not sure what to expect and was nervous with butterflies in her tummy. It was a clear November morning, crisp but cold. The early morning sun shone through the window and reflected upon the wardrobe mirror. Afasana sat on her bed engrossed in her thoughts. “Afsana, come down my dear, breakfast is ready.” That was her mother calling from the kitchen. Afsana went downstairs and joined the rest of the family for breakfast. Continue reading Chapter Five: The Preparation →
Chapter Four: The Appointment
© Abu Zaynah
“Jazak Allahu Khair Ahmad Bhai. We will see you next Sunday at 3pm insha Allah (God Willing).” There was a slight pause as Ahmad Bhai said something. Afsana’s mother then said “Wa ‘Alaikum As-Salam (and peace be upon you too)” and put down the phone. Continue reading Chapter Four: The Appointment →
Chapter Three: Decisions, Decisions
© Abu Zaynah
Amjad checked that the door to his room was securely shut. He didn’t want his mum, or anyone else for that matter, suddenly walking in on him.
His bedroom was the first room at the top of the stairs. It had a single bed against one wall with a computer desk next to it. On the other wall was a double wardrobe with mirrored doors, housing all his clothes and bits and pieces. There was a floating shelf above the desk with various miscellaneous items including a toy replica BMW car and some sports trophies. Continue reading Chapter Three: Decisions, Decisions →
Chapter Two: First Encounters II
© Abu Zaynah
“Assalamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”, “Assalamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” Whispered Afsana whilst turning her head first to the right and then to the left. She had just completed the two Rak’ah Salatul Istikhara (the prayer for Guidance). She sat on the prayer rug, completed her Tasbih and then made the following Du’a (Supplication): Continue reading Chapter Two: First Encounters II →
Chapter One: First Encounters I
© Abu Zaynah
Introduction
The following is a fictitious tale that I am writing to explore some themes that are floating around in my head at the moment. Characters and situations are completely made up and do not resemble any real life events. I hope that there will be a good moral to the story but I have yet to develop it to that detailed stage. Continue reading Chapter One: First Encounters I →
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