Story Chapter 1

"Papa, can you wake me up at 5:00 tomorrow morning? I got an assignment to complete."

"Nabila, it's already midnight. You know you need at least 6 hours of sleep."

"I know, Papa, but I had to help Sabiha with Math, her final exams begin day after tomorrow." Nabila replied in a concerned voice, wiping off the last bit of food from the dining table.

Mr. Haque came a few steps forward; and placed a hand in his elder daughter's hair: "I understand your concern for your little sister, but you need to take care of yourself too."

Nabila rested her head on her father's shoulders for a few seconds. "I wish Ma was here to help us out, Papa." She choked back tears. "I wasn't ready to say goodbye."

"Neither was I, sweetie, but we can't change what has happened. Time to hit the pillow, little lady."

"I will go to bed soon, Papa, I promise."

Nabila looked outside at a bright star on the night sky. "Ma, may Allah grant you Jannah." She said to herself.

After about half an hour, when she was completely done with all the chores for the day, Nabila sat in front of her dressing table. Her waist-length curly hair smelled of Dove conditioner. Nabila loved the soothing smell of Dove, so most of the cosmetics she used belonged to that one brand.

She rubbed lotion over her hands and feet. Her deep black eyes had bags under them, thanks to many sleepless nights.

To the outside world, Nabila was a happy, fair girl. Deep within, she still missed her deceased mother. Nabila tried her level best to keep house, and look after her younger sister, Sabiha. Although sometimes it seemed a little too overwhelming, that's when Nabila took shelter on her father's shoulders. Just a few seconds, and BOOM! All the grief would wash away.

While she did enjoy being useful around the house, all the responsibilities sometimes seemed way too much for the 20- year- old. Yes, the cleaning lady did come every morning to help with the dishes and sweep off the floor, yet, there was still tons to be done. On top of that, the nagging Sabiha was always: "Apu, help me with homework;" or "Apu, can you help me style my hair today?"

Nabila didn't show exasperation on the outside, but she did feel like punching into her sister's tummy at times. "Why so much dependency, Sabiha? You're 12 now, you should be able to do things on your own!" She often snapped at her sister.

" I'm not dependent on you Apu, I can do everything on my own. It's just that I like the way you do things, so I sometimes ask for help."

"Why me of all people, Allah?" Nabila would often ask All-mighty during her prayers. She sometimes wished to join her friends when they went out for some fun just after classes. But she had to catch a public bus to get home. The buses were not only overcrowded during the evenings, but she also had to consider the disgusting traffic congestions on the way back home. Sabiha got dismissed from school at around 2:30 PM; and it took her just a few minutes to reach home; because her institution was close by. So, she had to be alone at home for at least four hours before Nabila returned home. Mr. Haque did not return home from office earlier than 9 PM.