ZABIN SHI NE

About this Novel

In a modest house with two rooms, one for our mother and the other for our brother and sister, a kitchen is situated on the opposite side, along with the quarters for our servants. I was seated on the couch, my natural blush evident as I don't wear makeup. My mother, who was sitting on the mat, looked at me and instructed, "Umaimah, prepare the rice and take care of it. You have until half past ten, 10:30 am." I replied, "Mama, I'll rest tomorrow." In haste, I gathered the rice and the clothes I was wearing in a large basket (kula). Mama was yet to speak when a friend entered to greet her and admired Mama's earrings. May God bless them both. After a long journey, we arrived at the gas station where women were selling their wares. By God's will, the food had already sold out before we could ask for any. Some girls around me suggested, "Umaimah, wait for us, let's go together." I picked up my bucket and proceeded, feeling a strange sensation as if I were being followed. When I stopped, I was approached by two young men who seemed drunk. Fearful, I dropped the bucket and one of them moved closer, but I managed to escape their grasp and ran towards a more populated area.