chapter 1

The world is an empty canvas filled with little creativity … that's why I choose to study art, turning the world's dull-ness into my paintbrush. I'm Nura, disowned by my parents as soon as I rebelled against an engineering scholarship, which isn't surprising since it went against everything they lived and worked for.

A senior art student by day, and a biker gang leader by night, ruling the underground world.

I lived a very Islamic life growing up in one of the richest South African suburbs, where people can't mind their own business and parents don't care about their children's happiness.

Growing up in the shadow of my parent's name, so moving out and living on my own did place a terrible stain on their spotless sheets.

I use to be the threat of the town nearing my karate black belt at age 16… you could say I took an early retirement.

I rent an apartment with my cousin Elham, who took my place when she accepted the scholarship meant for me, becoming the apple of my family's eye, not surprising since she's always kissing up to people, especially that ugly boyfriend of hers.

I've never been in a relationship before. you could say that I'm always on the antagonistic side when it comes to love, men drive me insane and not in a good way. Love has always been the last thing on my mind, something I haven't considered since I was young.

" where do you think you're going, it's your turn to clean!" yelled Elham

" I know, and I'm sorry I really have to go or I'll lose my title. "

" How is that my problem?" she said tossing a broom at me, " the sooner you start the sooner you can leave! "

I quickly grab my keys and helmet and rush over to my bike, "I'm sorry I'll do it next time!" I say rushing out into the garage

" Nura! Come back right now! Thank the almighty that it's my last year living with you," she said, cursing at me as I make my getaway.

I had to meet my old sensei on that day, then rush over to a dirt bike competition for the title of the best biker in town…

I run into the coffee shop immediately taking my seat as I waited, he arrived a few minutes later, ordering our drinks.

He didn't say a word until our drinks arrived " I noticed you don't wear a scarf anymore, " he said disappointedly.

Out of shame I laugh attempting to cover my hair with my hoodie, I had forgotten that he's the judgy type.

"you've changed a lot, even have the leather clothing on instead of your regular abaya

Islamic cloak

, interesting… either way that's not why I'm here."

"yes, umm I recall you telling me that it's a life or death situation," I ignore the comments he made early bluntly.

" yes, remember the black belt program our dojo use to have, the one where we send you to complete your black belt in Japan?"

" of course, how could I forget? I said confused, "but what does it have to do with me, I left the game ages ago"

" Nura, I recommend you… I already spoke to a friend of mine in your area and they agreed to let you train there until next year, I spoke to your parents as well."

" really! Oh my Allah

God

, I can't believe this, when do I go?"

" immediately when you complete your course, next year you fly to Japan and if they see talent you get a bonus 3 years... so call me and let me know."

" jee, I won't disappoint you," I said rushing out of the coffee shop excitedly forgetting to pay. "Asalamualikum!"

I couldn't believe that I was destined to complete my black belt, after all, hopefully, my knee is all healed now…

I quickly rush to the venue, arriving just in time, watching everyone face off till it was my turn, I have never lost a race in years I thought as I confidently went against my opponent.

It felt like the longest race of the day, and shockingly I lost… like really badly.

" never thought I'd beat the white tiger," he said rushing towards me

" you win some you lose some," I say brushing it off

" Now you owe me something, don't forget the favor that comes with the title of the champion."

" I won't, see you around then."

Losing wasn't fun, but I had to quit the biker game sooner or later. my last year on campus could make or break my future, he really got on my nerves with all that bragging… I wonder who he was, remembering that I had never met him before…not a good first impression if you ask me.

Few weeks after the race I decided to hand in my membership. I had accepted the offer of the peanut brained sensei with no filter. I spent most of my spare time in the school's art studio, so I had very little time to spare for self-care and hanging out.

" well salaams there, " he said grabbing the cafeteria tray beside me

" walikumsalam, can I help you, " I say rushing to a table as he followed.

" I'm sorry, but do I know you?"

" Zafar, you know… the one that made you quit biking."

" don't flatter yourself, something else came up, besides what does any of that have to do with you sitting across me right now?"

" well I just happened to bump into you, and you look like you could use some company."

That was a big blow, did I really look that lonely?

" Don't medical students come during a different hour?"

" I don't follow the rules cause I don't make them."

" Not surprising, your voice is just as annoying as you are… it's like a frog jumped into your mouth and made your thought it's home. "

"your funny, I like that," he said sipping his soda

I tried chasing him away for hours but he was stubborn about leaving me alone, and that's what the rest of my lunch days looked like. I had a pest crawling through my brain cells… even if the bickering was annoying…he was really easy to talk to and brought me a lot of comfort like we've known each other for years.

" don't you have a girlfriend or something?" I ask him as we stand in front of the school's library

" I had one, but it didn't work out.."

"oh, I'm sorry about that. But you shouldn't have gone against the Islamic law in the first place, see why it's forbidden. "

" You're right, either way, love has never been on my side. I was insanely in love with my childhood friend but lost her when she went to high school… the only reason I dated was to get over her," he said pulling my arm I felt myself fluster a bit

" oh, I'm sure your friend doesn't deserve you, and one-sided love sucks. "

"Funny how you say that…either way I'm getting married soon so it doesn't matter."

" congrats… just make sure you don't play with someone's emotions, just do soothe your demons. I say passing a book to him, " I haven't fallen in love with anyone in my entire life."

" You're joking right, that's highly impossible…"

"believe it or not, I'm still waiting for that first love rubbish. Doesn't matter though I'm happy with where I am, and comfortable too."

" that's good, but we'll see if that's how you will feel forever."