𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟕

ARZO

“Thank you, Ms Isabelle, that was an amazing presentation” Benjamin- one of the judges- says as my classmate finishes answering their questions.

She smiles and exits the stage after picking her portrait from the easel.

Today is the day. My portrait exam- also the last exam. I am more than ever nervous for this exam. My presentation is very different from any other presentation I have ever done. I am taking a totally different turn.

I would’ve felt a lot better if Faizan was here. His presence calms me down. But unfortunately, family or partners are not allowed.

“The next person to show their portrait is… Ms Arzo Saeed,” Miss Kathrine says, looking up and catching my eyes.

I smile and get up from my seat, taking my portrait to the stage. I place it on the easel while Jenny- the girl who will translate what I will sign- makes her way on the stage.

“Assalamu Alaikum, my name is Arzo Saeed, I am a final-year student majoring in fine arts.” I start my introduction and Jenny speaks out my words, “I have always had a deep connection to art. Showcasing emotions through my portraits. My work is heavily influenced by nature or the environment that surrounds me- recently, I have discovered that my inspiration also comes from the people who mean a lot to me.

“Today, I will be presenting my final project called ‘the Moon and its shadow.’ as you can see, my portrait showcases the dark clouds, around the moon, its shadow. The vision came to me one night as I was staring at the sky along with my partner. I noticed how the moon looks beautiful itself but its beauty grows ten times more when clouds surround it.

“The clouds around the moon may indicate it telling the moon that it’s beautiful. That it will never be alone in the dark night. The moon may comfort us but maybe the clouds are the moon’s comfort. Loving it in all its phases. Staying in the darkness even when the moon isn’t present. The portrait showcases the meaning of love. We may all have that cloud that may seem dark but have the most comforting presence.

“We all have a presence in our life that may seem dark to others but brings the most comfort to us,” Faizan comes to my mind as I continue to explain, “the presence doesn’t have to do anything except be close to you- or be in the same room as you and you feel safe.. Comforted. The meaning behind this portrait could extend to many ends but the most beautiful meaning that could come out of it is the comfort love brings.”

The room stays silent for a minute, the judges eyes glued to me. Panic starts to creep into my stomach as I think maybe I’ve screwed this over.

But then, one of the female judges- Mila- says, “that was beautiful, Ms Arzo.” A soft smile takes over her lips, “the meaning you’ve shown in this portrait is absolutely beautiful.”

I smile and sign, “thank you,” Jenny translates.

The judges start to ask me questions regarding the portrait and surprisingly, I answer them very well.

In the end, all three judges look pleased with my presentation.

I’m almost hopping with excitement when Faizan comes to pick me up.

We both greet each other and I peck his cheek.

“I’m assuming the presentation went well,” he says, with a smile.

I nod, “it went so well! Better than I expected.”

“I’m happy to know that.”

When we get into the car, Faizan gives me my bouquet of lilies, widening my smile. I peck his cheek as a thank you. He gives me a hint of his beautiful smile before he starts the car and drives home.

When we reach home, Salma is in the kitchen. I go greet her and she beams with happiness as she asks me about my exam and how it went. I tell her about everything then she tells me how proud she is and that she made biryani since it was my day of freedom.

Salma and Shariq are the parent figures to me and Faizan. I’ve noticed countless times when Shariq asked Faizan if he was taking care of himself, getting enough sleep. Salma shows her motherly love in her scoldings whenever Faizan or I don’t eat properly or don’t take medicine if we show any kind of flu- it never gets bad.

After giving Salma a hug, I hurry upstairs to fresh up.

Faizan changes into one of his t-shirts- that make not staring really hard- and sweats. I change in my own sweats but put on one of his shirts. We head downstairs and have lunch together.

After having lunch, Faizan and I offer Salah then stay on the prayer mat after making dua. My head resting on his shoulder, his fingers tracing the lines of my palm.

“I have to go on a business trip next week.”

My head snaps up at him. He looks at me, our eyes lock.

I sit up to sign, “how long will you be gone for?”

“A week.”

“A whole week?” he nods, “but.. My graduation is next week.”

“What?”

I nod, “it’s on saturday.”

“Oh,” a pause, “okay, I won’t go.”

I blink, “what?”

“I won’t go. I’ll figure something out.”

“Is the meeting important?”

“Not as much as you-”

“You can’t get out of situations by saying that.”

“Well, it’s true.”

I let out a sigh and stare at my prayer mat as I think through what to say.

“It’s okay. You should go.” I sign.

“I’m attending your graduation.”

“It’s just a graduation.”

“No, it’s not-”

“It’s really fine. Just promise to take me on a date and facetime me everyday.”

“That’s already on my mind.”

I smile and kiss his cheeks, wrapping my arms around his.

I’ll be fine.