It was a regular day at university like any other. I was returning home after a tiring day maximized by a long and hectic clinical posting in the Gynaecology ward. When I got home and rang the doorbell, the gate was opened by mother, all smiles. It seemed like she was bursting to tell me something. I greeted her and went straight to my room, threw my bag on the chair and took off my lab coat. At that moment, my mother, brother and sister came barging in.
Ammi (this is what I call my mother): There’s a surprise for you, Naseha!
Surprise! This is the word where my composure gets the better of me and I get overwhelmed by a state of curiosity that threatens to kill me.
Me: What is it, Ammi, tell me quickly, please don’t keep me waiting..
Hassan (my brother): This is something you’ve never, ever imagined!
Rabeea (my sister): Are you sure you’re ready to hear this?
Me: Tell me alreadyyyy, people!
Ammi: Okay. You know you sent your book to the publisher to get it published, right?
Me: So it got published?? REALLY?
Ammi: This is graeter than that! Not only did your book get published but we received a call which informed us that you’ve been nominated for a Literary Award for being the youngest author to write such an inspirational book that promises to change a million lives! I am so proud of you, my daughter!
With that, she hugged me tight! I was frozen to the ground! This seemed like a dream come true!! I had never EVER imagined my whole life that a day like this would come!
My father returned home from work in the evening and we all went out to celebrate my victory. I was persuing medical to one day become a doctor, but my real dream was to get a book published. THIS was greater than my own dreams! The Award Ceremony was to be held in the United States 2 months later and I couldn’t wait!
I got too excited! I was to board the plane to the U.S. a week prior to the Award Ceremony, all paid for by the authorities there. I had been given three tickets, two for the people who I wanted to bring with me. I chose my mother and father, naturally. We finally left for the U.S. when we were due. I was still spell bound. Couldn’t believe that it was me who had been given this chance.
As the plane landed, a woman named Miss Thorne received us and showed us to a posh hotel in California where we were supposed to stay. Miss Thorne pointed out the details of the events to us since she was assigned as an assistant to me for the event. The next day I was supposed to go to a designer for having my dress chosen and altered.
So, the next week began with me being driven away by Miss Thorne to the designer’s and my mother and father went off on their own to explore the state.
Miss Thorne amicably chattered the whole way explaining more details to me about the event and everything that I needed to know. We finally reached the designer and he greeted me with a big smile, assuring me that he would find something perfect for me to wear. I, being a Muslim girl, needed a lot of alteration in my dress. I told him that I would wear a top that was below knee length and full sleeved. Plus, my trousers shouldn’t be tight and that I would definitely need a head scarf to go with the outfit. Although the designer was very disappointed that I didn’t want to show my figure off, he managed to do what he promised and I was ready with my bags after spending an ample amount of time there.
When I reached the hotel, I showed my mother and father my outfit and they simply loved it! The whole week passed by with pleasure. We roamed around California and visited Disney land(this was yet another dream come true), the golden gate bridge, San Francisco which I’d always wanted to see, some theme parks and zoos. It was amazing! I wished that my brother and sister were also there to enjoy!
Well, finally, the D-day arrived! I had an appointment at the make up artist’s for 4p.m. so Miss Thorne took me there along with my Mom and our apparels. My Dad was to meet us the Awards- a driver was going to drive him there at the given time. After 2 hours, I was finally ready! I was attired in an off-white chiffon shirt with long, flowing sleeves studded with pearls paired with royal blue pants that were a little baggy and accentuated the top perfectly! I had off white platform heels on along with an off white clutch bag with a royal blue handle. My head scarf was an off white and royal blue striped one. The only jewelry that I was wearing was a royal blue stone bracelet and ring. I MUST say that I loved being dressed like that! These designers have such an amazing style sense!
My mother was in a forest green gown and scarf. She looked lovely! Well, we were then transported to the Academy Awards. As I walked the red carpet with my mother and father, photographers flashing and clicking away, I swear I pinched myself to check whether it was real or not! When I was called on stage, I was trembling from the inside but very confident from the outside. It was Allah (God) who gave me that confidence. I was graciously handed the golden literary award and asked to say something. I happily took the mic. and said:
“I couldn’t believe when I got a call from you people that I had received an award and I still can’t believe it. I keep pinching myself from time to time just to assure myself that this isn’t all a dream!” The audience laughed. I continued. “This award means a LOT to me and all thanks goes to my Creator who gave this honor to me. I’d like to give a huge amount of thanks to my mother and father who supported me and always believed in me and all my unrealistic dreams. All my relatives who are bursting with pride at the moment, you are my life and I wouldn’t have been able to reach this level without your immense love for me. And lastly, a shoutout to everyone out there who reads my written work, my book, my blogs- you people are the ones who made it happen by given me appreciation to the heights! I love you all! Thank you very much! “
With that, I stepped off the stage amidst a thundering round of applause. This love, this appreciaiton, this honor had me enthralled. This was the BEST day of my life and I can’t express it in any other way!
Disclaimer: This is not a real story and was written in response to the daily prompt which said:
Cast the movie of your life. This was for August 28th,2013 and I’m sorry I’m a little late. Oops!
