THE REVERT 5

 "Mom, dad! You need to have a talk with Ruby about it. She is going overboard with this whole religious thing! She doesn't talk like before, she doesn't behave like before, she doesn't dress like before. We live in a society. If she continues to behave like that we'll soon be outcast." said Rocky in Stern voice.

-" I think you have done more than you are supposed to. Raising Ruby, I never said a harsh word to her but you crossed your limit as a brother. I supported you intially because I did want her to go such extreme. But your behavior is making her more stubborn than ever before. Don't you see that she doesn't really care if she gets beat up or  mentally tortured in a dark room? My daughter hasn't eaten anything in past whole week except water. " tear welled in Mahad Nasr's eyes. He continued, " I have decided from now on she will get what she wants, she will live the way she wants. My words are final!!"

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After a long shower, Ruby finished her evening prayer. Her mother just called her to go downstairs for dinner. Looking at the mirror, Ruby smiled. 

' Life is really weird. The loving family has become the enemy within a matter of days. The only reason, my faith, my reverting back to the almighty. The rabb who I was unaware of my whole life, only knowing him put me into this test.'

Right away, she told herself, 

'It's okay Ruby. Having the knowledge is better than being ignorant even if that knowledge costs your life. Our sahabas have done it. In fact they went through more test than this. Compared to them, you are still enjoying.'

Ruby took the big shawl that she made out of the bedsheet and wrapped herself around on top of her pajama and t shirt. 

'May be I am extreme but this is the way I'll go. For months, I have been fighting in my mind. Didn't know what was the right thing to do. It's true that none can be ignorant after they learn the knowledge, even if they want to! I couldn't either!'

With a sigh, Ruby started walking toward the kitchen.

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After almost a week later, Ruby is sitting with her whole family for dinner. Her mom Shirin made all her favorite dishes, to be specific meat dishes. A sigh escaped Ruby's lips. 

-"Why aren't you taking anything, dear? These are all your favorite dishes." Mahad Nasr said looking at her daughter.

-" Trying to see what should I eat from here." Ruby reached for the salad.

-" Please take it, I made it special for you. Your favorite chicken ceaser salad. Sama, Rocky's wife pushed the bowl toward Ruby. 

Ruby paused for a moment. Smiling, she muttered

'Psychological game you guys are playing.'

-"Why did you stop?" Rocky said. " Sama put so much effort behind it. You should at least try."

-"I see how you guys put so much effort behind it. Next time, please don't sweat over my food. I'll be glad."

After drinking a glass of water, Ruby got up from the chair.

"I bet, the grocery store didn't have fresh fruits that's why you couldn't get them either!"

-"How dare you disrespect my wife like that?" Rocky yelled.

-" Don't scream brother! I am staying quiet doesn't mean I don't know how to talk. Before teaching me how to respect your wife, learn how to respect someone else's belief. At least people will think you are a good person for once."

Rocky got up with fury. But didn't react when Mahad Nasr signed him to calm down.

Ruby walked toward her father and lowered herself to kiss his forehead. She whispered,

" Nice mind game daddy but don't forget that I am your daughter. I am like you. Don't make me play the same game with you."

Ruby ran upstairs. Behind the closed door, Ruby started crying. Looking up she asked, 

" Ya Rabb! Is it going to end soon or is it the begining of it?"

To be continued...

( All the characters, story and geographical locations are fictitious)