It Runs In The Family: Aleena Masood and Romisa Raffay

Aleena Masood, a fashion designer, and her sister Romisa Raffay, take a trip down memory lane. From bunking school, to hiding from their parents, to sneaking out for 4am drives, these sisters share it all

What is your first memory of each other?

Romisa: I remember being very little and to keep me company Aleena used to lie down beside me with her favourite fruit juice in my spare baby bottle.

Aleena: I can vaguely recall Romisa in a red and white cotton dress, holding her favourite Jamaican doll. She always had one pet toy that would literally live with her.

What is the craziest thing you have done together?

Romisa: Bunked school and slept under the dining table so our parents wouldn’t find out.

Aleena: Sneaked out for a drive at 4am.



What did you get punished for the most as a child?

Romisa: For playing rowdy games and getting injured every time.

Aleena: I was mostly a good child; can’t recall any childhood punishments. I was punished more often in my teens.

If you could only wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, from the others closet, what would it be?

Romisa: I can never decide on one outfit from her closet. I have many favourites!

Aleena: I don’t think I can ever pick any “one” thing from her closet although our wardrobes are almost identical.

If you could swap places with each other, what’s the first thing you would do?

Romisa: Spend time with my nieces (her daughters) day and night.

Aleena: Weigh myself!



What is the one thing you love about your sister?

Romisa: She exudes positive vibes! Every time I feel low, she comes and makes everything brighter for me.

Aleena: Everything, inside out.

If you are fighting with each other, how do you make up?

Romisa: Cry and then hug.

Aleena: Cry it out and then it feels like nothing ever happened.

What is the one secret talent your sister has, that you wish you had too?

Romisa: She’s super artistic! Her paintings and drawings are extraordinary.

Aleena: I would say babysitting and her dedication towards kids.

Describe your sister in three words:

Romisa: Audacious, spontaneous and unstoppable.

Aleena: Supersensitive, devoted and guileless.

Which fictional character is your sister most like?

Romisa: Has to be Sleeping Beauty! Although she doesn’t get to do that much nowadays but she can sleep for 14 hours at a stretch.

Aleena: Mr. Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

How are your personalities similar?

Romisa: We’re poles apart, yet we get along so well that we have no idea about what’s happening around when we’re together.

Aleena: Our personalities aren’t similar in any way, but we still feel like we’re one.

I can’t live without my sister because…

Romisa: She’s the joy of our lives!

Aleena: She’s my world, can’t explain why…