Chapter 2

F A R A H

Me and mom were in the kitchen preparing food for Aunt Khadija and her husband's visit; they called us that they will arrive within one hour as they are coming by plane. I washed the plates, dried them, and place them on the dining leaving mom to cook while Yasmin is in her room.

One hour passed by when we heard the doorbell; I made my way to the door and opened it, revealing beautiful aunt Khadija and her husband.

“Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija”

“Assalamu Alaikum uncle” I greeted them. Aunt Khadija pulled me in for a hug.

“How are you doing my daughter,” she said with her radiant smile

“Alhamdulillah aunt” I lead them towards the living room where mom is standing waiting for their entrance. They immediately embrace each other. I strolled to the fridge and brought a  cold drink for them.

“Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija” Yasmin greeted

“W* alaiki salaam, wow is this Yasmin,” aunt Khadija asked looking extremely surprised. Mom nodded.

“Masha Allah, she's all grown up, how are you, Yasmin?” She inquired

“I'm fine thank you”

                             •••

After lunch, we went back to our rooms leaving them to talk. I received an email from my boss telling me to be in the office tomorrow as early as possible. I rolled my eyes, it's not like I come late every day.

After what felt like hours, I started drifting to sleep when I felt Yasmin touching me.

“Sis Farah, mom said you should come down, they are leaving”. I adjust my hijab and descend down together.

“Take care, my daughter, we will visit you guys again,” aunt Khadija said embracing me in a hug.

“Insha Allah”

As they left mom informed me that she wants to talk to me, her expression was serious. Sitting down on the two sitter couch. I stared at her waiting for her to start talking.

“Farah I know you're an obedient girl,  what I'm about to tell you is something that will change your life in a good way.” I nodded my head in understanding hoping everything is fine.

“We were talking with Khadija earlier, when she suggests something that I have hundred perfect trust and agreed on,  and I know you will also give me your consent. ” she held both my hands, squeezing them a little.

“Tell me, Mom, Insha Allah if it's not against Islam, I will do it”

She let out a sharp breath and what she said next made me dumbfound. “They ask for your hand in marriage for their son” That was unexpected I felt lost of words

She squeezed my hands once again and continued “You know Farah, Khadija, and her husband are good people, I know they will take care of you and their son too,  he's a good person, I told them I will talk to you first; I know you will be surprised but I want you to think about this. I will be happy to see my daughter getting married and that into a good family and someone we know, I'm not saying you should give me your answer now, just think about it. ”

“Okay mom, I will think about it”

“Don't worry take your time”

Going up to my room, I sat down on the edge of my bed.  Should I accept this proposal or not. I don't even know him, it's not like I don't want to get married. I would love to.  I have my job, so what's there again. And Mom will b happy if I give my consent to this marriage.  I know aunt Khadija and her husband are nice people, I hope he's also nice like his parent. I made up my mind to accept the marriage, I don't know maybe if I reject I won't get a chance to marry into a nice family like Aunt's

Ya Allah, this decision I'm about to make will make both families happy. I hope I'm making the right choice.

Throughout that night, I constantly thought about what mom said, I even asked some advice from Yasmin, even though she doesn't know much about relationships.

I chuckle at my silly talks.its not like I also know about relationships. in fact, I've never been in one.

Maybe this will be your chance to find your true love.

***

Morning came and I made up my mind to give Mom my answer. I waited until we finished our breakfast first before talking.

“Mom I've thought about it, ” I started. her eyes snapped to mine and she stopped her cleaning and gave me her full concentration.

“Okay?” she asked waiting for me to speak up.

“If this marriage is what will make both families happy then I will go for it.  I know you will be proud to see your daughter getting married, so I accept this marriage” I said tight lip.

“Oh my dear, you've made the right decision, I'm so proud of you and I know your papa will also be proud of you. I will call Khadija and let her know” She pulled me in for a hug, and went away to give aunt Khadija a call.

Yasmin started jumping up and down hugging me. I have forgotten about her sitting there.

“Yee...my sister is getting married, I'm so happy for you sis Farah” she kissed my cheeks.  Mom came back after a while with a smile plastered on her face.

“Farah, I've spoken to them, they are very happy about this news. Words can't express how happy I am right now. And Jawad is coming back next week so they are coming together Insha Allah” So that's his name. Jawad

“Your husband to be has a nice name; I know he's handsome just like his name. I can't wait to meet him” she said giggling. Okay, I also can't wait to meet my soon to be husband.

                          •••

“Good morning sir” I greeted in my most polite tone.

“Morning Miss Farah,” he said looking to my direction. I pressed my lips in a thin line.

“Here are the files that need your signature sir” taking the files, he placed them on his desk.  

“Go when I'm through I will let you know” he waved his hand dismissing me.

“Okay, Sir” I fake a smile and exited the room back to my desk and continue my work. I was in deep thought thinking about this marriage, which I'm having throughout the day, what if I didn't make the right choice. I was in so much thought that I didn't hear the telephone ringing, which brought me back from my reverie.

“Yes sir?” I spoke in a low voice.

“To my office” and he hung up. I dragged myself to his office. feeling tired by going back and forth to his office.

“Come in” he spoke in a harsh voice. The way he speaks tells me he's angry. Ya Allah protect me from this man's wrath.

                             •••

The boss left furiously, snapping at us numerous times. I went home after finishing my work. I greeted mom and Yasmin that are watching TV. I went straight to my room feeling exhausted I needed a  hot shower. Not wasting any more time, I entered the bathroom and took a hot bath, perform wudhu, and prayed my missed prayers.

We ate dinner while watching an interesting movie. Yasmin had fallen asleep, leaving me and mom only.

“Mom let's leave this movie till tomorrow you must be sleepy,” I said catching a glimpse of her eyes closing. I switched off the TV,  woke up Yasmin and we went to our rooms.