FARAH

Mom and I were in the kitchen preparing food for Aunt Khadija and her husband's visit; they called us to say they would arrive within an hour as they were coming by plane. I washed the plates, dried them, and placed them on the dining table, leaving Mom to cook while Yasmin was in her room.

An hour passed 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 led them towards the living room where Mom was standing, waiting for their entrance. They immediately embraced each other. I strolled to the fridge and brought a cold drink for them.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Aunt Khadija," Yasmin greeted.

"Wa Alaikum 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 adjusted my hijab and descended 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 wanted to talk to me. Her expression was serious. Sitting down on the two-seater 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 was fine.

"We were talking with Khadija earlier, and she suggested something that I have one hundred percent 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 left me dumbfounded. "They asked for your hand in marriage for their son." That was unexpected; I felt at a loss for 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 would 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 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 be 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 parents. I made up my mind to accept the marriage. I don't know, maybe if I reject it, 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 for some advice from Yasmin, even though she doesn't know much about relationships.

I chuckled at my silly talks. It's not like I also know about relationships. In fact, I've never been in one.

Maybe this will be my chance to find true love.

***

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

"Mom, I've thought about it," I started. Her eyes snapped to mine, and she stopped her cleaning, giving me her full attention.

"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-lipped.

"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 had forgotten about her sitting there.

"Yay! 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 in my direction. I pressed my lips into 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 faked a smile and exited the room, back to my desk to continue my work. I was in deep thought about this marriage 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 from going back and forth.

"Come in," he spoke in a harsh voice. The way he spoke told me he was 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, who were watching TV. I went straight to my room, feeling exhausted and in need of a hot shower. Not wasting any more time, I entered the bathroom, took a hot bath, performed wudhu, and prayed my missed prayers.

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

"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.

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