CHAPTER | SEVEN | UMAYMAH | POV

It's unbelievable how after aunty Aliza stating I was old enough to get married, mom had already brought five suitors in the past month hoping that I would say 'yes' to one of them. One being ten years older than me and one only wanting to get married just for a green card. It took all the willpower I had in me to not remember their faces. There was no problem with their situation, but after I had been forcefully made to talk to them I had come to a conclusion that they couldn't be a person who would eventually love me or vice versa.

Currently there was no one home and I was honestly glad for it. This past month had been hectic with me and Abdullah trying to sneak meals for the boys everyday; I was surprised no one had noticed us yet. Contributing to the fact that I had been made to choose a decent boy who I might have a future with, all to which I said 'no' to. I didn't even remember giving my consent to marriage but mom knew better; I may not talk about it as often as I used to, but she knew that I've always wanted to settle down with a big family. Maybe this is why she's being a crazy match maker this past month.

After the last person I declined, I think mom was starting to understand that she needed to higher her standards - which is why she's out again with one of my aunties seeing who had a son available for me. When she told me of her plans I wanted to laugh thinking that she was joking, but being my mom, there was no joking unfortunately.

Just when I decided to take a stroll in the kitchen for food, I heard the doorbell ring. Luckily enough a spare hijab was hanging by the row of coats and I slipped it on, also grateful that I was wearing suitable clothing.

"Asalaamalaikum." Every time I opened the door, I would say this, not even knowing who would be at the other side. It didn't matter though because I was being respectful and that should count for something.

"Oh Walaikumasalaam. Your mom told me you'd be home alone today so I decided to drop by with some food." I looked ahead surprised that aunty Aliza was actually standing at my front door. This was definitely unexpected.

"You didn't have to do that! But please come in." With that I opened the door a little wider to make space for her petite frame to enter the house and sit down on one of our couches while placing the tub of food she had with her on the table.

"Come sit down, it's your own house." I obediently did as I was told and took a seat next to her.

"So how have you been? Is uncle and the kids alright? Shoaib?" Truth be told, the boy hadn't turned up for school for an entire month and I had a right to be worried.

"We're all okay Alhamdulilah but I came here to talk to you about Shoaib. I'm worried about him." Her voice was low and without a doubt I realised the worry that was laced in them. "It's just that we've tried our best to help him but he's so stubborn; a streak he got from both his parents but in this case it's not a good thing."

"I understand, but what have I got to do with it?" I was curious.

She looked at me with a smile and placed her hand on my arm. "I hear your mothers been looking for suitors for you." My eyes grew wide awaiting what she was going to say next and she saw this too. "Don't be afraid! I know this is a hard concept but I want you to get married to Shoaib, of course if you agree. I understand if you don't but the day when we came over, he behaved differently and when I asked him about it, he only replied it was because you were present." She now stopped talking, giving me a chance to absurd everything she had just said to me.

She wanted me to marry Shoaib. No matter how many time I repeated it in my head, I still couldn't comprehend this fact, or that it was because of me he was behaving.

"I-I don't know what to say. I mean I'm not saying no but obviously I would have to speak to my dad about this and everything." I feel back on the sofa not knowing how to deal with this situation. When taking the decision to help him, I didn't realise marriage would have been brought up.

"That's fine, I totally understand. Which is why yesterday while you were at school me and Isa decided to drop by with our proposal. No one said anything because I told them I would ask you about it." She was too sweet and at this moment I did not want to say no to her. How could I? Maybe by agreeing to this I could help him in many ways that I can't now.

"What does Shoaib have to say about this?" He couldn't have possibly agreed to this. From all of our encounters I knew that he found me annoying, so how would he be willing to spend the rest of his life with me?

"Surprisingly he agrees. I don't know whether it's because he knows every other girl who would ask for him only wants his money or that he likes you." I couldn't help the laughter that came after hearing what she had to say.

"I'm glad he agrees but I'm pretty sure there's nothing of that feeling towards me. Trust me, he finds me annoying, but if he doesn't mind then who am I to say no?" I surprised even myself after saying that. I just agreed to marry Shoaib.

"Really? Oh I'm so happy I'm going to be handing him over to someone I can trust. Than you so much, I really hope you'll be able to help him. I had a feeling you'd say yes so I dragged him along, in fact he's waiting outside and I would count this as your talk as part of the engagement process. Other than that, no talking unless necessary." I gave out a chuckle and held my hand up in surrender to say that I understood.

As aunty stepped out of the house, a neutral looking Shoaib walked inside and without a word took a seat on the opposite sofa.

"So, I didn't think you had a crush on me to say yes to this." I was leaning back with a smirk on my face. I had one opportunity before we got married to decently talk to this boy and I was definitely going to make the most of this time.

He looked up annoyed and leaned forward. "Don't think too high of yourself. You're probably the most decent girl in the entire town, which is why I'm agreeing to this." He said and looked me dead in the eye to prove his point. Mentally I was scared but I didn't let that show.

"Well that's still a good reason. You do know I'm going to change this little attitude of yours, right?" His eyes rolled but his position stayed the same.

"You can try all you want but that doesn't mean you're going to get anywhere." He was surely confident in himself but I couldn't blame him; he was accustomed to being like this.

"So explain to me why because of me you were behaving at the dinner." One eyebrow was raised to show that I wanted to know the reason behind his actions as they confused both me and his mother.

"You did me a favour by feeding the boys. I don't think I could cause trouble after that. Also, you don't have to send food every day."

"Oh. And yes I have to because no one's going to starve while me knowing about it. I think it's best if you don't stop me doing this." He knew I was right so thankfully said nothing against me doing what I had been doing.

"Well if that's all then." He stood up to leave but I still had one more question.

"Wait! When's the wedding?" I called after him. Knowing my mom she would have been excited and set a very early date. I also need to speak to her about lying to me today.

"Next week." I stood there in shock watching him leave with his infamous smirk plastered on his face. I realised it would be soon, but not this soon! Moreover he knew about the date yet he seemed to not be bothered about this at all.

Aunty was now back in the house with a smile on her face. "I didn't think you'd be so confident in speaking to him." I raised my eyebrow but she continued. "Sorry, I couldn't help but eavesdrop." I laughed and pulled my soon to be mother in law for a hug. She was too innocent compared to her son.

"Don't apologise and can I ask you something?" She gave me a nod. "Why's the wedding so soon?"

"I'm sorry it has to be like that, I just want him to realise his mistakes soon, that's all. But if that's to soon for you then we can re arrange!" It was cute how she was panicking over this rather than me.

"Don't worry about it I understand." Just to prove my point I gave her a genuine smile to which she returned happily.

"Also there's no need to do anything for the preparations. I've told your mom this too okay?" It was generous of her doing this but I couldn't possibly let them do everything. Years of saving for whatever I needed to spend it on was finally needed and I'm glad I saved up.

"Well you can't do everything! You should at least let me pay for some things; it's my wedding and it's not right my future in laws will be doing everything." I was very serious and I think she understood.

"Okay, well how about we pay for majority of the things and set the hall up while you get to pay for the dress. I would say choose but Shoaib insisted to pick one for you." I was taken back to hear her say that. Why on earth would he want to pick out a dress for me? I didn't question it though - knowing how stubborn she is, this was the best bargain I would get from her.

"Deal and just to let you know I'm looking forward to the day." I was, for many reasons in fact.

"Thank you so much. It's on Saturday but Insha'Allah everything will be sorted by then. I'm happy you're going to be the newest member in our family." She gave me a final hug and walked out the house again, but this time making her way to her own house. I watched her leave and silently closed the door after her.

A part of me wanted to call Shoaib back in here and ask wether it was him who had made the phone call about a month ago. I doubt it was him because he wouldn't do anything to harm me, but maybe he might know who it was. Then again maybe it was a wrong number because I never did get another phone call or anything bad happen to me.

I was now all alone again like I had been half an hour ago before everything changed and me knowing I was to be married next week. Running up the stairs. I came face to face with the all too familiar walls of my bedroom and sat cross legged on my still undone bed from this morning.

It dawned upon me then that I wasn't sure how Shoaib would be as a husband. He obviously didn't know how to behave like a son or a decent citizen for that matter, but a husband was going to all new levels. I knew that his mom had married his dad at an early age and helped him to become a better man by dealing with his past.

It was an infamous story told in this town about the middle aged couple who had apparently went through a lot. Which is why I couldn't understand what had happened to their son. However, I needed to talk to my parents about all this. My dad was still distant with me, but I didn't think he would agree to a proposal without me knowing about it.

Deciding to take a nap and talk to them when they arrived home, I pulled the covers over my head and closed my eyes.

***

"UMAYMAH!" I was in the bathroom and even though I had just stepped in, barely even closed the door, I sighed and walked back out and down the stairs where my name was being called.

"Yes mom?" I asked and made way to the kitchen, passing my brothers who were too engrossed in a basketball game on TV. Boys.

"My baby is getting married! I'm so happy to hear you finally agreed on someone." It was no doubt that she was excited but I couldn't say the same about my dad and Jasmine as I looked at the pair seated at the table.

"Thanks mom, I just wished you could've told me sooner. What's wrong with you two though?" My attention was back on them two and I joined them by taking a seat.

Dad cleared his throat and looked up to meet my gaze. "Habibti I'm sorry for the way things have been this past month and now to think you're getting married is unbelievable." I was then enveloped in a hug and the musk radiating off my dads thobe calmed me a little as I hugged him back.

"Don't apologise dad, it was my fault. Plus you say it like I'm not going to visit; I'd like to see him try and stop me from seeing my handsome dad over here." I was teasing now in order to lighten the glum atmosphere which had now dwelled on us.

"That's the spirit. I know that this is really soon but it seems they're in a hurry." Dad sighed and slipped out the kitchen knowing he wouldn't pull off being strong minded about this topic any longer.

Then I decided to look up at mom who had a smile on her face, but it was one of those sad smiles.

"What's the matter mom?" I asked gently and placed her hands in mine. It was an understatement to say that me and mom weren't close. We loved each other but I was more of a daddy's girl rather than a mommy's one.

"Don't worry about me, we have a wedding to plan. I'm very proud actually." It was rare for words like these to be uttered by my mother but I had appreciated it.

"Wait, aren't you meant to be panicking? That's what the mothers seem to do in the dramas anyway." I was surprised she was so calm and not demanding to look at weddings things already.

"Well your in laws have told us strictly not to do anything. All we have to do is relax and wait for Saturday. Can you handle that?" Mom teased and I stuck my tongue out at her.

I forgot Jasmine was in the room until I heard laughter beside mom. It was nice to see her other than depressed actually, especially since it's been a month and she hasn't come out with any sort of excuse for her behaviour.

"Gosh I hope he can cope with your childish antics dear sister. But you also know I'm going to miss you right?" I gave her a nod and sent a flying kiss in her direction to which she swatted away.

"Hey! Don't reject my kiss like that." I sank back in my chair pouting.

"You're gonna have to save it for Shoaib anyway." She gave me a wink and exited the kitchen followed by mom as I sent glares in her direction. She simply laughed it off and carried on walking out.

I couldn't believe she had just said that! There was no denying I was inexperienced with those things, but in a weeks time I would be experiencing them with my husband.

I don't think my family realised that this marriage wouldn't be lovey dovey, but whether or not I start to develop feelings for him is a completely different subject. To say I was scared was expected - not because he was the 'bad boy', but because of me catching feelings and it being one sided.

This, I realised was me over reacting. All in time will reveal how things work out and all I had left to do now was wait for Saturday. I could surely handle that. What I couldn't handle though was not telling Assia about this; she was my best friend and the only person I wanted to tell apart from family. Judging by the way my brothers were also ignoring me, I doubt they knew about it either.

After sending a quick text to Assia to come over urgently I took a seat with my brothers, even if I wasn't interested in the game that was playing on TV. Them on the other hand was a different story considering no one even looked up. Me and Assia didn't live far so it wasn't a surprise when the doorbell rang five minutes later.

"Hey!" I could tell she was taken back by the hug I had just enveloped her in but she still hugged me back and walked in with me behind her.

"Hey, what's the rush? Wanna go upstairs?" I wanted to tell her in front of my brothers so I wouldn't have to do it separately.

"No we can just sit here. It won't be that long anyway." She gave me a confused look but I ignored it and picked up the remote to turn the TV off so the attention was on me. A series of protests came from my brothers but I simply glared at them to be quiet.

"Great. Now that I have all your attention I just want to say something. I don't think mom and dad has told you yet, but I'm getting married on Saturday." I looked around the room waiting for someone to speak.

Finally Assia managed to get her mouth to work. "You better not be kidding right now! That's too soon! I mean who even is this guy?!" I laughed at her but soon stopped when more questions came from my brothers demanding who the guy was.

"I'm actually serious and its Shoaib..." I trailed off waiting to see their reactions and what I got was shocked expressions that included their mouths hanging open. "I'm guessing you're all happy then."

I knew they were happy but I also knew they were scared. Scared that their big sister and best friend was going to be marrying the most dangerous person in this town. It didn't matter though - he wasn't going to be perceived like this after this marriage. I would make sure of it.

***

THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED! Next chapter won't be the wedding because that would just be rushing in my opinion. As always let me know what you think ❤️