Wrapped In Modesty

4) Breaking Limits & Testing Luck

"Layla! Come over here!" My mother states, interrupting my conversation with Shamina, but with a smile so bright, I'm surprised I haven't got blind yet. Why is she so happy? I've never seen my mother so enthusiastic.

"Yes, Mother?" I ask, dying to know the reason behind that radiant smile.

"I've got some exciting news." She giggles like a teenager.

Okay, now I'm worried.

"What is this 'exciting' news, mum?" I persist.

"You've got a marriage proposal." Her teeth glisten.

"Tell me you're joking." My eyes widen in fear.

"No, it's the truth, you Auntie got asked for your hand by-" My mother begins.

"Woah! Mum, NO! Whoever it is! I don't care! Marriage is definitely the last thing I want to do at the age of sixteen!"

I'm waiting for the cameras to come out and say, 'You've been pranked!' because this is beyond reality.

How could my mother be saying these words?

"Layla! You will lower your voice right now!" My mother warns.

"Fine, but just because Auntie got married at sixteen, doesn't mean I have to!" I mutter darkly.

"This has nothing to do with your auntie! It's just an opportunity." She offers.

"Oh really? So it's just a coincidence that she got married at the same age? And that she found this guy?" I persuade.

"Layla, listen. No one's forcing you. It's just an offer." She explains softly.

"Well no. I don't want to." I confirm.

"Don't you want to know who it is?" She pleads.

"Alright, who?" I ask carelessly, I don't care who it is, I'm still saying a straight out no. Not even Taylor Lautner could coax me.

"Junaid-" She starts.

"Don't say Latif. Don't say Latif. Don't say Latif." I quietly pray.

"-Latif." She ends.

"Damn. My luck is getting worse and worse." I curse lowly.

"Language." A voice states behind me, and I turn to see the person.

"Ugh. What do you want?" I ask.

"Your hand in marriage." He declares.

"And I want to punch you. Neither one of us is geting our wishes." I groan.

"Why don't you say yes! I mean, I know we've hardly known each other, but still, consider it." He says.

"No thanks. I'd rather commit suicide." I answer.

Okay, so you may be confused right now, so let me explain, Junaid used to go to my primary school. We were never close, and he was always known as the sad excuse of a human. Then we departed at high school. Now it's been four years, and he wants to get married. No way. Things would be ever so awkward.

"What do you say?" He asks.

"No." I state firmly.

No one can force me into this.

I don't want to get married. Not yet.

My mother may be sad, but she should understand, she got married at twenty-two. So she had ages to live life, she would never force me into things like this.

Let's pretend his proposal never happened . . .