Chasing Heart

| Bittersweet |

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Fawad

"I told Mr Bukhari, that he and I will have a few meetings, and I would get to know about the sort of background Taif comes from even better." I told Mina over breakfast the day after the Bukhari family had visited us. "I may know Taif at work, and he seems like a good kid, but that's not enough for us to marry Iman off to him." 

Mina nodded thoughtfully before taking a sip of her tea.

"Why don't you meet up with Mrs Bukhari?" I suggested. 

"I really do not have a good judgement when it comes to reading people." She shook her head. "I would trust anyone who speaks nice words, even though I know that not all people mean what they say." 

"You're wrong." I looked carefully at her. "You have good instincts, and especially when it comes to your daughters." 

"What are we trying to find out exactly? We have seen how respectful and well-mannered Taif is." 

"A good way to assess someone is to talk to their parents. I agree, that this is not always the case, but for my experience, in general it gives you an idea of sort of person he is." I immediately thought about how my mother had blatantly disliked Umair's family on the first meeting, and she had wondered (in front of me and Papa) how we could expect Umair to be exceptional, giving his background. Their home itself reeked of family politics, and it was obvious in every little interaction the family had with each other.

From my first meeting with the Bukharis, I found them to be very likable, very wise. But it was about my daughter, and even though Hamza had turned out to be an exceptional damaad (Ma Sha Allah), his early days with Hania had taught me to be more cautious regarding Mani.

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Iman

"Our fathers are meeting today." Taif told me, leaning against the wall by the water filter, as I grabbed a disposable glass. 

"So?" I pressed the button, watching the clear liquid fill the transparent glass. Just watching the water pour inside was making me thirstier.

"So? Iman, I'm feeling like I'm being tested, and you're so casual about it." 

"Papa mentioned that he needs to assess everything, and he told your father that your parents are free to do the same." I sat down on a nearby chair to drink water. "It's normal for weddings, especially for the girls' parents." 

"You all have known me for years now." Taif sat down beside me.

I looked at him. "No doubt. But I'm their daughter, Taif. Even when you give someone a precious object, you get worried. A daughter is a part of her parents, a piece of their hearts and soul; why wouldn't they be careful before marriage, regardless of who the groom is?" I gave him a small smile. "Don't be offended. My mother already considers you her damaad-to-be." 

He returned my smile. "I'm not offended. I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of. I'm sure we'll pass in your father's assessment." 

I was paged by Dr Matthews, and it was time to get back to work. I stood up and glanced down at Taif, who remained seated. "When the intentions are pure, everything works out smoothly at the end, even if we do have to face obstacles to get there." I walked away, and despite my words, I suddenly felt nervous.

What if we don't pass this assessment? What if Papa refuses? What will I do in that situation?

Those questions running in my head had me tensed for the rest of the shift.