The Weight Rumours Hold

Chapter 17: Destiny

(2 years ago)

I opened my eyes carefully and peeked a little just to see my auntie and dad having a talk.
Curiosity was killing me after I heard my name being mentioned repeatedly. I wanted to know what's going on. I was pretending to be asleep and quickly shut my eyes tight once they walked back into the room. I heard my auntie continue.

"Hashim, my son is in age too. Wouldn't they go well together. Your daughter in the future when she's 18 you can get her married here"

"Hmm I mean she's still 16 and your sons 18"

"My son is good and he is family. He will do just as I say"

What!?! Are they talking about me marrying someone? My aunties son?? Why was this so normal to talk about for them. I'm still 16

"If we decide on it now it'll be secure for their future and both families won't have to worry"

"Hmm your right about that, I'm sure the kids would agree"

"So it's a done deal right? Mubarak ho (=congratulations) Hashim"

I peeked out once again from my duvet as they smiled and seemed proud of their work.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

A year later, after I turned 17 things only got worse and aunties started teasing me to marry. I had never wanted to marry but that option wasn't there.

"Mum I don't want to marry him. How can these people tease me about him. I don't even like him and marriage doesn't work without both our consent"

"He has already agreed to marry you"

"WHAT!"

"Aww aren't you surprised"

"YES I MEAN NO? What? how can he say yes?"

"What's wrong with your reaction? Why are you so surprised? You were fine with it when you were younger"

"Mum I was 16. I had no idea about how marriages work and it's you guys who initially decided it. What happen to me having a choice? Islam definitely doesnt allow forced marriage"

"Who's forcing you? No one. We just found a good guy for you. Once you live with him you will learn to get along don't worry. It's always hard at first"

I didn't know what was going on my brain was a total mess. I'm sure normal 17 year olds would be busy hanging out with freinds and talking about school work and celebrities not marriage.
Without thinking I pulled out my phone and decided to message him. (After finding his number on imrans phone)

"Hi, I don't know about the past or what our parents promised but I'm sorry I don't want to go along with this marriage. I hope you can understand. I am old enough to make my decisions now and I have thought this through"

Surprisingly he replied to me in an instant.

"Why not?"

Was he crazy? Why was "no" such a debatable thing. Fine I'll kindly explain