Destined

01.

* Nora's POV*

A wealthy, successful, and handsome man that works as a lawyer. That was the description of Omar I received from my mother. "He is the eldest child of my childhood friend, Safia" My mom said, smiling. "Umm okay, but what does it have to do with me?" I asked. "Well, Nora my dear, my friend and I already agreed for you two to marry each other" She replied. "So, it's an arranged marriage, right?" My mother nodded. "But I barely know him!" I cried. "Just why can't I marry someone of my own choice!?" "Why is it always you who is in charge of my life?!" "Nora! Don't you dare talk back to me!" my mom scowled. "You won't have a say in this! And you will marry Omar no matter what!" Endless droplets of tears trickled down my face. I was absolutely speechless.

I then dashed past Amir, my older brother, and ran upstairs into my room. It didn't take much for my pillow to become completely drenched in tears. I asked Allah SWT for forgiveness that I raised my voice at my mother. Minutes later, Amir slowly stepped into my room. "You wanna tell me what just happened?" I sat up on my bed, explaining the whole situation. "Wait, did you say Omar?!" He said in shock. "Yeah, why? Do you know him? I asked. It turns out, my brother was once in the same class as Omar in 12th grade. Despite his popularity, negative rumours about him were always circulating. In fact some were even true, such as several haram relationships and severe addiction to bad habits. "Wait, no" I said. "As Muslims, we have to assume the best of other muslims." "Maybe these rumours are also false." "Yeah I guess you're right, otherwise, why would Mother marry him to you?" Amir said. "He's filthy rich, and has a good job." I responded. "They're the only things Mother looks for in a guy.

*Omar's POV*

I saw my Mom rushing towards me with a serious look on her face. "Omar." She said. "What is it mother?" I asked. "Now... you may not 100 percent agree with this, but...." She began. The hesitant look on her face made me concerned and nervous about what next she had to say. Then suddenly, she formed a smile on her face, saying "My childhood friend, Samaya, and I have arranged a marriage for you with her daughter!" "Huh? An arranged marriage?" I said. "But what if she doesn't want to be with me? What if she finds out about my horrible past?!" My past is something I don't want to remember, nor do I want any other people to know about it, especially if it's my future spouse! "Darling, don't worry, you've changed now." My mother said, trying to comfort me. "Yeah, I guess I did change a lot..." I said. The type of person I was in the past, and my disgusting actions would make anyone leave me. But it's true, I did become a much better person. I've improved greatly, especially with my Imaan (Faith).

*Nora's POV*

Today was the day my future husband and I would meet each other for the first time. I wore a red satin abaya, with a white chiffon hijab. No makeup, as it was tabarruj. Not to be boastful, but I barely even needed it! "You better do good." My Mother whispered aggressively. A thought popped into my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about how I didn't want to marry Omar, that I didn't even consider if he wanted this marriage either. It was hard to even force a smile. I didn't want this arranged marriage. But there was nothing I could do about it. So I let out a deep sigh, and greeted everyone, including Omar. I glanced at him quickly, then lowered my gaze. He was dressed in a blue Jubba, I was honestly expecting a suit considering how wealthy he was. He even had a beard as well. Just what is up with all the rumors then? Maybe he wouldn't be so bad. Wait. I'm not really one to judge but I think I just saw part of a small tattoo beneath his sleeve. I'll just ask questions regarding his past as well as his Deen so I can know more about this guy.

*Flashback*

"Also Nora, don't even think of asking irrelevant topics about faith and stuff to Omar" Ordered my Mother.

*Flashback over*

Whatever, I'll do so anyway. Even if my mother gets mad at me, I have the right to know this stuff about someone I will marry.

"So, Omar..."