Destined

04.

*Omar's POV*
There were two 9 seater cars, one for the men, and the other for the ladies. But I decided to drive separately in my own vehicle. It was a 20 minute drive until we reached the highly rated and luxurious restaurant. Everyone stepped out of the cars after they got parked in the VIP section. Nora was completely mute, staring at the ground. That was until everyone headed into the restaurant. She glanced at every corner and asked why no-one was there except for us. "Omar rented this whole place just for you, after all, he is quite wealthy" My mother answered.

"Oh, you didn't have to do that." Nora said. "Why not? I asked. "I think I should at least do the bare minimum of providing the best for my future wife." It was easily recognisable that the phrase "future wife" made her a bit uncomfortable. It was completely understandable though. There was an awkward moment of silence before Nora's mother, Aunt Samaya suggested for us to take our seats. Everyone did so, and there was a bit of loud chatter after that. However, Nora still didn't talk. "Enjoy your food!" Smiled the waiter. Everyone feasted on a fancy and elaborate dish, which was followed by a dark chocolate tart.

Alhamdulillah that at least ONE thing made Nora brighten up a bit. And that was food. But I still couldn't get her argument today with her mother out of my mind. It made me feel uneasy, and I even felt a little guilty somehow. Actually, you know what? How about I just make a bold move? I'll say it to the father though. "Uncle Musa, I was wondering if it would be okay for the nikkah to be a bit sooner." I said. "Oh? How soon?" He asked raising his eyebrows. "In about 2 weeks." I answered. "Its honestly shocking how you're so eager to marry that good-for-nothing, I mean, she's barely half as beautiful as her friends and I personally feel bad for you!" He laughed. No one, not even her family stood up for her when she got insulted! As Nora's future husband, it was my job to protect her.

"Hold on, what did you say? I questioned him, standing from my chair "No. Not even I am worthy of marrying someone as beautiful as your daughter!!" I insisted. Uncle Musa stared at me blankly for a moment, then chuckled. "You're joking right?" He snickered. Everyone then laughed, as their gazes went directly at Nora, who's face was pointing at the ground, her head low. I slowly sat back down from my chair and saw that the inner corners of her eyebrows were drawn up, and her eyes slowly filled with tears. I felt sharp regret and an immense amount of guilt. What have I done?! It's all my fault...

*Nora's POV*
My vision started to blur. I shut my eyelids tightly in hopes that I wouldn't cry. That's it. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I just couldn't, the pain was unbearable! Endless tears rolled down my face and I panicked. Not knowing what to do, I randomly shot up from my seat and quickly walked out the restaurant. I had to take an elevator though. I mean, it was a lavish place, what was there to expect? I stepped inside the elevator. But right before it's doors closed, a hand stopped it from doing so. It was Omar.

His hand was stuck and it honestly looked pretty painful. I felt bad and frantically clicked the 'open door' button. "Hey, I-I sincerely apologise for everything back there..." His facial expression told me that he was being honest. "It was all my fault." He continued. What's going on? I was genuinely confused. Amir said that Omar was cold-hearted and didn't care at all about a woman's emotions. But my brother would never tell a lie...

"When you said that our nikkah would happen in two weeks, were you serious about that?" I asked. "Well, yeah. Is that okay with you?" He responded. "But why..." I said. "Nora, how about you choose when the nikkah takes place?" Omar said. "O-okay, then.... in two weeks would actually be fine." I said. Wow. Maybe deep down, I didn't mind this arranged marriage. Maybe I just wanted to go on my own pace. Above all, I was starting to kind of like this guy.

*Ping!* I received a text message from Amir.

Start of text
Omar might seem like a good guy just because he chased after you when no one else did, but trust me, he's not what you think he is. Have you forgotten about everything he did in his past?
End of text

Past this, past that. Every time when Amir wanted to make a negative comment on Omar, it would always be about his past. I left his message on seen, and placed my phone back into my red baguette bag. It was silent after that. Ding! We finally reached the entrance of the restaurant and headed out. "Can you please call your friend? Any friend that has a license." Omar requested. Well, that was strange. Why did he want me to do that? Whatever, I'll just do it without questioning him. It was going to take some time for Hafsa to arrive, so Omar bought a chocolate for us both to eat until then. "Huh? Why are there three?" I asked. "Oh, that? You can give it to your friend." He answered. That was really thoughtful of him. "Thank you." I said. "No problem." Omar replied.

I went on my phone and read Quran on one of my apps, whilst he was also distracted by his phone, listening to nasheeds with his wireless ear buds on. Hafsa finally arrived, and we gave each other a hug. Even though I was always compared to her, it wasn't her fault at all, and it didn't make me like her any less. I smiled at her, and said Alhamdulillah under my breath for having a friend like her. Hafsa looked at me for a moment, then said, "Nora why are your eyes so puffy? Have you been crying?" She seemed really concerned, but I just told her it was nothing for her to worry about, and skipped the topic with a laugh.

"Wait where's your car? I asked her. "I came in a bus. Oh no, was I supposed to bring my car?" Hafsa panicked. "Here, you can borrow my car." Omar offered. "But its literally one of the most expensive cars! What if it gets damaged while I drive it?" Hafsa said. Omar then assured us that if it happened, he would take care of it but we should still be careful. After that, me and my friend hopped into his car and drove off as he went back to the restaurant to explain everything.