iman | hakim ziyech

.5

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[1113 words]

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'iman. when you get engaged, you better be ready for the worst payback of your life.'

iman simply winked at her, shouting out 'i'll be waiting!'

she remembered manal's words from that day she had riled her up about achraf. the day was only a few months ago, but it felt so much more distant at the moment. she smiled bitterly, thinking about her words. manal didn't need to do anything for her so called 'worst payback' because life had found a way to do it for her instead.

she didn't know who had cursed her.

she messed with the ring on her finger, finding it uncomfortable to wear. she had always left her left ring finger blank, fantasising about a love like her friends. she gazed down at it, staring at the way it caught the light, flashing like armaments. it looked quite expensive, even if it was very last minute. it didn't suit her though, it felt like his mother had picked up the first one she had put her finger on. and iman didn't blame her for it.

under normal circumstances this would have been the lottery. she wasn't materialistic, but had a very idealistic view of what her wedding would be like. flowy dresses, amazing food, and the most spectacular decorations. she had always imagined she would the bride that laughed and danced at her own party. after all, she was an only child.

it had happened in the blink of an eye.

iman abbas was engaged. she had agreed to it, not out of force but because it seemed like the most sensible thing to do. she had been very insensible so far, reluctant to take her friend's advice on sharing her problems with people around her. it seemed to have bit her hand far more seriously than expected.

she had gotten engaged to the quite a bit older mr hakim ziyech, their guest who looked like he was on his way to become much more than just that.

-the day before

marking one week since her brothers wedding, hakim's mother had flown in from the netherlands to help with the damage control that was left in the wake of the events that happened that night.

she didn't look pleased with any of it, and neither did her son. she had bit her tongue when his mother shared with laila that 'this was not how i imagined hakim marry.' with an unfortunate tone.

she was holding back from saying 'aunty, this is not exactly my dream wedding love story either!' but she was already not in her good books, and she didn't want to hurt her chances any more. besides, she had learnt to be quiet and let everyone else do the talking for once in her life. she was glad when her mother replied with 'and iman is my only child. i had better expectations for how all of this would happen.' to which hakim's mother nodded solemnly.

but alas, it didn't matter what any of their opinions were because what had to happen was already decided.

there was to be a simple ceremony in a week where hakim's siblings could be there. nothing grand, and quite low-key. it was to be a stark contrast to the wedding that had passed them a week prior.

she leant against the door, listening to the people in the room confirm on the date when hakim's mother requested to speak to her son in private.

she quickly ducked out of the way, trying not to listen in on what the two were talking about with quite a tone. she wasn't actively eavesdropping, but they were speaking loud enough for her to hear.

'be honest with me hakim, are you sure about this?'

'i have to be mama, is there a choice?'

'there is always a choice, and i won't let you be forced into marrying someone you do not like because of customs.'

'i get that i don't know her, but think about it mama, i can say no and nothing would happen to me. but her? her life will be in ruins. you know how cruel it is! besides it's really my fault for not calling others for help at the first opportunity. all this could have been prevented.' his mother seemed to analysing what he was saying. iman's breath hitched in her throat as the reality sunk in that this was serious and she wasn't going to be the only person affected by it.

she had zoned out when she heard hakim speaking again.  '..out of anything i'm doing this for her mother.' great, he was talking about her.

'this whole family has treated me with kindness and if this is the only solution then i'm okay with it.'

'hakim,' his mother's face was wiped off annoyance when she rested her hand against her sons face. 'a few months ago you said you wanted to marry reem.' she was truly sorry for her son.

iman's heartbeat sped up. she was really ruining this guys life, and the girl's too who he supposedly liked. the guilt was pecking at her now. her title as a self proclaimed cupid was tarnished because she was going to become a villain in someone else's story.

there was a pause and she imagined hakim clenching his eyes shut at the thought of being parted from the person he actually wanted to marry. 'it doesn't matter anymore. if i'm okay with it and iman's okay with it, then..' he trailed off, as if indicating that all the thoughts led to one solution.

'if you agree, you have to stay true to your word. the girl seems to suffering too and you're not going to be allowed to change you mind later.' his mother concluded with a finality in her voice. hakim seemed to have agreed as all iman could hear now was their receding footsteps as they went back into the room.

'we have a few conditions, but otherwise we are okay with this decision. in one weeks time, we can expect a nikkah.'

she heard as she went back to her normal spot, but was stopped by manal who shook her head at her.

iman had a blank look on her face and manal was left wondering why her friend's life had turned upside down in the matter of a few months.

but she knew it was all in Allah's greater plan.

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