Faurah

Chapter 8

"Beta come to my room." I heard my mum yell from downstairs and made my way towards her voice.

"Ji ammi?"

"Sit, sit," she pointed to her bed while rummaging through her cupboards stacked with endless piles of clothes.

She through a garment in my direction, "try this one on, then the pink one and the green one after. I need to find hijabs for the one you decide to wear."

"Wear for what?" A pleasant feeling burrowed in my chest. Was there a wedding or event we were going to? The clothes were all fancy with gold detailing.

She looked in my direction and clapped her hands together. "Your auntie Shamila sent a rishta!"

"What?" I choked on air. "I'm not ready for this yet. I need time for myself."

"Chup! All you need to do is sit there and smile. Nothing is happening yet, all we're doing is seeing the boy." She went on and I rolled my eyes.

"Urgh fine I'll see him but I'm making no promises."

My mum strolled up and sat beside me taking my hands in hers. "Listen, jaan," she tucked some of my hair behind my ear, "after the acts Haroon has done we don't know what damage there is. We need to find someone who will marry you before they find out. Even if you're not married by then the rishta will know you enough to know that you're a good girl who would never do such things. They will believe you. Please trust your, mother. I only want what's best for you."

I looked into her eyes. The loving look only a mother has for her child shining back at me. I couldn't refuse her but at the same time anxiety clenched at my heart. It was too soon and the pain from Haroon's betrayal still wounded my soul.

Did Haroon even believe what he was saying or did he know he was exaggerating that day?

I nodded to my mother and didn't say another world while trying on the dresses and eventually setting on the green and gold shalwar kamiz.