-One year later-
*Manha's POV*
We have a new addition to our family just a year ago. No, not a baby but a bride. Yes, you are right Saleh has married. Like finally. It was fun but very tiring too. Sehirsh and her family was here and they stayed at our home till the wedding was over.
Samrah Bhabi is really beautiful and too sweet Masha'Allah. They both make a great couple. Masha'Allah. Mamma and Abbu were the happiest. Like literally, I haven't seen them so happy anytime. May Allah keep our family happy and blessed, In sha Allah.
It's been a year since Saleh's marriage. Mamma is happy having Samrah Bhabi with her. She helps Mamma out in almost everything. She sometimes help me in my college work too. She's a beautiful person inside and out. May Allah reward her for what she does.
I was looking at some pictures when I heard Abbu calling me "Manha beti (daughter)." I quickly went to my Abbu who was in the living room with my mother seated next to him. They both had bright smiles on their faces.
I was becoming suspicious about this situation. Thousands of thoughts were wandering in my mind. 'What have I done wrong?'...'Is everything okay?'...'What's going on?' I shook these thoughts off and then sat in front of my parents. I said, "Yes, Abbu. You called me." He just nodded and then spoke after clearing his throat "What do you think about marriage?" Just as he said the word 'MARRIAGE' I was frozen right in my place. My eyes widened and I couldn't speak a word. 'No I can't marry so soon. I-I haven't even completed my studies yet. What if I can't study after marriage?! I want to study more. I love to study and be an educated person.'
I was brought back to my senses when Mamma said, "Its alright if you aren't ready. We just wanted to know if you were ready or not. That's all." I spoke with a little shaky voice "I-I..." Abbu said, "Speak sweety?" I continued, "But I'm still a little girl...Your little girl and I want to complete my education too." Abbu laughed a little and spoke "Of course my dear, you can complete your education after you are married. Malik will be too happy to know that."
I caught the man's name to whom my parents wanted me to marry. I don't want this marriage. Not so soon. I dislike him for wanting to marry me. I still have a lot of stuff to do with Sehrish. We have a lot of things to do together. I have to talk to Sehrish about this. I just can't..she'll help me out.
Abbu was saying something like "....I know that you feel, this marriage is a little quick." I spoke "YEAH! WAYY TOO QUICK." I smacked myself in my head for saying that, I didn't think I would say that out loud. "Mamma, Abbu I need some time to think. Is that okay?" I got up and so did my parents. Abbu hugged me and said "Take your time, sweety. There's no hurry. I'll tell Malik that we will give him the answer in a week." He kissed my forehead and said salaam while going towards his bedroom. Mamma hugged me a spoke softly saying "Whatever you decide my dear, make sure it makes YOU happy because to me and your Abbu its all that matters the most." She said her salaam and went to where Abbu was. I have to call Sehrish. Like NOWW!
I dialed her number and was getting a little annoyed at why she's not picking the call. Ugggh! Why isn't she picking! I thought to myself until I heard a panting voice saying "Assalaamualaikum." "WalaikumAssalaam, why did you pick the call so late? I have something really important to tell you about." "I'm fine Alhamdulillah. Oh! Manha, Jazak'Allahu Khairan for asking how I have been." She was teasing me and then I said, "Now listen to what I have to say please." I was getting a little impatient. "Go ahead, shoot" she said. "Mamma and Abbu asked me if I wanted to get marry to a guy named MALIK. I don't want to marry him so quickly. I mean I haven't even completed my education yet. I'd like to get married some day but it's not gonna come until I have completed my education. I dislike him for wanting to marry me. I don't even know what he does. YA ALLAH! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS GUY OTHER THAN HIS NAME." I waited for Sehrish to reply but then I quickly spoke "Are you even listening Miss busy bee?" She cleared her throat and started to speak "Firstly, yes I was listening very carefully to every word you said. Secondly, you shouldn't dislike someone unless you have a reason. You clearly don't knoww this 'Malik' person other than his name so don't judge. Thirdly, MASHA'ALLAH! I AM REALLY HAPPY FOR YOU MANHUU! I CAN'T EXPRESS MY HAPPINESS. YOU ARE REALLY BLESSED. I am so excited for YOUR wedding. Fourthly, pray to Allah that he guides you to do the right thing. In sha Allah, whatever is best for you will surely happen. Lastly, cool down love, you just got a proposal. It's not like you are getting married in two days. How cool would that be though? Anything else which I might be missing?" She laughed a little at the last two things she said and I faked a laugh which she clearly noticed. "I don't think that there's anything I missed. But, I have to give Abbu my answer in a week. So, I guess I'll just do Istikhara about it, In sha Allah. Jazak'Allahu Khairan for always being with me. I love you, Seh." "Ameen Wa Iyyakum. I'll always be there for you In sha Allah. I love you too, Manhu" she said in a soft voice. I said to her "Take care of yourself and covey my salaam to Uncle Saif and Aunt Tasnim." She replied saying "You too take care. Don't stress In sha Allah, Allah will give you what's best for you. Covey my salaam to uncle and aunt too. Ma'assalamah."
The day was long and I was very tired so I prayed the Isha prayer and crashed into my bed.
That's all for this chapter guys. Hope you like it. Please do comment, vote and share the story I would really appreciate that. Jazaka'Allahu Khairan. Stay blessed :D
