Destined To Be.

Chapter 40/Part 2

James,

The day is here!! Finally , Ayla and I will become one. I've been on a high ever since that day she came to declare her love . I've been banned from coming over to the house and damn it's killing me but not long to go. I need to run some errands and since Tommy Is over at Ayla's I can quickly get them done before our wedding ceremony later on.

I quickly get dressed and forgo breakfast, I'll get something on the go. I close the door behind and make my way towards the car. I stop to look up at Ayla's room but the curtains are drawn. Maybe I can jump up the garage and make my way to her room?

Nope !!! Mrs Khan will kill me !!

Stay focus James! You're not some teenage lad .. even though that's exactly how  I feel at the moment! I hop into the car and with one final look, back the car out and focus on driving. Come on, not long left, You can hang on for a few more hours.

***

I've done what needed to be done and stopped at a cafe to get some food. The moment I enter my eyes land on a group of older ladies.

Crap!!

They are known to be the Town's notorious gossip mongers. I'm in line to be served and keep my gaze straight ahead. No doubt I'm no stranger to them as I've led a colourful young life , what with painting the town red with my drinking and sleeping around. Well that's in the past and ever since I've become a dad I've stopped all that. My life did a complete 360. Being away for years hasn't worked in my favour though,  as I know they've instantly recognised me.

"Mhmmm.. that's the one!

"Wedding today.. have you been invited?"

"No. I wonder why?"

"But isn't he still a ..." Loud whisper, " a non believer!"

Shocked gasping.

"You means he's a Kaffir and she's still going ahead with the marriage?"

" mhmmmm!!"

"No shame whatsoever!"

"A Muslim woman, marrying a non believer is a huge sin!"

"Ya Allah, this is not good at all!"

"This is unforgivable!"

More shocked gasping.

That's it!! I've had enough. I turn around and take a few steps towards them. The anger in me rising with each step. They share various looks amongst themselves... I guess they thought I wasn't going to
Retaliate! Well I wasn't, but the moment they mentioned Ayla I saw red. I'm about to put them in their place when Mr Khan enters the cafe. The gossip mongers eyes widen further more when they see him approach me with a huge grin on his face.

"James my son, what are you doing out and about? I thought you'd be at home getting ready to marry my girl!" He embraces me with affection.

"Ignore them son." He whispers . "They're not worth it!" He pulls apart and steers me towards the exit.
"Ladies!" He nods his head politely and together we leave.

My anger is taking time to subside . Mr Khan walks me over to my car. "Calm down son, you know they have nothing better to do!" He gives me a firm shake.

"I don't give a fu..a toss what they say about me Mr Khan.. but it's the way they were referring to Ayla. That I can't stand!."I clench my jaw in anger.

"Son, who cares about them! You know we don't! So why waste your time and energy on th..."

"No Mr Khan, my Ayla doesn't deserved to be talked about in that manner!" I grit out. " I know it won't stop any time soon. This small town is never going to change but I c..."