married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

episode 17 "This is war not love. When hearts are not ready"

"I know she'd rather die than admit she loves you."
Ps Abdullah Amir

Khalid's POV

As the Englishman says, "You don't know what you have until you lose it." And that is exactly what's about to happen. Like, who even cares what people think?

All I know is I'm going to ask for Zahra's hand in marriage. I'll let her family know as soon as possible so they can reserve her for me. I'm tired of all the drama, and Yasir is seriously starting to get on my nerves.

I know my mom wouldn't love the idea because she always wanted me to marry Jamila. But that's impossible. I've never had feelings for her. Jamila and I are like siblings, so what's the point of stressing over something that doesn't make sense?

It's not people's gossip that scares me. It's rejection. That's the only thing I hate.

Anyway, I'll talk to Zahra's family before involving mine. I feel like she might agree... but still, I'm freaking scared. After all, who wouldn't want a handsome, well-off dude like me?

Today, school was boring and exhausting, as usual. I even went home earlier than usual because I was planning to go to Jamal's house and sort things out with Yasir.

There weren't any lectures at the university, so Yasir would probably be there too.

I prepared popcorn and chips to take with me, and some snacks just for Yasir. He's really my G you know. I overreacted yesterday, but Jamal made it clear it wasn't Yasir's fault. He wanted to explain everything, but he was busy with the kids, so I let it go. I think they're preparing to travel next week anyway.

I could've pushed for the full story it might've helped me know where I stand. But I can't trouble someone who's already running around, just to satisfy my own curiosity.

"Well, I'll talk to her and get back to you."
That was Jamal's response when I told him everything. Yasir had gone downstairs to get popcorn, so it wasn't hard to open up.

I've done my part. Now it's up to Allah to choose what's best for me.

Yasir's POV – Two Months Later

My mom called Zahra's dad and dragged me into more trouble. He'd spoken to both my parents, and now they've decided to take the marriage proposal seriously.

I honestly think they've made the worst decision of their lives. We're both going to say no anyway, so why gather the entire family over something pointless?

Though... lately, I've been seeing Zahra more like a human being not the wild girl who slapped me two months ago. I guess she was just angry. I genuinely understand that now.

We've sorted out our differences. We agreed to reject the proposal. As much as I admire a woman of character—and she does have that I've made my decision. We both did.

"Yasir, my son, come and sit with me," Zahra's father said as I stood in the dining room collecting popcorn for the boys.

"Yes, Uncle," I replied, immediately turning and shaking his hand.

"Assalamualaikum."

"Wa'alaikumussalam. Why don't we go to the living room instead?" I offered, lowering my gaze out of respect.

"What I'm about to say is sensitive. I guess here is okay," he said, and my heart started beating a little faster.

We pulled out two chairs at the dining table and sat across from each other.

"My son, what I'm about to say is very important. You have to listen carefully," he began, and I nodded, trying to calm my shaky hands.

"Marriage is a sunnah in Islam, and we should be eager to practice what our Prophet ﷺ practiced. I just want to let you know that I have no problem with you marrying Zahra. The only time I'd have a problem is if Zahra isn't okay with it.

"I'm sure that's what your parents want too. Your mother and my late wife were best friends—they always wanted this marriage to happen. But that doesn't mean we should force either of you.

"Marriage is not easy. I want my daughter to marry someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with. And I know Zahra she would rather die than say she loves you.

"But what I want is your consent. Even if you want to wait a bit, as long as you stay away from haram, that's fine with me.

"You're already 18, rich, and grounded in your deen. And let's be honest if 15-year-old dating couples aren't protecting their chastity despite not being married, who are we to stop you from doing the right thing?

"That said, I've given both you and Zahra one week to think about your relationship. Assalamualaikum."

I took a deep breath. "Okay, Uncle. Wa'alaikumussalam warahmatullah. I'll think about it and give you my answer." Then I left with the popcorn.

Khalid's POV

"I've given both you and Zahra one week to thoroughly think about your relationship."

Zahra's dad's words echoed in my mind.

I knew it! I had a feeling all along that something was going on. Jamal had sent me to call Yasir before the lecture started. If I'd known I'd overhear that conversation, I wouldn't have come.

I trusted Yasir. I made him my best friend.

No way. This can't be real.
But yeah it is. My ears won't lie, even if Yasir did.

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Peace ✌
Written by ✏ Haddy Nyang (Khaddija Uthman)