Malika & Halima

24-Greedy

Malika

The next day, Malika felt like a prisoner in her own home. She was forced to dress up in traditional Moroccan attire and act like the perfect bride-to-be. Her mother and her mother's sister fussed over her, making sure every strand of hair was in place and every inch of her skin was covered.

Malika felt suffocated by it all. She didn't want to marry Omar, but she also didn't want to bring another shame upon her family. She was caught between a rock and a hard place.

When Omar's family arrived, Malika put on her best smile and greeted them politely. She could feel their eyes on her, judging her, and it made her feel even more uncomfortable.

As the day went on, Malika found herself slipping into a daze. She couldn't focus on anything around her, her mind wandering to thoughts of Adam and what could have been.

But then she heard a voice that snapped her out of her trance.

"Malika?"

She turned around and saw Halima standing behind her, a concerned look on her face.

Halima took her hand and led her away from the crowd, finding a quiet corner where they could talk.

"I know this is hard for you," Halima said softly. "But you don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you."

Malika felt tears welling up in her eyes again, but this time she didn't try to hold them back. She let them flow freely as Halima held her and whispered soothing words.

"I don't want to do this," Malika sobbed. "I don't want to marry Omar. But I don't know how to get out of it."

Halima pulled back and looked at Malika with a fierce determination. "You don't have to say yes, Malika. You have the right to make your own choices. Our parents have to know we're not in the olden days, this is the 20th century.....I called Grandpa yesterday, he has already book the next flight and he will arrive tomorrow. Please relax Malika, everything will be fine."

Malika felt a sense of relief wash over her as Halima spoke. She realized that she didn't have to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family's reputation.

"Thank you, Halima," she whispered. "I needed to hear that."

Halima smiled warmly at her. "That's what sisters are for."

Malika hugged her tightly, feeling grateful for her support and understanding. She knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Halima by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

~~~~~~~

8:34am

The wedding day, Malika woke up feeling anxious. She knew her grandfather was arriving today and she wasn't sure what to expect. Would he be able to convince her parents to call off the wedding? Or would they continue to force her into a marriage she didn't want?

Ya Allah please save me!

As she sat in her room, lost in thought, she heard a commotion outside. She peeked through the window and saw a car pulling up to the house. It was her grandfather.

Malika's heart raced as she made her way down the stairs. She could hear her parents and aunts talking in hushed tones in the living room. When she entered, they all fell silent and turned to look at her.

"Grandpa is here," Malika said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her father stood up and walked over to her. "I need to talk to you before you see your grandfather."

Malika braced herself for what was coming. "Okay.."

Her father took a deep breath. "Your mother and I have been talking, you must not act like you're being forced to your Grandpa. We've already made arrangements with Omar's family, and the wedding will take place as planned."

Malika felt like the ground had been pulled out from under her. She couldn't believe her parents were still going through with this.

"But Grandpa is here now," she said feeling pained.

Her father shook his head. "And this is something we have to do!"

At that moment, Malika heard a familiar voice from the doorway. "No, you don't."

She turned around and saw her grandfather standing there, looking stern but determined.

"Grandpa," Malika breathed, relief flooding through her.

Her grandfather walked over to her and took her hand. "Malika, your father and I need to talk. Please give us a moment."

Malika nodded, feeling grateful for her grandfather's intervention. She stepped back and watched as her father and grandfather went into another room to talk.

She could hear their voices raised in argument, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. Then, suddenly, her grandfather's voice rose above the others.

"You can't force her into this marriage, Anas!!"

"I just told you what she did! Do you want us to let her do whatever she wants?! What about our religion and culture!"

"I know she have sinned! And brought shame! But this is more than want she did! You're doing this for your own selfish reasons!! You're doing this to gain more power by marrying off your daughter to that filthy rich friend of yours!!!"

Othamane Anas was silent on the other side. Malika knows her parents could be greedy but hearing it out loud makes it more painful and hurtful.

"You have to call off the wedding or else by Allah, i will go out there and tell that girl who she truly is!!" Her grandfather barked.

What are they talking about?

What the hell is her grandfather talking about!!?

~~~~~~~~~~~

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