Bound by Blood, United by Love: A Tale of Cousins' Marriage

Part 6:Bound by Love, Torn by Tradition"

As the family gathered on a warm, sunny day, the topic of Sara's and Ahmed's nikkah had taken center stage.

Aunt Yasmin: (enthusiastically) I've been waiting for this moment for so long. It's time for Ahmed and Sara to be united in marriage.

Uncle Jamal: (nodding) It's a wonderful match.

Ali's heart ached as he listened to their conversation, unable to shake the feeling that Sara was slipping away from him.

Sara's Mother, Fatima: (with a hint of worry) Yes, it's a significant step. We must make sure everything goes smoothly.

Sara's Sister, Zara: (curious) Sara, how do you feel about all of this?

Sara: (forcing a smile) I know it's what's expected of me, and I'll do my part.

Sara's forced smile didn't go unnoticed by Sarah, who sensed her sister's inner turmoil.

Sarah: (whispering to Sara) Are you okay, sis?

Sara: (quietly) I don't know, Sarah. This isn't what I want.

Sarah: (supportive) You can't just marry Ahmed because it's expected. It's your life, your happiness.

Sara couldn't help but steal a glance at Ali, who sat across the room, his eyes reflecting the same sorrow she felt.

Ali: (softly, to Nadeem) What do we do, Nadeem? It's tearing us apart.

Nadeem: (serious) We can't let this happen. We need to support Sara, guide her to follow her heart.

The family discussion continued, but in the midst of it all, a silent agreement passed between Sara, Ali, Sarah, and Nadeem. They would stand together to protect Sara's and Ali's happiness and ensure that they followed their  heart, even if it meant challenging family expectations.

As Sara and Ali were deep in conversation on the terrace, unaware of their surroundings, Ahmed walked in on them. The surprise on his face was evident as he spotted them sitting closely together.

Ahmed: (sternly) What is the meaning of this, Sara?

Sara and Ali quickly separated, their faces filled with a mix of guilt and surprise.

Sara: (nervously) Ahmed, we were just talking.

Ahmed: (accusing) You seem quite close for just a conversation.

Ali: (defensive) We're cousins, Ahmed. There's nothing wrong with us talking.

Ahmed's eyes bore into them, his expression a mix of anger and suspicion.

Ahmed: (firmly) I've had enough of this. You're my fiancée, Sara. We are meant to be married soon, and I won't tolerate such behavior.

Sara and Ali exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that their secret meetings were now exposed. Sara's impending marriage to Ahmed felt like an unbreakable chain, and Ali couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation.

As Ahmed walked away, Sara and Ali were left with a deep sense of foreboding. The family's expectations seemed to be closing in on them, and they were unsure how to handle the situation now that their secret was out in the open.

Ahmed couldn't let the situation pass without addressing it. He gathered the family members together in the living room.

Ahmed: (authoritative) Family, there's something I need to discuss. I've recently found something that concerns me greatly.

Sara, Ali, and their family members gathered in the living room, their faces reflecting a mixture of curiosity and unease.

Nadeem: (concerned) What's going on, Ahmed?