THE TEARS OF A MUSLIMAH

The runaway bride is back.

Malika's POV
Immediately after finishing senior high,my parents dropped the bomb of marraige onto me.

I wasn't ready for marraige at all but my parents insisted on it.We weren't poor neither were we rich,but we were definitely above average.

But now, father was having issues with the business.So he arranged my marriage with a business partner.

Being their little doll,I agreed.The man I was about to marry was called taufic.He was 23 years old.

He fell for me but I couldn't feel the same way,but I had patience that things would work.He was decent but Abit impulsive.

The day had arrived and I got married to him,but that night I found out the true colors of the family.

My dad was talking to my in-laws, telling them that I would soon take over my father's business.My in-laws refused to let me work and decided to make me a housewife.

My only condition for this marraige was to work,but my in-laws denied it and my parents did nothing about it.

So I decided to leave.I packed my bags and ran away.My parents obviously disowned me.I had gotten a plane ticket to England where I met up with my godmother samira.

She was mom's best friend.She supported me together with her husband Nasir.He was a calm and loving man.

I just admired their love and relationship.They had twin daughters who were a year younger than me.They were in school for sometime.So I was left alone with my godparents.

Two years later,I was studying business courtesy of my godparents.I met a man,merza, more like beat.

I beat him in the game of basketball, since then we fell inlove.Five years later,we were happily married.

We decided to come back to America,I was ready to help my father's business.

Merza:I was thinking we stay at my family's house for a while,as our house gets build.
Malika: whatever
Merza: come on dear,I know you don't like family houses but this is temporary.I promise.

Malika: just make sure they don't interfere in our lives, because they didn't even come for our marriage.
Merza:you know we were having issues,but now it's settled.please smile for me?

(I gave him my fakest smile.He decided to kiss me, catching me off guard)
Malika:hey(he giggled,I hit him on the chest.) You cheat.
Merza:as if you didn't like it.

Malika: just drive.
Merza: okay (he drove off.I was on my phone throughout the drive.I looked up and froze)

It was too late,we arrived at a neighborhood I never thought I would come back to.We came out.

Merza:are you okay?(I didn't respond.He knocked on the door.His mother opened the door)

Jamila:you!(she recognized me) what are you doing here?
Merza: have you two met?
(I was silent)
Jamila:merza, what is she doing here?
Merza: she is my wife.

Jamila: impossible!
Merza:why?
Jamila: she is the runaway bride!she was the one who abandoned your brother on wedding day!
(I froze).