Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 16

Azlan's POV:

It was a while before I saw her again. I was about to suggest to my mother that we should have some personal time together when Zunaira Aunty invited her to join us. I felt a sense of excitement and nervousness when she walked out of the room. Being in front of everyone made it impossible for me to meet her gaze directly, so I averted my eyes. I didn't want to seem impolite. She took a seat and spent some time conversing with my parents. Zunaira Aunty mentioned letting us speak in private a short while later. She looked at her mother, and they went inside together. Negative thoughts started to brew in my mind, filling me with apprehension. Was she unwilling to speak with me? Have I done something strange? Azeem uncle followed suit a short while after. They came out quickly, but my head was filled with negativity. I imagined the worst-case scenario, but I had to control it. After that, Zunaira Aunty asked my parents if we could have a private conversation in a restaurant since we might feel awkward around them all. Knowing that it wasn't because she didn't want to meet me, I exhaled with relief.

After taking her purse, we both descended. I opened the door to let her sit first, then went to sit myself. I asked her to tell me where the restaurant we were going to go was, and I started the car. She entered the location, and everything was silent again. I hesitated a little before introducing myself. She followed suit as well. The quiet had returned, but I could tell she was anxious by how she fidgeted her dupatta. "Do I look scary or what? I questioned her. Why do you feel so anxious?" "No, you are not; it just happens," was her response. Although interactions were challenging for me, I recognized the need to make an effort; otherwise, I would regret it later. I tried asking again, "So why don't we start by getting to know one another and not spend too much time thinking? In any case, getting there will take some time". She probably nodded before realizing I was driving. She gave a yes in response. I controlled my expression, and we had a normal conversation that helped to calm her anxiousness.

When we arrived there, she urged me to order anything I wanted, but since neither of us was particularly hungry, I ordered some mocktails for the two of us. After a short while, she pulled out her phone and told me, "I'm going to ask you some questions about your personal life and some opinions on a few topics. I hope you can talk honestly rather than just show off how great or good you are. This holds great significance for me". I assumed she had made a serious questionnaire from the way she was looking at her phone, so I nodded sincerely. She asked me the first question right away: "Have you ever been in any relationships? If so, how and why did you break up?" I anticipated this as it's a common inquiry that all girls have regarding their partner or spouse. "I had one when I was in ninth grade, I replied. She asked me out, and I said yes because she was attractive. However, she left me for another guy about a month later. I became fond of her during that period, but things didn't work out". She gave me a nod and began to tell me all about herself. "I was in a relationship when I was in the eighth grade, she stated. We went from being acquaintances to friends to lovers gradually. He was a senior, and it was via my friend that we became buddies. To be honest, he made a significant impact on my life, and as a result, I began writing poems". Curious, I asked her if she could elaborate on this particular detail. She said yes and began to tell me, "I fell in love with him because he used to write poems for me and was very sweet, later we grew close through games. When he proposed to me with poetry I accepted him. We mutually ended our relationship in the ninth grade since long distance wasn't working for us. At that time, my friend group split up, and I was overcome with sorrow. I started writing poetry as a way to express myself, and somehow it grew to be so important". As I listened to her story, especially the part where she mentioned falling in love because of his poems, I reflected on it. Should I begin working right away?

The second question she posed to me, "What are your expectations from this marriage?" caught my attention. Since this was a very significant topic for us both, I gave it some thought before responding, saying, "I expect us to be each other's rock, supporting and uplifting one another through every challenge. Not only are you my partner, but you're also my confidante, my closest friend, and the one I want to share all of my happiness and sadness with. We'll face life's uncertainties with unwavering trust and a love that only grows stronger with time. But this does not imply that you give up your identity for me. Any relationship that causes you to lose yourself is unhealthy, so it's critical to maintain some personal space. Take a break when you need it. There are moments when we need to step away from everything and everyone, even if we love them dearly".

My response causes her to grin, and I'm happy that I was able to do so. I ask her the same question, to which she responds, "My answer is quite lengthy, and some of them may be unrealistic as well, but give me time, and I'll give you my response later". I don't mind waiting, and even if she has unreasonable expectations of me, I will make an effort to fulfill them. "Would you rather your spouse be a working professional or a stay-at-home wife?" she poses another question to me.

"Didn't I just say that being yourself is very important, whether it's about your personal life or your professional life? I ask, glancing back at her. Therefore, you don't have to alter who you are for me. You are free to work if that's what you want to do, and I won't mind if you don't. What else do I earn for if I can't provide you with a pleasant life? Thus, the choice is entirely up to you". She gives me a nod and inquires, "What are your thoughts on children? How many and when do you anticipate having?" "This also depends on whether my spouse wants a baby or not. I don't mind having children, but it's up to her. Women go through a lot, so I wouldn't want her to suffer to make me happy. I respond. I will do everything in my power to support her if that is what she wants".

"What is your opinion about the social construct of virginity?" she asks in her final inquiry. "Do you anticipate your partner being a virgin?" Her inquiry amazes me since only a few minutes prior, she was too shy to approach me. Now, she is asking me this question. I respond, "I've never had a physical relationship, but I don't expect her to be pure too. I wouldn't ask for such things because I don't require them to certify her as my wife". She lets out a sigh of relief, which I can sense, and then she replies, "To be honest, I was afraid you might be the judgmental kind, and this question doesn't mean that I had anything physical. I haven't had any since I've never met someone with whom I felt such at ease opening up to that degree. I had the corny notion that I should maintain my integrity until we are married because I don't do casual relationships well".

After a moment of silence, she asked, "Can I request one last thing?" I nodded in agreement. She asked for a full body checkup report, explaining that it would help avoid blame in case of future issues. Her preparations are startling me. Still, I can get her perspective since in this society, people start making assumptions about you based on things like delaying having children or other potential problems. I say "yes" in response. "Feel free to ask me anything you want to know or if you have any questions," she continues. "I've shared a bit about myself; now, I'm curious to learn more about you. Is there anything you'd like to tell me about yourself?"

"One thing that I need to inform you of is that I am not ready to marry now, she replies. I would like to take some time before getting married, so you might have to wait for around six months if that's acceptable to you". I responded, "It's okay with me that I'm not rushing myself".

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