Hers to Love

Chapter 37

Amir hurriedly grabbed his keys from the kitchen counter, glancing at the time. "I'll be back soon," he called out to his family as he headed for the door. "I just need to pick something up."

Maria watched him leave, her heart heavy. She forced herself to smile as Amir's sisters started chatting with her again, but her mind was elsewhere. She knew she shouldn't be surprised by what Amir's father had said earlier. Deep down, she had always known this was a possibility—it was part of Amir's culture, something she had tried to prepare herself for.

But knowing didn't make it any easier.

After another hour of strained conversation, Maria finally decided it was time to leave. "I think I should head home now," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Amir's mother looked concerned. "So soon? You're always welcome to stay longer, Maria."

Maria shook her head gently, standing up and reaching for her coat. "Thank you, but I should go. It's getting late."

Amir's sisters stood up to hug her goodbye, and his mother walked her to the door. "Are you sure you're alright, dear?" she asked, her voice full of maternal concern.

Maria nodded, forcing another smile. "Yes, I'm fine. It was really nice to see all of you."

As she stepped out into the cool evening air, Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She walked to her car, each step feeling heavier than the last. As she slid into the driver's seat and started the engine, she glanced back at the house, she's gonna miss it. The people in it. She might not be able to go there anymore. It's too painful.

Driving home, Maria replayed the evening in her mind, the conversation about Amir's potential match lingering painfully. She shouldn't be surprised, she told herself again. It was part of Amir's culture—arranged marriages, family involvement in choosing a partner. She had known this all along.

But despite knowing, despite expecting it, the reality of it still hurt. She had always felt a connection with Amir, something that seemed special, even if it was unspoken. Now, that connection felt fragile, like it could break at any moment.

As she pulled into her driveway, Maria sat in the car for a moment, gripping the steering wheel. She told herself that she had always known this might happen, that Amir was bound by the expectations of his family and culture. But the knowledge didn't stop the ache in her chest.

She whispered to herself, trying to find some solace in her own words. "This is how it was always going to be. I just... I hoped it might be different."

But hope, she realized, wasn't enough to change what was deeply ingrained in Amir's life. She turned off the engine, gathering the strength to face the quiet of her empty home, and stepped out of the car, her heart still heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid.

——

Amir walked back into the house, feeling a slight sense of urgency as he pushed the door open. He glanced around the living room, expecting to see Maria still chatting with his sisters. But the room was empty except for his mother, who was tidying up the tea cups.

"Where's Maria?" Amir asked, trying to sound casual, though a knot was forming in his stomach.

His mother looked up, surprised by the question. "She just left, dear. She said it was getting late."

Amir's heart sank. He hadn't expected her to leave so soon. He had thought he would have time to talk to her, to explain... but now she was gone. He forced a smile, not wanting to raise any suspicion. "Oh, I see. I must have just missed her."

His mother gave him a concerned look. "Is everything alright, Amir? You seem a little... tense."

Amir quickly shook his head, waving off her concern. "No, no, everything's fine, Mom. I just wanted to say goodbye, that's all."

His mother studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "She seemed a bit quiet tonight," she remarked, almost to herself. "But I suppose we all have our days."

Amir's father entered the room then, holding a small envelope. "Amir, come here for a moment. I want to show you something," he called out, beckoning his son over to the couch.

Amir swallowed hard, his unease growing, but he walked over to his father and sat down next to him. "What's up, Dad?"

His father handed him the envelope, his expression serious yet hopeful. "This is a photo of Dianne, the girl I mentioned earlier. I think she could be a great match for you."

Amir hesitated for a moment before taking the envelope and pulling out the photograph inside. The girl in the picture was undeniably beautiful, with soft features and a warm smile. She looked young, vibrant, someone who would fit perfectly into the image of what his parents had always envisioned for him.

But she wasn't Maria.

"She's very pretty," Amir said quietly, trying to mask the turmoil inside him.

His father nodded approvingly. "She is. And she comes from a good family. They share our values, and she's well-educated, respectful. I think you two would get along very well."

Amir forced himself to nod, though his mind was elsewhere. The image of Maria's face kept flashing in his mind—her smile, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about something she was passionate about, the quiet strength she carried with her. Dianne might be everything his family wanted for him, but she wasn't Maria.

His father continued talking, unaware of Amir's inner conflict. "I've already spoken to her parents, and they're interested in arranging a meeting. I think this could be a very promising step forward for you."

Amir felt the walls closing in around him. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint his family, especially his father, who had always guided him with such care. But the thought of moving forward with someone who wasn't Maria filled him with dread.

He carefully placed the photograph back in the envelope, trying to buy himself some time. "I'll think about it, Dad," he said, his voice strained.

His father smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "That's all I ask, son. Just give it some thought. You're at a stage in your life where it's important to start thinking about your future, about building a life and a family."

Amir nodded again, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him. "Yeah... I will."

But as he stood up and walked out of the room, the image of Maria leaving earlier haunted him. He knew that whatever decision he made, it wouldn't just affect him—it would change everything between him and Maria, and that thought alone terrified him. How could he possibly explain to her what was happening, when he could barely make sense of it himself?

As he walked down the hallway, Amir glanced back toward the living room, where his family was already discussing plans for the future. The future they wanted for him, the future that might not include Maria. He clenched his fists, feeling utterly conflicted.

No matter how beautiful Dianne was, no matter how perfect she seemed on paper, she wasn't Maria. And that, Amir realized, was the only thing that mattered to him.