YOU AND ME

Amina

I swear I could hear those drums as they rolled around the whole house. Ayush and I got up to see what was going on. To our greatest surprise, it was the Sharma family coming to ask for my hand in marriage. Ayush looked at me, bewildered, and then turned to his mother.

“Mom, what’s going on?” he asked, confusion etched on his face.

His mother put on a remorseful expression. “I felt guilty for separating you from your family, Ayush. I want to do everything to make you happy.”

I welcomed the family inside, still trying to process what was happening. “Please, come in,” I said, leading them to the living room.

Ayush’s mother continued, “Since your family is in Africa and unable to travel, we thought it would be best to make a video call so everyone can be here in spirit.”

We arranged the video call, connecting with my family back in Malawi. The screen filled with familiar faces, and my heart swelled with emotion.

“Hello, everyone,” I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother appeared on the screen, her eyes filled with tears. “Amina, my dear, we are so happy for you.”

Ayush’s mother and my mother began discussing the marriage traditions, but it quickly turned into an argument.

“Amina’s family has their own traditions that must be respected,” my mother insisted.

“But we have our customs too,” Ayush’s mother retorted. “We need to find a balance.”

The argument continued, with both mothers exchanging heated words. Finally, I intervened. “Mom, please come to India. Invite all our family and friends so we can perform the rituals and discuss everything in person.”

My mother nodded. “Alright, Amina. We’ll make the arrangements.”

Ayush’s mother then added, “We also came to ask for your hand in marriage and to take Ayush back home.”

I looked at Ayush, feeling a pang of sadness. “Mom, if you’re going to trick me…”

“No tricks,” she assured me. “But Ayush cannot stay in his bride’s house before the marriage procedures are complete.”

Ayush sighed. “You’re right. I’ll head back home, pack my things, and come in the evening to say goodbye.”

“No, no, no,” his mother interjected. “You’ve stayed together for so long. You have to come back home now.”

Ayush agreed reluctantly, not wanting to prolong the argument. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and forehead. “I’ll see you soon, Amina.”

Later that Evening:

I called my friends, Leela, Zuri, and Nina, to share the news.

“Can you believe it?” I said, still in shock. “The Sharma family came to ask for my hand in marriage.”

Leela laughed. “That’s amazing, Amina! How did it go?”

“It was a bit chaotic,” I admitted. “Our moms argued about the traditions, but we managed to agree on something.”

Zuri chimed in, “I’m so happy for you! When is the big day?”

“We’re still figuring that out,” I replied. “But my family is coming to India for the rituals.”

Nina added, “This is going to be such a beautiful wedding. I can’t wait to see you as a bride.”

We laughed and chatted, the excitement in our voices