Arranged Marriage

Chapter 2

The next day seemed gray, but I wanted to do everything I could before I would be trapped in Fareed's house, doing all his chores and tending to his needs. I tried to picture him, coming home from work, and putting his feet up, and then me being forced to massage them. I wondered if marriage was like that. So much I didn't know, so much I wasn't prepared for. I went to the park with Amina to discuss this marriage; as soon as she found out she wanted to talk about it. I met her at the corner at the end of mine and her street.

"Tell me all about him," she asked as soon as she saw me.

"Nice to see you too," I avoided the question.

"So? Is he handsome?"

"I don't know, Amina. Can we talk about something else?" I attempted to change the subject, knowing before starting it would be a failed attempt.

We crossed the street.

"No, Aisha, this is important! I want to know everything! This is the greatest thing!"

I responded with silence.

"You don't think so?" Amina quickly got the message.

"I don't even know him that well, and he is...older," I admitted shamefully.

It was Amina's turn to be silent, but I could tell she was thinking of ways to respond.

"Is he educated? Has he been married before? How old is he?" she asked all at once.

I smiled a sad smile, and responded in a monotone, "He is almost done with his degree in engineering. I don't know if he's been married before, and I don't know his exact age, but I'm assuming it would be around 23 since he is finished with college."

"Is he intent on marrying you?"

"It seemed like he wasn't. It was like he was a boy, my age. I don't know, Amina, it was weird. The vibes I was getting from him indicated disapproval, but his parents wanted him to marry me."

"What of your parents?" Amina asked as we arrived at the park.

"Of course my father fully supports it. This morning it was all he would talk of. They have money, you know."

"At least he isn't some poor beggar. So, Aisha, how are his looks?"

"I don't know, Amina," I said, blushing.

In all fairness, Fareed was good looking. He had the right kind of build, the lanky yet muscular and well-developed kind. He was a fair skinned Muslim, and his dark hair complimented this well. He had a stubble of beard around his chin and jawbone. His teeth, thankfully, were more or less straight. His eyes were a deep, rich, brown. His nose had a high bridge, but it complimented his face. I hadn't gotten a good look at much else because I had been so nervous the day I saw him, but I had seen enough. The only thing I was really worried about was actually living with him, and his personality.

Amina laughed, knowing I did think he was good-looking.

"At least you aren't marrying someone ugly you would be embarrassed to be seen with in public," she laughed.

I couldn't resist and joined her in her laughter. I thought for a second, then decided to ask Amina how she felt.

"Amina, what do you think? Honestly," I asked.

"I'm not sure, Aisha. I'm joyous you are finally getting married. It's my dream, but for some reason I am deeply...saddened. I know you are unhappy, and you are my friend. I will try to be there for you, if he is okay with your having friends," she said after a few moments of thought.