Marriage of Redemption

✿ M a r r i a g e ✿

The dimly lit big hall was filled with a tense silence. The air was thick with unspoken words as Bahameen sat on a sofa which was the center of attention for everyone.

Her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She felt the fabric of her dress constricting around her, suffocating her more than she was already.

Opposite her, Ghazan stood with his back straight. His gaze was fixed at her, showing a mask of indifference. Though his eyes had simmering anger.

Neither of them wanted this.

Bahameen had dreams of a different life, one where mutual understanding defined her marriage. Instead in reality she was trapped in a forced union arranged by her parents.

Ghazan felt the same way. His family had pushed him into this marriage ignoring his choice and willingness.

The imam, an elderly man with a calm demeanor, sat at the center of the hall near Bahameen unaware of the storm brewing between the two young people. He began to recite the words of the nikkah.

“Do you, Ghazan Ali son of Ali Haider, take Bahameen Gardezi daughter of Ahmed Gardezi as your wife?” the imam asked, looking directly at him.

Ghazan's response was immediate, devoid of any warmth but with a hint of hatred that sent a wave of chill through Bahameen's body.

"I do" His words hung in the air like a dark cloud.

"And do you, Bahameen Gardezi, take Ghazan Ali son of Ali Haider as your husband?" The imam turned to her for the answer.

Bahameen's throat felt tight. She wanted to scream, to say no, but she knew the consequences of the opposition.

"I-I do" She finally managed to say, each word felt bitter on her tongue. It felt like a betrayal of herself, a surrender to a fate she despised the most.

As the imam continued, Bahameen stole a glance at Ghazan. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were cold. She could see his anger and it fueled her own.

How could her family think this was the right way to deal with things?

How could they believe they could force two people to tolerate each other?

But who was wrong in all of this...

"By the authority granted to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife" The imam declared, he could sense the tension around him.

"May Allah bless your union" He asked the newly wedded couple.

Bahameen's heart sank. She felt trapped in a cage and he was the unwilling warden. The two exchanged glances, eyes filled with envy and hatred.

He clenched his teeth as they looked at each other. She could see a world of anger and hatred in his eyes.

"You are domed Bahameen Gardezi!" His face and voice were stiff as a rock.

She instantly averted her gaze, feeling fear in her heart. She was stuck into something she never wanted.

It was better to die rather than marrying a man like Ghazan Ali.

For Bahameen he was one of the worst men.

As the guests began to congratulate them, she felt more suffocated. She could hardly smile as they approached. It was all a charade.

Just a charade.

As the celebration continued around them, Bahameen and Ghazan stood next to each other, two unwilling partners bonded by a contract they never wanted. The path ahead was uncertain and unknown to both of them.

The hall buzzed with laughter but for them it was a prison that swallowed their desires and freedom.

As the day faded, they silently vowed to find a way out unaware of the storm awaiting ahead on their way.