Don't Leave Me Again

27- Bound By Chances

It was a calm evening at the Saeed household, with the distant sound of birds calling out their final songs before dusk settled in. The soft orange glow of the sunset filtered through the windows, casting a warm light in the living room. Zafrin sat on the couch, flipping through the pages of a book, though her mind wasn’t really on the words. She had heard murmurs earlier in the day, conversations between her parents that hinted at a topic she had been trying to avoid for months.

Nazriya and her husband, were sitting across from each other, a heavy silence weighing between them. The conversation they had been having in low voices had come to a point where Zafrin knew her name would come up at any moment.

"She can’t keep delaying this forever," Ahmed said, breaking the silence. His voice carried a tone of both frustration and concern.

Nazriya nodded, her eyes betraying the worry she felt. "She’s always been independent, but marriage is something we need to discuss seriously now. She’s not a child anymore."

Zafrin’s ears perked up at the word "marriage," but she didn’t look up from her book. She knew what was coming, and she wasn’t in the mood for another argument. But this time, it seemed more serious. Her mother’s tone wasn’t the casual nudging that Zafrin had become accustomed to over the years. This was different.

"Zafrin, come here. We need to talk," her mother finally called out.

Reluctantly, Zafrin closed the book and walked over to her parents, her expression unreadable. "Yes, Ammi, what is it?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Her father cleared his throat, his voice gentle but firm. "Zafrin, we’ve given you time to focus on your studies and career, but now it's time to think about your future. It’s time you start considering marriage."

Zafrin sighed, crossing her arms. "I’ve told you before, I’m not ready for that. I have no interest in marriage right now."

Nazriya leaned forward, her gaze soft but determined. "Zafrin, your sister has already spoken to us. She’s found someone she cares about, and we’re planning her wedding. We’ve respected your decision to wait, but it’s becoming harder to explain to the extended family why you’re still single. You know how people talk."

Zafrin frowned. "This isn’t about people, Ammi. It’s about my life. I’m not going to marry just because society expects me to."

"We’re not asking you to marry just anyone," her father said. "We’ll find someone suitable. Someone who respects you, and someone you can build a life with. But you can’t run from this forever."

Zafrin shook her head, a frustration building. "I don’t need you to find someone for me. I’m perfectly capable of living on my own terms. If my sister has someone in mind, let her marry. I won’t get in the way."

Nazriya exchanged a glance with her husband before speaking again, her tone more careful this time. "Zafrin, your sister has already expressed her intentions, but we always thought you would be married first. You’re the eldest. It’s important for the family."

Zafrin’s eyes narrowed. "This is about family tradition, isn’t it? About what people will say if my younger sister gets married before me. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’m not marrying just to uphold some tradition."

Before her parents could respond, the door creaked open, and Zanya, Zafrin’s younger sister, stepped into the room. She had heard the conversation and had a conflicted expression on her face.

"Dhi," Zanya started softly, her eyes flickering with concern. "I didn’t want to bring this up, but I need to say it. I’ve spoken to our parents because... I’ve met someone. And I know how hard this is for you, but I want you to understand that this isn’t about tradition. This is about what makes sense for me, for us as a family."

Zafrin’s heart sank. Her sister had already made up her mind. And now, with the weight of her parents’ expectations and her sister's decision pressing on her, Zafrin felt even more suffocated.

"Understand?" Zafrin’s voice cracked, a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "You’re younger than me, Zanya! And you’re rushing into this. How can you just... decide?"

Zanya looked down, then backed up at her parents, who remained silent. "Dhi, it’s not about rushing. I’ve thought this through, and I’ve found someone who makes me happy. You can do the same, when you find the right person."

Zafrin shook her head, her jaw tight. "I’m not marrying anyone. Not now, not for a long time. Just because you found someone doesn’t mean I need to follow you. I have my career to focus on, my job to think about. This is my decision."

Her father sighed again, his tone turning slightly stern. "Zafrin, we’re not comparing you to your sister. We’re just asking you to be open. You can still have your career, but we need to think about your future as well."

Zafrin’s voice rose in frustration. "Why is marriage the only future you think of for me? Why can’t you let me decide my own path?"

Nazriya, trying to keep the peace, placed a hand on Zafrin’s arm. "We’re not trying to push you, Zafrin. We just want you to consider. You’ve always been independent, but sometimes, it’s good to let family help guide your choices."

Zafrin stood up, pacing the room. "You’re all talking as if I haven’t thought about this. But I have. And I’m telling you, I’m not going to marry, not just because it’s what’s expected."

Her father watched her intently. "So what do you want, Zafrin?"

"I want to focus on myself," Zafrin answered, her voice softening but still resolute. "On my career, my passions. Marriage isn’t for me right now."

Zanya spoke up, her voice soothing. "No one’s asking you to rush, Dhee. But I do want you to be happy, like I am. Maybe someday you’ll meet someone who changes your mind."

Zafrin turned to her sister, her expression softening for a moment. "Maybe, Zanya. But that’s a decision I’ll make when the time comes. Not because everyone thinks it’s time for me."
Zafrin looked at her sister, her heart softening just a little. She had always been protective of Zanya, and the thought of her getting married before her had never truly bothered her. But the pressure from her parents now felt suffocating.

Zanya continued, her voice a little shaky. "I don’t want you to feel forced into anything, but please don’t be upset with Ammi and Papa. They’re only trying to do what they think is best for us."

Zafrin sighed, the weight of the situation sinking in. She didn’t want to stand in the way of Zanya’s happiness, but the thought of her own marriage still felt like a prison she wasn’t ready to enter.

"I’m happy for you, Zanya," Zafrin said quietly. "If you’ve found someone, then I support you. But I’m not getting married just because it’s expected of me. That’s not who I am."

Her father leaned back in his chair, a deep frown on his face. "Dhee, we’re not trying to pressure you into something you’re not ready for. But you need to think seriously about your future. You can’t keep pushing this away forever."

Zafrin looked at her parents, then at her sister. She knew they meant well, but she also knew that her life was hers to decide. And right now, marriage wasn’t part of the plan.

"I need more time," Zafrin finally said, her voice steady but resolute. "I’m not ready for this conversation yet. Please, just give me time."

Nazriya and Ahmed exchanged a glance, their faces filled with concern, but they nodded.

"Take the time you need," her mother said softly. "But know that we’ll always be here to support you, no matter what you decide."

Zafrin gave a small nod before walking back to the couch, the weight of their words lingering in the air. She knew this wasn’t the last time they’d had this conversation, but for now, she had bought herself a little more time to figure out her path. As the evening stretched on, Zafrin stared at the fading light outside the window, knowing that sooner or later, she would have to confront the choices that lay ahead.