𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

Chapter 10

Zahra received a call from her cousin, Amy who had taken on the responsibility of managing the guest list and helping coordinate the invitations.

"Zahra, there's a problem. A few of the relatives are upset that they weren't invited to the wedding, and they're talking about it. I'm afraid it's becoming a bigger issue than I thought."

"What do they want me to do, Amy? We've already finalized the list. There's only too much space at the venue."

"I know, and I've explained that to them. But you know how it is. People expect to be invited, and when they're not.. they feel hurt. Maybe you could try talking to a few of them, explain the situation yourself?"

Zahra sighed.

"I'll try.. thanks for letting me know, Amy.."

After hanging up, Zahra wanted to cry.. but she pushed the tears away. This was just one of many challenges she and Hisham were facing, and she couldn't afford to let it break her. She decided to talk to Hisham about it that evening.

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When they met for dinner later that day, Zahra shared her frustrations with Hisham.

"It's just... too much, Hisham. Between the guest list, the venue, the expectations from both sides of our families—it feels like we're losing control of our own wedding. I don't know how to make everyone happy.."

"I know it's tough, Zahra.. but this is our wedding, not theirs. We have to remind ourselves why we're doing this in the first place. It's about us and our commitment to each other and to Allah, not about pleasing everyone around us.."

"You're right, but I don't know how to deal with all the pressure. It's like no matter what we do, someone's upset.."

"It's a test of patience. Marriage isn't just about love—it's about facing challenges together. This is one of those challenges. We need to support each other, even when things get difficult.."

She took a deep breath.

"You always know how to make me feel better.."