𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

Chapter 14

As the weeks passed, Zahra and Hisham began to settle into their routine.

Zahra noticed that money was becoming a more frequent topic of conversation—whether it was about rent, utility bills, or simply budgeting for their future.

In the evening, after paying the rent and bills for the month, Hisham sat down at the kitchen table and he looked at their bank account balance. Zahra who was preparing dinner, noticed the tension on his face.

"My love, what's in your mind?"

"I've been looking at our finances, and... we're not doing as well as I thought. The expenses are piling up, and with everything we spent on the wedding and the honeymoon.. we're starting to dip into our savings."

"Is it that bad?"

"It's not terrible yet, but we need to be careful. If we keep spending the way we have been.. we could find ourselves in trouble down the line."

Zahra sat back in her chair, feeling of guilty.

"We should start budgeting better. Cut down on things we don't really need, and maybe we can limit eating out.."

Hisham agreed.

"Yes, and I'll talk to my boss about the possibility of a raise. I've been taking on more projects at work, and I think it's time to discuss my salary."

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Over the next few weeks, Zahra and Hisham made a concerted effort to tighten their spending. Zahra started cooking more at home, using the skills her mother had taught her to prepare the delicious meals.

In the evening..

"Hisham, I didn't think it would be this hard. I thought once we were married.. everything would fall into place. But now.. it feels like we're constantly worrying about money.."

Hisham held her hand.

"I know, Zahra. It's tough right now.. but this is just a phase. We'll get through it."

But even as he said the words, Zahra still feared about that things.

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On Friday evening, as they sat together after dinner.. Zahra brought up something that had been in her mind.

"Hisham, what if we asked for help? Maybe we could talk to our parents and see if they have any advice."

"Ehmm... I don't know. I don't want them to think we can't handle things on our own."

Zahra understood his reluctance, but she also knew that they couldn't keep struggling in silence.

"Hisham, it's not about asking for money.. it's about getting advice. They've been through this before, right? Maybe they can guide us on how to manage things better."

"You're right. We could use their advice. Maybe we've been trying to do everything on our own when we don't have to."

The financial struggles weren't over, but Zahra and Hisham were determined to face them head-on, knowing that their love and partnership would help them in the future.