PEER E KAMIL

Untitled Part 43

Chapter 3
̳This idiotic advice must be from Asjad—no one else can suggest such a
thing! Doesn't he realize that I am still studying?' Imama fumed at her sister
in law.
̳No, it wasn't Asjad or any of his family—it was Baba's idea,' she replied
with composure.
̳Baba's idea? I can't believe it! When I got admission in the medical
college, there was no such plan on the horizon. In fact, he used to tell
Uncle Azam that I would not be married till the completion of my house job.
What's overcome him now?' Imama was nonplussed.
̳There must be some pressure, but Ammi told me that Baba wants it this
way,' her sister in law explained.
̳Then tell them that I don't want to get married before I've done my
house job.'
̳Fine...I'll convey your message, but it's best that you talk to Baba
yourself,' she advised.
Her sister in law left the room, but Imama was very concerned. This
news was so sudden and unexpected that she was jolted by it—not just
figuratively but actually. She was hoping to complete her house job and
then start her practice: that would make her financially independent and
she could go ahead with her plan to marry Jalal who would also have
established himself by then. But this sudden business of her wedding—why
had it come up now?
̳Asjad's family have not made any requests; I have spoken to them
myself,' Hashim Mubeen calmly explained. Imama was in his room—she
was insistent to know what was going on.
̳You've already spoken to them—without even asking me, Baba? How
could you do that?' Imama couldn't believe it.
Her father looked at her seriously. ̳If you remember, Imama, this
marriage proposal had been accepted with your consent,' he said.
̳An engagement is something else...and marriage is different. You had
agreed that there would be no wedding before the house job,' she
reminded him.
̳Why do you have an objection to the wedding? Don't you like Asjad?'
̳It's not a question of liking or disliking him. I do not want to get married
in the middle of my studies. You know very well that I want to be an eye
specialist: if I get married now, then my plans, my dreams will never
materialize.'
̳Many girls continue with their education after getting married. We have   examples in the family...' he tried to pacify her, but she interrupted. ̳Those girls must be very smart, very intelligent—I'm not. I can do just
one thing at a time.'
̳I've spoken to Azam Bhai and they are coming over to finalize the
dates.' Hashim Mubeen's tone was firm.
̳You are wasting all my efforts,' she protested. ̳If this is what you
wanted, then you shouldn't have made any promises.'
̳Things were different then; the situation is different now...'
She interrupted him again. ̳Why? What has changed now that you
should treat me so?'
̳I assure you that Asjad will cooperate fully in letting you complete your
education; he will not stop you in any way,' Hashim tried to reassure her.
̳Baba, it's not Asjad's cooperation but yours that I need,' she pleaded.
̳Please let me complete my studies.'
̳Imama, stop being obstinate...I am going to do what I have decided,' he
said firmly, ignoring her pleas. ̳You've been engaged for four years and
that's a long time. What if they decide to break off the engagement?'
̳Then let them do it. They can call it off now—why wait till tomorrow?
After all, it's not the end of the world!'
Hashim was shocked and angry. ̳Have you any idea what it means? The
humiliation...what will people say?'
̳What humiliation? It'll be their decision, not our fault. Nothing's going to
happen, believe me: tongues will wag for a few days and then it'll all be
forgotten. Baba, you are worrying unnecessarily,' she said with
nonchalance, trying to persuade her father.
̳You must be out of your mind...talking such nonsense. Now please
leave,' Hashim Mubeen said sharply, looking at her with disapproval.
Imama left, feeling wretched: she could hardly sleep that night. The next
day she went back to Lahore. Her father had not spoken to her again in this
regard, and she tried to put the matter out of her mind. She had to study for
the forthcoming exams.
Her father had not dismissed this conversation, though. He was a very
cautious person. He had become worried about Imama when the school
incident involving Tehreem had taken place. It was not so serious, but to
play safe he had Imama's betrothal to Asjad confirmed. He believed that
the development of a new relationship would divert Imama's thoughts from
her doubts about her faith; and he was right. Imama began to show more
interest in Asjad and also to participate in the religious activities of their
faith. But what Waseem had revealed to him shook his very being. He   could not gauge to what extent Imama had explored Islam, but he couldsee that there was a distinct change in her beliefs and views. This was a
cause of concern not just for him but for their entire family.
He wanted her to be well-educated like his older daughters, and more so
because she would be married into a family that prided itself on its
education; Asjad himself wanted Imama to be well-qualified. Hashim
Mubeen could not cut short Imama's studies till the wedding—much as he
wanted to—without having to explain the rationale behind such a decision.
He'd rather they did not know—they would find it hard to accept Imama's
doubts and queries about their faith and her married life with Asjad would
be unhappy.
On one hand, he strictly forbade his family members from any discussion
on this topic and, on the other, he pleaded with Imama to let good sense
prevail.
Imama was so careful about her presence at Sabiha's lectures and her
meetings with Jalal that these matters did not come to the notice of her
family. Secrecy could be maintained also because Imama had also kept
Javeria and Rabia in the dark; otherwise rumors would have floated around
and reached Hashim Mubeen's ears. He was satisfied on that score, but
the subtle change in Imama's attitude bothered him and the only solution
that he could come up with was to marry her off. He thought it would relieve
him of her responsibility, so he took this abrupt decision.
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