The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 7

After dinner, Zayd went to his room, and Mrs. Sarah took my parents to the backyard. They were talking about something that seemed important, judging by their expressions. Meanwhile, Layla and I were in the living room, chatting about our graduation day.

We laughed as we reminisced about the final days of school, the excitement of walking across the stage, and the plans for what came next. Layla was always so animated when she spoke about the future—her dream of traveling, going to college abroad, and all the adventures she wanted to have. I admired her confidence, even if it made me feel a little uncertain about my own path.

Every now and then, I'd glance toward the backyard, curious about what my parents and Mrs. Sarah were discussing. There was something in their serious expressions that made me uneasy, but I couldn't hear what they were saying from here.

My parents returned to the living room, and Mrs. Sarah followed shortly after. The atmosphere shifted, as it was clear the evening was coming to an end.

"It's getting late," Mrs. Sarah said with a warm smile. "My driver can drop you all home, if you'd like."

I smiled politely, but shook my head. "Thank you so much, Aunty, but I brought my car. I'll be fine."

"Of course, darling. Drive safely," she said, her voice soft but sincere.

After exchanging goodbyes, we made our way to the door. I could feel the weight of the evening's strange energy still lingering, especially with Zayd's distant presence on my mind. Something about the way he'd acted... it didn't sit right with me. But there was nothing I could do about it now.

As Layla and I stepped outside, the cool night air hit my face, and I felt a wave of relief. The drive home would give me time to think, to sort through everything that had happened tonight. But for now, I just wanted to put it all behind me and head home.

As my parents and I made our way to the car, I couldn't shake the curiosity gnawing at me. What had Mrs. Sarah and my parents talked about in the backyard? Their conversation had seemed so serious, and the look on their faces—especially my parents—made me feel like something important had been discussed.

I slid into the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled out of the driveway, but my mind was elsewhere. Still, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Whatever it was, it didn't feel like it was just about a casual chat.

We drove in silence for a few minutes, and I glanced over at my parents, who were staring out the window, seemingly lost in their own thoughts.

When we arrived home, I parked the car and turned off the engine, my mind already made up. I had to talk to my parents about it. 

We made our way to my flat, and my mother said to me, "Freshen up quickly and come to the living room. Your father and I need to talk to you about something important." The seriousness in her tone made me wonder what it could be.

"Okay," I replied, then went to my room. I took a hot shower, hoping it would help me relax. I decided to pray Isha after talking to my parents, thinking it wouldn't take long to finish talking with my parents.

I came into the living room and saw my parents sitting there, lost in their thoughts. My father noticed me and motioned for me to sit next to them. I sat down, and my mother began, "Beta, first listen to us carefully, and don't jump to conclusions. Take your time and think it over. We won't force you into anything, but please try to understand. We only want what's best for you."

I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to know what the matter was. Why was my mother creating so much suspense?

"Mama, I understand," I said, unable to handle the suspense any longer. "Please, just tell me what's going on."

"We got a marriage proposal for you," my father said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of seriousness.

I felt as if the ground had suddenly disappeared beneath me. My heart skipped a beat, and my breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I couldn't process the words. My mind raced, and everything around me seemed to blur. I had known this day would come eventually, but I never imagined it would arrive so abruptly.

I sat there, frozen, my mouth dry, unable to say anything. The weight of the moment pressed on me, and a thousand thoughts ran through my head all at once. A proposal? My emotions were a tangled mess of surprise, confusion, and an unfamiliar sense of dread. How was I supposed to feel? How was I supposed to respond?

My mother reached over and gently took my hand, her touch soft but full of concern. "Beta, we understand this might be a lot to take in," she said, her voice calm but filled with emotion. "But we just want what's best for you. Take your time, think about it, but please know we support you."

I wanted to say something—anything—to make sense of it all, but my words were stuck. The idea of marriage had always seemed distant to me, something I would face when I was ready, not like this, not so suddenly.

Finally, I managed to whisper, "Who... who is it?" My voice barely a breath, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile calm around me.

My parents exchanged a glance, but I could see the hesitation in their eyes. This wasn't an easy conversation for them either.

My heart was still pounding in my chest, but now it was racing with the uncertainty of what was to come.

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