Adja and cheick Ahmed ❤️

04

As Salam Aleykoum

It had been days since Adja had been able to sleep peacefully. The moments she spent with Noor had become the only times when she felt truly happy. Seeing the little girl's bright smile, feeling her arms around her neck, and hearing her laughter—these had filled Adja's life with an indescribable warmth. However, this joy was now accompanied by a weight on her heart, a proposal she never imagined receiving.

It all began one afternoon, as Adja and Noor played in the yard. Noor was pretending to make imaginary tea with a small plastic tea set when her grandmother arrived, wearing a serious yet gentle expression.

Noor's grandmother sat next to Adja, her eyes fixed on the young woman.

Grandmother: Adja, may I speak with you for a moment?

Adja, gently putting down the plastic cup: Of course, madam. I'm all ears.

Grandmother: Since Noor met you, she has found a light we thought was lost. She adores you; you're like a mother to her. And, to be honest, I've never seen anyone else bring her as much happiness, except for her father.

Adja, slightly blushing from emotion: Noor is very special to me. I love her so much.

Grandmother: That's why I wanted to propose something important, and I ask you to think carefully before you respond.

Adja felt her heart race. She had no idea what was coming, but the grandmother's serious expression troubled her.

Grandmother: Noor needs a mother, and I believe you would be perfect for that role. I propose that you marry Noor's father. I know this is an unusual request, but... you're the only one who can fill the void in her life.

Adja felt the ground slip beneath her feet.

Adja: Me? Marry her father? But... I don't even know him. I don't know anything about him, not even his name.

Grandmother: I understand. My son is a complicated man, wounded by the past, who swore never to let a woman into his heart. But deep down, I know he needs someone like you, even if he refuses to admit it. He is a good man, but he has his reasons for being wary.

Adja: And what if he doesn't like me? What if our marriage only makes him even more distant?

Grandmother: That's something you'll have to discover, if you accept. This marriage is not an obligation. But I believe that, if anyone can change his heart, it's you.

Adja's eyes welled up with tears. She had never considered marrying like this, especially not with a man she knew nothing about, except for one thing: he was Noor's father. The little girl she had grown so attached to as if she were her own child.

Adja spent days reflecting, torn between her love for Noor and the uncertainty of her future.

When night fell, she lay in bed, thinking about the sweet memories with Noor. She knew that accepting this marriage meant stepping into the unknown, taking a huge risk. But every time she closed her eyes, it was Noor's smiling face that appeared, making her decision a little less frightening.

Finally, she got up, her decision made. The next morning, she went to Noor's grandmother's house, ready to give her answer.

Adja: Madam, I've thought a lot... and I'm ready. For Noor, I'm willing to try this adventure, even though I don't yet know her father.

The grandmother smiled, relieved but aware of the challenges ahead.

Grandmother: You have a pure heart, Adja. Thank you so much, you will never regret your choice.

Me: I hope so too.

I hope you enjoyed it 🥰