married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

Episode 22 "Engaged by destiny, entangled by doubt"

"Zahra, listen," he said, stopping me just as I opened the door to alight.

"What?" I asked, turning back, looking everywhere but at him. I waited for him to say whatever he had to say as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I didn't respond. I turned away and stepped out of the car without a word. He dropped his head onto the steering wheel, trying to ease the tension building in the silence.

"I should be asking you that," I muttered in frustration, slamming the car door behind me.

He didn't react—didn't call after me or try to stop me. He just stayed there, calm and composed, like he didn't want to cause more trouble.

I walked straight to the house and rang the bell.

Jamal opened the door and immediately looked toward Yasir's car.

"Who is it, Zah?" Before he could finish, I ran upstairs, covering my face. I knew he'd recognize the car.

"Knock knock, Zahra..." Jamal's voice came from the door.

I got up to open it.

"Can I come in? I want to talk," he said, waiting for permission. I nodded.

He walked in and sat on the study bench while I sat on the bed, facing him.

"Zahra," he said softly. I looked up.

"Yes?" I answered, nervously fidgeting with my nails.

"Were you hanging out with Yasir?" he asked, his eyes locked onto mine. "Tell me the truth," he added gently.

Tension tightened in my chest. I had to decide fast what to say before he found out.

"No," I replied quickly.

"Okay, thank you," he said, getting up. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash. I looked at him, confused.

"You can use this for your wedding shopping. It's just a thousand dollars anyway," he said, placing the money on the study table.

"Thank you, Jamal," I said, getting up to hug him. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.

"I'm here for you. Anytime you need me," he whispered, patting my back. I returned the hug, comforted.

We stayed like that for about two minutes until he, being the classic Jamal, ruined the sweet sibling moment by pinching my back.

"Ouchhh, Jamal!" I whined, pushing him away.

"Make me," he teased, sticking out his tongue and squinting one eye.

I grabbed my slipper, ready to throw it at him, but he darted out of the room. I chased him downstairs, but he vanished.

"Huh," I sighed, placing my hand on my chest. Jamal could be such a bully sometimes.

Shopping Spree

"It's beautiful, but I want something with at least butterfly patterns," I said to both Jamila and Baraka.

We were at the mall, shopping for our wedding outfits. Dad decided to hold Jamal's wedding on the same day as mine to save time and money.

Even though I wasn't happy about my marriage, I was genuinely happy for Baraka. That joy was what I held on to throughout the preparations.

"Okay, okay, Miss Butterfly," they both chuckled before I could explain.

"Butterflies are beautiful," I said unapologetically.

"They are," Baraka added, then teased, "especially when they're from Yasir."