married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

Episode 23 "Reality checks and heartbeats"

Khalid's POV~~~(letting go, growing up)

It's only the second week at work, and I'm already exhausted. I'm currently interning at one of my dad's friend's factories. They manufacture and process raw agricultural products for consumption. I like the job, but I'm not passionate about it. I'm only doing it for the time being since I don't have a degree yet. My real dream is to become a therapist.

Helping someone heal from mental illness that's what I find truly rewarding. We need therapy more than we admit. Life is hard, and sometimes we lose ourselves in the chaos.

I thought finishing high school would feel amazing but life hit me, twice. Skipping a grade wasn't easy, but Alhamdulillah, I made it. I'm 17 and a graduate.

"Sir, these are the papers. You can check," a coworker said, handing me a file.

My job is to track the rate of agricultural imports and exports in the country and submit the weekly report to the head of department. So, yeah... I had to study math even though it's not my favorite subject.

"Thank you. You can wait for the adjustment and signature over there," I said, pointing to a chair. After completing the necessary tasks, I returned the file.

"Here," I said as I handed it back to him. He nodded and left.

Later that afternoon , I took a deep breath and typed:

"Hi, As-salaam-alaikum. I'm really sorry for what happened last time. I know I acted out of anger I couldn't control it. I love Zahra. I love her so much it's no joke. But maybe this is my qadr, and I'll accept it. Congratulations on your marriage."

I hit send.

I was genuinely guilty about how I behaved losing myself over a girl. That's why I texted him. I didn't even realize I was becoming someone I wouldn't recognize. At least my brother gave me a reality check.

I'm grateful for him. He tells me the truth, even when it's hard. He's really a legend. I don't say it enough, but I'm his biggest fan. He's priceless.

"Planning to attend Zahra's engagement?" Hasan asked.

"Nah, not really. I need time to heal from whatever I was feeling," I replied honestly.

He looked at me and nodded.

Jamila POV~~~(munchkin and moonlight conversations)

The engagement ceremony went well at both houses Baraka's and Zahra's. Jamal, his uncle, and I attended. I went to both events, which is why I arrived late to Zahra's.

By the time I got there, everything had already been discussed, and the men had gone to the masjid for prayers. Only the girls were left at home.

"So, you said yes, Abi?" I teased Zahra, curious about what happened before I arrived.

She waved her hand at me. "Hello?"

"I know your strategy, girl," I said, brushing her hand off.

She rolled her eyes. "I know you'd ask, but you won't get anything from me," she said nonchalantly while unpinning her hijab.

I jumped off the bed and began unpinning mine too, preparing for ablution.

"I hate you, do you know that?" I said, pretending to be annoyed.

"You mean love?" she shot back with a smirk.

I knew she was heading to the bathroom, so I rushed in and locked the door behind me just to annoy her.

"Jamila! This is not the time to play the elders are waiting for me!" she shouted, knocking on the door.

"Please, Jamila," she added pleadingly.

I grinned. This was exactly what I wanted.

"...Not gonna lie, sometimes I feel like nobody's really interested," I admitted later.

"But Jamila, that's not true. You're a strong and beautiful woman who wouldn't be interested?" Zahra exclaimed.

"Lots of people respect you. You wouldn't want to exchange that for anything, baby girl. I mean it," she smiled, holding my hand.

"Zahra, come down! Food is readyyy!" someone yelled from downstairs.

We fixed our hijabs and left the room.

"As-salaam-alaikum, Baba," I greeted Zahra's dad.

"Wa-alaikum-salaam, Jamila. How are your mom and dad?" he asked with a warm smile.

"Dad traveled last week, and my mom's at home. She said hi," I replied politely.

"That's good, that's good," he nodded.

"Well, you're welcome. Your sister is getting married, huh? Hope she offered you food," he added to make sure I was properly received.

"Yeah, I was on my way to the kitchen Zahra's there," I replied.

"Oh okay, I'll take my leave now," he said, and before I could say anything else, he was already gone.

I walked into the kitchen and found Zahra and Abdul Hamid he was washing dishes while she was heating food in the microwave. I figured they'd already had lunch, so Zahra and I would eat together.

Once the food was ready, we headed to the dining table. The dining room was directly opposite the living room, so I could see everything going on there.

"I can see your future mother-in-law is really happy," I said mid-bite.

"Yeah, she is," Zahra replied, sipping a glass of water.

"I'm happy for you, little munchkin," I said, looking straight into her eyes.

A tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away.

"Thank you, Jamila. I pray Allah rewards you with khair and blesses you with a loving spouse," she said, hugging me tightly.

I hugged her back.

Baraka~~~(whispers before the nikkah)
                       Six Days Later

No texts.
No calls.
No exchanging numbers.
No hugs.
No beach walks holding hands.
But still deeply in love.

My love for Jamal is natural. A scar that blossomed into strength.

We're just one day away from becoming husband and wife in shaa Allah.

Isn't it scary? Leaving your home to live with a total stranger?
Isn't it terrifying? Starting a new chapter without your parents beside you?

But no matter how difficult life gets, I know this Allah's got my back. In every moment. Easy or tough.

"Alhamdulillah," I sighed, thanking my Rabb for everything.

I folded my prayer mat and placed it under the study table, then walked over and dropped onto the bed. My thoughts raced.

"Hi, As-salaam-alaikum! Are you ready for tomorrow?" I texted Zahra.

"Ahh... Just a little. I've been so tired. How about you?" she replied.

"My heart won't stop racing and it's not helping at all 😭," I sent back.

"Lol, you'll be fine, Baraka. Jamal is a good person," she reassured me.

I smiled.

"Thank you! See you tomorrow. As-salaamalaikum," I sent, then put my phone on Do Not Disturb.

I laid back, thinking for a few more minutes. Then I whispered my dua, turned off the lamp, and drifted off to sleep.

Good night. Sweet dreams to me.

Read😌
Reflect 🤓
Rejoice 😁

Haddy Nyang✍️(Khadijah Uthman)