married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

Episode 29 "what awaits us"

Yusra's POV~~~(The day i said yes)

"Yusra, darling, can you come sit with me?" my mom called from the living room.

I was at my study desk, working on exercises I had to submit tomorrow.

"Yes, Ma," I replied, walking over to where she was seated.

"Sit here, darling," she said, patting the spot beside her. I sat down.

"Yusra, how old are you again... twenty, right?" I knew where this was going. Ever since I turned twenty, she'd been teasing me about marriage.

"Yeah, Mom. Why are you asking?" I said with a smile. She smiled back and gently patted my back.

"Okay... so there's a proposal from a reputable family. The man is a good person, and he's strong in his deen. I know his mother personally. What do you think?"

A proposal? At the beginning of my semester? That was funny. Besides, I didn't really know any guys at school or work except my cousins.

"I don't know what to say. It's overwhelming," I replied, trying to calm my nerves. She nodded, patiently waiting for me to speak.

"Do you mind telling me who it is, Mom?" I asked. I wanted to at least know before I decided to say no.

"Your cousin Khalid," she said slowly.

I was shocked but also, it made sense. We liked each other. It was obvious.

"But Mom..." I paused.

"You like him, but he's younger. Is that it?" she asked, looking me in the eye.

"Yes, he is like two years younger," I said, holding up two fingers.

"Age is just a number, Yusra. But it's your choice. Let me know tomorrow if you change your mind," she said.

I nodded and returned to my desk to finish my assignment.

---

The next morning, I woke up with a clear mind.

Mom had already spoken to Dad, and he advised me to think it through. Aunty, being her usual excited self, called my mom last night to ask if I'd agreed. Mom told her the truth about the age gap and everything. I could sense Aunty was a little disappointed, but I couldn't think straight last night. It was overwhelming.

Khalid had just moved to America not long ago, and now he wanted to marry someone two years older than him. It was weird in a good way.

Today was light. I had only one class and was already back home. I decided to sit down with Mom and Dad to talk about my decision.

"So Mom, Dad... I'm about to tell you something, but please don't freak out," I said, looking at them. We were sitting at the dining table Dad sipping coffee, Mom knitting a bag she planned to sell in her shop.

Mom owns a big shop beside the mall. She sells bags and abayas. Many of my friends buy their Eid clothes from her especially the Pakistani and Iraqi students at my university. They love shopping there.

"Say it already, Yusra," Mom whisper-shouted, clearly impatient.

"So... about my decision yesterday I take it back," I said.

She smiled, but looked confused.

"Which decision? What exactly are you taking back?" Dad asked, stroking his chin.

"I've decided to marry Khalid," I said, smiling at Mom.

Dad lit up with joy, but Mom didn't. She looked down and continued knitting.