The Muslim Criminal

Chapter 29 - Bad news

"How old are you?" Dad asks me.
I raise my eyebrows.
"Seriously?"
"I just want to make sure"
"I'm 19 next month"
"Good, you're of age"
"Of age to what?"
"Of age to get married"

My mouth drops in shock and my eyes widen as soon as the words escape his mouth.
"Tell me you're joking" I say
"Why? What's wrong"
"I'm too young! I can't obviously get married now. I have an education to pursue and work. I've literally just got out of jail and you're pushing me to get married!" I say my voice raising slightly.

"Hear me out-"
"No! You hear me out. I'm not ready for marriage, I'm new to this whole area. I don't know anyone here, anyone you find for me will be a complete stranger!"
"What if it's someone you know?"
"The only guy I know is Ibrahim and he's my brother. And even if I did know any other guy it wouldn't change the fact that I'm..not..ready!"
"Are your going to listen to me now?"
"Depends, are you still talking about selling me off to a random guy?"
"You're making it sound bad"
"Because it is!"
"Zayna, I'm not sure how long I have to live. I want to see you settled. That's when I will know that everything in my life is complete. Please just understand it from my view"

Complete and utter bullshit!
I don't say anything, I focus on keeping my anger away, if I get too angry I would blurt out everything. I narrow my eyes at the floor.
"I got married at your age and I expect you to do so too"
"Yes well you and me both know how that marriage turned out" I snap.

His eyes goes dark and I know he's trying to control his anger. After a while of both of us staring at each other he sighs.
"What's so bad about thinking about it?"
"I would say give me time, but I know even after a couple years my answer will be the same"
"Very well, then I will have to take extreme measures"
"What do you mean by that?"
"You will find out soon enough"

He spoke no more. I can't believe this son of a bastard. He can't handle all I've put him through so he's getting rid of me. That too, to a random person!
What else can I expect from someone who jailed me!

The rest of the day I was in a bad mood. I completed all my work and more than I planned just to release my frustration without letting him know.

I could feel the content smirk playing on his face. All I wanted to do was smack it off!

When we got home I went to my room without speaking to him which was the only highlight of my day.
After getting changed and reading my Isha Prayer I got into the bed and slept.

When I woke up I was hoping last night was a dream, but that isn't possible with him.

"Good morning darling" he says as I come down the stairs.
"I hope you don't mind, I called someone over for breakfast"

I look over at the table to see Chief. A smile makes its way on my face as I see him.
"What are you doing here?" I ask him.
"Your father called me over, we have something to discuss"

Ibrahim came downstairs as well. Instead of sharing our breakfast, he was sent out.
"Why has Ibrahim gone school without any breakfast?" I speak before rushing after him.
"Hey. Come on, I won't let him do anything. You're with me" I grab his arm and pull him to the dining room.

"Come on. Eat up" I say.
"Zayna please we don't have much time. Let him eat on his own, you take your own plate and eat" Dad says.
I do as he says and get my food even though it feels really wrong.

"Zayna, your father tells me you have a proposal"
"A proposal?"
"Well, he says he is considering marriage for you"
Me and Ibrahim spit out our juice that we were both drinking and start coughing. The maids instantly start cleaning the table.