Bending Edges

One

Mamoona

Morning prayers, fajr, came to an end and feeling as hungry as ever, I headed downstairs for breakfast. Mornings were always the busiest time of the day. With three my younger siblings, Asia, Abir and Fara. My older brother, Hassan moved out and started their own family and has little children. Hassan is a brain surgeon.

Dad sat at the kitchen table waiting for my mom to be done making breakfast and I made my way to the kitchen.

I went passed my younger brother, Abir who was playing on his phone and headed for the kitchen.

"Good morning Umi, good morning Abi," I greeted my parents.

I went to the silver fridge that sits right beside the stove where my mom was making breakfast to get the orange juice out.

"Good morning my dear," my dad greeted, he had shaved his beard that he has been growing. Now it's just a thin covering under his chin.

"Good morning, Mamoona," my mom greeted happily.

I opened the jug to see if there was still any liquid in the juice jug and carried it to the table where my dad was sitting. My mom set down our breakfast, Akkwai in front of Abi and I. "Remember that boy when you were in high school, Aban?" Abi told me.

I went and dug out my mind, I have met many Muslim guys in high school, but Aban hasn't ringed a bell. I shook my head in response. "No Abi, I don't remember,"

"Well he is searching for a wife," my father continued.

I dug into my breakfast. My baby siblings cried in the background. "Is he?" I responded.

"Mamoona, I'm not trying to force you to anything right now, but you are pass the age where you should let us find you a man that can take care of you. Now I know you want to wait after college, but now you're done,"

The word marriage was the word I always prepared to hear from my parents, but right then I didn't feel prepared. Maybe a little shock.

Ever since I was little, everything was laid out for me. I know that after high school, I have to go to college. Next comes medical school, and during medical school, I will be arranged to marry a man my family found suitable. I will have his children and by then I will earn my doctor degree. Finally, I will become a family doctor, working locally so that I would still be able to look after my children. I have this all planned out for me, so why am I so surprised?