"Amina I know I've messed up in the past but please, give me the chance to prove to you that this can work."
I couldn't believe it; after all these years Aaron finally reciprocated the feelings I had towards him. But before I could even utter a word...
After leaving my father's house, everything became a blur, all I remember is coming home and sleeping away the whole day. My tears slip helplessly onto my pillow every time I recall my father's lecture.
Taylor finally comes home shortly around 6pm to find me curled up in my bed, staring helplessly out my window. After some persuasion, I eat dinner with her while recounting my disastrous morning. Taylor is furious, she keeps encouraging me to reject my father's demand, but I know it is futile to refuse him.
"You know," Taylor says while eating her chinese noodles, "you could just tell your dad you'll go along with the marriage until you're done school in June."
"I mean I could do that, but what about after school? It takes forever to find a stable job after university, I need to build up my job experience."
"Well, it's honestly up to you Amina. You can live the rest of your life with a man you do not know, who could possibly hurt you. Or you can finally stand up for yourself and tell your father no. This is your life Amina, not your father's."
Shit, Taylor is right. But could I do it? Could I manipulate my dad into thinking that I wanted to marry Abel? In all honestly, I had no other choice. I would have to play the part of the perfect fiance and daughter, in order to live my life the way I wanted to.
---
The next morning I get up, take a shower and brush my teeth. I decide on wearing a simple knee length, fit and flare red dress with beige flats. I let my hair hang wildly down my back in long ringlet curls and keep my makeup simple. After adding on a dab of perfume to each of my wrists, I head out to my father's house, too nervous to even contemplate having breakfast.
Twenty minutes later, I find my hands are shaking as I ring the doorbell to my father's house.
"Amina darling you're finally here. Come in come in," my father says, stepping aside to let me in. I was trembling at this point, I don't know if I can go through with meeting Abel at all.
My father completely negligent about my feelings, ushers me into the livingroom. My eyes immediately darted to the opposite couch from where I am standing.
Quite a few things happen at this moment. First I notice Abel has the darkest brown eyes I've ever seen on a man before. Second, his raven coloured hair is gelled and pushed back, showing off his beautifully chiseled face. Third, I subconsciously glance down to see that Abel has quite a few tattoo on him. He also isn't formally dressed at all. He is just wearing a plain grey shirt, dark denim jeans, and a leather jacket. This surprises me because I thought my father would choose a cookie cutter Indian boy for me to marry. Abel is unique, he does not strike me as the kind of guy who would want an arranged marriage, let alone need one.
"Amina," my father says, "this is Abel your fiance, Abel this is my daughter Amina." My father directs me to shake Abel's hand, I hesitate for a moment before walking over to him. As I approach Abel he stands, his demeanor still appearing to be closed off.
"Uh hi," I murmur reaching out to shake his hand noticing his complex mandala tattoo.
He sees me glance at his tattoo, but his facial expression gives nothing away. He justs shakes my hand and nods his hand.
"Well I'll go finish making the tea," my dads says abruptly leaving the room.
I step away from Abel taking the couch opposite of him. I can feel his eyes on me as I glance around the room, too nervous to make eye contact again.
Not being able to handle the silence, I finally look up at Abel once again. But before I can speak, he interrupts me.
"Why are you wearing that?" He asks nodding his head to my dress, which is now pulled up around my upper thighs.
I blush, trying to quickly readjust my dress around my knees. I notice Abel takes pleasure in seeing me flustered because his eyes flash with amusement.
"M..my father told me to dress nice, so I did."
"Yet you decided to wear a dress. This is peculiar considering you should be wearing formal Indian clothing because you are addressing your new fiance," he says clicking his tongue.
"What I find interesting is that my new fiance speaks of tradition yet he is covered with tattoos," I add mentally chastising myself for my snarky comment.
Abel's eyes flash for a second, before he can say anything my father quickly enters the room, carrying a tray with three cups of chai tea.
After placing the tray on the table, he sits beside me. I can still feel Abel's gaze penetrating me as I reach over to grab a cup of tea.
"Amina dear, could you please hand Abel's tea to him," my father asks.
What? His tea cup is literally two feet away from him I mindlessly reply; nevertheless I hand over the cup I was going to drink from to Abel. His tattoo hands overlap mine as I pass the tea cup to him. I involuntarily shiver from his slight contact even though I was just holding a cup of hot tea.
Not wanting to look up I quickly grab my own cup and sit beside my father once again.
"Well," my father says bringing my attention back towards him. "I feel it would be best if you and Abel got married this upcoming July. I also think that the engagement party should be held here next Saturday as well so you two can publicly announce your union," my father adds as he sips his tea nonchalantly.
I momentarily pause after my father finishes speaking. JULY? That is only ten months away! Why do we have to get married so soon? Before I can muster a response, Abel quickly interrupts me once again.
"That sounds like a good idea Mr. Singh, I look forward to the celebrations."
Only after Abel says this can I make eye contact once again. His steely gaze dares me to object, however I remain mute and passive.
"Yes father I agree," I say abruptly standing. Both men look at me questioningly but before they can say anything I immediately think of an excuse.
"Sorry to cut this meeting short but I have an important paper that I must finish for school."
My father looks at me semi disappointed while Abel eyes light up with mirth.
"Well Amina it was a pleasure meeting you," he adds as he stands up as well.
Before I leave I shake Abel's hand once again, but just as I am about to pull away he draws me in closer and rests his lips against my ear.
"Also my dear fiance do not forgot your formal attire for our party," he adds releasing me from his hold.
During my drive home all I can think about is Abel's touch, knowing I am well and truly fucked.
