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I was married at 14. My husband, Sumon, is 16 years older. Together we have an 8-month-old daughter, Habiba. My husband is a farmer. His family moved here a few years ago, and we live with the rest of his extended family. I didn't know him before we were married; I had never seen him before.
Six days later I was married. During the ceremony, I washed, dressed and had mint leaves placed in my mouth. The others danced but I just stood there. I was given a bracelet and traditional nose ring. When I was officially a married woman, I cried.
Six days later I was married. During the ceremony, I washed, dressed and had mint leaves placed in my mouth. The others danced but I just stood there. I was given a bracelet and traditional nose ring. When I was officially a married woman, I cried.
We did what was expected of a newly married Muslim couple. I washed his feet. He made salaam (a traditional religious greeting) and we sat on the bed and said a prayer together. Then I fell asleep.
The next night he had sex with me for the first time. I woke up in the morning and felt absolutely terrible and dirty. my body was hurting. I took a long shower. I cried while I was thinking about what my life would be now. I mourned for my freedom that was gone and was sad to have lost the life I had lived until now. (collected)
