Pretty Isn't Her Name [ABANDONED]

03| When Life Gives You Lemons -

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Ammar was furious with the decision. How could his parents — without his knowledge and consent — choose a spouse for him? And what made him disagree with the decision more was that they had to select from one of 'those' people he disliked. Absolutely not his type.

His hands were shaking so much, you could see an angry vein making itself visible. Clenching his jaw, he spat, "Why would you do this to me, huh!? I adhered to every one of your orders! So why? Why can't you — !?"

"Ammar!" His father's booming voice spoke with great annoyance. "Nasan (I know) what's good and what's bad for you. Stop speaking such nonsense and maintain your manners! Janan shall be your future wife and you have no say in it! Now, you may leave. I need to speak to Janan and her family." With that being said, Ammar's father silenced his son and ended the argument.

Ammar could only glare. He glared at his father and the cause of his horrendous situation.

'Her...they must be hopeful if they think I'll bend so easily. Besides, what can she do...'

"Allah!" Furious, Ammar stood and stormed out of the living room.

Janan couldn't help the salty tears from leaking out as they cascaded down her round, firm face. She bit her quivering lower lip harshly to prevent herself from releasing the sobs wracking her form.

She knew she wouldn't be happy in her soon-to-be new home. Her mother could only rub soothing circles around her back. Throwing a tantrum didn't seem so bad now, but her mind rationalized with her burning heart.

"I'm sorry my dear, he can be a little cold sometimes... Amma (but) give it some time, I'm sure you'll be happy." Umma smiled sadly at her.

Janan snorted quietly. 'A little?! Pfft! I'm not blind, you know! Did they see how he stormed off like that?! I would be living in hell! That's what they mean!'

Silence followed after. Janan was grateful that they gave her these few minutes to collect her shaken self. She knew eventually, this situation would occur, but she didn't expect it to show up this soon. Yes, Janan knew she was going to be in an arranged marriage, that's how much faith she had in her father. But she definitely didn't like his choice.

"Y-Yaushe (when)...? Yaushe z-za a yi (When will it)...?" Janan stutters weren't contained in a jar. After crying so much, of course it would have affected her way of speech.

Another string of silence followed after, Janan could not believe how cruel fate can be. Yet, she had accepted it either way.

"In one month's time dear... We have already planned what needs to be done..." Janan's mother finally, for the first time since the meeting started, offered. But that wasn't the issue for Janan. That sentence her mother spoke made her more depressed as she was a while ago.

Janan looked beyond shocked at the mention that her wedding was in a month! It was far too soon. What in the bloody hell were they rushing for?! It's not like she can exactly escape from this.

"It's too soon. Don't you think so, Ummi?!" Janan was in a state of panic. Her breath coming out heavy as her bloodshot eyes faced her mother, who embraced her sympathetically. "No, no! I don't want this anymore, baba!" Janan clutched her mother's soft body.

"Janan, habibti... Please, I only did this for your own good. I never - in my life - had the intention to inflict misery on you. Forgive me my daughter, but he needs your help..."

Janan perked at the statement her father said. 'Wait... This confuses me. How in the world does he need my help? I saw that he is organized and perfect...so why say such a thing? The one who's desperate for help is me, thank you very much!'

She tried to speak, but he was faster — "Janan dear please, go to him. We shall talk later. I need you to trust your mahaifinki (father)." He admonished. If not for her strong trust in him, she wouldn't have ever even tried to move a muscle.

Hesitant and weary, she went after her so-called husband-to-be. Which she still did not agree on.

Janan walked down their polished halls, her dress leaving a trail of her explicit emotions.

'Why why?! I've been such an obedient girl, I never disappointed them, I had such gratifying grades... So why?! This is nothing but bullshit... Ugh! I can't stay here anymore! No way am I gonna waste physical and emotional energy to chase after some dude who broke my girl's heart!' Janan halted in her tracks to stump on the plush carpet beneath her small feet continuously like an enraged monkey.

With that being thought by her, she picked up her gown and ran to her 'private spot'. She arrived shortly, sucking a mouthful of air and releasing it to calm the storm brewing in her mind.

The unfavorable thoughts vanished from her head as she breathed in deeply before releasing the second time. She had thanked Allah for giving her father the idea of planting a garden at the back of their house. The garden comprised many species of flowers. The least out of them being her favorite; Gerbera daisies. Also known as Transvaal daisies.

She simply loved those kinds of flowers. It ranged from white to red. Looking, touching, and smelling always floated her mind away into bliss. She sat on the bench next to the flowers.

"I still do not see why they set me up with you. Seriously, I see nothing special." If there was one thing that could make even the tiniest of hair on her body stand, then the award goes to him.

"And of all the places in this enormous house, you couldn't find a better place to pollute except here? Seriously, what were my parents thinking ..." She muttered the last part as she rubbed her face in exasperation. Janan wanted this insignificant vermin gone before her being.

"Huh? What did you say?" Ammar sounded pricked as he too didn't like their situation.

"I said leave! Your company is unwanted, pretty boy." Janan moodily spat towards his direction while he became even more infuriated than he already was. The muscles under his finely tailored kaftan flexed as he pointed an irritated finger down at Janan.

"You know... I do not know why you have a reason to hate me like this? I'm supposed to be the one enraged!" He barked. She sighed and folded her arms. If this was a dream, then she would like to wake up at any moment now.

She became more annoyed than before, "Wow! He didn't recognize me? Of he wouldn't!" Janan clarified to herself, twisting her body to face Ammar. "So you're telling me you don't remember the best friend of the girl you broke up with so suddenly with no consideration? Wow, a round of applause to you, sir." She said bitterly to him and clapped her hands slowly while shaking her head.

Janan witnessed as his orbs widened, his jaw going slack. She saw realization dawn on the light-skinned man. A pregnant silence settled between the two figures, Ammar turning his head away from her.

"Ha... iikon Allah (work of Allah). Now, what would Fatima say when —"

"Can I ask you a question?" Ammar slid his hands into his trouser pockets. Janan's face changed slightly to red because of anger. How dare he cut her off!

'Ya Allah ankidth ni (Allah save me)!'

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