Life Under the Hijab | ✔

{26} Give Me a Break

Zakir Khan

"Why won't you let me be happy?" Laila screamed.

"I already told you that Khaliq is not the one for you," I hissed.

"How? Tell me that," she glared.

My father answered for me. "He isn't right or as practicing as we would like him to be. We only want what's best for you, Laila. We're not trying to make you depressed," my father said softly.

"I wanted to marry him," she whispered with tears in her eyes.

At this point my body shook with anger. Why doesn't she realize that he's not the right guy? She's blinded by infatuation not love.

"Laila, tell me truly. Can you imagine Khaliq raising your kids? The father of your children? Can you imagine him to be the perfect guy you say he is for the rest of your life?" I asked her with an edge to my voice.

I was very well aware that Khadijah and Zaynub were watching this argument between the two of us. All I wanted to do was stay with Zaynub in our room all day. After the Zaid incident, I just wanted to hold her. But, look where I am now. I'm dealing with a girl blinded by infatuation. Honestly, why doesn't she see the truth in this?

Laila stayed quiet for a few minutes. She seemed deep in thought. I decided to add more fuel to my words.

"Marriage is a big deal. This is the person who will help you raise your children. The person who will be by your side for the rest of your life. He won't always be perfect. Allah never made us humans to be perfect. Love isn't effortless. It takes work. Lots of work," I said a little softer this time.

She stayed quiet again. I know she was thinking of a better rebound, so I sent a pleading look towards my father. He seemed to get the message.

"Zakir is right. There is a difference between love and infatuation. Infatuation is lust, Laila. It's when you just think fantasy level or crave the person's touch. You are lovers, but not friends. Your spouse is suppose to be your closest friend. The person you can tell anything to. Your spouse is suppose to be the one who encourages you to do better. You're not only suppose to crave the person's touch, but you should also think of them as your best friend. You need to think beyond attraction," he said.

Go, Dad!

 I wished Aunt Yusra heard that speech. Wait a minute. That's it! I knew how to get this information to her. Why didn't I think of it before? First I needed to deal with Laila, then I had to call Tariq.

Laila was deep in thought. "I-I need some time alone," she said before she ran up to her room.

Dad and I let out a sigh. Then we both collapsed on the couch.

"And I thought dealing with a teenage girl would be rough. A young adult is like World War III," muttered my father.

Zaynub, Khadijah and I laughed at that.

"Now Zakir, would you mind telling me why there is a huge bruise on your jaw?" asked my father.

I groaned, not this again. Zaynub and Khadijah shared knowing glances. Khadijah whispered something in Zaynub's ear and they both giggled.

I shot Khadijah a glare. "I swear if that's another animal joke, I'll punch you."

Khadijah raised her hands up defensively and smirked. My father cleared his throat, a sign for me to tell him.

I sighed. "I got punched by some guy," I mumbled.

"Zakir! Why would you get in a fight to begin with?"