Hidden Beauty In Hardships

Chapter 2

Just finished packing away all my essentials, couple pairs of clothes, and some money then I zipped up my overnight bag up. Its funny when you have to decide between what you need and what you want you realize a lot of things don't matter as much as they seemed to. I forced myself to not fall weak as I held back my tears and started getting dressed. I put on my black abaiya (long dress), my baby blue hijab (head scarf) with white poka dots, and took out my favorite grey jacket to keep me warm.

I couldn't believe I was really going to run away from home especially the day before my wedding. When I imagined myself on this day I always imagined myself to be glowing with happiness but only I knew how far that was from the truth.

I checked the time it was 1:03am. I've never went out on my own past maghrib (prayer at sunset). I don't know if running away was the right thing to do but it was too late to rethink things I was going leave and that was it. Quickly grabbed my bag and walked out of my room gently closing the door behind me making sure to not make any noise. The last thing I needed was my parents to wake up right now and stop me. As I walked past their room I couldn't help but peep in. Who knows when I'll see them next. For a sec I felt terrible for doing this to them but its something I had to do for me. Maybe I was being a little selfish by running away but what other choice did I have to stop this wedding from taking place. 

Headed downstairs and walked over to the front door. With every step my heart started beating faster. I was doubting my decision and rethinking them all but I was not going to allow a couple of doubts stop me I had made up my mind and there was no going back. I took a deep breath in and walked out locking the door behind with the intention to get as far away as possible. Where? I was unsure as long as I was far away from home I didn't care.   

Next morning (8:07am)

Mom's POV.

Oh my gosh theres so much to get done and this girl isn't even up yet. I couldn't be any happier can't believe my little girl is going to get married today! I should go wake her up or she'll be late for her own wedding. Walked over to Zarah's room and knocked on the door. 'Zarah dear wake up you need to get dressed your inlaws will be over in a few hours for the nikkah (marriage ceremony)'… 'Zarah'?? why is she not replying? I opened the door and walked into an empty room. Where was Zarah? She couldn't have been downstairs I was just down there and shes not there maybe she's in the bathroom.  I'll go check. She wasn't there either Zarah would never leave home this early without letting us know. I walked back to her room to find a note on her bed:

Dear mama and baba,  (arabic for mom and dad)

When you read this I want you both to know how sorry I really am for leaving please forgive me and try to understand why I did. I left because I couldn't get married to this man you have chosen for me. I trust you both but I couldn't promise myself to a man I've never even had one meeting with. Marriage is a big deal and if I got married to this man it would be a great injustice to him and myself. That is why I left hope you understand and I love you both.

Your Loving daughter,

      Zarah

'Kalid' I yelled! (Zarah's father) 'Yes whats the matter is everything ok why are you crying'!? he said bringing me closer and wrapping his arams around me. 'Kalid… Za.. Zarah's gone' I said weeping uncontrollable. 'What do you mean she's gone' I handed him the note she left. His eyes widened in shock while reading it as he dropped the note. 'Find her and bring her back home please'.

[Do you agree with Zarah's decision of running away from home or do you think it was absolutely wrong?? let me know and please remember to vote and share and thanks for reading hope you guys are enjoying the story so far :)]