Behind You✔️

chapter 4

J A W A D

I can't believe I'm getting married, and to some low-class girl no less. I just came back from the Netherlands, finally ready to take over my father's business, but instead, I received unexpected news. The events of what happened flashed through my mind.

***

We were eating dinner when Dad announced he wanted to talk to me. I was a bit excited because I knew he was going to discuss handing over the company to me, but what he said made my eyes widen in shock.

"You're getting married." I choked on my food, quickly sipping a glass of water.

"What? Dad, I just came back from the Netherlands."

"No, son, you're 25. You're not getting younger. You need to settle down, and we've already discussed it with her family. She's a nice girl; you will like her." I stared at my dad dumbstruck.

"Dad, I can't. I'm not ready to get married. I have a lot planned for myself." I blurted out. Seriously, I'm not ready for any marriage, and besides, I want to marry someone I love.

"And what if I said you must?" Dad's tone turned serious.

"Calm down, son. We want what is best for you," Mom chimed in after keeping quiet for a while.

"But, Mom, I want to marry someone I love, not someone you choose for me. I'm not a kid."

"You have no choice but to accept this marriage or forget about the company," Dad threatened. "I know you want the company badly."

"Are you serious, Dad?" I asked, utterly surprised at his statement.

"Did I ever joke with you? Choose: either you get married to her or forget about the company." He fumed in anger and stormed out of the house.

I was beyond words. This was unexpected. I looked at Mom for some explanation but found none.

"Look, son, just trust us. We won't choose what's bad for you. Think about this. What will they think if we tell them we won't go through with the marriage? Please do this for our sake." She patted my back and left me totally speechless.

•••

I clenched my fists, frustration boiling within me. I swear she's going to suffer. It's all her fault this is happening. I have no choice; I will have to accept this marriage proposal, or I will lose the company I've been dreaming of.

***

After performing my wudhu and praying my Namaz, I got ready as we were going to my so-called wife-to-be's house. Just the thought irritated me. I wore my navy blue kaftan and smoothed my black hair with my hands, descending downstairs to meet my parents who were already dressed and waiting for me. My eyes flickered to Dad, but he didn't even glance at me; he was still angry. We made our way toward the car and drove off.

•••

It's a simple, modern house with a black gate and walls painted in milk and white. I pressed the doorbell. A young-looking girl opened the door.

"Assalamu alaikum, Aunt."

"Assalamu alaikum, Uncle." She greeted my parents with a smile on her face.

Is she the girl? My mind asked.

She led us inside the house, which was also simple with four sofas, a plasma TV, and wall frames hanging on the white walls. I sat on the two-seater sofa while Mom and Dad sat on the three-seater. A woman who looked almost the same age as Mom came and hugged Mom; she must be the mother. I was busy with my phone when I heard a soft voice greeting Mom. I looked up, and my eyes met a beautiful one wearing a maroon abaya, with lipstick matching her outfit and a scarf covering her head. The moment she noticed me staring at her, she quickly averted her eyes, and my lips formed a smirk. So, she's the girl I'm getting married to. Not bad.

The greetings were over, and we were seated at the dining table eating. All the families were chatting, which I had no interest in. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Farah focused in one direction. It was her Mom's voice that brought me back from my thoughts.

"How's the Netherlands, Jawad?" she asked.

"Fine, ma'am." I forced a smile, a fake one at that.

***

After we finished eating, the families were now in the living room discussing, giving us space to talk and get to know each other better. Farah led us outside, and I walked behind her. We sat on a bench outside, and no one spoke a word. I bet she's nervous. What she said almost made me laugh, but I held it in.

"Salam, I'm Farah," she started. So, she thinks I don't know her name.

"I'm Jawad," I replied without showing any emotion.

"You must have heard about me from your parents, so tell me something about you." She bites her bottom lip; this girl is playing with fire. She wants to get to know me.

"Don't worry, you will get to know me when we get married." I glanced at my watch; we had already spent some time together.

"If you don't have anything more to say, can we go inside?" I stood up. It's better if I show her a little of my cold side so that she won't get her hopes up. She bit her bottom lip again, something she had been doing ever since we came to the balcony.

•••

We went back inside, and I took my seat in the same place I sat when we arrived, beside Dad, and she sat beside her Mom. Dad started speaking.

"Since everything is settled now, let's fix the date for the wedding." Everyone nodded.

"Okay, let's fix it for the next three weeks. Are you okay with that, Farah?" I wished she could say no, but no, that wasn't happening. We had already agreed; there was no turning back now.

"Yes, Uncle," she answered softly. I felt angry; now I was going to marry this girl in the next three weeks. Ya Allah.

"Masha Allah. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala see us through," Dad prayed.

"Ameen," everyone answered.

•••

After everything was discussed, we were leaving for our house. I unlocked the car for Dad and entered the driver's seat, waiting for Mom to finish her conversation with Farah's Mom. She approached me with a frown on her face.

"Jawad, why are you behaving like this?" she exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips.

"What did I do, Mom?" I muttered. I really didn't have the strength to argue now, after going through so much today.

"We are leaving, and you didn't even give Farah your phone number. Even if you don't like her, you shouldn't disrespect her like this. Give me your phone." My mom likes nagging; if she wants something, she will do anything to get it. So as my inner voice spoke, I gave her my phone, and she walked away with it toward Farah. I hissed in anger without Dad noticing. Wallah, she's going to regret marrying me.

•••

How was the chapter?
Do you want more of Jawad pov?

Vote|comment💕