Halal Lovin'

Chapter 3

(Conversation in Arabic)

"Saif?"

"Yes."

"And she agreed?"

"Yes."

"What is wrong with her? The richest of the rich have asked. The most handsome men have asked. Everyone has asked. In the end, she agreed to Saif? He can't even pay for her left hand," my father said in his most angry calm voice.

Money.

Money is everything in this house. Sometimes I think he's only okay with having 3 daughters because he knows he'll be able to sell us off later.

"At least she agreed. Let's just get this over with," my mother responded. She seems at ease. It's strange considering she's talking to my father. Usually, she shows her discomfort and disappointment hoping it'll make him realize what he's been up to is wrong.

"Okay. How much are they offering?" My father says. Not surprised he stopped caring about my agreement. In the end, I'm just someone he brought into this world to walk around on auction.

Now don't get me wrong people. I have no problem with arranged marriages. The only problem I have is when the dowry is more important that the daughter's happiness. And as you all can see, that is the case now.

At the moment I'm behind the door of my parents' master bedroom listening to everything. To be honest I haven't even thought about how much I'm being let go for.

"20,000," my mom says with a low voice. I could barely make out the words, but my father reassures me next.

"TWENTY?!? WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?!? THAT SON OF A B**CH!! HE'S NOT EVEN GOING TO PAY FOR THE DIAPERS I BOUGHT FOR HER?!?"

You see hijabis and homies? Do you see what I mean? That phrase right there is why I have a bad view on this. The fact that he only took care of us so he can get paid back. That is why I never loved the man. He makes it seem like I'm some kind of dog. Breeding me so he can show me off and give me to the best bidder.

"Let's just get this over with. People are talking. I know she's only eight-teen, but people know of her. They know about her disagreeing to marry the others," my mother pitches in. "She's in college. Sooner or later people are going to start making up rumors of a boyfriend or whatever. Let's just let him have her. You know we can't force her to marry. Even if we could, you know she won't let us. I already called his mother and told her everything is set. You don't have to be a part of this. I told her the dowry and the wedding expenses are separate. Don't worry, you won't lose a dime."