The Forbidden

Part 16

My relationship with Kevin was blissful. He was the best boyfriend I could ever pray for. We spent most of our time together and he would always check up on me. One day he fell sick and I had to meet his parent. Even though it was for a brief moment, they were very polite and welcoming.

As soon as he felt better, I told him that we needed to talk about the future.

"Is there a next step in this relationship or are just having fun?" I inquired.

"Why?"

"Because if this is more to this than just dating, then we need to talk about our differences. Culture, tribe, religion. We need to discuss it at an earlier stage in our relationship so we don't end up wasting each other's time."

"OK. Let us talk about it because my heart is all in, Are you sure you have not bewitched me? Whenever I say my girlfriend is from Pemba, I always get a pat on my shoulder" he joked.

"Well, that's because I called my grandfather in Pemba and we have put you in a bottle there. So you are now bowing in all my commands. Try something funny and see!" I teased him.

"About religion, I know you guys are very strict on that. Your family will never allow you to marry outside your religion. And my family are strict Christian, especially my mum. They will never accept me worshiping any other religion."

"Honestly, it will be very hard for my family to accept you but I can compensate on the tribe and culture and convince them. But am not sure about the religion. I want to raise my children in one religion and I do not wish to convert to Christianity. So why don't take your time and learn about the religion then let me know about your decision? You should convert entirely because you want to".

Kevin started learning about the religion slowly by slowly while we were still dating. I would visit his parents as often as I could and they accepted that I was a Muslim girlfriend. The fact that I was graduate and independent erased any fears or doubts that they may had towards me. We dated for five years without once getting into a fight or breaking up.

One day, I received a text.

Hi. I am coming to Mombasa tomorrow, can we meet?

I looked at the text and the familiar number before I decided to reply.

Yes, sure

Ok I can't wait to see you.

I did not bother replying.