Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Eleven

Life is so unpredictable. One minute you live in your bubble of comfort and happiness and the next minute your bubble burst. That was exactly what I was feeling.

In my dreams, I was still standing by the river, in a pearl white dress, gazing at the reflection and there was someone definitely behind me but he was not Aslam. His face was still unclear.

I had so many mixed thoughts in my mind that it was hard to concentrate who it was.

I felt nothing but panic. There were too many worries for me to think of.
The major one was my Abba.
How could I leave my ailing father for a new life?

My heart still didn't agree to it but my father was adamant. He just wanted me to get married. That's all he had desired.
To see me wearing my mother's outfit with a man by my side.

It was my wedding day and I woke up very early because we lacked time.

Chachi had arranged few pre-marriage rituals in the morning.
This time, she was definitely not allowing me to go out after whatever happened yesterday.

The atmosphere in my house had suddenly changed.

Rumana and Chachi no longer looked thrilled. They were not happy with my decision to marry Aslam but didn't object vocally.
Chacha was around Abba, helping him in preparations. It was a relief that he had someone around him and to look after him.

Sadly, from tomorrow onwards, It won't be me.
Things were going to change. I was leaving my home.

I offered prayers before Chachi called me to apply henna on my hands.

Nothing felt right. Not even the henna designs on my palms.

I was nervous. Everything will be new.
I won't stay in this house. I won't eat under this roof. I won't wander in this city.

Why do women have to sacrifice their homes for a new life? Why do we have to leave our parents and loved ones?

These queries are often being asked but what answers would justify these questions.

It was almost noon when I was done with the henna. Chachi asked me to wait in my room. She had things to discuss with me which is the reason that she didn't allow even her own daughter to enter my room.

When Chachi came in, she noticed my nervousness.

She gently placed her hands on my shoulder.

"Rabia! I hope you know what you're going to sign up for."

I nodded meekly.

"I'm here to tell you certain things which you should know. It's every mother's job to tell her daughter before she says I agree." She inhaled sharply then wiped her forehead with her dupatta.

"Marriage is very sacred and it is greatly encouraged partially because it provides a lawful institution to fulfill each others needs." She cleared her throat, "Emotional and physical needs, do you know what I am talking about?" She queried calmly.

It was obviously awkward but
I bobbed my head and she smiled, "Good. Rabia, men have urges and it's a wife's duty to provide it. There's nothing to be shy about with your husband. He'll be your companion and guardian." She told me.

I attentively listened to her.

"What about women's urges? Can a husband satisfy those and what if he fails to do so?"
My mind already had some counter questions. I was scared.

She was tongue tied for a minute. She rubbed her hands and exhaled sharply.

"Marriage is also about completing each other, Rabia, your husband will provide you protection and love. In return, you have to offer him your care and love. It takes time to build any relationship but remember, it can also shatter in no time. Don't rush into anything and think positively. Everything will be fine. Patience is fruitful." She raked my hair affectionately.