Naseeb

Chapter Nine

It's Saturday, my siblings are in Kano spending their break over there, the house is boring without them, my dad came back early, he called me for me, i met him at the dining area and he said Fatima do you know the reason i called to see you, i said no sir, well i want to ask you, what are your plans now that you are a graduate.

I smiled dad i want to keep learning on the catering we both discuss because i don't want to start working on my field yet i want to open a big restaurant and become a chef, okay that's a good idea, are you dating anyone at the moment, i was really shy and then i replied no sir.

He said that's good because you are to get married to Abbas Zahras senior brother, i felt like someone punched me, like an arrow is thrown to my heart and it's shredding to pieces.

Zahra brother how did my father know him where and when, i was the one who introduced Zahra to him so now his brother i was lost in thought, when my dad said i know a lot of things are running through your mind, but let me make everything clearer to you.

Zahras dad and i have been childhood friends and business partners, we made a promise to each other that when we were little that our children will get married to each other, i was shocked, flagger basted, i don't even know what to say to my dad, a promise, now i feel everything is coming to place.

The puzzle piece i was looking for is complete, my brother knowing Zahras parent when i introduced him to them at the airport, my dad going to Kano and paying for Zahras flight.
Fati my dad said cutting me off my thought, please don't disgrace me.

Dad what of my dreams that we just spoke about how can i pursue them now that the issue of marriage is here, he said i know this is a huge step in your life, and your husband will allow you follow your dreams in your husband's house, i will give you time to think about everything by Monday am hoping you will give me a positive answer.

Throughout the day, i kept thinking, my mom came to my room and called me Fatima, I replied Naam Ummi, you know your dad love you right and will always take the right decision for you, i love you and am always there to support you.

I cried my eyes out that day, i kept thinking so all those dreams of travelling, the chef i want to become, me marrying the man of my dreams is crashed, those hope and dreams are my fantasies and will always remain there, I wanted to scream to the world if I would feel better.

I cant believe how i moved from dreams and goals to marriage, i prayed to Allah to guide and lead me through, because my mind is so conflicted and difficult to accept everything.

On Monday in the evening, i gave my dad his answer, my parent were both seated in the living room when i greet them both and said dad my response to the discussion we had earlier is yes, because i knew either yes or no the marriage will still take place.

Fatima Allah ya miki albarka, i know you are angry that what kind of a father am i, forcing my daughter to marry someone she doesn't know, am really sorry, when you were young you are the greatest gift Allah could grant me, you and your siblings.

I always wanted you to become an independent woman against all odd and struggles, am really proud of who you are and what you have become, please i beg of you don't look at me as an irresponsible and uncaring father, i will always stand by your side, you really make me happy today so will your children make you happy, they were both in tears.

I cried and said dad mom, i know i might not know him or his family that well, but the greatest joy and gift you both gave us all is being educated and knowing what we want in life, i thank Almighty Allah for giving me you both as my parent and dad you are not forcing i give my full consent.

I need to call my friend and let him know your response, so you both will be able to meet and get to know each other better, thats the least we can do before we decide when the weeding will take place, okay sir with that i left the living room to my room i cried my eyes out, with my thought on when my life turn this way, i performed my wudu and prayed to Allah that the man am about to get married to should understand me and love me back against all circumstances.

Allah ya miki albarka: is a Hausa word that means May Allah bless you.

Wudu: is an Islamic name which is a form of purification done by Muslims before prayers.

●Halimat Sansa