J A W A D

I can't believe I'm getting married and that to some low-class girl. I just came back from Netherlands that finally I will be taking over father's business but instead I received unexpected news. Events of what happened flashed through my mind.

***

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

“You're getting married” I choked at my food, sipping a glass of water immediately.

“What? Dad getting married, I just came back from Netherlands”

“No son, you're 25, you're not getting younger you need to settle down and we've already discussed 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, besides I want to marry someone I love.

“And what if I said you must,” dad said with a serious tone.

“Calm down son, we want what is best for you” mom chipped 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 so badly”.

“Are you serious dad?” I asked utterly surprised at my dad's statement.

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

I was beyond short of words, this is 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 leaving totally speechless

•••

I connect my fist with the chair beside me,  placing my head on my hands. I swear she's going to suffer, its 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.

**

I perform my wudhu and prayed my Namaz after I'm through I got getting ready as we are going to my so-called wife-to-be house. Just the thought irritates me. wearing my navy blue kaftan, I  smoothed my black hair with my hands, descending downstairs to meet my parents already dressed waiting for me, my eyes flickered to dad but he didn't even glance at me. He's still angry. We made our way toward the car and drove off.

                         •••

It’s a simple modern house, with a black gate the 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 parent with a smile on her face.

is she the girl? I find my mind asking.

She led us inside the house which is also simple with 4sofa, a plasma TV, and wall frames hanging on the white wall. I sat on the 2sitter sofa while mom and dad sat on the 3sitter. A woman who will be almost the same age as mom came hugging 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 with a beautiful one's she is wearing a maroon abaya, with a lipstick matching her outfit and a scarf covering her head. The moment she noticed me staring at her she quickly averted her eyes, my lips form a smirk. so she's the girl I'm getting married to. Not bad.

The greetings were over, we were seated at the dining eating, all the families were chatting which I have no interest in. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Farah focused on one direction. It was her mom’s voice that brought me back from my thought.

“How's Netherland Jawad?” she asked

“Fine ma'am” I croaked a smile. a fake one at it.

***

As we're through with eating, the families are now in the living room discussing.  giving us space to talk to know more about each other. Farah is leading us outside and I'm walking behind her. We sat on one of the benches outside, no one speaks 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 spoke back without showing any emotion.

“You must have heard about me from your parent, so tell something about you” she bites his bottom lips this girl is playing with fire, she wants to know me.

“Don't worry, you will get to know me when we get married” I glanced at my watch we've spent some time already.

“If you don't have anything to say can we go inside” I stood up. It’s better if I show her a little side of me so that she won't give her hopes high. She bites her bottoms lips again, which I think she did ever since we came to the balcony.

We went back inside taking my seat in the same place I sat when we came beside Dad and she sat beside her Mom and Dad starting speaking.

“Since everything is settled now, let fix the date for the wedding” everyone nodded.

“Okay let's fix it in the next 3weeks, are you okay with it Farah” I wish she could say no but no I'm wrong, that isn't happening. we've already agreed on no turning back now.

“Yes, uncle” I felt angry now I'm going to marry this girl in the next 3weeks ya Allah.

“Masha Allah may Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala see us through” dad prayed

“Ameen” everyone answered.

                         •••

We were leaving to our house after everything is being discussed. I unlocked the car for dad and entered the driver's seat waiting for mom to finish her talk with Farah's mom, she approaches 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 don't have the strength to argue now, after going through a lot 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 you my inner voice spoke.

I gave her my phone and she went away with it towards Farah. I hissed in anger without dad noticing wallah I will make her suffer, she's going to regret getting married to me.

F A R A H

It’s almost a week now since my encounter with Jawad I didn't hear from him, his mom used to call mom so we get in touch

Preparation for the wedding is taking place at both houses. Mom had been busy with the preparation and Yasmin is also preparing for her exam. I'm sitting on my desk working on my laptop when precious tap me on the shoulder.

“Have you heard about the news?” she whispered looking around the surrounding.

“What news?” I asked furrowing my brows.

“We're getting a new boss” she chuckled as if it's something to be excited about.

“Oh that's good” I fake a smile. My boss and also my husband to be.

“I hope he's not like the previous boss” she spat. he's far more like the previous one.

Just when we were in the middle of our talk a man walked pass us, dressed in a suit, his hands stuffed in his pocket, my gaze wandered to his face, he has light brown eyes, with a beard, he has a curl black hair. That person is none other than Jawad. I won't lie, the guy is indeed handsome.  I was busy admiring his face I didn't notice precious calling my name

“Oh Farah, I've been calling you since what are you thinking about”  “You better start walking to his office” she pointed to the office door.

“Now?” I asked

“What do you mean, you're still the secretary, you better hurry up” she pushed me toward the door.  I almost tripped.

“Come in” his voice spoke. I entered closing the door behind me; I felt my heart speeding up.

“Good morning sir, here's your schedule” I pressed my lips in a thin line. The moment our eyes met, I felt uneasy.

“Tell the rest of the staff to gather at the conference room, I will be there in thirty minutes.” He spoke without even sparing me a glance.

“Okay sir” I was about to leave when he spoke again.

“And I need a hot coffee, make it with little sugar” I close my eyes to calm myself. I walked out of his office and close the door behind me. He acts as if he doesn’t know me. Ya Allah!  announcing to everybody about the meeting, I made the hot coffee for boss Jawad.

“Here is your coffee sir” taking the cup to his lips, he took a sip and his expression changed immediately.

“What's this? I clearly told you little sugar, but you put in too much sugar” he shouted gritting his teeth.

“Sorry sir, I will make another one”

“Better, I give you 5mins to bring me my coffee” with that he shot me an angry look and dismiss me. I made another coffee making sure the sugar is not too much.

“Here is the coffee sir” placing it on his desk,

“Is everyone in the conference room?” he inquired glancing at his watch.

“Yes sir”

The conference room was filled to the brim, all waiting for the boss to arrive. Earlier event flashed through my mind I made another coffee but he didn't even drink it. An annoyed smile made it way out of my lips, I'm being calm because it's my job if not I would have given him a piece of my mind, we are not yet married and he's ordering me around. The  Sound of footsteps emerged and the door flung revealing a hard face Jawad. Without much greetings, he started talking about the sole reason for the meeting.

“As you have been informed, I will be taking over the position of the previous President, so there would be few changes” everyone's attention is on now on him.

“I want everyone to be serious with his/her work, if I find some lazy person misbehaving I won't hesitate to fire him/her” he explained the frown not leaving his hard face.

“I have already checked your profiles and I will assign you according to your background. As for the secretary, you will stay in your position, before I find a new secretary. I  hope you all understood”

“I will take that as a yes, so that's the end of today's meeting” he added getting silence in return. He left leaving everyone in total silence. I followed behind him, upon opening the door,  he's nowhere to be found again and his next meeting is in 1hour. I'm exhausted from going in and out of his office, so I dialed his office number.

“Hello, Sir you have a meeting with Mr. Anthony in one hour” before I could say another word he hung up.   I don't know why he gets angry so easily, he wasn't like this when he came to our house what has changed. I hope our marriage is not the sole reason for his arrogance towards me.

                            •••

I performed my salah, after taking a warm shower to calm my nerves changing into my nighties. After going up and down with my boss today its feels like I've carried a load of books. I lay on my back when Yasmin entered chewing on something.

“Come here Yasmin, please massage my legs” I ushered. slumping down on the bed, she started massaging my legs.

“Sis Farah, did you carry a load of blocks at work,” she asked.

“Oh no...Yasmin, working as a secretary is very hard” I muttered, remembering how I used to work tirelessly.

“Oh right, Jawad called on your phone, that time you were in the bathroom” her statement surprised me. I sat up quickly.

“So what did you tell him?” I asked curiously.

“I told him you're sleeping; I don't want to tell him you're in the bathroom” she stated calmly.

“Thank you, Yasmin, you're the best sis in the world” I pinch her cheeks playfully resulting her to let out a hiss. she hates it when I pinch her cheeks.

“Here's your food, since you're tired no need to come down I've told mom already,” she said pushing herself off the bed.

“Goodnight sis”

“Goodnight Yasmin, thank you”

“Don't mention what sisters are for” Making sure she left, I took my phone and checked the call logs. He did call. What does he want? should I call back or not?

F A R A H

I was busy with my thought when I heard the ping on my phone. Which is a  message from Jawad.

Mom is picking you up tomorrow to shop for the wedding dress. The way he wrote the wedding dress with exclamation mark made me think otherwise.

I replied with an 'Okay' keeping my phone on the nightstand making sure it's in silent mode and lay on my bed, before I know it, I fell into a deep slumber.

                            •••

I was working on some files that needed to be printed out when I heard the landline phone ringing.

“Hello” I answered politely.

“Where are the files I asked you to bring” Jawad spoke in a low tone, the way he speaks tells me he's not in a good mood.

“I'm sorry sir, I will bring it right aw...” he didn't even let me finish and he hung up what's this supposed to mean. We are not even married but he's showing his true self. Ya Allah help me! I prayed.

I gathered the files from my desk drawer and quickly made my way to his office. knocking on it, I heard him say 'come in'. Before entering I mouthed hasbunallahu wa ni'imal wakil and breath in and out to keep me calm. I opened the door and entered.

“Here are the files sir,” I said in a low voice, keeping the files on his desk after I notice he didn't even glance at me. I was about to leave when he finally opened his mouth.

“Mom is coming by 2 O'Clock, you can leave early” he lifted his face and our eyes met. I quickly avert my gaze.

“Okay,” I answered. I left his office hurriedly closing the door behind me.

I don't know why Aunt Khadija did not call me herself.

I checked my phone and it is 1:00 o'clock I have one hour to get back home and get ready; I don't want to keep Aunt Khadija waiting. 

As I reached home, I greeted my mom by kissing her in the cheeks.

“Farah what time is Aunt Khadija picking you up,” she asked. so she also knew.

“She's coming by 2:00 o'clock” I shouted, I was already halfway to my room.

I took a warm shower, it has become my habit whenever I came back from work the first thing I do is to take a shower. I perform my wudhu and prayed Zuhr.

wearing a polka dot blouse, I tied my hair in a bun and place on my black scarf. Taking my phone and purse, I rushed down. I checked the time 5 mins to 2 o'clock she will be here anytime now. I didn't finish closing my thoughts when the doorbell rang.

“It must be Khadija,” Mom said while peeling Apples.

“Yes, I will get the door” I walked toward the door; opening it revealing Aunt Khadija, wearing a lovely dress and with a floral scarf wrapped on her hair.

“Assalamu Alaikum Aunt Khadija”

“Wa alaiki Salam Farah” she embraces me in a hug, aunt Khadija is a kind-hearted woman. The moment they saw each other with mom, their face lit up with happiness. They embraced each other in a hug. After chatting for a while about the wedding preparation we decided to leave.

“Okay Farah, let's get going the driver is waiting outside,” she said.

“Take care, I know if Yasmin comes back she will throw a tantrum that you didn't take her with you” Mom interjected. We both laugh.

Our car came to a halt in front of a big shop. Upon entering the shop, my mouth hung open seeing how the shop is filled with beautiful wedding dresses. A lady approached us.

“Assalamu Alaikum Mrs. Abdallah,” the lady said. she knows  Aunt, which means Aunt is a Customer here.

“Wa Alaikum Salam Fadila, we are here for the dresses”

“Okay Ma'am Follow me” the lady called Fadila said. She leads us to a room where VIP was written boldly on the top.

Fadila brought many dresses which I can't even count t

“Farah try these ones let's see which one will fit,” Aunt Khadija said.

I tried almost all the clothes, With Aunt not liking them. After much digging, we finally choose some.

“Let's choose this for the Walima” Aunt declared, eyeing the ash Abaya with emerald stones design at the front while the back has a small bow tie around the waist area.

“Masha Allah this will fit perfectly” Fadila chirped in.

“We will take those Fadila” aunt announced pointing at a pile of dresses of different designs laid on the Sofa.

After going around shopping at numerous shops we decided to feed our stomach, stopping at a restaurant.  Aunt said we should order take out, the moment we went back to the car I started digging in, I completely forgot about mother-in-law that is sitting beside me because I was very hungry food is life. You can't do without food.

Around 6:00 we finally drove back to my house the driver helped me with the bags, I bid aunt Khadija goodbye.

“Goodnight Farah extends my greeting to your Mom, I can't go in as it's getting late already”

“Insha Allah”

I entered the house spotting my mom sitting in the living room holding a cup h while Yasmin is sitting beside her.

“Mom I'm back” I announced

“Welcome back, Yasmin go and help your sister with the bags” the way Yasmin was frowning her face tells me she's angry we didn't take her along.

“I can't wait for the day sis Farah, In less than five days you will be married” it’s very easy to calm Yasmin I changed her mood from frowning to smiling I will surely miss my little sister. Just the thought of living my house made my body weak.

“Are you that eager to see me get married?” I asked after we kept the shopping bag aside.

“It's not like that, I'm just happy,” she explained. I could see her expression it's like she's holding back herself.

“You know, I'm not leaving you and Mom forever, we will still be getting in touch.” I reached for her hands, squeezing them.

“I know, I will surely miss you sis Farah” a lone tear fell from her eyes. knowing how my little sister is, she can't hold on for too long. pulling her In for a hug, I rub circle on her back.

“I will miss you too, and Mom too”

•••