Bound by Love in Arranged Marriage

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”

•••