Chapter 2

• F A R A H
• Me and mom were in the kitchen preparing food for Aunt Khadija and her husband's visit; they called us that they will arrive within one hour as they are coming by plane. I washed the plates, dried them, and place them on the dining leaving mom to cook while Yasmin is in her room.
• One hour passed by when we heard the doorbell; I made my way to the door and opened it, revealing beautiful aunt Khadija and her husband.
• “Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija”
• “Assalamu Alaikum uncle” I greeted them. Aunt Khadija pulled me in for a hug.
• “How are you doing my daughter,” she said with her radiant smile
• “Alhamdulillah aunt” I lead them towards the living room where mom is standing waiting for their entrance. They immediately embrace each other. I strolled to the fridge and brought a  cold drink for them.
• “Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija” Yasmin greeted 
• “Wa alaiki salaam, wow is this Yasmin,” aunt Khadija asked looking extremely surprised. Mom nodded.
• “Masha Allah, she's all grown up, how are you, Yasmin?” She inquired 
• “I'm fine thank you”
• •••
• After lunch, we went back to our rooms leaving them to talk. I received an email from my boss telling me to be in the office tomorrow as early as possible. I rolled my eyes, it's not like I come late every day. 
• After what felt like hours, I started drifting to sleep when I felt Yasmin touching me.
• “Sis Farah, mom said you should come down, they are leaving”. I adjust my hijab and descend down together.
• “Take care, my daughter, we will visit you guys again,” aunt Khadija said embracing me in a hug.
• “Insha Allah”
• As they left mom informed me that she wants to talk to me, her expression was serious. Sitting down on the two sitter couch. I stared at her waiting for her to start talking.
• “Farah I know you're an obedient girl,  what I'm about to tell you is something that will change your life in a good way.” I nodded my head in understanding hoping everything is fine.
• “We were talking with Khadija earlier, when she suggests something that I have hundred perfect trust and agreed on,  and I know you will also give me your consent. ” she held both my hands, squeezing them a little.
• “Tell me, Mom, Insha Allah if it's not against Islam, I will do it”
• She let out a sharp breath and what she said next made me dumbfound. “They ask for your hand in marriage for their son” That was unexpected I felt lost of words 
• She squeezed my hands once again and continued “You know Farah, Khadija, and her husband are good people, I know they will take care of you and their son too,  he's a good person, I told them I will talk to you first; I know you will be surprised but I want you to think about this. I will be happy to see my daughter getting married and that into a good family and someone we know, I'm not saying you should give me your answer now, just think about it. ”
• “Okay mom, I will think about it”
• “Don't worry take your time”
• Going up to my room, I sat down on the edge of my bed.  Should I accept this proposal or not. I don't even know him, it's not like I don't want to get married. I would love to.  I have my job, so what's there again. And Mom will b happy if I give my consent to this marriage.  I know aunt Khadija and her husband are nice people, I hope he's also nice like his parent. I made up my mind to accept the marriage, I don't know maybe if I reject I won't get a chance to marry into a nice family like Aunt's 
• Ya Allah, this decision I'm about to make will make both families happy. I hope I'm making the right choice.
• Throughout that night, I constantly thought about what mom said, I even asked some advice from Yasmin, even though she doesn't know much about relationships.
• I chuckle at my silly talks.its not like I also know about relationships. in fact, I've never been in one.
• Maybe this will be your chance to find your true love.
• ***
• Morning came and I made up my mind to give Mom my answer. I waited until we finished our breakfast first before talking.
• “Mom I've thought about it, ” I started. her eyes snapped to mine and she stopped her cleaning and gave me her full concentration.
• “Okay?” she asked waiting for me to speak up.
• “If this marriage is what will make both families happy then I will go for it.  I know you will be proud to see your daughter getting married, so I accept this marriage” I said tight lip.
• “Oh my dear, you've made the right decision, I'm so proud of you and I know your papa will also be proud of you. I will call Khadija and let her know” She pulled me in for a hug, and went away to give aunt Khadija a call.
• Yasmin started jumping up and down hugging me. I have forgotten about her sitting there.
• “Yee...my sister is getting married, I'm so happy for you sis Farah” she kissed my cheeks.  Mom came back after a while with a smile plastered on her face. 
• “Farah, I've spoken to them, they are very happy about this news. Words can't express how happy I am right now. And Jawad is coming back next week so they are coming together Insha Allah” So that's his name. Jawad
• “Your husband to be has a nice name; I know he's handsome just like his name. I can't wait to meet him” she said giggling. Okay, I also can't wait to meet my soon to be husband.
• •••
• “Good morning sir” I greeted in my most polite tone.
• “Morning Miss Farah,” he said looking to my direction. I pressed my lips in a thin line.
• “Here are the files that need your signature sir” taking the files, he placed them on his desk.   
• “Go when I'm through I will let you know” he waved his hand dismissing me.
• “Okay, Sir” I fake a smile and exited the room back to my desk and continue my work. I was in deep thought thinking about this marriage, which I'm having throughout the day, what if I didn't make the right choice. I was in so much thought that I didn't hear the telephone ringing, which brought me back from my reverie. 
• “Yes sir?” I spoke in a low voice.
• “To my office” and he hung up. I dragged myself to his office. feeling tired by going back and forth to his office.
• “Come in” he spoke in a harsh voice. The way he speaks tells me he's angry. Ya Allah protect me from this man's wrath.
• •••
• The boss left furiously, snapping at us numerous times. I went home after finishing my work. I greeted mom and Yasmin that are watching TV. I went straight to my room feeling exhausted I needed a  hot shower. Not wasting any more time, I entered the bathroom and took a hot bath, perform wudhu, and prayed my missed prayers.
• We ate dinner while watching an interesting movie. Yasmin had fallen asleep, leaving me and mom only.
• “Mom let's leave this movie till tomorrow you must be sleepy,” I said catching a glimpse of her eyes closing. I switched off the TV,  woke up Yasmin and we went to our rooms.