UMAIMA'S NIKKAH

       

      I looked at my father shocked beyond words. Is this a bad dream or maybe he's playing a prank on me like he always did. Right? l stood still for about a minute not saying anything, waiting patiently for him to burst out laughing which signifies the end of this insane prank, but that never came as I predicted, instead, he gave me another mind-blowing statement that jolted me back to reality.

"Umaima I know this will be hard for you to accept but believe me if I say "this is the only way I can protect and save our family". You know how hard it was for me before I got this job.
My gaze landed on Ummu who hadn't said anything all the while. Was she already in support of this, why is she keeping quiet? so many questions kept running through my head that instant.

"Ummu are you in support of this?" I couldn't help but ask just so to ease my curiosity. she didn't bother to give me a reply, instead, she stood up and held my hands which were now sweaty. She directed me towards the stairs at the left wing. I guessed that she was taking me to my room. I couldn't even protest. That instant I was like a robot following its master to wherever it was directed to go. I looked back at my father only to find him already sited his gaze met mine and  he gave me a slight nod.  I slowly averted my gaze from his and just focused on Ummu's hand on mine.

Closing the door behind her she directed me towards my bed. We both sat down neither of us saying anything. I just couldn't help but felt curious that moment. Why is Ummu not saying anything? Is this all a joke? Or Maybe am still asleep and need to wake up. But this situation looks so real. I wanted to ask ummu if she was in support of this, but thankfully enough as if she could read my thought. she finally said something.

"Umaima, believe it or not, what your father said earlier was the truth when he informed me about it I tried looking for other means to stop this from happening, but I never got the opportunity to even do anything.  I hope you would understand that it was never our intention to force you into getting married. Never in our wildest dream have we ever thought about that but this is the only way we can protect this family."

The tears I was finding hard to hold finally busted out. why was this happening to me? why now. "Please don't cry " Ummu pleaded as she use her thumb to wipe the tears away from my face.  she then hugged me tightly. I alway find comfort whenever Ummu embraces me maybe because she was my weakest spot. We stayed in this position for a while,  After making sure I was a bit okay and no longer crying she left my room after assuring me that everything will be okay. well, the truth was that I was never assured enough. Many Questions kept flooding through my head. Why now?

I lay on my bed for almost an hour I guess, Absent minded, still finding it hard to believe what was happening.
   I let out a weak, short, and painful laughter so this was it I will be getting married a week from now just when did my life got so messed up that I am left to choose between my family and my happiness? Getting up to a sitting position I Checked my phone only to discover that it was already prayer time.

I stood up sluggishly and headed to the bathroom to perform ablution. I didn't bother to join the rest of the family downstairs and just observed my prayers in my room. I find it hard to leave my room, To be more frank I was afraid of finding out what else was in store for me once I step outside.

    
       ......................
It was about six when a light knock came from the door. Earlier on Umaima had locked herself up giving no one access to enter. "Umaima dinner is ready please come join us at the table," a voice from the other end said. Umaima had woken up from the sound she had cried so much after observing her salat (prayer) not knowing when she even kissed the dream land. She lay still on the bed for about a minutes before standing up to open the door. Ummu stood right outside waiting patiently for her to open up. She gave her a weak smile hoping it would brighten her mood, but that didn't work as she hoped.

"Umaima please come join us at the table Ummu finally said". She hoped she would say yes instead of locking herself up all day long. she just wanted her daughter to know that she was not alone they were all in this together.
Umaima only gave Ummu a slight nod that alone had brought a bright smile to her already worried face. Mother and daughter walk hand in hand to the dining room to join the rest who were already sitting at the dining hall obviously waiting for them before devouring the delicious meal that was already served on the table.
     

The sound of spoons hitting the plate filled the dining room which was looking tense as no one said a word they all concentrated on finishing their meal on time. Umaima's siblings were not left out which is a bit surprising because they find it hard to keep their mouths shut whenever they were at the table. But it looks like today isn't a day to play around.

............
      Umaima was the first child after two unsuccessful delivery. Back then ummu had given up hope on having a child. she believes that if it was Allah's will for her to bear no fruit so be it who was she to question him. it wasn't long before she realized she was pregnant again. Was Allah testing her patience or is this what she was destined to face in her married life? She became scared, afraid of going through the pain of losing another child.

When it was almost time for delivery it was a miracle indeed that the child was still alive back then they died when clocking eight months in her womb. As the day of her delivery drew nearer she prayed tirelessly, day and night for Allah's mercy and protection on her child she just wasn't sure if she would survive losing another. Her husband was not left out as he joined his wife in her prayers. He might not be a woman but he knows the pain one feels after losing a child. Also, He had always wanted someone to call him father.

Ummu had a successful delivery that day, Umaima her Nur(light) had brought a smile to her face. Abu couldn't help himself from lamenting " I am finally a father " all day long. After the arrival of Umaima into their life they had thought she would be their only child, Not until Ummu broke the news that she was pregnant again. That day the family was filled with joy and thanks to Allah. She had delivered twins then a boy and a girl. Not only were they blessed with children but also with wealth, few years after the arrival of the twins Abu was called upon for an interview with the company he had once submitted an application letter. He had left home that day with so much anxiety and at the end of the day his interview was successful and he was given a job as a personal secretary. This has led him to the position he is today.
 
Umaima had grown up to be a very respectful and diligent girl. She was so upright and always had a smile on her face. But no one knows that beneath the smiling face there is also a girl struggling to make her dream a reality.  Umaima had just completed her course on Islamic studies. she had always wanted to know more about her religion. Her father had wanted her to study law instead,  but Umaima was so determined and she stood her ground. It wasn't easy but, that day she had begged her father just to seek his approval on her dream course who would pay her school expenses if not him. After what seemed like forever he finally gave in to Umaima's request. when she had graduated a month from now, her next aim was to become a teacher in her home town she had just been called upon for an interview only for Abu to stop her telling her she would be getting married to someone she has never met. What would she call this. could it be.... fate?

  After washing the dishes with the help of Hafsah her Younger sister. Umaima went straight to her room she had not eaten much that night who would have in her state. She freshened up and putting on a new dress decided to join the rest of her family in performing salatul maghrib and ishai.  The once joyful home was as quiet as anyone could ever imagine. Normally After salat they all stay back to crack jokes and maybe have late night cookies. But today wasn't the right day to perform such activities. 
     After bidding each other Goodnight they all went to their respective room.

"Sister, sorry about what is happening please don't hold any grudges against our parents " Umaima's siblings had stopped her before she could enter her room they couldn't do anything but plead on their parent behalf. Umaima was out of words what would she say to her two cute little lambs? even if they would clock thirteen a few months from now they remain her little lambs. she hugged them both after assuring them that she would never hold grudges against her own family no matter what. They ended up playing a bit before retiring to bed at least they didn't forget that one last routine.

After bidding Umaima goodnight and giving her a good night kiss they left her room. Just a few minutes from now she looked like the happiest lady ever. Who would have thought she was faking those smiles in order not to get her siblings worried? She lay on her bed recalling all that had happened earlier like a flashback in a movie "Well, what can I do about this looks like Abu has made his decision" she said talking to no one in particular. She found it hard to sleep as the word "you are getting married soon" kept ringing in her ear. All her dreams were shattered by those words. She stayed in this state not knowing when she kissed the darkness.
   
       Assalamualaikum Umaima,
Wa alaikum Salam warahmatullahi wabarakahatuh Sir
Don't call me sir I am your husband to be.
Umaima looked at the man whom had just referred himself as her husband. He was wearing a white shirt and a black pant his hair were a bit short nearly touching the tip of his ear. He had a pointed nose and his eyes were brownish in colour.
" Am sorry Sir but I don't know your name"
"Ohh that true" . But still that still doesn't give you the right to call me "Sir". He said mocking the way she had called him earlier.
  With all the things she can tolerate there is still one thing that can make her go really mad and that was men who doesn't respect women.
  "Look Umaima when am talking to you listen. This remains a business proposal so don't expect any love, care and affection from me do I make my self clear.
   Who does this man think he is  what gives him the right to talk to me like that. Is this the man Abu want me to get married to.
  Can't you talk. He suddenly barked out bringing Umaima out from her thought.
  Am sorry but I don't have anything to say. She was really finding it hard to curb the already built anger in her. For the sake of her family she won't do anything stupid.
Hahaha.. why are you sorry you didn't do anything wrong. This meeting was called for us to know about each other right so tell me about yourself instead of staying silent like a lonely dove.
  Whatt.....
This was the highest of it. who does this man think he is.
  "And who are you calling a lonely dove". Umaima found her self talking.
Ohh so you can actually talk back at me. That nice one moment there I thought my wife to be was temporary deaf.
   Can't you have some sense of respect. You just met me for the first time and you are already calling me names. I don't care what this marriage holds or it consequences all I know is that from what I have seen in you today no Nikkah is taking place mark my word "THERE WILL BE NO NIKKAH " only Allah know where she got the gut to talk back at him but she was thankful she did.
  What came after her statement was........
Knock knock knock Umaima Assalamualaikum please wake up it time for salat.
 The sleeping girl woke up from her deep slumber "subhanallah"(Glory be to Allah). It was all a.... Dream.