Third person's pov.
After Ahlam stepped out of her father's house, she didn't think twice before running in tears to Salama's house.
She knocked on the door like she was in danger 'coming..' she heard a faint female's voice from behind the door. Then she heard clicking of the door.
When the door flung open, Salama gasped at the sight of Ahlam "Subhanallah!" She said in shock dragging Ahlam inside the house " what happened to you? what is it ".
She dragged Ahlam up to the living room upstairs where her mother was. "Mama" she called.
Her mother turned and dropped the remote at the sight of Ahlam, she didn't hesitate to stand up and embrace her in a hug which broke Ahlam more
I wish ummi gave me this hug when I needed it. She thought to herself hugging Salama's mum like her life depended on it.
" Come and eat something" Salama's mum said breaking the hug and dragging her to the dinning. "Salama go bring her food" she ordered Salama as she nodded and left to the kitchen. Then came back with a plate of food.
Ahlam could not deny the food because she was hungry, she couldn't lie to herself. They let her eat quietly while she thought of the unexpected marriage proposal.
" so what happened to you?" Salama's mum asked.
Ahlam looked at her with teary eyes then looked away "my parents..a-agreed to a marriage proposal without my consent, I reacted then abi sent me out, as usual " she wiped the lonely tear that escaped from her eyes.
Salama's mother sighed " I can't put my shoes in this situation honestly because I don't have the right to," Ahlam nodded, she understood "But what I would tell you is, they are your parents, you shouldn't go against anything they do for you. Maybe the proposal is for the best but you won't see it now. And you should also apologise "
Ahlam actually felt guilty for reacting to her parents like that, but she didn't want to accept it. She wiped her face and left a heavy sigh she didn't realise she was holding " thank you aunt Fareeha" she said to Salama's mum.
She nodded " it's alright. Now go wash your face so I can take you home". With that she went to her room leaving Ahlam who followed Salama.
" sorry you had to go through that shit for real" Salama said sympathetically.
"It's fine, I think I'm feeling better now though"
Salama sighed " so what are you doing next?" She asked massaging her temples on her bed
"Probably apologise to my parents " she said a bit loudly from the toilet " then when they both calm down, I'll ask them why they agreed to the proposal, I'd really want to know"
******************
Zubair and Ganiya thanked Fareeha for bringing their daughter back home safely while bidding her.
After that was done, they turned to Ahlam.
"So do you have anything to say kid?" Her father asked sternly.
She sighed as she watched her feet " I'm sorry abi, I'm sorry ummi, for reacting that way. I wish you both told me about the proposal ". If there was anything Ahlam's parents lived about their daughter the most, it would be her honesty and open mindedness.
Her father massaged his temples "Come Ahlam" He motioned with his hands to follow him.
He took them outside, then sat on the floor. Ahlam wondered why he sat on the floor. Then he stared at her " Why are you looking at me like that sit " He patted the space beside him as she sat.
"I agreed to the marriage proposal because this person's father," He wiped his face " has been my friend since childhood," He patted her head then looked her in the eyes "I didn't want to reject it because I didn't want to let my friend down, you see".
Ahlam's brows raised in realisation he continued " It's fine if you don't want to accept it, I understand. But I would be really happy if you do, " He took out his phone from his pocket searching for a phone number "if you don't want the wedding to go on, I can just call him and tell him that you rejec-"
" no abi" she held his right hand which held the phone " I accept the proposal " she smiled with glossy eyes "I wouldn't want to let you down, I'll marry him"