"You are not to leave this estate without guards, that is the end of discussion, am I clear?", Hamad said firmly. Inaya was in her mother's arms who was equally worried.
"Father please", Inaya pleaded with glossy eyes and Hamad's heart clenched at the sight, he could never see tears in those sapphire eyes. He moved towards his beloved daughter and cupped her face in between his palm before leaning down to press a soft kiss on her forehead.
"You are my heart, Inaya.. Without you, your mother and I are incomplete. You are our happiness, our pride, our everything. A precious gift from Almighty to us, we could never endure to see even a scratch on you.
I understand, you might feel suffocated because of our protectiveness.. However, we cannot help but to feel paranoid.
It is not like we do not trust the Almighty for your well being, but being a father who was blessed with you after years, I am helpless", Hamad mumbled with raw emotions glistening in his eyes.
Inaya's heart clenched at her father's agonizing words. She knew her parents had her after seven years of marriage, people even labelled her mother as barren, spitting hurtful words at them.
Years of suffering forced them to be over protective but she was never suffocated for her parents never failed to cherish her.
"No papa.. I am not suffocated, I know how much you both love me.
I apologize for my reckless move, it will never repeat, I promise", Inaya said and hugged her father, snuggling into his warmth.
"Just.. Be careful, my heart", Hamad mumbled, he held Sarah in his other arm as the three of them hugged each other lovingly.
"Have some rest", Hamad said pulling back which had Inaya to nod before she ambled towards her room.
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"Dearest", Sarah knocked on the door to the home study, gaining Hamad's attention who was emersed in reading the scrolls.
"You did not sleep, my love?", he muttered softly offering his hand at the lady, a silent request to come closer. Sarah placed her hand on Hamad's with a smile.
"I wish to discuss certain important matter", she said with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"Tell me", Hamad pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles, which calmed her anxiousness.
"Our Angel will reach 20th year of her life in few days.. I believe it is a correct age...to find a righteous betrothal", she mumbled.
Hamad had always been overprotective over Inaya for being his only child. It was not easy for a father to trust a man with their daughter nevertheless that had been a norm of this world and non could defy that. Moreover, it was his farz (obligation/responsibility) to fulfill it as a father.
Hamad heaved out a heavy breath and Sarah placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. It was not a easy discussion for her as well but it was a matter that could not be ignored.
"I am aware, it is difficult but she needs to be settled in life and it is our duty to protect our child from any kind of mockery from the society", Sarah whispered.
"Alright, I shall consider the matter sooner", Hamad agreed reluctantly.
"Do you have any knowledge of potential match?", Sarah asked.
"I need to run background check before concluding to a positive reply", Hamad hummed.
"Alright, let us go to bed for now", Sarah offered a soft smile which Hamad returned before they ambled towards their bedroom.
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"Sahir, what do you think might be happening?", Shahzaib questioned in bewilderment witnessing the crowd inside the Al-Amir estate.
"I do not know, my Prince", the elder male replied.
The pair was walking down towards the beach to explore the port area when they witnessed the sudden scenario.
The prince sent the message to his family few days prior but did not receive any words back, yet. He was certain that his parents would not go against his heart's will. They were the most loving he had ever witnessed. In their respect, Shahzaib decided to wait for his parent's word before presenting the proposal to Inaya's family.
An employee was passing by them and the prince did not waste time to stop him out of curiosity. They exchanged greetings before Shahzaib questioned,
"Brother.. What is the meaning for this crowd?",
"Oh! The suitors have been visiting with proposals", the male chuckled, he recognized the pair being traders.
"Suitors?", Shahzaib frowned.
"Yes, for young mistress's hand in marriage", he replied with a smile.
Shahzaib felt like his heart would explode anytime soon. How could he ignore the fact that Hamad might be searching for a potential spouse for Inaya was of age. He did not waste any moment before rushing towards the estate ignoring all the calls from Sahir.
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"My son owns 5 blacksmith shops, is excellent in combat and sword fighting. He is really strong physically who could protect his spouse from any harm", a man exaggerated with a prideful expression.
Hamad's lips were slightly parted while his stunned eyes stared at the potential suitor. The young man was double in size, with a heavily built body stood behind his father with arms crossed against his bulging chest, holding a stoic expression on his face. There was not an ounce of gentleness within the man, in fact he even hissed at the employee who brought tea, for a mere reason which being he did not like the particular beverage.
Hamad cleared his throat not wanting to judge anyone by their appearance nevertheless he could not help but to mutter,
"I do not need a bodyguard for my daughter but a gentle loving husband", and it was enough for the duo to walk out of the cabin furiously.
Then came another duo. The supposed suitor was so shy and timid that he did not even look up at Hamad to answer his question. His face was flushed bright red that Hamad was afraid of him being explode at any moment.
"I must discuss with my daughter first", Hamad said and the duo left after a polite farewell.
"My son ranked first in academic skills, he is excellent in sword fighting, owns a jewelry business, 13 horses and 5 camels. As you might be aware, we are flooded with ancestral properties", came an arrogant reply from a middle aged man who had an prideful look on his face.
Hamad heaved out a breath for umpteenth time, regardless he managed a small smile out of politeness.
"I am aware about your riches Brother. All I wish to know, whether he offer five obligatory prayers or not.. It was a simple question", Hamad said sarcasm hidden behind his masked smile, the man had been dodging the question.
"Ah! He shall start on his own will, sooner", the other man disregarded the question with a casual answer.
Hamad would never accept any proposal if the potential man did not serve his lord. If a person could not be loyal to their Creator then how would he be loyal to their spouse.
Earlier, Inaya did not protest when the matter was brought to her regarding her marriage. She voiced out just one condition that being her future husband must be pious. Hamad and Sarah's chest swelled with happiness witnessing their daughter's Akhlaq (courteous/well mannered/humbleness).
It had been few days, the words regarding Hamad Al-Amir's only daughter to be ready for betrothal spread like wildfire. By the grace of Almighty, proposal scrolls from suitor were flooding in Hamad's official cabin nevertheless he did not like any untill now. There were even proposal of Governors from far away land nonetheless Hamad's heart was not ready to accept them.
"I believe, I would have to discuss with my daughter regarding the matter..Thank you so much for taking the time to visit", he politely denied. The other man just stormed out without any words of acknowledgment.
Hamad leaned on his chair and massaged his forehead out of exhaustion. The same scenario everyday was making it hard for him to maintain his sanity.
"Sir Hamad Al-Amir", came a husky familiar voice. The aforementioned turned his gaze at the door to see Elias Khan standing there along with his breathless companion.
"Sir Elias", Hamad stood up in surprise.
"What do I owe the honour of your visit?", he asked with a smile, being recovered of the sudden unannounced presence.
"I apologize for the unannounced visit, however, may I have a few words with you?", the crowned prince asked.
"Yes, of course", Hamad gave an encouraged nod.
The crowned Prince covered the distance between them with slow steps, his hands working on removing the scarf for the very first time. Hamad was awestruck at the facial features of the young man, his physic was admirable which compliments his handsome features a little too well.
"I believe, you did not recognize me?", Shahzaib mumbled seeing Hamad's indifferent reaction.
"Huh?", the elder man was bewildered at the statement.
"I wanted to do this in a more appropriate manner but sometimes circumstances results in unplanned situation to occur.
If Allah wills, I wish to marry your beloved daughter, Inaya Al-Amir",
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