FATE

Chapter 2

~Bassam's POV ~

"Yes man, apparently that's the news I received yesterday night. Like i'm trying to not let all this get to me. I don't even know why Baba wants me to get married. I mean look at you, you're way older than I am and no one's bothering you about all this marriage stuff."

"Wait, what? Dude, you can't take his side just because he's your uncle, I'm also your cousin and best friend. What ever happened to always and forever? Look, you're really starting to piss me off. Bye I'll talk to you later" and just like that I hung up on Zaahir, my cousin and my supposed best friend.

I couldn't sleep the previous night, not even a wink. My mind wasn't in it's right place. Baba called me to his room or his chambers as we all like to call it last night. Once you get called there, you know real things are about to go down.

Without much thoughts, I said my salaam and entered. "Barka da yamma (good evening)" I greeted him and he answered with "evening Bassam, thank you" I smiled and sat on the rug facing him. "You wanted to talk to me you said on the phone"

"Ahh, yes of course. Look Bassam, he started, I know the past few months have not been colorful and i'm sorry about it all. But i know you're strong and you'll get through it all"

"I was discussing what happened with Alh. Aliyu earlier and he felt bad about all that happened. He sends his apologies even. He later suggested something that's already on my mind and I couldn't be happier."

"He wants you, no, we want you and by "we" here I mean myself, Alh. Aliyu, his wife and your mother to court Badriyyah, his daughter. We want you two to get married"

"So I decided to run this by you before finalizing things because I have called your uncle and informed him already. So, do you have anything to say? Anything at all?"

"No Baba, but this is new and sudden, can you atleast give me sometime to think about this?"

"Sure, think about it. After all it's marriage we're talking about here just don't take too long" Baba warned. I got up from my sitting position "thank you Baba, have a good night" I said and walked out of his room.

I was heading downstairs when Umma called me. I took a turn and went to her room, the door was opened already so I said salaam. She answered and I entered.

She patted the spot next to her on her bed and I sat. "good evening Umma" I greeted. "evening Bassam, how was work?" she asked.

"Alhamdulillah, work was just what it is Umma, work. But Alhamdulillah we had a meeting at school today I couldn't even make it to the company which was why Baba said to come meet him at home"

"Well, I take it you two discussed the matter already. So, listen Bassam, your father and I talked about it like we always do. It wasn't something he came up with just by himself. We will not force you to marry her but we will be happy if you do"

"Haj. Zainab and I also talked about it and we decided to talk to you kids about it first. And I also made her promise me not to force Badriyyah into agreeing with this. If she has someone she loves, fine. But I think you should give this a try. She really is a good girl and you know that"

"Umma, i'm not saying she's not, but why the rush? It's not like i'm desperate or something. Marriage isn't a do or die affair. I don't even know her well enough. She's what? 17, 18 I think?"

Umma laughed and said "that's why you should get to know each other and" no" to your question. She's not that young. She's 22 going on 23 and she doesn't even act her age. I mean she looks younger yes, but she's well mannered and trained."

"Ok Umma. I know this isn't even up for discussion. You guys have decided, so stop making it sound like I have a choice or a say in this."

"Here's where you're wrong, I know what you and I discussed but you can always say no. It's not the end of the world... Yet."