Just the two of us (EDITING)✔️

Chapter Thirteen

After exiting Abba's room, I couldn't help but ponder over his words. He seemed genuinely worried and trust me Abba never showed his concern openly and has never requested anything of me before.

Should I consider giving the person he wishes to set me up with a chance? I've never been a firm believer of love, i've actually been quite partial to the idea of an arranged marriage. I used to tease Munira and Zara about it. In the end, I decided to call Usman because, as they say, two heads are definitely better than one.

I dialed Usman's number, and he picked up after a couple of rings.

"Hey, Afrah! Miss me already?"

"No not even a little... Usman, I need to talk to you about something"

"What's wrong? and why do you sound serious"

"Abba just told me that he wants to arrange marriage for me and the wedding is this month."

"What? That's... sudden" he asked sounding surprised.

"Tell me about it. I don't even know the guy. Can you believe it? I thought I had more time to figure my life out."

"Afrah, take a deep breath. We'll figure this out together. I'll be there for you every step of the way, let's start by meeting this guy. We'll see what he's like, and if you're not comfortable, we'll figure out the next steps from there.

We spoke the whole night and the next day I went to meet Abba.

"Come and sit here," he said, patting the bed.

"Abba, please, stop me from going to school, stop giving me..." I began, but he hushed me with a gentle gesture.

"Afrah. I know you don't want this, okay? I'm your father, and I believe choosing a husband is a way for us to bond, he's perfect for you. I'm not getting any younger, and neither are you. But if you think my decision is wrong, then I'll have him marry your sister, Harri."

Whattt? That shocked me. "No, Abba, please don't ruin her life. I've accepted," I said, my voice breaking.

"Allah ya miki albarka. I know you'll always obey me," he said, hugging me.

I got up and rushed to my room, locking the door, I cried till I fell asleep, letting my emotions flow.

I cried myself to sleep, and when I woke up, I had a throbbing headache. After my bath, I put on my comfortable pyjamas and sat in a chair by the window watching the trees dance in the wind, the breeze brushing my face.

I couldn't help but wonder about my upcoming married life. Did he love me? Would he even like me? Did he have any vices, like drugs or anger issues? I asked myself rhetorical questions, my mind filled with doubts.

A series of knocks brought me back to reality.

"Who is it?" I asked in my hoarse voice.

"It's me, Adda," Harri replied.

"Go away, Harri, please. I'm not in the mood, okay?"

She whispered, "Okay, there's something under the door for you. I'm sorry, Adda."

I picked up the items, a pink paper with hearts and a blue one with skulls. I began reading the pink one:

"Adda, I'm sorry you're going through this because of me. You've always been my favorite, and I've always looked up to you. I really appreciate this big sacrifice you're making for me. Thank you for giving me a life. Remember when we were kids and I broke anything, you always took the blame? You're taking the blame once more. I love you so much, Adda 💕, and I'm sorry once again..."