by Adnan Ali
Chapter 9
Two hours earlier at Zhara’s house.
Zhara’s heart was pounding, hammering heavily against the walls of her chest as she took long, deep breaths wondering how her father would react and what he would say to her, barely having the strength to walk.
Zhara approached her home and noticed that her father’s car was already parked in the side driveway. This was unusual as her father always arrived after her but, given the circumstances, Zhara knew full well why her father was at home today before her.
Zhara’s throat became completely dry like cotton.
She slowly opened the door and entered the house.
Immediately, Zhara heard her father’s voice calling her.
“Zhara!” he called her. “Come in the living room.”
Zhara’s heart began to beat faster and faster. She entered the living room, feeling extremely nervous at what her father was about to say.
Zhara’s father was standing stiffly straight, his hands behind his back. He was alone.
“A-asssalamu alaikum, Father,” stammered an extremely nervous Zhara.
“Walaikum Assalaam,” said Zhara’s father, returning Zhara’s greeting. “I need to talk to you.”
“Yes, Father,” is all that Zhara could manage to say, swallowing hard and fearing the worst.
“Is there something that I should know,” calmly but firmly asked Zhara’s father.
Zhara didn’t know what to say to her father.
“I-itss …”
“Yes, carry,” prompted Zhara’s father.
“It’s … a boy.
“A boy huh?” began Zhara’s father. “Tell me more.”
“The boy … h-he’s called … A-Adam,” Zhara blurted out.
“And what about this boy called Adam?” asked Zhara’s father. “What’s going on?”
Zhara swallowed hard again, not sure what to say.
Eventually Zhara spoke. “H-he likes me,” Zhara said in an extremely low voice.
“You’ll have to speak louder; I can barely hear you, Zhara,” stated Zhara’s father.
Zhara inhaled quickly gathering the courage to speak a little louder.
“Adam … he likes me,” Zhara repeated.
“And what about you?” Zhara’s father asked her very quickly. “Do you like him?”
“Yes, Father,” instantly replied Zhara.
“Are you sure you like him and it’s not just some sort of a crush?”
“No, I definitely like him, Father,” confidently confirmed Zhara.
“And does Adam like you and it’s not a crush on his part?” asked Zhara’s father.
“No, Father,” answered Zhara, her voice still struggling to come out. “He really likes me … loves me in fact.”
“Right then,” began Zhara’s father, “this is what is going to happen,” he inhaled before continuing. “As soon as you are both sixteen, I want you both to get married.”
“But I love h –. Sorry, Father, but what did you just say?” asked a very confused Zhara.
“Listen carefully now,” began Zhara’s father, “I said as soon as you are both sixteen I want you both to get married.”
“Married?” echoed Zhara. “B-but –”
“No buts, Zhara,” said her father. “As soon as you are both sixteen, you will get married. Now, is that acceptable to you, Zhara?”
Zhara couldn’t believe her ears!
“It’s more than acceptable, Father! It’s fantastic!” exclaimed a very grateful Zhara with great joy. “Oh, thank you, Father. Thank you very much,” said Zhara as she tightly hugged her father. I can’t believe this is happening!”
“I can certainly say this, Zhara, and I’ll tell this to Adam,” began Zhara’s father, firmly filled with parental pride, his chest rising in the process. “My daughter has definitely chosen a diamond for herself. I couldn’t have found a better person even if I tried.”
“Oh, Father, I’m so happy,” declared Zhara, joyfully.
“Adam’s a good boy,” said Zhara’s father. “I’ve come to realise that he likes …. sorry, he loves you like mad, and I’m sure he’ll make my daughter very happy.”
“He will, Father. He will,” agreed an extremely happy Zhara. “Well, I’d better go round to Adam’s house and see his mother and him about this matter,” said Zhara’s father to a shy looking Zhara.
This is not the end but just the beginning!
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