Her Unwanted Husband

I1I

MARIA

I wake up to a house full of chirping people. That would be my family. Honestly, living with so many people sometimes got difficult, especially when I needed space.

But all in all, it was incredible. I live with my parents, my father's brother and his wife and children and my grandfather.

Right now everyone's in the house which explains the shouting and squealing. Except Emad. My father's brother’s son.

He was my best friend and brother for almost fourteen years. But then, he left Lahore and went to study in the UK.

I argued and fought with him to stay but all he said was that he would come back after three years of completing university.

Liar. Such a big liar.

It's been more than five years now. But he isn't back. At first, he used to call a lot. But as time passed we grew apart and the calls got from less to lesser until we no longer talked to each other.

I haven't talked to him in four years. Not even a single text.

I pull myself out of the depressing thoughts of Emad and jump out of bed to get dressed. I have an A-level CIE exam today. Psychology paper 1 & 2.

I’d spent the entire night studying and revising, sleeping only for an hour. From 8 to 9. I had to be at the exam centre at 11 so I still had time.

—

I trudge down the stairs with my books and past papers tucked under one arm and my other hand holding my blue silk jilbab (a loose Islamic dress that covers up the entire body).

When I started wearing it, a month ago, I was criticized to a degree that never failed to shock me. Not just by friends and classmates but also by my family.

It’s like, I’m supposed to dress a specific way to be accepted by the members of the society.

It would have been nice if at least my family been supportive but I guess none of us can have a perfect family. Still, they are slowly growing accustomed to it.

But I am always told to take it off otherwise 'no one will marry me'. They said that the hijab (a head covering worn by practicing Muslim women) was one thing but jilbab another.

I didn't care though. I can't just take some part of Islam and leave the other part. And I'm not going to change my actions just because nobody will marry me.

They can go to hell, for all I care. I'm not desperate for love because I’m conversant with the reality. And there are no flowers and butterflies unless Allah (God) wants us to be happy.

I pad over to the lounge and the sight before me causes my knees to go weak.

This can't be happening.