Life Under the Hijab

Surprise, Sweetheart

Zakir Khan

I almost smirked at her reaction, but I decided against it. Man, Zaynub changed a lot. She wasn't that awkward nerd in the corner anymore. She got really slim and beautiful. Her eyes were a warm chocolate color. I could get lost in them.

Her lips were plump and pink. Her skin had a beautiful island glow to it. Wait, what's wrong with me? I shouldn't be thinking like this. She probably hated me for what I did to her. I wouldn't blame her if she was. I was a terrible person back in high school.

When we were in high school people actually thought I was a cool guy. I started acting like an arrogant jerk around Zaynub and one day I took it too far. I called her fat and ugly just to be deemed 'cool.' I regretted that day so bad.

To this day I still begged Allah for forgiveness. I thanked Allah everyday for leading me back on the straight path. I couldn't imagine the pain I caused Zaynub.

Zaynub finally snapped out of her shock and quickly put on a fake smile.

"Assalamualaikum," she said.

"Waalaikumassalaam," my family and I greeted.

Zaynub's uncle was getting beaten by his cousins because they got greedy for money. There was also a m******e going on in Bangladesh and it was happening near the place our families were in. Obviously they were worried. That's why I came here and another reason which my parents refused to tell me.

I was the oldest in my family. I had three sisters, Laila, who is one year younger than Zaynub. Deeliyah, who is fourteen and Khadijah who is twelve.

"Okay, Zaynub and Zakir. We would like to talk to you both in private. So boys and girls could you give us some privacy," my father politely asked.

Everyone nodded and left. After the door was shut our parents turned to Zaynub and I.

"I assume you both are wondering why you're here," Zaynub's father stated. "Given the current situation, I'm afraid this announcement cannot be delayed."

We both nodded. Then it was my mother's turn to speak.

"Zakir you have reached the age of marriage and so have you Zaynub," she says gently.

I'm not quite sure I like where this is going.

"We would like you two to consider marrying each other," Zaynub's mom interrupted as she wiped her eyes, her husband's hands on her shoulder.

"What?" Zaynub and I said at the same time.

"I can't get married now, Ma, and even if I do at least let me choose my bride," I pleaded.

"I agree with Zakir. Can we have a choice on this?" asked Zaynub.

"Alright, we'll let you chose but we would like you two to marry each other. Forget about the past. You both have changed so just think about it alright. And may Allah guide you two to make the right decision," my father pleaded.

Zaynub and I mumbled an "okay." With that we both left the room.

I took a glance at Zaynub and noticed that her face was expressionless. I wondered if we ever could get married. I mean it was hard to refuse our parents when they asked us something like that. It would make everything awkward if we didn't go with it. Would Zaynub accept me as her husband? I shrugged, never in a million years.