Everything I Could Ever Ask For

Chapter Six.

Zahra's POV

I've got to make things right. I made a promise and I would keep it. Seeing the way Ikram left with no emotions in her eyes,it broke me. She had so much hope and the news I gave her shattered every ounce of hope she had.

I prayed Asr and decided to take matters in my own hand. I strolled over to Ya Adnan's room and entered without even bothering to knock.

"How many times do I have to tell you to knock before entering?" He said without looking up from his laptop.

"Whatever. I'm your sis and I can barge in whenever I like."

"Suit yourself." He said without even glancing at me. My brother is an asshole. I rolled my eyes.

"We need to talk." I said in my most serious voice.

"We've got nothing to talk about sis. So please can you just leave me alone. I'm trying to concentrate on a movie here."

"It's about your so called marriage. I think I can help you out."

That got his attention and I smirked. He quickly put his neutral face and replied as if he didn't care.

"And what about my so called marriage? How can you help. I doubt you can get a wife for me in the next two weeks."

I smirked. "And what if I can?"

"Zahra stop playing games with me."

I rolled my eyes. "Do I look like someone who's playing games?"

I got tired of standing and went to sit beside him on his king sized bed. He was watching 'La La Land'. I wanted to mock him but decided against it.

"And who gave you the permission to sit on my bed?"

"Duh! I'm your sister. What's yours is mine."

He shrugged. "You were saying?"

"Aha. It's pretty obvious that you aren't ready for marriage. So I decided to make an offer to you."

"Do you have a wife for me or not?" He asked impatiently.

"Just hear me out,okay? And with this attitude of yours I feel bad for her."

"Who's her?"

I ignored him and continued. "So as I was saying, I can talk to Abba to postpone your wedding. Let's say to six months?"

He laughed bitterly." I doubt that. He wants me to bring a wife and I still haven't. So please if you're done wasting my time, can you leave my room?"

God. He's so annoying. I'm trying to help him here.

"I did not say I was done. But of course you'd have a bride. I'll convince him that you guys need to get to know each other better."

"Hmm..." He looked deep in thought.

A smile crept on my face. I'm starting to get through him.

"But that doesn't mean I want to get married." He said and my face fell.

"And who's the girl in question?"

"Ikram." I said simply.

"And who is Ikram?"

I felt like blowing up his head and feeding him to the vultures.

"My friend that I introduced you to the other day. Her parents too want her to get married soon. So I think you guys are the perfect match for each other." I said enthusiastically.

"Oh..her." The way he said it made me angry.

"Yes, her." I replied curtly.

"What's with the change of mood?" He asked completely oblivious.

I ignored him and said. "So what do you think?"

"Did she agree to it?"

"No. I haven't spoken to her about it yet. And since when did you care what others think?" I asked suspiciously.

Of course he ignored me. "And how sure are you she's fine with it?"

"Oh trust me, she's gonna be more than fine with it." I said with a sly smile.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Nothing Nothing. So what do you say?"

"Fine. Do whatever you want. But if Abba does not agree, toh." He said.

"You have so much faith in me big brother." I said sarcastically.

"Whatever. Now can you leave my room?"

"But you have to tell Abba that you've got a girl. I'll be there,then I'll suggest the six month thing,ka ji?"(you hear?)

"Yeah yeah,now leave my room."

I went back to my room smiling like a Cheshire cat. Mission accomplished. Now to break the news to the person in question.

I dialled Ikram's number and she picked on the first ring.

"Hey Zahra I said I'm fine,don't worry about..." I didn't allow her to complete her sentence.

"Adnan chose you. Adnan agreed to marry you." I squealed hoping she'd share my excitement. The line was silent.

"Ikky,did you hear what I said? Are you there?"

"Uhm..yeah.. Zahra stop playing jokes with me. Wallahi I don't like it." She said brokenly. She thought I was joking. OMG.

"Haba ikky,you know I'll never joke with something as serious as this,knowing how sensitive you are to the topic."

She was silent again so I had to make sure she was still on the line.

"Ikky,are you there?talk to me mana. I thought this is what you wanted. You should be excited."

"He really chose me?" She whispered as if she couldn't believe.

"Yes Yes ikky. You're gonna be my sis in law. Oh I can't wait to start planning your wedding. Your dinner gown should be Gold and black..." I kept on rambling.

"Zahra. I didn't say I agreed to the marriage." She said. Her voice uncertain.

"What? What? What did you just say? What do you mean?" I said shocked. I just don't understand this girl. One minute she's wallowing over Adnan is getting married and the next minute she's uncertain as to whether she's gonna marry him.

"Sai na nema shawaran Mama."(I have to ask for Mama's opinion first. She said quietly.

I nodded my head and realized she couldn't see me. "Okay. No problem. Let me know when you decide. But make sure your decision is centered around your happiness. And Ya Adnan is telling Abba about you later today. So maybe they'll come ask for your hand in marriage later this week. But of course,you aren't getting married right away."

"All this is overwhelming Zahra. It's just hard to believe." She said and I smiled.

"I know right! Saura ni(remaining me). Any progress with ya Ahmad?"

"Not really fa. But don't worry. Your time will come."

I sighed. Maybe I can get lucky the way she did. Who knows?

"Alright. Goodnight. Talk to you tomorrow. Love you best frenn. Dream about me."

"Night BFF. Love you too."

I hung up the phone and went to the living room to see if Abba was back. I saw him and ya Adnan watching the news. Umma was seated reading and eating some fruits. I greeted them and sat next to umma. I carried a piece of pineapple and ate it.

"Kin tambaye ni?" (Did you ask me) Umma asked.

I just rested my head on her shoulder and pouted.

She shook her head and muttered something about me refusing to grow up. I smiled.

I noticed ya Adnan was restless. His mind wasn't on the television. It's fun seeing him nervous because he never gets nervous except in the presence of Abba. I decided to pull him out of his misery.

"Abba, I think ya Adnan wants to talk to you." Ya Adnan glared at me and I smiled innocently.

"Is that so?" Abba asked.

"Uhm. .yes ..Abba." He said scratching the back of his neck nervously. Oh I need a camera to capture this moment.

"Go ahead then." Abba said

"Uhm. .well..Abba..about what you said last two weeks. I've found someone." He said clearly uncomfortable. Umma looked at me and I tried to look clueless.

"I didn't expect you to find someone this soon. Who's the girl?"

Ya Adnan looked at me for help. But I turned my head pretending to pick at my nails. He noticed I wouldn't be much help so he decided to just go on on his own.

"Well, it's Ikram. Zahra's friend." He said.

Umma looked at me confused and I smiled sheepishly.

"Toh fa. When did that one happen?" That was Umma.

"Very well then. We'll go over to their house on Friday in sha Allah." Abba said. Then ya Adnan gave me a look which said that's my cue.

"Ahem and Abba can the marriage be postponed maybe for the next six months? Because Ikram is half way in her second year. It'll be good for her to finish the remaining year. Plus it'll be good to give them both time to get to know each other." I said. Hoping he'll consider.

"Hmm.. we'll see. I'll have to confide with my associates. And I'll decide after we've spoken to her parents."

I sighed in relief. I could see the relief in Ya Adnan's face also. That went better than expected.

"Okay Abba."

Umma was still looking confused as if she just couldn't accept the fact that Ya Adnan and Ikram will be getting married. She gave me the look that says I have a lot of explaining to do. I winked at her and as typical Umma she shook her head muttering God knows what.

I bade goodnight to everyone and went straight to my room. I was stressed without really doing anything. I dozed off planning a big wedding in my head.