Unwanted: The Arranged Marriage

Just my luck

Suhaiba 

Every year my dad, I, ya sameera, suhaila and saffiya go for hajj. my mom doesn't come with us at times cause she takes care of her grand kids {my niece and nephew} while we're gone. This year was the same, We were on our way back. I hated traveling in planes because the seats were uncomfortable and I hardly get any sleep. 

I thought of checking on baba, he was in the business class section while we were seated at the economy. So I went to check on him

 "baba do you need anything??"  I asked concerned 

"no I'm fine thank you" every 30 minutes I went to check on him. my dad was the type of person who didn't talk much so at times even If he wants something he doesn't say it because he thinks it's inconvenient. And he's been sick this past few days probably because of the change of weather. I went to check on him again when a man sitting close to him probably the same age as baba said "how many times have you been here? it must be tiring don't worry if there's anything I'm here" I thank him with a big smile , relived he had someone to keep him company 

I went back to sit feeling relaxed knowing baba is going to be OK.. 

"Baba seems to hit it off with a man about the same age as him" I said to ya sameera. 

"Oh really where??" She asked curiously, I nod my head with a big smile on my face "He's sitting next to him and I think they are getting along well."

*****

After our flight landed baba and his friend were still speaking, they seem to get along well to the point that they exchanged phone numbers. We were waiting for them to finish talking while we were standing outside the Nnamdi azikwe airport, ya suhail was already there to pick us up. they finally finished talking and we hopped into the car and drove home. 

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Months after we came home baba and his friend were thick as thrives, Not that I have a problem with it, but i found it weird because he doesn't make friends easily. Like every other day it consist of me getting bored to death. 

usually after 5 months baba called us for a family meeting to ask if we had a suitable partner for marriage, It commences after our 21st birthday given the fact that our elder sisters got married around that time  [baba made that rule] while the guys started getting questioned by 26, by the way none of them is married. baba made the rule, we only get married after 20 because he wanted us to finish collage first. 

he called us for a family meeting, and by us I mean saffiya, I, ya suhail and ya Saleem. Safwan was always there clinging to mama. I've been doing this for 4 years now, saffiya started this 2 years ago and she's about to leave because her boyfriend said he wanted to send his family to talk about marriage. as I was thinking about it with happiness and bitterness at the same time babas voice cut me off... 

"we all know why we're here there's no need for introductions, and so I'll like to ask if any of you have a suitable partner because you're at the right age to get married some even older" babe said glaring at ya Salim, at the same time it kinda felt like it had something to do with me

"I'll start by asking Salim seeing as he's the eldest" baba stated with a questioning look on face. 

"well there's this project I've been working on lately and it has consumed most of my time, i haven't sat down to think about getting married." Ya Salim's bored voice answered 

"it's always one project after another Salim, don't forget you're not getting any younger." He warned

"exactly! it's time you settle down and start having your own family." Mama interjected which was rare 

"mama I will, and I'll sit and reflect on my mistakes" he conjured this sad look on his face that seem to fool mama and baba but we knew better 

"that's better, suhail what of you?." She turned to look Ya Sahil 

"mama there's this girl I met but my mind is not at ease with her, so I'm still deciding, when I do I'll tell you." Sahil lies blatantly, that f**k boy doesn't keep any girl longer than a week 

"that's the same thing you said 5 months ago, you brought up an excuse that you heard something awful about her and you're not okay with that" my dad states

"no this time I'm serious about it baba" he pleads, baba started questioning him about marriage a year ago and his answers were always the same. the girls aren't reliable or they have this issues or that problem .I knew I was next but to my surprise baba skipped me.. 

"saffiya what of you?"

"well actually munir asked if he could send his family, he told me to ask when it's convenient for you, but I didn't know how to start the conversation with mama" she answered shyly.

"That's good news, we will talk about that with your mother and get back to you." My dad nod with a smile, I knew I was next so I didn't wait to be asked. 

"I still don't have anyone serious" I deadpanned with a shrug 

"I know and that's one of the major reason I wanted to have this meeting today" baba replied in a serious manner,oh my God he's not gonna scold me for that is he?

"I'm sure you guys know alhaji hashim, me and him have gotten quite close these past few months as you've noticed"we all nod in agreement

"Well we talked and we've decided that it will be better if suhaiba and his son Abdulaziz get married." My heart skipped a beat, everyone turned to look at me in awe.. 

"I know it's unexpected but i think this will strengthen our bond with him, I've met his son and he's a really good man and I hope you honor our decision." He stared at me with conviction clear in his eyes 

"baba if you think this is a good idea then I'll go with it, I know you want the best for me so whatever you say Is law" I answer simply 

"May god bless you my daughter" mom rubs on my head with a smile on her face 

"I knew you'd respect my decision, and I thank you for trusting me with it" baba blesses me

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