Betrothed

Episode 2

It was already 8 in the morning, I was excited and anxious as I went into my parents room

"Mom, Dad, wake up, it's today", I said. "What's happening today tiger?" My dad asked. I couldn't believe he just asked that question. The fact that he had just forgotten what he had been drilling into my head from the moment I could understand words was both ironic and disappointing. "She's coming today, Dad" I said. "I did as you asked me to and I'm already dressed, what are you guys still doing asleeeep" I whined. "Oh. My. Goodness. Zack WAKE UP" my mom shrieked, visibly embarrassed that I got up before them. They shooed me out of the room and proceeded to get ready, I walked on to my bedroom wondering how that would work out seeing as they had just one hour left. I mean my dad had no problem with getting ready in an hour , I was just worried my mom wouldn't make it.

I didn't understand the concept of "being betrothed". My parents, ever since I could understand words, they always made it known that I was betrothed to a girl, who I'd marry when we both were much older.

I never thought I'd be seeing her so soon, I mean I was just 15, but I'd never met her before, never even seen a picture of her, I didn't even know what to expect or even if I was supposed to expect anything at all.

The day my dad told me I was betrothed, he also told me I had a responsibility towards my future wife and from that day I accepted my faith and steered clear of any form of romantic relationship or attachment with anybody. I mean, I was basically married, just without the wedding band or engagement ring, right?

I walked into my room to assess my outfit one more time, I was wearing a white suit shirt and navy blue trousers with a navy blue blazer to top it all. I wore the gold watch my mom insisted on me wearing today even though I knew I'd end up giving it to my younger brother by the end of the day anyway. I wore a black converse to match my outfit. I already got my hair cut yesterday because I needed it fresh, I didn't want to put off my "soon to be bride" All in all I thought I looked great and I really couldn't wait to meet my "bride".

Over the years I'd always wondered how our first meeting would be, I guess I was going to find out now.

"Hey, Lover boy, Mom and Dad are waiting downstairs for you, what's the hold up? Afraid your hair isn't gelled enough? or your suit isn't blue enough?" Victor, my annoying younger brother, interrogated.

He was wearing a black suit, with the same set up as mine, just different in color.

The black really complimented his dark skin, and if he wasn't been annoying I just might have complimented him.

"Damn bro, this Blue really does bring out your eye, and ohhh that haircut, it's screaming 'husband material', she's definitely going to like what she sees" Victor buttered me up all the while keeping his eyes on my new gold wristwatch.

"Shut up dude, I know what you want and I'll give it to you after today's very important meeting" I had to put a lot of emphasis on "today's important meeting" so he'd understand how important it was to me, not that he didn't already know.

If there was anybody that could understand how I felt it was my 13 year old younger brother. He was there when my dad told me about the arrangement and betrothment albeit he was really young at the time and but he looked at me in a way that seemed as though he understood I'd been given a very important assignment which I needed to carry out. He somehow understood the weight of it all and had always been there whenever I needed assurance.

"Zain, Victor, come on out, they're here".