Chapter 10
Four years dedicated to studying art, and this year was the most productive yet challenging one. When I first set foot on campus I was fresh out of matric, I had much planned out for my art career, I was filled with ambition, and a burning passion to succeed …I did not allow what my family had to say get to me, I stood up for myself and my happiness, but, it is sad how now, I have zero control over what's to come.
I ranked amongst the top 3 for the first time in 4 years. Zafar as number 1 in his course not that I care, it was nothing unusual.
The past few weeks were very exhausting, but it was worth it. I can leave knowing I made something out of myself, that I have grown from a shy introvert to an extroverted individual full of confidence. my passion still lived inside of the walls built to protect my soul.
That aside, I leave next week and return in January for the annual graduation ceremony. Elham completed her course as well, she will be working at one of my father's branches as their electrical engineer… how did she manage to pull through with what she had to go through? Only the Almighty knows but praises to Allah (God) that stupid boyfriend of hers is out and never coming back.
I packed my bags and took a train to the airport. I was alone on the plane… I missed Elham, I missed Zafar. When I arrive tomorrow I will be attending my bachelor party. I only meet my spouse on the day of the wedding. We wanted to keep it that way since we were already good childhood friends. I was not sure if I were ready, sometimes I stayed up all night snacking and painting, questioning if he was the one for me? Asking myself is it really what I want?
I knew nothing about love, nothing about commitment, nothing about sacrifice… so I can not be blamed for my mixed emotions. Mutaq said he would fetch me from the airport when I get home and take me out for dinner, he said he had killer news for me.
I remember very little about our first meeting, but growing up at the dojo he used to be my little assistant, it's like I were a monument in his fantasy world.
The plane landed, I walked out, turning my phone on... a few deep breaths in, the place looked different. I fetched my luggage and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up before heading outside. It was raining on that day.
He arrived… grabbed my luggage and covered me with his jacket before opening the car door for me. We shared a few words here and there, I was more focused on the environment around me.
The last time I was here, I did not observe the area.
" Why didn't you call your future spouse to pick you up?" he asks trying to start a proper conversation
" I didn't want to bother him," I say turning the heater on, " he's a busy guy."
" oh," he mutters surprisingly
We arrive at the restaurant, to be exact the one his father owned. I remember when we were teenagers his father would invite the dojo over for bunny chows, the place was a lot smaller but always packed with customers.
" it's been a while hasn't it?" he says stopping the car.
" true, I remember the coupons your father gave us after an intense training session, and Fatima would often cry because he refused to buy her ice-cream. "
" yes, she was such a drama queen, still is."
" tell me about it, either way, I hope I bump into her one day… let's go eat I'm starving," I say walking under his umbrella observing how much he's grown.
When I first came over I was pretty much absorbed into my own world, I focused on processing my parent's information and the daily dissing from my sensei, but now, I noticed the little details I missed at first.
"you two order whatever you want to, it's on the house." His father said.
" jazakallah uncle, next time let me treat you to a meal."
"no need, you like my daughter," he said leaving after receiving a call.
" I hope you accept the offer genuinely," said Mutaq handing me a menu.
Even the menu changed, but the classic bunny chow was still there. We ordered our food and caught up…
My parents knew I would be home tomorrow for the planned bachelor party.
I sneaked in from the back trying not to get noticed after Mutaq dropped me home silently. Funny how my mother's stupid butler only blurts out rubbish…I was caught and dragged to my mother's walk-in closet where she showed me the outfits and arrangements, I nod obediently in hope that she will let me go.
" Okay then, you're sorted. Now tell me do you guys talk often, how's the chemistry?"
" it's okayish."
"what's that supposed to mean?"
" I mean we get along so it's okay. Can I go now?"
" jee(yes), you may leave…." she says waving her hand rudely chasing me out.
I never had intimate talks with my mother, I mean how do you open up to someone who's always concerned about public image? I can not even begin to imagine expressing any of my feelings or thoughts to her.
It was a norm now, we would check in on each other and feed each other. Nothing out of the usual, no hugs no kisses, just credit card passwords, and luxury things. Another reason why I moved out forcefully after high school.
I also do not understand why I am being rushed into marriage if I'm only 22 years old. Elham was right, they really are trying to get rid of me. Funny how they let my eldest brother marry at 27 and my sister at 29. Maybe I really am a problem. Whatever, it's a blessing in disguise, I will not be stuck next to servants or constant family members questioning my existence. An escape but the halaal (permitted) way.
" Dear, can I come in?" he said gently knocking on the door
" jee (yes) daddy you may."
He handed me an antique jewelry box, " this is the first piece of jewelry my great grandfather bought for my great grandmother, now I'm giving it to you."
" why me?" I asked baffled.
" you're different, and you actually agreed to get married at such a young age, I'm really proud of you, actually always have been, besides it choose you, I found it in the attic after so many years. "
I know my father's nature, timid, and loving but I never thought I meant this much to him.
I teared up as I accepted the gift, maybe I was wrong about them. My father always made time for me when I was young, time as in no money, or toys just a nice chat and sit down near a park or museum with secret ice cream or hidden candy.
" Jazakallah( thank you) father."
"no need, I waited so long for you to grow up."
He left the room after saying what he had to, I picked up the wooden box and felt it. The texture was smooth even with the tiny scratches around it. The chocolate brown color faded into a yellowish one, but it was still very beautiful. I opened it, there was a golden necklace in it, one of the most traditional pieces of jewelry I have seen. Little diamonds molded into the triangular sides of the hanging jewels, heavy but really sparkly.
I wore it for a while as I tossed myself in front of a mirror. It made me happy.