Chapter 4: The meeting

Two days after the argument between Amina and her parents. They are now preparing well for the meeting with Tariq like to introduce the both of them to each other.

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Amina's mother had chosen a stunning traditional Arabic dress for her to wear to the meeting. The dress was a beautiful, floor-length kaftan made of luxurious silk fabric. The main body of the dress was a deep, rich blue color, adorned with intricate golden embroidery that shimmered in the light.

The sleeves were long and flowing, with a slight bell shape at the wrist. The neckline was modest, with a delicate golden trim that added a touch of elegance. The dress was cinched at the waist with a matching golden belt, which emphasized Amina's slender figured

Amina's mother had spent hours preparing her for the meeting. She had helped Amina bathe and moisturize her skin, then styled her long, dark hair into an elegant updo. Amina's mother had also applied a light layer of makeup to enhance Amina's natural beauty.

As Amina put on the dress, her mother helped her adjust the fit and made sure everything was perfect. Amina's father, who had been watching from the sidelines, nodded his approval as Amina twirled around to show off the dress.

Amina's parents were beaming with pride as they looked at their daughter. They had high hopes for this meeting, and they expected Amina to make a good impression.

"Amina, you look beautiful," her mother said, adjusting the golden trim on the dress. "Remember to be polite and respectful to Tariq and his family. This is an important meeting, and we want everything to go smoothly."

Amina's father added, "And don't forget, Amina, this marriage will be good for our family. It will anticipation. She knew that this meeting was crucial, and she wanted to make a good impression. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.ecure our future and bring us prosperity. So, be sure to show Tariq that you're a worthy partner."

Amina nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and Was she really ready for this?.

soon enough Tariq any his father had arrived dressed in there best clothes. Amina's family welcomed Tariq and Alhaji to the dinning table to have their family dinner together.

"shall will pray",sultan said.

"Look at who is leading in prayer"Amina's thought to herself then rolled her eyes .

"Bismillah ai-rahman ai-rahim . Alhamdu Lilah rabb ai-rahim. wa'aia alihi Wa sahbihi ajmai' in. Al-llahumma baarik lanna fi ma razaa tana Wa aina'adhaba al-qabr wa' ad haba al-nar", Sultan prayed in Arabic .

"Amina", Everybody chorused.

"Am happy your daughter came around ", Alhaji praised.

"I told you she would come around, she's just a child", Sultan added.

"I see ",

" So tell me Tariq what's your hobbies like what are you interested in?", Khadija asked.

"Well am a genius entrepreneur... I have made millions I. just feel years even without my own father helping me", He boosted.

"That is not what you are been asked bro stop bragging ", Amina said to herself.

"What about you Amina"Alhaji asked.

"ooh that... well....", before Amina could even utter a word Tariq had grabbed the answer from her.

"Am sure you will love living in our family's mansion. you will have everything you need and you will be well taken care of my Love ", That respond alone angered Amina .

"He is so arrogant ", She thought.

Tariq took one sip of wine from his cup then place it back on the table.

"I expect my wife to take care of the household and raise our children . I don't want her to work outside home as that would be unseemly", Tariq said rubbing Amina's lao but she quickly removed his hands.

"Am sure you will make a good husband for daughter ", Ahdija said.

At first Amina was not impresy with the way her fiance responded. she was so irritated.

According to their tradition once the groom that's the male meets with his bride, preparations of the wedding must be done the next day.

After there delatyuy sultan summonrs Amina to the sitting room .

" please sit", Her father said.

"I prefer to stand father or should I say sultan", Amina Said abusively..

"Don't push me to the wall Amina you wouldn't like the outcome of it",Sultan said very calmly this time.

"The reason why I called you here is because...", Amina interrupted her father. It seems she. already knows what her father was about to spill out.

" I know the reason why... so don't flatter me with words if cause I will be on my best behavior sultan can I go now?",She said .

"Please can I talk to you for a while please", Sultan pleaded.

Wow my father wants to talk me. Sorry sir if I may ask what exactly do you want to talk about ",

" I wanted to apologize to a useless child like you who doesn't know the benefits of what am doing for her but you know what Amina . I am not sorry for what I did to you and your sister. And and can never be sorry because you females are piece of liabilities in my home", Her father left immediately he said those words.

He had no idea that Amina was recording everything that is been said. She had vowed that she must make her father pay for what he did to she and her sister Jamila.

****

That night was looking so sad Amina who was staring at the sky as tears drops. She knew what was coming for her . She knew for the fact that if she marries Tariq she will be prisoned as his wife for the rest of her life that's because she has heard a lot from people about Alhaji and his family how his first son was with his first wife before heattied a second wife .

" I must find my way if escape before it's to late for me but what will I do my father wouldn't allow me even cross the gate entrance because he already knew I will plan my way to escape ", Amina thought to herself.

"please help me lord"

"Run!!!"

"Don't run"