Next Morning :

"Assalamualeikum." I greeted my mother and brother. "Waleikumassalam." They replied in unison. "What's up kiddo?" Asked Amir bhai. "Can you stop calling me that?" I said faking irritation in my voice while hiding my smile. "Never!" Replied my giraffe of a brother while winking at me. And we both burst into laughter. "What are you both laughing about?" Asked mummy emerging from the kitchen carrying a tray which contains three bowls of plain oats topped with dry fruits. Yuck! Wow! Now she will force us to eat oats. I like oats cookies and all but plain oats with dry fruits? Thanks, but I'll pass and so will Amir bhai. We both hate it. Amir bhai and I shared a look thinking of some excuse or better just run away but our beloved mother sensed her children's line of vision and said in a tone of finality "don't even think about an excuse to not eat oats. Since last two days you both are eating only junk food...so, you both better have this healthy breakfast." Emphasis on healthy. Ughh! "But mum..." bhai and I tried to protest but all in vain because our mummy dearest give us a look which shut both of us up and for good.

Great! Starting the day with oats. Huzzah! (Note the sarcasm).

After finishing the oats, I was about to take a sip of my chai but mummy interuppted me by asking about my decision regarding Zubair sahab's proposal. Uff!... Allah! Can't she even wait for me to be done with the breakfast? Well, guess what? The answer is no. I took a deep breath and said "mummy I've decided that I'm not ready for marraige not to Zubair but to anyone. I know what you are thinking but give me sometime to adjust to the idea of marraige and eventually I've to get married if not now then later in the future and that's inevitable. It's just that I'm not ready right now."

And by the look on mu mother's face I summarised that she's not even a bit happy with my decision. "Mummy...just try to und....." and I couldn't finish because next my mother said "Ammu?...when? Just tell me when will you move on from past? It's been years Ammu. I have accepted the reality. I have accepted my fate. Why can't you?. Her voice seems pained. Why can't she see things from my perspective? Marraige scares me. "You're father and I were not meant to be....ok? And doesn't give you leverage to reject each and every proposal coming your way. For the sake of Allah (S.W.T) have some sense Aminah Akram Ali....do not be ignorant of the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you. She said anger evident in her voice. "Really? Mummy? Pray tell how am I being ignorant? I scoffed harshly than I expected but she's wrong I'm not being ignorant. "Don't use that tone with me young lady. You are not being ignorant?  Really? This is the seventh proposal you have rejected. You should be thankful to Allah that you've got such a nice proposal but no! You are rejecting it. I'm so worried for you. My days are numbered. I just want both my children to be settled so that I can go for Hajj (pilgrimage) without any tension but no my children think that I'm their enemy...who's imposing her decisions on them. Tell me both of you...am I that bad of a mother?" Finished my mother with so much hurt in her voice, even tears are visible in her eyes. I feel ashamed of myself. "Mummy, please relax. Here, have some water. Calm down please or else your BP will shoot up." said Amir bhai; concern evident in his voice.

"Mummy, please don't be sad. I'm so sorry. Please. I'll even marry him but please don't be mad at me. And please think about your health first rather than worrying this much about us. I can't see you hurt or in pain. Please, I'm so sorry." I said and even though I tried my best but a sob finally escaped my mouth and my brother and mother both are by my side within a moment. "Ammu...no! Please stop crying meri jaan (my life) . Said Amir bhai his tone filled with concern and without saying anything my mother engulfed me in a warm hug and that's when the dam of  my tears finally break. I know they realised that I never overcome my insecurities regarding narrative and I'm feeling so pathetic and weak. "I'm sorry mummy....I'm so so sorry...." I keep on mumbling and sobbing respectively. "Mera baccha (my child) .....shh! I'm sorry for insisting you on getting married. Its my fault....not yours....I'm so sorry Ammu." Breaking the hug my mother wiped my tears with the pad of both her thumbs and then kissed my forehead.

"Ammu....I'm sorry beta (child). I know you still have insecurities and I'm sorry that I dealt with it in a wrong way and yes, if you are not comfortable then you don't have to marry Zubair or anyone else. Don't worry I'll call Arwa and inform her but sweetheart, do try to overcome your fears because one day you have to get married." She said the last part in a very soft whisper. I nodded my head meekly and said "you don't have to say sorry mummy...you are only worried about me..and I love you so much." "I love you too sweetheart." She replied "and what about me?" Said Amir bhai and we both give him a blank look earning a glare from him. "Aww! Amir, my boy, I love you so much beat." Said mummy  "even though you annoy me but I still love you bhai." And that made Amir bhai smile and said 'I know...I know..  people just can't resist but love me." Arrogant jerk. "Well enough of the melodrama ladies, please give me a break from such emotional episodes...you both know na..it can be extremely boring sometimes." Said Amir bhai in a fake bore tone. "Idiot." Both mummy and I said in unison and all three of us burst out laughing.

"You both know na that you both are the most important people in my life, I love you both so much and I thank Allah (S.W.T) everyday for giving me both of you. I can't see you both crying.. so please no tears from next time." Said bhai with a small but genuine smile on his face. He enveloped both of us in an embrace. Kissing the top of our heads. I know how important we both are to him and I'm grateful for that. Alhamdulilah.

Alhamdulilah......I don't have to deal with this marraige thing now. But I'm thinking...am I making the right decision? Allah knows best. Let it be Aminah. I silently scolded myself.

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