Chapter 8

The day finally arrived. Am I looking forward to it? Kinda. Am I nervous about it? Hella.

My mother told me to dress up before they arrived. Me being me, lazy as ever, I decided on a plain abaya with dark green hijab. Let's get this over with.

Irfan and his cousin sister arrived 35 minutes later. They were conversing with my mother while I was inside my room literally freaking out. A few minutes later my mother called me. This is nerve-wrecking. I sat on my chair and said my salam to both of them. My mother left to her room. I felt really alone even with 2 person's presence.

The awkward silence lasted for few minutes neither of us ready to talk or ask anything first. I should have asked one of my friends or cousins or my sister to accompany me. At least they would have started something.

His cousin broke the awkward scene by introducing herself. Her name is Aqsa. She is older than him by a year and already married. She talked a bit before silence fell again.

I grew up practically avoiding guys. Not that I hate them or anything I just don't talk to them. Isn't it a good thing? And I don't even have a crush. Is it bad? Except for celebrities, of course, shh don't tell anyone! I don't have brother nor do I oh-so-friendly with the guy cousins either. So yes it is hard for me to ask him questions now. But my question is why he didn't start? Maybe he thought "ladies first" or let me ask first since I was the one suggested this. I mentally slapped myself.

Aqsa nudged Ifran, urging him to start the conversation. He cleared his throat and asked,

"You wanted to get know each other right?"

"Uh.. ya" I replied.

Even though it was a blunt question, I actually like that he was straight-forward with it not beating around the bush. Scored right there! And he looked a bit nervous but his question came out confidently. Another score!

"I don't mind it. I'm not trying to force you or anything. You can take your time." He smiled.

Concerned about the situation? Third score!

I think I should stop talking to myself. I asked him that one question that has been bugging me ever since I heard my mother said that I have marriage proposal from Ifran.

"Why you want to marry me?"

Yep. I said it. Right there.

His eyes widen. He clearly didn't expect that, not probably as a first question. Before he replies,

"I mean were you forced or out of your own will?" "I want an honest answer!"

This time, he didn't hesitate.

"Out of my own will of course. No one force me."

Fourth score!

"We have never met before let alone talk to each other. How Do you even know me?"

This was another question that was bothering me. Like the husband and his 5 wives (5w 1h questions).

"I have actually seen you before."

"Where?"

"At my polytechnic. But you are there from your secondary school."

"Were you stalking me?" I blurted out. I went to that polytechnic to support my friend who entered a competition. That was like 3-4 years ago. He remembers me till today? This is insane.

"No obviously not. To be really honest that was the only time I saw you."

I am confused. Even Aqsa have that 'what are you saying?' Look.

"You have only seen me once. I have never seen you before this. Let alone have a conversation with each other. Then you decided you want to marry me? I don't see the connection."

This time, he took his time to reply.

"I did istigafr and it seems the right thing to do. So I talk to my parents. And here we are,"

"Allah is the best planners of all!"

Yes indeed!

"Ok, last question. I'm not sure how to put this properly but how is your faith?"

He didn't let me further explain what I meant.

"I'm not the best one but I'm working on everything. To be a better Muslim and all that In Sha Allah."

"In Sha Allah! Umm.. you don't have any questions to ask me?"

"Do you consider this proposal?"

I know what he meant by that.

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Cliffhanger

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And about the part where Fida mentioned the score, it's not a game to her. She said it as an approval of what Ifran say or do.

My holidays are going to end. So that means slower update than usual. But I'll try my best to post often. In Sha Allah!

Bashayar