After waking up I realized it was almost night.We must be leaving now so I came out of room.I saw Hashim bhai standing near the door.I greeted him"Assalamoalaikum! Hashim bhai."

He went to deep thinking.I panicked, what happened?why he is here?

"Hashim What happened...is everything okay...?"I asked in tensed tone.

"Oh...yeah..sorry I was just zoned out."he replied.

"Ok I am going.Baba Mama must be waiting.Allah Hafiz."

When I came downstairs,I saw Mama Baba and Aunty Uncle were sitting on the couch discussing something.

"Assalamoalaikum!"I greeted them.

"Waalaikumussalam!!" they replied.

"Mama!where is Sara??"I asked.

"She is with Ayesha,oh see they are coming."she said looking towards stairs.

"Mama when we are leaving?"Sara asked from Mama.

"Beta we are just leaving.come!"Baba replied.

All stood up to leave,after greeting them we all went to our house.

Now I was sitting with my head on Mama's lap.Sara was sleeping,Baba was also tired so he went to his room.

"Mama!"I called her.

"Yes!my princess?"she replied.

"Mama...Ayesha Api was really happy today.She forgot Zaid bhai."

"Asmara,my doll its not right for her to remember Zaid.He was not her husband.

Now she was with her husband,so she should be happy."Mama explained.

I just hummed in response.

"Asmara?"

"Yes Mama.?"

"Your Baba has decided something for you.I also want that...we hope you will agree with your Mama Baba's decision."She said with questioning eyes.

"Mama I know you love me so much.You are worried for me,if you have decided something its must be best for me.And my Baba,whatever he wants I will agree.I assured Mama.

"We have fixed your nikkah with Hashim on next friday.Ahmed bhai's family also agreed."Mama gave me a biggest shock.

"What!?"I said with eyes wide open.How can this be possible?I can't do this,I don't want any such thing...No I am not going to do this.

"Its for your own good Asmara.Hashim is such a nice guy.We are just doing nikkah not any rukhsati.Please consider it."Mama said.

"But Mama,I am not old enough.I mean I am just 16 and half.Moreover Hashim bhai and me,Mama please...how is this possible?Why you want me to marry Hashim?"I asked.

"Meri Jan!We are just going to do nikkah not rukhsati.No need to get worried and Hashim is not your bhai.You both can get married.Your baba likes him for you and do you know It was Zaid's wish too."Mama replied.

"I am unable to understand anything,you are saying Zaid bhai wanted me to get married to Hashim bhai?"I asked in disblief.

Mama just nodded.

"Take rest meri jan.And trust us everything will be going to get okay...hmm"Mama said kissing my forehead and left the room.

Its 2:00 am and I am unable to sleep.My thoughts are all jumbled up,I am feeling like my life is full of shocks and really unexpected.I know Mama Baba will get me married to Hashim bh...no he is not my bhai.But why did he agree?I think he was also forced.But how will this all go?how will I manage this?uffff! I am so frustated and the thought that is giving me goosebumps.

I will do whatever Baba say because I can't see him unhappy anymore.He has suffered alot because of me.Now I will make him happy. Allah please give me strength to handle all this.

Next day baba asked my opinion and I just agreed.

I was sitting in lounge surfing channels on television when Sara came and said "congrats api! I am so happy for you.Hashim bhai and you will look perfect together."She hugged me tightly.

"Now come! We are going for shopping.You will wear something very beautiful.Ok?"

"I don't want to go Sara,I have many dresses,I will wear any of them."I argued back.

"No way!You are coming to buy new dress."she said strenly.

"Ok boss!"I replied defeatedly.

We bought a simple red dress and returned home.

Now everyone is waiting for friday but as the day is coming near,my restlessness is increasing,my mind is messed up.

I don't know what will happen next but now I am not concerned about me anymore.Remembering Baba's smile and Zaid bhai's wish I just decided to go with flow where life takes me.

7thFeb,2020.