Zara

Once Bashar uncle and his family had dinner with us, they left about an hour later. I helped ammi with cleaning up the kitchen. We were in the kitchen when she asked me "batao mujhe ab, ke tumne is rishte ke liye kyun ha ki?(tell me now, why did you say yes to this proposal?)" I stayed quiet for a minute think about how to explain or tell her why I said yes to the proposal. How will she react if I tell her that I promised Abu, that I would agree on the proposal for his sake?

I mean it's not like she can really do anything anyway, after all, Abu is the one that makes the rules and no one can go against it. So I had no choice but to tell her. Even though if I did reject the proposal, first I would be known as the girl in my whole family who broke the family traditions and rules and because of that in society, I would be looked down upon. Second, my brothers wouldn't be able to do anything also. Since Feroz bhai agreed to it and he's the eldest, Armaan bhai, Hamdan, and Azaan bhai don't have any say in it. As long as the elders agree.

"Maine abu se vaada kiya tha ke main inkar nahi karongi, kyon ke usne zindagi main pehli baar mujhse kuch manga tha. Aur ami main inkar nahi kar sakti thi (I promised dad that I won't reject the proposal, because for the first time in his life he has asked me for something. I couldn't say no to him mom)" I said to her with tears in my eyes daring to fall. Ami looked at me shocked and confused at the same time.

"Kya matlab ke tumne vaada kiya tha?" She asked me. So I instantly told her everything that was said between me and Abu when he called to speak to me. I told her that I had no other choice but to agree with his decision to which she didn't know what to say. I told her to try to explain this to my brothers also since they would also want to know why I agreed.

"Teek hai beta, magar tumhe Haider kaisa laga? Kya hayal hai uske baare main? (Alright then, but how did you like Haider? What do you think about him?)" she asked me. Honestly, he was a good-looking guy, which is a plus and he seemed quite interesting too. So I just told Ammi whatever came to my mind about him. She was happy to hear that I actually found him attractive and liked him and of course that doesn't mean that I'm instantly hooked on him. I would still have to see how everything goes with him though.

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My bio class just ended and I was on my way to the cafe to meet Kate and Noor. I know that once I get there They will be super pissed off at me when I tell them about my engagement or they probably already know by now because of those desi aunties and since Noor's parents are our family friends. To be honest I am kind of nervous because Noor can be wild sometimes times when I hide something from her and not tell her and Kate. Let's just pray to God that she doesn't create a scene.

I got to the cafe and I can see Kate and Noor sitting at the table by the windows. I walk up to them and ask "Hey, how are you guys doing?" Both of them look at me unfazed with their arms crossed over their chest. "Don't ask us how we're doing. Just explain what the fuck happened in the last four days" Kate asked me being annoyed as well as pissed. Jeez, what's happened to her? I didn't expect that kind of a reaction from her, but instead from Noor.

"Now tell us because I do know what happened, but I'd rather hear it from you and see if it's true or not," asked Noor. Oh my god, I knew she would be mad. Especially when she heard from others about this first but not me. I told them both what happened and how it happened so fast. Both of them were shocked. I showed them my ring finger to show the ring. It was a simple ring with a single diamond in the middle.

"The ring is simple and cute, but I'm still mad at you for not informing us about it," said Kate. "I'm sorry guys, everything just happened so fast that I didn't even have any time to talk to you guys because I was so stressed. My dad legit told me about this like three days before it happened" I said.

"I'm not surprised about this actually, considering I know how your family is Zara. I know your father pressured you into doing this, but your happy right? tell us the truth and we can help you plan some kind of escape from this" she asked, in one breath. "Yeah, she's right Za. We both know how your family is and that you never had any intentions of getting married yet, so then tell us if it's forced or not? ...hmm... maybe we can kidnap you from the wedding and you won't have to marry that guy, whoever he is" Kate said. I moved my chair a little towards her and lightly pinched her on her upper arm. she flinched screaming ouch out loud causing everyone in the cafe to look at us and the three of us to look around. "I'm alright, get back to your business now. Oh my god.... bitch that's hurt so bad. Why would you do this?" She asked being clueless.

"Are you crazy? Where in your right mind did you come up with that?" I said. "She's right Kate, that's not a great plan and It would make everything worse. Don't you remember last time when one of her cousin was kidnapped by one of her uncle's rivals? Her uncle went all out with the police around the country trying to look for him and even tracked down the kidnappers. We don't want that to happen to us nor do we want money on our heads for an award, so we need a better plan" said Noor. "Well, that was in Pakistan where her uncle had the power to do all that, not here though because this is America," Kate said.

Are they both serious, you've got to be kidding me? These two are seriously plotting a plan to kidnap me from this marriage. "Are you both serious right now? you guys didn't even let me finish saying what I had to say and instead started your own schemes in your minds to kidnap me from my wedding. I'm trying to have a serious talk" I said in a serious tone, with a straight face. "We're sorry, we're just trying to look out for you, you know," Kate said holding my hand.

"Honestly guys, I don't have a problem with the marriage because I am getting what I want in return for it. My freedom to getting my education to support myself was my main concern and I made sure about that when I agreed" I said calmly. All I want in life is to live my life freely and be anonymous, without any rules for me to follow.

"Have you met the guy? What's his name? What does he do? We need to know how he is" Asked, Noor. I was about to answer her when Kate bombarded me with more questions."Yeah, is he hot? And more importantly, what do you think about him?" She asked hitting me with her shoulder. I smiled a little remembering the day when I met him. "O-M-G, she is blushing. Noor... we lost our Angel" Kate said sarcastically making a sad face. Kate turned me to face her "Come on tell us, we want to hear the tea sis," she asked.

"Okay, relax. I'm telling you" I look at both of them with a smile. "So... we met on the same do we got engaged well. His name is Haider... Haider Ali Shah and he's a doctor, he just finished his residency." "Damn, my girl got herself a doctor, which means that he got money. I mean if you think about it rationally he is getting a whole package in return for your hotness" Kate blurted out, winking and smirking at me. "Is he hot? If not he better be at least good-looking because we don't want your hot ass to go to waste. Do you have a picture? Come on tell us, I can't wait." "Kat calm down, if you let me talk then you'll know," I said.

"Okay, come tell us fast now. I got a class to attend and the excitement is too much because we're going to have a wedding" said Noor. "Yeah, he's good-looking. Maybe... hot too, but you guys will meet him because the wedding date has been set after three weeks" I said shyly. "OMG, I'm so excited and I can't wait to have so much fun and dress up. As much as I hate the thought of myself getting married, but seeing someone else get married is much more fun because of all the free food plus the dressing up" she said. "Same, I'm so excited as well. This will be my first desi wedding and it will be my best friends. I'm so happy... wait, But did you guys get to talk at the first meeting?" Kate asked.

"Yeah we did, My dad and his family lend us to talk for a few minutes before the decision was final for our engagement. We talked for a good ten to fifteen minutes to get to know each other a little. He then asked me if I knew about the proposal and I said no. He seemed surprised for some reason but I don't know why though" I said. "That's weird... Hmmm... I guess he probably thought that you already knew beforehand then" Noor said. "Yeah, I guess," I said.

"Anyways... We're both so happy for You Za. We wish that this decision of yours brings you happiness and that you are still able to succeed in your goals. Remember that if you ever need anything, I and Kate will always be here for you just like how we have been for the last five years" Said Noor smiling at me and holding my hands. "That's right Za we are happy with your decision and we're always here for you" I had legit tears in my eyes. I thank Allah so much for giving me the two best friends I could ever have, they are legit like my two sisters that I never had. I mean I love Sara to death, but ever since she left and got married they both have filled in her place. At least I don't feel that lonely now and I can share my feelings with them.

"You guys are about to tear me up, stop. I love you guys so much" I said hugging both of them. "Ugh, why are you such a cry baby to everything?" Asked Noor trying to calm me down. "You know we both hate girls who cry at every little thing, so stop trying to be like them," said Kate patting my back. I smiled at both of them after we broke our hug. They love to annoy me when I get emotional about somethings and I don't mind it at all. They tried to change the topic by gossiping about some event they heard about that's happening.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked them. "Okay so, there's this party that's happening at ESU tomorrow you know?" Kate says and I shake my head that I haven't heard of it. "How do you not know out of all people Za? Your brothers legit attend that university" she said loudly. Is she serious? How I'm I supposed to know what happens in their university? I mean I know the university is really popular and really hard to get into and many rich people send their kids there to stud. My brothers were at least smart enough to get in with full scholarships, but why should I worry about some other college when I have my own stressing me out with work. "Can you spill now?" I asked.

"So the party is tomorrow and it's for the seniors class, you know graduates. I heard that every year they have a special event for the seniors and this year it will be the biggest one so far. Awards will be given out to the student based on their academic achievements. So that was the boring part of it and now the fun part is that it's a formal party and some big stars will be performing live.... some of the girls on our campus got asked out already you know. Like Jennifer, Ashley, and a few others, so we were gossiping about that, and guess what?" She asked me. "What?" I asked. "The best part is that I got asked out by someone," she said getting excited. I raised my eyebrows at her and asked who? "It's not a guy dummy. It's one of her friends, who wanted her to go with her" Noor said. I slumped back in my seat thinking that she probably had some secret boyfriend since she's always so sneaky.

"Don't worry baby when I get a boyfriend you will be the first one to know and I won't hide from you guys, so just relax" Kate said wiggling her eyebrows at me and I just rolled my eyes ignoring it. Wait so if the party is by ESU, then I think Hamdan and Azaan will be attending also I told them and both of them nodded their heads saying yes. "Oh well I hope they have fun I guess then and I wish you luck too," I said to Kate, to which she thanked me. I looked at my phone to check the time and it read three-fifty, which means I had to head out since we have no plans because of Noor's class. Azaan bhai is supposed to pick me up today.

"Alright my munchkins, I got a class to attend so I'll see ya tomorrow then" Noor got up ready to leave. "Eww, I told you to never call me that again," Kate told her. There you go again, their argument starts again. "Well honey, I am the eldest one in the group so, I can call you whatever I want. Plus it's a sweet name for you two, my peas" stated Noor. I got up from my seat and just smiled at both of them while Kate rolled her eyes saying whatever bitch.

"Come on Zara, let's go. I'll drop you off" Kate offered. "No thanks, Azaan bhai is coming to pick me up," I said. I quickly said my goodbyes to them and headed out to the parking lot next to the cafe, where I told Azaan bhai I'd be. I texted him letting him know that I'm already waiting outside. He replied back saying that he'll be arriving in a minute. I waited until I saw his car driving up into the parking lot and stopping in front of me. I quickly got in the car and drove home.

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When I reached home I change to my regular shalwar kameez and did my Asr prayer before I headed down to have lunch. Azaan bhai told me that ammi is asleep because she has a headache so I didn't bother waking her up and just heated myself, Hamdan, and Azaan bhai the leftover pulao that I made (chicken and rice dish) with Chutney and some salad from yesterday. Abu and Armaan bhai were at work until eight tonight, so it was just us three for lunch today. I set up the food in our living since the whole family is not together and we can maybe watch Netflix while we eat. If Abu and Feroze bhai saw us eating in the living room, we would hear a good twenty-minute lecture from Abu and death stares from Feroze bhai. Thank god there not here so I can catch up on some shows while I eat.

When the food was ready I called both Hamdan and Azaan bhai on my phone to come for the food because I was too lazy to climb up the stairs to their rooms. Both of them came in a minute or two and sat down to eat while watching a movie. We were watching the movie for a good ten minutes when Hamdan bhai interrupted me and asked "we wanted to ask you something, Zara." I looked at them both and asked what they wanted to ask. "We have a party for our graduating class and we were wondering if you wanna go with us," he asked. I looked at them startled. I mean normally I'm never be allowed to go to any type of gatherings other than my family or family friends let alone parties.

It's not that I'm not allowed to go outside at all, but it's mostly about not conversing with people that my family doesn't know of. That is why it's a bit shocking to me. I mean I'm also not even allowed to go out with Kate or Noor because Abu considers them as strangers. Abu specifically told me to never get close to anyone in school because I'll only be seeing them for a few years in school and not for a lifetime, the friendship will only be temporary, not permanent. If only he knew how close I am with them and that have legit become sisters to me for a lifetime. So whenever we any to hang out, we always plan to sneak out after college. The only people that do know about my whereabouts are Ammi, Armaan, Hamdan, and Azaan bhai. They're the only ones that I could rely on and I am thankful for the little bit of freedom that they provide me with secretly from Abu and Feroze bhai.

This reminds me of the times when Hamdan and Azaan bhai would both sneak me out late at nights for ice cream and even during Ramadan when it was easier for us to get caught since Abu would be awake until sehri sometimes, but somehow we never got caught, to this day we still sneak out with Armaan bhai tagging along sometimes. In addition to Armaan bhai taking me out to go see my friends sometimes and trying out all of the rides in the amusement parks. Those were the days when I gradually started to realize that my freedom was being snatched away from me. I remember Abu and Feroze bhai alerting me that I need to be mindful of myself as I am growing up and becoming a woman when I had only turned sixteen. The main reason being that I'm a woman and That I shouldn't be outside of my house for unnecessary reasons, I hated it so much.

"Really? You guys will take me?" I asked them eager to know if they're being serious or they're just joking with me. "I mean if you're not interested then it's okay and we can have all the fun by ourselves," said Azaan, who was sitting beside me. "No no I want to go, but what about Abu? Would he let me go with you guys? And that too to a party?" I asked getting worried a little. "Don't worry about that Zaro. Abu will be going out for dinner at Rashid uncle's house. I'm pretty sure he'll be there till eleven and by then we'll be back. Just be ready by seven and look your best" said Hamdan giving me a smile. "I'm so excited and don't worry I'll look my best. Also, you know that my friend Kate will be there too. She said that she'll be coming with a friend, which means that I won't bother you guys that much too since she'll be there" I said excitedly.

"That's nice then, at least I won't have to see your face a lot," Azaan said and I gave him the dirtiest look ever, to which he stuck his tongue out at me and pulled my hair a little to annoy me. I screamed out loud and try to pull his also. I may love my brother to death, but sometimes I just want to kill him with my own hands. does he not realize how bad it hurts? I got up to try to pull his hair so he can feel the brain too, but he instantly grabbed my hands to stop me. "Calm down monkey, I was just joking," he said. Huh, joking my foot. "Do you even realize how bad this hurts? I'm getting a headache now" I said louder when Hamdan bhai threw the couch pillow at us and our attention went to him.

"Ammi is sleeping, she'll beat the shit out of the three of us. Maybe not Zara, but you dumass the most" he said. I looked at Azaan with an evil smile, clearly showing him that I won't be scolded because I am my Ammi's ladly (loved one or dearest) after all. Hamdan bhai told us the plan and how it will workout for me to go, I just hope everything goes well. I got up and asked them to help me clean and we got done cleaning up the dishes in ten minutes. I quickly sped up the stairs to my room to call Noor and Kate to let them know that I'll be going to the party with Hamdan and Azaan bhai. Kate was so happy to hear that I'll be coming along with them meanwhile Noor was a little upset that she won't get to go with us. So Kate told her that she can tag along with her and that her partner won't mind since she also has someone else coming. Noor and I asked her how Noor will be able to come if she doesn't have an invitation? She just explained not to worry too much about it and to just be ready on time, while she sets everything up. I hope this girl doesn't end up in trouble because of her crazy schemes in her head. After all everywhere she goes, trouble follows her.

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Hope you guys enjoyed the super long chapter.

I am so sorry guys for the late update again. University has me messed up with all of the assignments I keep getting.

I didn't really edit this chapter so if there are any mistakes please do let me know, so I can fix them. Thanks! :D

Guys plz vote, comment, and share my story. I will try to update soon.

Thanks once again! :D