Behind You

F A R A HMe and mom were in the kitchen preparing food for Aunt Khadija and her husband's visit; they called us that they will arrive within one hour as they are coming by plane. I washed the plates, dried them, and place them on the dining leaving mom to cook while Yasmin is in her room.One hour passed by when we heard the doorbell; I made my way to the door and opened it, revealing beautiful aunt Khadija and her husband.“Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija”“Assalamu Alaikum uncle” I greeted them. Aunt Khadija pulled me in for a hug.“How are you doing my daughter,” she said with her radiant smile“Alhamdulillah aunt” I lead them towards the living room where mom is standing waiting for their entrance. They immediately embrace each other. I strolled to the fridge and brought a cold drink for them.“Assalamu Alaikum aunt Khadija” Yasmin greeted “Wa alaiki salaam, wow is this Yasmin,” aunt Khadija asked looking extremely surprised. Mom nodded.“Masha Allah, she's all grown up, how are

J A W A DI can't believe I'm getting married and that to some low-class girl. I just came back from Netherlands that finally I will be taking over father's business but instead I received unexpected news. Events of what happened flashed through my mind.***We were eating dinner when dad announced he wants to talk to me, I was a little bit excited because I knew he was going to talk about handing me the company, but what he said made my eyes widen in shock.“You're getting married” I choked at my food, sipping a glass of water immediately.“What? Dad getting married, I just came back from Netherlands”“No son, you're 25, you're not getting younger you need to settle down and we've already discussed with her family, she's a nice girl, you will like her” I stared at my dad dumbstruck“Dad I can't, I'm not ready to get married, I have a lot planned for myself. ” I blurted out. Seriously I'm not ready for any marriage, besides I want to marry someone I love.“And what if I said you must,

F A R A HI was busy with my thought when I heard the ping on my phone. Which is a message from Jawad.Mom is picking you up tomorrow to shop for the wedding dress. The way he wrote the wedding dress with exclamation mark made me think otherwise.I replied with an 'Okay' keeping my phone on the nightstand making sure it's in silent mode and lay on my bed, before I know it, I fell into a deep slumber. •••I was working on some files that needed to be printed out when I heard the landline phone ringing.“Hello” I answered politely.“Where are the files I asked you to bring” Jawad spoke in a low tone, the way he speaks tells me he's not in a good mood.“I'm sorry sir, I will bring it right aw...” he didn't even let me finish and he hung up what's this supposed to mean. We are not even married but he's showing his true self. Ya Allah help me! I prayed.I gathered the files from my desk drawer and quickly made my way to his office. knocking on it, I heard him s

F A R A HI woke with a neck pain due to uncomfortable position I slept in. checking the time on my phone showing 7:00am I miss fajr prayer. I made my way towards the bathroom, glancing at the now empty bed. Last night event ran through my mind. I felt something warm dropping from my eyes, I wiped it off not wanting to remember his words but my mind keep recalling it.This marriage means nothing to meAfter spending almost fifteen minute sitting on one position, I managed to take my bathe. I felt much better; I prayed salatul fajr which I missed.I went down to greet my in-laws, aunt Khadija and uncle Abdallah are seated across each other while Jawad is seated in one of the chairs beside uncle. His face shows nothing just blank.“Good morning aunt”“Good morning Uncle” I greeted them trekking to the dinning.“Morning Farah, you can call me Mom, get sited” she said.I glance at jawad whose eyes is on me indicating me to act normal like he cares.“Here” Aunt placed two toasted br

F A R A HIt's been a week since our marriage but nothing changed between us. First, he leaves without eating breakfast, and comes back late, eats his dinner change his clothes and sleep, I wonder if he even prays. He doesn't even care about me, or how I'm doing. what do you expect my inner mind reminds me. But his behavior doesn't stop me from living my peaceful life, as he had already given me a piece of his mind. Since today is Sunday, I decided to make pancakes for breakfast as Aunt Fatima is not around. I know Jawad won't eat but I still prepared plenty just in case.I slumped down on the couch eating my pancake topped with strawberry syrup, my eyes dart toward the stairs hoping Jawad will come down but no sign of him. I cleared my plate putting the remaining pancakes inside the refrigerator for later.I went upstairs and took the new novel I'm reading, which of course belongs to me not from jawad library. Reading makes me forget all my worries, I'm halfway through the book when