White flowers, lighting, and a stunning arrangement of the cloth made the wedding hall a sight to behold. Everyone is happy for their own reasons: guests were happy to enjoy the lavish food and the wedding moment; women were happy to wear their ideal dress; men were happy to be able to enjoy their friends' company without fear of their wives' disapproval; and kids were happy to play, but was the main character of this wedding..... happy?
If you were to turn right into the bridal room after coming down a lengthy alley, you would see her wearing a lavish, gorgeous wedding lehnga. She looked gorgeous with diamond jewelry and very little makeup on her warm beige complexion. But her big, black, feathery lashes beautiful eyes, there was something in them that could be characterized as defeat, sorrow, or grief; but not happiness. She was unable to decide who was to blame; her father, whose family was far more important than her daughter; her Taya, whose reputation was more valuable than someone's life; the man she would eventually marry, who's wants were more significant than his wife's contentment; or her inability to stand up for herself.
"Amirah see.... Barat has arrived"
.....
"Mamma Yaar, do something, please" Amirah begged, cupping her face with her own hand. Her eyes were full of sweetness as she gazed at Zaisha Begum, who was arranging her cabinet. When she needed someone to accomplish something, she would always do this act.
At this point, the only thing her mother could do was nod her head in agreement that nothing would alter her daughter.
"Please please please" she was pleading constantly.
"You are familiar with your father, Amirah. He is not even allowing Hessah to pursue a master's degree; you imagine going on a group trip." She scoffed rolling her eyes.
"Hessah? Do you honestly believe she will listen to anyone and decide not to continue her education? You see, she either pursues elder or do something about it. But as for me, please, do something." She was following her mother around and making an effort so she could convince her.
"I don't believe she can persuade anyone this time. As for you, my love, you should go talk to your father, just like Hessah always does for herself."
"Because she doesn't have a mothe....r" Upon realizing what she had said, she stopped and pressed her lips together.
"You'd better watch what you say, Amirah"
"Ami, do you have....."
Hessah, who was entering the room, looked at both of them, in order to comprehend the uneasiness between mother and daughter.
Zaisha begum simply left the room after giving her daughter a look that cautioned her to think before she spoke.
"Something happen?" With her eyes on the door where her Tayi Jaan had left, she inquired.
"Nothing. You asked, what?"
"Ohhh Yeah, please give your MacBook, mine has some issue."
"There on the writing table. Gotta do something?" She questioned, gesturing to the table that was attached to the window wall across from her bed.
"Have to mail the college for the master's degree." Typing on the MacBook, she answered.
"By the way. How will you convince them. Got any idea." Amirah asked, clutching the pillow as she lay on her stomach side on the bed, starring at her.
Her lips formed a small, typical smile for a few seconds. Because she didn't smile very often, very few people have seen her smile. If she realized how attractive a single smile could make her, she would never stop grinning.
"Idea? I'm not sure what I'll do, but I do know for sure that I must complete the master's degree. And as it clear that I am the only one who can defend myself, so I will do whatever it takes to achieve that, including repeatedly asking elders for their permission, making my valid point to convince them, making them tired of the same questions, persistently bothering them, contending, debating, and anything else. If it means fighting for a good deed, then fight, in my opinion."
She took a moment to stare into her eyes before continuing. "And you know Ami, Allah commanded us to battle, struggle, labor hard, debate, get battered, do anything for the sake of doing good acts and then leave the outcome to him. One thing is certain, though: Being disrespectful is not necessary when standing up for yourself."
"Hmm... Standing up for oneself is difficult for some people?" Amirah, who was paying close attention, gave a small chuckle, and said "You are lucky in this case."
"Lucky? I?" She paused, then shook her head slightly before continuing to type.
....
"Abbu, may I" Standing at Aliyan Sahab's door, she was seeking for the permission to enter.
Simply nodding his head in agreement, he gestured with his eye to the chair in front of him so she may have a seat.
she sat down and mentally prepared the phrases she would use, in order to persuade the man in front of her, whom she referred to as her father. Her thumb was massaging her other thumb, something she usually did when she was lost in concentration.
Aliyan Sahab was patiently waiting for her to begin, even though he was somewhat aware of the reason she had come.
"You know, I got the distinction in my fav subjects." After a perceptible pause, she eventually opened the discussion.
"Hmm" Nodding his head in agreement, he added. "And I am very proud of you for that."
"Then, could I please get the opportunity to continue making you proud in the future?" With a hint of anxiousness, she smiled.
"Hmm, Insha Allah you will have the opportunity, after your marriage by becoming the best wife to your husband." He avoided looking her in the eyes as he spoke, as though he somewhat understood that what he was saying was wrong.
"That's not the opportunity I'm referring to." She said in a bit disappointment.
"Your one... can't be granted" He spoke while staring into her eyes to ensure that there would be no further debate.
"But why?" Her eyes were as intense as her father's when she inquired.
"You know the reason... HESSAH" He spoke with a mixture of despair and rage, as if he was being reminded of painful or unwanted memories.
Seeing the agony in his eyes from the past, she said in a quiet but strong voice. "Everyone is not the same Abbu... please allow me, I will prove it you"
"I don't need your proof at the expense of risking our barely restored reputation. Be mentally ready for marriage." After giving his final response, he resumed reading the books he had been reading prior to her arrival.
She stood and gave him a respectful but assured look., "I will repeatedly visit till your consent. Since I am your daughter.
Only the time would tell who would prevail or lose in a civil but determined battle for one's rights and another's reputation..