Spring

Huriah set the table with her father, making the final arrangements before the guests arrived. The guests coming were a family. They were here for a marriage proposal for their son.

She put a bowl in the centre of the table, filling it with her favourite collection of pearl stones. She turned around and saw her father smiling.

“My daughter! You have grown so big.” He said, holding her shoulders tightly. “I remember you used to be so tiny, I could hold you in my hands, and now you are so big. Even taller than me.”

Huria smiled faintly as she hugged her father back, wishing she could remain in his embrace forever, when things were simple.

“They are the best family beta! I am sure you are going to love them,” Her father said proudly as he pulled away.

Huria looked at her father hesitantly. She wanted to say this, but couldn’t, fearing her father. But seeing him smiling, she felt that she could

“Abba, I don’t want to marry him. I like someone else. I want to marry someone I love.” She pleaded.

Her father’s expression changed slightly, but he breathed deeply before answering.

“Okay, we will go.”

Huria looked at him, shocked, unable to believe that her father had really listened to her.

But then her father continued.

“But first, you see this proposal. If you don’t like it, then we will go there.”

Huria nodded in approval and was about to say something when her mother entered.

“The boy has remained my student from Class 9 till 12, and I can’t wait to see you both married together and have little kids of your own.”

Huria’s father looked towards his wife and sternly spoke

“At the moment, we aren’t sure about them, and you are talking about children. And anyway, we have to meet a new family too, someone Huria loves.”

Huria’s mother put her hand towards her mouth in shock.

“How could you love someone else?? What will people think when she has fallen for someone else and wants to marry the person of her choice? By Allah (God), I cannot let this happen.” Huria’s mother

“Oh, for God’s sake, Zubaida! Stop acting like that!” Her father

“ I am not—

The bell had rung. Huria, who was smiling, seemed nervous. She ran to her room while her father opened the door. They were here.

Everyone settled in the guest room. The conversation started with Huria as she served long glasses filled with fresh lime juice. As she approached Zain, the parents' son, Huria noticed something in his eyes. As if something bad was to happen if they were together.

“So what do you look for in a wife?” Huria asked as everyone finished drinking.

“Well..” Zain replied as he put his left leg over the right leg, “ A man is like a god-like figure in front of a wife. So I want someone who obeys me, respects me, and takes care of me. And be there for me physically whenever I need.”

Huria’s father clenched his fist; his face, which seemed normal now, seemed serious. “And what do you expect to do in return?”

“She is in my house! I will give her food and clothes. What else do I need to do? Women should learn to be grateful, too. We men, don’t complain about a thing.” Zain replied as he ran his hands over his hair.

“Egoistic, narcissistic, self-obsessed man,” Huria muttered to herself

“Your daughter is very pretty! Perfect for my little boy!” Zain’s mother spoke excitedly, “From us it’s a yes!”

“But we still need a few days to decide”, Huria’s father interrupted, although clearly planning to reject their proposal.

After that, Huria’s father saw Zain’s family till the door, and as soon as he left, he started laughing loudly.

“Were they crazy? My daughter is not going to be their servant! She would rather stay here than marry someone who thinks women are just here to serve their fragile ego!”

Even Huria’s mother didn’t have to say anything. She just smiled at her husband, who smiled back at her, winking at her!

“So now we can go and send our proposal to the person I told you about?” Huria asked hesitantly.

“Yes, sure, why not!” Her father replied, patting her head.