Hafsa (A Romantic Journey)

My face was covered with a veil that I could barely see through the veil. As they drove me to my matrimonial home, I shed tears, not tears of joy. This was the day that I dreaded. A day that I wished not to see, a day that I didn't wish to see.

‘I'm not ready for this. I don't love him. I don't know him.’ I mused to myself.

Why will my own father do this to me? Why will he marry me off to a man I don't even know much about? This doesn't even make sense. I've never seen him before. All I know was his name, Aasim.

The car stopped and we sorted out of the car. We walked into the house and strolled upstairs. I couldn't see anything, but my henna designed feet. I could hear a lot of different voices of women praying for my marriage.

My aunties took me to my room. They did their last marital advice and left. "Ya Hafsa, I'm going to miss you." Layla hugged me. She patted my back one last time before finally leaving also.

I was left with my two friends, Anisa and Amira. "Hafsa, you have to stop crying, please. Calm down." Amira tried to console me. "You’re telling me to calm down? Do you know what this means? It means I married someone I do not love.”

"Sabr my sister, sabr (patience)" Anisa muttered. "Hafsa it's time for us to go. Your husband will be here anytime soon." Amira got to her feet, picking up her bag. "No please, please I'm begging. Stay with me." I pleaded but it was to no avail. "Hafsa let go of my hand." Amira tried to free her hand, but I was holding it tight.

She finally escaped from my hold and they ran out. "Oh no, now I'm alone," I muttered, shaking my head. What will I do now? How will I look at him? I will surely punch his throat if he was the one that told our parents he’s interested in me.

••

I finally gave up and went to the bathroom to wash my face. I came out shortly and plopped down on the bed. I sighed as I remembered what happened before.

Why did baba get me married at this early age? I'm just 19, for crying out loud. I really felt bad for breaking up with my boyfriend, Ismail. I hope he's fine...

This man that baba married me off to, I don't even know him. All I know is his name. I've never even seen him before. He never showed up at my house to talk more about getting to know each other. Ya Rabb help me....

"Salamu alaikum. (Peace be upon you.)" The door got opened and a tall man came in. I slowly turned my head to where he was standing. I gaped openly as I observed his sharp jaw, chin, and cheekbones. He had that kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. On either side of his straight nose were two blazing hazel eyes. Spiked, warm brown fringed with smooth green. His dark brows were actually graceful but currently furrowed in a frown. Probably because he didn't want to see me.

I averted my gaze, finally coming to my senses, and answered his greetings. This guy gave me goosebumps.

Aasim's POV

I said my final goodbye to my family before getting into the car and headed to my new house at Maitama district. As I drive around the quiet street of Abuja, I kept thinking of how my father kinda talked me into marrying a girl I barely even know. A nineteen for crying out loud. Hafsa was her name. I called the name again. I heaved a sigh and shook my head.

It's even too late to do anything. Everything has been done, I can't do anything about it. I'll just try and cope with her; that's the only thing I can do.

I finally arrived at the house. I parked my car at the parking spot and hopped out. I went into the house straight to the dining area and kept the food I bought. I sat there for a minute before heading to Hafsa's room; just to check up on her. At least that’s what I am expected to do, right? I took a deep breath before I opened the door. I'm ready to see the worse.

"Salamu alaikum," I said. I almost choked with my spit when I saw her, finally. She looked up from her fingers. She had warm silky black colored hair and pastel dark skin which made her beautiful pink lips stand out. Her cheeks were rouged, and she was dressed in an alluring purple fitted dress.

Her beautiful face captured my heart already. The way she looked at me with her stunning dark brown eyes made me go over the moon. Her skin kept glowing. It looked soft! And all I wanted was to touch it, to feel the softness of her skin.

"Wa'alaikumus Salam. (Peace be upon you too)." She answered with her soothing voice bringing me back from my reverie.

I cleared my throat. "I hope you're fine." I voiced out. "Yes Alhamdulillah." She answered. "Okay, let's go and eat cause I know you must be hungry." I smiled at her, she smiled back and nodded. “Oh, before that, let’s pray. It is the right thing to do.” She nodded her head in agreement. After we have prayed, I asked her again to join me in the dining area.

"Can you excuse me for a minute, I need to change into something comfy." She said politely and I nodded.

Hafsa's POV

The more I played Aasim's voice in my head the more I feel blithe. He made me smile the minute I saw his handsome face. The way he looked into my eyes; I could feel the butterflies in my stomach going wild.

He was wearing a white kaftan which made him look handsome and attractive. He had his hands in his pocket throughout our little conversation. I'm still depressed about how baba wooed me into marrying Aasim.

A month ago...

I just got back from school. I was so tired and hungry. "Ya Hafsa, baba wants to speak to you." Layla came into my room. "Oh, Okay!" That was the only thing I could say.

I wore my hijab and went to his room. "Salamu Alaikum." I muttered

"Wa'alaikums Salam, come in" he answered. I sat down on the carpet while he was on his bed.

"Hafsa how were lectures today?" He asked. "Alhamdulillah baba," I answered. "MashaAllah. Hafsa you know my best friend Alhaji Mukhtar Galadima, right?" He queried. "Yes, baba I know him." I nodded. "Good. Do you know his son, Aasim?" He asked. "No, I only know ruqayyah and nafeesah" I replied.

"Alhaji Mukhtar came up with a great idea to make our friendship stronger and I agreed on the idea." Baba grinned which made me curious. I wasn't liking where it was going. Something is wrong. "You'll be Aasim's wife in a month In Shaa Allah (If Allah wills)"

I gasped loudly. "No! Baba!"

"What? Do you have a problem with it?" He asked. "Yes, baba I do, I can't marry him. I'm not even ready, baba I'm too young to get married. I don't even—"

"Will you shut up? Who do you think you're talking to? Am I your mate?! I wasn't asking for your opinion; I was just informing you because you are the bride!" He bayed at me which made me startle. Baba has never yelled at me like that! He sometimes is strict, but he never yelled like that.

"But baba I don't even know him." I tried to reason with him. "You'll get to know him after the wedding. Now get out!" He said, coldly. I stood up and left the room wiping my warm tears.

I ran to my room and jumped on my bed. Why did baba do this to me? Why me? One minute he's being a loving and caring father and the next he's all grumpy and annoying.

Knock knock!

A knock came from the door bringing me back from my train of thoughts. I quickly wore my shirt and went to check who it was. Yeah, it's my good-looking husband.

"Am I disturbing you?" He asked. He was now wearing grey sweatpants and a black shirt. "No let's go, I'm done," I replied and closed the door behind me. "Okay," he flashed me a smile which made the butterflies in my stomach go wild.

We walked downstairs, passed the well-furnished living room, and into the dining area. The dining room was looking really beautiful. My mom and sister really did a great job in decorating my house. Our house.

Aasim sat on the dining chair using his phone while I opened the takeaway he brought. "Is that the kitchen?" I pointed at a door. "Yes." he smiled. This guy has no idea what happens to me whenever he smiles.

I walked into the kitchen. "Wow" was the only word I could say. The kitchen was really huge and beautiful. I walked further into the kitchen looking for plates.

I checked almost everywhere but I couldn't find the plates. I looked up and spotted them at the highest cabinet. Who on earth arranged them there when they know I'm short? "How the heck am I going to get these plates now?" I thought to myself. I stretched my hand, but I failed. I tried again and again.

"Need any help?" A deep voice said behind me. "No, I don't," I replied. "Yes, you do" he walked to where I was, brought out the plates, and gave them to me. "Thanks!" I said collecting the plates from his hand.

We went back to the dining room. I served him first then served myself. I sat opposite him, keeping a good distance between us.

We started digging in. We were both lost in our thoughts. I looked at him and quickly lowered my gaze when I saw him looking at me.

I looked at him again and saw him still looking at me. "Is there something on my face?" I asked him. "No, not at all" he replied and continued eating. I smiled and went back to eating.

We were finally done eating. He started packing the plates. "No Aasim just leave it, I'll take care of the plates" I tried to collect the plates, but he refused to give me. "No, I'm not supposed to allow you to work for now. My mom said brides aren't supposed to work for at least one week" he said then packed the plate to the kitchen.

What he said made me blush. "Okay lemme help you." I followed him. "No don't worry. I know you're tired, just go and rest. And if you need anything my room is next to yours." he smiled. "Uhm okay!" I murmured and headed upstairs.

I jumped on my queen-sized bed. I covered my body with the duvet. It was so soft. I used the remote to turn on the air conditioner.

So, this is how I'm going to spend the rest of my life with a guy that doesn't even give a damn about me. I know he was forced to marry me; I just know it.

I mean who am I kidding, what will a hot guy like him do with a girl like me. I'll just try as hard as I can not to fall for him. That will be hard, but I will try. He's just so attractive.

Aasim's POV

After I finished doing the dishes, I went upstairs to my room. I sat on my bed before lying down. "I'm so tired" I murmured. I glanced at the wall clock and saw it was already past ten.

I know probably by now Hafsa is asleep. Should I go check on her? No! I'll look like I'm into her or something. She looked hot with her pink sweatpants and white Shirt. I'm starting to fall for her even though I just met her today.

It's like she got me under a spell. Looking at her face is now my hobby. I know she doesn't like me but I kinda like her, I really do. I'm a stranger to her but with time we'll get to know each other. That's if she wants us to.

My lovely wife, I'm starting to fall for. I don't think I can ever express my feelings to Hafsa because I don't want my heart to get broken. I can't bear the pain. I will stay as far as I can from her.