The Marriage Demands

THIS STORY IS PRIVATE, YOU WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW ME TO READ IT

"Before you sign the marriage contract, I want to make a few conditions--more like have some demands stipulated as a mutual understanding between the two of us, " she spoke most elequent.

I swallowed hard. I seriously have a bad feeling about this. Maybe I should back down now. Save my self the trouble and just reject this marriage.

No! I made this decision completely out of my freewill. No one is forcing me.

"Alright, I agree. Can I know them please?" I said politely. Well of course, it nice to set good first impressions.

She was quiet for a few seconds as she seemed deep in thought. Her features bore a frown that marred her forehead slightly creasing it. Suddenly, I saw color appear in her cheeks, pink against her soft wheaty complexion.

"Alright but remember that you are in full liberty to abandon this after hearing my demands. But, once you have heard them and thought them through, then there is no turning back. Once you have signed the marriage contract, you will be bound to respect my wishes as my husband. Otherwise if you fail, as stipulated in the contract, if you breech any of the conditions, then I can sue you in court of law." She said fearlessly, her boldness astonishing me. And here I thought that Asian women were cultured and shy. Boy, was I wrong.

I breathed in deeply. I must say that it is somewhat generous of her to say that I can backdown but I think I know well enough that my manhood wouldn't allow that now. I am pass the point of no return.

"Alright, let's hear them shall we." I affirmed.

She began to look me straight in my eyes as she spoke. "First of all, once we are married, you shall shift with me to Pakistan and live with me in my house. You will be fully provided for and I can help you to easily get a good job. Second, once I am your wife, you will never stop me from practicing medicine. Thirdly, you must never inquire about my private life. You will be entitled to your privacy as I shall be of mine. Fourthly, if there is ever a possibility of divorce, then it shall be on my terms. And finally, you must never force your intentions on me." She stated resolutely.

All that I can think is WOW! This woman is beyond gutsy but proud and arrogant. How hold of her to demand such things from me.

She was still looking me in the eyes and I was held firm by her gaze. Her eyes were strong and unwavering. I tore my eyes away from hers and took a step back.

"Can I please have some time to think about it, " I asked. I sounded like a child asking for permission. Well, compared to her and the visible age difference between us, I think its safe to say that I am a child in regards to her. She is certainly more mature then me.

"Certainly, you have until next week to give me your answer." She informed and sat down on the chair, adjusting the cloth on her head.

A week. That's a short time.

Well, looks like I have some thinking to do.

Inshaa Allah, I'm sure I can be a little rational in regards to this.

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It wasn't the sound of my alarm that woke me up because I am damn familiar with it. I opened one eye and glanced at the clock placed on the side table. It has been an hour since I woke up for Fajr and I was sure that I still had three hours before my horrifying alarm would ring.

I groaned and sat upright. Taking my cell phone in my hand, I glanced at the screen. It was from Molvi Razak, an imam of the Brooklyn Islamic centre. Why is he calling me this early?

"Asalam alaikum, " I answered, my voice heavy so I quickly cleared my throat.

"Walaikum asalam, I'm so sorry, did I disturb you?"

"No no sir, its alright. I was almost going to wake up soon anyways, " I replied though I badly wanted to retort back sarcastically but that's wouldn't have been decent of me so I controlled the urge.

"I'm sorry again brother but I just wanted to inform you that I have an answer to your request." He replied. He sounded excited.

"Oh? And what's that?" I inquired, rubbing my eyes.

"I have found a good candidate. Actually, she had also requested me some time ago but I had completely forgotten until you gave me your request a few days ago and when I remembered I immediately called you." He verified.

"Okay, " I said and jumped out of bed. "So if you want, I can arrange a meeting between you two today."

"Uh, today?" I said skeptically because I have a very busy schedule for today. I mean today is a Monday after all.

"If that's okay with you. You see, the young Lady wants to meet with you as soon as possible." He informed.

That's a bit pushy. Oh well, I suppose I can make some time. Maybe I might be free by maghrib time.

"Okay, how does after maghrib sound?" I told enthusiastically.

"Splendid, then I will see you tonight. Asalam alaikum."

"Yes walaikum asalam." I concluded and hung up and threw my phone on the bed. My body was still heavy with sleep. I switched off the air conditioner and stood up. After stretching my limbs and back, I yawned hard and staggered to the bathroom for a cold shower. The summer heat will really get to me once I step out of my apartment. It tends to get so hot in July in New York.

But more then the heat, I was concerned about tonight's meeting. I wonder what she is going to be like. Stupid, I didn't even bother to ask her name from the imam. About a month ago I had graduated from Columbia and had landed a good job at the Lawson firm. Life was going good but I was getting bored alone and I wanted companion ship.

Now i was nervous. Even i was surprised at that. Calm down Zakriya: there is nothing to be nervous about. Its been like what? Two years since i have been with a woman. And I was twenty five so I thought why not, now is the best time to settle down. But i had no idea how I should court a Muslim lady. So I had to request a marriage meeting with a potential candidate from the Imam. He promised to help me out and I didn't hear anything from him till now. It didn't matter to me if the woman was pretty or rich or whatever. What matters is the bigger picture. I left this matter in Allah's hands a long time ago. I'm sure that Allah has something great in store for me.

After converting to Islam almost two years ago when I was studying at Columbia University, I, Zackriya Islam, decided on settling down with a pious wife who was born a Muslim so that my later generations can be secured.

But now that the time is finally here, I was very anxious now. I had no idea how i should present myself. It's been a long time since i talked to any woman or even so much as saw one. The first thing i learned after my conversion was humility. Islam taught me to keep my gaze down when ever a woman was in front of me and not to get irrelevant in any way, so it's sort of habitual now. The only female I know of was my friend Jessica who converted to Islam before me and left for Los Angeles. I haven't seen her in these two years.

Wow, suddenly i feel like an inexperineced virgin. A chuckle slipped through my mouth at my internal joke. When it concerned the opposite sex, well I was a pro at handling women back in the day. Oh well, that in the past.

After getting out of the shower, I stood in front of the mirror and passed my hand on the fogged mirror screen. I inspected the short messy stubble on my jaw. I think I should be clean shaven today. I took the razor and gel and started shaving off the messy hair from my jaw. I have decided on growing a beard as it is a Sunnah but not right now. Maybe after marriage.

After I was done, I smirked to myself. I was secure from my side. I'm sure that jo lady can resist my charm. I headed to my closet and took out a white collar shirt and Grey pants. I got dressed and donned my shoes. I felt a little hot because it had been some time since I switched off the air conditioner so I went and opened the window of my room. The sun was slowly beginning to rise. I went to my dresser and wore my wrist watch and glanced at it. I still had a lot of time till office hours. I went to the kitchen and switched on the coffee machine. I took out my breakfast tray from the fridge and started on breakfast. The fresh smell of coffee and fresh fried eggs with chicken slices filled the air. My stomach was literally growling. Oh I can't wait to have all these duties taken care by my wife.

I chuckle when I think about it. My lonely is finally gonna end. I can't wait for my married life. I'm sure it'll be awesome. Me being woken up every day by wifey darling, me getting ready and catching her in the kitchen busy making me food. I can picture it now, she's standing here by the counter, her back to me, an apron hugging her body as she's so absorbed in cooking that she wouldn't notice my presence as I would sneak up from behind her and wrap her arms around her waist.

"Hahaha, " I laughed humorously. I can't believe that I'm starting to think like a hopeless romantic.

When what can I say? I used to see my grandparents act that way when I was growing up. They had been married for over fifty years and they loved each other so much. Grandpa would always repeat is daily mantra of wrapping his arms around my grandma and would plant a kiss of her cheek as she prepared him his eggs and toast.

There was so much love between them. I wish I also have a relationship like that with my future wife.

Speaking of grandma, I recalled that i needed to visit her today. I quickly ate my breakfast and gulped down my coffee. Thank Allah I had some time today to visit her early.

I left the apartment by 6 A.M and headed to my car. Grandma I'd surely gonna be surprised when she sees me visiting her so early.

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"Ah, Sonny!" I heard my grandma chirp as soon as I entered through the door and the next thing I know; my back is hunching down and a pair of soft squishy arms are wrapped around my neck. She started kissing my cheeks and I kissed hers.

"Its good to see you too, Grandma, " I said and hugged her tightly but not too tightly. Her small squishy body easily adjusted to my hug and she patted my back.

"Oh Sonny my boy, you always brighten up my day with your visit. But why don't you come and see me any sooner?" She complained and released me from her hug. I smiled warmly at her. This gentle lady surely knows how to warm up my heart.

"Now what are you talking about Gran? Didn't I come and see you just a few days ago?" I said and took her hands in mine but her left hand slithered to my cheek and pinched it hard.

"You call two weeks a few days?" She scolded in a nonserious way. I chuckled and took her hand in mine.

"OKay okay I'm sorry. I promise that I will visit more often from now on." I avowed and looked her in the eyes.

"Good, now come in Hubert is waiting. I had tea and cookies prepared because i had a feeling that you might come today." She declared and proceeded to sit in the corner of the room which held a small sitting area. she started setting the plates for me. My eyes scaned the table: the plates were arranged for two people while Gran continued to set my plates on another side.

I see.

So she still thinks that Grandpa is with her. This lady of seventy five years of age is the most beautiful woman in my life. After we lost Grandpa a year ago, it was hard for her to move on because she loved my grandfather too much. She was depressed and I worried for her so I moved in with her during my sophomore year of college and took care of her. It took her a long time to accept the reality of the situation and get over her grief.

Of course I wouldn't consider that she ever got over it. She still acts like grandpa is with her that it worries me sometimes. However, she admits that she is well aware that Grandpa died so that left out the possibility of her suffering from Delussions. Just about in my senior year of College, she requested that I admit her in a Senior Shelter because she didn't want to burden me or hold me back. Of course I was opposed to the idea but in the end I had to give in to her request. I had her admitted to the finest senior home located in Long Island.

Whenever i am lonely or sad, I always come to my Gran. She is my best friend as well as my closest confidante. I can happily say that she's the lady who practically raised me and taught me everything that I know. I suppose my humble nature was nurtured because of her careful grooming. Of course I was never a trouble child when I was small, rather I was very coy and reserved. I always had my nose in books and maps. My Grandfather was a Colonel in the US army and he had a huge library in their home. Whenever I would visit, I would immediately retreat to the library. I loved reading so much that my grandparents took me in when I got into junior high and from then on, I have lived with them throughout my adolescent years until college.

Grandpa's death was a huge loss for me as well because only my grandparents supported me when I converted. The rest of my family. . . . Well, I suppose I have been disowned by them I guess. But it doesn't make that much of a difference to me. It's not like they were cared or noticed me to begin with.

"What's on your mind Sonny?" Gran shook my shoulder. I realized that I had been staring at her.

"Oh nothing special, " I breathed and sat on a chair. "So how are you feeling today Grandma?" I asked.

"The same as always I guess, " she mused as she poured me a cup of tea. Ah, chamomile. Although I seriously hate this flavor of tea but unfortunately my Grandma loves it so I also have to suck it up and drink it without complain.

"Would you like some rum cookies? They just arrived fresh from the bakers today." She informed. I shook my head. She always forgets. "No Gran I can't. But thanks anyways, "

"Sonny you loved rum cookies that's why I had them brought today. Why don't you eat them anymore? Even last time you came you rejected eating them." She asked dejectedly.

I sighed. "Gran I told you before that i can't have rum cookies anymore because they are made of rum. That's alcohol and i can't have alcohol anymore." I told her gently.

She quickly nodded her head. "Oh yes, I forgot that you had developed an intolerance towards alcohol. But Sonny having rum cookies won't hurt you." She pressed and forwarded the plate towards me. Yes, rum cookies used to be my favorite that's why she always orders them for me whenever I visit but i suppose that she never understood when I told her that I had reverted to Islam. She was fine with me as long as I was happy with the path I had chosen for myself. Grandpa noticed my change in lifestyle and he understood when I told him that I couldn't eat their meat or drink alcohol again but Grandma just took as if I had developed intolerance towards such things and she respected that.

I took the plate and placed it back on the table and kissed her hand. "Okay I will have some later. Now, there is something very important that i want to tell you." I started and moved my chair near hers. Her blue eyes began to twinkle with excitement. "Oh Sonny, whatever could it be?" She asked in excitement. I smiled.

"I have decided to marry." I told her discretely.

"Oh my God!" She almost shrieked and if I wasn't holding her down right now she would be jumping. "Oh Sonny this news has just made me the most happiest woman in the world. I waiting for you to finally settle down. So who is she? Why didn't you bring her with you?" She gushed gleefully.

"Don't worry I'll bring her to meet you very soon." I promised and squeezed her hands in assurance. She grinned and gave me a tight hug. "Please be happy. I wish you ever success and happiness. Oh I wish that Hubert could see this day, " she mumbled.

"Yeah I wish for that too, "I murmured. "So tell me her name and everything about her, " she began and i panicked internally. Thankfully, I saw my watched and realized it was beyond my time to leave.

"Some other time Gran. I'm late for work. I'll come back soon okay?" I said and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Alright but please come back soon. I want details alright?" She demanded childishly that caused me to chuckle. "Of course, " I winked at winked and hurried towards the exit.

********

I yawned deeply as I parked the car. Work was busy and tiring but that wasn't enough to put me down. I jumped out of my car and headed inside the shop. Gazing at the different flowers in front of me, I had no idea what kind of flowers I should buy.

"Excuse me, " I asked the counter girl with my eyes glued on the flowers. "Can you please help me choose some flowers for my fiancee, " I asked politely with my gaze down as I turned towards the girl. I must admit that saying that woman that I'm going to meet for the first time in my life and labeling her as my fiancee is indeed strange.

"Sure, what is the occasion?"

"Well, I'm gonna ask her to marry me so which flowers would suit a proposal occasion?" I inquired.

"Hmm let's see, " she said and I saw her disappear in the huge flower jungle in front of me. I waited impatiently. My left foot always taps whenever I am anxious or just plain restless. I was so enthusiastic about this marriage meeting. All day I kept thinking about it: what's she's going to be like, how she will look like, what are personality is going to be like. It was so amazing to experience this: I was as excited a school boy getting an ice cream for the first time.

Its amusing. Very.

The girl came back within a few minutes with white roses wrapped in a transparent sheet. "Here you are. I'm sure that she will like these 'cause the white rose is very subtle." She commented. I smiled and purchased them quickly. After I was in my car, I gently placed the roses on the back floor and sped to the Islamic center. Once there, I glanced at the rear mirror and passed a hand through my hair, setting it on the right side casually. I jumped out of the car and straightened out my suit. I took the roses in my arms and entered the Mosque.

I must admit, my heart was beating very fast. Maybe I was nervous. Heck! I was nervous!

I entered Imam Razak's office after the knock was answered. He was sitting on his desk and immediately glanced at me when I entered.

"Asalam Alaikum brother. Welcome!" He greeted wholeheartedly. I smiled and embraced him. "Walaikum Asalam."

"You are early. She hasn't arrived yet. She just called me to tell you that she will be here shortly, " he said. It dimmed down my expectations a bit. I had really hoped that she would be here waiting for me. Oh well, it will give me some time to compose myself and clear my head.

"Can I know her name?" I blurted out unexpectantly. Weird.

"Of course. Her name is Doctor Amber Zaid, " he responded. I nodded. Amber? What a minute.

"Is she a convert too?" I inquired, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Uh no. She is a Pakistani Muslim. The name Amber is a very common Muslim name in that country." He replied. I raised a brow in concurrence. I see.

I was surprised when I heard a knock at the door. All of a sudden I got timid and my heart beat quickened. I even felt my eyes become hot.

Calm down Zac. Keep your cool. You are fully prepared for this. Come on dude you were once a player, don't let the prospect of a female get you to lose your cool. Don't let your two years of player absence to dissolve your resolve. Remember that you are Zackriya Islam!

I breathed in slowly and quickly put on my cool guy expression. Plastering my killer smile (as the ladies used to call it back in the day) I stood up right with my shoulders squared.

"I think she is here, " he claimed and openned the door.

My breath slightly hitched in my throat when I laid eyes on her.

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