Chapter 4
Jenn's POV
My heartbeat was so fast, I genuinely thought I might die that day. My chest ached so badly I couldn't even speak. But I had to ask him.
"Why did you agree to come here and meet us if you weren't interested in getting married?" I asked politely, trying not to sound hurt. After all, he was my Ayeran.
"I couldn't say no to Mom," he said softly, his voice laced with sadness.
"But why? It's your life. It's your decision when and whom to marry," I replied gently.
"I know… but my mom isn't doing well. She wants to see me married. I'm her only son, and she wants to take care of everything while she still can," he said, eyes heavy with emotion.
My heart sank even more. "But what will I tell my mom? She won't understand… and I think she already likes you," I whispered, clutching my chest. I wasn't okay — not even close — but I kept pretending to be.
"I know that, Jannat. But I need your help. Please… think of something. I'll be forever grateful," he pleaded, his eyes begging for a way out.
"Okay… I'll try. I can't promise anything, but I'll try," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. And then I walked away.
As I rejoined the others, Ayeran's dad looked at me and asked, "Hope you two had a good time chatting?"
"Yes, it was nice," I replied, faking a smile as best I could.
Ayeran followed me back and took his seat beside his parents. Our families chatted a little longer until Mumma told me it was time to leave and to say goodbye. I stood up, grabbed my phone and bag, and walked out without looking back. Mumma followed me closely behind.
My heart was aching, but I had to act normal — I didn't want Mumma to suspect anything.
"So, how's the boy?" she asked once we got in the car.
"He's good," I replied shortly. Then quickly added, "But Mumma… don't you think he's a bit older than me?"
"Yes, he's five years older," she replied. "But that's okay. Your dad is six years older than me, and you've seen how much he loves and cares for me."
I stayed quiet. I still hadn't figured out what excuse I'd give her, but I knew I had to come up with something. No matter how much I liked Ayeran… I couldn't force him into marriage. That wouldn't be fair.
When we reached home, Mumma opened the door. I went straight to my room, closed the door, and sat on the bed. I hadn't even realized my tears were already flowing. It felt like I couldn't breathe.
Without thinking much, I grabbed my phone and dialed Dad's number. He was the only one who never judged me, who always listened — no matter what. I didn't want to bother Jas with this; she had her own problems going on with her family.
As soon as I called, he picked up immediately.
"What's wrong, my baby?" he asked, like I was still his little girl in kindergarten.
"I'm not okay, Dad," I sobbed harder.
"Please calm down, I'm here," he said softly, though I knew he was far away in another country. He had been working abroad for years, and we were used to living without him physically around. But emotionally? He was always there.
"I don't want to get married yet, Dad," I cried.
"So that's why you're crying?" he asked gently.
"Yes…" I sniffled.
"But your mom messaged me saying you both looked happy together," he said.
"No, Dad. I don't want to do this. Please… I'm counting on you. Stop this for me," I begged.
"Okay. I'll talk to your mom. We'll figure something out. But stop crying now, my babybear," he said lovingly.
"Okay, not crying anymore. I love you. I'll call you back. I have to offer namaz," I said and hung up.
I did my wudu and offered namaz. I cried my heart out during sujood. I didn't even realize when I drifted to sleep, still lying on my janamaz.
It was a really hard day… a day where I had to pretend I was okay — when I was anything but not okay!