BRIDE TO BE BY KHADIJAT BABANSULE

 

Salma looked at her daughter Zara with a mixture of pride and worry. Zara was 20 years old and had just announced that she was getting married to her boyfriend of two years, Ahmed. Salma knew Ahmed was a good man, but she also knew how hard marriage could be, especially at such a young age.

Salma had married Zara's father, Yusuf, when she was only 18. They had fallen in love and eloped, against the wishes of their families. They had faced many challenges in their marriage, such as financial difficulties, cultural differences, and family conflicts. They had also struggled to balance their roles as parents and partners, as they had Zara soon after their wedding. Salma had sacrificed her education and career aspirations to raise Zara and support Yusuf, who worked long hours as a mechanic.

Salma loved Yusuf and Zara, but she sometimes wondered what her life would have been like if she had waited to get married. She wanted Zara to have more opportunities and choices than she did. She wanted Zara to pursue her dreams and passions, not just settle for what was expected of her. She wanted Zara to be happy, but she also wanted her to be prepared for the realities of marriage.

Salma decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Zara before the wedding. She invited her to sit with her on the couch and held her hand.

"Zara, my darling, I am so happy for you and Ahmed. You are a beautiful and smart young woman, and he is a lucky man to have you. I hope you will have a wonderful life together."

"Thank you, Mama. I love you so much. You are the best mother in the world."

Salma smiled and kissed her forehead. "I love you too, my sweet girl. And because I love you, I want to share some advice with you. Advice that I wish someone had given me when I was your age."

Zara nodded and listened attentively.

"First of all, marriage is not a fairy tale. It is not always easy or romantic. It is a commitment that requires work, patience, and compromise. You and Ahmed will have good times and bad times, joys and sorrows, agreements and disagreements. You will have to face many challenges and changes, both as individuals and as a couple. You will have to support each other, respect each other, and communicate with each other. You will have to grow together, not apart."

Salma paused and looked into Zara's eyes. "Do you understand what I am saying?"

Zara nodded again. "Yes, Mama. I understand. I know marriage is not a game. I know it is serious and important. I am ready to take this step with Ahmed. I love him with all my heart, and I trust him with all my soul. He is my best friend and my partner. We have talked about our goals and values, and we are on the same page. We are ready to face whatever life throws at us, together."

Salma felt a surge of relief and admiration. She was glad that Zara and Ahmed had a strong foundation for their relationship. She hoped they would keep it that way.

"That's good, Zara. That's very good. I am proud of you and Ahmed. But there is something else I want to tell you. Something that is very important to me."

"What is it, Mama?"

Salma took a deep breath and continued. "Zara, you are more than just a wife. You are more than just a daughter. You are more than just a future mother. You are a person. A person with dreams and talents and passions. A person with rights and responsibilities and choices. A person with a voice and a vision and a value. Never forget that, Zara. Never let anyone make you forget that."

Salma squeezed Zara's hand and looked at her with intensity. "You have so much potential, Zara. So much to offer the world. So much to learn and explore and experience. Don't let marriage stop you from pursuing your personal growth and happiness. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do, what you should or should not be, what you are or are not worth. You are the only one who can define yourself, Zara. You are the only one who can live your life, Zara. You are the only one who can make yourself happy, Zara."

Salma wiped a tear from her eye and smiled. "Do you understand what I am saying?"

Zara nodded and hugged her. "Yes, Mama. I understand. I understand and I appreciate your words. You are so wise and so brave, Mama. You have taught me so much, by your words and by your example. You have given me so much, by your love and by your sacrifice. You are my role model and my inspiration, Mama. I want to be like you, Mama. I want to make you proud, Mama."

Salma hugged her back and whispered in her ear. "You already make me proud, Zara. You always make me proud. You are my daughter, and you are my joy. I love you, Zara. I love you more than anything."

They held each other for a long time, feeling the bond between them. They knew they would always have each other, no matter what. They knew they would always support each other, no matter what

They knew they would always love each other, no matter what.

LIKE | COMMENT SHARE*👌