“Ummeey, will you never stop thinking about this?” her mother asked gently. “Or do you want to bring more trouble upon yourself? Ummeey, every day I pray you learn to hand your affairs over to Allah, because He alone can bring you relief from your burdens.”

Ummeey lowered her head in silence. Her mother continued softly, “You don’t understand how much it pains me to see you in this state.”

Slowly, Ummeey lifted her face, her eyes brimming with tears that made them glisten. In a trembling, quiet voice she said,

“Forgive me, Mama. It’s not that I want to be like this—it just happens beyond my control. Mama, I will give up on Haydar. I’ll accept the choice Abba made for me, even if it means killing my own feelings. I’ll obey you both, even if it costs me my life. My only wish is to see you happy.”

She stood up gracefully and walked to where her mother sat. Kneeling before her, Ummeey began to wipe the tears off her own face and whispered,

“Forgive me, Mama. I promise you, by Allah’s will, you’ll never see me in sorrow again.”

Her mother’s heart softened. A deep pity washed over her for her daughter, who was trapped in such a painful situation.

“Ummeey,” she said tenderly, “may Allah bless you. You’ve chosen your father’s happiness above your own—that makes you a truly good daughter. Any mother would be proud to have a child like you.

If only I had the power to make your dream come true—to help you marry the one your heart desires—I would do it, my dear. But, alas, there’s no way. Your father… once he makes a decision, there’s no turning him back. He is a man of firm conviction—once he says a thing, he does it.

Please be patient, my daughter. As your mother, it breaks my heart that you’re being forced into a marriage you don’t want, but deep inside me, I feel this marriage will bring goodness to your life.”

Ummeey looked at her mother with affection, holding both her hands.

“Don’t say that, Mama. Since Abba has chosen Muhammad, I’ll do my best to teach my heart to love him—if only to make Abba happy. I’m grateful for his choice.”

Her mother smiled with relief. “So, Ummeey,” she said warmly, “what are we cooking today?”

Ummeey laughed softly, and the sound lightened the mood in the room. Her mother felt a warmth spread through her chest—truly, having good children is one of life’s greatest blessings.

“May Allah bless us with righteous children,” she prayed.

“Ameen, ya Allah,” Ummeey replied with a smile.

“Alright,” Mama said, “I leave the choice to you—cook whatever you think is best.”

With cheerful energy, Ummeey went to the kitchen, lit the fire, and began to prepare rice and beans spiced with oil and pepper.

In no time, the food was ready. She dished it out, and they both sat down to eat together, their hearts light and peaceful. The air in the house was finally filled with laughter, comfort, and contentment once again.