<p>I ignored her and continued playing with the water. My aunt prepared a seat for him on the porch, and he sat down, waiting for me to come out.</p><p>She returned to me and scolded me. I didn’t listen and kept splashing water. She tried to hit me, but I dodged her. “Go inside and change your clothes! You’ve left this man standing outside.”</p><p>I stomped my feet in frustration. “Please, Aunt, leave me alone.”</p><p>She coaxed me until I finally changed into dry clothes and went out to meet him.</p><p>He was sitting with his head resting on his knees, deep in thought. When he looked up with his big eyes, I saw he was lost in his imagination. His desire for me was overwhelming—every time he saw me, he fell deeper into his obsession.</p><p>I stood before him and said, “I’m here.”</p><p>A gentle smile appeared on his face as he gazed at me. “Niimatullah!” he called my name softly.</p><p>I sat down, visibly irritated by his intense stare. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt uneasy. I adjusted my sitting position and looked down at the floor.</p><p>“My little bride,” he said.</p><p>Annoyed, I snapped, “Don’t call me your bride! I belong to whoever is destined for me.”</p><p>He smiled. “But I am the one destined for you. I’m just waiting for your father to return so we can get married within the next week. My patience is wearing thin—I’m eager to have you as my wife.”</p><p>My eyes widened in shock. “Live with who? Me?!”</p><p>He chuckled. “Of course, you! Who else?”</p><p>I scoffed. May God protect me from marrying an old man! “I’ll only marry a fresh, young man, just like me.”</p><p>He smiled. “You’ll realize the benefits of an older man in marriage. Just wait until the day comes.”</p><p>Frustrated, I got up and went inside, unable to process his words. He called after me, but I ignored him. Eventually, he gave up and left.</p><p>That night, I refused to answer any of his calls, even though he gave me over thirty missed calls. The next morning, I heard his car stop outside our house. I rolled my eyes. This old man is too persistent—like a stubborn drunkard.</p><p>He greeted my father, who went outside to meet him. They spoke quietly, so I couldn’t hear their conversation. After they finished, the old man drove away.</p><p>My father then came inside and found me washing dishes. He called my name. I wiped my hands and squatted in front of him respectfully.</p><p>He spoke, “Niimatullah, you’re growing up now, aren’t you?”</p><p>I nodded.</p><p>“Well, I want to marry you off so I can fulfill my duty as your guardian and uphold the responsibility Islam places on every father.”</p><p>Shocked, I looked up at him. “You want to marry me off?! Baba, look at me—I’m still a little girl! I’m not ready for marriage.”</p><p>He nodded. “I know you’re still young, my dear, but you’ve started maturing. That’s why I’m arranging your marriage now. However, you won’t live with your husband immediately. You’ll stay here until you’re ready.”</p><p>I burst into tears. I didn’t want to leave my aunt and father. But I couldn’t disobey my father—he had always cared for me. Through my sobs, I said, “I will obey you, Baba.”</p><p>He patted my head. “Thank you, Niimatullah. But if you don’t want to marry this man, tell me now. I will never force you into a marriage you don’t want.”</p><p>I shook my head. “I don’t hate him, Baba. I just don’t want to get married yet.”</p><p>He smiled. “Stop saying you don’t want marriage. Marriage is the Sunnah of the Prophet, so from today onward, consider yourself a bride.”</p><p>I went inside and picked up my aunt’s phone, dialing the old man. Crying, I asked, “Why do you want to take me away from the home I’ve known my whole life? I can’t leave Baba and Auntie.”</p><p>He reassured me, “Don’t worry, Niimatullah. Even after our marriage, I won’t take you away immediately. You’ll stay with your aunt until you’re ready.”</p><p>I gasped in relief. “Really? You know I can’t even cook, right?”</p><p>He chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn everything in time.”</p><p>I beamed. At least I won’t have to leave home yet!</p><p>That day, we talked happily, and soon, my wedding was set. At just two o’clock in the afternoon, my marriage to the old man was sealed. Yet, I still attended school as if nothing had changed.</p>
