The Marriage Proposal

“Are you proposing marriage?”

“I most certainly am. Do you accept?”

“I have thought long and hard. I think it is for the best. I will accept your gracious offer.”

“Wonderful. I knew you would agree. This will benefit both of us. I am very happy.”

“I too am happy. A blessing on both of us, and our families. Love will come in time, I know it.”

“I must rush to tell my family. They too, will be pleased.”

“My father will make the arrangements. It will be a big wedding – all our friends will come.”

“My father, God rest his soul, would have been so proud.”

“Our two families will be united as one.”

“Ah yes, we will have a big family; you, Ahmed, and I, Hassan. Many children. Our lives will be linked forever.”

“As it should be. Our wives must meet to arrange a time for the contract. They are good at fine details.”

“Thanks be to God for our wives, they are three great women.”

“I will tell my son he is to be married. Ali will be surprised. He wasn’t expecting it this soon.”

“And I will tell my daughter, Fatima. They may meet once, under supervision before the wedding. I am sure they will both be happy with the choice we have made on their behalf.”

“Thank you, my good friend, Hassan. Ali and Fatima will live at our home.”

“And thank you, Ahmed. Today is a glorious day, Allah Akbar.”

“Al Hamdolilah.”

(249 words)

Author's note: "Allah Akbar" is Arabic for God is great; "Al Hamdolilah" means Praise be to God.