Chapter 243 Alis Family (1/2)

When Ali heard Sophia's question, he didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he tightened his hold on her, as if afraid that she would suddenly disappear.

Which, he knew, was a possibility.

Although Ali knew that his parents were much more open-minded than most, there would still be issues. He didn't want to lie to Sophia but he didn't want to frighten her either.

”I'll handle my family, don't worry,” Ali said.

Finally letting her go, he kissed her forehead, though he seriously wanted to do more than that. He had to keep reciting several prayers in his mind, to calm him and to remind him about his limits.

”We do need to talk about some things, actually,” Ali confessed with a sigh, ”But not today. I'm sure you'll need to process this ... us ... before we do so.”

He was reluctant to let her go, and whispered in her ear, ”No matter what happens, know that what I love you.”

Sophia nodded, though her heart was full of worry.

✿✿ Ali's Home ✿✿

That weekend, Ali was to inform his parents about his decision regarding the 10 bride candidates. So there Ali was, walking around in circles in his bedroom while gathering the courage to inform his parents.

He was busy thinking of the best way to tell them, as he rehearsed several lines. He wasn't a debater like Xing Han, or a sweet-talker slash conman like Kyle, so he could only think of just saying it. Yet, he couldn't.

He kept mumbling to himself but whatever he said, sounded pretty bad. Or was it?

He looked at his watch and noted that it was time.

9pm.

It was this time that his parents would be sitting in the living room, having a small snack and tea before retiring into their bedroom.

Taking a deep breath, he resolutely opened his door and walked down.

As Ali went down the staircase, he saw his parents talking together amicably. His mother was smiling, while pouring some tea to which his father took with a smile and thanks. Ali stood for a while on the staircase, observing them.

They had the typical 'arranged marriage' situation, though it was a bit different from his. His parents only met a month before the actual wedding, and only got to know each other after they got married. From what he could tell, however, they were happy.

Thus, his parents were living proof that arranged marriages could work, so long as both parties were willing to work at it. Love can grow after marriage, so long as they were compatible. There may not have been the 'shot through the heart' type of love, but it seemed like a solid love.

Ali sighed, thinking about Sophia.

Could he truly be satisfied with any other type of love after experiencing this deep and strong emotion for Sophia?

He truly didn't think so.

If he hadn't fallen in love with her, he would have been satisfied with anyone that he had some attraction to. Now, however, it wasn't enough.

Ali continued down the steps and headed towards the living room.

Ali's father, Johan, saw him approach and smiled.

”Come, come my son,” he said, gesturing to the seat beside him.

Ali sat down gingerly, accepting the cup of tea his mother poured for him, ”Thank you, Ummi.”

Ali's mother, Raika, smiled gently and drank from her own tea cup.

Ali nervously took a sip then put the cup down, sitting up straight.

”Ummi, Abba, I have something to tell you,” Ali began.

Both put down their tea cups and looked at Ali seriously, ”Yes, my son. What is it? Have you finally decided on your bride?”

Ali nodded, ”Yes, Abba.”

Johan clapped his hands, a huge smile on his face, ”Wonderful! This is great news indeed. Who is the lucky girl?”

”Sophia,” Ali said seriously, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

Johan and Raika looked confused. They looked at each other then at Ali, ”Sophia? I don't remember a Sophia among the choices.”

”She isn't,” Ali said, his voice breaking a bit out of pure nervousness.

Johan was about to say something when Raika put her hand on his, calming him down, ”So Ali,” Raika said softly, ”Who is this Sophia?”

”My schoolmate,” Ali replied.

”A Muslim?” she asked.

Ali shook his head, ”No.”

Johan gave a huge sigh and Raika appeared worried.

”This is why I felt sending him to that school would be a mistake,” Johan said, ”We should have sent him back home, to an all-boys school until he decided.”

”Hush,” Raika said, shaking her head, ”Let me talk to him first.”

Johan took Raika's hand in his, kissed it and her forehead, saying, ”You are his Mother, of course you shall.”

Johan decided to leave them to talk alone, as his presence could cause Ali to be more reserved. As he walked out to the verandah, he thought of the predicament that they are in right now.