Chapter 243 Alis Family (2/2)

Raising Ali in a foreign land was bound to cause problems. It wasn't just the religion aspect, but the culture and society as well. It was vastly different and when one is raised in such a place from young, it would be hard for him - or her - to truly understand and embrace his roots.

Johan sighed.

This was a situation with Sophia was one that he had hoped to escape. That was the main reason Ali had been presented with the 10 bride candidates from a young age. He had wanted to fill the boy with thoughts of these girls, and not be sidetracked by those around him.

One can only plan, but God decides.

Johan sat back on the chair, looking up at the stars.

✿ Back in the Living Room ✿

Ali was nervous.

Seeing his father go out to sit at the veranda outside, Ali knew that after this talk with his mother, he would then have to face his father. Both had their own concerns and he would have to deal with them one at a time.

Raika began with normal questions. Who is Sophia. When did he get to know her. How long had he known her. What his her belief?

His mother listened patiently, not judging and not interrupting Ali's explanation.

”So she is a non-believer?” Raika asked in her gentle voice.

”Yes, Ummi,” Ali said, ”But she doesn't reject it completely. She's a really nice girl, Ummi. You would certainly like her.”

Raika smiled at that, and patted his hand, ”If it's a girl you love, my child, Ummi will certainly love her as well.”

Ali smiled goofily at that.

”But you know that it isn't that simple,” she continued on, making his smile fall.

Eyes downcast, he nodded.

”If she is open to God, and can accept that there is only one true God,” Raika said, ”then it may work. The responsibility you bear will be heavy, my child.”

Ali looked at her, his eyes clear.

”I know,” Ali said, ”It would be my duty to guide her towards Jannah.”*

”You're still a child, my son,” Raika said, ”Are you sure you want to take this heavy duty?”

”If it's for her, anything, Ummi,” Ali said, ”She is worth it.”

Raika nodded, not asking anything more. Instead, she told him, ”I am always here for you, my child.”

Ali took both of her hands in his, kissed them and said, ”Thank you, Ummi.”

”Now go,” she commanded, ”Your father is waiting.”

Raika watched her son walk towards the veranda, her heart heavy. She could see the love Ali had towards this girl, Sophia. She knew it was not going to be easy for him and this was his first love. First taste of love.

In all honesty, Raika did not have high hopes that things would work out with Sophia. There were just too many things going against them.

However, despite her misgivings, she was not going to stand in Ali's way. The best lesson was one that he had to learn by himself. As his mother, she was there to guide him and show him the way. He is the one who has to walk it.

Even though she didn't think they would succeed, who knows? Only God knows.

So, she forced herself to keep her own personal feelings about Sophia to herself. She didn't lie to Ali about accepting Sophia - she just did not think it was possible. When the time came, Raika would be there to pick up the pieces.

She sighed and nibbled on the sweet cake in front of her.

✿ Veranda ✿

Ali sat down on the chair next to his father, and joined him silently in watching the stars.

After a good five minutes, Johan finally said, ”Looking at the stars like this ... makes you realise how insignificant you are in the whole big scheme of things.”

Ali didn't say a word, knowing that his father was not there to discuss things with him. He would only tell the decision.

Johan turned to look at his son. Ali, feeling the gaze upon him, turned as well and he suddenly noted how tired his father looked. Just what happened during that time he was out here? What sort of thoughts went through his mind?

Suddenly, Ali was afraid.

What if his father forbade this relationship? What if he stated that he was to give up on Sophia?

Just as his mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts and plans to convince his father otherwise, Johan said, ”I give you one year.”

Ali blinked.

”One year, Abba?” he asked puzzledly.

”You have one year to open her eyes - and heart - towards Allah,” Johan said.

”And most importantly, you must always maintain your respectful distance. You are to lead her to Jannah, and not have her lead you to Hell.”

Ali nodded.

”If you fail to convince her, or if I see you stray, I will send you back to your grandparents,” Johan said resolutely.

Ali gulped.