The distant call to prayer echoed through the quiet village before dawn.

Beside Asha's bed, the alarm clock continued its relentless ringing.

Outside the room, another familiar sound followed.

A loud knock on the door.

"Are you girls planning to get up today, or should I break the door down?" Rasheda Begum shouted in annoyance.

It was the same routine every morning.

Asha set an alarm every night with the intention of waking up for Fajr on her own. Yet somehow, she could never remember a single day when she had managed to do it without her mother's voice dragging her out of bed first.

The alarm finally stopped.

"Well? The alarm's off now. Get up."

Muttering to herself, Rasheda Begum grabbed her miswak and headed toward the water area for ablution.

Asha groaned and sat up.

Every day she promised herself she would wake before her mother and surprise her.

Every day she failed.

Beside her, Rini remained fast asleep, completely unaware of the chaos around her.

For a moment, Asha considered letting her sleep.

Then she sighed.

If Rini missed Fajr again, their mother would be even angrier.

"Rini," she called softly. "Hey, Rini."

"Hmm...?"

"Aren't you praying today? Mom's been calling us forever. She has probably finished her wudu already. Come on, get up."

"Hmm..."

"Please, little sister. We'll pray and then you can go back to sleep."

That finally worked.

Rini rubbed her eyes and slowly climbed out of bed.

The two sisters grabbed their miswaks and walked together toward the water area.

After performing ablution, they prayed Fajr.

The moment it was over, Rini hurried back to bed.

Asha smiled.

Some things never changed.

While her younger sister disappeared beneath the blanket again, Asha sat down with her books.

She had recently started her first year of college in the Humanities department.

Life was simple.

At least, for now.

---

That afternoon, Asha returned home earlier than usual.

One of her teachers had fallen seriously ill, and the other instructors had gone to visit him.

Classes had been canceled for the day.

Entering her room, she placed her bag on the table and changed her clothes.

After washing up, she went to the dining area and drank a glass of water.

"Asha, come help me for a minute!"

Her mother's voice came from outside.

Rasheda Begum was already carrying a large basket toward the family's vegetable garden.

"You go ahead, Mom. I'll be there."

Instead, Asha sat on a chair on the veranda.

Her eyes drifted toward the road.

She was waiting for Rini.

The house never felt complete when her little sister wasn't around.

Rini adored her.

She listened to everything Asha said and followed her everywhere.

Every request, every wish, every secret eventually found its way to Asha.

And somehow, Asha always managed to convince their father to fulfill those wishes.

Their bond was unbreakable.

"Mom," Asha called out, "I didn't see Dad this morning. When did he come home after prayer?"

Without looking up from the vegetables she was gathering, Rasheda Begum replied,

"He came back late today. Ate in a hurry and left again. Didn't even say where he was going."

Asha frowned.

That was unusual.

The family owned a modest but comfortable home.

Rows of vegetables grew beside the house.

Red spinach, water spinach, Malabar spinach, bottle-gourd leaves.

Enough for the family and enough to sell at the market for extra income.

A small pond behind the house provided fish throughout the year.

They were far from wealthy.

But they never lacked what they needed.

As the afternoon faded into evening, Amjad Hossain still hadn't returned home.

For the first time that day, worry began to settle over the household.

Lunch was always eaten together.

Always.

Yet the food remained untouched.

Rini had already eaten after Asha insisted.

But Asha and her mother continued to wait.

Watching the road.

Listening for footsteps.

Wondering when Amjad Hossain would finally come home.

Or if he would come home at all.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Evening settled over the village.

After performing ablution, Asha and Rini went to pray Maghrib while Rasheda Begum hurried to gather the ducks and chickens before darkness completely covered the yard.

A few moments later, Amjad Hossain stepped through the gate carrying a large box of sweets.

"Where is everyone?" he called out excitedly. "I have wonderful news!"

Rasheda Begum quickly approached him, wiping her face with the edge of her saree.

"Where have you been all day? Did you even eat anything? What's happened? Why are you so happy?"

Amjad waved off her questions.

"Forget all that. Take these sweets inside. I have very good news to share. First, let's pray."

His tone left no room for argument.

Prayer was never optional in their household.

Amjad Hossain was strict about that.

Rini was only eleven years old and studied in fifth grade, yet he had already instructed Asha to help her develop the habit of praying regularly.

Their family lived a simple but comfortable life. They owned farmland, had enough food on their table, and shared a bond built on love and respect.

After prayer, everyone gathered inside.

Asha sat at her desk studying while Rini wandered around the room.

Finally, Rasheda Begum looked at her husband.

"Now tell me. What's this good news?"

Amjad cleared his throat.

"I've arranged Asha's marriage."

The words hung heavily in the air.

Rasheda Begum froze.

"Marriage?"

"Yes."

He nodded confidently.

"You know Asha's teacher? The one who's seriously ill? His only son. The proposal came this morning after Fajr prayer. The Imam spoke to me. The teacher wishes to see his son married before Allah calls him back. Apparently, he has liked Asha for quite some time."

He paused before continuing.

"I spent the entire day discussing everything. They insisted. I couldn't refuse."

Rasheda Begum remained silent.

"Do you trust my decision?" Amjad asked softly.

She lowered her eyes.

"Perhaps we should have taken more time. Marriage isn't a small matter."

Then she sighed.

"But you've never wished anything bad for our daughter. I trust you."

Relief washed over Amjad's face.

Quietly, he whispered,

"Alhamdulillah."

---

Rini had overheard enough.

Without wasting a second, she rushed into Asha's room.

"Appa!"

Asha looked up from her books.

"What happened? Why are you running?"

Rini hesitated.

Then blurted out,

"Your marriage! Abba arranged your marriage with one of your teacher's sons!"

Asha stared at her.

"What?"

"You heard me!"

"Stop talking nonsense."

"I'm serious!"

Asha slowly stood up.

"No."

The single word escaped her lips like a prayer.

No.

This couldn't be happening.

Her dreams flashed through her mind one after another.

She wanted to finish college.

Continue her studies.

Build a career.

Support her parents.

Stand beside them like a son.

Give them everything they had sacrificed for her.

Marriage had never been part of her plans.

Not now.

Not this soon.

---

That night, dinner was ready.

Amjad had already eaten earlier after spending the entire day away from home.

Rasheda Begum called repeatedly for her daughters.

Neither answered.

Concerned, she walked into their room.

Asha lay beneath her quilt, her shoulders trembling.

Beside her sat Rini.

The moment Rasheda Begum entered, her eyes landed on her younger daughter.

A single look was enough.

Rini lowered her head.

The truth was obvious.

She had told Asha everything.

Rasheda Begum sat beside her eldest daughter and gently pulled the quilt away.

"Asha."

The moment she heard her mother's voice, Asha broke.

She threw her arms around her mother and burst into tears.

Rasheda Begum's chest tightened painfully.

She had never seen her daughter cry like this before.

Never.

"My child..."

She stroked Asha's hair.

"Don't cry like this."

Asha only cried harder.

"This is life for girls, Asha. One day we leave one home and build another. We make room in our hearts for new people while carrying our old love with us."

Her own eyes became moist.

"We're still here. You're not losing us."

But Asha couldn't stop.

She clung to her mother as if letting go would change everything.

Finally, Rasheda Begum forced a smile.

"Enough tears. I'll bring dinner. Tonight, I'll feed both of my daughters with my own hands."

Rini instantly brightened.

Their mother feeding them like children was rare.

Yet another thought filled her heart with excitement.

Asha was getting married.

She would have a brother-in-law.

The idea made her secretly smile.

---

Later that night, after feeding both girls and cleaning up, Rasheda Begum returned to the room one final time.

Asha had already crawled back beneath her blanket.

Before leaving, her mother stopped at the doorway.

"The groom and his brother-in-law will visit tomorrow morning."

Asha looked up.

Rasheda Begum continued quietly.

"And the wedding will take place tomorrow night."

The room became silent.

"They don't want a ceremony right now because of the teacher's illness."

Then she left.

---

Rini soon fell onto her pillow.

Normally, she disliked being touched while sleeping.

Even the slightest contact would make her uncomfortable.

But tonight was different.

Asha wrapped both arms tightly around her younger sister.

As if she was afraid of losing her.

How would she sleep without Rini?

Who would listen to her stories?

Who would follow her everywhere?

Who would make impossible demands and expect miracles?

The thought made fresh tears gather in her eyes.

Asha had always been an obedient daughter.

She had never disobeyed her father.

Not once.

Whatever Amjad Hossain said, she accepted.

And she knew how much he loved her.

Deep down, she trusted him completely.

If he had chosen this path, perhaps he believed it was best for her.

Yet fear still lingered.

A new home.

Strangers.

An unfamiliar life.

How was she supposed to fit into it all overnight?

Tears continued rolling down her cheeks, turning her fair skin red.

Beside her, Rini quietly cried too.

Asha noticed.

She wiped her own eyes and gently stroked her sister's hair.

"Go to sleep, Rini."

But neither sister slept for a very long time.

Everyone sat gathered around Azmal Sahib's bed.

For years, he had been one of the most respected teachers in Kusumpur. A man known for his honesty, discipline, and kindness.

He had two children.

His daughter, Naima, was married and had a sweet little daughter of her own.

His son, Wasek Anas, was in the final year of his Honors degree.

The moment Wasek heard about his father's illness, he rushed home from the city.

What he hadn't expected was the news waiting for him.

As soon as he arrived, his brother-in-law Shamim informed him about the marriage proposal.

Wasek stared at him in disbelief.

"A marriage? Right now?"

His voice rose slightly.

"Father is seriously ill. We should be focusing on him, not arranging weddings. My final exams are coming up. I can't deal with all of this."

He ran a hand through his hair.

"Please explain it to him. Maybe he'll listen to you."

Without waiting for a response, Wasek left the room.

---

That night, sleep refused to come.

He lay awake staring at the ceiling.

His mother, Shahara Begum, had passed away when he was only ten years old.

Even after all these years, the loss still lingered.

She had loved him deeply.

After her death, Azmal Sahib devoted himself entirely to raising his son and daughter.

Whatever they needed, whatever they dreamed of, he tried his best to provide it.

Wasek owed everything to his father.

That was what made the decision so difficult.

Should he follow his own plans?

Or fulfill the wish of the man who had sacrificed everything for him?

---

Near midnight, Naima found him standing alone on the veranda.

Lost in thought.

She walked beside him and spoke softly.

"You're upset."

Wasek gave a small laugh.

"Is it that obvious?"

"To me, yes."

She leaned against the railing.

"I know you have dreams. You've always wanted to become a teacher like Baba."

Wasek remained silent.

"Your studies are almost finished."

Naima looked toward the dark courtyard.

"And then this happened."

Neither of them needed to say the word.

Cancer.

It hung between them like a shadow.

"Baba wants to see his son's bride before..." She couldn't finish the sentence.

Wasek lowered his eyes.

Naima placed a hand on his shoulder.

"If something happens to him, will you be able to forgive yourself?"

The question struck deeper than anything else.

"Just think about it."

After a moment, she smiled faintly.

"And get some sleep. Tomorrow you're visiting the girl's house with Shamim."

---

By the end of the night, Wasek had made his decision.

He would fulfill his father's wish.

---

Meanwhile, inside the house, Naima helped feed Azmal Sahib before putting her daughter to bed.

Afterward, she instructed Rahima to rest.

"If we need anything, we'll call you."

Rahima nodded.

She had worked in the household for years.

In fact, she had come to the house one year before Shahara Begum's death.

Since then, she had become part of the family.

Kind, dependable, and endlessly caring.

---

The next morning, the road from Kadamtali to Kusumpur felt surprisingly short.

Within an hour, Wasek and Shamim arrived at Amjad Hossain's home.

The entire house was buzzing with activity.

Rasheda Begum had been working since dawn.

Cooking.

Cleaning.

Preparing.

Welcoming guests.

There wasn't a moment to sit down.

Asha had finished her chores early and was sitting quietly in her room.

Unlike every other day, Rini hadn't gone to school.

After all, her sister's marriage was being discussed.

To her, that was far more exciting than classes.

She spent the entire morning running around the house.

Suddenly, Rasheda Begum appeared at the doorway.

"Rini, tell your sister to get ready. They've arrived."

Then she disappeared again.

The moment the words reached her ears, Asha's heart began pounding.

Faster.

And faster.

A strange nervousness spread through her body.

She couldn't explain it.

Rini wrapped her arms around her from behind.

"Appa..."

Asha forced a small smile.

---

Inside the sitting room, Wasek sat beside Shamim.

He wore a maroon panjabi with black pajamas.

His expression remained calm, almost detached.

Truthfully, he had come more out of duty than desire.

A few minutes later, Asha entered the room.

Her cousin Mukti accompanied her.

A light veil covered her head.

"Come, sit," Shamim said warmly.

Asha obeyed.

Wasek kept his eyes lowered.

Trying not to make things more uncomfortable than they already were.

Shamim smiled.

"So, what's your name?"

Asha answered quietly.

"Asha. Miratul Asha."

"And what do you study?"

"I'm in my first year of college."

"How many siblings do you have?"

"We are two sisters."

Shamim nodded approvingly.

---

Asha looked beautiful.

Her long hair fell nearly to her waist beneath the veil.

Strands repeatedly slipped across her face.

Every few moments, she brushed them away with her left hand.

Simple.

Natural.

Unpretentious.

Shamim found himself liking her immediately.

Beside him, however, Wasek remained silent.

He had always been reserved around women.

Unless necessary, he rarely spoke.

Finally, Shamim stood.

Looking toward Mukti, he smiled.

"Let's give them a few minutes."

Mukti nodded.

The two quietly left the room.

---

The moment they were alone, Asha's anxiety doubled.

Her palms grew sweaty.

Her hands trembled slightly.

She had never sat alone with an unfamiliar man before.

Not like this.

Not in a closed room.

Not knowing he might soon become her husband.

Silence filled the space.

One minute passed.

Then another.

Finally, Wasek spoke.

"My name is Wasek Anas."

His voice was calm.

"I'm in the final year of my Honors degree."

He paused.

Then looked directly at her for the first time.

"Do you agree with this marriage?"

Asha froze.

The question was simple.

Yet answering it felt impossible.

She thought about her father.

His trust.

His love.

His decisions.

After a long silence, she finally replied.

"Whatever my father chooses is for my good."

Her voice barely rose above a whisper.

"I have nothing else to say."

Wasek studied her expression for a moment.

Then nodded.

"I understand."

He stood up.

"You may go now."

Asha quickly left the room.

The moment she crossed the doorway, she released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

---

Later, Wasek and Shamim finalized the wedding arrangements with Amjad Hossain.

Everything was set.

The marriage would take place that very night.

And with each passing hour, two strangers moved one step closer to a future neither of them had planned.

To be continued...