"I swear, Habib, you’re lying. You can't stop me from attending my friend's wedding. I will go whether you like it or not. Your threats won't scare me."

He stood up angrily. "Are you looking me in the eye and calling me a liar? If you leave this house without my permission, don't come crying to me about whatever happens."

"Oh really? I'm going, whether you like it or not. You don’t have the power to stop me."

"Is that so? Fine, Basma, you'll see. You'll regret this, and don't even think of taking my son with you."

"Why would I take your son? I'll go by myself."

He stormed out of the house, his heart burning with anger.

__________

She was crying as if her life depended on it while her father stood over her with a belt, hitting her mercilessly.

"You're humiliating me, Salma! I told you to stay put, but you insisted on going to that worthless friend's wedding. Do you even understand the dangers on the road you'll be traveling? I’ll break your legs and see how you’ll leave this house."

"Please, Alhaji! Are you trying to kill her? Let her be; she won't disobey you again."

"Leave me to it. I'll cripple her and see how she’ll leave this house," he shouted, throwing the belt aside and storming out of the living room.

"Mom, can you believe Daddy won’t let me go to Hajara’s wedding just because the road is dangerous?"

"You're such a fool. You expect me to support you in front of him? You must go to Hajara’s wedding; don’t worry. When the time comes, I'll tell him you're going to a family event."

(Hear this foolishness: the mother, who is supposed to discipline her, is undermining the father’s efforts. 🤣🤣 Basma, you’re making a huge mistake that will lead you to ruin. If only you knew what awaits you on this trip, you would stay home 🤸🏻‍♀️🤸🏻‍♀️. Let's proceed.)

She hugged her mother, beaming with joy. "Mom, that’s why I love you even more. Now I'll pretend to agree with Daddy so he won't suspect anything."

"That's right. Show him you’ve agreed. He’s just being protective because you’re his only child. Plus, his deceitful friend told him the road is dangerous."

Salma got up and headed to her room. "Mom, I’m going to pack my things. I can't wait for the time to come."