The Betrothal of Minou and Ahmed

Family & Generations
Love & Relationships
Childhood & Youth
Grandma Stella recalls the day when Minou, a young girl of eleven, was betrothed to Ahmed in a traditional ceremony agreed upon by their families. Despite fears and uncertainties, the betrothal eventually led to a loving marriage between the two.
Author

Stella Tawfik-Cooperman

Published

June 23, 2019

The two men met over a land deal and decided to bind their friendship by betrothing their children, Mirza Ghassem’s son and Haj Hossein’s youngest daughter, Minou. Haj Hossein’s wife, Mariam, felt conflicted about sending off her baby daughter at such a tender age.

As preparations for the betrothal took place, Minou remained bewildered by the bustling activities around her. She was scrubbed and groomed by the maid, Ozra, reflecting the societal expectations of her imminent transition into womanhood.

Upon learning about her impending betrothal, Minou felt a mix of excitement and apprehension at the thought of soon becoming a bride. Meanwhile, Mariam struggled with the decision, feeling the weight of traditional expectations conflicting with her desire to protect her daughter.

During the betrothal ceremony, Ahmed, the suitor, initially mistook Nahid, Minou’s sister, for the bride. However, upon seeing Minou, he was taken aback by her youthful appearance. While Ahmed’s father saw potential benefits in the match, Minou’s future mother-in-law began assessing her suitability for household duties.

Minou, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in her life, reflected on her upcoming marriage and the heartache of leaving her family behind. With anxiety and fear mounting, Minou grappled with the uncertainty of her future away from all that was familiar and dear to her.

After the betrothal, Nahid comforted Minou, sharing her own experiences and helping Minou adjust to the idea of marrying Ahmed. Over time, Minou and Ahmed got acquainted and eventually fell in love, leading to a respectful and loving marriage as they grew older.

In the end, the betrothal between Minou and Ahmed blossomed into a loving marriage, showcasing the journey from uncertainty and fear to mutual respect and happiness as they navigated the complexities of their newfound relationship.