Chapter Forty-Seven: A Difficult Condition

After long thinking and planning, Abboud decided it was time to speak with Leila's father. He started the call in a calm but firm voice.

Abboud (nervously): "Peace be upon you, uncle. It's Abboud... I want to talk to you about Leila."

Abboud's words came out slowly, as this was a crucial moment for him. Leila's parents had known him since childhood, but the current situation was entirely different.

Leila's father (in a stern voice): "Abboud, what do you want?"

Abboud: "I'm asking for Leila's hand in marriage, and I'm ready to do anything."

Leila's father: "But you're too late. This matter isn't as simple as you think. Her cousin has already asked for her hand, and you know that's a respected traditional marriage."

Abboud (confidently): "I understand, uncle, but Leila and I have loved each other for years. I want to ask for her hand from you, and I promise to take good care of her."

Leila's father remained silent for a moment, appearing hesitant. The pressure of family and tradition weighed on him, but his love for his daughter made him reconsider the situation.

Leila's father (hesitantly): "Abboud, this is not easy. I don’t know how to agree to something like this, especially since you're living in Germany. We have traditions and a family to respect."

Abboud (insistently): "I understand that, uncle, and I respect everything you say. But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to be the husband Leila deserves. I won't give up on her."

Leila, feeling that she needed to intervene, spoke to her father gently after the call, trying to convince him that her love for Abboud was real and that he was the right man for her.

Leila (in a soft voice): "Dad, please. Abboud loves me, and I love him. We've been through so much together, and you know we've known each other since childhood. I want to be with him."

Her father looked at her with eyes full of thought. He loved his daughter very much and didn’t want to force her into something against her will. But in the end, he had to set a difficult condition.

Leila's father (in a firm voice): "Alright, Leila. I'll think about it, but there are conditions. Abboud must prove he's serious."

Leila’s father contacted Abboud again to inform him of his conditions. Although he gave a preliminary approval, he imposed a significant financial condition.

Leila's father (in a serious tone): "Abboud, I spoke to Leila. I’ll give you my consent, but on one condition. The dowry will be $20,000, and you'll cover all the costs of her travel to Germany."

Abboud's heart stopped for a moment when he heard the figure. He didn’t have that kind of money. He knew this was a significant challenge, but he wasn’t ready to back down.

Abboud (in a calm but anxious voice): "I'll do everything I can, uncle. I promise I’ll raise the money and cover all the expenses. Thank you for giving me this chance."

After the call, Abboud sat alone in his apartment, thinking about how he would come up with the money. He didn’t have enough funds, and he knew raising $20,000 wouldn’t be easy. This was a huge challenge in his life.

Abboud (to himself): "How am I going to raise this money? I have no choice... I have to keep my promise."

He began to think about all the available options. Maybe he would need to borrow money, work extra hours, or even look for new income sources. But he had to find a way because he couldn’t lose Leila.

After days of thinking and searching for solutions, Abboud decided to accept the challenge and do everything in his power to gather the money. He called Leila’s father again to tell him his final decision.

Abboud (in a determined voice): "Uncle, I’ve thought everything over. I agree to your terms. I’ll gather the money and cover all the expenses. I’ll prove to you that I’m the right man for Leila."

Leila’s father (in a calm voice): "Alright, Abboud. I’ll be waiting, but make sure you understand that it won’t be easy. Leila deserves the best, and I hope you're serious."

Abboud put down the phone and took a deep breath. This was the beginning of a new journey, full of challenges. But he was ready to face all the hardships for Leila.