Kazaf: The upside down

The air was thick with anticipation as Kazaf stood before the grand hall of the Elara Sect. The morning sun had just begun to rise, casting a soft golden glow on the stone pillars, and the bustle of the sect's daily routines had yet to fully begin. Kazaf, however, stood in silence, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. Today was the day. Today, he would ask the one question that had been on his mind for so long. It was a question that would bind him to Asma forever—or break their bond entirely.

The decision had not come easily. Kazaf had always known that his heart belonged to Asma. His love for her had been unwavering, despite the many obstacles they had faced together. But now, with their journey as cultivators ahead of them, and with the growing challenges from enemies both within and outside their worlds, he wanted something more than just love. He wanted a future with Asma, a future that could withstand the tests of time and the weight of their responsibilities.

He had discussed it with his closest friends—Rahim, Samir, and Harun—and they had all encouraged him to take the leap. They had all seen how deeply in love he was with Asma, how they had fought side by side, and how they had supported each other through everything. But there was one obstacle that still loomed over them: Asma's family, her father, Jamal Kassim.

Jamal Kassim was not just any man; he was the leader of the Elara Sect, a figure respected and feared by all in the Down world. His reputation was unmatched, and his approval of Kazaf's intentions was not something Kazaf could take lightly. To marry Asma, Kazaf would have to prove himself not just as a cultivator but as someone worthy of being part of the Kassim family.

Kazaf had already spoken to Alaca, his mother, about his intentions. She had given him her blessing, though her expression had been a mixture of pride and worry. She had seen firsthand the dangers of the world they lived in, and she knew that marrying into Asma's family would only make the stakes higher for both of them.

Now, the time had come to speak directly with the elders—Jamal Kassim, Azra, Alaca, and Sadiq Salum—four figures who would determine the fate of his proposal. As Kazaf approached the grand hall, his heart pounded in his chest. He had prepared himself for this moment, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the weight of tradition and expectation hung heavily in the air.

The large wooden doors of the hall creaked open as Kazaf entered, and the room fell silent as all eyes turned toward him. The elders were seated at a long, rectangular table in the center of the room. Jamal Kassim, as always, exuded an aura of authority, his dark eyes sharp and calculating. Azra sat beside him, her expression unreadable but kind, her maternal instinct guiding her every move. Alaca, Kazaf's mother, was seated across from them, her gaze warm yet conflicted, knowing how much this moment meant to her son. And beside her was Sadiq Salum, her husband, a man of few words but deep wisdom, who had always been a pillar of strength in their family.

Kazaf stepped forward and bowed respectfully to each of them. "Honored elders, thank you for granting me this opportunity to speak with you."

Jamal Kassim's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Kazaf. There was no mistaking the weight of his gaze, the expectation that came with being the leader of the Elara Sect. "Speak, Kazaf," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "What brings you here today?"

Kazaf took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I come before you today with a request, one that I hope will find favor in your eyes. I wish to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter, Asma."

The room fell into a deep silence, the tension palpable. Jamal Kassim remained expressionless, but Kazaf could sense the depth of thought behind his calm demeanor. Azra, on the other hand, exchanged a glance with Alaca, her brow furrowing slightly. Alaca's eyes flickered with emotion—pride, love, and concern—but she said nothing.

Sadiq Salum leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Kazaf, you are a strong cultivator, and you have proven your worth in many ways. But marriage is not just about strength or power. It is about responsibility, honor, and the commitment to stand together through the challenges life will throw your way. Do you understand that?"

Kazaf nodded earnestly. "I do, Father. I understand the weight of what it means to marry Asma, not just in terms of love, but in the responsibility it carries. I promise to honor, protect, and stand by her side no matter the trials we may face."

Jamal Kassim remained silent for a long moment, his gaze unwavering. "You speak well, Kazaf. But words alone are not enough. You say you understand the responsibility, but the truth is that you still have much to prove. Asma is not just my daughter; she is a part of the Elara Sect, a leader in her own right. She carries the weight of our legacy on her shoulders, and I must be sure that you can carry that weight alongside her."

Kazaf's heart raced, but he remained calm. "I understand, and I will prove myself worthy. I have fought alongside Asma, and I will continue to fight for her and for this sect. I will dedicate myself to ensuring that the Elara Sect flourishes, and that Asma's future is one of strength and security."

Alaca spoke up then, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "Kazaf has proven his loyalty to us all. He has shown time and again that his heart is in the right place. I trust him, Jamal."

Azra nodded in agreement, her gentle smile directed at Kazaf. "As a mother, I want nothing more than to see my daughter happy, and I believe that Kazaf can bring her that happiness. However, I do not take the decision lightly. This is not just about love; it is about our family, our future, and our legacy."

Sadiq Salum's voice was steady as he spoke next. "Marriage is a partnership, Kazaf. It is about more than just standing by one another in the light moments. It is about standing together in the darkest of times. If you are ready for that, then you have my support."

Jamal Kassim leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped in front of him as he studied Kazaf. "You have the support of my family," he said finally, his voice firm. "But I must remind you, Kazaf, that you will be entering into a union not just with Asma, but with the Elara Sect. You must always act in the best interest of the sect, and of our legacy. If you can uphold that, then you have my blessing."

Kazaf's heart soared with relief and joy as he heard Jamal's words. He had expected the challenge, but hearing it confirmed filled him with a sense of purpose. "Thank you, Father-in-law. I will never forget the honor you've bestowed upon me."

Alaca's eyes welled with tears, and she stood, walking over to Kazaf. "My son," she whispered, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I am so proud of you."

As Kazaf hugged her back, he knew that this moment was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life. The road ahead would be difficult, filled with challenges and sacrifices, but he no longer felt alone. With Asma by his side, and the support of their families, he was ready to face whatever came next.

The elders looked on in silent approval as Kazaf stepped back, a sense of peace settling over him. Asma would be his, and together, they would face the future—whatever it held—with courage, strength, and love.

As Kazaf stood tall, surrounded by his family, he knew that this was a moment they would all remember. This was the moment they had all been waiting for.