After starting the partnership with my father, some time had passed. One day, while I was busy working, Abbas Yekhi came and asked, “Why don’t you get married? I have three potential matches for you.” The first one’s father was a liquor seller, owning a restaurant that also sold alcohol. I thought, “This is not suitable; tomorrow they will say my father-in-law sells liquor.” The second one came from a wealthy family; I figured I couldn’t provide the level of comfort she was used to, so she wasn’t suitable either. The third was Haj Ahmad’s sister; seeing that she fit my criteria in terms of family background, wealth, and education, I decided she was suitable. I told Abbas to discuss the matter with Haj Ahmad if it was meant to be.
Some time later, Haj Ahmad visited our workplace. Unaware of my conversation with Abbas, he directly asked my father why he hadn’t arranged a marriage for me yet. My father, in jest, replied, “Let your sister to marry him!” This comment, made without knowledge of my prior discussions, took both Haj Ahmad and my father by surprise. After some tea, Haj Ahmad left. He later consulted with the late Mr. Jandaghi, a respected prayer leader, who, after performing an Istikhara, advised him not to delay the matter. From my side, I had also made some inquiries and observed that she conducted herself with dignity. Haj Ahmad returned, and after some discussion with my father, the marriage was arranged. Despite some reluctance from their relatives, who questioned the match, Haj Ahmad, influenced by the positive consultation and his authoritative nature, proceeded with the plans. The marriage contract was signed on Imam Ali’s birthday with prominent figures like Mr. Shahidi and Mr. Jandaghi in attendance. It was agreed that my wife would finish sixth grade and then stop her studies. We got married in 1955, and our son Abbas was born the following year.
Around this time, I separated from my father and started an independent life, which had its ups and downs. Before the grocery business, I dealt in real estate. In 1958, I bought the lease for the property that later became a fruit distribution center and then a shopping center for eighteen thousand tomans. I set up a real estate office on the main street, equipped with a telephone and running water, and gradually built up the business. From 1958 to 1963, real estate was my main activity. After five years, I transitioned to running a fruit distribution center, thus stabilizing my life situation, which allowed me to reengage with politics and social activities.