A day has passed and Yara and Fahad haven’t spoken to each other. It was hard for Yara to understand Fahad’s sudden change of behavior. All those months she was the one with the uncertainty and unrevealed emotions while he was always very frank and direct. Is this a new side of him that she hasn’t yet seen? Being too protective when it comes to family to the extent of lying and speaking badly of hers? She wondered while she was sitting on one of the faded armchairs in the studio and playing with her hair. It was 8pm, she was absent mined and distracted all day that she couldn’t do much work no matter how hard she tried. It was an ugly feeling that was setting in. Just when things were about to get perfect, he ruined it. Not her mum, or Dalal, or another problem causer. It was him this time.
Her phone rang and brought her back to life, “hello?” answered Yara, not recognizing the number. “Alo, Salam 3elaikum” said a man. “3elaikum elsalam, who is it?” asked Yara. “It’s Anwer, your dad’s friend.” Said the man. “Oh” She said after realizing that it’s the man they owe money to. “I have received your cheque. Thank you very much” said the man. “You’re welcome. Inshalla you will receive the rest as soon as I can arrange it” she said. “But this amount you sent is very small. It’s not even half of the amount” said the man upset. “I know, I’m very sorry but this is all I could do right now” she said nicely. “And I’ve been very patient with you. Tell me how much longer shall I wait?” asked the man. “I really don’t know but I’m doing my best right now” said Yara politely. “I really need that money. And managing it is your problem. Get a loan or even steal if you want. But I need that money by next month maximum. Otherwise I will have to go to court!” said the man and ended the call.
Nadia walked in the studio an hour later while Yara was still sitting in the same spot drowning in her thoughts. “Why aren’t you answering my calls?” said Nadia angrily. “I don’t feel like talking. Can’t I be on my own for one day?” answered Yara. “But I got worried! You could’ve picked up and said that you don’t wanna talk instead of ignoring!” said Nadia as she sat on the other armchair. “Don’t make a topic out of this now please!” said Yara annoyed. “Did you talk to him?” asked Nadia. “No and I don’t want to!” said Yara. “He didn’t call either? Or come to the café?”, asked Nadia confused. “Nope!” said Yara. “Maybe he’s.. embarrassed..and he doesn’t know what to say or do” said Nadia trying to think of an explanation. “Whatever! He started it and he’s the one who should fix it” said Yara upset. “What about your mum? Did you tell her?” asked Nadia. “No. I’m avoiding her. How can I tell her that the guy that we’ve been speaking highly of is a liar! ” said Yara. “You know her better than that. She won’t care! As long as she’s convinced that his family are the kind of family that she is looking for, she won’t care. Yesterday she was upset because she really wanted it to happen and it didn’t” explained Nadia. “You have a point. Anyway, let’s not talk about it anymore. What’s new with you?” asked Yara trying to push the thoughts away. “Umm, I've been working in the shop all day. That’s it!” said Nadia not mentioning Mohammed’s call. “I found something in the storeroom today. Might be interesting to you” said Yara as she walked to her desk and got a shoe box that was full of pictures. She opened it and gave Nadia a batch of photos with an elastic band around them. The first photo was an old photo of Nadia and Dalal in Chili’s, “Oh my God, I look horrible, look at my blond high lights!” said Nadia as she removed the elastic band and moved to the next photo. To her surprise, it was a picture of Mohammed. Her heart dropped at seeing him the way she knew him back then. Not in London, not with a son, not with a wife. Just the guy she once knew and loved. “Wow. You still have these!” she said quietly as she stared at it. Mohammed was wearing a white fcuk t.shirt, it was in fashion back then. He had a dirty beard that covered his white cheeks and his hair was brushed to the back with a little bit of gel. “You grabbed my camera from me and took this picture” said Yara smilingly. “I remember..” said Nadia. “Do you want it? Or shall I get rid of it?” asked Yara. “This comeback is scaring me..” said Nadia quietly. “Comeback? What comeback?” said Yara confused. “First I saw him, then he said a sentence that haunted my thoughts, you found these photos…and…he called!” said Nadia.
Fahad and his sister Sara were sitting on the floor at the sitting room with parcels of Tikka and Kebab infront of them. They were having dinner and Date Night was playing on the DVD but they weren’t paying attention. “She had every right to refuse to go. But she had to be more careful and stay home” said Fahad. “I think that you shouldn’t have lied in first place. You became a big part of it now” said Sara. “What was I supposed to do? I had no other choice!” said Fahad. “Ladies go through these kinds of situations everyday. They lie and cover for each other. But you should’ve thought of something better. I know how much you love mama and respect her, but you shouldn’t have allowed her to come between you and Yara.” Said Sara. “I wasn’t planning on lying. I just called her and it was the first thing that came to my mind” he said. “Very careless of you. What happened had happened anyway. Fix it. These days are supposed to be the most beautiful days of your life. Call her and apologize. What you did was wrong.” said Sara.
Their mother walked in the house at the same time. “Here you are! Join us please. A lecture is waiting for you” said Fahad. “I’m full, had so much finger food at the society meeting” said the mother as she took off her hijab and walked through the hall. “Mama what were you thinking when you went out last night?” said Sara in a mixture of politeness and disappointment. “Why? What’s wrong with it?” wondered the mother as she sat on the sofa behind them. “They saw you! You were supposed to be sick remember?” said Fahad. “Who saw me?” asked the mother. “Mama! Shfeech? Yara and her mother were at Traders last night and they saw you!” said Sara. “Ya3ny out of all the restaurants in Bahrain you’re telling me that they were there too?” said the mother in shock. “Yes! And even if they weren’t, Bahrain is small and people talk! Anyone could’ve told them that you were there” said Fahad. “And what did they say?” she wondered. “It was too obvious to cover up” said Fahad. “So they know that we lied?” gasped the mother. “Yes..” said Fahad nodding. “This is embarrassing. Why didn’t you cover up? You could’ve said that I got better” said the mother throwing the blame on him. “And make it worse by lying again?” said Fahad. “She’s not talking to him already!” said Sara. “Are they changing their mind? Maybe it’s for the best!” said the mother. “No Yumma! I will not change my mind even if they do.” said Fahad. “THEN DO SOMETHING!” screamed Sara! They both stared at her quietly. “You are not the Fahad that I know! You are acting like a teenager! What happened to you?” she added. “This stage is out of my control! It’s all in the family’s hands!” he said. “Quiet both of you. I think that we should meet them unofficially and get to know them. Suggest that we go out for dinner this week. Just us 3, the girl and her mother” suggested their mother. “That’s a start!” said Sara. “Make sure you mention that you just want to introduce us and it’s nothing official.” Said the mother.
Yara was driving back home and listening to Majida Al Roumi. It’s been a while since she listened to her and at that night in particular she felt the need to do so. She wanted to remind herself of the roots of her relationship with Fahad. How it started and everything that has happened since then. Anything that might have happened could be linked to what happened yesterday and serves as an explanation for his sudden personality shift. She was listening to a song from the last album called 7abeeby, when her phone rang. It was Fahad.
She stared at the phone screen hesitantly. As much as she wanted to pick it up and hear his voice, hear his explanation and tell him how much she missed him today, she couldn’t. Something inside of her, maybe pride, or maybe hurt, didn’t allow her to pick up his phone call. "Not tonight, not tonight!", She thought as she put the phone back in the cup holder and raised the volume of the song.
“Is Yara with you?” asked Fahad as he called Nadia. “No but I was with her a while ago in the studio” said Nadia. “I called her a couple of times but she’s not picking up. Is she ok?” he asked. “She was pretty upset” said Nadia honestly. “So you think that she’s ignoring me? She doesn’t want to talk?” wondered Fahad. “She was in that mood yeah.” Said Nadia. “But I have good news for her.” He said. “She’ll have to forgive you first. You know her and her stubbornness.” Said Nadia and laughed. “Can you please call her and convince her to talk to me?” asked Fahad. “Sure. I’ll try but no promises” said Nadia.
“Is Fahad sending you to talk to me?” guessed Yara as soon she picked up Nadia’s call. “Why are you ignoring the guy?” wondered Nadia. “What part of I-don’t-feel-like-talking do you not understand?” said Yara in anger. “He really wants to talk to you. He said he has some good news!” said Nadia excited. “He can’t take back what he said! Please tell me that he’s not expecting me to forget what he had said and get excited for whatever news he has!” said Yara sarcastically. “Don’t you think that you are exaggerating? Talk to him and see how he explains it!” said Nadia. “I can’t. I can’t. I’m just too frustrated, disappointed and I need some.. time away.” Said Yara. “Time away?” repeated Nadia in confusion. “This is marriage Nadia. It’s not a game. And I’m.. terrified.. after what happened. Yesterday I was 100% sure that he’s the one. But after the way he behaved yesterday I’m having second thoughts..” confessed Yara.
Just when Nadia put down her phone, it rang again. “My dear lord, hello?” answered Nadia without looking at the phone screen. “Nadia!!” said Dalal. “Dalool?” asked Nadia in shock. “Yes! I miss you!” said Dalal right away. Nadia was taken by surprise and she didn’t know how to behave with her, “shloanech?” she asked politely. “I’m good I really miss you. Why don’t you ever call me? Why are you boycotting me too? Have I ever caused you any harm?” asked Dalal in her usual hyper mood. “It’s not that..” said Nadia trying to explain. “I know I know. No need to go through it again. Tell me, is the news that I've heard true?” asked Dalal curiously. “What news?” wondered Nadia. “Come on don’t act dumb. I heard that Fahad is proposing to Yara! Is that true?” wondered Dalal. “Who told you that?” asked Nadia in shock. “It’s Bahrain dear. News travel faster than light” said Dalal. “Nothing happened yet and no one knows about it! I wonder how it got spread!” said Nadia still shocked. “It’s good news anyway. Please send her my warmest regards” said Dalal. “Dalool, stay out of this! What you’ve done caused them enough trouble so please stay away” begged Nadia. “You’re mean! You pushed me away out of your life and now and that I’m being nice you’re being rude to me!” said Dalal. “My God. It’s the sudden change in you that pushed you away and killed the good old friendship” said Nadia carelessly. “You didn’t even talk to me about it!” said Dalal whining. “Not a good time. I have to go now. And please stay away” said Nadia as she ended the call and huffed. It wasn’t good news that the word spread about Fahad and Yara. Not when things are not working out so smoothly. She decided to keep that from Yara and spare her the tension. And just before she receives any other frustrating phone call, she put her mobile on silent and went to bed.
Yara didn’t get much sleep that night. She went to bed early to avoid all the thoughts that were roaming around her head, but being in bed only got her to think more and more. It wasn’t about his lie or what he said about her mum. It was much bigger than that by now. It was a doubt of his love, a doubt if they were really doing the right thing by moving to the next step so fast. The circles in her head kept getting wider and wider all night. And by the time it was 7am, she decided to get out of bed and start her day.
She went to the kitchen, cooked a sunny side up egg and made tea. She put them on a tray and headed to the living room. Breakfast had a different taste so early in the morning and infront of the TV. After finishing her breakfast and watching an episode of Wheel of Fortune, she lay down on the sofa and fell asleep peacefully without planning to do so.
“Why are you sleeping here?” asked Sajida curiously. Yara opened her eyes to see Sajida’s figure right infront of her, “What time is it?” asked Yara as she hardly opened her eyes and stretched her arms. “It’s 10!” said Sajida. “Wow, I slept for two hours!” said Yara as she sat straight yawning. “What brought you here? And you had breakfast already!” said Sajida as she sat down and stared at the trey. “I dunno. I Just woke up early” lied Yara feeling flattered that they were finally making conversation. “What happened to the proposal?” asked Sajida. “You were right. They were lying” said Yara disappointed. “They’re not changing their mind are they?” said Sajida worriedly with her hand on her chest. “I don’t think so. But…I’m having second thoughts!” confessed Yara. “What second thoughts? You will drive me crazy! What happened so suddenly to all that love? What happened to I’ll either marry him or no one else?” wondered Sajida sarcastically. “What they did is a big thing. What kind of marriage starts with a lie?” said Yara sadly hiding the reason behind their lie and uncertainty. “So what? It’s a stupid lie! They wanted to delay and they couldn’t think of a better excuse!” said Sajida coldly. “But don’t you think that there is a reason behind that delay?” asked Yara. “Who cares! You complicate things! Go show them that you are ok with it before they completely change their mind!” said Sajida as she got up and headed to the kitchen.
Without paying any attention to her mother’s words, Yara changed her clothes and went to the studio. The door was not locked meaning that Santosh was already there. The moment Yara opened the door, she saw something on her desk that made her freeze where she was. It was a beautiful flower arrangement. She walked closely to it and dropped her handbag on the chair. “Good morning Madame. These got delivered for you this morning” said Santosh. “It’s alright Santosh. Go back to your work” she said. She stared at those fuchsia pink roses and white lilies, hoping that it’s not from him. She didn’t want anything to affect her thoughts and influence her to get back to him when she is still not fine with what had happened. She reached for the small card nervously and pulled it out of the envelope:
It’s hard to explain why I did what I did.. But all I can say now is how sorry I am.. Please forgive me and let’s start the rest of our life together.. Fahad..
She held the card tightly and sat on her chair while remembering her mum’s words. Is she finally making sense? Am I complicating things? She wondered. At that moment, with the card in her hand, she recalled Fahad’s true love for her. How can I ever doubt his feelings? She thought with flashes from the past months playing in her head. She took her mobile out of her handbag and started dialing his number slowly. Nervousness grew inside her with every press of the keypad and she started shaking. And just when she was about to press the call button, a girl walked in the studio.
“Hello Yara” said the girl. Yara observed the girl at first glance. She was petite, white skin, her hair was light brown, layered and reached up to an inch below her shoulders. She was wearing a short black dress with black stockings and a long woolen black jacket on top. “Sara?” said Yara. “Yes! You know me!” said Sara as they both walked to each other and kissed twice on each cheek. “Of course I know you! Glad to finally meet you, I heard so much about you” said Yara as she led her to the two armchairs. “Me too and I’ve been begging Fahad to introduce us for a while” said Sara. “I’ve seen you in pics but you look even prettier in real life” said Yara. “Thanks. How are you doing? It’s a lovely place by the way” said Sara observing the studio. “Thank you. Don’t you ever come to the café?” wondered Yara. “Not really. It’s lack of time, and when I do have the time I’d rather go somewhere lively or new. I also try to stay away from the family business” explained Sara. “So I’ve heard” said Yara smilingly. “I think that you know why I’m here” said Sara sweetly. “Hhmm, not sure?” said Yara hesitant. Sara laughed, “I know that guys are horrible when it comes to explaining. So I’m doing my brother a favor, not that he knows that I’m here” said Sara. “It’s fine. I’m finally starting to let go of what happened” said Yara. “But we owe you an explanation. I’m really sorry. I was against delaying from the beginning, but you know mothers.” Said Sara. “I understand. I just wish that he didn’t lie” said Yara quietly. “He didn’t want to, trust me. He argued with my mum about it and he tried hard to push her to go. But she won. My mum has a strong personality. You see she and Fahad are close to each other so he would never upset her” said Sara. Yara smiled and stared at the floor. “I’m not pushing you to forgive him or do anything against your will. I just felt that you deserve an explanation. And be sure that he loves you a lot. I haven’t seen him fighting for someone in years” said Sara. “But where will this take us? Will our families be ok with each other? Will the marriage work with both families uncertain about each other?” wondered Yara. “Of course it will. Those are normal disputes. If it means anything, it only means that your marriage is normal!” said Sara with a flashing smile. “Thank you so much. I really feel much better now” said Yara.
“She’s such a nice girl! I’m so happy that I met her. Things will be easier now” said Yara as she called Nadia and told her about the flowers and Sara’s visit. “I’m glad to hear that but I need to steal you right now. I’m picking you up and we’ll go work on my shop. I have so much to do and I really need your help.” Said Nadia. “Yeah sure I want to get busy anyway” said Yara. “Get out, I'm only three minutes away” said Nadia.
“So when are you planning to contact him?” asked Nadia once she picked up Yara. “Soon, today but not now” said Yara. “Why are you still delaying it?” wondered Nadia. “I want to be completely clear headed when I call him. And I want to be sure that I am fine with what happened. So I better wait for Sara’s words to erase every single doubt or fear I had in my head” said Yara. “But what if he calls you before that?” asked Nadia. “He won’t. She said that he told her that he won’t push it and will give me space” said Yara. “That’s good. Shows maturity and understanding” said Nadia.
Nadia and Yara spent the whole day working on Nadia’s shop; Receiving deliveries, hanging and re-arranging items. They didn’t get a chance to have a lunch break so Yara called Pizza Hut and ordered one large Super Supreme that they had to eat between all the cartoons and packaged stuff. And by the time it was 7pm, they both were extremely exhausted and they decided to continue what’s left the next day. All day long, Yara was thinking of all the things she’d tell Fahad once she calls him tonight. And the conversation was repeated several times in her head with modifications everytime she thought about it.
When Nadia was driving Yara back to the studio to pick up her car, they saw an ambulance speeding with the Siren on. And as they parked infront of the studio, they noticed a bunch of people standing outside the café with the waiters. Yara went down and walked hurriedly in concern to the waiters, “What is going on?” asked Yara scared. “It’s…Mr. Fahad” said the waitress in panic with her hand on her mouth.
Her phone rang and brought her back to life, “hello?” answered Yara, not recognizing the number. “Alo, Salam 3elaikum” said a man. “3elaikum elsalam, who is it?” asked Yara. “It’s Anwer, your dad’s friend.” Said the man. “Oh” She said after realizing that it’s the man they owe money to. “I have received your cheque. Thank you very much” said the man. “You’re welcome. Inshalla you will receive the rest as soon as I can arrange it” she said. “But this amount you sent is very small. It’s not even half of the amount” said the man upset. “I know, I’m very sorry but this is all I could do right now” she said nicely. “And I’ve been very patient with you. Tell me how much longer shall I wait?” asked the man. “I really don’t know but I’m doing my best right now” said Yara politely. “I really need that money. And managing it is your problem. Get a loan or even steal if you want. But I need that money by next month maximum. Otherwise I will have to go to court!” said the man and ended the call.
Nadia walked in the studio an hour later while Yara was still sitting in the same spot drowning in her thoughts. “Why aren’t you answering my calls?” said Nadia angrily. “I don’t feel like talking. Can’t I be on my own for one day?” answered Yara. “But I got worried! You could’ve picked up and said that you don’t wanna talk instead of ignoring!” said Nadia as she sat on the other armchair. “Don’t make a topic out of this now please!” said Yara annoyed. “Did you talk to him?” asked Nadia. “No and I don’t want to!” said Yara. “He didn’t call either? Or come to the café?”, asked Nadia confused. “Nope!” said Yara. “Maybe he’s.. embarrassed..and he doesn’t know what to say or do” said Nadia trying to think of an explanation. “Whatever! He started it and he’s the one who should fix it” said Yara upset. “What about your mum? Did you tell her?” asked Nadia. “No. I’m avoiding her. How can I tell her that the guy that we’ve been speaking highly of is a liar! ” said Yara. “You know her better than that. She won’t care! As long as she’s convinced that his family are the kind of family that she is looking for, she won’t care. Yesterday she was upset because she really wanted it to happen and it didn’t” explained Nadia. “You have a point. Anyway, let’s not talk about it anymore. What’s new with you?” asked Yara trying to push the thoughts away. “Umm, I've been working in the shop all day. That’s it!” said Nadia not mentioning Mohammed’s call. “I found something in the storeroom today. Might be interesting to you” said Yara as she walked to her desk and got a shoe box that was full of pictures. She opened it and gave Nadia a batch of photos with an elastic band around them. The first photo was an old photo of Nadia and Dalal in Chili’s, “Oh my God, I look horrible, look at my blond high lights!” said Nadia as she removed the elastic band and moved to the next photo. To her surprise, it was a picture of Mohammed. Her heart dropped at seeing him the way she knew him back then. Not in London, not with a son, not with a wife. Just the guy she once knew and loved. “Wow. You still have these!” she said quietly as she stared at it. Mohammed was wearing a white fcuk t.shirt, it was in fashion back then. He had a dirty beard that covered his white cheeks and his hair was brushed to the back with a little bit of gel. “You grabbed my camera from me and took this picture” said Yara smilingly. “I remember..” said Nadia. “Do you want it? Or shall I get rid of it?” asked Yara. “This comeback is scaring me..” said Nadia quietly. “Comeback? What comeback?” said Yara confused. “First I saw him, then he said a sentence that haunted my thoughts, you found these photos…and…he called!” said Nadia.
Fahad and his sister Sara were sitting on the floor at the sitting room with parcels of Tikka and Kebab infront of them. They were having dinner and Date Night was playing on the DVD but they weren’t paying attention. “She had every right to refuse to go. But she had to be more careful and stay home” said Fahad. “I think that you shouldn’t have lied in first place. You became a big part of it now” said Sara. “What was I supposed to do? I had no other choice!” said Fahad. “Ladies go through these kinds of situations everyday. They lie and cover for each other. But you should’ve thought of something better. I know how much you love mama and respect her, but you shouldn’t have allowed her to come between you and Yara.” Said Sara. “I wasn’t planning on lying. I just called her and it was the first thing that came to my mind” he said. “Very careless of you. What happened had happened anyway. Fix it. These days are supposed to be the most beautiful days of your life. Call her and apologize. What you did was wrong.” said Sara.
Their mother walked in the house at the same time. “Here you are! Join us please. A lecture is waiting for you” said Fahad. “I’m full, had so much finger food at the society meeting” said the mother as she took off her hijab and walked through the hall. “Mama what were you thinking when you went out last night?” said Sara in a mixture of politeness and disappointment. “Why? What’s wrong with it?” wondered the mother as she sat on the sofa behind them. “They saw you! You were supposed to be sick remember?” said Fahad. “Who saw me?” asked the mother. “Mama! Shfeech? Yara and her mother were at Traders last night and they saw you!” said Sara. “Ya3ny out of all the restaurants in Bahrain you’re telling me that they were there too?” said the mother in shock. “Yes! And even if they weren’t, Bahrain is small and people talk! Anyone could’ve told them that you were there” said Fahad. “And what did they say?” she wondered. “It was too obvious to cover up” said Fahad. “So they know that we lied?” gasped the mother. “Yes..” said Fahad nodding. “This is embarrassing. Why didn’t you cover up? You could’ve said that I got better” said the mother throwing the blame on him. “And make it worse by lying again?” said Fahad. “She’s not talking to him already!” said Sara. “Are they changing their mind? Maybe it’s for the best!” said the mother. “No Yumma! I will not change my mind even if they do.” said Fahad. “THEN DO SOMETHING!” screamed Sara! They both stared at her quietly. “You are not the Fahad that I know! You are acting like a teenager! What happened to you?” she added. “This stage is out of my control! It’s all in the family’s hands!” he said. “Quiet both of you. I think that we should meet them unofficially and get to know them. Suggest that we go out for dinner this week. Just us 3, the girl and her mother” suggested their mother. “That’s a start!” said Sara. “Make sure you mention that you just want to introduce us and it’s nothing official.” Said the mother.
Yara was driving back home and listening to Majida Al Roumi. It’s been a while since she listened to her and at that night in particular she felt the need to do so. She wanted to remind herself of the roots of her relationship with Fahad. How it started and everything that has happened since then. Anything that might have happened could be linked to what happened yesterday and serves as an explanation for his sudden personality shift. She was listening to a song from the last album called 7abeeby, when her phone rang. It was Fahad.
She stared at the phone screen hesitantly. As much as she wanted to pick it up and hear his voice, hear his explanation and tell him how much she missed him today, she couldn’t. Something inside of her, maybe pride, or maybe hurt, didn’t allow her to pick up his phone call. "Not tonight, not tonight!", She thought as she put the phone back in the cup holder and raised the volume of the song.
“Is Yara with you?” asked Fahad as he called Nadia. “No but I was with her a while ago in the studio” said Nadia. “I called her a couple of times but she’s not picking up. Is she ok?” he asked. “She was pretty upset” said Nadia honestly. “So you think that she’s ignoring me? She doesn’t want to talk?” wondered Fahad. “She was in that mood yeah.” Said Nadia. “But I have good news for her.” He said. “She’ll have to forgive you first. You know her and her stubbornness.” Said Nadia and laughed. “Can you please call her and convince her to talk to me?” asked Fahad. “Sure. I’ll try but no promises” said Nadia.
“Is Fahad sending you to talk to me?” guessed Yara as soon she picked up Nadia’s call. “Why are you ignoring the guy?” wondered Nadia. “What part of I-don’t-feel-like-talking do you not understand?” said Yara in anger. “He really wants to talk to you. He said he has some good news!” said Nadia excited. “He can’t take back what he said! Please tell me that he’s not expecting me to forget what he had said and get excited for whatever news he has!” said Yara sarcastically. “Don’t you think that you are exaggerating? Talk to him and see how he explains it!” said Nadia. “I can’t. I can’t. I’m just too frustrated, disappointed and I need some.. time away.” Said Yara. “Time away?” repeated Nadia in confusion. “This is marriage Nadia. It’s not a game. And I’m.. terrified.. after what happened. Yesterday I was 100% sure that he’s the one. But after the way he behaved yesterday I’m having second thoughts..” confessed Yara.
Just when Nadia put down her phone, it rang again. “My dear lord, hello?” answered Nadia without looking at the phone screen. “Nadia!!” said Dalal. “Dalool?” asked Nadia in shock. “Yes! I miss you!” said Dalal right away. Nadia was taken by surprise and she didn’t know how to behave with her, “shloanech?” she asked politely. “I’m good I really miss you. Why don’t you ever call me? Why are you boycotting me too? Have I ever caused you any harm?” asked Dalal in her usual hyper mood. “It’s not that..” said Nadia trying to explain. “I know I know. No need to go through it again. Tell me, is the news that I've heard true?” asked Dalal curiously. “What news?” wondered Nadia. “Come on don’t act dumb. I heard that Fahad is proposing to Yara! Is that true?” wondered Dalal. “Who told you that?” asked Nadia in shock. “It’s Bahrain dear. News travel faster than light” said Dalal. “Nothing happened yet and no one knows about it! I wonder how it got spread!” said Nadia still shocked. “It’s good news anyway. Please send her my warmest regards” said Dalal. “Dalool, stay out of this! What you’ve done caused them enough trouble so please stay away” begged Nadia. “You’re mean! You pushed me away out of your life and now and that I’m being nice you’re being rude to me!” said Dalal. “My God. It’s the sudden change in you that pushed you away and killed the good old friendship” said Nadia carelessly. “You didn’t even talk to me about it!” said Dalal whining. “Not a good time. I have to go now. And please stay away” said Nadia as she ended the call and huffed. It wasn’t good news that the word spread about Fahad and Yara. Not when things are not working out so smoothly. She decided to keep that from Yara and spare her the tension. And just before she receives any other frustrating phone call, she put her mobile on silent and went to bed.
Yara didn’t get much sleep that night. She went to bed early to avoid all the thoughts that were roaming around her head, but being in bed only got her to think more and more. It wasn’t about his lie or what he said about her mum. It was much bigger than that by now. It was a doubt of his love, a doubt if they were really doing the right thing by moving to the next step so fast. The circles in her head kept getting wider and wider all night. And by the time it was 7am, she decided to get out of bed and start her day.
She went to the kitchen, cooked a sunny side up egg and made tea. She put them on a tray and headed to the living room. Breakfast had a different taste so early in the morning and infront of the TV. After finishing her breakfast and watching an episode of Wheel of Fortune, she lay down on the sofa and fell asleep peacefully without planning to do so.
“Why are you sleeping here?” asked Sajida curiously. Yara opened her eyes to see Sajida’s figure right infront of her, “What time is it?” asked Yara as she hardly opened her eyes and stretched her arms. “It’s 10!” said Sajida. “Wow, I slept for two hours!” said Yara as she sat straight yawning. “What brought you here? And you had breakfast already!” said Sajida as she sat down and stared at the trey. “I dunno. I Just woke up early” lied Yara feeling flattered that they were finally making conversation. “What happened to the proposal?” asked Sajida. “You were right. They were lying” said Yara disappointed. “They’re not changing their mind are they?” said Sajida worriedly with her hand on her chest. “I don’t think so. But…I’m having second thoughts!” confessed Yara. “What second thoughts? You will drive me crazy! What happened so suddenly to all that love? What happened to I’ll either marry him or no one else?” wondered Sajida sarcastically. “What they did is a big thing. What kind of marriage starts with a lie?” said Yara sadly hiding the reason behind their lie and uncertainty. “So what? It’s a stupid lie! They wanted to delay and they couldn’t think of a better excuse!” said Sajida coldly. “But don’t you think that there is a reason behind that delay?” asked Yara. “Who cares! You complicate things! Go show them that you are ok with it before they completely change their mind!” said Sajida as she got up and headed to the kitchen.
Without paying any attention to her mother’s words, Yara changed her clothes and went to the studio. The door was not locked meaning that Santosh was already there. The moment Yara opened the door, she saw something on her desk that made her freeze where she was. It was a beautiful flower arrangement. She walked closely to it and dropped her handbag on the chair. “Good morning Madame. These got delivered for you this morning” said Santosh. “It’s alright Santosh. Go back to your work” she said. She stared at those fuchsia pink roses and white lilies, hoping that it’s not from him. She didn’t want anything to affect her thoughts and influence her to get back to him when she is still not fine with what had happened. She reached for the small card nervously and pulled it out of the envelope:
It’s hard to explain why I did what I did.. But all I can say now is how sorry I am.. Please forgive me and let’s start the rest of our life together.. Fahad..
She held the card tightly and sat on her chair while remembering her mum’s words. Is she finally making sense? Am I complicating things? She wondered. At that moment, with the card in her hand, she recalled Fahad’s true love for her. How can I ever doubt his feelings? She thought with flashes from the past months playing in her head. She took her mobile out of her handbag and started dialing his number slowly. Nervousness grew inside her with every press of the keypad and she started shaking. And just when she was about to press the call button, a girl walked in the studio.
“Hello Yara” said the girl. Yara observed the girl at first glance. She was petite, white skin, her hair was light brown, layered and reached up to an inch below her shoulders. She was wearing a short black dress with black stockings and a long woolen black jacket on top. “Sara?” said Yara. “Yes! You know me!” said Sara as they both walked to each other and kissed twice on each cheek. “Of course I know you! Glad to finally meet you, I heard so much about you” said Yara as she led her to the two armchairs. “Me too and I’ve been begging Fahad to introduce us for a while” said Sara. “I’ve seen you in pics but you look even prettier in real life” said Yara. “Thanks. How are you doing? It’s a lovely place by the way” said Sara observing the studio. “Thank you. Don’t you ever come to the café?” wondered Yara. “Not really. It’s lack of time, and when I do have the time I’d rather go somewhere lively or new. I also try to stay away from the family business” explained Sara. “So I’ve heard” said Yara smilingly. “I think that you know why I’m here” said Sara sweetly. “Hhmm, not sure?” said Yara hesitant. Sara laughed, “I know that guys are horrible when it comes to explaining. So I’m doing my brother a favor, not that he knows that I’m here” said Sara. “It’s fine. I’m finally starting to let go of what happened” said Yara. “But we owe you an explanation. I’m really sorry. I was against delaying from the beginning, but you know mothers.” Said Sara. “I understand. I just wish that he didn’t lie” said Yara quietly. “He didn’t want to, trust me. He argued with my mum about it and he tried hard to push her to go. But she won. My mum has a strong personality. You see she and Fahad are close to each other so he would never upset her” said Sara. Yara smiled and stared at the floor. “I’m not pushing you to forgive him or do anything against your will. I just felt that you deserve an explanation. And be sure that he loves you a lot. I haven’t seen him fighting for someone in years” said Sara. “But where will this take us? Will our families be ok with each other? Will the marriage work with both families uncertain about each other?” wondered Yara. “Of course it will. Those are normal disputes. If it means anything, it only means that your marriage is normal!” said Sara with a flashing smile. “Thank you so much. I really feel much better now” said Yara.
“She’s such a nice girl! I’m so happy that I met her. Things will be easier now” said Yara as she called Nadia and told her about the flowers and Sara’s visit. “I’m glad to hear that but I need to steal you right now. I’m picking you up and we’ll go work on my shop. I have so much to do and I really need your help.” Said Nadia. “Yeah sure I want to get busy anyway” said Yara. “Get out, I'm only three minutes away” said Nadia.
“So when are you planning to contact him?” asked Nadia once she picked up Yara. “Soon, today but not now” said Yara. “Why are you still delaying it?” wondered Nadia. “I want to be completely clear headed when I call him. And I want to be sure that I am fine with what happened. So I better wait for Sara’s words to erase every single doubt or fear I had in my head” said Yara. “But what if he calls you before that?” asked Nadia. “He won’t. She said that he told her that he won’t push it and will give me space” said Yara. “That’s good. Shows maturity and understanding” said Nadia.
Nadia and Yara spent the whole day working on Nadia’s shop; Receiving deliveries, hanging and re-arranging items. They didn’t get a chance to have a lunch break so Yara called Pizza Hut and ordered one large Super Supreme that they had to eat between all the cartoons and packaged stuff. And by the time it was 7pm, they both were extremely exhausted and they decided to continue what’s left the next day. All day long, Yara was thinking of all the things she’d tell Fahad once she calls him tonight. And the conversation was repeated several times in her head with modifications everytime she thought about it.
When Nadia was driving Yara back to the studio to pick up her car, they saw an ambulance speeding with the Siren on. And as they parked infront of the studio, they noticed a bunch of people standing outside the café with the waiters. Yara went down and walked hurriedly in concern to the waiters, “What is going on?” asked Yara scared. “It’s…Mr. Fahad” said the waitress in panic with her hand on her mouth.
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