Chapter 16, Decisions

Sajida was sitting in her usual spot in the sitting room infront of the TV, nibbling on some seeds, when Yara got back home. She walked inside, stood infront of her mother and pretended to scratch her face with her right hand, “Notice something different?” asked Yara holding a smile. “Oh My!!” said Sajida as she stood up, pulled Yara’s hand and stared at the ring with an open mouth. “What do you think?” asked Yara happily. “Speechless! This is worth a fortune!” said Sajida in admiration. “Isn’t it beautiful?” asked Yara. “Beautiful and valuable! You have chosen the right person my dear. I can congratulate you now” said Sajida as she gave Yara a quick and cold hug.

Yara was overwhelmed by her mother’s hug. Even though it was too cold and clinical, but it was their first hug for as far as she can remember. She was sure that it meant something to her mother too. Sajida was really happy at that moment to see her daughter engaged and not just to see that huge diamond on her finger.

“Mama, I’m sorry that I’ll have to put your happiness on hold for a moment. But there is something important that you should know” said Yara as she sat down. “Oh. How I hate bad news. Make it quick” said Sajida with her attention back on TV. “That man that we owe money called again few days ago” said Yara. “What does he want? Didn’t you just pay him?” she wondered. “Yes, but it was a small amount and he wants the full thing” said Yara. “Why can’t he be patient? He wants us to sell the house ya3ny?” said Sajida angrily. “I don’t know. But he threatened to go to court so we better come up with something” said Yara. “Why don’t you ask Fahad to lend us the amount?” asked Sajida. “No way! This is just impossible. We don’t want them to think that we are after their money” said Yara. “Then what other option do you have?” she wondered. “I’m thinking of…selling the studio” said Yara hesitant. “Finally!” said Sajida and broke a seed with her teeth. “I could sell my photos in Nadia’s new shop or even in the café. But.. dad gave me that place, it’s special to me” said Yara sadly. “Well, it’s his debt at the end of the day! It’s like you’re giving it back to him” said Sajida in sarcasm.

Ignoring her mother’s comment, Yara got up and poured herself an estekana of Black Tea. “One more thing” she said as she sat down holding the estekana. “Please, enough for today!” said Sajida. “Let’s just get done with this please. We can’t keep on paying for Tamara’s school.” Said Yara. “There is no way that I’m getting her out of this school” snapped Sajida. “But can’t you see how much we have to pay for it? I can’t keep on managing the amount” said Yara. “You’re getting married now! You won’t need to spend on yourself, he will spend on you. So use the money you earn for the school!” said Sajida easily. “Spend on myself? When was the last time I went shopping or spoiled myself in a spa? You spend more than I do!! All my money goes to the house!” said Yara frustrated. “I told you to find yourself a real job but you never listened” said Sajida. “So I could pay for my sister’s school? It’s not just my responsibility! You are responsible too!” said Yara. “Don’t give me a headache. Sell the studio, pay the man and then use the rest of the money for your sister’s tuition. End of topic” said Sajida as she raised the volume of the TV.

The next morning, Yara and Nadia were doing more work in Nadia’s shop. “I have to take a picture of you in this hideous outfit” said Nadia and took a picture with her phone of Yara standing on a ladder wearing a dungaree with a bandanna on her head.  “If you want to blackmail me and send this to Fahad then be sure that I don’t care” said Yara carelessly. “You look like a blast from the 90s” said Nadia laughing. “All that she wants, is another baby…” sang Yara. “That would make a lovely theme for one of your photography themes! Back to the 90s!” said Nadia in excitement. “Don’t remind me. If I sell the studio there will be no more themes. Just random framed pictures hanging in this shop and the café” said Yara. “So there is no other solution ha?” asked Nadia sadly. “Can you think of any?” asked Yara as she walked down the ladder. “Let me lend you the money!” suggested Nadia sweetly. “No! I’d rather take a loan from a bank and pay interest than take the money from anyone! We’re not talking about a hundred or two, it’s thousands!” said Yara. “OK, do whatever you want. But do you think that Fahad will allow you to sell the studio? I don’t think so” said Nadia. “I won’t tell him!” said Yara. “What? You want to cause more problems between you two?” asked Nadia in shock. “Nadia I really don’t have any other choice! He will understand later on” she said as she sat on one of the boxes. “I really think that you’re doing a big mistake” said Nadia. “Leave that now. You promised that you will tell me what happened with Mohammad yesterday!” said Yara. Nadia smiled, took a deep breath and sat on a wooden chair, “he wants me back” she said without any introductions. “WHAT!!” gasped Yara. “Don’t panic. It’s not like he suggested something. He…said that we should do something about it, and not let this chance go by once again!” she said. “Wow! And what did you say?” asked Yara amazed. “I said that I will never ruin his stable marriage” said Nadia quietly. “But is he willing to ruin it?” asked Yara. “I don’t know. I think so, but he wasn’t clear. All he said was that we should think of a way. But it doesn’t matter because nothing can happen” said Nadia. “Are you sure? This is the love of your life asking you to be with him. After all what you’ve been through, you think that you should let go of him again?” asked Yara. “He said that we should be selfish and not think of others. But that’s just mean and I know that I can never do this. What kind of life will I have then? I asked him not to call me again. I basically pushed him away. I can’t even think of the possibility of me causing him trouble” said Nadia hurt. “But it’s what he wants” said Yara. “It’s too late. Let him find his own way to happiness with his current life. But I can’t do anything for him. And for me, I just have to work really hard to get over him all over again.” Said Nadia sadly. “I feel bad. I’m part of the reason why you let him go back then” said Yara. “Of course. You are a big part of my life and you shouldn’t feel bad!” said Nadia. “It’s really hard to believe. After all those years and after all what happened to both of you, he’s back? And he is willing to try again? It’s like a fairytale” said Yara in disbelief. “I learned a lot of things from all of this. Lesson number one is that when you love someone, you will take his shit and ignore his mistakes. You will fight for him and believe in him no matter what he does or what you do. It’s the love that keeps you together. Lesson number two is that the brain might work right and tell you common sense, but when something unusual happens it can be really hard for you to stick to that sense. And you have nothing to hold on to.” Said Nadia. “You mean Manaf by lesson two?” asked Yara. “Not just that, it could be though. But even my life as a whole, I was trying hard to stick to the ground and not follow any childish dreams. And I did that and let go of my number one dream. And then when Manaf happened, I saw how unhappy I was even when he was faithful to me. After he cheated, it didn’t make sense! Things stopped making sense. My life wasn’t making sense. And I wished for time to go back to when Mohammad asked me to leave everything behind and go with him. I will so do that if I had a chance to go back” said Nadia painfully. “It all happened so you’d learn those lessons. Our decisions are a big responsibility sometimes because they involve others. And without meaning to, we can destroy someone’s life by taking one irresponsible decision” said Yara. “Like your dad when he left with all those debts behind?” wondered Nadia. “Yes yes. Sometimes I reach a point where I believe that life is complicated. But then I got to shake that thought away in order to solve those complications” said Yara. “OK then let’s shake that thought away and go have something to eat?” suggested Nadia as she got up. “Totally..” said Yara.

One week later:

It was a Monday afternoon. Fahad, Yara, Nadia, Osama and Sara were having lunch in Maki. Yara was against the idea of showing up with Fahad in public since the news spread and there wasn’t any official proposal yet. But Fahad managed to convince her by playing the recovering-from-sickness card. He also convinced her that it’s time to make Nadia and Osama pay attention to each other. And with everything that happened to Nadia, Yara thought that it might be a good idea to do this in order for her to get her thoughts off Mohammad.

They were seated in the center of the dining area on a rectangular table, where Yara and Nadia sat next to each other faced by Fahad and Osama. Sara was left with the seat between Osama and Nadia. As soon as the waiter handed them the menus and the girls got engaged in their own conversation, Fahad moved close to Osama and whispered, “What do you think of her?” he asked with a wink. “Who?” wondered Osama scared, given the fact that he liked Yara not so long ago. “Who else? I will never ask you to check out my fiancé or my sister!” said Fahad. Osama laughed, “Nadia? She’s..nice” he said quietly. “Nice? Only?” he said disappointed. “What more do you want me to say?” wondered Osama. “She’s a good catch! Just keep that in mind” said Fahad in a teasing tone and opened the menu.

Yara picked up her phone and BBMed Nadia:

Yara: He’s hot right?

Nadia’s phone was blinking but she didn’t care to check her messages. “You have a message!” said Yara. “Yeah, never mind” said Nadia carelessly. “Check it!” said Yara hitting her leg. Nadia understood, picked her phone, read the message and typed back:

Nadia: Who? Fahad?

Yara: Oh no! The only other guy on the table maybe?

Nadia: Haha you’re funny. Now you really wish that it was him you’re engaged to?

Yara: You are so stupid. You check him out for yourself!!!!!!!

Nadia: LOL, OSAMA? AHAHAHAH..i’m not 19 anymore!

Nadia had a laugh on her face that she was trying hard to hide when she typed this. She put her phone away and went back to the menu.

“OK so we must order Yara Maki” said Fahad jokingly. They all laughed, “it’s my least favorite unfortunately” said Yara. “Most important thing is Edamame Salad” said Sara. “Yeah that’s for sure” said Osama while flipping the menu.

Just when the waiter came to take the drink orders, Yara’s phone rang. “Yes mama?” answered Yara. “Yaro..Come home right now!!” ordered Sajida in panic. “What’s going on?” asked Yara scared. “Some men are here and they want to get inside and evaluate our belongings! They have a court order” screamed Sajida in terror. “He did it!! I’ll be there now, ask them to wait” said Yara as she ended the call, picked up her bag and walked away without saying a word. “What’s going on?” asked Fahad, but she didn’t look back and kept walking.

“Yara, wait. What’s the matter??” asked Fahad concerned as he ran after her in the parking lot. “I have to be home right now we’ll talk later” she said as she reached her car. “OK let me drive you at least” he said as he walked to the driver’s side of the car and stood infront of her. “No. Please, Fahad, I’m in a hurry please get out of my way” she ordered. “I will drop you home. You don’t have to explain. I’ll just drop you” he begged. “FINE” she said frustrated as she gave him her car keys and hurried to the passenger seat.

It was a ten minutes drive that passed so slowly for both of them. Yara was absent minded and worried throughout the whole drive without saying a word while Fahad was tensed for not understanding what was going on. He didn’t try to ask. He knew how Yara gets offensive and mean when she’s angry. So he respected the space that she asked for and stayed quiet. 

The moment he parked infront of Yara’s house he saw two Bahraini men in Thoabs standing by the gate, “Who are these men? What’s going on?” asked Fahad confused. “Go back to lunch. It’s nothing” she said as she opened the door. Fahad ignored her and got out of the car after turning off the engine. “What kind of a man do you think I am? To leave three ladies, who’ll be my family in no time, deal with strange men on their own? If you are not used to having a man who takes care of those things then it’s time for you to start doing so! You can’t deal with everything on your own!” he said seriously and roughly. Yara stared at him with a blank face. She couldn’t think of an argument. He made total sense and gave her no option but to give up.

“How can I help you?” said Fahad as he approached the men. They gave him the court order and he read it carefully. He then turned around to where Yara was standing, “Is this from the man you owe money to?” asked Fahad. “Yes” said Yara quietly. Sajida came out after seeing Fahad and Yara through the window and stood by Yara’s side, “You told him?” she asked quietly. “He found out” said Yara.

“Could you hold on please?” Fahad asked the men and walked to Yara and Sajida, “You need to tell me what happened exactly” said Fahad. “He called around ten days ago and warned us that he would have to go to court if we don’t pay him the full amount” explained Yara with her hands on her waist. “Do you have any written documents from him?” asked Fahad. “No. I just have a copy of the contract he signed with dad and the receipt of the amount I paid him” said Yara. “Give me his phone number quick” said Fahad. “Why?” asked Yara. “Give me the number and get inside the house!” ordered Fahad angrily.

After few minutes, Fahad walked inside Yara’s house for the first time. “What happened?” asked Sajida in concern as she and Yara were standing in the middle of the hallway. “They left” he said with a firm face expression. “Come inside. Let’s sit down” said Sajida as the three of them walked to the sitting room. “Why didn’t you tell me that he threatened you?” asked Fahad angrily as he was sitting down looking at Yara. She remained quiet. “She didn’t want to trouble you with our issues from the very beginning” explained Sajida. “This is no trouble. I’ll be a part of this family and you should treat me accordingly” he said sharply. “I’m sorry” said Yara. “It’s OK. It’s solved.” He said. “Solved? How?” wondered Sajida. “I spoke to the man. I promised him that he would receive the whole amount by tomorrow morning. He withdrew the order immediately” said Fahad. “Oh, Fahad. Can’t thank you enough” said Sajida relieved. “This is why I didn’t tell you! It’s a huge amount Fahad. How will you manage it?” said Yara upset. “I have my ways. And it’s either you accept this or the court order will go on and you’ll end up losing your belongings or even the house!” said Fahad. “God forbids” said Sajida terrified. “Yes, this is why those men where here” said Fahad. “How will you manage the amount?” asked Yara again. “I will arrange with my father. But don’t worry, it will be between me and him only. My mother will never know. I understand your situation” said Fahad. “Yes that would be great. Thank you so much dear. It feels good to finally have a son” said Sajida. “What will your father think? Asking for money even before things get official is very embarrassing” said Yara. “He will understand. You don’t know my dad, he is the kindest man on earth. He never thinks badly of anyone” said Fahad. “Allah ykhaleeh lekum” said Sajida. “We’ll pay it back. As soon as we manage to do so” said Yara with her mind in a far away place thinking about the studio. “There is nothing to be worried about now. Do you have any other debts?” asked Fahad. “Small manageable ones. Been paying them for a while and it’s almost covered” said Yara. “OK. We need to sit down together and cull the whole amount of all the debts. It is important to do so” ordered Fahad. “Inshalla. Thank you so much, you really proved what a good man you are” said Sajida.

Fahad leaned to a coffee table that was placed in the corner between the sofa that he was sitting on and the armchair where Yara was sitting. He stared at the photos that were on it. “That’s the picture that was in your display when I first added you” said Fahad while staring at a framed picture of Yara and her father. It was an old picture. The colors weren’t so bright and everything seemed brownish in it. Her father, with huge vintage sunglasses on his eyes was carrying her and she was laughing and trying to pull the glasses off his face. “I really love this photo” said Yara with a sad smile. Next to it there was another old picture of Sajida standing on her own infront of Eiffel Tower. Her hair was short and curled and she was wearing a brown blazer with shoulder pads. “Look at that vintage look” said Yara sarcastically holding Sajida’s picture. Fahad laughed quietly so Sajida won’t hear him. She was busy with her Blackberry and she didn’t seem to hear their conversation. “So it was always this way ha? You and your father together while she’s busy in her own world” said Fahad while looking at both pictures. “Mhhmm” said Yara with a sad look on her face. “Why do you look sad?” asked Fahad. “Nothing” she said while avoiding looking into his eyes. “You can’t lie to me. Is it the debt?” he asked. “Yes” she answered quietly. “You should be happy that it has been taken care off” he said in a convincing tone. “I am! But this is not how I wanted to start my life with you! Remember when we first met and how upset I got when you paid the electricity bill! It’s not a nice feeling.” She said annoyed. “You can’t compare. We are engaged now and what mine is yours” he said with a smile.

“What about some Turkish Coffee?” asked Sajida as she put her phone down and took off her reading glasses. “Let me treat you, how about we go out for coffee? You need the change after this stressful afternoon” offered Fahad. “Don’t trouble yourself dear. I’ll ask the maid to do the coffee” said Sajida. “I insist. Yalla get ready and I will ask my mother and Sara to join us” said Fahad. “That would be nice. I’ll go change” said Sajida and got up. “Did you talk to Nadia?” asked Fahad. “Yes, while you were out. They ate” said Yara. “Great. We’ll grab a bite as we have coffee.” Said Fahad.

Fahad, Yara and Sajida arrived to Lilou’s Adliya first. Sara joined once she left Maki and dropped Nadia home in Fahad’s car while Fouzia was the last to join. They were sitting in the corner with the one sofa under the spiral stairs. “Unplanned things always work better” said Fouzia. “It does. I am a very planned person and I get really frustrated when plans change but as you said, unplanned outings are always much more enjoyable” said Sajida. “Because it doesn’t give you a chance to have any expectations” said Sara. “Anyway, as long as we’re all here I think that we should set a day for the official proposal” suggested Fahad. “True. We shouldn’t delay it any longer.” Said Fouzia. Yara and Fahad looked at each other and smiled. “You’re welcome anytime” said Sajida happily. “What about next week? Which day would be suitable for you?” asked Fouzia. “Hmm. Today is Monday, what about next Tuesday? In a week time” suggested Sajida. “Fine by me. I’ll have to inform the family today” said Fouzia. “How many ladies will you be?” asked Sajida a bit worried.  “Me, Sara, my two sisters, two sisters in law from my side, three sisters in law from Bu Fahad’s side, my aunt and her four daughters….” Counted Fouzia. “Wow Yumma why are you going that far? No need for all those people” interrupted Fahad. “She didn’t finish yet!” said Sara. “We have to. This is how it works. And if I don’t, I will never hear the end of it” said Fouzia. “7ayakum Allah” said Sajida in a welcoming tone. “Walla I think that it’s not necessary. Stick to the close ones; your sisters and my dad’s sisters. That’s more than enough” said Fahad. “Let her do what she thinks is right. It’s OK, it’s once in a life time” said Yara. “Not exactly. It’s my second” said Fahad jokingly and they all laughed. “Do you want a wedding Yara?” asked Fouzia. “No, not at all. I hate weddings” said Yara shyly. “Come on! I’ve dreamed of your wedding since you were born!” begged Sajida. “No way! It’s just impossible” said Yara. “What about a small one? We could do it in your house or ours and invite family and close friends only” said Fouzia. “That I won’t mind” said Yara. “Yeah, fair enough” said Fahad. “But I really wanted a grand wedding” said Sajida sadly. Yara stared at her angrily and Sajida understood right away. How could she ask for a grand wedding when the man just paid thousands of Dinars to save them from the debt? “You’re right that would be better” said Sajida changing her mind.

Yara and Fahad were sharing Mini Burgers and Kibbeh while the rest were having coffee and different kinds of sweets. To their surprise, Alia, Fahad’s x-wife walked out of the other section with the green chairs. They all stared at her as she walked towards them. “elsalam 3elaikum” she said excited. “3alooy!! Where have you been!!” said Fouzia as she stood up and kissed her. “So good to see you!” said Alia as she hugged Fouzia. “How are you? How are you doing? You still look great!” said Fouzia. “I’m so sorry I never call and ask” said Alia. Yara stared at them and then at Fahad in confusion. “It’s his x-wife” said Yara to her mother. “Wow!” said Sajida. “Fahad, how are you feeling now? I was planning to call and check on you” said Alia. “I’m good. Much better. You met Yara already. This is her mother” said Fahad introducing them. “Nice to meet you” said Alia shaking Sajida’s hand. “Look at those earrings” whispered Sajida staring at her Van Cleef earrings. “I miss you” said Sara as she hugged her. Yara was still confused with all the warm greetings. She wasn’t jealous as much as she was wondering what was the reason behind all this love to the X. She is an X after all and there should be some hard feelings.

“Such a nice girl. No matter what happens she is still respectful and loving” said Fouzia as soon as Alia left. “She’s beautiful” said Sajida and put a spoon full of Concerto in her mouth. Yara’s eyes were fixed on Fahad as they spoke about Alia. He was calm and expressionless, but she felt that there was something hidden behind that appearance for some reason. She didn’t know what it was, or if she was right or wrong. But she sensed that there was a missing piece of the puzzle that would explain the excellent terms between them.

Nadia was sitting in the living room of her huge empty house watching Showtime when she heard her mobile ringing. She walked fast to her room, reached for the phone that was on her dressing table to see Mohammad's London number. She looked at it hesitantly. Not knowing if she should stick to her word and not talk to him again or listen to her heart and do it. She was hoping that the call ends, but it didn’t. And so.. she picked it up. “Nadia?” said Mohammad as she stayed quiet when she accepted the call. “Hey” she said quietly. “How are you?” he asked. “Aren’t we supposed not to speak to each other again?” she asked. “It was you who said that and not me” he said. “And why can’t you respect my decision?” she asked whining. “Because I know that it’s not what you want.” He said confident. “There is a difference between what we want and what we can’t want!” she said sharply. “I asked you to think about it and all you did was believe that this is something that you can’t have more and more!” he said upset. “Yes. And you can’t change my mind” she said. “Listen to me, I called today because I have made up my mind.” He said firmly. Nadia stayed quiet nervously. She felt her heart fall down to her feet, “and?” she asked without taking a breath. “I wanna talk to your parents…” he said.