Forty minutes later:
“The police received a call from an eye witness.” Said Fahad calmly as soon as he ended a phone call. All ladies stared at him waiting for the news eagerly with deep concern. “He saw a man in a pick-up who tried dragging two young girls inside..” he said as calm as possible. “BINTY” screamed Sajida hitting her chest. “He said that they resisted and then another young looking man came out of the car and took them by force” he added staring at the floor. “This doesn’t mean that it’s Tamara. It can’t be” said Yara trying to be positive. “The incident happened in Hamad Town.” Said Fahad. “Hamad Town? Why would Tamara go to Hamad Town? No, it can’t be them!” said Yara nervously. “Didn’t he say more? Like what they were wearing?” asked Fouzia. “That’s all. He will call again as soon as they find out more” said Fahad very concerned but calm. “It’s her. I have a feeling it’s her!” said Sajida breaking down. Fouzia rushed to Sajida and held her with both arms for support, “don’t say that. Inshalla it’s not. Sit down” said Fouzia while pulling her down to sit.
Yara was in denial. She pretended that nothing was going on and she went to the kitchen and got her mum her pills and a glass of water. “Are you ok?” asked Fahad as soon as she turned around. “Yes, why wouldn’t I be? She will call any minute and say that she is in a friend’s house, somewhere!” said Yara confidently and was about to walk away. “OK. Can you listen to me a bit? It’s great that you are being positive about this, but, you have to keep in mind that something might be wrong. Just so you won’t get shocked later” he said nicely. She stared at him in confusion and walked to her bedroom.
When she finally had her own space, she threw herself on bed and lay down for few minutes. She closed her eyes tightly and prayed from the bottom of her heart that a miracle will happen and Tamara will walk through the door. Her heart jumped out of place when she heard two knocks on her door. “Yara, Fatima’s mother called again, she wants to speak to you” said Fouzia behind the door.
“Hello” said Yara after walking through the sitting room heading to the phone right away. “Did you find them?” she wondered in concern. “Not yet. But we are asking around so don’t worry” said Yara in a quiet tired tone. “Me and her father are very scared. He dropped her to your house in the morning so their friend would pick them up and take them to her house in Hamad Town” said the mother. “Hamad Town?” said Yara and automatically dropped on the armchair behind her. Every head in the room was turned towards her. “Yes. But I don’t have their number or address or even full name!” said Um Fatima. “There is something that you should know….” Said Yara with the reality of the situation finally hitting her.
At the same time, Nadia, Mohammed and his two sisters were having dinner in Mezzaluna. Nadia had no idea what was going on in Yara’s house. The place was as quiet as always but perfect for a group who wanted privacy. They dined on one of those tables by the side in an alcove of its own. And after a perfect meal, they enjoyed their conversation while sipping herbal tea.
“I really think that divorce is the right thing to do.” Said Amal, Mohammed’s eldest sister. “That’s just the typical mean you! Don’t you have any consideration for your nephew?” said Hana, Mohammed’s 2nd sister. “Oh come on, Reem was always left out between us. And Khalid will never get lost, we will manage a way to make him feel balanced between both families. But you can’t sacrifice your brother’s happiness for that reason!” said Amal. “And what will happen to her meskeena? She was a good wife to him after all!” said Hana kindly in a way that showed Nadia her very naïve personality. “She can take care of herself!” said Amal rudely. “You are a devil. Thank god you don’t have kids!” Said Hana and turned to Nadia, “she’s one of those evil old single women” she added. Nadia laughed out loud, “are they always like that?” she asked Mohammed. “Always were, always will” he said with a smile. “You will get used to it with time. And what old woman are you talking about? I’m 40, single and can’t be any happier” said Amal proudly with her short hair and navy blue blazer. “Yes. You don’t have to repeat that 20 times a day” said Hana sarcastically with her straight soft black hair that was held up with a headband. “OK Miss I-can’t-say-no-to-my-kids” said Amal carelessly and sipped her Jasmine Tea. “Enough you two! What impression are you giving to the new member in the family?” said Mohammed jokingly. “Leave my kids alone. They have the most evil aunt on earth and that’s why I’m making it up to them by being extra sweet! A mum and an aunt, two in one!” said Hana defending herself. “How old are your kids?” asked Nadia laughingly. “My girl is 8 and my boy is 6” said Hana proudly. “Remember when she got married? We were together back then” said Mohammed. “Yes. I do.” She said shyly. “Don’t listen to her. I am the nicest aunt anyone could ever have. I took them to Dubai last month and they had a blast” said Amal confidently. “With your rules and restrictions? I doubt it!” said Mohammed proving Hana right and they all laughed.
“It’s Fahad!” said Nadia as she stared at her phone screen, “hello?”. “Hi Nadia” said Fahad in a serious tone. “Hi. What’s going on?” she asked sensing since he is usually more hyper and welcoming. “I think that you should come to Yara’s house now” he said quietly. “Why? You’re there? What’s wrong?” she asked scared. “Tamara is missing. There is a chance that she might be kidnapped” he added. “Oh my God!!” she said in shock and they all stared at her in concern. “Yara is not doing well. She’s pretending to be strong when in fact I know that she is going insane. She’s not listening to me, but I’m sure she’ll listen to you” he said. “Coming now!” she said ending the call.
It was after midnight in Yara’s house. The sitting room was dark with few lamps turned on in some corners. There was a tray of untouched sandwiches on a coffee table and some small bottles of water placed next to each other. Sajida was passed out on one of the sofas after her pills took effect. Fouzia covered her with a light blanket and sat on an armchair reading Quran under one of the lamps. Yara was sitting on the floor and resting her body sideways on the sofa behind her. Nadia was trying to force her to eat a sandwich but she refused by shaking her head slowly. Fahad kept his distance from her. The last thing he wanted was to annoy her or use that situation to win her back. He watched her from a distance and wandered around the house every now and then. He felt responsible for some reason. This family still needed him and he didn’t want to let them down. Not to benefit from it by any way, but more to make it up to them after all the mess he had caused.
“Any news?” said Nadia after following Fahad to the kitchen. “No. Nothing” he said concerned. “How bad is it? Is there anything that I don’t know about?” she asked. “I’m pretty sure that it’s her. Two young girls in Hamad Town! What are the odds?” he said finally getting to open up without considering any feelings. “I know. But we need to put on a positive attitude. If we don’t, they’ll breakdown!” said Nadia scared. “Walla if I catch the one who did this, I’d kill him and cut his body into little pieces!” he said in anger. “You think they’ll find them?” she asked concerned. “I don’t know.. I really don’t” he said shaking his head. “There are a hundred possibilities. They could’ve killed them or raped them or tortured them! How can any human being have the heart to do such a thing?” she said in disbelief. “This country needs to be more strict with some animal-like people.” He said pissed off. Nadia took a deep breath and went back to the sitting room.
“Did he say anything?” asked Yara as soon as Nadia sat next to her. “No, what would he say?” asked Nadia. “Is she dead?” asked Yara with a distant mind. “Why are you saying that? Stop thinking that way!” yelled Nadia trying to control her tone. “I have a bad feeling, a very bad feeling” said Yara with teary eyes. “Of course you will. It’s normal. But on the other hand you have to have some faith! Have faith in Allah and he won’t let you down..” said Nadia and tapped her head.
Five hours later:
It was around 6am. Fahad’s phone rang waking them all up from their very light naps. “Yes?” answered Fahad fast. “Yes.. thank you.. thank you.. we are coming now..” he said and ended the call. “What is it?” asked Yara impatiently. “They found them…” he said.
Fahad walked into the very quiet police station with Sajida and Yara following him. Sajida was holding her Bahraini abaya that was on top of her head with one hand and carrying her Chanel with the other. Yara was so nervous that she left the house with her flip flops, leggings and a white loose I Love Paris T-shirt. The short walk to the police office after entering the station felt long and cold. They didn’t know what to expect. And the white with black and grey stones floor wasn’t friendly enough either.
The moment they stepped into the office, they saw Tamara and Fatima sitting on white plastic chairs next to each other with terrified looks on their faces. Their hair was a mess and their clothes weren’t as neat as they were the day before. Tamara jumped out of her chair when she saw them walking in and ran to Yara with tears suddenly streaming down her face. “Don’t cry. You are safe now.” said Yara squeezing her back without being able to control her tears too. “They locked us in a dark room all day. And there was a dog barking outside” said Tamara weeping. Sajida pulled Tamara out of Yara’s arms, held her face tenderly with both hands and hugged her tight while Yara walked to Fatima and wiped the tears from her still-in-shock face.
“Did you catch them?” asked Fahad in controlled anger. “Yes, and we’ll tell you the whole story” said the police officer. “Mama why don’t you wait with the girls outside? Give them the juice and sandwiches that you packed for them” said Yara nicely. “But I want to know what happened!” demanded Sajida. “We’ll let you know. Please!” she said begging. “OK OK.” She said and led the girls outside while Fahad handed her his car keys.
“How are you related to them?” asked the police officer. “I’m Tamara’s sister” said Yara. “And you?” he asked looking at Fahad. “He’s my husband!” said Yara right away. Fahad stared at her and back at the police officer with a smile that he tried hard to hide. “We caught the two men who kidnapped them. One of them is in his mid 30s and the other late 20s. They probably were planning to ask for a ransom so they didn’t do them any harm” stated the police officer. “7amdella” said Yara relieved. “We found the girls in a locked room in an old house in one of the villages around Hamad Town. The men were only guarding the house and they passed the girls some food. We will question them now and find out more details. But usually in such cases, they wait for a day or two before calling the family for the ransom” said the officer. “But how can they be sure that we won’t call the police?” asked Fahad. “That’s how they always fail! Such cases are very easy to track in Bahrain” said the officer. “Thank you very much. We appreciate your efforts” said Yara. “That’s our job. And we’ll provide you with more details shortly” said the officer.
After dropping Fatima home. Fahad drove to Yara’s house with Yara sitting in the front seat and Sajida holding Tamara in the back. They all were quiet. “Thank you” said Yara quietly turning her head slightly to Fahad. “You know that I’d do anything for you and your family” he said gladly. Silence descended on the car 'till they reached the house. Fahad made sure that they entered the house safe and sound and he left to his house after a long night looking forward to a few hours of deep sleep.
Sajida stayed by Tamara’s side as she showered while Yara went to the kitchen and made her some hot milk. They didn’t ask her about it and made sure to provide her with extra care 'till she gets her strength back. Sajida tucked her into bed after forcing her to drink the whole glass and promised her that she will sleep by her side. Feeling safe and secure, she finally fell asleep.
“I wonder what could’ve happened to us if Fahad wasn’t here for us” said Sajida as they both left Tamara’s room and closed the door slowly. “Yeah.” Said Yara agreeably. “I feel that he is a part of this family already” added Sajida. “His mum stayed by your side all night” said Yara and yawned. “I know that it’s not the right time, but maybe you should reconsider..” said Sajida nicely. “Good night mother.. “ said Yara and walked to her room.
**
“Fahad!!” said Alia answering her phone. “Hey. 'Sup?” said Fahad lightly. “Great! I’m in Geneva. How are you?” she said. “Don’t you and your family ever get fed up with Geneva?” he asked rudely. “OK what’s with the upset tone?” she asked right away. “Why did you lie to Yara?” he asked upset. “Lie? I didn’t lie. You are the one who lied!” she said blaming him. “She came to you, she trusted you and you should’ve told her the whole truth instead of a one sided story!” said Fahad. “What happened?” she wondered. “It’s over! Thanks to you!” he said. “Oh no. When I told her I thought that she already knew! I was surprised that she didn’t!” said Alia. “And you threw it all on me! Why didn’t you tell her that you had issues too!” he said angry. “Because she doesn’t care about me! You were the topic!” she said defending herself. “Oh come on! It would’ve mattered! Plus, based on WHAT you believe that I am not able to? You know the condition very well and you have no right to totally blame me while you were a big part of it too!” he said losing his temper. “I don’t know! I don’t know why I said that.” Said Alia suddenly nervous. “Fix it! You better call her and explain to her all the possibilities!” he ordered. “Will that fix things?” she asked sarcastically. “Doesn’t matter. You shattered my image and the least you could do is speak some sense to restore it back!” he said. “OK, if it will make you feel any better, I will” she said.
“Yara? How are you? How is Tamara? Is everything ok?” asked Dalal as soon as Yara picked up the phone. “Yes. We are all fine 7amdella.” Said Yara calmly. “I just heard about what happened and I lost my mind. You mind if I visit you later today?” she asked. “You’re welcome anytime” said Yara. “You sound very tired. Do you need anything? Can I get you anything?” she asked whining. “Thanks” said Yara not in the mood to speak much. “You mind me asking about Fahad? What did you end up doing about him?” she asked concerned. “It’s over” said Yara briefly. “Noooooo! I can’t believe it! Are you sure about this?” she asked shocked. “Sorry Dalal but I really don’t feel like talking about it” she said annoyed. “I understand. You must be devastated. First Fahad and then Tamara!” said Dalal. “And I sold the studio!” added Yara. “WHAT! I am coming to you right now..” said Dalal overwhelmed.
Sara and her mother were having a coffee break in Gloria Jean’s City Center. Fouzia was very stressed after all what had happened last night and she needed to go out for a change. “And you said no right away? Are you insane?” said Fouzia when Sara told her about Osama. “What was I suppose to say?” said Sara confused. “Say what every girl says in that situation. Give me time to think and I will get back to you” said Fouzia in a duh tone. “But I didn’t need time! I know for sure that it’s impossible!” said Sara. “But why? You think that you will ever find a better man than Osama?” asked Fouzia with her confusion growing. “He is not my type!” said Sara in confidence. “What type? There are two types of men, a good man and a bad man. He is a good man and that is his type.” Said Fouzia. “You’re funny. A “type” means much more than that” said Sara. “Stay single forever then. If each and every one of you has her own type then I doubt that this generation will ever reproduce another one!” said Fouzia. “You will never understand. But please don’t tell Fahad and let’s close this topic forever. I don’t like him that way, he is more like a brother to me and I can’t change that” explained Sara. “Stupid. That’s all I can say!” said Fouzia and sipped her coffee.
Two days later:
Nadia walked into her shop to find a huge and beautiful arrangement. She knew who it was from, but what she didn’t know was the occasion. She looked for the card between all the pink roses and white lily’s. She pulled it and opened it slowly and excitedly:
I just signed the divorce papers. I am now a free man and I entirely belong to you and only you. Love you..
Mohammed.
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1 comments:
sigh
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