Restraint And Denial (An Arabic Love Story)

Chapter 10.

Chapter 10.

*****

"The weather is harsh today!" Zaid announced, feeling a little soreness rising in his stomach. His conversation with his uncle earlier that morning left him feeling that way. The warm air hit his face as the door opened, allowing him and Amira out of the house. The sunlight embraced him, touching every inch of his skin. He let out a deep sigh as though he had been holding it for long and couldn't hold it in anymore.

What's wrong? Amira wanted to ask but couldn't as she made a conscious effort not to speak until when necessary. She glanced up at him and saw something in his expression that his mother and uncle failed to notice. He did look distressed and unhappy with a cringed forehead, that for sure was a sign that he was displeased with the news from his father.

"My sister tells me that you lecture at Qatar University." She made an effort to start a light conversation with him.

"I'm an associate professor of Pharmacology." He was saying, leading her away from the building grounds towards the farm area. Although the grounds were luxuriously landscaped with tall trees and topiary, somehow they weren't enough to help him escape his thoughts. His lungs yearned to breathe in some fresh air and his eyes longed to look at something other than tall buildings, dates, and palm trees. Indeed, the city was a beautiful one but there was something more magnificent than the view of tall structures with awe-inspiring architectural designs.

"You used to be obsessed with chemistry if I recall correctly." That was a long time ago, yet Amira was compelled to believe that his love for chemistry might have influenced his choice of career.

"Oh! You recall that?" He chuckled, his tone laced with surprise.

"Yes, I did, why did you ask?"

"I didn't think you would remember that."

"I hardly forget things."

"Such a retentive memory."

"I'll take that as a compliment. So what else do you do aside from lecturing?"

"I'm a researcher for a pharmaceutical company," Zaid whispered, his eyes fixed on a flying bird, possibly an egret. "I conduct research during work hours and lead a totally ordinary life. If I didn't work with drugs and viruses maybe I'd even seek out conventional happiness like getting married or leading a stress-free life." He added and watched as Amira adjusted her veil around her neck, she seemed to be considering his words.

No one was outside as they strolled the building. Zaid was grateful because he needed some time alone with Amira, he wanted to show her something; a secret only he and his father shared, no one else in the family knew about the existence of that place. Zaid learned from her brother, Khalid that she was a chemical engineer and he hoped that she would be able to put her expertise into judicious use now that he was going to let her in on his little secret.

"So, what is stopping you from seeking conventional happiness? Don't you want to get settled?" Out of curiosity, Amira had to ask and Zaid gave a soft sigh. The question she asked seemed so innocent enough, yet it caused a tightening in his stomach that he hadn't expected. He rarely talked about marriage with anyone and the last thing he wanted to do was give reasons why he felt he was not ready to take on that responsibility yet.

"We'll talk about that some other time." Was his simple reply to her question and she said nothing in response as it was obvious he wasn't going to say another word on the subject.

They made slow progress without saying a word until they had entered the farm, they took a different turn that led them to a more peaceful place, a round tunnel that was at the very end of the land. The tunnel led into a peaceful garden. It was exactly where Zaid wanted to be, away from people, away from his thoughts, away from any sign of human interaction except that the one who was with him was a human, yet he didn't mind her company.