Restraint And Denial (An Arabic Love Story)

Chapter 11.

Assalaam alaikum my lovelies. I know it's been ages since I last updated and I know some of you are angry at me by now. I'm so sorry, I've been quite busy. Life happens. Please find a place in your heart to forgive me.  I hope you like this newly updated chapter. Enjoy, Allahumma Bareek!

Chapter 11.

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I haven't seen my father since last spring, it felt like a long time ago since I last saw him. I was excited upon learning about his arrival, maybe a little scared too, because the news came at such an odd time. I didn't know what great surprise package Khalid had in store for me when he said that he had some very good news for me. That was two days before_when I could think of nothing in the world I wanted more than to walk in the street of Doha with my father. It felt like another lifetime. To be very honest, I just wanted to see my father again. 

It wasn't long until Mr. Zaid and I left the garden, upon learning the news. I don't know why, but he seemed kind of upset about this information. He had been for some time now, at least there was no logical reason I could come up with as to his annoyance. He seemed good at concealing his emotions. I couldn't read him, even if I tried, but somehow I knew something was wrong somewhere.

I trailed behind him as we threaded our way back to the main building where everyone had gathered. My eyes scanned everywhere until they fell on something interesting. I could see a row of flowering trees. On the wall beside the window, under the trees sat a wooden bench where a very beautiful lady was sitting. She was dressed up in Western style with her hair swept over one shoulder. The sun caught the sparkles of her dangling earrings. She had been talking to someone who turned out to be my brother. Khalid stood beside her with his back to us. 

I peeked at the lady from a distance and saw her big brown eyes staring at me. She looked from me to Mr. Zaid, then back to me. She stared at me penetratingly and for a second I felt a slight discomfort under her gaze.  I averted my eyes from her, quickly and peeked at Mr. Zaid from behind. I saw that he had been looking at her too, their eyes met each other. Within seconds, Mr. Zaid averted his intimidating gaze from her, yet she remained fixed on him. I was unsure of the reason, perhaps she was someone he knew.

I kept my gaze on the ground, on my feet, stepping on the gray stone path. I was aware of the presence of people outside and inside the house, murmuring, and stepping aside, as I and Mr  Zaid walked past them. We ambled through the main entrance in grave silence, not a single word from any of us. They all just stared at us, at me in particular. I wondered what they had going on in their heads. 

Inside the house too. I sensed the weight of eyes on me, looking down at me from upstairs. I kept my head down as I walked on a maroon carpet. I saw out of the corner of my eyes, the marble bases of statues, the lower halves of vases, and the frayed ends of richly colored tapestries hanging from walls. These people were wealthier than I imagined, but it didn't end there; they must be protected from poverty and this filthy world. A wealthy person's environment makes them naturally refined. I looked at Mr. Zaid and realized that his body and mind are so beautiful because he was born into a wealthy family and grew up filled with satisfaction because he was untouched by filth. They were given the very best, they received the best education, and they became even more excellent and beautiful. Their relationship is beautiful as well, I've seen the way he spoke to his mother in a refined manner of approach.

The stairs Mr. Zaid and I took were wide and covered with a similar carpet, nailed down at the base of each step. Once at the top of the stairs, Mr. Zaid led me to the left, down another long carpeted hallway. He stopped by one of the doors, opened it, and instructed me to go in.