A Year In Paris

AYIP- TWELVE

"Please the Creator, not the creation."

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C H A P T E R     T W E L V E

Wednesday, 8th November 2021.
8:03 am.

The next morning, Mehreen and Hammad crossed paths
outside their apartments, almost colliding as they simultaneously reached for the door handles. They paused, facing each other awkwardly.

Mehreen, still hopeful from their unexpected connection the previous day, smiled tentatively. "Hey, Hammad. Good morning."

But Hammad's expression was stern, his eyes cold. "Don't get too excited, Mehreen. Yesterday was a momentary lapse. That doesn't mean we're friends." His voice was brusque, dismissive. "Take it as it never happened."

Mehreen's smile faltered, her words caught in her throat. She felt like she'd been slapped. "Oh...okay."

Hammad turned away, striding off towards the elevator without another glance. Mehreen watched him go, her mind reeling. What had she done wrong? Why was he shutting her out again?

She stood there, speechless and confused, wondering why she had ever thought he had changed.

Mehreen shook off the disappointment and stepped into the other elevator, heading to the café on the ground floor. As the doors opened, she was greeted by the warm sunlight streaming through the large windows, illuminating the bustling café. Outside, the Parisian streets were already alive with activity, despite the sweltering heat of the Sunday morning.

Mehreen couldn't help but compare the weather to her hometown in Nigeria, where the heat was more intense and humid. "Nigerian heat is way better than this," she thought to herself, missing the familiar warmth of Abuja.

She ordered a rich cappuccino and paired it with soda crackers, settling into a cozy corner table by the window. As she took her first sip, her phone rang, displaying her mother's name on the screen.

"Mama!" Mehreen answered, her voice brightening. "How are you? How's everyone at home?"

Her mother's warm voice filled the line, "We're all doing well, dear. How about you? How's life in Paris treating you?"

Mehreen smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's...complicated, Mama. But I'm managing."

Mehreen chatted with her mother for a while, catching up on family gossip and sharing laughs. After the call, she headed back to her apartment, exchanging greetings with Taheera before dashing into her room to grab her camera. She slung it around her neck, feeling a sense of excitement and purpose.

As she stepped out into the Parisian streets, the sunlight danced across the historic buildings, casting a warm glow over the city. Mehreen's eyes sparkled with delight as she snapped photos of the charming cafés, ornate fountains, and picturesque alleys. She strolled along the Seine, capturing the beauty of the river and the city's iconic landmarks.

Eventually, she made her way to the Eiffel Tower, its iron latticework gleaming in the sunlight. As she raised her camera to capture the perfect shot, she noticed a lovely couple gazing into each other's eyes, their hands entwined. Mehreen's finger clicked the shutter, preserving the romantic moment.

For a fleeting instant, she imagined herself in their place, standing under the Eiffel Tower with the love of her life, lost in each other's eyes. A wistful smile played on her lips, but she quickly shook off the thought, chuckling at her own singleness. "Not for me, not yet!" she thought, shaking her head with a grin.