𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐌 ~ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ♡

19 - Misunderstandings but were they?

--- ZAID KHALID ---

The look on Maryam's face as we headed towards the 'Zara Noor'  shopping complex, was certainly fascinating to watch.

Zara Noor, was a modest wear luxury brand which was released by my elder sister Sarah right after she got married, and it is also a part of the Khalids Group which is led by Abba, Mr Kasim Jaleel Khalid.

The staff employees came running as soon as we got out of my Porsche and wholly surrounded us. All the employers were gathered at the centre of the mall  and I gave them quick words of encouragement, to which they all started clapping and hooting dramatically, before we headed off to the main Clothing section.

Sarah came running to us as she saw us and wrapped Maryam for a hug. "You should've called, oh I do hope you like the collections."

"These are our Autumn ones," Sarah explained as she walked Aunt Clarisse and Maryam through the store showing off the dresses. "Those are some of the last of the Spring collections but they're still in awful demand."

I was served coffee and cake at the VIP lounge when Aunt Clarisse came rushing in.

"You have to come and help select," she said urging me to come outside. "We can't decide what looks better on her."

I sighed and went with her. Maryam was holding a pale blue silk gown in one hand and a gorgeous red silk one in the other. One looked ordinary while the red would suit her, it would make her stand out very much and knowing the men in her family, they certainly wouldn't allow it.

We looked through a few more but there was nothing I could actually picture Maryam looking stunning in. Even though truth be told, she pulls off everything.

I turned to Sarah and said, "Think you can show them my collection?"

Sarah gave me a knowing look as if I really meant it. Aunt Clarisse tuned, "What is this secret you two have been going about?"

Me and Sarah both gave a small laugh before she turned to her assistant to hand her some keys.

"The keys to what?" Maryam asked, curious. "You'll see," I grinned.

Sarah handed me the keys and said, "Do you want to do the honours?" I nodded and took the keys to one of the shelves in the back while they followed me. I shoved some clothes which hung by the hangers aside and put the key in the secret keyhole. It instantly unlocked and opened.

I typed a password onto the keypad and the two big doors opened wide. The assistant closed the door behind us as there were still customers in the store and we didn't wanna cause commotion.

I heard a few gasps from both my aunt and Maryam as we walked through the long corridors to a room full of about fifty mannequins.

"Oh, Zaid. These are just wonderful!" I felt my cheeks turn red.

In my last years of studying in the US, I found my passion for drawing and I would spend hours in Central Park and coffee shops, sketching anything I could find. And when I saw some of the latest fashions there, I was too awed.

'I wonder what its like if there was a bit more lace in that sleeve or how would this short dress look good as a modest wear and if some of those beads could be stitched across the hem the dress would be perfect."

Of course my intention was not to be a fashion designer but I loved finding new ideas and I just fell in love with creativity. I sent some of the sketches to Sarah when I heard she opened a designer store and we both came up with the idea of releasing this collection when I was ready.

Which might take a few years.

"Oh my my," said Aunt Clarisse as she stood before a sleek black dress carefully placed on a mannequin. "This is just too beautiful."