Against The Tide

97: A Glimpse Behind The Mask

It had been a whole week since Najah had accepted Fahad's proposal. Deep within her, she felt she was rushing things as she didn't completely know him yet but each day, he worked so hard to prove how important she really was to him. She sincerely wanted to believe he was as genuine as he appeared because what she hated the most was being lied to and deceived.

And about Jameel, he hadn't returned or tried to contact her after he made that arrogant proclamation of her lingering feelings for him. It was a relief. While she harbored no ill feelings towards her, she absolutely didn't hate him, she didn't see herself being with him again. Ever. The scars of their past marriage hadn't gone away.

The sound of her phone ringing pulled her from her reverie.

It was a message from her Nadia, her client. A warm smile spread across her face as she read it. "Hi, Najah, I'm already on my way to the restaurant you chose. I can't wait to see you!"

Najah couldn't wait to meet Nadia either. After her counseling session with Nadia, she had shared her contact with her, and they had been keeping in touch ever since. The conversations were easy, comforting, and often hilarious on Nadia's part. She sure had a sense of humor.

"I'm on my way too," Najah replied her message before picking her bag and heading out.

She arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later. It was a quiet place she had chosen. A place where they could freely continue their conversation from where they left off. Najah didn't want it to be at the office because she wanted it to be less formal. Building friendships with her clients was the newest strategy she had adapted.

Upon arriving, she found Nadia already seated, looking radiant as always.

They embraced warmly, the physical connection solidifying the emotional bond they had already formed.

"You look lovely," Najah complimented.

"Thanks, Najah, you look stunning as well."

They settled into their seats, and placed their orders.

As the waiter walked away, Najah transitioned into her professional role. "So how are you today?" She inquired. "I hope you were able to sleep last night."

Nadia nodded, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "I was. Chatting with you really helped. Thank you so much, Najah, for being such a wonderful friend to me."

Najah reached across the table, and gently took Nadia's hand. "Always, Nadia."

"Do you know that you're the first friend I've ever had," Nadia asked, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's pathetic, right?"

Najah shook her head in disagreement. "Actually, no. I don't think it's pathetic at all. I think it's a good thing. Having too much friends can complicate life sometimes," she chuckled, an attempt to lit up the depressing mood that was forming in the atmosphere. "If it makes you feel better, I also suck at making friends. I think I've only ever had two."

"Really?" Nadia asked, surprised. "Was it a choice?"

"Kind of. I enjoy my company a lot," Najah replied.

"It wasn't a choice for me," Nadia admitted, her voice low. "People didn't want to be my friend because they thought I was too beautiful."

Najah's brows furrowed. "What? Is that even a thing?"

"Sadly, yes," Nadia replied, a bitter chuckle escaping her mouth. "One person told me outright that she didn't want to be my friend because all the attention would be on me. After I got married, it got worse. My husband— sorry, my ex husband discouraged me from socializing with the neighbors, telling me it was unnecessary."