Cinderella? NO

MARYAM

A security woman came looking for me by 8pm. I dressed and went with her. It was a black car. I don't know cars but when I see a fine one, I know. I stood beside it and the glass went down. Two Emiratis in thobes, in their 40s(I guess). "Don't worry we are not kidnapping you. Come in" one of them said in pure Arabic accent. I had a negative feeling and they look like if I didn't enter, they would pick me and put me in the car. I entered and the driver drove. The drive was awkwardly quite until we came to a halt. I couldn't see anything from outside so definitely cannot take myself back. I wanted to text Zahra and tell her but I thought it would look rude to use phone. They went out of the car and I quickly texted Zahra and sent her the link of my location in case something happens. I followed them and they ushered me to enter a helicopter. I think I am developing planes phobia. I almost didn't enter and the men there gave me the look they gave me earlier. I made a silent prayer and entered. I saw a man seated, in his 60s, fierce looking, well-built and handsome. he looks very familiar. We flew for like 5 minutes then he started talking. "Maryam" he didn't look at me so I didn't raise my head. He took his phone out and made a call. He spoke in English so I understood. The lights we could see from up went off, the light of the whole of Dubai went off for a moment and returned, just like he ordered. I sensed who he was but controlled myself. He continued talking "If I want it to rain in Dubai, it would. Of course artificial rain but nobody would know it's fake. When I want workers to rest, I can. I'm sure you've never seen the lights go off in Dubai." He speaks like Abdallah. He turned towards me. "I have a power you can never imagine. I own Dubai. I am the ruler." I wasn't moved because I have already sensed it, now I want to correct him. He was just staring at me waiting for me to talk. So it's true Arabs like bragging. Though people say 'if it's true, it's not bragging'. "We people, no matter how powerful, don't own anything. Everything belongs to Allah." I didn't look at him because I was already feeling his rage. He giggled. "I guess this is why Abdallah loves you. Your braveness, to me, it is stupidity. Leave my son alone. You know you are in no way compatible. You are not even worth a servant in my kingdom. So leave, leave before I displace you. I am capable of doing anything. I can take you to a place where you or your family will never be able to bring you back. He's not in his right senses when he loved you. I am going to put him back on track. You help yourself. You are a flaw in his life; the worst one. If you don't want to see my other side, leave Abdullah alone. I can deport you this instant together with your best friend; Zahra. But I don't want you to label me 'Hitler' so leave. Enjoy your remaining months and leave. I can get you a certificate from Middlesex, any class you want, even before graduation. Or any school you even want from UAE. Just tell me...I can prevent him from visiting you and even seeing you but I don't want to, because you are not worth my energy. So leave !!!" He warned. So this guy knows everything about me. The helicopter landed and they left me there. It was late and nobody was there. I almost cried but held it in. I walked for more than a kilometre on foot and got taxi at last. I almost cursed them but something told me they are already cursed.
I met Zarah in my room. "You didn't see my text?" I said in a sad voice. "No, are you alright?"
She looked worried. "Maryam were you with Abdallah?" she looked at me in the face "No, I was with his father." She opened her eyes and held me "uumm he ermm warned me to leave his son. He also told me he can destroy me in seconds..." I narrated in a very low voice. She almost didn't hear me. "Zahra what scares me is, he knows everything about me. He knows you, my school, my name. Everything. He is...Hitler." I looked in the distance. "Is not like you are the one following his son, it is not a one sided affair. His son followed you, loved, begged, his son cried for you...nonsense. Why do people always blame the girl? Hah" Now she is fuming with anger. "He can't destroy you, only Allah has that power. His power is nothing but a cheap threat. He should talk to his son and not look for you again. These people are impossible!" she paces the room. "But Maryam, are you alright? It must have been difficult for you facing him and all." Now she's calm and feeling sorry for me. "I'll be fine Zahra." she hugged me and said "Yes you WILL. You are my girl. Whatever he plans, Allah is the best planner. Even if he gathers all his army and whatever power he thinks he has, he can't harm you bi'ithnillah. I am sure whatever he has; power, might, threat, won't be as strong as you and Abdallah's love. I have faith in your love and you people are doing nothing wrong" she smiles "but Maryam whatever decision you take, I'll support you. If you plan to leave Dubai, I'll go with you and if you plan to stay, I'll fight with you. We might fail, but we'd look back and cherish our adventure." she gave me a faint smile.
I went to Imran's grandma because I needed her more than she does me. She said something is wrong with me. I said "So many things." She asked if I could tell her, I just looked at her. She took my hands into hers and said "Maryam, this life is too short to worry about some stuff. If things complicate our lives, we should leave them. If they make us happy and are halal, we should fight for them and win! if they are beyond our capacity, we should seek for His help." she advised "What if what I am worried about is both?" I looked at her as tears sting my eyes "Lah yukalifullahu nafsan illah wus'aha (Allah will not burden us with more than we can take). That's why I said 'seek for His help' and do what makes you happy child. You are young, young people don't give up, they struggle. I know you for about a year now, you are a strong girl and not the type that gives up. That's why you stood by me, my son and his friend. Imran told me all the trouble you took for them." she said "What trouble? I didn't do anything for them, you people have done more for me and are still doing. May Allah bless you." I hugged her "I have forgotten the last time some asked Allah to bless me. Maybe since my mum was alive, that was 50 years ago. People think old people do not need blessing. Thank you Maryam and you too. I pray that Allah removes all your worries, bless you and bring an end whatever gives you this face." I smiled and hugged her. Her words were everything I needed.