Do what you love. Your passion is directed at what you love, so do what you love. Always...
Talha leans into his seat. The man has the skill to make people see him the way he wants to be seen. Right now, he appears to be calm and collected. Having changed his suit, his fortitude is sky high but internally there is a tornado stirring. The trigger for that is, of course, none other than his translator herself. The woman walks in like she owns the place and even has the audacity to look me in the eye and tell me that she doesn't like the smoked salmon I ordered for her but she'd go for a caesar salad instead. Walla I think I'm losing my mind. This shouldn't bother him but it really does. More than it should.
What makes matters worse is that he she looks incredible. Of all the posh women barely clothed in this hotel, the only one he is drawn to is Bela. He could have anyone, literally anyone he wants but he isn't interested. When he saw her accompanied by Saif, she was smiling at something, he couldn't help but watch her. He pretended as though he was responding to an email but in reality his eyes were elsewhere. Her black dress skimmed over her feet that are clad in gold sandals. She doesn't seem like the type to pick style over comfort. Talha, enough! He clenches his jaw in irritation.
'Quiero una muestra.' (I want a sample) His client, Pablo says finishing his dessert. His wife Ira didn't say a word. She smiled at Bela and shook her hand upon their arrival but that's it.
'He wants a sample.' Bela lifts her eyes lazily to the Man having an internal battle.
'What for?' She responds to Pablo.
'Para mostrar mi amigo.' (To show my friend) She watches Talha's reaction. She noticed the Man being awfully quiet the whole time. She intended on asking him but seeing as they have guests and her very much existent fear of him nagged at her, she stopped herself.
'Fine. But I want a confirmation of the agreement by next week latest.'
'Si, si. Okay.' Pablo attempts in English and winks at Bela for the umpteenth time. Talha taps his knuckles impatiently. He doesn't like this. Not one bit. Walla if he keeps doing this...
'Right then we'll wrap up.' The agitated Man nods at his bodyguard who in return calls the waiter for the bill. Bela tells the couple that everything is set and they stand up to say their goodbyes.
'Yo debo alguna cosa.' (I must say something) Ira announces. Bela and Talha are taken aback by the lady's sharp tone. Even her husband is shocked, her eyes her warily.
'Por favor.' Bela manages while slipping on a smile.
'Yo nunca he visto una bella pareja como ustedes dos.' (I have never seen a beautiful couple as you two) What the... Why does this keep happening? Bela's eyes are as wide as saucers, she swallows hard and watches Pablo shake his head violently. Ira is confused and frowns at her husband's theatrics.
'Mi amor no esta juntos.'(My love, they are not together) He explains in embarrassment. Oh if he's embarrassed, I'm down right humiliated right now.
'What? What are they saying?' Talha demands beside her. Great, what do I say now?
'Nos vemos mas tarde.' (See you later) Pablo says hurriedly to avoid the confrontation that is inevitably going to take place. He smiles at Talha one last time, thanks them for the food says goodnight and drags his wife away. Ira waves at Bela on her way out and grins. The translator feels torn, I'm so dead.
'What is going on?' Talha is angry now, he just witnessed his client scurry off and now his translator is red in the face.
'Nothing, don't worry about it.' Her voice is shaky.
'That's what you said yesterday.'
'Just drop it, please.'
'No I won't. What did they say?' Talha's suspicion keeps growing as he watches Bela bite her cheek nervously. The woman is hiding something no doubt.
'Look-'
'Bela.' The Man's intimidating stare makes her heart race. He's a distraction beyond words. He towers over her now and she's speechless. 'Saif, get the car.' He orders without even looking in his direction.
'She said that we make a beautiful couple.' She admits as though his gaze hypnotized her. Bela observes her Boss's face morph into an unreadable expression. I really hope he doesn't think I'm lying. Ugh this is torture. Talha tries to digest this information, the woman in her cat eyed glasses looks terrified. What made Ira say that? Did we look remotely in love?
'She's looney.' Bela blinks twice and bursts out laughing. Of all the things I expected him to say. Talha watches the woman clutch her forehead in an attempt to control herself. He suddenly feels self conscious. 'What? What's so funny?' The seriousness in his tone fades.
'I just-' giggle. 'Didn't expect you-' giggle. 'To say that.' Giggle. Talha forces down the threatening smile. 'What happened to them being your prestigious folk?' Her eyes twinkle, the humor still very much evident.
'I was referring to Pablo.' He mutters.
'Right.'
'She didn't even seem apologetic.'
'I don't think she realized the gravity of what she said.' Bela sobers up. Reality settles between them.Talha scratches his neck, he enjoyed their small encounter. He hears her sigh heavily. He grits his teeth, I can't do this. I need to get away from her.
'Lets go.' His voice taut. Bela eyes him as he fixes his suit and collects his card from the leather book on the table. Her heart sinks, everything was so normal for like 4 seconds and now we're back to this. She couldn't help the sadness that danced on her heart.
Bela follows Talha like a child who just lost her stuffed animal. The Man himself feels an emotion he hasn't felt in a long time. Guilt.
--
Bela enters her house as quietly as she can only to find her entire family awake. What the... It's almost eleven! All of them except her father and Sara are looking at her computer and well, talking to it. Bela takes off her shoes and approaches them.
'Ah you look so handsome Ma Sha Allah.' Mama.
'When are you getting back?' Sumayya. Bela can't believe what she's hearing. It seems surreal. Is it who I think it is?
'In two days In Sha Allah.' That voice. It is him. O my Lord.
'Ah, your Bela has arrived.' Sumayya teases as her older sister nears the dining table. Sara shakes her head at her twin's abruptness. Their father is leaning against his elbow trying not to fall asleep. No doubt mama threatened him out of bed. I can't believe this.
'Your Bela?' Bela mutters to herself.
'Not yet at least.' Sumayya grabs her mother's hand and leads her toward Bela.
'Go talk to him.' Her mother whispers to her and indicates that everyone else should go upstairs except her husband. 'Stay here and don't fall asleep. You need to supervise.' Maria tells her husband who nods with a yawn. Bela tries to keep calm. First Talha and now Kareem. Bela inches toward the computer, for some reason she's partially excited at seeing him.
'Salam Alaykum.' Kareem greets with a wide smile.
'Wa Alaykum Salam.' She replies. He's donned in a black hoodie and he appears to be walking.
'How are you?' The sight of him makes her want to tell him everything. See Bela, Kareem actually cares. The guy is interested in you and you're doubting this engagement?
'Well, AlhamdhuliAllah and you?' He grins at her shyness. It's something he admires about her.
'Likewise.'
'I know this might sound horrible but, where are you?' Kareem laughs with a shake of his head.
'I'm taking a walk on the lovely streets of England.' He says in a British accent. Bela giggles. I hate to say it but I kinda missed him.
'When are you flying back?'
'In two days In Sha Allah. I'd like to meet you the day I arrive.'
'Sure where and what time?' Bela is slightly shocked at forward she sounded.
'My place for tea. My family are eager to see you.'
'Is that so?' Kareem nods, his hair pushed back by the wind. Bela bites her cheek, he really is sweet. I need to give him a chance. An engagement won't hurt. In all honesty it could possibly make things stronger between us.
'Si.' Bela giggles at this. Kareem is thrilled at the idea of being with this woman. She's refreshing and different. From there the couple begin touching on other topics. Bela wants to continue the conversation but her eyes betray her. 'I think you should get some rest Bela.' Kareem suggests, kindness laced in his tone. She sighs with a nod.
'It's been a long day.'
'Exactly. I feel bad for keeping you up this late.' She laughs lightly. You can keep me awake at anytime. Did I just think that?! Whoa, slow down B. 'I'll see you when I get back.' Kareem wants nothing more than to sit with this woman the whole day and talk but she needs rest. He wants to say more but restrains, after we're married In Sha Allah.
'Bye. Salam Alaykum.'
'Wa Alaykum Salam.' He smiles and waves at her fondly. She ends the Skype call and shuts the laptop. Bela approaches her father and pokes his arm gently.
'Papa. Papa wake up. Let's get you to bed.' Her father stirs awake and rubs his eyes. See what mama does. Ruins other people's sleep. Bela shakes her head at her own thoughts. Thabith finally rises lazily from his seat and trudges up the stairs with a sigh.
Bela makes sure that her father is tucked into bed before she makes her way to her own room. She takes off her hijab with a heavy sigh and plops on her bed. Kareem. Kareem. Kareem. Honestly what am I going to do? I work for a Man who's bipolar and I'm getting engaged to one who's the complete opposite.
'Kareem.' She says aloud while staring at the ceiling. 'Kareem and Bela.' She laughs at how that sounds. 'I can't believe I'm doing this.' She says to herself. The idea of being with Kareem initially scared her but now she's looking forward to it. With that in mind, something warns her that maybe. Just maybe she isn't doing the right thing.
--
Gaahhhh XD another one up for you guys :) it's shorter but I had to update considering the feedback that was astounding, Walla I felt so inspired. JZK for all the support. Means soooo much to me. Vote, comment and share! :) Peace- zai xx