Salam.
Should I do a double update again?
We will see by the end of this chapter.
I hope you enjoy the chapter and please
COMMENT🙂👀
It makes me know that I'm doing something right.
Anyways chapter 19.
I know it's way behind schedule but I wasn't really having enough energy to type the chapter and I didn't want to give off the vibe that the chapter was forced from me.
Besides I needed to grasp hold of Karim's character better and how to display his emotions before he sounds like a girl. No offense.
So without further ado...
Chapter 19.
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"You made it." Basmah grinned at him.
In all honesty, she thought he would not come. Because you don't just fully accept a random stranger you have met one time's invitation to a party. But he came and she was ecstatic.
"Well, you did invite me. Or you didn't expect me to take up the offer?" Karim arched a brow.
"Maybe."
She just stood there after saying that and stared at him. He was really handsome, his jaw was so sharp, she was sure it'd cut her if she touched it. His top hugged him just the right amount for his muscles to show but not too tight for it to seem like he was about to rip through it.
"Um. Are you supposed to search me for guns or something?" Karim chuckled.
She had been staring at him longer than needed. His comment made her turn red as she fiddled with the edge of her beige hijab.
"Oh my Allah. This is so embarrassing." She muttered. Karim heard it but decided not to comment.
She quickly changed the topic to Samia who was busily sucking on her pacifier.
"Samia. You came too." She lowered herself to look at her closely in her carrier.
"She was pretty ecstatic today." Karim joked.
"Are we having the lunch outside your door?" Karim smirked.
They had been standing there for far too long.
"Today couldn't get any worse." She seemed to like talking under her breath not realizing people could hear her.
"I hope not." Karim replied to her.
"Arghh!" She face palmed herself in pure embarrassment and stepped aside for Karim to enter.
He couldn't help but smile at her antics.
Basmah still had her face covered as she
turned away to have a conversation with herself.
'Stop embarrassing yourself. He's just a normal guy.'
'A really handsome normal guy.'
'Shut up.'
'No you shut up. Let's start again and don't mess up.'
Basmah sighed. Why was her inner consciousness so rough? Don't go judging though. A lot of people spoke to themselves...I think.
She turned with a small smile.
"I'm so sorry for that. I was a little nervous. Anyways...welcome to my humble abode." Basmah gave him a wide smile.
Humble abode? Her home was nothing but humble. It could be about 5 times his house and almost 1/6th of the palace back home. And that was saying something because their palace was the 3rd largest in the world. He had to drive through a long path before actually getting to the house. So humble was not the right word.
"Thanks."
Basmah smiled and tried to reach out for Samia but Karim instinctively stepped back before she could.
"Calm down, mama bear. I just thought it would be better if I sent her to the kids yard with the other kids." Basmah explained.
Leave a group of kids and babies together? He wasn't going to let Samia be left alone. Kids could be rough at times and Samia was just a baby. A fragile little baby.
He gave her a concerned look.
"There are two caretakers there. Plus there are cameras so don't worry." Basmah assured him.
"You do this often?" Karim wondered.
"Yes. My dad is a know-all person. Most of his friends have kids so to prevent them from being trouble, he made a kids yard." Basmah explained simply.
"I see."
Reluctantly, he put the carrier down and picked up Samia.
"Don't fall in love with anyone, darling." Karim kissed her forehead as he smiled but Samia's pacifier was more precious than him at the moment.
He handed her to Basmah and luckily she didn't make a fuss about it.
"There are gonna be so many cute boys after you and your daddy can't do anything about that." Basmah lightly joked which received a playful glare from Karim.
"Come on. I'll show you the yard before we head to the back to meet my parents."
Karim nodded and followed her silently through a door.
They walked a while until Karim saw what he'd describe as a kid's heaven. Even the twins didn't have a playground like that. All thanks to their money-hater mother...anything above 10 dollars was expensive to her.
"I know right! Makes me want to be a kid again." Basmah exhaled loudly.
There were other kids already there and Karim had spotted Nabeela. There were two women intently watching them so they wouldn't hurt each other. The whole place looked baby proof.
"Samia's going to make a lot of friends. Yes you will." Basmah walked closer and placed her by Nabeela.
"Take care of her, okay. She's a baby." Basmah informed the caretakers with a serious professional face.
"Yes ma'am." They both replied in unison.
"And Samia, take care of Nabeela for me. Make sure she doesn't swallow anything." Basmah joked and pinched Nabeela's cheeks.
"I don't swallow things again." Nabeela defended herself with a pout.
"Good for you."
Karim smiled at the banter going on in front of him. He wanted to hug Samia but she had her full attention on some other babies playing.
So much for not falling in love.
"Let's go and meet everyone." Basmah clapped excitedly.
She was such a child and Karim couldn't help but laugh at her behavior.
Karim diligently followed behind her. There were so many doors in the house. She walked through a door to another pathway. Karim could smell something grilling already. But before they could get anywhere his eyes caught onto something. He stopped and walked a step back.
Was that...?
"That's supposed to be my great grandfather. My dad's grandfather. He's shaking hands with the previous previous king of the Emirates."
Basmah had noticed him stop and had come back to him.
King!?...Emirates!? That was literally his great grandfather. He hadn't met him because he died before he came to the Emirates. But there were pictures of him and his dad talked about him too. He even looked a little like his father just not that much but there was a resemblance.
"You're Emirati?" Karim asked
"Partly. My dad is an Emirati and my mom's Turkish. But I was born here. Grew up here too.
"I'm Emirati too." Karim did not know why he said that.
"Really!? My dad's going to love you. He loves anyone who has the slightest bit of Emirati in them." Basmah grinned.
"Here. See this too." Basmah pointed out to another picture on the wall.
This one was of another man and his grandfather.
What was this? Emirati monarchy pathway?!!
"That's my grandfather...
"And the previous king of the Emirates."
"Yhhh...You familiar with the royal family?" Basmah enquired.
"Yep." Karim looked away.
"That's nice. I don't even know anyone of them. My dad's is like a big advocate of them. Always praising the king." Basmah shrugged.
Her father was definitely going to know him. He didn't know if he should tell her now or wait...
"Your dad won't have a picture of him with the present king?" Karim looked across the pictures hanging on the wall.
"He actually does. Supposedly he met him a few weeks ago at a conference. The picture is supposedly being framed." Basmah eye rolled.
"Supposedly?"
"Yes. He has wanted to get a picture with him for years now. But the king seems pretty hard to get especially since he doesn't live there like his dad and his dad before him." She started to walk slowly. "We tend to tease him a lot so I'm sure he might have made it up." She chuckled.
Karim gave a tight smile.
"He even says I will have to take a picture with the next king. Like I'm gonna do that. He's obviously a big headed, annoying, jerk who thinks he rules the world. Monarchies suck you know."
Ouch. That hurt. She clearly wasn't a fan.
"Ouch. Um. Basmah I need to tell you something. I'm..."
"We're here." She didn't let him finish when she opened up the French door to reveal a well decorated backyard with different varieties of food displaced.
"Dad!"
"Wait! No. I don't think that's a good idea." Karim tried to stop her but she had already got her father's attention. He wasn't that far from them. Just a few steps away and he was with a couple chatting.
"Why?" Basmah arched a brow.
When her father turned to look at her fully, he smiled. Then his eyes moved to her daughter's most expected guest.
He dropped his plate.
"That's why."
**
"What!?" Basmah screeched.
She couldn't believe her ears.
"I always said you'd take a picture with the future king. I never expected you to bring him home too!"
Rewind.
After the plate fell, his mouth hanged open. So did a few others. Why wouldn't they. The future king was in their presence.
Basmah walked quickly to her father. Leaving Karim standing there with people staring at him.
"Dad? What's wrong?" Basmah was concerned.
Her dad looked fully shocked.
"Dad? Are you okay?" She asked again when he didn't answer her first question.
Her father turned to her.
"Who's that?" He asked her quietly.
"Him? That's Karim. The guest I told you about?" Basmah didn't think his father had forgotten already.
She had been talking about Karim all the time this week.
"He's Emirati." It wasn't a question.
By this time, Karim had moved closer to them because standing there was very awkward.
"Yhh. How do you know that?" Basmah had just found out herself. So how did he know already.
"He's the son of King Abdul Malik Tawfiq. Future king of the Emirates." Her father simply said as he turned his attention to Karim.
Presently.
"Why didn't you tell me you are friends with the crown prince!? I can hardly believe it." Her dad looked at her with surprise.
Basmah glared at Karim who had his hands behind him out of respect.
Karim just pursed his lips.
"I'm having a hard time believing it myself. 5 minutes ago he was Karim now he's a crown prince. Fantastic." She seethed.
She couldn't believe she had insulted him indirectly for being an annoying jerk.
"Don't mind my daughter." The older man smiled.
"Let's walk."
"Sure." Karim nodded.
"Anyways I'm Khalid Manan. Father of this beautiful girl here."
Karim was walking side by side with Khalid but he could feel Basmah glaring daggers at her.
"I'm Karim, sir." Karim said.
"Oh don't call me sir. You will be the next king. I should call you sir."
"But I'm not. And your the father of my friend plus you are older than me. That demands respect." Karim nodded.
He heard Basmah grunt in annoyance. Why was she so angry with him. They had met only twice. The right time hadn't shown up to tell her.
"My Allah. You are very humble, my son. Just like your father. He didn't act all high and mighty when I met him. If you are able to infiltrate his security team you will be able to talk to him forever. Unfortunately, we couldn't talk for long since he was very busy."
"That's my dad. He'd be glad I met a friend of his." Karim smiled.
Khalid's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh no! I won't say friend. We barely talked for 5 minutes. Besides I'm not sure he remembers me." Khalid shook his head in a negative.
"Then I'll be sure to tell him about you when I call."
They had gotten a little farther from the lunch area now.
"Oh you don't have to." Khalid raised a hand to shrug it off.
"Oh I do."
"Just accept the offer from the prince." Basmah cut in with an eye roll.
"Just Karim." Karim turned his attention to her. She had a scowl on her face.
"Sure. Prince."
"Basmah, behave." Khalid faked laughed.
What was she doing?
"I'm sorry." Basmah apologized to her father.
"Did I do something?" Karim asked her.
"Oh no. It's nothing personal. She just has a huge problem with the whole monarchy system. Short to say, she doesn't like royals." Khalid explained as they got to an open area with a bench.
Khalid sat down with Basmah by his one side and Karim by his other side.
"What do you have against the monarchy?" Karim scrunched his eyes.
"Everything."
Khalid sent her a warning glare.
"Like."
Khalid wanted his children to have a free lifestyle. That's why he allowed them to choose whatever they want. Her first daughter choose to be a Pharmacist. Amazing. But Basmah...she decided to go into politics. Now there wasn't a problem about politics. It was just the way she went about it. She was democratic. Very. And apart from democracy, everything else was nonsense. Autocracy. Military rule. Monarchy. She hated their concept. Should have made her become a teacher or something. It was too late now.
"Oh you have no idea. Monarchy is a selfish way of ruling a country. It's almost as selfish as an autocracy just more fancier. A whole country is left in the hands of one family. A leader is forced down their throats because it's their birth right or because their ancestors found the whole country. What guarantees the son of an adored king isn't a psychotic, money envious person? What guarantees the next leader is fit to rule? Nothing." Basmah literally said in one breath.
Karim was surprised. He didn't expect her to rant about her hate for the monarchy. But it was understandable. Especially since some monarchy behaved like autocracy. They destroyed the very image and ideology of a monarchy, which included theirs. This wasn't his first monarch-hater. Back home, there were people like that. People who expected his dad to step down and make the country democratic. Fortunately or unfortunately for them, his dad wasn't going to do that. Besides they had a better monarchy system than any country had.
"I get you. There are a few monarchies that are run by tyrants but the Emirates is different. We aren't a democracy but my dad tries to get the views of his people first. He tries to know what they need most before setting out anything. The House of Kings is the legislative body. My dad doesn't decide anything concerning the country without listening to every single Emir and representative. Some democratic countries today are led by unfit leaders. It's good for the people to have a choice in who to lead them. But people choose who they like not who can lead. People choose on impulse. Sometimes they choose good leaders. Other times they don't. I'd say choosing the right leader is pure luck but I don't believe in luck. It's Qadr. My dad has done more good than a lot of presidents combined. What guarantees that the next president of this country won't be corrupt? What guarantees that he won't destroy the country. Nothing." Karim didn't know he could defend his dad and his country like that. He sighed. "I'm sorry you've had a bad image about monarchies because of a few bad nuts. But give the Emirates a shot. Give my dad a shot." Karim ended his overly long defense statement.
It was quiet. No one said anything. Khalid just waited on Basmah. She always had something to say. She always bit back at people. But for once in Khalid's lifetime, his daughter was quiet. She couldn't say anything.
He decided to break the silence.
"No one has never made my daughter lost of words."
Basmah looked away from her father. It was true. She really had no idea what to say to that. She didn't want to admit it but what he said sounded...reasonable.
She exhaled.
"Okay. Fine. MAYBE everyone deserves a chance to prove theirselves. Even if they've made a bad impression at first. I will give the Emirates a chance. Maybe when you become King, you will fully change my mind." Basmah smiled tightly.
Why was she acting like giving the Emirates a chance was going to save them from impending doom? Sometimes she didn't understand herself either.
"Yes. Sometimes, we need to give everyone a chance." Karim repeated.
Not because of Basmah but because of Zaira.
He still didn't trust her. He was still cautious about her. He still didn't see her as his wife but that didn't mean they couldn't be...civil. Maybe even friends. Maybe.
Besides it was better they were okay with each other. That would guarantee she'd not reveal his secret even after she got what she wanted. In the long run, he might get to know why she was the way she was. It help him understand her.
"I think I ruined your lunch party. I sincerely apologize." Karim pursed his lips.
"Oh no! Don't worry your head about that. I got a royal to attend my lunch." Khalid beamed.
Karim just smiled politely at the elder man.
"I do think I should go."
"Why? You haven't even met my mother and younger brother." Basmah frowned with disappointment.
"Another time. I don't do well with functions where everyone stares at me. Especially since not everyone knows I'm here in the US."Karim revealed.
"Oh. Okay then. Next time then." Basmah's eyes fell.
"I'd love it if you and your family come over my place for dinner? If you aren't that busy?" Karim tried to make it up to her.
She really seemed disappointed he wanted to leave.
Her eyes literally lit up at the invitation but before she could answer, her father beat her to it.
"A personal invitation by the future king? We'd be honored." Karim saw Khalid give Basmah a teasing face to which she replied with a glare. But her face was turning red already.
Khalid was shipping them. He could tell. Basmah was nice. Pretty even. But he was married. Whether he liked it or not. And he couldn't put her hopes up. Even after divorcing Zaira, he'd need a really long time and a miracle to ever think of getting married again. As he always said before, he might make history by being the first king without a Queen.
Sorry Basmah. He said to himself.
"My wife and I would be glad to have you then. I'll text you the details."
Basmah's eyes widened in shock. She so wasn't expecting that. He was married? Why didn't Felix tell her? What would his wife think of her?
"You're married? Again?" Khalid asked, also in plain shock.
He obviously knew Karim was married already. But he also knew his wife was dead. He only had a daughter.
"Um. Yes. A while ago. It's still under wraps so no one really knows about it."
"Oh I see. That's...nice."
Khalid smiled and Basmah forced a smile.
I'm not the right person for you.
Karim smiled too and stood up.
"We will be expecting you then."
"Yes. I don't feel so good. I'm sorry I can't see you out. Excuse me." Basmah quickly walked away ignoring her father's concerned calls.
"I'm sorry about her."
"No need. She's not feeling well I guess." Karim shrugged.
"Hmmm. I guess. I'll see you out then."
**
Thirty minutes later Karim was in his car with a very annoyed Samia. She had cried her eyes out when Karim came for her. Guess she already loved her new playground or maybe she just loved seeing other babies.
"I said I'm sorry." Karim looked at Samia through the rear view mirror.
She was sucking on her pacifier not giving a damn about him.
"I had to do it. You know I had to." Karim scrunched his face and groaned.
He was literally having a conversation with a baby.
"Fine. You win. I'll increase your play time." Karim sighed in mock defeat.
The car became silent for a while before Karim spoke again since he was the only person who could.
"We are going to be civil with Zaira from now on. At least try to be live in acquaintances."
At that moment Samia pushed the pacifier out of her mouth. She seemed to not like the idea.
"Don't show me that attitude, young lady. We both don't like it but it's better than living like enemies forever. Besides she knows too much. So she has to be on my team."
Samia started drooling out saliva.
"Sucks right? I know. Just a small price to pay to get the bigger fish. We are acting better from now on. No more hostility. That includes no screaming when she picks you up." Karim gave the orders.
"I'm serious. We are eating anything she invites us to. After she eats first though."
"Are we clear on that?" Karim asked.
Samia just brought out her lower lip and blew on it.
"I will take that as a yes." Karim nodded with a satisfied smile.
~
When Karim entered the house, he was greeted with silence. At first he thought Zaira had gone out since it was Saturday but he found her asleep on the couch. She had her feet crossed under her and her head was lying back. In her hands lied a game console and another one by her.
The tv was paused on a football game. Was she waiting for him? Or did she play with someone else?
Karim decided to go put Samia in her room since she was already dozing off.
After making sure she was comfortable, he went back to the living room to see Zaira still asleep. How was she comfortable in that position?
It was late afternoon and he hadn't even prayed Asr yet.
He went to his room to take a quick shower before performing wudhu to pray. After praying, he wore black joggers and wore a blue t-shirt as he made his way to the kitchen to get something to eat.
He'd have to order something in the end though because he was too tired to whip anything out.
As he got to the kitchen, his gaze fell on Zaira still sleeping in the couch but this time her head was in a bad position. Did she want to break her neck?
Karim sighed and walked over to the couch. He tried to fix her head's position without waking her up but she stirred and mumbled.
"I know he will love me." She mumbled in her sleep.
That obviously wasn't him. It had to be her first boyfriend she ran away with. Because they both weren't going to fall in love. It just wasn't a possible pairing because they hated each other mutually. Hate was a big word though.
He finally made up his mind to wake her up so she could go and sleep in her room or something. How does he wake her up though?
She looked pretty comfortable in her clothes, her extra extra large shirt that reached halfway across her thighs and black tights. Her hair in a simple lazy bun. She had done nothing today then.
Karim tapped her arm lightly and her eyes quickly snapped open. Wasn't a deep sleeper then. She looked disoriented for a few seconds until her eyes landed on Karim. She gave him a smile.
"You came early." She noted.
"Yes. Something came up. Did you have a guest over?" Karim looked at the free game console by her.
She followed his gaze to see the game console.
"Oh no! No one was here. I promise!" She defended.
"I just brought it out because I thought maybe you might come back earlier and want to play with me?" She placed a strand of her now fading blue hair into the tie keeping her bun in place.
"I see." Karim walked to the side of the couch with the console and sat down.
"You gonna play?"Zaira asked shocked.
"Yes. You were waiting for me right? But we have to order something. I'm hungry. If there's any left overs too I'd be glad." Karim exited the current match and began to select another match.
"Um. Yeahh! I made something a while ago. You want to try it?" Zaira was flabbergasted.
"Yes. Please. I'm starving." Karim exaggerated. "But after the game."
"You are not afraid I might poison you?" Zaira asked with an arched brow.
"You won't poison me. You need me alive." Karim shrugged.
"Let's make this simple, Zaira. I want to make this work."
Zaira looked confused. What work? Their marriage?
"Not the marriage. Us. It's harder to pretend we are a happy couple when we are enemies than pretending we are a couple when we are friends or at least something close to that. I want to be able to trust you enough to leave Samia with you and go to work. That is if you don't have anything to do. I want to be on good terms with you. Good terms such that I'd be highly assured you'd never poison me or Samia." Karim raised his brows. " I want us to live in peace. Like college roommates so that when we go our separate ways we won't have problems with each other."
"Turn a new leaf you mean?" Zaira pondered.
"Precisely."
"That's pretty fine with me. That's what I have been trying to do for awhile now. Besides Samantha called today and said the office was having problems with fake marriages and even though she told them about you, they still don't want to believe it's a real marriage because a crown prince doesn't go round asking for citizenship for his wife in another country. She said she would try harder but it would take a while." Zaira gave a sympathetic smile.
"I had a feeling this marriage wouldn't last just a month. All the more reason to turn a new leaf now." Karim nodded.
"Yes. And to turning a new leaf, I want to sincerely apologize for how inconsiderate I was to your friend's death. I know you blame me for not being able to say goodbye to her. And especially what I said after, to provoke you. I was stupid then. So I want to say how sorry I am." She looked sincere.
"Her name was Amira. And the past is the past. Please don't talk about it again. Especially to me." Karim forced out.
He had to let it go so they could start a new page. Great.
He knew he loved her. Maybe not the greatest love of all time but he was surely getting there. More closer than he had with Shams.
But before anything could happen, she was snatched away. Just like Shamsiya.
But just like Shamsiya, Amira would be the only woman alongside Shamsiya who came close enough to his heart. And even though it hurt when he lost them, he was thankful for having such amazing people in his life. Alhamdulilah.
"I'm taking Madrid." Karim finally said with a small but genuine smile.
"Bayern."
"Game on."
And so it began.
____________________________________
Hey 👋🥳
Unfortunately I couldn't do a double update cause that would mean a longer time to post.💀💔
I don't want that to happen because it's been too long since I updated.
Jazak Allah for being patient with me🥳❤️
I just feel like asking.
How did y'all end up finding any of my books?
Recommendation by a friend or by yourselves?
And where are you currently reading my books from?
I'm writing from Accra, Ghana.
What about y'all?
I just wanna be interactive 😂😂💔
But anyways don't forget to comment a lot on the story. Because of y'all's comments I pushed harder to update.
#VCS
Ciao🥳🥳❤️❤️