"I see, lucky man. He sees you every day and gets to protect you."
"I think not. His life is a lot more difficult with me around; for some reason, I seem to be more of a problem than a solution."
"I have a solution."
"Not this again..."
"I really need this favour, I beg you."
Chapter 9
"I need help finding my brother; he's doing something that will make our father very angry."
"How do you expect me, of all people, to find him."
"If only you knew how much power you had,
"Please just sign the contract; it's just a piece of paper. You don't have to live with me or love me or whatever. For three months, the contract will cease to exist without it affecting you, me, and our people."
"And what contract is this..."
"Marriage contract," he said, handing me a file, "I already lost my father, I really need my brother."
"Fine..but only because I owe you a few favours. We`re even after this."
He smiled again and embraced me—odd behaviour indeed. Later that evening, we arrived at his new house. He said it was smaller than his previous house. I believe that Adams's definition of small is never really small. We sat near the pool of his new apartment, which was fairly close to my parent's territory. A risk taker is an understaement.
I am a vessel. My soul, my body, and my mind do not belong to me. I am created, raised and cared for in hopes that I'd be better, stronger and smarter than all else. i am a vessel just like everyone else, forced into a destiny i can not control. My heart softened for this man since that day. Where i as an orphan was given the honour of meeting a parent but losing them almost instantly. I was hoping that i`d be showered with love, gifts but i was shunned instead.
Driven by lustful thought. That's all I could say as I watched him dip in the pool outside. My lust drove me because I couldn't look away, but I did as soon as Daaniyaal approached me with a drink.
"You asked for a soda."
"No, no, you aren't my servant..." I said, giving him the drink, "I was going to get it myself."
"But your husband said that I am..."
"What..no
"No. I can't possibly."
"Mam, if I don't do my job, I won't get paid, and your mother will kill me."
"I... I'm sorry, okay, I'll take it, thank you."
"Are you watching him? Why don't you join him."
"It's not appropriate..." I said.
"But you're married. How is.."
"Too many questions. You're dismissed," I said, giving him the soda, "Don't tell Adam I was here."
"Tell me what?"
How was he...behind me?
"That I had a soda..." I said, trying to sneak away
But he caught me and pulled me toward him.
At least he had a shirt on.
"I told you to stay away from those.. they're bad for you."
"I know, I know. I was just really craving one.
"Why did you stop swimming."
"Saw you and wanted to ask if you'd like to join me."
"No, thank you...I have to draft a few documents."
"It's Sunday...you never work on Sundays."
"Well, I'm behind on work..." I said, stepping away.
"It's fine; I'll help you with it after we swim."
And like that, he picked me up and tossed me into the pool. Shortly after, I stepped out and pushed him in.
"You could've at least let me change..."
"That shirt was ugly anyway."
"Excuse you..."
"Actually, I need to take you shopping."
"No, thank you. And this shirt is not ugly; your stupid face is."
"Oh," he said with a grin, pulling me back into the water. I got to the surface and found that our bodies were touching. I was touching the thing that was driving me out of conduct. His chin was near my forehead, and I could feel we were leaning into one another.
Thank God for Aliyan, who suddenly appeared. I exited the water, grabbed a towel and rushed to a room. I needed to calm myself.
*
"Why are you here?"
"Your father found out about Salama..."
"How... he's been."
"In hiding. Yes
"But your news got to him, and I must say that he isn't pleased."
"What did he say," I asked, jumping to the surface.
He handed me a towel, and we both made our way to the island near the pool.
"He said that you were wrong to marry your enemy's daughter and demanded that you get a divorce soon."
"Isn't this what he wanted?"
"Seemingly..we don't know what he wants.
"I sent him your location, and now we are waiting for a visit."
"I planned on brining my brother out with the news, how did it get to him."
"Leave all that.
"Things are about to get real for you and her."
"By the way...report these things to me in the office. I wouldn't know what to do if Salama overheard."
He nodded, leaving the area.
My father...after disappearing for almost ten years, was now back. I wonder if the people knew that he was missing in the first place.
Salama was still in the lounge, drying her hair. Not from the pool. She had already taken a shower. I approached her, still drenched from my swim. I don't think she noticed that I was still there. She didn't. If she did, she wouldn't wear a hoodie without pants.
I coughed, and she instantly turned, wrapping the towel around her waste.
"Why ...why are you still here? I thought you left with Aliyan."
"I didn't say I was leaving. Besides...I don't work on Sundays."
"I... I'm sorry."
"For," I asked with a teasing smile.
"Nothing...I guess it doesn't matter."
"Salama, are you trying to seduce me..."
"No... of course not. That breaks the entire contract."
"Then why are you making it difficult for me to view you as an employee?"
"What do you mean," she asked, walking up to me, "I haven't done anything that goes against the rules you set."
"You have..."
"How so..."
"It's your eyes?"
"My eyes," she asked.
"You undress me with them..."
Her face was painted red by her blushing. Which meant that she felt what I was.
"How- I do not!"
I pulled her into me, cupping her face.
"Really..."
She looked drunk with desire. I knew her, though; she would not give in to it. Not easily...so I let go. I just wanted to tease her. Get her back for leaving me hungry in the pool. Hungry for a kiss.
After eating, I washed myself and made my way to the fireplace, where she was seated reading a novel—another weird one, I bet. She put the book down after I sat beside her and turned toward me.
"Adam."
"Yes," I replied, looking at her.
"You said that we aren't ordinary and were not raised and birthed to live for ourselves."
"That's the life of a leader and hero."
"What if I don't want to..."
"It will haunt you.
"All the screams, the dead bodies.
"Your people hating and blaming you for their loss. It eats at you."
After that, she turned away, and I heard a sniffle. I moved in towards her. She was...crying. Again. This fierce woman, always yelling and fighting with me, was a softie with a soft heart.
I wiped her tears away, pulling her into my arms. Embracing her. She hugged me back, and I felt my heart skip a beat. How much power does this woman have over me if a simple hug filled my belly with butterflies?
I have never felt. So...at peace. So happy. Not that seeing her cry made me happy, I meant. Being with her made me happy.
"I hope I start making the right decisions," she said, wiping the tears off her face.
"I know you will. We both will."
"You're currently the nicest person in my life.
"Thank you, and I`m sorry for making things difficult for you...I should have reminded myself of all the good you've done for me.
"Guess we`re married now. On paper, at least."
"I guess we married."
I wish things were different. Perhaps in an alternate universe, we are lovers, real lovers with no obligation towards a nation and our parents. She was beautiful, kind and all that I had wished for despite my flaws and my undeserving nature. I wish to have had her near me at all times, not as partner b.
Our lovely comfort session was disturbed by the news. The news of grandmother.
Salama's grandmother was found dead in her home. And just like that, I watched all glimmer drain from her big dark eyes.