Jamil's one-week vacation in Nur Sultan with Yasmin had given him the renewed vigor to face another chapter of gruelling days at work. As soon as he entered his office, Julie smiled. He wondered why and was about to ask her.
"Sorry, boss, can't help it, but you look ten years younger," Julie said, smiling.
"Thanks, I'm just relaxed," Jamil replied with a little laugh.
Then, he excused himself to see his father first. It pleased his father to have him back as he slapped his chest with the back of his hand. Jamil smiled. Naseem reminded him that since he was not so keen about marriage yet, his younger brother will just have to get married before him. His brother's engagement will happen in two weeks, he said, and he'll need him to take the helm in the company, as the entire family will soon be busy with Fayed's engagement.
"Sure, no problem," says Jamil.
He offered his father his services if needed.
"Anything for Fayed," he said.
His father knows that too. These two brothers were so close indeed, anyone would think they were full brothers. Naseem was so lucky to have Jamil as his eldest child. Jamil wasn't only a dutiful son to his mother, but also a good older brother to his half-siblings, his father thought.
Fayed is six years younger than him, born to an Emirati mother. Fayed's mother divorced his father because of his very controlling nature. It was because his father had the means to support the children, and it was Fayed's mother who started the divorce. The children stayed with their father. Fayed was only eight years old then. He has a younger sister, Layla, four years younger. The doctor diagnosed Layla with anemia. The girl was frail and ashen. Several times, when his father was not available to take Layla for her regular blood check and prescriptions, Jamil would take his place. He was very doting on his sister. Most times, he would carry her. She was smaller than most girls her age. Her delicate body would easily get tired. She would sleep for most of the day.
Both these two children grew up knowing Jamil as their eldest brother. And although Jamil's and Fayed's mothers were of different nationalities, anyone can't believe just how much Jamil and Fayed look alike, they could pass as twins - the father's genes must be stronger than both mothers' - both men indeed took after their father's looks. Though six years older, Jamil's Asian genes must have contributed to his younger looks, and Fayed being full-Arab looks more mature than his age.
Often, Fayed's friends would tell him they'd seen him somewhere. Fayed would later confirm it was his big brother, Jamil, his friends saw and mistook for him.
While growing up, Jamil had always been his closest buddy. Jamil would travel to Dubai during his summer vacations and would stay at home with his little brother. This started even before Fayed's sister Layla was born. They became close, and Jamil was very protective of him. Being an only child, Jamil grew up having Fayed as his brother, playmate, and friend. Jamil would take Fayed to the garden and play ball with him. He taught Fayed how to play football using a beach ball. No wonder the bond between the brothers was closer than anyone in the family. Fayed would confide in his big brother more than he does with his father. He found his big brother to be more understanding, easier to talk to, and more tolerant. Fayed could share anything with Jamil and he would listen - his hobbies, interests, sports, crushes, heartaches, and now, his impending engagement and eventual marriage.
Jamil knew Fayed's feelings regarding this marriage. He didn't want it. He was not ready. He had never known the girl. He didn't care if she was beautiful, as his father always described her to be. There was a time his father said it again.
Fayed retorted, "So what?"
Luckily, Jamil was there. He pretended to be the person Fayed was talking to, and the recipient of that retort. He wrestled his brother while pulling him away from their father. He pulled him out of the house and into the yard. Assured that they were at a safe distance, Jamil loosened his grip on Fayed and ruffled his hair instead. That was Jamil's act of endearment with Fayed, and Fayed knew that too. His brother saved him from their father's wrath.
***
One day, Fayed called on Jamil to ask if he could drop by his flat. Jamil was more than happy to accommodate him, he said. Fayed brought with him a six-pack of beer and some chips. When Jamil opened the door, he could sense that Fayed had something weighing on his mind. Jamil switched on the TV to an ongoing basketball game while Fayed pulled the tabs of the two beer cans, offering the first opened can to his brother. Fayed was quiet and had not said a single word at all until the first quarter of the game ended. Jamil could sense that Fayed didn't seem to know how to start his confession; maybe he'll just wait until the beer had loosened his tongue. Jamil didn't have to wait for that. He switched off the TV and directed his attention to Fayed. He looked at him straight in the eye.
Suddenly, without warning, Fayed sobbed.
He didn't want this engagement or marriage; he said. Fayed wanted to live his life the way he wanted it. Why can't he? Why did it have to be their father deciding for their lives? Couldn't their father see he was not happy? He added he was still too young to be looking after a wife or a child.
"I am still a child, too, and do not know how to handle the responsibility for a family. I want to go out with friends, experience a lot of things, and maybe see places." Fayed sobbed.
Fayed knew that years ago, his brother, Jamil, was in the same situation too. He fought their father over an arranged marriage with a very young girl, just a few years older than their sister, Layla. His brother had suffered. He knew from his brother that their father's bodyguards had been tailing him. Fayed suspected that his brother Jamil had a girlfriend he loves, but couldn't be with, because of their father.
Jamil didn't know how to console his brother. He felt sorry for him. Jamil felt that if he will speak for Fayed regarding his engagement, he would take the brunt of the situation. He'll surely open up a can of worms from five years ago. He can't even offer a word of advice or comfort to his brother. Jamil let Fayed drown himself with the remaining four cans of beer. He let him cry and release all his anger and frustration at their father. It would be useless to say anything, mused Jamil. It won't ease his pain, anyway.
So after Fayed, it's Layla's turn, their little sister, Jamil thought. And for a girl to be forced into marriage, especially at a very young age, it's cruel. The sex or the mating part will be very traumatic for the young girl, especially if she doesn't love the man. Being the eldest sibling, Jamil felt responsible for them, but how could he fight their father?
After the four cans of beer, Fayed slept on the sofa. Jamil worried he would be hungry later, and he didn't have food at home. Should he cook some soup, perhaps? But it will just turn cold if he won't have it now. Should he order pizza before all the food delivery services close? That would turn hard and cold too. He only has some cup noodles and breakfast cereals. Maybe he could have that when he wakes up hungry.
He took a pillow and a blanket from his cabinet and put the pillow under his brother's head and the blanket over him. He sat by the single sofa looking pitifully at his brother, sprawled on his 3-seater sofa.
There's something he realized in life. Not all rich kids are lucky. Like himself, Fayed and Layla. He'd trade the wealth he has, for a life with Yasmin, he thought. And Fayed and Layla would say the same thing, too.
Yasmin may not be rich, or may not even have even known her father, but at least she's free to live the way she wishes. He's very sure that if Yasmin would come to know Fayed and Layla, she'd love them too.
Jamil sat there for a long time, worrying that his brother would leave as soon as he wakes up, and he couldn't let him go. He's drunk, the police authorities will pick him up, if caught walking on the streets drunk. He slept on the one-seater sofa, sitting down, just to be on guard until the morning after.
***
More than a week after Jamil left Nur Sultan, Yasmin was so surprised to hear from her mother. She was in Abu Dhabi, she said, for her business. She was in town to purchase some fabrics and wedding accessories for her shop. Her mother was in the business of providing materials and accessories for weddings and similar occasions. Many of her clients were couturiers, other shop owners, wedding planners, and even the brides themselves. She loved her business because she liked pretty things, dresses, princess gowns, ballroom attires, and such. Yasmin would describe her mother as a little girl when she accompanied her in buying these items. She liked everything cute, dainty, and pretty, but she was hopeless in decisions. Zora couldn't just buy everything. She had to choose, and that's where Yasmin comes in. Yasmin would make the choices for her mother. That's why her mom wanted her as her companion when purchasing.
Zora would say, "You must be the mother, and I am your daughter."
Yasmin was giving her advice on what to choose. They would often laugh when her mom would realize, that she's practically relying on Yasmin's decisions. And here she was again. Unfortunately, she was no longer in Abu Dhabi. That's why she called her. She asked Yasmin if she still travels to the UAE. Yasmin said she does. But she couldn't file for one week. If it's okay with her, she will use her weekend off, and perhaps another day or two, to include her travel days, from and to Kazakhstan and the UAE. Her mother said two days would be just fine with her. She would make the purchases in one day, and the next day, attend the daughter's wedding of her Indian best friend Lakshmi at some hotel in Dubai.
Her mom told Yasmin that her friend had already prepared something for them both to wear for the wedding. The wedding seemed too lavish. She said that they could only wear those glittering, extravagant saris, and Indian footwear to match them. It's a very traditional Indian wedding. They couldn't wear their normal western clothing. She hoped she will be okay with that. Yasmin said she didn't mind wearing a sari, but she wished that the wedding was in Abu Dhabi, and not Dubai.
She thought that would mean having to tell Jamil about it. She couldn't go to Dubai without advising Jamil well in advance, she thought. But she will be with her mother, and she didn't know yet that they had reunited. What would her mother possibly say? Would it be okay with her? If she will meet Jamil, they will have to tell her mother that they were in a relationship again. It would have been alright, but they couldn't disclose their relationship because of Jamil's father. Oh, goodness! What will she do? Maybe she would just tell Jamil not to worry about her safety; that she's in Dubai with her mom to attend some function. End of story. Why does everything have to be so complicated? She thought.
The Project Director granted Yasmin two days of leave, aside from her weekend off. She's flying to Dubai on Wednesday evening, arriving on Thursday early morning to shop with her mom; attend the wedding on Friday in Dubai, then fly back to Nur Sultan on Saturday morning. This way she can rest on Saturday afternoon and report back to work on Sunday morning.
No way should she meet Jamil with her mom in town. She'll just messaged him on Friday morning that she's in Dubai but need not worry about her possibly meeting that man, Ibrahim, since she'll be with her mom in a full-packed wedding venue, and no way can Ibrahim kidnap her. She completed her would-be action for Friday.
When she arrived in Dubai, her mom fetched her from the airport and took a cab to her mom's hotel in Abu Dhabi. They left the hotel to do their shopping the whole day.
***
It was nice to see Abu Dhabi once again for both of them. Yasmin felt nostalgic walking along the corniche. It had been home for them for years, and she felt a strong affinity for Abu Dhabi. She loved Abu Dhabi. Glad to be back, "Home Sweet Home," she said, as she breathed in the air along the corniche.
When they finished shopping, they went to a women's saloon for a full body massage, hair and facial spa, and nail treatment. They'll be attending the wedding event tomorrow. It would be nice to look great.
Yasmin worried the sari might not fit. Her mom eased her worries since they'd soon be receiving the dresses by courier that day, and she'll still have the time to make the adjustments, being a seamstress herself, and she brought her complete sewing kit with her.
When they finished at the saloon, they returned to the hotel. They bought takeout food for their dinner. They planned to travel early to the hotel tomorrow so they could witness the full Indian wedding ceremony. It would be the first time for Yasmin and Zora to witness such a ceremony.
The lavish wedding ceremony will happen at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at the heart of Dubai Marina. This is one of the top venues for weddings in Dubai. No wonder many are booking with this hotel. Wedding celebrations will start at around 7 p.m.
***
Yasmin and Zora arrived half an hour earlier at the venue. Zora introduced Yasmin to her friend, Lakshmi. Now in Dubai, but Yasmin hasn't texted Jamil yet. Maybe there'll be no chance at all to see Jamil in Dubai Marina. Besides, it will be few hours only in Dubai; they'll be in Abu Dhabi right after the wedding. By tomorrow, she'll be in Kazakhstan, it's a quick trip. She won't even have to mention to Jamil that she came to Dubai on this date.
The hotel is hosting three occasions that evening. The Loulou'a Ballroom, which is an indoor reception, and two outdoor receptions; at the Gulf Lawn and Sunbird Lawn. Gulf Lawn will host Lakshmi's daughter and her groom's wedding; Sunbird Lawn, an engagement party. The hotel will hold the events simultaneously.
Fayed's engagement party will take place at the Sunbird Lawn at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. He had insisted with this dad on a small guests list. For him, it is not a joyous occasion, but the end of his freedom and bachelor days. He is entering a complicated life he is not ready to face yet.
Fayed was at the venue wearing a white dishdasha as most men were; his headwear, showing him as the 'Man of the Hour' or the groom to be.
A UAE traditional wedding would last for at least a week, starting with Al Khoutha, the marriage proposal ceremony. The groom's father would ask the bride's father for the daughter's hand in marriage. Upon consent, both parties would sign the marriage contract agreement called the Al Akhd and set the wedding date, normally 40 days after, to prepare and pamper the couple, most especially the bride. During these days, ceremonies like bridal showers and stag parties from families and friends, and gift-giving, will transpire. The bride's wedding dress, called Addahbia, will come from the extravagantly gifted fabrics of silk, satin, and laces. Henna night takes place a few days before the wedding, attended by the female relatives and friends of the bride. They would dance to a full night of alluring Middle Eastern music, swaying to the rhythm of belly dancing, and satisfying their palates with deliciously appealing Arab delights. Arab weddings are very extravagant, especially for the rich.
When the event was about to start, and both parties were being called to the venue, Fayed was nowhere to be seen. Jamil had to look for him. According to one of the hotel staff, he saw him walking towards the other wedding venue, the Gulf Lawn.
Zora, Yasmin's mom, was coming out from the women's restroom, going back to the venue where Yasmin was sitting when she saw Fayed. She couldn't move. The man who looked like Jamil was wearing something suited for a wedding. Zora had no inkling at all that Jamil and Yasmin had reunited, so he thought Jamil had left Yasmin to marry another woman.
As the engagement party was due to start, Jamil asked the server, who had seen Fayed heading towards the Gulf Lawn, to find him and bring him to the venue. When the server saw Fayed, he relayed Jamil's message to return to Sunbird Lawn. Fayed moved back to his engagement venue.
Zora immediately returned to Yasmin. But Yasmin was not at their table when Zora arrived. She was worried. She hoped she wouldn't see Jamil. It would hurt Yasmin; Zora thought. When after some time, Yasmin hadn't returned yet, Zora went looking for her.
Zora saw Yasmin at a distance. As she was about to call her, she saw the billboard on Sunbird Lawn. It read, "Al Abdallah-Khouri Engagement." Zora's heart sank. This must be Jamil's engagement party, she thought. She saw Yasmin had seen it too and was moving towards the venue where the couple to be engaged were being surrounded by their relatives and friends. Zora ran towards Yasmin to stop her, but Yasmin had already entered the venue and was running towards the group of people holding the ceremony.
"Yasmin!" Zora cried at the top of her lungs.
Yasmin had reached the groom, and held Fayed's left arm, as he was facing the woman he was to be engaged to. The entire scene froze at that instant, like a movie scene locked in a frame. No one had moved. It shocked everyone to see another woman holding onto Fayed's arm while in tears.
Jamil, who was right behind his father, saw the woman in an Indian sari, but he had never expected it to be Yasmin until he heard her name, and later saw her mom behind her.
Aside from the couple, everyone was looking at Yasmin and her mom. Jamil's father, the parents of Maha Khouri, Dodi Ghanem, and her daughter, Amina, Ibrahim, Kamal, and all those present stood immobile and shocked.
Yasmin's mother was right behind her and was holding Yasmin's arm. The scene, frozen in time.
The parents of Maha Khouri were the first to react.
"What is the meaning of this?" the father of Maha Khouri asked, looking at Fayed.
Yasmin soon realized that the man was not Jamil. He looked like Jamil, but it wasn't Jamil. She immediately removed her hand from Fayed's arm and looked around her. She apologized, realizing her mistake while she kept bowing her head, and slowly moved backward.
It was then she saw Jamil. Their gazes locked for minutes. Jamil was also in shock and didn't know how to react.
When her mother called her name again, Dodi Ghanem moved forward towards the mother and daughter.
"Zora, Yasmin," Dodi called.
It shocked Zora to see the man who called their names. Jamil's father looked at his friend Dodi, then at Zora and Yasmin. He was wondering why his friend seemed to know both mother and daughter. He noticed too that the young woman has a resemblance to Dodi and his daughter, Amina. Yasmin looked at her mom, who turned pale at that moment.
"Mom, are you okay? Do you know him?" Yasmin asked.
Zora couldn't answer. She tried to pull Yasmin out of the venue and ran outside, still holding Yasmin with her. Dodi tried to run after them. Jamil ran after them. Kamal was calling out to Ibrahim, who was also running after Yasmin and Zora.
The father of Maha Khouri slapped Fayed hard on the cheek, while the girl's family moved to approach their daughter, taking her to their side while trying to console her.
Jamil's father simply couldn't understand the situation. He asked his son, Fayed, who the woman was, but he answered he did not know as well. He was also seeing her for the first time; he said.
But it seemed like his brother Jamil knows her, he thought. Jamil had even run after her and the mother. But why has his father's friend run after them, too? And he seems to know them well, Fayed was thinking.
Naseem slumped in his seat, and so has the father of Maha Khouri, glaring at both father and son. Mrs. Khouri, her family, friends, and relatives have moved out of the venue, and so have some of the other guests. Some, however, have stayed at the reception to partake in the dinner buffet.
Jamil had instructed a staff member at the parking lot before leaving the hotel with Yasmin and her parents to feed all the remaining guests at Sunbird Lawn, whatever happens. They had already paid the expenses for both the venue and dinner buffet; he thought. Why waste it?
When Mr. Khouri's anger finally subsided, he stood up and tersely said aloud for everyone to hear that he was calling off the engagement. Naseem can only sigh, but Fayed thankfully breathes a sigh of relief. He closed his eyes while looking up at the ceiling and thanked that woman. He was glad this had happened.
"Allah Kareem." God is good, he thought.
***
Outside the hotel, Zora and Yasmin had flagged a taxi and Yasmin was just about to open the door when Ibrahim grabbed her wrist. Dodi Ghanem held Zora's arm by the elbow. Jamil saw this and tried to remove Ibrahim's hand on Yasmin. He looked at Ibrahim while holding Yasmin's hand in his.
"Please, she's my fiancee. We are engaged." Jamil said.
Zora looked at Jamil, then at Yasmin. Only then did Ibrahim remove his hand from Yasmin. Jamil hugged Yasmin to his chest, then faced Yasmin's mom.
"Mom, Yasmin, and I are engaged," Jamil said.
Jamil turned to Dodi Ghanem.
"I am sorry, but I can't marry your daughter; I am engaged to Yasmin," Jamil confessed.
Dodi looked at Zora, then at Yasmin, and finally at Jamil. Dodi Ghanem admitted to Jamil.
"I am Yasmin's father," Dodi said.
Time froze, especially for Yasmin. The turn of events dazed Yasmin that she wasn't able to grasp everything and fainted. Luckily, Jamil was holding her arm and stopped her fall. He carried her to his parked car a distance away, with Zora and Dodi following behind him.
Zora and Dodi took the passenger seat while Jamil sat Yasmin in front, reclined her seat, and strapped her belt. Zora sat at the back of Yasmin's seat, touching Yasmin's face gently as her tears flowed. Zora was sorry that Yasmin had to meet her father that way that night.
Jamil took them to his flat.
What transpired tonight did not prepare Jamil for what to expect this evening. He wondered what had happened to Fayed and the girl. The last scene he saw before running out of the venue was the father of the girl slapping Fayed on the face. Yasmin mistook Fayed for him.
"Sorry, Fayed." he thought.
But, Fayed might have felt grateful, the engagement did not happen. Tonight was simply crazy.
***
When they reached Jamil's apartment building, Yasmin's parents followed him. Upon reaching his flat on the tenth floor, Jamil gave Zora the key to open the door as he was carrying Yasmin. He took Yasmin straight to his bedroom and laid her there while Yasmin's parents waited in the living room. Jamil went into the kitchen to prepare coffee for them.
He was sure that this was going to be a long talk and a long night between Yasmin's parents. But finally, he was glad this had happened. Now that it turned out that the man was Yasmin's father and the girl was Yasmin's half-sister, could this mean that he and Yasmin could get married? Yasmin is the daughter of this man, too. Finally, something is unravelling, and he's glad. Hopefully, something good will come out of this. There must be hope on the horizon for him and Yasmin.
***
Ibrahim barged back into the venue pissed but seemed pleased at the same time to report to Jamil's father in the presence of Fayed that the woman was Jamil's fiancee. That Jamil was engaged to that woman! He may be mad that Jamil owned that woman, but glad to have finally found something about him after all those years of spying on him; tailing him and pretending to be friends with him. He now hoped to find favor with Naseem Al Abdallah.
Fayed was open-mouthed in shock to hear this, but very pleased. Knowing her to be his brother's fiancee, he wanted to meet her, and know her. He might even hug and kiss her if that is possible, grateful for saving his life from a life of doom. Right now, he wanted to jump, throw air-punches with his right arm, and simply scream, "Yes, yes, yes!" He wished to see Jamil with her right now and hug them both. Allah is finally favoring them. How he wished to see his brother married to her.
Naseem dismissed Ibrahim and left the venue.
Thinking that he was all alone now, Fayed did exactly what he was thinking. He jumped so many times and screamed with glee. When done, and he stopped pirouetting, he came face to face with Amina Ghanem, left by her father still seated in her chair. Fayed apologized instantly. Amina said sorry for his cancelled engagement. But said she can see that he was more pleased than sad, that it didn't happen. Fayed said indeed, he wasn't happy to be engaged; he wasn't ready. Then he asked her why she's still sitting there and she replied that she'll wait for her father. Fayed invited her to eat with him outside at the dinner buffet, while they wait for her father, and she agreed.
"Wow! She's pretty," Fayed thought as he led her the way out.
About two hours later, Jamil called Fayed and asked him if he could find Amina Ghanem in the venue. Fayed said that he's with her, and they're having dinner while waiting for her father. Jamil asked his brother to drop her home because her father can't pick her up sooner. Fayed moved away from the table to tell Jamil that he really wouldn't mind staying with her for far longer in the hotel. Jamil grinned. His brother likes the girl, he thought.
"It's late, Fayed, she needs to go home now," Jamil rebuked his brother.
"Okay, okay," said Fayed morosely.
"Ask her for her address. Take care when driving," Jamil ended.
***
After serving Yasmin's parents the two cups of coffee, Jamil informed them, he'll be in his room with Yasmin should they need anything. Jamil thought he'd give them privacy. He can see that Yasmin's mom had not said a word to Dodi Ghanem since they followed him with Yasmin. Dodi Ghanem seemed fidgety, and reluctant to say anything too, maybe because he was within hearing distance. So, he will leave them to talk alone.
He changed into his jogging pants and a t-shirt, removing the kandura and headwear he wore to Fayed's engagement. He had to be prepared in case he may have to drive Yasmin's parents somewhere. Dodi Ghanem did not bring his car, and Yasmin's mom should return with Yasmin to Abu Dhabi by taxi.
He looked at Yasmin, still wearing the Indian sari, and unconscious after fainting earlier. Jamil sat closer to her on the bed and kissed her gently on the forehead. He pushed off the strand of hair on her eyebrow while holding her left hand. Finally, Yasmin would meet her dad for the first time, he thought. It shocked her, but it will wear off. It's bound to happen anyway, eventually. Who knows, this could be good for them. Who knows, they could finally have his father's blessings to get married.
Jamil saw his father's facial expression when Dodi Ghanem called Yasmin and her mom's names. And his alternating gaze at Dodi and Yasmin. His father must have noted the resemblance. Yasmin has her father's eyes. And remembering that girl, Amina, and seeing her older self now, she looked like Yasmin back in college. There's just a slight difference, but very negligible. Surely, these girls will bond closer when they will come to know each other. Yasmin will be a loving and protective sister to her later on, just as he was to Fayed and Layla. It would thrill Layla to have a big sister in Yasmin too. Jamil hoped things will turn out for the best for them all.
Looking back, he's lucky to have met Yasmin in college. Thanks to those friends who had introduced him to her, he still remembered them, though. Should they get married, he'll try to locate them, and invite them to their wedding. They would love that. Should that happen, should that day come, he'll make it the most memorable day for him and Yasmin.
They are still together because despite their five-year-long separation; they have endured and waited. They have crossed their bridges, rolled through their hurdles, and conquered the odds.
Marriage is for them, for two people who simply refused to give up on each other.