COLD FEET. Yasmin had been wanting to get married to Jamil since they reunited. But now that their relationship was in the open and they could easily marry, she had begged Jamil to wait until she finished her employment contract in Kazakhstan. Could it be anxiety, lingering doubts, or fear?
But indeed, Jamil has a lot on his plate at the moment. His father was on medical leave; he was heading the family business, and he needed to train Fayed too. She couldn't add their wedding preparations on top of them; it wasn't the right time.
Their families had announced their engagement in the local paper and made it known to family, relatives, friends, employees, and partners of the Al Abdallah Group. Yasmin wanted her wedding to be exceptional-not extravagant -just uniquely special. Something that would represent their journey in the relationship; the love, the separation, the sacrifices, the persistence, and their endurance.
Though miles apart, they had no more fear about their relationship being threatened by Jamil's father or thwarted by Ibrahim's evil plans. Jamil can now freely travel to and from Nur Sultan and Dubai. Their families could also visit Yasmin anytime in Kazakhstan.
Naseem and Dodi had also accepted Fayed's and Amina's relationship. However, they were told to get to know each other well before becoming engaged and eventually getting married someday. Their fathers strongly advised them against divorce. They would prefer that the young couple postpone or prolong their engagement until they could promise a lifetime of the marriage commitment, rather than rush into marriage, only to file for divorce months later.
***
On that night of Fayed's engagement, after Ibrahim had disclosed to Naseem that Yasmin is Jamil's fiancee, Naseem had said nothing. Instead, Ibrahim felt that Naseem just dismissed the issue as if it was nothing when he'd been adamant that Jamil couldn't marry anyone but Amina Ghanem. Naseem had ordered him to stop or hinder any of Jamil's relationships. Now, Ibrahim felt that following the acceptance of Jamil and Yasmin's relationship, and the cancellation of his spying contract on Jamil, he became utterly useless. Just like that! Woah! What about Naseem's promise? Does that mean everything's called off, including his promise?
"Not me, Naseem. You don't know me," Ibrahim thought.
Seldom does Naseem talk to him anymore; he is no longer part of Naseem's "Special Team", no longer one of his closest bodyguards, especially during car shipments' arrivals. He is no longer a confidante to Naseem's car shipment transactions - and this was the very reason he sought employment with the Al Abdallah Group.
Ibrahim is a member of an international carnapping group for high-end cars. Their targets are big-time car dealers who receive car shipments either for distribution or for sale. They intercept high-end car shipments en route to their destinations and divert them to the organization for profit. Their organization, which sits in Libya, is part of a global group in over 40 countries and with members rising to the hundreds of thousands. Their activities involve drug trafficking, robbery, smuggling, arms trafficking, gambling, fencing, money laundering, fraud, and financial crimes.
The group TG headed, and where Ibrahim belongs, is a tiny part of the global group. The Libya faction is further subdivided into smaller units; the Elite - comprising the Head and the Intel people; the Financiers - the fundraisers, and moneymakers; the Soldiers - the fighters, and rescuers providing the guns, brawn, and fighting expertise, if needed. And last, the Workers - the people on the ground used by the Finance Group; the sellers, thieves, robbers, scammers, fraudsters, peddlers, and assassins. They do the dirty jobs; they are the expendables. This is where Ibrahim belongs, but had no intention to stay for long. Should he land on the CSAT of the Al Abdallah, he'd be part of the higher unit, the Financiers. He was a mole planted by his unit in the Abdallah Group to report to their organization. But now, he could hardly get any information.
Unlike Naseem, Jamil is tight-lipped. He doesn't trust him or anyone so easily. One, because he was Jamil's dedicated spy appointed by Naseem; Two, he has the hots for Yasmin. But then, he didn't know that Yasmin was his girlfriend. The man was so lucky, Ibrahim thought of Jamil. Wealthy, good-looking, and with an extraordinarily beautiful girlfriend. That woman was so radiant and exquisite that night he saw her.
"Oh, my!" Ibrahim sneered. "So those two were together that night he fetched Jamil," Ibrahim thought.
He must have asked Yasmin to move away from him, so he won't think they were together that night he fetched Jamil. He laughed that evil laugh silently, as though he had just become privy to Jamil's and Yasmin's secret. How could Jamil allow her to work in another country? He wouldn't even allow her out of his sight if he were the boyfriend. To be honest, he lusted for her. He had dreamt of fucking her very hard one time and woke up sweating; he swore it felt real. Should he have that chance, not only will he ram her in hard and fast; he'd sucked her dry. Shit! Just thinking of that woman, and mercilessly ravaging her body; he was having an erection. That woman was just so sexually bewitching for him. Why shouldn't he indeed? He grinned. His evil thoughts were overpowering his rational thinking if he has any. If he kidnaps her, makes her his woman, and bears his child, it would devastate Jamil… and that would be his… Perfect Revenge to both Naseem and Jamil.
Without Naseem knowing, Ibrahim is not born an Emirati. Ibrahim has fake documents in the United Arab Emirates, borrowed from an Emirati father who sold his disabled son's identification documents to the mob for a large sum of money. They put Ibrahim in Dubai to infiltrate one of Dubai's family-owned car dealers and his assignment was the Al Abdallah Group, one of the Top Three car dealers in the United Arab Emirates. It would have been easy hadn't it been for the son, Jamil Al Abdallah. The man never trusted him, since he considered him his father's spy.
The opportunity to serve Naseem as his bodyguard and Jamil's extended bodyguard and spy opened up when Jamil refused to be engaged to Amina Ghanem five years ago. Naseem's rage elevated him as Jamil's Number One Spy. Ibrahim became Naseem's henchman when it concerned Jamil. Naseem didn't care if he hurt Jamil in any way; even to kidnap or make his other woman disappear. Ibrahim would obey Naseem in return for an important post in the Al Abdallah Group and that is, to take charge of the car shipments. In doing so, it would be easy to divert the car shipments to their 'Cosa Nostra', their organization.
Now, Ibrahim no longer handled important tasks. Jamil took over control of the entire Al Abdallah Group of Companies- the car dealership, the computer-automated car repairs and maintenance, the car insurance, the freight and delivery of cars to other dealers, and the showroom rentals to other car dealers or partners.
Naseem had slowly relinquished his full authority over the entire group to Jamil. He needed medical attention so often that he had skipped several appointments and meetings. Naseem urged Jamil to train his brother on the business. Jamil had already required Fayed to join company meetings while working from the bottom of the management ladder. He needed to learn everything; he said and that would mean starting from the ground.
Jamil had been so busy that he could seldom call Yasmin. However, Yasmin had never been remiss in calling him, even just for a minute or two daily. If she can't call, she'd send him her usual naughty texts just to make Jamil smile at the end of his busy, long day. Yasmin made it a rule between them to text each other, "I love you", before going to bed just to keep each other informed they are well or alive, she teased. Yasmin made Jamil promised he would do that. He promised.
Naseem seldom goes to his office now. Ibrahim wanted to speak with him so badly. He had to know his position in the Al Abdallah Group if Naseem will no longer be there. The old man seemed to have become so sickly, he must be ready to kick the bucket soon, he thought. But before he does, he wanted Naseem to keep his promise to put him in the car shipment team to take care of the shipment arrivals. He wanted an appointment letter, if possible. He couldn't ask Jamil. For sure, that's as good as nil - zilch - zero! But how?
He had to speak with him alone. If he will have to threaten him, so be it. He's not someone Naseem can make empty promises to. He doesn't cater to lip service. There's a way, he remembered. Naseem goes to his favorite sweat house from time to time. His doctor prescribed him sauna bathing for relaxation. Why not meet him there? He thought. He'll book an appointment at the same time that Naseem will. He will get Naseem's calendar from his secretary's desk when she's out for lunch. And should something happen in there to make him agree to his demands, they can easily rule it out as an accident. Isn't that a good plan? He grinned. That's the only way he can see Naseem now. He felt Naseem has distanced himself from him since after Fayed's engagement.
***
Yasmin is missing Jamil again. It had been over two months since he last visited her. He must be busy, she thought, especially since his father had taken an indefinite medical leave. Jamil's heading the entire group alone. Yasmin felt so guilty for not being by his side at these times. He needed someone's help. She hoped Fayed can help Jamil soon.
She'd asked her friends' opinions. Yasmin was having second thoughts now that she had deferred marrying Jamil to finish her employment contract. She loves him and wants to be with him, there's no doubt about that, but she wanted to work a little longer in Kazakhstan, even just until the end of her contract. Besides, they've just rented an apartment and Jamil had paid for the entire year's rental, she'd be too sad to leave it too soon.
She'll just finish the remaining part of her two-year contract. After which, she'd stay dedicated as Mrs. Jamil Al Abdallah. If she can work in the Al Abdallah group, later on, she would like that. For sure, Jamil would love that, too. But what if Jamil wanted them to start a family soon after the wedding? Is she ready to become a full-time wife and mother? Wouldn't she miss working in the office?
She's nearing her next one week off in a month. Will she avail of it or defer using it? Should she visit Jamil? Surprise him? He would surely love that. No matter how busy Jamil is, having her around has never been a nuisance. He'd teased her, calling her his "stress-reliever." Jamil claimed that their daily sex takes all the worries off his shoulders. And of course, she's happy to provide that anytime. She can't live without him. Her life will never be the same if she loses Jamil.
Right at that moment, Yasmin was looking out the window over the moon-lit water at a distance; it's a full moon, and she remembers the so-called Full Moon wish spells. Her grandmother taught her about wish spells on a full moon when she was a child when she's lonely and missing her mother. With some coins in her hand and facing the direction of the full moon, she tiptoed while standing by the window, hoping to throw the coins farther from her and closer to the moon.
But first, she has to cast her spell.
"Ever since my grandmother taught me this about you, I'll always remember to call on you. You promised you'll have my prayers answered; you'll break my chains of bad luck, and have all my wishes come true. These are my wishes - that you keep my only love, Jamil, free from illness and harm; my mother, grandparents, my dad and sister, Amina, and all of Jamil's family too."
Then Yasmin closed her eyes and threw the coins.
"Take these coins, consider them as a token of my love, faith, and hope that your silver lights will shine on me and my loved ones all year through. Please deliver my wishes to Him with the Greatest Power that I will consider as fulfilled right at this very hour."
And she put her hands together in prayer and bowed to the moon in thankful fervor.
***
Jamil passed by the family's residence to check on his father and ask him a few questions before he attended the meeting scheduled for him that morning. His father was still in bed, but awake. He let Jamil into his bedroom. After their talk, Naseem told him he'd go to the sauna by mid-day. He would have wanted to go with Dodi, but it seemed Dodi wouldn't be able to. He'd have to go alone. Jamil was glad that he hadn't seen his father in Ibrahim's company lately.
After knowing that Yasmin was Dodi's daughter and had accepted Yasmin and their relationship, he called off his spy squad. He was glad that their relationship had taken a u-turn. Now, his father trusted him more than he does anyone in the company.
He had given Jamil carte blanche regarding the company management. He doesn't oppose or counteract any decisions Jamil makes. Not even with his decision to make Fayed start from the bottom of the management ladder. He could have easily appointed him as his assistant, but Jamil didn't. He doesn't encourage nepotism. Besides, he wanted to motivate Fayed to work hard to climb the ladder. If he did it on merit, then no one will question his authority when the time comes that he'd reached the top. He had then proven himself worthy of the position. It would be the same for Layla.
As for Yasmin, she'll let her decide if she wanted to work in the company. But as soon as she gets pregnant, he would want her to stay at home. He is missing her so much, but he can't even spare a day now. He will call her tonight before she calls him. What will he do without this woman in his life? He can't live without her anymore. Life will never be the same. He hoped she's always happy and well.
***
Naseem had his family driver drop him at the All Men's Spa later that morning. It would have been nice to have Dodi with him today. He is missing Dodi, but he had been very busy at the university. They're best friends, but they were so different. He had so much respect for Dodi, he's the tamer one between them. Their friends would wonder how come they ended up as best buddies when they were the exact opposite of each other. He was the lucky one to have Dodi as a friend; he's always been the understanding and kind person he was since their grade school days. He'd prefer to be alone in the sauna if it wasn't Dodi with him.
Those people around him, his spy squad, as Jamil calls them, have a hidden agenda. He came to realize that later on when they kept asking him for something now and then. Promotion to a certain position, increase in their salaries or allowances, and other times, free vacation package for two with their women. They're practically lynching him. He's working his ass off for his family and his employees not to cater to the whims and caprices of those leeches, parasites, freeloaders, sponges, and mooches. Naseem made a mistake; he shouldn't have done that to Jamil five years ago. He had been a terrible father to Jamil, separating him and Yasmin when he could see that those two were so much in love with each other. And they were going to be good examples to their younger siblings.
Seeing them in love and knowing that it was he who caused them pain in the past, he can't even look Jamil in the eye. But Jamil had always been so forgiving, like his mother. Naseem now realized his mistakes in the past. He knew he had wronged Mona, too. Tying up Mona to a contract of being his exclusive woman was so unfair to her. She gave him a son. That alone was more than enough. She could have met someone else when she was younger. But she stayed faithful to him, not because she loved him, but because she couldn't hurt Jamil.
But Mona doesn't know Naseem loves her. She wasn't an Arab, and Naseem's parents wouldn't have accepted her, so he didn't propose marriage then. But he wanted her. He won't be able to accept it should she fall in love or have sex with another man. The thought alone would have killed him. That's the reason he had a lawyer draft a contract where he can tie her to a compromise. He was glad that she was not a promiscuous woman. She could have easily fooled him since she stays in Manila most of the time. But she had dutifully kept her side of the bargain.
With Mona, Naseem was always polite, especially when he had to ask her to visit Dubai. Mona would understand. Although volatile in temperament, Mona had never been a recipient of Naseem's worst self. With Mona, Naseem had always been gentle. Fayed and Layla's mother had divorced him; he could marry Mona now, but that is if she wanted to. His parents were long gone, and no one would object from among his family, but Naseem didn't know how to tell Mona. And besides, he was afraid to be rejected by her.
Those times that he would make love to Mona, he was wondering if he was indeed satisfying her or Mona had been pretending. With their sex, Naseem was passionate and aggressive, yet gentle and all-giving. Naseem wanted to ask her once if she's truly enjoying their sex, but how? Why hasn't he even asked that before? When will he ever know? He would like to ask her again soon if she could visit, especially as she and Zora will have to be present for another round of meeting with Jamil and Yasmin.
While he is still alive, he wants to be happy by Mona's side, too. He is not that old yet; he is 51 years to be exact, but he must have abused himself so early with alcohol that he is now reaping its serious consequences. Just like Dodi, Naseem was 23 years old when Jamil was born. After seeing Jamil and Yasmin, Fayed and Amina, and even Dodi who wants Zora back in his life at this stage, would it be impossible for him and Mona? Is it too late? He's too shy indeed whenever he asked Mona to visit him, but he believed Mona has feelings for him too. She knows what he wanted whenever he asked her to go to Dubai. The word 'visit' had become their code. And when she arrives, she's always a new woman. Well-groomed, parlor-serviced, and spa-pampered. And to think that she never used to shave her pubes, but she arrives newly shaved, as he wants it. Just like concubines to kings on their nights together, they soak in flower-perfumed baths and are skin-scraped to perfection; that is Mona every time she meets Naseem. Her first night in Dubai was always with him. She arrives prepared to please him, and Naseem wakes up with her to a beautiful morning.
When they were younger, Naseem was very demanding. He wouldn't want her to leave Dubai. She would stay in the city for a week at the least, and for a month at the most. And Naseem will give her all the pleasure a man can give a woman, even withholding his own desires, knowing that he is the only man in her life. He knows what drives her madly jerking in pleasure, and he gives it to her until she would scream in pleasure, and open up herself begging him to satisfy her, and consummate their desires. And when he does, he wouldn't be able to control his urges, he'd ram her with full force and eagerness. He practically worships the ground Mona walks on. He loves her. It wasn't only sex he was after with her. Only he knows that.
He can remember the one time when he kissed her passionately, once when he was very drunk, but his mental faculties were still alert. She kissed him back and as passionately; it surprised him but he didn't stop the kiss nor opened his eyes. They kissed for a long time until they ended up making love that night, and he had never once forgotten it. He's done everything to her he had imagined doing; he'd acted all his erotic fantasies, and she has reacted like some crazy, shameless wanton in heat. He wanted that again with Mona. He'll try to call her again soon.
***
Ibrahim thought he must be lucky. He doesn't have to wait for long. The man is going to the sauna today. Good! He'll ask Kamal to make a booking so he will be the person on the registration. He'd borrow his ID to enter the place. Kamal is another son of an entrepreneur and he is an Emirati. Having these kinds of friends around him makes his business transactions easy. That was the reason Ibrahim targeted him that night at the bar when he saw him with his three friends. He'd been friends with the bouncer in that bar. He knows who the rich kids are in the crowd. And the bouncer pinpointed Kamal to him that night. These rich kids are members of clubs. They get what they want just by calling the managers. Hah! It's a simple world they live in, these kids born with silver spoons in their mouths, as they say. They're very lucky.
Ibrahim called Kamal. As usual, he need not explain long. Kamal called the club and had his appointment booked. Kamal told Ibrahim to just show up there, and there was no need for an ID. Ibrahim smiled. Time to get rolling, he said. He'd better report something positive, or the big boss will have him uprooted from the Abdallah group and put him somewhere else again. Nah! Not again. It's not always easy to start as a newbie in a company. He's too tired of sucking up to people as a newbie.
When Ibrahim entered the sauna, there were just about a few men and they're quite a distance apart. Where is Naseem? When at last he found him, he approached him. Naseem's eyes were closed, savoring the peace and the heat when Ibrahim greeted him.
"Naseem, how nice to see you again," Ibrahim greeted.
Naseem heard the voice. He knew it was Ibrahim, but he didn't open his eyes at once. In his mind, he cursed the man. How dare this man treat him so casually, as though he owes him something when he gets paid a monthly salary more than he deserves, he thought. He opened his eyes slowly.
"You're here," Naseem uttered.
Ibrahim grinned. He's right. He knows he is not welcome, that Naseem isn't so happy to see him again. But he would have to bear that. He had a mission to fulfill for the organization and it had better be now or never.
"I am here because I can't get a hold of you anymore. I don't see you in the office and I need to talk to you. So here I am," Ibrahim said as he smiled wickedly.
Ibrahim can see from Naseem's face that the man loathes him and he is not in the mood for any conversation with him. Now, time to drop the bomb or there'll be no other chance. There'll be people arriving soon.
"So, Naseem, when do I get to be appointed in the car shipment team?" he asked directly.
"It's no longer my call. I don't decide anymore. I've passed that to the Board of Directors. I don't sign any documents now," Naseem explained.
Ibrahim laughed so hard that everyone in that confined space turned to look at them disapprovingly. Naseem could only look at him with disgust while he was laughing.
"Naseem, I'd readily believe you if you are no longer the owner; if the company has changed its name from Al Abdallah. But no, your son, Jamil, is running the company, and your younger son, Fayed, had just joined in too. And you are the father. Can the son just remove the father who'd been running the company for years? C'mon, Naseem, don't take me for a fool. I am here to get what you've promised me years ago. Remember? I want to be in the car shipment team and take charge of the shipment arrivals. I got to head the team and not just one of its staff. I need the authority to issue orders. I'll give you a week to think about it. I need you to call me within a week or, I'll get it no matter the price. I'll leave you for now so you can enjoy your bath but remember - one week. That is all I can give you. I need your answer within that time," Ibrahim detailed.
And Ibrahim left. He left Naseem aghast and worried. Naseem feared he will hurt his sons, especially Jamil if he won't give in. But he can't give what he wants. That's the most delicate part of his business. The car shipment arrivals. That's why no matter what Jamil has on his appointments, he only passes it to Jamil. Only someone he can unconditionally trust. He'll go to the office and meet with his Board of Directors, and with Jamil and Fayed present. He called Erin and asked her to inform the people he wanted in a very urgent meeting in that one place he always uses to hold such sacred meetings, where only the people he can trust are privy to.
***
Lunchtime. Yasmin approached Naira and asked if they could have lunch together.
"Sure, girl. You need not ask. You used to just drag me along. What gives? Why are you so suddenly being polite?" Naira jested.
But upon seeing her sad face, she hugged Yasmin.
"Okay, let's go then," Naira said.
She took her purse from her bag and pulled Yasmin to the door.
"Where do you want to have lunch?" Naira asked.
"Anywhere, as long as it's with you," Yasmin replied with downcast eyes.
When they had ordered and brought their orders to their table, Naira sat and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Spill! Before I die. I don't know how you could still afford to be lonely when you have a boyfriend who cares the world about you," she ordered Yasmin.
She was looking straight at Yasmin, not even removing her gaze while opening her plastic-wrapped sandwich and sipping her iced tea.
"Jamil wants me to resign soon, get married, and settle in Dubai. But I am not ready yet to leave my job here. I begged off. We'll do it once I finish my contract here. Besides, he had paid for a full-year apartment rental and I don't want to waste it. I love it there. But I feel so guilty whenever I call him. He seems lonely, tired, and weary of so many things about work. His father is on indefinite medical leave. His brother just joined in and is still so new that he practically doesn't know much yet about their business. I know he needs me. What should I do?" Yasmin confessed.
Naira rolled her eyes as she put down her cup of iced tea on the table.
"Look, you have a week off in a month. Why not use that to visit him monthly? What are you saving that for? If you do that, you get to see him a week in a month at least and you both won't be missing each other that much. And that would ease your worries, girl. Go!" she said nonchalantly.
Yasmin smiled at her friend.
"You must have been a guidance counselor or a nun in your previous life. Naira, you can advise so easily, even without thinking that hard. You drive my worries away. Do I truly deserve you? Okay, I'll file my leave for this next vacation then. But I won't tell Jamil. I'd like to surprise him. And by the way, I'll leave you my spare key to the apartment," she said as she dangled the key in front of Naira's face.
"You and Anya should use it when baking that weekend. The oven in Anya's apartment is rather small. You can only load a few cookies every time, and the space, cramped. I'd like you to use the oven in the apartment. And I know that you're happier there, too. As they say in Spanish, mi casa es su casa. Feel at home to use it, it's our house," Yasmin continued.
Naira grabbed the offered duplicate key from Yasmin.
"We definitely will. And don't worry, we'll make sure that we'll leave the apartment tidy. We'll take care of our house." Naira winked.
They went back to the office, hands on each other's waists and shoulders, talking and laughing. It's too seldom you can find rare-gem friendships; theirs is a friendship made in heaven. Yasmin is so happy to have Naira as a friend. She loves Naira so much.
***
Jamil had just left another meeting with the Board of Directors when Julie texted him that his father wanted him with Fayed and the Board of Directors at the usual place, without naming the place. That usually means something urgent and confidential. And with Fayed? Is this something personal to even involve Fayed? He called Fayed to ride with him to the meeting. Jamil knows his brother doesn't know that place yet. He called the head of the board. They'd be going together, he was told. Well, the company will surely serve lunch.
Jamil told Julie to cancel any early meetings in the afternoon. But changed his mind and re-issued the order to cancel everything for the rest of the afternoon. He doesn't know if this will take longer, but his father was supposedly relaxing in the sauna. Did he go there at all? This must be a priority. His father is making him think so hard, even worried. Fayed was waiting for him near his car when Jamil reached the parking lot of the building. Fayed asked him what the meeting was about and Jamil just shrugged. He just doesn't want his brother to be concerned. They drove to the place to meet with their father.
Naseem had his lawyer with him, waiting for all the people who will attend the meeting. He had made a seating arrangement for this meeting. He wanted his two sons by his side during the meeting. The lawyer sat on his left while Jamil and Fayed will sit on his right. The others will occupy the rest. It's an oval table.
The adjoining room was ready for their lunch as soon as the meeting will be over. But while the meeting was ongoing, Naseem had strict instructions to let no one interrupt them. They will lock the rooms during the meeting. And he made sure they had briefed the staff. But he had been a client for so long that they know when Mr. Naseem Al Abdallah booked that same room. It means a confidential business meeting will take place. He even had a thorough check on the rooms for any possibility of being bugged. So far, it was clear.
When everyone had sat, Naseem started. For the first time, Jamil heard his father confess to having committed a big mistake by trusting some people in the organization. He admitted it was his fault and there was no other to blame.
He confessed his suspicions, his fears, his worries that the people he may have employed have ill motives. And he divulged Ibrahim's demand to head the Car Shipment Arrival Team (CSAT) and that the guy had given him a week to meet his demand. Jamil turned to look at his father. Their gazes met. It concerned Jamil to see his father distraught; his eyes glazed. His father seemed resigned to a fate of doom. Jamil thinks his father must suspect something dreadful will happen if Ibrahim didn't get what he wants. Could it be that he knows something more than he is letting them know? Or, his father must fear for his and his sons' lives. That must be why Fayed is here, too. He wants to issue them a warning. The family's lives may be in danger.
If this is something this sinister, then it is indeed worth mentioning to them, his sons and the Board of Directors. Everyone said something and talked to each other at the table. Fayed nudged Jamil discreetly. Should they also protect their girlfriends? Fayed asked Jamil. Jamil looked at him in disbelief. Yasmin! Ibrahim! Kamal had once mentioned Ibrahim's crazy idea to kidnap Yasmin. He felt shaken. He just realized now that they shouldn't take this guy, Ibrahim, for granted. Jamil wasn't able to say anything at that meeting, nor took part in the discussion throughout.
When Naseem glanced at his sons, he could see Jamil's face turned pale. He seemed anxious, and he wondered why. Naseem will have to ask him what worried him. Jamil wouldn't react so gravely if something wasn't that ominous for him. Is there something he doesn't know?
There were a lot of suggestions given during the meeting. The lawyer was leading the meeting and taking notes on everything. Jamil's mind is on Yasmin. He had to warn her. When the meeting concluded, and they were all asked to move to the dining room, Jamil excused himself.
He told his father to have Fayed dropped at the office, as he wasn't going back to the office yet. He wants to talk to Kamal. He wants to learn more about Ibrahim. He'll invite him for lunch at their favorite grill bar. He'll make Kamal spill what he knows of Ibrahim.
Jamil surprised Kamal when he called.
"Kamal, can we have lunch at our favorite place?" Jamil asked.
"Oh ho! The ever-busy Jamil inviting me for lunch at the grill bar? I'm craving rib-eye steak, please. Why not? Right now, I'm in my car. I'll take a u-turn to the place right away. See you there," Kamal said.
***
Jamil left to meet Kamal. They almost bumped into each other at the entrance to the grill bar.
"That was fast, man!" Jamil laughed.
"Say grill bar, before you even got to pronounce the 'R' in the bar, I'm here," laughed Kamal as well.
Jamil gave their orders for the steaks and the light beers. As they waited, Kamal looked at Jamil curiously.
"Knowing you, you didn't invite me here to treat me to the food. So, what do I pay you back for the steak and the beer, my friend?" Kamal asked.
Jamil looked at Kamal for a few minutes, trying to gauge whether this man would sincerely tell him anything about his close friend Ibrahim, or he'd try to dodge the questions and pretend not to know anything about him. But Jamil needed to ask him to know.
"How long have you known Ibrahim? How did you know him? What can you tell me about him? I'm sure you know now that Yasmin is my fiancee, and you have mentioned before that Ibrahim likes Yasmin to the point of obsessing about her. Please, help me here. I would like to know more about him. I'll tell you why later," Jamil said.
Kamal leaned on his chair and stretched his arms away from his body. Just when he was about to open his mouth, the server brought their orders. So, they let the server finished everything first before he started.
"To be honest, I just knew him a few months back. He approached me while we were in the bar. Thinking back now, I wonder why, when we were about four friends in the bar. But he came on to me, just to introduce himself. He said that he lives in Bur Dubai and that he works for your company as one of Naseem's men. Ibrahim lives alone, his family lives in Al Ain, he said. He told me he was a former bouncer in one club in Dubai," Kamal said.
Kamal was frowning this time, his fork with a piece of the meat, suspended in mid-air. He looked at Jamil.
"How much money does your old man pay him? Because he seemed loaded most of the time. He seemed to be a high-flyer. He talked about earning his next onetime commission at seven digits in dirhams," Kamal said.
Jamil shrugged. He said he does not know, but he will ask his father.
"Do you have his exact address in Bur Dubai?" Jamil asked.
"No, never been there. Would you like me to find out? I can pretend to be taking him home when he is very drunk. He leaves his car at the parking lot of the club for the entire night and takes a cab when intoxicated," volunteered Kamal.
Jamil said he would be grateful if he will. Kamal agreed. Then Kamal asked him why the sudden interest in Ibrahim. Jamil considered Kamal cautiously. He was afraid to divulge the reason and instead said the man was asking for a promotion when he hadn't been in the company yet for a year. The Human Resources Department had raised the matter to him, so he'd like to know more about him. Kamal laughed, followed by a condescending sneer and head shaking.
"The man seems to think so highly of himself. He was once a club bouncer, now a bodyguard. What position is he aspiring for, Vice-President? I doubt it if he can even do the job of a supervisor. Besides, he has an explosive temper. He might end up punching his staff when displeased. The man can be crazy. I wouldn't advise anyone to hire him for any position in a company. He may be a good bouncer or bodyguard, that's where one needs his temper but not for an employee position. I'm surprised your father hired him as one of his men for the car shipments," Kamal expressed.
Then Kamal leaned closer to the middle of the table to Jamil.
"He's too rogue, that I think the guy is a member of some killer-for-hire gang. Just my suspicion. Even if I am talking to him or sometimes, he'd tell people we are close friends, I've maintained my distance. The guy to me seems like a loonie," he whispered.
Then Kamal took a quick scan of the grill bar. Kamal told Jamil that the next time they would have lunch or anything, he will be the one calling him and not in the grill bar, another place more private without a chance to be seen by Ibrahim or they're dead. When lunch was over, Kamal told Jamil to go ahead of him. He'll leave after another bottle of beer. That way, it is safer not to be seen together by Ibrahim. They shook hands, and Jamil thanked Kamal.
"You'll hear from me when I have something to tell you," Kamal said.
Jamil thanked Kamal again and bid him goodbye. When Jamil had reached his car, he thought of Kamal's last words. His father must suspect the same thing to be worried for them now. And he feared for Yasmin. He'll try to remember to call Yasmin, but right now, he'd like to talk to his father privately. He must be home by now, he thought. He'd drive by their family home.
***
Naseem was in his study when Jamil passed by their house. And he was going through some documents. Cathy told Jamil to proceed there.
He entered the room and took the seat near his father and asked him what he thinks Ibrahim could do to them if he didn't give in to his demands. His father looked at Jamil for a long time and apologized to Jamil first for having hurt him in the past. Mortified, that's exactly how he felt over his past actions towards Jamil and he was regretful.
His father said that he has that nagging feeling in his guts, that Ibrahim is vindictive. That Ibrahim is capable of any gruesome act if displeased. But he can't give in to his demand. He can't allow him to handle the car shipment. That would be too risky for the company. Would it help if they involve the police in this matter? Naseem asked Jamil.
As of now, Jamil can't say since nothing has happened yet, but maybe Yasmin's father could help. Dodi's father had once been a high-ranked Immigration Officer. Maybe someone in the department could advise them on what to do, or they could look into Ibrahim's identity records if Ibrahim has entered the country. Maybe they could dig something somewhere.
Then Jamil told Naseem about Kamal's suspicion of Ibrahim. Maybe that could further attest to his father's suspicion that indeed the man could be very dangerous and not to take his threat for granted. Naseem could only shake his head, regretful of what he's done and for carelessly hiring people into the company.
Naseem asked Jamil why he looked so shaken during the meeting. Jamil told his father about Ibrahim's flippant remark one time to Kamal, about kidnapping Yasmin because he likes Yasmin. Naseem couldn't believe that Ibrahim could be this terrible. They can't take this lightly. He'll call Dodi for dinner at his house. And he must bring Amina with him. He can't leave her alone with just two household helpers in the house.
Dodi came by Naseem's residence at around 8 p.m. with Amina. Fayed was waiting by the gate when Dodi's car arrived. Fayed greeted Dodi, who came out of the car immediately, and proceeded inside the house while Fayed opened the passenger seat for Amina. Amina was so thrilled to see Fayed, she hugged him while nobody was looking. However, Fayed put his right hand under her chin, kissed her lightly on the lips, and whispered, "I love you." Amina said the same and hugged him again. Fayed took her hand, and they went inside the house. Dinner was ready and served.
Their fathers and Layla had just sat when they came in to join them. The old men seemed to have dinner in a hurry and left their children at the dining table. Naseem had coffee served in his study before he finally locked the door. Dodi was so shocked to hear about the turn of events. He can visit some people in the Immigration the next day, he told Naseem. Just hearing about Ibrahim's remark on kidnapping Yasmin made him so agitated and furious at the same time. Dodi told Naseem that they had to act on this matter fast before anything tragic could happen to anyone in the family. The meeting took them until very late that night. It was past 11 p.m. when they came out of the study.
Layla had long gone into her bedroom. Fayed and Amina didn't mind. They were in the garden at the back of the house. Fayed had pulled Amina into the darkest corner behind the tree where he had been kissing her while his hands were feeling her body. While their kisses were deepening, they can both feel the heat traveling through their bodies. Amina could hear Fayed's heavy breathing while his hug was tightening. When Fayed abruptly shifted position to pin Amina's back to the tree and his body on hers, Amina felt Fayed's erection. Her body seemed to go limp, her legs weakening and seeming to buckle from the searing heat of their bodies.
Then she heard Cathy call her name from inside Fayed's house and the voice was coming in their direction. She pushed Fayed away and ran to meet the person. She met Cathy and was told that her father was ready to leave. Amina ran to where Dodi parked the car. She knew her face was flushed because her body felt so hot. She had to run, so she has a reason to have such a flushed face in case her father notices.
But when she took the seat beside him, she noticed her father seemed so absorbed in something and was quiet during their drive. Amina felt like he didn't even know she was there. She was glad.
But she hadn't even said goodbye to Fayed. She was sorry to have pushed him. She can't understand what's happening until she felt Fayed's stiff penis on her body. She didn't understand her body's response. Why did she feel so weak, as if she was ready to give in to whatever Fayed had in mind to do with her? Is that what happens when you make love? She liked what she felt, and if Cathy hadn't called, what could have possibly happened with them? She was wondering what happened to Fayed. He'll call, she knows. She'll just apologize when he calls her, she said.
Fayed remained seated on the ground in the dark for long. He waited until that horny feeling subsided. He knew that his next move a while ago was to lift Amina's dress. Fayed forgot that they were in the garden and not inside his room or somewhere private. Jamil was right, he remembered. He has warned him not to humiliate Amina and although Fayed was quick to say he won't, what happened just now was one example of how he could have easily done that. The heat has traveled to his whole body. All he wants was satisfaction. He'll call Amina and apologize. He won't do that again, he promised.
They are just starting with their relationship. It's still too early for sex. They didn't want to regret if their relationship takes a sour turn during this early stage. He didn't want to displease not only Amina but both their families. Many people will get hurt should he have soiled Amina and then break up with her. He promised not to touch Amina that way until after their marriage. Kissing will do, but then that was how it started a while ago. When the kiss deepened, it aroused their bodies. Then kissing should only be light; never that way again until after marriage, he promised.
Naseem stayed seated in his study long after Dodi and Amina had left. He didn't even see his friend and daughter outside the house. Where are his manners? He can't help feeling anxious. If something tragic happens to anyone in their family, he can only blame himself. Should anything bad happen to Jamil, Mona will surely hate him. He wanted Mona here soon, not just for him, but for Jamil even more. At least, she's here in Dubai. But how could he protect her if she will stay somewhere else? He'll ask her first, but in the meantime, he'd book her usual place. That was private, that's why she had always liked that place. First, he called Mona.
"Hello," Mona answered.
"Hi, can you come again? Can you fly tomorrow or the next day?" Naseem asked.
Mona agreed to leave on the third day. She needed two days before she could fly. Naseem concurred. He knew. Mona had to pamper herself first. He almost told her not to worry and to do her pampering in Dubai, but she might suspect something. That would be the first time she'll be hearing that from him. He just needed her beside him now. But he had to wait. He has one week, and this is the third day. Has Dodi called Zora? Has Jamil talked to Yasmin?
Can he have everyone in both families stay there with him in his residence so he could account for their presence while the men are trying to avert any tragedy befalling them? Why did he let this happen? Why did he put Jamil in this predicament? He is already brimming with work and he has further added this lump of a problem on his lap. How can he be such a terrible father to a son who had never failed him? Both Jamil and Fayed would agree to that, he thought.
Dodi hurriedly got out of the car when they reached home. He has someone in mind to call. If Amina hadn't been fast enough to leave the car, he could have locked her inside the car when Dodi pressed the lock on his car key. Amina was wondering why her father seemed fuzzy since they left Fayed's house. He had never exhibited this kind of behavior; she wondered. When she entered the house, she couldn't see him anymore. He must have gone directly to his study.
She went to her room to shower; she needed to cool off her body. She waited for Fayed to call. If he will not, it's okay. Right now, she'll go to bed; she decided. Dodi, meanwhile, was pacing the room, thinking of his next move.
Then he called someone high in rank at the Immigration Department, where his father once headed. Growing up, he came to know many people in the department. He made an appointment to see him tomorrow. The man agreed, and he'd be happy to accommodate him. That's for tomorrow, Dodi thought.
Meantime, he thought of Yasmin. Naseem told him something unimaginable and he won't allow that to happen to his daughter, whom he just met again and had done no father duties to in the past - and yet, she had readily accepted him as her father.
That time in Nur Sultan, when Yasmin uttered the word, dad, he wanted to kneel in front of Yasmin. He deserved that, but Yasmin hugged him. To be accepted by Yasmin when he has contributed little or nothing to raise her, it's humbling. How magnanimous of her to have still accepted him that easily. He didn't deserve her and her mother. And now, with an impending danger looming about Yasmin, he can't allow that.
But maybe, he has to ask Zora to be present in Dubai for Yasmin. Not call her when something had already happened. He'll book her flight and hotel if she would consent to come. What reason can he use so she will come? Then he remembered that they all have agreed to have another family gathering in the presence of their mothers. Has Naseem called Mona? He'd better try to call Zora. Maybe she would come. He pressed her number.
It took three rings before Zora finally answered. Dodi was hesitating to answer when she finally said hello. He cleared his throat before asking Zora if she could visit Dubai soon so they could all meet up with the Abdallah family; he said. Zora asks when. Dodi replied it was up to her, but the sooner the better. Zora finally decided that she will be there by the third day counting from this day. Dodi immediately agreed and asked her what airline and time of the day she would prefer to leave Manila and if she had any hotel preferences in Dubai. Zora replied she hadn't stayed in any hotel in Dubai at all, so she wouldn't know which hotels were nearest to the Dubai souk. She'd like to look at some fabrics and sewing accessories she could buy on her return if that was okay. Dodi jotted those down on paper while on the phone. They had agreed on everything. Dodi will send her the flight and hotel details when he has booked her flight and hotel.
When they were about to say goodbye, Dodi added, "I've missed you."
The other end of the line was silent for a long time. Then, Zora replied, "I'll see you then."
***
It's a week more before she will leave for her next vacation, but Yasmin was already excitedly packing her bag and tidying up her place. She made sure that everything in her apartment can easily be located. She put all their baking tools and equipment together; the ingredients on the cabinet; she arranged everything neatly and even labeled those leftover ingredients without their original packets and labels. When she had tidied the kitchen, she took a quick look at the living room, the laundry room, the other bedroom, before finally settling in the bedroom she shares with Jamil.
Jamil has a few of his clothes hanging in their wardrobe. Yasmin smelled them. She is missing Jamil so much. Yasmin was tidying up his few pieces of underpants when she smiled. She looked at the size of the brief, extra-large. For sure, she thought, large was already his size back in college. She was holding one and smelling it and remembering the one time Jamil had asked her to leave her used and unwashed bikini with him. She smiled and can only imagine what Jamil was doing with that. Of course, she knows. Exactly what she's doing right now. How she wished that she also had one of his used ones. Then she chuckled. They're two of a kind. She'll try to remember to find that bikini when she gets to Dubai. She should wash that soon, smiling while shaking her head.
Yasmin was about to close her wardrobe when she saw the duty-free bag for her that night she gave her two friends one each. She took the bag to the bed and opened it and found one of the latest released android mobile phones. She had forgotten about the bag. The phone has all the latest features for a mobile phone. Yasmin was so thrilled with the new gadget and started transferring some of her contact lists from her current phone and thought of installing the apps that she will need. Without Yasmin's knowledge, Jamil had already installed one of the best phone tracking apps on her phone; that's activated the moment she switches it on. Not that he doesn't trust her, that's how Jamil was so protective of Yasmin. And maybe Yasmin would just dilly dally in installing it when it is a must for her when traveling alone. It would help put Jamil at ease while she's traveling between Nur Sultan and Dubai.
He had even installed dual sim cards and logged the numbers in her phone directory. Yasmin smiled, seeing Jamil's number listed in Number One on her speed dial and he is her primary contact in case of emergency, too. She laughed. Jamil had almost filled up all her personal information on the phone. Yasmin thought he was just so thorough. He had thought of everything in advance. She jumped with glee while kissing the phone; just like a child who had received a new toy, she was so excited to use her new phone. She should remember to leave her company phone with Naira before she leaves, she said. Still smiling while moving to the living room to continue installing new apps on her phone, Yasmin was so thankful to have a very thoughtful boyfriend like Jamil.
Happily, she thought she must have done something good on Earth to deserve such an extraordinarily wonderful man in her life. To her, he is just almost perfect. She couldn't ask for more in a man. She must be lucky. Thank God for Jamil. She smiled. She noticed that she's been thanking Jamil a lot these days; she mused.