When they found Yasmin days later, Dodi breathed a sigh of relief. Nothing dreadful happened to Yasmin in the hands of Ibrahim. But Yasmin had wanted to return to Nur Sultan right after. No family meeting is going to happen until after two weeks. Yasmin and Amina went to Kazakhstan. Dodi made Zora travel to Dubai because he had wanted her present when there was a threat from Ibrahim. He had wanted her close by. He will just have to tell her then that Yasmin can travel only after two weeks.
***
Dodi took Zora out for dinner and dancing to make up for his lies. This was his opportunity to talk to Zora. He told her about his serious plans to marry her if she would accept him. He knows that she's considering a lot of things. But he will accept any arrangement she will present. But when Yasmin marries and stays in Dubai for good, she will be closer to Yasmin. She can travel to and from Manila and Dubai while her parents are still alive and while managing her business, he said. As for her concern that Amina will not accept her, Amina knows his past. And it was Amina who had wanted him to marry again because when she marries Fayed, he would be alone. Dodi asked if Zora has any more feelings for him. Zora was not facing Dodi. Dodi turned her around to face him. Zora was in tears. He said he knew she loved him, too.
He knew from Yasmin that she'd been keeping his pictures and would look at them once in a while. Yasmin was in high school when her mom told her about her dad. That he had reasons he can't keep in touch with them, she said. But she asked Yasmin not to hate her dad. She had even mentioned her dream that her dad will be present on her wedding day to give her away to her groom. That is why Yasmin had accepted her dad so easily because her mom still loves him.
They hugged. He asked her if she could stay in his house. When Zora told him to wait for Amina to come home first, Dodi called Yasmin and Amina in Nur Sultan at that very moment. He asked Amina if he could invite Zora to stay in the house.
"Yes, dad, of course! I would love it if you do. And Yasmin would love that very much, too. Please, we will be back soon. Let her stay in the house, dad," Amina answered.
He wanted Zora to hear it herself. They agreed Zora will check out from the hotel and Dodi will pick her up the next day.
***
Yasmin and Amina are due back in Dubai. Yasmin couldn't let Amina travel alone, especially as it was her first time to travel out of Dubai. She filed for a one-day leave for Thursday. They will travel on the evening of Wednesday. Jamil will pick them up early in the morning on Thursday.
That afternoon, Jamil asked if Fayed would like to wake up at 4 a.m. the next morning. When Fayed grumbled, he told him he would just go alone to pick up Yasmin and Amina from the airport. Fayed changed his mind and attempted to wrestle with his big brother for not being direct. Of course, he would like to go with him, he said. Jamil laughed. He said he could easily tell Amina that he was too lazy if she'd asked why he was not there. He told Fayed they will have breakfast in Dodi's house.
As it was still early, Fayed left the house immediately. He planned to buy two bouquets for him and his brother. They'd be meeting their girlfriends tomorrow morning. It would be nice to meet them with flowers. Girls find that romantic, he thought.
***
When the two ladies finally showed themselves at the arrival hall, Fayed could see that Amina had enjoyed her stay in Nur Sultan. She was all smiles and cheerful. Jamil kissed and hugged Yasmin. Fayed went to meet Amina, who came out later than Yasmin. Jamil saw Fayed in front of him, holding a bouquet behind his back. He smiled. He thought he'd observed him; he thought he knew why he brought flowers. Fayed greeted Amina and after presenting her the bunch of flowers, asked for a kiss on the cheek.
"What?" Amina asked. While Fayed kept pointing to his cheek, waiting for that kiss. Amina looked both ways before she gave him a peck at lightning speed. Fayed frowned, saying he hadn't felt it. "We promised, no more kisses, remember?" Amina said.
Fayed put on a sad face and slumped his shoulders while he took her luggage and walk with her to Jamil's car. Jamil was shaking his head and laughing soundlessly.
Yasmin and Amina went inside the car while the brothers loaded the girls' luggage into the car's baggage compartment. As soon as Jamil closed the car door, he glared at Fayed and slapped his chest with his backhand, saying, "Sly! Flowers for a kiss? I should be the one learning from you and not the other way around." Fayed laughed. Then said, " Because it was too hard to get a kiss from her." Jamil laughed too.
In the car, Fayed gave the other bouquet to Yasmin, saying it's from his brother. Jamil laughed once again and turned to Yasmin, pointing to his lips, "Kiss" while taking a glance at Fayed. Yasmin happily obliged with an embrace. Fayed looked at Amina, saying, "That's what I wanted." Amina gave him the second backhand slap on his chest on that day, and the brothers burst into stitches.
During the entire ride, Amina had been so bubbly and talkative from the airport to their house, telling Fayed about her vacation.
***
It surprised Jamil and Fayed to see Yasmin's mom cooking that morning at Dodi's house. Jamil and Yasmin hugged Zora. Amina was feeling shy, but it was Zora who hugged her instead and even included Fayed. They laughed. The family shared an enjoyable and story-filled meal with Amina's non-stop recount of all the things she and Yasmin did together. Dodi had to remind Amina to let Yasmin say something, too. They all laughed. Amina hadn't noticed that Yasmin had not even said a word. She has been monopolizing the storytelling since they arrived.
The family will meet for lunch, Jamil said. His mom will be there. They will meet in a small function room in a hotel. They should be there at around 11 a.m. he said.
***
When breakfast was over, Jamil, Yasmin, and Fayed left. Jamil dropped his brother at their home and he proceeded with Yasmin to his flat. When Yasmin had freshened up and changed, Jamil was on the bed napping as he had woken up so early that morning. Yasmin kissed him and lay down beside him, too. Jamil faced Yasmin and asked her if they could just have a civil marriage while she was working in Nur Sultan. Just the two of them. Yasmin didn't expect that, but she likes the idea. They'll do it without the family knowing. They're old enough, they don't need parental consent. They can file their documents now with the embassy and then join the family for lunch.
After Yasmin's abduction, Jamil hasn't stopped feeling fearful whenever she travels. Likewise, he didn't want another repeat of his episode with Maha. He has told Yasmin that it was the payment asked by the woman who held her captive, but Jamil knows it was not entirely true. He had been unfaithful to Yasmin for the last sex with Amara, he'd done that with full consent and longing for that teenage love. He was afraid that he would lose her one day and there would be no chance to recover their relationship. He would have liked them married officially under Islamic rites. However, he will fulfill his promise that he'll wait until Yasmin finishes her contract. Yasmin hugged him. It won't be long, she said. It's still early. They will leave at 7:40 a.m. before the embassy opens at 8:00 a.m.
***
After they have filed their application, the lawyer informed them that while the national law permits a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim woman in a civil wedding, the Muslim wedding rites will not. The lawyer told them that Yasmin needs to apply for a Muslim certificate to marry Jamil. There will be steps to undertake in her conversion.
One, she had to make sure that she will accept the faith by visiting the religious and learned people teaching the Islamic religion.
Two, she will have to accept her new faith by taking a Shahada certificate (Testimony of Faith) which is done at the Islamic Information Center with an official witness. She will do this by raising her right index finger and reciting the Testimony of Faith in Arabic and English.
Three, she will have to apply for a Muslim certificate at the Islamic Information Center by submitting the list of requirements. The Muslim certificate is very important. It serves as proof of her new religion; for marriage to a Muslim partner, for a visit to the Holy City of Mecca for worship and burial purposes.
Fourth, she will have to learn about Islam by interacting with new converts and attending some classes if necessary.
Yasmin realized she needed time to go through the process before her official Muslim marriage to Jamil. They thanked the lawyer for the information. If her mom finally marries her dad, then they will both have to undergo their conversion first, Yasmin thought. Jamil reassured Yasmin that he will be there with her when she goes through the process.
They were still early for the family lunch meeting, but Yasmin told Jamil that she wanted to meet his mom since she hadn't seen her for a very long time. She might arrive early and it will be her chance to talk to her again.
***
Yasmin was right because Mona arrived at the earliest. Yasmin greeted her at once with a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug. Jamil did the same. After an exchange of pleasantries, Mona was excited to know when they will tie the knot. She's eager to see her first grandchild with them, she said. Yasmin promised Mona that she'll just finish her signed contract in the project and then stay with Jamil in Dubai for good.
Jamil asked his mom how she was with his dad. Mona smiled. She told Jamil that his dad had changed for the better. He must have mellowed with age, she said. Jamil believed her because he could see that she had become happier, too. It's as if his parents had become closer.
Naseem arrived before the others. Fayed and Layla had joined the Ghanems, he said. Naseem kissed the seated Mona on the cheek while hugging her from the back of her nape. It was the first time Jamil saw his dad's public display of affection with his mom and wondered if their relationship had always been this way. Naseem seemed to have forgotten that Jamil and Yasmin were right in front of them. When Naseem finally noticed the young couple, he just gave them a wink; he didn't seem to care what anyone would think. Right now, Naseem only sees Mona. Yasmin smiled. It was her first time seeing Jamil's parents together. She looked at Jamil. That was nice, she said. Indeed, said Jamil. His father seemed to have changed a lot.
The Ghanems soon arrived with Zora, Fayed, and Layla. Naseem seated with Mona, Jamil, Yasmin, and Layla, while on the other side were Dodi, Zora, Amina, and Fayed. It will be the first time for Naseem to be meeting Zora while Dodi had met Mona a very long time back. Naseem introduced Fayed and Layla to Mona and it was the first time for Layla to meet Zora since she wasn't there at breakfast that morning.
Even without Naseem and Dodi agreeing to be in-laws, Jamil and Yasmin met on their own. And likewise, Fayed and Amina too, in a way. Naseem and Dodi may not have been as lucky as the younger couples, but they have found what they lost in the end.
***
SPONTANEOUS LOVE. It's when two people meet, fall in love, and find their soulmates in the other. And few people are lucky enough to find it. There is no need to work on this kind of love because it is a mutual feeling. The couple finds it easy to converse with the other; they have the same wavelength; they find each other's company enthralling, and they find being apart, inconceivable.
And should they fall apart and meet again, they will just easily pick up from where they left off. That's what happened to Jamil and Yasmin. The love will always be there, it will never leave their hearts. These couples were lucky to have found this kind of love.
***
They all have agreed that Jamil and Yasmin's wedding will happen only after Yasmin's employment contract has ended. In that case, they are looking at a little more than a year before it happens. Dodi took this time to ask Jamil and Yasmin if it is okay with them if he and Zora marry ahead of them. It will be a very simple one. It might just be the two of them, Dodi said. Jamil stood up to congratulate Dodi and Zora. Naseem and Mona issued their congratulations. Yasmin said she has no objection. Her father looked at Amina, who seconded her sister. So, they'll just have to sort the needed documents, he said.
Naseem cleared his throat. He too would like to ask Mona if, from her next visit to Dubai, she would consent to stay at the Al Abdallah residence. He would not pressure her into marriage if she really wouldn't want that for them right now, but he would be glad if she will start staying at the Al Abdallah residence from her next visit.
Naseem, as ever, was very frank and bold. He hadn't even asked Mona before he involved his children, Fayed and Layla. But when Mona looked at Fayed and Layla, they were clapping. Fayed followed it up even with a thumbs up. They said they would like that very much. Jamil looked at his mom, worried that she would decline his father's request in front of everyone. But Mona was also considering the money Naseem was paying for the apartment she was renting.
"Okay, I will," she said as she looked at Jamil, then at Naseem.
Naseem, happy with Mona's response, kissed her on the cheek. The younger couple and Layla gasped and smiled.
Jamil wondered what had made his father so affectionate and showy of his emotions towards his mom. Something made him change for sure, he thought. Mona was thinking it could have been because she had confirmed with him, he satisfies her passionately. She's sure that it was his sexual confidence that gave him the boost.
They spent almost the entire day bonding together. They divided the table with the two older couples drinking coffee and talking amongst themselves. While Amina continuously fascinated the younger ones with her recount of their days in Nur Sultan. Yasmin would contribute from time to time.
Amina also thanked Jamil for the apartment. It surprised Fayed and Layla to know that their brother has an apartment there. Layla made them promise to bring her there too with them someday. Jamil and Fayed promised Layla that they will. Yasmin hugged Layla. It would thrill her to see her there someday, she said, kissing Layla on the cheek.
It was late afternoon when they all parted. Yasmin will go back to Nur Sultan that Thursday evening so she kissed them all and hoped to see them all again soon.
***
No one in the Security Department of the Abdallah Group thought that there was a person loyal to Ibrahim among them. That was Faisal Ali. Ibrahim had helped him when he took his wife to the hospital.
He had seen the video of the woman delivering the flowers with the ransom note. But it surprised him they had deleted it. He was absent on that day. Jamil had asked the department to remove it from the company's CCTV footage and asked them for confidentiality. But Faisal Ali has seen the woman's face. He wondered why the police had said that it was Ibrahim who had taken the woman and demanded ransom. Was Ibrahim working with the woman? But if she was, then why was she not in jail with Ibrahim and the three men who had taken the boss's fiancee? He wanted to return the favor to Ibrahim. Maybe it would help him, he pondered.
He will visit him. He has heard that they classified him as a potential risk to the public and his inmates and is under very strict surveillance and for sure it would be very hard to visit him. What could he possibly do for him? He'll try to convey his thoughts of what he has seen on the CCTV footage. It took him a while as he asked officers at the national jail if he could visit a friend in prison. He had to get a permit to do so. Being a security officer himself for a private company, they trust him to abide by the rules of the institution and gave him a chance to see Ibrahim.
***
When they met, Ibrahim was glad to have seen him after a long time. They gave Faisal only fifteen minutes, he said, so he told Ibrahim at once. He told Ibrahim that he saw the CCTV footage of the woman delivering the flowers with the ransom note. He described her to Ibrahim. Ibrahim was wide-eyed. He has never thought of Maha and Taher at all. He never suspected them at all. But this revelation made everything clearer. Now, Ibrahim could understand. So, Maha and maybe with Taher took Yasmin from the warehouse and brought her somewhere. So, this will explain everything, he thought.
And they tried to demand a ransom for Yasmin's release. But the authorities knew it was him who demanded ransom. Why hasn't he even suspected them at all? And he was the one who gave them that opportunity. And all he got was a prison term? No! So, does TG know of this all along? So, all three connived? They made money while he didn't get to taste Yasmin and didn't even get a share of the ransom money. He is the sorest loser ever!
He'll get his revenge. No matter what. If he didn't get to taste Yasmin, then maybe he'll have a taste of Maha. She's beautiful too. He never looked at her with lust because she was a sister in the organization. They have rules to follow and this is never to touch their women or children in the organization, but for what she has done to him, no way! No way will he let her laugh at him! Those three must have had their biggest laugh when he was being man-hunted.
He thanked Faisal for the information. He asked him if there was a way at all that he could get out of prison. Faisal can't promise. It was hard enough for him even to have come and visited him; he said. But if there is, he'll let him know. Ibrahim thanked Faisal.
But even with this information, Ibrahim knew that the defense lawyer given him on his earlier trial will not believe him. He's tired of dealing with lawyers. They have already pre-judged him since he belonged to a terrorist organization. He has to focus on how to get out of prison by any means. He had to exact vengeance on Maha, Taher, and even TG if he has connived with them in this, he thought.
***
It's been months. Maha and Tristan's relationship became public when he came to know of Maha's pregnancy. Maha had delayed announcing her pregnancy to Tristan. Like now, she is already seven months pregnant, but to Tristan, she's still going on her six months. Maha had never felt so loved and protected by Tristan in her condition. The camp had never been more relaxed and happy than it is now. Maybe Tristan's blissful and contented self was infectious. If before his subordinates were wary of his moods, it had been different since Maha became a part of his life and when she became pregnant with his child. They were all thankful to Maha. They, too, were protective of her in her present condition. They wanted her to have a safe and successful delivery of their Top Gun's child.
It had been too long since he lost his wife and children and they were as excited as Tristan to have his child be born. Maha has the entire camp, taking care of her and Tristan is very grateful to everyone. Even the food in the camp had improved tremendously for wanting to feed Maha healthily for her child's sake. Camaraderie in the camp had never been this close. Everyone feels like one extensive family. TG and Maha love each other; they claimed. They could have won the Most Loving Couple award. The women were envious. They had never imagined their Top Gun to be such an affectionate lover. Maha is so lucky, every woman thought enviously.
***
Ibrahim had been planning his escape for a while. He'd been quiet all those months after he'd known the fact about Maha from Faisal. He'd never been this outraged by anyone. He felt the same way he did again when he saw his sister on that one Earth-shuttering night in his teenage life. He is hell-bent on exacting his revenge on those three people, but most especially on Maha. She had made him look so stupid all the time during that short time with her and Taher. He felt he was some idiot when compared with them and now that he knew they had been traitorous to him, he would ruin her or them. He would taste the woman first before he kills her. Why kill her? Make her his sex slave. At least he doesn't have to find another woman to satisfy his sexual desires every time he feels the need, she's there to provide it for him.
He has found that person who would help him escape. The man, Salim, needs cash and he will do it and he would disappear with him. Because if they catch him, it would be the end of him too. They will escape together. He had been a jail guard all his working life and nothing has changed at all. He has all the keys in every entrance and exit during his shift; he can provide a spare jail guard uniform as well, complete with the cap they used to patrol the grounds, he said. So, it would be easy. It's just that they won't be able to escape the CCTV cameras.
Salim can't go that far anymore or they cannot leave as they had planned. He could not go in there. That is no longer under his jurisdiction. That is not his department, he said. So, he has to leave too on that night. If Ibrahim accepts his plan, they would have to wait for that time when he is on the graveyard shift. They will wait a bit. Soon, there will be festivities coming up and the higher authorities will be in a more relaxed mood, he said. That would be the best time. They didn't have to wait long.
A week later, Salim was on a week-long graveyard shift on the jail guard's roster. On that very day that Ibrahim and Salim were to disappear, Salim had been very attentive to Ibrahim that day; giving him the jail guard uniform, a double-bladed knife should the need arise, and a small flashlight. When the hour neared that night for them to bolt, Salim started unlocking the padlocks on the gates they would pass through until they would have reached the grounds. Ibrahim will follow his lead. Should any other prisoner had known of their plan, they could have also gotten out of prison that night. But the two had been very careful and quiet. None of the other jail guards suspected Salim to do such a thing. He had been a jail guard since he worked as an 18-year-old. Ibrahim and Salim had changed their uniforms a good distance away. Ibrahim had stashed enough cash for this day and he could arrange a boat that would take him to Yemen and from there he will travel to Libya.
***
Ibrahim has reached Libya. He knows it won't be easy to go to the camp. He doesn't belong to this privileged group with TG. He hasn't even seen TG. Maha and Taher belonged to the group and in this camp. They were the privileged ones to have seen and talked to TG. So, there is no way for him to know what TG looks like. But his target is Maha. He needed to be prepared. He needs firearms, knives, and anything that could kill. He will need a bag to carry them. He will go to the bank first. He is sure he can still access his account since he did not register it on any of his names. He had asked a trusted friend if he could use his name, and he agreed. He paid him for that. Besides, the man owed him a lot in the past. It was the man's name, but it was his face on the application. He hoped he can access it. He needs the money to buy all the things he would need. He'll buy himself some decent clothes and shoes, then have a decent haircut and shave. Now, he is ready to go inside the bank.
He carried himself well, and he had put on his best behavior. He had been very respectful and submissive throughout the interview. He was glad that his iris scan was enough for an identification. He could withdraw enough cash to last him for a month or more in Libya. The next step, buy what he needs for this mission. Find a place to stay. Then, observe the camp from afar until Maha would one day leave it. He will try to get her at that point by any means.
***
Maha had purchased enough vitamins to last her till she gives birth, but she still has to go to the hospital for her monthly check-up. Since she and Taher had partnered in most of their missions, TG has unconditional trust in Taher to accompany Maha every time. He'll sit with Maha in the passenger seat. TG has also assigned a designated driver for Maha. He only assigns the men he could trust with Maha. Now, the time has come for Maha to go for her seventh-month check-up. At full-term seven months or approximately 28 weeks, a fetus has more chances of surviving than a six-month-old fetus or approximately 21-24 months old. It is perilous for the latter; the fetus has not yet fully developed. Maha is happy, she's nearing her full term and soon the baby will be born.
Maha hadn't used the same doctor since her first check-up. Every time, she would use a different one because she has delayed the fetus' age by one month. She was afraid that Tristan would know that the child wasn't his. Every time Taher would take her for her check-up, she'd asked to be dropped at the same hospital. But she would walk from there and find another hospital and, at most times, she would use smaller clinics for her check-ups. But she took care to use the best vitamins, and she eats healthy foods at all times.
Taher had dropped her at that same hospital monthly and he and the driver will be back as soon as she texts them she's ready to be picked up. Ibrahim had seen Maha. He shook his head, she's pregnant!? The woman has married? He sneered. What is it like to fuck a pregnant woman? His evil mind wondered.
He has to move to follow the vehicle she's in. He will have to wait till she gets off. He'll follow her from there. Maha alighted at the usual hospital where Taher used to take her. But this time, Maha entered the hospital. She wanted to use the restroom. She'd always been this way since she entered her third trimester. She would urinate frequently. She can't walk a mile or longer with no bathroom. Maybe she'd just have her check-up here again. She will just have to find another obstetrician. She can't risk peeing on her underwear. Next time, she'd remind herself to bring a maternity bag and use adult diapers, she thought.
It took her a long time to see the doctor. She didn't have a prior appointment. The doctor had to attend to his patients with appointments first before she'd get the chance to see the doctor as a walk-in patient. But it's okay. She can rest while she waits for her turn to be seen.
When her turn came, she was told that she was now in her last trimester and she had to be more careful now. The fetus is heavier, there would be more pressure on her bladder, so she will be constantly urinating, and it would be harder to find the right position to sleep, the doctor said. She thanked the doctor. When the doctor has seen her, she texted Taher. She went outside of the hospital as soon as Taher texted they had arrived.
Ibrahim was a distance away. He did not recognize Taher, who was now clean-shaven in contrast to the full-bearded Taher who joined his Dubai mission. Ibrahim knows now where to grab Maha. There is a tight place near the town's market but people will see him. It doesn't matter; he said. He will drive fast as soon as she has taken her. The driver cannot maneuver from there and follow him. The marketplace has so many confusing gullies and intertwining alleys, it would be easy to lose anyone on a chase, especially if on foot.
But Ibrahim doesn't know Maha too well. She is an INTEL for the group. She's made so many contacts, acquaintances, and even if she doesn't know the people, she's more trustworthy than someone like him. Besides, she's pregnant. People will help her. As soon as a big delivery van reversed to join the road, the driver of Maha's vehicle stopped and had to reverse to give way to the van. Ibrahim was three cars behind and was observing them at all times. Maha went down the vehicle. She needed to use the nearest bathroom again. Taher helped her out of the vehicle.
This time Ibrahim followed Maha while the two men waited in the vehicle as the big van had blocked traffic and angered the drivers. When Ibrahim saw Maha out of the market to join the vehicle, he reversed his jeep and blocked her way. He got down and pulled her roughly inside and rode fast back into the jeep, and drove the vehicle. Maha saw the man. Ibrahim! Her brain cried out. She felt her phone under her abaya and pressed the number of Taher on her speed dial. Taher answered, but Maha was not replying. Maha immediately called Ibrahim's name. It surprised Taher to hear the man talk. It's Ibrahim indeed. Their vehicle couldn't move. The next car blocked it at the back and there was no way to maneuver. He told the driver to call TG. He told him to let TG know Ibrahim was in Libya and has taken Maha. Taher got out of the car and went in the direction where Maha went for the restroom. He asked the people if they saw a pregnant woman in an abaya, and if someone took her by force into a vehicle. The people said yes and pointed in the direction.
Immediately, Taher asked to borrow a vehicle. He will pay for the rent later. He has to save the woman; he said. A man immediately gave him his car. He will have to return the car at that same spot, he said. He will wait for him anytime. Taher drove fast. He listened to Maha talking to Ibrahim. Maha and Ibrahim are shouting at each other. Taher heard Ibrahim say he knew they had taken Yasmin. Taher worried about Maha. Ibrahim is here for revenge, he concluded. He has to move fast.
Under Maha's abaya is a 9-shot.22 caliber revolver. She slowly took it out with her right hand. She'll wait till she could fire at Ibrahim, she said, and safely get out of the moving vehicle. If she isn't pregnant, she could have removed herself easily, even from a moving vehicle. But with her condition, she can't, without endangering the child in her and she can't sacrifice her child's life. She will wait for the best place where she can lose Ibrahim. She hopes to find a good clinic, or maybe not, knowing that she needs a doctor, it will be the first one Ibrahim will check. She hopes to find a kind woman who will hide her from him. She can ask for a doctor later. She can see a suitable spot from a mile away. Her right hand is now ready to pull the trigger. One, two... three! POW! POW! Two crackling but deafening sounds. Maha had fired; the bullet hit Ibrahim on his right ribs and neck. Maha pulled the handbrake on the car and got out of the car fast before Ibrahim could fire back. She was sure that he had loaded the big bag at the back of his car with deadly weapons, nothing compared to her small.22 caliber self-defense gun. She has to run.
She is feeling something in her belly. She can't be giving birth now. It must be the tension, the running, and the rough ride. But the police will investigate and find her. They can trace her to the organization and investigate Tristan. He had always been very careful. But Ibrahim found out about her and Taher's taking of Yasmin. She will have to disappear. What if one day Tristan would doubt that the child is his and have the baby's DNA checked? What if she goes to jail for life? What about the baby? Will Tristan take care of the baby after finding out that it is not his? Maha feared for the baby's sake. She has to find someone to help her fast. The baby! She could feel that it is coming out of her now. She could hardly even take the steps of the stairs. She hopes to find a kind woman or anyone who is compassionate enough to lend her a hand. She's worried about the baby. She knocked at the door.
"Please help me, please, I need help," Maha cried.
A bulky woman came out. "Oh, my! What happened to you?" she asked.
"I think my baby is coming out now," Maha's almost whispering.
She's breathless from running, and from the pain, she is experiencing at the moment. She seems to lose her consciousness.
"I beg you, don't give me away to anyone who will look for me. I have to save the baby. No one should know that I gave birth to the baby if it will come out alive. I will have to enlist your help. I beg you. Both our lives are in danger, but if I die here, it's okay as long as the baby lives," she said.
Maha had begged her to deliver the baby, she's losing consciousness and she can't help it. The woman, Farah Aziz, was a retired midwife, but she still had her pieces of equipment in the house. She boiled water and brought out clean sheets. She has very few pieces of baby clothes, but that will do. She has delivered babies for so many years. This one will just be another one. But how come she can't tell anyone that the baby is alive? Is someone after the baby's life? Is she on the run? She sterilized all the equipment. She removed her abaya and her lower garments and undergarments.
Farah felt Maha's vagina for the baby's head. Indeed, it is coming out, but how far is she on her term? How she wished she had told her before she fainted. She needs clean clothes, too. She is her sister's size. Maybe she can find something in her sister's wardrobe. What will she do if someone comes knocking? The baby has to be sleeping. But how can you stop a baby from crying? She's ready for the baby, she said. She hopes the baby will live for their sake. The mother must love her child so much. Who would harm her baby? She checked the baby's head again. The woman has to be awake; she said. She has to push. Or Farah will have to perform a Caesarian section on the woman. Farah took a cotton ball and dubbed the spirit of ammonia for her to smell. She has to awaken; she said. She tried to raise her legs to her shoulders to bring the blood flow back to her brain. She removed all her clothing, all the while praying that she will awaken soon. Then she moaned and opened her eyes.
"My name is Farah and I am a retired midwife. I can help you, but you need to push. The baby's head is almost out, but I need you to push now, please. The baby will come out soon. Now! Push! Push! Help your baby! Push! One more big Push!!!" Farah insisted.
Maha did all her best until she heard the baby cry, and she finally fell into oblivion. She woke up after ten hours of sleep. Farah had tended to the baby. Even fed the baby some milk. She had called the grocery for delivery. She debated a long time before she finally made the move. She wouldn't want anyone to suspect that a baby is in her house. But the baby is crying, and she knows it is hungry. She tried to breast pump Maha while asleep, but she could hardly get any milk from her. She wants to know how many months pregnant she is. If the baby is premature, then it could be one reason she wasn't able to produce milk. When Maha awoke, she wanted to know if the baby was fine.
"Yes, yes, he is! It's a boy," she volunteered at once.
"Farah, I need to stay with you a little longer. I will come back and pay you when I am stronger. But I need to travel with the baby when it is safe for us both. I will have to see someone. Farah, I will need a passport for us. If not, I will have to meet the person to take my baby. It will be very hard for me to separate from him, but I want him to live a better life than what I have now. Can I confide in you?" Maha asked.
"If you mean you belong to an organization, don't worry. I have delivered countless babies to mothers like you. If you worry, I will squeal. No. I won't put you and the baby in danger. No mother would like their babies to grow in the world you are in. So, I understand. If you want to give the baby to someone who can give him a better life, then do it. I will help you if I can," Farah said.
"But right now, let's focus on you regaining your strength. And the baby too. How far are you in to your pregnancy? The baby must be premature. You don't have enough milk. I had to buy infant milk," she said.
"Seven, although my partner knows six," Maha replied.
"You were already a month pregnant when he touched you. I am glad you are being honest. It's one way to avoid putting me too in a situation. You said before you fainted, no one should know that you gave birth. Do you mean that?" Farah asked.
"Yes, I mean it. Because my partner is in the organization, and the baby is not his. And I wouldn't know how he would treat the baby later on when he finds out that the baby is not his. Besides, it is unfair for the baby to live in our world. It was not his choice. Now, I am regretting what I did," Maha said.
Farah told Maha that it would be better if the person would pick up the baby from her. She and the baby may not be in the best condition to travel now. It is best to wait for another month more before she would call the person. Right now, they have to focus on feeding the baby right.
"Farah, thank you. I owe you our lives. I will repay you someday. I won't forget this. I will still have to go back to the organization. But after we have given the baby to his father; I will have to tell my partner, I lost the baby since it was only six months old in the womb," Maha said.
Farah nodded. She can feel the mother's pain of separating from her baby. But some things sometimes had to happen with the best of intentions.
***
Ibrahim hadn't survived the bullets from Maha's gun. Although he had been comatose for a few days, he died eventually. Taher and even TG had not stopped to look for Maha, but it was difficult asking around and doing it from house to house. The national police had been looking for her as well. It was luck that Maha had found that house. No one would even suspect someone lives in the house. It looked abandoned from the outside. But the inside is fine. Farah had lived alone and couldn't risk finding laborers to do it. She didn't trust that many men in her country. Many women are being raped and killed in the country. It is best to leave the outside looking that way. No one would think someone lives in it.
***
It's been more than a month. The baby has grown, and Maha could see the resemblance the baby has with Jamil. But he took his hair color from her, jet-black. But aside from that, the eyes, nose, and lips are dominantly Jamil's. She's worried. If Jamil had married by now, his wife might not consent to take the baby. Yasmin would surely be livid to know that Jamil has a child that is not hers. How could she inform him? Is the phone number she has before still valid to this day? Will he talk to her if she calls him? How will he react to her news? Will he take his son? What if he wouldn't? Who can she give her son to?
***
Jamil and Yasmin had not married yet. It took a while for their application to be approved, the embassy said, because of Yasmin's religion. As much as possible, they have to be both Muslims. An investigation is now being done by the Muslim Association among new converts into Islam; as many are converting to remarry another person because the country's law does not grant the divorce, while Islam grants it. Second, Yasmin could hardly file another leave. The project is in full swing and they are rushing the submission of their design study to meet their next milestone. Jamil had been busy at work, too.
But they call each other nightly as usual and that was enough for the moment. Jamil was more worried if Yasmin would travel to Dubai. He had known that Ibrahim had masterminded a jailbreak, with one of the long-time jail guards, and had traveled out of the country. No one knew what had happened to him until now. He had told Yasmin, and she's worried that she was afraid to travel to Dubai. They will have to be content with their nightly calls at the moment.
***
One evening, Maha tried the number she has of Jamil. She texted the word, Hi, at first. She would wait for the response. She didn't know if Jamil would respond since he didn't know the number. Jamil had just come out of the shower when he saw the text. He wondered who was messaging. But the country code, he googled it. Libya. Jamil doesn't know if he would reply or not. He had known that Ibrahim left for another country when he escaped from prison. He just doesn't know where exactly, but he could also guess. It could be Libya, where the organization sits. But what if it is Amara? But why should Amara text him? He shouldn't call. But he will reply to the text.
"Yes, who is it?" Jamil texted.
The reply seemed hesitant. It took a long time. Jamil put his phone down. When he was about to lie down on the bed, it came.
"AM— —A." Jamil dropped the phone on the bed.
Does it mean Amara? He can't continue the text. He needs to call to be sure. He has to hear her voice. What if it is Ibrahim on the other end? He switched off his lights and locked his main door and bedroom door before he called her. He pressed the number.
"It's me," Amara said. "Are you alone?" Amara asked.
"Yes," Jamil said.
"I have a big favor to ask. But I would like to send you a photo first if that is okay?" Amara asked.
"Yes, okay, you may. I will wait for it," Jamil said.
Another long wait. Will she send it? What will she send? Jamil was anxious. Then the photo came. A baby's photo. When he couldn't wait for her to call, he called her again.
"Whose photo is the baby's?" Jamil asked.
She wouldn't reply.
"Amara, whose baby is it?" Jamil was anxious.
"Ours, Jamil," Amara hesitantly replied.
Jamil dropped on the bed sitting.
"Are you sure? Why? How? What have you done, Amara? Why did you do this? Are you going to raise the baby in that kind of environment? Where is your conscience as a mother? Have you thought this through? How could you do this to me? What kind of father am I if I will let you do that to my flesh and blood? Are you out of your mind?" Jamil asked desperately.
He can't allow her to do this. Why?
"Jamil, that is why I am calling. I want to give you the baby. I can't raise him here. I don't want to. It would be unfair to him. I don't want the baby to hate me," she cried.
"I want to give him to you. At least you can give him a better life. Please, Jamil. I am in hiding so I can give birth to him. Ibrahim came to kill me, but I shot at him first. I don't know if he lived, or died from that shot. They are surely looking for me until now. I've gone underground for more than a month now. A female midwife delivered him, and we stayed with her all this time. I am sure they will find me soon. That is why I want you to take the baby from me. I already have a passport for him. The woman will bring him to you. Please, Jamil. Accept him. I will forever be grateful." She pleaded.
"Amara, you don't even have to be grateful. That is my son! How can you think I will not accept him?" Jamil yelled.
"I know you are worried about Yasmin. If she will accept him," Amara cried.
"If the time ever comes, if I can move out of the organization, I will take him. But that might never come. And even if it will, I don't think I can take him from you. I would like him to grow up with you. Please, make sure that you will take him," Amara waited for Jamil's reply.
"I will... What is the woman's name? When do I expect them here? I will send her the money. How much do you owe her for you and the baby's expenses? Amara, tell me. I will pay her for everything. And I will send something for you too," Jamil asked.
"I will ask her. But there is no need for you to give me," Amara said.
"No, accept what I will give you. I want you to take care of yourself. And don't worry. I will take care of him. What did you call the baby?" Jamil asked.
"I called him Amir. But if you want to change it, it's up to you." Amara said.
"When are you available to meet them at the airport?" Maha asked.
"I will have to call you back. I needed to talk with someone," Jamil replied.
"Okay," Amara ended.
Jamil doesn't know how to solve this problem now. He doesn't know what to do. Yasmin and he haven't married yet. But even if they are, and she had converted to Islam, won't she divorce him because of this situation now? Jamil doesn't know what to do now. Who can he call?
There is only one person he knows who, and that is his mom, Mona. She will soon go home in two days. Maybe he had better talk to her now. Maybe she can bring home the baby until he could think of how to tell Yasmin of this. He will lose Yasmin, and he doesn't want to. He can't lose her. But what if she will not accept the baby? He can't just discard him. He is his flesh and blood. Why did Amara do this? Did she plan to have his baby? Or was this accidental because she was inexperienced? How could she not have thought of this in her situation? What would his mother say? Should they also involve his father? No, not yet. He might tell Dodi, and he is not ready to lose Yasmin.
"Mom, where are you?" Jamil asked.
"In the apartment, why?" Mona answered.
"Will dad be there tonight?" Jamil followed up.
"No, he'll be coming tomorrow," Mona replied.
Jamil will visit her in the apartment, he said. Mona laughed. That is a first. She hopes he is not in trouble. But Jamil replied in all honesty that indeed he is, and only she can help him. He wanted them to walk by the seashore; he said. Then, Mona will have to wait for him downstairs at the garage, she said. Jamil brought with him a six-pack of beer. He might not go home tonight, because he can't be drunk or under the influence, and end up in jail. Mona was downstairs waiting for him to park his car before they walked by the seashore. Mona brought with her foldable chairs for them. Jamil took them from her, and they walked quietly by the seashore.
Jamil doesn't know where he will tell his mother. But he'll start by telling her he has a baby, and it's not Yasmin's baby. And the rest will follow. Mona couldn't believe what Jamil just disclosed; but like Jamil, how could he abandon his flesh and blood? While it will take time for him to tell Yasmin, she will take the baby home. She will have to hire a full-time; live-in nanny, she said. He will pay for the expenses, he told his mother.
They will have to keep it a secret from Yasmin, and everyone, until Yasmin, can accept the baby. He will text the mother of the baby, he said, to bring the baby tomorrow, if it is possible. And he asked Mona if he could be the one to bring them to the airport when she leaves and not his dad. He doesn't want him to know. Knowing his dad, he might show off the baby. That will be his first grandson, and no longer his and Yasmin's. It will hurt Yasmin. Why did it come to this? How can he tell Yasmin? He's truly worried that he will lose Yasmin. Where will he tell Yasmin? Should he go to Nur Sultan? Or should he wait till she can travel to Dubai? His mother's advice was to tell her sooner.
"You can't keep it for long. It will be more hurtful. Besides, the woman asked for that as repayment for saving her. You wouldn't have met that woman if her abduction didn't happen. It is not all your fault, Jamil. Just prepare yourself to get hurt. If Yasmin can't accept your son, then you have to accept her decision. But I bet, Yasmin will eventually accept him. She'll get hurt at first. Of course, she was hoping your child will be the first grandchild. But now there is one before yours. What will you do, abandon the child? Think as a father first, and as a human being. Will you abandon your child? Will you abandon a newly born human being? Give Yasmin time to think it through and accept the baby. It will take time, but she will come to terms with your situation. Believe me, that's coming from a mother, and a woman. She'll be hurting, and you should understand that. Okay? Sleep on my sofa. You can't drive tonight." Mona advised.
Jamil woke up early in his mother's apartment and called Amara. If the woman bringing the baby could travel this very day, he would like it, he said. He asked her to text about the amount to be paid to Farah. He asked if there is any pre-condition or allergy the baby has. She said he is healthy, and she will send his vitamins to the woman. Then Jamil asked Amara what she intends to do with her life, now. She said that she will have to go back. They are searching for her. He need not worry about her, she said. She will be fine, especially as soon as he confirms the baby is with him.
"Please let me know when you have him. Just a call that you've received him from Farah. Then and only then, will I move out of here.," she said.
Maha will just wait for Farah to return. Then she will go back to the camp.
"Thank you, Jamil. Please take care of him. I will wait for your call. Bye." Amara's tears flowed.
She will miss Amir. She hopes Jamil will let his name stay.
***
AMIR, meaning PRINCE. One of the most powerful and beautiful bonds is that of a mother and son. To a mother, he is her prince. Until the man grows and becomes someone's prince.
The love of a mother to her child knows no bounds. It defies all natural laws.
"It dares all things and crushes down remorsely all that stands in its paths."
***
Jamil and Mona waited for the woman, Farah, to bring the baby that day. Jamil had asked his mother to go with him. He told her he was very nervous to meet him.
As soon as Jamil held the baby, he sobbed. Yes, he could feel it. The baby is his; he told his mom. His mom had told him to hold the baby and as soon as he will, he will instinctively know if the child is biologically his. There is a so-called connection, a special bond. Jamil hugged the baby to him.
The three adults talked. Farah told Jamil and his mom how she came to help Amara. Ibrahim almost killed her that day, but she shot the man, and then ran for her and her child's safety. She had knocked at her house and stayed until baby Amir was stronger because he was born prematurely.
Jamil paid her the amount Amara owed her, and he sent some cash for Amara, too. They said their goodbyes. Jamil handed the baby to Mona while he called Amara to confirm he has received the baby. Mona held the baby in the passenger seat since they didn't have an infant car seat. Jamil kept looking at the center mirror at them until Mona admonished him.
"Eyes on the road, you might cause an accident," Mona said.
Jamil took his mom and the baby to his mother's apartment, but he's worried because his dad will visit his mom that night. Mona will text his dad to come by 9 p.m., by that time Jamil would have taken the baby. Then Mona will call him as soon as his dad leaves and bring the baby back to her. It's just one night, and soon Mona will fly back home again.
***
Maha waited for Farah to return. As soon as she did, she hugged Farah. They both cried. Farah couldn't deny that she had also loved Amir from the time she delivered him. Both women cried that night. Farah told Maha that Jamil had cried as soon as he held Amir. He said that he could feel that the baby is biologically his. He didn't doubt for a moment. Jamil's mother was there too, she said. And she, too, was so happy to have met Amir. Both were so happy to hold Amir. Maha was grateful. She couldn't be happier, she told Farah.
Maha told Farah that she will have to leave the morning after before they could locate her in Farah's place. She will have to tell Tristan that she lost their baby when she ran away from Ibrahim. She will have to tell him she was very weak and had to recuperate physically and emotionally. She had to find work too, so she could survive. She asked Farah to deposit most of the money Jamil gave her, in Farah's name. She will just ask her if she will need any in the future, she said. She wouldn't want Tristan to suspect her.
***
When Maha was nearing the camp, everyone was screaming her name. Tristan ran to the balcony of his barracks to see if it's true that she had returned. He ran down the stairs and hugged her while crying. Everyone cried for their loss. They knew from the moment they saw her without a baby that she had lost the baby. But Tristan accepted it, as long as she is alive. They will have another chance. Maybe the baby was not for them to have, he had said. Tristan was more than grateful that she came back to them alive. Maha hugged Tristan and admitted that she had missed him too and she's come back to stay with him.
***
When Jamil had finally sent his mom with the baby home, there was not a day that he hadn't thought of telling Yasmin, whenever he calls her or she calls him. But it was very hard. He didn't know where to start, or how to start it. Until he asked her if she could travel to Dubai. Jamil couldn't insist even on their civil wedding now. He didn't want to deceive Yasmin. She would think that he just wanted to tie her to him, despite his indiscretion. But they have to talk face to face. He can't tell her this over the phone.
When finally one day, Yasmin called, she will travel that Wednesday evening. Jamil thanked her. But he was very anxious, and he needed his mom's advice. Mona told him to be open to Yasmin. He had to tell Yasmin that he knew Amara long back. If Yasmin will sever her relationship with him, he should be ready to accept it. There is nothing more he can do. He had to accept what Yasmin would decide and wait.
Yasmin needed to go through the common phases in a terrible experience and that is, of HURTING - ANGER - SELF BLAME - DENIAL- FORGIVENESS, and eventually, ACCEPTANCE. It may take a while, but all he could do is wait.