FIRST-YEAR OF LIFE. "Son, I've wanted you because I have always loved your father. But the instant you came into my life, no one mattered anymore but you. I owe you; not the other way around, you gave me a reason to live."
***
Just a few months from now, and soon Yasmin will resign from work, Jamil thought. At last, they will be together with Amir. There won't be any reason to be worrying about her safety. She'll be home for Amir's first birthday next week. It will be just a home affair. Nothing fancy or extravagant; no reason to give the press to talk about him again. Maybe it's time for him and Yasmin to plan their wedding when she arrives. Not only because he wanted them together; he wanted to settle Amir's identity in public, that Amir is not only his son but his and Yasmin's.
Naseem had successfully put a hold on any follow-up article on Amir after meeting with a few people in the media. It was for the safety of the child, he said; he made it clear, he'll take matters seriously if his firm appeal is breached. So far nothing had come up and Jamil hopes it will stay that way until their wedding.
After Tanya's, the neighbor's birthday celebration, Jamil no longer allowed Amir beyond the gates of the Abdallah residence. He did not make known his suspicion that Amara, the child's mother, was in the neighbor's villa, it was just for the child's safety; he said. Jamil will wait for Yasmin to be home to plan for Amir's first private birthday party.
***
Maha was excited and looking forward to Amir's first birthday next week. Her son will now be a year old. Could she possibly visit Farah that day and celebrate it with her? No other knew of this significant occasion in Maha's life but Farah. She's the only person Maha wanted to be with on Amir's first birthday. Maybe, she could buy a birthday cake before she goes to her house. For sure even Farah remembers the day.
***
That night, since Zainab made her advances on Tristan, she had been avoiding Maha. But she hasn't abandoned her intent to expose anything to TG if she finds something that can destroy her. And this was one of those days when Maha had left the group to make a call to someone. This was not the first time that she moved away when she called the person. She would stay in the group to make the call if it was something official. How she wished there's a way to find out who's at the other end.
***
"It's Amir's first birthday next week. I would want to invite you and Anya to come to Dubai," Yasmin said.
"Right now, I'll say, I'd like to come. Is this coming out of your pocket?" Naira asked.
"Yes, of course! Are you sure? Because I'll tell Jamil when I'll call him," Yasmin said.
"But that would be just for three days, including the weekend off. While you will stay for the entire week," Naira said.
"That's fine! I'd be glad to have you there!" Yasmin said, jumping and hugging Naira.
"For sure, Anya will want to come, too. Let's ask her at lunchtime," Naira said.
***
That evening, when Yasmin called Jamil, she mentioned having invited Naira and Anya to Dubai for Amir's first birthday party. Jamil welcomed the idea. They'll have one room in the residence readied for them, he said. They'll be glad to accommodate the girls in Dubai. And glad she'll have company on her trip home.
***
Maha's contemplating on what to tell Tristan when she'll ask him for a one-day in town on that day. How long can she keep the secret from Tristan? She feels guilty, but she's afraid of Tristan's reaction and what he might do after knowing the truth. She can't and won't take back Amir from Jamil. Her son is better off with his father.
What if Tristan will fear starting a family with her, thinking that she'll never get over her separation from Amir and can never move on? That it will affect their own children and family if Maha will never heal from her guilt and loneliness? That she will continue to pine for Amir despite having another child or children in the future?
Should she just move on and try to forget Amir? since anyway, she knows he will be fine with Jamil and Yasmin? Before Tristan will even find out about Amir? She shouldn't have done this in the first place if she'll just give up on him. She did not expect that it will be this painful, her first child and she gave up on him. Maha doesn't even deserve to be called a mother.
***
On Wednesday that following week, Jamil picked up Yasmin, Naira, and Anya from the airport. Her two friends will return to Nur Sultan on Saturday evening. Yasmin will take her one week off for the month. Both their families welcomed the girls warmly as they've met them already in Nur Sultan. They were happy to see them again and Amina offered to take them around with Fayed and Layla. Yasmin thanked her sister. It would really help, she said, and kissed Amina on the cheek.
The entire day the next day will be a busy day at the market and on Friday, they'd be holding the first birthday celebration of Amir. Yasmin had involved Naira, Anya, and the others in the preparation. It's a tight group of only both families with Naira, Anya, and the household staff of the Al Abdallah.
It was a day of childlike merriment for both families with the balloons. Fayed had volunteered to wear an animal mascot costume to cheer up Amir further. And Amina and Layla took care of taking photos and decorating the house with banners, stickers, and throwing confetti. Everyone wore fun hats and animal masks. Amir had been squealing and shrieking at everything. It was a fun day for all.
***
Maha woke up early on Amir's birthday. She hadn't asked Tristan if she can leave for the city that day. She's concerned that one day he would like to know who she's visiting in the city. Maha can't mention Farah at all. If she will, this would start an avalanche. Just one simple truth might open the rest and it will all cave in. And she remembered she and Farah haven't even talked about what they will say if one day, somebody would ask how they'd known each other. It never occurred to her. Maybe she'll have to talk to Farah regarding this.
It's Friday, she and Tristan usually spend a quiet Friday together. She'll try to ask him today, or maybe she'll just have to do it another day? But today is Amir's birthday. Maybe even Farah is waiting for her today. He's still sleeping. Could she wake him up now so she can go? She was too afraid to ask about last night. She'll try this morning.
"Tristan, good morning," she said as she kisses him on the forehead.
"Good Morning," he replied and pulled her for a hug.
"Can I go to the city? I'd like to buy my pills and some supplies that I need," she said.
"Alone? Do you need someone with you?" he asked.
"Should I be jealous? You're not meeting with another man, or are you?" Tristan asked with a pouting smile.
"Tristan, be serious. No, I'm not. And I can take care of myself," she said as she gave him a slight kiss on the cheek.
Tristan agreed as long as she returns before it gets dark. She promised she will. He'd like to sleep a bit more, he said.
***
She called Farah on her way. Knowing that Farah bought a small cake and some food for them, Maha will go directly to her house.
***
From a distance, Zainab had been waiting for an opportunity. She would like to know what Maha will do in the city and who she will meet this time. Who knows, it could be another man? That would be nice if it is. Whoever that is, she would like to know.