The study room exuded an air of quiet academia, with the evening sun casting a warm glow on the polished mahogany furniture. Ava, nestled at the desk, focused intently on her reading, the subtle scent of coffee enveloping her in a cocoon of concentration. Each turn of the page brought her deeper into the world of knowledge.
Amidst her focused reading, Ava's attention was drawn to a gentle rustling sound. She turned toward the expansive glass window, revealing a breathtaking scene unfolding in the backyard. Aliya, Ibrahim's mother, emerged as the protagonist of this enchanting tableau.
In the sprawling backyard, painted with hues of the setting sun, Aliya rode a horse with a grace that bespoke a deep familiarity with the equestrian art. The landscape, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, served as the backdrop to this mesmerizing display.
The horse beneath Aliya, a majestic creature with a chestnut coat, moved in rhythmic harmony. Its sinewy muscles flexed beneath the sunlight, mirroring the fluidity of Aliya's movements.
Ava, captivated by the scene, rose from her chair and approached the window. She questioned, "How can Aliya be so fit in her 50s?" The sight of Aliya's agile control over the horse and the seamless interaction between rider and beast left Ava in silent admiration. Awe reflected in her eyes as she witnessed this display of timeless elegance.
Aliya's riding attire featured earthy tones, a blend of deep browns and rich greens that complemented the natural beauty surrounding her. The ensemble exuded sophistication, and Ava couldn't help but appreciate the blend of practicality and elegance.
Ava left the study. Exiting through the dining area and into the corridor, she decided to step outside for a breath of fresh air. As she approached the backyard, she noticed Aliya slowing the horse, a serene smile adorning her face.
After seeing Ava, Aliya gently brought the horse to a halt. "Ava, my dear, what a pleasant surprise," Aliya greeted her.
"I just wanted to see you." Ava replied.
Aliya dismounted and her riding boots touching the ground soundlessly. "Why just see when you can experience? Join me." Aliya suggested.
Ava hesitated, glancing at the horse. "I've never ridden a horse before," she admitted.
Aliya approached with a reassuring smile, her hand extended. "There's a first time for everything. Trust me, you're in safe hands."
And Ava tentatively took Aliya's hand, feeling the strong yet gentle grip. As Aliya guided her toward the horse, she could sense Ava's apprehension. "Now, place your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over," Aliya instructed patiently.
With Aliya's encouragement, Ava managed to mount the horse. She was sacred. Aliya, walking alongside, kept a reassuring presence. "Hold the reins gently, Ava, and don't worry. The horse can sense your energy," Aliya advised.
Ava clutched the reins tentatively. The horse, sensing the newcomer, remained calm under Aliya's skilled guidance.
"Good. Now, feel the rhythm of the horse's movements. Allow yourself to sway with it," Aliya advised, stepping alongside the horse.
Ava stole glances at Aliya. "What if I fall?"
Aliya chuckled, "You won't fall, my dear. The horse and I are here to ensure you stay firmly in place. Trust in the experience."
Encouraged by Aliya's confidence, Ava began to relax. "It's... it's not as scary as I thought," she admitted, a small smile breaking through her initial anxiety.
Aliya matched her smile, "See? Sometimes, we need to step into the unknown to discover hidden joys."
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink and three cars made their way into the mansion's driveway. Aliya, her keen eyes catching the arrival, shared the news with Ava, "My sons have returned."
Ava turned her gaze toward the approaching vehicles, recognizing the familiar figures of Ibrahim and Samir stepping out. Ibrahim, in a white shirt, and Samir, sporting a light blue one, bore visible signs of their day's endeavors—tousled hair and sweat-stained attire.
When the brothers saw Aliya and Ava in the backyard, they approached them.
Samir, with an admiring grin, couldn't help but comment on Ava's recent exploit. "Sister-in-law, what a sight! Riding a horse like a queen."
Aliya praised Ava, "Ava, the equestrian. But Why do you two look like you've been through a battle? Is everything alright?"
Ibrahim wiped sweat from his forehead, "No, Mother. It's not a fight." He glanced toward Ava and felt a surge of happiness within him. Seeing Ava free to roam the mansion brought a contented smile to his face, silently reveling in the fulfillment of a long-desired wish.
Samir chuckled, "We just combed the entire market searching for Ava's clothes. And believe me, that market is no joke."
Aliya shifted her attention to Ava. "Ava, what happened to your clothes?"
Before Ava could say, Samir eagerly explained, "Ibrahim accidentally burnt Ava's clothes while ironing, so we embarked on a mission to find exact replacements."
Ava, atop the horse, looked at Ibrahim curiously, "Did you find all my clothes?" she asked. Her eyes were sparkling.
Ibrahim, a pleased smile tugging at his lips, affirmed, "Yes, baby girl." The endearment slipped effortlessly from his lips, causing a blush to color Ava's cheeks. She was getting used to by the term 'baby girl', but infront of Samir and Aliya, Ava felt shy.
On the other hand, Aliya sensed the subtle shift in dynamics. She decided it was time for privacy. "Samir, let's go inside. Give them some space," she suggested, guiding her younger son toward the mansion.
When Aliya and Samir retreated into the mansion, Ibrahim turned his attention back to Ava, a genuine smile playing on his lips. "Need help getting down?" he offered.
Ava nodded in response to Ibrahim's offer of assistance. He stepped closer to the horse, extending his arms to support her descent. "Are you scared, Baby Girl?"
Ava admitted, "A little. It's my first time riding a horse."
Ibrahim reassured her, "Don't worry. I've got you." His tone carried a warmth that Ava found surprisingly comforting.
Taking a step closer, Ibrahim reached out to offer his support. Ava, gripping the reins tightly, hesitated for a moment before placing her trust in Ibrahim's capable hands. "Ready?" he asked, his gaze locked onto hers.
Ava took a deep breath and nodded. She began to lower herself, Ibrahim provided a steady anchor. His strong arms guided her descent, making the transition from the saddle to the ground remarkably smooth.
Once firmly on the ground, Ava looked at Ibrahim, "Thank you."
Ibrahim smiled, "Anytime, baby girl."
"Where are my clothes?" Ava asked him innocently.
"In the car," Ibrahim replied, leading her toward the mansion. Ava, however, had other plans. "I want to see them now," she insisted.
Ibrahim gently held her hand, suggesting, "Let's go inside. Yasmeen will bring your clothes in."
But Ava had her attention fixed on the horse in the backyard. "I don't want to go inside now. What about this horse? Will it stay here?" she inquired, gesturing toward the horse.
Ibrahim suggested, "Tomorrow, I'll show you the stable. I'm quite tired now."
Ava requested, "Not tomorrow, now." Her insistence tugged at Ibrahim's heart, and despite his fatigue, a smile crept across his face.
Ibrahim agreed with a smile, "Let's go then, to see the stable." They strolled toward the stable, located at the far end of the expansive backyard. As they approached, the rustic charm of the stable came into view, nestled against the backdrop of the Rahman mansion.
The stable, surrounded by a white picket fence, housed several elegant horses. Ava's eyes widened at the sight of these horses. She bombarded Ibrahim with questions about horses. "How many horses do you have? What do they eat?" she inquired eagerly.
Ibrahim, enjoying her enthusiasm, responded to each question patiently, "We have six horses. They mostly eat hay, grains, and a special mix of nutrients to keep them healthy."
"What are their names?" she asked.
Ibrahim proudly introduced each horse, "This one is Shadow, that's Luna, and the brown one over there is Rusty. The black and white duo is Midnight and Blizzard."
Ava's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "What's the name of the horse I was riding just now?"
Ibrahim responded, "That's Sultan." He left her hand for a moment.
And Ava approached the horses. She patted their mane gently. The stable, with its wooden stalls, emitted a mixture of scents—hay, leather, and the comforting aroma of the horses.
The horses also sensed Ava's calm presence, allowed her to get closer. She ran her fingers through their manes, showing genuine affection. Ibrahim, leaning against a nearby stall, observed her with a warmth in his eyes. Her joy seemed to dissipate the weariness that clung to him. Fatigue seemed to dissipate as he witnessed her joy.
But Ibrahim's eyes caught the details of Ava's attire—a blue pair of jeans and a black shirt that seemed far too oversized on her slender frame.
"Ava!" he called out, drawing her attention.
Ava turned towards him with a questioning look. Ibrahim couldn't help but notice the shirt she was wearing. "Is that my shirt?" he inquired.