Chapter 32

Autumn was surely on its way, the days had passed so fast that soon there was nothing left. Madiyah’s grandparents were the first to travel back to the country so they would get ready for Ramadan. From her grandparents, to 7amad and his parents followed by Fai and her parents. Luisella had entered her room to wake her up.

Ma’am. Ma’am. Mr. Khalifa is waiting for you downstairs; he had asked me to wake you up so you can go horse riding together.

What time is it?

7:08 AM.

I’m coming. Tell him I’ll be there in no time.

Sure. It’s cold and windy outside ma’am; please wear something thick to keep you warm.

Sure, thank you for waking me up.

Would you like breakfast to be served in your room or in the dining room?

Did 5leefh have breakfast?

Yes, he was up at 6.

No thank you, I’m not hungry. Can you do my hair once I finish getting dressed, please?

Yes ma’am.

She got up right after Luisella left the room. She adjusted her pyjamas and walked towards the toilet; she had a quick shower and got out. She wore her horse riding outfit, with the jacket and tied a cashmere scarf around her neck. Luisella helped her by doing her hair into a neat braid. She thanked Luisella and headed downstairs. 5leefh was waiting for her downstairs in the living room, the house was quiet; everyone was asleep.

Good morning!

Good morning to you too, sorry I took so long and sorry to keep you waiting, you must be bored to death, awake since 6. Why didn’t you wake me up at 6? They walked towards the stables.

Hahaha! No, not at all. I didn’t want to disturb you. So, are you ready?

Yes. You look so tired...

Couldn’t sleep all night.

Why? Are the beds uncomfortable?

They’re very comfortable but I just couldn’t sleep.

Oh... If you’re tired we can do something else.

La 3ady, I’m fine.

It was windy and cold, and for sure it was going to rain sometime soon, the thick dark clouds were slowly invading the rich blue skies. They got in the stables, the heat welcomed them in. They took the horses and Harold helped them with the equipment and soon they were ready to go.

The weather forecast says that there is a storm coming ma’am so I think it’s best if you get back in an hour before it starts raining.

We won’t take long.

They both hopped on and took off.

So, where should we go to?

Anywhere, I just wanted to spend some time with you.

She bit her lower lip and smiled as her cheeks got redder. They were laughing hysterically together, the rain droplets started to fall and they knew they had to go back before it starts pouring. They galloped towards the stables and got in soon before the light shower turned into heavy rain. The horses were back in their places and Madiyah and 5leefh were all alone. Madiyah got an umbrella for her and for 5leefh and they made their way out, their boots soaking in the puddles as they walked slowly towards the house.

Do you know 7amad? Ele baya5ith Fai.  She did not know why she was confessing or telling him this but something in her wanted to open up to him and tell him.

Yes, we study together at the same university.

Yes him. Do you know what happened to him?

Around a year ago during our winter holiday he went back to G6ar as a surprise then he realised his parents weren’t home and they were all in the yacht. So when he wanted to meet up with them he had an accident in the sea, something like that. His parents were looking for him for days, and then they found his jet-ski in the middle of the sea so the police had come up that he had passed away and they weren’t able to find his body. The weird thing was they had a funeral without his body being buried in the ground... later on like weeks a miracle had happened, someone had found him and he was back in G6ar. Why?

Interesting... Who found him?

He didn’t mention any names or anything; I assume he knows their names but... I don’t know. Is there something you know?

No, I wanted to make sure if the story I heard was true.

And is it the same as the one I just told you?

Yes.

He knew she had something hidden, some sort of secret she did not want to tell him. But he kept quiet; he didn’t want to put himself in an awkward position with her. They got in the house, with their boots drenched in water. 5leefh removed his boots before entering the house and gave it to one of the maids, Madiyah did the same. She went upstairs and had a shower and got dressed.

The house was empty and soon Madiyah had realised that everyone had gone out for lunch together. Her parents and 5leefh’s parents knew they were together, Luisella had told them that they were horse riding outside. By the time they were back they had left minutes ago before the rain had started.

She walked towards his bedroom, the door was slightly opened. She knocked on the door.

5leefh? She knocked on the door 3 times.

Come in. He called out. Are you ready?

Ummm... Yes you? Pause. Are you kidding! You can’t go out there with a t shirt on and a pair of dark jeans! It’s cold outside.

She grabbed his hand. Can I?

Sure. He winked.

She added a jacket, and then got out a scarf. She placed it on his shoulders, then circled it around his neck. He watched her as she delicately spun the scarf around his neck.

What? She smiled shyly.

You’re breathtaking...

I always find it hard to tell you, but you... You are the most incredibly amazing creature god has ever created.  She looked up to him. Never have I felt this attraction to anyone but you. This deep affection and need, it’s like sometimes I crave you, whenever we’re sitting somewhere and you’re there with everyone surrounding us; I love it when I catch you looking at me then you smile and look away. Do you realise how that makes me feel? It just, makes me feel secure and all the love when I am around you. The way you hold me, tighten your grip around me makes me realise how lucky I am to have you. Her hands started to shake as her cheeks turned red. 5leefh... I am deeply and madly in love with you. Her tears rushed down her cheeks and she laughed as she stared at the floor. He grabbed her chin, staring at her face. He gently wiped her tears. She looked at him; the way his eyes sparkled she couldn’t resist taking her eyes away from him. She hugged him. For the first time ever, she-hugged-him. He stroked her hair, inhaling deeply to the scent of her hair, he kissed her passionately; not wanting to let go. She held her grip tightly around him.

The soft knocking on the door made them move apart. She looked away shyly, and made her way to his bedroom. The driver was waiting for them outside; they made their way to the car. As they entered Harrods they were escorted towards their parents, eyes slowly scanning them from top to bottom. People stared at them thinking, ‘are they couples? Or is he her boyfriend?’ They walked in the restaurant and sat down in their places.

Once they finished having lunch, the girls went shopping together.

Lamya: So tell me, how was it?

How was what?

Horse riding.

Good, the rain ruined it on us. How’s everything?

Excellent!

What do you think of this dress for your wedding?

Oh my god! Try it on.

She walked in the changing room. A few minutes later she walked out.

You look… Stunning. I can’t wait to show mom!

Really? Should I buy it?

Yes!!! It’s a must.

Ok.

And that was how it was. They had shopped all the way until it was time to close. In fact they were the last to leave the store. Lamya decided to have dinner outside with Madiyah, so they can spend some time together. It was close to midnight and surely time to go home. The girls were exhausted from their long day, they were to continue their shopping spree in the upcoming days.