Serendipity - 15

Thank you to those that commented. I'm really humbled and excited to see all the 'page views' numbers. Please tell me your thoughts and comments about the story and if its going well. 

On a side note, Butti is an Emirati name and its pronounced as "B6i". 

Enjoy reading !

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On Emirates airlines' flights there are many entertainment facilites that will make time just fly by, yet all seemed to fail to entertain Butti. He looked for a movie to watch; there were plenty that he once wanted to watch and never had the chance before. But somehow, today, he was not interested. All he wanted to do was strike a conversation with Nouf. He did not undertand this need or think about it much. He just did what he wanted and tried to talk to her. 

It was surely pathetic with all those tries until she caught him red handed. I'm bored was his explanation to her and himself. It worked for a while with his conversation taking a path that he did not expect. Why are we discussing love? thought Butti as they conversed. Its not something that he ever finds as an interesting subject. To him, its an overrated word given his own experience in it. 

This time it was interesting. 

Not just interesting. The ranking of the subject suddenly shifted to "important" when he asked her if she loved someone. He wanted to know the answer.  Not that he is very interested to find out, he reassured himself falsely. 

Is she with someone, or is she falling for Fares? were the exact words that ran across his mind as she avoided his question with her cultural explanation. 

"No, i never did." These words brought along a very alienated feeling to his heart. Positive feelings to be exact. However, it wasn't long before the conversation was broken off again. The traces of negative feelings from the turban comment were still having an effect on Nouf that Butti did not realize. A man should never ever try to criticize the way a girl looks. Its like Manhood101. 

"I was once drowning in this kind of love..." said Butti in hopes that he would trigger a conversation once more. He did not think of what to say next, probably end it with a joke of his childhood crush or something. But it worked. Nouf gave a thousand and one percent attention to Butti. She wouldn't miss a love story ever, and Butti's love story, that it surely interesting! "... Its ok, i wont bother you, watch your movie." He added with a tone filled with plead and begging someone to listen. 

"laa 3adi asma3k," smiled Nouf politely. "I never would've thought that you are love material, so  I guess this is more interesting." At that moment, Butti realized that if he goes with his first plan of joking around, he'll probably give Nouf a reason to paste "jerk" as a label on his forehead. Love wasn't a subject to joke about with Nouf.

"hahaha not exactly like that, Nouf. Don't get excited." He finally decided to say, going with 'honesty is the best policy' rule. "Not even close actually. I just thought it was back then. Now looking at it i realize that it was nonsense... It was back in high-school, grade 11 to be exact, that i saw her. She was one of those popular, pretty girls in school and I was... well, i was Fares's best-friend." He looked disgusted saying it. Nouf was confused but was very hesitant to ask questions. He'll just tell his story at his own pace, she thought. 

"Fares used to be the naughty boy." This time he's more animated. "Good looks and the worst attitude you could imagine! though he did not have relationships with girls from school. Complicates everything, as he explains it. So Flanah, lets call her flanah shall we? Flanah, saw me, Butti, as the green card to Fares. Funny thing is that i was never looking for a relationship and believe me girls were and still are dying to be with me" he winked at Nouf and she laughed. She saw that he was too proud to show any little twinkle of emotion as she would state it. And to be honest, he is quite a catch, she admitted to herself. Not a pretty boy, but definitely Emirati type handsome and masculine and most importantly a gentleman. "Anyways, flanah and i started talking through MSN and day by day i grew fonder of her intelligence. Then just like that we were together for a year." He pressed his lips into a straight line. 

"Annnd...." said Nouf cautiously.

"And i introduced her to Fares as my best friend. So she got what she wanted and left me to be with him"

Nouf felt sudden disappointment as well as anger in her, how could she do this to a kind person like Butti, he doesn't deserve this. 

"hey hey, dont get so disappointed," He added when he noticed the disappointment on Nouf's face. "Fares is still single, he dumped her" He said stressing on single. He can't just tell a stranger about how his brother/cousin is a mess. Its his reputation at stake. He only just knew Nouf, he couldn't tell her how Fares really is even though he wanted to. 

"Oh, i thought ya3nee they fell in love o chee.." Nouf did not know what to say.

"hahaha you think Fares would do that to me? They were together for a while because Fares wanted to show me how blind i was and give me the satisfaction of seeing her dumped. W bs." Butti was happy that he was over with telling that story. He never told that story since the day it was over. Why was he opening all those old files of memories with Nouf all of a sudden. 

"So then you hated all girls and thought that love doesn't exist.." Added Nouf as a conclusion to what she understood. 

"Don't get me wrong. I love girls" He winked. "But just like you, i avoid the drama. I'm too busy to be in any relationship. I was studying abroad and working and participating in sports teams all at once. And its been like that since then. And when the day comes that i should get married, i just want that girl to be smart and bearable and all is well" - Someone a bit like you, said a voice inside of Butti's head. 

"So you're a cinderella kind of boy too hahaha"

He laughed at her excitement. "Whatever makes you sleep at night, " 

"Don't start hating love that much. its there somewhere," She says cupping her hands and placing them under her right cheek and he laughs. "Walla, i believe that love is all about timing and finding the right fool."

"meaning?" Butti just wanted to see her talk.

"ya3neee, you can love a number of people, but there's this one fool that can make you fall in love with them for the longest time possible, cause even if you get mad at them, you still want to make sure that they're ok.... uff ana bs yalsa atfalsaf bs you get what i mean. Ya3nee something like Umm Kalthoom's song Enta 3omry.... Elli shofto 2aabl maaaa tshooofaak 3enayaa 3omry '6aaaye3 by7sbooh ezay 3alayaaa" Nouf started singing without noticing, she was too busy trying to prove her point. Butti tried hard not to laugh at her sudden act. Her voice was bearable but leaning more towards being unbearable.  "see, like her life before him was nothing."

"I didn't understand, could you sing it again." Said Butti still holding in his laughter. Nouf turned red as she grasped what she did. "hahaha Nouf, you never fail to surprise me. And all your fool wisdom, don't share it. It doesn't match your smartness that i saw in the leadership program."

"Whatever" she said with a talk to the hand gesture. She was too shy that this childish behavior seemed a perfect way out. Butti changed the subject gladly to talk about their best songs and artists. 

They spent the rest of the flight talking and Fares joined them the last couple of hours. 

The pilot announced their arrival at Attaturk Airport in Istanbul. Shortly after that, they were all heading to the car that will take them to their accommodation. 

"What hotel are we staying in?" Haifa asked her mother in a lazy tone. She as well as the girls slept during the entire flight hours. 

"Not a hotel, your aunt found this amazing building three minutes walk from Istiklal street. Its a five floors building, each floor is an apartment. It used to be rich people's house in the 50s"

"No room service or housekeeping?" exclaimed Haifa in a surprised tone

"No." Answered her mom, a bit harshly indicating that there will be no further arguments. 

They were greeted by a young but tall turkish lady as they arrived at Guzel holiday apartments. The building was very European style. Actually the whole street was. The buildings were lined side by side.  All filled with restaurants and cafes at the bottom floor except Guzel. 

When you enter the building through the old giant metal door, you are faced with quiet a large lobby. There's a huge European style marble & wood table with a colorful vase on top filled with white roses. 

The gigantic staircase that looked like it was stolen from a palace in the 50s was placed on the right side of the back wall leading to the upper and lower floors. The lower floor, as the lady explained, hosted the washing machine, ironing board and other household stuff. Just beside the stairs to the left was a small sized elevator, which looked very authentic. On the left side of the wall was a huge mirror and a beautiful basket beside it carrying a couple of umbrellas. 

On the far left wall lies a door. That was the first apartment. Apparently it was occupied by an italian couple.  

The Turkish lady led them to the apartment on the first floor. The mothers claimed it instantly given that they are too old to walk up and down the stairs and the elevator looked a bit suspicious to them. 

The girls then took the apartment on the second floor and the boys on the third floor. 

Each apartment had two rooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen and a small living room. 

Lojain and Nouf became roommates, leaving the other room for Haifa and Maryam. 

"lets go for a walk before the sun sets down, its easier to get to know a place in the daylight" Haifa announced. She was still disappointed that she wont get the room service. Room service is the highlight of vacations to her. 

Istiklal street was packed. They walked there for the rest of the day looking at the choices of shops and restaurants. You literally had to push through the crowd of people to walk. Walking in a big group of nine was not helping either. Butti kept his place next to his mom and aunts. While Fares was strolling in the back playing with his phone. He was looking for the big hit party place to visit later. 

"Butti!!!!" Shouted Haifa. "Ma3rf wain Nouf, her phone is here in my bag"

Butti ordered his family to go to the closest restaurant and stay there till her got back. He got frightened as to what happened to Nouf. Istiklal street is nowhere next to being safe. His heart was racing as he was pushing between the sea of people. We've been here for five hours only and you managed to make another trouble, Nouf, he thought to himself, where are you!

He heard her voice laughing. Walking towards the voice, Butti found Nouf standing right beside Fares. They both stopped a long distance ago to watch one of the street shows. Anger started to boil Butti's blood. He didn't know what made him angrier, that she was walking away with Fares or just the thought of her getting hurt. 

"Where the hell are you? You think you could just walk away like that?" He roared into Nouf's face. 

"Ai, she's with me. I'll take care of her" Fares was surprised that Butti would shout at Nouf like that.

Butti glared at Fares thinking, here he goes again, taking the other girl i like from me again. He let out a big sigh and left. I told you NOT to like her, Butti was scolding his heart. She likes him anyway. 

Butti adjusted the story for Nouf. It wasn't that "flanah" wanted Fares, but Fares wanted to have that pretty girl, that perfect relationship and ruined it all for Butti. But as the saying goes "Ana w u5oy 3ala wld 3ami, w ana w wld 3ami 3al '3areeb" so he picked his relationship with his brother and cousin over the girl. Seeing it now, he wasn't so in love with her, but that doesn't change the fact that he did what he did. 

-- Stay Tuned and comment please. 

Serendipity - 14

The mothers checked in already into their first class seats, letting their grownup kids handle their own responsibilities. Maryam and Lojain were waiting by gate A10 as the rest of the crowd arrived. Hayfa proudly introduced her beloved brothers to the rest of her friends. Fares being himself, did not refrain from throwing flirt-ish comments to both Maryam and Lojain. It didn't bother Nouf, who was standing beside Fares and smiling stupidly waiting for Lojain's approval of them as a couple.

Butti was also standing beside Fares with full view of Nouf. Her ear to ear smile managed to creep into him and strangle his heart. He knew Nouf's innocence, playfulness and charm. She was not Fares material. Fares will just break her down, thought Butti. This thought was enough to silence Butti. He was not much of a talker anyway, but this time he wasn't just quiet, he was thinking and thinking and thinking.

Fares walked away as he got engaged in what seems like an intimate phone call. No one seemed to notice as the girls were so engrossed in their "How cold could Turkey be" conversation. Nouf's phone lit up as her mother called again for a last farewell before takeoff. She answered the phone and walked towards the plane tunnel that lead to her Business class seat. Her voice brought Butti back to Earth.
"you girls talk a lot," said Butti all of a sudden. "If you want to travel get on the plane now." He gave the girls one of his genuine smiles before heading into the plane and leaving them behind.


"You're kidding!!!!" exclaimed Hayfa as Lojain spilled the Fares-Nouf story. "That's why she's blushing hahaha".
"This means were going to ditch her a lot" winked Maryam. "Lucky girl, a good chance for a romance with his sister's approval too!!"

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Nouf

"Bye mama", its probably the 70th time that i said this. Here she goes again with more advice about taking care and handling responsibility and praying for me to arrive safely and and and ...

"mama, the pilot just announced that he can hear our conversation and if I dont switch off my phone now he cant promise you to get me there safely"
This was enough to make her end the phone call with a smile, i hope. I love how much she cares but she should learn to let go of me a bit. I wonder how she'll handle my marriage and moving out to my hubby's place.

I seated myself as soon as i ended the phone call. There's still a bit more time till take-off but i didn't want mom to be all miserable and emotional. I can't handle that now. I'll cry if i hear her crying. And i can't cry infront of Fares nor Butti. Butti will love that, a chance to start picking on me again. I look around waiting for the others to walk in. I spotted Butti earlier talking to his mom in the front class cabin. They looked so adorable. I could guess that he has a close friendship with his mom. He was laughing and probably teasing her. I know how he could be. I smiled at the memories of the leadership program. It just occurred to me that he'll be travelling along too. Fares's existence made me forget about Butti. Well, he deserves to be forgotten for his stupid comment.

The place is filling up quickly. I'm sitting in the last row of the business class. I wish i had the window seats. Looking out of the window is very entertaining especially to someone that never sleeps on flights. Its okay Nouf, just four hours and a half.

I spotted the girls walk in and were asked to take their seats at once because of their late arrival. To my disappointment, Maryam, Hayfa and Lojain occupied the front row seats.

I bbm-ed Lojain instantly.
*Nouf: aiiiii why am i alone at the back :( ?
*Lojain: 3an el drama
*Lojain: You're nt that far.
*Lojain: and Hayfa says she wont exchange seats ;) ;) enjoy my love

I saw Butti and Fares come walking towards me. They'll sit beside me. oh God please let Butti sit beside me not Fares. I'll say something stupid and ... and i just need time to get to know him to be comfortable talking to him. The fairies in my head where kneeling down helping me pray. They know i could make a fool out of myself.

"Look who's here" Butti smiled at me as he came to take his seat beside me and Fares the seat next to him.  I was relieved that Butti was there. At least now i could talk a little bit. It would be too awkward if i was left with Fares alone.

*Nouf: leave my love life alone!
*Nouf: and Butti is sitting next to me not Fares >,<
*Lojain: no scheming i swear
*Lojain: Life is planning
*Lojain: its jst that they upgraded ur seat late, jst in time with Butti n Fares

I switched off my blackberry and placed it in my bag before fastening my seatbelt.

"So you're with Hayfa in Uni?" Fares was leaning forward asking me as soon as we were in the air. I have to admit i got excited that he even cares to ask. Butti was looking through the magazine to see the choices of movies he had for today, i think.
"No, I know her through Maryam and Lojain. Actually i first met her at your brother's wedding."
Fares smirks and i smile back at the same memory. "You were rude that day!!" I said with some courage that I'm not really sure where it came from.
He laughed, "I had to be, i was concerned seeing you fall like that". God! will he stop this, I'm probably red again.
"Yea right" i aimed to sound as if i didn't care whatsoever, but my unplanned smile ruined it for me.

Act normal.

"You know its kinda weird that you appear everywhere" Fares was looking at me intently while thinking and scratching his head.
"Its her profession," Butti butted in. He seems to be annoyed. I've always seen him in a cooler and calmer moods than this. Maybe he has some kinda flight phobia. "She even appeared on this flight."
I couldn't help but feel like a burden. Fares seemed to notice my discomfort and changed the subject to talk about how much he enjoys travelling on Emirates rather than any other airline.

But Butti was becoming annoying. He would shift forward while looking through the Magazine making me and Fares lean back to see each other, then suddenly lean back again, then move side to side. He made my conversation with Fares unbearable.

"UFF can you sit still? You're so annoying i swear!" i exasperated. I couldn't handle it anymore. "Do you have some kinda plane phobia?"
I could see the surprised but this-is-going-to-be-funny expression on Fares' face.
Butti was grinning, he looked at Fares and said "Now, thats the real complainer, prejudice, annoying Nouf, don't let her fool you" he looked back at me and winked.
Stupid Butti. I rolled my eyes at him and turned around, put my headphones on to start watching a movie. I can't talk to Fares properly if he's going to be sitting in the middle. Be careful what you wish for.

Water for elephants; thats a great one to watch. I peeked at Butti and Fares to find the latter fast asleep. How could he sleep in few seconds. Men! Butti, however, was picking a movie to watch.



Do you ever get a feeling that someone is watching you? A burning feeling that someone is staring. You could sense it and feel it before seeing that someone actually is. I had that feeling half way through the movie just to find that Butti was staring at me. When my eyes caught his, he smiled.

"What?"
He placed his finger over his mouth in a hush gesture. "You're shouting"
I took off my headphone and paused my film sadly. It was getting more emotional and intense. "Why are you staring?" i was whispering this time with my head meeting half way to his head thats leaning towards me. To my surprise, he poked my cheeks.
"You're crying, thats why." I quickly wiped off my tears with a sheepish smile. i was crying. Its not my fault. I always get emotional with such types of movies. Those love stories and fairytales drag me along. I always picture myself as the lead actress falling in deep love with the main character.

"You know its just a movie"
"I know" i let out a deep sigh, "But you can't not get emotional, did you ever watch this?"
"Hopeless romantic added to the list! yes i did, long time ago. She'll.."
"Shhhh i'll watch it, if you dont mind stop staring"
I put my headphones back on. But who says i could watch something in peace with Butti sitting beside me. He pokes me a few minutes later.
"What do you want to eat?"
"food" i give him a fake smile and continued my movie again.

Few minutes pass just before his other intrusion. This time he was asking about what perfume to buy for his mom.
"Call Hayfa's seat and ask her, find anyone else to bother, or sleep!" I was serious.
"I can't i'll buy this for Hayfa"
I paused the movie and took off my headsets. With half eye i said, "It was for your mom few seconds ago. Whats wrong with you?"
"i'm bored" he had a childish smile on.
"Watch this movie again and feeeel it" my yoga gestures made him laugh.
"Do you reallllly believe in this?"
"in what?"
"Love"
I paused for a second to think. I never actually thought about this.
"I don't know. I know that there is something called love but i think its more about being respected by the other person, interested in what they say, bear their existence for long hours and their absence is unbearable. But certainly not this kind of fairy tales" I pointed at the screen. "Part of me is a hopeless romantic, while the other is soooo realistic."
"Yeah i see, very realistic" he rolls his eyes, "So you ever fell in love?" ..... "I'm sorry if i'm intruding" he added when few seconds of silence passed.
"Laa bs anywhere else in the world it would be an appropriate question with this conversation, bs you know how it is here" - i absolutely have no idea what i was saying. But his question threw me off balance.
"We're in the air, no rules here"
"No, i never did" i said eventually. "I'm the Cinderella kind of person. I want to get married skipping all the relationship drama and hoping its the right person i picked from the first encounter."
"Its called arranged marriage. And guys are not as good as they make you believe."
"Its called whatever i want to call it. Stop ruining things." I rolled my eyes at him and crossed my arms. "You're so annoying you realize that?" I was suddenly furious and remembered the turban comment. I glared at him and then decided thats its better to continue my movie.

Just as i placed the headphones again, he said: "I was once drowning in this kind of love..."

Serendipity - 13

Nouf

I'm done packing and ticking my long checklist of things to remember. Our flight is in few hours and  the only thing left is to say farewell to my parents and enjoy a little bit of drama and attention. My mother began her emotional scene and began rambling about how can she have the heart to be separated from her only child. She cried a bit, allowing dad and I to enjoy teasing her for a while.

I dressed up. This time i could actually dress up. I usually dont put any makeup wherever i go, it just seems tiring here. The weather makes it feel like an annoying task so i keep my makeup for gatherings, weddings and parties only. But today, i chose to cover my hair in a turban, wear my favorite maroon cape coat, leggings and my uggs. I love comfy winter clothes. Some dark lipstick will go well the cold weather.

Just as I was heading to the car, where Mariam and her mom came to pick me up, my dad surprised me with a very tight hug like I'm going to go missing somewhere. I couldn't help but shed some tears.

"Its just a couple of days, i'm not migrating walla", i say after landing a kiss on their foreheads. "and my blackberry international service is on, i'll keep you updated with pictures."

I step into the car and we drive off to Dubai International Airport - Terminal 3. I'm suddenly all emotional and wanting to express my love to my parents. I know I do express it to them, all the time, but this time i left them both for the first time ever. A new, beautiful experience for all of us hopefully.

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نداء لرحلة رقم 5567 المتوجهة  إلى إسطنبول

Mariam, her mom and Lojain were in the lounge, while Nouf went to get a book to read for the vacation. It was the only thing left on her check list, even though she doubted she'll find time to read. She kept on checking her blackberry to make sure she doesn't miss the flight.

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From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Are you stalking me?               

If you see this on time and look
behind you, you'll break your promise.

Have a safe flight.

Butti
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The email was surprising to Nouf, she stared at it for a while to understand. Butti was passing by to pick a book himself. He enjoys reading a good book in his travels, especially when travelling with his mom. Shopping time, means reading and carrying bags time to Butti.

He stood there waiting for her to turn. He was quite sure it was her and just to be sure he walked closer and picked the book that is closest to her. The presence of someone beside her made her look away from her blackberry screen.

"Bsmellaaaa" exclaimed Nouf. "Are you everywhere?"
Grabbing the book in her hand and flipping through it casually he notes, "Nice choice, The secret. I read it before, you'll like it."
"Are you really travelling?" Nouf was surprised that she would bump into the same person again and again. She wasn't living in a tiny village or so for this to happen regularly.
"no, i came to see you" he raised an eyebrow in a surprised manner. "Of course I am. I didn't recognize you without the abaya. You look..."

She looked beautiful, he recognized that. There was something different about her, she had this glow in her face that Butti noticed. The shape of her body was a bit clearer without the covering abaya. She was beautiful.

"... You look, little in older women clothes hahaha why are you dressed like this?" he points to her turban. Butti looked at her as her face expression changed as he expected. He knew exactly how to make her irritated and mad. He also knew what to reply next to make her laugh. But Nouf kept quiet, the words that Butti spilled were more hurtful than he could ever imagine.

"I see you're popular with women these days" comes the husky voice from behind Nouf, pulling away the chance that Butti had to talk. She turns around at the familiar voice and stared at him just like every other time. "You!", Fares exclaims. "You know pretty face, every time i see you something beautiful happens to me. I think you're a lucky charm." Nouf's face turned into crimson red. Her knight acknowledged her and called her pretty. It took her every dot of energy to stay conscious and not faint at what she just heard and saw. "You talk don't you?"

"You know her?" - Butti exasperated. How the hell does he know her. She's not his type and why is he flirting with her and the effect it has on her was obvious through the different shade of color she turned into. Butti was suddenly feeling all defensive and to him it was because he needed to defend his cousin from creating complications and problems with decent girls.

"Yes, we met a couple of times" he winked at Nouf and that poor girl flew away to cloud 9. There was nothing equivalent to her feeling right now. Nothing. "I'm Fares, you?"

"Nouf" adds Haifa that just joined the crowd, she's standing between Fares and Butti."so you met Fares" she says as she punches his arm and he pulls her cheeks. "And thiiiiis" she says while hugging Butti's arms, "is Butti, my brother from another mother"
"Brothers?!!" Nouf's head was spinning around. What is going on around here? Is the world shrinking or the number of people is decreasing?
"She's your friend thats traveling with us?" Butti was as shocked as Nouf. Why is this girl everywhere.
"yeah," she answers Butti casually then looks at Nouf, "Butti is my cousin and u5oy blr'6a3ah"
"And i thought i got rid of you" Butti targeted his words to Nouf before walking away, he was annoyed that she was here but at the same time excited for reasons he did not know, "we'll miss the flight hurry up"
Haifa was confused at Butti's words. "We were together in that Leadership program i told you about, It didnt occur to me that he would be your cousin" Nouf explained to her as they walked to board the plane. She was still upset at Butti's comment but kept on reminding herself about Fares' remarks that made her heart skip a beat.

Nouf's stomach started spinning around in anxiety. She's travelling along with her friends... and Fares. What would this trip hold for her?

Serendipity - 12

Nouf 

Next time i ask the world a rhetorical question, i might as well remember to be very detailed as to what i actually want. Surprise me universe, in a GOOD way. Dear universe, surprise me and make me happy, not otherwise.

The presentation was a disaster. First, it didn't work well on the screen and translated the template i chose into weird codes.
Ugh, the incompatibility between Macintosh and other computers can be very frustrating.

If this wasn't enough, Mr. Snobbish decided to change his facts last minute during the time he's presenting, putting me at a disadvantage of having the wrong facts. I tried to bullshit my way through it but it wasn't convincing at all. So you can guess that we didn't win, not even close to being on the top of the list.

Butti walks up to me with a genuine smile, "Its always good to screw up in a training program and learn than in the real deal. And ya3ni lets be honest, you told me to sleep, if you didn't we would've made the best embarrassing pair. so you get the credit for my presenting skills today," he winks at me and i laugh.

"I hope i dont bump into you again, Nouf. You're a troublemaker. First the shop thing, then this. So i'm glad to tell you, it was nice knowing you" he adds with a very serious tone. I'm really not sure if he's being sarcastic or serious. Anyways sarcasm always holds a little bit of truth in it. I'm suddenly feeling a bit down that he would not want to see me again. Am i over reacting? I dont like the feeling of being a burden...

"Don't you worry. I dont like embarrassing myself infront of the same people it gets old. New embarrassments, new people." i reply back with a smile, "Yalla, i need to leave."

"Me too, where's your car?"
We walked together to the car park and all along the way Butti was telling me about an embarrassing incident he had during high school. And that story dragged another, and another and another. I don't know for how long we stood by my little mini recalling stories and i was surely laughing out loud. At that moment two Emirati ladies passed by giving us a very disgusted look.

"Are those your other judge friends?"
"hahaha, i dont do this kind of judging, people do whatever they want to do"
"Even if you think its wrong, like drinking mthlan?"
"Its nothing to do with me, i wont do it but i wont judge them on it. Their life, their choices. And you have choices in the friends you chose." i shrug
"Wont you try to save a person you know from a behavior or path you find wrong?"
"You cant change a person that's not willing to change in the first place, they have to have the same will to change. People are not projects that you work on to fix. You could show them the way, but i think thats it, there's only so much you could do."
At that moment, the expression on Butti's face changed. It was like he was digesting every word i said. It looks like my words hit somewhere and I probably just said exactly what he needed to hear. I wonder whats it about.

No curious Nouf, keep your mouth shut.

"Kalam kbeer. I wouldn't expect this from a little one like you."
"i'm not a little one"
His eyebrows crease, "You're proving my point. You're pouting hahaha. Now cross your arms and stamp you feet and i'll rest my case."
i didn't notice that i was pouting. "I'm the judge here, and i say leave before we're judged by more people."
He winks, "okay boss!"

The two weeks after that were not very much exciting at all. All i did was study for my finals and work on team projects and meet deadlines. Its the hectic time of the semester. Very hectic.

The only entertaining thing was a couple of emails i got from Butti. I was working on a course project that envolved research about events planning companies. This time i get to use my own Wasta. It took me a while to convince myself to ask him for the favor. i didn't want to impose myself or be an annoying burden.

________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Request                                      
Good morning Butti,
I need a little favor please. Is it possible
to provide me with information regarding
the formal procedures your company
carries out during events planning.

Its a University related project.

Thank you so much, i'm waiting for your
reply.

Nouf
________________________________
________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Friends?                                    
Dear Nouf,
Good morning to you too. I'm questioning
the reasons for the formality in your request.
You sound like one of the annoying business
partners i have to deal with everyday.

Try again. I only do favors to friends.

Butti
A Friendly human-being.
________________________________
________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Your boss, remember?              
hey,
It looks like they don't give you enough
work.

I thought being polite is necessary when
asking a favor. Send me the information
dude.

Good enough?

Nouf
Formal Friend
________________________________
________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Nice try                                     

I'll think about it. Its dangerous to help
a troublemaker like you.

What do i get in return?

Butti
Selfish Friend
________________________________
________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: and i thought i had wasta          

I think i only promised that you wont see
me again, but this is an email, so i guess i'm
good. I'm not trouble over email.

Definition of Favor:
1. An act performed out of good will
 and generosity.


Nouf
An impatient dictionary
___________________________  ____
________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Chill
Attachment: EventsForm.docx                

You missed a part of the definition. It says

out of mercy too. 

Here you go, for my litte friend. If you need

anymore info just ask. I don't promise i'll 

be helpful but i'll keep you entertained.

Butti 

Wasta Man

________________________________

________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Chillaxed                                   

Thank you!! I owe you one now. Its better

than knowing you did this out of mercy.

Its ok, next time i'll demand, i wont ask.

Nouf

A Little Friend

________________________________

It surprises my how much i'm at ease when talking to this person. My walls didn't last for long with him. Good friends always come from unexpected incidents. That's what i believe.
-----------------

Final exams went well, and i think i'm satisfied with what i did. I was just glad that they were over. I didn't have time to celebrate the end of the semester yet. There's shopping to do. The trip came just in time for me to celebrate and to take Lojain's mind off any misery she's living through. She still didn't hear anything, his sisters are also surprised.

The shopping spree with Lojain, Mariam and Haifa was a lot of fun. We managed to buy more than what we actually needed. You know, just in case, the usual excuse we use for over spending.

Such a weird world. Haifa used to be Lojain's classmate in high school and Mariam and I best friends in high school. Its strange how the world shuffles its plans to make different roads cross again in a way that your own day dreams wouldn't have guessed. Its magical.

Where are my roads crossing next?

Serendipity - 11

My style in writing keeps on changing but anyways i'm liking how this is unfolding. i'm not sure whats going to happen either, things pop up as i'm typing. I'm also trying stuff i liked in other books i read. Lets see if i can pull it off ;p Its like an experimental story. 

Nouf

The convincing went well. Really well actually. My parents are travelling to Thailand where my dad will check into one of their best hospitals for a full check up, and mom as well while she's at it. They were worried about dragging their only child there and keeping her restrained in the walls of a hospital during her vacation. But no, the universe planned this trip right on time. I'm excited to go shopping, its really cold in Turkey. And I'm really excited for the trip, i dont think i'll be focusing on my finals. I have to remind myself its two weeks away Nouf, two weeks. Chill.

Our last trip to Munich was a whole another experience. My mother and Mariam's mother are long time friends, since both of their kids were first in KG. Mariam's mother, Aunt Fatma, is very much similar to my own mother's personality, which, i think, is what is comforting my mom about me going with them alone. She's very chilled, relaxed in a way that makes her a friend rather than a mother. She's the type of person that you would sneak away with in the middle of the night to watch a late movie screening rather than run away from. She's fun to have around and surely travel with!

My phone vibrates and i jump on my bed to grab my blackberry hoping its more details from Mariam.

________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Practice well, dont embarrass us!
Attachment: AwesomeButti.ppt               

Here's the presentation.
You're welcome. ;)
Still blushing? ;)

Butti
________________________________

I almost forgot about the presentation. I'm good with presenting i shouldn't worry, its the questions later that i hate.
I'll ignore that blushing comment. Do boys ever let go of any embarrassing moment?
________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Sleep* well, dont embarrass us!

Thank you :D
Don't party tonight.

Nouf
________________________________

________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Judgemental                               

You do make a profession of judging.

p.s. be useful and do all the design stuff to the
presentation. its girls work.

Butti
________________________________
________________________________

From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Lazy Local                                

Don't you worry, dance the night away.
i'll work on this. *rolls her eyes*

Nouf
Judge and Designer
________________________________
________________________________
From: Butti
To: Nouf
Subject: Add Complainer to the list        

HAHA you're funny... I'd love to continue
talking to you, but i'm too busy partying.

Butti
Party Animal
________________________________
________________________________
From: Nouf
To: Butti
Subject: Comedian too?                         

But seriously, sleep.
Good night.

Nouf
Boss
________________________________

I find myself smiling stupidly at my blackberry's screen. This guy's sense of humor is unbelievable. I enjoy his sarcasm very much. I know a lot of people that will just be offended by sarcasm, definitely not me. He's relaxed and takes things lightly. Its nice to have people like that around. Tomorrow is the last day at the program. i'll miss him, i think we'll make good friends though.

Soon Mariam calls me with all the updates and details about the trip. So, Lojain, Haifa, her mom and aunt, Mariam and her mom and I are the ones going.

"We're nearly graduating from university, we'll have more freedom to wander alone this time" adds Mariam enthusiastically.

I place my head on the pillow after rehearsing and fixing the presentation. I close my eyes allowing my stream of thoughts to wander around, to travel the world, to show me all the possibilities that i wish could happen.

Dear universe, surprise me.

Serendipity - 10

Prologue

Growing in an extremely rich family is not always a blessing. Fares' father was always away on business trips as his business started growing. He barely saw Fares grow up. His wife would go away with him sometimes on trips leaving the young ones at home. Fares and his brother stayed in Dubai to go to school. They were taken care of mostly by the indian nanny. 

Mayed, Fares' older brother and 13 at the time, spent his time at his uncles house with the boys his age. He was the talkative, admired grandchild of the family. He was confident and talked in a manner similar to his dad even at his young age. The time he spent with his parents built his character well enough to allow him to handle their absence well. Fares, at the age of 6, however spent most of his time with the indian nanny in the kitchen or with the other maids. His speaking skills weren't developed as much as his brother and was seen as a burden by Mayed and the other boys in any activity they will play. His existence was not wanted. Butti was the only friend he had and shared his time with. Fares grew up later on to find attention from his parents and friends through the damages and troubles he made during school and from girls of course given his breathtaking looks. Since then it has been that way!

_____________________________________________________

Nouf

I can't believe he was sleeping. He looked like he was up all night in some kind of party. With all the stories i hear i don't doubt he's one of those corrupted young Emiratis. Too bad he's wasting his smart brain in those parties.

Butti comes back looking a tiny bit better. I shoot a half eye at him and pretend that I'm busy listening to what this annoying man is blabbing about for so long. I'm kidding myself i have no idea what's going on. I drift into my stream of day dreams, always a better place to be in.

"What do you think Nouf?" Butti is smirking.
God! He knows i wasn't listening and just wants to annoy me i can feel it. I search for any kind of hint on the topic they are discussing. "Do you think we should go with the first suggestion, ours from yesterday?" adds Butti.

Thank you for the hint. I jump in at the queue and start talking about everything i wanted to say before. Finally i found the chance to expose my brain's biceps. Even the snobbish 30 something year old is impressed. High five Nouf.

My suggestions were taken and we planned our presentation for tomorrow.

"You're most welcome."
I looked at Butti questionably.
"I gave you the chance to talk, remember?"
"I woke you up, i spared you the embarrassment, remember?"
"Thank you very much, I owe you my life" he winks at and suddenly i'm blushing. "hahaha you're blushing."
"I'm not, its make up. Anyways here's my email send me the presentation please"
"okay" he winks again before leaving.

I scold myself for blushing like that and embarrassing myself. Its not how i usually react. I've been this way now for a while. I think its a sickness. What happened to me?
Oh. My. God. I've been this way ever sense i bumped into Fares. A stupid smile paints itself on my face. That gentleman. Sigh.

The vibration of my phone cuts the beautiful memories of Fares' incidents with me.
*Mariam: Is your winter break same as ours?
*Nouf: Yeah, why? any plans?
*Mariam: *dancing*
*Mariam: Yes baby
*Mariam: remember Munich trip two years ago?
*Nouf: Yes :'( it was the best trip of my life
*Mariam: Pack your bags  ;) mama will talk to your mom!!! its time we travel together again!!
*Nouf: I dont think we can :( you know dad is not well those days she wont leave him
*Mariam: I know i meant you only, she'll let you I'm sure :D
*Mariam: Mama is talking to Lojain's mom too, Mothers-daughters getaway to Turkey
*Mariam: and Haifa and her mom and aunt r coming too ;)

There's begging and convincing to do. A girls trip, never to be missed!!

______________________________________________________________

Fares walks into the house as his mother hangs up from an intimate conversation with his aunt. He walks forward to kiss her forehead before heading to his room. He can see the damage he made. Her eyes are puffy from crying and she looks way older than her age. His mom was never like that, she's known for her elegance and poise.

"Fares, can i ask you a favor?" her bright honey eyes were shining as a result of the tears that started to gather in them. Somehow he knew and felt that this time it was different. This time, he had to listen to her because no one else is left.

"Would you travel with your aunt and I? We're going on a ladies trip to Turkey but we need someone with us. Butti is coming too." she said with a faint excitement that he hasn't seen before.

"I'm busy...emm..." he was looking for a reasonable and believable excuse.
"Just this time, please." Her eyes were full of need and love. He felt his mother's need. A need to have her son beside her. It made him happy to know that she cared about him. He knew that deep down but disregarded the thought for years now.

I'll go to make her stop nagging again, he convinced himself.



Stay Tuned.

Serendipity - 9

Butti walked into the familiar meeting hall at the J.W. Marriot carrying the weight of the world on his eyelids. Exhaustion was not enough of a word to describe how he felt. He was still caught up in the events of yesterday.
Shuffling his legs with the energy left in his body, he walks to the closest pair of chairs he finds and sits back to rest his head and drown into a nap....

It was a long road which seemed endless. He's been walking for months if not years. The road was empty most of the time, just a few flowers scattered at some parts that passed. And just as he felt hopeless of reaching anywhere, his eyes land on an injured white dove lying in the middle of the empty road. Picking it up as gently as he can, Butti rested the angelic dove on his lap and then he found it. His purpose. He knew he had to take care of this dove. The mere thought and sight of it made him content. 

Butti felt a faint poke on his arms and a soft voice coming from a distance calling his name. He searched around him for the source but found nothing, the road was still empty. Something about that voice was comforting; it sent warmth to his heart...

With huge struggle he opened his eyes still looking for the angelic voice. He could see a blur of lights and a black silhouette. Too much for an angel, he thought to himself before closing his eyes again. He felt the poke again and suddenly it hit him: The leadership program.

"Are you ok?" - Nouf stood on the right hand side of his sofa awkwardly holding a pen in her hand. She looked sincerely concerned.

Rubbing his eyes like a five year old, Butti adjusts his posture and sends Nouf an apologetic smile, "I didn't sleep well yesterday..."

"oh. I dont think the super serious couple we were paired with will be happy with this. We're sitting in that corner." she says pointing to a middle eastern man in a suit, probably in his late 30s and a very smart looking chinese lady by his side. "I've been trying to talk to them for the past 15 minutes but he wont even give me a chance to say a word, ugh........."

Butti was leaning back on his chair with his hands behind his head and a huge grin on his face. He's looking intently at Nouf while she's throwing her hands in the air and complaining endlessly. The energy this girl radiates is impossible, she was able to shred every ounce of fatigue that Butti felt away with her spontaneous attitude.

"What?" - Nouf blurted out awkwardly when she noticed Butti's expression. "And you're not listening too? ufff ard baitna a7san!"

"Afaaa, how can i not listen?" Butti smirked at her. Her face expression was priceless. It was very entertaining to see her get annoyed in a split of a second. "I was just wondering how can they not give you a chance to talk when you didn't even give me a chance to talk!"

Rolling her eyes, Nouf started walking away towards the couple. She glanced back at Butti and stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "Your eyes are red, and you look awful... like a hangover."

Why is she mad at me? I'm not the one that ignored her. sigh. Thought Butti as he walked to the rest room to freshen up.

Shit - He did look horrible. That's not how he would present himself formally in public. He stared at his puffy red eyes, untamed hair, loose white shirt and grey sweat pants. What was I thinking, coming here like this. Its Fares' fault!

________________________________

The night before 

Chilling at Abdulla's Meelas was Butti's way out of the stress of work and his busy life. He was not the type that would walk for hours in shopping malls aiming to haunt down a girl like other guys, or go out clubbing, partying and drinking. Butti had values that he lived by regardless of the opinions of his friends. They've dragged him along a couple of times but it was just not his thing. The feeling of guilt he gets after this type of fun was not worth the "fun" in his opinion. 

Ahmad, a regular visitor at the meelas, walked in. "Wa3laikm Eslam", they replied back in a unified voice as he took his place beside Butti. 

"Agool Butti," Ahmad was nearly whispering, "what was the car plate number on Fares' new Range Rover?" - Butti replied back with the answer casually concentrating on the deck of cards in his hand. 

"He's up to trouble. I saw him fe JBR. He was too loud with a couple of girls, i don't think he's in his full senses."

"He has a brother, father and uncles. Its none of my business." Butti was trying to control his temper. He knew he will step in to save that maniac. His brother was out of town and this news will bring down his father with yet another heart attack. But no he wont, enough is enough, he ought to be taught a lesson by the elders in the family. He convinced himself he will not help Fares, for his own good. 

His phone glows and it was what he feared. His aunt was calling him for the rescue. Mothers instincts. How on Earth did she know that her son was in trouble?

"Butti," She started crying. "Ummy, d5eelk 3shan 5a6ry, go find Fares." She pleaded. "He didn't come back home since he left on Friday morning. Please Butti."

"Enshalla 5alo." He surrendered. Her pleadings broke his heart, it wasn't her fault. 

__________________________

Its his third round in JBR but Fares is out of sight. He calls all of Fares' numbers and fails to get a response. With the experience he has, Butti knows exactly what to do to narrow down his search. First he calls the most "off the right track" person he knows, Thani. 

"Thanooy, did you see Fares?"

"yeee bro" This one is drunk too, Butti notices. "I left'em at a partaaay fl Nakhlaa......" Butti hangs up. There's no use the guy is too drunk to make sense and is very much distracted by the female company. The palm, at least he narrowed it a bit. 

"Fares, please answer your phone" There's only one more villa to go to. Natalie's Villa on Frond O. Butti was feeling very tired. Its already 2:00 am. I should get to know his rotten friends' numbers already to find him easily. 

"Bingo" - And there was his famous Range Rover parked outside a villa that was two villas away from Natalie's. "And that's a new party place to remember" sighed Butti. 

Walking in to the villa, the party is surely still on. Loud music is blasting, dim lights and a crowd of people. Butti finds his way through the drunken dancing crowd all the way to the backyard of the house. More people are out celebrating by the beach. It a whole another world in here. People from everywhere partying and drinking. You would totally forget you're in the same Dubai. Nightlife in Dubai takes you to a whole another world that to Butti seemed to be a darker, less welcomed world.

A girl in a short black dress grabs the hands of Butti and pulls herself to a very close distance from him. He's definitely not as model handsome as his corrupted cousin is, but nevertheless a good catch.  He had an overall charisma and essence that attracted you to look again.

"ob oob" the huskiness of Fares' voice comes from behind Butti, "w tgool ma 3ndk hal swalef". He's laughing uncontrollably while pulling the girl to his right side as his left side is already taken with another, "Stay with me. He's his mama's boy" he winks, "Aren't you?"

"We're leaving. Now." His harsh tone is enough to bring back the little sense of sanity left in
Fares' head. Butti knows the effect he has on Fares. Whatever happens, he's the only one that could bring him back. He's the only one that knows him well. He knows that deep down somewhere, Fares still holds respect and value towards Butti.

Brushing a soft kiss on the girls cheeks, Fares leaves them and follows Butti while laughing.

"What happened?" he says casually as they stand by the car.
Butti summarizes his aunts phone call. He did not even bother to give advice or even make sure that he was following him out in the first place. He had enough. His life, his choices.

"Bs?"
"Bs?!! why you wanted me to inform you that your mother died for you to stop..." Butti couldn't find a word. "this" he gestured to the whole of Fares. "Never mind, just call her tell her you're alive. Give them two more weeks and she'll get used to this crap, like your father and I. Bye."

Fares stood there all alone trying to crunch in what just happened. The whole incident is a regular scene in both of their lives but this time something changed. Butti didn't care. He didn't insist that Fares would not drive, nor did he give him one of his regular lectures. What Butti didn't know was that this absence of attention that Fares felt had more impact on him than the years of lectures and advice. Fares ran his fingers through his hair thinking for the first time about his life.

___________________________________________
Leadership program

Running his fingers into his hair in an attempt to tame it down, Butti was looking better than a few minutes ago.

Coffee, That's what i need. I should focus on this project now and keep everything else for later. Or Nouf won't stop complaining. 

The thought of Nouf complaining made him smile. Her attention span is very short and so is her mood span. She radiates a rainbow of moods in just a short period of time. It was very entertaining to him to see her reactions.



Stay tuned.

Serendipity - 8

(You could call this "ta9beera" till i really get time to write.. enjoy!)

I arrive early at Bateel in Dubai Mall for our scheduled date. The weather outside is just breathtaking. Isn't winter in Dubai the best thing ever? Its nearly 20 degrees outside!

My delicious date pudding and Arabic coffee order arrives before my friends, to keep me warm and busy. Arab timings, i roll my eyes. I hate sitting alone in restaurants. Its always just awkward for me, and eating alone, that's even worse.

Just in time, the Dubai Mall's greatest phenomena, the fountain, starts dancing. I will look busy looking at it.

"You look so lonely..."

"Uff, finally!! leaving me for more than half an hour... where's Lojain?"

Lojain pops in with a faint smile. I squint my eyes to see her properly, are those red eyes i see?

"Whats wrong?" - Lojain is never seen like that, she looks devastated. something huge must have happened.
"Nothing. Just..." her voice starts breaking, "Khalifa. He.. He le..left."
"I thought he talked to his mom about proposing..." - I'm trying to understand. Khalifa and Lojain had a cute little story. They have been an item ever since they were kids. They're second cousins and to be honest a match made in heaven. Everyone knew about their relationship. They were practically engaged.
Lojain's tears started racing down her cheeks. Hamda held her hands and all we were able to say were some words to comfort her. I was lost. What's happening?

"He called me and said it was over and won't reply to my calls.......... Nouf, all of a sudden walla, we didn't even fight!!" she explained when she was able to speak again.

"Love" she added with a sarcastic tone.

I know i cannot imagine the feelings that she's going through, not even close. But i see and sense her pain from her tone. The strong Lojain is suddenly all weak and vulnerable because of a guy. Someone she trusted for a long long time, been her everything and now, bam, gone.

"No more boys, ok?!" I announce. "His loss, end of story." I've got to pull her back together. Maybe make her forget what happened. He'll probably call her tomorrow to explain. It wasn't just a fling. He was very serious about her, he made everyone, including their parents, know that they were together. To me thats commitment.

We spend our day trying to avoid Lojain's painful story. We talk about everything and anything thats not related, shoes, bags, travel and even cats, but no boys, no love, no couples and no people. It lifted her mood for now, but i can see its going to be days of long sleepless nights.

________________________________________

He runs his hands through his hair. This time its far worse than every other time. Why can't he see the pain he puts his mum in. Butti is always the one to take the responsibility and try to fix the mess his cousin gets himself into, and every time, he promises himself its the last time he gets involved, but his aunts pleading always manages to find a way to tamper with his decisions.

"Fares, please answer your phone" was Butti's only thought while driving around the roads of the Palm.
_________________


Headscarf: Please comment, and tell me what you think :D 
I'll be back soon. 

Stay close. 

2013

Happy be-lated New Year !

I need to find time to write between all the fuss and mess of my life right now.