Serendipity 22

Thoughts?

Butti called Fares informing him that he will be bringing the girls to the boat ride on the Bosphurus and the mothers notified their daughters and left.

The notification that Fares got was short and simple. The ringtone of his blackberry is what got him to wake up.  He was planning on skipping the family and avoiding any outings with them today, and for the rest of the week for that matter. But now he's obliged to drop off the girls. He couldn't help but feel that this trip was planned as a rehabilitation to get him on the "right" track. What is the right track, he thought. Who defines it really? or defined it. Some people that have spent over a century now in their grave? Do we just follow what others say blindly? fix and adjust your traditions to the time you're in, stop fixing me...
Backward people, he continued thinking as he wore his army green sweater and picked up his sunglasses, they ask us to study abroad, wear their clothes, drive their cars and follow their footsteps but then get mad if we actually do.

I need coffee, he added as the throbbing headache started splashing like a wave across all the areas of his head. He knocked on the girls apartment on his way down. Haifa opened the door.
"We're ready" she greeted her brother with a big smile.
"I'll hail a cab" he replied as he continued his way down the flight of stairs and out to the cafe filled road. He stood there breathing in the clean air that struck him as he opened the door. Coffee, he reminded himself.

Haifa rushed the girls to leave. They'll tidy up the post-shopping mess that they created when they're back.
"Where's fares?" Asked Lojain as they stood just outside the door.
"He's getting us a taxi" and with Haifa's reply the girls waited for Fares' arrival.

fifteen minutes passed and Fares was still not back. Lojain being herself huffed and puffed.
"Where is your brother?? you know we don't need him to get to anywhere; we're all grown up ladies. call him or i swear i'll leave now"
"He doesn't answer" Haifa was fidgeting with her phone, she was embarrassed. "He's probably nearby"
The girls walked for a short distance and looked around to find Fares in one of the cafes sipping on his coffee and cake deeply engaged in a phone conversation. Nouf couldn't help but notice that they were both wearing the same color. She felt a rush of childish joy but kept it to herself, there was too much tension in the air.

"Fares." Haifa interrupted his conversation awkwardly, "emm.. we were waiting for you.."
"oh.." he ended his phone conversation and then looked back at the girls with a breath taking smile and said, "i forgot about you"
The effect of that smile just shredded away all the frustration that Maryam and Nouf felt. His smile and good looks did not only have an affect on the two girls, but all the females in the cafe, and elsewhere to be fair. They were all stealing a peak, trying to get a glance and admiring the beautiful creation.

However the effects of his powers seemed to malfunction when it comes to Lojain.
"huuh" was her immediate response to his words. The kind of sarcastic semi-laugh. The one that involves a smile and release air from your nose. "You forgot? You forgot you're responsible of a group of girls that you asked to wait for you 20 minutes ago?"
"Yes" that beautiful smile is still plastered on Fares' face, which was  now aimed at one of the pretty waitresses, "the bill please"
"uuuugh" Lojain was out of patience. She's always in charge, she always had things her way and this time it wasn't. But who says that Lojain will let Fares have it his way. "I'm leaving. I'll use the metro and whoever wants to join follow me. Bye." she announced before leaving.

"Lojain waiiit", Nouf looked at the other girls for any clue.
"Sit beautiful, she'll come back." said Fares very calmly.
"She's stubborn, she wont. I know her." Nouf was worried but clueless of what to do. Should she follow Lojain? What does she know about the metro and where they're going.. "I'll follow her"
"We're all leaving" he said as the waitress placed the bill on the table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nouf 

Lojain was a few meters ahead of us cutting her way through the crowded Istiklal street towards the nearest metro, or tram, whatever they call it, station. I don't know how she managed to do so. I'm walking with three others, one of them being a well built, strong man, and i'm still frightened of thieves and what not.
I was able to spot that Fares was getting mad. He said something about how Lojain's behavior is not ladylike, fighting with a man, and that she shouldn't run away like a child to Haifa. She was just creating problems. I was praying that she would stop at some point so that we could catch up.

My prayers were accepted and we caught up with Lojain who was at the tokens machine with a random european guy teaching her how to use it.
"Oh you came" she said as i stood beside her.
"What's up with this stubbornness?" i hissed at her.
"Get out your Lira's to buy tokens.." she announced regardless of what i said and the tension in the air, "we'll need three tokens to get us from this station, Taksim, to Eminonu station that is directly on the port"

As we started to get our tokens, Lojain came up to me and whispered, "regardless of how much i dislike him, its cute how you two are dressed in the same color.. nice move" she winked at me and i hit her on the shoulder as i laugh, telling her that its just a matter of coincidence. I'm glad someone else noticed. It makes me feel less of a fool.

We didn't wait long for the next metro to arrive and as soon as its doors opened we rushed inside alongside what seemed like a billion people. Haifa and Maryam were lucky to find a seat. Lojain sat on Maryam's lap as its a fifteen minute ride. We'll stop at four different stations before getting off. I stood steps away from the seats beside Fares. I was staring outside the glass windows at the scenery we passed across.

"You see that tower, Galata tower," Fares started talking to me pointing at a tall but old tower on our right side, "the view from the top is one of the best you could see. There's a restaurant on the top and a night club too."
"its their Burj khalifa i guess" i wanted to continue the conversation but i didn't know what to say. I'm still uncomfortable around him to talk freely.
"is she always like that" he continued gesturing towards Lojain. "doing whatever she likes?"
"yeah," i answered and shifted my eyes to look around. He was looking at me as i speak and it wasn't helping me in structuring sentences. "she doesn't get a no for an answer, people usually do as she says willingly. She knows what she's doing."
"ahaa" was what he replied with and stared back at the scenery. I wanted to say more and defend my friend but it sounded as if the conversation was over. I followed where his eyes were resting, outside the vast windows of the metro on the beautiful scenery of Istanbul and stared. Oh, beautiful Istanbul.

The fifteen minutes ride was finally over. At every station stop more people will ride and a very few will get off. This made it impossible to find seats for Fares and I. As the number of people getting on the metro increased, the more crammed we were. At the last station before we get off, it got too crowded that i was nearly embraced by Fares. It was as if he was protecting me from being too close to the men around. The irony! i was practically TOO close to him; a man. Why isn't Haifa here with her brother is the only thing i'm thinking about.
We got off the metro onto the Eminonu port area. Fares asked us to keep an eye on our bags and stay close. It is a lively, buzzed and crowded area. He called Butti to know the exact cruise we were going on.
"We'll walk this way" announced Fares.
"no, we'll go across the platform and to the right i want to take pictures of those people selling stuff" announced Lojain with her stubbornness. Here we go again, i thought to myself.
"Lojain!" called Fares. I swear I could hear threatening tone in his voice. It scared us all but not Lojain. "This way"
Lojain rolled her eyes and walked where she planned to regardless of what just happened. Consequently, Fares asked us to follow him as he walked the other way. Maryam, Haifa and I exchanged looks, all of us confused not knowing where to go. Should we split? I couldn't help but think of calling Butti. He'll know how to solve this, he always does the right thing. As i opened my mouth to suggest the idea, i remembered that i was mad at him and decided to shut my mouth again. I walked faster to catch up with Fares and smiled at him. I felt victorious as if i won against Butti. I don't know why, but i just did.

Serendipity 21

Previously on Serendipity...

"Let them come to the boat ride today alone, let them get to know each other." Added Butti's mom. "I'll talk to Butti too to arrange it with Fares"

-----------------------------------------

Butti was sitting in the lobby waiting for the ladies to finish dressing up. Women just take too long to get ready. Its never ever five minutes as they say. He was staring at the bottom of his cup of tea as a whirlpool of thoughts started in his brain. He remembered the agonizing feeling of his blood boiling under his skin as Nouf's hands were wrapped in Nathan's hands. He remembered how he stood there paralyzed saying nothing as his blood boiled away. What am i to her? he thought to himself. What is it to me? I've known her for such a short time, i don't even know her well. Could I? The memory of her being concerned about the opinion of Fares passed by but he discarded it immediately. Not again will Fares ruin something for him. Not this, he thought. 

His stream of thoughts was broken off by the voices of his aunts and mother coming down the stairs. 
"5 minutes exactly." He said sarcastically looking at his watch."You should get used it by now habeeby" replied his mom, "Where are the girls?"
"They're still up"
"a7san" said Um Fares, "Fares wain?" .. Butti just shrugged. 
"Butti, we will leave with you and the girls then Fares and Nouf will follow" continued Um Fares excitedly at her plan. She didn't need to explain, her plan was written all over the happy wrinkles around her eyes and smile, "She's a nice girl, isn't she?"

Butti's face fell and went pale. He smiled faintly as a polite reply to his aunt. The irony of his thoughts a while ago made him laugh. Its happening... Again. He shook his head as he felt tiny daggers poking his heart from every side. A very alienated feeling. Somehow, he saw it coming. He felt stupid for allowing this to happen to him. She likes him; he thought as he remembered her ear-to-ear smile when she was standing beside Fares in the airport. He was always defensive about himself not allowing anyone to get so close to his heart. He cared about no one so much other than his mom, aunts and Haifa his sister. They were the only females in his life. But Nouf was something, she managed to become part of his life in a span of a week. Friends; he tested the word in his mind. Friends, he assured himself. 

"Butti," Said his mother softly taking him away from his thoughts, "Shu feek?"
His mother at that moment realized what was happening, "Ent shu rayek 7abeeby?" she added to trigger him to talk. She knows her son well. He will give up what he wants for the happiness of others. He always did.
"They shouldn't be all alone, let Fares take the girls and i'll take you. I'll call him" he answered casually taking out his phone to inform Fares of the plan. 

Serendipity 20

Nouf

I dont know whats going onnnnn.... what the hell is going on...... Fiance then this awkward long handshake.... I was glad he left my hands, and soon as he did i looked at Butti. He looked... blank. I don't understand his face expression.

As soon as the two boys, sorry men, yes men, big men, big handsome American men walked away, Butti started walking towards the shop were we left his mom, saying nothing.

"Who are those?" i started yet i got no reply. I wasn't just walking behind him, i was marching. Why is he stomping away?? what did i do?

"Hello, Butti, why was i your fiance again?" I tried my luck once more. "Are those Fares' friends?" i wondered out loud, "What if they ask him and he says we're not engaged and they'll see u as a liar, or he will think that maybe you know we're together or something.." i was talking casually to make him talk but it came out as a cry for help.

He stopped suddenly to turn to face me, "Stop. Freaking. Out, i'll make sure he knows you're available." I heard the bitterness in his tone. It hurt me on the inside. I couldn't say a word. I'm not that type of girl, i don't want someone to talk to me like that. I felt like i was choking on my own tears but i won't let them out. I'm not a brat.

We both walked in silence to his mom. She was preoccupied with the bargain at her hands and asked for my opinion as soon as i walked in. I kept myself busy avoiding Butti by engaging myself in all the bargains that his mother took part in. Two hours of shopping and walking around the souk passed by with me avoiding the existence of Butti. It was easy as he stood away most of the time.

"Um Fares called," said Butti to his mom, "She says they'll book in one of the restaurants for dinner tonight and they want to go on the Bosphurus boat trip in an hour, what do you think?" We decided to return back to the apartment to return all the shopping bags and freshen up before the boat trip.

The taxi driver stopped by our apartment. Butti's mother went upstairs as Butti and I carried the rest of the bags.

"Let me carry this" 
"I got it" I said pulling the bags and walked away. It was heavy but I dont need anything from him right now. His distorted annoying thinking head is the last thing i need to depend on.
I felt his hands grab the bags from my hand as i was struggling to walk up the stairs. I let go of them without looking at him.
"I don't know why you're mad at me right now..."
"You didn't hear yourself talking to me? why do you think you can talk to me like this?"
"When?" he looked genuinely confused. Well done Nouf, you were mad for two hours and no one even noticed. I felt my tears gather in my eyes ready for the great waterfall.
"Forget it."  I won't even bother explaining. I should stay with the girls more often to stay out of all this drama.

I walked into our apartment immediately and headed to change my clothes and calm down before anyone would notice. I'm on a vacation, no one is in a mood for some drama. I wore my army green jacket, layered knits under to stay warm, black jeggings, wedge sneakers and wrapped a grey scarf around my neck. I wish i could leave with my hair down, i look way better this way. sigh.

I joined the now-ready-to-leave girls.

"Where do you go when we're asleep?"
"You said it Lojain, ASLEEP" i rolled my eyes at her
"enzain wain?"
"The old souk with Butti's mom, we went shopping, its nice for vintage weird stuff, jewelry and fabric, see what i got" i said as i started emptying the shopping bags to show them.
"What wrong?" whispered Lojain to me. "You sound so not bothered. I know you well, this is not how you act after buying new things..."
"Nothing im just tired of all the walking" i faked a smile to let it go.
"I'll let it go if you promise to have fun"
"Promise" i said as i got out the pieces of fabric i got.

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In the mother's apartment, Butti's mother was showing off what things she got to her friend and sister.
"It's a really nice place, Nouf and I had fun shopping. I even taught her how to bargain"
"She's a nice girl" added Fares's mother. "I was thinking that she suits Fares, what do you think?"
Butti's mother shot a smile of approval as Maryam's mother started mentioning how kind and friendly Nouf's family is.

"Let them come to the boat ride today alone, let them get to know each other." Added Butti's mom. "I'll talk to Butti too to arrange it with Fares"

Serendipity 19

Long time, I know. I apologize. I hope you still remember the story. If not please read it again, it doesn't take long :$ and i know this is short but i had to split it into two parts. Wait for the next piece. 

Characters:
Nouf - Main character
Lojain - Nouf's best friend
Mariam - Nouf's high school friend
Haifa - Fares' brother and Butti's cousin (and u5oha blr'6a3ah)

* Previously on Serendipity... 

Nouf, Butti and his mom left early in the morning to visit the old souk of Istanbul while the others were still asleep back in the apartment. Butti bumped into his American friend Keith while Nouf and his mom were in one of the shops. He looked uncomfortable as Nathan came by. Nouf was just passing by to get something to drink in time to spot Butti's discomfort. Butti turned around to see Nouf as she came to stand beside him and gave him the hot chocolate, which she originally bought for his mom, and smiled.
"Thanks love," he said. "Nouf, those are Keith and Nathan" he added pointing at the guys in front of him, "This is Nouf, my fiance."

my fiance, my fiance, my fiance, my fiance.. were the words that echoed in Nouf's mind....
------------------------------------

The words "My fiance" blurted out of Butti's mouth without thinking. But deep down he knew why he did that. it was because he wanted to annoy Nathan and spark jealousy. Nathan was of the same material as Fares. He was thirsty for attention and wanted to have everything good and beautiful. And Nouf is beautiful, very beautiful. Nathan would just feel jealous that Butti has such a beautiful lady out of hatred.

It worked. Nathan was looking at the beautiful girl infront of him. A great catch, he thought to himself even though Arab girls were not his material. They are too much of a hastle and trouble. But this one was beautiful, innocent and most importantly Butti's fiance. He breaks her, it breaks him.

Nouf didn't say a thing yet. She did not know who those guys were and why would Butti lie to them. She stood there casually until the Americans excused themselves to leave to explore the rest of the souk. Nathan extended his hands towards Nouf to shake her hands before leaving. She shook his hands to spare herself the awkward moment of explaining that she doesn't shake hands with men etc etc. To her surprise, Nathan held her hand firmly then covering it with his other hand to show respect and affection; "Nice to meet such a beautiful young lady" he added as he left her hands and gave Butti a half smile, looking more like an evil smirk.

Apologies

I'm a tiny bit busy and inspiration-less this couple of weeks. I promise i'll come back to write more often and hopefully up to your expectations. Please stay tuned, I'll post something soon. But for now, i have no idea what is going to happen next.....

Share your thoughts and the story too.

Till I come back,
Headscarf

Serendipity - 18

I get excited that people are actually getting emotional about the characters! 
Please give me your feedback. Sorry that it took too long. My brain was just refusing to become creative. This is actually a forced writing, rather than one that flowed out...
Enjoy reading. 


Previously on Serendipity...

"You know, She's pretty and you're 24" she signaled way too obviously. 

He suddenly saw it all. It was Nouf. She was his solution to everything. She was pretty, too innocent, liked him and his family liked her too. Having a wife and kids would keep his mother's worries away. His wife will be busy with the kids and he could remain his lifestyle during his regular "business trips". Thats what a lot of his friends did too. She'll have all the money she needs, kids, a house, good family and i'll be there.... [sometimes], he assured his conscious that spoke up for the first time.

"Yes, she's pretty" he answered his mom with a smile.

____________________________________________________________________________

Nouf

We took the food and stocked it in the kitchen. Many cold nights will refrain us from going out i guess, especially if it started snowing and raining. So food is good company. To be honest, i don't usually care about where i travel, as long as i'm with the right company. With the right people, you enjoy everything. And that is exactly what we did, we spent our night munching on snacks, watching movies and laughing at old memories. Lojain told stories about how Haifa used to be in school and vice versa. The atmosphere was just light and refreshing right until sleep started to interfere. We called it a night only few hours before the sunrise. 

I opened my eyes as soon as the rays of sunlight started peeking into the room through the curtains. I can't sleep for long in new places no matter how comfortable the bed is. I called Lojain's name lazily to wake her up, but no response. I don't think any of them will wake up soon. I sat up stretching my hands to the roof, I won't waste a minute, the days are too short anyways, i motivated myself and my stomach growled in agreement. 

I searched my way through the kitchen's stock of food. Junk, junk and more junk. All the proper food is downstairs but i'm too shy to knock on their door, they might be asleep. And my mom isn't there. Sigh. I miss her and dad a lot. Its only been a day though. I fixed myself a cup of tea and called my mom.

As i was talking to my mom, i heard noises coming from outside. Slamming doors and sounds of people conversing but i can't tell who. I picked up my beanie to cover my hair, i was wearing bright red hoodie and sweatpants, and hurried to the door as soon as i ended the convo with mom. If i find the mothers awake i could find food, i smiled like a fat kid finding a humungous chocolate cake. Their apartment door was closed but this time i could hear the voices well. it wasn't from the apartment, it came from downstairs. 
Its not any of us, it was the Italian couple. 

"buongiorno," I said using the limited italian vocab i have as i spotted them in the lobby. 
They were a young couple, probably in their late twenties. The guy was Italian attractive. He is an evidence and proof to all the stereotypes and claims about Italian men. The woman was less attractive compared to her man but nevertheless she had that typical european beauty about her. They were standing casually infront of the main gate watching the road outside, though they didn't seem like they were leaving. 
"buongiorno Siniorina, come sta?" replied the woman excitedly putting me in an awkward situation. What do you reply, i forgot!
"I don't speak Italian," I replied shyly. 
"oh its okay, I Adriana" said the women as she stepped forward to shake my hand. "This my boyfriend, Massimo"
"I'm Nouf," I shook his hand as well.
"Where are you are from?" She asked curiously.
"Dubai," and the conversation started flowing from there. They've been in Istanbul for three days now and we talked about all the places to see here and i marketed Dubai as a destination. I bragged about my city like i own the place. 
"Good morning," came a familiar voice from behind minutes later. It was Butti coming to the lobby. I did not hear him coming downstairs. Apparently, he came down to check where the noises were coming from. Loud Arabs and loud Italians, not a great combo if someone is looking for peace. Butti joined the convo for a while before the couple excused themselves to leave as the shops started to open. 

My stomach growled in rebellion again, reminding me of the purpose that got me to the lobby in the first place. Gladly Butti did not hear it, or he chose to pretend he didn't, anyways i'm thankful.
"Why are you awake so early, I know my aunt, she wont leave before noon" He said. 
"Dunno," i shrugged. "You know new place... and i'm kinda hungry.." i admitted. 
"Me too," he glanced at his watch, "Come, my mom is awake I'll see if she'll join us for breakfast."

Apartment one's (mothers apartment) door was left ajar. We walked in to find Butti's mom in the living room sipping on some tea while watching Dubai Tv. They have Arabic channels here, thats convenient! I bet a lot of Khaleejis came here after all those Turkish series and then demanded this. Butti sat on the couch and folded his legs, "I want breakfast" he demanded with a bossy tone. His mom gave him a how-rude-of-you-my-little-boy kind of look, "chee t6lb mn umk?, no breakfast, serve yourself." she said in a very motherly tone. I know this tone, its the one mothers use to make their kids feel guilty. Butti started sweet talking to his mom to convince her to make him breakfast and all she did was ignore him. It was funny and adorable to watch. He landed his head on her lap and with a sad pout he started telling his mom who he didn't have anything to eat since last night. The devil! I could see the expression on his mother's face changing to become concerned. She'll get up any second. 

"I'm going to make myself scrambled eggs, i'll make some for Butti too while im at it khalo," I didn't know that i offered to cook until the words came out all of a sudden. "Do you want anything?" i added politely. 

"walla wanasah" said Butti smiling, "I dont want scrambled eggs, i want poached eggs, but dont make them runny, and some orange juice, we got beans too right, make some...." 
I stared at Butti bluntly. This guy is unbelievable. He takes advantage of every situation or what? I saw his mom slap him lightly on the head. 
"I'm sorry khalo, i take back my offer. Your son is unbelievable."
"He is, isn't he... let him starve, he can cook. Tell me, Nouf dear, what do you want? we'll make something together, how about french toast too?" she said pointing at her son with her chin. She wants to annoy him, i can see. 
"Yes! i bought berries too yesterday, we'll have them on the side" I smiled happily. This is fun. 
Butti looked at both of us in disbelief, "And your son?" he said as he held his mom's hand with both his hands.
"my son should behave" she said hitting his hand lightly and laughing. So adorable. I don't have a brother, so seeing this is quite different to me. I bet they are different than any other mother and son. There's a strong bond between them. "How about you go help Nouf prepare breakfast for us?" she offered as her phone rang. Her expression changed and i guess she wanted us to leave. An important phone call maybe? 
"if it means i wont starve," he said as he got up and kissed his mothers forehead. "yalla, come along chef."

Butti sat on the chair beside the kitchen's island watching me while i take out the ingredients of both the scrambled eggs with tomatoes and mushrooms and the french toast. 
"Aren't you going to help?" i looked at him. He looked a bit distant. "Are you ok?"
"I'm hungry, finish already" he replied as if it was the only thing on his mind, but i knew better. 
"I can't cook under stress," i rolled my eyes. "Here, cut those mushrooms in half" i handed it over and i started chopping the tomatoes into small pieces. 

When i finished, i glanced at Butti to find him still not done. He was cutting each piece slowly and carefully. And he says he can cook! Or maybe its a guy thing, they want quality and to be the best at what they're doing. 

But it was much simpler than that. 
As i reached over to grab the cutting board from him to finish cutting, he looked at me in guilt. "Its ok i'll finish this" he said reassuringly. I gave it up to him and went to get the pan and start cooking the eggs when he suddenly said, "My dad is not well, He's having a lot of back problems lately. she's talking to him right now but won't do it infront of me. She knows i'll argue with him to take him abroad for proper check ups. He insists that he doesn't need them. The problem is that i cant force him." He looked up at me, i'm sure my face looked very concerned, I know how it feels. "I don't even know why i'm telling you, i don't share things with people" he laughed, it sounded more as if he was thinking this than telling me. "But you seem to have this thing where you pull words out of people" he stood up to get the mushrooms to me. I think he means the "flanah" conversation. 
"Thank god, this means my black magic for trust works. All the money i paid didn't go to waste" i said jokingly. 
"How much does it cost to get a convince-a-stubborn-old-man magic?" he was stirring the eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms in the pan as i was getting the french toast ready. "Should i add salt and pepper chef?"
"yes," i answered. "It takes much less than magic. Make a deal with him, tell him you'll stop working or you won't get married or anything like that till he goes and gets his check up"
"I don't think it would work," he smiled weakly, but somehow i feel that he thinks that what i just said was one of the stupidest solutions. 
"I know you think its stupid, but try" 
"i didn't think that, but i know him, he's too stubborn to admit anything."
"ok, tell him you'll run away, or better, that you won't talk to him... what?! what are you smiling at like that, i'm serious!"
"i know you are," he laughed, "i was just thinking it would be easier to convince him if he had a daughter,"
"You don't deserve any advise" i turned around to finish up the breakfast and put it into plates. "take those to the living room" i handed him a couple of plates. 
"do you always just get mad like that?" he's still laughing, i dont think its funny. "ok, ok im going." 

==

After breakfast, Butti looked less concerned. I think food makes him in a better mood. I left to apartment two (ours) to wake up the girls but all i got was get out and close the door. My way of waking people up is singing. It works all the time, but not now. The cold weather just adds to their laziness. Its true, all you want to do in winter is eat and sleep. The apartment phone rang, it was Butti's mom.
"Any luck?"
"No they're all still asleep, bs Maryam took some Panadol and slept again. I think she got the flu" i heard her shouting over the phone to Maryam's mother telling her that her daughter isn't feeling well. "Nouf, I'm going out to the old souk, you want to come? Maryam's mother will stay since you said Maryam is tired" I agreed instantly. I didn't come here to stay indoors alone. if they were awake i wouldn't mind. 

I changed into less casual clothes, applied mascara and some light pink lipstick. I took a proud look at myself in the mirror. I look good, i smirked and headed downstairs. 

Soon enough we were on our way. Butti, his mother and I. Fares's mom loves to leave after noon. She always believes that mornings are not meant for shopping, they should be spent in a comfortable place. She said something about going to a Turkish Bath Spa later. Haifa and Lojain would love that. No one seemed to mention Fares. I wonder if he's going to join us later or spend his holiday meeting up with his friends like last night. 

The taxi driver dropped us at the Grand Bazaar. I breathed in and looked around as soon as we stepped into the bazaar. It was phenomenal to all the senses. If you closed your eyes, you could hear the singing of the birds outside, the clicking of cups, the overlapping voices of people bargaining intertwining to create altogether a musical appeal. It was not noise. It was the sound of people being alive, going by in their day minding their own business. Some actually won't mind their business and harass you by calling you to come see their products over and over again. You could barely hear this type of interaction in malls today. Your eyes would then just wonder around trying to rest on one of the billion things that surround you, whether its the stained glass lights, carpets, jewelry or even antiques. We passed by the jewelry first. I was so taken by it. 

At first, i thought that going out with Butti's mother might be a little awkward, i know myself well, but to my surprise we clicked well. She wasn't like her sister, who is more serious and uptight, but more like Butti. Always up for a laugh and makes conversations flow easily. I also found out that she's one really reaaaaally good bargainer, she'd drop prices more than 60% down when buying. The funny thing is Butti would feel so ashamed that his mother would bargain, "Just get it, its just 10 dirhams difference.. ufff". But i guess it has always been a woman's skill to bargain, not that of a man. He didn't enter most of the shops but stood outside and looked at the items displayed carefully assessing their quality.

A few hours later, as Butti's mother and I were strolling through one of the shops in the antiques section i spotted a nearby cafe."Khalo, i'll go get something to drink from the opposite shop and comeback." 

As i left the shop i spotted Butti on the other side talking to a westerner man. He was really tall and broad. They were having what seemed like a friendly conversation. Probably a tourist that was left outside because his girl is shopping, i thought to myself. Poor men. 
As I left the cafe with my order of two hot chocolates to go, to keep us warm, i spotted another western man walking towards Butti. There was something sneaky about him that i didn't like. Maybe he's a thief, there are many pick-pocketing action around here. 

It wasn't that though, Butti looked uncomfortable too. I walked towards him instead of walking back to the shop. As soon as i stopped beside him i sensed the tension in the air, he knew those people. He turned around to see me, i gave him the hot chocolate, which i originally bought for his mom, and smiled.
"Thanks love," i didn't know if what i heard was what i really heard. Is it? "Nouf, those are Keith and Nathan" he added pointing at the guys in front of him, "This is Nouf, my fiance."


Whaaat?
my fiance, my fiance, my fiance, my fiance.. were the words that echoed in my mind. 

Serendipity - 17

Two posts within the same 24 hours, now i should get credits. Enjoy reading!


Previously on Serendipity....

"A friend once told me, there's only so much you could do", Butti patted Fares's shoulders with a sad smile and walked back towards the apartment.

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Nouf 

Winter can be very depressing. It gets dark really early and there's only so little to do. We left Butti and Fares and walked to the apartment. Haifa's mother says that this part of Istanbul is not so safe. Its too westernized. But the other part, which i think is in Asia is safer. Its where all the mosques are, no clubs and drinking, and people sit in coffee shops to drink tea and turkish coffee till late hours. The metro that takes to Sultan Ahmet area isn't safe too as she claims. Too bad we're living on this side. Though to be honest, the safety issues only lie on a certain part of Istikalal street, where the bars and casinos are located. And its quite far. The place seemed perfectly safe to me. 

Well, we still have TV to watch and there were some movie DVDs in the living room. That will do. 

I picked my PJz and headed for a shower. 
"Waaaaait" Shouted Maryam as she barged into the room. "You're the only one still not in a pyjama. We don't have food and that wasn't even dinner. Its lies! the sun just sets too early. can you believe it, its already dark by five pm. We need food i'm becoming cranky." 

oops, no room service too. Great. 

I walked down to the mothers apartment to see if they need anything from the supermarket at the end of the road. Maryam's mother smiled, gave me a long list of things to buy and asked me to leave now before the other mothers find out. They wont allow me to go out there alone. Though she saw no danger at all. That's why i love her, no extra unneeded fear and drama. 

I walked out into the open air and the frosted roads. The cold breeze just hits right in the face. I can feel my skin tightening as if i just got a face lift. That's why their women are pretty; its the weather i'm sure. The snow just makes everything so white and pretty too. I wish it would snow now, i've never been somewhere to see the snow actually fall. I would stare up into the sky like the movies and lift my hand in the air feeling every snow drop on my cheeks. 

I jumped back at the person that suddenly clapped his hands inches away from my face. It was Butti. 
"What are you doing out here?"

I'm still mad at him. Why is he so... sooo... i'm not sure what, but this whatever it is.
"I could ask you the same." i answered in a bother-less tone and attempted to walk past him. 
"I ditched Fares and his friends, now you answer." He was walking beside me. How could he catch up so fast and effortlessly?
"I'm getting stuff to eat from the supermarket" 
"ok" he said as he continued to walk beside me, i stopped.
"ok?" I looked at him, attempting to signal that yeah now you know just leave.
"I'm coming with you" His hands were in his jacket's pocket and his tone was extremely casual. Its not like he barked at me a while ago. 
"You know, not everything is your responsibility. I'm 21, old enough to take care of myself and i dont need you guarding me. And who are you to say that i cant go alone or even shout at me?" I blew out all the anger inside me and stood there with pride. Now GO! i continued saying in my head. 
Butti looked at me and gave me one of his usual genuine smiles. He put his hands together in an apologetic gesture, "I'm sorry that i shouted, I know that was wrong, but you scared me and Haifa's reaction, you should've seen it....." I twisted my lips to the side thinking about if i would accept his apology. 
".... But Judge," he continues as he laughs obviously enjoying what he is about to say, "I never said you can't go alone or i'll guard you. I'm simply going to get food for my apartment too." I felt so stupid and he had a winners smile on as he walked in the direction of the supermarket. 
"i accept your apology" i said to shred away any amount of humiliation i can. 
We walked in silence. It wasn't awkward though. There was plenty of things to watch around, all the little details of the road. Nearly all the buildings had coffee shops and restaurants on the ground floor looking onto the street. When you looked closer, none of them were bars. People were drinking tea, talking and playing some kind of board game i see in Syrian series in the local looking shops. Couples were seated in the more cozy, romantic and westernized shops having dessert and coffee and simply talking. It was lovely. 
"I didn't think it will be like this," i said to Butti a few steps before reaching the supermarket. 
He saw me looking around, "Well, not all the areas are like that. This street has more of muslims and families living here, less tourists and bachelors, so its quite safer. And even though its been dark for so long, its just 9:30 now." he opens the supermarket door for me and i walk in. Ah, i love being a girl. 

Butti pulled out a trolly and walked toward the first alley.  
"Supermarketing is an Art, you go through each alley to not forget anything, follow me." i laughed at his excitement. Years of studying alone served him well i guess. 
"so you can cook?" i asked
"its how i survived four years in the US." he said as we walked past the second alley. 
"There are restaurants," i commented. well, thats what i would do. I could cook, but its too much work. "Wait, stop here, i want peanut butter"
"You cant go to restaurants everyday, sometimes other khaleeji friends would cook and send over."
"what do you cook?"
"Machboos, instant noodles, omlet, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs," he scratched his head trying to remember as we walked down the alleys collecting stuff as we go.
"hahaha you should mention that when you propose, you might get a discount on the Maher or something" i teased. Other than the machboos, those weren't real cooking skills. 

With each item any of us would grab we would start discussing which one to take, i'd go for brand name that i know and Butti for the price offer and whatever is not fully stocked on the shelf, "if they're out of it, it must be really good" he explained. This just made the process take a bit longer time than i expected and to save time in arguments, i either compromised to what he picked or pouted to get what i want. Simple (nearly). 

We passed by an old lady with a young girl. They were trying to reach to a can on one of the top shelves. Butti helped her grabbed the can and other couple of things she wanted from the top shelves. 
"tshakorat...." is the only word i understood. She said it in a granny heartfelt tone.
"She thanks you a lot, and says that may Allah gift you and your pretty wife with good children and a blessed life" translated the young girl excitedly. I snapped my head towards Butti given the comment and i think i blushed. So we look like couples... i don't know why but the idea is a tiny bit exciting. Well, we are suitable in term of age, emm and looks i guess, and right now we look like were shopping for our own kitchen supply.
"Ameeeen," answered Butti, "tshakorat, we needed that duaa," he added looking at me then back at the granny. Stupid Butti, so now i'm his wife that is having trouble getting pregnant. I try not to roll my eyes to not look rude infront of the old lady. 

"we needed that duaa?" i said with raised eyebrows as soon as we walked passed the granny to head to the cashier.
"Am i married?"
"no..."
"do i have kids?"
"not that i know" i said to annoy him, he shot a half eye at me.
"Then i needed the duaa to get a pretty wife, kids and blessed life" he winked.
"sa5eef" i said in a low voice that he cant comprehend what i said.
"i can hear you"

As we stopped by the cashier with a fully loaded trolley, we looked at each other in guilt. Honestly, it looks like we will move-in nearby, and its a whole month worth of supply. Not just chips and chocolate, but oil, butter, eggs and other stuff to cook for breakfast and dinner. Well, you can never say no to food. 

The month worth of supply was certainly a pain to carry back to the apartment. Butti carried most of the bags and i carried as much as i can. All that training paid off i guess. 

"i'm hungry" announced Butti as soon as we got to the building. "Which apartment do we take all the food to?"
"the mothers its the closest and they cook well" we both had a huge smile on our faces, i was hungry too.
As we entered the building Butti dropped one of the bags that carried a chips and hot sauce. The hot sauce glass broke and made a mess. Butti was standing there with all the bags unable to move. I couldn't help but laugh. I placed by bags on the floor and went over to help him place the ones he had slowly on the ground and clear up the mess. We placed all the bags in the lobby and decided that we'll take a couple up every time. We were tired already.  
The noise Butti and I made brought the girls rushing downstairs. 

"we heard something break, then Nouf crying what happened?" exclaimed Haifa.
"Will you stop freaking out, please. Butti dropped our food." i said pointing at the bottle of hotsauce. "and i was laughing... you looked like a frozen octopus" i laughed again at Butti. 

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The girls decided that they will split the food between their apartment and the mothers. The grabbed all the junk food and walked up to their apartment. Just as Butti was lifting a couple of the other bags, Fares walked in. 
"You're early, Turkey isn't good for you?" Butti adressed him in a sarcastic tone and walked up to the apartment. "i heard their girls are hot"
"I'm out of cash" Fares stated bluntly.
Just then, Nouf walked down to the lobby, there were just a couple of bags left yet more than what she could carry alone up two flights. She grabbed a couple then looked shyly at Fares who was at the first step of the stairs. "Fares" she called. 
"Could you help me carry those up?" she said as he turned around. 
"sure" He might as well be useful while he's at it, he thought. "Why don't you place them in the elevator and send it up, i guess its safe for a couple of bags"
"its out of service and the ones you have are for the mothers apartment"

They walked into the mothers apartment's kitchen and placed the bags. Nouf left the kitchen to go upstairs and arrange their own share of food with the other girls. Fares's mother was in the kitchen checking the things that Nouf and Butti just bought and saw the two walk in. She saw her irresponsible boy carry the bags place them on the kitchen table and take the ones from Nouf too in a very polite manner. My brother was right, i need to find him a wife to make  him change, marriage will change him, she thought.  

"Fares," she addressed her son as soon as Nouf left them alone in the kitchen. "What do you think of Nouf?"
"What do you mean?" he replied as he looked at his iPhone screen, he was waiting for Nouf to leave to ask his mom for more money. He wasted all his cash in gambling, his credit card is the only thing left.
"You know, She's pretty and you're 24" she signaled way too obviously. 

He suddenly saw it all. It was Nouf. She was his solution to everything. She was pretty, too innocent, liked him and his family liked her too. Having a wife and kids would keep his mother's worries away. His wife will be busy with the kids and he could remain his lifestyle during his regular "business trips". Thats what a lot of his friends did too. She'll have all the money she needs, kids, a house, good family and i'll be there.... [sometimes], he assured his conscious that spoke up for the first time.

"Yes, she's pretty" he answered his mom with a smile.