Serendipity - 7

"... Mr. Butti Elx"

"I'm here" - the voice comes from the pet-shop guy standing behind me.
"Small world isn't it" he adds with a genuine smile so that i only can hear him.
"Yes, very small." i can feel my face blushing.

"I owe you a proper introduction", he says as we walk towards the chairs, "Butti Elx, definitely Emirati, often mistaken for a Pet-shop keeper, but i prefer to work as a project manager at AlMeydan group than watch over animals.....", the lights dim and we take our seats. "...and you?"
"Nouf. University student, senior year. And, I embarrass myself quite a lot." I whisper back, Mr. Ziad is ready to start presenting.

I listen carefully to what he has to say. The workshop will extend to three days. We will be introduced to the topics of leadership, then work on some cases with our partners and end it with collaborating with another pair and present to the audience. He then continues talking about strategies in leadership.

Butti is on his iPhone. I don't want to sound like a nerd or so, but i want a partner that would actually work. He seems, emm i don't know, but i would say a typical lazy local.

"You will be assigned to the cases randomly, there are enough spaces around the room to spread. Start working according to the outline i just mentioned and Mr. Hamed and I will be walking around to guide you." - I would rate the formality of Mr. Ziad, 50 out of 10. He gets to point in the most direct manner and expects you to get done with it directly too. I'd never want a boss like him, ever.

Butti is still on his iPhone. I pull out my Blackberry as it vibrates.
*Hamda: pleaaaase lets go out for dinner
*Hamda: I'm so bored and i miss your face ;;)
*Nouf: Let me check my schedule, i'm a busy business woman now
*Hamda: -.-
*Hamda: one workshop and your head is too big to walk through the door
*Hamda: Dubai mall at 7 today! its done.
*Nouf: hahaha ok ok :*
I check my recent updates and my heart skips a beat. Haifa's display picture wins my heart. Fares. My heart starts beating and the only thought on my mind is how to see him again. Sigh. I put away my Blackberry before embarrassing myself again.

I look around for a space to sit in... "We'll stay here, people will move to look for space" announces Butti casually.
"God. You're too lazy aren't you?"
Glancing away from his iPhone, "haha! no, I'm efficient. Why should i waste energy?", he smirks.
"How old are you? you won't achieve anything this way. Why are local guys so lazy, you always want things ready and never take anything seriously" i roll my eyes at him.

He straightens up, "I'm 24, Bachelors in Finance, minor in marketing... lets see, got my MBA and I've been working at Meydan for the last 3 months and after a couple of workshops i'll be promoted to the Head of events department. I work part time helping my brother in his start-up business and sometimes i find myself overseeing shop keepers putting this rock rock as an arrangement for some prejudice girls."
He's smiling like a proud little boy showing off his drawings to his mom.

"oh" its all i could say. Nouf, keep your thoughts to yourself.
"Don't be hard on yourself," he's laughing at me. "lets start working?"

We were so absorbed in the case that time flew by in a blink of an eye. I have to admit, Butti's passion about organizing and leading people is overwhelming. He analyzed every little detail of the case and external information, and related them in a surprising manner.

"Its all about language, Nouf. ya3nee, in Egypt after the 1952 revolution, Nasser.. you know who Nasser is?" He asks with half eye.
"Yes, Jamal Abdl Nasser. And i know he used language to convince people to unite" i giggle. "I'm educated, you know." I'm happy i remember what the boring professor use to mumble about.
"Just making sure," he smiles softly. "So, i think the solutions.........."

I listen to him carefully. His choices of words are always right. I think every word he uses is thought of. I wish i could do that. It will spare me the embarrassment. There's something about his politeness that's different. Not formal polite, but the friendly polite.

No. More like, gentleman polite.

The workshop comes to an end.
"Keep the papers, you don't want lazy, late local to forget them tomorrow."
His comments don't bother me, i laugh. "yeah, best idea you came up with today!"
He shoots a half eye at me and smiles, "Anyways, see you tomorrow."

I'm excited and glad that Butti is my partner, his sense of humor and passion makes it all a bit more interesting.

Where are you tomorrow?

Pause

So what do you think so far?

Serendipity - 6

"You've been appearing in my dreams, Nouf. Couldn't help but ask Haifa about you.."
He's even more handsome in black Kandoora. His tall presence blows my mind away. Taking a step closer... I hold in my breath... "Nouf...

"Nouf, you don't have university?" - Mary interrupts the husky voice. What did i do in my life to be prevented from continuing what was so far the best dream of my life! What a morning...

I dress up as fast as i can. My morning classes are cancelled for the rest of the week but i have to attend this leadership workshop at JW Marriot instead. I guess my dad paid a lot for that. Sigh. 
Change of scenes and people, i guess that's what i need.

I find my way easily and head to the meeting room. The nearly filled cozy beige and brown room has a very formal edge to it. For a second, i feel like a business woman that has more to give and get than write exams and get grades. The noise of the crowd is quietened by the announcement that Mr. Ziad, our mentor and consultant, makes: "Please check in and get your name tags from Ms. Rania and find out who's your partner for the rest of this workshop."

I head to Ms. Rania when people start spreading out and away from her. i don't want to get lost in the crowd. I'm short enough to get stepped on.

Ms. Rania is definitely a pleasure to see. Her smiley, friendly face make you feel at ease as if you have met before.

"Good Morning Miss, your good name?"
"Good morning to you too... Nouf. Nouf Alx."
"Its nice to see fresh young faces around. If you need any help i'll be glad to assist you. Most people here have at least a year or two of experience.. don't be intimidated, you have the fresh ideas" she winks at me as we've got a deal to finish and a competition to win. I like her. She seems enthusiastic about her job. Looking down at her papers then up at me again..
"Your partner did not check in yet, I'm not sure if he's here... Mr. Butti Elx"

"I'm here" - the voice comes from the pet-shop guy standing behind me. Butti. Out of all the people. Great Job world. Great job!

____________________

Keep reading. 

Serendipity - 5

The discussions I have about my future are always the worse. They twirl me into what seems like a floor-less whirlpool of thoughts. I'd love to have a sneak peak into the future, find out what it holds for me, and just check if everything is worth what I'm doing.
I'm not entirely sure what I'll be doing after graduation. Its a semester away; too close yet too far away. My mom argues for finding a stable, minimum hours job that's suitable for a girl who doesn't need to work anyway, but my Dad seems to have a different view. All i hear from him is internships, leadership workshops and so on. A way to enrich my experience before diving into my career.

*Lojain: Sweety
*Lojain: today is the planned day B-)
*Lojain: Ready?

Him! Yes, Lojain I'm ready, him seems like a nice plan for my future. I quickly text her back discussing what should i wear. The discussion soon dives into a a group chat and storyboard designed by Lojain and Hamda starring me and Him. They find my newly found love life very interesting. I've always been the dramatic but emotionless member of the group. Never did anyone imbalance me before!

Truth be told, there's a 99.9% that i wont be seeing him tonight. But the universe might have another say in this. I'm excited though to see Maryam! its been ages since we gathered and I've got to get her a memorable birthday gift.
______________________

I stand before the little aquarium in the pet shop at Uptown. Maryam would love little gold fish to take care of, they'll remind her gold fish memory to remember her old friend. Seems like a good plan. I need to hurry up!

"Excuse me..... excuse me" - i call at the working Pakistani guy i think, no one wants to answer Nouf, now do they? ugh I need to leave to get dressed, "Rafeeeek, i want two gold fish. Put inside this glass and you know this rock, put nice rock rock all down and bait 9a'3eer. I'll go and come 3shra dageega, ok?"
He shakes his head and I leave. I fear this head shaking gesture. It looks like it means i understand what you asked me and I'll do it but a stupid problem always pops up after it.

I head back to the pet shop with my Toffee Nut Latte. Yummy.

"Finish this gold fish?"
He points at the beautifully designed fish bowl: "5ala9 sawee tarteeb 7ag fish". His phone rings and as he answers it, the words he spills turn my face into crimson red. Perfect Emirati accent. He's carrying an iPhone, wearing polo shirt and no Nouf, he doesn't look like a shop keeper whatsoever.
He shakes his head again laughing at me.
Embarrassed, i head to pay for the gift while he, Mr. Butti as i heard, takes away his now groomed dog.

At least he stayed quiet about it, i think to myself. Butti. The funniest name you could hear a foreigner pronounce.
________________________

"YOU MURDERER!!!!!!"

Hamda just burst our ear drums i think, "Slow down, Lojain! Drive on 60, you'll scare the Fishieeees"

"Hamda! Chill! they'll forget after 3 seconds. They don't even recognize you. And Nouf next time buy a normal gift, please for the sake of humanity!......  emm Look for a big black gate with letter K on it, should be here somewhere"

And there it is. One of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen. Its humungous.
The brown house is beautifully positioned in the front middle of the spacious land, I'm pretty sure there's more behind. The neat garden on the left side seems to be just the start of what lies behind the house. Candles are guiding the cars all the way up the ramp to the main door. Lojain parks behind a Mercedes on the ramp. Its directly in the way of every other car. Sigh, its Lojain.

We were guided into the house by the housekeeper. We pass the classic reception, the spacious lounge with Moroccan touch, another classic cozy room that seems like a TV room and out of the other side of the villa to the garden.

"I want a tour around! the little part we walked around is amazing..."
"hahaha Lojain stop before something breaks. Is that envy i sense?...... wow"

I couldn't help but express it out loud. All three of us come from well-off families but not to this extent. This is not well-off. This is over the top.

At the end of the land lies a decent sized, glass pool house. There's a dance floor right beside it and an extraordinary arrangement of white seating area and a juice bar. The garden surrounding it is rooted with colorful flowers of different kinds. Bushes are cut out artistically to separate the garden into interesting shapes. Its like a sophisticated, classical version of Alice in Wonderland. The blue-purplish lighting just adds to the magic.

The surprise went well, Maryam's face expression was priceless. Well, it should be with this place! The gathering was a bit awkward at first, this whole thing of girls sitting into groups and gossiping endlessly. I don't enjoy this in big parties.

"Go get lost around the house, find his room or something, you look too good to be wasted"
"Shut up Lojain," i roll my eyes at her "your fault for putting up all those expectations and scenarios in my head"
"you seriously thought you'll walk into a girls party and find her brother sitting here? hahaha so cute of you"
"you're allowed to dream, you know"

People were leaving and only a few of us left. That's when a party really starts. You actually party, talk and laugh instead of all the gangs thing at the start. I start dancing to every song that plays and forget about everything.

"The Fishieeeeessss" shouts Hamda pulling me off the dance floor. "Maryam is leaving and you left them in the car they're probably dead you know!!"

I head to the car with Haifa to escort Maryam out and give her the gift, which turned out to be still alive.

"Can't believe you got her gold fish. Its so Maryam" Haifa is laughing when Maryam leaves. "You need to remind her to feed them, she'll forget."
"If she kills them, she's a hopeless case. Get in the car, i'll move it out of the way"

I park the car in one of the shaded parking spaces nearest to the left side. We could walk on the path to the garden, i thought to myself.

As we get off the car, a black Range Rover stops behind us.

"Parking sayarty!" - That voice again. HIM.
"Fares, just park anywhere, you're not supposed to be here anyways! GO!"

I glance to find him looking at me with surprise. The little fairies in my head are having the time of their life. I can tell he's asking what is SHE doing here, at my place?

Haifa doesn't give him much chance to talk, and drags me with her back to the party.
"Mama will take care of him and make him leave. Brothers!"

My knight in crisp Kandoora is called Fares. Well, the name fits alright!

Serendipity - 4

My day was all about finishing some errands and the dentist was the last stop.
I left the clinic to attend my "retardedly" parked car. Parking was and will always be my weakness point so i decided to create my own parking space. My little mini is parked right at the turn of the small parking lot giving space to only another mini sized car to pass. In other words, i blocked the way...

There's a crowd of four people beside my mini. With the press of the key button, the mini announces that its loyal driver is here and the crowd of four turn around to meet me. Suddenly, all i hear is a series of complaints about how disrespectful i am to public. One of the Asians was becoming too hostile. His conversation stirred to become louder and very criticizing of the Khaleeji behaviors. Apologizing won't do by now and i don't want to apologize either, he is being rude and scary. I walk hurriedly to the door of my car and drop the keys while I'm at it. Clumsy genes, this is not the time. Oh God please help me.

"Disrespect is entirely what you're doing right now. Never raise your voice at a lady." .. without hesitance i glance to the direction of the deep husky voice.
"You see!!" tries the Asian pointing at my little mini
"You, should see, that she's about to move her car... move."

 

No.
This is not happening.
I stood there for a while taking in what is before me. Him is here. Him is saving me again. Tiny fairies dance happily in my head, clapping and jumping around.
The sun rays shower him from the top right creating a halo of light around him. A true image of a hero. His square shaped face with strong jaw line are complimented with his short, messy hair. There's a scar on his right, thick but neat, eyebrow. His glittering amber gold eyes locked into mine. They're dazzling.
His eyes soften as they crease to match the smile that is taking over his expression. TOO. MUCH.

And then it hit me. For how long was i staring?!

"Your keys,"

I try to occupy my brain with the simple mechanics of moving my hands to take the keys, then open the drivers seat door.
I start the car, check the mirrors and do any simple act just to look normal.
I dart my eyes to find him standing still and looking at me with pure humor in his expression. I manage to find my way out of the parking lot.

The universe is working its match making skills at my expense. A notice would be very kind you know to prevent this silly whatever thing that just happened.

He was smiling. Did i smile?...

Serendipity - 3

Hugging tight as if its the last time I'll ever be here. This warm hug, the breathtaking scent of safety. I'm here, I don't want to be anywhere else.

It feels good.

There must be a logical explanation, like the shape of beds exert additional gravity force on a person to make it impossible to move or you actually weigh more in the morning. Something a bit more believable than the notion that the entire human race is lazy.
I'm awake but I can't move. There goes the alarm for the third time announcing my deadline as I soften my embrace around the pillow. I drag myself off the bed with what energy I have, like a wounded soldier looking for shelter.
_____________________________

My drive to university is always refreshing. The soothing sound of Quran washes away every ounce of fatigue, leaving a halo of positive and serene energy around me. It carries me away into a void where no one is around, somewhere between reality and dream.

But soon enough, reality strikes and Sharjah happens.
Those roads. Can I even categorise them as roads?
Well, its not the roads, the drivers actually. They tend to overlook the existence of my little yellow mini. I can't be thankful enough that I reach university in one piece.
Actually, if I were divided into smaller pieces I might find it easier to find a parking space. I'd love to think that maybe they're trying to teach us a lesson with this parking issue: First comers always get the best seats so go out there and be the first. or something along the line of when you work on a project make sure you got all the aspects covered or don't go too big that you can't handle it anymore.

My distraction is cut off as a gentleman offers me his parking space, which seems to be the reason behind the argument of the two cars on my right. I take his offer while the others are distracted. Our childish smile take over the expression of our faces.
I park happily. Thank you stranger, those little kind acts are exactly what I live for. Maybe not so kind for the other two, its luck.

Seems like a good day ahead.
______________________________________

Everything was going smooth until this moment. My heartbeats slowed and my eyelids are becoming heavier. I can't seem to focus on what the professor is saying, he's boring to the extent that encourages me to think about the idea of committing suicide. Actually he should do that, and I wonder if he's married. Oh my, I pity her existence.

The topic is interesting though, I grasp a word here and there.
"The change that happened in the dialect of Jordanian-Palestinians was entirely due to political reasons discussed prior. Another example is seen in Egypt..."
I generate an overall idea of the topic but its too much to grasp especially that I'm sleepy, did not read the chapter and I have minimum background/historical information about those countries.

This class was supposedly an easy A. I've got to graduate. I had enough of uni life. I don't think I want to work after experiencing the routine in work life. Marriage maybe? To HIM. HIM. Waaaw why did I come back to this closed drawer.

I glance at Lojain and Hamda, each one of them is preoccupied by instagram.

With half eye, Hamda mouths "What happened" to me. Am i that obvious? but she always figures out in some kinda voodoo way that I'm hiding something. She can sense the mood and thoughts of people around her, and her caring personality covers you with warmth. She's genuine; a true human individual.

Nothing happened, him happened. Can you even think about someone you don't know?

"Nouf, Can you tell me what happened in Egypt in 1952?"

My face goes blank and the only words in my head are "nothing happened". My mouth was smart enough to stay shut and the professor was kind enough to address someone else with the question.

Focus Nouf.
______________________________________________

"Why didn't you telllll me then?!"

Oh Lojain! She won't calm down and I knew this would happen. Now this will turn into a big big deal.

"Its cute, I've never seen you talking about anyone like that before"

"Hamda, I just bumped into him. God! Nothing happened. I don't think we should be sitting here evaluating the incident..."

Our discussion is distracted after a while by the amount of work due tomorrow. Work work work, I'm glad there's something that will keep my mind busy.



-- Stay Tuned. Enjoy reading and please comment.

Serendipity - 2

I stare into the gaze of the large, dark brown eyes before me. My heart is pounding; why is this happening to me?  Is this what they call love at first sight?

My eyes are still fixed. I scan my reflection from head to toe.
Thick mahogany brown hair falls to just above my lower back complementing my fair skin - I think those soft curls suit me too…
He didn’t look back. He is related to either the bride or groom. He should, or why else would he walk just outside the ballroom area.  I shrug at the thought that he might not remember me by now. But how can I forget? His graceful, confident walk is still imprinted in my head. I vaguely remember his face. I didn’t have the chance to actually look, but I can’t forget his broad, well-built body and sublime movement across the hall.  

Ugh! Why am I thinking this much?  

I’m back to the now and here leaving the new feelings and thoughts in a secret drawer somewhere in my brain. Or is it my heart? Boys! I roll my eyes humoring myself while heading back to the ballroom.

Lojain seems to be preoccupied with the wedding. Lets keep Mr. Him to myself for now. She'll make a great big deal out of it.

The wedding is extravagant; the centerpiece on each table alone costs a fortune. The mix of white tulips and white roses in the elongated crystal vases, camel brown table dressing and ivory cutlery with simple golden engravings might be the main reason behind the majestic look.  The bride is Lojain’s high school friend and as she states, she’s so lucky to marry into this very well off family.

“Who’s she? The pretty one in golden dress coming towards us” I know her, she looks familiar but my brain fails to recall her name.
“Haifa, the groom’s only sister…”

I ignore the rest of Lojain’s conversation. I dig deep down my brain.
I don’t know her, but she looks exactly like… him!

“Its wonderful to see you Lojain, gorgeous as ever!” the huskiness in her sweet voice is very familiar… If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them!
My face falls at the memory. I was never approached in this rude way. Ever.
I think I hate him. Yes, I do.

“Nouf, this is Haifa” Lojain’s voice pulls me back, “Haifa this is Nouf”.
“Finally, I met you! THE Nouf”  - Her face-breaking smile surprises me.
“THE Nouf?” I ask bemused.
“Yes," she giggles as if remembering something, "Maryam never stops talking about the stuff you guys did in high school and Lojain’s and others statuses are always filled with Nouf related stuff haha, we have lots of mutual friends… Before I forget, I’m planning a surprise birthday party at my place for Maryam, next weekend. You have to be there!”

Her light, humble personality contradicts with her I-own-a-freakin-bank-and-I-don’t-care look.  Our conversation lasted for a while and we exchanged blackberry pins before she is forced to continue her greeting spree across the wedding hall.

I might see him again. The butterflies in my stomach start flickering their wings creating a weird mix anxiety and excitement through my body. 

Serendipity - 1

Red or black; I cant seem to decide which color to wear and time isn’t being supportive at all. The only skill that I actually need in life is the one I lack. Decisions, decisions and more decisions everywhere… what dress to wear, to skip class or not to, to workout or sleep… I need a decision-making assistant in my life. Wouldn’t life be easier, I… I think that’s my phone ringing. I wasted more time daydreaming.

“Red or black, quick.”
“NOUUUUF, you didn’t dress up yet! I should’ve guessed. Wear the black one, red lipstick and that necklace you wore last week. Now! I’m five minutes away.”
“You’re a life saver. Bye.”

I giggle at the thought that Lojain is my decision making assistant. A very bossy assistant I must add. I admire her personality; though it is nowhere next to mine. Sometimes it surprises me why we are still friends.

I slide into the passenger seat and stare at Lojain. As with every wedding, she is looking like a celebrity. I don’t know how she does it, but she does it flawlessly. Her cheekbone structures her naturally tanned face beautifully, and with her excellent makeup skills, you’ve got a superstar. It is just her ego that stands in her way. She calls it prestige.

“ayayaaay, sexy red dress.”
I couldn’t help not giving her the look as we got off the car. So that’s the reason. “You’re going to give all those mothers hard time fighting over you…”

Lojain smirks at me, “And may the best contestant win” and starts walking towards the ballroom like she’s on some kind of runway. How do girls walk that fast in high heels? I can barely walk in them.

“You know I’m starting to think I’m the reason you have ego issues… no, please don’t wait for…

My legs surrendered to the mighty heels that managed to tangle their way into the ends of my dress. I drop down admitting defeat. I tripped. Actually half tripped. Some kind of force on my right arm is holding me up, preventing me from the unquestionable fall to my nose.
It not a force, it’s a grab.

“Shit”

A deep masculine voice; this is your night Nouf. This is the start of your romantic tale, your knight in shinning armor just saved you from a fall.

“If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them”

His voice brought me back to life. His rude tone slapped me in my face while his words urged my brain to echo "Nouf you're stupid" again and again.

I straighten up as he walks away. Why the rudeness? You’re not that good-looking anyway, I lie to myself.