Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts

Monday, January 21, 2013

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.

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

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.

_________________________________
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
_________________________________

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?

Monday, December 24, 2012

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. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

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.