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.

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

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. 

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

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. 

Serendipity - 16

Hello there, 
thanks everyone for commenting <3 made me so happy. I started writing this just to pass time didn't think anyone would read. But hey, you never know what happens. 
Anyways, some of you asked for a twitter account for the blog, its @headscarfblog
I'll post whenever i can, i just dont want to post for the sake of just posting then it doesn't turn out to be as good as i wanted it to be. 
Oh and a big thank you to @Twistintimex for all the support. So sweet of you <3

Don't forget to tell me what you think, it kinda helps in shaping the story :p 
I know this is quite short, but i'll post another one soon.
Enjoy.

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Fares looked at Butti quizzically as he left. Whats wrong with this dude? He thought.
To him, Butti was not acting normal for a while. Ever since the day he dropped by at the party in Palm Jumeirah. But the thought slipped away from Fares' careless head a millisecond after that. Fares did notice that something is wrong with Butti but will not allow himself to bother to look into it and find out. He turned to look at Nouf, who was shocked, he shrugged, "Let's go." She walked beside Fares, heading to where the rest have decided to have dinner. She couldn't help but feel guilty for making Butti worry, "Why is Butti mad?" asked Nouf.
"Because he always thinks that everything is his responsibility," He answered in a matter of fact tone while looking around. "What time is it now? it gets dark too early" He added as he spotted an interesting club.

Butti was back where he left his family. He was sitting there and being unusually talkative. He was trying to engage his mind in anything that he could possibly think about, other than the fact that he just came familiar with; the fact that he is falling for Nouf. As she and Fares walked into the restaurant, Nouf had an apologetic smile on and addressed the mothers, "Sorry i made you all worry, but we stopped to watch a street band. They were too good to be missed."
Fares's mother gave Nouf a motherly smile, "Its ok dear, its just Haifa and Butti that were over reacting." she turned to look at Butti, "You scared us running away like that!"
"Me?" He looked at his aunt in surprise, "She disappeared into somewhere" he rolled his eyes and ate what was left of the delicious eskandar kebab on his plate.
"She was with Fares enzain," added Maryam while the two took their seats. Nouf was sitting opposite to Butti and beside Lojain, while Fares grabbed a chair at the head of the table between his mom and Aunt. Dinner went smoothly other than the fact that Butti and Nouf never addressed each other in a conversation. Nouf wasn't sure how she felt. She's thankful that he cared to look out but why on Earth would he shout at her. But yet again, what do girls do. They get mad. Why? Because they can.

When they left the restaurant, Fares excused himself to go and meet some friends. His mother's expression changed to a sober expression. She knew exactly where her son was heading and tried to convince herself otherwise. "Butti won't you go with him", tried Fares's mom, it would give her a piece of mind. He nodded as he glared at Fares.

As they both walked away, Butti noticed Fares's nervousness. He was fidgeting with his iPhone and looking around impatiently huffing and puffing.
"Now What?!" snapped Butti
Fares stopped walking and turned to face Butti. "So now you're going to babysit me?"
Butti walked passed him, hitting him shoulder to shoulder, "only if you'll act like one"
Fares was getting furious, he knows Butti and his conscious. He'll butt in to stop Fares from doing anything he might regret. "I'm meeting up with Keith and.... Nathan", he said as he squeezed his eyes in fear of the next anger tantrum that Butti will have with the mention of Nathan's name.

(Keith was one of Butti and Fares's good American friends during their years of studying in the United States and went on trips with them often. Nathan, on the other hand, was Fares's friend only, he was a trouble maker, a player, a gambler and a source of whatever problem you could think of. He was always ready to travel and have fun. Never would he reject any offer from Fares. A rich Arab with all his hospitality nature will serve you the best vacation as he will always offer to pay. Thats the beauty of being Fares's friend, noted Nathan. Nathan always got Fares into deep deep problems. The last problem, though not the worst, was that he lost hundred of thousands of Fares's dollars in gambling. However, he was never to be seen in the same place as Butti or a fight will stir up. You could sense the spark of negative energy in the air waiting to start a fire.)

Butti stopped walking and clenched his fists in an attempt to hold his temper. You're not his father, He reminded himself. He turned around to be only an inch away from Fares,
"You're on your own," Butti said as he poked Fares's chest with his index finger, "First, i used to help you because God only knows how much I care about you, then it was for your poor mom but," he sighed and stepped back. "Now, Fares, you'll have to clean your own shit, don't come running to me", his eyes were sparkling with fury and his tone was extremely bitter and harsh. "A friend once told me, there's only so much you could do", he patted Fares's shoulders with a sad smile and walked back towards the apartment.

Enough is enough, he said to himself.

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.

_________________________________
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?