Important note:- We have decided to CHANGE Mahra's older sister's name. So in this chp MAHA's name would be REEM. I hope we don't cause any confusion.

                                             '♥♫ّ~Chapter Eleven~'♥♫•

                                                  ♥“Hamad’s offer”♥

The wedding on the men’s side was over as the groom left to see his bride in the ladies hall. The place slowly started to clear out as the male guests left except for those who had women accompanying them. Zayed being one of them stayed behind too. He called his mother and told her that he’d be waiting for them outside in the parking lot.

After saying his ‘Goodbye’ to Fahad, he took his leave, followed by Hamad, who had noticed a change in his mood. To him, Zayed seemed a little stressed and that was confirmed when he asked him for the reason and Zayed’s answer had been a shake of his head, which always meant that something is absolutely wrong and he doesn’t want to talk about it.

Hamad left it at that, he didn’t insist on knowing the reason. He knew after all these years of their friendship that Zayed will stay silent at first but after a while of being left alone, he always comes around.  So Hamad decided to wait. They both walked over to where Zayed’s car was parked and waited for their families.

“Your cousin’s grown up to be a great man.” Zayed complimented, turning to Hamad. “Fahad I mean.” He announced.

“Yes, he is.” Hamad agreed, leaning back at Zayed’s car. “What do you expect from a man who has grown up in my shadow?” He joked, a small effort to make his friend smile and succeeded. “But, why did you say that?” He grew serious and looked at his friend Zayed, who in return stared at him thoughtfully.

“Because,” Zayed began, rubbing his forehead. “I think I have a crush on him.” He said, still that grave expression on his face. And suddenly Hamad burst into laughter. Zayed too smiled at his own joke. He had actually considered Fahad for his sister, Mona, but he learned recently that he was engaged so that chapter was closed.

“If only he wasn’t engaged,” Hamad mocked and tsk-tsked in disapproval. “Such a great loss!” He jeered, without knowing what was actually going on in Zayed’s mind. “My mother had once intended to make him her son-in-law.” He spoke absent mindedly, but that sentence caught Zayed’s attention. So Mahra had once been considered for Fahad too. And why wouldn’t she be, after all he’s her cousin and from what Zayed could see, there were very few men like him. He didn’t know why but suddenly he felt his headache come back. Zayed held his head with his hand as his smile slightly faded and was replaced by a frown.

“What is it?” Hamad asked, noticing his expressions.

“Nothing, I have a really bad headache from the past couple of days.” Zayed said, checking his phone for a message he just received.

Hamad was going to reply if only he hadn’t caught sight of ‘her’. A light smile made its way on his lips as he saw…Mona. His world stopped for a while as he watched her walk ahead of her mother and towards him. It was a good thing Zayed was busy with his phone instead of catching him drinking in his sister’s appearance. Although she had her hair covered but Hamad thought she looked incredibly beautiful. The thing that bothered Hamad the most was that he didn’t get to see her beautiful brown eyes- eyes that he had missed from two agonizing months, ever since Zayed had been back.

Now, Mona had totally ignored him. She didn’t even take a glance at him because of her brother’s presence. They hadn’t seen each other from a long time, that had been Hamad’s decision, and so this sudden encounter was the best thing that happened to him in days.

“Hamad? Is that you?” asked Umm Zayed, from behind her daughter, making Hamad come out of his world of admiration and look at her. He smiled, taking his eyes away from Mona, with great effort and cleared his throat.

“Marhabah Khaloo,” Hamad started to make his way to her. “Did you really not recognize me?” He asked with a smile in his voice and walked towards the older lady to greet her. During this time Zayed had looked up and seen his mother and sister too. He looked at Mona who was staring at Hamad and her mother but soon turned to him, Zayed ushered her to get in the car, instead of listening to the man’s conversation and so she did, with slightly red cheeks.

“I did,” Zayed heard his mother say to Hamad as he headed towards them. “I did recognize you. How can a mother not recognize her son?” Zayed smiled at his mother’s statement and her love for Hamad.

“I thought you might forget me,” Hamad with his fun spirit said. “It’s been a long time.” he went over to kiss her head just like he does with his own mother. He then inquired about her health and her family’s and Umm Zayed did the same. Zayed’s phone buzzed again and he replied to yet another one of Janaan’s messages, meanwhile still listening to what Hamad and his mother were saying.

“I didn’t know your mother would be here.” Umm Zayed stated, looking at Hamad and how much he had changed since the last time she saw him.

“Did you see each other?” Hamad questioned, his smile broadening.

“Yes, after all these years, I finally saw her and your sister, Mahra.” Upon hearing Mahra’s name Zayed’s eyes shot up from his phone to his mother and he left, whatever word he was writing, incomplete. That name had been on the back of his mind from the past two days, and had actually been the reason for his headache.

 “I had heard a lot from Zayed’s father but upon meeting them, I saw what he really meant.” She and Hamad shared a knowing smile.

“Yallah Omaya, (C’mon mother) We should leave. It’s getting late.” Zayed interrupted their conversation, unable to listen to his mother’s up-coming adoration speech for Mahra. He hoped she wouldn’t carry on with that in the car.

Umm Zayed smiled at her son and said Goodbye to Hamad, she left only after recommending Hamad for the millionth time to say “Salaam” to his mother and sisters. Our women!

*'♥♫*

Hamad watched as Zayed’s car disappeared out of sight and with it, his little hopes of seeing Mona in the near future. He sighed with slight frustration, the reason for his anger was Mona’s behavior. Couldn’t you just look up at me and let me take in your sight, and see that smile which makes the whole world look darker in comparison. He thought to himself as he called his mother again, asking what is it that’s taking her so long. And Hamad wasn’t surprised when his mother said she’d be staying at her sister’s house today, saying that aunt Amna doesn’t feel good after her oldest daughter got married. Hamad smirked at the whole feminine drama that might be going on in his Aunt’s house right now. He got in his car and drove his way home.

He thought his sisters should have been with his aunt as well, after all she just gave away a daughter, she could use all the sympathy she got tonight. He turned the radio on. An old song which once used to be his favorite, rang in his car. He turned up the volume and lowered the car windows, feeling the cool air that the coming-soon winter’s night offered. He couldn’t understand why his sisters had left with the driver even after he had told them not to. They had left just half an hour ago, they could’ve waited for him. But may be something came up with them, may be the kids needed some sleep.

Once home, Hamad parked his car behind Mahra’s Lexus as usual and as is his habit he once again looked for any new dents she might have caused to the beauty in front of him, but fortunately no recent accidents had taken place. He has always been worried for her safety, though he knew she was a skillful driver but he always wondered why accidents stood in her way.

He walked to the main door, humming the song that he had just listened to in his car, but stopped at a jolt when he heard Reem screaming at someone; “How long has this been going on?” her voice came as a woeful shriek.

“Before you go and make any more assumptions, would you at least tell me what is it you are talking about?” Mahra demanded, annoyed. Hamad grimaced at the way Reem was talking to his younger sister. He didn’t like it one bit.

“This guy- what’s his name, Khalifah.” And that’s all that took to turn all the sympathy in Hamad’s heart for Mahra and over power it with curiosity and astonishment. “How long has this been going on with him?” Reem bellowed. Hamad wrinkled his brow at the name ‘Khalifah’ he’d never heard that name before and what does he have to do with Mahra?

“Nothing’s been going on with me and Khalifah.” Mahra retorted in her defense. 

“He proposed to you! Do you actually call that a ‘nothing’?” Reem grew agitated. It was time Mahra came clean, she is her older sister and deserves an explanation. As for Hamad, he was shocked. He now glared at the door in front of him and got a vein up his forehead which was a sign of his frustration. He couldn’t take it anymore and slipped through the doors into the hall where both his sisters stood facing each other, one in offensive stance and the other in defensive.

“What’s going on here?” He growled averting his eyes from one to the other. The women were both shocked to see him there, especially Mahra. It was hard enough to explain her complicated situation to Reem and now she has got Hamad too.

“Who’s this Khalifah and what proposal is Reem talking about?” Her brother gazed into her eyes and inspected them for any clue. She instantly grew nervous and turned to Reem.

 “Great. Is this what you wanted?” She threw her hand towards Hamad without turning to him. “Now who’ll clear his doubts?” Mahra shouted as if that would protect her from the bombardment of accusations she received from her siblings.

“Are you serious Mahra? Do you really have eyes to raise in front of us after all that you have done?” Reem questioned, unbelievably.

“I haven’t don..” Mahra began but was cut off by a frustrated voice.

 “Who’s Khalifah?” Hamad questioned again, voice full of rage and Mahra couldn’t help but answer him.

“He’s an employee at work and means absolutely nothing to me.” Her eyes filled with tears because of the anger that rose in her blood.

“And what proposal is Reem talking about?”

“It’s nothing. It doesn’t mean anything to me.” She answered looking away from them for an escape.

 “Then what were the rumors about in your office?” Reem articulated. Mahra opened her mouth to defend herself; “Reem you said it yourself, ‘Rumors’ you shouldn’t believe in what Noorah says. She did all that because she hates me. Always..” but was cut off again.

“If there was nothing going on then how the hell he dares to come and propose to you?” Hamad’s enraged voice said, and he cursed, cursed Mahra.  “I put your happiness before my own and gave you all that you wanted. Is this what I get in return? Is this what I deserve?”

A sob made its way to Mahra’s throat but she blocked it. Consequently a huge lump appeared in her throat which she couldn’t swallow. She felt betrayed because her own family had so simply misunderstood her without knowing the truth. They failed on the very first test. It was absurd how all of a sudden she felt lonely, as if the whole world stood against her. She took in a deep breath and roughly removed her tears.

“You both are jumping into conclusions without knowing the real story.” She managed to yell back, her voice shook, both with pain and anger. Hamad was hurting seeing his sister cry and also from what she’d done. He had always thought she was above than this.

“Then what is the real story?” he invoked.

“I have known you from a long time and can tell when you are innocent.” Reem interfered.

“If this wild animal were innocent she’d act like a lunatic to make herself clear, she wouldn’t be so hushed.” Hamad said, disgusted.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that! And don’t call me ‘wild’!” Mahra warned, not liking his earlier comment.

“Oh I dare, Sheikha Mahra!” Hamad took angry steps towards her. “Don’t you teach me how to talk to you. You seem to have forgotten but I am your guardian, the only person in the world who’s responsible for you and your mistakes!”

“You’re not my father,” Mahra breathed, harsh words stirring up. “Just a step-brother who thinks he’s a guardian. Just because father died you think you can easily take his place well, I don’t give you that place.” Mahra spluttered without thinking. She knew she shouldn’t have said that but in her wrath she wanted to hurt Hamad just as he was hurting her.

“You shameless fool…” Hamad roared, bewilderment coloring his tone. His sister’s words had cut him deep and left a great damage. He made his way to her but fortunately was held back by Reem.

“Hamad calm down. Let her go.” She said, standing between them and holding the hand Hamad had raised. She pushed him a little backwards and widened her eyes which said there-was-more-to-the- story.

“Mahra, go to your room.” But Mahra didn’t flinch. She stood there stunned at Hamad’s fury which she encountered for the first time in her life. Reem turned and looked at her tears that flowed like a river down her soft cheeks.

“Mahra, to your room.” She ordered again and this time Mahra followed her request and ran upstairs, crying.

A moment of silence passed and both, Reem and Hamad stood as they were, then she took his hand and led him to the sofas. “Are you serious Hamad? What were you about to do?” She asked, as they both seated. “If you’d hit her mother would have never forgiven you.” She spoke in a soft voice.

“Didn’t you see how she was talking to me? Didn’t you hear what she said?” Hamad’s voice still shook and he sounded disturbed.

“Like you don’t know Mahra, she’s still young and naive.” Hamad huffed at that.

“Young and naive? She understands all other stuff and is more independent than any woman I know. I think we would be fools if we call her naive.”

“But she gets carried away,” Reem said putting her hand on her brothers shoulder. Hamad frowned at her sudden mood change.

“Having an affair with someone isn’t being carried away. She did everything willingly.” Hamad’s words were bitter and stingy.

“Do you actually believe that our Mahra could do anything as low as that?” There was a small smile in Reem’s voice as if she was waiting to see whether he could guess the right thing or not. And after a moment’s thought Hamad said;

“My sister might be mouthy and outspoken but I never thought she’d do something like that,” Hamad replied running a hand through his hair. “But who knows!”

“I know Mahra more than she knows herself and I can tell that she is innocent and that girl, Noorah, clearly did hate her or maybe she was jealous.” Reem said taking off her shailah. “And Mahra, that foolish girl she turned down another guy.” She spoke more to herself than to Hamad.

Listening to what his sister had said, Hamad furrowed his eye-brow and turned to Reem with a quizzical look in his eyes; “If you knew that she hadn’t done anything wrong then what was all that drama for?”

“Because we could use this,” She whispered and when didn’t receive any reply she continued. “You and I both know that mom wants her to get married and go to a good house with a good husband,” She paused.

“Not just mom we all want that.” Hamad stated and Reem nodded.

“Yes, but Mahra Allah yahdeeha (May Allah guide her) thinks otherwise.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I say you can pretend to be mad at her for as long as it takes and as far as I know Mahra, she can’t stay angry with you for long. She’ll try to make amends. It might take her few days but with you I think she’ll take less time.” Reem explained.

“And?”

“And when she comes to you with her apology, you are going to have conditions.” Hamad turned sidewise to look at his sister.

“I think I know where you’re going with this.” He said with a short nod.

“Good.” Reem beamed and got up to leave and check on her kids.

“I wish she was as easy as you, Mahra I mean.” He said to Reem who turned to look at him. “I wish she wasn’t stubborn and so hot tempered.” Hamad came clean.

“I just hope her attitude won’t end up hurting her. She needs guidance Hamad, and she doesn’t have anyone aside from us, we have to take care of her.” And with those words she left him alone, thinking, planning.

*'♥♫*

Next morning, Hamad sat in the living room alone, upset about last night’s incidents and above that was Mona’s phone call this morning. She had called to apologize for ignoring him yesterday and along came the news of people coming with proposals once again and this time to their house. The conversation had ended up with them fighting on Mahra once again. Hamad told her about what happened yesterday and Mona was upset with Mahra, saying that all that girl ever does is cause problems for Hamad.

He sat there watching TV and drinking coffee when he heard the tapping of heels and knew that it was Mahra coming down the stairs, all ready for work. Not sparing him a glance Mahra walked to the door when Hamad called; “Where do you think you’re going?” He asked. Mahra turned to look at him with puffy eyes. It stung Hamad to see her like that but he said what he needed to say; “If you take one step out that door then don’t think of coming back.” He drew the line.

Mahra stood there, thinking whether to speak or not, but then decided against it because she had said enough yesterday. She turned around and it took every ounce of her power to shut up and walk quietly back to her room.

*'♥♫*

Two days past, without any new advancement, Umm Hamad had returned home, and naturally had sensed the tension among her children. Upon asking both Hamad and Reem enlightened her on the situation and had begged her to stay out of it and let them handle it their own way. They also asked her to go along with their scheme. After several arguments Umm Hamad finally gave in.

 In the afternoon, Hamad came back from work and saw Reem in the dining room feeding her child some rice. He sat next to her and noticed Mahra’s absence.

“Where’s mother?” He asked

“Sleeping” replied Reem.

“And where’s your sister?” He asked, his voice flat. Reem stuffed a spoon of rice in her daughter’s mouth.

“I sent Delisia up twice but she wouldn’t come down.” She said, and before she could carry on, the maid came back, after taking Mahra’s meal up. She was then ordered by Reem to prepare lunch for Hamad.

“Hamad,” She called to grab his attention. “I have talked to Mahra and got the whole story behind this Khalifa thing, the guy had proposed but she turned him down, right there. And Noorah for some reason is spreading false rumors about the whole thing.” Reem sighed and helped her daughter with a napkin.

“She’s pretty mad at Noorah,” Reem huffed, and turned to his downcast eyes the reason for which were Mahra’s harsh words from the fight. “And she deeply regrets the words that she said to you.” Hamad kept his eyes on his plate, and remained quite.

“I tried to talk some sense into her and she’s planning to come to you, so keep your bullet points at hand.” She advised and Hamad nodded swallowing his food.

“It took me a great deal of effort to bring her here now it’s your turn, play your cards wisely. Mahra’s a little difficult to convince.” Reem stood up and took her daughters hand. “Oh and I forgot to tell you, I am going back to Abu Dhabi today.” Upon hearing that, Hamad narrowed his eyes.

“My husband’s been sick from two days and I am here solving these problems. He called last night and asked me to come back.” She picked up little Asma and walked out of there.

“And yeah,” She stopped and turned to Hamad, who looked up at her. “Be patient with her but not too soft.” She warned. Hamad’s lips broke into a smile.

“Yes, boss anything else?” He ridiculed. Reem turned around without replying.

*'♥♫*

It was ten past seven when Hamad woke up to perform his Maghrib prayer. He’d taken a nap after Reem and her kids left earlier in the evening, leaving the house silent and peaceful environment to work. He grabbed his laptop and sat on his bed, to work on the latest project he’d taken over. Half way through, he remembered he needed to send some papers to the engineer and so started looking for them in a mid-sized bookcase that stood in the right corner of his room. He looked in the upper shelves and couldn’t find them so sat down on the floor.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Hamad knew who the arriver was. He invited them in, and on purpose didn’t look up. He heard the door open and could see the blue sweatpants Mahra was wearing from the corner of his eye. “Can I come in?” She asked, in a deep voice, which Hamad knew was because of crying.

“You’re already in,” He uttered, opening a file and looking through its pages, pretending to be busy.

A pair of slow and gradual steps dragged themselves towards him like a whisper. Mahra came and stood near him, searching for a way to grab his attention. “What are you looking for?” She began, unsure how to start the conversation. May be offering help would do..but it didn’t.

“What do you want Mahra?” Hamad interrogated, ignoring her question and announcing his annoyance. His reply took her off guard. She struggled to say her next words with some heaviness in her head.

“Can we talk?” it didn’t sound like a question more like a request, which made Hamad look up, spare his sister a glance and observe her state. Her long hair falling on her shoulders, a mess. And her brown eyes were red and puffy. The tip of her nose was slightly pink, she sniffed.

Hamad inhaled deeply, and set the papers in his hand, aside. Taking that as a sign of his approval, Mahra sat down beside him on the cold floor. She tried to look in his eyes but he avoided her gaze and stared at the papers beside him, instead. Mahra crossed her legs and played with the sleeves of her Hoodie.

Hamad had never been this angry with her that he didn’t even wish to look at her. And suddenly she realized that that stung at her heart, damaging some vulnerable part. Her eyes began watering but she blinked them away. Looking at his disturbed face, she desperately wanted to apologize.

“Hamad….” She broke the ice, her ribs pulling in and out with each breath she took. “If there was a way for me to turn back time and draw back what I said, I would do it in a breath…” She paused and gulped the lump in her throat. “I deeply wish and hope you know I didn’t mean any of it. It was my temper speaking, not me. I was borrowed by my rage and my tongue slipped.” Hamad turned and gaped at his sister.  Mahra stared back softly, trying not to flinch under his scrutiny. She cleared her throat and began again;

“I know Reem told you what you refused to listen from me. You were quick to judge and I was quick to speak. I was offended seeing you both misunderstanding me without any proof.”

“Are you here to lecture me?” Hamad raised his eyebrow, his stiff face radiating disapproval. She shook her head innocently.

“No, I am remorseful to have said those words to someone who’s been a father, a carer and a best friend.” Mahra’s eyes started tearing up and it was too late to hide them because Hamad was already watching. A gnawing distress arose in his chest for making his sister cry.

“Hamad, believe me I would never do anything like that. I have tied my rules and norms tightly to myself, I can never let them go, especially not for a guy.” She wept and Hamad couldn’t take it anymore. He reached over and pulled her tiny self to him and Mahra didn’t resist. She placed her head on his shoulder and sobbed and sobbed.

And as Hamad always does, he stroked her hair to console her but that didn’t help, she kept on crying. Hamad grabbed her hands by her elbows and slowly tried to make her stand. There was a sofa sitting next to them, Hamad carefully led her there. They both sat and Mahra still was gasping for breaths.

“Then why are you crying?” He asked, intentionally. And Reems words rang in Hamad’s brain ‘Not too soft’ she had said. He gathered himself up and grabbed her both shoulders pulling her away to look at her face. It took a while for Mahra to clean her tears and catch her breath. She couldn’t get why Hamad asked that question. Didn’t he already know?

“I want to make it up to you and if you want me to transfer someplace else to work. I’ll do it, first thing tomorrow.” She sniffed. Hamad gazed at her, he thought she might suggest leaving working all together but her attachment with it made him want to smile but he didn’t.

A moments silence passed and Hamad broke it. “Is he someone I know?” Hamad inquired, looking in her eyes. “Do I know his family?” he seemed to try hard to control his emotions.

Mahra knew he was talking about Khalifah, somehow from the past two days she’d grown to hate the name. She looked away from Hamad’s eyes and said; “He’s the HR, Faisal’s nephew.” Hearing that, Hamad scowled.

“And is there a good reason that you refused his nephew or is it just another of your nonsensical Mahra-logics?” He spoke, his voice filled with scorn. Mahra bit her bottom lip and didn’t reply. After all, what could she possibly say? There really wasn’t anything wrong with Khalifah.

Hamad took her silence as a yes and sighed. “Until when?” his voice had turned idle, like he was tired of dealing with the same thing over and over again. “How many more guys are you gonna turn down.”

“That’s not what I came to talk about. I am here to apologize.” She said, brushing off her tears, then reached up to Hamad and kissed him on his forehead. “Forgive me.” She whispered and pulled away to seek his eyes and see if she’d played her last card well.

“I will,” Hamad declared, “But I have my conditions.” He stated. Mahra waited to negotiate and gave him a hopeful look. “You can go back to work and gain my trust back if,” He paused and Mahra’s heartbeats quickened. “You promise me that the next man, who asks for your hand, will have it.”

Mahra stared, aghast.

Hamad waited for an answer, but received none. His sister on the other hand, something shot through her like a cold splash of awe. Surely she did not think of that when she came in. When senses kicked back in, she wanted to argue and scream no but it was the look on Hamad’s face that had her silent. The powerful raises that his fixed-stare sent at her were so forceful that she couldn’t utter a word.

“What do you say?”

“Hamad,” Mahra paused. “I can’t promise you something like that,” She trailed off.

“Why can’t you?” Hamad said, flatly.

“Because,” She trailed off and then after a moment’s thought began, “You can’t expect me to accept the hand of a man who I may or may not know, or maybe he’s not worthy of..of me.” She tossed back her bangs. “Or maybe he’s someone who, whenever he opens his mouth, nothing but shit comes out of it.” She blurted without thinking. Hamad gawked at her, realizing how far his words had hit her that she’d forgotten her manner of her speech in front of him. Here she was, the old Mahra.

“Do you actually believe that I am going to give you away to a man that doesn’t deserve you?” he pointed out. This hushed Mahra, ‘cause she knew he was right. He would never do injustice to him.

“Mahra, I will look for all qualities that I want there for your partner. But surely I wouldn’t deny him for such stupid reasons as yours. Just because you’ve grown up with him or that you ‘think’ you don’t like him.” He lectured. “I personally didn’t want it to be this way but you’ve given me no choice.”

A long moment dragged by in silence, as Hamad waited for his sister to say anything but she seemed busy thinking. Mahra thought of her alternatives and prayed that no fool would come to ask her hand.

She sighed and nodded slightly, making Hamad smile. “Is that a ‘yes’?” Hamad questioned.

“Yeah, do as you wish.” Mahra confirmed. “If this is what it takes to win you back Hamad, then so be it.” Hamad smiled and this time he kissed her on her forehead. Then searched her eyes and frowned when he saw them.

“You fool, look what you’ve done to your eyes.” He stated and Mahra smiled, rolling her eyes.

~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•~'♥♫•

*Sigh* Okay the chp is over. Hope u all liked it. Leave ur comments below and plz vote. We are sorry for being this late but this was one of the most important chps so wanted to write something good that you guys would enjoy it. I hope you weren't too confused with the name changing.

~Lot of L♥ve from the writers

~Witty & Witch