Chapter Thirty

"A Cup of Tea"

ثم ماذا؟

كُلَّمَا قُلْنا انتهينا

هلل الشوقُ و كبّر !

أنت تدري...

أنني أدري

و كلُّ الكون يدري ...

أن هذا الحب حتى قبل أن نأتي...مقدر

Mahra

Friday- 4:37 PM

My judgment on my husband's characteristics has been vastly clear from the very beginning. I have always believed that he has two sides of him, a dark side and an even darker part that he tends to conceal from most people. Only I have been 'fortunate' enough to see it.

Never in my life had I ever imagined that he would have a soft spot too, own a heart that, strangely, seems to beat in his chest too.

I felt rather mistaken, as I sat there watching him sleep on the sofa opposite me, eyes closed and head placed on his mother's laps, who slowly caressed his short hair. She would converse with him every now and then, and Zayed would reply only with a shake of his head or a low 'hmm'. I could never envision him being so indulged.

Trying my best to think of something else or look at anywhere but at him, I concentrated on the cup of gahwa in my hand, smiling as I remembered something that Jassim had said at lunch today. He was telling me a story of how when he went to Egypt once. He had someone read his cup for him. They told him he would receive a good news soon, and coming back to the country, he learned, that he'd failed in three subjects at school.

Everyone, excluding Zayed and his parents, had laughed hysterically at that. Uncle Waleed then started lecturing him for not ever being interested in his studies and Umm Zayed for letting people read his cup. She scolded him for not knowing that that was Haraam.

Jassim unlike everybody else in this house had a very free and active spirit. He was different, way different than his cold, calculating older brother. Or maybe his brother was that frigid only around me. He had once said I brought out the worst in him!

"Mahra." Mona's voice brought me out of my trail of thoughts, and I looked up to see her walking towards me. "We are going out shopping for my graduation party." She came to stand next to the TV. "Would you like to accompany us?" She asked, with a questioning look.

Shopping? For Mona's graduation?

I had seen her, and Laylah get into the guest room to discuss something a while ago, probably this was it. I thought about it. "Just the both of you?" I inquired, winning myself some more time to think.

"Yeah." She replied. "Me, you and Laylah."

"Aaa..." I considered, aware of the fact that her brother was listening and maybe he won't appreciate me rejecting Mona's offer but I just didn't like going to malls on the weekends. They were so crowded. "I...just don't feel like it."

Mona stared at me, questioningly.

"Some other time In Sha Allah." I continued, giving her a small, shy smile and she didn't push it much. Maybe she didn't want me to accompany her, and was just asking me for formality's sake.

"As you like." She gave me a brief understanding nod, and headed upstairs to get ready.

In half an hour they were gone, and the house became awfully quiet. Uncle Waleed was sleeping in his room, Jassim was out and the twins had gone off to Badr and Deemah's place as well. I was left all alone. Sitting here by myself was getting awkward every minute. I was planning to get up and head to my room when Jassim entered the living room.

"Ummaya, I am taking your son's car to the farm." His energetic voice called as he entered the living room. Umm Zayed looked up and hushed him with a finger to her lips, beckoning with her head towards the sleeping-Zayed.

Encountering the sight in front of him, Jassim grinned an evil grin. "Masha Allah, Masha Allah." Paying no heed to his mother's concerns, he continued in his high tone and walked to sit beside me. "I thought you would change this habit of my brother's after marriage." My brother-in-law completed, eyeing me. I smiled at him, without comprehending.

"What habit?" I spoke in a low voice, placing my right hand under my chin and glanced at Zayed who slightly changed his position, probably up.

"Look at them." Jassim playfully gestured with both hands towards my husband and his mother. "That woman has your husband. You are supposed to be jealous."

Once I understood what he meant, the mere thought of being jealous of someone else having Zayed made me want to laugh, let alone his mother. I wouldn't mind giving Zayed away to anyone. He was never mine to give away.

"Return the man to his wife." Jassim addressed his mother who looked daggers at him. I stared at him with both eye brows raised. He did realize he was humiliating me, didn't he?

Turning quickly towards me, he carried on. "Just so you know, she's very possessive when it comes to your husband." His tone was mischievously serious as if he was helping me by giving me this piece of information, as if he was in my team. I grinned at him but it soon faded away when his next sentence came, embarrassing me, thoroughly. "Let her take care of him!"

I colored and hoped Zayed hadn't heard that last part, but of course he had!

"Jassim." A plain, curt voice came that belonged to my husband. It was a warning for his younger brother, whose grin broadened.

"Hasbiyallah 'ala ibleesak ya Jassim, you woke him up." Complained Umm Zayed. "He was supposed to sleep for a little while, before leaving."

Jassim managed to look shocked. "Who sleeps in the living room?" He added, suppressing a smile. I agreed with Jassim. Clearly his brother received a king-like treatment at home from everyone, especially his mother. "Besides Ya Umm Zayed, you're supposed to spoil this prince over here," He pointed to himself. "I am your youngest."

"La ya habibi, your father and Badr have already spoiled you enough for me, I don't need..." She stopped mid-sentenced when we heard a cell phone ring and Umm Zayed stood up to answer it, placing a cushion under Zayed's head, before leaving. Wasn't he up?

"Then find me a bride." Jassim yelled after her.

His tone made me break into fits of giggles and his likes interested me. "You want to get married?" I inquired after recovering. He was too young for that, barely nineteen.

Jassim sighed, a deep, longing sigh with some mockery in it, which was my answer.

"What about your studies?" I continued, surveying his young features. When he turned to face me, I saw the innocence hidden beneath some insurgence in his eyes that resembled his father's.

"What about them?" he threw his hand in the air carelessly and then chuckled at his own joke. "I don't even know how I got into college."

It was my turn to laugh now. He reminded me of my old self. "What are you majoring in?"

"Business, I guess." He replied, and I smiled at his uncertainty.

"There must be something about business, nobody seems to complete it."

Jassim raised an eyebrow. "You too?"

I nodded. "Wasn't really a hard working student."

This time he grinned. "If it were on me, I would destroy the whole schooling system. I think people can learn a lot on their own, rather than following one particular school curriculum." Jassim stated, slightly serious now. I peered at him, realizing that his thoughts were revolutionary.

"You should say that to the ministry of education." I answered, bringing back his earlier smile.

"I can't say it to my father, let alone the ministry." His playful tone returned and I grinned silently.

"But you should complete your studies." Suddenly I remembered his brother could hear me and he might think I was a bad influence. "Because once you start your career you won't be able to go far unless you aren't qualified enough."

Jassim arched an eyebrow. "How?"

I waited before replying. "Speaking from personal experience, you won't be given promotions or a higher salary because of your academic expertise." I repeated my boss's words, knowing that he was listening.

"Didn't my father promote you?" Jassim interrogated, puzzled.

I shook my head.

"Oh no, your father was too kind." I commented, my lips twitching into a smile and eyes slightly moved towards my man. I think I was enjoying this.

"Did my brother...?" Jassim finally put two and two together, looking from me to him. I bobbed my head at him. Plastering an innocent look on my face, I complained quietly.

Once I heard Zayed move in his place, I fell silent and watched as he sat straight on the couch. Running a hand over his hair, he stood up and faced his younger brother.

Jassim stared at Zayed with a smirk on his face. "Really?" He uttered, making Zayed smile.

At that moment I felt as if my heart widened in my chest and a thousand busts weren't broad enough to carry it. It was probably the only time I had ever seen him smile like this, the first time his smile reached his hazel eyes. It reminded me of the first drops of rainfall in a downpour, carrying blessing with it for the thirsty earth. His smile was like the sun in the heart of a frosty winter. It never came. He never beamed.

Ashamed at my involuntary thoughts, I looked away from his harmful smile at the plain floor, but his next sentence made me glance at him again.

"Instead of appreciating my fairness, she's complaining about her misfortunes." Had been his words, with lips twitching slightly. He spoke of me to his brother without gazing at me. I didn't know if I should be grateful of that or not!

"Her misfortunes?" Jassim joined in. "I am surprised she even agreed to marry you." He joked.

My husband's face hardened. "Trust me, I was too." His reply made me scowl and suddenly I regretted how affectionately I had admired him minutes ago. He was nowhere near a blessing, nowhere near the light!

Not comprehending the double meaning of his brother's words, Jassim laughed delightedly at Zayed's comment and watched him making his way upstairs. "Wait, I came to take your car keys."

Placing his hand on the marble stair rail, Zayed paused and faced his brother. "Why?"

"Badr took mine and I have made plans with friends."

"But I am invited to a dinner tonight myself." Replied Zayed, considering the matter, then descended a couple of steps and added. "Alright you take mine, I'll take father's car." He sealed the deal.

"I will be back before dinner." Jassim proposed.

"No, it's alright. I am leaving in a while anyway." He fixed his brother in a gaze. "And try not to gossip about me while I am gone." Zayed said to the both of us.

My brother-in-law and I, both knew that the last sentence was directed to me. He passed me a smile and I did the same, without saying anything. I had to, my husband had somewhat cracked a 'joke'. It's twice now. Everyone knew he spoke great mockery, but his taunting needed to stop right away.

Before ascending the stairs again, Zayed turned to look at me. "Mahra." He summoned and I straightened in my place. "Take my car keys from the room and give them to Jassim." He demanded, and I couldn't help but raise an eye brow. Did he just order? Does he really expect me to execute his wish?

Nevertheless, just so Jassim wouldn't think I am a disobedient wife, I carried away my husband's wish by following him to the stairs and then to his room. I had prepared myself to tell him that I wasn't his maid or employee that he could order me around but before I got to the room, he had vanished into the bathroom.

As always, the keys were on the dressing table, next to his wallet, I picked them up and headed out of the room.

**

10:03 PM

At night after dinner, when everybody had returned home except my husband, I sat in the midst of the overwhelming laughter of my new family. The crowdie living room was blasting with energy as Khawlah, Kholoud and Jassim argued over their next move in the chess game against uncle Waleed and myself, of course.

My father in law was great as I had expected, he had summoned me to play beside him, but mostly I was just watching. He was doing great on his own, getting Jassim's Queen and most other players in the first few moves.

Because they were a team, Kholoud leaned to whisper something to Jassim and they both eyed the players. Jassim rubbed his chin, thinking deeply, at which his sister Laylah laughed.

"I have never seen Jassoom so serious." She commented, sipping through her tea.

"If only he were so attentive in his studies." Came Mona's voice, as she sat watching the 'Pride and Prejudice' movie on MBC Max.

"Khifee 'alaina enti bas, as if you were an 'A' grade student." Jassim retorted, moving one of his knights forward.

"At least I was better than you." Mona exclaimed, fixing her remote towards the receiver.

At that moment we heard the door open and shut, and in came Zayed, looking fresher and lighter than how he was when he left. "As Salaam-u-Alaikum." He greeted, his eyes surveying his family members around the room and then at last rested upon me. I gazed at him and my reply was barely a whisper.

"Wa 'Alaikum as Salaam, come son." Uncle Waleed invited, patting on the space next to him.

"I'd rather not interrupt your game." Zayed excused himself, walking towards the empty seat next to Mona and sat beside her. "Who's winning?"

"Jassoom is almost defeated." Mona announced, with a smirk.

"I am only losing because of Mahra. It's her first game in the family." Jassim contradicted, making them laugh, whereas I managed a small smile.

"Admit it, you can never beat dad at chess." Mona provoked.

"Well, I'd love to see you do a better job." Jassim replied, sarcastically, watching his father's next move.

Ignoring his comment, Mona completed. "Admit it, that I was better than you at studies." She teased, making her younger brother turn to her.

"She seems to have forgotten her days." Said Jassim, looking from Laylah to Zayed. "When poor Hamad would pull his hair teaching her for her exams."

I heard the twins and their mother laugh, but Zayed, Mona and I were silent. Did Jassim just say Hamad? I think I didn't hear him right!

I was about to ask for a confirmation when Umm Zayed walked in, reminding everyone that it was late and that uncle Waleed needed to sleep. They both left along with Laylah, who was supposed to give her father his medicine.

The conversation might have been interrupted but it wasn't forgotten. I addressed Jassim, curiosity getting the best of me. "Hamad, you mean my Hamad?" I asked, trying hard to hide my surprise.

He nodded. "Yeah. Didn't you know?" Jassim innocently questioned.

"No." I averted my eyes from him to Zayed who was looking at me, expressionless, and then to Mona who was busy watching TV again. "He never mentioned it." I muttered, confused. Why on Earth would Hamad teach Mona? I mean I get that he was good at studies and has a very sharp brain but why would he teach uncle Waleed's daughter? His best friend's sister?

**

Soon after the brothers got up and headed to their rooms, whereas I remained in my seat, planning to complete the movie with the twins and Mona, hopefully find a chance to ask her more on the subject if I could. But unfortunately Umm Zayed walked down the stairs followed by Laylah.

"Did Zayed go to sleep?" My mother-in-law inquired, staring at me.

"Yes, just now." I replied.

"Go after him and see if he wants something, my child." She suggested, and despite me wishing to deny her request, I carried it out anyway. Respecting the mother-in-law was the first thing mother and aunt Amna had lectured me about that night. But Umm Zayed didn't realize what grave situation she was putting me in here. I was trying my best to avoid going to the room just like Zayed had last weekend. But turns out I am not as skilled as he is, to slip away, unnoticed.

Once in the room, I supported myself on the doorknob as I encountered the sight in front of me. I got goose bumps all over my arms, as I looked around to see that Zayed had turned the AC on, in the heart of winter and was praying, in his slightly dark and awfully cold room. As he went into sujood, I noticed how his normally large and proud form seemed very little and weak now. He wasn't as intimidating while he prayed.

Staring at his large picture hanging above the bed, I entered the room, soundlessly, and sat on the bed, waiting for him to finish and announce the fate of this night. When he did, he stood up and picked up his siyadah. "You can take the bed, I'll sleep on the sofa." His low voice notified, carelessly. I instantly stood up, the thought of sleeping on his stupid bed sickened me and a sudden look of disgust took over my face. Wasn't he going to leave the room like last Friday? As he walked up to the wardrobe to pick up his pajamas, I realized he wasn't. And before he could enter the bathroom, I stopped him.

"You needn't bother. I am not going to sleep on this bed anyway." I articulated, pointing a displeased finger at his bed. He raised an eyebrow in bewilderment and then dropped it in a split second, but it didn't go unnoticed. "I'd rather take the sofa." I finished, staring back at him.

"As you wish." He shrugged his shoulders slightly, as if contented with my decision.

It was later that night, when I realized that my decision really had been for his benefit and not mine. Firstly because, I couldn't sleep in the same room as him, and secondly this idiotic sofa wasn't so comforting. Thirdly and worst of all, I was freezing in this not so warm throw I got myself from the cupboard. He hadn't even provided me a proper blanket. Not the first time, he proves he's a heartless jerk!

After many chilly hours, somehow, surprisingly, I had fallen asleep for a while and when I awoke, it was past the time for Fajr prayer. I got up and prayed with great force. For some reason my body felt extremely tired, I literally had to drag my feet to dress up and get down for breakfast. But before leaving the room, I turned to look at Zayed, sleeping on his stomach, peacefully and envied him for that. The evil inside of me made me turn off the AC so that he wouldn't be sleeping as calmly as he is now. I also drew the curtains. The sun hadn't completely risen but it soon would. I made sure to walk out of the room on my tip-toes before he got up.

As I came down, there was no one on the dining table and then I remembered it was Saturday, still the weekend. Only Umm Zayed was up and in the kitchen. I greeted her as I got in and she greeted back with a warm smile then stopped me at my step.

"Mahra, go have breakfast outside." She said, gesturing to the garden. "Your uncle is there alone."

I nodded. "What about the others?" I asked, retreating.

"They'll be late. You go ahead. Bu Zayed was waiting for you." She informed and I loved hearing that. Without further questions, I headed to the garden where uncle Waleed was sipping through his morning tea, reading his newspaper. A smile decorated his face as he looked up and saw me.

**

Zayed

Saturday - 6:44 AM

He flipped around to sleep on his back, when the sunlight pouring into the room was what teased his eyes and woke him up. With a grunt, he realized it was Mahra's doing and hid his face in the pillow again, cursing under his breath. Sleep was far from coming now, in the meantime he lay there, thinking of the amount of work he had up his sleeves today. After ten more minutes, he finally decided to get up and leave to attend his business.

After taking a quick shower, Zayed was combing his short hair, when his eyes fell on the garden outside. Through the glass wall in his room, he saw his father and wife walking in the garden, bare footed. She was saying something at which his father laughed whole-heartedly. He gazed at his father, knowing he rarely laughed like that, then his eyes averted to Mahra, cheerier than he had seen her in quite a while. Zayed turned away from them, shaking his head as he did so.

**

8:02 PM

Zayed was in his car, on his way back to the apartment where he'd left Mahra this morning. He was stuck in traffic and listened to Lara Fabian's voice, singing Je T'aime. His mind still wandered over work and Hamad's proposal, which was certainly going to cause quite a stir in the air.

Hamad, being a man of his word, kept his promise to Mona and came straight to talk to Zayed after their marriage. He was at work when his friend had called and invited him to the nearby restaurant for lunch. Zayed, busy with his own issues, had forgotten his sister for a while. It was when he went to see a somewhat nervous Hamad waiting for him, did he realize what was going on.

Zayed waited until after lunch, bringing up several different topics to discuss, giving him his time to come up with the subject when he felt like it, but Hamad's discomfort grew with every passing minute. They were discussing the price of shares in the stock market, well mostly Zayed was, Hamad seemed to be distracted by his own thoughts. That was when Zayed realized it was about time he say something.

"Are you with me?" He questioned. "Hamad?" bringing his friend out of his trail of thoughts.

Hamad blinked a couple of times and then fixed him in a gaze, pondering over his upcoming words. "I am not here to discuss how much you've made this week." He stated, in a friendly way.

"Then what are you here for?" despite being aware of his intentions, Zayed chose to act differently.

"I wanted to ask for your opinion before taking a step further."

"This sounds dangerous. What are you up to Hamad?"

Hamad chuckled, the sound of his laughter lightened the environment.

"It was a day like this, you came to me asking for Mahra's hand and I am here today for something exactly of that sort."

Zayed raised an eyebrow. 'Something of that sort!' Is that the best you could do Hamad? He stared at his friend, clearly enjoying this.

"I am asking you to give me Mona's hand in marriage." Hamad announced finally and upon his friend's silence completed. "It's been a long time since I wanted to do this, but have been waiting for the right moment."

Zayed pretended to be surprised. He had made a promise to Mona as well and had to keep that promise by telling no soul about what he knew.

"Will it matter if I refuse?" Zayed teased.

Hamad heard his light tone and smiled. "I didn't refuse you for Mahra."

"Well, my case was different." Zayed proudly said and Hamad laughed.

"Why would you refuse?" inquired Hamad, the easiness in his friends reaction had surely encouraged him.

"Mona is the smartest girl I know. I have bigger plans for her." Zayed put forward, his voice flat.

Hamad straightened in his chair. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Zayed nodded. "I mean, a guy who is mature, responsible, earns a good salary and not to forget... good looking." His lips broke into a smile, despite him trying to be serious.

"You do realize you just defined me, don't you?" Hamad pointed out. Here they both chuckled and Hamad felt relieved by Zayed's collected and peaceful reaction.

They both were silent after a while and Hamad broke it once more. "I would like to come by your house and officially ask for her hand from uncle Waleed." He proposed, eyes on his best friend.

Zayed stared back at him. "That would be great."

**

8:56 PM

Zayed opened the door of his apartment and walked in, to the living room, where he paused at the sight before him. A sleeping Mahra lay on the couch opposite the TV, covered in a blanket bigger than the couch itself. Her long brown hair were straggled in branches all around her. There were two empty cups on the table in front of her, each with a green tea bag. Next to which was a box of Kleenex, used mercilessly. She had left the TV on, and an angry Brad Pitt screamed at the Greek king Agamemnon. Before he could say another word, Zayed bent to grab the remote and turned the TV off, spreading pin-drop silence in the apartment.

He heard some moment and turned to Mahra, who struggled to open her eyes. Instead of the noise, the silence had woken her up. She felt his presence and he watched as she fixed her eyes at him, once they adjusted she realized he stood right in front of her and got up, rather quickly. Her sight blackened because of her rapid moment, so she held her head, sighing painfully.

"What's wrong?" Zayed asked, concerned.

Mahra waited before replying. "I don't feel well, thanks to you." She taunted, throwing the blanket away and pulling the hem of her long grey baggy sweater, to avoid showing much of her figure under those dark skinny jeans. "I have caught a flu."

"Why do you need to thank me for that?" Zayed's tight reply came as he watched her picking up the dirty cups and heading to the kitchen. He followed her.

"If you hadn't turned the AC on last night, I wouldn't have..." She placed the cups on the kitchen counter and turned to face him. "And are there any God damn pills in this place? I have been surviving on green tea all day."

"You can ask the guard to assist you when in need." Zayed answered, standing at the door. He noticed she had forgotten her sheilah for the first time in his presence which surely was the doing of the flu. Taking in her state, he examined her worn out face, red nose and most definitely her ankle length brown socks. She looked like she lived in Siberia.

"Well, I don't know the rules of living in the sky." She began to collect her hair in a ponytail but couldn't find a band, therefore let them fall messily on her shoulders, carelessly. Mahra then began boiling some water for another cup of tea.

"It's been a hectic day." Zayed declared, walking into the kitchen, opening and closing the cupboards to his right, searching for something. "What's there for dinner?" He asked, his back to her.

"Green tea." Mahra replied, beaming at her own joke. "Ahh my head hurts." She soon added, her smile fading.

He ignored her and got out of the kitchen to order dinner in. After a minute or two, he came back and took a seat on the round table. Mahra was pouring her tea in a cup but then realized he was there too. Unable to forget her manners, she was obliged to ask him.

"Tea?" She offered, glancing at him.

Zayed looked up from his phone. "Yes, please."

She served the first cup in front of him and took the second one, joining him on the table. Pulling her sleeves to her fingers, she drank her hot tea and noticed that he hadn't touched his.

"Are you afraid that you'll catch my flu?" She asked, watching him busy with his phone. He looked up again, slightly surprised.

"No," He denied. "No, I like my tea cold."

"You like everything cold. Your tea, your room... your hea *sniff* rt." She hid her last word with a snuffle. She was silent and her eyes wandered around the apartment, without much awareness, she spoke loudly what was on her mind. "I don't get how people can live in a place like this. No lawn, no garage, above the grounds and in the sky, where your feet can't touch the Earth. Do you like it?"

"Like what?" Zayed dipped the tea bag in his cup three times.

"Living in skyscrapers?"

"Yeah. It's alright."

Mahra frowned. "No wonder you're so down to earth." She mumbled, taking a sip of her tea.

"I heard that." Zayed notified.

"You were meant to." She retorted, hiding her face in her cup.

It was the first time they both sat there, at ease, none wanting to put up a fight with the other. But Zayed knew well, why he was here. Unlike Mahra he had a plan up his sleeve, sitting there, waiting for the right moment to utter the right words.

"Hamad sends his regards to you." He began.

Mahra arched an eyebrow. "You spoke to him?"

"Yes, this morning." Zayed nodded, noticing the disappointed look that took over her face and she chose to remain silent, so he carried on.

"Doesn't he think of getting married?" He proposed, finally putting his phone away.

"You should know, you're his best friend."

"Why? Aren't you his sister anymore?"

"He's been quite a jerk lately. Calls me only twice a week." She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "And he isn't married yet, God knows what'll happen once he gets married. He'll probably call me once a month." She cleaned her running nose with a kleenex.

"You're being unfair to the poor man." Zayed defended his friend.

Mahra looked up, gazing at him. "Have you both paid each other to praise the other in their absence?"

Zayed stared back, taking in that sentence. "I don't know about him, but I am a loyal friend." He stated.

"Sure you are." Mahra rolled her eyes and ran a finger on the rim of her cup. "If you are so concerned about his marriage, then why don't you convince him? I have a girl in mind." She suggested, her voice hoarse because of the cold.

Zayed straightened in his seat, as if the conversation had just gotten interesting. "Really?" He questioned, with hidden mockery.

"Yeah. You'd be doing my mother a great favor. She's always wanted him to get married." Mahra spoke, and then realized she had said a bit too much. Too late now!

"I suppose I could do that... for your mother, of course." He replied, his tone slightly mischievous. "Can I ask, who do you have in mind?"

"Well, there's Fatoom, she's a great friend of mine. I have always thought her suitable, or may be Ayesha. She's my cousin. I think she and Hamad would make a perfect couple."

Zayed nodded. "Does Hamad know about your intentions? I mean has he ever showed any interest?" He inquired, playing his games with her again.

"Oh no. These ideas have been on the back of my mind from a long time. I have never really..." She broke mid-sentenced to sneeze... twice.

After recovering, Mahra noticed he still hadn't touched his tea. Surely he feared her flu!

Zayed thought of his upcoming words, running his fingers on his light beard, stretching it down from his chin. Then with his thumb finger he was rubbing his chin, when he met her gaze.

"How would you like it, if I told you I know what your bother desires?" Zayed put forward, waiting for her reaction. A look of astonishment took over her somewhat red face, but she tried to hide it as quickly as she could.

"I wouldn't be surprised. I told you Hamad has been quite a jerk lately." Mahra uttered with pure annoyance. "He'll tell you who he fancies and wouldn't bother to call me regularly." She pushed her cup away and folded her arms across her chest, resting back on the chair. He could see she was hurt. It was clear in her eyes. "Who is she?" Mahra urged, flatly.

"Well," Zayed finally picked up his cup of tea. "On Thursday afternoon he came to me, asking for my sister's hand in marriage."

Zayed saw her freeze, then lean forward towards him, placing her left elbow on the table. "What?" She exclaimed. "Your sister?"

Zayed tasted her sugarless tea, and struggled to gulp it down his throat. "Yes." He answered, with a frown.

"Which one of them?" She interrogated.

"Which one do you think? Mona of course." He proclaimed, placing the cup back on its place and not intending to pick it up again.

"Mona," Mahra repeated rather loudly, as if she hadn't heard right. "Why Mona?" Her eyes were wide in astonishment. She shook her head, unbelievingly. "What does he see in her?" Zayed leaned back on his chair and watched her rather odd reaction. He found it hard to believe that she wasn't happy with his sister, with Mona, who was the closest to him.

"Clearly my absence has maddened him. Has he lost his senses? What's wrong with Hamad?" Mahra spoke more to herself than to him. Zayed glared at her, thinking surely the flu has affected the very little brains that she had.

"Excuse me." Zayed arched an eyebrow. "You do realize, it is my sister you are talking about!" He reminded and she paused, tongue-tied.

"No offence," Mahra came back, after finding her voice. "I mean Mona is a great girl, but Hamad and Mona, I could never imagine them both together." She said, after gathering herself a little.

"Then you have plenty of time to think of it now, since your brother is coming this weekend to officially ask for Mona's hand in marriage." He explained, noticing how as the news sank in and she froze again, making his lips twitch into a small smile.

"This tea is awful by the way." He teased, making her angrier and got up to leave once again.

**~**~**~**~****~**~**~**~**

Okay guyz, for those who asked for a gift before Ramadan, here you guyz are. Hope you all like it. If you did, make sure to vote and comment.

~Lots of Love

~Witty & Witch