Farida's POV
The hall was so bright and elegant, I couldn't take my eyes off it. There were a lot of Arab people, they all looked so elegant and beautiful. I couldn't believe so much people would travel all the way from Dubai to London just for a partnership party. If not for my blonde hair,people would think I was actually one of them. The women wore dresses and shayla (hijab like veil).
There were different kinds of English and Arab dishes. My colleges and I fetch a plate each and headed for the food table.
"Hey, let's try not to make a fool of ourselves guys. We're partying with rich people, let's just pretend we're part of them" Gerard said suddenly and we bursted into laughter. He was right though, if you wanna fit in, you gotta act like them.
I spotted a plate full of lasagnas just as I was about to fetch some chicken and smiled at myself. I suddenly wanted to have some lasagna, although I didn't recall ever having it before. My mother doesn't even know how to make it.
I took a slice of lasagna and waited for the rest of my colleges to finish the food selection process. LOL.
The microphone went on and a man began welcoming the guests. I watched as Mr Elliott went closer to our partners. Mr Afaan had changed his cloths to his normal Arab attire. He sat at the right side of his brother while Mr Elliott sat at the left side of him, the seat had been reserved for him I guess.
Mr Elliott looked in our direction and we all waved at him like little children. There we go. We'd already started embarrassing ourselves. He smiled and waved back at us, making Mr sagir look in our direction as well. Our eyes met and his expression changed. He must had remembered that I was the one who almost knock him down the other day. I should find some time to apologize.
Not letting myself be bothered by his stare. I let myself to a round table with my team.
The taste of the lasagna was so devine and... familiar, almost as if I had eaten that same lasagna before...with watermelon juice. Of course, I ate it with watermelon juice in the past. I tried to remember the time, place and the whole event but all I got was a slight headache. I stopped trying when I remembered what my doctor told me. "Try not to stress your brain."
"We can't come to a lavish party and not take anyone photos, give me your phone" Betty said and grabbed my phone from my purse. I didn't mind, it wasn't the first time she's taking my phone without my knowledge.
"You have multiple missed Calls from mom" she said and gave me back the phone. I stood up from the table and stepped out of the party hall to call her back. What could have happened to make her call me fifteen times.
"Hello mother, did something happen?" I asked as soon as she picked the call.
"Yes, I...I was just checking up on you. You went out in a strangers car." She said, sounding nervous.
"Mom, Don't worry about me. I'm totally fine, this man is trust worthy. Okay I gotta go, see you soon" I greeted and ended the call. I had to get back before they start looking for me.
Pushing the phone into my purse, I turned around to go back when I came face to face with Mr sagir. He had been standing behind me all the while. My mouth suddenly became dry as I ready myself to explain why my mom thinks his brother would hurt me.
"I...uhm. I am so sorry for the other day sir. I didn't mean to push..." I began interrupted.
"You?" It sounded more like a question and I wanted to run away. I had already apologized to him. There's nothing more left to say to him so I walked past him very quickly. My heart was beating so fast. I knew I shouldn't have done it but I just felt the need to run away from him.
I told Mr Elliott about my encounter with Mr sagir, I thought it was the best thing to do. To tell him everything before it gets out of hand and Mr Elliott assured me that he'd talk to him.
I decided to stay as far I could away from him until they leave for Dubai. I said my farewell end took a cab home.
***
In the dark night of Monday, the stars shine very bright, making the night look like it would last forever. The moon illuminated everything its brightness could reach as the trees dance to the tune of nature and leafs make a rustling sound, releasing a cold wind that kisses the skins of everyone exposed to it.
Sudais stood on the balcony, hands stuffed in his sweatpants pocket. Completely oblivious to the beautiful sky. How could one see such beauty when their hearts and minds are full of darkness.
After all, beautiful things are meant to break ones heart into pieces, they get you attached to them and just run away when you can't handle it. Just like the sky, eventually those bright stars will fade away and the moon will lose its shine as morning approaches, and people will wake up and find that they are no longer there. How ironic.
He wished he could turn back the time and undo that ugly fate.
He sucked in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could see those ocean blue eyes that haunt him everyday in his dream, always judging him and stabbing daggers into his heart.
He had never felt so fooled and betrayed all his life. How could they tell him such a lie. After everything that happened, he tried to fix things back to how they were. But they lied and played with his mental health and his emotions. He could never forgive the people who caused him so much pain.
Sudais sagir doesn't play games, especially not with middle class people. But who ever plays with fire shall get burnt by it. They played with his head so he would do the same. They would learn the consequences of messing with him.
He went back into his room and closed the door behind him.
Meanwhile, in their warm and cozy living room, Ali and his wife thank their stars that nothing bad happened. Unaware of the chaotic days ahead.
***