The Mask of Frowns
As Abdullah watched his mother and sisters approach the car, his heart hammered against his ribs. Their faces were not adorned with smiles. His mother's brow was etched with deep furrows—the kind only waves of anger could carve. Lara and Yara looked somber, their eyes averted as if they were anticipating a disaster they could not escape.
They climbed into the car in a heavy, suffocating silence, not even offering a greeting. Abdullah started the engine, the fire of anxiety burning within him. Finally, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and plea, he spoke:
"So... tell me... how was the wedding? I hope you had a good time?"
Silence. No one answered.
His doubts multiplied, and the pain of anticipation became unbearable. He had not yet formally declared his love for Rowan, nor his intention to propose. He had been trying to say everything without saying a word. How could he ask now? Did you like my beloved? Did she meet the standards of the wife you envision for me?
The Clever Ruse
After minutes of silence that felt like hours to a lover's heart, a spark of inspiration saved him. He would find out what happened without asking directly. He turned to his mother suddenly:
"Mother, what is wrong? You look furious! Did someone insult you? Did something happen in that hall? Tell me, so I can go back and burn the place down with everyone in it!"
It was a brilliant maneuver—framing his curiosity as protective concern for his family.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered. Wicked laughter erupted from the back seat as his sisters finally reached their breaking point.
"Tell him, Mama! For heaven's sake, tell him before the poor man's blood dries up!" Yara cried between gasps of laughter.
His mother joined in, the stern mask dissolving into a joyful grin.
"My, my, Aboud... you certainly know how to choose! And here I thought you were the quiet, sensible one. The girl is delightful—truly lovable. She's bronze, but magnetic, and her words are like honey. We were only scowling to give you a little fright!"
Abdullah barely heard the rest. His body was driving the car home, but his soul had flown back to the wedding hall to dance with his beloved. She had passed the test; she had won the first prize, though she didn't know it yet.
The Tearful Prank
Rowan, meanwhile, was waiting on pins and needles. She needed to know the verdict of her "future mother-in-law"—the hardest exam of her life. Abdullah, deciding to mirror the prank played on him, sent her a text:
"I don't know what to tell you... I don't want to ruin your night. Let's talk after the wedding when you're home."
Those words were enough to send tears streaming down her face. Had she failed? Was it her dress, her words, or her dancing? Had she been too joyful, only for it to end in sorrow?
Unable to wait, Rowan threw on her abaya and slipped out to her brother's car. She called him immediately, her voice breaking:
"Abdullah, tell me! Why won't you 'ruin my night'? What did your mother say?"
Abdullah, wearing a mischievous smile that felt alien to his innocent face, replied: "I really don't know what to tell you."
Rowan broke down. "I beg you, Aboud, tell me! They seemed so happy! I felt your mother loved me, and I loved her too! Why didn't she like me? Tell me exactly what she said!" Her sobs grew louder with every word.
The prank collapsed. Abdullah's defenses crumbled at the sound of her tears. He couldn't withstand the weight of a single teardrop he couldn't see but could feel falling. He confessed everything instantly, showering her with apologies.
The Resolution
"My love, why are you crying? Who on earth could see you and not love you? I was only teasing, trying to scare you a little. I never meant to make you weep. My mother and sisters are absolutely enchanted by you—they said they wished they were men just so they could marry you instead of me!"
Rowan let out a watery laugh through her tears. "God forgive you, Aboud! You set my heart on fire. Is this a time for jokes? I couldn't even stand on my feet from fear; I left the guests and the party just to talk to you. How could you do this to me?"
He repeated his apologies and sweet words until her happiness was restored. She returned to the hall as a queen once more, and he returned to his world of dreams. The night that began with trepidation ended with laughter, and the path to their future seemed clearer than ever.