(((I loved Khadija)))
(((Chapter Four)))
Marwan sat down tiredly: Yes, Mom, go ahead.
Fatima excitedly and happily: As for today, when you went to Ammar's wedding, Zein's friend, I found you a bride, but what a beauty, manners, and perfection.
Marwan sighed: Mom, what kind of bride? I told you I'd see for myself. You won't know my taste.
Fatima: How? Only you know who she is. She's Khadija, Ammar's sister, Zein's friend. So, in terms of origin and family, there's no question. And as for her education, thank God, she's in a college, so she told me she's in law. And as for the beauty, I won't tell you. But she wears a niqab.
Marwan thoughtfully: Hmm. So she's pretty.
Fatima smiled: Pretty, but she's telling Bader to get up and I'll sit where you are.
She took out her phone and showed him the photo she'd taken of Khadija without her knowing.
Fatima: Look, I took it to show you without her noticing. Look how beautiful it is.
Marwan took the phone from his mother and looked at it. He froze like a statue. Oh my God, how beautiful she is. She really is captivating. My mother wasn't lying. Who could refuse a girl like her? Especially since, in addition to her beauty, she also has other qualities that his mother had mentioned to him.
Marwan, admiringly: She really is beautiful, Mom. You told me she finished her law degree.
Fatima: No, she's still in college. She has two more years left in college.
Marwan felt uncomfortable. She looked fifteen years younger than him. She was twenty, and he was thirty-five.
Marwan: Yes, Mom, but she's too young for me. Her family might reject her.
Fatima: What are you saying? Inshallah. Where will they find anyone better than you? And besides, my dear, we've always known that a man's only flaw is his pocket. And God bless you, your pocket is full and you lack nothing. Just say yes and I'll handle it. It's none of your business.
Marwan smiled as he looked at Khadija's picture: "Okay. I'll think about it, mom, and get back to you."
Fatima: "I mean, should I talk to them?"
Marwan: "No, no, don't worry, mom. I have to think carefully. And besides, you know her family, yes. But I also have to ask about her my way, and when I make a decision, I'll inform you. But don't tell anyone or broach anything with anyone. Do you understand, mom? Don't. I swear, cancel this marriage idea completely."
Fatima: "No, no, I'm just being silly. I won't talk to them until you tell me." Okay, I'll tell Zain to test them out.
Marwan: "That's Zain in particular. He's Ammar's friend and he might fall for it." Be patient with me, mom, just for a couple of days. This marriage isn't easy.
Fatima: Okay, my dear, whatever makes you comfortable. I won't mention it to anyone until you think about it and respond to me.
Marwan smiled: Okay, good night, my dear.
Fatima: You are a good person. May God make her your destiny, may you get married and make my heart happy, Marwan, my son.
Marwan: God willing, I'm going to sleep.
Fatima slyly: Okay, give me the phone. Why take it with you?
Marwan, embarrassed: Yes, ahem, no, nothing, I forgot, that's all. Just a second.
Marwan sent a picture of Khadija from his mother's phone to his own. He wanted to keep it, as he really liked it.
Marwan: Here, my lady, here's your phone. Good night.
Fatima, very happily: You are a good person, my dear.
Marwan went up to his room, took a shower, went to bed, opened his phone, and looked at Khadija's photo, smiling. He had no idea why, for a moment, he imagined her as his wife and him in the same bed.
Marwan: What's wrong, Marwan? This mere photo is doing this to you. What would you do if you saw her in front of you? You've known as many women as the hairs on your head. Is it possible that this girl would upset you like this? Aaaah. It looks like you, Marwan, will calm down and get married. And God answered your mother's call.
He smiled again as he looked at her photo. He fell asleep in that state.
In the morning, Zain woke up, got dressed, and went downstairs. He found his mother waiting for breakfast. He approached her, smiled, and kissed her head.
Zain: Good morning, Mom.
Fatima: Good morning, my love. Tell me, what's this bag you're carrying?
Zain: This is a small bag. Because you're going on an errand so quickly.
Fatima worriedly: An errand. And you'll be late.
Zain: No, my dear. At most, 3 or 4 days, no more.
Fatima: May God protect you, my son, and guide you. And may you return to me safely. My heart aches for you every time you travel.
Zain smiled and kissed her hand: Don't worry about me. Your son is a man and no one should be afraid of him. The most important thing is that you pray for me.
Fatima: I pray for you, my light, that you return to me safe and sound, God willing.
Zain: God willing, my dear. Now I'm going so I don't be late.
Fatima: Okay, finish your breakfast. You didn't have time to eat anything.
Zain: No, my dear, that's enough. I don't want to be late. Bye. Give my regards to Marwan.
Fatima: God willing. May you be safe and sound.
She sighed tiredly: God willing. Bring him back to me safely. I have no one but him and his brother. May God guide you, Marwan, my son, and may you gladden my heart.
Inside Zain's office, he and his friend Khaled prepare to go on the operation they're assigned to.
Khaled grumbles: "I don't know. Is there anyone else in this department other than us? Every other day is an operation and a risk. Why don't they see these new kids instead of sitting around like this, useless?"
Zain impatiently: "The same two words every time. You're never going to grow up and understand. And those new officers you call kids? They're still learning and gaining experience. We were just like them. I think you should know that important operations like these can only be carried out by senior and experienced officers. Because this is the future of the country and the lives of its people. I hope you understand and this is the last time I say this to you. And get rid of these shy girls. I'll kill you in the morning. Go ahead, finish."
Khaled, sighing: "Ugh. Okay, I'm done."
Zain: "Okay, wait for me downstairs. I'll follow you."
Khaled: "Why don't we go down together?"
Zain: "No, I'll make a phone call and follow you. Take it easy."
Khaled went out to wait for Zain downstairs. He took out his phone and inserted a different card than the one with his number on it. He put it in the phone. He took out Khadija's number. He called her to hear her attractive voice that brought him comfort. He wanted to enjoy the softness of her voice, but he didn't want to call her from his own number. He felt embarrassed. He wanted to propose to her immediately after Ammar's wedding, but this assignment came as a surprise.
Everything was confusing, and he was afraid to talk to her, so she would ask him about his promise. He wanted to propose to her directly, not to talk to her and feel embarrassed. But he couldn't stop his intense desire to hear her rosy voice caressing his ears.
Zain called her, and seconds later, he received a reply, and he heard her voice.
Khadija answered: "Peace be upon you... Peace be upon you..."
When she didn't receive a response, she hung up.
He called again, and received another reply, saying, "Peace be upon you."
Zain let out a deep sigh, filled with a lot of longing and eagerness for his little lover.
Khadija heard the sigh and the shallow breathing. But she felt something strange. Her heartbeat increased, and she felt she knew those breathings well. "Hey, he's my love. He's Zain." She smiled and repeated his name unconsciously.
Khadija: "Zain. Zain, you're the one talking."
He was shocked and surprised, and gaped open his mouth. How did you know I was calling? How?!
He couldn't control himself and couldn't suppress his eagerness to talk to her. He said,
Zain: "Dijah. How did you know it was me?! I didn't speak."
Khadija's heart danced with joy. She was right. It was him. Her heart didn't lie. She truly hadn't made a mistake in distinguishing his breath from anyone else's.
Khadija shyly: "Really. Uh-huh. Honestly, I don't know, but I felt it was you."
Zain smiled lovingly. "So you feel me. And you distinguish my breath, you're right. Where else would you find breaths like hers that carry so much love, longing, and yearning for you? Oh, the longing and yearning for you, my little tormentor."
Zain, in a stunned tone: "How are you? Did you sleep well? You must have been tired yesterday."
Khadija: "You would believe me if I told you I couldn't sleep. I've been awake since yesterday."
Zain, worried and loving: What's wrong with you? Is something else hurting you?
Khadija: No, not at all. I just have insomnia. I can't sleep.
Zain: I'm upset because Ammar got married and left home.
Khadija was affected. She was already sad about her brother's passing and cried. "I'm going to miss Ammar so much. I don't know how I'll live without him."
Zain, alarmed: "Dija, please don't cry. I'm sorry. I swear, no more crying."
Khadija gently wiped her tears away. "Okay, I won't cry."
Zain sighed wearily. He wished she was right in front of him, his wife, so he could hold her close, ease her sadness, dry her tears, and shower her with the tenderness and love he'd always longed to shower her with.
Zain: Yes, that's clever. You know, my mom and I will be coming soon to visit you. I'll bring you your favorite chocolate. What do you think?
Khadija beamed with joy and said, "Really? You'll light up our day. When?"
Zain: "God willing, in two days at most, I'll just finish the work I have ahead of me. But I want you to pray for me, Dija."
Khadija said a sincere prayer: "May God grant you success, victory, and guidance."
Zain smiled: "Oh God, what a sweet prayer. May God hear you."
Khadija slyly: "So, why were you calling?"
Zain hesitated. He didn't want to tell the truth that he was going to have a dangerous operation. He wanted to say goodbye to her.
He was afraid she would worry and be sad. He had begun to realize how much he valued her and that she reciprocated the same feeling. The joy that filled her eyes upon seeing him, the trembling in her voice, and the concern evident in her for him—all of this made him feel that she loved him as much as he loved her.
Zain: I actually wanted to check on you since you left the hospital and I didn't call you. Even yesterday I saw you so quickly and didn't have time to check on you. Sorry if I bothered you.
Khadija impulsively: No, no, I didn't mean to. I was just asking, and anyway, thank you very much for asking. I hope you're fine now.
Zain: Okay, Dija. I have to hang up now because I have important work to do, and God willing, I'll come visit you with my mom. Agreed, Dija.
Khadija, extremely shy: Inshallah, you'll honor my home. Bye, bye.
Zain closed his eyes longingly: Take care of yourself.
Khadija: Sure, take care of yourself too. Bye.
Zain: Bye.
Zain hung up, feeling conflicted emotions. He was sad because he would be away from her and had to postpone his date with her so he could propose to her. He had longed for this day so much. He was thinking that he would never agree to the engagement, the marriage contract, and then the wedding. No, no! He was planning to get married as soon as possible. He wanted her as his wife in the blink of an eye. Now he was tied down by his work, so he had to be patient until this tiring task was over. But at the same time, he was happy and his heart was filled with joy. He had talked to her, listened to her voice, heard her whispers and her prayers for him. This gave him a temporary dose of love. Oh, the love and the pain. Oh, this torment. I wish I had been brave a long time ago. I wish I had been honest with you, but I was afraid you would hurt me by telling me that you are not for me. But this is fate, and there is no escape from fate. Zain gathered his thoughts and returned to being the decisive, calm, dignified Zain, not the loving, adoring Zain, drowned to the core in love with this little girl. He went to do his work and fulfill his duty.
In the contracting company of the Ghandour family, Marwan and Zain's father.
Managed by Marwan
Marwan sits in his office, lost in thought, staring at a photo of Khadija that he took from his mother's phone. He looks at it with admiration and a smile.
Marwan sighs, "Really? You're confusing me like this just because of a photo. I keep dreaming about you, waking up from a deep sleep and thinking about you and imagining how you talk and how you walk. Aaaah. Hahaha. It's impossible. What they say is true. Only the cleverest fall. And I'm the cleverest of the clever, Khadija. It seems that since you've entered my mind, you'll be Marwan El-Ghandour's wife."
There's a knock on his office door. His private secretary enters to tell him that Karim, his assistant, is asking permission to enter.
He gives her permission and she lets him in.
Karim, in a businesslike tone, "At your service, Mr. Marwan."
Marwan: Come here, Karim. I need you for a mission, but don't let anyone know about it or smell any news.
Karim: At your service.
Marwan: Here, this is information about a girl named Khadija. I want everything about her: where she goes, who she goes to, who her friends are, what her relationship is with someone. I want to know everything, every move she makes. And this should be done in two days, understand? I want a report of all her movements from the moment she leaves her house until she returns. Understand?
Karim: At your service. Everything will be done as you wish. Don't worry. Excuse me.
Marwan relaxed his body in his chair and closed his eyes, thinking about Khadija. Will she like him?
Will she agree to marry him?
Sitting on the balcony, contemplating her bird, which she named Ali
The name of the one she loved and adored since her early childhood. She talks to him and laughs with him. She tells him what happened between her and Zain on the phone. She gets lost in thought as she remembers her beloved, the man who takes the air out of her whenever he is with her in the same place. She can't breathe when she sees him in front of her. His masculinity, his charm, and his personality are breathtaking, as well as his eyes. Aaaah, his eyes. She drowns in them, drowns in the color of the sea that kills them. She drowns in the color of the clear sky with his eyes. Aaaah, from her and oh, from what she does to her. If he knew the extent of the effect his eyes have on her, he would spare her her suffering and close his eyes.
She let out a hot, free sigh that brought out with it a lot of longing and exhaustion. How she longs for the day when she will be his wife.
Khadija: Oh God, Zain, when will you propose to me? You haven't even spoken to me since the last time you spoke to me. Aaaah. I miss you so much, so much. I'm waiting for the day you and your mother will come, just as you promised.
She went to her room, went to bed, and closed her eyes, thinking of him and wishing to see him in her dreams.
Three days passed, and Zain and his friends had almost finished most of their work and were getting ready to return. One night, Zain was sitting in a quiet place under the moonlight, lost in thought as he remembered his little girl and his beloved.
Oh, my tormentor, how I want you with me now. How I want your embrace and your tenderness.
I want you as a love that never dies, a passion that never ends, and a longing that never ceases or changes.
I want to see my image in your eyes whenever I look at you.
I want to breathe in your scent whenever I get close to you.
And that's enough for me, my love. I love you and long for you, for you own me and you own all my senses.
And your name will remain engraved in my heart until death.
This heart will be yours and no one else's, my beloved, my tormentor.
How much I miss you, how much I miss the honey color in your eyes, how I want to drown in the sea of pure honey in them.
But be patient, my heart, for in a few hours I will return to her, kidnap her, and hold her in my arms, patiently.
These days passed, and Marwan followed Khadija's news. He learned everything about her and felt reassured about her. One day, he returned home to find his mother waiting for him.
Marwan smiled: "Good evening, mother. How are you?"
Fatima: "Thank God, my love, I'm fine. The important thing is, what do you intend to do with Khadija? You don't intend to put my heart at ease."
Marwan smiled: "Okay, my lady, I intend to propose to her. Talk to her family and set a date with them, and we'll go propose to her. What do you think?"
Fatima's face lit up, and she was overjoyed. She began to ululate, one after the other.
Marwan laughed and hugged her tenderly.
Marwan: Hahahahaha. Okay, mom, it's getting late. What do people say?
Fatima: Whatever happens, it's none of my business. The important thing is that I'm very happy, Marwan. May God, my son, make her your destiny. This girl has entered my heart in a special way.
Marwan, still smiling: You're not alone, mom. I'm also very relieved about her. The important thing is that I have a destiny with her.
Fatima: Of course, you will have a destiny, God willing. Listen, tomorrow I'll call the star and tell them we're going to visit them at the end of the day. Agreed.
Marwan: Agreed. Tell me, will you feed me dinner or should I sleep lightly?
Fatima: Of course I will feed you, my light of my eye. Today is a holiday. And I'll be the one preparing dinner for you. With all my heart. Go ahead, take your shower. And come down, you'll find the food ready. ....
A difficult morning came, a day that carried a lot of pain and sadness for two hearts, and joy, happiness, and hope for others. Fatima called Mariam, Khadija's mother, and told her that she was going to visit them that evening. She didn't tell her the reason. She preferred to start a conversation with them while they were there. Khadija welcomed her warmly.
Evening came, and Marwan and Fatima got ready and went to Khadija's house. After they left, Zain arrived home but didn't find them. He asked Umm Ahmed about them; she didn't say anything, merely telling him that they had gone outside. Marwan worried that something bad had happened to his mother. So he called her. She answered:
Fatima: Yes, Zain, how are you, my love?
Zain: I'm fine, mom. Where are you? I arrived home and didn't find you. Is anything wrong?
Fatima laughed: Hahaha. I'm fine. What's wrong? Why are you so nervous? What are you saying? We're on our way to Ammar's house. Come on, we've got you.
Zain's heart pounded violently. Why was she going there? Did she really feel that he wanted Khadija and went to propose to her?
Zain: Why, Mom? Where are you going?
Fatima: When you get there, I'll tell you. Come on, so you can catch up with us. We just left the house. You'll catch up, God willing.
Zain hung up on her, quickly got into his car, and headed to Khadija's house.
She paced back and forth, nervous and anxious.
She'd been happy and excited ever since she'd learned that Zain's mother was coming, but there was something that worried and stressed her, and she didn't know why.
Khadija: Oh, God, my dream is finally coming true, and Zain is coming to propose to me. I'm so happy. But I don't know why I'm scared.
Fatima and Marwan arrived, and Othman and Maryam welcomed them. Ammar was also waiting for them. Everyone sat talking, except Khadija. Then the doorbell rang, and Zain arrived. He sat with them, unaware of anything.
Fatima: "So, where's Khadija? I really miss her. Call her, Maryam. I need her."
Maryam: "Yes, just a second."
Maryam went and brought Khadija. She entered, and Zain and Marwan's eyes fell on her. Both of them's hearts fluttered at the sight of her, but hers was only at the sight of Zain. She saw no one else and breathed only his scent.
Khadija greeted her and sat down, embarrassed by this situation. She glanced at Zain, and he glanced back at her, but what confused him was the reason for his mother's visit.
Fatima: "Honestly, everyone, we came today to ask for Khadija's hand for my son Marwan. What did you say?"
Both Zain and Khadija were shocked and looked at each other. Astonishment was written all over their faces. It was as if birds were on their heads.