I Loved Khadija, Chapter One

 I Loved Khadija, Chapter One

Love. What do you know about love? It's bliss and happiness when we're with the one we love, the one we adore, the one our heart yearns for. But...

It's torment, bitterness, and pain. And a lot of pain. When we live with someone we don't love, our lives with them govern us. Companionship... affection... compassion at times.

But not love... not passion... it soothes the heart and heals the soul.

In this novel, two hearts are tormented and two souls are in pain. But each of them suffers in silence.

Neither of them can express what's in their hearts. And they live with the other in deadly silence.

Unfortunately, fate brought them together to live in one house, under one roof. But each of them. With someone else.

They both suffer whenever they see the other in someone else's arms. Jealousy and fire devour their hearts and souls. But there's nothing they can do about it.

But...

Will fate have mercy on them and bring them together?

Will they live happily together one day?

No one knows. What fate holds.

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Zain: A police officer with the rank of major. A 33-year-old man with masculine wheat-colored skin. Blue eyes that immerse the viewer like the sea. Black hair the color of the deepest night. A well-proportioned, athletic body. His masculine features make even the toughest girls and women fall in love with him.

But not only because of his attractive features, but also because of his wonderful personality. He has a strong personality. He is very mysterious, which makes him even more attractive and exciting.

Khadija: A beautiful girl with fair skin and captivating features. Hazel eyes. Honey-colored hair the color of pure mountain honey. She is truly captivating from the inside out.

She is 20 years old. She studies law. She has a calm and beautiful personality.

She wears the niqab, and thank God she does.

Because if she didn't, she would attract many, many people.

These are the heroes of my novel. The rest of the heroes will be mentioned during the narration. I hope you like it. And I ask for your support... 😊😊

The first scenes of the novel begin.

In the house of the Osman El-Toukhi family. Khadija's father.

Maryam, Khadija's mother, calls her loudly.

Maryam: Khadija, come on, my dear, you'll be late for college.

Khadija came running with a charming smile on her face: I've come. She kissed her mother's hand and head. Good morning, Mom.

Maryam with a tender smile: Good morning, my sweetheart. Tell me, did you sleep well last night? I left you studying all night.

Khadija: Oh, Mom, I have a headache from studying. Pray for me, Mom. I'm better now. I'm exhausted. These studies are really difficult.

Maryam: You're the stubborn one. You deserve it because we all warned you that it was difficult. It required memorization and concentration. And you were the one who insisted. Drink now.

Khadija remembered the reason she was determined to study law. Because she wanted her studies to be close to the work of the one she had loved since she was young. She wished to be close to him. Even if it was just studying something similar to his studies and work. She smiled happily.

Maryam: What were you thinking about?

Khadija: No, nothing. Where are Baba and Ammar?

Maryam: Your father is praying the Duha prayer. And you'll find Ammar getting dressed. Go knock on his door. Tell him to come quickly, he'll be late for work too.

Khadija: Yes, my lady.

Khadija went to call her brother Ammar. She knocked gently on the door. He answered from inside, allowing her to enter.

Khadija entered.

Khadija: Good morning, Amouri.

Ammar with a smile: Good morning, Lamda. No one else would call you Ammar's father. But you're the problem.

Khadija: Hahaha. It's my fault. I don't want you to grow up, Hindsa. And I call you my father. And then I'm grown up, I'm not a little girl anymore.

Ammar: Okay, my lady. I won't be done with your nagging this morning.

Khadija: Okay, mom is telling you to come on so you don't make me late for work.

Ammar: Okay, I'm coming. You go get ready so you don't make me late. I'll still have to take you to university.

Khadija: No, no, don't worry. I'm ready. Just pull yourself together.

Ammar's phone rang. It was Manar, his fiancée. They got married a month ago. The construction will be completed soon. He smiled and his heart beat, for he loved her sooo much.

Ammar: Ahem, okay, you go, and I'll follow you. I won't be long.

Khadija looked at the phone and saw Manar's name. She smiled mischievously.

Khadija: Umm. Okay, you don't want anything from me. I can help you. Answer Manar while she gets dressed.

Ammar gritted his teeth angrily: Khadija. Stop being so stubborn. And get out of here before I fix you up.

Khadija: Hahaha. Okay, okay. She's going out, she doesn't like it.

She winked at him. Say hello to Manar for me.

Khadija left. Ammar laughed at his sister's mischief and answered his girlfriend.

Ammar: My dear, good morning.

Manar: Oh my. All this because you didn't answer me. I'm going to get upset now.

Ammar: I owe you, my dear. But that Khadija girl was suffocating me. And I didn't know how to respond to you.

Manar smiled: No, I'm not upset anymore. But don't say that about her. Because I love her.

Ammar: Umm. I mean, get out of here.

Manar: Of course not, my dear. You're the one who can do it.

Ammar: No, I have to. Listen to me in detail. Listen to me, my dear.

At the breakfast table, Khadija came out and found her father sitting at the head of the table. She went over and kissed his hand and head.

Khadija: Good morning, Dad.

Othman with a smile: Good morning, my dear. How are you?

Khadija: Thank God, Dad. As long as you're well, I'm fine.

Maryam: You're welcome, Bakasha. That's why she's driving him crazy. He loves you and spoils you.

Othman: Hahaha. You noticed, Dija. Your mom is jealous.

Khadija: Hahaha. No, I noticed. She's always jealous of us.

Maryam: Okay. I'm not making lunch. Now see who's going to feed you.

Othman: No, no, anything but lunch. Shame on you, I came here hungry.

Maryam: Then stop annoying me.

You and your daughter

Khadija winked at her mother: Hahaha. We also have blessings other than you, Maryam. You're the mother of all.

Maryam smiled: Yes, sister, laugh at me. You're being silly. Tell me why your brother didn't come for breakfast.

Khadija: Never. He's busy talking to Manar on the phone. And you know Manar's call. I guess I won't be going to college today.

Ammar came up behind her and hit her gently on the head.

Ammar: Stop it, you silly girl. I'm done. Either you have your breakfast or you'll make me wait.

Khadija angrily: Yes. You're hitting me like this. You're welcome, engineer.

Ammar: Hahahahaha. You look like you were raised in a mechanic's shop. Damn you.

Maryam: Hahaha. Tomorrow you'll get rid of her, get married, and live with Mrs. Manar.

Othman: You're going out like this, upsetting the girl who's so strong for me. Say good morning first.

Ammar: I'm sorry, Dad, I owe you that. But that little glimpse of her is killing me.

He approached his father and kissed his hand and head. Good morning to the best father in the world.

Othman: Good morning, engineer.

He went to his mother and kissed her hand and head.

Ammar: Good morning, the most beautiful Maryam in the world.

Maryam: Good morning, honey, Maryam's eyes.

Khadija: Okay, enough of this delay. I'll be late for class.

Ammar took a small bite and sip from his cup of tea, fed up with his sister's insistence.

Ammar: Come on, you silly girl. Stop it. Breakfast is in front of me.

At the Ghandour family home.

Fatima's mother is sitting. Zain and Marwan are waiting for their children at the breakfast table.

Fatima, in a loud, angry voice: "You, Umm Ahmed. Go wake up those gentlemen upstairs. I'm tired of them. Oh God, let them get married and let their wives take care of them, so I can be relieved of them." There is no god but God. They're both on strike. Neither of them wants to get married and make my heart happy. Oh God, guide them.

A short while later, Marwan, Zain's older brother, came down. He's been managing their son's business after his death. His personality is similar to Zain's, but he's much tougher. He's never loved a woman and has never been in love before. His relationships with women are just passing time. Sometimes they're for fun, but not love.

Marwan: "Good morning, Mom. How are you?"

Fatima, upset and angry: "Good morning from me."

Marwan: "What's wrong, my lady? Who upset you?"

Fatima: "I mean, I don't know, you and your brother. I've had enough with you." I'm choking on the desire for one of you to get married.

You're both deaf ears.

Marwan sighed angrily: "And then, Mom, don't you get tired of talking about this subject? My lady, I don't want to get married. I'm comfortable this way, living like the sultan of my time. Why would I bring a woman who would disgust me and gouge my eyes out? I'm comfortable this way."

Fatima angrily: "Oh my. So you like the way you live, and that you're with a woman every other day? You thought I didn't know. No, I do. And I also know that you're angering God and sleeping with them. And I'm worried about you. This will bring God's wrath and poverty. Listen to your mother and get married. At least you'll make me happy. And also, you'll have relieved yourself with lawful means, instead of the unlawful means you're drowning in."

Marwan, to end the discussion: "Yes, Mom, I agree. For your sake. But only when I find a suitable woman, one who's well-mannered and well-mannered." I'll keep thinking about this. Okay, my lady. Can we have breakfast?

Fatima smiled: "Why not have breakfast, my dear? Go, may God ease your heart, Marwan, son of Fatima. Just as you eased mine."

At that moment, Zain came down from the top and approached them with his graceful steps and his captivating presence. He was a man with a touching personality. He approached his mother and kissed her head. He smiled his charming side smile.

Zain: "Good morning, mom. This way, the sweetest prayer in the morning goes to Marwan and Zein. No, I'm upset."

Fatima: "I wish you would come too. I pray for you day and night. May God fix your situation and make your path easy. Is there anyone else in this world but you?"

He sat down and began eating breakfast.

Fatima: "What can I tell you, Zain, my dear? You also don't intend to get married and make me happy with you." Zain smiled from the corner of his mouth, his very beautiful smile.

Zain: Honestly, who is this crazy girl who would agree to marry a police officer?

Fatima: Yes, why, my love? You're the type of girl a thousand people would wish to marry. All the girls in the family and the neighbors go crazy over you. You just nod, and they'll come back to you.

Zain smiled calmly.

Zain: Mom. They're just impressed at first. You're an officer and you're prestigious. Then the grumpiness begins.

He sighed tiredly. Mom, I'm in

work. I don't have appointments, and I'm always late at night, traveling, and running errands. I'm exhausted and heartbroken. I'm comfortable bringing someone to annoy me and tell me why you don't stay with me? Why don't you take me out? And why all the exhaustion?

Fatima: Okay, so what's the end of it? Will it stay like this? I couldn't believe it. Convince your brother and he agrees. You refuse.

She cried sadly. She continued, "Children, have mercy on me. I've grown old and tired. I want to be happy with you, and you are hurting my heart. With you. Children, I won't live longer than I have. I'm afraid I'll die before I can be happy with you."

Zain and Marwan were saddened by their mother's crying. Despite her nagging them about everything, she was a loving and caring mother. She endured a lot for them and lived for them.

She didn't think about getting married and finding a stepfather. She didn't know what he would do to them. She prioritized her children's comfort over her own needs, like any woman.

Zain kissed her hand and smiled tenderly, "Okay, my lady, I promise. I'll think about this too. God willing, I'll make you happy soon, my lady." Okay.

Fatima smiled through her tears, "That's true, Zain."

Zain: "That's true, my dear." But please pray that I find a bride who is beautiful and virtuous.

Fatima happily: "That's me, my dear, I will pray for you day and night. I will also choose your brides myself. And as I please."

Marwan and Zein were shocked and looked at each other, and food caught in their throats. They both coughed violently.

Fatima was startled and worried about them. She got up from her seat and offered each of them a glass of water. They both drank. After a while, the coughing fit subsided, and they both took a deep breath.

Fatima: "They envy me for you, I know. They envy me. I have two young men who are as good as roses. May God protect you from people's evil."

Now tell me, who will be the first to choose a bride?

Zein snorted: "Of course, Marwan. He's the eldest."

Marwan gritted his teeth in anger at his brother who was putting him in trouble with his mother, knowing full well.

Marwan: You're putting me in trouble, Zein. Okay, I won't pay you back.

.

Zain: Hahahahaha, you live and take another one, Miro. I'm going down because I'll be late for work. Bye.

Fatima smiled: Bye, my love.

She turned to Marwan. Tell me, Marwan, what do you want the bride to look like? White or brown? Fat or thin? Tall or short?

Marwan: Ahem. Listen, my lady, don't tire yourself out. God willing, I'll soon bring you a bride to suit your mood. Okay. Bye, because I'm late too.

He walked away before hearing her reply. He knew his mother well. She wouldn't finish this conversation.

Fatima: Ooooh. Just leave without finishing our conversation. She smiled happily. But it doesn't matter. I'll search and find a bride to suit my mood.

And God willing, I'll bring him a bride as beautiful as the moon. Then I'll wake up for Zain. May God make things easy for me and make me fall in love with two good, decent brides.

In front of Khadija's university.

Khadija gets out of her brother Ammar's car.

Khadija: Hello, Engineer.

Ammar: Hahaha. Hello, Lamda. Take care of yourself. Don't let anyone harass you.

Khadija: Engineer, do I show anything? I'm covered from top to bottom.

Ammar: No, take care of yourself. There are some stupid people who don't care if you're covered or not. I'll see you at home. If Dad isn't here, come on. Talk to me. Don't go alone, okay?

Khadija: Okay, my love. Don't worry. Bye. May God protect you.

Ammar: And may you be protected, my love. Bye.

Inside Zain's office

Zain: Son, don't tire yourself out. I'll know how to pronounce it. It's none of your business. You know I don't like this way.

Khaled: Zain, understand. These types of people don't work with me. Be polite. They need to be polite before they confess.

Zain: Ugh. And then, Khaled, get off my back. I don't understand you. It's not enough that my mother wants me to get married. She also picks the bride herself.

Khaled couldn't control his laughter: Hahahahaha.

Zain angrily: Khaled.

Khaled: Okay, okay. Sorry, but what can I do? I can't believe you're getting married. You're on strike, and it's also according to your mother's taste. You'll be the epitome of everything.

Zain: Okay, just shut me up. I'm not missing anything.

Khaled: Ahem. Zain, we've been lifelong friends. I want you to answer me seriously. Have you ever loved before?

Zain sighed and lost himself in his memories of the past.

Zain and Ammar were friends at the same school. They used to take turns going to each other's houses to study.

When Zain went to Ammar's house, he always loved to sit with Khadija. She was young, beautiful, and innocent. Whenever she saw him, she would run to him and cling to him. She would stay with them, not wanting to leave, and would stay with them throughout their study time. This continued until they both finished high school with distinction.

Each of them chose their future. Ammar chose the College of Engineering, as he loved drawing and design and architecture.

As for Zain, since childhood, he wanted to be an officer. He loved action and chases. So, he entered the Police Academy.

After each of them enrolled in their respective colleges, they continued to visit each other during vacations. Khadija would eagerly await the vacation until Zain would come and see her, as she loved him very much. She loved playing with him.

Until Khadija grew up, it became impossible for her to see Zain or even sit and talk with him. She had become an adult, no longer a little girl. This saddened Zain and Khadija as well. He felt feelings for her that he had never felt for any other girl. Also, she wore the niqab, making it difficult for him to even see her and satisfy his gaze. With time, he became certain that he loved her, even adored her. But he didn't know if she loved him too and felt the same way, or if he was just like an older brother to her, Ammar. He never once dared to talk to her or ask her about her true feelings for him. He was very secretive. His pride and dignity would sink in from rejection from the one his heart loved.

Zain woke up from his reverie. He heard his friend's voice:

Khaled: Zzzzz, where did you go, my son?

Zain: Huh? No, not at all. I'm with you.

Khaled: Okay, answer. Why was he silent?

Zain: Uh-huh. What should I tell you? You're awake and alert, and I have work to do. Excuse me.

Zain ran away from confessing his love.