Can we just be us? Part 10

Part 10

It was already Saturday morning and Meera was at her apartment sitting on the bed staring at her closet with cloths on the bed and shoes all over the floor. She was fed up with all the endless choices, and she couldn't make a decision. She was never like this, but when it came to impressing the family of the man you're going to marry she needed time to think of what to wear. That was when she decided to call Aisha to her expertise. 

Dialing Aisha...

Meera: please help me

Aisha: a plea for help?

Meera: I have no idea what to wear

Aisha: how about the navy dress that you wore to the fundraiser

Meera: shoes?

Aisha: borrow hessa's black stilettos

They knew each other's closets without taking a peak inside

Meanwhile...

Navigator: Turn right in 30 miles

Hessa: There is no right!!

Flustered with the GPS she switched it off and threw it on the passenger seat next to her. She decided to look for the saloon by herself since there was a hype about it at work and she wanted to check it out. Looking at the clock on her dashboard, she realized that she was thirty minutes early. She had left early just in case she got lost. That was how she was, she would prepare for everything. Some people would even say controlling. To her convenience there was a Starbucks right next to it.

Hessa: A tall iced white chocolate mocha, no cream no caramel, medium coffee

She knew exactly what she wanted

Saif: Are you following me?

He said with a smirk on his face

Hessa turned around to find Saif behind her. Exactly what she needed, to bump into a guy from one of her one night stands. 

Hessa: who's following who? 

She said walking away and taking a seat while waiting for this thirty minutes to be over. 

Saif: I work around here, this is my coffee shop, never seen you around here

He said sitting in front of her at the same table while she just looked at him wondering what the hell was he doing. It freaked her out to see the guy she had a one night stand with. 

Saif: let's get out of here?

Hessa: sorry not interested

Saif: you were interested that night (smirk)

Hessa: aren't you weirded out by all this?

They had a one night stand and he was acting as if it was alright to converse with your one night stand in public. Hessa hated running into guys that she slept with and so did Saif but because of how she ended it last time he well, wanted ... more.

Saif: we're all adults here

It got on her nerves how cryptic he was but it also turned her on.

Later that night...

Meera was on her way to her mother's house parked her car and in she went to see both her parents waiting for her. They have decided to drive in one car since they are all going to the same location.

Dad: ready?

Meera: yes

They got into the car and drove to their location. All Meera could do all day was think of this dinner. She had no idea what to expect but pray for everything to go smoothly. They finally arrived and into the doors they went. Hamad's mother greeted them and introduced herself.

Hamad's mom: esalam 3alaikm, you must be Meera

She went towards Meera and pulled her into a hug. That caught Meera off guard, she wondered if all this being nice was just an act like she would hear from other brides talking about their Godzilla of a mother in law.

Meera: sh7alch 5alti?

Hamad's mom: el7emdillah, tefa'9elow

She guided them to the living room where Hamad and his dad sat awaiting their guests. 

Hamad's dad: bu a7mad

Meera's dad: sh7lak bu hamad

They greeted each other like old friends

Meera's dad: Hamad

Meera: 'here it goes'

It was going well and Meera was slowly settling at ease. She saw how her mother transformed into this nice person that she knows how to fake very well in front of people. 

Hamad's mom: I hope you guys are hungry, I made dinner

Hamad's dad: Allah eyhadeeha, 3dna 6abaa5 bs ba3ad etseer e66abe5

They laughed

Hamad's mom: Meera, do you cook?

Meera just looked at her possible mother in law and then replied

Meera: yes, since I live alone, I taught myself a few things

Hamad's mother was impressed based on what she heard. All though their money could buy them anything she still insisted in taking care of her children herself and cooking the meals for her family. She wanted an independent wife for her son. She knew her son too well to know what he wanted in a woman.

Hamad's mom: that is good

It was news to hamad, he just found out that Meera has been living alone. An independent woman that knew how to take care of herself. He thought this was going to be easy.

Hamad's mom: seerow temashow lain ma elakel yejhaz

Hamad got up and waited for Meera to do so and walked her out and into the garden

Hamad: you're doing fine, you don't have to be nervous

It was the first time he spoke to her directly that night

Meera: I'm not nervous (she lied), besides you were the one who hasn't said anything in there

He smiled

They started to walk side by side when Hamad spoke up

Hamad: may I be honest (he said turning his head to her)

She looked directly at his eyes for the first time while he stared back at her

Hamad: let's make this a contract marriage

Can we just be us? Part 9

Part 9

Mom: can we talk about it now

She said annoyed

Meera: what's going on? (she asked confused)

Dad: fi wa7id te8adamlch

The room was filled with silence due to Meera's utter shock. At this age and time an arranged marriage has came up? She never thought this would happen especially after reaching close to 30 years of age.

Dad: sho rayich uboi?

Meera: I'm surprised to be honest

Mom: no time to be honest, do you want to remain a spinster all your life?

There it is, the frustrated voice with harsh comment. Didn't really surprise meera, she was actually expecting it.

Dad: what is the matter with you, she needs time to think!

Before and after marriage this is what it came down to, them arguing every chance they got

Meera: may I know who he is?

Dad: Hamad Al X from Al X group

Meera: the same one that invested in my company? (she sounded surprised)

Dad: his father came to me personally

Mom: good you already met

Dad: take some time to think about it

She heard her mother hiss beneath her breath while her father growled at her. She actually expected this behavior from her mother. Every decision Meera has made, her mother despised, especially putting off having a husband and a family for her career. Her mother couldn't stand other woman talking about her daughter as a spinster. It was too embarrassing for her. But she sure didn't mind her daughter giving her money that she made with her career.

Meera: I agree

Dad: what?

Mom: you heard her, she said yes

Meera: I agree to this

After having that unpleasant conversation with both her parents Meera went back to her apartment for some peace of mind. She wondered if she agreed too fast to what her father just proposed. The tabloids and magazines clearly presented pictures of Hamad in compromising positions, but she agreed anyways. She got into over sized t-shirt and stripped to nothing but her panties with a cup of hot milk in her hand to help her sleep. Sitting down on the sofa, she grabbed her laptop and decided to run the search engine

She typed
Hamad Al X, Al group

Pictures of him with many ladies appeared on the screen. Gossip and rumors filled the first three pages of the search. She wasn't shocked but taken back by the endless pictures with different girls. Not until she reached the end of the forth page is when she read a title that caught her eye.

Three days later...

A phone beeped indicating a message. 

A message from her mother and it read:
Your father talked to them yesterday and we arranged a sit down for the both our families on Saturday at 7:00 PM

That was when Meera started to panic. She forgot what is was like to go on a date but now she had to sit down with a man she barely knows and talk to him about marriage. She needed her friends with her to talk it out but she hasn't even told any of them yet. How was she going to break the news to them later that day?

She started looking through her closet trying to pick a dress and matching shoes when her phone rang. She grabbed it thinking it would be her mother demanding something.

Aisha: when were you going to tell me?

Meera: tell you what?

Aisha: OMG, its true, you're getting married!

Meera remained quite not knowing what to say

Aisha: Abdulra7man told me, they are cousins you know, Hamad and him

That was right, Meera has forgotten that they shared the same last name

Meera: I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you-

Aisha: you are lucky I haven't told Hessa yet

Meera: I'll tell her

Aisha: you better

After their weird phone call they decided to have dinner, by dinner, 
take out at Aisha's place since she was too pregnant to go anywhere.

Later that night...

Hessa: you're what?

Meera: getting married

Hessa turned to Aisha to see her shaking her head

Hessa: you knew about this?

Aisha: abdulra7man told me

Hessa: you're okay with all this?

Meera: why won't I be?

Hessa: because he is a womanizer, didn't you see the magazines filled with pictures of him with different ladies every time

Aisha: Abdulra7man tells me that he isn't as bad as they claim him to be

Hessa: well of course since they are cousins!

Meera: I searched him last night

They both turned their heads towards her

Hessa: you googeled him?

Meera: He studied in Columbia University, got his degree then took over his father's company. He made the company what it is today despite his young age. He was the one to get it overseas.

Hessa: you sound impressed

Meera: he might be a womanizer but he sure is a business man

Hessa: you're going to marry him not his CV!

Meera: I know that, I'm not expecting love out of this marriage or anything like that. I just want to not feel lonely in an empty apartment anymore...

Can we just be us? part 8

Part 8

Fatima: good, because mother has already picked someone

Hamad: she did, anyone I know?

Fatima: yes, you've met I believe?

He looked at her confused

Fatima: Meera Al X

Hamad: oh

She saw his reaction and he was shocked, like anyone in his place would be. But she also saw something else, she didn't know what.

Fatima: what do you think?

Hamad: not sure

Meanwhile

The girls were having a night in talking and eating dinner, enjoying themselves

Meera: OMG, you haven't told me about your blind date, how did it go?

Hessa: like they always do

She lied

Meera: oh come on, not husband material?

Hessa: you sound like my mother

Meera: don't you feel lonely?

Hessa: that is why god created men (she said with a coy smile)

Meera: come on I am serious

Hessa: I'm not saying sleeping around is the best solution but I don't see myself marrying someone, living with him twenty four hours, taking care of him. I know I'm being selfish it's just that I love my life the way it is

Meera: I wish I could be like you, but I can't

Few days later...

Meera was at her apartment doing her usual routine that she enjoys very much after moving out of her mother's house. She was arranging her shelves finally after finding the time to do so. Just in time, her phone rang interrupting her concentration. She looked at her phone and smiled at the name that was displayed

Rashoodi calling...

She grabbed it then answered

Rashid: 5aloooooo

Meera: sh7aga kil ha 9eree5?

Rashid: wainch? laish matzooreeni?

Meera: chi eyramsoon enaas 5alat'hm ya rashood

He giggled

Rashid: 5alo mama tes2al, bacher mash'3oola?

Meera: la2 laish?

She actually knew why he was calling, she loved her sister's kids to death and she would do anything for them. It's her sister that she had a problem with. Her older sister wouldn't call unless she needed something and if she did need something she would make her children ask their aunt. It has been this way since they were young, her older sister would say something and she had to obey with no questions asked just like her mother told her to do.

Rashid: mama tbaach etsaween baby sitting

She laughed at his trial of composing a  sentence

After catching up with her nephew she hanged up the phone and continued with her arrangements when the phone rang again. She smiled and assumed it would be Rashid calling and forgot to tell her something merely important but just wanted to say it anyways. Grabbing her phone, she was shocked to see it was her father calling.

Dad: esalam 3alaikm meera

Meera: wa3alaikm esalam uboi, sha5barek?

Dad: el7emdillah, agool meera ta3ali bait umch youm bet5al9een dwaam bacher

Meera: baitk?

Dad: ha la, bait umch, nbaach fi salfa

Meera: inshallah

With that the phone call ended. It was brief but demanding, she was wondering what was that all about. Her parents separated after she graduated high school. After that her life was hell. The divorce led her mother to nag even further causing Meera to leave the house right after graduating from college. But her moving out did not mean the end to all the suffering her mother has caused. Now after all these years her mother and father in one house wanting to talk to her about something sounds somewhat worrisome.

The next day...

Hamad was at his office looking through papers or trying to. His mind kept thinking on what his sister told him the other day. He has already agreed to his mother's wishes. He was fine, not worrying about anything until his mother mentioned marriage. But what was worrying him was not marriage but his marriage to whom, Meera.

Hours later...

Leaving her office she go into the elevator down to the basement and to her car. All this time the thought of her mother and father at the same room crept at her while trying to work. She finally reached her destination and parked her car. She spotted her father's car and walked to the front door.

Meera: esalam 3alaikm

Both: wa3alaikm esalam

Dad: sh7alch bnti?

Meera: b5air el7emdilla

Her mother remained quite

Dad: kaif edawaam

Meera: ta3aaaaaaab (she sighed)

Dad: well it comes with the job

Her father smiled at his daughter, after all he was proud of her achievements. She was the one that made something out of herself from his children of his first wife.

Mom: can we talk about it now?

She said annoyed

Meera: what's going on? (she asked confused)

Dad: fi wa7id te8adamlch...

Can we just be us? Part 7

Part 7

Meera was at her apartment getting ready for the big meeting. She was nervous, who wouldn't be if the biggest company in the country showed interest in you? She put on her blazer and off she went. The meeting is in an hour which gave her time to check then set up the room and everything else. 

In no time the hours passed by and it was time. She waited in the meeting room when two men walked in. They introduced themselves as Hamad and Saif CEO and director.  That was when she recognized Hamad. The man she saw in the tabloids was the son of the man she admired. So far her judgment got the better of her. In her point of view he was the spoiled brat that got his position due to the benefits he had growing up. 

The meeting went smoothly, they agreed on everything at it was time to leave. 

Hamad: thank you for meeting us on short notice

Meera: no problem, glad we had this meeting

To her surprise he was nice or maybe that was just because they needed the meeting and he was trying to be polite.

He extended his arm and so did she, they shared a handshake and off he went down the elevator and to his car along with Saif.

Saif: that went well

Hamad: yes it did

Saif: she's pretty (he said smiling)

He looked at Hamad to see his reaction, Hamad just kept his head straight on and his lips sealed.

Saif: She doesn't seem to be married, no ring on her finger

Hamad: I noticed

Saif just smiled at his close friend. They were driving back to the office.

Hamad: so how did your blind date go?

Saif: it's always the same

Hamad expected what Saif 's answer would be. It was always the same with every blind date he went on. The girls would think Saif would listen and by the end of the night he would end up bored and just that. What Hamad did not know is that this time it was different. Saif didn't get her number or anything about her expect that she was a blind date set by his mother.

  

Hamad: my mother wants me to get married (he blurted out)

Saif was not surprised, he was actually expecting this to happen. When it came to both their families or families like theirs, marriage was arranged with the perfect girls their mothers could find.  

Saif: what did you tell her?

Hamad: I didn't say anything

Hours later...

Hamad was at his house when he received a text message from his sister 

Text from Fatima

Are you home?

Text to fatima

Yes, why?

Text from Fatima

I'm coming over

That was out of the blue he thought to himself. His sister never visited him in a rush, that was when he knew something was up. He was sitting watching TV when she entered the house with a plastic bag in her hand.

Hamad: sho kila ha?

Fatima: food, ana yoo3ana

Hamad: mashallah yaya baitii o yayba akel bs 7agch?

Fatima: I brought two servings

Hamad: I gave you the key for emergencies, not to barge in here whenever you felt like it

Fatima: I already have the key why ring the bell, so I let myself in

He just sighed at his sister, after all she is his older sister. She placed the plastic bag on the table and got plates and spoons from the kitchen making herself right at home.

Hamad: so what brings you here?

He said with curious eyes wanting to know the reason behind her visit

Fatima: are you ready for marriage?

She went straight to the point, which he admired in his sister. She never beat around the bush.

Hamad: I'm 32

Fatima: I didn't ask for your age Hamad!

Hamad: what do you want me to tell you?

Fatima: are you over Jawaher?

Hamad: that was seven years ago and why bring it up

She just looked at him waiting for an answer. She wanted to make sure he was ready for everything. He has never dated seriously after Jawaher. Jawaher was the one that got away leaving him heart broken.

Hamad: Yes, I haven't thought of her for awhile now

Fatima was relieved, she knew he was saying the truth because she knew when he was lying she would always catch him in a lie.

Fatima: good, because mother has already picked someone

Hamad: she did, anyone I know?

Fatima: yes, you've met I believe

He looked at her confused

Fatima: Meera Al X

Can we just be us? Part 6

Part 6

Fatima: there is a way to fix this

Both his sister and mother looked at each other knowing what both were talking about. They have been discussing this for quite some time.

Mom: you need to get married

Hamad's father looked at his wife then to Hamad to see his reaction to what his mother just said. To their surprise, he was calm.

Actually it was about time, what surprised Hamad is that this topic didn't come up sooner. He was already 32 years old, the suitable age for marriage. 

Hamad's dad: honey I don't think its the time to talk about this

Hamad: its time 

Was all he said. His cold response shocked all three of them. They didn't expect him to agree to this, specially his mother. 

After the long awkward silence, they went back talking about business

Dad: haih w9alni el5abar

Hamad: o inshallah el meeting bacher

Dad: zain, zain, sma3t 3n sharikat'ha

Mom: who is she?

Hamad: one of the youngest woman to have a company this well off

He said almost impressed

Mom: what is her name?

He just looked at his mother suspicious of her sudden interest

Dad: Meera Al X, her father is an old friend

Fatima saw how hamad talked about this young woman who ever she is. He rarely is impressed when it comes to business, just like their father.

It was time for dinner so both ladies walked to the kitchen.

Fatima: I know what you are thinking of

Mom: you were thinking the same thing

Fatima: just make sure he is ready for this

The next day

Hessa woke up to the sun peeking into the bedroom through the shutters of the balcony, that was when she started to grasp things. Her surroundings looking unfamiliar, that was when she remembered that she wasn't in her own bedroom. She opened her eyes to see a muscular arm on her chest preventing her from moving. It hit her, she went home with her blind date and had sex. But the problem wasn't the sex, if she recalls correctly the sex was mind blowing. The problem was that she slept in his place till the next morning. The feeling of cloud of regret rained on her. She had her fair share of men but made sure to leave right after, after all sex was just sex with her.

She held his arm firmly and moved it away from her to free herself. looking around the bedroom she searched for her belongings. She sat up on the edge of the bed and grabbed her panties off of the floor and put them on. She found her dress a few inches away, she grabbed it covered her breasts with it while looking for her bra.

Saif: not planning to say goodbye?

Hessa: your awake?

She could see him smirk making her remember the night they shared. She couldn't help but feel turned on, he had that effect on her.

Maid: good morning Mr. Saif (the voice came from outside the room)

Hessa: who is that? (she said shocked)

Saif: that would be house keeping

Hessa: shit, where the hell is my bra!!

She was frustrated and embarrassed. Saif reached under the bed and grabbed her bra since he was the one that took it off of her, then gave it to her. She turned around to wear it giving saif her naked back. All he could do is stare, he clearly touched all that last night but looking at her again in the morning under the sunlight just turned him on again.

Said: why the hurry?

Hessa: its called a one night stand you know, anyways see you around

She grabbed her bag and out the balcony she left avoiding using the front door. Saif just laid there with one hand behind his head and let out a laugh. Just like that, leaving him on the bed wanting more with nothing other than 'see you around'. He was surprised at her reaction, other girls would be all clingy and needy wanting a relationship. Listening to a woman tell him that it was a one night stand is new to him. 

Can we just be us? Part 5

Part 5

Saif: my mom sure knows how to pick em (he said testing the waters)

She just laughed.

Hessa: I'm going to tell my mother I had a good time, I'm guessing so are you

She got up after saying that and was ready to leave when he held her hand and stopped her

Saif: the night is still young (he said still seated while holding her hand)

She looked down at him and saw what the other girls saw. He sure knew how to attract them. To her, he was just a man her mother picked. They both clearly uninterested in what both their mothers had in mind. Might at least have fun with it.

Hessa: girls fall for that? (she said sitting back down)

Saif: women do

She laughed again, he was freakishly confident and anything he says 'women' would fall for. He on the other said was surprised by her reaction to all this. His mother would pick ladies who were younger, inexperienced and naive. Hessa clearly knows what she is getting herself into and isn't falling for it. He guessed that his mother didn't know what Hessa was really like, might as well have fun with all this.

Saif: how old are you?

Hessa: didn't your mother brief you already?

She knew how to hit a nerve. She could read it on his face that he would do anything his mother would tell him, despite the bad boy image he gives off.

Saif: 30?

Hessa: 28 (she said trying to maintain her temper)

She said annoyed and he could sense it. She was afraid of hitting 30 and that she wasn't  going to remain young forever. They sure knew how to get on each other's nerves. After all it was a game to the both of them.

Saif: a sensitive topic?

Hessa: what?

Saif: you're going to play dumb?

Hessa: I though you liked your 'women' dumb and naive

He smirked, she was something alright. By this time he would be at home taking advantage of a woman that he picked up. It was the first time he had an actual conversation with a woman for this long.

Meanwhile...

Getting out of his car he took a deep breath. It is going to be a long night. He walked towards his parents main door and turned the knob. His nephews jumped on him planning this from the moment they heard that their uncle was coming over. He carried both of them up.

Hamad: you boys are getting bigger, what is your mother feeding you?

Fatima: latfawel 3ala 3yaali

He smiled the moment he saw his older sister. It has been awhile and he missed her.

Hamad: If your here that means it sure is going to be a late night

With that said, his mother walked in

Mom: laish wagfeen hnii, ed5lew e9ala

All three walked to the living where they spotted their father.

Hamad: hala uboi, sh7alk?

Both his grandsons ran to him to sit on his lap. Hamad was grateful to see his family all together. 

With old age his father became softer and more keen to his grandsons.

Dad: emsawi balawi ya hamad

That was when hamad felt embarassed, even his father knew about it.

Mom: I told your father about this

Hamad: they are just rumors (he said scratching his head while laughing in an embarrassed way)

He felt like a kid being scolded again.

To his father it wasn't as big as what his mother thinks. Boys will be boys. Hamad's father knew that hamad was doing a good job at managing the company a few rumors here and there never hurt anyone as long as the company was fine. Hamad just reminded him of himself back in the day, the ladies man he used to be before he met hamad's mother.

Mom: this is not the first time

Hamad: its good to be on magazines, publicity (he said calmly)

Mom: not when it is bad publicity

Hamad's father just remained quite listening to his wife and much as he hates to admit it his wife was right.

Fatima: there is a way to fix this you know

Both his sister and mother looked at each other knowing what both were talking about. They have been discussing this for quite some time.

Mom: you need to get married

Can we just be us? Part 4

Part 4

Hamad: did you set the meeting yet?

Secretary: yes sir, would you like anything else?

Hamad: thank you

And with that she left

Saif: so have you decided?

Hamad: yes (he handed him the company portfolio)

Saif: good choice

Hamad then gave him a more detailed papers about the company's CEO and shareholders.

Saif: pretty (he said with a smile)

Referring to the picture attached to the papers.

Saif: Meera Al X

He read out the name of the company's chairman. She was 28 years old with excellent education background.

Hamad: it would be good for the company's image, and mine for that matter

Saif: em3a9ba elwalda?

Referring to the front page dilemma that got everybody talking. One of many pictures taken making Hamad compromise his image even further.

Hamad: she will get over it

Saif: we will see, anyways I've got to go

Hamad: right, the blind date

Saif: mothers, what are you going to do (he said rolling his eyes)

Saif's mother has set him up on a blind date with the daughter of one of her friends. Like she would say 'bnt ennaas'. She always disagreed with saif's choices in woman, especially lately.

Meanwhile

Hessa was picking out her outfit for the night when her mother called.

Hessa: no mom, I did not forget

Mom: wear something elegant

Hessa: I'm picking right now (she said rolling her eyes)

Mom: send me a picture of what your wearing

Hessa: 'gotta love technology'

After many messages and arguments with her mother, hessa finally decided on what to wear. She put on her makeup and shoes then off she went. 

A fancy restaurant was their meeting place. She walked right to the hostess and said

Hessa: Saif Al X table for two

Hostess: right this way

She walked behind the hostess leading her to a window seat, her favorite. To her luck she was the first one to arrive.

Meanwhile...

Saif made sure to take his time, these blind dates were always the same. The girls his mother set him up with would talk about themselves like an interview of the best housewife knowing the playboy he is. Walking over to his table he spotted her sitting waiting

Saif: 'here we go'

Saif: sorry I'm late, you must be Hessa

He said sitting down

Hessa: it's ok nice meeting you saif

She didn't care since it was clear to her that he was forced into it by his mother just like she was by her own mother. On the other hand saif was surprised on how cool she was with it. Normally the girls his mother set him up with would get annoyed that he kept them waiting.

Saif: my mom sure knows how to pick em (he said testing the waters)

She just laughed.

Hessa: I'm going to tell my mother I had a good time, I'm guessing so are you

She got up after saying that and was ready to leave when he held her hand and stopped her

Can we just be us? Part 3

Part 3

Abdulra7man: 7ayalla mn yana

Saif: hala, sh7alkm shabaab?

Abdulra7man: sharaftna ya 7amood (referring to hamad)

Hamad: shft 3ad ya wld el 3am

Abdulra7man: waink 3anna?

Hamad: wallah sho agoolk, mash'3ool (he said scratching his head)

Saif: mob shay ydeed

They just laughed

Hamad: sh7aal um el3yaal?

Abdulra7man: el 7emdillah, Aisha b5air (he said with a big smile)

Just as they were catching up a hot blond in a red dress walked by, some guys whistled and she giggled enjoying the attention

Saif: sho raykm?

Abdulra7man: I'm happily married

Hamad: not my type

Saif: blonds are never your type

Hamad just let saif's comment go but he knew what saif meant by it and it had nothing to with his type in women. The night was getting darker and it was time to leave

Abdulra7man: yallah shabaab ana bamshi

He said his goodbyes and left

Saif: 3an ethnik 7amood

He has been eyeing the blond ever since she walked over to sit with her friend. All he could do is think of what he could do to her all night long and maybe the morning after.

Saif: you want to take this somewhere else?

He didn't even have to try, he knows when a woman was hooked just by looking at her. As usual, he would take her for the night and have his way with her then dump her the morning after. What else would you expect from a womanizer.

Meanwhile her friend walked over to Hamad with a drink in her hand

Girl: I've been eyeing you this whole time

Hamad: like what you see? (he responded not even looking at her)

She stood up held his tie pulling him towards the exit

Girl: let's leave

In the car ride...

Hamad: what is your address?

Girl: you are in luck, my roommate is out for the evening (she said smirking)

She told him where she lived and in no time they reached their destination. She turned to Hamad while he just sat there with one hand on the wheel and the other on his side.

Girl: your not opening the door for me? Playing hard to get ha?

She opened the door and her heels hit the concrete floor closing the door behind her. She stood there waiting for Hamad to come down when he stepped on the gas pedal and drove away, leaving her standing at her door step alone.

The next morning Hamad woke up early morning and looked at the clock, it read 5:59 AM close enough. He turned off the alarm that has yet to ring and off to the gym he went. He parked his car when his mother called with a lecture in mind.

Hamad:  hala, hala bil '3alya (trying to ease her mood)

Mom: don't you start with me

Hamad: what's wrong? (he acted innocent)

Mom: did you see the news today

Hamad: magazines aren't news mother

Mom: it is when people read them

Hamad: lat3a9been. mastwa shay, radait'ha bait'ha o bs

Mom: no one would believe that, they made sure of it, that is why you are on the front page!

He walked over to the front desk of the gym and grabbed a copy of today's magazine. He held it in his hand and laughed.

Hamad: elmo9awer yabha 9a7

A photo of him was taken last night, with the girl holding onto his tie while he was following her.

Mother: this is not funny (she snapped)

Meanwhile...

Starting with her usual routine she walked over to the gym when she saw a guy laughing holding up a magazine

Guy: elmo9awer yabha 9a7

He threw the magazine back down and left. She peeked over at the magazine to find the front page. That was one of the many reasons of why she refused to date or get married for that matter.

After getting her workout done she headed back to the office when she received a message from hessa with an attachment.

'This is what you are missing out on (a photo of the guy she was telling her about last night)

Meera looked at the photo and thought to herself

Meera: he looks handsome

Message to hessa

Stop trying to set me up

With that photo aside she started to do some actual work. She was checking for emails to see any updates on the portfolio she put up. It was what she needed to do since this company was just rising and it needs all the help it can get. Trying not to think about it she got into reading some project proposals looking for the best one which was the most suitable for the company. The sharp noise of phone ringing interrupted her. Her secretary had patched in a call from Al x group showing interest in investing in her company.She accepted the call and set a meeting with them in a few days.

Al x group is a known family business that has been expanding for years. She was flattered that they showed interest in her company. She admired the man that has build his company from the bottom up. She heard stories of that same man from her own father. Her own father was a good friend of his.

Can we just be us? Part 2

Part 2

He gets up from bed walks over to his gym bag and his fresh laundered suit then heads over to the gym. He loved how quite it was in the gym in the morning. It was the perfect time to work out for him. He parked his car with ease grabbed his gym bag, while he was walking he heard a woman yell at her phone

Meera: THIS IS WHY I MOVED OUT!!!

He just walked by and had a smirk on his face thinking that she was hot. What would anyone expect out of a single 32 year old. He could get any woman if he wanted to. What woman would resist a millionaire bachelor?

Receptionist: Just in time Mr. Hamad

Hamad: always

Hours Later...

Hamad was in his office looking at other starting companies stock portfolios. Thinking of sponsoring some well off rising companies when someone walked in

Saif: do you think this is a good idea?

Saif was one of hamad's many right hand men in the company but one of few of his closest friends.

Saif: we have to be sure it is the right move

Hamad: that is why we are looking into these portfolios

When it came to business hamad knew what he was getting himself into unlike his social life. 

Saif: you up for tonight?

Hamad: I don't think so

Saif: yallah 3ad, the guys have been waiting, don't  leave us hanging

Hamad: fine, I need a break

Saif: yes you do (he said smiling)

...

Meera was getting out of her car when she walked to  Aisha's front porch. Deep down she envied her friend's life choices. Aisha was happily married with twins on the way. Along with their other friend hessa they have decided to have as many gatherings as they could before the babies come.

Aisha opened the door with a smile on her face, you could see her glowing

Meera: let me guess, I'm late

That was when hessa popped her head out

Hessa: yes you are, I even blowed off a date tonight for this

Meera: don't you mean a one night stand

Hessa: like you can get any

They would tease each other but they were good friends. Hessa was the very single girl in the group. She loves men but loves herself even more.

Meera: sorry, I was at the office

Aisha: like always, when aren't you (she said sarcastically)

Meera: not again

Her friends always worried about her and would start an argument about her work habits

Aisha: you have to lighten up and take a break

Hessa: she is right you know, why do you keep stressing yourself

Meera: I have my own company now, stress comes with the job

Hessa: fine fine, lets not do this tonight

They agreed to just sit and chat the night away. Meera was setting the table while aisha was trying to help but getting rejected by meera since she was 8 weeks pregnant and hessa well she just sat there telling them about her dates.

Hessa: really this guy is perfect for you meera

Meera: and what makes you think that?

Hessa: he has a stable job but could be a stay home dad, with your job you need a man who would be the wife, while you act like the husband

Aisha: she is right

Meera: 3ala kaifkm

Aisha: are you telling me that your are not feeling... I don't know... Lonely?

Meera: to be truthful I do, but I get by

Hessa: you are not even dating or trying for that matter!

Aisha: yeah, when was the last you you... um.. had pleasure

Meera: what?

Aisha: you know "had pleasure"

Meera just looked at her friend trying to understand that the hell she was trying to say

Hessa: oh for god sakes, when was the last time you had sex?

Aisha: hey the babies (she said rubbing her tummy)

Hessa: oh don't worry, they will turn out just fine

Meera: what does that have to do with anything (she said trying to avoid the embarrassing questions)

Hessa: a lot believe me

They both turned their heads to Aisha while she shook her head agreeing with what Hessa was saying

Meera: would the two of you just stop it

Hessa: you still haven't answered me

Meera: well... it has been awhile

Aisha: from the look on your face it seems like it has been a long time

Hessa: don't you ever feel turned on?

Meera: I don't date, and my work isn't associated with men, can we drop this

The girls talked the night away but their words still in meera's mind...