Chapter 10

Juju: no buts yalla goomy ‘3ayry thyabch bs keep your makeup

I just went to my room to fine a cute short dress with heels and a new 3abaya

I knew juju did that so I just smiled

I went and washed my face I can’t go out with all this makeup on my face

I wore my clothe then I decided to apply some simple make up

When I was done I went to the living room to find them chatting

When juju saw me she just started screaming

Juju: MB CHANA GLTLCH DON’T REMOVE THE MAKEUP??

Me: juju you know ina I won’t go out with all this makeup on my face

5alid: 5ala9 jawaher 5aleeha 3ala ra7at’ha… a9lan ana ma7b youm 7rmty it76 makeup w t6la3

Asma: yalla seero w ba3dain 5alid wa9lha bait’hm

We got out of the suite and walked to the car silently

We got into the car and he drove silently

Ana knt sar7ana a6al3 bara3 w afakr then he touched my hands

I freaked out

5alid: sorry bs knt yals aramsch shaklch knty sar7ana

Me: uuuh … sorry … what were you saying?

5alid: I’ll tell u after dinner

We reached downtown we got out of the car and walked to the restaurant

5alid was walking ahead of me

Maybe he was fast? Or I’m the one who’s slow with those heels

Bunch of guys were walking there they started whistling and saying ya 7lwa w ya gmar

That’s when 5alid came and held my hand gently

He gave them a scary glare and walked me to the restaurant

We sat and ate silently

We just smiled whenever we see each other

After we were done he payed and we left the restaurant

We got into the car

That’s when he started talking

5alid: umm 3afra ?

Me: na3am?

5alid: look we both are forced into this so we should work things out from now

Me: ya sure

5alid: good ,, so do u drive?

Me: not yet I’m still 17 … but inshallah when I’ll turn 18 ill get my license

5alid: good ana ma 3ndy man3 inch itsoogeen

The rest of the ride was silent

He dropped me home and said good night I entered the house expecting everyone to be asleep

But 7amood was sitting fl 9ala alone

Me: 7amood? What are u doing up late?

7amood: knt atrayach

Me: ok yalla I’m home yalla go to bed

7amood: 3afoor ta3aly I wanna talk to you

Me: what’s wrong?

7amood: mmkn please matmathleen inch gwya …. I know u well… a3arf ina you’re broken …. 3afraaa ana m7amad … ana o5ooch … you can tell me everything

Me: sho agoolk 7amood? Agoolk ina baba w mama damrony? Damro msta8baly? What can u do about it? Nothing so 5ala9 7amood just live with it like I’m living… I stopped thinking or the negative side … my brain is trying to be positive all the time…

7amood: I like how you think sisy … yalla go sleep

Me: ok yalla you go sleep too

7amood: ok yalla

We walked upstairs he took me to my room

Then hugged me and gave me a good night kiss

I love my brother

Walla he’s the best

I got into the room

Took a shower

And  before sleeping I checked instagram and found a lot of pictures which were from my engagement party… I thanked them all for coming and then I slept

5alid’s P.O.V

It was the time to enter the ballroom

Dashait w chft kl il 7reem labseen 3beehm it was just her

At the end of the ballroom

Standing … waiting for me to reach

She looked beautiful in the red dress

I kissed her head and stood beside her

We took some pictures then it was the time iny alabs’ha il shabka

7a6ait hal shay ila ylbsoona 3ala rgbat’hm I guess ismah galb shay chy

Il mhm labast’ha hal shay w il earings

W then it was the time for the ring

I don’t know why but I got her a ring with a big diamond

While placing the ring in her finger I felled that my hand was very huge according to hers

I realized that she’s tiny

Everything in her is tiny

Anyway the ring looked beautiful on her fingers

Youm kan dorha itlabsny il ring 7asait inha mst7ya w 7ata makant tba tlms eedy

Her hands were shaking

She held my ring finger gently w slipped the ring w 3ala 6ool hadat eedy

I wanted to laugh at her reaction

She looked so cute

Then the men left it was just me and her on the stage

But my family and her family came to take some pictures

After all the pictures

We were dismissed

We walked out of the ball room together but then she walked ahead of me so I just followed

She opened the suites door I just entered

I can see that she was pissed but I just ignored

I was enjoying my time watching her pissed

So I turned on the TV so I would be able to piss her more

The knocks on the door changes her expressions

The photographer came in with jawaher and her mother but her mother left after telling us to do what the photographer asks for

Jawaher stayed and soon asoom my sister joined her

They forced us to do some pauses since we both didn’t want to

But I have to admit I enjoyed her touches

As soon as we were done 3afra wanted us to leave but to her surprise we’re going out to have dinner

She was forced by jawaher to change , so she left to do what jawaher told her

Asoom: 5alood walla il bnt zaina allah y5aleek 3amlha 3adl

Jawaher: ‘3a9ban 3ana bay3amlha 3adl wla tra walla baga63k

Me: 5aiba balakm 3alay? Inzain I’ll be nice to her if that what u want

Asoom: good boy

Me: chalb ana 3ashan itgooleenly good boy?

We laughed and chatted then 3afra came out of the room

I turned to look at her but I couldn’t because jawaher was standing in front of her and shouting

Jawaher: MB CHANA GLTLCH DON’T REMOVE THE MAKEUP??

3afra: juju you know ina I won’t go out with all this makeup on my face

Ksrat 5a6ry so I decided to save her

Me: 5ala9 jawaher 5aleeha 3ala ra7at’ha… a9lan ana ma7b youm 7rmty it76 makeup w t6la3

I saw her blush for a second

Asoom: yalla seero w ba3dain 5alid wa9lha bait’hm

We walked to the car and I drove to downtown

She was silent so I decided to break the silence

Me: 3afra?

She didn’t answer me

I called her again but a bit louder this time

Me: 3afra?

Still no answer so I decide to touch her hand

When I touched her soft tiny hands she freaked out

Me: sorry bs knt yals aramsch shaklch knty sar7ana

3afra: uuuh … sorry … what were you saying?

Me: I’ll tell u after dinner

We reached downtown we got out of the car and walked to the restaurant

Knt amshy w ana sar7an

Nsait inha wyay

Ma 7asait b 3mry ila youm sma3t shlat shabab y9afroon w yt7arshon feeha

I got mad w srt 3ndha w 3a6ait’hm na’9ra w I held her hands w walked to the restaurant

Ma3arf laish yawadt eedha bs knt aba a7s feeha

She’s a person that when u sit with her it7s itha hee za3lana wla far7ana wla 5ayfa

7asait inha 5ayfa so I kept on holding her hand till we reached the restaurant

She was silent the whole time

Bs when she looks at me chy bl’3ala6 she smiles so I smile back

7asait ina it was a fake smile but I didn’t talk to her about it

3gb ma 5ala9na I payed w then we walked to the car

Youm rkabna il sayara 8arart iny as2alha

Me: umm 3afra ?

3afra: na3am?

Me: look we both are forced into this so we should work things out from now

3afra: ya sure

Me: good ,, so do u drive?

3afra: not yet I’m still 17 … but inshallah when I’ll turn 18 ill get my license

Mskeena she’s 17 w going through kl ha

Me: good ana ma 3ndy man3 inch itsoogeen

The rest of the ride was silent

Wa9alt’ha il bait w then I went back home

I don’t know why bs knt afakr feeha

I want to know more about her

I should stop dating girls

I should stop talking to them

I can’t believe I’m doing all this 3ashanha

Chapter 9

Afra’s P.O.V

I woke up next morning not remembering how I slept

I went to have a quick shower

I’ll be late for uni

I ran out of the shower changed and got my large LV bag and threw my stuff in and headed down stairs

I got into the car and called juju

Me: juju wainch?

Juju: 3afoor ana now badsh il class ba5al9 w baramsch

Ok I was late for my first lecture so I decided to skip

I reached uni and went to star bucks

I sat there waiting for juju to finish her class

She called me when she was done and I told her that I’m waiting at star bucks

While waiting for juju

7amad entered and he kind of came straight to me when he saw me

7amad: hey wain knty? Ma chftch at class

Me: oh hi … well I was late so I decided to skip

7amad: ok tbain notes?

Me: ya sure

Suddenly juju enters and came straight to me

Juju: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE F YOUM MLCHATCH??

Yes she was shouting

Me : juju shsh f’9a7teena

Juju: ok sorry bs sho itsaween here?

7amad was still standing listening to our conversation

7amad: la7’9a you’re getting married?

Me: ……

Juju: yes w il youm mlchat’ha w 7a’9rat’ha yaya il jam3a as if it’s a normal party that she’s gonna attend at night

7amad: mabrook 3afra

Me: allah ybark feek

And with that he left

Me: inty laish chy tf’97eeny…. A555 mnch ya juju inty f’9ee7a …. Chanch yahl

Juju: yalla bsr3a call rajo to come ! we’re going to the spa

Me: maba!! I have classes !

Juju: walla mb 3ala kaifch yalla

I called rajo

He came and picked us up and dropped us at the spa

I had a bridal massage

And did my nails

Then we headed home at 5

When I entered the house mama was screaming and going insane

Me: balach mama? Sho mstwy?

Mama: hay ila batjl6ny!! Mlchatch il youm w 7a’9ratch sayra tdrseen !!!

Yalla bsr3a jahzy a’3ra’9ch we’re going to burj il 3arab

I just went up stairs took my stuff and told the maid to take them down

Juju called her mum to inform her that she’s coming with me so they would send her the dress

We went to burj il 3arab I got into my suite and my mum when to hers’

My hair dresser and makeup artist came and they started with my hair first

Juju went to mama’s suite to do her hair and makeup awanah ma ystwy nafs il 7rma ila itsawy 7ag il 3roos itsawy 7ag 7ad thany

I was done at 9

I was hungry so I ordered some food

When my food arrived

Juju arrived with it

She told me that she’s going down 3ashan itsalm w chy

I ate then decided to wear my dress ( it was a red dress by the way)

The hair dresser and makeup artist helped me with it

They fixed my hair and makeup then I was ready to go down

Ready to meet all that people

Ready to fake a smile

I went down from the stairs while the photographer couldn’t stop taking pictures

I stood in front of the door

The song was on but still it wasn’t my turn to show off

When it was my turn the doors slowly opened and all eyes were on me

I walked slowly to my place with flashes of the camera

I sat in my place then people started coming to congratulate me

My friends, family, cousins, ect..

They were all happy

They danced and ate

Then the dj announced that the men are coming

So the ladies should cover up

Juju got her 3abaya w lbsat’ha w then yat 3ndy

Juju: I know you’re strong u can do it

Me: I love u juju

Juju: I love u more my bride ,, btw your look beautiful

The men entered (Khalid, his dad, my dad, and my brothers)

They all kissed my head and took some pictures

Then 5alid labasny il shabka w the ring

I felt my hands so tiny compared to his

It was a very beautiful ring

Then kan dory alabsa il ring

I held his finger gently and slipped the ring in and took my hands away

My father and brothers and his dad left

They left me alone with 5alid

His mother and sisters came and took some pictures

Then his cousins joined

One of them started giving me nasty looks but I didn’t care

Then my mum and my sister and of course my best friend juju came and took some pictures

To my surprise 5alid loves kids

Shal 3alaya w yalas’ha 3ala reela w he was whispering things into her ears that made her laugh

My cousins joined us later to have some pictures

Then it was the time for us to leave

We left the ball room and headed to my suite

He was following me

Uff sho yba

Show is over he can leave

I entered my suite and he did too

He sat on the couch

5air sho yba ha

Ana knt yalsa achoofa ina 5air bs he took the remote and started watching tv

Ya3ny na3am laish yay yt7ara bait ubooh?

Then the knocks on the door made me open it

It was my mum and the photographer and of course juju

Juju and the photographer stayed but my mum left after telling us that we should take some pictures and do whatever the photographer says

And juju decided to stay since she knows that I won’t listen to the photographer

And later on his sister joined

We took some normal pictures and we were forced by juju and his sister asma to take some kind of romantic and inappropriate pictures.

When the photographer left

Me: now what? We’re done! Can I just go back home and sleep?

Juju and asma: NO! you two are going to eat dinner at the ****** restaurant in downtown

Me: but..

Juju: no buts yalla goomy ‘3ayry thyabch bs keep your makeup

Chapter 8

……: 3afraaa

I looked back to see 7amad

Me: yes?

7amad: you forgot your pen

Me: oh thank you

I walked to the door and before leaving the class I heard ….

Guy: haaa 7amadooo shaklik 7abait’ha … bs tra walla shaklha mb mal hal swalf

I left I had no interest in their conversation

I walked to star bucks to meet up with juju

We ordered our drinks and started chatting 

Jujuu: 3afoooor don’t turn bs fy wa7d yals y6al3ch mn 2wal ma dash

Me: 5ala ywaly I don’t care

Juju: 5aiba balach 7arajty tra he’s just looking ,,, shakla sar7an feech

Me: ma 7arajt bs goomy 5alna n6la3 inseer our next lecture … I have a feeling that it will be fun since you’re with me in the same lecture

I stood up and looked around I saw that the guy who’s juju was talking about turned out to be 7amad

The guy that I asked for help today morning? Ya it was him and yes he was just staring

We got out of star bucks

Me: juujuu it3arfeen who’s that guy that was staring??

Juju: mno?

Me: he’s 7amad… the morning guy?

Juju: looks like he has a crush on u ;)

I just ignored what she said and walked silently to the class

After this class I had 2 more lectures then I’ll be heading home

First day of uni was fun

I’m starting to love uni life

I reached home ate lunch with the family, chatted with them

Well actually I was only chatting with my brother 7amood since I’m still angry with mama and baba

The rest of the week passed by smoothly

And today is Wednesday

That means today I’ll officially be 5alid’s wife…

Today I will have to sign the papers…

I woke up went to uni I had my first lecture with 7amad in the class

Then I met juju in star bucks

We chatted a bit then while walking to the next class  I asked her to come over after uni so she can help me deal with everything

She came over w 3gb 9alat il m’3arb they were coming

I took a long relaxing hot shower

Then she helped me curl my hair

I wore a simple black Gucci dress with a Gucci belt

Since tomorrow is the big milcha

Today it’s just the family thing

I put on some simple make up ( mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, blusher, dark lipstick)

I was ready at 7

That’s when they called me down stairs

I went w salamt 3ala ahl 5alid

Then my brother knocked the door and entered with the paper so I could sign

My hands got shaky

I didn’t want to sign

Maba atzawaj chy

I held the tears in my eyes I signed

Then all I hears is ahly w ahla iyabiboon

My brother rushed out of the meelas

A tear scapped my eye

6ala3t mn il meelas knt ma5nooga

I went to the back yard I sat there beside the pool

I calmed down then juju called me to come

Srt ylast w klhm barkoly

My mum had those tears of joy

Ba3dain galo ina 5alid w ubooh w my brothers w baba baydshoon

They came and 5alid salam 3ala ahla w then it was my turn he kissed my forehead then my dad w uboo 5alid kissed my forehead w barkoly

7amood hugged me and whispered to stay strong and the 5aloof salam 3alay

W chan ygool 7ag 5alid

5aloof: zain walla fakaitna mnha

I was used to his rude comments but this time I got hurt

We sat and then my father and brothers and his father left

He stayed and they started chatting

Then at 10 we ate dinner then they said their goodbyes and left

I rushed to my room and cried my eyes out

5alid’s P.O.V

Today mlchty

A55 ma3arf sho asawy

Now lazm at7amal mas2oolyat hay il yahl

Shakly lazm arabeeha

 I went to get ready

At 5 I was ready w umy ylsat itba5rny w it9ee7

I guess she was happy

Doom tmda7 hay 3afra

Inshallah itkoon zaina

Ana ma3arf 3anha shay

Lazm as2al 5awaty w i5t 3abood

La la i5t 3abood a7san hee rbee3at’ha

Srt 9alait il m’3rb wya ubooy w 3mamy

W then srna bait’hm w mlachna

3mamy w ubooy w ubooha w i5wanha barkoly

W ba3dain galoly ina lazm indsh

I entered il meelas 3ndhm w kanat yalsa broo7ha

Salamt 3alaihm w then srt bst ras’ha mthl ma umy wa9atny

7asait b 7znha

Youm chft 3yoonha

Knt aba a7’9nha

Knt aba agoolha ina I won’t hurt

Kanat kasra 5a6ry magdar asawy shay

W ha o5ooha il 9’3eer 8harny kaif chy yrams’ha

7asait inha kanat bat9ee7 mn kalama

We sat and they were talking about tomorrow

Ba3dain it3ashaina

I saw her not eating and faking smiles

She didn’t even look at me

Oh why do I even care

6z feeha

Maybe just maybe I’m starting to like her

La la no way a7b hay il insana

Radaina il bait w 3ala 6ool srt argd

Rgadt while thinking of her

Kaif bagdar at7amal mas2oolyat’ha

Ana magdar at7amal mas2oolyat 3mry

Now lazm ahtam feeha w as2al 3anha w bla bla bla

Chapter 7

Me: juju balach talk ! what’s wrong?

Juju: 3afro u know ina mlchatch next week did u even get a dress?

Me: tbain il 9ara7a? I’ve been thinking about it every night, even though I’m forced bs still I want to look beautiful in my mlcha…. So yes I went to a designer and he’s finishing my dress this Wednesday

Juju: omg ma a9adg inch 3galty… u did the right thing … and LAISH MA GLTEELY AYEE WYACH?

Me: stop SHOUTING!! I’m sorry

Juju: a9lan ana wayd far7ana

Me : ok bye juju I need to sleep, uni is waiting for me :D

Juju: ok yal nerdy…. Good night

I slept with a smile on my face

I felt relieved that I told juju

I can’t keep something from her

I woke up next morning a bit early

You now I was excited

I took a quick shower

Wore a legging with a t-shirt

Wore my 3abaya and my Gina slippers

Took my Chanel bag and my note book

Threw my pens, phones, ipod, wallet in my bag and went down to have breakfast

I sat in the dining room which was full of food

Drank my juice and ate a cheese sandwich

I called rajo to get the car, since I’m still 17 and I don’t have my license yet

While walking to the door

….: good morning sunshine

I turned around to see my brothers

7amood: ha wain sayra?

Me: uni …. I’m so excited

5aloof: seery ijlby wayhch yal nerd …. Madry laish mstansa tra klha drasa J

Me: byeJ

I ignored what 5aloof said cause he’s always rude

And I didn’t want him to ruin my excitement

I got into the car and told rajo to go to the uni

I’m going to AUS ( American University of Sharjah)

I know that I could go to AUD ( American university of Dubai) but I didn’t want to

I heard that it’s not that good

I reached the uni after 30 minutes and I entered the building to start searching for my class

After 10 minutes of searching I decided to ask people

I saw a guy standing alone so I decided to ask him

Me: ummm.. lw sma7t where’s room ***?

Guy: which building?

Me: ****** ?

Guy:  you can come with me if u want cause I guess we’re in the same class, you’re with Dr. John?

Me: yes I guess J

We walked to the class silently

When we reached I decided to thank him

Me: umm … thank you…

Guy: 7amad … my name is 7amad and you’re welcome….

Me: 3afra J

I entered the class and sat in the front seat

When 7amad entered a bunch of guys sitting at the back started calling him to join them

7amad: la ana bayls jdam

Guy1: mn mta inta teels jdam?

Guy2: shaklha il bnt ila jdam 7lwa w gal 5al agardnha

I acted as if I didn’t hear them I checked my phone and talked to juju

Then the Dr. entered and introduced himself and the lecture started

The lecture went smoothly and the professor was funny

I actually liked him , and enjoyed the class

……: 3afraaa

Chapter 6

3afra's P.O.V

I cried a bit fl 7jra w then 3adalt my make up w nzalt

I saw him sar7an but when I entered he just kept ok staring 

Ufff mb wagta yeels y6al3ny

Then his sis said that they should leave thank god

They said their good byes and left but my mother’s sentence made my jaw drop

" IL MILCHA 3GB 2 WEEKS "

Whaat??? Maba mlcha :) I don't even want a wedding

But I didn't argue I was tired do I just said ok 

Juju left right after my mum’s sentence after giving me a hug

I went to my room and drifted to la la land

I woke up next morning 

Checked my blackberry

I got a lot of congratulations I wondered how did they know

I just thanked them all and opened juju's chat to find a BC

" Guess who's getting married?

Oh ya you guessed right

3AFARY is getting MARRIED !!!!!

Congrats 3afoooooooor !!!!! "

Me: juju what are u trying to do????

Juju: nothing , I’m just happy for you

Me: aha J happy for me? Well I’m not happy, not even close to happy

Juju: well stop looking at the dark side and start looking at the bright side

Me: what bright side bl ‘9ab6? Oh ya that we’re both being force into this !! great point juju

Juju: ufff stop being negative, the bright side is that he’s HOT!!! I have I point and u can’t deny it!

Yes I guess juju has a point

Ya3ny il 7amdillah inah 7lw w he’s not 5sf right?

Maybe just maybe I have chance to fall in love with him

No 3afra you should not fall in love with this guy

Just get married and after a while sawy mshakl w 5aleeh y6algch

Yes! That’s a great idea

…..: 3afroooooo ya raby yalsa arams 3mry ana ?

Me: juju lets go out

Juju: ok we’ll go shop for uni

The next week I was just going out with juju and spending time with her

We went shopping

Wild wadi

Go cart

She slept over and I slept over once

(on the phone)

Me: omg juju  I cant believe that tomorrow we’re starting uni

Juju: ana ma3arf laish inty mt7amsa ! I'm so depressed cause summer is over

Me: 3ady we’re starting a new life tomorrow yalla ana bargd bye

Juju: laa wait

Me: sho?

Juju: ummm

Me: juju balach talk ! what’s wrong?

Juju: ......