Love Me Do

By H. A. Kay

Zaed, Sophie's American-born friend, kneels at a party to retrieve a glittering ring from the floor. Before anyone can comment, Natasha, Sophie's cousin, is shrieking 'yes, yes, I accept' to a bewildered Zaed. It's all a cosmic mistake, but things get out of hand rapidly as Zaed's father, an old friend of Natasha's father, bribes Zaed to accept Natasha's expectations and wed her. But then, Zaed and Sophie fall in love. And the huge, elaborate wedding between Zaed and Natasha, a wedding that will join two powerful families, is next week.
You don't just back out at the altar. Not in Pakistan...

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. A. Kay
• Release date: Nov 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310042744

H. A. Kay

I was in grade 7, and bunking PE when I read Tolkien’s Two Towers from the LOTR trilogy.I know what you’re thinking. Certified nerd! I remember what I was thinking. Where had this book been all my life?!I loved it. I can’t recall the scenes I’d read then but I remember how transfixing Tolkien's Middle Earth was. I instantly wanted to write something like it.But such dreams are easily forgotten in the wake of building a real career.I went ahead and enrolled in a business college and did my MBA with tinselly rainbow colors making a tiara out of my nerd cap. It was a good day. And it was a good year at the bank. But the best time was when I landed at an ad agency’s creative department to write jingles and slogans and slaughter both my languages (Urdu and English) in the process. I learned a lot there. I wrote a lot there. And I became apt in the art of killing my own brainchildren a.k.a self-editing.Then, I got married. Moved to the United States and started a family.For two years I was a good stay-at-home mom. Then, I thought I could be good at something else too. I couldn’t decide on what exactly till I stumbled upon my old diary – a leftover from my baby and teen years. I read all the poems and stories I’d written therein; ranging from an ode to Mom to a soul searching monologue. I realized I wasn’t bad. If I worked on my talent I could turn it into a skill. And perhaps be able to write like the numerous authors who’d inspired me for years. A lost afternoon in the school library from so long ago made its way into my present and I remembered the perfect Legolas. I remembered the imperfect Quasimodo, the roguish Rhett Butler and the ruthless Rory Frost too.Suddenly, I wanted to create such characters and write their stories instilled with M. M. Kaye like descriptions and Crichton like research and Grisham like authenticity all tied together with intense moods borrowed from Victoria Holt. Tolkien’s magic dust and King’s dark secrets would just be the cherry and powdered sugar on top.I enrolled in a writing program immediately and earned my diploma. Next I wrote and edited for a newbie magazine. I wrote two children’s books (5 Kids and 5 Snowmen and Boondon Ka Khel: The Playful Game of the Tiny Water Droplets), and co-authored a trilogy under the title Aoife and Demon.Now, it’s Love Me Do.I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

Book preview

LOVE ME DO

By H. A. Kay

Copyright 2014 H. A. Kay

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Karachi - there is no town like my hometown

CHAPTER 1

It was an unfortunate circumstance.

Zaed was down on one knee holding up a sparkly ornament; a masterpiece of one thick gold band set with a large emerald flanked by two smaller diamonds. After staring at it a few seconds, he finally looked up at me. His chiseled face was crumpled into a curious frown.

Uhm – Zaed? I stared back. What are you doing?

Found it on the floor, he said. Is it yours?

Phew!

Okay. So, he hadn't suddenly lost his mind and decided to propose to me. I shook my head to answer his question.

Maybe it’s Natty’s. I pointed a thumb at Natasha and tried to speak above the deafening party sounds. And by the way –

I was going to prompt him to stand up but before I knew it, relative peace was destroyed by a loud and unsavory sound. Someone was screaming. It was Natasha. She was screaming and gasping for air all at the same time.

What happened?

I studied her to find an answer but she was too busy clutching her face with one hand and her heart with the other.

Oh. My. God. She gasped, staring at something south of herself. Zaed – yes. Yes! I ABSOLUTELY YES!

I turned sharply to look at our friend and my mind phased out for a few seconds. Zaed was still kneeling in front of her with the expensive ring gleaming like the North Star between his two fingers.

Uh-Oh!

It was amazing how smoothly her shriek pierced through a blaring surround sound deck chugging out drum beats faster than my pulse rate and managed to get the attention of some twenty five howling and dancing adults in the den. Everything came to a momentary halt. Then, they all rushed over; talking, shouting, gesticulating all at once and hurting my poor ears. Each one was dead sure that Zaed had proposed to my cousin.

Did she say yes? someone asked.

DID YOU NATTY?! A girl standing just three inches away from me hollered.

No! Wait! Zaed seemed to have found his voice, not his legs so much. I never asked her!

Well then go ahead, man! What’re ya waiting for? BE A MAN! A boy we barely knew but often saw at Amber’s parties, prompted.

ASK HER! ASK HER! ASK HER!

The crowd chanted and Zaed looked positively mortified. Too shocked to say anything. Natasha came to his rescue and slipped the beautiful ring on her perfectly manicured finger all by herself as if she owned the trinket. The crowd broke into a frenzy of claps and cheers.

SHOW US THE RING! The girls went wild as the guys helped Zaed to his feet and took turns in congratulating him by patting him on the back like he’d just recovered from a cough bout. He went through the two-minute ritual mechanically. Natasha was smiling from ear to ear, showing off her ring with no less pride than a newly crowned Miss Universe shows off her tiara and perfect teeth.

Once the crowd eased off into music and partying again, leaving the three of us alone, Zaed came to his senses. He took hold of Natasha's arm and dragged her into a corner not very far from where we were standing. I could see and hear them.

Natasha! Listen to me! He didn't even use the fond Natty as he usually did. He was notorious for never resorting to endearments except for when he addressed the girls he lusted after. I didn’t propose.

What? Natasha asked absently, still admiring the ring that graced her long fingers.

I didn’t propose! he repeated forcefully. This isn't my ring!

What do you mean?

I mean – I found it.

Found it? Natasha smiled coyly. As in you found it in a jewelry store?

NO! He was quick to check his raised voice and drew in a sharp breath. I mean I found it on the floor. Someone must’ve dropped it. It’s not mine.

Natasha eyed him quizzically for a minute before speaking. Her perfectly outlined and shimmering lips slightly parted as she surveyed his face. Then, she tossed her abundant chestnut curls behind one slender shoulder and smiled. Her slim five-foot-five frame, wrapped in dark jeans and a glittery top, rested easily on black three inch heels.

Okay, she finally said. "So you’re saying you found it on the floor and you were just kneeling in that certain way, holding the ring up delicately in that certain way, tugging at my elbow to get my attention in such noise – just so you could not propose to me?"

Yeah – even I wouldn’t believe Zaed now. And I knew he was telling the truth!

Yes, he said meekly, trying his best to avoid Natasha’s eyes but failing.

Suddenly Natasha’s smile vanished and a stern, cold glaze hardened her doe-like black eyes.

It’s about Amber, isn't it? She hissed, her white skin turning pink. I know you were dating her. You’re worried about her!

Amber? No! This isn't about her. This is about –

Omigosh! Natasha gasped. This ring was for Amber. You thought I was Amber!

No, I didn’t think you were Amber. He looked frustrated. I knew who you were. It’s not like you’re wearing the same outfit or anything and I couldn’t tell you apart in the dark.

"You remember her outfit?"

Yes. No! That’s not the point –

Here! Take your ring! Give it to Amber! She tore the ring off her finger and dumped it in his palm. In fact, I’ll go call her so you can tell her the good news in person!

She was about to dart off quick as a flash when both Zaed and I leapt to grab her.

Whoa! No, don’t do it! he was begging. I don’t want to marry Amber. I never want to marry Amber! This is a mistake! This all is a huge mistake! You don’t understand! He was rambling now and in need for someone to cut him off.

I obliged.

Zaed, shut up! I held Natasha, who was crying profusely by then, by her arms and she swayed and almost fell on me, hugging me tightly like she always did whenever she was sad and needed support. You can’t cry like this here, I whispered in her ear. Everyone will get suspicious.

She instantly detached from my embrace. But Zaed said –

Forget what I said! Zaed gave the air in front of him a quick wipe with his palms. Just forget I ever said anything. You’re beautiful. This ring is beautiful. He slipped it delicately back on her finger. "Just stop crying. Please. Please!"

She looked at him, then the ring on her finger and then back at him.

What about Amber? she asked innocently.

No Amber. He smiled. There’s no Amber.

Natasha bit her lip and cast her eyes down, looking at the ring again. When she looked up next, tiny tears shimmered on her mascaraed lashes but there was no denying the shadow of a smile that lurked around the corners of her lips creeping all the way up to her eyes. She sniffed and finally smiled up at him.

Okay, she said softly. I need to fix my face. I can feel the puffiness from all those tears.

Yes. He nodded emphatically. You go fix that face.

It’s that bad? She ran a nervous hand over it, looking like she was on the brink of another downpour.

Of course not, I chimed in before Zaed could mess it up further. Just a little mascara run out of line around the edges.

She wiped her under-lash quickly and checked for evidence on her fingertips. There was none but I knew my cousin. Without further delay, she walked past us over to the other side of the mammoth living-cum-party room. As soon as she was out of sight and earshot, Zaed let out an audible sigh and tried to bury his face in my hair.

Get away! I pushed him, smoothing down the static in my tresses. Aside from the itchy dryness, this was the other reason I hated winters in Karachi.

What am I going to do? he wailed as he grabbed me by the shoulders. Sophia! You’re the only friend I’ve got in this sad, sad place! Tell me what to do!

You mean in addition to what you’ve already done? I mocked him. Seriously, there’s room for more?

He stared at me, totally not impressed. Don’t make fun of me, Sophia. You know it’s not my fault.

Okay. I looked at him kindly. Let’s just go home and sort this thing out, okay? If you try doing it now, I don’t think it’ll go very well.

I don’t think it’ll go very well at home either. He sighed again. Sarim will kill me. He’ll hang me for corrupting his child. He’ll totally go karo-kari on my ass, I just know it!

Oh come on. I suppressed a smile. You’re his favorite wife’s cousin’s daughter’s only son. You’re practically family.

Aunt Mona is his only wife.

All the more reason for him to like you, then. I smiled broadly this time.

I still don’t understand where that ring came from, he said thoughtfully. Who would lose such a pricey piece and not miss it? And she flashed it at like more than half the room – every girl -- and nobody claimed it. He paused for a bit. And why in hell would she be absolutely so sure I was proposing!

Well, I guess we all know the answer to that one. I raised an eyebrow. You’ve been flirting with her ceaselessly ever since you set foot in Pakistan two weeks ago, regardless of whom else you were wooing that time.

No. I’ve been dating Amber all that time. Very single-mindedly, too.

"No. You just met Amber a week ago at that Selina girl’s place who, by the way, you dumped for Amber after only three days of courtship, I reminded him. And before Selina it was –"

Okay, okay, I get it. He frowned. I’m a predator forever stalking single women.

I couldn’t agree more and would’ve been happy to annoy him further with my knowledge of his lovelife had my thoughts not travelled back to his previous remarks. Honestly, it didn’t make sense that Natasha would expect a proposal from him. Surely, she knew he was only being nice…?

Secondly, it was odd that no one in the room had claimed the ring yet. Then, it hit me.

Maybe the ring is Amber’s.

I’ve never seen it on her finger. He said it as calmly as if he kept stock of every piece of jewelry that she owned.

I told him as much.

He rolled his eyes. I mean of course it could be hers but it’s too expensive for a casual ring. I mean it could only be an engagement ring. Besides, if it was hers wouldn’t she have raised hell by now?

Point.

Well, maybe it belongs to someone else in her family – maybe a relative or a guest. It was my best theory and seemed to appeal to him as well.

Yeah, it is her house, he agreed. In that case, shouldn’t we ask her?

Are you crazy? That’ll be like suicide.

"But I can’t have Natasha wear something that she thinks I gave her when I didn’t give it to her and that, too, under the pretext that I –"

Okay, okay, no need to freak out. I held out a hand to control his rant as I scanned the room, looking for nothing in particular but thinking hard of what to do next. Let’s discuss this. Let’s talk to Mikael. He’ll be better with ideas than we are for sure.

Yeah let’s – wait – where’s Mikael? Zaed’s observation left me surprised, too.

He was here just now, wasn’t he? I was trying to remember the last time I’d seen the sanest member of our quartet. He was standing next to me right before you showed me the ring and –

Gasp!

It was his ring! Zaed almost sang out in exasperation. It has to be! He was standing here – he pointed to the exact spot where we both had last seen Mikael, right between Natasha and me – and must’ve dropped it. I found it. Showed it you and all that fuss. He must’ve slipped out before all the commotion!

That means he must be carrying it to propose to somebody. Who? I didn’t know Mikael was seeing someone.

Dunno. He quickly flicked out his cell and started punching numbers. I knew he was dialing Mikael even before he barked Hello and then made a face to indicate his call had been picked up by the answering service. He’s not in.

Sheesh! He sneaked out in the middle of the party to meet whoever he was supposed to give the ring to and without the ring – I gulped. I think he must be having a very bad night.

I’m going over to his place and find out what happened. If he knows anything about the ring, he can tell Natasha it’s not mine, Zaed said urgently patting his shirt down. Keys? Okay. I need my jacket. Where’s my jacket?

Amber took it when we came in. I scanned the sprawling den before us again and blinked as Amber morphed out of the psychedelic shadows. I was about to query her regarding Mikael’s whereabouts and that of Zaed’s jacket too when her deathly shade of pale killed my words.

Unfortunately, Zaed wasn’t as observant.

Hey Amby Bambi! He smiled his dimpled smile. Say, have you seen –

Amber’s right palm made contact with his left cheek – literally slapping the dashing Zaed into silence.

You pig! She spat. Then, quickly turning on her heels, just as she had materialized out of darkness, she melted into it.

Ouch, I whispered as Zaed blinked. How close were you two?

We weren’t. He still seemed dazed by the happening.

She was your girlfriend.

Two dates! He held out his fingers for me to count. And one kiss. That’s it!

You sure you didn’t sleep with her? I eyed him suspiciously. That slap hinted at more than kissing, my friend.

Oh please, I’m still a good boy by that count. He looked bored. Now be a good girl and take your cousin home. I’ll go check on Mikael, okay? I think that Rania girl will be nice enough to drop you guys home.

Is she next in line on your list of potential babes? I teased him. May I remind you, you got engaged like five seconds ago.

He ignored my comment. And do get my jacket from Amber, will you? It’s my favorite. And please tell her a few dinner dates never meant I’d actually marry her. It amounts to nothing even by Pakistani dating standards – that much I know.

I’ll get your jacket. I frowned. The rest you can tell her yourself. I wouldn’t be too surprised if she accuses you of telling her just how she was the girl for you. Probably proposed to her, too, over hot fudge ice cream scoops.

Zaed smiled, leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. You are the girl for me, Sophia. You’re amazing.

See! That’s what I’m talking about. I scrunched my eyes. You’d flirt with a wall if you had to.

Bye! See you in a bit. He chuckled and headed into the foyer and out of the house, his tall six foot something frame disappearing into the dark December night.

I stood idly for a few seconds before finding my way back into the partying crowd to locate my very euphoric and wrongfully engaged cousin.

CHAPTER 2

I waited for Zaed’s call to update me until two in the morning after safely escorting Natasha back home.

Amber didn’t live very far from our place. Perhaps only three or four streets ran in between our houses but after the engagement surprise that had resulted in an automatic termination of any ties between Zaed and Amber, we had headed home while still pretty, happy, and well within our new adult curfew limits.

We weren’t allowed to drive after midnight as per Beejan’s orders, our tyrant of an aunt who had been widowed very young, never remarried for a multitude of reasons, and lived with us. But at such rare and fortunate times when she was out of town, visiting long lost relatives and such, we had permission to stay out 'til one in the morning.

Ever since Zaed had come along, Natasha and I had been able to stretch that limit 'til two without any serious consequences, like a possible confiscation of car keys. All thanks to Zaed who was always there – three years our senior, a sufficiently responsible and deliciously charming almost-family member from the United States of America, and our self-appointed guardian angel. What was there to not like or trust?

Mona and Uncle Sarim were sold on him from day one.

Beejan, however, believed that a relative from abroad was a liability in more ways than one, given the city’s turbulent temperament. It was surely some meaningful twist of fate that she and Zaed hadn’t shared more than fifteen minutes of time together since his arrival.

On the morning Zaed had landed, Beejan was due to catch a flight to Lahore for her annual countrywide tour. Zaed had barely stepped into the house and met her briefly at the door. She’d very affectionately welcomed him, asked after his parents, made all the necessary small talk and then dashed off to the airport in our other chauffeured car. Suffice to say that two weeks of Beejan’s absence and Zaed’s presence had brought changes none of us had accounted for.

We reached home no later than half past midnight without Zaed. As he’d predicted, Rania was indeed nice enough to give us a ride though I couldn’t help notice the latent sadness in her eyes every time she looked at Natasha. It was as if Rania’s pained eyes couldn’t help stealing glances of the evil ring on her finger.

I hated Zaed just then. Did he have to be such a heartbreaker?

Sarim and Mona weren’t back from fulfilling their own set of social obligations yet. We quietly slipped into our separate bedrooms with a quick goodnight hug. It did occur to me that perhaps Natasha wanted to chat and plan and be overall giddy but I was much too tired to indulge her.

I leapt to the sanctuary of my bedroom, showered (I preferred night showers – didn’t call for any rush to join life), changed into an old but soft, cotton shalwar kamiz that I often used as my night suit and sprawled onto my chaise in the corner with a random book in hand and my cell resting near the lamp on the side table.

I thought I saw yellow car lights floating across the street that ran in the back of the house and under my private balcony. I didn’t get up to check them. A few minutes later, I heard muffled voices downstairs and that did make me jump and run for the door. I cautiously tiptoed out onto the landing and stole glances of what was happening below.

Sarim, suited up in gray pinstripes and looking tired, and Mona looking stylish and draped impeccably in her silver sari, were back from their dinner gathering. But still no Zaed in sight. When I saw them head up to their bedroom, I tiptoed away.

I returned to my room and called him for the thirteenth time. He didn’t pick up just as he hadn’t the previous twelve times. I finally gave up; taking solace in patience and deciding to let him call me back. He was bound to. He just had to after thirteen missed calls from my number!

The morning was bright and chirpy but I’d woken up with a sore neck. My chaise was comfortable but didn’t make for a nice bed. I didn’t usually sleep on my chaise. I had a bed for that. Last thing I remembered, I was reading something morbidly intricate about demons and cursed princesses, and then I fell asleep.

My neck pain filtered its way to my head and my mood. I checked my cell for something nice but the absence of missed calls from Zaed had me worried even more.

What had happened? Why hadn’t he called? Did he even come in last night? What happened to Mikael?

A bevy of questions flitted through my mind as I quickly raced down the steps to seek answers to each one.

The downstairs seemed alive with happy morning sounds and smells; clanking cutlery, the aroma of fresh breakfast and chatter. I carefully stepped down the marble stairway into the small hallway leading to the kitchen and breakfast room. That was where the sounds were coming from. Almost at the entrance, I stopped and peered inside. My entire family, sans Beejan for good reason and Zaed for unknown, were seated at the breakfast table, draped in their pajamas and talking their morning away quite relaxingly.

I just love it when I don’t have to rush in the morning, Natasha was chirping. Just love my days off! She waved her hand slightly, just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the emerald ring.

That’s strange. Has nobody noticed the ring yet?

I stepped a little closer.

I’m still processing everything. Can’t believe it all happened so quickly, Mona said as she skillfully poured tea into each of the three porcelain cups in front of her. Sugar? she asked Sarim but he shook his head. She sighed. Wouldn’t it be easier if you just made up your mind about taking or swearing off sugar once and for all?

It depends on my mood. Sarim took his teacup from his wife. Thank you. Where’s Sophie? She hardly ever sleeps in this late.

It’s only nine, Mona said sliding a buttered toast onto Natasha’s plate. It’s her day off, too.

I felt awkward eavesdropping on my own family while they talked about me and decided to make an appearance.

Morning! I sailed in and smiled, taking my seat next to Natasha.

Here you are sleepy head. She smiled back at me. We were just talking about you.

Oh, were you? I pretended innocence.

What’ll you have sweetheart? Mona asked in her usual loving tone.

It was amazing how, in all my twenty two years that I’d lived with my Uncle as his adopted child, I’d never once seen Mona lose her temper. At least not above a cold glare or an angry silence. To me, she was the perfect mother with her comforting smiles and gentle eyes.

Sarim on the other hand was loud and lean, with peppered hair and a slightly receding hairline that one was better off to neither notice nor mention. Or there would be blood.

I’m not very hungry, Mami, I replied honestly, but I knew I’ll have to eat my words if nothing else.

Mona wasn’t a fan of no-breakfast mornings. She smiled and called out to Babul, our butler and cook, and asked him to bring me some orange juice and croissants. He instantly obliged and five minutes later I was munching on the croissants and gulping down juice.

So – where’s Zaed? I asked casually.

I was about to ask the same. Sarim put down his glasses and morning paper and knotted his brows thoughtfully. I haven’t seen him all morning.

You think he may be down with something? Mona looked worried. The weather is changing so annoyingly.

He looked perfectly fine to me last night, Sarim said getting back to his paper while my heart somersaulted.

You saw him last night? I forgot the bite I was taking and my croissant was left hanging in my hand.

Yes, he replied briefly.

After the party? When he got back home?

Yes. He didn’t look up at me, nose still buried in newsprint.

I stared at him and then at Mona and at Natasha next. All were busy romancing with their buttered toasts and tea and nobody met my gaze. I dropped my croissant in my plate and inhaled.

And? I stared at Sarim again.

I thought I’d burst with suspense if I didn’t get an update soon. Sarim tore his face out of the newspaper and eyed me for a second.

And what? He asked. Don’t you know? You were there, right?

That was about all I could take in.

So you know! You know about the ring then?

Suddenly the table was alive with giggles. Natasha threw her arms around my neck, planting a big kiss on my cheek that nearly rattled my brain.

Oh, Sophie! she crooned. Of course they know. It’s official!

Eh? I blinked. What’s official?

The engagement, Kittykins. Sarim chuckled at my ignorance. I thought you were an eyewitness to that highly unconventional proposal. Some nerve that boy has but – I like him.

I don’t know what to say. I honestly didn’t.

Well, how about Congrats, Natty? Natasha sounded none too pleased with my obvious lack of enthusiasm.

Of course! I spread out my arms and reeled her in for a hug to make up for my rude reaction. I’m so happy for you!

It's official? How?

Thankfully, Mona decided to venture into details.

Last night at the party someone congratulated us on Natasha’s engagement. It was very surprising and of course we had no clue –

That also made it somewhat embarrassing, I won’t deny that. Sarim looked at his daughter with mock reprimand. News travels fast, was all I could think and say.

Anyway – Mona resumed. So, we excused ourselves early and called Zaed from the car. He promptly answered, apologized, tried to give us some story about how he found the ring on the floor and what not. Everyone rolled their eyes at this while I felt I could never even blink again. Anyway, we asked him to get home as quickly as possible.

He almost followed us in, Sarim continued. After that it was easy.

I was up 'til two hoping he’d update me on the ring – I checked myself just in time. What happened then?

Well, he was with us 'til three, calling his parents, Sarim explained. We talked. I talked to his father, a very reasonable man and your Mami had a nice long chat with his mom and they in turn had a word with their son and it was all done. Sarim smiled. We officially agreed to be in-laws.

So – I was very careful to not let my shock spill through my speech. More than anything, I didn’t want to hurt Natasha. So, Zaed agreed? I mean – he officially agreed, right?

YES! Natasha flashed her ring at me yet again. I thought her smile was brighter than the sparkly gems.

And what of his story about finding the ring on the floor? I asked.

Oh that! Natasha rolled her eyes. I’m sure he freaked out in the heat of the moment.

Natty, Zaed never freaks out like that, I stressed. It’s not in him to freak out.

I knew I really had no argument there. Zaed did freak out. But he wasn’t lying about the ring. She must realize that.

So, what’re you saying? Natasha sounded bored. That he actually found the ring on the floor?

That’s what he said, didn’t he?

And who would leave such a lovely trinket on the floor and not look for it?

I don’t know. I think –

I think you should stop being so skeptical of him. She stared at me none too nicely.

I’m not! Skeptical?!

You are! You’ve been like this since last night. Why can’t you just say you’re happy for me?

I just did!

You didn’t mean it!

You are twenty two years old! Don’t you have better plans for your future than getting married? I hadn’t planned on saying that. Not sure I’d thought of it either but now that it was out in the open it felt very true and I was sticking to it.

Oh please. Natasha frowned. An early engagement doesn’t mean I’m getting married in the same month or year even.

Actually, that’s exactly what it means in your case, Sarim said. In fact, by the looks of it, you may just have about a week.

What? Natasha’s eyes popped out.

A week? I almost choked on my breath.

Yes. Mona spoke soothingly, as always. Zaed leaves in two weeks and we wanted to get things settled before that.

But why? Natasha wailed. He isn't even through his med school yet.

A week? I was still gawking.

He is almost through – just a year more and then he joins the residency grind, Sarim explained.

A week!

When Sarim scrunched his eyes at me, I cleared my throat and decided to throw something more meaningful at him.

It’s not as though he graduates from med school and becomes a resident the next day, I said wisely. That would all depend on his STEP score.

That doesn't bother me, Natasha said. He’s smart, he can do it. But a week is not enough time to prepare for anything.

And I’m busy this month, I declared promptly, getting back to my half eaten croissant, fully aware of the hush that spread across the table.

Doing what? Natasha asked.

Oh yes, I forgot. Mona put a slender hand to her flawlessly round forehead and looked at me. Alya is getting married this month. I’m sorry honey. I completely forgot.

I nodded. And it’s this weekend. I can’t miss it.

But that’s like three days from today. Natasha mentally counted. You can’t go!

I have to. She’s my half-sister. I ripped another chunk off the croissant.

Didn’t you hear? I’m getting married in a week!

Yes. I heard. I stuffed the last bite in my mouth, munched and swallowed. And I thought an early engagement didn’t mean you married within the month. Seriously, don’t you have any other plans?

You should talk! she scoffed. Your half-sister is eighteen.

She is also a feudal lord’s only daughter who inherits her acres and acres of land only when she signs the papers and says I do, I calmly stated. "It’s customary for them. She was engaged when she was five – FYI."

Natasha sighed and slumped back in her chair. There you have it, Daddy. I can’t do it. I can’t get married when she’s not around.

Oh, it’s only the weekend and we can always opt for next week, Sarim said.

I wouldn’t just be staying the weekend, I said. "Mom said to stay at least four days, which means from the last dholki to valima. I should be back by Tuesday."

Wait – does that mean we’ll have to go too? To Alya’s? Natasha suddenly sounded a little panicky.

You can if you want to. They did invite us all. Sarim took a sip of his tea and frowned; it had gone cold. He asked Babul to reheat it in the microwave. I excused myself when I first got the invite but I think your mother said she’ll try.

I was planning to, Mona said thoughtfully. I’m not so sure now. But the girls can certainly travel without me. It’s only seven hours away from the city.

Oh no, I can’t go. Natasha quickly sat up straight, her palms resting on the table. I have an hourly this week.

I laughed out loud. Now she remembers the test!

Well, excuse me for my momentary memory lapse but yes, to me, my engagement is far more exciting than some rural princess's ball – and I bet my prince is more charming than hers. She winked at me and smiled. Sorry if I sound like such a city bitch.

No, you sound perfectly like yourself. I smirked back.

Girls, behave! Mona stared at us for a second and then turned to Sarim. You know, the girls are right. A week or two is really not enough time to plan a wedding.

Sarim took his glasses off. Then, what do you suggest.

A formal engagement?

I don’t like engagements. Sarim pouted. A straight off Nikah makes more sense to me.

Let me think about it, Mona said. And oh, Beejan arrives this afternoon. We have to run it by her as well.

Oh yes, before I forget – everyone! Sarim inched closer to the table and cleared his throat, waiting until he had our undivided attention. Don’t tell Beejan about the ring-on-floor story. Just tell her Zaed’s parents called, very conventionally, and asked for Natasha’s hand in marriage for their son, very respectfully. And we agreed. Okay?

I don’t know why you’re so scared of her. Mona smiled teasingly.

I’m not scared of her, I care for her. Sarim raised his eyebrows to stress his point, though he looked positively exposed to me. I don’t want to hurt her by telling her something I know she won’t like. She’s very conservative.

I think Daddy’s right, Natasha spoke in her little girl’s voice that she still was in a habit of using every now and then.

I just think you should tell her yourself rather than having her hear it from elsewhere, Mona said.

Who will tell her? Nobody knows of it besides us and Zaed’s parents.

There were like fifty people at the party last night who saw it happen, I informed him.

Do any of them move in Beejan’s circle? he asked.

She’s friends with Amber’s mom.

Amber’s mom is out of station, Natasha said.

Again? Where to this time? I popped a peanut in my mouth.

She swiveled her body toward me and smiled meaningfully. Istanbul.

What’s in Istanbul? I wrinkled my nose. Why is she always going there every other week?

You don’t remember? The belly dancer?

The Blue Velvet? I clamped a hand on my mouth. I don’t believe this!

I know! Natasha threw her arms in agreement. Amber says her mom and her friends just love that guy and –

Ahem! Sarim’s prompt intervention hushed us up. I’m sure I do not want details of whatever that is.

Oh please, Sarim. Mona frowned. "It’s