Yarabia

By Hanan Ahmed

In the year two hundred and fifty after the Third World War, the events of this novel unfold, where love is mixed with pain and hope, beginning with a prophecy from a strange man to Holm, the girl who has always lived in her own world with her stories and memoirs.

Events accelerate, taking our protagonist on an exciting journey to find love when she meets two men in the city of Modernia. But which one will Holm choose, and how will she overcome the challenging issues from her past that emerge amidst unexpected events?

Will "Holm" finally find love and happiness with the help of her stranger friends, Mitano and Minata, or will she remain a prisoner of her past pains forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hanan Ahmed
• Release date: Aug 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222433677

Book preview

Introduction

His foul breath slashed across her face as she tried again and again to push him away from her. She felt her strength slowly fading, and how not when he was twice her size and when the ferocity and lowliness that showed in his eyes had increased his strength many times over. She wanted to scream, but there was no time for that, for she had to keep resisting him no matter what.

Damn, you! I'll make sure you regret what you did.

As he said this, the memories of what had happened kept rushing in her mind one after another, which made her even more and more terrified as she muttered to herself, Why me? Why always me?

But despite everything, Holm kept resisting even with all chances of her survival diminishing with every second that passed.

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The Land of Sages, Three months earlier in the year 250 after World War III

Chapter 1

Holm sat down to write in her white notebook as usual.

I feel better now. My beloved Sou'ad seems somewhat less worried about me, although she never stops trying to persuade me to get to meet people and to find someone, I can open my heart to, someone I can get married to. But I feel I couldn't care less because all my energy is focused on how happy I am to have found a daily routine that helps me be positive and productive at the same time. I have no desire to meet anyone, and just writing these words in my journal makes me happy and joyful and relieves my mind off the overthinking that brings me to a state of severe depression every time I contemplate my reality and...

Holm. Holm.

Sou'ad's voice interrupted her thoughts, reminding her that she should hurry if she wanted to catch her appointment with her supervisor at the university which was situated right at the heart of the historically rooted city of Moderenia in the Land of Sages, the city which is well-known for its prestigious education and where she chose to finish her studies as an expert on making herbal medicinal drugs. Holm left her journal on the bed and stood up in a hurry to catch her appointment. She had always loved nature and everything about it and felt a sort of intimate connection with it.

Don't forget to buy the groceries, Holm, it's your turn today,

Rang the voice of Sou'ad, her elder sister, again from the ground floor of the small house where they are staying temporarily.

Sou'ad was like a shadow to her sister Holm, who was two years younger, ever since she made herself responsible for protecting her sister against anything that could happen for over than 20 years, despite the fact that she was adopted by Holm's family, until Holm could finish her studies. Meanwhile, Sou'ad was saving good money off her work as an assistant to the manager of one of the largest clothing stores in the Land of Sages so she could open her own store in their mountain town where their grandparents lived, who raised them since they were young, after the death of their parents in the pandemic that spread back then.

Okay, Sou'ad. I won't forget,

Holm raised her voice while moving quickly around looking for her purse. Finally, her almond-shaped eyes, which rested in her oval wheatish face that was adorned with plump lips, fell on her bag, which she always left open, so she quickly grabbed it and zipped it closed as she said, Now I hope I haven't forgotten anything, as there's no time to come back to pick it if I have.

Sou'ad's voice came again from below saying, Don't worry about me if I'm late. We have a meeting with the manager today to discuss the new marketing plan.

Alright alright,

Holm said as she ran down the stairs to the kitchen, while Sou'ad smiled saying, If you had slept early last night, you would've woken up early this morning and you wouldn't have been in such a hurry, but you're obsessed with reading and with that journal of yours, which I see no hope for you to leave.

If you already knew that, why then do you have to say the same thing every morning, you smart assistant? said Holm as she nibbled at the sandwich she made in a hurry, which made her words come out funny and hard to understand.

Because you need to understand that life needs planning and organizing, not to live it randomly as you are doing now, and just as writing, reading, whatever it is, should not occupy the space of the important things in your life and....

But I study, my dear, replied Holm while still busy finishing her sandwich, This is a kind of plan, although maybe one that falls short of your master plan, backup plan, and backup of the backup plan!

Life, you cynic, needs that. You must be prepared for all possibilities. If I left it up to you, we would be living in complete chaos now.

I'm not that bad, Sou'ad. At least admit that. I mean just because I'm spontaneous in my approach to life and have no rich boyfriend to marry or business plans of my own doesn't mean that I'm a mess or that I'm lost in life. After all, who would tolerate my company and looking at my face for the rest of his life?! It's like a life sentence in prison, if you ask me! As I'm not you, the pretty girl with dyed blond hair, velvety skin, and slender figure, whom all men race to please.

But you really are a mess! And what irritates me is that I know you can do better than you're doing now. You are smart, although you get on my nerves by escaping reality, and you can show your beauty better if you put your modest clothing style that has no accessories or embellishments aside and ... .

Sou'ad, my dear, I've come to the realization that I won't live a love story like yours and I've made my peace with it, and not just that, I can also live and experience what I want from the many exciting events in the stories I read and enjoy a lot, so no need to worry.

Don't say such things, Holm. I'm sure there will be men who will want you if you just open the door for them instead of that tough attitude of yours, and this is your chance because there are a lot of educated young men here in the Land of Sages. Haven't you pushed away the young men of our town? And not just those, but also the educated ones in the nearby Land of Saints when we visited it? I mean, if you can't find a man now, I don't think you'll ever be contented with any of the other men in our town when we return after you finish your studies. Plus, you're thirty-one now and...

But I don't like them. They just want to be treated like children and to hold you accountable for their despicable thinking, and please don't get me started on the Land of Saints. Don't you remember the spiritual guardians there, their bigotry and their disgusting condescension to everyone as if they were created as a different kind from ours, we humans? If I had the power, I would throw them out all away. I don't see any use of them.

Don't take the spiritual guardians as an excuse for not wanting a relationship. No one really likes them. What I mean is that you should plan for your life, for I won't be around all the time to take care of you.

Sou'ad, please! I know I should be stronger and more prepared for life and depend more on myself, but I don't want to fall in love. I mean, I love the idea of love, but I don't want a lover.

And why not?! wait a minute! Said Sou'ad as she hurried towards a table that settled in the living room, and she grabbed a letter that seemed to have just been opened because its envelope was still next to it. Then, she began reading it excitedly to Holm, My beloved Sou'ad, the one who epitomizes all the happiness of the universe. I yearn for you so much that I can nearly fall dead! But I assure you that I'll be in Moderenia in the Land of Sages two months from now and I'll see you then. I can't stand the idea of you being far from me, you, the most beautiful thing in existence and ...

Here, Sou'ad's face turned red, and she closed the letter. She then said to Holm as her eyes shone bright, I can't go on reading this for you, you're my younger sister after all, but...

At that moment, Sou'ad drew closer to Holm, wrapped her arm around the latter's arm and, as if she was giving an important lesson that she was keen her listener would understand, said, But whatever it is, you deserve to live such love. Love is beautiful, so don't believe the nonsense you hear or read about it here or there. I want to see you with someone who loves and takes care of you.

I also want to see myself with someone who loves me and takes care of me, but this is impossible, said Holm while sighing as she pulled away her arm from Sou'ad's who tightly surrounded her.

And why not? Stop talking like this. Said Sou'ad.

I simply allow life to unfold, embracing the philosophy of 'que sera sera,' Holm stated. That, my dear Sou'ad, is my approach in a nutshell.

But you have to be the one who makes her own decisions and getting involved in life, and not the other way around. This conviction of yours makes you passive and non-proactive in how you handle your own life, especially when it comes to your emotional matters and... Said Sou'ad.

And I should get going now because I'm late. See you, Sou'ad. Said Holm.

Haven't you heard a word I said?!

Sou'ad said angrily as Holm cheerfully replied, Yes, but there's no time for this now. Bye.

Holm said this as she set off to her destination while Sou'ad muttered to herself, God, have mercy on me. Help me God, for I'm so worried about her.

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Chapter 2

Under the rare December sun in the capital city of Moderenia, in the Land of Sages, Holm strolled through the vibrant local market with a lighthearted demeanor in the evening of the last day before the weekend. Having completed all the necessary procedures for initiating her dissertation at the university, she felt an overwhelming sense of elation. Now, the only remaining task was to meet with her thesis supervisor the following week to embark on the actual preparation for writing her dissertation.

Holm reveled in the peaceful diversity that surrounded her in the bustling market. People of various backgrounds and beliefs coexisted harmoniously, without any harm or disturbance inflicted upon one another. The delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, blending with the lively sounds of carts and the chatter of the townsfolk. Reflecting on the past, Holm found solace in one aspect of the Third World War, which had taken place two hundred and fifty years ago, as described in the history books from that era. The conflict had severed humanity's reliance on cars, planes, and other polluting technologies that had fostered a belief in human superiority over nature. Instead, it compelled humanity to return to a simpler way of life, albeit at a great cost.

That devastating war had shattered the world's arrogance, humbling humanity in the face of nature's formidable limits. The civilization of the 20th and 21st centuries had crumbled due to human hubris and inflexibility. As a result, in the current 23rd century, communities began to reemerge, relying on the wisdom of their ancestors and approaching nature with humility, seeking forgiveness and rekindling the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

Holm's recollections extended to the stories passed down by her grandmother, who had recounted the immense earthquakes that ravaged the land, swallowing countless lives, vehicles, and buildings. These cataclysmic events were a direct consequence of the nuclear warfare waged by world powers and their allies, resulting in enduring genetic mutations and deformities among some of the surviving populace that can be seen until now. Earth, in its righteous fury, retaliated with ferocious volcanic eruptions, devastating hurricanes, and relentless earthquakes, decimating most of the humanity. The ensuing famines and upheavals forced the remnants of humanity scattered across the globe to unite, forming new communities that sought refuge in the collective safety of an organization known as the United Provinces.

Under this new order, the United Provinces facilitated cooperation and regulated relationships between the emerging communities, ensuring that the mistakes of the past were not repeated. For those fortunate enough to survive, peace and solidarity became the only viable means of continuing their existence and turning the page towards a future characterized by tranquility and mutual cooperation. Interactions between provinces were governed by respect and the equitable exchange of benefits.

Consequently, the world was divided into four primary provinces: the Land of Sages in the west, the Land of Chiefs in the east, with its revered territories like the sacred Land of Saints, the mysterious Land of Strangers located in the central province, the Alfaz province in the North and the Southern Siraj province. Holm possessed limited knowledge about the Northern Alfaz Province and the Southern Siraj province, the latter of which remained a mysterious enigma to her.

But all this is past. Now, all she needs to do is enjoy the beautiful weather and buy the groceries as Sou'ad asked, then once back home, take a warm bath to freshen her evening up as she indulges in one of the stories she recently bought, as she does every evening.

But her thoughts would only go back to the masses of people as she wondered: Is it possible for such a gathering of men and women, old and young, of all walks of life, to have an equal foot in her province, the Land of Saints, without one of the spiritual guardians watching closely over them even against themselves, disturbing them and monitoring their every move? Those saints who claims to have the power of God in their hands and under the command of their hateful whims?

But Holm soon pushed her thoughts away when she noticed a little girl with a beautiful face carrying a multi-colored bunch of roses in her little hands, and, unable to resist the beauty of the scene, Holm couldn't but buy the whole bunch. She then resumed her journey while smelling the intoxicating scent of the roses with strange enjoyment. She almost did not pay attention until she found herself next to a narrow, short alley and saw a strange-looking elderly man setting in the middle of it.

Although she was scared of the way he looked, Holm felt a sudden urge to get close to the man and to talk to him without embarrassing him although his appearance frightened her. It was only moments until she made up her mind and approached him, saying very nicely, Sir, excuse me, I have bought a lot of roses and would like to give you some if you would allow me to.

The old man looked at her in a strange contemplative way before he lowered his eyes and looked away saying, I'll only accept them if you accept my gift to you.

Surprised, Holm wondered what kind of gift such a destitute man would, as his appearance suggested, could offer, and she felt high regard for his dignified attitude despite his humble condition.

Of course, I'll accept it, and I'll also pay for it. What do you think? Said Holm.

No, I don't want your money, for there are others more miserable than myself. But I'll give you your gift as I promised. Deal? Said the old man.

Hesitantly, Holm replied, Alright, as you wish. And she offered him three differently colored roses.

Thank you, child. Now, give me your hand. Said the old man.

She felt a bit of fear. What if this old man had other motives, now that she was in this alley where no one could hear her if anything happened to her, but the old man interrupted her thoughts saying, Don't be scared, I promise on my honor that I won't harm you. Come on, give me your hand. Said the old man.

After she made up her mind and her curiosity overcame her fear, Holm extended her trembling hand to the man, who grabbed it and began to contemplate her palm with interest while muttering: Hmmm. What a peculiar thing! I've never seen anything like this before! Said the old man.

You're scaring me! What is it? What do you see exactly? asked Holm.

A strange thing! It's actually not strange to see something like this in any young woman's life, but...

But what? Come on, enough with the introductions and tell me, what exactly do you see? Said Holm.

In your life there are two destinies, both of which have their roots in an ancient and influential family. One of these two destinies is openly crowned and the other is still waiting to be, and they are both in a struggle to win the crown of your heart. Said the old man.

You speak as if my heart is a contested throne. Said Holm.

Aren’t all women’s hearts thrones looking for a king to be crowned on them?

Said the old man with a cunning smile, while Holm gave a short laugh and said, But I didn't get what you mean by the word destiny? Do you mean someone, or some situation, or what exactly?! Said Holm, adding, What I mean is that my life is limited and monotonous, and my acquaintances are very few, so are you sure of what you see? You might be mistaken." Said Holm.

The man replied briefly, No. I've never been mistaken before, and I don't think I'm mistaken now.

When Holm saw how confident he was, she could not but surrender to his words, so she asked, And what else do you see?

You'll be confused. Said the old man. The similar paths of these two seemingly contradictory destinies will bring your heart to a state of confusion, but you must know that our destinies are written, and our souls will settle where our destiny is fulfilled, even if we don't choose this destiny. Said the old man.

So, you believe that we are driven, not free-willed, in our lives? said Holm, wondering.

We are driven in what we don't know, free willed in what we know. This is our situation in this world in a nutshell. Said the old man.

So, the more you know, the freer will you have to choose. Isn't this what you mean? Asked Holm.

Sort of, yes. Said the old man.

And which destiny will I choose? The crowned destiny or the uncrowned one? And on what throne is it going to be crowned? Do you mean my heart? asked Holm.

Not necessarily, for there are many types of thrones. There are thrones of countries, there are thrones of nations, and there are other types of thrones. But all these thrones lie quietly waiting for their rightful owners to claim them, like the thrones of hearts, for instance. Said the old man.

And how do I know which is my destiny? Can you give me some kind of a sign? asked Holm.

There are many signs along the path. All what you need to do is to pay close attention. Eventually, your heart will tell you the truth, as it always has. All you need to do is to listen carefully to your inner music. Said the old man.

This is too vague. Give me at least one sign, please? Said Holm.

Alright. The destiny you'll choose is the one that will echo the sound of your inner music and the one whose music will, in turn, echo in your own heart. Said the old man.

How romantic! Sorry, sir, but I didn't understand a thing! If you mean some person, would you at least tell me the first letter of his name? asked Holm.

Our true names are the scents of our actions, not the names chosen for us against our will, so there is no point in telling you, his name. Said the old man.

Then at least tell me his most obvious quality so I can distinguish him. Said Holm.

Well, it's the destiny in which the meanings of altruism and concern for others more than oneself will manifest, and so people will seek to push for his coronation over his throne despite his vehement and desperate refusal to do so. Said the old man.

This is strange! I don't understand you. The way you put it makes me unable to say whether it's a person or an event that's going to happen! But I'm worried that, if your prophecy is true, I won't be able to read the signs and will lose my path. Believe me, I don't have the attention that can help me do that, for I like to spend most of my time daydreaming. Please, help me with something. Said Holm.

Alright. If you need my help, you have it, but on one condition. Said the old man.

No conditions, please! I don't like conditions. Said Holm.

As you wish. No help, then. Said the old man.

So, the prophecy isn't true, is it? Because if it was, you'd help me fulfill my destiny,

said Holm in dismay.

Believing me or not is your own business, child, but time can unveil the hidden events that can surprise you. Said the old man.

Holm said in surrender, as her suspense reached its limit, Sorry, I didn't mean to underestimate your words, but what you're saying seems far-fetched and difficult to achieve. So be it, I accept your condition. Said Holm, adding, by the way, are you one of the people of revelations?

The old man laughed at Holm's openness and said to her, The revelation is there for those who want to see. After all, your lack of knowledge or physical experience of something doesn't negate its existence in life. Right, my child? Said the old man.

Reflecting on his words, Holm answered, You're right. I've always believed in this because the universe would be very limited and boring if we knew it only with what we know. No matter how much humanity knows, there is still a lot that we don't know. Said Holm.

Do you still need help? The old man said again to remind her.

Of course. Bring it on.

So, the old man said, When you feel confused, just put your hand on your heart and listen to what it says to you. It'll tell you what to do, so trust it.

Aha, I get it now. I'll do this and see how it goes. Said Holm.

Don't forget that you have to fight for your destiny, or else you'll spend the rest of your life regretting having lost it. Said the old man.

Holm drew a quick smile on her face while trying to keep her mouth shut instead of telling the old man to stop his nonsense, for nothing really deserves to fight for. The old man smiled at Holm and said, ushering the conclusion of their conversation, It was a pleasure to see you and talk to you, child.

The pleasure was mine. Thank you for your kindness, sir. Said Holm.

Listen to your heart and pay attention to what it tells you. Always remember this. Said the old man.

I will. Thank you.

Said Holm as she was about to leave the alley behind along with the strange prophecy of the man she suspected might be one of those people who had lost their minds, though she admired his perceptiveness. However, and to her surprise, she heard the old man uttering incomprehensible words as he moved away, and she also heard a woman passing by and commenting to her companion saying, The poor man, his condition is heartbreaking; since he lost his wife several years ago, he also lost his mind.

In silence, Holm wondered, Does this mean that his prophecy was the mere illusion of a man who lost his mind?! she said, shaking her head sadly and walking off in turn, completely distracted from what had just happened. Or more precisely, she tried to turn a blind eye to it but could not, and she recalled that very old movie that she had watched in that ancient cinema, which talked about a girl who was given many signs that directed her to her fate and to those involved in it. Does she have any resemblance to her?

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Chapter 3

Holm was running with her rushing steps, which her few childhood friends used to compare to a penguin's to tease her. She was pacing the university campus, which had been built many years ago and still retained its breathtaking nobility. She shifted her gaze between a piece of paper on which the address of her professor’s office, whom she was supposed to meet in half an hour, was written, and those signs in the building that spread