I FEEL IN LOVE WHITH MY BEUTIFULL ONE

Chapter Eleven: Response

After 'Badria' succeeded in threatening 'Tahani' and terrifying her with her venomous words, 'Tahani' decided to refrain from visiting 'Hanaa' to keep as far away from 'Badria' as possible. More than a week had passed since she locked herself in her apartment, afraid of encountering 'Badria,' even by chance. She was a malicious woman, capable of destroying her both psychologically and physically, and it wasn’t far-fetched to think she might tarnish her reputation among the residents of the building.

One afternoon, 'Tahani' took a cold shower to relax and rid herself of the anxiety and stress that had increased after her mother traveled. She entered her bedroom, sat in front of the mirror, and began to comb her hair. She thought about 'Badria' and what she had done to her. Despite herself, she laughed at her own misfortune and how circumstances seemed to conspire against her.

'Tahani' – to herself – “Oh, Tahani, you’re back to being cooped up in the house again. Hahaha, what’s this? Did I say I mastered life? What was written for you in your homeland, you’ll find it even if you escape to the ends of the earth. Problems are so fond of you; they chase after you wherever you go and wherever you come from!”

'Tahani' stopped combing her hair and looked at her reflection lovingly.

'Tahani': “You are the only one, oh mirror, who has been my friend for the past ten years. Tell me, mirror, who did I hurt, and who cursed me on the Night of Destiny? That’s a harsh curse that has deprived me of life!”

'Tahani' looked at her image sadly, and it pained her; she had never hurt anyone, yet her condition and feelings had changed from laughing at herself to feeling sorry for herself.

She couldn’t bear to look at her reflection any longer, so she burst into tears, burying her face in her hands, trying to hide from her miserable life. She cried more and more as she thought about how to have mercy on herself and hide from this world that had been cruel to her. In her intense crying, her breaths began to shorten, so she lifted her head to calm herself. She looked at the ceiling, drowning in her tears and pain, and began to pray to God from the depths of her heart, her voice trembling and spasming from the intensity of her crying.

'Tahani': “Oh Lord, how long will my life continue like this, with no family, no marriage, and no future? What does this mean? What should I do with my life? I am tired, and I can’t bear it any longer. I want to live like the rest of the people, to be happy, to enjoy, and to see good days. Oh Lord, have mercy on my condition. I have no one but You. Oh Lord, help me and change my life!!”

A knock on the door interrupted her prayer. She thought it was 'Ahmed,' coming to ask her if she needed anything. She was embarrassed for him to see her and know she had been crying, so she quickly ran to the bathroom and washed her face. She returned to her room and applied some light makeup to cover the redness of her face and hide her tears. She approached the door and asked who it was. She heard 'Hanaa’s' voice and opened the door. 'Hanaa' entered, and they exchanged friendly kisses.

'Tahani': “Hello! What a lovely surprise!”

'Hanaa': “Surprise? Did you not expect that I might come to visit you?”

'Tahani' – shyly – “I mean, I was happy to see you because I haven’t seen many nice surprises lately. Anyway, how are you? I missed you!”

'Hanaa': “If you missed me, you would have invited me!”

'Tahani': “Of course, Hanaa, I missed you, but the truth is, I didn’t think to invite you!”

'Hanaa': “Well, you should have visited me. I came to you because I missed you. You never go out or think of visiting us while we are nearby. Even your requests, you send them with 'Ahmed.' Don’t you get tired of staying at home?”

'Tahani' – in disbelief – “How could I visit you? I’m afraid to meet your aunt and hear her venomous words that could kill me!”

'Hanaa': “At least you could have opened your phone and asked about me!”

'Tahani': “Forgive me, I thought it best to stay away from problems!”

'Hanaa' – in surprise – “And how do you spend your time? I mean, while you’re locking yourself away!”

'Tahani': “Don’t worry, I feel comfortable staying at home. I prefer watching movies and series more than going out and visiting!”

'Hanaa': “No, from today on, I don’t want you to be afraid, to lock yourself away, and to cut off visits with us. Look, my aunt is coming to stay with me for a few days. So, you have no excuse to avoid us during the other days!”

'Tahani' – fearfully – “No, please, I’m mentally exhausted and don’t want any problems!”

'Hanaa': “I’m saying you should visit me; I’m not your aunt, so what’s your excuse?!”

'Tahani': “It’s just my nature; I don’t like to visit or meet anyone, even before I met your aunt. So, I’m afraid I can’t visit you ever!”

'Hanaa' – in astonishment – “Why do you deprive yourself and deny it the chance to meet people?!”

'Tahani' lowered her head and looked at the ground.

'Tahani': “It’s fine; I’m happy with my life this way!”

'Hanaa': “Is there something in your life affecting you to the extent that you isolate yourself and don’t want to meet anyone? Tell me, I’m like your sister, and I love to listen to you!”

'Tahani' was afraid of being affected by 'Hanaa’s' words, of opening her heart to her, and of telling her about her past and future, so she got up from her place before her eyes betrayed her and tears flowed out, and she exploded with words, complaining to her about her life after keeping her sadness hidden for many long years.

'Tahani' – with difficulty – “No, there’s nothing!”

'Tahani' quickly changed her thoughts before hesitating and telling her.

'Tahani' – cheerfully – “Sorry, I forgot to serve you refreshments. Excuse me, I’ll go to the kitchen and make us coffee!”

'Hanaa' realized that 'Tahani' was avoiding being open with her, so she decided to help her, even if reluctantly. So, an idea struck her to get closer to her. Now was the right moment to execute it.

'Hanaa': “Wait, 'Toto,' what do you think about going out for a walk? I’ll treat you to coffee and dinner; we can have some fun instead of sitting in the apartment!”

'Tahani' – curtly – “Thank you, but forgive me, I’m not free!”

'Hanaa' – sarcastically – “Oh, you told me your schedule was packed; I wonder if you have an appointment with that wall or this one!”

'Tahani' smiled at 'Hanaa’s' joke and tried to continue joking with her, feeling guilty about their cold encounter.

'Tahani' – as if thinking – “Hmm, let me see, today is Wednesday. Yes, I have a dance training session with my mirror!”

'Hanaa' saw that there was no point in convincing 'Tahani' to go out willingly, so she tried another approach. The approach of threat.

'Hanaa' – through clenched teeth – “Tahaani, if you don’t change your clothes within five minutes, I swear I’ll drag you to my apartment and make you sleep in the same room with my aunt. I won’t care what happens to you while you’re with her!”

'Tahani' grasped her neck in fear, imagining herself with 'Badria' in the same room. Her nerves trembled, and she quickly snapped out of her imagination and rushed to her room to change her clothes before time ran out. 'Hanaa' laughed at 'Tahani’s' fear, surprised by her; despite her years, she believed her threat as if she were still a little girl.

'Tahani' entered her room to change her clothes, feeling happy.

'Tahani' – to herself – “Thank you, oh Lord. You answered my prayer, and I’m getting out of my prison today!!”

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