forbidden whispers

chapter 5

During Qasem’s absence from home, Maseh kept herself busy with her studies and made new friends, greatly expanding her social circle. She was beloved by everyone, and her speech impairment never posed any obstacle to her living a full life—going on school trips, learning to swim, horseback riding, even playing the piano and practicing ballet. Her mother made sure to enroll her in a martial arts academy. Since Maseh’s vulnerability could make others see her as an easy target, it was essential that her mother ensure she could defend herself even when away from her watchful eyes.

Despite everything, Maseh remained a happy child. She constantly sent letters to Qasem, urging him to return soon, telling him how much she missed him, and sharing all her new activities. Yet, he never once replied. All his letters went to his parents, updating them about his university life and adventures, always ending with the same line:

“Give my regards to Maseh, and don’t let her neglect her studies. Your son, who misses you dearly, Qasem.”

Maseh awaited his letters eagerly, but over the five years of his absence, her anticipation gradually withered. She stopped asking about him, avoided hearing news of him, and ceased sending messages. She felt the distance between them and how much he had changed. Each time she received a message addressed to his parents, she would feel sadness, yet outwardly, she remained cold and indifferent, quietly crying alone in her room.

As the saying goes, “the straw that broke the camel’s back”—and for Maseh, that straw was a letter from Qasem. He had completed his university studies a year ago but had never considered returning. Apparently, he had found happiness there that outweighed his family… and her. The confirmation came in a letter to his parents, explaining that he could not return at the moment, and he even invited them to visit him. Attached to the invitation was a photo of him with a very beautiful girl, blue-eyed, golden-haired, with an enchanting smile. In the corner of the photo, he had written a small note:

“Isn’t she beautiful? She is my future bride.”

In that moment, Maseh realized that what she had felt for Qasem was nothing but a deep attachment, nurtured with every moment she had spent by his side. Jealousy and intense resentment toward the beautiful girl, coupled with profound disappointment in the man she had idolized, flooded her. She ran to her sanctuary, crying and reflecting on where she had gone wrong. Qasem had promised to return for her, yet that girl had stolen him, ensnared him with her charms. Perhaps Qasem had to leave; had he stayed, he would have remained by her side.

However, he was considered her brother. Everyone knew them as siblings; no one knew that she was adopted. She knew he was not truly her brother, and he knew she was not his sister, but society remained unaware. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pondered—perhaps Qasem loved her as a sister, but in her naivety, she had imagined something else. He had promised to return for her, but never said he loved her. That was the truth: Qasem had never loved her. All this time, he had considered her a sister. She had misinterpreted her own emotions, convincing herself it was mutual.

Now, Maseh understood that the blonde girl did not deserve her hatred or resentment. That girl had merely taken what was available, offered to her. And with this realization, Maseh made a decision: she would not shed a single tear for Qasem. From now on, she would never forget that Qasem was her brother, and she would never belong to him.

With this new resolution, Maseh embarked on a new life plan, entirely free from Qasem. All she wanted was to study, rely on herself, and achieve independence so that she would never need anyone.

Two months later, Qasem sent an invitation to his parents for his wedding ceremony. His mother tried to persuade Maseh to accompany them, but she insisted on maintaining her stance. She would not go, would not see him, and would not relive her heartbreak. She had closed that chapter; he was done in her eyes.

“My dear, are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

Maseh nodded firmly, her smile soft and reassuring, giving her parents peace of mind despite the storm of conflicting emotions inside her. She gestured quickly:

“Go and enjoy your time. I’ll take care of everything while you’re gone and wait for you eagerly. And give Qasem my warmest congratulations.”

Exams were approaching, and she wanted to focus on her studies to earn a scholarship like Qasem, with excellent grades. Hanan had agreed to spend two weeks with Maseh during their travel period. Her sister Hanaa reluctantly agreed, though what Hanan did not know was that Hanaa always pretended to be kind to Maseh but often spoke ill of her when she was absent. Maseh never cared and refused to let trivial matters disturb her mother or create conflict between the sisters. She endured and ignored it, out of respect for the woman she considered her mother.

Qasem had specialized in Business Administration to manage his father’s company and assets. As the sole heir, he needed to master business and economics as his father had before him. He was a handsome young man; his captivating smile would make any girl fall for him instantly. Fully aware of his impact, he often ignored desperate attempts to win his favor, which drove others mad. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a strong, proportioned waist, piercing eyes framed by long black lashes, a straight and flawless nose, and thick, pointed lips adorned with a carefully groomed mustache, he had always been meticulous about his appearance. He had many jealous rivals, despite never having wronged anyone. They called him arrogant and conceited, flattered him in his presence, insulted him in his absence, and tried to gain his friendship. Qasem, however, saw through their contradictions, taking amusement in their struggles.

He was never truly arrogant, but his confidence often provoked envy. He had learned not to trust anyone but himself, never revealing his thoughts or secrets, even to his parents. He longed to return home and resume life where he left off, yet not everything one wishes for comes to fruition.

Maseh had arranged with her friend Mirna to study together every day. She was determined to achieve the highest grades to make her mother proud. During one visit, Mirna asked about her “brother” Qasem:

“When is your brother coming back? Oh my God, I still remember how handsome he was… surely he’s even more so now, right?”

Maseh looked at her disdainfully. She had seen some pictures on her mother’s phone but never cared much about his appearance. To her, he was just her brother. She mocked:

“Clearly, he’s so handsome he’s lost his speech. Look!”

She stuck out her tongue and rolled her eyes. Mirna laughed at her silliness, grabbed her hand, and wrote on a piece of paper:

“Let’s make a deal. I’ll marry your brother, and you help me marry mine. That way, we stay together forever. What do you think?”

Maseh looked at Mirna grimly. It was impossible that she was serious. Yet, looking closely, she realized she was not joking—she was crazy. Fortunately, Maseh had recovered from Qasem’s childhood “curse.”

Sighing, Maseh returned from her memories. Now that Mirna knew about Qasem’s engagement to another girl, what would she do? My foolish friend… would she commit suicide and spare me from her stupidity?