Stepping outside the airport, a warm wind blew on her face welcoming her and it suddenly dawned on her that she was finally back to her homeland.
'It's good to be back!’ After 5 years in the Netherlands’ she whispered to herself, she inhaled the warm air, filling her lungs.
"Ate [ah -teh] (elder sister) Kashmir!" she heard her younger sister Yolly called.
"Yolly!!!!" Kashmir embraced her sister.
"Ate Kashmir, you're so beautiful. You look like a celebrity" Yolly giggled.
"You too, you look stunning" she appreciated her sister. Both of them are beautiful but her sister is short in stature, she stands five feet in height.
Kashmir looked around and asked her sister "Where's nanay (mom)? She told me she is coming with you to pick me here"
" Tatay (father) isn't feeling well."
"What happened to tatay?" she yelped, hearing that her dad isn't feeling well.
"Don't worry, we had him checked by his doctor. He was just tired and needed to take a rest" Yolly pacified her.
"Well, do you religiously give him medication? And his by- monthly check up? Do you regularly bring him for a check up?" still worried about her dad's condition.
"Yes, there is nothing to worry about. The doctor said that he is better now than before, so relax." patting Kashmir's shoulder.
They both climbed into the car. They are going to Los Banos, it's one of the towns of Laguna province. She grew up in Manila but her parents are already old and want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Manila. So, when they requested her to buy a farm in Los Banos, Laguna she didn't hesitate. She hasn't seen the farm yet, so she's excited to see it.
While they were travelling, "Oh, it's still the same. The road is congested" she murmured.
"With this traffic jam here, how many hours will it take to reach Los Banos?" , eyeing the driver.
"Approximately 4 hours. But without this traffic jam it will be one and a half hours" the driver answered.
She sighed in disappointment, she can't wait to see her mom and dad, she missed them badly.
"Yolly, I bought clothes, bags and shoes for you." She looked at her sister who was busy texting.
"Thanks, ate [ah – teh] (elder sister)" she said while texting.
"Yolly... uhhhhm... you seem to be busy texting your boyfriend" she teased her sister.
"Elder sister!" Yolly blushed.
"I don't have a boyfriend," she said.
"Oh, I don't buy it!" Kashmir smirking at her sister.
"Who would believe such a beauty like you has no boyfriend" Kashmir added.
"Said the beauty who has never had a boyfriend" Yolly answered back, teasing her sister.
"Honestly, I don't have a boyfriend now. After I discovered Jim cheating, I don't want to entertain suitors because I am afraid of getting hurt again." Yolly confessed.
"Well, don't stereotype that all men are cheaters because of what one man did to you." Kashmir advised her sister.
"There are men who are faithful, one example is our father. He never cheated, he was always loyal and faithful to mom. There are many out there who are loyal and faithful, don't close your heart. You will eventually meet that man.” Kashmir explained lovingly.
"It really hurts" tears started welling up from Yolly's eye
"Go on, have a good cry' Kashmir hugged her and stroked her back.
"Everything will be fine. You will soon forget your pain and start loving again." She continued.
"Elder sister, I'm just curious, why haven't you entertained suitors? I thought you were a man hater." She asked while wiping her tear-stained face.
"I am not a man hater, it's just that I haven't met the man who will make my heart pound wildly" she laughed. And she was saddened when she remembered Amir.
"Oh! So, you are waiting for a man to make your heart beat, that it almost jumps out of your chest." Yolly grinned.
"Actually, I already met a man that could do that to my heart" Kashmir giggled.
"Really! Ayyyieeh! At last, my Ate Kashmir is in love" Yolly giggled.
"When and where did you meet him? Oh, come on Ate, tell me. Please!!!!"
Kashmir told Yolly about how, when and where she met Amir.
"Unfortunately, neither him nor I have asked for contact numbers. There it ends." Kashmir sighed.
"Awww, that's sad" Yolly pouted.
The two siblings chatted all throughout, they never realized that hours had passed. They did not notice that they entered the farm. The car stopped at the front of the house.
"Uuuhmmm... Ma'am we've arrived already." The driver called their attention and they alighted from the car.
"Wow! Finally!" Kashmir's eyes are misty.
Kashmir walked fast toward the house, she almost ran, for she's so eager to see her parents. But while walking she felt odd because the place seems to be so quiet.
As she opened the door, "Welcome Home!" a loud shout surprised her.
Her mom and dad are present, the farm workers and their families are also there. She was in tears as she looked at their smiling faces.
"Thank you" she smiles at them.
She walked towards her parents and embraced them.
"Mom, dad" she broke into tears, she sobbed and could not control herself. She hasn't seen them for five years.
They embraced for almost half an hour. Kashmir's stomach growled.
"My daughter, you're already hungry," her dad said laughing.
"Let's go to the patio, food is ready now" Mrs. Lara invited their guests. They all went to the patio, Kashmir drooled over the food that was set at the table.
"Mom, did you cook all this food? How I missed Filipino food" her eyes like a saucer looking at the variety of food.
"Yes, but I got many assistants" pointing at the wives of the farm workers.
They all ate happily and enjoyed each other's company. After eating lunch, she excused herself to take a rest, she was so tired from the long journey.
"Son, welcome home!" Amir's mom hugged him.
"It's good that you are back, son." His dad patted his shoulder.
"How are you?" They all sat on the couch.
"Well, I am getting old. Son, as you know well that your elder brother has taken no interest on how to run a business and only you have taken interest on business that you have successfully made your company to the top. I am begging you to take over, I really can't do it. And I want to spend more time with your mother."
"Have you already spoken to my brother?" Amir asked
"Yes, we have already spoken to him numerous times. We have tried our best to convince him but he refused to handle the company." There's sadness in his father's eyes.
"Let me think about it." His father grimaced at what Amir said.
"Oh son, please. I am begging you. Your father's health is at stake.
"You both know that my brother and I have a strained relationship. Will it be fine for him if I take over the company?
"Yes, your brother has given consent for you to take over." His Father assured him.
"Ok, I will"
"Thank you, son!" both his parents are relieved.
"You don't have to thank me, it is my obligation as a son to take care of the company," he told his parents.
"Son, you have to rest. Tomorrow we'll go to the company."
"With your permission, I will take my leave" he hugged his father and mother and left.
Two weeks had passed and Kashmir already adjusted, no more jet lag. She's also used to the daily routine at the farm rising up before sunrise. Some of the women prepare breakfast for everyone because they all eat together. Mr. And Mrs. Lara asked Kashmir to send money so that they could erect bungalow houses for their workers. They have ten families working on their farm, so they built 10 houses. They build the house inside their property; the farm workers don't own any land to build their house. "Good morning" with a smile, Kashmir greeted the ladies who were already up preparing food for breakfast. "Good morning too" they greeted in unison. "What will be for our breakfast?" she asked. "Danggit, tocino, sausage, and fried rice. There's also freshly harve
Amaro took his iPhone and dialled Ishmael's number. Ishmael's phone rings but he doesn't answer it."Come on Ishmael, pick up the phone" he mumbled.He dialled again. Ishmael only picked his phone up after five attempts of call."Hello" Ishmael answered."Hey dude, I've been calling for ages." Amaro spoke"Have you seen my email?" Ishmael asked on the other end of the line."That's why I called. Can you set up an online interview with her at 5pm today? I'll go to your office after my meeting.""Ok, I will call you later" Ishmael said"Thanks buddy" Amaro ended the phone call, then he heard
Ishmael did Amaro's demand, he secured all necessary documents so that Kashmir arrives in Dubai at Amaro's demand. He used Amaro's name to get what needs to be done in no time.Kashmir, was surprised to get her visa and all necessary documents to work in Dubai.Her family had mixed emotions, they were happy but sad at the same time. Her father and mother were a bit reluctant to let her go. Nevertheless, they have to let her go because she wants to go and they did not force her to work abroad, she did it of her own volition.Dubai, UAE"Hey, you're here!" Ishmael was surprised to see Amaro at the airport."I am here to pick up my PA" his tone of voice was curt. He did it to his friend so he would stop teasing him.
Kashmir's room is a feast for the eyes. Her mouth was wide open to see how spacious and beautiful the room was. The room has a living room, a mini -bar, a big two door refrigerator full with snacks and drinks, a walk-in closet and the bathroom is also big and equipped with a jacuzzi. Everything in the room screams luxury. She can't believe that her employer treated her like a princess, she didn't expect it. She looks at the king size bed like it's pulling her. She sat at the edge of the bed, suddenly she felt tired and lay down on the bed; and in no time, she's dead to the world.Amaro entered her room, he was worried because he knocked several times but Kashmir hadn't answered the door. He saw her sleeping peacefully at the edge of the bed. He quickly moved to the bed; he was worried that she might fall from the bed. He carefully picked her up to place her at the centre of the bed. She could smell her sce
Joyce saw Kashmir and Amaro and she walked towards them."Good evening, Mr. Khan." Joyce respectfully greeted.Smiling at her, Amaro greeted back "Good evening, Ms. Joyce""Girl, look at you! You look like a princess, where is your prince charming?" Joyce admiringly looked at Kashmir and hugged her."My prince charming is missing and I don't know where to find him, help me find him." Kashmir teased her friend but her heart is sad because she misses him."Oh, you do have a prince charming now?" Joyce sensed that Kashmir was telling her the truth."Tell me who is that brave man who won your heart. He must be an extremely good looking man, that he won your heart. Did you meet h
The next day, Kashmir was awakened when her phone rang, she set the alarm at 6 a.m. She opened her eyes and sat up at the edge of her bed. She yawned and stretched out and then went to the bathroom to make herself ready for work. 40 minutes later, she left her chamber and went to Amaro's chamber. She knocked and heard Amaro's voice. "Come in" Amaro called in his baritone voice. She opened the door and walked into the room. Amaro is standing near the floor to ceiling window. "Good morning, Your High...." she did not finish her greeting when Amaro suddenly pulled her close to him, one hand holding her lower back while his other hand holding her chin. "Uhhm... Good morning Amaro" she said and Amaro released her.
"Amaro, what would you like to eat? And I will buy it for you" she said."No need to buy food, I don't feel like eating here in my office. Let's go out for lunch. I want you to try local foods here in Dubai. I know a place that isn't luxurious but they serve exceptionally delicious food and the place is hygienic too." He knew that she is somewhat apprehensive to dine in a luxury restaurant."If that is what you want, then so be it." she said to him nonchalantly.She did not show her excitement, she really wanted to try the local food in Dubai. She wanted to have a taste of their food yesterday, but unfortunately, Amaro has brought her to an Italian restaurant for lunch and to a French restaurant at night and today's breakfast was American breakfast. Finally, she will eat Dubai's local food.
When Kashmir entered Amaro's room, he asked her to shave off his stubbles. She applied shaving foam over his face and started shaving off his stubbles. Amaro could smell Kashmir's scent.'She smells divine' he thought.He took advantage of their proximity so his eyes could feast on her big brown eyes, beautiful nose and alluring lips. He wanted to kiss her but he controlled himself because he didn't want to frighten her.He wanted to profess his love for her but wisdom says that it is not wise to profess love to a lady you had only spent a few days with because it will be hard for her to believe him. He is going to wait for the perfect timing. Anyway, he is a very patient man."Done" Kashmir's sweet voice snappe