Genie puttered around the house, trying to find something to make the time go quickly.  She itched to do something, get involved in something. She would have to bring up the subject when Malik, if Malik came home. She had napped and woken up several times in the past seven hours. There was nothing for her to do but to walk around, noting several things she had seen over and over again. She had called her brother, had a summary about his welfare. Malik had come through on his word, paying the tuition for the whole duration of his fellowship. She stood at the middle of the l

Malik walked into a cafe that smelt of spices and hot confectionery. Answering the customary greetings- every one bowed a little whenever they saw him, he walked to a table where two sofas were. Sitting on one of the was Sa'mirah, who was drinking from a teacup. When she sighted him, she dropped the cup and frowned. "Abdulmalik, what brings you here?", she asked him, her tone cold. "What did you tell my father?", Malik asked her without preambles. "Nothing important. I went to have a talk with the Sheik as always", Sa'mirah replied him, meeting his gaze hotly. "I take it that you told my father that Genie threatened to kill you? That you told him you would kill yourself first before she tries it?""I did not tell the Sheik those words",she said, refusing to meet his gaze anymore. Malik leaned forward, his elbows resting heavily on the table. "I know, Sa'mirah, that you told

Genie yawned, stretching her arms out, hitting something. She turned to her side and found Malik fast asleep. Smiling, she ran her fingers down his face, tracing the stubble. How could she think of a time when she would not be waking up next to him? This was all she wanted, all that she needed. She kissed him on his forehead and was about to pull back when he grabbed her around the waist. “Oh, you’re awake?” she said, smiling. Malik pulled her closer until she was firmly nestled between his legs. 

,Genie brushed the tears away as she sighed for the umpteenth time. How easily things fell apart. She had just been thinking about how she would have no choice but to leave no matter the outcome, abd here she was, packing up. Leaving.Her only regret was that she had to leave when she had fallen in love. It could have been sooner, a week or two or three after they arrived at Asmird. No, it had to be-wait, she shook her head. It was stupid to think about it, to think about love, to even think that she might have had a slim chance.Malik was not hers. Hadn’t she figured that out already? Why was she still thinking about love and him and whatever they could have had? He did not love her. Liked her, maybe , because she was likable. They had sex, yes, because she was a woman with a healthy sexual appetite. But, she had to get a grip on herself. He did not love her. He had dreams, goals, ambitions, a desire to be someplace else.She would no

I’m sorry, but I cannot talk right-“Genie?”Genie’s sleepy eyes shot open as if she had just downed an instant pot of hot coffee.“Malik?”“Yes, it’s me,” Malik said.Sitting up in bed, Genie ran her hand through her hair and then stopped herself from looking down to see what she had worn to bed. For goodness sakes, he could not see her. Why did she even care what he thought about how she looked?“Oh…oh. You called,” she finally heard herself say“Yes, I did. I’m sorry I haven’t called since you left.  It’s just that I have been busy with work and meetings my father insists are good for strong political connections.”“No, no. It’s fine, it’s okay. I get how busy you are. I mean, I know how busy things can get with your father, “ Genie answered.“Yeah, you do,” Malik said softly. “How are you?” he asked.“Great