CHAPTER 20 THANKSGIVING CUM ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Exactly two weeks after the video chat in the hospital, Mrs. Gonzales and Rain arrived in the UAE. They were booked into a hotel in the city proper of Abu Dhabi. The Sheikha, unaware of the state of Ami’s emotions, brought her along with Ali as they went to fetch the Gonzales ' mother and son from the airport. Ami was able to master her emotions in the span of two weeks so nobody but her knows what is happening inside her heart. Even Ali was not able to tell as he too was trying so hard to mask his expression. The last time he and Ami talked was the day his intended arrived along with her family. Ami being Ami was all smiles when he introduced Zaynah. Zaynah was true to her name, she is beautiful but to Ali, her beauty does not compare to Ami’s. He was trying his hardest to ignore the pang of guilt he felt that day. Fast forward to the present, as soon as he saw Rain clasp Ami to his chest, Ali could only furl and unfurl his fists. You have no hold on Ami was what he kept telling himself, let her go.
Ami for her part felt a little better after seeing her best friend again. This time though, there was no awkwardness unlike the last time in the cruise ship. Ami felt it is because it is clear now who her heart is pining for. Although she was all smiles, Rain detected the sadness in her eyes. For one who suffered a gunshot, she looked well. She was limping a little but otherwise she looked lovelier. Rain noted a change in Ami, probably because of her thigh. Instead of jeans, she is wearing a long denim skirt and a floral shirt. She looked comfortable in it though and was very lovely that Rain could not miss the glances Ali sent her way every time she was not looking. He saw the possessiveness in the gaze but he also noticed a sadness similar to Ami's.
"Hey Budz, glad to see you hale and whole but is there something wrong?"
"Glad to see you too Rain, welcome to the UAE. I am limping, that is what is wrong. Welcome to UAE auntie Claudia. I hope your trip went well.”
Noticing that Ami seemed to avoid Rain’s question, Mrs. Gonzales engulfed Ami in a hug, careful not to jar her thigh. “So good to see you, my dear. I hope that last adventure will be the last. You worried us a lot, especially that one.” she mouthed indicating her son.
“I hope so too, Auntie, I have no desire to be shot again, it is not a pleasant experience.
“Welcome, welcome to the UAE,” the Sheikha warmly hugged the mother son duo. Shall we be off so you can refresh? I hope you do not mind, but we prepared something for you at your hotel suite. The Sheikh will join us there as he had to attend to some business first. “
All 5 of them piled into Ali’s SUV while their luggage was secured in another car. Rain wanted so much to have a chat with his best friend but looking at the company, he decided to wait. Surely, they can find some time to catch up. Thinking about it calmed him although his best friend does not seem so ecstatic about his arrival. Could it be those whatever feelings he thought she had for him are gone? When he hugged her, she hugged him back like he was her brother. He definitely is not feeling brotherly towards her. Her disappearance finally opened his eyes and heart to one thing, Ami is going to be his for keeps, his best friend and his wife if everything falls according to plan. However, this engagement is throwing all his plans awry. What if this is an engagement for Ami and Ali which makes sense as he rescued her, did he not? His thoughts were making him unpleasant so he just closed his eyes and pretended to doze off intentionally leaning towards Ami who seems to be leaning farther away as well. He righted himself and proceeded to doze off for real.
As it happened, Ami and Rain had no time to talk as everyone was busy with the party preparations. All too soon, the party started. Ami having fully embraced her boyish and feminine sides was dressed in an off-shoulder empire cut royal blue gown that Mabel couldn’t be prouder than she is at the moment. Her cousin has blossomed before her very eyes. Something must have really happened after her adventure. Mabel for her part was dressed in a shimmering red ball gown that showcased her svelte figure. Both ladies turned heads much to the irritation of their male escorts. Mabel accepted Devlin’s offer and Ami of course, her best friend as Ali is escorting his bride-to-be who is as gorgeous as she is beautiful. Ali cut a very elegant and dashing look in his formal tux, Mansour too was attracting attention. Even the Sheikh and Sheikha turned heads. Of course, Mrs. Gonzales has always been an exquisite lady. She always exudes elegance wherever she goes. Since there were Western expats and other nationalities, dancing was allowed. Even Ali and Mansour joined in. When Ali partnered Ami, he couldn’t stop himself from admiring and flattering her.
“You look so extra beautiful tonight, Ami that I just couldn’t stop myself from claiming at least one dance with you.” He wanted to pull her closer but aware that he is already beyond what is allowed of them, he contented himself with just looking at her beautiful face and he was pleased to see her blush. “I would really have married you in a heartbeat, Ami, make no mistake about it.”
“And I would have accepted you as well. “ Ami admitted in all honesty. She might as well enjoy this little time of freedom she has with him before he is forever out of her grasp.
Ali touched his forehead to hers and wished he could kiss her one last time but he knew it was impossible. Firstly, they are in the middle of a ballroom, secondly, his bride-to-be is just somewhere nearby. That realization was like a douse of cold water that he reluctantly led her back to her seat.
Not wanting to lose his friendship if that is all she could have of him, she said, “We will still be friends, won’t we? I hope you won’t cut me out of your life. It still hurts but hopefully someday you would come to love your wife and I would find my happiness as well. “
“Do you doubt me, Habibti? You will always be a part of my heart.” He was still holding her hands when Rain approached and asked for a dance. Ami looked at Rain and nodded her consent, finally letting go of Ali.
“It seems congratulations are in order, my friend.” Rain greeted with a bit of sarcasm.
“Huh!’ answered Ami. “Congratulations for what? Surviving that misadventure?”
“Your engagement to Ali”
Ami couldn’t stop her laughter ringing out. “You couldn’t be more wrong, Rain.”
“What do you mean? Isn’t this your Thanksgiving and engagement party as well?”
“Thanksgiving it is but my engagement, sadly no,” Ami amended with a long sigh.
“Ami, sweetheart, what is going on?”
“Don’t you dare sweetheart me, you moron!” Ami suddenly snapped and stopped dancing. She tried to escape the ballroom with Rain trailing behind her. She made it onto the rooftop terrace and sat on one of the benches. She looked up to the sky in an attempt to stop tearing up. Obviously, it was an epic fail as she felt the hot tears trickling down her cheeks. She was not wearing a lot of makeup so there was no chance of ever smudging something. She thought she was alone so she let loose her tears. She tried to control her sobs so no one would hear her until she felt a comforting hand on her bare shoulder. She looked up to a concerned Rain.
“Ami, whatever is the matter with you? It has only been a few months but I have never seen you so emotional like this, except on your parents’ death. “ Rain sat on his hunches to be on the same eye level as her. His heart is breaking seeing her like this. He wanted to confess his love right there and then but he realized it wasn’t the right time. Ami needed a best friend more than a boyfriend at this moment. “Please talk to me Ami, I am still your best friend, am I not? It is so heart-breaking to see you like this.”
“Ohh Rain, you won’t understand.”
“Then make me, we have all night Ami. “ Without waiting for her invitation, he sat down beside her and gathered her in his arms causing Ami to clutch him tightly and cry some more.
“Promise you won’t judge me?”
“Promise.”
“You must think me selfish but after my rescue, I thought Ali would finally acknowledge what he felt for me. He actually did but it came with a price. He said he loved me too much to subject me to being a second wife. He is committed to marrying another Emirati in support of his government’s plan of strengthening the UAE. I admire him for being so honorable but it still hurts because I realized I love him. This is his engagement party to a lovely and beautiful woman. It could have been better if the woman was unpleasant but she is a hundred times better than me.“
Rain inwardly grimaced, love in the present tense. How in heaven’s name can he win her? Without showing how he felt, he just continued to hold Ami while she cried. Fighting off his urge to caress the smooth skin on her shoulder and back, he slowly disentangled himself from her. Ami was startled as she did not realize she was holding on tightly to Rain.
“I am so sorry for misunderstanding this situation Ami and I hope you can forgive me for it. Can we go inside before everybody starts another search party? Here, let me help you. “ He said, wiping off the tears on Ami’s face. Ami nodded and despite the bleakness in her heart managed to smile. Unknown to her and Rain, Ali was hiding in the shadows trying to keep himself calm. Maybe letting her go is a mistake? There are still a lot of UAE nationals who can marry each other but not having Ami at all? It is an idea that never bore thinking about. He watched as Rain guided his best friend back inside. After a few minutes, he went in search of his intended and he vowed to do his best to honor his promise to Ami no matter how painful it is. He will learn to love his wife-to-be. How hard could it be? Zaynah is beautiful inside out and he is lucky indeed to have secured her hand in marriage.
Soon the Sheikh and Sheikha drew everyone’s attention to the center of the ballroom. They pulled Ami first and then Farinah in their midst.
“We would like to give a toast to our lovely Ami here for rescuing our daughter, Farinah. Without Ami, we could never have found our baby girl.”
Everyone toasted with a loud “To Ami, the bravest girl ever!”
After some applause, the Sheikh continued
“We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome a lovely lady into our family, the beautiful Zaynah, daughter of a wonderful couple from Sharjah. Ali and she will soon be wed and our families will be strengthened some more. It is our wish for you to be witnesses to their nuptials soon. Here is my son, Ali and the beautiful Zaynah. Unlike most of you, there is no courting period in our culture but owing to Zaynah’s Western upbringing, we decided to grant them both a period of getting to know each other. We would also like to thank Ami and Mabel for making it possible for Zaynah to settle in. These two lovely Filipinas could have been my daughters-in-law if only my sons were not blind,” he teased.
Although Ali was smiling, he was silently berating his father. How could he make a joke like that when he knew for a fact that his son is in love with one of them. He decided to join in just for the heck of it but not taking his eyes off Zaynah.
“Indeed, Sir. Mansour and I seem to be blind to the cousins’ charms. Lucky for me though, I have another lovely lady who consented to be my wife.”
Zaynah blushed and said shyly, “Thank you so much, Sir for welcoming me into your family. I am the lucky one to have your wonderful son for a husband. “
Not able to bear it any longer, Ami pulled Mabel and Farinah and drew Zaynah to a hug. After excusing herself, Ami asked the Sheikha if she could leave. The Sheikha looked at her with concern in as she noticed Ami’s red and puffy eyes.
“Are you well Habibti? You do not have to leave the hotel, there is another suite we reserved, remember? Shall I fetch Ali to escort you?”
“Oh no, Madam. I do not want to impose on the groom-to-be. He should enjoy this party with his intended. I shall be okay, Mabel can accompany me and then she will come back. I think the stress of the last couple of weeks caught up with me.”
The Sheikha obviously wanted to say some more but looking at Ami’s pale countenance, she agreed. “Please give me or Mansour a call if you want to go home to Al Reef.”
“Please do not worry Madam, I would have loved to stay some more considering this beautiful gown am wearing but I just can’t” Ami replied adding a limp to emphasize an excuse.
“Ohh, what a bad form for me. With you looking so gorgeous, we forgot about your injury. Yallah, Habibti, go have some rest. “
Mabel materialized suddenly and looking at Ami decided not to ask questions. She was aware of the situation between Ali and Ami and seeing how miserable her cousin is, she just accompanied her cousin to her appointed bedroom. Once there, Ami went straight in then out onto the balcony which her room shared with another.
Ali and Rain noticed Ami’s departure from the ballroom. Ali not wanting to hurt another woman, stayed with Zaynah and her family for another hour before he escorted them to their cars. He maintained his cheerful and doting facade until the Al Muairi were out of sight. He knew where Ami went and so that is where he was headed. Along the way, he encountered Rain who seemed to be having similar thoughts. In his mind, he could see himself fighting Rain for Ami. Taking the most gentlemanly thing to do, he nodded to Rain and headed the opposite way. He was about to disappear around a bend when he heard Rain calling him.
“Ali, wait!” Ali whirled around and stood perfectly still. “This is it, he thought, the confrontation.
“Do you mind if we have a man-to-man chat?”
“No, not at all Rain, lead the way.” Ali answered and followed Rain who was heading towards the Gonzales’ suite. Ali sighed his relief, Rain was not going to Ami after all.
“After you.” Rain invited. They went to the salon and sat down on opposite couches.
“You know, I should give you a facer for obviously causing misery to my best friend but I could not do that because I too caused her pain before. I have a question though, if you really love her, why don’t you marry her?”
“Well, why didn’t you marry her as well when you had the chance?” countered Ali.
“Come on Ali, do not turn the issue around. This is you and Ami. How can you give up such an exquisite woman?”
“How, indeed? This has not been an easy decision. Rain, I berate myself every day. I may be a fool for giving her up but I also do not wish her a lifetime of what ifs? Lucky is the man who will marry her one day and much as I hate it, I have to bear the idea of another holding her, making her his. I know you love her more than a friend and so I am hoping you could win her and keep her safe. Much as I hate to admit it, you and I are not worthy of her but I know you will protect her and love her maybe more than I can. Now, if you do not have the good sense of removing her from this hotel, I cannot guarantee any change of plans. The more she stays here tonight, the bigger the temptation of me claiming her and to hell with the consequences especially with that dress. Even your saints will be tempted. So please, save us both by moving her to another place. Go now. I will wait here for 30 minutes and if I find you both after that, I won’t apologize for what might happen.”
Rain did not need any second urging; he was out of the suite before Ali could end his speech. He admired the other man’s honor and loyalty, even his love for Ami. It is so rare to find a rival urging you to claim what you both crave. He reached Ami’s room in no time finding her slumped on her bed. Silly woman, he thought, why is she still wearing that tempting gown. Ami might have sensed someone was in her room as she suddenly sat up.
“Ohh, it is just you. “she said.
“Yes, Budz, it is just me but it is time for you and me to enjoy the night but not here. Let us go to another hotel.”
“Just you and me?”
“Nope, us too,” another voice joined his. Both of them looked to the door to where Mabel and Devlin were standing.
“Chaperoning you.” grinned Devlin.
“All right! Now get out of the room so Mabel and I can change.” ordered Ami.
“You both look perfect!” chorused the men but they closed the door and waited at the salon.
“Whose bullshit idea was this chaperoning business?” asked Rain.
“Why, my friend Ali of course.” Devlin was chuckling.
“Seriously?!”
“Oh yeah, he literally dragged Mabel and I out of the dance floor. Just when I thought I was having the best time of my life. “ He was about to continue when the bedroom door opened revealing the ladies in shirts and jeans. “Where did the goddesses go?” blurted Devlin.
“There,” mouthed Rain.
“This is ridiculous!” complained Devlin.
Writing a post it note, Ami stuck it on the fridge door in case the Sheikha came in search of her.
They left the suite not a minute too soon because true to his word, Ali went there. He was torn between anguish and frustration as he realized his mistake. He opened Ami’s room and grabbed her gown clutching it to his chest. What is honor without love? What is life without Ami? He should have taken Ami to another country and married her there, England, Scotland, or Ireland maybe? The choice has been made; he has to abide by his decision. He left the gown on the bed and with heavy steps, made it back to the party upstairs.


Longing Hearts (Book 1 of Precious Series)
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