CHAPTER TEN
Everything happened so fast that we couldn't regain our composure. I certainly couldn't, though I still don't know if Ryan didn't want to or simply was unable to!
Fortunately, the person who entered was Israr. He stood there, watching us with a wide, beaming smile. I practically leaped out of Ryan's arms to free myself and said frantically:
"This is all your fault! Israr, I swear he forced me to dance... all this mischief is the doctor's doing, I'm telling the truth!"
Israr had his hand over his mouth to hide his grin, while Ryan was laughing out loud. Under my breath, so only he could hear, I offered him some of my "unique" choice words:
"Drop dead! Why are you laughing? You've ruined my reputation! Now heaven knows what Israr is thinking? That I forced the great Khan to dance with me? I hope you never have children, Ryan... I hope your future wife becomes as miserable as me... I hope..."
Ryan didn't stop laughing for a second; with every word I muttered, his laughter grew more intense, as if I were his personal court jester.
Israr, still fighting back the remnants of his own laughter, invited Ryan to the party. "Lala, everyone is waiting for you. If your dance with Lady Yas is finished, can we go?"
"Israr!" I shouted.
"Hahaha! Wasn't that the case? You two had set quite a romantic scene!"
As Israr continued his teasing, I stomped my foot on the ground and shot a furious look at Ryan.
"Israr, don't tease Yas," Ryan said. "Though you're right, it was very delightful and romantic..."
"RAYAAAN!"
This time they both roared with laughter. I decided I couldn't stay a moment longer and bolted from the room. Only Ryan's final, joyful sentence echoed in my mind:
"Oh, my Yas is embarrassed! Israr, do you see how beautifully modesty suits her?"
With a smile and a sigh at Ryan's madness, I climbed the stairs to the third floor. I had to enter the kitchen through the lawn. Finally, with great effort, I reached the kitchen. The delicious aroma of various dishes filled the air, miraculously making even a full person feel hungry.
Tahmina and Tuba had already left. Only my mother and I were in the kitchen; everyone else, including Sophia and Masih, was serving in the first-floor salon. I desperately wanted to watch that glass salon and the aristocrats from afar, but how?
I'll try once and see what happens. What's the harm in trying?
"Yas, come and check the salt in this soup, daughter."
"Coming, Mother."
I stepped beside her and tasted a bit of the soup. "Mmm! It needs a little salt, then it's perfect!"
"Is that enough?"
"Yes... yes!"
My mother went back to work, and I returned to my chair. Time was moving slowly, which only made me more nervous. Curiosity had taken over, making me restless to see the party. After an hour, I couldn't take it anymore.
Gathering my courage, I walked toward the lawn. With every step, the sound of music, instruments, and laughter grew louder. Sharp, pungent perfumes hit my nose—so strong that even the open air of the lawn couldn't dilute them. I could watch the crowd from behind the trees.
I had arrived, and the glass hall stood grandly before my eyes. Oh, what a place! Not a single girl wore a headscarf; they each stood with older men who were likely their fathers. I looked for Ryan. Where was he?
Ah, there...
Why is he sitting next to that long-haired girl?
I looked closer and noticed Ryan's lack of interest in the gathering. My "Grandma" looked bored out of his mind. This Ryan was worlds apart from the one who helped me clean the rooms. How could that man and this proud, ill-tempered individual be the same?
Rude Isar was getting along quite well with the flirtatious girls, talking and laughing. It was as if I was the only one who had stolen his inheritance, given the way he always frowned at me.
Israr sat to Ryan's left, seemingly trying to rescue him from that "clinging" girl. The Big Khan was busy talking to a middle-aged man with a relatively long beard, though there was no sign of warmth or affection on their faces.
Like a thief, I watched the gathering—sometimes with interest, sometimes with indifference. A soft melody began, and everyone rose to dance. Pairs formed and began moving, while only the elders, along with Ryan and Israr, remained in their seats. Even Isar was dancing with a blonde girl. Oh, how I wished I could teach that rude boy some manners!
Tonight, the Big Khan's face was bright and free of frown lines. Perhaps he was optimistic about bringing a bride to this palace. I could see his proud glances toward Ryan from where I stood.
That long-haired girl wouldn't leave Ryan alone. She gestured several times as if asking for something—a dance, surely? Ugh, you clinging girl, don't you have a brother of your own? To hell with your lack of pride! But why wouldn't Ryan accept her invitation when he had just forced me to dance moments ago?
Soon after, Ryan whispered something in Israr's ear and left the salon. I didn't know where he went. Israr stood up after him and walked toward the lawn. I had seen enough of this aristocratic party; it was time to go to the kitchen and help my mother.
Just as I was about to leave, I spotted a beautiful girl next to Israr. When did they get to the balcony? "Leech" Israr was speaking so politely... even from this distance, I could see the hint of shyness in his speech. Can I use this as a weapon against him? We'll see what I can do later.
I stopped watching and turned to leave. The lawn looked beautiful in the dark, but I shouldn't be out here on such a night. I walked back to the kitchen and settled into that boring chair again. I hoped this ridiculous party would end soon. I was so tired... so tired!
The food was eaten, and the guests left one by one. I helped Sophia wash the dishes. I could barely keep my eyes open. It was still early night, and my mother intended to have tea. With repeated yawns and a short "goodnight," I headed to bed.
"Yas, it's very late, daughter. Get up!"
Couldn't I sleep just a little longer? No, apparently not.
"Okay, Mother, you go, I'm coming," I said with my eyes closed.
My mother said, "Come to the kitchen quickly," and left, robbing me of my sweet sleep. With sleepy, red eyes, I splashed water on my face and went to the kitchen as ordered.
"Mother, where is my breakfast?"
"First, take breakfast to the Khan. He's been waiting for you since early morning!"
"Ryan?" I asked, surprised.
"Yas, how many times must I tell you not to call him by his name?"
"Yes, Mother. Fine. Give me the tray. But didn't he eat with the Big Khan?"
"He did, but just out of politeness... he just sat there and that was it!"
"Very well... put a cup for me too."
My mother almost shouted, "What for?"
"Well, I want to eat breakfast too. I'm hungry!"
"Have you lost your mind again, girl?"
"Mother, when he's waited this long for me, he surely wants to have breakfast with 'Sir Yas.' Besides, no one will see us, trust me."
My mother shook her head in disapproval and began arranging the tray. Oh, what a breakfast she laid out! Lucky "Grandma."
"Here, take it. But try not to spend too much time with him, understood?"
Ugh, Mother! Am I a monster? Am I going to eat Ryan? I have nothing to do with him!
"Yes, Mother... yes!"
I practically flew to the room with the tray. After a single knock, I entered Ryan's domain. He was lying on the bed with his forearm over his eyes. I gave a forced cough and said with a smile:
"Greetings and good morning to the early-rising Ryan Khan!"
Ryan sat up abruptly on the bed, looking very gloomy as he answered me curtly. "Good morning."
I placed the tray on the bed and sat across from him. "Why are you so cross this early in the morning? And why didn't you go to the clinic? Admit it, your patients are heading toward eternity because of your negligence!"
"Why do you sleep so much? Do you know how many hours I sat waiting for 'Her Majesty'?"
I laughed softly and teased him. "Oh, so that's why the gentleman is upset? Why did you wait for me? I'm not an early riser, and you wake up almost four hours before me just for exercise... Look, you've become like a big bear!"
Ryan stared at me with narrowed eyes, not saying a word.
"Why are you looking at me like an owl? Ryan, I swear I'm not in the mood. Take this breakfast and 'poison' yourself with it! Besides, I'm more upset than you. That's it!"
"I won't..."
"Hey, I saw how you were sitting with that long-haired girl last night. You two looked so bad, don't even ask. And that rude Isar was talking and laughing with everyone, as if I were the only one claiming his inheritance."
Ryan asked with surprise, "You saw us?"
"Yes, I was watching from behind the glass. Only Israr was sitting with dignity. You looked quite a sight with that grumpy face."
It seemed Ryan's icy mood finally melted. He said with a ring of laughter:
"Hahaha! So you did your 'detective work.' By the way, Jamshid Khan also attended."
"No!" I said loudly, shocked. "By what right? Doesn't the Khan know about what happened to Israr?"
"No, of course he doesn't. I invited him—with a bit of 'pressure,' of course. Apparently, revenge was taken, and there was no reason to cut ties, especially since this trade benefits both sides, though we profit the most!"
I poured tea for both of us and took a bite without answering him. "Mmm... I see..."
"Yas!"
I took a sip of tea and said listlessly, "Yes?"
"Were you jealous?"
"Are you crazy? Why would I be jealous? Drop it, your tea is getting cold."
"I'm mad at you. I'm not drinking the tea!"
"Hahaha! A man of your size is mad at me? Fine, what should I do to make 'Grandma' make up with me?"
"Say you were jealous!"
"But I wasn't. Should I give you a lie?"
"I'd love that lie and fabrication..."
"Fine, I was jealous, 'Grandma.' Now eat!"
Ryan laughed warmly and took the cup in his hands. We finished tea in a peaceful atmosphere with Ryan's pleasant smile. From what he said, he has to go to the clinic this afternoon. He works as the chief physician at the Kabul General Clinic and occasionally stays home for a few days to rest, like he has recently.
I took the dishes to the kitchen and washed them myself. Sophia took over cleaning the third-floor rooms—her back is going to break, poor girl!
Everyone was out until dark. The Big Khan usually spent time with his old friends in one of Kabul's cozy cafes and only preferred staying home when his sons were there.
"Mother, can I go see Tuba for one night? I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. I've already spoken to Sophia and she agreed."
"I don't have a problem, but I hope the Khan doesn't get angry, daughter."
"Oh, Mother, what does Ryan have to do with me? He won't get angry, trust me! I'm going to change before it gets late."
I playfully headed to the basement. I changed my clothes in a hurry and put on my prayer veil. I had already discussed going with my father, and as usual, he didn't stop me.
I left through the exit and started walking along the path. Before reaching the main road, a car suddenly entered the side path at an incredibly high speed. Without slowing down even a bit, it came toward me like a bolt of lightning. I stood there, stunned, waiting for the impact.
It was as if I was in shock; I couldn't produce any reaction. I closed my eyes and stood there trembling...
END OF CHAPTER TEN