CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
"Sophia dear, believe me, she has two legs like everyone else. There's no need to give yourself such a heart attack."
"They say she's stunning, Yas. Exactly like Ryan. They might make a perfect match!"
"Quiet, my lady, quiet! Let's go see this 'Houri of Paradise.' I hope she lives up to your fantasies."
"Don't doubt it. Come on!"
With a shake of our heads, we headed outside. The sound of a car and the echo of laughter filled the courtyard. It felt as if we were in a wedding hall and this clamor was for the arrival of a new bride.
"There she is! Look!"
I looked at the spot Sophia was pointing to. The moment I saw her, I froze. I didn't believe my eyes. How can a human being be this beautiful?
She was as tall as a cypress tree, with marble skin, piercing blue eyes, shimmering golden hair, and ruby-red lips. Truly, she was a match... for no one but Ryan.
"Yas... Yas, where are you wandering, girl?"
"Huh... I'm right here."
"Tell me she's not a Houri! She's gorgeous. Her Creator outdid Himself!"
Anna was laughing and talking warmly with Isar and Israr. Not for a second did the smile leave her lips. Lucky her.
"I wish I were Anna, Yas. I think jealousy is burning my heart."
I wondered why jealousy hadn't found its way into me. It was true I had an unpleasant feeling about this girl, but it was for her predicted personality, not her looks.
"I hope her character is as beautiful as her face," I replied. "In that case, she would truly be the most beautiful creature on earth. There's no need for jealousy, Sophia. Just enjoy the beauty."
"You think so well... are you even a girl?"
"Do you have to be jealous just because you're a girl?"
"Arguing with you is useless. It's like there's no heart in your chest. Pity the person who falls for you."
"Think what you want. Should we just stand here or go say welcome?"
"Let's see if she even acknowledges us."
We both stepped into the courtyard and waited as they approached. There was so much grace and affectation in her movements; she was the embodiment of charm and flirtation. As they reached us, I put on a faint smile. Sophia spoke first, offering a welcome.
As I suspected, Miss Anna's response was cold and hesitant. I didn't want to be treated with the same frostiness, but I had no choice. I was part of the scene now, so I offered my welcome as well.
Anna's reaction to me was a sight to behold. She pursed her full lips and, as if I were something filthy and disgusting, she turned to Isar.
"Is this Yas?"
Even Isar seemed taken aback by her tone. He replied softly, "Anna, you have no idea how much color Yas has brought to this palace. I'm sure after a few days, you'll realize she'll be your best friend."
"Oh, Isar, you have no idea what you're saying. Me, become friends with a servant? Never."
Israr, who had been quiet until now, spoke up firmly. "I don't think a person's value is measured by that. Throw those old-fashioned thoughts away. Besides, if you say things like that in front of the Khan, it won't go well for you. Now, don't just stand here. Go inside."
I couldn't stand there a moment longer. That was enough humiliation. I wished I had never come out to greet her. Stupid girl!
I left the courtyard ahead of Sophia and went straight to the kitchen. "Mother, did you see that girl?"
"Yes, she's very beautiful."
"What about her inner beauty? Do you know how she treated me? Like I'm a worthless creature. To hell with her looks and her monster soul. I'm going to tell Ryan the moment he gets here."
"Yas, he is a Khan," my mother warned. "Don't count on him that much. Don't you dare make the mistake of talking to him about this. Her words don't take anything away from your dignity. It's better if you don't linger around this girl or Ryan. Understood?"
I raised my voice in protest. "Mother!"
"Yas, don't trouble me. Don't you know how much your father suffered when the Big Khan treated you like that? Stay away from this aristocratic family. The further away you are, the better it is for us, my daughter."
"But Ryan... I mean, the Khan Sahib... he's different from the Big Khan. He looks out for me."
"Maybe so, but stay away as much as possible. That's all."
"Fine..."
That "fine" was delivered half-heartedly. Stay away from my Naneh Jan? No, impossible.
Nothing special happened during the day, except for Sophia declaring her intense hatred for Anna. But her hate wouldn't fix anything. Dinner was over, and I was waiting impatiently for Ryan and his reaction to Anna. Oh God, what will happen?
"Midget! Get the tea ready!"
Isar's rude voice soured my mood. I wished I could hit him, but what was his crime? Yas, dear, please keep your cool.
"Camel without a hump," I shouted back, "you could have stayed with your precious guest and sent your request through Masih!"
Isar walked toward me, laughing. "Don't take Anna's words seriously. She was raised in France. You can't expect much more from her, can you?"
I shrugged. "She's not worth my time."
"Why are you sitting here?"
"Waiting for someone."
"You never wait for me like that."
I turned my head toward Isar, who was standing behind me. "Hey, Camel, don't compare yourself to my father. What do you have that would make me wait for 'Your Highness'?"
"So we aren't friends anymore?"
"No, I don't make friends."
"You still haven't forgotten my teasing, have you?"
"Does it matter?"
"Maybe."
"According to human nature," I said coolly, "I get used to some truths and forget others. Point is, you aren't that important in my thoughts."
"Your tongue is like a blade..."
"Never."
"Fine, Midget Madam. If it's not too much trouble, serve us a few cups of tea for our evening gathering."
"Certainly... certainly!"
I stood up with annoyance and headed to the kitchen. Arguing with Isar was a losing battle.
"Mother, is the tea ready?"
"Yes, it's right there. Where are Masih and Sophia?"
"They went out. They'll probably be back soon. Mother, you look exhausted. Can I take over?"
"Yes, you can. Yas, I'm going to rest. I sent your father for medicine; tell him I'm downstairs when he gets back. And you, come down as soon as you're done."
"Yes, Mother."
After she left, Sophia and Masih returned. I prepared the tea tray with snacks and sent it to the salon with Masih.
"Yas, it's late, we should go," Sophia said, yawning. "You're okay with the cups, right? If you're too tired, we can collect them in the morning."
"It's fine. Wait for Masih, don't go alone."
"Did someone call my name?" The ever-present nuisance entered the scene.
"No. Did they need anything else?"
"No, they're just waiting for the Khan Sahib. It looks like their gathering is just starting."
"Alright, go with Sophia then."
"No, there's still time," Masih insisted. "You can't handle those aristocrats alone."
Before I could answer, Sophia yawned again. "Masih, stop talking! We have to wake up early tomorrow. I'm dying of sleep!"
"Fine, fine. Let's go. Goodnight, Yas."
I said goodbye to them with a smile. Not a few seconds had passed when the sound of tires announced Ryan's arrival. The gatekeeper opened the door, and Ryan's car pulled into the courtyard. I could watch from the kitchen; I was eager to see the meeting between these two beauties.
I crept toward the salon, finding a corner where I could see everything.
"Israr, why isn't Ryan coming in?" Anna's voice drifted over. "Do I not mean a grain of dust to him? Couldn't he stay home for one day?"
"The Lady's wait is over. Look, my Lala is here..."
"Welcome, Lala!"
Israr and Isar both greeted him. I watched Ryan as he entered, looking only slightly tired. His sleeves were rolled up, and he was wearing a navy-blue shirt. My God, he looked stunning.
I was still lost in staring at him when Anna, with a cry of excitement, rushed toward him and threw herself into his arms.
"Oh... shameless girl..." I whispered.
"Ryan! You have no idea how much I missed you, darling!"
Darling? Why is she calling him darling? Is that word only for Ryan, or do Israr and Isar get called that too?
"Welcome back, Anna. I hope your journey was smooth."
I noticed something important: the hug was one-sided. Ryan's hands were a noticeable distance from Anna's waist, making no contact. He looked uncomfortable, as if he were performing a mandatory task.
"Please sit. I'll change and be right back. Oh, by the way... where is Yas? Is she asleep?"
"No, she's in the kitchen."
"Very well."
I listened to their short exchange with a wide grin. The fact that he remembered me in that crowd filled me with a sense of pride and infinite joy. I rushed back to the kitchen and sat in one of the chairs. I was sure he would come.
I was right. Not long after, Ryan entered the kitchen in his loungewear. "Yas, aren't you asleep yet?"
I pretended to be surprised. "Oh, hello. When did you get back? I didn't notice. No, I'm not asleep yet."
"I just arrived. Aren't you tired?"
"No. Would you like some tea?"
"I have to have a cup with them. You come too."
"Me? No, I'm fine here."
"Then I'll stay here and have saffron tea with you. Even better."
"Oh, Ryan, do you want that Houri to swallow me whole? Go on, get up. They've been waiting forever."
"Who is the Houri? The Houri is standing right in front of me. If you come with me, their wait won't be in vain."
"Ryan!"
"Tell me, darling!"
Oh God, there it is again... 'darling'! "Anyway, fine, I'll go. But I don't think Anna will like it."
"Well, you are my darling. Is there a problem? And as for whether she likes it or not... we'll see."
Hesitantly, I walked with Ryan to the salon. Everyone was laughing and talking. When they saw us, Anna's smiling face instantly soured. It was as if I were the cause of all her non-existent problems. Isar and Israr were in one sofa; Anna was sitting gracefully on another.
Ryan sat in the chair opposite them and motioned for me to sit beside him. But just as I went to sit, Anna launched herself toward Ryan like a cheetah and sat right next to him.
I acted as if nothing awkward had happened. Smiling, I walked over to the spot Anna had just vacated and sat down with great dignity.
"You aren't upset, are you?"
The sudden question from Israr, who was sitting quite a distance from me, made me focus.
"No, why should I be? But I think you are upset about something. Isn't that right?"
Truthfully, I wasn't upset by Anna's behavior or her closeness to Ryan. Why would I be? She didn't mean a thing to me. The fact that Ryan didn't forget me was worth the world. I didn't want anything more than that.
"No, why do you ask?" Israr replied.
"You've been in deep thought lately," I said. "I think it has to do with that party... and that girl!"...
END OF CHAPTER EIGHTEEN