“What? You can’t be serious . . .There are a thousand explanations for dreaming that. Her wish for you to get married, for example.”
“That’s why I said you wouldn’t believe it.”
“Butyoudo.”
“She’s predicted several things accurately before. Call it a sixth sense, or maybe she’s just a very sensitive person. The point is my mother always knows things before anyone else. Especially when it concerns her children.”
“I’m not questioning it; I’m just surprised. Would she be able to tell us if the baby is a boy or a girl?”
“Maybe, but would you want to know?”
“Would you?” I ask.
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
I clasp my hands in my lap and decide to change the subject. I don’t think I’m able to talk about our child so easily yet. Plus, when he gives me answers like this, I’m reminded of how unprepared we both are for the idea of becoming parents.
“Will I need to wear a headscarf to cover my hair when we get there?” I ask.
“The name ishijab[17], and no, it won’t be necessary to wear it when you’re out. In Sintarah it is not mandatory. You’ll only need to cover your hair during religious ceremonies. Speaking of which, as a Sheikh, I must marry within the protocols of my religion. I don’t expect you to convert, but we’ll have to follow the rituals.”
“I, uh...It’s not a problem,” I reply, feeling awkward. He’s already thinking about the ceremony, and I haven’t even talked to my parents yet. “Maybe your sisters can explain the wedding rituals and everything else to me.”
He visibly relaxes. “Good luck with that. You’ll want to run away from Sintarah once you meet my sisters, my cousins and aunts. They are loud and talk over each other.”
I smile. “I don’t mind. I was an only child, so I’ll enjoy becoming part of a big family.” I notice he doesn’t ask about my parents, which is a relief. I wouldn’t know what to say anyway. “And what about your mother?”
“What about her?”
“You mentioned that your sisters, cousins, and aunts are loud, but you didn’t mention your mother. Apart from the fact that she has premonitions.”
“Mama is different. Special. She lets people find their own way without strongarming anyone.”
“I hope she likes me.”
“How could she not like the woman carrying her grandchild, Madeline?”
I don’t reply. I smile, then pretend to fall asleep. I get an icy feeling inside. I know he didn’t mean what I think he meant. But I feel like people won’t accept me for who I am, only feeling obligated to include me because of the baby.
“Are you okay?” he asks after some time. I think he realized I was pretending to sleep.
“Yeah, just a little sleepy,” I lie.
“Rest. I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”
I don’t open my eyes or speak again, but my mind won’t stop running for a single second.
I’ve barely found out who the real Madeline is, and she’s already about to be suffocated by the wife, then the mother, version.
Chapter 34
I’m surprised at how the shade of blue in Sintarah’s sky looks different from London’s. Of course, maybe I perceive it like that because of the captivating landscape before me. First, the people dressed in traditional clothes—tunics, I suppose. Not only do they look beautiful but also comfortable. I’m relieved that Kamal is still wearing his regular suit; otherwise, I’d feel even more out of place.
However, it’s not just the clothing or the beauty of the airport building behind the car waiting for us; what captures me the most is the expression on their faces as they look at my soon-to-be husband.
“They’re just people, Madeline,” he says, misinterpreting my silence.
I turn to him. “People look at you with adoration. You’re highly respected.”
