How Love Happens - Chapter 31

 

On Thursday, Haifa stared miserably at her computer screen. Despite it being almost dinner time, she had been struggling with the video for the past three days. She had already compiled the best shots and gone through all her files. The video so far was everything she had planned, capturing every element she desired.

Yet, it seemed too ordinary to her. She had the feeling that every contestant would cover the same things in different ways. She needed something more, something that would make her entry stand out. Haifa had raked her brain, but nothing seemed to come to her.

Haifa blamed her recent difficulty in focusing to the fluctuations in her mood over the past few days. Having made the tough decision to end her relationship with Aseel, she hoped it was the right choice to pave the way for a new chapter in her life. However, Aseel's reaction to the breakup was far from what she expected.

In the aftermath of their split, Aseel went on a social media spree, bombarding his accounts with posts portraying perfect life of his. From boasting about his supposedly amazing experiences to sharing shirtless pictures, he seemed determined to broadcast an image of unbridled happiness. Frustrated and irritated, Haifa decided to disconnect herself from all his social media profiles.

Rather than expressing sadness or regret over their breakup, Aseel's relentless posting only fueled Haifa's anger. It became apparent to her that his incessant updates were a desperate plea for attention. Haifa found herself irked not by jealousy or heartbreak but by the realization that she had been involved with someone so emotionally immature, someone who believed he was the best she could ever have.

Haifa found herself frustrated not only with Aseel's behavior but also with her own preoccupation with thoughts of Zishan. Recognizing the need for a break from romantic entanglements, she wanted a break from men to introspect. Despite her determination to take time for self-reflection, her heart seemed to have a different agenda.

Haifa aimed to unravel the complexities of her past relationships and understand where she may have erred before diving into another commitment. She was resolute in not repeating old patterns, asserting her independence and confidence as a woman standing on her own. However, her internal struggle persisted, as she couldn't fathom why Zishan occupied her thoughts so incessantly.

The urge to hear his voice and the temptation to express her feelings to him tugged at her. She frequently found herself on the verge of calling or texting him, only to pull back, reminding herself that it was too soon for such conversations. Despite this restraint, the mere thought of Zishan brought a sense of joy, and the prospect of a future with him ignited excitement within her.

Haifa resolved to dedicate ample time to reflect on herself before starting on another relationship. She was determined to avoid the pitfalls of hastily jumping into commitment, mindful of the consequences of previous failed relationships. Approaching her mid-twenties, Haifa recognized the importance of taking her life seriously.

Her aspirations for a future included a loving husband and children, and she understood that pursuing one relationship after another wouldn't bring her closer to that vision. Instead, she needed to establish her own set of standards and adhere to them. Haifa was committed to defining her path, ensuring that any future relationship would align with her values and aspirations, and steering clear of the pitfalls of impulsiveness that had characterized her past. With a frustrated huff, Haifa left her room in search of Saira. She knocked on her door and waited.

Haifa's thoughts were consumed by the competition. Aware that she had precisely one month left until her due date, she reassured herself that there was no need to panic just yet. With all the footage already captured for her initial concept, she contemplated whether revisiting previous years' entries for inspiration or giving her drone session another attempt would be beneficial. The latter had proven to be particularly challenging for her, and perhaps a second try would yield better results.

Haifa longed to share her work with Zishan. His unique perspective and consideration of angles often uncovered aspects she had not thought about herself. He had been the guiding force from the start. Or maybe, deep down, she was just hoping for an opportunity to meet him once more.

Why hadn't he called her? True, she had made it clear that she had a boyfriend and was not available. But, he had also confessed his undying love for her. How could it be so effortless for him to carry on with his life without her? Not a single text or call. Haifa wasn't playing hard to get; she was desperately hopeful that he wouldn't be like Aseel, forgetting her so easily. She wanted his love to be steadfast and absolute.

“Hey, let's go," Saira said as she opened her door, “I was just about to come get you.”

"Wait, first come and see this." Haifa grabbed Saira’s hand and took her back to her room, showing her the video.

"What do you think?" Haifa asked as soon as she finished.

"It's really good. You've somehow found the best shots and showcased so many different sights, all under one minute. I'm impressed," Saira replied.

“Are you sure?” Haifa asked baiting her nails.

"Yeah, why?" Saira asked skeptically, rewinding the video.

"I don't know, it just doesn't feel winner-worthy, you know? I feel like I'm missing the wow factor," Haifa exclaimed.

Saira thought for a minute, “Maybe you've just been going through it so much that you feel like it's ordinary. But honestly, I think it's great,” she assured.

Haifa nodded her head unsurely. Maybe Saira was right. She had been immersed in the project for months now, and it was natural to feel insecure about her own work. Especially as a novice photographer, it was just her nerves, she told herself.

***

On Friday morning, Haifa and Saira went about their usual task of sweeping the area around the house. After months of performing this ritual, Haifa found it oddly calming. Last night, she had informed her mother that she had broken up with Aseel. Her mother seemed sympathetic but Haifa knew she was very much relieved to hear her say that.

After a long conversation with her mother, she had gone to her room to call Aish to share the news. Haifa couldn't believe the support she had received from these two women. She had gone against their advice for so long, yet neither of them tried to rub it in nor said, "I told you so." Finally, she could openly admit how Aseel had treated her and how difficult it was to be with him. She felt like a great burden had been lifted from her after sharing with them. Without Aseel, life felt much simpler and less stressful for her.

"Are you finished?" Saira asked, her iloshifathi tucked under her arms.

"Yeah," Haifa replied, straightening up. "Are we heading to Aunt Naseema's house today? Mamma mentioned they had some work."

"Maybe in the evening," Saira responded.

"So, does that mean she's okay with Uncle Zuhair coming for dinner the other night?" Haifa asked as she walked inside.

"Not initially. Mamma said she threw a fit. But after what he did for you guys, she decided to call a truce," Saira replied.

"That's a relief. I hoped mamma didn't have another issue with her family because of me. You remember the last time," Haifa said, her tone tinged with guilt.

"Oh yes, the day you created the scene Aunt Naseema's was epic. I loved the show," Saira laughed, enjoying the memory and causing Haifa's face to flush. "Although I'm still not completely sure about why you did it, though. I mean, I know you weren't happy about coming to Vavathi. So what did you hope to accomplish by making problems?" she asked, her attention divided.

Haifa looked away, the topic being one she hadn't yet chosen to share with anyone. The only ones privy to her end goal of returning to Male' were her mamma and Aish. She had contemplated revealing it to Saira a few times, given that she already suspected Haifa was working towards a plan.

Nevertheless, Haifa hesitated, fearing Saira's reaction. She worried Saira might be hurt if she disclosed her desire to leave or that Saira might take offense at Haifa not finding Vavathi suitable for the rest of her life. Above all, the fear lingered that Saira might distance herself as a friend.

"As-Salaam-Alaikum," a voice greeted from outside before they could enter the house.

"Wa alaykumu salam," they both responded, turning around. Haifa felt a surge of relief, grateful that she didn't have to respond to Saira's question. However, she was aware that luck had favored her this time, knowing well that the same question would likely return to her like a boomerang.

"Basith?" Haifa exclaimed, her heart sped up with hope as her eyes quickly scanned for Zishan. Pouting inwardly because Basith came alone, she redirected her attention to him. "How have you been?" she asked.

"I'm great, been a long time," he replied, standing at the entrance.

"Come inside, we can arrange tea," she said, smiling.

"I would love to, but right now I have to take you somewhere," he declared with a proud grin.

“Right now?” Bewildered, she asked, "Where?"

"It's a surprise," he replied, laughing, “Oh, and bring your tripod.”

Saira propped her iloshifathi against the wall. "Can I come too?" she asked enthusiastically.

"Of course, we're the team, right?" he winked at her.

***

Saira clutched Haifa's hand in awe as they saw what Baith had brought them to. "Are those..."

"Flamingos," Haifa whispered as she stared at the tall, pink-wading birds with thick downturn bills, unable to believe her eyes.

Haifa and Saira swiftly changed and got ready as Basith waited for them outside. He led them to the same small dinghy they had used for Haifa's previous photo shoot on an uninhabited island. Basith and his friend maneuvered the dinghy, transporting them to yet another deserted island in just twenty minutes.

"Yep, we've been monitoring them for a year now. Since they migrated last year, we believe they are here to stay," he said.

"Yes, I remember seeing it on the news. I just didn't know they came near our island," Saira said excitedly.

Haifa nodded dumbly. She had also heard about flamingos visiting the Maldives for couple of years now, making headlines for days. The reports also mentioned how some people were harming them or trying to sell them. The government had to impose strict regulations to keep the flamingos safe. But she had no idea they had stayed; the reports usually portrayed the Maldives as one of their stops during migration.

"You kept them here all this time?" Haifa asked.

Basith nodded. "About five to six came here first, and we brought in the others from islands around to keep them all in one place for easy monitoring. Especially on an island with people, they find it hard to adjust," he said. "This island is not only uninhabited but also a mangrove marshside. They sustain their diet from that."

"That's amazing," she breathed.

A flock of the beauties stood proudly at the shore, some balancing on just one slender leg. Their graceful long necks occasionally lowered towards the tide. A few stayed behind, tending to their young. Haifa approached cautiously to avoid disturbing them and set up her equipment. She captured footage from various angles, appreciating the elegance of the scene. Even Saira had her phone angled to take pictures of the fascinating creatures.

"Experts say that Africa is the true habitat for these birds, who migrate to escape winter. The Maldives has become one of their resting spots during migration," Basith explained. "Changes in the migratory paths of species are sadly a sign of catastrophic climate change," he continued. "We believe they are staying here so long because they have adapted to the marshland habitats here and because they no longer face human harm."

"Why didn't you bring me here before?" Haifa asked accusingly.

"They had just laid their eggs; we did not want to disturb their incubation period," he gestured towards the rear side of the beach. "See those mounds? Those were their nests."

Haifa looked at the places he had indicated, and then her gaze moved rapidly until she found what she was looking for – the tiny baby flamingos.

He nodded towards them. "They are called flaminglet. They are now a few weeks old."

"This is incredible."

"Zishan had kept this as a surprise; he had been excited to tell you for so long. I'm surprised he didn't come here today," Basith said.

Haifa's heart raced at the thought of him. How is that man capable of such sweetness, she had no idea. Her mind drifted back to the weeks before her arrival in Vavathi. She recalled asking Aish what love was, and Aish had replied saying that it was when the cheesy cliches from romantic movies began to happen in real life. From the meet-cute to the love confession, and now a grand gesture, Haifa realized that, if in a movie, this would be the part where she would run to Zishan.

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Have a wonderful day!