Princess: Stepping Out of the Shadows by Jean Sasson

Author:Jean Sasson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Transworld
Published: 2018-08-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

* * *

Destroy the Guardianship Law

‘SULTANA,’ KAREEM SAID, as he held out an expectant hand to pull me near to him, ‘your feeling heart is the foundation of many of your troubles.’

I did not accept his hand, nor did I move closer. Despite our true love for one another, my husband and I often disagree, for he is a man with strong views but is married to a woman who has equally strong opinions of her own. Also, my husband is vastly different from his wife when it comes to charity, for he saves his greatest generosity for members of his family, while I derive the ultimate pleasure from helping the helpless, the majority of whom are strangers to me and who come to my attention through the efforts of others who are familiar with the work I do.

I was feeling exasperated, for Kareem and I were repeating the same words to each other for at least the fourth time since my illness three months before. But our conversations were becoming more heated, as my husband continued to push me to turn some of my charities over to our daughter Maha, so that we might enjoy more time together.

‘Kareem, when I believed that I might pass from this earth sooner than expected for a woman of my age, I knew then that I would not only continue my charities but that I would increase my efforts in helping those in need.’

Kareem clicked his tongue in annoyance. I could feel his impatience. ‘Sultana, living with you leads me to believe that our world is made up of nothing but abuse against the helpless. Yes, yes, yes, this earth we live on is populated with many abusers. And yes, I do know that there are many women in need of help. But Sultana, one lone woman cannot reform the world! After our frightful experience with your health, I had hoped you would work less and enjoy more leisure time with your husband, children and grandchildren.’ Then he stared at me for a few moments before laughing loudly. ‘Sultana, you should see your face. Those black eyes of yours are overflowing with fire!’

I chuckled. ‘Would you prefer that your wife be deceitful and wear a mask, never telling you how she feels?’

‘Well, no, Sultana, and I have never had a moment of concern that you do not tell me exactly what you are feeling at all times.’ He exhaled. ‘Ah, Sultana, of course I should have known you would never stop your charity work; however, I would be a happier husband if you might divide your week, working perhaps only four days and devoting three days to family. Why is this reasonable division not possible? Let us compromise, please.

‘My darling, you have the most caring heart, filled with empathy for others. But do not forget that you have a strong and determined daughter who is displaying her own caring heart. Maha has begun to devote much time to several projects that make a difference in lives.

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