Virgins of Paradise by Wood Barbara

Author:Wood, Barbara [Wood, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781596528895
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
Published: 2012-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

Like the rest of Cairo's rich, Dahiba and her husband Hakim Raouf had scaled down their life-style and stopped displaying their wealth. Although Raouf had friends in the government, and Dahiba was a favorite among members of the president's cabinet, they did not feel safe—no one did. So, along with her extravagant costumes, Dahiba had put away her furs and jewels, Raouf had dismissed their chauffeur. He drove the Chevrolet himself, and Dahiba arrived at the Club Cage d'Or like an ordinary citizen.

The were sitting in the living room, drinking coffee and eating oranges while they read movie scripts, when Camelia burst in. "I've brought someone to meet you!"

"Al hamdu lillah!" cried Raouf. "It is President Nasser himself!"

She laughed. "No, it's my grandmother. And she's waiting in the foyer."

Raouf's smile fell as he exchanged a glance with his wife.

"My dear," Dahiba said, rising from the sofa, "I don't think this was a good idea. Your grandmother will not approve of me, you have said so yourself."

"Yes, but we've had a long talk and she says she wants to meet you! You know how much I've wanted to be friends with Umma again. It was because of Yasmina's—It was something Yasmina said to me the other night at the club that made me decide to make amends with Umma. And she received me with so much joy! Perhaps deep down inside she doesn't approve of dancers, but please give her a chance. It means so much to me."

Dahiba looked at her husband, who quickly stood up and said, "I'm needed at the studio. I'll go out through the kitchen."

"I must warn you," Camelia said excitedly. "My grandmother is very old-fashioned. She doesn't go to movies or to nightclubs, so she's never heard of you. I hope you're not offended by that." She went out to the foyer, and came back, holding the door open for Amira. "Dahiba," she said, "I have the honor to introduce you to my grandmother. Umma, this is Dahiba, my teacher."

A moment of silence hung in the air, disturbed only by faint sounds of Cairo traffic in the street below. Then, with a sad smile, Dahiba said quietly, "Welcome to my house. Peace to you and the compassion of God."

Amira did not reply but stood there like a statue.

Dahiba sighed. "Won't you at least offer me a greeting, Mother?"

Amira turned, looked at Camelia and, without a word, walked out.

"Wait!" Camelia cried, running after her. "Umma, don't go!"

"Let her go, child," Dahiba said. "Let her go."

"I don't understand. Why did she leave? What happened?"

"Come here and sit down."

"Why did you call her Mother?"

"Because Amira is my mother. My real name is Fatima. I am Fatima Rasheed, and I am your aunt."

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