A stylish woman with fair skin, a sculpted nose, and large, captivating eyes stood tall and slender, almost fragile-looking. At first glance, you'd place her among the classy women who are fashionable, well-to-do, and most importantly, wealthy.
She gently removed her sunglasses and then blew a soft breath from her mouth as she adjusted the thin veil around her neck, holding it together with the strap of her small handbag.
She looked around, taking in the well-kept living room, which smelled strongly of room fragrance. She adjusted the curtains she had pulled aside, attached them to their holders, and continued to walk gracefully through the room with the confidence and poise that had become second nature to her.
"Wow, cooking... cooking... cooking, nice! Noor! What are you doing to us with this delicious smell filling the house already?"
A man emerged from a door connected to the living room, wearing three-quarter-length trousers and a brown T-shirt. Stealthily, he crept up behind her, and before she knew it, he lifted her off the ground.
She screamed, and he quickly blew air into her ear. She started kicking her feet in the air, but he didn't let go. Instead, he held her tightly and whispered in her ear, "Noor, huh? You prefer Noor over Ahmed, don't you?"
She burst into laughter, and he gently put her down. She turned, cupped his cheek, and ran her hand through his beautiful beard. "Wait, you scared me! But what are you doing at home? Weren't you supposed to be at work, Barka?" she asked, looking at him intently and pointing her finger at him.
He flashed a broad smile, showing all his teeth. "Cooking," he replied.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but before she could say anything, he quickly placed a finger on her lips. "Shh... to surprise you, darling, and that's what happened."
"Oh my God, I still doubt it. Why cooking? What’s the point of having Noor?"
He ignored her question by distracting her with kisses, starting from her neck, moving to her chest, and up to her forehead, whispering sweet words, "I've missed you so much, my one. I missed you, ummuhh, ummuhh," he continued kissing her.
She hugged him tightly, laughing heartily, with her head resting on his shoulder, and said, "I miss you more, my love."