“Complicated”
Episode 5
Temidayo, her friend, arrived the next day, and together they signed up for the hotel’s tourism program. Dubai, known for its beauty, awaited their exploration. Each morning, they would leave their hotel and not return until the evening. For two days, they visited numerous enjoyable locations.
During their adventures, they marveled at the architectural wonders of the Burj Khalifa, standing tall against the skyline, and the historic charm of the Al Fahidi Quarter. They took a leisurely cruise down the Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling waterway. At the Dubai Mall, they indulged in a shopping spree, exploring its vast array of shops and boutiques. The evenings were spent dining at exquisite restaurants, where they tasted a variety of local and international cuisines. Their journey was filled with new experiences and delightful discoveries, deepening their appreciation of the city.
On the third day, after staying out late the previous night, they chose to sleep in. Waking up at noon, they decided to hit the mall for some shopping, but first, they stopped at a café for brunch. While nearly finished with their meal, her friend leaned in and whispered, “Don’t look now, but there’s a guy who’s been watching you since we arrived.”
“Me? You must be mistaken. I usually don’t attract that kind of attention.”
“Maybe not usually, but he’s definitely looking your way now. And I don’t blame him; you’ve been so much more relaxed since escaping your family’s constant pressure. Plus, you look stunning in that dress.”
“You’re the one who convinced me to buy it. I could never wear this back home; my mother would have a heart attack.”
“He’s coming over now—don’t look.”
Ore froze, trying not to turn her head. She felt a shadow loom over her and then turned quietly.
“Hello, my name is Farouk. I noticed you girls are from Nigeria.”
“How can you tell?” Temi inquired.
“You spoke pidgin. Do you mind if I join you, ladies?”
“Sure,” Temi replied.
Farouk took a seat, his gaze fixed on Ore, who appeared visibly uncomfortable. “Hello,” he said, looking directly at her. Ore, caught off guard, managed only a stiff smile.
“So, Farouk, what brings you to Dubai?” Temi asked.
“A much-needed vacation,” he replied.
“And how is that going?” she continued.
“Up until now, quite boring,” he admitted, his eyes still on Ore as he spoke.
“I didn’t catch your names,” he added.
“I’m Temidayo, but my friends call me Temi, and this is my friend Oreoluwa, Ore for short.”
“Oreoluwa, God’s gift. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman,” he complimented, making Ore blush.
“So, what brings you girls here all by yourselves?”
“We’re on vacation, just like you,” Temi answered.
“Great, then allow me to be your tour guide. I have three more days before my vacation ends,” Farouk proposed.
“That sounds wonderful. I leave tomorrow night, but Ore here stays until the weekend.”
“Good, then finish your food and let’s hit the road,” Farouk suggested eagerly.
After that, Ore lost her appetite. Farouk paid for their food, and they all left together. Along the way, Ore pulled Temi aside. “Why did you invite him to come along?”
“Why not? The more, the merrier, and it seems he likes you.”
“I’m married, remember?”
“Where is your husband? Didn’t he abandon you here to follow another woman? Look, you don’t have to do anything with him; just enjoy the attention.”
“And you think that’s all he wants? I might be inexperienced with men, but I know when a man wants more from me.”
“Would that really be such a bad thing?”
“Yes, I’m a Christian.”
“I’m a Christian too.”
“Temi, you’re going to get me into trouble. We have to stop this now before things get out of hand.”
Just then, Farouk called out to them. “Hey ladies, what’s causing the delay?”
“We’re coming,” Temi called back, then whispered to Ore, “You don’t have to do anything, just enjoy the attention.”
Ore tried to just enjoy the attention, but she wasn’t used to it. Farouk was extremely attentive, doing things for her without being asked and even buying her several gifts before the day ended.
They all ended up having dinner together. By then, Ore had relaxed a bit as Farouk proved to be good company and quite funny.
“I’ve planned a trip to Abu Dhabi tomorrow. Don’t worry, Temi, we’ll be back in time for you to catch your flight.”
“Excellent, thank you! I really had fun today.”
“I’m glad to hear that. And you, Ore, did you enjoy yourself today?”
“Yeah, it was fun. How did you come to know Dubai so well?”
“I’ve been coming here on vacation since I was young. So, what do you girls do?”
The conversation continued into the night, and at 10 pm, they all said goodnight and returned to their hotel room.
Back in their room, Temi couldn’t stop talking about Farouk. She praised his handsome looks, gentle demeanour, and his apparent interest in Ore. Ore had to eventually quiet her down so they could sleep. Temi fell asleep quickly, but Ore was wide awake, feeling conflicted. She had never met someone like Farouk before; yes, he was handsome and seemed interested in her, but she wasn’t comfortable. She noticed other girls giving him looks and concluded that either something was off about him, or he was a spy sent to monitor her, a notion she wouldn’t put past her father.
That night, Ore struggled to sleep. Farouk appeared in her dreams, whispering sweet nothings, and they ended up together in her room. Then, in the dream, Adetola walked in on them, and a fight ensued. She woke up with a start, realizing it was all a dream. Frightened, she thought to herself, ‘God help me, I have to be careful.’
Thanks for reading,
Tbc
Jumie Naths
