White Mehndi

Episode 1

Rafeeq stood at his office window, his gaze fixed on the bustling traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road below. The cars streamed by like a relentless river, transporting lives and dreams, yet his mind was far away, journeying back to a specific date two years ago - April 10th.

He had landed at the Dubai International Airport, a nervous young man from Kozhikode clutching a black shoulder bag. His eyes anxiously scanned the crowd, searching for his brother, Anwar. Relief washed over him as he spotted a familiar figure waving.

"Alhamdulillah! I panicked for a moment," Rafeeq exclaimed as he embraced Anwar in a warm hug.

Anwar chuckled and gave Rafeeq a playful punch on the stomach. "Let's move. She's waiting for you."

Intrigued, Rafeeq followed his brother as they navigated the airport and settled into Anwar's car. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the imposing skyscrapers that lined the city, a stark contrast to the familiar landscape of his hometown.

"Da (elder brother)," Rafeeq blurted out, "I thought I'd have to drive myself! You never mentioned this."

Anwar laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Get in the passenger seat, my dear brother. Dubai welcomes you."

As the car glided through the city, Rafeeq continued to marvel at the towering buildings and bustling streets.

"Brother," Rafeeq began hesitantly, "you mentioned you secured me a job as a sales manager at Al-Afer Hypermarket?"

"Yes," Anwar confirmed, "but are you even listening to me? You seem lost in the city's embrace."

Rafeeq sheepishly admitted, "It's true, Dubai has changed so much. But then again, this is my first visit, isn't it?"

They both shared a laugh, the tension easing from Rafeeq's shoulders. Soon, they arrived at Anwar's apartment complex.

"Come on," Anwar instructed, pointing towards the elevator. "Get down and catch that one."

Rafeeq entered the elevator, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The doors slid open on the third floor, and there, standing unexpectedly before him, was Mithra Nair.

Her eyes, however, were glued to her laptop, seemingly oblivious to Rafeeq's presence. A wave of emotions flooded him - surprise, nostalgia, and a lingering ache of a past love.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, blurring his vision. A single tear escaped his eye, rolling down his cheek and landing on his toes. Just as the elevator reached the eighth floor, Mithra stepped out, leaving Rafeeq frozen in a state of disbelief.

Anwar, observing his brother's troubled expression, inquired, "Rafeeq, what's wrong? Why are you acting so strange?"

But before Rafeeq could respond, the elevator doors closed, taking them to the tenth floor. The encounter had left him deeply shaken.

As they entered Anwar's apartment, Rafeeq felt an invisible force holding him back, a force he recognized as the universal law of love and its unpredictable ways.

Anwar called out, "Ameena, we're here!"

The door swung open, revealing Rafeeq's sister-in-law. Yet, his feet remained rooted to the spot, a battle raging within him.

Anwar, sensing his brother's internal conflict, urged him, "Come inside, Rafeeq. Ameena is waiting."

Hesitantly, Rafeeq entered the apartment. A red sofa adorned with a white cloth stood in the living room. He found himself gravitating towards it, his emotions a complex web of joy, sorrow, and confusion.

Ameena approached him, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong, Rafeeq? Why do you look so down? Why are you crying?" she questioned gently.

Anwar joined them, his gaze filled with concern. "I noticed something was off with you since the elevator. What's troubling you, brother?"

Rafeeq wiped his tears, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, brother. Just memories of our mother flooding back."

Although his explanation was partially true, it masked the deeper turmoil within him. Anwar, ever supportive, patted Rafeeq's shoulder and directed him towards the restroom.