Chapter 54

• An emerald green satin kaftan Mahira gave to Rakia for her to wear to the Golden Fork tonight. Tiny jewels formed a sizable prism in the center. She rarely wore such elegant clothes, as time was not favorable for Rakia to wear such garments. When she did wear it, it fit her body like it was made for her. She looked graceful, covered, and elegant, a very different appearance from Rakia, the journalist. This time, it was like she was seeing herself on the other side, Rakia, the wife of a Dubai conglomerate. Rakia chuckled amusedly at the nickname in her mind. She continued to apply makeup to her face. She wore accessories on several body parts, like earrings, bracelets, and wedding rings.
• She curled her hair in a style she had briefly studied on the internet. She didn't want to look unprepossessing at this dinner, now that she had entered and become part of the life of a Dashtan from a high social strata family. She didn't want to look disappointing or embarrassing. Initially, Mahira tried to help her dress up. Still, Rakia refused and said she could do it, so her mother-in-law just gave her some jewelry she could use. Once she had enough of her makeup and hair, she sprayed perfume on her wrists and towards her neck. The fragrance was also a gift from her in-laws; the scent was soft and not overpowering, like the smell of flowers blooming in spring. Dashtan walked into the room looking stunning as she put on the perfume. Rakia looked at the man through the mirror and then turned around.
• When they met eyes, neither spoke as they admired each other. Rakia smiled and tried to break the ice.