Chapter 4 Reflections

"Hello, babes,"

With an air of regality, Zulfa gracefully strolled towards her friends, effortlessly captivating the surrounding scenery with her mesmerizing presence. Clad in an ensemble that perfectly accentuated her enchanting beauty and exquisite curves, she exuded an aura that justified her captivating allure. Her countenance radiated with a luminosity akin to that of a celestial star, illuminating the entire vicinity. It was as if she possessed an indefinable authority, one that could easily overshadow the impact of a decade-long conflict. Not a single male patron in the bustling eatery could resist stealing a glance at her, for her beauty was beyond measure, worthy of a description by a skilled writer.

"Babe, you're here," Sumeiyah and Fatimah said as they stood up and hugged each other.

Their friendship began years ago during their college days when they crossed paths in an art class. Bonding over shared passions and dreams, they quickly became inseparable. Through laughter and tears, they have built an unbreakable bond that has withstood the test of time. With each meeting, their friendship flourishes.

"What are we drinking, girls?" Zulfa inquired with a smile on her face, eager for a lively conversation.

With a voice filled with relaxation, Fatimah said, "I'm savoring a glass of wine."

Fatimah, hailing from a humble middle-class family, possessed a compassionate soul that resonated with those around her. Armed with a degree in accounting, she embarked on a journey to navigate the complexities of life, fueled by her unwavering determination and undying belief in the power of love.

Throughout her life, Fatimah had experienced her fair share of heartbreaks. Love, though elusive and sometimes unkind, never deterred her spirit. Instead, it fueled her desire to find that extraordinary connection, the one that would bring solace to her weary heart and complete the missing piece of her existence. With each disappointment, she found the strength to pick herself up and continue her quest for a love that would stand the test of time.

Despite the setbacks and moments of doubt, Fatimah's resolve remained unshaken. She refused to succumb to cynicism or surrender to the notion that love was an unattainable dream. Instead, she clung to the belief that one day, fate would align, and she would encounter the one who would be her perfect match, her destined partner, and her long-awaited rib.

"What about you, Sumeiyah?" Zulfa turned to her, curious about her choice of drink.

"Same here, my dear."

"When will you stop copying Fatimah?"

Zulfa and Fatimah laughed as Zulfa signaled the attendant to come.

"I don't copy her ooo, she is the one that won't stop reading my mind." She continued, "I miss you girls so much."

"I miss us too." She continued, "It's all Zulfa's fault," Fatimah said.

"Babe, how is it my fault?"

"Who is the one that is always busy?"

"She is not the one oooo, but our economics teacher," Sumeiyah said, and they all burst into laughter.

Sumeiyah, hailing from a prestigious high-class family much like Zulfa, pursued her passion for accounting and graduated with distinction. With an alluring blend of beauty and intelligence, she possessed a magnetic charm that attracted attention wherever she went. Sumeiyah was a woman of strong will and determination, unafraid to assert herself and pursue her desires.

While Sumeiyah shared Fatimah's belief in the power of love, she approached it with a sense of exploration and adventure. She saw life as an opportunity to experience different relationships, to understand herself better, and to fully embrace her independence before committing to marriage. Sumeiyah believed that love was not confined to societal norms or timelines but rather a personal journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Her striking beauty and captivating personality drew men to her like moths to a flame. Suitors vied for her attention, captivated by her charisma and charm.

"Absolutely! I've missed you both," Zulfa said, holding her friends' hands.

"Welcome to the 3D Eatery, where beauty unfolds in every dimension," the attendant said.

As you step through the entrance of 3D Eatery, you are instantly transported to a realm where aesthetics and culinary delights converge. The ambiance is an immersive feast for the senses, enveloping you in a symphony of colors, textures, and captivating design.

The interior of the 3D Eatery is a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity. Intricate patterns dance across the walls, harmoniously blending with captivating lighting effects that create an ever-changing kaleidoscope of visual marvels. Each corner reveals a new surprise, as sculptural installations and artistic displays engage your imagination.

The tables and seating arrangements are meticulously crafted, boasting an elegant fusion of comfort and style. Exquisite furnishings, adorned with intricate patterns and luxurious materials, invite you to relax and savor the experience. As you settle in, you'll notice the fine details that elevate the ambiance - delicate table settings, tasteful floral arrangements, and an attention to perfection that permeates every aspect of the eatery.

"Do you girls remember how he used to make those hilarious analogies?" Fatimah asked.

"Oh, I remember! Our economics teacher was a character for sure," Sumeiyah continued. "Always coming up with the weirdest examples to explain economic concepts."

"Alright, let's do it! Who wants to go first?" Fatimah asked.

"I'll give it a shot!" Zulfa cleared her throat and continued, "Imagine you're a pizza delivery person, right? And the demand for pizza suddenly skyrockets, just like inflation. So, you have to make more pizzas, but you're the only one who knows how to make them. What happens? Your productivity increases, and your wage shoots up like a rocket!"

"Haha! That's spot on! I can totally picture our teacher saying that. Okay, here's mine: 'Picture yourself as a farmer, cultivating potatoes. Now, imagine there's a drought and your potato crops suffer. The scarcity of potatoes drives up the price, and suddenly, everyone wants to buy your spuds. You, my friend, are now a potato tycoon!'" Sumeiyah said.

"Oh, that's hilarious! I can't believe we used to sit through those lectures with straight faces," Fatimah said.

"I swear, my dear," Zulfa said.

Fatimah continued, "Alright, let me give it a shot. 'Imagine you're a monopolist controlling the supply of bubblegum in the market. You squeeze out all competition, and soon, every kid in town wants your bubblegum. The demand becomes inelastic, and you have the power to set the price as high as Mount Everest!"

"Hahaha! That's so true! Our teacher had a knack for making the driest topics sound entertaining. I miss those days, and I miss his eccentricity," Zulfa said.

"Me too. Those classes may have been challenging, but they were never boring. Our economics teacher made sure of that," Fatimah said.

"Absolutely. He taught us valuable lessons while keeping us engaged. I guess we owe him some credit for where we are today. Who would've thought economics could be so much fun?" Sumeiyah asked.

"True, true. Cheers to our economic teacher and the memorable times we had in college! May his bizarre analogies live on in our hearts and laughter," Zulfa said, raising her glass of wine.

"Cheers! To our economic teacher and the good times!" Sumeiyah and Fatimah laughed as they raised their glasses.

"So babe, you were telling me something on the phone the other time," Sumeiyah said, looking at Fatimah.

"Are you referring to me?" Fatimah asked.

"No, I'm referring to your left ass," she continued. "Talk to us, what has been occupying your thoughts?" Sumeiyah asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"Well, lately, I've been engrossed in contemplation about the intricacies of love and relationships," Fatimah replied, her tone contemplative.

"Uh-oh, it seems like someone has been bitten by the love bug again!" Zulfa interjected playfully, encouraging Fatimah to open up further.

Sumeiyah chuckled heartily and chimed in, "Yes, do share, my dear. What's been happening?"

"I've been spending a significant amount of time with this young man, and I must admit, I've developed strong feelings for him."

"Who is he, and what is his name?" Sumeiyah said.

"His name is Idris, and he is a uniformed man," Fatimah continued. "However, at times, I find myself questioning whether it's genuine love or mere infatuation," Fatimah confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Idris, a disciplined and dedicated individual, is a man of the uniform. With a stoic demeanor and unwavering commitment to his duty, he exemplifies the true essence of a uniformed professional. Clad in his crisp attire, Idris exudes confidence and authority, effortlessly commanding respect from those around him. Whether he is patrolling the streets, protecting the community, or rendering assistance in times of crisis, Idris stands tall as a symbol of reliability and trustworthiness. Behind the badge and beneath the uniform lies a man of integrity, driven by a deep sense of purpose to serve and safeguard those he has sworn to protect.

"That's indeed true. But suppose you encounter someone who seems perfect for you in every aspect except for one," Fatimah raised a thought-provoking question.

"What do you mean?" Zulfa inquired with curiosity.

"So, you were still attentively listening to our conversation," Fatimah teased.

"I didn't really have a choice," Zulfa replied with a smile.

"I know what you mean. It can be hard to tell sometimes, especially when you're in the early stages of a relationship. Everything seems perfect, and you're not sure if it's real or just a fantasy," said Sumeiyah.

"Exactly! And it doesn't help that there are so many different opinions on what love is and how it's supposed to feel," said Fatimah.

"Yeah, that's true. Everyone has their own definition of love," Sumeiyah said.

"Why aren't you uttering a word, darling?" Sumeiyah inquired, her gaze fixed upon Zulfa.

"I simply lack the words, as you're well aware that love and I have never seen eye to eye," she responded, taking a sip of her resplendent wine.

Red wine captivates with its enchanting blend of flavors. Upon first sip, you are greeted with luscious notes of ripe berries, reminiscent of sun-kissed summer days. The wine gracefully dances on your tongue, revealing hints of dark cherries and plums, layered with a gentle touch of vanilla and subtle undertones of spice. Its velvety texture caresses your mouth, leaving a lingering, satisfying finish. Crafted with precision and passion, this non-alcoholic red wine offers a symphony of taste that rivals its alcoholic counterparts, ensuring a gratifying experience for all.

"Listen, babe, I understand that you're putting up a tough exterior, but trust me, when the right moment arrives, you won't be able to resist its allure," Fatimah assured.

"Until then, I'll continue relishing my existence. (Laughs)," Zulfa declared, embracing the joy of the present moment.

"As we were saying babe, I think love is when you care about someone more than you care about yourself. When their happiness becomes your happiness, and their pain becomes your pain," Sumeiyah said.

"I completely agree with that perspective. However, when considering the aspect of physical attraction, shouldn't we acknowledge its significant role in the process of falling in love?" inquired Fatimah.

"Undoubtedly, physical attraction holds its importance. Nevertheless, relying solely on physical attraction is insufficient to sustain a fulfilling relationship. Emotional and intellectual compatibility are equally vital," explained Sumeiyah. "A profound connection should be established on multiple levels, allowing for meaningful conversations, mutual understanding, and unwavering support."

"Let's say you meet someone with whom you share an exceptional bond, but they hold divergent aspirations for the future. For instance, you desire to settle down and have children, while they yearn to travel the world without any attachments," Fatimah elaborated.

"That's indeed a challenging scenario. In such cases, you must weigh the significance of the relationship against your personal goals and aspirations," Sumeiyah advised.

They both turned their gaze towards Zulfa while she let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh, please don't let me interrupt. Carry on," she said, spreading her arms in a gesture of encouragement. "Ah, the complexities of relationships and love," Zulfa murmured to herself, her voice barely audible, as if sharing a secret with the universe.

Sumeiyah expressed, "Indeed, it's perfectly fine to have divergent goals as long as you're open to compromise and find a middle ground that satisfies both parties."

Fatimah inquired, "That makes sense. However, when you're initially dating someone, how can you determine if they're the right person for you?"

Sumeiyah replied, "I believe you have to trust your instincts. If being with them brings you happiness and allows you to be your authentic self, then that's a positive sign. It's also important not to dismiss any warning signs. If something feels off, it's crucial not to ignore it."

Fatimah acknowledged, "That's valuable advice. But what about maintaining love in a long-term relationship? How do you keep the spark alive?"

Zulfa interjected, "Teemah, did you come prepared with love and relationship questions? Seriously..."

"Sume, are you tired of my questions?" Fatimah asked Sumeiyah.

Sumeiyah assured, "Not at all, babe. I'm thoroughly enjoying our conversation, so let's continue."

Both Sumeiyah and Fatimah shared a hearty laugh together.

"I think it's important to keep things fresh and exciting. Try new things together, go on adventures, surprise each other, and communicate. You need to be open and honest with each other, even when it's hard," Sumeiyah said.

"Yeah, I think communication is key. But what if you're not good at communicating?" she asked.

"Then it's something you need to work on. Communication is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Don't be afraid to seek help if you need it. Couples therapy can be really helpful in improving," Sumeiyah said.

"I've grown weary of this conversation, ladies. We must either alter our topic of discussion or you guys force me to take my leave," Zulfa exclaimed with frustration evident in her voice.

Sumeiyah responded, her tone filled with contemplation, "Ah, your perennial aversion to delving into matters of relationships. Very well, propose a new subject then."

Curiosity sparked within Zulfa as she inquired, "Have any of you come across the latest fashion and style trends that have captivated your attention as of late?"

Zulfa's phone vibrated vigorously, grabbing her attention. With a curious glance, she unlocked the screen and discovered a message that instantly altered her mood.

"Ladies, regrettably, I must bid you farewell," she declared, her voice reflecting a mix of urgency and concern.

Perplexed, both of them inquired in unison, "What's the matter? What happened?"

"I'll fill you girls in later," she reassured them, attempting to conceal the gravity of the situation. Turning towards the waiter, she calmly requested, "Include it on my tab and forward the bill to me."

Feeling a pang of sadness, she embraced her friends tightly, savoring the warmth of their presence, before reluctantly departing from the gathering.