Beneath Loves's Veil

5. One Galle Face

As I entered the mall, a refreshing blast of cool air greeted me, courtesy of the efficient air conditioning system. One Galle Face stood out as the most captivating mall in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with its modern architecture and inviting atmosphere. The abundance of shops and eateries beckoned me to explore every nook and cranny.

My first destination was Jezza, a fashion haven boasting a plethora of dresses that caught my eye. After perusing the racks, I settled on a stunning cream-colored kurta top adorned with elegant bell sleeves, paired with a flowing white dress embellished with intricate pink, purple, and peach embroidery along the cuffs, waist, and hem. With my purchases in hand, I ascended to the highest floor, eager to catch a glimpse of the beach from above.

Stepping onto the terrace, I was momentarily blinded by the brilliant sunlight. Apart from a handful of employees, the space was deserted. Making my way to the glass-walled edge, I let out a contented sigh as I beheld the breathtaking panorama before me. The vast expanse of the deep blue ocean stretched out endlessly, while to my right, construction for the ambitious Port City project was in full swing, a reminder of the city's ever-evolving skyline. Turning my gaze to the left, I spotted a grand hotel, its presence adding to the allure of the coastal view.

As I gazed at the ocean, memories of Amir came flooding back. There was a time when every glimpse of the sea would remind me of the distance between us. I'd try to brush it off, telling myself it was just a matter of oceans separating us. But looking back, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for the time I spent obsessing over him instead of enjoying the beauty of the ocean and being grateful for Allah's creation.

Turning away from the glass walls, the heat and my thoughts overwhelmed me. Seeking distraction, I made my way back into the mall, descending via the escalators.

I decided to head to Odel on one of the lower floors to find something special for each member of my family before grabbing a bite at the food court. Since my family loves perfume, I thought I'd check out the selection of designer fragrances.

Entering the brightly lit store, the array of perfume scents instantly brought a smile to my face. Eagerly, I looked forward to exploring the new arrivals. Since it was a weekday morning, I anticipated a quiet atmosphere, and I was right. Only three other customers were present: two Muslim women adorned in colorful shawls and black abayas engaged in animated conversation, and a man browsing a few shelves away. I silently welcomed their backs turned towards me, as I wasn't in the mood to engage with anyone at the moment.

Making my way to the section showcasing Givenchy perfumes, I reached for a sample bottle of Givenchy Irresistible EDP. As I pondered the fragrance, snippets of conversation from the women browsing the Versace perfumes caught my attention.

"I don't know what Sahar was thinking when she recommended that family to us," the lady in the blue shawl remarked, her voice tinged with familiarity. As I pondered where I had heard it before, I noticed the man moving closer, his attention focused on the perfumes displayed on the lower shelves.

Continuing her conversation, the lady remarked disdainfully, "The girl wasn't even good looking. She is 25 years old and on top of that doesn't even know how to cook. What an embarrassment," she tutted, her words dripping with judgment. "The girl's poor mother looked desperate, like she was begging us to say yes so she could get rid of that burden of a daughter," she continued, her tone laced with scorn.

"But we said we would give it an answer when we went home," she stated with a huff. "Once we got into the car, we all agreed that she could never marry our sweet Nasser."

Recognition struck me like a bolt of lightning as I realized the identity of the speaker. It was Nasser's aunt, the same woman who had visited me yesterday with her family.