The SHEIKH's PROPOSAL - An ASYA SS Chap 1 updtd - Page 5

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Chapter 1

Zoya stepped out into the slanting rays of the afternoon sun; excited. She had been very eager to explore the city and so she had stepped out even though she had just arrived the previous day.

From her research she had come to know that Amistad was actually one supreme city which had many countries under it and were collectively known as the The Republic of Amistad.

The country's government was a unique one as the monarch reign coexisted along with a people's government. The subservient countries paid a minimal annual income to the main city and their rulers enjoyed their rights and were well protected from coups and its likes. Though the system did not seem democratic at first glance yet a detailed view at the system and observing no animosity in the states or among the people, one could deduce that the place was not only a content nation but a prosperous one at that.

When Zoya had first heard of the place she had been intrigued and curious to know how such a system worked so well. It had been her curiosity and her situation which had led her to embark a journey here. And now she had no intention of leaving soon.

She stood at the end of the street to her hotel, undecided on which way to proceed, not wanting to get lost. She jumped when a cheerful voice sounded in her ears, 'Halooo!'

She looked around and saw nobody talking to her. Shrugging her shoulders, she turned to go back when she heard a pair of feet stomp and shout 'Down here!'

She turned again and looked down and blinked her eyes. Standing in front of her was a person of short stature his red shirt held together by a black belt, a caramel coloured khaki pants and black boots; his beady yet twinkling eyes making him appear very much like Walt Disney's Doc of "Snow white and seven Dwarfs"! The only thing missing was a pair of glasses and sloppy hat to complete the attire.

She was amused when he bowed low and addressed her in a courteous voice 'At your service, Maam!'

She giggled wondering if she had somehow crossed the barrier to a fairy tail world. Bemused she asked him, 'What service?'

'To show you, beautiful lady my; beautiful country.' he answered in improper English. He then took out a card and handed it to her.

'I not dangerous!'

She looked at the card which gave the details of the person in front of her and gave him the permit to give tourists and newcomers a tour of the country.

'Aftab?' Zoya asked him as the man stood looking at his shoes and wringing his hands in nervousness.

'That's me. But you can call Alf, beautiful lady.' he said not meeting her eyes.

Zoya laughed. 'Alf, don't call me beautiful lady.'

'But you are a beautiful lady.'

She squatted low so that she was level with him and spoke 'Thank you Alf but I would prefer if you call me Zoya. Wouldn't it be difficult if you had to call me beautiful lady throughout the entire tour? '

It was then Alf looked up at her and she saw disbelief in his eyes.

'You will tour with me, beautiful lady?'

'It's Zoya for you, Alf. And yes I will see this country with you. Why do you think I will not?'

'Be.ee cause other people don't like Alf. They think I too short so I not capable'I'did not think you will go with me''

Zoya took his hands in hers and gave him a warm smile. 'But I will go with you Alf; I don't care what the people think about you. It's a person's heart that matters not his height. And I think you are very good person.'

He stared at her for a second before his face broke into a toothy grin. 'You not only beautiful but very kind lady also.'

Zoya laughed and then changed the subject. 'So when do we start?'

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Zoya and Alf started off the next day as Alf had insisted that she take adequate rest. Her instinct that had told her to trust in Alf and give him a chance did not let her down. The lack in his height was made up by his enthusiasm and his cheerful spirit. He took her to the numerous ancient monuments that were in perfect condition and gave her an informative view about the history and culture of Amistad. From his fervent talk Zoya could make out how much Alf loved the country.

And that went for nearly every person in the city. People were amicable, warm and very flexible. Though they protected their culture and heritage fiercely; they welcomed and blended easily with people whose culture was totally different from their own. And so Zoya saw an amazing merger of Western life with the traditional way of Amistad. Needless to say she was enchanted.

It was afternoon by the time Zoya and Alf dropped into a local restaurant to appease their hungry stomachs. They conversed animatedly and Alf let her know that her tour was far from over.

'I really loved all the monuments; the architecture is so intricate! It is so beautiful. What's next on the agenda?' Zoya asked.

Alf's eyes shone with excitement. 'I only ask you to take your purse!'

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Red. Blue. Orange. Yellow. Pink. All the vibrant colours available in the world seemed to be concentrated in this one place.

The Bazaar.

It was not a Shopper's Stop. It was a Shopper's Paradise. The Bazaar was an initiative by the Amistad government to push up the sales of traditional items and clothes. So there was no sign of any Gucci, Prada or Nike outlet. It was purely local.

It was pure heaven.

Zoya was mesmerized by the sight of scores of stalls selling anything and everything. Merchants shouted their wares and customers haggled over the prices. She saw a lot of foreign people who were as enthralled as her taking in the colourful sight.

She looked at her efficient guide who had a wide grin stretched across his face.

'You like to shop?'

'This is absolutely gorgeous Alf!'

'You enjoy! Alf meet at the Clock tower after one hour.' he said gesturing towards a huge tower some distance away that sported a huge clock.

'Okay.' she chirped and waved him goodbye.

Zoya wandered around feeling relaxed. The light banter and the red and orange hues of the setting sun made the place look very surreal. She went towards a stall that boasted it sold the world's best camel hair scarves.

The man was very friendly and assured her that the camels were not harmed. She chose one which was as soft silk; paid for it and then continued her wandering.

Her attention was caught by a young boy of two. He looked absolutely adorable and cherubic and was waddling after his mother who was doing some shopping. She looked around herself having a nagging feeling that she was being watched. But she ignored it finding that everyone was busy in their work.

After some time she spotted the child again bereft the parent. She was stepping towards him and looking around for his mother when she heard a high pitched neighing sound and a few shrieks.

Turning she saw a man on a brown horse and it looked as if he had lost control. The little boy was right in their path. Zoya panicked and did not give a second thought as she sprinted towards the boy and enveloped him in her arms just seconds away from the impact. The chaotic crowd prevented her from pulling away and she clutched the boy to herself awaiting her death.

The horse was almost on top of them when she heard another clatter of hooves. The next second she felt a rush of wind and felt body along with the boy being lifted up. A pair of warm, strong arms encased her, silently promising that she was safe.

She opened her eyes and saw that she was atop a black stallion, the child safe in her arms. They were trotting towards the entrance of The Bazaar. She looked up to thank the person and was frozen in her place.

His eyes.

She could not see his face as it was covered by a black cloth so that it only revealed his eyes. His eyes were the most arresting pair she had seen in her lifetime. They were black fire and smothered with unadulterated dominance and power. His brows were strong and determined and she could feel the magnetic pull as she felt the closeness between them. Her back was pressed against the vast of his chest and their faces were too close.

The whimper of the child broke their intimate stance. The man leapt off the stallion gracefully and gave her his hand. Zoya pulled the child in her arms and gave her hand. He took her hand kissed it lightly through his covered lips sending a shiver down her back. He rested it on his shoulder as he looped his arm around her and kept his hand lightly around her waist while he tucked his other arm under her legs. Then he lifted her off in bridal style. Their gazes locked while she was their in his arms and time seemed to stall for a while. Then he gently set her down on her feet.

'Are you fine, Habibti?' he asked in a low, husky voice that ignited unfamiliar feelings in her. She nodded slightly not finding her voice.

The agonized cry of a woman and shout of Alf threw her back to real world. The man nodded and took her hand and brushed his lips across again and said, 'Later Habibti, goodbye for now.'

He sprang elegantly on the black stallion, spurred the animal on as he raced towards the setting orb, kicking a cloud of dust, leaving behind a dazed Zoya.

PS -Habibti means My love or Darling in Arabic.

AMISTAD IS A PLACE WHICH EXISTS IN THE REALM OF MY IMAGINATION...NO CONFUSION THERE!

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