"That's your surprise, Raya!" Zara said enthusiastically when I looked at the place decorated with lights while party songs echoed around us.

"Why are we here, Zara?" I demanded an answer from her as I stared at her.

"I am sorry! But believe me, this would ease your stress." She said while pressing my hands with her palms.

"Can you hear yourself, Zara?" I asked in disbelief.

"I will be with you and protect you. Please." She said with pleading eyes.

I snorted and looked around. The place was giving me mixed vibes where I wanted this as my distraction, yet I feared it.

"You have my word, Raya!" Zara said, and I thought to give in for her. I believed her more than myself.

"As you wish!" I said, and she jumped with excitement as she held my hand. We both walked into the dark place.

As soon as we stepped in, I saw new people around me. They were all in their own worlds-dancing, talking, drinking, romancing, laughing, and being themselves. This way, they all looked happy to me. I don't know if they were genuine, but I felt jealous of them as, for some lame reason, they got to smile that way and laugh freely.

"Careful, Ya Amirati." He said, and my eyes opened to look at him.

We were close to each other as if we were habayeb (beloved).

"Do I know you?" I asked him while still close to him. Literally clinging to him.

"Hmm. Maybe we can get to know each other now." He said, his voice calm and rough.

I tried to separate us, but suddenly I felt everything turning upside down, and the next moment, I found him helping me out of the crowd.

"Zara!" I shouted, but we were already out of the place where people were partying.

"She is not here." He informed me, and I tried looking around.

We were near a swimming pool, and now I was seated on a chaise lounge.

The man standing in front of me bent down to my face level, and once again, we were close.

Perhaps too close!