Whispers Beneath The Veil
The proposal
[Jeddah – Al-Rashid Residence]
The study smelled faintly of oud. Khalid Al-Rashid sat upright, his hands resting on the carved armrest of his chair. Rayyan stood before him, shoulders squared.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
“Rayyan, my son.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
"Baba."
He kissed his father’s hand respectfully and remained standing.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
“You have returned from abroad, you serve the family business, and you carry our name with dignity. Now it is time you carry a household of your own. The Al-Faisals of Riyadh are honorable people. Their daughter is of marriageable age. I have spoken to Sheikh Omar.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Baba, if this is your decision, then I submit to it. The Al-Faisals are respected. Their daughter will be treated with the honor of our house.”
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
(nodding): “That is what I expect from you. Remember, a wife is amanah, a trust from Allah. You must be her shield, her dignity, her provider.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Insha’Allah, Baba. I will not fail you.”
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
gaze softened for a moment.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
“You are my eldest. If you lead well, your brother and sister will follow your example.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
I understand.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
Tomorrow, we will give our answer to the Al-Faisals.
Zayd pushed open Rayyan’s door, grinning, tossing himself onto his brother’s bed.
Zayd Al-Rashid
“So, it’s true? Baba’s found you a bride from Riyadh?”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(sighs) “Yes. The daughter of Sheikh Omar."
Zayd Al-Rashid
”I've heard the Al-Faisals are strict. But don’t worry, akhi (brother), I’m sure she’s decent. At least you won’t have to deal with someone shallow. And if she’s from Riyadh, she must be raised to respect tradition.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(quietly)
"That is what Baba wishes. I will accept it.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(Teasing, but softer)
“Hmm. Obedient as always. Just don’t turn into a statue on your wedding day.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
“You know, akhi…(brother) I think she’ll be good for you. Riyadh's girls are strong. Don’t be so stiff with her.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Strength in a wife is not for me to demand. It is for me to respect.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
“Hmm. You sound like Baba already.”
[Riyadh – Al-Faisal Residence]
The majlis was quiet. Omar Al-Faisal sat with his son Yusuf, his presence filling the room. Noor entered silently, placing a tray of tea on the table, then stepped back, hands folded.
Sheikh Omar Al-Faisal
“Yusuf, your sister is twenty-four. We cannot delay her marriage any longer.”
Yusuf Al-Faisal
Yes, Baba. Whom do you intend for her?
Sheikh Omar Al-Faisal
“The al-Rashid of Jeddah. Sheikh Khalid’s son, Rayyan. He is well-educated, respected, and carries his family’s name with dignity. A strong household deserves a strong alliance.”
Yusuf Al-Faisal
“It is a good match. Our families’ values align. Noor will live with honor there.”
Sheikh Omar Al-Faisal
(leaned back slightly)
“Sheikh Khalid and I have spoken. They will give us their answer tomorrow. You will handle the details, Yusuf.”
Yusuf Al-Faisal
“I will, Baba. Consider it done.”
Across the room, Noor lowered her eyes further, her knuckles white where they pressed into her lap.
Sheikh Omar Al-Faisal
(Omar’s voice carried again)
“I trust Noor to carry herself as her mother did. Silent, dignified, obedient. This is the way of our family.”
Yusuf Al-Faisal
(his gaze flicked briefly toward his sister)
“She understands, Baba. Noor has always been dutiful.”
Reem sat near the edge of the cushions, phone hidden under her abaya. Her gaze darted toward Noor, searching her face for reaction. Noor gave none.
Sheikh Omar Al-Faisal
(firmly)
“Yusuf, remember—this marriage is not only about Noor. It is about us. About the Al-Faisals’ honor. See that everything is handled correctly.”
Yusuf Al-Faisal
"Yes, Baba. It will be.”
The room fell silent again. The men spoke of alliances; the women remained shadows in the corners.
Reem slipped into Noor’s room after their father retired.
Reem Al-Faisal
(whispering)
“Ukhti…( sister) don’t you wish you could say no?”
Noor turned her gaze to the darkened window
Noor Al-Faisal (FL)
“Some things are not ours to refuse, Reem.”
The silence that followed was heavier than any words could be.
Chapter 1. Homecoming
[King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah]
The warm air of Jeddah carried the scent of oud and sea salt. 𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐲𝐚𝐧 stepped through arrivals, suitcase in hand, his posture straight, his expression calm after the long London flight.
His family driver, Faris, rushed forward.
Faris ( Driver)
“Alhamdulillah ‘ala as-salama, Ustadh Rayyan.”
(“Praise be to God for your safe return, Master Rayyan.”)
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(nodding with a faint smile) “Shukran, Faris. How is Baba?”
Faris ( Driver)
“He waits for you at home. Everyone does.”
𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐲𝐚𝐧 handed his bag over and slid into the black SUV, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. Jeddah was alive, vibrant even at night. Yet his chest carried the heavy stillness of duty.
[Al-Rashid Residence – Jeddah]
The grand gates opened. As the car rolled into the courtyard, the familiar sight of palm trees swaying gently greeted him. Inside, the aroma of fresh gahwa filled the air.
Rayyan stepped into the majlis, and there she was—his mother, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐥-𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝
Samira Al-Rashid
(rising quickly, arms outstretched)
“Habeebi, ibni! Ahlan wa sahlan!”
(“My beloved, my son! Welcome, welcome!”)
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
Rayyan bent to kiss her forehead and her hands respectfully.
Rayyan: “Ummi… I missed you.”
Samira cupped his face, eyes glossy.
Samira Al-Rashid
“You’ve grown thinner in London. Do they not feed you there?”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(soft chuckle)
“You’ll fatten me up soon enough, Ummi.”( mom)
A deeper voice cuts through the warmth. His father, 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐤𝐡 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐥-𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝, stood tall, his white thobe pristine, his presence commanding.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
“Rayyan.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(moved quickly, bowing his head, kissing his father’s hand.)
“Baba.”
Sheikh Khalid Al-Rashid
(voice steady.)
“You are home now. London is behind you. Here, you carry our name again.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Na‘am, Baba. I will not fail.”
( Yes, dad/ father)
Before 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝 could reply, a whirlwind burst into the room. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦, his younger sister, practically bounced across the marble floor, her abaya flowing.
Mariam Al-Rashid
“Finally! London let you go! Do you know how boring this house is without you, akhi?"
( Brother/big brother)
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
( Lips twitched into the faintest smile)
“Mariam… still loud as ever.”
Mariam Al-Rashid
(Rolled her eyes, tugging his arm)
"Loud? Please. You’re just too serious. Wallah, I thought you forgot us!”
Samira Al-Rashid
(scolding gently)
“Mariam! Respect your brother.”
Mariam Al-Rashid
(grinning)
“I am respecting him. I missed him.”
𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐲𝐚𝐧 shook his head but allowed her to cling to him, the corners of his mouth softening.
[Later That Evening – Rayyan’s Room]
The house had quieted down after dinner. Rayyan removed his coat and placed it neatly on the chair. Just as he sat on the edge of his bed, the door flew open.
His younger brother tackled him in a hug so tight Rayyan nearly lost balance.
Zayd Al-Rashid
“Rayyaaan! My akhi is back!”
( brother)
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(grunting, laughing softly)
“You’re crushing me, ya majnoon (crazy one).”
Zayd Al-Rashid
“You’re not allowed to leave again. I swear I’ll chain you to this room if you try.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(patting his back)
“You know London was for work. I’m home now.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
“Baba tried to make me behave while you were gone. Impossible task. You should’ve seen his face when I called the driver by his nickname.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(amused, shaking his head)
“One day, your jokes will get you in real trouble.”
𝐙𝐚𝐲𝐝 flopped dramatically onto the bed, hands behind his head.
Zayd Al-Rashid
“So… tell me. Did you go to her yet?”
𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐲𝐚𝐧 paused, unlacing his cufflinks slowly.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“No. Not yet. I came straight home.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(mock gasp)
“Astaghfirullah! She must be furious. You know how she gets when you leave her waiting.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(Rayyan’s lips curved into the faintest smile)
Rayyan: “She’ll forgive me. She always does.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
( turned his head, eyes narrowing playfully.)
"If the family overheard us, they’d drag you straight into the courtyard for questioning.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
Rayyan said nothing, only smirked faintly, gaze drifting toward the window where the moonlight spilled across the floor.
Zayd Al-Rashid
( grinned wider)
“Wallah, you’re hopeless.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
Rayyan chuckled softly
Najm
[Al-Rashid Residence – Morning]
Rayyan adjusted his cufflinks as he headed for the door. Mariam spotted him from the staircase, arms folded.
Mariam Al-Rashid
"Sabah Al-Khair, akhi"
( Good morning)
Mariam Al-Rashid
“Where are you going so early, akhi?”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
"Sabah Al-Khair, Mariam"
( Good morning)
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
To meet Adnan
Mariam Al-Rashid
(Raising a brow)
“Again? It's not a day since you came back it’s Adnan, Adnan. I should ask him, what's so important.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(Half-smile)
“Then you’d ruin my peace, Mariam.”
Mariam Al-Rashid
(Grinning)
“Peace? Hmm. Baba thinks you’re working. If I tell him you’re just drinking gahwa with your friend…”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“You won’t.”
Mariam Al-Rashid
(Playfully)
“Maybe I will.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Mariam.”
(firm look)
Mariam Al-Rashid
(Laughs, raising hands)
“Fine, fine. Go. But one day I’ll find out what you’re hiding.”
[Outside Jeddah – Desert Outskirts]
The car rolled onto a dirt road. Heat shimmered off the sand. A small stable appeared in the distance, and with it, a man waved his hand.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“ʿAmmi Jamal!” (Uncle Jamal!)
Jamal
“Ahlan, ibnī.”
(Welcome, my son.)
Jamal
“London changed you, hmm? But Najm—she hasn’t changed. Still waiting every morning.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(Smiling)
“Where is she?”
From the stable, a mare trotted out, her chestnut coat gleaming in the sun. Najm.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“There you are.”
He stroked her neck, and the horse snorted happily.
Jamal
“She’s restless. She needs the desert, not the stall.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Then let’s take her.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Yalla, Najm!”
(Let’s go, Najm!)
They shot forward into the open desert, sand flying beneath them.
Wind whipped against Rayyan’s face, his thobe clinging to him as Najm ran faster. He leaned low, whispering encouragement.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“That’s it, girl. Faster.”
The sound of her hooves was steady, freeing. Out here, there was no business, no family expectations. Just him and Najm.
[Evening – Al-Rashid Residence, Rayyan’s Room]
Zayd Al-Rashid
“Rayyaaaan akhiiiii"
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Do you ever knock?”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(Ignoring him, flopping on the bed)
“You went to see her, didn’t you?”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(Deadpan)
“Who?”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(Grinning)
“Najm. Don’t act like I don’t know. You always come back smelling like sand and horse.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
Rayyan shook his head, hiding a smile.
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“If Baba heard you—”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(teasing whisper)
“Relax, akhi. Your secret’s safe. But honestly, you treat that horse better than most men treat their wives.”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
“Because she listens. Unlike my little brother.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
(Laughs)
"Fair. Still… you’ll take me next time?”
Rayyan Al-Rashid (ML)
(after a pause, smirks faintly)
“We’ll see.”
Zayd Al-Rashid
Zayd groaned dramatically but grinned, leaning back on the pillows.
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