The Bends : Chapter Twenty-Seven

Aden help her parent with their luggage and load them at the back of his father's car. The greyish clouds was not giving in to the rays of sunny morning light, as it continues to get darken covering almost the entire of the white skies. Aden look upon the mellow looking weather and he knew, storm is brewing up sooner or later. He looks at his father who looks rather cool and casual with his long denim pants and his favourite grey T-shirt....his father's favourite kind of attire which he had long forsaken ever since he's been fully committed in his grandfather's trading company....and not forgetting due to his mum constant gentle reminder...of proper dress code, Aden smile just the thought of it. And then he had his attention on his mum, who looks simply stunning with her pastel blue abaya an Arabic outfit and her black with silver lining veil.

"I'm ready." cried Aleeya who was always the last person to be ready....a contradict to her spoken words. Aleeya was struggling as she's was trying to put on her sneakers while she was still standing.....as she balanced her self against the wall.

"There I'm done." grinned Aleeya much to her parents and Aden's amusement.

"I've packed some sandwiches for your trip." exclaimed Maya as she hand a paper back which was full with wrap up tuna and egg sandwiches towards Zaharah. Zaharah took the paper bag and smile lovingly towards Maya. And then she held out her hand and gently caress Maya's hair and slowly bring her fingers down.....touching her cheeks. Tears begin to form in their eyes....Maya was longing for Zaharah's motherly touch and she just could not bear to let go.....her heart was trembling hard..a strange sense of anxiety....and solemness. Maya bring herself closer towards Zaharah and embrace her with all her might.

"Take care baby....I believe one day, you will crave a name for yourself...with this new gift which you have discover deep inside your soul...courage." utters Zaharah as she stroke her fingers on Maya's shoulder. Maya cries and her heart felt shudder...of letting go...letting go of Zaharah's embrace. Aden stood beside her as he held out his hands and gently rub on Maya's shoulder.

"Aden, I'm leaving now....so please do take care of our home. This home needs you...keep it a life...with constant enlightment, love and grace....don't ever forsake your family.....love Zaki and Sarah and not forgetting your little bro Thaqif...... like how you have shown your beautiful love towards us." utters Zaharah as she place her slender fingers on his boyish but shudder looking cheeks.

"Mum, you and dad will be back....and continues to shone the genuine love and lightness to us." exclaimed Aden...as this strange beautiful words which his mother had spoken to him has definately stir some uneasy emotion in his heart. Zaharah smile lovingly towards Aden and then she drew her face closer towards him and kissed both of his cheeks.

"I love you Aden." utters Zaharah with tears in her eyes.

"I love you too...mum." exclaimed Aden as he let go of his mum's embrace.

"Aden, take care son. Remember us in your prayers." exclaimed Adam as he tapped Aden on his cheeks. "You too Maya, this is your home ...and you are our family." utter Adam with a gentle loving smile.

Maya in small paces, she came closer and stood in front of Adam who continues to give her the loving genuine smile. And then without another second thoughts, she pushed her courage and embrace him....a fatherly love which she had been always longing for.

"Thank you." whispered Maya with tears in her eyes.

"All right, we should be get going now." utters Adam as he take few step backwards and look upon his home.....which he and Zaharah had beautifully build with strong foundation of love, courage and faith.
　

Aden looked at the deeds which his father had pass it over to him.....Aden's name has been written clearly on every deeds.....it seems his father had officially hand over all his wealth and properties in his hands. Aden place back the documents inside the envelope and carefully seal it. He sat on his bed..in a while and then he took another seal envelope from his bag pack and unseal it as he took the letter and begins reading it's content. His application for a degree scholarship at the local university has been accepted. He had decides to pursue advance engineering and accountant thesis....in preparing himself to be part of his father's team.

"Aden, I've cook some lunch for us." it was Maya as she stood by the doorway. Aden looks at her with a smile as he stood up and joins her along towards their dining area.

"Another two days, I will be on my way back to Thailand." utters Maya as she scope the mashed potato and place it onto Aden's plate. Aden remains silence for a while with tense written on his strong features...and from that looked Maya knew, Aden was not keen on letting her go back to Thailand..a place which had almost destroyed her. Maya reaches out her hand as she touches Aden's finger, "Aden, I will be fine...in fact, I've got your aunt and probably uncle Zaki will be

coming along too." continues Maya with a smile.

"Three years Maya.....it's too long." exclaimed Aden as he slips his finger in between Maya's.

"Aden, please let me go..and fulfil part of this dream...which I've been craving for." exclaimed Maya with a look of courage and determination.....hoping that Aden too..will be the one whom she could share the beginning of her new found hope. As he looks straight into her doe eyes, the buried courage and eagerness was clearly written on her aris...Aden smile lovingly as he bring her hand and gently place it on his face. "Thank you Aden."

The drizzling rain has finally stops and it was almost late afternoon."Maya, get your helmet!" exclaimed Aden excitedly.

"I'm still on my project presentation which I was to lead.... thanks to your aunt.....and currently I'm busy preparing a speech for the re-opening of the orphanage at Thailand..." trails Maya as she she pushes her pair of glasses further up her nose bridge. Aden crept towards her with a cheeky grin and pull the glasses off from her face as he closed Maya's laptop and place it behind his back. "Aden, my project presentation..!" utters Maya but it was too late...as Aden had held her close in his arms and brings his face closer to her lips. Maya held her arms around his neck as she lays her back on the soft couch and let Aden's linger his soft lips on hers. Maya close her eyes in sheer moment of pleasure of being gently touch by Aden's warm hands. "Let me get my helmet." exclaimed Maya as she grin and gently pushed Aden away from her. Aden widen his eyes in amusement and smile sheepishly as he sat back on the floor while he awaits for Maya to get ready.

"Let it go....once I tell you all right." cried Aden as he held on to the kite string while Maya held on to the kite firmly in her hands.

"Okay." replies Maya.

"All right are you ready......one ....two...run!" cried Aden again as they both ran along the soft wet open field. The sun which had been partly hidden by the orange evening clouds was shining it's rays in between them. The morning rain had definately brings on the cool weather and adding to the blessed twirling soft wind....was such a remarkable moment for Aden and Maya as they let their kite soared high up towards the vast sky. Aden begins to unwind the kite string as he tries to catch up with the wind....letting the kite to soar up higher almost touching the clouds. Maya was clasping her palms in gleefulness and excitement.....just seeing the kite being so care free and lively up in the air. And then she set her focus on Aden who was still seeing busy tugging and pulling the kite string. Her joyfulness shudders in a split second as her hidden thoughts ran back to her mind...her true hidden attention of going back to Thailand, which she had secretly conceal away from Aden. Within that three long years, been back to her country was a chance for her....a chance to set her goal of searching for her lost son Marsha and her misfortunate long time friend Reena. A sense of unexplainable guilt slip into her heart....should she let him know about all this or should this thing be kept seal, secretly hidden in her heart. Maya look up towards the free will kite flying and bobbing it self up against the wind and in between the clouds. It seems the kite signify her barren soul of longing for something which is simply against its wished....to feel the untouchable clouds. Aden has indeed change her life in such a turbulence and remarkable ways...her love for him grows deeper in each passing moment. Tears well up in her eyes....as she had her sight at Aden's boyish grin of delight seeing his kite excel further upwards upon the sky.

"Are you sure about this Maya?" asked Aleeya as Maya begins to recall back her conversation which she had with Aleeya, the night before Aleeya's trip with her parent to the other side of the town.

"I guess....it's about time now." replies Maya as she pushed her glasses upwards towards the bridge of her nose.

"But, that's going to be a dangerous mission.....it's suicidal...for God's sake." protest Aleeya as she feels that Maya's idea of going back to the streets, where her spike merciless life has been erected and cause a horrendous trauma will be another set of disaster.

"I need to be there...to get them away from that horrid place and give them a new chance of life...." continues Maya with her reason...however she stops abruptly and Aleeya stop her packing as she came closer towards Maya and sat on the bed with her.

"There's more to it...am I right?" asked Aleeya curiously as she place her hands onto Maya's lap.

"It's about my son." utters Maya as she took her glasses off from her eyes and place it onto the side table.

"Thailand is one big country Maya, how the hell are you going to find him?" asked Aleeya as she shakes her head in disbelieve.

"I know...it won't be easy.....but, I shall find a way. At present moment, I'm handling a project regarding the overwhelming trend of illegal trades of infants and young children. That's why I could make used of this opportunity to track my son." utters Maya with determination and high hopes.

"Maya, it's almost three years now....your son has been taken care by his foster family..maybe he's doing well with them...just let it go all right." said Aleeya as she fears, Maya's unreachable desire of wanting to catch the glittering stardust, will be dashed with a fallen fire of meteor instead.

"You will never understand.....the emptiness and the unexplained yearn...desire which has been crafting inside me....to get close to my son again...just to set my eyes....even in just few moment being close to him....is enough for me..is enough." wepts Maya sorrowfully as she brings her palm and cover tearful face. A sense of emphaty slips into Aleeya's soul as she held Maya close in her arms and gently rocks her...soothing her unimaginable unseen broken desire of wanting that glittering stardust.

"Maya, the string just snapped.....Oh! My....there's go our kite....!" exclaimed Aden as he crank his head upwards....as he tries to catch his last glimpse of his kite. Maya startle from her daze as she tries to regain back her composure and then...there at last she saw the kite string bobbing itself lost among the clouds. Aden looks solemnly towards the blue with the tinge orange sky....cause he felt the lost of his kite could meant a thousand unexplained, but unseen revelation...of the next bends of his life.

"Aden, there's something else which I need to tell you.....something which I think you've got the right to know." utters Maya as Aden forsake his lost kite and turns his attention towards Maya. Aden's hazel brown eyes shone it's best as the light sunny rays set upon them. "Once I'm back at Thailand, I have decided to look for my son......and probably...I might go back to where I used to belong..." trails Maya as she looks away from his intense eyes.

"Maya, you are taking a huge risk on yourself." cried Aden. "No, I forbid you to go." exclaimed

Aden again. Maya knew, Aden's won't be pleased upon hearing her request and plan. She remained silent...as tears begins to well in her almond doe eyes. Aden's looks at her with so much love....he just could not bare to see her got hurt again...it just might kill him..just the thought of that.

"All right.....I promised you....once we are married...we will look for your son together...as a husband and wife...it works better being a term." utters Aden. " Maya nods her head in anticipation as she lays her head on Aden's chest....however the temptation in searching for her long lost son was still perching in her thoughts.....and no matter what, she will attempt this cause without Aden's present knowledge.

"Well, we still got time for something.....!" exclaimed Aden as he smile amusingly.

"Time for what?" asked Maya curiously as she held her hands on her hips.

"Come on." cried Aden as he held his hands and brings Maya back towards his motorbike. They put on their helmets before Aden rode off bringing Maya along towards his desired destination.

The glowing rays of the sun setting was simply breathtaking as Aden rode along the single lane road with shady bushes on the other side of the road and the uncovered open field which was link throughout their journey. And from far Maya saw the most magnificent view that she had never come across....Maya eyes widen with excitement just seeing this significant green hills which seems to get closer to her sight as Aden ride along their way heading towards them. Maya held on to Aden close to her as she gently lays her head on his back while breathing in the fresh smell of the dewy trees and bushes which has been cause by the morning rain earlier on that day. The alluring hill view was soon becomes more distinctive as the site of the lake which was significantly hidden behind it.....becomes more visible to Maya's sight as Aden swayed his bike and smoothly rode along the lane and then he decelerate his bike and stop it. Maya gets off from his bike and after she took off her helmet and place it on the back of Aden's bike....she simply walk closer towards the edge of the lake and close her eyes....as she held her hands wide and let the soft rustling wind came upon her and gently brushing against her soft skin. Aden stood by her side and set his eyes on her with a content smile of love as slowly he held out his hands and gently slip them around Maya's slender hip. Maya slowly opens her eyes as she turns her attention towards Aden.

"I have prepare something for us, a gift from me to you....for our engagement." utters Aden as he held on to Maya's hand and bring her along to the other side of the lake. "Do you trust me?" asked Aden and Maya was taken aback by that question. Maya looks straight into his eyes and smile lovingly as she nods. Aden grin while he slips his hands in his pocket as he drew a soft black scarf from it. "All right, but I need to blindfold you...to bring you there." exclaimed Aden.
Maya begins to frown and clench both of her fist as her heart begins to palpate hard inside her chest. "Have faith in Aden, Maya! Have faith in him!" thought Maya to herself. "I guess you have left me with no other choice.." utters Maya as she smiles meekly. Aden smile as he came closer and stood behind Maya. He took the soft scarf and gently covered them onto Maya's eyes as he ties and secure it at the back of her head. And then he held out his hands and carefully brings her towards the surprised which he had plan few days even before their engagement reception was held. Maya could sense some bright lights as the warm of it's glow begins to penetrate through her bare hands. And the sound of the rustling lake seems to get closer in each of her few steps taken. And then Aden removed the scarf....as Maya blinks her eyes several times to regain back her sight. Her mouth gaps half wide and she was trembling with amazement.....cause she was already inside a boat which has been beautifully and creatively decorated. Pink roses petal with a tinge of white petals was scattered on the deck..the sweet smell of lavender scent lingers around that area...and as Maya's looks above the ceiling of the boat...and she saw tiny...but unique red ruby coloured morrocan lamps was being hung all around the area..bringing in the warm but serene feeling to her enlightened heart. The small soft pastel coloured cushions were place and arrange neatly at the side of the small dining area with the table was already beautifully set with some tiny coloured pebbles on it...and a vase of fresh white with purple orchids on it.

"I hope you like this setting ?" asked Aden as he shrugged his shoulder.

"Aden, this is lovely...I'm touched." exclaimed Maya with tears in her eyes.

Aden walk towards one of the cabinets and took out a sketch book which has been strung up in a silver with violet coloured ribbon and held it in his hands. "Well this is something which I have working on....so I hope you will like it." exclaimed Aden as he hands her the strung up sketch book. Maya took the sketch book from Aden's hand with a smile as she slowly open to it's first page. And there she saw her very first picture which Aden had secretly took while she was drying up her laundry....it seems that Aden had back up some of her photos in a thumb drive before he deleted them from his lap top. And as she turn to the other pages.....few more photos of her transition to a new found person with so much hope, strenght, courage and love...all with some few captions which Aden had beautifully wrote about her. As Maya turns to the last page, she found a pretty silver coloured with pink highlighted pendant bookmark and at the edge of the string pendant bookmark a tiny diamond ring was attached to it.

"Aden this is ...I just don't know what to say.." trails Maya with tears in her eyes.

"Don't say anything then...just say yes..!" utters Aden with a loving smile.

Maya nods her head several times and replies, "Yes...definately!" as she ran into Aden's arms and held him close to her. Aden gently runs his finger through Maya's soft dangling hair and then he held her face closer to his and gently kisses her soft lips. Maya quiver as Aden begins to ran his warm fingers in between her hair and shoulder but still had his lips on hers. The pleasure of being warmly caress and touch by Aden had simply cause some remarkable senses inside of Maya's palpating heart. Slowly, Maya wrap her arms around Aden's waist as she allows him to glide his lips down along her bare shoulder. The sweet rose scent of Maya's fragrant of her hair and her body had simply mystify Aden's desire of wanting her. Maya could sense Aden's unspoken desire of wanting her, as her own un-defensive mind begins to be deeply... mesmerize by Aden's gentle manner of touching her. However, the trembling of her heart and the turbulence of her anxiety, displays clearly on her sweet innocent features.....the traumatic scar which has been left inside her soul....came back to haunt her. Aden could sense something has overcome through Maya's mind at that moment, as she begins to tremble beneath his body and the tears which Maya had tried to conceal begins to fall. Aden bring his face away from Maya's chest as he looks at her teary face. He held out his fingers and wipe the fallen tears of Maya's cheeks. And then as gently as he could, he bring her close to him and embrace her lovingly. Maya's love for Aden evolved more deeply......knowing that Aden will never took advantage of her weakness and her fear.

"We've got frozen pizza for dinner." exclaimed Aden with a grin.

"That will do!" giggles Maya.

"Dad are these paintings all yours?" asked Aleeya as she phase and twirl around Adam's Eye new paintings and potrait exhibition which was located at the other side of their hometown.

"Yup." replies Adam as he re-arrange some of his latest works against the wall while Zaharah was busy going through the files of accounts. "Aleeya, come. I've got something to show you." exclaimed Adam after he felt satisfied with his arrangement. Aleeya came closer towards her father and followed him to the other side of the partition of his shop.

"Daddy, those are my paintings...!" cried Aleeya excitedly. "But...I'm not that good enough." utters Aleeya as she crank her neck as she looks up towards her paintings which has been beautifully hang and displayed.

"Aleeya, I think....it is about time that....your talent should be make known. And this portion of my shop is all yours....and soon, this whole painting shop will be solely yours." exclaimed Adam with a smile.

"And your mum has name it too...!" said Adam again as he held Aleeya close to him.

"A name?" asked Aleeya curiously.

"Yup...it wil be called Aleeya's Touch." utters Zaharah with a smile.

"Mum....that's cool." exclaimed Aleeya as she ran to her mum and embrace her with full of love and joyfulness. Aleeya vows to herself, her father's passion and dreams will leave on...through her blood and vein...through her spirit and soul.