Two

 With Linda's timely intervention, the looming conflict between Nadir and Hana was diffused, allowing the tension to dissipate like morning mist under the sun's gentle warmth. As Linda enveloped Hana in a comforting embrace, Nadir retreated from the room, leaving only Marwan by Hana's side, their exchange of warm greetings filling the air with a sense of camaraderie.

Linda's presence exuded a natural warmth and affection towards Hana, akin to that of an elder sister, casting a soothing balm over the strained atmosphere. Rayan, observing from the sidelines with a gentle smile, silently expressed his gratitude towards Linda, a stranger whose timely arrival had averted a potential confrontation.

As Marwan conveyed the news of Rayan's impending discharge, Hana expressed her gratitude before turning her attention to Nadir's perpetual anger. "Is Nadir always so irritable?" she inquired, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. "Since the last time I saw him until today, he's been glaring at me with such hostility. I wonder why?"

Marwan offered a tentative explanation, suggesting that perhaps Nadir's anger stemmed from Hana's apparent lack of recognition. Hana's smile was tinged with sadness as she reminisced about the brightness that once shone in Nadir's eyes. "I've never encountered someone who exudes such bitterness and resentment," she mused. "Please convey my gratitude to him," she added a hint of regret in her tone.

Turning her attention back to Rayan, Hana issued a stern admonition, her sharp gaze leaving no room for disobedience. "Don't keep me waiting too long downstairs," she admonished, her words a gentle reminder for him to prepare for their departure. With that, she made her way to settle the hospital bill, while Marwan and Linda departed with smiles and well-wishes, hopeful for a chance to meet again.

Meanwhile, from a distance, Nadir stood in silence, his gaze fixed on the departing figures, his eyes ablaze with unspoken fury and resentment.

As Hana bid farewell to Marwan and Linda, making her way to settle the hospital bill, Rayan remained behind to prepare for their departure. The tension in the air thickened as Nadir stood like an immovable wall, his dark eyes smoldering with suppressed anger.

Marwan, unable to ignore the palpable hostility, approached Nadir with a furrowed brow, his voice laced with concern. "Why all this anger towards Hana?" he inquired, his gaze searching for answers.

Nadir's response was swift and cutting, his words dripping with bitterness. "That damn traitor," he spat, his resentment bubbling to the surface. "She smiles while I burn inside."

The revelation left Marwan and Linda stunned, their expressions mirroring each other's disbelief. Marwan's voice trembled with incredulity as he sought clarification. "Hana, a traitor?" he echoed, unable to comprehend Nadir's accusation.

Nadir's gaze bore into Marwan's with unwavering intensity, his conviction unshaken. "Yes, a traitor," he affirmed, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Linda, sensing the weight of the revelation, dared to broach a delicate question. "Were you two in a relationship before?" she ventured, her voice gentle yet probing.

Nadir's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his features as he sought to downplay the significance of their connection. "Well, it's not like we were in a relationship before," he admitted reluctantly, his admission hanging in the air like a fragile thread.

With a lingering sense of disdain, Linda and Marwan departed without further comment, leaving Nadir to wrestle with his thoughts. Marwan's parting words echoed in Nadir's mind, a bitter reminder of the unresolved tension between him and Hana.

"Oh, by the way," Marwan's voice rang in Nadir's ears, "she thanked you before leaving. She also said she doesn't know someone who breathes fire from their eyes, only someone with bright eyes."

Nadir's brow furrowed in confusion as he mulled over Marwan's words. "And who made me breathe fire from my eyes, I wonder?" he muttered to himself, his frustration evident in his tone.

With a heavy sigh, Nadir turned away, his thoughts consumed by the lingering echoes of the encounter. Resigned to the unresolved nature of their relationship, he made his way back to his work, leaving behind the tumultuous emotions that had gripped him in the hospital corridors.

Meanwhile, Hana and Rayan had already departed the hospital, making their way home where they shared a life. As they left the confines of the hospital behind, their thoughts turned towards the future, their bond strengthened by the challenges they had faced together.

Hana and Rayan reside in the bustling capital city of Morocco, where Hana thrives in her role as a real estate consultant at one of the city's prominent firms. Her career affords her a comfortable lifestyle, allowing her to provide for herself and her beloved cousin, Rayan.

Rayan, still a student at the French law college, has chosen to forego university dormitories due to his delicate health. Instead, he finds refuge in the loving care of his cousin Hana, who graciously opens her home to him. Their familial bond brings solace and reassurance to both Rayan and his mother, knowing that he is in good hands with Hana, whom they consider their eldest daughter.

Hana's upbringing as the only child of her parents, coupled with her close relationship with her aunt and uncle, has shaped her into a caring and nurturing figure in Rayan's life. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes her family above all else, finding fulfillment in tending to their needs and fostering a warm and supportive environment at home.

With her fair complexion, medium height, and graceful physique, Hana possesses a natural beauty that radiates from within. Her short black hair frames her features elegantly, adding to her allure.

While Hana dedicates much of her time to her career and caring for her family, she also cherishes moments of tranquility at home. Reading books and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen are among her favorite pastimes, providing her with a sense of peace and fulfillment amid life's busyness. Despite her current demeanor as a kind and peace-loving individual, Hana's past holds traces of a different persona. Once sharp-tongued and bold, she navigated life with a daring spirit that often sparked rumors and speculation.

In her younger years, Hana was perceived as someone who fearlessly pursued her desires, leading to unfounded gossip about multiple romantic relationships. However, beneath the surface of these rumors lay the truth: Hana had never truly been involved in any romantic entanglements.

While her past may have been colored by misconceptions and misunderstandings, Hana has since evolved into a more serene and introspective version of herself. Though remnants of her former sharpness may occasionally surface, they are overshadowed by her genuine kindness and aversion to conflict.

Hana's journey serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true understanding lies beyond the surface-level perceptions of others. As she embraces her present identity, Hana continues to grow and evolve, leaving behind the whispers of her past to embrace the peaceful existence she now cherishes.

Days passed since Rayan left the hospital, and Hana's life seemed to go on like any other day. One day, while she was leaving work, she received a call from her dearest friend informing her that he was in the capital and need of her help. Hana was delighted by the call.

As Hana eagerly awaited her friend Anwar's arrival at the airport, her excitement was palpable. Anwar held a special place in her heart, their bond forged through years of shared experiences and unwavering friendship.

Their reunion was filled with laughter and reminiscences as they embarked on the journey back to Hana's home. The familiarity and comfort of their connection remained unchanged despite the passage of time, a testament to the strength of their friendship.

As they made their way through the city streets, lost in conversation, their attention was drawn to a car adjacent to theirs at a red light. Behind the wheel sat Nadir, his gaze piercing and intense. Memories of their last encounter resurfaced, casting a shadow over the present moment.

For Nadir, the sight of Hana stirred a whirlwind of emotions, transporting him back to a time when their paths had crossed in a moment of shared intensity. Though years had passed since then, the memory remained etched in his mind, a constant reminder of the unresolved feelings that lingered between them.

As the traffic light changed and their paths diverged once more, Nadir's gaze lingered on Hana and Anwar, a silent acknowledgment of the complex web of emotions that bound them together, even in their fleeting encounter.

Eleven years ago, in a park near Hana's middle school, she, Anwar, and Reem sat together, enjoying each other's company as they whiled away the time before class. Their playful banter filled the air as they engaged in a game of cards, with Reem ultimately losing and volunteering to fetch some snacks.

Left alone with Anwar, Hana's laughter rang out in the serene surroundings until it was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Nadir. His sudden arrival cast a shadow over the cheerful atmosphere, his gaze fixed on Hana and Anwar with an intensity that sent a shiver down their spines.

As Nadir approached, his accusatory tone pierced the air, confronting Hana with an accusation she couldn't comprehend. "This is the session you tell me about, the 'session' in the park, huh?" he spat, his anger palpable.

Confusion clouded Hana's features as she struggled to make sense of Nadir's words. "Did I tell you about that? When?!" she responded, her voice tinged with surprise and disbelief.

But Nadir's response was dismissive, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "When, huh?! Don't talk to me again!" he retorted before abruptly turning on his heel and storming away, leaving Hana bewildered by his sudden outburst.

Shrugging off the encounter, Hana returned to Anwar's side, her thoughts still reeling from the unexpected confrontation. Meanwhile, Nadir, consumed by anger and frustration, cast one last glance back at Hana, only to find her laughing and enjoying her time with Anwar. With a sense of bitter resignation, he turned away, his heart heavy with unresolved emotions.

As Nadir's gaze lingered on Hana and Anwar, a myriad of emotions churned within him. In that fleeting moment, he didn't need to ask or seek clarification; the truth seemed to dawn on him with startling clarity.

With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, Nadir drove away, the weight of understanding settling upon him like a heavy cloak. Though words remained unspoken, the silent acknowledgment between them spoke volumes, revealing the tangled web of emotions that bound them together.

In that moment of clarity, Nadir realized that some things were better left unsaid, and some truths were best understood in silence. As he navigated the city streets, his thoughts turned inward, grappling with the complexities of his feelings for Hana and the unspoken truths that lingered between them.

 Even the eyes often lie boldly, as if they carry the truth on their shoulders, dependent on their deception. When the truth is hard to see because of personal bias or ignorance.

The passage of nights seemed to blur into one another, each one filled with its own tasks, responsibilities, and moments of reflection. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, a sense of profound immersion took hold, drawing them ever closer to the essence of their existence.

In a cozy café nestled on the outskirts of Rabat, overlooking the tranquil beach, Nadir and Marwan found respite from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives, relishing their day off with steaming cups of coffee in hand. The crisp winter air infused the atmosphere with a gentle chill, adding to the ambiance of relaxation and tranquility.

As they engaged in lively conversation, exchanging thoughts and enjoying each other's company, their attention was momentarily diverted to a nearby table occupied by a young couple. Nadir felt a pang of familiarity wash over him as he observed them, a sense of recognition stirring within him without fully grasping its origin.

It was Marwan who broke the silence, his casual observation sparking Nadir's memory. "Isn't that Hana's friend?" he remarked, prompting Nadir to connect the dots.

With a sudden realization, Nadir nodded in agreement. "Ah, yes, Ahmed's younger sister," he acknowledged, his memory clicking into place. Yet, her name remained elusive, lingering on the tip of his tongue as he turned to Marwan in expectation of assistance.

However, Marwan's response caught Nadir off guard, his indifference to the girl's identity overshadowed by his disdainful remark. "I don't know her name either. I never liked that girl," Marwan remarked dismissively, casting judgment without hesitation.

Nadir's brows furrowed in surprise at Marwan's abrupt judgment, defending the girl's character with a sense of conviction. "She's her childhood friend and also her neighbor. She's a nice person, unlike Hana," he countered, challenging Marwan's perception with a hint of frustration.

Marwan scoffed, saying, "Maybe you mean the opposite," and they both returned to sipping their coffee, without giving much thought to the two individuals. As the two friends resumed their leisurely afternoon, the presence of the young couple at the neighboring table faded into the background, and their significance diminished by the passing moment.

Just minutes after their conversation, Anwar and his fiancée, Reem, passed by Nadir and Marwan, their entwined hands and affectionate glances spoke volumes of their love, igniting a spark of curiosity and surprise within Nadir's heart. His initial astonishment soon blossomed into a joyful realization as he watched the couple, a smile gracing his lips in response to their shared happiness.

Marwan couldn't help but notice the sudden change in Nadir's demeanor, prompting him to question the shift in his friend's mood. Nadir's cryptic response left Marwan puzzled, his curiosity piqued by Nadir's enigmatic words.

Anwar, accompanied by his fiancée, passed by them after greeting the girl Marwan and Nadir had been talking about, heading towards a table at the far end of the café.

A smile graced his lips as he followed them with his eyes, prompting Marwan to inquire about his sudden change. Nadir replied, "The betrayed always experiences betrayal as well. I feel somewhat relieved." Marwan was puzzled by his words, staring at him in astonishment before returning to his coffee and the beautiful view outside the window.

Nadir's joy only intensified with the arrival of Hana, her confident stride and graceful demeanor a testament to her inner strength. She wore a gray dress and a long black coat, walking confidently and gracefully without paying much attention to those around her. As she reached where Marwan and Nadir sat, beside them, the girl and the boy, she paused for a moment to greet them, saying, "Hello, Maram." 

Maram responded, "It's been a long time." Hana nodded then turned to greet Marwan and Nadir, saying, "You two are here too." She smiled, indicating her happiness to see them. Both Marwan and Nadir nodded in return, acknowledging the greeting. Then Hana walked away, heading towards where Anwar and Reem were sitting.

Nadir felt pleased, assuming that Hana would catch Anwar red-handed in betrayal and that he would witness her collapse. He began counting the seconds, expecting to hear the shouting that would erupt between them. But, to his surprise, there was nothing. No shouting, no anger coming from the end of the corridor, only laughter and the scent of happiness filling the air.

Nadir was puzzled and began to shake his head occasionally. The joy quickly faded from his face as he muttered, "What's happening, damn it." For the second time, Anwar glared at him disdainfully, but this time he placed both hands on the table and stared at him intently, saying, "Are you okay? I think there's something wrong with your head today." Nadir stared back at Anwar, saying, "Sip your coffee, it'll get cold." Then he took a sip from his coffee, gazing ahead until his ears caught words linking him to the past. Nadir seemed to enjoy the view ahead, but most of his focus was on the conversation between Maram and the person next to her.

The young man with curly hair, wearing a red jacket, and with cold features and fair skin, spoke, "Wasn't the girl who passed by just now Hana?" Maram responded with a gentle smile, adjusting her long black hair, then placed her small hand on her round, full face and said, "Yes, it's Hana. She's been turning her back on me for a long time. She's good at smiling to my face as if she doesn't matter at all." The young man beside her was surprised and puzzled, "Aren't you two best friends?" Maram remained silent for a moment, tilting her head as if shy, then said, "We used to be, Moaaz."

Then she fell silent, saying, "I hurt her a little, or... I don't know. I'll never find someone like her again." Then she held the cup in front of her with both hands as Moaaz began to smile. "I remember the good old days now. I was so frustrated when I found out you were the one using her Facebook account at that time." Maram was surprised and asked, "How did you know that?" Moaaz replied, "Hana accidentally sent me her password. She quickly deleted the message, but I had already read it." Maram smiled, saying, "So you were the one who hacked her account and spread the rumor about her secret dates." Moaaz also smiled, saying, "As for the rumor, that was me behind it, but hacking her account wasn't me." The two of them delved into the conversation about the matter and enjoyed it, while Nadir was shocked by what he had heard so far and almost shouted to himself, "What's happening? Was all that in the past, is my pain, hatred, and resentment just nothing now?" He turned and bumped into Hana, who was walking with Anwar and Reem side by side happily, while Reem held Anwar's hand. They stopped for a moment after being stopped by Maram. Saying, "Congratulations to both of you, I heard you're getting married!" Reem and Anwar exchanged glances and thanked her warmly, while Hana whispered to Marwan. As for Nadir, he still couldn't lift his eyes to Hana until she addressed him, saying, "What now? Aren't you breathing fire from your eyes, but from your cheeks now?" He was surprised by her words after lifting his head to look at her gently, she said, "Your cheeks are blushing."

Hana bid them farewell gracefully and was about to walk away when Moaaz stopped her, saying, "Hana, don't you remember me?" Hana stopped and looked sharply at him, saying, "I've grown up now. Do I still need to call you the king of rumors, sir?" She smiled as if she had slapped Moaaz, who smiled back, saying, "Hasn't that passed?" Hana also smiled as her small eyes squinted, saying, "It's in the past, it's in the past. See you later!" 

Then she caught up with Anwar and Reem, who had preceded her by a few steps, holding onto them as they left together. Meanwhile, Nadir stared at her back, which seemed to recede further from his sight with each of her steps, wondering, "Should I catch up with her, or has the past already passed?"

Nothing truly fades, even in jest; boundaries are redrawn each time someone is on the verge of crossing them. 

As for Nadir, he hasn't crossed anything yet.