Chapter 2

Syed took a deep breath and knocked on Amira's door. He waited as she came to the door and greeted him with a smile.

"Good Morning" she said sweetly, "I wasn't expecting you to come round"

Syed couldn't look her in the eye. "Can I come in?" he asked quietly. Amira's smile faltered as she saw the look on Syed's face. "Of course" she murmured, standing aside to let him in. She followed him into the living room and sat down, wary of where this was going. She had never seen Syed so preoccupied. She sat patiently, waiting for him to speak. She didn't have to wait long.

"Amira," he began nervously, "I can't marry you," Amira gasped, tears in her eyes. Her worst fears had been realised. Syed had decided she wasn't good enough for him.

"Is it because of my family?" she asked, holding back sobs. Syed, realising what she must think, rushed to her side.

"No, no, Amira, it's not you! It's me" Amira looked up, surprised. "I'm......in love with someone else" Syed finished, knowing at that moment it was true. He loved Christian, more than anything else. More than his religion, his own life.

Amira tried to take it all in. She hadn't expected it, and now, as the shock wore off, she became angry. "Do I know her?" she asked sharply, wanting to know who Syed could possibly want more than her. Syed looked at the floor, unsure what to say. "You told me you wouldn't ever want another woman!"

Syed inhaled sharply, "Well, I don't want another woman" he answered. Confusion crossed Amira's face, followed by disbelief.

"Syed, are you trying to tell me you're in love with a man?!" Amira shrieked. Syed nodded solemnly. Amira burst into tears. Her world had fallen apart in a few short minutes. Syed sat down next to her on the sofa. "I'm so sorry, Amira" his voice cracked "I wish I'd never met you , so I didn't have to hurt you like this"

"Don't say that!" Amira interrupted. She looked at Syed, and saw the hurt in his eyes. She realised he meant every word, and that he must really love whoever this man was. She smiled sadly. "I'm glad I met you, Syed" she said, "You're so kind and sensitive, I suppose I should have guessed really," she added, trying to lighten the mood. Syed smiled back cautiously. "Thank you" he murmured. He knew that Amira understood now, and that she wouldn't hold a grudge against him or Christian. That was one of the things he always liked about her.

"Have you told your parents?" Amira asked, a look of amusement on her face. She knew exactly how THAT conversation would go. Syed grimaced. "I'm about to" he headed for the door, anticipating the reception he would receive from his mother. He groaned. Amira had taken it well. Zainab was a whole new story....