The May afternoon sun radiated its intense heat casting a shimmering feel over the city.

Gust of breeze could still be felt even though it dispersed its coolness partially only at night, making the sun's scorching attribute more  evident on the land at day.

Some people had opted for shorts and tee-shirts instead of the normal thobes and kaffiyeh.

A large multitude of people including the weather forecast channels had been expecting the clouds to rain down its contents since it refused to do so in early January of the year, but it didn't.

Maybe it was storing it for a great occasion.

It definitely wanted its entrance to come as a complete surprise to humanity.

"This weather seems like one of the harshest I've ever encountered since I was born." Umaymah retrieved a small bottle of sunscreen from her bag.

She unscrewed the cap and carefully squeezed a pea-size of the creamy white lotion. She smeared it smoothly between her palms before evenly massaging it into her face, leaving no spot untouched.

The car rolled down the road before eventually slowly coming to a halt in front of their beloved stop, Samar's.

Umaymah had insisted that they stopped by.

"I want to be donsed with ice!" Salman turned off the ignition leading to the slow die of the engine's roar.

He let out an exasperated breath.

Umaymah dramatically turned her head to his direction with a dirty smirk slapped onto her protected face. Her face clearly read 'Oh really? I'd be most delighted to help'.

"Not literally you little mischievous bookworm." Salman rolled his eyes as he unlocked his door.

"Lover boy's learnt how to roll eyes now?" Umaymah couldn't help but ask as she pulled out her phone from her bag.

"Of course." Salman said in a tone that clearly didn't belong to him once he was out of the car.

Umaymah complemented her pursed full lips with furrowed brows.

"I find that offensive." She spat.

"I never said it was you I was mimicking." Salman's hands flew up into the air in surrender.

"Neither did I say you said so." She slammed the car door with all her might.

"Easy there, that's my baby." Salman's hands moved to the side of his chest that housed his heart.

He swung open the doors of the restaurant with a blend of modern architecture and traditional Indian influences, allowing Umaymah walk in before he followed suite.

The cool air that came from the humming air conditioners stationed at the corners of the space, engulfed them as they walked into the restaurant, creating an evident contrast to the blazing temperature outside.

A whisper brushed the back of Umaymah's ear.

"Let's hurry before someone else takes it."

Salman took a hold of his wife's hand and walked her to their usual spot.

He pulled out one of the chairs for her to sit before settling into the chair opposite Umaymah.

"Thank you."

After a fleeting second, a lady emerged from behind the doors.

She scanned the room before walking over to Umaymah's table.

"Umaymah." Sana had a warm smile on her face.

"How have you been Sana?" Umaymah raised her head from her phone to face the lady before them.

Sana also greeted Salman.

"So what would you like to have?" Sana pulled out her notepad and pen from her apron's pocket.

"We'll have our usual!" Umaymah's enthusiastic voice replied . "Garlic and butter naan alongside butter chicken for me then rice and Tandoori for Salman."

Sana nodded as she jotted down the orders before she turned to walk away.

"Ah Umaymah dear! I see you've ordered our popular naan and butter chicken once  again. It's always a pleasure to serve you."A jovial Samar with twinkle in his crinkled eyes approached their table.

"Thank you Samar, your naans are undeniably the best! I mean, who can resist such nice meals."

Samar flashed her a wide smile before turning his attention to Salman as he pulled out a chair from another table and settled in with the couple.

"Hey there my friend! You look quite dashing today," His eyes assessed Salman's figure." How have you been?" His gaze returned to meet Salman's.

"Jazakallahu Khairan, I've been good, how about yourself?"

Samar adjusted himself in the chair and smiled till it reached the corner his eyes.

"Never been this good my boy! You see, I have exciting news." Samar's voice lowered as he leaned forward.

"Oh really? What is it?" Umaymah seemed slightly surprised.

Samar dashed Umaymah a knowing smile before turning back to Salman.

"I forgot to introduce my daughter," Samar pointed towards the kitchen where Sana had entered. "Her name, Sana and she's -" Samar paused for a while.

Sana returned with Umaymah's order and placed it on the table.

"She's pregnant and expecting a baby! I'm going to be a grandfather Salman!"Excitement filled  Samar's voice making Umaymah giggle.

"Ma Sha Allah, that's great news! I'm so happy for you and Sana." He laughed a little.

"Dad they don't need to know all these details, let's focus on serving them their food." Sana's face held nothing but embarrassment.

Her light chocolate brown skin crawled under her clothes.

Did her dad really have to say that?

Samar chuckled.

"Sana, what's a restaurant without a little family gossip, huh? Moreover they're like family to us." Samar teased his daughter.

"That's so sweet. We're glad to have you as a friend Samar." Umaymah tossed a piece of food into her mouth.

"The feeling is mutual dear," he smiled. "Let's not keep you waiting, we'll get you your food now." Samar spoke to Salman.

Sana nodded with a bit of discomfort smeared on her face before heading back to the kitchen.

There was a brief silence before Samar's question came.

"I never asked, where are you two from?"

"We're both from here." Salman and Umaymah answered together.

"Proud emiratis." Umaymah added as she reached for a small bowl of kheer on the table.

Sana cleared her throat as she reappeared again with Salman's order.

"Oh-" Samar's laughter filled the space. "I could have sworn I thought you were from Palestine." Samar's eyes scrutinized Salman's features.

"No." Salman's hand rubbed behind his neck to clear the awkward atmosphere.

"I guessed wrong then." The laughter came again as he got up to his feet.

"Talking of Palestinians," he paused to look at his daughter. "Let me tell you about my daughter over here. She fell in love with an amazing Palestinian and they got married even though I wanted her to get married from our tribe." Samar shrugged his lazy shoulders.

Sana squeezed her eyes tight before whispering "Do they really need that piece of information?"

Samar returned his daughter's complain with a simple smile then held her hand before proceeding with what he was saying.

"I like him, he's really nice man but he didn't come with Sana here to visit," Samar's hands left Sana's  and moved to her shoulder before gently patting it. "He's true gem."

Sana leaned into her dad and whispered again.

"Dad let's give them privacy, I think they'd appreciate that."

Samar smiled and nodded in agreement.

"You're right my dear, I got carried away again. I think I've talked too much, we should go now," Samar patted Salman's hand warmly. "If you need something, just call me."

Samar walked back to the kitchen with his daughter by his side leaving the clattering of cutleries and the buzzes of laughter behind them.