Butterfly Wings: An Egyptian Novel (Modern Arabic Literature) (20 page)

Dr. Ashraf looked into her eyes, which were turned up to meet his gaze. The sad look that had captivated him was still there, along with their flashing glint. Her sensuous lips were calling to him. Instantly, his mind went back to how he had stared at them the first time by the Lovers’ Fountain in Rome, and how he had turned away from what was not his.

Without fear or hesitation, Dr. Ashraf kissed Doha on the lips, a lingering kiss long awaited by both of them. The kiss heralded a new life that began at that moment. Not just for Ashraf and Doha, but for all Egyptians.

32 Sunshine Express

A
yman and Salwa went out with Hassan and his girlfriend Hala to celebrate Ayman having found his mother. Hassan invited them all to a café on Arab League Street in Mohandiseen, and then Ayman took Salwa home. As he was saying goodbye, Ayman said, “We’ve got a date tomorrow. It’s a trip to Tanta.”

Salwa looked at him in amazement. “I can’t wait,” she said.

Next day, Ayman bought two tickets to Tanta. He was half an hour early and stood waiting for Salwa inside Ramsis railway station. He did not want her to have a tiring journey by taxi like his when he had gone to see his mother for the first time. He sat in the station cafeteria looking forward to what was to come.

He had visited his mother again. She had spoken at length about her past and present life. Ayman had met her husband, who was a rural man with a good heart despite his conservative ideas. Ayman had told his mother about his life in the present and the life he was looking forward to with Salwa. His mother had asked to meet her.

Ayman grew bored of waiting. It was spring, so why had he stuck himself inside the dark and gloomy cafeteria? He went out to the station concourse again and into the daylight. He wandered around a little, waiting for Salwa. When she finally arrived, the train was whistling its imminent departure. Salwa apologized for being late; demonstrations were blocking the streets. He took her hand and they ran to the platform. Salwa had a long white silk scarf around her neck. The wind picked up its two loose ends as she ran to catch the train and they spread like wings.

As soon as they reached their carriage, they jumped aboard and the train pulled away from the station toward the wide welcoming horizon where the sun shone.

Glossary

Some personal names in the novel have a meaning that is plain in Arabic. These are included below.

Bey:
Honorific, often used for political or security figures.

Doha al-Kenani:
Literally, the high noon of Egypt.

Fatiha:
The opening chapter of the Quran, central to Islamic prayer.

feddan:
A measure of area slightly larger than an acre.

gallabiya:
A loose robe-like garment worn by men and women.

Hagg:
Literally one who has performed the Islamic pilgrimage, but used as a polite address for an older person.

Hagga:
The female form of Hagg.

Hala Girgis Abdel Shahid:
Her name indicates that she is from a Christian family.

hamdulillah:
“Thanks be to God.”

Hanem:
Honorific for a woman.

mukhbir:
Either a police detective or a paid police informer and assistant.

Sheikha:
Honorific for an older woman.

Ustaz:
Literally teacher or professor, but used as a polite form of address for a man.

yansoun:
Aniseed tea.

Modern Arabic Literature

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