Page 6 of Three Holidays and a Wedding
Her sister laughed. “Right, I forgot. Bor-yam can’t stand to smell the roses.”
That nickname again. Bor-yam—boring Maryam. “Actually, I’m allergic to roses, not to enjoying things...” Maryam started.
Saima grinned and Maryam stopped, realizing she was being teased. Saima was four years younger, but aside from a similar arch to their full dark brows, they looked nothing alike. Where Maryam was the tallest person in their family at five foot eight, Saima was a petite five foot two. Maryam’s complexion was light tan year-round, whereas Saima’s skin was a few shades darker, her face rounded, a contrast to Maryam’s pointed chin, thin lips, and large dark eyes. Saima had full lips and smaller eyes that perpetually sparkled with mirth and mischief. Dadu called the sisters his “Grumpy/Sunshine,” and though Maryam had tried to tell him that term was a popular romance trope that did not apply to siblings, she had to admit it also captured their sisterly dynamic. Maryam had spent most of their childhood feeling both exasperation and deep affection for Saima, usually at the same time. For a trained medical doctor who worked in some of the most conflict-ridden places on earth, her sister often treated her family with a flippant manner that bordered on immaturity. Maryam had been surprised to hearfrom her sister’s medical school classmates that Saima was often praised for her steadiness during emergencies.
“How is the wedding planning going? What are you wearing? Oh God, I hope you talked Mom out of that hideous orange sari. I know we’re Hyderabadi and addicted to bling and bright colors, but there is alimit,” Saima chatted happily, barely stopping to take a breath. Sort of like the overfriendly Anna, Maryam thought as she listened to her sister prattle. Within fifteen minutes, their to-go bags were ready, and the sisters returned to their gate, where her family waited to greet their returning daughter.
Azizah clutched at Saima as if she would never let go of her younger child, Ghulam wiped tears of happiness from his eyes, and Dadu beamed at them all.
“It is so wonderful to have the entire family together again after so long,” he said happily.
Maryam looked up and caught Anna, now seated a few rows over, watching her family with a wistful expression on her face.
“Where are your seats?” Saima asked, pulling out her plane ticket. Maryam proudly showed her the four seats she had booked in Economy Plus.
Her sister made a face. “I bought my ticket too late—I’m at the back of the plane. Plus, I’m stuck with an aisle seat. Aisle seats are the worst.” Saima looked hopefully at Maryam, but before she could say anything, their father broke in.
“Thedulancan’t be stuck at the back of the plane. You will take my seat,beta—your sister made sure our seats have extra leg room so we can be comfortable and avoid leg cramps on the flight,” Ghulam said gallantly.
Maryam sighed. “Dad, that’s okay. I’ll switch seats with her. I prefer aisle seats anyway.”
Her sister grinned, reaching across to give her a side hug. “I missed you all so much! Can you believe I’m gettingmarriedin fivedaysinCanada?”
The passengers started to board, and Maryam helped her parents and Dadu collect their carry-on luggage and food, before waiting for her group to be called—last, of course.
Anna stood a few feet away, talking on her flip phone again. She looked far less cheerful and perky than she had earlier. Maryam didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it was clear Anna was having an intense discussion.
“No, I completely understand. It all has to run like clockwork. Which is exactly why I only packed a carry-on, as we discussed. To be prepared foranyeventuality. Like this one. I know, but—” Her brows were furrowed with concern. “Yes, but I can’t really do anything about a plane delay. I’m sure your mother is upset, but none of this is my fault!” Her voice rose, and then, as if remembering she was in public, she seemed to struggle to rein in her emotions. “The minute we land, I’ll grab the first cab I see. I’ll meet you there. I’ll probably only be a tiny bit late for the cocktail party, no one will notice.” Another pause, then: “Okay, so your mother will notice, but no one else. I really should go. Love you. Bye.” Anna hung up, and Maryam caught her eye.
“Your boyfriend sounds like a real stickler for time,” she said, sympathetic.
Anna stiffened. “Actually, he can’t wait to see me. I think it’s sweet.” She marched ahead and joined the queue to board the plane without a backward glance.
Realizing she must have hit a sore spot, Maryam made sure to wait a few minutes for Anna to get ahead of her before joining the line. It didn’t matter, in any case; it was unlikely they would ever meet again. In a few short hours, her family would arrive in Toronto, ready to launch her baby sister’s wedding and then celebrate Eid. A wave of excitement caused her lips to lift in a smile—her first genuine one since she had woken up before dawn. This really was the most wonderful time of year, and she couldn’t wait for all the joy and adventure waiting around the corner.
THREE
Anna
December 20
Denver International Airport
Okay, so where were we?” Anna tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear—hair she had just that morning paid a small fortune to have layered and highlighted to perfection. Style inspiration: Rachel Green, from season six ofFriends. She smiled up at the tall, sandy-haired flight attendant who was explaining that she was going to have to hand over her suitcase to him, even though she had managed to bring her miniscule suitcase all the way to the very front of the line. She was so close, she could see the plane just beyond the gates. Anna gently interrupted his passive-aggressive yet still cheerful monologue.
“But it’s carry-on size,” she said, maintaining her smile and spinning the cream leather case 360 degrees on its little tan wheels. “And it’s ten pounds underweight. You won’t evennotice it’s there.” Anna prepared to step forward and board the plane.Withher precious case containing her capsule wardrobe for four days of upscale holiday celebrations and all the expensive gifts for the Vandergreys: a cashmere scarf for Nick’s father, a custom flask for his brother, a statement collar necklace for his mother, chandelier earrings and butterfly brooches for his sisters.
“I’m afraid that’s not going to be possible.”
“Please. I’ve gone full-on Mary Poppins here. You don’t understand how much I’ve managed to fit into this bag. Ineedto carry it on.” But the flight attendant was still standing in her way, and he wasn’t smiling anymore.
“I’m sorry, miss, but there simply isn’t room on board for one more piece of carry-on. Not even...” He glanced down at the case and did not, in Anna’s opinion, give it the respect it was due when he finished his sentence with “that.” Anna could hear some throat-clearing behind her and knew the other passengers were getting impatient.
“But I don’t have time to wait at baggage claim when we arrive in Toronto.”
“Miss—”
“Please.My boyfriend’s mother is already having a meltdown about the plane delay because she is avery exacting woman—and to top it all off, my boss is now waiting for me to fax her a magazine layout change approval as soon as I land, and...” Anna trailed off, desperate for a convincing closing argument. It was all true: despite the fact that she had gone into the office that morning to approve the photo layouts for the New Year issue ofDenver Decor, Janey had changed her mind about theMalone Mansion spread layout when Anna was halfway to the airport. It had been all Anna could do not to tell Janey that she quit, that Janey could keep her job, with all the hoops she made Anna jump through and unreasonable requests she made—but Annaneededthe job. She had debts to repay, and she had to keep on being able to pretend she was the perfect woman Nick believed her to be.
