A Bitter Veil by Libby Fischer Hellmann Read Free Book Online Page A

that’s building the Metro.”
    “I didn’t know they were planning a metro,” she said cautiously. She wanted to share his joy, but her stomach was suddenly queasy. This meant he’d definitely be going back to Iran. She’d always known it would happen, but she’d preferred not to think about it.
    He came around the table and grabbed both her hands. “Anna, this is my chance.”
    She ran her tongue around her lips. What was he really saying? “What about bringing electricity and running water to rural villages?” she asked. “All your plans to help your countrymen? Get rid of the shah?”
    “That hasn’t changed. Not at all.” He rubbed his thumbs over the backs of her hands. “But I will need a job, and this is an excellent place to start. My father knows the man in charge. He’s a good man. Assuming I pass the engineering exam back home, it is the chance of a lifetime.” He paused. “But that’s not what I want to say.”
    Anna steeled herself. In just a couple of months she’d graduate and Nouri would have his master’s. It was clear she hadn’t prepared herself.
    Nouri started to laugh.
    He was behaving in a highly inappropriate way, she thought. She was about to tell him so when he knelt at her feet.
    “Anna Schroder, I can’t live without you, and I don’t want to. Will you give me the greatest honor a man can possibly have? Will you come with me to Iran? Will you be my wife? Bear my children? Live with me forever?”
    Her mouth flew open. She couldn’t speak.
    He rose and pulled her to him.
    She slipped into the crook of his arm. Her eyes filled.
    He brushed her tears away. “Why are you crying? This is supposed to be a happy time.”
    She sniffed and wiped her nose. This had been her dream. To marry a wonderful man. Raise a family. Live a life surrounded by warmth and love and security. It was a life she’d never known, a life she didn’t think she deserved. Now it was coming true.
    “Is that a yes?” he asked.
    A tear rolled down her cheek and she hugged him tight. “Yes, Nouri.” She sobbed. “Oh, yes.”
     
    *****
     
    But Anna’s joy was short-lived. Over the next few weeks, her anxiety came back. What if it was a dream? A mirage that would disappear the closer it approached? “Didn’t you say your parents aren’t sure you should come home right now? Didn’t they say things are deteriorating, with all the demonstrations and riots?”
    Nouri made a dismissive gesture. “We live in the safest neighborhood in Tehran. Nothing will happen.”
    Anna sat on the bed. “What neighborhood is that?”
    “My parents live in north Tehran. We will live near them in Shemiran. It is all arranged. You will see—it is very beautiful. And safe.”
    “But I don’t speak Farsi, except for the few words you’ve taught me.” He’d taught her hello, goodbye, and how to write his name using the Arabic alphabet.
    “You won’t have to. There are so many Americans in Iran that most Iranians speak at least some English. Believe me, you’ll hear it on TV, in music, in the shops. You’ll feel right at home.”
    She gulped. “Nouri…” She bit her lip. “What if your parents don’t like me?”
    “Don’t be silly. They will love you, just as I do.” A puzzled look came over him, as if he wasn’t sure why she was so wracked with doubt. “And in Tehran you will be closer to Paris and your mother. You can visit her anytime you like.”
    Anna started to jiggle her foot.
    “Look,” Nouri said. “If it makes you feel better, consider our visit there temporary. If you don’t like it, we’ll come back to the States.”
    Her foot stopped jiggling. “You’d do that? Come back to America for me?”
    “I would do anything for you, Anna.” But his expression was not quite as certain, his voice not as sure. “What is it? Why are you so upset?”
    She couldn’t keep it from him any longer. “There is something I need to tell you. Let’s go for a walk.”
     
    *****
     
    The Midway