27 مسلسل سلطانة - الحلقة

Sultana. On the previous episodes... So, what do you think about it? Beautiful, isn't it? Beautiful!

This is where we will live? Yes, why not? From now on we will be part of the upper class. Come on, let's see it from the inside. I didn't expect such beauty.

- Have a seat.

- Have a seat.

Excuse me, I'll leave. I'm a single man, and I have lots of money. My business is doing very well, and I liked the girl. But she's young. You know, she will eventually grow up.

- You said she was a virgin, scoundrel?

- Believe me, Freed bey,

- I thought she was a virgin?

- You thought so?

- She's not?

- You're such a liar and a fraud!

But if one of the guards saw the flyer in front of a shop or something - they will mobilize.

- No, the flyer must not be seen. We will slide it under the shop's door. As for the buildings, we will throw the flyers into the stairwell.

What's this for? This is for you, and that is for her.

- You mean it's to silence us?

- Silence you or not, That's her price.

I'm tired, Mom. I'm tired. You haven't told me what you do yet. I work in Aqaba. That other work doesn't suit me. Let me ask you, Abu Shaiban, what made you look for me, ask about me and come here to see me?

Hello, is this Fareed Bey's office?

- Yes.

- I'm with journalist Christine.

- May I wait here?

- Sure.

- Come on in.

- Thank you. Welcome. Khaleel.

So, you drive her around in your car all the time?

- You can say that.

- Like a personal driver.

- I also help her.

- Well, American journalism is different than journalism here. Don't underestimate America, it will be the richest and smartest country in the world.

Don't be so sure, Mister. America and the entire colonial West are doomed to fail. The waves of popular will are coming and they will sweep them away.

You're delusional, Mr. Tu'ma.

- How did you know my name?

- Come on, Mr. Tu'ma. You're a famous theorist on politics and history, but your people don't appreciate your true value.

My people? Whom do you mean?

- I don't know, that's what I heard.

- Who are you exactly? I told you, but you didn't seem to understand. I'm Christine's escort.

- Can you elaborate more?

- I will, when I visit you at home.

- Visit me?

- A friendly visit. But, please, let's keep this between us.

What are you talking about? I'll explain further when I come over. Forget about them, what about your papers? The college papers? They are processing, nothing is clear yet.

Why the delay? Is something holding them up? No, not at all. This is normal. But why are you asking?

Don't I get to ask? Of course you do. Anyway, Jeryes, if you need help with anything, just tell me.

- I will do my best to help.

- How would you help me, Uncle?

- Do you know anyone here?

- I know many good people. And they are ready to help.

- In the government?

- Yes, in the government.

Do you think all men in the government are like those you criticize? No, Jeryes, there are many people who are concerned about the country and the country's stability, inside and outside the government, and people like us too. But what's happening now is that some are seeking to reach certain positions, be those the parties or those who are in higher ranks.

You're such an astute fellow, Uncle! Why? Because I don't talk much? I've always known you to deal in weapons and deal with freedom fighters, but I've never known you were into politics. Listen to me, Jeryes, you might be educated and well-read, and you read the newspaper every day to know what's happening in the world, and that's all good, but don't be you think that people like me are only good at carrying rifles and shooting with them, no. Before I shoot I must know whom am I shooting, who is backing them up and who is backing me up. These two simple questions taught me that politics is a war without bullets, while war is politics with bullets. The two are interconnected.

So, who was that man with you at the secretary's office? He said he was Christine's driver. I was just looking out the window and I saw them leaving. They left on foot, they had no car. Tu'ma, we must be very careful, we don't want to make any fatal mistakes.

Hello? No, I'm busy today. Tomorrow too. Okay, okay. Bye.

Mom! Come see this. The telephone is working. Yes, they came and fixed it today, didn't you know that? So, we have a gramophone and a telephone now?

- We will have everything.

- I love you!

Go see who it is.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- I'm Hikmat.

- Nice to meet you.

- You must be Ameera.

- Yes.

- How are you, Ameera?

- I'm fine, thanks.

- What a lovely girl, here you go.

- Thank you.

- Is your mother here?

- Yes, she's here. Mom, it's Mr. Hikmat.

- Hello, welcome.

- Hello, nice to see you, Ma'am.

- Hello.

- It's an honor to have you here. Thank you. You didn't have to do this. It's just a small house-warming gift. Thank you, please come in.

Why do you want a weapons, Mustafa? The Jews keep attacking here and there every day in a hit-and-run style. What about the army? Our army. The army is there, they hit back, but they can't cover all towns. The Jews sneak into the towns in gangs and groups for an hour. The problem is that there's a truce, and the army can't violate it on a wide scale. There are national civilian guards under training now. Each town has 10 rifles and they take turns to keep watch. The problem is that there are remote areas that need weapons. There are towns like Bait Safafa that are split between us and them. Are you still staying there, Mustafa? I'm the head of a national committee now. I got married and I have a 6-months old son.

Congratulations! You earned it. I heard you got married too. That's right, I got married too. God sent me a good woman.

Congratulations. What do you think about this song? It's very nice. You have such a good taste. I'm exhausted.

What's that on your head? You've just noticed it? It's a scarf so my hair won't get dirty. Or did you think I started wearing a head scarf?

- This looks better.

- Of course it does.

Forget about the scarf, your hair looks amazing. You know something, Jeryes? I've never seen eyes as beautiful as yours. Give me your hand. My hand is dirty.

What's the matter? I saw you yesterday. But we didn't meet yesterday. I mean, I saw you in my dream.

- So you were worried about me?

- Of course.

You had a dream about me, Jeryes? Come sit next to me. Come closer. What's wrong? Your eyes. They are the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.

- You're lying.

- I swear I'm not lying.

All the women you saw in Amman, and you still think my eyes are the prettiest? All the girls of Amman can't hold a candle to you. You're the only woman I see in Amman. It's just a small scratch. I saw it in my dream. Okay, tell me what you saw in your dream exactly. I saw a man I knew holding a knife and cutting you with it. Ameera was standing there looking at you. Does Ameera know him? Well, do I know him? How could you know Tu'ma?

Who? Tu'ma. What's wrong? Who's Tu'ma? Dirty Tu'ma. Have a drink. I will explain further when I visit you at home.

- Visit me?

- A friendly visit. But please, let's keep this between us.

Between us? Let that scoundrel come and show me what he'll do. Let him come. Sultana. Sultana. What are you thinking about?

- I'm thinking about you.

- Lucky me!

I thought you forgot I was here. Jeryes, forget me.

Forget you? Our love is going nowhere.

- What do you mean?

- I mean, what's next?

What's next? We will get married.

What?

- Get married?

- Yes, we'll get married.

I don't want to travel. Jeryes, stop it! What do you want me to do?

- I'll go take a shower, I'm so sweaty.

- Please stay.

You didn't ask me about Ameera. I was busy thinking about you. How is she?

- She went out.

- Will she be long?

I don't know. Stay, we'll have dinner together. You like it? It's very nice. But why would you buy something like this?

Buy? I didn't buy it, it was a gift. From whom? Just a gift. Okay, as you wish. Do you know I'm going to Aqaba?

To Aqaba? What business do you have there? There's a shipment coming in and I have a share of it. What kind of shipment? Well, why would you go? Why don't you send Hilal? Isn't he driving the truck now? The shipment must arrive and be cleared first. Well,

- will you be long?

- Just a couple of days.

But when I come back, where can I find you?

- At the club?

- Great!

You know the club too? Now, is there a phone, or not? There is. Let me ask you a question. What do you like about Sultana?

- Don't you like her.

- Well, she is beautiful.

But you care about her too much. Do you love her, Jeryes? Please don't tell me you love her! Why do you say it like that? Then you love her. Well, not love in the sense you know. Are you telling me there are different meanings of love? Of course, my love for Amna is different than my love for Sultana, and those are different from my love for my mother or for you. There's a big difference between Amna and Sultana.

You're right. There's a world of difference between Amna and Sultana. I... I love the Amna who raised me and nursed me, and who taught me things I'll never forget. There's something about her I can't quite express. Sometimes I feel like she's an angel coming down from heaven, who makes me feel the pleasure of the soul and the body. Something you can't touch. You can feel with your soul or your spirit. Whenever we get together you remind me of those days, Jeryes. Because I remember them whenever I see you. You know, Jeryes, I've come to know you very well. I know you like I know myself. The path you're taking is far from Sultana and her life.

No, you're very mistaken. You're all being unfair to Sultana. Sultana is a very pure human being on the inside. But sometimes I feel that she could be harmful. She harms those who harm her. Wouldn't you harm those who harm you?

- You puzzle me, Jeryes.

- Don't be puzzled.

Tell me honestly, do you hate Sultana? Not at all, I couldn't hate her even if I tried.

- How so?

- You find that strange?

Not at all, I just don't get it. Unfortunately, I can't explain it to you. Even if I tried to explain, you wouldn't get it. But the day will come when you will understand everything.

- As you like.

- But let me ask you a question.

Why do we talk about Sultana whenever we mention Amna, and whenever we mention Sultana, Amna comes up? Do you think they are alike? I really don't understand you anymore. By the way, what made you think of that comparison? I didn't make that comparison, you did.

- We only have two eggs?

- That's all the eggs we have.

- Didn't you put oil on the labneh?

- We're out of olive oil.

So, you haven't come out with a result yet? University papers take time to process. What made you go for the American University of Beirut? What else would I choose? As far as I know, the tuition there is very expensive. Well, I can manage.

- I can do some translation.

- You do translation?

- What kind of translation?

- Arabic to English or vice versa.

- It depends.

- Are you good at it?

- That's what they say.

- Jeryes benefitted from reading English novels.

You know, if you were accepted in the party, they would send you on a scholarship to the Soviet Union.

To the Soviet Union? That's too far away. Won't you change your mind and have breakfast with us? I'm good, you enjoy your breakfast. His sister must have fed him. You have a sister here in Amman? Yes, a foster sister. She's a Muslim too. She might be the one who kept him from not going farther than Lebanon. You think village people are narrow-minded, but it's the exact opposite. The village is what takes us to farthest places.

That's true, the village has an open horizon, which is ironic. Novels are products of the city, urban products. but in our country, those who adopt them are the village people. What's the reason behind that in your opinion? The reason is clear and simple. The relationships in the village are complete, while the city is still in the process of being formed. You're right, and that reminds me of Gibran. Gibran lives in a mountain village in Lebanon called Besharri, and he comes from a village, but he astonished the world with his writings. Now we're talking, that's my point. I wish people here knew that each town has its Gibran.

But what would that do? A prophet is not without honor, save in his country. Don't spoil our day, let's eat and go to work.

- Are you ready?

- I'm ready.

When are you going to Aqaba? Tomorrow. You're going to Aqaba by car or by train? I haven't decided yet. Why are you going alone? I'm meeting our man there. Will you do something with him on your own? I'm not going to do anything. Will you take the goods with you? No, you will take it there next time. Why are you going then? There's something else we're doing which is better than this.

What's that? I'll tell you later. Now let's go. I need to buy some clothes.

- You confused me with this.

- Don't be.

Do you mean there's another business going on other than ours? You can interpret it any way you want. Why are you talking to me as if this doesn't concern me? This doesn't concern you. When we arrange everything, I'll let you know what you need to do. So, now you're planning on your own, Sultana.

- This is bigger than you.

- Bigger than me?

How? I'm telling you it's bigger than you, that's it. So, I'm not a little, clueless man. Remember I was the one who got you into the weed business. I was the one who taught you about weed.

- You didn't know anything.

- Shut up.

We're out on the street, don't say that word. We're in the car, not out on the street. Drive quietly.

- What do you mean?

- What do you want?

I want to know whether I'm a partner or an employee? In this, you're an employee.

- You dare to say it?

- It's for your own good.

For my own good? Like you care about me. You make enough money as it is. I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about business. Do you know what happens to those who look up too high?

- Their necks break.

- Who will break my neck?

Drive now, Odeh. Drive! Who is it? Who are you? And what brings you here? How shameful! How shameful! Who are you? And who is she? Who are you two and why are you here? I told you I would pay you a visit. Say what you have to say and get out of here. I came here because of Ameera.

Ameera. Ameera, the minor. Listen, what do you want? You look good in an unbuttoned shirt. Or is that another innocent habit?

I'm coming.

- Hello, Ameera.

- Hello, Hikmat Bey. Welcome.

- Please come in.

- Is your mother here?

She went shopping.

- Then I'll come back later.

- No, come in, she'll be back soon.

- I'm afraid she'd be upset.

- No, she won't. Come on in, welcome. This is a new record I brought for your mother.

Thank you. What would you like to drink? Thank you, there's no need for that. Please, we have coffee and tea. We also have some great gen. Okay, I'll drink anything from your hands. That's some nice music, Hikmat Bey. Thank you. This is the latest record in the country. It's amazing.

- Hello, my daughter.

- Hello.

- Where is your mother?

- She's out of town.

- Where did she go?

- I don't know, she might not be back today.

Won't you invite your father in? Come in if you want. Or you can go to the hotel and when Odeh comes I'll send him to you. Who was that, Ameera?

- Someone.

- Someone?

But I heard him say he was your father. Never mind what he said. Excuse me, I'll go change. Take your time, doll. I would never do that! I'd never testify against Fareed Bey.

- Get out of here.

- You will regret this, because you played a dirty role by involving Ameera.

Get out! Out! Hello. You came just in time. Sit down. So, will you testify against me?

- Me?

- Answer me.

- So, they came to you.

- I said answer me.

- They fooled you.

- Answer me!

Don't yell in my ear. Listen, since I bought this gun and put it in my drawer, I haven't thought of taking it out until now. Do you know why?

- You're thinking of committing suicide?

- You're mocking me?

- Are you testing me?

- What a shame!

That's so pathetic. I thought you were more brave than I was, but it turned out I was much stronger than you. How could you think for a moment that I'd testify against you? Listen, don't start lecturing me. Cut to the chase. I refused. I refused adamantly. I would never do that. My history and background wouldn't allow me to do that. Besides, remember, Mr. Fareed, that these are the imperialists. My archenemies and yours, Mr. Fareed. What do you suggest? I think you should stick to your project, the project of mobilizing support to overthrow the government. Take any documents they offer you about Aqaba. There's no harm in that, you're already looking for them. If they ask you for any other projects or facilitations, ignore them. I want to do that, but I'm afraid they'd use the girl's case against me. It won't serve them. All this depends on the girl speaking up. She must say that this actually happened or press charges against you. I don't think her family is ready for such a scandal. Do you think so? Take the Aqaba documents from them and ask the Parliament to review them. There's nothing wrong with that, it could be your chance.

Hello? Yes? What? What? Who was that? It's a disaster! A disaster has befallen me! A third party is threatening me. If I mention Aqaba or collaborate with the Americans, they will expose me for raping the girl. How did all these people know? How? Where did you find that girl? Why did you bring her to me? Why?

How beautiful! How beautiful! Gorgeous! Bravo, Bravo, Ameera! You're amazing. Who taught you to dance like that? The cinema. Ameera copies everything she sees at the cinema. Bravo, Ameera. You dance beautifully. You know what, Sultana? Ever since the first time I saw you at the coffee shop and saw your beauty, I couldn't believe it. And now when I saw you in this new look, the Amman's women style,

- I lost my mind.

- What about me, Hikmat Bey?

You? You're one of a kind, Ameera.

- Excuse me.

- It's still early.

- It's dark.

- The night is still young.

I've been here since the afternoon, that's more than 7 hours. Even if you've been here all day, what's wrong with that? No, that's enough. I don't want you to get bored of me. No one can ever get bored of you, Hikmat Bey. Thank you, Ameera, my princess. What time are you leaving to Aqaba tomorrow? Early in the morning. Does anyone know we're going together? No. What about Ameera? Will she come along? Not this time, we won't need her.

- So, we're just going to explore.

- The business slowed down, because another party was under surveillance.

But what we want now is to finish in two or three weeks and put an end to this so nobody would take notice. What about your man over there? Will I meet him? Sure enough, but do you trust your people here? Don't worry about anything. Everything will be arranged by the book. Here and there.

- Goodbye for now.

- I'll walk you out.

- It was a pleasure to have you.

- I had a great time.

- Don't forget about tomorrow.

- Sure.

- Okay, bye.

- Goodbye.

- Where are you going, Odeh?

- I'm going home.

- No, stay here.

- What do you need me for?

Odeh, don't be hasty. Everything will happen in due time.

- I'd better leave.

- No, stay here for tonight.

- Enough drinking.

- What's wrong with that?

I said enough drinking. Listen, girl, if your mother says enough then it's enough. There's no need to be insolent. It's okay, Ameera. Listen to your mother. Stop it.

Yes? Hello, Samha. Hello, dear. How are you? And how's your husband? We don't need anything, we'd just like to see you. No, you must visit us, dear. Okay, I'll come pick you up in a couple of days when I finish some work. We'll enjoy some time together. Yes, Aunt, Bishara is here. He's playing backgammon with Abu Ma'en. No, he will spend the night here and leave in the morning. No, he insists on leaving in the morning. Why? You don't know? Didn't Ameera tell you? Are you sure of this? Okay, dear, goodbye. Sultana. Tell me, Abu Ma'en, are all your goods imported? Of course, I have no local goods. But they say there are well established industries in Egypt. Why don't you go export goods from there? Man, Egyptian goods are no match for English goods. English goods have great reputation in the market. Well, since you have such strong ties with the Brits, why did they discharge you from the army? Everything has its price. You lose. Okay, I lose. Everything works in your favor. Listen, Mustafa, you're having lunch at my house today. No, you'll have to excuse me. I have work and then I'm going to visit my relatives in Amman. And remember, I must take the clothes back to their owners. What relatives? Listen, Mustafa, you're having lunch at my place today. Your comrade in arms come before your relatives. Okay, I'll have lunch at your place. As for the weapons, the weapons I have must be sold under a license. But if you really need them, I'll find you some. I thought this was over. It looks like it's going to take some time. The Jews aren't happy with the Unification of the two banks, especially after forming a unified Parliament. That's why they do not approve of the lands and towns we kept. They have their eyes on them, they want to take them. But they won't. I think they're sneaking in and a staging attacks to take over whatever little land that remained with us.

- But they won't.

- After what happened, I don't think anyone would leave an inch of their land even if they had to die for it.

Anyway, Mustafa, wait a few of days and I'll get you some unregistered weapons. So, shall I come back or send you someone from there? Whatever you see fit. Or you know what? I'll deliver them to you and I'll spend a couple of days with you.

- What about the store?

- I'll come on the weekend.

- That will be my time off.

- You would do it.

Why wouldn't I? You know what, Mustafa? My body and my mind are here, but my heart, soul and feelings are over there in Jerusalem.