Fiction: A receptionist in a Dubai hospital receives a book written by someone else using her name

When I woke up in the morning, the book was by my side. Having enthusiastically read two chapters at one go, I mulled over taking a day off from work and continuing the reading spree.

“Today I am applying for sick leave,” I announced loudly enough for Sandra to hear.

Varun entered the room, while trying to fix his tie. When I struggled to sit up straight, he sat by my side.

“Don’t worry too much, dear! First you finish the book. We will decide on further course of action later. Sandra is really anxious about you.”

“I have started reading, Varun. But the going is very slow… After reading a bit, I find myself lost in thoughts…”

“No worries, take your time. Let me leave now. Take care.” Patting me affectionately on my shoulder, Varun left the room.

Of course, I know the three Emirati women – Mariam, Soraiyya and Shamsa. I have been to Bait Al Banat. No doubt, that was only after the house was turned into a museum, a women’s museum! When I stepped into it for the first time in 2017, the laughter, tears and peeves of the three women had risen like water vapour from the walls and enveloped me. Though there...

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