last time on Azhar Street
14
goes home, grumbling. Onlookers are filled with malicious delight. Only God can patch this up.
Kirsha is annoyed that the boy has fled and wants to go looking for him, but Hussainy restrains him. Kirsha regrets not beating his wife properly and mourns the old days when he was a known criminal—why has he reformed to get this? Hussainy reminds Kirsha to put his faith in God. Abbas is sure that if Kirsha’s boy does not return, another will. The café returns to its usual atmosphere until Kirsha shouts that no woman will enslave him. She may have the house and he will wander the streets, a criminal, and a cannibal. Darwish raises his head and declares Umm Hussain more masculine than many men and asks why Kirsha loves her. This is the evil of “h-o-m-o-s-e-x-u-a-l-i-t-y”. Only descendants of Muhammad may enjoy true love.
Hamida no longer resists the idea of spending her life with Abbas, who feels intoxicated by love. She doubts any of her factory girlfriends will marry better and watching their reactions as she walks with Abbas. One day she tells them they are engaged. Hamida reasons that owning a barbershop and wearing a suit are definitely signs of being middle-class. She dares not dream, however, and rarely feels like she is in love. When Abbas tries to kiss her, Hamida neither yields nor refuses. She wants to experience what she has heard about and the reality makes her gasp and shut her eyes.
Abbas chooses Booshy as his ambassador to visit Umm Hamida, who readily accepts the proposal and is amazed when her rebellious daughter seems pleased. She suspects something has gone on behind her back. Abbas and Kamil next pay a visit and Umm Hamida welcomes the sweet boy into the family. Reading the customary verses of the Qur’an seals the engagement and they enjoy refreshments.
The lovers meet one last time on Azhar Street two days later and walk in silence. Abbas has tears in his eyes. He admits to leaving his heart behind and holds her hand to gather sweet memories while he is away. Hamida is lulled by his words and promises to visit Lord Hussain’s tomb and pray for Abbas during his travels. Abbas is delirious, hearing his beloved say she will be sad apart from him. After speaking enthusiastic words about the power of love, Abbas declares he will make so much money the girls will envy Hamida. Sadness envelops them as the end nears. They kiss passionately in Afify’s pitch-black stairwell. For one brief moment, Hamida brims with emotion and affection.
That night, Abbas bids farewell to Umm Hamida and then visits the café. Hussainy blesses him, says a long prayer, and advises he be frugal, avoid wine and pork, and never forget Midaq Alley. Booshy promises that when Abbas is rich, he will extract his rotten teeth and provide a nice set of gold teeth. Kamil is silent, dreading living alone after so many years. Darwish recites the “Throne Verse” from the Qur’an, and says that if Abbas is sufficiently heroic, he will become the King of England’s “v-i-c-e-r-o-y”. Next morning, carrying his clothes in a bundle, Abbas leaves the alley before dawn. A “For Rent” sign hangs in his shop window. Tears flood his eyes.
