Part of tradition, for one year Sakina and Abran must undergo a "courtship" before they consummate their marriage. Though the one year courtship is not mandatory, Abran agrees to the one year courtship in hope that it will give Sakina time to adjust and allow her to become more acquainted with him. Everyday the two of them set aside some intimate time to be together in the blue drawing room from sharing a lunch or dinner together, getting use to each other's company or even just talking. In this case Abran is running late and while Sakina was waiting for him she falls asleep. When Abran enters he finds Sakina fast asleep. Instead of waking her up he watches her and ponders what to do next.