Chapter Twenty Eight

It's been two days since the bakery incident. Zara didn't hear from Amir again. His texts. Though she was worried about his sudden silence that she had called Aunt Yasmin and she told her that he's fine just busy with office work. A smile made it way out of her lips seeing the name on her phone screen. Their bond has gotten stronger than before.
"Missing me already?" was the first word she uttered as she places the phone to her ear while resting her back on the bed rest. A chuckle made its way to her ears from the other end.
On their way back home, no words were spoken between them even though Fawwaz tried so many times to get a word from her mouth but she refused. Only heaving out a sigh every now and then. The car halted in front of Zara's house. He switched off the engine turning to her not liking the quietness from her.
"Talk to me Zara what is bothering you?" he questioned with concern evident on his face.
"Nothing I'm just tired" Fawwaz rakes his hands through his hair. He seriously doesn't understand her changed mood. He said he would talk to Amir, she said no and now she's giving him a cold treatment. He wants her to share her fears and problems with him but she isn't letting him in.
"Seriously Zara, can you stop bottling it up alone and tell me. I'm here for you. You will become my responsibility soon and I want us to be comfortable with each other. I love you and I can do whatever to fight for that love" he muttered the last part slowly. Only Allah knows what he's feeling inside. Zara has become an important aspect of his life. He's willing to do anything to claim his lover. To make her his.
"Zara talk to me please" he pleaded staring at her while her face was turned to the window.
"Please" he whispered again. Zara was holding herself not to cry but Fawwaz is talking in such a way that she has no choice than to listen to her heart. She turned over and their eyes meet. A moment of silence prevailed as they stared into each other's eyes. The tears Zara tried hard to maintain escape its way out of her eyes.
"I'm sorry for giving you a cold shoulder. I have so much in my mind. Why must things turn to this? Why is Amir behaving indifferently? I want us to stay as close as we are. The best of friends but he's not ready to understand. Why can't he understand that I love you Fawwaz? Why can't he understand my feelings? that my heart escalates only with you. I'm getting scared Fawwaz what if -" Zara choked at her own words. Fawwaz felt weak by her words. Indeed, her love is genuine. He sometimes has insecurities on what if Zara's feelings for him will change someday but now he knows. And he would make sure their love stays strong. The urge to hold her increase but he hold himself back. He's a practicing Muslim, he always tries to stay away from anything that is not permitted by Islam
"Listen to me, Zara. I know I've said it and I will still say it. I love you and day by day, my love increase more. I don't want you to have any negative thoughts about our relationship. Our love might not be strong now but I assure you we will make it strong. You're the woman I love and also want to spend the rest of my life with. Stop thinking about Amir's actions and words, I know everything will be normal again Insha Allah. Promise me you won't hide anything from me again. Your pain, your problem even a strand of your hair is important to me" A chuckle escapes Zara by his last statement and he finds himself smiling too. The thing he has been trying to get out of her since. Now he feels at ease seeing the carefree Zara is back. His Zara and soon to be wife Insha Allah.
"Promise me too that you also won't hide anything from me. even if it's a problem pertaining the office" Laugh erupt from Fawwaz lips.
"That will not be an issue as long as you'll solve the problem for me"
"Sure. You know I don't joke around when it comes to the people I love." she ushered unlocking the car door.
"Where are you going?" He inquired. Zara's brows knit in confusion.
"What do you mean, of course, I'm going inside" she stated. She noticed his changed expression.
"What? do you want us to chat a bit longer?" he nodded sheepishly. Zara couldn't help the laughter out of her lips.
"Okay if I'm to stay what do you want us to talk about?" she asked folding her hands across the chest with an amused smile.
"Anything as far as I will get to stare at your face and your beautiful smile"
"Fawwaz you're making me shy" she retort hiding her face with her palms.
"I'm serious. You have a beautiful smile. Believe me, when I say, your smile is one of the things that made me fall for you" he said truthfully.
"What are the rest then?"
"That's a secret engraved in my heart which is meant to stay deep down inside."
"But we promise not to hide anything from one another" she clarified remembering his words earlier. Fawwaz stared in thinking before speaking again.
"I will tell you only if you agree to spend another 10mins before going inside"
"That will not be a problem" she ushered hopping in.
"Now tell me" she cheerfully said.
"Well I forgot"
"Fawwaz!" she exclaimed throwing daggers in his direction. She was about to get out of the car when she finds it locked.
"Can you kindly unlocked the door as you can see I have so many things to do" she sarcastically said but it was as if she was talking to herself. Fawwaz folded his arms together watching the woman he loves.
"You won't open the door, right? Then let's stay inside till tomorrow" she uttered resting her head back as she closed her eyes. Fawwaz smile finding her actions interesting. He didn't plan on keeping her for so long but since she said it herself, then he has no choice. He would get to stare at her face longer.
**
Everywhere was scattered with papers and books together with broken glass. On the table seated Amir, hand wrapped around with a bandage, and by his side is his secretary her face held in a frown.
"Sir, you need to get back to work. I can't keep lying to your father. He will-"
"Shut it there, I'm the boss here. Do as I say or you lose your job. I don't need anyone's help." he roared glaring his reddish eyes into hers. Cassandra was taken aback by his tone. For the past days, her boss has changed. He's no more the playful boss she knew him as. He's now cold and snaps at little things.
"You're dismissed" he stated waving his hand indicating her to leave. Cassandra was about to speak but decided against it. Bowing her head, she left the office closing the door quietly. What will she do now? She's tired of lying to his father about being serious at the office when he's nothing like serious. Most of the things were taken care of by her when its not even her job. She wonders what is wrong with her boss. Pushing her body from the door, she made her way towards her desk with the motive of informing Mr. Marwan everything. Back in Amir's office, he clenched his fist with fury in his eyes. Earlier event flashed in his head. When he followed Zara to apologize for his actions but saw her with Fawwaz which angers him more. He also doesn't know why his anger always take over him. He hated the fact that Zara only has her eyes for Fawwaz when he's here suffering from her love digging more hole in his heart. He cannot understand why life is cruel to him at the moment when he decided to get something for himself. His phone vibrates from the desk showing his Father's name on the screen. He snapped his eyes shut and opened them again. He knew Cassandra will eventually tell his father not to talk of the way he shouted at her few minutes ago.
"Assalamu Alai-"
"I'm giving you a last warning Amir, if I receive anymore complaint from Cassandra, the worst will happen" before he could answer, the call was being disconnected. To say he's angry and helpless will be an understatement. Why are things turning against him? What is going on in his life? He promises himself that he won't give up on Zara and he'd make sure of that. A plan forms in his head, he knows exactly the person fit for the job. Taking the phone once again, he scrolls down to his contact list, stopping at the number. The left of his lips twitches up as he waited for the person to pick up the call.
"Assalamu Alaikum long time" was the first word he uttered after the call was being answered.
"Indeed it's a long time. What pleasure do I owe you this afternoon" the voice said from the other end.
"Don't be faster than your shadow. I have a good proposal which I know will be of benefit to you" he declared plopping his leg on the other.
"I will send you the address and you meet me there" he ended the call without waiting for the other person's response. Since no one will take his side and help him, then he has no choice than to do things his way.
"What made you think that I'm missing you?" he questioned.
"Well, we spoke one hour ago and now you're calling again. Which means you're missing me already"
"Wow, you know me so well. You're right, I'm missing you and your voice already. I can't stop thinking about you even though I'm here with a pile of work in front of me" he stated in one of his husky voice that made Zara's heart did a flip. How can his voice be this attractive, she thought
"Don't blame me when Uncle scold you, because I have nothing to do with you slacking off with your work" A chuckle escapes his lips as he feels so relieved hearing her voice. "Well, you partake in me slacking off because you made me turn to a lovesick. I can't stop thinking about you" he confided.
"Fawwaz stop flattering me, please. You're saying it in such a way that my heart beat with each romantic words you utter out of your mouth" A sound emerges from the background followed by a voice.
"Who's that?" Zara couldn't help herself asking hearing a female voice from the other end.
"What a pleasant surprise Minal" she heard him say. Zara felt something tug inside her, hearing him utter the word Minal. What is she doing in his office?
"Fawwaz?" she called.
"It's Minal. I will call you later" before Zara could react, the call was disconnected. She stared at the phone for a good one minute, thinking of a reason why Minal came to Fawwaz's office. In the first place, what does she want?. By Allah, she doesn't like Minal's attitude. She remembered clearly how she stares at Fawwaz back at Ma's house and now she's here. She let out a weary breath. It's not like she's acting like a jealous girlfriend, but she can not help the curiosity rising inside her. The door was pulled open followed by her Mom looking radiant as always.
"Mom you look, Masha Allah. Are you going out?" she inquired placing her phone on the bedside drawer. Farah let out a smile remembering her plans. She decided to do things her way. After her visit to Yasmin's house with the motive to settle things, another problem occurs when Yasmin still doesn't want to give her consent for the marriage. Though she apologizes for her action but her decision is still valid which angers Farah more and she decided to do things her way. The sooner the better.
"Well, yes I'm going out and we are going together" she declared. Zara brows furrow in question.
"Where to Mom don't tell me your shop" Zara knew if she follows her mom to her clothing shop, she won't be able to have a peace of mind, because her Mom will turn her into one of her staffs moving around from one place to another.
"Nah, we are going to Myrah's house. We need to discuss about the wedding. I want it to take place within one week Insha Allah" Zara stared at her mom bogeyed.
"Mom did I just hear you say one week?. That's too close" she voiced.
"Nothing is too close. Besides, why will we take a long time preparing when both of you are ready and we are ready too. So I don't see a problem for it not to take place within one week. Now get ready let's go, Myrah is already waiting." Zara heaved out a sigh as she gets down the bed towards her wardrobe. Her mind wandered to Minal. Within one week, she would be Fawwaz's wife. She won't have to think about Minal. Her lips curved up. within one week she would be Mrs. Fawwaz. Just the thought excites her. Her little thoughts were cut short by her mom's faraway voice.
"I'm coming mom" she ushered. Wrapping a mini hijab around her head, she carried her bag together with her phone before rushing out. Farah was already out of the door leaving it open for her.
"Just to wear your hijab, you took a long time. It's not like Fawwaz is there" Zara felt a ting of blush passed through her cheeks. Her mom knows the perfect time to tease her.
"Mom" she whined tapping her foot on the tile floor childishly. Farah glance at her daughter. She would surely miss her troublesome daughter. Within one week she will leave the house.
"Come on let's go. I've already phoned Labibi, she will be here before Majeed comes back from school"
**
"How are you doing Minal?" Fawwaz started rising up from his seat.
"I'm doing just fine. I came to visit a friend, so I decided to pay a visit. I hope I'm not interrupting your work" She made herself comfortable without waiting for Fawwaz to offer her a seat.
"That's good. So..." he trailed off retreating back to his seat. Her visit was a surprise to him. As a matter of fact, he has forgotten about her already.
"Well I came to check up on my cousin who was admitted at the hospital, so I might stay for a few days" Fawwaz nodded his head in return but deep in his heart, there's some curiosity. A moment of silence fell on them. Fawwaz was just staring at a particular place not knowing what to say or how to start a conversation. Until Minal, herself decided to break the silence.
"Um... Fawwaz can I ask you for a favor?" she ushered. His eyes snapped towards her as he waited for her to speak up.
"Sure"
"Can I stay at your house for a few days, if it's okay for you. Staying at the hospital will kind of be uncomfortable and I don't have anywhere else to go" she explained. Fawwaz stared in thinking. Some part of him is telling him something is definitely fishy about her visit.
"That wouldn't be a problem with me but I have to ask my mom first. If she's okay with it then. Wait, I have an idea let me talk to Aunt Farah. You'll feel more comfortable there since Zara is there." Something flashed across her eyes which Fawwaz didn't notice as his concentrate was on the phone call he was about to make.
"Assalamu Alaikum Aunt" he greeted in a calm voice.
"Wa Alaikum salam Fawwaz how are you doing?"
"Alhamdulillah fine. Actually, I have a favor to ask from you" he ushered rubbing the back of his head.
"Go on"
"So Minal came to check up on her sick cousin and she's staying for a few days. So I'm wondering if she can stay with you before she leaves."
"You mean Minal, the girl staying with Ma?" she inquired.
"Yes, Aunt it's her" Farah's cheerful voice filled the background.
"It's okay she can stay with us for as long as she wants. I have no problem with that beside Zara would be delighted. Right Zara?" he heard her say. So they're together.
"Yes I'm okay"
"Thank you Aunt"
"Don't mention and by the way, we are on our way to your house. In case you're missing your wife to be, you can meet us there before we leave" before Fawwaz could reply she continued.
"Bye" and then silence. Fawwaz couldn't help the smile out of his lips. Turning to Minal, he found her now in a standing position with some kind of unreadable expression. He didn't waste time dwelling on that.
"So they're okay with it, you can go there if you're done from the hospital. I will give you the address," he explained tight-lipped.
"Can you please take me there. I'm not that familiar with the places" Fawwaz stares for a nanosecond before nodding his head.
"Thank you. I will now take my leave. I will come back when you're done with the work"
"Sure by 5 pm Insha Allah"
The moment Minal was out of the office, her lips curved up in a smirk. Things are moving according to plan. Even though originally, she was supposed to stay in Fawwaz house but now that tables have turned, she can make use of Zara to get her job done. Amir will get his Zara and she would get her Fawwaz. The short conversation they had with Amir one hour ago resurface in her head.
One hour ago
After Minal received a call from Amir with an invitation which she couldn't resist, she agreed to meet him as per his request.
"So tell me why do you want me to get close to Fawwaz what benefits will it be to you," she asked after she has settled herself on the seat facing him. Amir folded his palms on the table as he comfortably let out the words.
"As per my observations, I can see you like Fawwaz by the look you have been giving him back at Ma's house. You want Fawwaz and I want Zara. So I want us to team up to get what our heart desire. I hope you understand what I mean" he clarified.
"So what do you want me to do?" she asked
"Do whatever it takes to separate them. I don't care how you do it. As far as the wedding wouldn't take place". Minal's eyes widen in surprise.
"Wedding? You mean they are getting married?"
"Exactly"
"Wow" was the word she could utter still in a daze by the news.
"I will pay you any amount just do the work. You get him and I get her"