Chapter 31:

'But, what about my clothes? Work? OMG work—I need to call my boss and inform him. And what about your work? And… I haven't even told my parents we were traveling—my best friend." Bushra spoke breathlessly. He could sense the concern in her voice and how her brows were drawn together.
They just landed in New York and they were already on their way to Mubarak and Yasmin's place. She looks at him when he didn't answer her and he offered her a smile. 'Relax, you have 3 weeks off. And I'm the boss, I can decide to show up at work whenever I want to. And your parents know we're traveling because I've told them—and who's your best friend? That white girl that visits you? She talks a lot."
Bushra shook her head on disbelief. 'How did you convince him to give me that much time off?" She also wondered why Aunty haven't spoken about their trip when they spoke a day before the trip. And she could admit Madina was a talkative, and sassy.
Mahir shoulder-shrugged and looked out the window. 'I'm your boss's boss, remember?"
She had more questions to ask but decided to keep it for later—or never. She need not to annoy him after putting much effort to amend things. Now, in just a matter of minutes, she was going to see her sister and niece.
A smile appears on her lips—the enthusiasm rising sturdier inside of her. The last time she was this happy was when she had a date night her three best friends Madina, Yasmin and Adila last month. They seem to be the only people that makes her happy and keeps her going, even when she feels like giving up—even when they don't know how advantageous they are. She was so happy—for a moment, she had forgotten her uncertainties and the contentment over took the fury and grief that had painted dark shades in her heart.
'We're almost there," he announced, sensing how eager she was. She looks at him and nod, the smile never left her face. She felt the urge to thank him—hug him even; but something inside her was whispering otherwise, telling her how he doesn't deserve to see her smile left alone thank him. Possibly, he took her on this trip to bribe her. Bribe her with his money and power…
She shook her head, disregarding the negative thoughts away. He has showed his compunction and how he screwed up—even though he was yet to apologize. At least he had put on effort to show her how sorry he was.
Ten minutes later, they arrived in front of a well-built bungalow. The whole street seems to have idem building and color of house. The only thing dissimilar was the house number and how you beautify your front yard.
Yasmin had Adila in hand when she rushed out, after hearing their car pull up. 'Yasmin," Bushra exclaimed as she hurried out of the car.
'I can't believe you're really here," Yasmin mouthed, reaching out with an arm extended. Bushra engulfed the both of them, making the pain and sadness wash away from her body. 'You can't believe I'm here? I can't believe I'm here."
They broke the hug and looked at each other. They squealed and hugged each other again. They have never been separated for more than two weeks or even go on a vacation distinctly. They were always together but, things changed when Yasmin got married.
They sail onwards together, her and Yasmin, even when they are upon different boats in different seas. She is the keeper of her soul, and she's the guardian of hers.
'Aren't you going to invite him in?" Yasmin asked her—Bushra looked over her shoulder. He was leaning against the car, looking at them as they have a ‘sister moment'. He cleared his throat awkwardly and stood upright when he noticed they both had their eyes on him. Bushra slightly grunted and made her way to the driveway. She had totally forgotten about him ever since Yasmin and Adila came into the view. She had Adila settled upon her hip as they walked towards him.
'Why are you standing there? You should come in," she offered. 'Oh, It's okay. Mubarak isn't home so I'm going to meet up with him now. I'll be back to pick you up in a couple of hours and we'll do some clothes-shopping before we head to the hotel." He bids her goodbye and enters the car.
She watched the car zoom away till it disappeared before she turned around and left. Why did he think that she wanted to follow him? Does she really have to? Why can't she stay with Yasmin and her husband for the length of their trip?
She enters the house. It was modest and scenic. It was a comfy adequate room with three sofas that lay against three of the four walls. The last wall had a TV and VCR with many pictures of Adila and her father's certificates and awards. In the middle of the living room lies a rectangular rug with swirly patterns and on top of that lies a moderate coffee table.
'Adda Bushra," Yasmin called out from the kitchen. She walks out, holding a pitcher. She placed it on the dining table and walks back to the living room, where Bushra was still standing. 'Lunch is ready," she announces and scoops Adila away. 'It's her nap time," she says, making her way up the stairs. 'C'mon, let's put her to bed and then eat."
Bushra followed her up the stairs. 'Your house is beautiful," she comments as they passed through the hallway. Yasmin opened a door; it was a room set for Adila. 'Thank you. We're renting it for now, you know—before we confirm if Mubarak is enduringly going to be transferred here or not." She spoke, shrugging it off. Yasmin wasn't ready to move and leave her family. It was hard, especially when it was out of the country.
Bushra lets it slide and changed the topic. 'Did you know I was coming?" Bushra asked inquisitively. Yasmin laughed heartily but immediately dials down when Adila's sleepy eyes opened at the sound of her laughter. She waited until Adila completely falls asleep before they tiptoed out.
Yasmin gently closed the door behind her before they made their way back to the dining area. 'I didn't at first, until I overheard Mubarak on phone with your husband and he announced it. He knew how excited and eager I could get and I may not be able to hold it. So yes, I knew you were coming but he told me not to tell you because it was meant to be a surprise, and I wouldn't want to ruin that moment for you and your husband."
'You knew all along, even when we spoke yesterday afternoon? And quit calling him my husband, he has a name." Bushra pursed her lips, arms folded over her chest. They settled down at the dining area and Yasmin opened the warmed, revealing a well-cooked spaghetti and meatballs with roasted chicken. Bushra's tummy grumbled, indicating how hungry she way. She had a twelve-hour trip and she mostly slept through it.
'Yes, I knew about it, and it was exhausting hiding it from you. And I prefer calling him ‘your husband' than his name. it just feels so right." She sighs dreamily. Bushra rolled her eyes and took a plate. She stuffed it with everything Yasmin cooked and start digging in.
Later that day, they were in the kitchen, cleaning up after making dinner when the men came back. Bushra was laughing about something when she heard the kitchen door swings open and Mubarak's head peeps. He smiled the moment he spotted his wife and daughter. 'You're back," Yasmin exclaimed and rushes to him. 'What took you so long," she mouthed, pouting her lips.
Bushra finds the moment so endearing yet she felt the urge to roll her eyes at them. They looked so cute and in love, and she couldn't be more happier about how happy and in love they were. She always looks up to them, wishing have that kind of relationship with her chosen one, or even have more. Her eyes lowered as the thought of Muhammad submerging. They were good for each other and she had confidence they would've had that kind of healthy marriage if she ended up with him. But now she was stuck under the control of a very egotistical and unconcerned man that she hates with every fiber of her being.
She cleared her throat to remind them she was still there.
They move apart at the realization of Bushra's presence. 'I honestly thought you left to welcome your husband," Yasmin said, smiling sheepishly. She walks back to the sink to finish up with the dishes she was doing. Adila was in her baby sit. The moment her father approaches, she started swinging her legs in excitement, as she threw her arms in the air, waiting for him to pick her up.
'Welcome Aunty Bushra. How was your trip? And I hope you loved the little surprise your husband pulled." Mubarak spoke jokingly. Bushra laughed a bit and shook her head. 'The trip was fine, Alhamdulillah. And yes, it was a lovely surprise since I get to see Adila," she said and gently pinch Adila's chubby cheek—she giggled at the gesture.
She excused herself and left the couple to have a moment.
Mahir was sitting comfortably on the three-seater, facing the TV. He had one leg on the other while he enjoyed watching the news. He looks at her and she could swear that he smiled, but it seemed like it disappeared before she could even blink.
'Hey," she mutters, unsure of what to say afterwards.
'Hey," he retorted and took his eyes back to the TV. She settles down on the sofa next to his' and fixed her eyes on the TV, even though her entire attention was on him. He had changed from his previous jeans and shirt to a black jellabiya. It made him look ten times handsome than he was. And the color black fits his skin tone.
She had also taken a shower and changed into one of Yasmin's abayas, even though they were a bit long for her.
'I hope you enjoyed the evening with your sister and niece," he said to her. He was now using his phone. What does he usually do whenever he uses his phone? He uses it more than a busy man should. 'Yes, I did," she retorted. 'Are you hungry? Dinner is ready," she told him. She wanted to go back to the kitchen but didn't know how to say it or even stand up and leave.
Mubarak walks out, holding Adila—alongside his wife. Mahir sat up properly, a smile appearing on his face. She rolled her eyes and looked away. She hated how she felt whenever she sees him smiling.
'I hope we're not interrupting anything. Dinner is ready," Yasmin said as they settled down at the dining area. They also joined them and they had dinner together.
Later that night, Mahir and Bushra left. She didn't want to yet her mind and conscious forced her to follow him. Before going to the hotel he booked for them, they went shopping and bought everything Bushra needed—from clothes she'd wear for their stay to shoes, bags, pajamas…
'These clothes are too much, Mahir. I don't think I'll be wearing them all before we go back home."
'14-days isn't going to end tomorrow and there will be days we'd be going out on dinners to meet my business partners or go on tours, or to the beach or where ever you want us to go. So, you'd need as much dresses as you'd get." He loops his arm around her waist as they made their way into the awfully large building. It was the hotel they'd be staying for the next 14 days. The lobby was busy, even though it was past midnight.
Without their time being wasted, they were taken to their room. It was suite—this was going to be the best fourteen days of her life. Mahir flips the light on, revealing the rest of the large room. There were three room in it, a kitchen, a living room and even a sauna.
Bushra strolled further in, sightseeing with her eyes around the place. She could picture herself spending the whole day in here, watching the city view through the glass window or balcony without even getting bored. Mahir walks into one of the rooms to answer a call as the bell boy helped them with their stuff. She slides open the glass door, unveiling the balcony she had imagined so many scenarios already. She could have her breakfast or dinner out there, watching the astonishing view. Or read E-books since she didn't think of bring books along. Or she could just come out to relax.
She breaths out opportunely; she gets a bombshell voyage to see her sister and niece, and a whole two weeks to make the best of it. Now she gets to stay in the best room in the hotel, with an enormous balcony—could her day get any better? It was more than abundant to make her pleased.
'Sorry we couldn't get the suite with the rooftop. Unfortunately, my PA didn't make reservations early and this is what we could get. So, we have to manage this place." He stood beside her as he explained. She had just finished having a thought of how she loved the place but he was apologizing? 'Here is more than enough. We have a large balcony, so it's as good as the rooftop," she responded casually—as if she wasn't excited inside. She needn't to show how happy she was to him.
'Good," he said, almost heaving a sigh.
She looks up at him—he did the same. She didn't take her eyes off him, she wanted him to look at her. 'Why all this?" She has been wanting to ask him that question ever since they landed. It was the perfect time to ask him. 'Why all what?" He asked her, taking his eyes off her and setting it out on the beautiful night view of the city.
'The trip, expensive stuff, the suite, you… why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?"
He shoulder-shrugged and said, 'It's simple; I hear you talk to your sister almost every day and how much you wanted to see them. Fortunately, I have a two weeks business scheduled here and took the chance to grant your wish, and apologize for screwing up your relationship with… him. I… I'm sorry." She had her eyes roam about from his eyes to lips, and she couldn't believe that he just apologized to her. She never thought he would do that, not after seeing how arrogant he was and how a jerk he could be.
Deep inside him, there was a nice man in there.