Hey guys, here's another update for you all. Do give me your feedback. Please don't be silent readers. Do share your thoughts in the comments. Also check out my Instagram account @iwrites11..
****
Shah Zain's POV (Edited)
Ahh! My head is aching badly right now. The overall work pressure had demanded more than enough time off me that I couldn't even spare one minute for me. It's been almost three weeks exactly since the company has signed the partnership with Barzan Malik. Since then, the work load is too much. New members means new policies and new work schedule.
Everyone has to be on their best and since it's the end of the year, the work load is very much. We had to clear all our orders before the new year so we can start the new year with new hope and new agendas. I have strictly ordered everyone in the company to be on their toes every moment. It's currently 1 in the morning and I'm still stuck here.
Aaban and Salar had already left since they don't want to waste their night burying their nose in paper work like me. They both even taunted me saying
"The one who said that when will I have fun in my life is now busy burying his nose in the paper work itself. The irony of the situation."
I know I sound like a total hypocrite right now. They were my words exactly but since the time I joined the company, I understand that I was into it before I even realize it. I liked this office environment. I love the feeling of it. I don't know. Maybe my mind is preoccupied these days that's why I'm thinking like this.
I was about to open another file when my phone went off. It was mama. I took a deep breath and finally attended the call mentally preparing myself to hear an hour long lecture
"Beta, it's too late. Where are you?"
I sighed and answered as matter of fact
"I'm in the office, mama working."
I hear her displeased sighing from the other end. After a while she spoke again
"Beta, please come home. Don't overwork yourself."
I respected her worry towards me. But work is also important. I tried to convince her
"But mama I had alot of work pending. Let me finish it and I'll come home straight."
I really hope she agrees. But who am I talking about? She's Zohra Mir. If I'm stubborn than she is four times more stubborn than me. She spoke in a strict motherly tone
"Shah Zain Mir, you are coming straight to home leaving all your work right now, is that clear?"
Dang! I have no way out. I sighed heavily and agreed since I know talking would be futile
"Ok, I understood. I'm coming home."
She hummed and hang up the phone. I put my phone in my pants pocket and closed the laptop. I stood up and grabbed my coat before exiting the office...
***
I carefully opened the main door and entered inside. The living area was dimly lit and the other areas were obviously dark. There was only one light on which was shining from the kitchen. I sighed and made my way to the kitchen.
I poured myself a glass of water and chugged it down in one go. As I placed the glass on the counter, I heard mama's voice from behind
"So, my dear son finally decided to come home."
I turned around and winced at the iciness in her voice. She was glaring at me and asked me once again her voice was sharp and edgy
"Do you know what time is it?"
I made a guilty face and muttered lowly
"It's 2 in the morning, I guess.."
Mama shook her head with utter disappointment and started to lecture me
"Beta, are you even listening to yourself? Is that how you're going to live the rest of your life?"
I rolled my eyes and tried to justify myself
"Mama relax. It's just that workload is pretty much high and we need to wrap it up before new year."
But mama wasn't listening to me and she said
"No Zain. It can't work like this. You're neglecting your health for this. I will not approve of it."
I sighed. Are we seriously doing this right now? I walked towards mama and made her sit on the chair. I filled a glass of water and motioned her to drink. She only took two sips and placed the glass back on the counter table. I took a seat beside her and held her hand in mine. I tried to once again explain myself. This time my voice was soft and gentle
"Mama, I know you are just worried for me. But work is also important. I can't just ignore it like that."
She chuckled dryly and stated
"You can't ignore your work but you can ignore your health. Tell me since how many days did you get a good night sleep?"
She got me there. I have been coming late since a week now. I didn't know she was keeping tabs on me. When I didn't answer, she continued
"Zain, beta please aesa na kro. Mae janti hu k tum per zimedari ha lekin tumhari bhi koi Zindagi ha. Ammi Jan ko tum per itna pressure nhi dalna chahiye tha. Unhone galat kia ha ye."
(Zain, dear don't do this. I know that you have responsibility. But there's your life too. Ammi Jan shouldn't have pressure you. She did wrong)
For all of your information, mama didn't like the idea of dado pressuring me to join the company. She always gave me freedom to make my own decisions and choices and that's why dado's pressuring me irked her. She didn't like it. She knew that I don't like to be controlled. I shook my head and said
"Nhi mama dado ne khuch galat nhi Kiya ha."
(No mama grandmother didn't do anything wrong)
She remained quiet. I sighed and stated ending the dispute
"Ok, fine. Tomorrow is sunday. Although, I had work tomorrow but I'll skip it and spend my time with you. Are we okay now?"
A light smile appeared on her lips and she nodded. She kissed my forehead and said
"Do you want to eat?"
I nodded my head violently because I was famished. She chuckled and went to bring the food for me. Till then, I went to my room and get fresh. When I again come down, the dinner table was set.
I sat down and mama also took a seat. I noticed that her eyes were droopy and I felt bad. She was awake because of me. I told her
"Mama, you should go and sleep. I'll manage."
But she shook her head and said
"Nhi, jab tk Tum Khana nhi kha lete mujhe sukoon nhi aiega."
(No, I won't be in peace until you finish your food)
Mama is always like that. But I was persistent
"But mama you need to rest. Please I can manage."
Mama shook her head stubbornly and said
"Ye sari batein apni biwi se kehna. Mere hote huve to Tum Meri narzon k samne hi Khana khaoge."
(Say all those things to your future wife. Till I am there you have to eat infront of my eyes)
I sighed and decided to quickly finish my meal as I know I can't win an argument against my mother....
****
Shiza's POV
"There you go. Now, you can lay down?"
I said politely to Asiya Aunty. Well, she is the nani of Barzan. She is a very humble person with a kind heart. There is always a constant smile on her face whenever she is talking to me or any other maid in the house. She is the total opposite of her grandson. He is always reserved and stone faced unlike aunty.
She is always smiling and her nature is very welcoming. She made people fan of her. I really liked to spent my time with her. It's like I'm not doing my job rather I am her own daughter. She treats me like any other person equally. When I was about to exit the room, her sweet voice stopped me from behind
"Beta, ek minute roko."
(Dear, wait a second)
I turned around and saw that she was now sitting. She motioned me to sit beside her on the bed. I made my way to the bed and sat down infront of her. She passed me a small smile and held my hand. As she took my hand in hers, she continued
"Beta, tumhara boht boht shukriya. Tum Mera boht khayal rakhti hu."
(Thank you dear for taking care of me)
I smiled and shook my head. I stated
"It's nothing, aunty. You're such a nice person. I love to spend time with you."
She chuckled and said
"Beta, tum jesi naik bacchi is duniya mae ab boht kam nazar ati ha. Allah tumhari har jaiz khuwahish pori kre."
(Dear, pious girls like you are very rare in this world. May God fulfill all your wishes)
I muttered a small Ameen under my breath. Then I stood up and said to her
"Now, you should take some rest. You're already eaten and now you should probably take a nap."
She nodded her head and I quietly exited her room. I walked towards the kitchen. It's still 6 in the evening. My shift will end at 7. I still have one hour left in my shift to end. I don't have much to do right now. The maid had already left and now it's only me and nani at the house.
Mr. Barzan will come at 7 too. Since I was too bored and didn't have anything to do, I decided to take a stroll. I walked upstairs since I never been there. I know it's not good and it's against my job but what can I do. I'm bored and needed to pass my time.
I silently walked upstairs. There was a long corridor. There were three rooms on each side. I think four rooms were guest rooms as they were opened and the door was slightly ajar too. I walked further and saw another door which was locked. I tried opening it but it was way too tight. I sighed and gave up.
Also, it's not my place. I'm doing much after violating someone's privacy, I shouldn't add more to my list. Now, I stood infront of the last room. It wasn't locked. Maybe, it's his room. I clicked open the door and entered inside. It was pitch black. I tried finding the switch board and finally able to turned on the light.
The room illuminated as soon I switched on the light. The room was in grey and white color. The walls were grey and white in color while the furniture was greyish black color. There wasn't much in the room. There was a king sized bed, of course. Perks of being a billionaire!
Opposite to the bed was a small brown colored couch which was enough to fit someone as a height of 5'3. On the other side, there stood his dressing table. It was neat and clean. Not even an ounce of dust was there. I wonder if the maid scrubbed those dressers. It was shining. On the right side, there was his study table. It was neatly organized.
The files were seated in a pile while his laptop and other necessities were arranged properly. I walked towards the study table and started examining the files on it. They all were neatly arranged. I wonder if he's a neat freak. The whole house screamed neatness and cleanliness.
The house was devoid of any dust and dirt. As I was putting the files back, they slipped from my hands and scattered onto the plush carpet. Oh God!!! Way to the ruin everything, Shiza...
****
I crouched down to lift them up. But my movements stopped. My hands stilled in the air. In the mess of atleast five files, one file took my whole concern. It was scattered and open. But I can clearly saw the name written in bold and block letters.
I grabbed the file in my hands and opened it. It seemed like a business management plan. It contained their budget, projects and whatnot. I'm no business woman nor I have any knowledge about it. But one thing is clear that he knew them. I wonder what relation do they have with each other? Is Mr. Barzan and the Mir's are in some kind of partnership.
But wait, why am I thinking? This shouldn't include me. Why am I getting panicked? I have left their house and lives for good and there's no turning back now. I shouldn't be worrying about now. I was about to put the files back and was about to leave when the door itself open and entered Barzan.
My breath hitched and I immediately put the files back on his study before he could notice. He will be totally angry. When he saw me standing there, his posture went shock. He wasn't expecting me to be here that's for sure. So before he could ask me and insulted me, I should come clean. I started to justify myself
"Mr. Barzan, I know I have crossed my boundaries but I'm so sorry. I will not do it again. Please forgive me."
His eyes were glued at me. His fists were clenched so as his jaws. He told you to stay away from his personal matters, Shiza. Why don't you understand that? My conscious mocked me. Ya Allah! Please save me. I was hoping for him to say something. But he was quiet. He didn't say anything. He released a long breath and then stated
"Can you do overtime tomorrow? My guests are coming but the maid will be off on tomorrow. Can you make dinner for my guests, tomorrow?"
His voice was calm. He completely changed the topic. My eyes were wide. I was expecting some insult or some bad words but no nothing. It's really shocking. He has to be angry at me. Ya Allah! Am I in trouble? His amused voice stopped me from going any further
"Are you even listening to me, Shiza?"
I looked at him with wide eyes and immediately nodded
"Yes, I don't have any problem. I will make dinner....I think I should leave now."
He nodded his head and cleared his way for me to go. I exited the room sighing in relief. But my relief was short lived as I heard his dominating voice from the back
"Don't be so happy, Shiza. I haven't forgotten the stunt you pulled. We will talk about it sometime."
Ya Allah!!! What will happen now???...
*****
Hey guys, this is it for today. Do vote comment and share
Also since you are showing a very good response on "Connected Souls" so let me know if you all want a bonus chapter on Azaan and Mirha. If you are interested than let me know in the comments.
Till then loads of love
Allah Hafiz
****