— R a h i l ' s P O V 𖤐
I was experiencing a surge of emotions all together that were very new to me.
Anger. Frustration. Irritation.
Normally, i was quite distant from these emotions and i rarely got any, as I have always been a calm person.
But today, something has triggered within me making me feel it all together.
As I stood across the kitchen slab, watching Adam and Ayezah happily clicking pictures of steaks, a scowl formed on my face. Laila, standing by my side, shared the same disapproving expression.
Earlier, Ayezah had taken a nice shot of the steak, and she had showed it to Adam saying she would be posting it on instagram but my over smart secretary insisted that he could capture an even better one as if he was a professional photographer.
I rolled my eyes at him internally.
I couldn't help but feel my frustration growing more with each passing second.
Why the hell were they standing so damn close and clicking pictures? I mean there was absolutely no need to stand this close to click pictures, you can click pictures by keeping some safe distance too.
Ayezah threw her head back and laughed out loud when Adam whispered something into her ears, their gazes were fixed on the phone.
Okay WOW now he is whispering into her ears!
What is it that he is trying to keep so confidential?
And what on earth is so funny that Ayezah has been giggling so much?
My fist is suddenly itching to punch something hardly!
when Laila returned from the washroom, she was enlarged seeing Adam.
She threw a fit, refusing to taste and judge the food with the jerk alongside.
And honestly, I can't blame her. Adam was actually acting like a total jerk today. I mean, usually, he's a nice and sweet person, one of the best secretaries one could have. He's smart, talented, and hardworking too. But today, I don't know why he was pushing me beyond the limits of mere annoyance.
I mean, why would you even try to hug Ayezah like that? I get that you're friends with her and all, but seriously, have some boundaries, will you?
I glanced at Laila to see her piercing glare fixed on Adam. Earlier, Ayezah somehow convinced Laila to stay because she was all set to leave when she saw Adam here.
I observed Laila to notice how hardly she was glaring at Adam, It was as if her eyes were shooting daggers, filled with an intense fury.
The sheer intensity of her gaze made it seem like she could unleash her wrath and bring him down in an instant.
Why is she so angry?
I mean today Adam didn't even attempt to flirt with her. Instead, he greeted her with genuine cheerfulness, while she ignored him brutally.
i thought she would be pissed off with him because he would flirt with her but today he didn't and yet she seem so freaking mad?
"Whoa, you're really good at taking pictures!" Ayezah exclaimed bringing me out of my trance.
I looked at her to see her smile lighting up her face as she looked at the phone screen.
I quickly pulled out my phone and checked the picture I had taken of Ayezah's steak earlier.
It was a bit blurry, but heyy blurry pictures are trendy these days as they give off those cool, aesthetic vibes everyone is into.
"I know right! I'm totally awesome." Adam chimed in, leaning a little low and jutting out one of his shoulder blade towards Ayezah as if telling her to pat his back.
How childish! I scoff internally.
Ayezah chuckled and shook her head. She then raised her hand and patted his back gently, still giggling.
Ha! she really didn't had to!
I bit my inner cheek, feeling my frustration reach its limit.
Oh god! What's up with me today? Why am i feeling so riled up suddenly?
what's this weird feeling I'm getting?
Laila suddenly banged her palm on the kitchen slab, making their laughter to come at an abrupt halt and capturing both of their attention.
"If you two are done, then let's get to the tasting and judging. I want to go home!" she exclaimed, her tone as cold as ice.
Ayezah seemed taken aback by the sudden change in Laila's demeanor.
" Ah sorry Ayezi.. I mean since when are you into clicking pictures of food and posting on social media? " She completed sounding frustrated and sulky.
"It's just that I wanted a perfect picture because Rahil's plating is so impeccable. I've never seen such a beautifully arranged and delicious-looking steak in my life." Ayezah explained.
" Also about social media, I just want to brag about my perfect husband's cooking skills, so yeaa! " She shrugged and suddenly looked at me smiling widely.
My heart beat raced to an abnormal level as I gazed deeply into her eyes. Her words stir something in me.
"My perfect husband"
She thinks I'm perfect?
She gazed at me with the sweetest smile, and I couldn't help but smile back at her, feeling a rush of warmth spreading at the back of my neck.
"Okay, princess, as you say! Let's head over to taste and judge the steaks! " Adam cheerfully exclaimed, walking towards Laila and extending his hand as if asking her to hold it.
Laila shot him a look that screamed, 'Are you seriously doing this right now?' Sporting a poker face, she glared at him and made her way towards the table. Adam simply shrugged his shoulders and followed behind her.
"Shall we heat up the steaks?" Ayezah asked, and I nodded in agreement.
We popped the steaks in the microwave, heating it up.
We then carried our respective plates and made our way to the dining table. But out of nowhere, Adam appeared and insisted on helping Ayezah.
Ugh, what's his deal? Can't he give her some space for a while?
He's my secretary, Shouldn't he be focused on assisting me? Why is he behaving so clingy towards her?
As soon as I reached the dinning room, My eyes widened as I spotted Adam, ready to sit beside Ayezah's chair.
"ADAM!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the room, causing both Adam and Ayezah to flinch.
"Uh, um, sorry, I mean, you should sit with Laila since she's the judge. One side for judging and one side for contestants, you know," I nervously stammered, flashing a hurried smile as I quickly made my way towards the chair beside Ayezah and sat on it, slightly nudging Adam aside.
Adam gave me a weird look, muttering 'it's not like it's some real contest.' under his breath but nonetheless obeyed saying a small 'okay sir' and settled himself beside Laila.
Adam placed his palm on his cheek, leaning his elbow on the table, and gazed at Laila with a look of pure adoration in his eyes.
she shot him a hard glare and uttered, "Look away, you weirdo creep."
He shook his head, saying " You are so damn pretty! It's difficult for me to look away."
She scoffed, replying. "You make me feel nauseous."
" And you make me feel like love do exist." He replied without missing a beat.
His words hung in the air, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
Is this the same guy I hired as my secretary? Well, as long as he's not flirting with Ayezah, I suppose it's fine.
Laila looked stunned and flushed as her eyes widen. She blinked her eyes, trying to mask her shock expression immediately.
" Rahil Jij! Do you mind hiring a new secretary? Because I'm about to murder your current one!" Laila exclaimed, her glare fixed firmly on Adam, who simply looked down, shook his head and chuckled in response.
"Nope, I don't mind," I blurted out without thinking, the words slipping from my lips.
Everyone turned to look at me with surprise.
Adam chimed in saying "Sir? Seriously?" with a wince.
"Guys!!! Let's focus on judging, shall we?" Ayezah interjected, capturing everyone's attention.
Laila took the first bite of the sizzling steak, while Ayezah and I eagerly awaited her judgment.
She savored the flavors, chewing thoughtfully before finally looking up at our expectant faces. "Mmm, both of them taste absolutely delicious," she said, her words muffled by the food in her mouth.
Ayezah grew impatient and urged, "Come on, Laila! Which one is better?" Irritated by the time it was taking her to respond.
"I can't really tell, Ayezi. Both steaks are equally mouthwatering." Laila replied.
Ayezah let out a frustrated 'Tch!' saying"Adam, you tell me!"
she turned towards Adam, who was busy staring at Laila.
Caught off guard he stammered out "Um, honestly, in terms of presentation, Rahil sir's plating wins."
Laila's eyes widened as she shot back, "Ha! Are you saying my best friend doesn't know how to plate a dish?"
Adam quickly backtracked, "No, no, princess! When did I even say that? That's not what I actually meant. I said that Rahil sir's plating is just exceptional!" Laila threw him a hard deathly glare.
Ayezah interjected, trying to diffuse the tension, "Laila, it's okay. Adam is just saying the truth – Rahil's plating is outstanding."
"Well, yours is equally impressive!" I chimed in.
Ayezah disagreed, insisting, "It's good, but not like yours, Rahil. Your plating is simply perfect."
" Yours is perfect too Ayezah!" I exclaimed.
" You are not getting it Rahil! yours is beyond perfect! " Ayezah said her voice raising a little.
" Nah it's not that great! " I immediately replied.
" Yess it is, I'm telling you! " Ayezah almost yelled.
The argument seemed to escalate without us even realizing it until Laila and Adam called us both over.
"Okay, okay, guys! It's finalised by the judges that you both have done equally fantastic plating and both gets the points," Laila declared, bringing the bickering to a halt.
We paused and looked at them.
Adam took a bite of the steak, savoring the flavors as he chewed.
"Oh man, both of these steaks are absolutely tasty, guys! you both have done a really amazing job. But Ayezah's steak, oh my goodness, it's incredibly delicious," he exclaimed, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth.
Laila gave Adam a sharp look and retorted.
" Excuse me? Rahil jij has absolutely nailed it too! What do you mean Ayezah's steak is the tastiest? Rahil jij's steak is equally mouthwatering!"
"Oh come on, princess! What's your problem? Are you trying to pick a fight with me?" Adam, responded frustrated a little with Laila's disagreement to his judgement. She was neither letting him decide nor deciding her self.
Laila shot a furious glare at him before replying, "Dream on! Do you really think I'm that jobless to waste my time arguing with you? I don't even want to talk to you, let alone fight!"
"Oh really, and why is it exactly that you don't even want to talk to me?" Adam questioned, his voice tinged frustration and anger.
" We're supposed to be judging the food together, and our goal should be to determine a winner. But your plans don't seem to align with that and I don't know what's gotten you so riled up! " he added.
Laila's fury grew even stronger and her face contorted completely with anger.
" WHAT! Do you think I'm riled up? " Laila yelled.
" Ofcourse you are! Look at your face it's turn whole red with anger." Adam muttered pointing a finger at her.
The tension in the air was palpable.
This exchange of harsh words escalated into an extreme heated argument between Adam and Laila, leaving Ayezah and me exchanging concerned glances.
We silently communicated through our eyes, both thinking : 'This isn't going anywhere.'
With a heavy sigh, we shook our heads in unison, looking at our secretaries bickering with each other like kindergarteners.
— ★
After a continuous 10 minutes of their bickering, Ayezah and I somehow managed to calm them down by assuring them that we believe both of our steaks are equally delicious and that we didn't need any judgment anymore.
However, they still threw a fit and continued arguing, but thankfully, it all came to a halt after a long 15 minutes.
we all were now eating the steaks in silence when Adam broke the peace, boasting about his cooking skills.
"I can cook really delicious chateaubriand, it's a French dish which is basically a sizzling hot steak." Adam chirped excitedly.
" Really? I've heard about it but I never had it, Is it tasty? "Ayezah asked with widened eyes.
" ofcourse it's too delicious! You will love it I'm damn sure! " He went on and on, boasting about how good of a cook he is.
Laila was quietly enjoying her steak, least bothered by the person, who was busy boasting about his cooking skills.
It seemed like he was trying to impress Laila by indirectly telling it to Ayezah. Judging by the way he kept glancing at Laila from time to time.
" If you want, I can make it after we finish these. These steaks won't be enough for all of us for the dinner anyway." Adam said and Ayezah nodded enthusiastically, looking clearly impressed by his offer.
HA! I too can make chateaubriand! Why on earth is she looking so impressed? I mean it's not a big deal.
"I can cook chateaubriand too," I blurted out without even realising the my thoughts slipped from my lips, catching everyone's attention. Adam gave me a look meanwhile Laila smirked at me, as if teasing me.
Ayezah looked at me for few seconds and then smiled hesitantly, saying "Wow, that's really cool!"
I looked down at my plate, closed my eyes, and continued chewing.
Ah why would I say? I feel so embarrassed.
" uff, princess, you're quite clumsy eater." I looked up to see Adam saying this to Laila.
He extended his hand towards Laila's corner of lips and what happened next left everyone stunned.
He ran his thumb along the edge of Laila's mouth, delicately wiping off the barbecue sauce. Then, he brought his thumb to his own lips, sucking it with a mischievous smirk.
Laila's eyes widened, as if they were about to fall right onto the floor.
I glanced at Ayezah, only to find her equally shocked.
After a few seconds of utter silence, Laila suddenly yelled, "YOUUUU! HOW DARE YOU?? DO YOU HAVE DEATH WISH? I WILL CHOP YOUR THUMB OFF! "
Adam quickly got up from his seat, running and hiding behind my chair. " Sir please save me from this wild cat." He muttered.
I blinked my eyes, trying to comprehend the situation.
Laila, fuming in anger, shouted, " HA WILD CAT? WAIT, I'LL SHOW YOU HOW WILD I CAN GET WITH VIOLENCE!"
They then started running through the entire dining room, bickering and fighting.
Adam kept teasing Laila, while Laila kept yelling at him.
Laila then somehow caught him in firm grip, twisting his hand behind his back, making him wince in pain loudly.
"You both can continue your childish antics later, come here and finish the dinner NOW! " Ayezah's voice echoed through the room, her tone stern and commanding. In an instant, both Adam and Laila halted in their tracks.
They returned to their respective seats, silently glaring at each other, and resumed eating.
As we neared the end of our eating, Adam's cheerful voice again reached my ears.
"Ayezah, are you a clumsy eater too?" He chuckled and I looked at Ayezah to see the barbecue sauce smudge over the corner of her lips.
My eyes widened, and in that moment, an inexplicable impulse overcame me.
Without thinking, I immediately extended my hand towards Ayezah's mouth and delicately wiped away the barbecue sauce from the corner of her lips with my thumb.
And then, almost as quickly as I had acted, I brought my thumb to my own lips, sucking off the sauce.
A collective gasp filled the room as everyone's eyes locked onto me.
Laila and Adam were staring at me with their eyes wide open and jaw hung low.
"I was actually going to pass her the tissues." Adam muttered slowly.
I looked at Ayezah, her expression screamed that she was beyond shock.
She blinked her eyes at me.
Oh god what did I just do?
And in that moment, I wished the ground would swallow me whole.
— ★
I stood at the corner of the kitchen, folding my arms around my chest, my gaze fixed on my secretary, a mix of annoyance and exhaustion evident in my eyes.
As soon as we finished eating the dinner, Adam insisted on cooking chateaubriand steak. I immediately declined, as the steaks we had prepared earlier were already so fulfilling.
But he was stubborn enough that he kept insisting and Ayezah gave in to his request.
I don't understand what's his problem? Doesn't he have any work to do? Oh yeah, work! I should give him more work from now on, since it's clear that he has way too much free time.
Adam busied himself in the kitchen for the past 20 minutes now and Ayezah stood beside him, lending a helping hand.
Laila, clearly annoyed, stormed out of the house five minutes ago, saying that she is too exhausted and want to get some sleep.
I felt the urge to kick this clingy man out of my house as well, but I restrained myself.
"And now for the final step," Adam chirped, as if he were the expert.
"We need to raise the flame," he continued, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "You know, the high flame cooking where the dish is lit on fire completely, giving it that perfect char texture that's incredibly yummy."
He carefully lifted the pan off the stove, and with a swift and deliberate motion, he added something to the pan, causing an instant burst of flames that danced and flickered in the kitchen.
The whoosh sound of the fire engulfing the pan filled the room, and suddenly in the next moment, I hear is Ayezah's piercing scream.
I immediately rushed to her side.
"No, no, no!" she stumbled back, her voice filled with desperation.
" NOOO, PLEASE!" She yelled, her words echoed in the room as she stumbled once again, falling to the floor. I instinctively reached out, catching her by the waist, trying to comprehend what was happening.
"Hey, what happened?" Adam asked, his voice filled with worry.
" Ayezah? What's wrong? Are you hurt? " I asked.
I noticed her gaze remained fixed on the towering flames, her breathing becoming heavy and audible.
I could see her chest rise and fall rapidly, her body trembling with fear.
"Please, don't!" she cried out suddenly, her voice filled with pain.
"It stings and hurts so much, please! I'm sorry, Mom!" Her words struck me, leaving me frozen in place.
What?
"Ayezah, listen to me," I pleaded, attempting to hold her cheek gently, but she jerked my hand away, her eyes still locked on the raging fire.
"No, no, please! I'll try my best, don't do this!" she yelled again, tears streaming down her cheeks.
My heart race seeing her condition. I have never ever witnessed her like this.
"What's happening to her?" Adam asked worriedly.
"Stop the goddamn fire!" I yelled at Adam, frustration and panic lacing my voice.
He immediately nodded, understanding the urgency in my tone, and swiftly grabbed a jug of water.
He poured the entire jug onto the blazing pan, repeating the action until the fire finally subsided.
The hissing sound of the extinguishing flames filled the room.
Ayezah sat frozen on her spot, her gaze distant and unfocused, as if she was physically present but mentally somewhere else entirely.
"Ayezah," I called out to her, my voice filled with concern, my own breath heavy from the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
She swallowed and looked at me, her teary eyes meeting mine, and in that moment, my heart shattered into a million pieces.
The pain etched on her face was unbearable to witness.
Next moment she sprang to her feet, and rushed upstairs.
I immediately followed her behind, my heart pounding loudly in my chest, echoing the fear and worry that consumed me.
________________________________
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