'It helps when the calm of your mind is strong enough to handle the noise of the world..'
The honking of cars, people pushing through the crowds finding their way probably cos they are late for work or have somewhere important to be. The noisy and busy streets. The occasional pushing and pulling to one side as people try to make their way through the massive crowds. While some set of people mind their businesses, others stood by their stalls gossiping about. Even the scorching sun did not help matters.
That was what Hanan and Mariam signed in for when they decided to take a tour round the town without carrying the car. That morning, Mariam had suggested they go for a stroll a long one that is. The guards had insisted on them going with the car but they had vehemently refused claiming exercise is good for the soul!
And moreover, its not strolling again once car is involved! And Mariam claimed the doctor has told her to exercise cos of her condition. Of course, the guards weren't pleased and wanted to throw a fit because they know Faaiz would be really pissed if he hears that which might result to them being sacked!
And of course, Mariam being Mariam has her ways and successfully manipulated them into accepting. Which resulted into them negotiating, The guards will go with them, which Mariam found ridiculous cos they don't need it. They are grownups for crying out loud.
That or Faaiz would hear about it. So, reluctantly they agreed!
So, now they are in the middle of the busy streets with two guards, some meters behind tagging along. Once someone bumps into them, they will rush forward and protect them against it. "This is beginning to sound like a wrong idea" Hanan whispered to her loud enough above the noise of the street.
"And I hope it's all worth it!" she whispered back and looked back at the guards who seemed like that was the last place on earth to be!
Mariam chuckled. They don't know what they are in for. Hanan followed her gaze and smiled. The plan has been to frustrate the guards till they find it hard to follow them. Seems its working already, cos they seemed displeased!
"Oh! That's a nice restaurant over there. Let's feed our famished soul before embarking on our journey!" Mariam exclaimed and winked as she said the last part.
"Sounds great!" Hanan chirped.
They all made their way into the expensive restaurant. "Ma'am!! Good morning ma'am!" An attender greeted and ushered them in. The place is so cool. The atmosphere cozy. It was simple and at the same time expensive. There weren't much people inside.
"Have your sit " and she obliged. The guards took the table next to them. The waiters came and took their orders. She noticed the respect they gave them was too much.
"Actually, this is the place I do branch anytime I'm on my way back from the hospital. A Friend of mine owns this place. Faaiz has been here before, but said he doesn't like the atmosphere."
"Oh. Okayy "
Speaking of Faaiz. "Has he now picked up?" Hanan asked dejectedly.
"Nope. He hasn't. I'm guessing he's busy" once she saw the expression on her face she continued "Once he comes around he'll call back"
"Before we actually get there? Hope he wouldn't get annoyed?"
"Rubbish! You are his Wife! You can show up anywhere, anytime you like. You have a right to. He can get angry all he wants."
She sighed. "Okay"
"Don't tell me you are thinking of backing out of your decision?"
She shook her head.
"Better!"
Just then their order came, and they all ate in silence. And Hanan pondered on why he hasn't picked up his calls or hasn't bothered coming home. Its been 2 days already. She actually hope he's fine!
After they've satisfied their hunger, they all set back on the journey as Mariam had claimed! They explored the streets, they laughed and joked about. They rested occasionally before deciding to head back home.. Satisfied with themselves!
*******
"Afternoon Ma'am!!" The workers greeted. Which was acknowledged.
"What of Faaiz?" Mariam asked.
"In his office."
"Okay!"
"I'm heading over there. Wanna see how they are all doing. You can go and see your hubby. And give him that." Mariam said and Hanan nodded.
She described his office to her and she went there. On her way up, she met various workers who greeted her occasionally and they whisper amongst themselves.
Hanan couldn't help but look twice at herself. Is she not attractive enough? As she stared at the beautiful sunflower maxi gown and a matching scarf and she paired it with an attractive pair of fancy slippers. Mariam had actually loved it. She held the box firmly in her hand as she ascended the stairs. Of course, the CEO, his office is at the top.
She could have opted for the elevator instead but learnt it has some issues and they are currently fixing it. If she can wait.. And of course she can't The company is actually a big one. Different workers here and there. With them greeting her occasionally.
She looked at them with longing. She should be working now instead of being stucked in a loveless marriage.
Finally, she arrived at her destination. She saw his name inscribed on the door as Mariam had described.
After the stroll, they had gone back to the house and changed. Then she had prepared lunch for him with the hope of making things right. And so they both decided to come to the company.
She sucked in a deep breath and knocked on the door. She heard a faint come in and she entered.
"Hi" Aminah greeted in a mocking manner. As they bumped into each other. She was on her way out. And she acknowledged her with a nod. What is she doing here? She thought silently. She looked back at Faaiz then back at Hanan before finally leaving the office.
The office is actually spacious. The boring theme as usual 'black and white'. "Hi." Hanan muttered awkwardly and advanced towards him.
He rubbed his hands over his eyes wearily. He looked really worn out and spent. And ran a hand through his hair. "What brings you here?"
She doesn't know how to react after their last encounter. How is he feeling now? Does he despise her the more after she dug up part of his past? Different questions whirled through her mind. As she stared at the mysterious man she calls her husband. "I brought you lunch."
He eyed her skeptically." Oh really?"
"Yeah."
"And who told you I haven't had one?"
She sighed audibly. "Are we back to this again?"
He gave her an innocent look. "Back to what?"
"The ignoring and silent treatment of a thing"
He shrugged and relax comfortably in his seat.
"So, will you eat now?"
"The poison you prepared for me?"
His words stings! But she has been prepared for this and won't get affected. "So, will you do me the honour by at least seeing what's in here?" As she unpacked the lunch box and the aroma filled up the room.
He still didn't move. She served him and put it in his presence. He looked at it with disgust. "Will you eat it already?"
"Hell no! No way am I going to taste this poison looking food. Even the sight of it, is enough to make one puke. Even the smell is making me choke. Will you do me the honour of packing this trash?"
The back of her eyes sting. "Trash really?"
He squared his shoulders. "Not even a bite?"
He chose not to answer as he eyed her pure disgust evident in his eyes.
"Okay then."
Just then Aminah entered. "Sir, I'm done with it. And as a remainder, hope you've not forgotten tonight?"
"Oh geez!"
"Forgotten already?"
"Yeah." he pinched the bridge of his nose. She smiled knowingly. She dropped the file as he accessed them.
"Okay.. Great! Inform the G. Manager and tell him to ensure he see to it."
She nodded. "Hope everything is okay?"
"Yeah. Almost everyone is preparing and excited for tonight."
"Good then! And we make sure it's gonna be a memorable one."
"Is she coming too?" she asked motioning to Hanan.
Faaiz shrugged and stared at her face. She looked away under his intense gaze. "You can leave now"
Hanan smirked at her before she finally left the office. "What was that about?"
He rolled his eyes. "What does it look like?" as he finally focused back on his laptop.
Its her turn to shrug. He looked up and gauged her reaction. "There's gonna be a party this night."
"Oh!"
When she noticed he's not gonna elaborate on it. "So...?"
He raised an eyebrow "So?"
"Never mind" he shrugged and continued. No one uttered a word.
"This silence is killing" he pretended as if he didn't catch that.
"Ugh! I want to take my leave"
"The door is right there!" she huffed and she muttered an 'am not blind!' and rolled her eyes. She then motioned to start leaving. All of a sudden, he noticed there was no movement and he looked up.
She was staring at the food, a dejected expression on her face. He could read her like a book. All what she felt was obvious on her face. He sucked in a sharp breath. He watched as she packed back the food angrily and sadly. Angry for what? He wouldn't know.
She continued oblivious to the fact that he's watching her. He'd been hungry actually. Just what he needed. He couldn't leave the office cos he has lot of pending assignments to do! And he thought of ordering lunch but the food tasted awful in his mouth, the one he ordered in the morning. Its still there, at one side of the table, if she'd noticed.. He hasn't touched it!
He was seriously hungry. "Okayy.. Bye!" she said with a sullen expression.
Just then, Mariam entered. "Salam alaykum ya habibi!" she greeted and he stood up for an embrace. "How have you been?"
"Good!"
She noticed the lunch box. "Has he not eaten it?" Hanan searched for words to say as she looked at his face for an excuse.
"Not hungry"
"Rubbish!! Come on serve the food. Hunger or no Hunger, you are eating this! Final!!" he sighed audibly and wanted to protest. "No buts"
When she noticed he's not gonna heed, "Oh my lord! If I should die right here and now, don't hold my grandson responsible. He's just an ignorant being. Ya Allah! Forgive all my sins. And make my soul rest in perfect peace!"
Faaiz face palmed himself "What's all this about?"
"You need to ask?"
He raised an eyebrow at her. "I might die anytime soon, and here I am making my last request you won't heed. You don't even want to honour this poor woman's wish!" she then brought out an handkerchief and wiped away non existent tears. Hanan giggled silently at the dramatic woman and she rolled her eyes at her.
Faaiz sighed and rolled his eyes. The next thing she did caught everyone surprised. "Dear Lord, pls forgive me" and she wanted to jump out of the window.
"Granny!! Are you insane?!" He yelled as he rushed to draw her back. "What do you think you are doing?"
She kept quiet and shrugged. He sighed. "What's all this ruckus about?"
"When the only grandchild I have and almost the only family I have left wouldn't listen to me. Tell me, what else do I have to live for? This life is vanity afterall" she muttered the last part.
"Is this about the food of a thing?"
"What else?" she pouted.
After a long, heavy sigh "Okay. Fine!"
She smiled and clapped excitedly. "That wasn't that hard to say now, or is it?" she winked and trudged towards the table.
"Such a drama Queen!!" Faaiz muttered but loud enough cos they both caught it. As he held his temple trying to suppress the coming headache.
Hanan chuckled silently as she watched the drama that unfold. "Serve his meal." her mood changed and he noticed it.
Hanan served him and didn't even utter a word, he couldn't even read her expression. She concealed it. He inwardly sigh and silently munched the food. Yummy!! But of course, he won't say it out.
"How is it?" Mariam asked.
"Hmm.. Okay!"
"Just okay??" he shrugged.
"What else should I have said?"
"Never mind. Eat well" From the corner of his eyes, he tried to see her expression but like earlier, she concealed it.
"Hearing rumours about party "
"Yeah."
"And I'm not aware why?"
He gulped down water as he wiped his mouth. "Cos I've been busy and forgotten"
"Hmmm.. "
"I would have told you but the day I got back, that was the same day i left home."
"Okay then. What's the party about?"
"It's just a party to celebrate the success of a project. And to launch new business products kinda"
"Okayy. Have you gotten an outfit for your wife?" he choked on the food.
"Pardon?"
"Or is she not coming with you to the party?"he eyed her and then focused his attention back on his grandmother.
"That's left to her."
"We can just call the store and they'll have it delivered. "
"As you like it."
She then excused herself. "I don't have to go if I will be a burden."
"You always are. And tonight won't make a difference"
Why does his words stings. But she didn't show she was affected. He finished the meal. "Satisfied now?"
He said gesturing to the now empty flask.
She smirked. "You didn't do this for me. Once she comes back you can ask her. She'd be in a better position to answer that!" And she stood up and packed it.
"Same same."
"Nope. Its very glaring"
"Your wish then!" she stared at him, different emotions whirled in her, the most important one is anger. With his cold responses.
She packed the things and made her way towards the door. "Tonight."
And she made her way out. All of a sudden looking forward for tonight's party.
Its gonna be a hella interesting one!
**************************
Excited for tonight💃💃! Who else feels excited for the upcoming party?
Cos I am!!!!!!!
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