"Are you having your appointment today?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Okayy.."
"Is there a problem?"
"No. I just want to let you know, I would like to check up on my parent."
"Oh. Alright, no problem dear. The driver will drop you."
"Yeah. Ok granny." Hanan proceeded to give her a peck.
"Take care." Mariam asked all of a sudden, "Have you seen Faaiz?"
Her heart jumped. Ever since that night, she hasn't seen him and was clearly avoiding him. "I haven't."
Mariam sighed. "Is there a problem?" She asked, suddenly feeling worried.
"No. No problem. Its just.. I haven't heard from him. And it's so unusual." She dismissed, as per he was engrossed in his work habit.
"Alright granny," She nodded, too weak to speak.
"What's wrong?" Neemah asked immediately she saw her and detected her odd expression. They both decided to meet up, and visit Hanan's mom.
"Nothing. I am fine."
"It doesn't look like it. Tell me, what happened?" Neemah insisted.
Hanan sighed deeply. "What part of 'I'm fine' don't you get?!"
"I'm a psychologist you know.." Hanan groaned loudly.
"Oh, not again!"
"Yeah yeah. And whether you like it or not. I will detect what's wrong."
Hanan rolled her eyes and muttered, "So we won't be at peace again now, because of your so called profession."
"Hey! I heard that!"
"Obviously!"
Neemah smacked her arm. "You are just one silly girl." Then after a while, "You won't still tell me?"
"I promise I would. When I'm ready to" She said, sighing, as she gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
They both fell into a deep thought as they enjoyed the smooth ride. All of a sudden, Hanan blurted, "You said you wanted to tell me something."
"Huh-" Hanan rolled her eyes. "You just won't forget, will you?"
"Nahhhh. Sooo, I'm all ears." She drawled.
Neemah nodded, her expression turned grievous as she fidgeted nervously with her palms. "Confession time I guess,"
Hanan ears quirked up. She suddenly grew unusual interest in what her best friend has to say. "I-"
"We are here!" The driver stated cutting off whatever she has to say as Hanan's house came to view.
Unknown emotions passed through her. The last time she was here was when Faaiz-. She shut her eyes as she didn't want to dwell on the past. Speaking of Faaiz, she hasn't seen him since that night. Its been Four days already.
She turned to Neemah "Don't think we are done here. We are definitely going to continue this conversation later. You ain't off the hook just yet."
Neemah smiled and nodded. Grateful for the interruption, she was not prepared for it. She needed more time to mentally prepare herself.
They both got down and headed in. "Are you sure he wouldn't be home?"
Hanan looked unsure, "He shouldn't."
"Guess I need to prepare myself for the worst then." She muttered.
Hanan chuckled, "It's not that bad."
Neemah rolled her eyes as they both entered. She heard noises. "Mom!"
Hanan called out as she noticed the front door was slightly opened and she panicked. She saw her mother come out of the kitchen. "Hanan dear,"
Hanan noticed something was amiss. Her mother's voice trembled lightly. She rushed towards her, "What's wrong?" She peered at her.
She shook her head, trying to avoid eye contact, "Neemah!"
"Mom!" And she hugged her tenderly.
"How have you been dear?" Hanan smiled. Neemah's mom had reacted the same way.
"I'm fine, mom."
Hanan realized something odd. "Mom?-" she asked, unsure.
As if on cue, "Foolish woman, what about-" He stopped mid sentence, when he noticed the unannounced visitor. And Hanan cringed.
"Oh my, oh my! Look who we have here. My pain in the butt daughter." He hasn't seen Neemah yet, Hanan observed.
She narrowed her eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"In my home?" He questioned.
"Oh, So it's your home now?" Hanan raised her eyebrow as she stared at her mom, who was avoiding eye contact.
His eyes widened all of a sudden. "Woah! What a great reunion we have here. And if this isn't the silly lost, but surprisingly found, friend of my daughter. Hey idiot!"
"Hey old cargo!"
Imran growled, "I've told you repeatedly not to call me that!"
"Or what?" She prompted.
He tsked, "You know, sometimes I wonder if you and this foolish daughter of mine are twins. You have the same venom running through your veins. Feisty beings."
Part of the reasons Imran doesn't do anything to Neemah and doesn't cross his boundaries around her, is because he knew her dad, a Barrister! Famous one, that is. The last person on earth he wished to cross path with. He couldn't risk going to jail, So a part of him wouldn't admit he's somewhat scared of her. Of course not, I am Imran Abdul Muiz for crying out loud! He thought with a shake of head.
"We would take that as a compliment." Neemah smirked.
"Whatever!" He huffed. "So, to what do we owe this unpleasant visit of yours?" Imran smirked, "You came to see how this handsome man is fairing right?"
Neemah choked and scoffed, "Did I just hear you right? You mean the disoriented and scary face? Heaven knows how you managed to make friends. I mean your friends are all blind right? Clearly, they can't possibly choose you over many alternatives!"
"How dare you!!?" He growled.
But she tend to get on his nerves. Oh, how she gets him really pissed. He was glad he doesn't have them both as his kids, he would've murdered them both. So the best thing he does was to leave the house to avoid her else, he would do something drastic. And he knew the dad wouldn't stay put. He shuddered. But shrugged the feeling off.
"Birds of the same feather..." Hanan added and Neemah chuckled.
"They obviously flock together. Now, I understand." She bursted into laughter and Hanan giggled.
"I'm so gonna disown you!" He turned to face his daughter.
She shrugged and smirked, "And what difference would that make? I have never had a dad. Moreover, who said I haven't done that years back?!"
"I said it! I've always known you are a bastard! No child of mine would've done such!"
Hanan tried masking her hurt. Imran noticed it and smirked. He still and would always have that effect on her, no matter how much she tried to deny it. And it gave him a feeling of satisfaction.
Neemah sighed. She knew and understood how her best friend felt. No matter how hard she tried to fight it, Hanan still is traumatized. As he is her abuser, and she, a victim. No matter what happens, he still will have the effect on her. Neemah could only hope, with time, she'd adjust and get over it completely.
But at the same time she felt admiration for her best friend. Though, she wasn't always there and haven't witnessed her being abused, but she has seen the Aftermath. The way she acts. Which reminded Neemah of how they met and how she had seen her scar. Hanan hadn't told her but as persuasive as she could be, Hanan had finally given in and told her, her story. Neemah had been furious. She had envied her strength and courage. Not all victims have the heart to stand against their tormentor. But her best friend had. Countless times. And she was more than proud of her.
And she couldn't help but be furious at this man. What else does he want??
"Had I known I would meet you here, I wouldn't have bothered coming!"
"And who says your presence here is appreciated and needed? You all can just go to hell!"
"Yeah. And you'd be thrown at the pit!"
The hatred she feels for the man is not from here. She hated him with passion. But its not good to hate, she thought in annoyance.
"Have I ever told you I despise seeing your pathetic face!?"
Neemah smirked. "Who are you to like it? When there are handsome, prosperous and wealthy guys out there dying for it, for me to be theirs!"
"That's because they are obviously blind!"
"Oh, i beg to differ." She taunted.
Hanan noticed her mom was unusually silent and something was off about her. She'd have cautioned them on a normal day. But she just stood there, avoiding eye contact when Hanan made one.
"What did you do to her!!?"
"Don't you dare raise your stupid voice at me!"
She ignored him "I need a damn response!" Both she and Neemah shared a nervous glance. And they both got closer to Balqees, who has an anxious look on her face.
"Did he do anything to you?" She gulped nervously and Hanan faced him accusingly and he shrugged.
"He didn't do anything." She finally said. More like a whisper.
Neemah shut her eyes, shoulder sagged. She felt helpless, Balqees always reassured her all was well. Like mother like daughter, she thought somewhat angrily. He needed to be taught a lesson, serious one.
"Are you sure??" Hanan said and scrutinized her. And she nodded timidly.
She clenched her fist. "By the way, how are my in laws?"
Hanan rolled her eyes and kept quiet. "I believe I raised no mute daughter." She chose to ignore. "Mute, it is then."
Imran grew frustrated as he narrowed his eyes at the trio. "You guys are just good for nothing!"
Neemah smirked, "Old cargo says so." She giggled.
He clenched his jaw. "I am not old!!"
Neemah scoffed. "Says the old man." But he chose to not respond.
"And to that my suddenly mute daughter, I hope it stays that way!"
"Is that a blessing or a curse?" She finally said.
"Oh my, oh my! Look who has finally regained her voice. She's not mute after all."
"I believe I have no reasons to answer you. There's this thing called cellphone, if you wanna hear from them, give them a damn call!" She said in annoyance.
Imran tried all he possibly could to tame his raging beast. The anger threatening to burst. He shut his eyes. Tight. "Oh. I see. You this ill mannered brat!"
"And of course, you know where to find them!" She added.
Furious was an understatement, he was seeing red at this point. He wanted nothing than to strangle her, as she gasped for breath and yelped in pain, begging for mercy. He reminded himself of the money he's receiving and the stupid friend of hers, the barrister's daughter. And he managed to calm his nerves. And decided the best thing was to leave before he does something horrible.
And he left. Of course, after throwing his usual tantrums. Which Neemah believed was a trait of short people,. Feeling themselves unnecessary.
"I will so get back at you! You this insolence!!" He had yelled before stomping off.
Hanan then turned to her mom but she spoke before Hanan could. "I swear he didn't do anything." She shut her eyes tightly, "I was at the kitchen when he strode in, he went to the island and popped an apple I bought in his mouth. Instinctively, I coward back in fear." She took her daughter's hand in hers,
Hanan shut her eyes and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and she took a deep breath before she continued, "He told me he was hungry and that I should prepare his meal. And he got closer, he wanted to get, I don't know what, beside me, and i- i thought he was going to Hit me, the plate fell from my hand before I could stop it and it fell with a crash. Then I heard your voice. And I came out. I - I was still in a state of shock. He wasn't about to Hit me, he had said."
"And that had been ringing in my ear since. I was still digesting the fact that I am a free woman now. He wouldn't Hit me any longer. And I couldn't help it, I was just so lost in my train of thoughts. And i-"
"Oh mom..." They embraced each other like old time sake. Balqees extended her arms and Neemah joined them, and they group hugged.
"Enough of all this," Balqees said after a while and then smiled affectionately at Neemah, "I've missed my baby girl. Let's go prepare something to eat!"
"Oh. Can someone tell this woman I love her. I've missed your meals!!!! Heaven knows i'm famished already!"
"I thought you would have changed. But guess you haven't. Still the same hyperactive girl."
"And still very much eccentric." Hanan supplied and Neemah held her heart, 'Ouch!' She mouthed.
Balqees laughed. "I miss your banters." Hanan shook her head at them.
She rubbed her palm together in excitement as she followed her to the kitchen "Awwn. Then, let's get you filled in!"
"I'm ever so ready to hear them."
"Oh my goodness! I've got loads of them for you!" And she rambled on about what not!
~~~~
"So, I am all ears now," She then observed, "You're nervous."
"Maybe.."
"It's strange you know, as a psychologist.." She teased, and a smile broke on Neemah's face.
"Using my own words against me now, huh?"
"Why would I?" She mocked. Neemah shook her head and grinned.
Her face grew serious of all a sudden.
"Where do I start from?"
"Anywhere you feel it's right." Neemah nodded and swallowed, hard.
"You know, I've always had this massive crush on," She paused, "Faaiz Hasnayn -" She gulped. "Your husband."
That caught her attention. Hanan nodded slowly. "Yeah... Back then.."
Neemah felt uneasy. "Well, the thing escalated. Heck, I won't call it obsession. But it was more than a crush, Hanan, it was love."
Whenever Neemah called her by her name it was actually serious. That meant what she's saying is true and a serious matter. She gasped. What??
Neemah gulped nervously and grimaced. "I- I for years I've been secretly crushing - in love with him. I searched and surfed the internet for him, stalking him. Then I learnt he got married. My goodness, I was a mess. I - I tried so hard to move on. It was so suffocating, I've always fantasized about him. Hearing he got married disoriented me." She turned to Hanan. "I didn't actually know you were the one. But, I really tried to get rid of this emotion." she held Hanan's hand.
"And you are telling me this now, why?"
"It is actually because, i need to get this feeling out of me. I felt you needed to know. You deserve to. And I've gotten over him - or I've tried to." Hanan withdrew her hand and got up, pacing around.
"Say something. Anything."
"You can't possibly expect me to listen to this, and it would sit well with me. Knowing my best friend has feelings for my husband!"
"Had." She corrected.
Hanan ignored her and continued, "You can't just expect me to embrace the fact. You even helped me discover my feelings for him for crying out loud! You've kept it in for many years, you can't just get over someone in a day! And as you've claimed, you are trying to get over him. But I know there's still somewhere deep down in you that still has feelings, crush, whatever you name it, for him."
"Hanan I- I know this is a delicate issue. Please try to understand me. For me, to say this means I'm ready to let go of the past and embrace the future. I've decided to let go. You are my best friend for crying out loud. I-" She sounded desperate.
Hanan shut her eyes. "I need time please. I know, I mean, I knew you liked him then and I always thought you were crazy for crushing on someone like him. But then, you said its a mere crush and you'd get over it. And I felt you did. Heck, I've even forgotten you ever had a crush. You went away. Everything just happened too fast. It's-" She paused, "It's just too much to take in. He's my husband for crying out loud! And I've discovered I love him!"
"Oh my God. I never thought I would, and haven't admitted it out since then. Yes, I do! And i-, you -my best friend is- I don't even know. Nothing makes sense right now. I'm just-" She massaged her temple.
"Hanan i-"
She held out her hand. "I understand you. I- I just need time to digest all this. Take care."
Hanan tried getting more air into her lungs as possible. It was all too much to take in. What was her life turning into?
And she left.
Without another glance, Neemah thought with a shudder. Her worst nightmare coming to pass. And she glanced up at the bright blue sky, depressed by her life. She bit back tears.
Unknowingly, the tears cascaded down her cheeks. Her life was so messed up at the moment. And as she gazed back up at the clear bright sky, she couldn't help but have a feeling of longing and wished her life would be that way.
Clear and bright.
***********
"Sir, we have a problem." Faaiz looked up from behind the laptop, and gave her a questioning look.
"Don't you ever give good news?"
"Actually, it's a bad and good one. Which one should I give first?"
He rolled his eyes. "You obviously started with the bad one. So, let's hear it."
"There have been some few lapses lately. The board members have been annoyed by-" She chose her next words carefully. "-Your lack of concentration and said you've been distracted lately. And there hasn't been a progress in the company."
Faaiz sighed. "And the good news?"
"Smith Wilson called and said he's ready to consider our offer, and has agreed to seal the contract."
"Oh really?"
Aminah smiled. "Yes sir." and then added, "And oh, we are having a board meeting in 30 minutes. Hope you've not forgotten?"
Oh shoot! He has totally forgotten. But, that was her job right? "Sure."
He has been pretty distracted lately. Even his work, his greatest sanctuary, couldn't even fill the void.
"Have you done what I asked?" He inquired, as she was about leaving.
She fidgeted. He raised an eyebrow. "I've been quite busy. So, I forgot." She said carefully and Faaiz narrowed his eyes at her.
"You never forget." He turned his full attention to her.
She gulped nervously, "Like I've said, I was so caught with work. I'm really sorry sir. I would do that no-" He cut her off, as his fist banged on the desk.
"What's the use of a secretary, if I can't even order a simple message and you heed!?" He growled.
"It's been four days already. Just imagine how worried sick they'd be. Especially my grandmother. I specifically told you to, amidst my busy schedules! Just a simple phone call, you couldn't even do. Tell me what are you useful for, huh?" He yelled and banged his fist on the desk, his temper getting the best of him.
He saw her expression and he took a calm breath. Lately, he has been transferring aggression on his employees. Any slight mistake, he'd snap. But Aminah actually deserved it? Faaiz shut his eyes and opened them.
He has been drilling himself a lot lately. There has been some setback at work. He needed to set things right. His work needed him and if care was not taken, the problem on ground would escalate. His mind couldn't help but wander to his wife, but he tried to distract himself by drilling himself the more. He was stressed and exhausted, but his excuse has been work needed him. Plus, he needed to fix the mess his company was in. Even though he knew that was partly true.
But he justified his restlessness for work. So, for the past few days he has succeeded in taking his mind off his home affairs. And concentrated fully on solving the issues at work. And it did help distract him. As he was too focused to let his mind wander back to what transpired between them.
He suddenly felt guilty for snapping at her, but he didn't apologize.
He never did.
The only one person he'd apologized to aside his grandmother of course, was his wife. Not once, not twice. He then clenched his jaw. That has been his major distractions lately. He never felt guilty for reprimanding his employees before, but now, he does. Because of none other than his wife! He forced his mind not to think about her. He rubbed his face wearily and glanced up, at a nervous Aminah.
"I guess it's time." She nodded as he walked pass her, out of his office.
Faaiz has been off lately, really off, and his anger rate has increased. He got annoyed at the slightest thing and he'd been drilling himself a lot lately. He's really stressed and he needs rest. But he wouldn't listen, he'd growl at her and tell her she can't tell him what to do. And she had kept quiet. He's been at his office day and night working. She could tell there was something bothering him but he wouldn't even talk.
His lack of rest has been affecting the company. She needed to do something, and fast. Aminah instantly regretted not telling his family members, as per what he asked of her, and quickly made a call to them.
Despite being all tired and stressed, he still ooze a charisma that has his female employees drooling. Hand in pant, head up high, and his expressionless face looking straight ahead. Faaiz headed to the board room, confidence radiating from him. And was joined briefly later by his secretary.
"What is it we've been hearing?" A board member questioned.
"What rumour is that?"
"Some companies are threatening to withdraw their investments from the company."
Faaiz massaged his temple. "It's just rumor. You need to dismiss that fact."
"Moreover, you've been somewhat distracted lately. There's been some lapses." Another member raised.
Faaiz banged his hand on the table. "I'm giving in my best here and you guys have no right, to decide in my own company!"
"Need we remind you, we have our shares in it too?" Faaiz shut his eyes and rubbed his head, Aminah moved closer to him and whispered, "You alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine." He dismissed.
"Well.. I've been working on a project now, if it's a success, it'll hit jackpot." And there were murmurs among the members and they shared equal glances. And after a while, they all nodded as if in agreement.
"We hope so. This issue at hand is getting serious. I thought of retracting my shares."
Faaiz clenched his fist, "All my hardwork can't just go in vain. We hope to solve this problem, very soon."
"Good then! Let's call it a day then, everyone." There were murmurs and they shook hands and left.
"These members are something else." Aminah muttered as she sat beside him, whose head was already hung low.
His phone rang. He sighed and listened patiently before he ended the call.
"Prepare your things. We are travelling tonight." Before she got a chance to say anything, he already got up and left.
So much for asking for my opinion, she thought. "Right!"
*************
Uh-oh Neemah and this sudden confession! And uncle Faaiz is oblivious to all this😙. Imran is one lively person😁
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Till next time! 💕💕💕