Author's POV
Hiba is sitting in her cabin massaging her temple, lost in her thoughts. The events from the last few days were on replay in her mind. It's been three days since her dinner with her siblings. When they came back, their parents were again fighting, this time over some money issues. Since then, they haven't been talking to each other. Ever since she remembers, she has seen her parents fighting more than anything. And above all, tomorrow is the party held for the success of the recent project. All of it frustrated her. She banged her fists on her desk.
"Why can't they behave like parents of three children??" She muttered to herself.
People in her department have already noticed that her mood is awful today. Going to her today isn't a good idea. Whenever she's angry, she can find more flaws in everything.
"Snehal go, get this paper signed by Mam. I am quite busy." One employee told another.
"Are you mad?? Going into the danger zone without an assurance of coming back safely. You go. You are her secretary." She snapped back.
"Please, I also wanted to discuss these files with her. But, I am afraid. That's why I can't go." She pleaded.
"You think I'm not. More than you. I'm not taking risks. Please, spare me."
As the first one was about to say something, they both saw a man entering and got stunned. He was a large frame with six feet in height, but a little narrow in the shoulders. His bronzed skin was shining in the daylight. He was a compact, clear-cut man, with precise features and has a lot of soft black hair and thoughtful dark brown eyes. There was an amused friendliness and pleasure smile on his lips. He wore a plain t-shirt with a grey jacket with blue jeans. He has one hand in his pocket and a phone in the other. He was talking on the phone. It looked like everyone around was invisible to him. While talking, he didn't notice and walked past them.
They both shared a similar smirk and ran after him.
"Hey, Asad. Glad to see you back. It's been a month."
He stopped in his tracks and looked back.
"It's fine, let's meet and talk." He said on the phone and hung up. He gave a sweet smile to them and said,
"Same here."
"Are you going to Hiba mam's cabin??" the other asked with hope in her eyes.
"Yup!! I have to talk to her about the things there. Why??" He asked.
"Can you please get these papers signed by her?? I am quite busy. That's why."
"Yeah, sure. No problem."
"Thank you so much." They both replied in unison.
Taking the files from her, he went away. They both happily returned to their desks. When he reached her cabin, he lifted his hand to knock but stopped. He thought to surprise her and went inside. He saw a swivel chair facing back at him. But from the sound of the door opening, it turned around.
"What the hell?? Didn't you have the manners to knock before barging into someone's cabin??" she shouted. However, she stopped seeing him. Her usual blank look was again turned on.
"Heyy, cool down. I just wanted to surprise you." He said.
"Asad, you were going to come back 2 days later."
"Ain't you glad that I came back early??" He asked, avoiding her question.
"I am just concerned about work. That's it. And it's almost lunchtime. You should have to take a rest and come tomorrow."
"But, I wanted to discuss some matters with you. And I missed you." He replied while pouting.
"Fine. Let's talk in the canteen." She said, with no change in her face.
"Heyy, wait. First, sign these files. Snehal gave it to me." He spoke while stopping her and kept them on the desk. She gave an amused look and asked,
"If snehal wanted these files signed, why did you bring them?? It should be her."
"I was coming here, so she gave it to me."
"Let's go. Let's teach her some manners." She said, getting up from her chair and going outside.
He was confused. Is it really a big deal that she is going to scold her?? Scratching his head, he also went after her.
Snehal's desk wasn't far away from her cabin. When Asad reached there, she was already scolding her. He listened,
"When you wanted to get those papers signed, why did you send him?? Is he your worker or secretary?? Or you were so busy that you couldn't come on your own??" Hiba said, keeping her hands on her desk.
"Mam, I am sorry. I....." Snehal got cut-off in between her apology.
"Shut up!! You know I hate excuses." She raised her voice.
"Mam, I'm really very sorry. It wouldn't happen again." She replied, lowering her head.
"You..." But before she could complete, Asad jumped in between and said,
"It's ok. It's not a big deal. Leave it. It's lunch break. Let's go to the canteen. I'm starving." While keeping his hands on her shoulders from behind. She turned her head and sighed. He understood her mood wasn't good today. And when it happens, she becomes more strict towards everyone and everything. He dragged her from there.
After they reached, he went to order their food. And she went to sit in their usual place. She was again lost in her thoughts, staring blankly at the window. When he was coming back, he stopped in between and looked at her. It looked like she was preoccupied with something. It was very rare when she showed some emotions on her face other than anger and a blank look. She had worn a white tank top and faded jeans. Wrinkles had formed on her forehead from the things she was thinking about. Like she was frustrated by it.
He wanted to ask her, what's the matter?? But, he knew very well that he wouldn't get an answer to it. It was art the way she dodged questions. That's why, being her only friend for 4 years now, he still knew little about her. Although, he still thought to give it a shot. Maybe she says something. 'Cause he believes in miracles. So, he went to her and asked while sitting on his chair,
"Heyy, what's happening?? You didn't look good today."
"Nothing. Nothing special." She replied while huffing.
He got upset that she didn't want to speak to him. However, without letting it come to his face, he asked again,
"Come on, you can tell me. I won't tell anyone. I'm good at keeping secrets. I am your only friend here. You can share with me."
"Nothing. Just some work stress. You wanted to talk about something. What is it??" She counter-attacked him with her question. Seeing that she still doesn't trust him, he got hurt. But, keeping it aside, he replied to her. They talked about some business issues and solutions.
While talking, Asad was looking at her every five minutes. It looked like she wasn't disturbed by something else a while ago. She was totally focused on her work. She was a perfect example of a workaholic for him. After they finished, lunch break was almost ending. But she didn't even complete half the plate. Being a health-conscious person, he stopped her from leaving.
"Heyy didn't even finish half of your food. First, finish it and then leave." He commanded her.
"I didn't feel hungry. I just came to accompany you." She replied.
"No, have some. If you don't eat, it will affect your work and your health. And I think I don't need to remind you, how??" He said looking at her with 'you know, right??' Look. She shook her head in defeat and silently started eating.
Hiba's POV,
"It's too plain. Change it." Asad said after a long pause. He looked at me with narrow eyes.
"Till when do I have to do this fashion show?? I have changed to over 5 dresses. And you still like nothing." I said being frustrated.
"Today's party is especially for you. You are the primary star of it. I can't let you wear anything. And the boss himself said to take you shopping. 'Cause he is very well aware of your choice of clothes. So, keep your mouth shut and change it." He explained.
"But, I don't want to go. I hate parties. You have to smile all the fucking time at every single stranger you come across. You called it a party. It is torture for me. Let's buy some simple and decent dress and be done with it. Please!!" I pleaded with him.
"Nope." He got up from his place and gave me another dress from the dresses he had already chosen for me.
"Try this. It should look good." He said and pushed me into the changing room and closed the door. It was a peach color knee-length dress with golden net sleeves and a long neckline. There was embroidery below the chest.
"I'll kill you,'' I said, slamming my leg on the floor in frustration.
"Doesn't matter. Be quick."
I quickly changed into it. After being confirmed that it was looking awkward on me, I came out. He was busy texting someone. So, I faked coughing to get his attention. He lifted his head and looked at me from head to toe. And he got shocked. For a second, I thought that something was wrong with the dress. But, looking at him again, I understood he was shocked because maybe I'm looking good at it. He didn't say anything for a minute or two.
"Stop looking at me like that. You'll fall in love with me." I said sarcastically.
"Is it a bad thing??" He asked. His eyes were full of curiosity.
"No, it isn't. But it's not for me. Love comes with expectations. And I don't want to live with more expectations than I already have." I replied with bitterness in my tone. I hate that word. There is no such thing to me. No one loves anyone unconditionally, that too with flaws. I have seen couples in my life that prove it. And after sometimes it becomes a responsibility for both. So, why waste time on it?? There are many more things in the world to do.
"Huh...." his reply broke my chains of thoughts.
"Forget it. Tell me if it's good or not?? I am fucking tired. You made me do whole fashion here." I said with frustration.
"Yes, it's the best. You're looking gorgeous in this." He said like a child getting his favorite candy after a long time. I huffed at my thought and sigh.
"Please pack this dress." He said to one of the lady employees there.
I quickly changed it to my dress. Wearing my clothes after one or two hours felt like heaven. Whatever dresses I had tried till now were too tight or too heavy. After being done with other formalities, we finally came out. Thinking that now we are going back, I headed towards the exit. But suddenly Asad pulled me back and asked,
"Where are you going??"
"Towards the exit, where else??"
"Why??"
"Are you having a temporary memory loss?? Where the hell would I go after this hectic shopping?? I need rest. I am tired as hell. All thanks to you." I replied to his stupid question with a plastic smile on my face.
"But who said shopping is over?? We just brought the dress. Sandals and accessories are still remaining. Let's go. We don't have much time." He said with authority in his tone.
God, why is it so hard to resist when he talks in this tone??? It's like following him is the most obvious thing to do. He can spellbind everyone with this tone. Suddenly I remember he said, we don't have much time. What does he mean by it?? We still have 4 to 5 hours.
"Why are you behaving like I am your girlfriend who is going to meet your parents for the very first time?? And you want everything to be perfect."
"Ohh!!" He said as he didn't hear what I said.
But then he paused. And looked at me. As if he is processing my words. And when he understood, he glared at me.
"Shut up!! I said I'm doing all this because the boss told me. Cause he knows only I can handle your mood swings. And he trusts my choice." He said proudly the last part.
"It's not because of that, dumbo. Cause you are my only friend in the office. Understood!!" I snapped back.
"Ohh!! You called me your friend. Oh, my!! Date to be remembered. Ms. Hiba herself called me her friend. I am truly honored. Thank you so much, your highness." He said, bowing his head towards me. I rolled my eyes at him and his overacting.
But, he was one of those people who made me forget all my worries and problems for a time being. As much as I hate to admit it, he is really one of my close people. But, I will never confess it to him ever.
************
Oh, my!! He didn't lie when he said we didn't have much time. Cause he took so much time to choose my heels, earrings, and small chain. He didn't even bother to ask me whether I liked it?? He basically ignored my opinions, saying I know nothing.
After the hardship of a couple of hours, he finally matches golden heels with my dress, golden earrings, and a chain with a small bird-shaped pendant. I would be lying if I said I didn't like it. I like everything he brought for me.
I brought nothing for me other than nightdresses and different shoes. Everything else is brought by Ammi and Kashish for me. Therefore, buying all these things was quite new for me.
"Are we going home now?? Cause I have to get ready and we brought everything you want."
I asked while he was putting shopping bags in the backseat.
"Yes, you are getting ready, but not at home. I have made an appointment for you in the parlor. I'll drop you there first and pick you up after one and a half hours." He said while buckling the seat belt. I was dumbfounded by the brand-new information he gave me. After recovering from the shock, I asked him,
"Did I steal your property or something from you in your previous life??"
He just huffed at it. He didn't answer me and started his Fortuner's ignition. I internally cried because I didn't want to go there. But I knew it would be in vain to tell him that. The entire ride went into silence.