When we reached the office, Leena got out of the car before we arrived. She showed up a little later than us, slipping into her workspace unnoticed. I watched her from Sam's office. It was lunchtime, but she was still working, her focus unbroken. The office buzzed with activity, people seated at their desks, absorbed in their tasks, but my attention was drawn to just one thing—Leena.
Her hair waved gently as she moved, and when she looked at me, her eyes were satirical, sharp like a fox's. She checked her phone briefly, then suddenly stood up, hurriedly making her way toward the lobby at the back of the office. I couldn't understand why she was heading there so abruptly, so I followed her.
As soon as I stepped into the back lobby, Leena appeared in front of me, stopping so suddenly that I almost collided with her. She held a cigarette in her hand.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of challenge and annoyance. "I came here to smoke."
"Leena, where are the cigarettes? You know smoking is prohibited in the office," I responded, trying to mask my concern with a hint of authority.
Leena shrugged nonchalantly. "Then complain. Stop whatever you're doing. It's only your loss."
"What did I do?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"Whatever you're doing," she replied, her tone firm. "I'm right, and you're showing such superficial concern for me. You're feeling pity for me, and there's no need for it."
"Okay, fine. Mind your own business," I said, frustrated by his defiance. "But why do you feel this way?"
As I stood there, trying to process everything, Sami suddenly stepped toward me. Without a word, he took the cigarette from my hand and threw it to the ground.
"Leena, you're worried that everyone will see you," he said, his voice calm but insistent. "That's what everyone wants today. But not me."
"Stay away from me, Sami," I retorted, pushing him away. But he didn't budge. Instead, he grabbed my hand, holding it firmly.
"I just want to help you," he said, his voice softening. "After what I saw that day, I've been feeling guilty for not trusting you. Please, forgive me."
I looked at him, bewildered. "What did you see, Sami????