Dark Secret
Musa gently cups Asha's face in his hands. "Look at me," he says softly.
"There's no one else, it's just you. I love you, Asha. You're the only one I want to be with. Please believe me."
Asha's eyes are still filled with doubt, but there's also sometimes else there, maybe hope?
Musa's hands traced the curve of Asha's back, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against each other.
Their lips meet in a kiss that started softly, tentatively, but quickly ignited into something passionate and urgent.
Asha's fingers tangled in Musa's hair as the kiss deepened, exploring and demanding.
His hands moved lower, tracing the line of her waist, then lower still, sending shivers down her spine.
Asha moaned softly, her own hands reaching for him, pulling him closer.
The air cracked with unspoken desires, the world around then fading away.
Clothes were shed, the urgency building with each stolen breath, each touch more intimate than ever before.
Just as they were about to cross the threshold into something more, a loud thump echoed through the studio, followed by a sheepish sound.
"Uh, Musa? You're in there?"
Musa swore under his breath, his body tensing.
He reluctantly pulled away from Asha, a frustrated groan escaping his lips.
He knows the voice. It is Lewis, always with impeccable timing, especially when it comes to ruining a perfectly good moment.
Hey man, "Lewis said."
Hey.., Musa replied.
"Lewis you have the timing of a malfunctioning smoke alarm!" Musa claimed.
Throwing his hands in exasperation. Seriously, man,you were listening at the door? Musa says this jokingly.
Lewis blinked, looking slightly confused. "I just heard some…uh…enthusiastic murmuring. Everything ok here?"
Musa sighed dramatically.
"Everything was ok Lewis, perfectly ok. Until you decided to make your grand entrance". You know, there's a reason they call it "knocking"
Lewis chuckled nervously. "Sorry, man. I saw your ride outside and decided to come and say hey to you" It's been long bro.
It's ok bro, Musa replied. He stepped aside, revealing Asha who was now straightening her clothes and trying to suppress a smile.
"Lewis," Musa said, his tone softening slightly, "This is Asha" putting his arm around her shoulders, my girlfriend, the love of my life.
Asha, this is Lewis, my…..incredibly inconsiderate but ultimately well- meaning friend.
Lewis's eyes widened, "Wow, hi Asha! Nice to meet you.
Asha smiled politely. "Nice to meet you too, Lewis.
Musa and Lewis were lost in conversation when Asha's phone started buzzing on the small table by the door.
It was a sharp, unexpected sound that broke the tension in the air. With a sigh, Asha reached over and grabbed it.
The caller ID read 'Maya'. She exchanged a worried look with Musa before answering.
"Hey," she said, the voice a little breathless. "What's up?"
Maya's voice came through, frantic. "Asha, you're never going to believe this! We got the biggest order of our lives, but there's a problem."
Asha's brow furrowed. "What kind of problem?" She asked, a sense of dead creeping into her.
"It's…complicated," Maya hesitated. "Can you meet me at the bakery? We need to talk, and we need to talk now."
Asha's face was a musk of worry as she hung up.
"Maya needs me," she explained to Musa. " It's about the bakery. We have to go."
Musa, concern etched on his face. "Of course. Let's go."
"Take care man, I have to go". Musa said. "It's alright," Lewis replied.
Reaching at the bakery, Maya practically vibrated with excitement.
"Hello Musa," Maya said.
"Hellos," Musa replied.
Maya went ahead with excitement on her face. Asha, we got the biggest order of our lives!
Imagine, cupcakes for the huge tech conference! But here's the catch, they want a super specific flavour, something totally out of our comfort zone.
Asha's eyes narrowed. "Oh thank God that's so amazing." So when do they need the order?
"Actually this Wednesday," Maya replied.
"If you're not busy right now, we can prepare for whatever is needed," Maya added.
"Of course, why not!" And the fact that Musa is here he's going to help us too, right dear? Asha stated while blinking at Musa.
"Musa nodded," "Yeah…."
The Bakery was bustling with activities. Maya was behind the counter, juggling orders and chatting with customers.
Asha was in the back, experimenting with different frosting flavours for the big order they'd gotten.
Musa was up front, helping customers pick out the perfect treats.
A well-dressed man walked in, his eyes scanning the display case. "Excuse me," he said, catching Musa's attention. "I'd like to order a custom cake for a special occasion."
Musa smiled. "Certainly, sir. Would you like to sit down and we can go over some options?"
Asha heard a man's voice. She slowly turned to look at him. Their eyes met, and for a long, terrifying moment. His eyes bore into hers, a cold, calculating glint in his gaze that spoke of a predator stalking its prey. They were locked in a silent battle. Asha could see the flicker of recognition in his eyes.
Without a word, Immediately Asha turned and fled toward the back of the bakery, her legs trembling.
She burst into the bathroom, locking the door behind her, she curled up on the cold bathroom floor, teared up, her sobs muffled by her hands and her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Asha remembered everything, "It's him," she said to herself.
Richard Kensington, a businessman. One of the victims Asha involved with into sexual acts. She drugged him and stole his huge amount of money,documents and property records during her University days.
A man who knows her darkest secrets which can destroy everything she has built. She has been hiding far away from him for the past 5 years.
The door handle rattled, Asha huddled in the corner of the bathroom, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Fear tightened its grip on her as the knocking grew louder and more insisted.