Empowered

Chapter Seven: Changes

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THREE MONTHS LATER

Nayab

"Samreen Gillani has narrowly avoided an assassination attempt. Sources have said that former allies of Samreen Gillani might be behind the attack, as the Azaad Awam Party seems to be ending all deals and alliances with them since Hamdan Gillani stepped into politics." The news anchor said, grimly.

Alliances that were experts in money laundering, black money and murder. 

"Who was she an ally with, the mafia?" My colleague, Komal Waleed raised an eyebrow at the TV screen.

"Seems so." I muttered, but not loudly enough to be heard, as I headed to rinse my mug of coffee.

"I can't believe she's your Saas." Komal continued talking, despite my obvious hints that I didn't want to discuss this further. "Speaking of in-laws, how's that heartthrob husband of yours? He's a rare politician that makes the ladies drool when they see him."

Heartthrob Hamdan was actually very busy these days. In the last three months, I'd only seen him in person four times, and the last time was over a month ago. We chatted on the phone, messages and video calls every day, of course, but it wasn't the same. "I need to get back to work, Komal." Washing my hands, I headed out of the break room and went downstairs to the boutique. 

It was a busy day, and Dania herself was in the boutique, helping out the customers. She had clearly said no formalities, no calling her 'Madam Dania' or 'Ms Dania', but simply by her name. She seemed like a down-to-earth person. 

"Nayab! There you are!" She saw me and waved me over from where she stood behind the payment counter.

"Yes?" I walked over. Wearing black formal trousers and a pale pink blouse, with my name printed on a name badge at my chest, I felt happy and comfortable here, as if I really belonged. I was good at fashion, and it made me happy to work in this environment. 

"This is Nayab, one of my most talented staff." Dania introduced me to a middle-aged woman. "She'll help you with the outfit you need. Trust me, her choice and taste is impressive."

I turned to the lady with a smile. 

She scrutinised me, eyeing me from head to toe. "Do I know you? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before." 

"You are our regular customer. You must have seen her around." Dania smiled, glancing briefly at me. She knew that I liked my privacy, and she always helped me out whenever a customer questioned my familiarity- which was a lot.

But the woman was very busy thinking things. "Oh! I remember! You are Nayab Gillani, the daughter-in-law of that politician, Samreen Gillani. Am I right?" 

"You are not wrong, madam." I answered diplomatically. "Now, may I help you find the right outfit?" 

"Her son seems to be finally doing something right. But that woman is a shrewd, conniving..." The woman's face turned red with anger. "She has destroyed so many lives and she is living around freely like..."

I looked at Dania, helplessly, and she looked at me apologetically.

"Actually, Nayab, I had some portfolios in the back office that I need you to have a look at." My boss pretended to just remember this. "Please go and have a look, I'll get someone else to help Mrs Rehman." 

I nodded gratefully at her and excused myself before walking away. I came across Komal, who had come into the boutique God-knows when. 

"This life isn't for you. You have the Gillani name attached to you, and it won't leave you alone." She shook her head, sneering.