Over again

Chapter X

Since that day, Aaliya changed. Haunted her memories of her childhood, memories of her sister and harsh words of her father. She began to neglect the job and that she didn't like. She couldn't allow herself to forget about the job. Not now and not there. Zain few times asked her what's wrong with her. He started telling her how that job is not for her. She didn't like how it sounded.
Zain has bothered her behaviour. He saw potential in her and knew that she could do her job very well. But she began to interfere private life and job. He didn't like that.
The silence in the office was interrupted by the sound of upcoming call. Zain took the phone and looked at the screen. He didn't like the name that was seen there.
"What he wants now?"-he wondered. He saw that Aaliya was looking at him and he quickly picked up the call:
"Yes?"
"Zain, my son, how are you?"-said the voice from the other side.
"What do you want?"-asked Zain coldly.
"I heard you have a new partner. And I heard she's very pretty. I thought to come and meet her."
"Listen. Stay away from her. She doesn't know anything about you or me and no need to sneak her into our family problems. It's not her fault that I chose to do this job. It's my choice. And if ever anything happens to anyone, it will be only me. Not her. Is that clear?"
"Oh, Zain. You'll never learn, right?"-the man said before line went dead.
Zain looked at Aaliya.
"I have to protect her. She doesn't know anything about me or my family. But I won't allow him to hurt her. This time I'm going to win."-he thought as he watched her.
"Aaliya?"- he called her. She looked up. "My brother is preparing a family picnic and told me to ask you to come with us. The family wants to meet you."
"You have a brother? You never told me. Oh, how stupid I am. Of course you didn't. We don't know each other enough. We work together for a month only. Why would you say anything to me?"
He smiled. She was cute when she talked like that.
"That's why I want you to come with us. This is the best way to meet them. So, what do you think? Are you coming with us?"
"Well, since you're asking, why not? I want to meet them too. May I ask who will be present?"
"Sure. My mother, brother, his wives and their kids."
"Wives? And what about your father? I apologise if I offended you, but is he..?"
"He's alive. Just going out of town this weekend and won't be there. And yes, my brother has two wives."
"Oho. So, how he cope with them? Certainly, it's not easy."
"No. No, it's not."-he laughed. "You'll see what it looks like. Then, Saturday suits?".
"Absolutely. I can't wait to meet this large family."