Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 28 : Sweet Surrender

Sharp at 5, Arbaaz stepped out of his cabin as if, waiting for the office time to be over, and made his way towards Zunera's cabin. Knocking twice, he waited but no response came. He opened the door and peeked inside to find the cabin empty.

‘Ya Allah! Where is she now ?!’ - he thought impatiently and walked towards the reception.

“Has Zunera left ?” - he asked the receptionist at once, not caring about using her her first name.

It was after five so he was not being unprofessional in his humble opinion.

“Sir, Ma'am left around 3.” - the receptionist informed him and his eyebrows shot upto his hairline.

“But why ?” - he asked, annoyed.

“I don't know Sir.” - the receptionist said apologetically.

He sighed and stormed towards his brother's cabin. Certain that if Zunera had left early, she would have taken permission from Arish. Not having patience to knock, he barged inside.

“Bhaijaan Z-” - he stopped mid-sentence when he found their father seated on the couch. Looking quite surprised at his entry.

Arish bit back a smile, understanding the reason of his brother's restlessness all too well and decided to end his misery.

“I was about to call you. Good you're here yourself. Dad and I were discussing on the project and he wanted your point of view on the financial side.” - Arish said, motioning him to take a seat. “Although, we need Ms. Anwar as well as she'll provide the final analysis report but since she had to leave early because she was not feeling well, we'll collect that report tomorrow morning.” - he told Arbaaz with a slight smile.

Arbaaz's heart sank. ‘Zunera was feeling unwell ? Gosh! Why didn't she tell him ? And has she even went to the doctor or not ?’ A dozen thoughts clouded his brain and he stood up.

But Sulaimaan stood up as well.

“Let's discuss this on the way home. You both know Ammi jaan doesn't like us getting late.” - Sulaimaan said buttoning up his coat.

Arbaaz looked at Arish for help but he discreetly shook his head showing helplessness.

“Come on boys! Let's get going.” - Sulaimaan ordered, walking out of the cabin. His sons following suit.

~

Zunera looked at her apartment with a contented smile. She had spent two hours on shopping the required material and then decorating the apartment as per her wish. She looked at the wall clock to check the time.

5:28 PM.

‘Arbaaz would be here any moment now.’ - she thought and sprinted to the room to get ready.

~

It was quarter to 6 when the project discussion finally came to an end. Arbaaz was seated in the lawn along with his brother and father. They had taken shower on arriving home and had joined the family at the evening tea while doing the briefing as well.

He stood up, making his family look at him in askance.

“I have to go. A friend of mine is unwell so I have to pay visit.” - he reasoned making Arish smile into the cup.

His father observed him keenly before slowly nodding his head.

“Allah Hafiz!” - he said and left.

Missing the slight smile coming over Sulaimaan's face.

~

He was so worried for Zunera that he took the spare key of her apartment with him and opened the door himself.