DECE-P-TION

DNV

Sultana's point of view.

"Don't say that, I'm delighted to do that." Falah laughs heartily while standing by the window. "I can't be blamed, that rests on you." He chuckles, turning to glance at me. "Okay, see you there." He hangs up, walking back to the table. "Sorry, where are we?"

"Um, the embezzlement case. The court case is in a week." I notify, looking at him as he chews on his bottom lip. "Okay." He glances at his watch. "I'll be going out for a bit."

He takes his blazer, hanging it on his arm. "Is everything okay?" He stops to focus on me. "Yeah, busy. I'll be back soon." He gives me a reassuring smile. He walks towards the door as I see his phone on the table. "I think you left this." I take his phone that he left on the table and walk over to him. "I can be so forgetful." He sighs before I hand it over to him.

"It happens." I look up at him, noticing his loose tie. "Happens too often." He scrolls through his phone. "Are you fixing your tie?"

"No, is there another meeting?" I chuckle, raising my hand to his neck and untying the tie. "No, it looks rougher when you leave it loose." I raise my eyes to meet his on me.

My heart starts pounding in my chest, noticing the look he has in his eyes. Don't look away, keep them on me. Don't hesitate.

He shifts his eyes away, back to his phone. "Don't forget to eat lunch while you're out since the time soon."

"I shall." He smiles and I nod. "You do know you're being distant, right?" I take off the tie, folding it. "I didn't notice that I was being distant." I shrug, handing the tie back to him.

"It makes me want to go crazy. After what happened, it was like it never happened. It made me think of different things, doubt myself. The next day I was still the one f-".

"Sultana." He holds my shoulders, snapping me out of my head. I look at him, realizing I spoke too much. "Nothing happened, you were..extraordinary. Everything about that night but I drew back because i don't want to lose you, as a friend or worker." I furrow my brows for a second in confusion.

Friend? Worker?

"You matter to me." I let out a sigh. "Friend? Worker? That's all I am to you? I don't want to be that." I slip up, making me groan internally. "Sultana-".

"I'm not one that does this, this is quite embarrassing and pathetic to me but I've gone through a lot of relationships, friendships and realized voicing out my thoughts is better. To know I tried and I'm not going to lie to you, knowing I will regret saying this later, I can't seem to get you out of my mind ever since we spent the night together."

He slightly hangs his head. "Its eating me up having to know that I'm here thinking about that all day and you don't seem to have it on your mind at all." He keeps silent, looking at me. "I'm just....i don't know."

I feel my eyes stinging at how pathetic I must be sounding. I feel his hand on my cheek, caressing it before leaning in to kiss me. I turn away, angry at how I belittled myself for his attention and acceptance.

"I'm sorry for everything, for selfishly making it seem like nothing happened. You deserve better and more." I keep my eyes on the centre table, unable to look at him.

"That sex was...magnificent, I just cannot risk losing you.I know it doesn't matter but I want to make it up to you one way or the other if you let me. I'll be back soon and then we'll discuss this further." I feel a kiss on my forehead, making me close my eyes.

He pulls away, walking out of the room. What was I thinking? I chuckle, walking to the sofa and sitting down. How far I've fallen.

Khaldoun's point of view.

The trees sway side by side while the birds sing. I adjust my sitting position due to my backache reminding me of my age. I take a sip of the water as I hear Falah's voice.

"Come in." I say loud enough for him to hear me. The door shuts, his heavy footsteps approaching. "Good day, abba." I hear him greet me from behind and I turn to look at him. He wore a suit without a tie on, taking a seat beside me. "Good day, Falah. I hope all is well."

"All is well, thank you."

I clear my throat, looking at every gesture or facial expression he makes. "Now, I know you have an idea of the reason you're here."

"Yes."

"I want what's best for my daughter and I believe you're a good match for her. After your visit to the house and your points made, I realized that you will take good care of my daughter. I love my daughter more than anything i have so in the event that you don't take care of my daughter...hopefully that doesn't happen." I warn, making him nod.

"I meant what I said when I came to your house, it wasn't just words. You shouldn't worry yourself about the well-being of your daughter, I was  taught to do so but also I would like to ask a favor."

"Go ahead."

"I noticed the relationship between you and your daughter to be strong and I respect that but since this marriage is going to take place, I would appreciate if you intervene when I truly neglect your daughter. After conversing with you, I feel at ease knowing that you aren't the type of parent that meddles in your daughter's relationship and fortunately, my parents are the same."

I smile weakly at his diplomatic approach of telling me not to meddle in his affairs. "I believe you shouldn't worry about your daughter, I really do like her and I assure you that I will take care of her in every way possible."

I nod, leaning back on the chair. "Okay, I have your word. Now, the thing is, Alya is not supporting this and I know this would affect our relationship in a way so Falah, don't separate me with my daughter any further."

"I won't, like I said, I respect the strong relationship between you and Alya."

"She can be very very stubborn and she will be at first. Please do exercise patience."

He smiles. "That's one of the reasons I like your daughter, abba. She's not gullible nor is she a person you can control, she's independent minded and smart. If there's anything, I'll make sure to ask you."

I look back at the trees wondering how time passed by so fast that I'm now preparing my daughter's wedding. She was born only a few years ago and now a man is telling me one of the traits he likes about her. It never ceases to be mind boggling.

"I'll take your word for that." I glance at him. His eyes and body language is normal and seems sincere. "I would like to ask whether she would like a celebration or not."

"Celebration? No, just the nikkah which only your parents and I will attend."

"Okay, the date?"

"The end of this month, does it work for you?"

"Yes, it does." He agrees as I turn to the jug of tamarind juice. I pour a glass and hand it to him. He  takes the cup, smiling. "Thank you." He sips it while I pour myself a cup as well.

"Don't expect a refill, it was specially made for me." He chuckles. I hope I'm making the right decision.

* Vote

* Follow

* Comment