DECE-P-TION

DNVIII

Falah's point of view.

As expected, the 'honeymoon' was longer than it felt and boring. I open the door, lifting the luggages and step into the house after Alya. She stands in the space, looking at me. I walk up the stairs with the luggages.

From the day we spoke at the hotel the first day we arrived, we haven't said a word to each other for a conversation. Questions is the only guarantee of an answer from her and I expect the same from her.

I open her door and kept her luggages. I turn to look at her, leaning her head on the door frame, looking around the room. I leave the room, walking to my room so I can rest for tomorrow and deal with sultana tomorrow.

Women are the ones making my life hectic, my mother, wife and secretary. All my fault. I love burdening myself.

I enter my room, taking my shirt off immediately before shutting the door. I lie in the bed, looking at my schedule for tomorrow. I don't get any breaks and I don't get back till after maghrib, a normal day.

********

"Okay, I understand. By 9am?" I ask, walking down the stairs with my laptop bag in my hand and blazer in the other. "Yes, mr lawal wants to meet you urgently. He sent some files for you this morning."

"Okay, I'll be there soon."

"Okay." I let her hang up as I push the kitchen when I see Alya with a suit as well. Her blazer hung on the chair and her bag on the island. "Ignore him, he will not get what he wants. Whatever it is." She says holding a mug in her hands. She looks at me then looks away.

I keep my things in the island, walking to the coffee machine. I take the empty kettle and filled it with water. I hear her laugh behind me, tutting. "He'll have to try way harder before he gets under my skin, that doesn't happen easily."

I put it back, waiting for it to finish. I take my iPad, reading the news. "Get the documents ready, I'll be there in....ten. Get everything ready." The machine beeps, serving the coffee. She stands a few feet away from me, rinsing the cup.

"Good morning." I say, without looking at her. "Sorry, good morning." She says walking to me. I look at her standing in front of me, noticing how elegantly corporate she's looking.

"I'd like to put this back." I step away, sipping my coffee while she puts it back. I put on my blazer, taking my laptop bag. I check my pocket, pulling out two bunches of keys. I put one back and walk to Alya. "Here's your key, when are you getting back from work?"

She sighs, taking the key form me. "By maghrib."

"Before maghrib."

"Why?"

"I want you to be back before maghrib." She shifts her eyes away. "I'll try to."

"You have to." She walks to her bag, snatching her blazer off the chair. Her heels hitting the floor heavier, I follow.

**********

I glance at my watch, taking note of the tardiness of lawal. I shake my foot, meeting eyes with sultana who's sitting beside me. I turn my head around to the sound of the door swinging open.

"Good, you're here! I sent files to you to check it, what do you have for me?" He strolls in like he owns the place, taking a seat. I keep silent for a few seconds to control myself from saying things I shouldn't.

"I'm waiting." He urges, clasping his hands. I feel a hand on mine under the table. I shift my eyes to sultana who knows I'm about to go off on him. I look back to lawal who seems to be getting aggravated.