The Hijabi Detective

The Aftermath

Pic: Nabila outfit for work today

The Assistant Commissioner(ACP) Lana Rhodes wanted to speak with me. We've always had a great relationship, she has always valued my work and played a key role in my promotions and rise. I have never felt nervous or anxious about going to her office but this time, I did. I hate to admit it but Shanaya had managed to unsettle me. First the Party humiliation last night and now a scathing attack in the media. She was getting to me and I was letting her. I had to do something, take charge and show her who I really am.

ACP Lana Rhodes: How are you doing Nabila?

Nabila: I'm good ma'am. Thank you.

ACP: How's things going with you after marriage?

Nabila: All good ma'am.

ACP: You didn't take any break for honeymoon.

Nabila: We haven't done any honeymoon yet. We're both focused on our work but maybe sometime later.

ACP: Always the thorough professional Nabila. But if you needed any leave or break given your condition, please don't hesitate to ask.

I was perplexed by this.

Nabila: Condition? What condition?

I could see Lana was a bit taken aback, almost like she felt awkward bringing it up. I shifted in my seat.

ACP: Well... I don't mean to pry, but I just came across this in the papers that you were expecting maybe?

Nabila: What?

I was louder than I would have liked but I was aghast and couldn't hold back.

Lana just placed a newspaper in front of me. This was another one, Daily Glamour that covered fashion and glamour and parties. On the front page was a massive headline "Is Azhar's besotted wife already preggers"? This was on top of a massive photo of Azhar, Shanaya and I from the party. Its from the photos we posed for after Shanaya came down. Azhar was in the middle with both Shanaya and me on each side. Shanaya looked slim and skinny, I was trying to suck in my tummy but it still bulged out. There was a big red circle around my tummy, drawing attention to my problem area. This was yet another attack by Shanaya, using her gossip media platforms to embarrass me.

She had me trapped. Of course I wasn't pregnant. But to clear the rumour, I would have to admit my shameful secret - that I was just fat. God she really knew how to exploit my insecurities.

Nabila: Oh god no!! this is just media gossip. It's just the wrong angle for that photo.

Lana: Oh I'm so sorry. I thought you were expecting maybe and would need some time off

Nabila: Not all. I am totally focussed on catching The Shadow Thief and Nemesis.

Lana: That's my girl.

I smiled and got up but inside I was seething. How many people would have seen that photo? They would be thinking I'm pregnant or making fun of my figure.

One thing was clear, Shanaya had a full on strategy against me and so far had outwitted me on all accounts. I was totally unprepared but no more. I now know my enemy.

I dont' know whether it was the effect of the Article, the embarrassing chat with my boss, or just weight gain, but my dress pants felt tight all day, and I felt my panties getting bunched between my buttocks. I had to go to the washroom a few times to fix and each time it was a struggle to pull up my pants again.

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I arrived at home. I was livid. I wanted to charge in and chew out Azhar. That bitch Shanaya was using her entire media empire to declare war on me, destroy my reputation, hurt my pride. And all because of Azhar!