Destiny's Tapestry

Chapter 5

It's already 10 PM and I'm working late. It's raining outside and I don't prefer leaving while it rains. There's so much work to do and I think I'll have to work on a Sunday too.

No matter what I do, I can't focus. Laila and Zahra are out of my reach. I've called them both a hundred times, to no avail. Laila's mobile is out of reach and Zahra's mobile is switched off.

I'm anxious as to what could possibly have happened. I'm anxious, I'm afraid, I'm nervous and confused. I'm afraid because of me Zahra can be in danger. I don't want her to be in any kind of danger because of me. She doesn't have anyone who knows her here. I am her only friend, and I can't do anything to find her.

Laila seems to be the root cause of all this.

I put my face in my palms, tears filling my eyes. 'I can't give up so easily.' I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. I can't go and tell this to my parents, they are out for pilgrimage. I'm feeling helpless, useless and lonely and miserable.

The phone on my table rings, snapping me back to the present. I picked it up after gathering myself.

"Yes?" I try to sound calm.

"Sorry to disturb you ma'am, but Mr. Mahir is coming to your cabin." It's one of my department heads.

"Now? You should have informed me the moment he came to the office." I checked the time and it was almost 11.

"I'm so sorry ma'am, I was about to leave when he came and it slipped my mind. He must almost be there." I sighed.

"It's fine. Happy weekend!" I wanted to sound cheerful, I'm not sure if I did.

I put the receiver back and gained my composure. I look into the mirror, to make sure I look fine and pretend to work.

There is a gentle knock at the door.

"Come in," I say, pretending to be busy.

"Busy weekends?" he says nonchalantly.

"Yeah," I replied without looking up.

"Nice place."

"Thanks."

He pauses at one place. I look up to see what he is up to, showing up at my office without a prior notice.

He is in grey jumpers and black sweatpants, hair ruffled. As soon as I look at his hair, he sets them into place like he forgot to do so while coming.

"It seems you have so much work to do... you're doing it alone?" he asks.

"May I ask you what brings you here out of the blue?" I ask, ignoring his question.

"Nothing important, was just passing by after an important meeting and thought to check in.

Your watchman told me that you were working here alone, and so that poor man has to do overtime because of you."

"I pay him for the overtime he does, you don't need to worry about my employees. Also, do you always attend your 'formal, important meetings' in jumpers and sweatpants?" I ask pressing on the 'formal, important meetings'.

He quickly looks at his clothes and runs his hands through his hair searching for a reply. He looks at me, and I raise my eyebrows waiting for a reply.

"I.. um... it wasnt that formal. Just a meeting with one of my friends at a cafe," he replies, looking everywhere but me.

"Ohh."

"You didn't answer my question."

"What?"

"You have a lot of work to do, where are your employees?" he asks, bringing me back to reality.