Aryan's Lethal Obsession

Aryan

"So, Al Zein broke the deal then."

Sir's displeasure was evident in how he uttered each word in a low voice. I remained in my seat, the right of him, clenching my fist over my lap.

"How much does that cost us?" he asked.

"100 million, give and take," I wasn't surprised Hammad was eager to answer.

"Today's meeting is adjourned. Except for Aryan, the remaining can leave," Sir ordered, lighting his cigar and leaning back in his chair.

This was the first monthly meeting that I was anxious to attend. It was not that I was afraid of the loss or the consequences, but I was more restless about how much of Sir's attention would go on Adah. In the last meeting, he got the whiff that something had changed in me, and with the loss of a contract, followed by the attack on my warehouse to Al-Zein choosing to break the deal, Sir was not a fool to not notice.

Hammad's smirk before leaving the room was like adding fuel to the fire. Something about the way his eyes shone unsettled me. He wasn't just taunting me for failing, but something else I can't put my finger on.

The sound of a chair scraping against the wood flooring caught my attention, and I glanced back at Sir. He stood up from his chair, taking one long drag, and then walked up to the window.

"You are very special to me, Aryan," his grave voice bounced around the silent room.

"More than my children. You know why?" he asked, and I clenched my jaw before replying, "No, Sir."

Another drag and cloud of smoke covered him when he exhaled.

"You do things for me without expecting anything. At least my sons follow my command to gain recognition, but you," he faced me, moving his free arm behind, "you just do it. As if my words are everything for you. I never saw you expecting my recognition or any reward. Me being alive is more than any reward for you."

"I remember you said many years ago that you would live and die for me, and at that time, I thought it was only a boy angry at the world talking. But over the years, I realized you were serious. Your loyalty is commendable, and you never missed any task I gave you. I trust you more than I trust my own son. But lately, I feel you are not the same," he said, walking towards me.

I tightened my fist in anticipation.

"I was never happier than I was when I heard you got married. I was relieved that you decided to let go of your past and live for yourself. Have a family that you could go back to rather than dedicating your entire life to me."

Placing his hand over my shoulder, he continued, "Don't make the same mistake, son. Loving someone is good; it makes you a human, but losing yourself in that love is stupidity. And you have already been through it once."

"I don't care about the losses we have incurred recently because you have brought more profits than that. But what I do care about is seeing you committing the same mistake. You changed. You are distracted, and I have seen you zoning in between meetings. Don't assume this old man doesn't notice his surroundings.

"You are showing your emotions, and I have seen you glaring at Hammad many times. Although you both don't get along, I'm not interested to know why either. But you were never the one to be volatile. My aged eyes see that it has something to do with that girl you married. You should take care of the marriage, but don't let your emotions cloud your rationality. Don't let it affect your work."

Cupping my neck, he made me look at him, "Since I added you to the gang, many members are unhappy and are trying to find a reason to kick you out. Your intelligence is what made you survive, but consistent loss to business is not something that can be brushed under the rug. They will ask questions, and I need to have answers."