Enwrapped

Chapter 14

The clattering of pots and the sizzling of vegetables echoed in the kitchen as Saboor navigated her way through the bustling restaurant, the aromas of spices mixing with the tension that knotted in her stomach. She was drowning in work. Every day, she seemed to wake up and wonder how she would be able to handle everything, and even everyday tasks had become difficult. One of them was coming to check up on the restaurant.

She loved the restaurant. It was her baby, her well-loved accomplishment. She had come back early from the styling boutique today just to see what was going on at the restaurant. It had been a while since she had come here, and she missed it. It was ironic how the place where she had stood so confidently a while ago had come to suffocate her. And why? She did not understand.

Right then, her phone began ringing, and a sigh left her lips. Even a phone call was so annoying now. When she saw the caller ID, her expression relaxed, but not as much.

"Saboor, do you want me to pick you up today? I'm on the way home..."

"No, I came to the restaurant to see if everything's alright."

"I'll come there then."

"No, it's okay. Go home, Muzammil. I'll come later," she said, trying to sound casual, though her voice trembled slightly.

"Are you sure?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. "You've been working late a lot lately. I'm worrying about you."

"I'm fine! Just a while more, and then I'll be home by six, I guess," she reassured, though she herself was so uncertain.

"Okay. But give me a call when you leave, alright? And keep your location on. If you want, I'll still pick you up," he said, and his voice softened.

"Okay. Buh-bye."

"Buh-bye, darling."

As the call ended, Saboor sighed once again.

~

"You're late, child," Mazhar said, his brows knitting together as he scrutinized the tiredness etched on Saboor's face. Saboor took a minute to answer him. Everyone was sitting at the table for dinner, and now everyone was looking at her.

"I-I'm so-sorry, I was supposed to come back at six... and—" Her words tumbled out in a rush, but she couldn't even make a proper excuse. She had promised herself to get home early today and help Israa with dinner. Now, standing in front of everyone like an insolent child was the punishment she had accepted was hers.

Instead, Mazhar only gestured for her to come sit. "It's okay! I'm not angry, bacchay. Come and have dinner!" he said with a smile that melted her guilt just a little.

"I'll freshen up first, Baba, if that's fine..."

"Absolutely! Go freshen up; we'll keep your plate warm."

As Saboor dragged herself upstairs, everyone's concerned gaze followed her. Her droopy eyes and muddled expressions had tensed everyone. Saboor was someone who held herself together. This was not her. Something wasn't right.

~

Earlier that afternoon, she was having a conversation with some prospective employees when Siraj approached. As he'd promised, he was often coming to the boutique. Even Abbu had pointed out to her in hidden words how he wanted to join the business. Saboor had denied.

"Siraj," she greeted, but she wanted him to go away. The man stood firm on his feet, and others picked up on the environment in the room, gathering their things and leaving.

"I wanted to have a talk with you."

"Really? What do you want to talk about?" she asked, annoyed that he had driven the people away.