Love Thy Enemy ~ A ZaiRa FF

Chapter 8 : Partners Or Opponents ?

Mubashira and Zaid reached office the next morning in separate cars, stunning the staff who was waiting to welcome them warmly as it would be their first day at work after marriage. One of the employees was still brave enough to offer Mubashira a bouquet but the death stare he received from her made him recoil and others hide their bouquets behind their backs.

Unbeknown to them, Asif and Jaffer had called a meeting for some special announcement which they got to know from their fathers' PA.

“What announcement it could be ?” - Zaid wondered aloud as they made their way towards the boardroom.

Mubashira smirked. “You being disowned by Asif uncle, I guess.”

He glared at her and his retort was at the tip of his tongue but they had reached the boardroom. She opened the door and entered with him in her wake.

Asif and Jaffer were, as always, seated in the head chairs opposite each other at the long rectangular table. The investors and some employees of crucial positions, filling it on both sides. Mubashira went to sit beside her father as usual and Zaid, begrudgingly, took a seat on the first chair near his father. The betrayal still fresh in his mind.

“Lovely! So now as everyone is present, it's time to proceed with the announcement for which you all have been called here.” - Asif began with a smile.

“Asif and I have decided that we have worked for quite a better part of our lives. Now it's time for us to get retired and have some time for ourselves.” - Jaffer continued.

Mubashira instantly knew what was going on her father's mind. And she didn't have any objections but if the same was going through her father-in-law's mind then she would not be much happy.

“I, Asif Shahwani, have named my son, Zaid Shahwani, the new co-chairperson of A&J Industries.” - Asif announced calmly.

Zaid looked at his father in disbelief. Without consulting or informing even, his father had taken such a major decision. Why ? He thought THAT would placate Zaid and would make him forget his own's father treachery ?

Mubashira sighed. She had surmised as much. Their fathers had played well. They knew Zaid and her won't go along well easily so why not entangle them with business.

“And I, Jaffer Malik, have named my daughter, Mubashira Jaffer, the new co-chairperson of A&J Industries.” - Jaffer announced happily. “We hope you both would take the company to new heights of success with your collaboration and cooperation.”

Everyone clapped softly, all seemingly satisfied with the decision because it was a common knowledge how seriously the newly wedded couple took their work. Zaid and Mubashira's eyes locked across the table. Both having an unpleasant look on their faces.

‘Cooperation and collaboration.’ - they snorted within themselves.

Sureee...

~

Ayma, with her head covered in a scarf and half of the face hidden behind large goggles, walked into the stable where horses were resting. There was a clutch in her hand which she was holding tightly as she neared the horse that was her target.

Mubashira Jaffer's racing horse.

She could hear the crowd screaming out of joy and the host starting the event. The race was about to be start and she needed to hurry. Her nostrils flared as she spotted the Arabian Horse she had been keeping tabs on since last week. She had been stalking Mubashira and had followed her there, getting to know the girl was taking part in the annual racing. Had heard her strictly reminding the caretaker to not mess up anything as she didn't like to lose. Ayma had instantly decided that she wouldn't let her win this year. Mubashira ruined her plans. The luxury and status she had been dreaming of and was so close to get, were snatched from her by that girl. Now she would teach Mubashira what it was like to lose when you are so close to winning.