Hearts Anointed

7

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Salman took a sip from his drink, his gaze unconsciously drifting across the room to where Fayrouz stood, engaged in light conversation with a small group of guests. He'd already spoken to her twice tonight—telling himself each time that it was enough. Yet, here he was again, his attention pulled toward her as if by some invisible force.

She wasn't someone who demanded attention. Her presence was understated, calm, yet somehow magnetic, like a steady flame amid the lively event. Before he realised what he was doing, his feet were already carrying him across the room toward her.

"Third time's a charm," he muttered under his breath, half-amused and half-nervous, wondering why he couldn't seem to stay away.

As he reached her, Fayrouz had just wrapped up her conversation and turned, her gaze meeting his as if she'd sensed his approach. Her eyes held a flicker of recognition, a hint of warmth that stirred something within him. Clearing his throat, he attempted to play it casual. "You seem to be the busiest person here," he said, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Fayrouz chuckled softly, her laughter warm and sincere. "I'm not sure about that. I think I'm just trying to keep up with all the extroverts tonight."

Salman gestured toward a quieter corner with an empty table. "Mind if we sit for a bit? I've been on my feet too long."

She nodded, and together they moved toward the table. As they settled into their seats, Salman felt an odd sense of relief, like he'd finally found a moment he'd been searching for all night. He took a sip of his drink, letting the comfortable silence between them linger before he broke it with a soft, thoughtful tone.

"So...third time we're talking tonight," he said, his voice a blend of humour and something more. "I'm starting to think I'm drawn to you."

Fayrouz raised an eyebrow, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh? Should I be concerned?"

Salman laughed, shaking his head. "No, no. It's just that... you're easy to talk to. Somehow, it makes the night feel a little less... overwhelming."

She studied him with gentle curiosity. "And what's so overwhelming about tonight?" she asked, her voice calm and inviting.

Salman hesitated, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "It's not the crowd," he admitted, his voice dropping slightly. "It's just... being here, around friends, work... life. Everything's been blending lately." He paused, feeling the weight of his own words. "I suppose I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. And, well... you've got me doing that, you know."

Fayrouz's expression softened, her gaze steady. "That's not a bad thing."

"No, it's not," he agreed, holding her gaze for a heartbeat longer before clearing his throat, the mood lightening. "So, tell me—how does a therapist handle stress? Is there some secret technique I should know about?"

Fayrouz smiled gently, her gaze thoughtful. "Honestly, we have to find ways to manage, just like anyone else. Therapy might be my job, but it doesn't mean I'm immune to the same things my clients go through."

Her words carried a subtle weight, and for a moment, Salman felt a deeper truth there, as though she was revealing something quietly personal. "So... therapists are human, too?" he asked, his tone light but his expression serious.

Fayrouz laughed softly, nodding. "Yes, despite the rumors." She took a small pause, letting the humour settle, then added, "Sometimes, it's about finding little things that ground you—a few minutes of quiet, or being around people who remind you what really matters."

He nodded, taking her words in with more sincerity than he had anticipated. There was something about her presence—a calm steadiness—that drew him in. Before he could think of what to say next, she glanced down at her phone to check the time, her face as composed and serene as ever.

"I should probably get going soon," she said, placing her phone back in her bag.

Salman felt a pang of disappointment, though he quickly masked it. "Already?" He hesitated, then said, "Well, at least let me drive you home."


Fayrouz chuckled, shaking her head softly. "Thank you, but I'm all set. I don't want to make you leave early on my account."

Before he could press further, Hamraz approached, his eyes dancing with mischief as he caught the tail end of the exchange. He raised his hands in mock horror, gasping dramatically. "Wait, are you leaving without me, Salman? After we came here together?"

Salman rolled his eyes, stifling a smile. "Relax, Hamraz; I wasn't planning on abandoning you."

Hamraz placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. "Good, because you promised me company tonight, and I'm not ready to be dumped for... other company just yet," he teased, throwing a pointed glance between Salman and Fayrouz.

Salman shot him a look but couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. Fayrouz, meanwhile, took it all in stride, a soft laugh escaping her.

"Well, I should really get going before I accidentally break up a friendship here," she said, her tone light-hearted.

"Fayrouz, this is my cousin, Hamraz." He turned to his cousin, adding, "Hamraz, this is Fayrouz, my therapist."

Hamraz's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a friendly grin. "Ah, so you're the one who's been helping him out. I've heard good things—thank you for taking care of him; I know it's not easy."

Fayrouz laughed, a soft sound that only made Salman feel even more at ease. "It's really all him," she replied modestly. "I just try to help him find his answers."

"Well, whatever you're doing, keep it up," Hamraz said, giving Salman a playful nudge. "He's been... different lately. In a good way."

Salman rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help smiling at the subtle truth in his cousin's words. Fayrouz offered a polite nod, shifting slightly. "It was nice meeting you, Hamraz," she said with a warm smile. Then, turning to Salman, she added, "I'll see you at our next session."

"It was nice talking with you tonight, Fayrouz," Salman said, his voice low but genuine. There was something unspoken in his gaze—a quiet acknowledgement of the connection they had shared.

"Likewise," she replied softly, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before stepping away.

Hamraz watched her go, then nudged Salman with a playful grin. "You know, for a therapist, she's a lot cooler than I expected."

Salman shook his head, but there was a trace of a smile still lingering. "Yeah, she is."

Hamraz leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Just therapy, huh?"

Salman shot him a playful warning look, but there was no denying the small, involuntary smile tugging at his lips. In the brief silence that followed, his gaze drifted back to where Fayrouz had just disappeared into the crowd. A sense of quiet realisation settled over him.