Against The Tide

98: A Game Of Cat And Mouse

Fahad drove Najah home, his demeanor as calm and collected as ever. Then, he averted his gaze to her.

"Najah," he called, but it seemed she didn't hear as her mind was elsewhere. "Are you listening?"

"Najah!" He called again, this time a little louder, making her flinch.

Najah's heart pounded heavily in her chest, her hands trembling slightly. "Yes, Fahad?"

"Are you okay?" Fahad asked, a genuine concern etched on his face. "You seem tense."

Najah forced a smile, her lips stretching thin. "I'm fine, Fahad."

She yearned to ask him the questions burning in her mind, but fear held her tongue. His sister's warning echoed in her ears, a reminder that he could be a snake in sheep's clothing.

"You're shaking," he pointed out, his voice laced with worry. "Are you sure you're not cold? I really don't want you to be sick."

Najah shook her head, her smile strained. "I think I'm just tired. I need to rest."

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I know you're stressed because of me. What can I do to make it up to you?"

Najah looked at Fahad. How was it possible for such a kind man to be dangerous? It just didn't make sense to her. "Emaan is really so smart," she said, changing the topic. "How old did you say she is again?"

"She just turned twenty," Fahad replied, pride dripping off his voice. "She's always been brilliant. She excels in everything she does."

"Wow! That's truly impressive!"

"I'm so proud of her," Fahad continued. "The whole family is. I saw the two of you talking in the kitchen."

Najah's breath caught in her throat. Did he overhear their conversation? Was this the point she met her demise? Like in a twisted thriller movie? If he knew what Emaan had said to her, would he react violently?

"I...," Najah swallowed a huge lump in her throat. She was trying so hard not to stutter but failed miserably. "Did you hear what we were talking about?"

"Yes," Fahad replied with a chuckle. "She was complaining about doing the dishes. I didn't want to interrupt so I left quietly."

Relief washed over Najah but it was shortlived. "That was the only thing you heard?" She pressed, needing to be sure.

Fahad's brows furrowed. "Why? Did you two gossip about me?"

"Of course not!" Najah chuckled nervously. "We talked about girly stuff. I really like her a lot," Najah added, an attempt to sway his mind from his question. "I think she likes me too."

Fahad smiled. "Oh, she does."

"I'm glad. Is she like your biological sister?" Najah asked. The question sounded stupid but she needed to know where Emaan's words stemmed from. Maybe she was a bitter step sister that wanted to tarnish his image and destroy his relationships.

"What?" Fahad laughed. "Why would you even ask me that? Are you being serious?"

Najah chuckled, a nervous smile that almost gave her out. "Because I don't see the resemblance, that's all."

"Okay, that's a lie," Fahad said, his expression turning serious. "The resemblance is too much. You can't tell me you don't see it. You're actually the first person saying this."

"So you believed me?" Najah burst into laughter. "I was only trying to pull your legs! You two could pass as identical twins, I'm not even exaggerating."