Epiphany

8:

- Mustafa -

Quickly driving to Saad's house after his urgent text. Parking my car, I ran up to see his house, knocking on it, the door opened, revealing a happy looking Saad. Looking at him, not worried, lessened, any worry I had driving up here. 

"Are you okay? What was the urgent call for?" I asked, looking at him. "I'll explain in a bit. Let's head to my study first." He said, pushing me towards his study. "Saira, can you get me and Mustafa coffee in my study." He shouted before closing the door. 

I sat down on the chair as he took a seat opposite me, "Okay, now talk. You texted me so urgently." I asked again. He beamed a smile. "I have some good news for you." He spoke. I smiled, "okay what is it?" I asked, I was happy Saad looked happy. 

"Saira's parents are looking for a guy for Naya." He began speaking. "Well, that's good, I hope she finds someone good." I spoke. "Well, Saira and I decided it was also time for you to get married." he spoke, I stopped as I looked up to him.

"So, I suggested that you and Naya get married." He continued speaking. "What?" I asked in disbelief. "What ?" he asked, looking at me weirdly. "Saad, you know I don't want to marry and commit myself in a relationship." I began speaking. 

Saad understood this conversation wasn't the nicest as it started. "Look, Mustafa, you know Saira's parents were against us getting married. They only agreed because you convinced them." he said. "Okay, but this was three years ago. Why is this coming up now?" I asked. I did not like this conversation. 

Although I also did not like Hassan Ali one bit, I only agreed since Saad and Saira liked each other since university. 

"Look, Mustafa, it wouldn't hurt if you married Naya. Our family bonds with get stronger. And also Naya likes you." He exclaimed. I took a deep sigh as I felt back in the chair. "I don't know Saad." I honestly answered. I had just married Hadia, and now Saad is talking about getting married to Naya.

"Look, I know what you need. Go home and think it over. You'll understand that this will be good." He spoke. I slowly nodded. 

My drive home was my mind clouded with thoughts. Me, getting married to Naya, I didn't even intend to get married in the first place, and I only got married to Hadia because we were both desperate, and most importantly, this wedding was only going to last a year exact, it was something we both agreed it. 

I sighed as I parked my car, but what am I supposed to do about Naya. I thought. 

- 

It has been two weeks since our nikkah, but between us, it feels like we have no connection between us. The first week, her office had been relocated just outside my room. I told myself it was more efficient that way, no unnecessary distractions or awkward encounters. 

We had barely seen each other anyways, most of our interactions were done through email. 

This week had been no less than a wreak. The games first promo look was out to the public, and with it, I had announced myself as the new CEO to the public as well. I was in my last meeting of the day, I flipped through my presentation, filled with little post-its with neat handwritten notes left all around. 

Maybe having Hadia wasn't a bad decision, she was competent, organized, and efficient. Her work is always complete and done with proper quality. I shook my head, "she's a good secretary, that's all." I told myself.

"Sorry, sir?" I heard, I looked up to see the people in the meeting room looking at me. "No, I was saying that the colors, they look dull." I quickly remarked, looking at the note Hadia made for the slide.