Unexpected But Mine

chapter-23

The office held its usual rhythm that morning - keyboards tapping, phones ringing softly, voices murmuring over tasks and deadlines. But Emira's steps were slower than usual, her eyes a little duller, her focus scattered.

She sat in Hamis's cabin, typing out data but repeatedly pausing as if trying to center herself. Her body slumped more than she intended, head heavy.

Zain, perched across from her with a cup of coffee, noticed.
"You okay, ma'am?" he asked, voice low, almost too casual.

Emira blinked at him. "Just... a little low today. Maybe I didn't sleep well."

Zain leaned forward on his elbows. "You know, sometimes it's not about sleep. It's mental clutter. Try taking a walk. Or venting. Talking helps - even to someone not close." He smiled.

"Sometimes strangers understand better."

Emira raised her brow slightly at the oddly personal suggestion.

"Thanks," she said carefully. "But I'll manage."

He leaned back, still smiling. "I mean, I'm not exactly a stranger anymore."

She didn't respond, simply going back to her screen.

Outside the cabin, Hamis had passed by and paused just long enough to witness the lingering conversation. His eyes narrowed. Emira was his friend, not just a colleague, and he could read her discomfort even through the half-glass wall. Something about Zain's posture felt too... relaxed. Too familiar.

Without hesitation, Hamis walked to Shaheer's cabin.

Shaheer was in the middle of a virtual meeting, screen lit with faces from across departments. He looked up when Hamis entered.

Hamis said softly. "Emira. Looks pale"
Shaheer's brows pinched, the muscles in his jaw tightening. He muted the call.

"I'll finish this in 20. I'll ask her to join me afterward."

Hamis nodded. "Just thought you should know."

But barely an hour later, the office erupted into a stir.

Someone yelled - Sania's voice, sharp and panicked - and within seconds, Hamis rushed out of his cabin to see what had happened.

Emira had fainted in the lobby.
There she was, crumpled near the water dispenser, her dupatta half-off her shoulder, skin pale, lashes fluttering. Amina and Sania hovered around her in alarm, one of them gently patting her cheek.

But the image that struck Hamis most - and enraged him - was Zain crouched beside her, one hand against her shoulder, the other hovering near her temple, almost stroking it.

Too close.

Uninvited.

Before Hamis could say anything, heavy footsteps thundered down the hallway - Shaheer had just been told.
"Emira!"

He didn't stop for answers. Didn't stop to look. His eyes landed on her fragile figure and then at Zain.

"Move!" Shaheer barked.

Zain was startled. "I was just-"

Shaheer didn't let him finish. He shoved Zain aside with a sharp forearm, not harshly but firmly enough to put distance - and meaning - between them. Zain stumbled slightly, caught off guard.

Shaheer kneeled next to Emira, cupping her face with both hands.

"Emira..., can you hear me?" His voice had dropped, firm but panicked.

Her eyes fluttered open weakly.
"You're okay. I've got you." He swept her dupatta back onto her, fingers trembling.

"Shaheer...?" she whispered.