Qurban

•36• Fright / خوف

Idris puffed from his cigar, the tiny rings of smoke dissipating in the air like vanishing in plain sight.

"What do you think Altamash is up to?"

The question couldn't have been more obvious coming from Humayun's mouth. He had always been a little...coward to say the least. Paranoid at best. Idris stubbed the butt of his cigar before sighing through his nose. His lips parted to let out a boring

"That boy is acting like he's four."

However, it only managed to agitate Humayun even more.

"I've heard Imad has joined hands with Altamash. That's not very ideal."

Idris's gaze shifted to match his before he responded on his conduct

"Imad is a clever, money hungry bastard. You know the likes of him."

Humayun sighed, pinching his nose. It was futile talking with Idris. That man had an ego bigger than the continent they're living in.

"Imad has access to your records. He knows everything about you. Or rather everything you did."

A boisterous chuckle stunned Humayun. Eyeing the old man laughing his heart out before him in the direst of situations had him wondering if the old age had finally caught up to Idris Nawaz. Just as sudden the sound of his chuckle was, it soon dissolved into a sneer as he shot back at Humayun with clear disdain

"He knows what I wanted him to know."

It didn't put out the worry burning in Humayun's chest, but it did calm him a bit to let a sigh escape through his lips. Taking out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, he lit one. With the burning stick hanging from his lips, he voiced out his next question

"What is your next move?"

Idris pinched his nose, clearly bothered by his mere presence. But he replied nonetheless

"We will host a Jalsa. Irtiza is already out of the picture."

Humayun inhaled a cloud of smoke as Idris continued

"We'll tell the world just how strong we are. With no one to meddle in my way, it's time to claim this throne."

Humayun but out his cigarettes, ready to indulge in a long conversation regarding rallies and Jalsa.
*****************

The door shut close behind Altamash. Dropping the key onto the small round bowl kept on the console table, he strolled into the room, the flowers kept hidden behind his back as he tiptoed into the room, aware to not let Zainab caught sight of them. However he wasn't as fortunate because the woman in question walked straight into him. He halted so suddenly, he almost tripped on his own two feet. Zainab's eyes scrutinized him as he regained his footing, feeling his cheeks and neck redden as each second spent in her presence.

"You alright?"

He gulped as her voice washed over his senses. He clutched the bouquet tighter behind his back, but the woman caught whiff of his ministrations if her next words were any proof

"What are you hiding behind your back?"

Altamash couldn't help the grin that split his features before he take out the flowers from behind his back. A shocked gasp left the woman's lips as she stared at the colourful blooming creation of God presented before her. Altamash felt his blood pound in his ears, felt his heartbeat thrum against his chest as he waited for her to do something. Finally what felt like an eternity, her fingers delicately touched the flowers as if examining their very existence. Her soft fingers grazed Altamash's hand that held the bouquet, momentarily causing his breath to stuck right there in his throat.