When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

75. B R E A K

♥︎

I N A Y A

A week later;

“Ma'am, here is the colour palette, you can choose any.” The lady spoke professionally, sliding the paper towards me.

We were in Ahad's office, and the designers were here to ask for colours, designs and what type of dresses we would like for Eid.

I smiled, a bit confused because all the colours looked the same to me. Weren't girls supposed to know all the shades correctly?

Sasha leaned in, scanning the palette carefully before she spoke to me, “Bhabhi, this shade of red will look beautiful on you.”

I nodded quietly, looking around, hoping to see if Ahad was somewhere near.

“Ma'am, is there a problem?” The lady asked again and I sighed, standing up as I replied, “I'll give Ahad my choices, you can design then.”

Sasha frowned, but then smiled, probably thinking I wanted a design Ahad particularly liked. Well, that was  a reason too, but also that I never had much idea about outfits for special occasions. Zara was always the one who helped me with it.

I had been so busy all these years, working as an architect as well before I claimed the seat of a CEO, my fashion sense never really found the time to develop.

I moved out of his office when his PA informed me—Ahad had left to look for the suitable venue for his launch.

Ever since that conversation with Ahad, everything between us was fine. Or say, almost fine.

Because, something still felt missing. Not like I expected him to stay forever by my side, But… the softness, the warmth I felt when around him, felt dimmed.

He looked at me. But yet, never really looked. He spoke to me, yet didn't talk his heart out.

By now, I had begun to slightly understand the reason behind this. The industry shutdowns weren't as simple as they were being shown. The last one was in action since the last week, and he had told me—that once this final push is over, we’ll just have to maintain that state till we've attended the global event a week after Eid.

Then, more powerful collaborations which will lead us to Haamid.

But the constant itch never left. The thoughts were bugging—was he dragging this because he was enjoying it? The control over the consequences, the satisfaction of watching Hassan’s downfall?

I felt it too. But there was a difference between finding emotional release of the years of pain, and satisfaction.

I had trusted him all along, but I felt it wavering when I realised that the final shutdown wasn't technically necessary.

Yet, I had agreed, convinced that if Ahad said something, he would handle it fine. And he never did anything without knowing the consequences.

That night, Taraveeh was more peaceful than usual. I exhaled when my forehead touched the ground, the Imam’s voice a soothing caress to my soul as the recitation rang around in the masjid.

As we walked out after the prayers, Ahad, Asim, Ahmed and Kaif bhai were just outside, talking and laughing about something. Ahad was busy on his phone, typing something, my heart breaking a fraction when he didn’t even look up at my arrival.

He just moved, settled in the driver’s seat. Sasha, Dad and Mom left with Ahmed and Asim. Zara with Kaif. I walked  to the car quietly, getting in as we drove off.