FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 53

It's around 3pm, I am going through the pictures from Liqa's ceremony. Thankfully I had back up for this. Once again I am impressed with Anil's work. I hear the door knock and I asked the person to enter. I look up and find Hanan come in, she smiles at me and I smile back. As always she is looking beautiful and elegant in a simple casual flannels and denim jeans. Her hair open and minimal make-up- kohl and lip gloss. I quickly pulled down the sleeves of my blazer, in case she sees my Tattoo.

To my surprise Hanan doesn't take her seat but simply comes my side of the table, I stand. She hugs me.

'I am so sorry to hear about your old office. Riad said me that it had caught fire...I am really glad you are fine' she says hugging me tight.

I smile and hug her back. Hanan seems to be a genuine person and I am happy that she is with Riad, he deserves the best. Though I am happy but I can't help but feel little jealous, I am a human after all.

She separates our frames and look at me, she held my shoulder and smiles.

She then looks around and compliments my office, she also adds that that this office is bigger and better than the previous one. I nod in agreement

'Everything happens for the best' she says

'Yeah!' I reply sadly.

Hanan takes her seat opposite me and I take my seat too. Before she could say anything, I briefed her up with the progress of Liqa's wedding. Today morning I had spoken to the Hotel Manager where the wedding will be taking place next week. She looks at me impressed. Even though I have suffered a loss in my business it didn't deter my work. Initially I was little tensed but then Adnan encouraged me and I felt motivated.

I asked Hanan if she will have something to drink- tea or coffee? She refused and says she doesn't have caffeine. I smile nodding, no wonder she has such flawless skin.

'I have come here to give you another contract...'she says leaning forward and smiling. My smile fades as I get the hint as to where this is going.

Hanan senses my discomfort, she extends her hand and places it over my palm 'If are okay with this...actually Riad wanted to get married next month and I don't want to hire anyone else other than you...so' Hanan says.

I bit my lower-lip. I nod my head, the thought of Riad getting married next month is making me feel emotional.

Hanan smiles and squeezes my palm. Thankfully, she leaves soon. After she leaves, I let tears flow from my eyes.

*

I am in my room, my back resting against the bed post and my legs stretched, one over the other. I am looking at my wrist, staring at his name. Looking at it I feel his presence around me. His name is inked in my skin, his name etched in my heart. I smile sadly. It's matter of few weeks, then he will be called as someone else's husband. It will only be his name inked in my wrist and my guilt that will be remaining with me. Maybe with Hanan he will eventually fall in love again, and perhaps forget me. And I am not liking the sound of this. But what is there that I can do!

I hear the door knock and I shift in place wiping my tears.

The door opens and Adnan enters, he is dressed in his sky blue Kurtha pajama. He removes his glasses and comes inside, he sits at the edge of the bed.

'How are you feeling, Alu?' he asks

He has been asking this question many times after the incident, I love his concern. I nod. He smiles and places his palm on my head and caresses my hair.