Finding Love

Chapter 19

"So, what's your opinion on it?" Aaqib and Kabir were deep in conversation, regarding the collaboration between the Bokharis, Shahs, and Abdullahs, for the new realty undertaking.

"Saif and I had a meeting with the CEO of the Bhokari Group. Though short, the conversation was enough to throw light on a lot of aspects regarding the family and their business ethics. And I personally checked their documents and asset papers. I, didn't find anything that we should worry about. But, we were anyway planning to have another meeting with the guy. You and Ayat could join in as well, to have a better idea, before deciding anything."

"I think that's the most apt solution. So when do you plan to have the next meeting with their CEO?"

"I don't know, Aaqib. Saif will be deciding that, But-"

"Speaking of which, what made you think he is in love with Noorie?"

Kabir snorted, before replying, "We practically lived in the same house all our lives. And apparently, we even share a few genes. Makes sense?"

Aaqib just rolled his eyes, sighing deep, before an amused smile broke onto his face. "What I meant was, how can you be so sure that its love? And more so, Noorie?"

"You need to be a keen observer, to catch the intricacies. And yes, I've never really been wrong in my judgements about people, so far. So, there's hardly any chances that I'm wrong."

"Fine, Kabir Abdullah. Just don't throw your sass around."

"Okay. So, Bokhari Group. What about the meeting? You wish to be a part of it? And please, don't lose focus again, during a conversation."

"Yes, Kabir. Ayat and I will-"

"That'll do, Aaqib. I think we should head back home now. Its dusk already, and-" Kabir banged into someone, before he could finish his statement. Looking up, irritation writ large on his sharp features, he found his eyebrows shoot up, no, sky rocket. Standing before him, was the most unexpected one, Qizar Ali, eyes shut tight, and nose scrunched up, as he held on to the trunk of the tree he was leaning against, or rather, fell back upon, because of the impact of the accident. His head hug low, he was rubbing against his elbow, trying to reduce the pain, maybe.

When Aaqib slapped his shoulder, Kabir came back to his senses, suddenly. He looked around, taking in the surrounding all over again. It was the same stretch of deserted vast green, innumerable trees, and the russet-auburn leaves forming a ravishingly royal carpet for the walkers-by, and a soothing canopy overhead, for the mirth of the many birds, whose joy seemed to radiate through the cacophony of their chirps. They were in a quaint, serene garden, in the city of Ajmer. And for this very reason, he could not place Qizar's presence in any rational slot. For a moment, Kabir even thought through the possibilities of him hallucinating, or maybe day dreaming, but soon pushed that thought away. It was Saif who was madly in love. Not he. He looked back at the tree, and Qizar was still there, still rubbing against his elbow. Okay, so that meant, Kabir hadn't zoned out for more than a few seconds. He straightened his gait, as he reached forwards, to help Qizar, now sure, that by some coincidence, he was standing before him, in flesh and blood.

"Mr. Ali! Are you okay?"

Qizar was stunned beyond his wits, at the familiar formal addressal, and looked up, his gaze meeting a pair of stark blue ones. For a moment, Qizar too was startled, and his eyes widened just a little, before he relaxed back into his usual countenance, a small smile tugging itself onto his face, ever so naturally.

"I'm really sorry. I, pretty much didn't expect to bump into someone, in this.... I- I'm sorry, though. Are you badly hurt?"

"No, no. Mr. Abdullah. It's okay! And yes, I'm completely fine. Just a little bruise near the elbow. But, it's surprising to be seeing you here! A pleasant coincidence!"