TREASURES AND THORNS

Chapter 32

"Whatever lifts the corners of your mouth, trust that."
-Rumi

OMNISCIENT

<Chilling melancholy>

"A penny for your thoughts," her soft voice broke in to his thick web of thoughts. He had been staring at his computer but his mind was miles away from the screen.

Ahmad smiled caught off guard by her, he was sitting on the extreme end of the couch in the private living room. He brushed a hand past his face through his thick hair.

"Its nothing much."

"I disagree."

That made him turn towards her abruptly.

"You have been here physically but your mind seems to be far away. Its not nothing if it has you spacing out."

Ahmad was about to speak when she added,

"Lets say its something I learned from my therapist."

Ahmad smiled for the second time that evening. "The therapist must be doing a good job if you're practicing her techniques on me."

Rukkayya laughed. Ahmad was right. The therapist - despite how uncomfortable she made her at times - was doing a good job. She had a boost of confidence after their last therapy. The only reason why she could have disagreed with her charming husband.

In an attempt to get his act together, Ahmad stood from his position and moved to the centre of the couch, sitting few inches away from where she was inclining.

"You're right Dimple. Its work and a combination of other things."

But you love your job, Rukkayya had wanted to say but thought better of it,opting for a polite smile instead.

Ahmad could tell from the look on her face that she wasn't convinced since that was all he was willing to offer, he didn't say anymore.

"May Allah make it easy for you," Rukkayya spoke after some moments of silence.

For a while, Ahmad stood looking at her unsure of what to say. She was so mature for her age, her parents had done an impeccable job of raising her. Of only his life had not turned in to such an entangled web of confusion spun intricately in to a big mess.

Ahmad reclined on the couch while his head landed softly on her shoulder. She froze immediately shocked at his stance. Ahmad picked it up immediately and even though his eyes were closed, he could imagine how she looked.

"Relax, I won't try anything stupid tonight, I promise," his voice reduced to a mere whisper which sent tiny sparks shooting right through her spine. "Give me some minutes and I'll be out of your hair, please."

How could she object when he sounded so troubled?

The faint scent of roses forced the sleep out of his eyes. His first thought was where had he fallen asleep. The increasing scent of further awakened his senses. Ahmad got up abruptly, luckily his movement did not wake her up.

A look at her and he felt guilty. She had fallen sleep in her reclined position, he feared that her neck would hurt in the morning.

What time is it even?

Ahmad checked his wrist watch which read ten minutes to three. How could he have fallen asleep so deeply in such an awkward position?

He wanted to wake her up to go to her room but she was so deeply asleep that he ignored that option. The second seemed a bit crazy but he had brought it upon himself so he went with plan B.