Heart buried treasures

Chapter Twenty Four:Persuasion And Return

'Your emotions are a trap.'

She stared at him in astonishment.
"You have dimples!!!!"

He shrugged and looked at her like she's grown another head. "So what?"

"You don't know!?"

He arched an eyebrow which trusts her; she had tried numerous times but failed miserably. "Know what?"

"Dimples add more beauty to a person. It makes you look 100% cuter! "

By now his smile has dropped and his expression gone back to normal or in her own case abnormal. "You finally admitting the fact I'm irresistible?" He winked.

"I eat that back!"

He fought back a smile.
"Why are you holding back? Smile for me!" she whined.

He shook his head "I've fulfilled your favor. Isn't it fair you return mine?"

"What?"

He sighed. "We both know what"

She gulped as he moved closer to her. She moved back and back till she got trapped by the wall. With An intense look in his eyes. "What do you think?"

"About..?" She croaked out.

He got closer closing the distance between them. "Your decision, Come back home with me baby"

"I-" she couldn't seem to form words her brain foggy. He got closer and filled the gap between them. He nodded for her to continue, cloudy emotions filled his eyes.

"I-I'm-" He dipped his head lower and she gulped tightly. And lower until.

A phone ringing interrupted them.
"Dammit!" He muttered and moved away retrieving his phone from his pant pocket.

He excused himself and she saw him made hushed responses and occasional nod of head. She used the medium to gather herself and calm her racing heart. He then let out a frustrated groan and then Okay before ending the call.

"Problem with work?" she asked.

He shut his eyes clenching his jaws and then unclenching before finally calming down and opened his eyes. "Not a big deal actually."

She moved closer and ensured she left a considerable distance between them. "You can leave now. You know"

He sighed tiredly. "No. It's fine"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "And since when have you turned into someone that skips work?"

His former side returned. "Since when a certain someone." He closed the gap and snake a hand around her waist drawing her closer ". Taught me a lesson"

"And the lesson being..?" her eyes caught something in his breast pocket. "What's that?" She asked Instead and drew it out. He took sharp intake of breath.

She picked it and her breath hitched. His hand slowly left her waist. "My letter?"

He nodded. "What's it doing there?"

He moved to the window and rakes a hand through his hair. "You know."

She paused allowing him to continue.
"This is not the best thing.. You could have at least considered certain things."

"I wasn't thinking straight."

She glanced at the envelop and brought out the letter as she read what she wrote again. She had asked for divorce. She shuddered at the thought. She felt that was what is needed.

"I've been reading and re-reading hoping it's a lie. And you didn't mean all what you wrote in there. You asking for divorce and leaving the house isn't a great idea. I might have been a pain in the ass, but you could've considered your parents. Your mother! If not for anyone else. She wouldn't be too happy to hear that now. Would she?"

Now, He's talking like a sensible fellow. She hadn't thought of it. At the same time, she knew it won't be granted. She only did that because she wants him to realize her worth and not take her for granted. Guess it worked?

She wouldn't stoop as low as that! Her mom taught her well than that. But aside that, would divorce solve the matter on ground? She had thought it through. And she smiled inwardly. It had worked! Faaiz has taken time off work and spent time with her. She wished it will continue that way.

"I-"

His phone rang again. He muted it. "Aren't you picking it?"

"Nope."

"It could be important!"

"Not as important as you! Moreover it's just work. Aminah can take care of that "He answered silencing his phone and throwing it on the bed between the sheets.

"Work can wait."

Has he been possessed on his way here? Or someone switched brain with him? Cos this is not her Faaiz!

"Oh really?"

"Yuppp" Emphasizing on the P.

She gave him a small smile. "Clearly, it's something that needs your attention" As usual. She silently added.

He then flung himself on the bed stretching his hands in different angles. He sighed dreamily. "Nah. Either you take my offer or not."

She smirked. "And what if it's a no?"

"Have it your way then. I'm going nowhere. I'm going to stay here till You've changed your mind" And he removed his tie and shut his eyes.

When he heard no protest or sound whatsoever he opened it back and saw her at the edge of the bed arms crossed. "What?"

She shrugged and sat at the edge of the bed His long form occupying most space. "I saw the news"

He swallowed. "I thought as much."

She fidgeted with her fingers. He heaved a heavy sigh. "Have I not proven enough?"

She looked away. He sat up right; he rested his back on the bed frame. "Have you been taking the sleeping pills?"

"Guess you've started paying lots of attention to me" He tried lightening up the atmosphere which worked because the side of her lips curled into a small smile.

"Whatever makes you sleep at night?"

"Your sweet lips baby" she threw a pillow at him which he caught easily amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Urgh!" she huffed and threw another which he caught again.

"Or is it your - " He was cut off as she succeeded in silencing him with a bottle just at the feet of bed which hit him right on the face.

"Ouch! What was that for?!"

She gave him a tongue out and a wide grin appeared on her face. "You have a perverted mind"

"I learnt from the best"

She shook her head. Her face grew serious all of a sudden. "Have you?"

He straightened in his seat. He paused for a long while; she felt he was not going to respond. "Yeah."

"It grew worse since you've left haven't had a sound sleep."

She nodded slowly. An uncomfortable silence befell them. He looked round her room again. "Pink?"

It took her a while before she could process what he meant. She rolled her eyes. "Most girls favorite color."

"The color is childish!"

"And black is boring!"

Now, it was his turn to roll his eyes. "Black is cool."

"I'm not disputing that. Pink is cool too."

"But black makes it cooler and-" she held her hands up for him.

"We are not seriously having silly argument over colours!"

He shrugged, "Just making you understand some basic things."

"Like how lovely black is?"
A satisfied glint appeared in his eyes.

"Exactly!"

"Rubbish!"

He rolled his eyes. Faaiz left the bed frame and got closer and drew her near. She was about getting up and he dragged her down. "Faaiz!"

She fell back down and he hovered over her trapping her on the bed. "Seems you've developed a special liking for the name." Hanan rolled her eyes.

His look on her was intense. "What?"
He didn't seem to break out of his trance.

His hands on both sides of her head. She gazed up at him and her heartbeat quickened. His cool scent drifting into her nose. His head dipped lower and her heart picked pace. She tried calming it down hoping he won't hear the thumping.

"Your eyes." He started. "The most beautiful pair I've ever seen. Your silky long hair, So soft."

"And when did you turn into a poet?" She tried saying, which came out slightly muffled.

He groaned loudly. "Must you kill the vibes?!"

She chuckled and brought her hands up and wound it around his neck with his long eyelashes staring down at her. "Just trying to feed my curiosity, you know."

"Hmm."

"You need a haircut." She brushed away the hair blocking his eyes.

He shut his eyes momentarily, "I know really."

"Erm erm. Sorry for any interruption."

"Oh, geez!"

"Gawd!" They both muttered as Faaiz rolled away.

Mischievous glint in her eyes. "Mom!"
Hanan groaned.

"You can always close the door, you know."

"And there's this thing called knocking!" Hanan exclaimed.

"And if you guys haven't really been engrossed in God knows what.. You would've realized I did knock!"

Faaiz hid his amusement as he watched the bickering going on. Obviously, he had heard the knocking but decided to ignore.

"I actually knocked but you didn't hear it probably."

Hanan nodded, hiding her blush. "What brought you here?"

"Right! I came to inform you guys it's ready."

"Oh!" she had totally forgotten about the food.

She came further in, "Yeah. I came to beckon on my son in law."

"And not me?" Hanan raised her eyebrows.

She shrugged. "Son in law!"

"Ma'am!"

"Can we get going?"

"Absolutely!" They both linked hands and headed out.

"You guys are forgetting something."

They turned back towards her. "What?"

"Mee!!!"

Balqees busted into laughter. Faaiz shook his head. "You know your way to the dining," Faaiz responded.

"And it's not like you are disabled," Her mom added.

"I can smell betrayal in the air!"

"Who betrayed whom?"

"Mom!"

"Daughter!"

"What am I even to you?!"

"You need to ask?"

"I don't even understand anymore."

"How?"

"You are choosing him over me!"

Balqees bit back giggle. "You sound like a jealous brat."

"Whatever! And just so you know, he's your son in law!"

"I'm considering the 'son' part and not any other thing."

"It has turned to that?"

"Turned to what?" She feigned innocence.

"I'm requesting for a DNA test!"

"Suit yourself."

"I need to know if you're really my mom. I don't understand again."

"You beginning to sound like a spoilt brat," Faaiz spoke out and Hanan glared at him. He gave her a tongue out.

She yanked at hair frustratedly. "Shall we?" Faaiz asked her mom.

"Of course," They both winked at Hanan before leaving the room.

"I'm filing a custody report!" They both ignored her. "I need a detailed explanation!"

"I hate you both!!" she yelled after them huffing in annoyance.

"Feeling's mutual!"

*******
"How's the food?"

"Sumptuous!"

Balqees smiled. "And hope you don't mind the quality of the food. I'm sure it's not like the expensive ones you do take."

He shook his head at her. "No, its fine actually I'm enjoying it."

"I'm glad."

"It's nice!"

"I didn't seem to recall her asking for your opinion,"

She hit the plate angrily with her spoon. When she had showed up at the dining they had teased her. 'She's not disabled after all' she had rolled her eyes and sat in silence.

"There's this thing called minding one's business!"

"And I'm a business man."

"So what?"

"I utilize every chance I get when it comes to business. And strategies-"

She held her hand up, "You won!"

He gave her a knowing look. "I always do"

She was about poking him with a fork. But Balqees intervened. "Let my dear son eat in peace."

"He started it!"

"He's right actually." she stuffed her mouth with food. Clearly, she doesn't stand a chance against them Two against one No one to take her side. She thought with a disappointing groan.

"How's work?"

"Work has been exhaustingly fine," Balqees chuckled.

"You'll get pass it." He nodded slightly.

They then talked about different things and Hanan was left wondering how those duos could get along really well. She continued stuffing the food in her mouth.

"Gently. Else you'll choke"

"Since when do you care?"

"We've always cared"

"Story that touches the heart!"

Balqees sighed. She wanted to grasp her hand in hers but she pulled it away. "You'll always remain my adorable daughter"

She didn't respond. She then turned back to Faaiz. "When are you leaving?"  He turned to face Hanan.

"It's in your daughter's hand" Hanan choked.

"Warned you"

Faaiz helped her gulp down water and pat her back. She finally calmed down.

"Me how?"

"My departure is in your hand." his eyes sending her a silent message. She hasn't told her mother, he had observed.

She gulped tightly. "Am I missing something here?"

"No" she replied too sharply for her liking.

Her mom raised her eyebrow. She has been suspicious of her. "I- I mean of course not"

Now, Balqees was alarmed. Her daughter doesn't seem this way. Ever since she'd gotten back, she'd been acting weird. But she didn't read meaning to it because of what she told her. And God, she did miss her daughter! Her grandmother in law had come now, her husband.

She wasn't bothered because of the compromising positions she met them. They must have really missed each other and couldn't get over themselves. She thought amusingly.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Nothing. I'm just Happy for you both" Hanan glanced away.

By then, they were done with their meals and she packed the dishes.
"... Take good care of her" she caught the last part when she got back. She didn't know what they were saying. Faaiz's expression had hardened.

He gave her a grim nod. He noticed her presence. "So..?"

Hanan took in a deep breath. She had thought of it. She took her time before replying. "Can I see you for some moment?"

He looked at her mom who gave an approving nod. "Okay"

"Any problem?"He inquired.

She looked down and fidgeted with her fingers, her Palm suddenly grew sweaty. He sighed and took her hands in his. "What other reassurance do you need?"

She sighed. "Until I rip my heart out before you can finally believe me?"

"It has not gotten to that extent!"

"So what more do you need?"

She gave him a hard look and suddenly engulfed him in a hug. He didn't hesitate, as he returned the gesture. She gave a satisfied sigh as she really hoped her decision isn't repercussive. She decided to focus on the positive side, to be an optimist.

"Oops!"

They reluctantly pulled away. "Yet again!?"

"And again I apologize!"

"Mom, you know you have this habit of just ruining moments!"

"Blame me not. You asked for few minute and I was wondering what is taking you time. But I needn't bother actually"

"You have this reputation for interrupting special moment" Mischievous glint appeared in Balqees eyes.

And like that, all insecurities and suspicions she must have had dissipated into thin air. They are perfectly fine. She doesn't have to worry unnecessarily. "I apologize!"

"Okay." she gave Faaiz a brief look and turned back to her mom. "We are about leaving"

She heard him take in a relief sigh. He has won yet again!

"Good thing then!" she went to her room. Packed her briefcase and took her valuables. She then glanced round her room her prison at the same time her sanctuary. She shut her eyes tightly savoring some moment.

She finally headed out as she met her mom and husband engaged in conversation. Heaven knows what they are discussing about. "Done!"

He collected the briefcase from her. Hanan bid her mother goodbye. "See you"

"Ma Salam dear" And she pecked her cheeks. He did the same to Faaiz and he felt really awkward.

He opened her door for her this time around. Now, he's a gentleman. She thought. "No driver?" Balqees asked.

"No, I'm driving"

"Safe journey" And she waved bye.

The car drove away. She looked at the back seat. "You haven't been at home?"

He shook his head. "Yeah" He didn't say anything further and she didn't push. She glanced out of the window its getting dark already. She loved nights but at the same time dreaded it. She shut her eyes as she inhaled the cool evening breeze extending her hands.

She felt eyes on her as she quickly opened them. She glanced at him as he shook his head at her. "What?"

He shrugged.

"What were you guys discussing earlier?"

"What?"

"You and my mom"

"Oh!" his expression hardened. His grip on the steering wheel hardened.

"Yeah."

"She said to take care of you" she waited for him to add to that but he didn't. He's holding something back. From his expression she could tell. She took his hand and gently unfolded his clenched fist "I don't know what made you angry or what is it you must be feeling" she straightened his palm "Anger isn't a good thing. It isn't good for the soul. Just take a deep breath and let go" she then smiled up at him.

He gazed at her an unknown emotion in his eyes. He nodded and returns his focus back on the road. His Anger subdued.

He then turned on the radio as the presenter's voice filled the car. No one said a word again.

The Hasnayn's villa came to view and Hanan heaved. The car maneuvered into the compound then he put off the ignition. "Welcome home!" Faaiz said as he unlocked the door for her to get out.

Hanan nodded as she took in the huge house. It hasn't changed. She shut her eyes and hoped she made the right choice. Has he really changed?

She couldn't help but ponder. Is he for real or is it all a lie? She doesn't want to have conflicted feelings with herself as she dropped any feeling of doubt.

The maids came to carry the suitcase and Faaiz's load too. He offered her his hand, "Shall we?" She nodded and filled his hand with hers.

They headed inside. She was met with silence and darkness. "Salam alaykum!" she greeted.

They both shared curious glances. Just when she thought there was never going to be a response, "Walaykum Salam," Hanan heard a faint reply.

"What's going on?"

He rubbed his face "Haven't been at home for a while"

She nodded and squeezed his hand gently. Hanan switched on the light and whole room illuminated. They both gasped. "Granny!"

"Han?"

"Yes."

"You back?"

"Yeah. I am" Mariam was on the couch doing God knows what in the Darkness. She stood and hugged her tight. "For good" she stared at Faaiz as she uttered that part.

"I taught you weren't coming back."

"Why were you in the dark?"

"That has been my company for the past few days" she inhaled sharply.

"I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." She patted her back reassuringly.

"I missed you!"

"I missed you more."

They broke the hug and she gazed up. For the very first time, Hanan saw Faaiz nervous. "Am I supposed to thank you?"

He swallowed hard, "I did what I thought was right. I brought my wife back home."

"Good then. That's more like my grandson."

"Never knew you went there earlier today."

She shrugged. "Never knew you could wise up and do the right thing."

He sighed, "I'm tired. I'm heading upstairs."

"Suit yourself," Mariam remarked with a shrug.

Faaiz glanced at Hanan and she gave him a small smile and he nodded before heading upstairs. Mariam didn't fail to notice the exchange but she let it slip.

She hugged her happily again and cupped her face, "Welcome back home Han! We have lot of things to catch up on."

"Right!"

********************
Welcome back! 😁😁 Has Faaiz really changed or it's all Facade?
Anticipating what's going to happen next! 💃💃😋 any guesses?

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Till next time💕