Her Vocation

4. The Intruder

I got up early in the morning, had some breakfast and went to Amo's house. I stood infront of her gate and knocked when I heard a male's voice. I guessed that it was her son Hadi, whom she kept talking about yesterday. I waited for the gate to open when I heard someone's footsteps. I had a smile on my face thinking about Amo and Zahra when the gate opened to reveal the guy from last night. My smile immediately faltered. I gaped at him shocked to find him looking at me with a mixed expression of surprise and annoyance. 

"Yes? What's your business—" He started, but was cut off.

''Hadi, who is it?" Amo called from inside.

''Amo, it's some....girl.'' He returned in a soft tone. I frowned at him who was still standing blocking the door. I turned my face to the other side with an exhausted sigh, wondering if it was inappropriate to visit like this. But my train of thoughts was cut short, when Amo came into the door.

''Oh, Aasiya! Love, how good to see you!''she exclaimed gleefully and hugged me coming outside. 

''Salam Amo. I think I might've come too early?"I asked with a guilty smile on my face chewing on my lower lip, nervously.

''Of course not, love. It's your house. You came just in time for breakfast." She remarked cheerfully, holding both of my hands in hers and pulled me inside. I had never experienced so much love in a greeting, but I found myself liking it so much. While I walked inside with Amo, I saw him standing there in the door, watching me skeptically.

"Oh Hadi, this is Aasiya. I told you yesterday, remember?'' Amo introduced me to him, whose expressions were not short of suspicion.

"Aasiya this is my son. Captain Abdul Hadi.'' she cheerfully introduced us. Neither of us said anything in response. I didn't dare meet his eyes. I had just started to realise that maybe this wasn't such a bright idea, afterall.

"Aasiya dear, you'll have some breakfast?'' My train of thought was interrupted on Amu's call. She asked me in that melodious and kind voice of hers. I could only smile up at her. 

''No, Amo. I'm alright. I just had breakfast but would love to drink some of your handmade tea.'' I returned with a big smile on my face. Amo chuckled at this. 

"Oh love, of course. I'll make it in a jiffy.'' She said sweetly and went into the kitchen. 

I stood in my place awkwardly, feeling a need to say something to him, who had by now walked over to the veranda. So, I followed him out. His back was turned to me and I stood there for a while wondering what to say, when he suddenly turned around. My heart leapt to my throat at his sudden move and I gasped out loud. He continued watching me with a frown.

"Yes?" I heard him ask in a husky voice.

"Ah..that...um.." Stop it Aasiya! Get a hold of your senses!

"I think..we met.. yesterday.." I managed to let out but the frown only managed to deepen. When he didn't show any signs of recognition, I continued.

"That—yesterday near bridge—" I began but he cut me off.

"Yes. I remember. What about it?" He remarked coldly and I almost fell back from the effect of it. I was now feeling embarrassed about my actions.

'Really! Was there any need to ask him this, Aasiya?! And why am I acting so flustered in front of him, like an idiot!'

"I—I just wanted to thank you—" Before I could say anymore, he cut me off mid-sentence.

"I didn't do anything. No need for thanks." He stated blankly and turned his back to me. I watched this sight with flushed cheeks. Feeling a sense of humiliation at his response, or rather the lack of it.