A Little bit of Love

Chapter-4

"DAMMIT!" I cursed, slamming my hand on the table, before walking around it to call for Safeer.

"Yes sir—"Even before he could finish, I was yelling orders at him.

"Get Ilyas here." He stood watching my face for a moment.

"Now!" I screamed at him before he scrambled to his feet. Grinding my teeth in fury, I clutched at the chair's top. My thoughts going back to the events from the past few minutes. This was what I wanted, yet.

My thoughts were intruded by the sound of knock on the door. I turned towards the sound and watched a cowering Ilyas standing in the door.

————————————

For the next 3-4 days, things were unexpectedly quiet. It seemed like the silence before the storm. Was it possible that the message wasn't conveyed. Had it not reached Dad's ears yet? It's only a matter of time, before he finds out. I might have got out of this scrap but only until he comes up with something else. Guess all that's left is to wait for his wrath.

"Jamil—! Jamil!" It was early in the day when I came back from my morning jog. I walked into the lounge and was greeted by the unexpected sight of my father.

My feet faltered in its steps, as I watched him twist in his seat to get a look at me. The lines on his face hardened at my sight. His lips drew into a thin line as he uncrossed his legs.

"Welcome. Thank you for finally gracing us with your presence." He remarked crassly. His  bitter gaze boring holes into me.

"Dad." The words left my mouth without prior warning.

"Now do you plan to take a seat, or is that asking for too much, as well?" There was no mistaking the anger in his voice. I looked away from his accusing gaze and stood in my place for a moment, before giving in. He regarded me with visible disdain, while I avoided meeting his eyes.

"After that cheap stunt you pulled—" He began in a bitter tone. I didn't look up from my hands interlocked in front of me but felt the muscles in my neck tightening.

"I have managed to convince them for an engagement for now." He continued unfazed but I didn't let him go on.

"The cheap stunt I pulled, was to get saved from this very fate." I remarked through clenched teeth, without meeting his eyes. For a fleeting second, he didn't have anything to say in return.

"Whatever you say, it isn't going to change my mind—" I remarked blankly and stood up to leave, when his words made me stop in my tracks.

"—Hadeed. I am asking it as your Dad—" His voice was low, almost pleading. I couldn't help but wait to hear the end of it.

"I need your help, son." The last sentence made me turn back to him. His eyes were still as resolute as ever, but there was no mistaking the hint of exhaustion. I didn't say anything, giving him a chance to explain himself.

"The shares I had invested in my new company had crashed. If I don't bring in new investment, then I will lose everything to the shareholders and board of directors—Even my company—" He continued solemnly, with his head down, not meeting my eyes. I felt something stir in me. I had never seen this man, I called Dad—so weak and frail in my life.

"So, you want me to marry her—for her father's investment?" I wouldn't believe it until I heard it from his very mouth.

"That's the only way he'll agree to help me out—" Dad couldn't continue because, I had turned away with a huff.