CHAPTER 21- TRUST ISSUES

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Rifaat stared out from the room. She has just had dinner with her family and then some bonding time over deserts and drinks. Finally, they all retired to their rooms and Rifaat went into the guest room. She had gotten her night suit and dress for the next day. She wore her mickey mouse loose sleeveless Tee and white shorts, her hair tied in a loose pony. She stood by the French window looking out, into the night sky. Her Uncle's Mansion is in the centre of the locality and around them are buildings, and more buildings. She placed her palm on the window and looked front sadly. Always in such peaceful, quiet night she felt the loneliest. From past two days, she hadn't felt lonely or upset because she had Ahaan to keep her engaged, keeping her mind away from negative thoughts. Suddenly, she remembered Ahaan and how tired he looked carrying those files with him, yet he had a smile on his face. Now, thinking about it she thought perhaps she was too harsh on him.

Ahaan glanced at the wall-clock in front of him, 1am. Ahaan exhaled loudly and fell back against the sofa. His shoulder, neck and arms ached. He massaged his nape closing the final file. He has planned to give the file on Saturday itself. Ahaan at times like few of his colleagues (minus Yash) work on Saturday's as well. Ahaan stood up and massaged his back and made his way into his room. Ahaan had been wearing his office clothes since morning and by now he is stinking, so he decided to take a bath. Ahaan shivered and immediately regretted taking cold shower in the middle of the night. Ahaan had cursed his luck when he had realized that the geyser isn't working.

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Next day, Rifaat showered and changed into her office attire- Navy blue cap sleeved Bodycon and black closed heels. Her Uncle always attends his office on Saturday and this time Rifaat decided to accompany her Uncle to work today. Unlike other young people of her age, Rifaat has nothing to do. She combed her hair and tied in a neat French twist, she then applied her make-up and picked up her laptop bag and left her room to join her family at the dining table.

'Beta! Are you fine? You seem disturbed?' Mr. Siddiqui asked his Niece as they sat in the car. Rifaat nodded her head. She is thankful she is wearing sunglasses and her Uncle can't look at her eyes. She then looked away, back into staring out from the window.

At Office, Rifaat is surprised when the peon handed her the completed files by Ahaan. She handed half the file to Mr. Singhal and kept half for herself. She is amazed on how perfectly Ahaan has done his work, that too in one day itself. Mr. Singhal informed her that Ahaan is one of the best and very dedicated member of their marketing team. Rifaat nodded in agreement.

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Ahaan felt his eyes droopy as he sat in his seat going through Yash's pending work, Yash had insisted a lot. As he worked he got a call from Abeer. Ahaan wondered why she had called? Immediately, he picked up her call and greeted her as brightly as he could, even though he was hell tired he didn't want Abeer to know.

'Man! Can you come to the airport in one hour? Yaseen is leaving to Indore to meet his parents. And I don't want to see him off alone.' Abeer insisted. Ahaan agreed. There is nothing to do in office, also he is very tired, since yesterday he had been working very hard and hardly slept.

As Ahaan stood up, Rifaat opened his cabin door. Ahaan hoped she hasn't come here for giving some more task. 'You are going somewhere?' she asked looking at him

'There is nothing much to do, and I have someone important to meet, so I thought...May I?' Ahaan looked at her with hopeful eyes. Rifaat wondered who that "Someone" important is. His girlfriend? Why didn't he tell her about her before? This is what had offended her yesterday and since that night since she saw his "girlfriend" Rifaat has been feeling miserable.

'Oh! Your girlfriend?' she asked sounding disappointed. Ahaan froze as he stuffed his laptop into his bag.

'What?' he asked struggling hard to control his smile. Rifaat is looking so cute with a sad pout on her lips. Rifaat looked at him, 'I know about her, I saw her with you one night...'she had been drawing circles on the table with her long nails, she looked at it while speaking, then she looked up at him, 'why didn't you tell me about her?' she then quickly composed herself, 'Not that it matters, but...but...'

'Relax Rifaat! I don't have a girlfriend. As of now, I don't.' Ahaan clarified. Rifaat is relieved but skilfully she didn't let it show on her face.

'You always misunderstand me.' Ahaan faked anger.

'Sorry! It is just that I don't want to trust people easily.' Rifaat sounded very upset when she said that, Ahaan noticed sadness in her eyes and felt pained himself.

'Anyways...' Rifaat shrugged, 'You are getting late.' She said stepping aside. Ahaan didn't want to go now. He wanted to extend his hand and hold hers and assure her that she can trust him. But he didn't have the guts to hold her hand and stare into her eyes. So, he simply nodded picked up and his bag and walked towards the door.

He paused and looked at her, 'Rifaat!'

'Huh!' Rifaat quickly wiped her tear from her left eye and looked at him, she nodded looking at him.

'If you are free tonight, we can hang out together?' Ahaan couldn't control himself. Though Abeer had warned him, and he had tried his best to stay away but he can't. He can't see her upset and walk away, he loves her too much for that.

'Okay!' Rifaat nodded.

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'You are late, again!' Abeer rolled her eyes as Ahaan huffed towards her. He panted looking at her, he is only late by 5mins, perhaps Abeer is annoyed because Yaseen is leaving. Ahaan is relieved to know the plane got delayed and so Yaseen will go half an hour later.

'Have a safe journey and enjoy with your family.' Ahaan wished Yaseen shaking hands and side hugging him.

'Thanks.'

'Come here!' Abeer said, pulling Yaseen towards her. Her voice cracked, her lower-lip trembled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. It sounded like she will break down crying any moment.

'Aww...' Ahaan teased as Yaseen hugged Abeer back. Abeer shook as she sobbed silently. Ahaan had his eyes moist as well, as he looked at the two love-birds. He is happy for Abeer, she has found true love. Now, he hoped her parents accept Yaseen.

The three then had coffee and cupcakes from the nearby Café in the airport premises. They chatted mostly to keep Abeer distracted else she would start crying, really bad. Ahaan occasionally glanced at Abeer who seemed to have her gaze fixed on her cupcake that she is poking with her fork.

'Hey!' Ahaan held her hand, she looked at him, he smiled. She smiled back.

The dreaded moment came, Abeer didn't stop her tears and clung to Yaseen like a second skin. She cried not caring about the bystander.

'Abeer, leave him. Moral police will get us.' Ahaan tried to make things lighter between them. Yaseen smiled but Abeer couldn't care less. After a while, Yaseen had to peel Abeer off him as he was getting late. Ahaan held Abeer has she cried side-hugging her best friend. Ahaan caressed her arm, as they watched Yaseen disappear into the security-check.

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