'She has every bit of his attention'

                                    

                                          


                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          

I have a lot to do, so many files and documents are spread across the floor. I had returned to my place after dinner yesterday, and need to take care of these by today evening. 
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"Where is Bhai, Bhabhi?" Afreen questioned me as I approached them. They all focused on me. "To freshen up" I said and sat next to Farhan. "I thought you would join him." Said the playful Farhan. I looked at him as if I chocked myself on air. "Arey! You looked so dull, that's why I said that" he said with an innocent look. I was embarrassed and probably red. But I quickly composed myself and got busy in conversation. After some time I was looking around. "What are you looking at Bhabhi?" Asked Nadim. Before I could answer Afreen said with a hiss "Nadim. You asked the wrong question." And asked "Who are you looking for Bhabhi?" I was caught off guard and yes, I blushed. This is when Danish eneters the crime scene. I couldn't look at him. 
But today I have to travel with him, for more than 2 hours. I am mentally preparing myself along with tying my hair. In a carefree outfit, with nothing much to take, just my messenger bag which has my first love, that is my laptop, a book, a little bit of stationery, and daily necessities. I have my clothes there, and my mother will get the engagement dress. 
My phone is on speaker, I am talking to my coworker and checking a file along with descending the stairs. Well, I am a gifted Multi-Tasker. I walked to my usual spot (perpendicular to the living room) without glancing around me. After setting my phone and bag on the counter I grabbed my lemonade. "I think you should change 'Article 3'. I can't find this one negotiable." I said and took a sip of my lemonade. Last minute work and discussions are crucial. "Sure Ms. Ata. I will email it to you by this evening. I hope that won't be a problem." she said to me. "Not at all, just be sure to check through the details again." The call was ended after after exchanging goodbyes. I continued on analysing the file and said "Mother could you please give this file to Father?" I didn't get a reply from her. Doesn't matter, as it's a mother's thing to not answer sometimes (almost every time). I was busy drinking, when I noticed people in the living room. Focusing my side eyes on them, I found Danish, Farhan, Nadim, Afreen, Shayan and my Mother looking at me. Without giving a reaction, I simply turned my back towards them. God, this is embarrassing. 
After completing the drink I grab my bag, phone and the file, turn around, walk towards them as if nothing happened, and greeted them normally. "You could have called me when they arrived" I said to Mother. "I did child, for a hundred of times" she replied exaggerating it. "My bad, I guess." I said and handed her the file. "We should probably set off now" said Mr. Danish in his composed tone. Not bad, saved me from further embarrassments. "What about your luggage Bhabhi?" Asked Shayan. "I have it in" I replied pointing towards my bag. "Don't cause trouble child. And don't go off on your own anywhere and take care of everyone and get enough sleep." Said Mother. I kept nodding my head. "Drive safe" Mother said and bid us farewell. 
There are two cars and we are six people. I walked towards the second car not sure of which to take. 
"Not this Bhabhi. That is your ride" Nadim said pointing towards the first car, an Audi, (more like pointing towards Danish Emraan. The one driving.)
I nodded and walked towards the car. "Enjoy the ride you both" said Farhan more like screamed to us. We both settled in the front seats. 
💙

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          

I tried to focus on the road, but I can't. She isn't distracting me. Her actions are. The soft movement for her hand to arrange the hair, her trying to find comfort in the futurest corner of the seat. The way she secretly looks at me, trying not to divert my attention. But she needs to know that she has every bit of my attention. 
We are finally out of the city. The way is quiet, with 
trees, sunlight and clear view of the sky. We haven't shared a single word's worth conversation. 
This reminds me of the way I saw her today. Focused yet distracted. The way she ignored everything and let her guard down. She looked beautiful but tired. That natural look and expression she had did cover the tiredness. 
It has been stressful; these days. What I had planned to complete in 5-6 days was completed in 3 days. It was a lot of work. Not that I didn't go through this type of situations before. It's just that this time was different. This while, my mind was captive to her memories. I could have just ignored it and go on, but I didn't. I wanted them to keep me distracted. To make me feel relaxed, and they did.
I have been staying at home since my grandparents' arrival. They wanted me to be with them which was not so possible. I rarely saw them, more like they rarely saw me. As I was early to work and late to home.
Even yesterday, I stayed up till late night and completed my work. It feels good to complete things which are meant to be completed. 
When we reached our destination, Nuha was waiting for us. She jumped at Ata as soon as she saw her. "Ata is hereeee" she screams. Aziz and his wife, Zahra greeted us. "Aren't you going to give me a hug Nuha?" asked Farhan, the dramebaaz. "No, it's just for Ata" she replied teasing him. "Hello, Mr. handsome!" Nuha shyly greets me. "Well, Hello Beautiful" I replied to her in a very sweet tone. She smiles shyly. "You are too young to flirt, Nuha." Ata glares at her. "She is back to being bossy again" she said in a low voice. ""I can hear you!" Ata exclaimed and picked her up. "We should get inside before you all develop an idea to start a party here." Ata said and directed us to the entrance. 
We are all in the living room except Ata and Nuha. Aziz and Zahra excused themselves to buy something. Ata enters the living with a tense look. "Have you guys seen Nuha? I couldn't find her upstairs." She asked. "No, I haven't seen her for a while" replied Afreen. Everyone exchanged glances. She walks towards the kitchen with hurried steps. "Excuse me, did you see Nuha?" she asked a worker. He denied. "I thought she was with you Ms. Ata" replied an elderly woman. "Please check outside" she instructs someone and settles on the couch after grabbing her laptop. It's been 5 mins since she has been typing on the keyboard. She looks more than just tensed, scared. Just now a worker informed us that he couldn't find Nuha outside. We all looked in and around the house but didn't find her. "What was the time you last saw her?" She asked. "About 30 minutes ago, she was talking about baking something and went to ask you about the recipe book" the same woman replies. Ata looks at the woman with a confused expression, and then asks her to get her bag for the room. "She didn't leave the house." She mumbles and stops the typing. The lady gets her bag and Ata starts searching for something in it. It's a key and starts walking towards a room in the furthest corner of the corridor and guess what? There was a secret room in the room. The door was plain and was behind a wooden shelf. 
The room was dark with minimal light. But, there were books and pictures all around it. "Nuha are you in there?" Ata hesitantly asked. "Nuha" she called walking further. There, in a corner, was Nuha. She quickly turned the lights on. "Nuha" she calls and lets out a sign full of relief. "Ata, I am sorry" Nuha replies in a sad and teary voice. We all were confused. Was she hurt? No I don't think so.
She went and kneeled in front of Nuha and kept quiet. "I came to look for the book, but I didn't know how to open the door. An- and I am sorry Ata, I know you love this very much, I was just looking at it, but it fell from my hands" Nuha said pointing towards a broken glass ball. Ata in a sweet voice said "Why were you looking for this book?" "I wanted to make a cake for Dada's birthday." Nuha replied with teary eyes. Ata said "I am tired now and I can't make the cake. But, If you want to make it I can help you. Hm? How about this? You go to Mrs. Ruhi and tell about the cake you want to make and she gets the ingredients ready while you clean yourself up." Nuha nodded her head happily and forgets the sadness walking out of the room.