— H O O R —. . .“How was your meeting, by the way?” I ask as soon as he starts driving. I could not get to ask it before. He straightly asked me about my foot. “Very well,” his answer is short. I nod my head. “Good to know,” I mumble. I know Siya handled it well because it used to be her job. “But I missed you there,” he suddenly reveals in a gentle whisper, getting my quick attention. I stare at his side profile and the calm look on his face makes me wonder if I heard it right or if it was just an illusion. “What?” He asks after a few seconds pass. I used that moment to stare at him and nothing more. “N-Nothing,” I say, chewing my bottom lip as I look away. “I thought you said something,” I add soon, getting no reply. I sigh. Illusions are beautiful. We reach home. Dinner is made like always. Dad calls and soon, we are engaged in video conversation through Zahir's laptop. I am happy after talking to my family members. It is refreshing. Time passes. I do not tell them about
— H O O R —. . .The day was not as boring as I imagined. I could not go to the office but I could work from home. Zahir allowed me that. Well, he actually told me not to work too much and I do not even think I did it. It was just that I woke up late today. I remember how Zahir treated me this morning. He woke up before me. I could hear the sound in the background of doors opening and closing. Before he wore boots, footsteps made no noise but after he got ready, I could hear them. I made no sound. I was tugged into the bed and was breathing peacefully. I saw him walking here and there as he got ready and attended two calls right there in those hours. Finally, when he got ready, he moved to me. “Want to sleep for some more time?” He asked me, standing in front of me by the edge of the bed. I peeked at him behind the soft quilt. I nodded my head silently, pushing my face into the pillow. “Of course. Don't walk or try to do anything. You can work from home if you get too bored b
— H O O R —. . .I laugh, nodding my head. “And you don't dare to escape the question!” I snap playfully, earning myself a smile from him. “Yeah, I missed you,” he replies, voice low like he is telling me a secret and eyes looking anywhere but me.He dips his hand into the plate and breaks a morsel, adding, “I was thinking about you. Many times I even looked towards your cabin but you weren't there.” He shrugs in the end, stuffing his mouth with the morsel and chewing on it. All the while as I watch him, I see that he has not looked at me while telling me the answer. I enjoy my food and can't help but smile. Good that you are not looking at me, Zahir. I am smiling like an idiot! “And you?” He asks suddenly, looking at me the very next moment. I lower my gaze to my plate as I answer him casually, “Of course, I did. I'm getting used to you.”He smiles, nodding his head. “We both are getting used to each other.” Does that meaning something to you, Zahir? — I want to ask him but I st
— Z A H I R —. . .I wake up with only one name in my head; God. “I thank you, Father, for opening my eyes today,” I whisper under my breath as I get up and face the ceiling of my room, “In the name of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.”I peel open my eyes again and look at Hoor who is lying beside me. Her cheek is pressed against the soft pillow, a few of her dark and thick locks caressing her face as if hiding it from my gaze. I can't help but smile and lean in to kiss her forehead. I get up to get ready for the office. Ruffling my hair through the towel in my grip, I come out half-naked. Glad that she was still asleep, or else she would have made a fuss about it, yelling at me until I was on the other side of the door. I get ready, dressed in my formal attire. I know she is awake but not saying anything like every time. Doing my hair, I walk towards her. “Hoor?” I say, clasping the wristwatch around my wrist. I look down at her as she hums, slowly removing the quilt from her fa
— H O O R —. . .“I’m home,” I hear a very smooth and simple call from behind that grabs my swift attention. I turn to look at him, grinning instantly as I catch him standing by the doorstep. My eyes, on their own, crawl down his tall posture, caressing every inch as I take him in. His hair was disheveled a bit, and his dark curls were kissing his forehead and temples. I can catch many times he might have run his fingers through his dark hair while working but they are stubborn. His eyes are as if drunk, shining with mirth in pleasant and sweet darkness. The first two buttons of his shirt are unclasped and he looks like a mess. A very beautiful mess. “Done checking?” He murmurs mischievously, stepping towards me. I can't help but smile, my eyes lowering to anywhere but him. “You stand attractive,” I say directly. Come on, what's the need to hide? He knows I was checking him out and does that make me shameless? In no sense! — for I am his wife. “Even now?” He cocks a brow at me,
— H O O R —. . .By the time the movie ended, I was in tears. I was sobbing as the story was reaching its end, touched to the heart. The fact that Hoshea loved his wife with all his heart but his wife did not remain faithful to him was heartbreaking. I instantly started whimpering as tears started leaving my eyes.Zahir was busy munching on the snacks and enjoying the Coke. He was watching the movie silently but the moment I started crying, he asked what was wrong. I was guilty of disturbing him and just shook my head. He did not say anything but just kissed the crown of my head and continued watching the movie. Now when it was finally over, I was crying loudly and Zahir held me close to his heart. I could hear the soothing sound of his heart beating inside his chest. His warmth enveloped me lovingly and I ceased crying the next moment. “You're so sensitive,” he said, chuckling as he looked down at me. I sniff, peering up at him. I feel my eyelashes to be wet as I look up at hi
— H O O R —. . .A knock interrupts me. Twice it happens, catching my attention to the door that is still closed. “Come in,” I say, going back to my work. My ears receive the sound of the door opening and the woman walks in. The sound of her heels striking the floor is loud enough to give me a hint. I do not raise my gaze, eventually recognizing the woman by her cherry and almond scent. “Good morning,” she says, her voice overly sweet. And I noticed how she missed the word ‘Ma'am’ which she would usually use for me. Anyway, I pay less attention. “Morning,” I say, raising my gaze to look at her. “What would you want to tell me?” I ask straight, keeping my hand down which holds the pen. Her lips stretch in a small smile. “I came to apologize for what happened to you. Because of me, your foot was injured badly. You had to rest for two days and I'm sorry for that...” I wonder if she really is. After all, she got those days to spend with my husband. Of course, in my absence, it was
— H O O R —. . .Somewhere in my heart, I feel rest. Finally, no Siya is coming with us. And no Siya going alone with my husband. It is just Zahir and I. “Hoor?” He interrupts my chain of thoughts, calling me softly from behind. I turn as I look at him. He is ready to leave. He comes to me and puts his hand on the small of my back, cocking a brow as he silently questions me. “What?” I murmur, walking ahead as we leave together. “You were deep in thought. May I know what were you thinking so hard?” He asks in his usual low yet deep voice, making butterflies dance in my stomach. Along with that touch on my back through which he lets the world know that I am his and he is mine, I think my heart is melting inside my chest, dripping to nothing. “Uh... surely Siya isn't coming with us, right?” I steal a glance at him, not wanting to look around at people who are staring at us once again. Only some are sensible enough to mind their own business. “Not with us. I know I have to keep m