Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Hayfah was seriously exhausted when it was time for her to leave; that was by 4pm. She packed her things in her handbag, and was about to leave the office; when Kassim came out of his office, flashing her an irritating look.

"What do you think you're doing?" He asked, crossing his hands on his chest; as his gaze was unshaken on her face.

"It's time for leaving, I'm going home," came her husky voice, as she was looking at everywhere but his face.

"And who told you to can leave?" He inquired, intensely staring at her.

She lift up her eyes, which made his orbs fell directly through hers. Quickly averting her gaze, Hayfah mustered the courage and asked again, "Because that's what I was told to, and we have finished all that was on today's schedule," she answered haltingly, her voice breaking; she doesn't want any humiliation again. Didn't he said she shouldn't be talking to him? Then why asking her questions he knew she couldn't snub?

"You aren't leaving, until I leave after 30 mins," he declared and left the office. She stood there, not knowing what to do. She couldn't just leave, nor did she think she can wait for him; she isn't even sure if he has gone.

Minutes pass by, he came in which sleeves rolled up, emanating he prayed. Hayfah rolled her eyes and felt tears clouding her veiw; she hardly prayed her Zuhr prayer, that's when she went out for lunch. And now, does he want her to pray by 5pm or what?

"Can I leave now? I want to pray also," She spoke softly, yet; her heart was beating rapidly, she isn't ready for further yellings.

"I didn't leave, and you can pray here; that's if you really want to pray. There is a toilet by the right end, don't talk to me again," he half yelled, pointing at the door she assumed was a store or something, before entering his office.

Hayfah cleared her tears and moved to the toilet, performed her ablution before spraying the prayer mat she saw. She prayed and began reading the Qur'an with her phone, her husky voice turning completely into a melodious and soft voice, one couldn't believe she was the one reciting the Qur'an.

Kassim heard the recitation from his office, he was done with all his works and decided to call it a day. Silently opening the door, his heart lost a beat; at the sight of her____sitted on the prayer mat, facing the Qibla, legs folded with her phone in her hands. How the words of the Almighty rolled out of her lips, they sounded so sweet and perfect, with full tajweed.

Her head was hung low, he couldn't see her dripping tears, only her long eyelashes casted on her cheekbones. He couldn't move an inch, nor could he believe it was that husky voice that magically became this mellifluous.

Hayfah felt someones gaze on her, she fumbled uncomfortably and cleared her tears with her thumbs. She looked up, and met Kassim's intense gaze on her.

"Sir? Can I leav...e no..w?" She stammered, for she was sick and tired of this office. Just the thought of Kassim being few feets away from her is horrifying.

He took off his gaze with aplomb, angry at himself for staring too much that she caught him staring. He knew he wasn't staring at her because of her beauty; no____because she isn't a beauty in his eyes. It was the voice that drew him to her, not her normal voice, but the voice the words of the Almighty unveiled.

"I said 30mins after I leave. And if you dare set your foot out, you'll face ny wrath," He bellowed and left the office, but that voice still lingers in his brain. How her eyelashes casted beautifully on her cheekbones not leaving his thoughts.

Hayfah hissed so loud she thinks her lips would etch. She continued her recitation until it was exactly 30 minutes after he left. She called 'Baba' the driver, as she calls him_____and left the office, many thoughts rummaging in her brain.

***

Adyan stirred on his office's chair, what he discussed with Kassim was everywhere in his thoughts. And who was the secretary? He felt a soul connection with her.

A monotone thought, gliding through his mind_____he smiled, as her beautiful face roam through his brain. He finds pleasure thinking about her, the pictures they took____he wished he had send them to his phone before giving Mom that phone. Had she call? The question he never asked Mom, for he knew she would tell him if she did. But it's already four years and months, she would've called if she has his contact, or is she angry at him?

He has many questions to ask her, many feelings and surprises to reveal. He round up so fast and headed for his apartment, her thoughts not leaving his mind, as he kept smiling like a teenager who's in love.

He entered his apartment and slumped on his bed, striping off his shirt; his phone rang unstoppably. He groaned and brought it out of his pocket, a wide grin breaking his lips, as he saw the caller's name.

"Goes to the best Mum on earth," he chriped in, he didn't know the reason; but he surely is happy today, and his thoughts revolves around no one but Hayfah.

Mum chuckled outwardly, her heart filled with her son's love. "I called to gist you one hot gist, you know what? Hmmm....It's a very juicy gossip," she giggled, stroking out her lips to Kassim, whom was so weak to act upon.

Upon hearing gossip, Adyan knew it would be juicy. He sat at the edge of his bed, flinging his shirt in the laundry basket "Oh god! Don't tell me..I'm salivating Mom, oya nah! Gist me," he jabbered, his voice could be heard from the street.

Mom took of her eyes from Kassim's stare and stifled a laughter "Your brother came back today, looking so weak and ruminative; I had to ask why. And you know what his answer was? Guess!"

"Noooo I'm not good at guessing, Sorella," he whined like a five years old boy.

"It was because of his secretary, she gave him a tough time at the office, yen yen yen____but being the author of Shakespeare; I knew there was something behind," she let out a shriek, as Kassim moved towards her in an enigmatic way. He hate it when she says there is something behind, which behind? That girl he would think he's gisting with a guy or what?

"Mom!!! Don't let me catch you, even that husband of yours can't rescue you!" Kassim yelled from the dining table, he was seriously infuriated.

"Do your worst, Kassim; but this is a dream come true. Is it not, Son?" Mum yelled back, directing her question towards Adyan, whom was seriously laughing. He missed all those days when they would play with Mom as if she was their sister.

He got the hint; she was trying to annoy Kassim, and so he tagged along. They kept talking and talking until Kassim walked to Mom as she sprint off to her room; following her in speed. Adyan laughed so hard that tears of joy rolled down his cheeks, as he ended the call.

He felt he couldn't even bathe again, he felt so emotional, he needed to sleep, there is alot of things he want to ask her_____and only in their dreams, they unite.

Slumping his head on the pillow, he closed his eyes, with a smile on his lips; as mother nature took him to dream land_____his sanctuary.

***

Hayfah entered the living room with a faint Salaam, she felt so weak and tired, all she wants is to sleep; so she could dream about him.

"Addah Hayfah!" Rayhan screamed and hugged her from behind; she was clad in her brown and ash Islamiyya Uniform.

"Rayhan!" Hayfah hugged her back, feeling all her worries vanishing. Her pains all forgotten; whilst Rayhan always reminds her of 'Him' for she's the only one that knows alot about him.

"You didn't come back early, I've waited for you for two hours; Addah," Rayhan whined, clinging more onto her.

"Welcome back, Hayfah," Maami welcomed, a warm and loving smile plastered on her lips.

"Thank you, Maami. I'm sooo tired," the first time Hayfah talked to someone as if she was her mother. She felt it was soo sweet; telling your mother about your feelings or worries.

"Oh dear, do quick and rest, working isn't easy at all," Maami hugged her warmly, putting her head on her bosom, as she caressed her back before breaking the hug.

"Insha Allah, Maami. Rayhan, Malam Halliru is waiting for you; you don't want to be late huh?" It took alot of time before Rayhan agreed and left.

She ascended the staircases and entered her room. She bathe and slumped on her bed; closing her eyes immediately. In the blink of an eye; mother nature took her to dreamland, where she finds solace.

Sitted on a swing, their legs slowly swinging it; as the wind kept splashing on their faces, making Hayfah's hair to disperse into different directions.

"Tesoro," he called out, as he placed her head on his shoulder.

"Mmmm," she answered, playing with their entwined hands; feeling all her worries vanishing.

"What's wrong with you? You seem lost and tired today. Or did you miss me that much, it has to show?" He jested, stroking her long hair with his warm palms.

She chuckled softly, tears brimming her eyes "No, just had a really bad day. Things have started changing, I've got the best Mother and sister I never had; though we aren't related. But my boss where I'm doing my NYSC is giving me a tough time," she informed, as the tears she had been hiding cascaded down her cheeks. She's just tired of everything, all she wants and needs right now is to leave with him, not in the world of real, noo; she wants to live here forever.

"Subhanallah, Tesoro; why are you crying? Is he that tough? I'm here for you. Stop crying please, it hurts me," he pleaded, lifting up her face, as he began wiping away her tears.

She sat upright, and clasped her hands in his; staring at their entwined hands____as more tears stream down her cheeks. "You don't have the slight idea how tough it is. The life there isn't easy, everything hurts. I'm just tired of everything, even the air I breathe suffocates me," she was crying profusely now, as her breathe was seizing.

Adyan felt tears filling his eyes, he knew she needs him, and he has to protect her with every might. "It's okay, Tesoro. You don't need to be crying over thing; I'm here for you, I'll be your shade under a scorching sun, your knight in shining armour_____stop crying please, it breaks ny heart," he so bad wants to tell her he would soon come back to her, but he still want it to be a surprise. That's Adyan.

"I don't think I can; I just want to be away, away from anyone that knows me. I'm tired of this life," she cried, slumping her shoulders in defeat.

Seeing how she is crying profusely, Adyan couldn't wait any longer. He slightly pulled her to his body, her warmth sending a feeling of solace to his heart. "It's okay, Tesoro. But please dont leave okay? Where can I find you? I need to protect you, please tell me," he pleaded, as this wasn't the first time he's asking of where to meet her, in the reality and dreams____but the question always goes unanswered.

She stood up, more tears falling as she stares at him. "Destiny plays a role in our lives; if it's destined for us to meet, we shall meet____even at the weirdest place. Thank you, but please come soon," She pleaded, flashed him a rueful smile; eyes coruscated with love____as she vanished, bringing them both back to the world of real.