Chapter 20: Chapter 20

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Faisal woke up with just one wish and that is to see Kalthum's beautiful face before going to  office . Even if it's just a glimpse he is OK with that. The more he remember last night event, the more his smile widen. He sure looks like a high school boy right now crushing on a girl. He shook his head slightly with a smile then stilled all of a sudden.

Crush!

No! Does that mean he has a crush on Kalthum? How is that possible?!

This can't be happening, she is a maid and he is her boss. This is totally wrong!How comes he hasn't realize that he likes her not until now!Ya Allah help me out here. This shouldn't be happening, she is just a maid! A maid who is a drop out and he doesn't swing that way.

He stared at himself as he bottom up his shirt. But how is he going to face her!He has never felt this way in his life not even when he is with hintadu. Then why is Kalthum so special?The sound of her name on his lips, also sounds different and he like it. Her thoughts suffocate him.

He gulped. What if she doesn't likes him? What if this feeling he has is one sided? He couldn't help but think about the what ifs. She is the only lady that has ever gotten his attention like this apart from his twin sisters.Everything about her just fascinates him. He didn't even know when this started to happen but he was sure of one thing and that is, he likes her.

He took his wrist watch and then sauntered downstairs to have breakfast.

***

Faisal greets his parents who both responded at the same time. Basma moved forward to serve his food. He wish it was Kalthum.

He now felt bad for replacing her with her sister. This now led to this question, why did he even replaced her in the first place? It just so happens that he also didn't understood what was happening to him at that time and it's too late now to bring her back if not, Umm rasheed would suspect something.

" So Faisal, I've been thinking " his mother started a conversation

" about? " he cock a brow at her

She flashed him a wide smile " about when you'll be getting married "

He almost choked on his food

***

" About when you'll be getting married"

Kalthum stilled when she heard . She has been avoiding  Faisal ever since she woke up. The more she remember what Basma told her the more she felt ashamed, Which was why she has glued herself to the kitchen, she wasn't among those serving  today. She was sure Umm Rasheed noticed her change of behavior but she hasn't asked anything about it yet.

Kalthum was about to escape out of the kitchen when she heard that statement from Faisal's mother. She paused and found the conversation worth listening to.

Kalthum waited so she could hear his reply. Although she couldn't hear clearly but she can still catch on what they were saying. She moved closer to the kitchen door so she could hear them well.

" Mom it's my business and not yours"

Why is he too harsh on his mother? She wondered

" its also my business too. You're my eldest son and I want to see my grand kids as soon as possible "

" Then you should have been there with Habeeb when he needed you the most. That way,you wouldn't have lost your first grandchild "

This was getting intense to listen to. Kalthum actually felt bad for his mom.

" I'm still your mother and you don't get to speak to me that way"

Kalthum waited patiently for his response

" then it's time you act like one. I just lost my appetite "

She heard a screeching of a chair. Sir Faisal got up and walk away. Rude much

" Faisal! "

"Faisal! Come back here. I'm not done talking to you"

" but I'm done talking to you" with that Kalthum heard the banging of the door which means he left.

" are you seriously eavesdropping " aunty maryam's voice snapped her out of it

She turned around to look at aunty Maryam ashamed " I know I shouldn't but I couldn't resist it "

Aunty maryam smiled " well, if it makes you feel better, I was also listening. "

They both burst out laughing

" Allah ya shirye mu"

" Ameen" came Kalthum's reply " but why is sir Faisal rude to his own mother? You might have an idea since you came to this house before me "

Maryam sighed " well, all I can say is that, hajiya never for once have time for her kids and that affects them alot. I really don't know the full details of the gist since I was only here three month before you also came here"

" oh"

" The only person that knows the full story is Umm Rasheed. She has been living here all her life " maryam told her

Kalthum nodded in understanding " OK. But that was too rude in my own part. No matter what she might have done, she is still his mother "

With all the drama she also have at home with her own mother , not once have she ever raised her voiced at her mother. That also didn't give Sir Faisal the right to talk to his mother like that no matter what the issue amongst them may be.

" you're right "

" What are you two doing here gossiping " umm rasheed snapped at them as she entered the kitchen

Maryam ran out all of a sudden, leaving only Kalthum behind to her wrath

" we're sorry ma" she apologized

Umm Rasheed's hard gaze never wavers " Don't repeat that next time "

Kalthum nodded " I won't  " she then made her way out of the kitchen

" wait Kalthum! "

" Ma?" she turned around

This time, Umm Rasheed's hard gaze has turned soft. The woman change like a chameleon, Kalthum thought.

" I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that. It's just.. It's just..

" you don't need to explain yourself Nanny. What we were doing was wrong and we needed to be scolded "

" No please let me ,if not I'll burst in anger" Nanny said feeling sad

This got Kalthum's attention " what is the matter Nanny? I've never seen you this down before " she said concerned

Nanny sat on a stool. Her shoulders sags " it hurt alot to see Faisal behave like that. That boy have gone through alot and the last thing he needed right now was to fight with his parents "

Kalthum could only pay attention to her

" They never stop getting on his nerves and that irritates him alot. It's not as if I wouldn't want him to get married, I also want to see his kids but there are ways of talking about it with him but Hajiya Basira fails to understand that. She just says things whenever she likes it and wouldn't give a damn if it hurts the other person"

Kalthum fetch a glass cup of water and hand it over to Nanny " Take this nanny"

" Thanks" she drank from the cup " she didn't even allow him  to have his breakfast before asking that question. I'm sure he must be hungry right now because he didn't put anything in his stomach last night " Nanny sighed sadly

" if you want I can bring his food to his work place. I haven't been out of this house for a while" Kalthum suggested

Nanny's eyes twinkles " you'll do that for him? "

" of course Nanny " she nodded " I don't want to see you sad. If this will bring this kind of smile to your face then so be it, I'll do it for your sake "

" Aww, thanks alot dear. You don't know how happy I am right now . Just give me a second to package everything. You should also go to your room and dress"

" Alright Ma" Kalthum nodded " atleast I'll be free for once from this uniform of ours. I haven't even worn any of my beautiful clothes since forever! "

Nanny chuckles " you are free to wear what ever you want "

" I better go and change already "

" yes you should "

***

" who asked you to put on your normal clothes. Weren't we told to always wear our uniform" Basma sneered " I'll report you this instance if you don't change "

Kalthum shrugged " go ahead and report"

" what do you take yourself for. You're acting almighty like no one is ahead of you. You better not get comfortable with this drama of yours "

Kalthum rolled her eyes " You walked into the room and you saw me wearing this abaya, you didn't even ask where I was going to!  All you do is shout and yell! what do you expect me to do? "

" you're so annoying " Basma glared

" Same as you " Kalthum retorted immediately

***

Work has been moving smoothly today thanks to Allah. That's probably because his father didn't come to the office today. He must be home pattering his wife after the incident today.

Faisal admit, he also felt bad for talking back at her in front of the maids. She must feel embarrassed right now .

But can she blame him? The more he remember what she did to Kalthum, the more his anger increases and he just had to snapped. He rub his nose out of frustration.

His stomach grumbles for food. Faisal closed his laptop with a sigh, he really needs to put food in his groaning stomach.

Knock knock

" come in? " he said

The door opened and a lady wearing a grey abaya entered with a basket in her hand.

" Good morning sir"

Why does the voice sounds familiar. He look at her clearly this time and then he realized it was kal_

" Kalthum?"

" Sir?" she answered shyly

She totally looks different. Seeing her in a normal clothes aside from the maid uniform she always wear does makes her look different .

He sat upright " Take your seat" he gestured

She sat down and keep the basket containing food beside her.

He actually felt happy. To think that his only wish was to see her this morning before going to the office but his mom had to spoil everything by asking that question.

" What are you doing here? " he asked with a brow raised. She refused to meet his eyes.

" uhm I brought your food" she carried the small basket and kept it on his big desk.

His lips stretched into a smile " you really didn't have to? "

" Actually Umm rasheed asked me to bring it for you" she fiddles with her nails. She felt uncomfortable under his burning gaze.

" Then what are you waiting for? serve my food " he told her, but one can easily hint the tease in his voice

" oh ok"

She stood up and brought out the small flask containing hot tea, a mug cup, a breakable plate, a spoon and then lastly she brought out the crunchy toast bread just the way he likes it.

She stretched her hand to take the flask of tea the same time his hand also touched it. Kalthum's heart skipped a beat.

" I'm sorry sir " she quickly withdraw her hand back.

" I'll do it " he poured the tea himself while she put some of the toast bread in his plate.

He began to eat .Kalthum felt uncomfortable waiting for him to finish eating. An idea crossed her mind.

" Sir? I'll be outside whilst you have your breakfast " she said. She would love to see around the company

" No, you'll sit here till I finish eating"

She frowned " but sir_

" No but. I prefer you stay here"

" Sir I just want to see around the company "

" Kalthum, don't you love keeping me company. I love your company "

Did he just say that

Her eyes opened twice their size

" Don't you Kalthum ?" he smirk liking her discomfort

" i-i-i

He chuckled " you look too cute for your own good "

She blushed and a small smile was stretched on her lips.

He hand her a magazine " take this, you'll find all you need to know about this company here"

She took it from him " OK sir"

He continued eating his food but didn't miss a second to stare at her as she busied herself with the magazine. How is she able to understand what was in it?he wonders

Does that mean she can read and write? Suddenly he felt the need to know more about her

" Did you finished high school? " he all of a sudden asked

She raised her head " uhh?"

" I asked a question "

" yes Sir, I did.. Why do you asked? "

" I was only wondering " he shrugged

" ok"

" but why haven't you thought of furthering your education? "

" of course I was already in the University before coming to work in your house"

What! He was shocked

" Don't tell me you dropped out.. But why? " he couldn't help but ask

She closed the magazine with a sigh " That's because I needed the money . Working for a whole year was the only option I have and the pay at your house is a hot cake so who would want to miss that chance "

" Your field of study ? "

" Accounting "

" I wonder why you and Hassana haven't met before, I'm sure you must share the same faculty ,she offers business administration "

Of course ,Kalthum have heard about the Dantata's since before she started working with them but she wouldn't tell him that.

" oh, I have never seen her. If I may ask which of the University is that? Is it the federal or the state because I attended Bayero university "

"  Hers is the State University "

" I guess that's why we've never met then "

" yeah" he nodded " I hope you'll be going back soon? "

" yes sir"

" That's good" he felt relaxed

Knock knock knock

Another knock could be heard " come in" Faisal rudely said

" Surprise! "  Hindatu walked in with a bright smile on her face. This time she didn't bring baby Sameer.

Faisal couldn't deny but he was dissappointed that she came. He wanted having a nice time with Kalthum.

" Hindatu? What are you doing here? "

Hindatu pouts " Haba ya Faisal, why do I hear a hint of disappointment in your voice. Don't you want me here? " her last question was directed at Kalthum who wasn't even looking at her.

" of course not, I am happy to have you here " he answered quickly

" oh ok" she stare at Kalthum " and who is your visitor? "

Kalthum decided it was time to leave. She stood up " Good afternoon " she greeted Hindatu with a small smile

Hindatu felt insecure with her beauty.

" Afternoon "

" Sir I'll just head home now " Kalthum told sir Faisal

Faisal stood up too " No! Wait! You don't have to leave yet"

" Faisal I hope I wasn't interrupting anything? I just thought since you took me out for lunch yesterday, I came here to repay the offer. Your friend can also join us" hindatu told Faisal as she looked at Kalthum when she mentioned the 'friend' part.

That moment, Kalthum totally believed Basma. This must be the lady Basma was talking about .

Kalthum gulped " No! you don't need to worry about me, I just brought his food for him. You guys are free to go to wherever you want to go to"

Hindatu raised a brow " His food?!why would you bring his food for him? " she was acting like his girlfriend and Faisal wasn't liking it one bit

" Hindatu stop it "

" I'm his maid " Kalthum told her, dejectedly.

A smile graced hindatu's lip " OK then" she looked at Faisal with a wide smile " Shall we, ya faisal?"

" I'll just take my leave sir " Kalthum didn't wait for his response as she ran out of the office feeling hurt. What did she expect, of course sir Faisal will never go out with someone like her.

She ran to the elevator

***

The tears began to flow the moment she stepped outside the company. She felt stupid right now, he didn't even know her feelings for him and here she is crying like a fool.

" Kalthum wait! "

Was she dreaming ?or is that really sir Faisal calling her name?

" Kalthum! "

She quickly wiped off her tears with the back of her hand then turned around to answer.

" Sir? "

" I didn't ask you to leave " he sound breathlessly as if he ran to catch up with her

" Sir, I really don't mind giving you two some privacy " she uttered

" Were you crying? " he furrowed his brows

How did he notice?

" No I wasn't "

He took another step towards her " yes you were. Your eyes are glassy and there are dried tears on your face

" I wasn't " she quietly said

He folded his arms " why were you crying? "

She stood from one foot to the other " why do you want to know? " she mumbles with a pout

He actually find her cute right now

" are you jealous little Kalthum? " he smirked

She huffs" Me? Jealous? Of course not " the blush on her face said other wise

" yes you are"

" I wasn't "

He tsked " you're being stubborn right now. Tell me the truth Kalthum, are you jealous of Hindatu? " this time he asked quietly

She didn't answer instead she pout

" Do you want me to go out with her? "

She didn't answer

" Do you like me Kalthum? "

This time around she gasped " of course not " she didn't meet his eyes

" look me in the eyes Kalthum and deny it "

Her eyes are set on the ground " I can't "

" why Kalthum? "

" This shouldn't be happening Sir , this is not right " she shook her head

"what is not right? Is it you liking me that is not right?" he wanted her to admit it

"please Sir, just let me go home "

" For a second Kalthum, will you please stop calling me sir!My name is Faisal not sir"

" you're my boss "

" why can't you just listen to simple instruction" he was already frustrated

Kalthum was now getting angry with this sudden behavior of his. It's so infuriating.

" I need to go"

" No you won't "

She glared at him " I'm going home and you can't stop me " she gritted out. This sudden liver she has really surprised her.

" Really? I can't? " he asked challengingly

" yes" she turned around to leave but the next thing she felt a grab on her hand

" when I give orders, you don't defy me "

She turned and twist her hand from his hold but he wouldn't budge " let me go"

" I won't "

" why are you so insufferable! " she snapped " one moment you're good and next you turn different! I'm sick and tired of your attitude!" Isn't it enough that it hurts having your girlfriend here"

He raised a brow as if saying really?

"I tried all my possible best to act nonchalant but it hurt alot. I'M JEALOUS! isn't that what you want to hear? Faisal, I'M FALLING FOR YOU_" It came out unexpected

His grip on her hand released at this sudden revelation

" You w-hat? " he was speechless. Yes, that was exactly what he wanted hearing

" i-i-i can't believe I said that " she covered her mouth in shock. She took a step back and ran to wherever  her legs could take her to.

Faisal didn't follow her this time, Instead he smiled cos they have all the time in the world to talk about it. She can't escape forever.

***