Chapter 22: Chapter 22

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After taking Hindatu home, Faisal drove home too. He couldn't stop thinking about Hindatu's sudden cold shoulders.

When kalthum ran away he went back to the office where a vexing Hindatu was waiting for him. She looked deep in thought that she didn't even felt his presence.

He cleared his throat trying to gain her attention " are you alright? "

She gave a small smile then nodded " yes I am. "

He shrugged " OK. Are you heading home now? Cos I'm about to close"

She fiddles with her nails " Does that mean you won't allow me to take you out today? "

" I'm sorry Hindatu. Right now I have alot on my mind "

She nodded " I understand " forcing a smile " I'll just leave "

" No! I can drop you home. I don't mind " he told her

She stared at him longer than expected " are you sure? Hope it won't be a problem "

" Not at all" he shook his head and went to retrieve his car keys which was on his desk . Faisal then looked at Hindatu, he noticed that her high spirited self was gone, she was acting calmer and some how feeling sad.

" are you sure you're OK Hindatu? Did I do something wrong " he couldn't help but asked

She shook her head sadly " of course not, you did nothing wrong. Just don't mind me "

" are you sure? "

" yeah " she nodded then stood up " it best we leave already "

In the Car

Faisal drove smoothly wouldn't want to scare her with his normal speed since she was acting different all of a sudden. Since the car was too quiet for his liking, he turned on the radio,lowering the volume.

" is she the one? " Hindatu asked all of a sudden

He looked at her confused " who? "

" Kalthum your maid " she replied still looking outside the window.

" I don't get what you're trying to say Hindatu "

She huffs " don't pretend you don't understand, ya Faisal. I know you like her. I saw the way you looked at her and what's more shocking of all was when you ran after her. She isn't just a mind to you ya Faisal " she almost snapped

" if you can just calm down and explain what you're trying to say maybe I'd understand. I don't get why you're even angry. What if I like her, what is it to you ?"

She felt a threatening tears on her cheeks " Don't you get it ya Faisal?"

" I don't understand why my love life is any of your concern "

" I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. I ju_st I jus_t tend to act stupid sometimes. Forget we ever had this conversation " she said as she wiped her tears

He pulled up on their street . Parking the car by the gate.

" Yes"

She looked at his quizzically " sorry? What do you mean by yes"

He rubbed his face then exhales " I like her. You asked me a question earlier so there you have the answer"

Her heart shattered into tiny pieces " oh Ohk. That's good for you then " she opened the door then left without sparing him a glance .

Faisal sat totally confused with her attitude. He didn't get why she sounded so unhappy. Here he thought she would be happy for him. He shook his head, didn't want to think too much about it. She would sure come around.

End of flash back.

He shook his head , shaking the possibility of Hindatu liking him . It can be possible, he thought. If she liked him she wouldn't have fled on the day of their wedding.

Yes, you heard right. Hindatu and Faisal were once upon a time an item. They were even about to get married which never happened . It was a joined marriage by both their parents since they kind of relate to some extent. As at the time, Hindatu has a lover who she loves dearly. This lover of hers was whom she fled with and both ended up marrying each other secretly .

This was what caused the rift between Faisal's parents and Hindatu's mother. She lost her father ten years ago. The said Lover died just last year and that was how she became a single mother. Hindatu came back and starts leaving with her mother. Faisal still helped her during those thick time upon what she did to him. He understood that she was blinded by love.

Her husband died from cancer and wasn't able to see his son before his death. As at that time, sameer hasn't been born. He was still in his mother's womb.

Faisal drove into their mansion and parked his car in the parking lot. He wind up the glasses and go out of the car.

Faisal turned to glance over at the maids lodge hoping to see Kalthum. They have alot to talk about. He smiled and shook his head before heading to the main house.

If Umm rasheed was to see him, she sure must ask questions about why he was home on time and let's not forget about the argument he heard with his mother this morning. He needs to apologize first. Which is what he is about to do.

He met some maids on his way to his parents section. They greeted him politely to which he nodded.

Faisal finally reached his destination. He knocked slightly on the door " Mom"

The door was opened in an instant as if she was expecting him.

" Son" Hajiya Basira said in surprise then a smile broke her face " you're home on time? "

She opened the door wider for him to enter. He closed the door behind him

He nodded " yeah. I finished my work on time "

Faisal sat in the big couch. He exhaled loudly

Hajiya Basira sat beside him.

" I'm sorry about earlier " Faisal began " I shouldn't have talked to you in that manner"

She chuckles " I won't lie, I was angry at you but now everything is ok. "

He nodded then stood up. He has nothing to do here again since he's done What brought him.

" wait son! "

" Na'am" he turned to looked at her

" What I said earlier about marriage, I just want to know if you're still hurting about what happened between you and hindatu" she asked calmly

He smiled " No. I was never hurting. Hindatu is and will only be my friend "

She nodded happily " OK then " she never likes Hindatu. Hearing her son refer Hindatu as just a friend made her more happy.

" That reminds me mom. Why did you slapped the maid ?"

Hajiya furrowed her brows " Which one of them? "

Faisal stood speechless" are you trying to tell me that you've slapped more than one maids for the past three days?! Why would you do that mom! "

" Faisal, those girls needs to be thought a lesson when they do something wrong!" she defended herself

" you're unbelievable mom. Infact I don't even want to know how many of them you've abused but please stay away from Kalthum. That girl hasn't been here for long and she is still learning " he told his mom " please don't ever try raising your hands on her again if no_

" if not what !" Hajiya Basira challenged " who the hell is the Kalthum self, which one of them is Kalthum? And why is it you business whether she doesn't know how it works here. Is there something I should know between the two of you ?!" she looked at him expecting the worst " please don't tell me you like a maid "

He groaned " look mom, I didn't come here for this drama but please avoid Kalthum and I don't care what you think of her " with that he left leaving his mother with mouth agaped

Faisal released a breath as he was outside. He couldn't believe he said that, now his mom must sure suspect something. He shrugged then went to his room to freshen up.

***

Kalthum was forced to work in the kitchen. Umm rasheed noticed her strange behavior and didn't want to let her out of her sight. Umm rasheed suspected that something must have happened over at the office but still didn't ask.

Umm rasheed glanced at her from where she was cutting the vegetables

" Kalthum, I hope you brought the basket because I haven't seen it around here"

Kalthum mentally groaned. She forgot it at the office.

" Sir Faisal told me to leave it since he wasn't done with the food " that was the best lie she could come up with

" oh okay"

" So how did you find the office. Was it as big and beautiful as you were told? " Umm rasheed prod wanting her to talk.

Kalthum shrugged " I didn't even look around but the exterior is OK, it's nice " she then continue to washed the rice

" oh ok"

" Nanny! I finally found you " Faisal happy voice entered the kitchen. He was greeted by other maid's but didn't notice Kalthum who stilled by the sink

" Son! You're back. How comes you're home this early? " Umm Rasheed smiled

Faisal have already freshen up

" I was able to round up my work on time " he shrugged

Kalthum almost snort. Work indeed.

" OK. I was even asking Kalthum about how she finds the company and she told me she didn't looked around. Why didn't you force her to take a tour "

Faisal became mute then turned around to see where she was. There she was standing by the sink with her back at him.

" she'll tour around next time " he said not taking his eyes off her from where she was standing

As if there will be a next time, Kalthum snorted mentally

" Alright then " said umm rasheed

" uhm Kalthum? "

She freeze at first when he called her name. Kalthum turned around to face him " Sir? "

" Meet me in the study. I want to have a word with you" he commanded

She nodded " OK sir "

" Nanny, I'll see you later " Faisal smiled and left

" is everything alright Kalthum? " asked umm Rasheed

" yes, everything is fine "

"if you say so. I was just wondering why he needs to talk to you sounding like that "

Kalthum smiled " let me go and hear why he needs me, then I'll know what I did wrong "

Umm rasheed chuckled " alright dear, go"

***

Faisal became nervous . He has never been nervous like this before. How is he going to start a conversation? Should he just go straight to the point? He kept on thinking about how to make a conversation with Kalthum. Earlier, he sounded ready to talk but now he didn't know where this nervousness came from.

He heard a faint knock. Faisal already knew it was her " Come in"

She pushed the door inside then went in

" Sir you asked for me " she said with her eyes glued to the floor.

He pointed at the chair for her to sit "sit" Kalthum went to sat on it.

" you still haven't learnt your lesson " he smirked

" huh?"

" What did I told you about calling me Sir Faisal?"

" I'm sorry Sir" she bowed her head

He huffs " Really? Are we doing this like this? Pretending as if nothing happened? "

" Si_r it was a mistake "

" please stop the drama Kalthum. Let's talk or maybe I should rephrase it better for you, 'let's talk about your feelings for me '"

She gasped softly at how blunt he was . A blush crept up her cheeks " I don't know What you're talking about "

He chuckled " of course you do"

She fiddles with her nails " I still don't know what you're talking about"

Faisal got up from the stool he sat on " Really?! You and I are the only one here Kalthum, you don't need to hold back. Don't be shy just tell me whatever it is you want to say "

The way her heart raced scares her to death. She stood up too " I can't do this. I can't " she wanted leaving

" No you won't leave " he blocked her way " sit down Kalthum "

" please let me go " she was glad she didn't stutter

" Not until we talk about yours and my feelings for you" he blurted

" What???!" she was caught by surprise " y_our feelings for me ?"

He doesn't need to deny it anymore . He held her eyes with his eyes " I'm also falling for you Kalthum. There you have it "

She gasped loudly in shock " you can't be serious!! "

" Yes I'm damn serious. I have feelings for you and I can't avoid it anymore Kalthum. You don't know how you made me feel when you said those words to me at the office. I'm glad you feel the same as I do for you .

She sat down still in shock " This can't be happening Sir. We are two people from different world "

" So what? I want to explore your world with you! "

She looked at him like he got two heads. Is this the same Sir Faisal she knows?

" Sir please stop saying things like this "

" why? Does it bothers you? Does it makes your heart flutters? Do you get tingles when I say I love you"

He loves me? Se couldn't help but scream in her head

He was right, her heart does flutters

" I don't know what you're talking about sir " she blushed

" Well then, the blush on your face proves me right. Your heart sure flutters " he smirked at her discomfort

" Sir please"

" I've told you to stop calling me Sir. I'll prefer words like sweetheart, sugar, honey and the likes of them " he winked

This time around she covers her face shyly " stop"

He chuckled " that's more like it"

She playfully glared at him " you're annoying and insufferable sometimes "

" I've heard more than that. Especially when you kept ranting those kind of words about me to your friends. I'll take any insult from you " he winked

Kalthum giggles " I'm sorry. You just tend to annoy me at times "

" Non taken. So, where do we stand " faisal asked as he sat down becoming serious.

Kalthum sighed then fiddles with her fingers " what about your fiancee ?"

He furrowed his brows confused " My fiancee? Who is that? "

She pouted" The lady at your office "

Faisal burst out laughing. That was the first time Kalthum saw him laughing.

" You mean Hindatu? She is just a friend nothing more "

" But she acted as if she was your girlfriend " she scoffed

" Now I get where all the jealousy came from. I promise, there is nothing between Hindatu and i" he assured her

" ok"

" Now can you smile for me? " he made a puppy dog face

She giggles loudly " you're something else Faisal"

" Finally, the Sir is out of the picture " he smiled " what are we now ? "he asked seriously

" I don't know" she shrugged " you, tell me "

" I guess I can call you my girlfriend then" he teased

" if you want to" she was holding herself back from squealing

" Then it's settled then " he got up once again and sat beside her on the chair. Faisal held her hand " you need to stop fiddling with your fingers if you don't want them to get sour "

She smiled shyly

" Now that we're an item, I think it's time you stop working as a maid. I'll give you whatever amount of money you need to complete your studies "

" NO! "

Faisal raised a brow " why? Don't you want to continue your studies? "

She shook her head " No it's not like that. I'll prefer to finish my work here. "

" But you're my girlfriend now and I can't just allow you to continue working as a maid "

" are you embarrassed of what I do for a living ? " she asked quietly

" of course not. I can never be embarrassed of you. I just can't sit and watch my woman suffering when I have the ability to help her out "

She smiled " I appreciate your kindness but please let me do this on my own"

" Fine. But you'll only work for me and I mean it " he said sternly

" What??! It wouldn't be fair on Basma, she would suspect that something is wrong if you take her back to her former post " Kalthum said

" Then she has to deal with it "

" No please don't. I don't want people to suspect anything " she pleaded

" are you ashamed to be seen with me " Faisal asked almost confused

" of course not. It's ju-st I don't want my fellow maids to think I am sleeping with you. They wouldn't want to know the real truth and I just can't bear it if I'm judged wrongly again " she said " so please let's just keep it a secret for just some time, please "

Faisal didn't want to agree but has no option but to agree with her. He tried locking his mind and head from all he had heard about her most especially the hotel incident few months ago. He now believed that she was innocent or so he hoped.

" OK. We'll do it your way" he finally said

" thank you " she smiled