Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Amina

Something flashed in his eyes before he masked it up with a smile. "Yes, that is my surname. I'm used to my Friends calling me Nabil that's why but why asking? Do you like the name?" he asked. I didn't stop the local unprofessional smile that resonates from my lips.

"No. I'm just confused but the name is nice though"

"See that is you admitting that you did like the name. Don't worry, you can call me Nabil but only when we are alone like this" My brows raise in question.

"And why is that?"

"Just "

"You know-"

I couldn't complete my word when he cut me off "The boss is here" I rolled my eyes at his remark. Ahmad walked up to us, one hand stuffed inside the pocket while the other was holding his briefcase.

"Good day sir," Sadiq said. At first, he ignored him but later on answered with a nod. I wonder what goes in his head. He pulled open the back door and got in while we enter the front and embark on our journey back home. As we were on our way with a pile of silence between us, Sadiq decided to start a conversation and that with me.

"Tell me Amina, why did you choose this job as a secretary?" I was a bit taken aback by his question because since my arrival, no one asked me why I choose to accept the job and I was glad they didn't. I don't think I'm comfortable enough to share it with Sadiq when we are not that close.

"Why are you asking?" I retorted back.

"Just curious" he uttered. The tone of his voice told me otherwise.

"Nothing to be precise. Just wanted to try new things. Does it answer your question?" he nodded his head.

"Yes it did but I have another ques-" I turned to him with a glare and he stares ahead.

"We are not in the newsroom. Keep the questions to yourself"

"You sound just like my sister" I didn't miss the smile that graced through his lips as he talks about his sister. She must be very dear to him.

"Talking of your sister. How is she?" I asked straight from my head. I could swear I saw his knuckles clenching but why?

"I guess she's fine," I said sensing the unpleasant tension that was about to rise in the car.

"Stop the car" Ahmad's voice altered to our ears. By Allah, I have forgotten about him just like yesterday. He sure knows how to stay mute. Sadiq pulled over by the roadside. And our attention was now on the boss waiting to hear what he has to say. Last time he warned us not to disturb him and now we repeated the same thing.

"Let me clarify some things to you. Whenever we are going back home, I want absolute silence. No music or radio. You two are here to work not to chit chat. If you have an interest in one another, look for somewhere private but not in front of me" he stated eyes darting to me and Sadiq. My mouth is tempting me to talk and if I don't, it won't leave my head.

"Sir, we understood what you mean but at least there should be either music or radio. That way the journey back home wouldn't be in silence as if we are some kind of strangers afraid to speak up"

"Then who are we? Don't think just because I have been going easy on you that will give you the privilege to behave freely with me. Do your work because that is what you have been paid for" His words strike to my heart to the extent that I was in a daze for a mili second with his words roaming around my head. I knew all his kindness are part of the act. From the very time he lied to his parent about how we met, I knew he's planning something and I will find out very soon. If he's not going to tell me why he lied to them, then I will uncover it out of him.

No words were spoken between us again up to our way back home. All the while his words keep echoing in my head. Do your work because that is what you have been paid for. It was my fault for getting comfortable with him even after commending myself that I won't get entangled in anyone's problem during my stay in the city. Immediately Sadiq parked the car inside the house, he got out and strode inside the house as if we are some sort of dirt. I stared at his disappearing figure through the window as I was still seated in the car. Sadiq let out a sigh.

"Don't take his words to your heart" he commenced.

"I know" I was trying to comprehend the whole thing and he's attempting to add fuel to the issue.

"But you seem bothered by his words. Care to share?" And that's it. I turned to him with irritation in my eyes. How dare him? Acting all kind.

"I have nothing to share with you. As he said, we should do our job because that is what we have been paid for" I exclaimed. When the realization hit me, I snapped my eyes shut. Shit. I let it out.

"See and you're saying you have nothing to share"

"Yes I don't"

"Yes you have"

"No"

"Yes," I was about to unlock the door when he pressed the lock button. The smile on his face didn't waver.

"Open it. If someone sees us, they might think we're doing something wrong and I don't want any more problem on top of the one I just experienced" I said my eyes fixated on the window.

"I will open it only if you tell me"

"Tell you what exactly Nabil. I told you I have nothing to share. What exactly do you want from me? Why are you interested in knowing about me?" I responded turning my face towards him with much annoyance.

"Why?" I asked again noticing no reaction from him. He watched me with an amused smile. Upon all the shouting, he still maintained a calm face. Who exactly is he?"

"I like it," he said.

My brows were raised in questions as I asked him. "You like what?" it can't be he'd let out the same thing as Ahmad

"How you call me Nabil instead of Sadiq." A hiss made it way out of my lips.

"Are you kidding me? I asked you why you are interested in knowing about me and you're bringing up another topic"

"Do you know why I'm interested in knowing about you?" he asked in all seriousness. I shake my head in No.

"Because you are different and that made me curious" My brows were still furrowed as I gape at him. I think both him and Ahmad are weird. They always utter some kind of weird thing out of their mouth.

"Unlock the door Sadiq" I was now back to my senses. Hajiya must be wondering why I've not yet entered the house.

"Did I hold you?" Came his reply. Just as I attempted to unlock the door, it opened. I find myself smiling and glaring at him.

"Next time you do that, you will have to bear the consequences that will follow" I steered getting out together with my things.

"I'm looking forward to the day. Miss Amina" I ignored his chatter and ambled to the door with a smile on my face. He acts all nosy but at least, he lightened up my mood.