Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Amina

My eyes were glued to the computer screen as I work on some paperwork that Cindy assigned to me since she won't be available. Fareeda words about the big project few hours ago, skimmed through my head. As per her description, Alhaji Dikko is one of the richest politicians in the whole of Abuja. He owns a lot of properties. From restaurant, Mall, Supermarket, and other buildings. Now he wants to build a massive Mall which will surpass any other Mall in the city. Seeing as the project is very big means Ahmad will work hard than before. He would be more workaholic than before. The sound from the telephone snapped me out of the trance.

"The driver is here with the food. Go and receive it and also make me a coffee. A hot one" the way his voice sounded tells me, he is indeed tired. Not wasting any more time to dwell on his tired self or not, I grabbed my phone and heeded down to meet Mr. cold face as he gave me earlier in the morning.

He was leaning on the car, one hand stuffed inside his pocket while the other was holding the nylon bag. Forming my face in a straight line, I trekked towards him. He lifted his face from staring at the floor, setting them on me. For a moment, I saw something flashed in his eyes. Somewhat like emotion and the fact that my heart was curious to know the sudden change in him made it more difficult.

"Um... Mr. Ahmad told me to get the food. Why didn't you call me directly like you always do?" I find myself asking not taking my eyes off him. He snapped his eyes shut and opened them again, letting out an exhale.

"Because I think it will be better. To call the boss directly. After all, he's the one I'm working for." To say his words strike through my heart harshly would be out of the word. Ever since the message incident, he's been cold to me which I don't know why. Maybe the message has something to do with me. But at least, I needed to know.

"Here" he passed me the nylon bag. instead of me to take it, I folded my arms across the chest and readjust my standing position. His eyebrows slightly knitted confused about my actions.

"You're confused right?" I said. His eyebrows were still knitted as they were. I should confront him about it. He can dismiss me if he wants but I cannot ignore the fact that I wasn't happy with his cold shoulder towards me. I know we barely know each other. I just feel drawn to him in some way.

"Exactly what I'm feeling at the moment. I don't understand Sadiq. Ever since I saw that message, your expression changed. You were all lively every day but today you seem down and different in some kind of way. Is there something I can help with?" I waited for him to answer me or maybe show reaction but what he did next left me dumbfounded. Setting the Nylon bag on the floor, he got in the car. Before his actions could settle in my brain, he was out of sight. I let out an aggravated breath.

What just happened?

**

I shut the laptop in front of me after completing my required word for the day. An exhausted yawn escaped me followed by my outstretched arm. I glanced at the almost empty office. Cindy didn't get time to seat in the office due to the 'Big mall project' as they all labeled it as. Nonso was not around too. Today for the first time, I heard him talking and that for a long time. He did some presentations about some new ideas he implemented. My eyes were just drifting from one discussion to another because I don't know a thing about the construction work. I was about to notify Fareeda that I will call it a day when her outspoken yawn made it way to my ears.

"Woah, I can't feel my legs again. They're damn tired" she mumbled outstretching her arms the way I did few seconds ago.

"I know right" I answered back. "What are we going to do now? Wait for Cindy to come back or go on our way?" I added again. Since Cindy is our head, I think it will be more convenient to inform her, because I cannot spend another minute or hour in the office. Just as the thought graced through our heads, the door burst opened followed by Cindy herself. Behind her was Nonso, their faces both in a weary expression. They must be tired.

"Welcome Mam" Fareeda and I uttered in unison. She nodded her head in response too tired to answer us while Nonso with his gleam expression slouched himself down in his seat. I didn't miss the intake of breath that made itself out of his mouth.

"We still have some work left. I will spare you today. You can go home, rest, and brace yourself for tomorrow's work. Amina, Mr. Ahmad wants to see you before you leave" she said in one breath. I wonder about the type of work they did. As per my construction knowledge, I know that they're certain workers in each part. The one in charge of the design, the one in charge of the supervising, the one in charge of the works, and so on. I feel like Cindy and Nonso did both, looking at their worn faces.

"Okay Mam" gathering my things, I alighted towards the door. Same with Fareeda.

"Have a nice day" Cindy ushered.

We made our way to Mr. Ahmad's office. Fareeda decided to wait for me outside the office though I could see a ting of blush as she stares at the door or I will rather say the name inscribed on the office door in bold. Pushing the door open, the familiar chillness of his office raft through my body. By now I should've gotten used to it but I'm not used to receiving this cold, I think it will be a while before I get used to it.

"You call for me Sir," I began in my professional voice. He lifted his face from the pile of paperwork stationed in front of him. His exhausted face is far worse than that of Cindy and Nonso. It was as if he was the one who did the whole work.

"Take this files home. Sadiq is already outside. I still have a pile of work so I will be late" Taking the files from his outstretched hands, I nodded my head in answer. I grabbed the empty food flask before making my way outside. Before that, my eyes catch a glimpse of his fingers dabbing around his temples. That should be normal for him. He doesn't even get himself time to rest.

"Shall we?" Fareeda's voice revamped to my ears, snapping me out of the small thought.

"Sure. But after you're done staring at the door." All of a sudden her eyes widened as if she was being caught doing something bad. I shake my head in exhilaration.

Without wasting any more time, we descends down with few words exchanged between us. Fareeda was the one who did the talking. "Good Night Amina. Make sure you rest. As Ms. Cindy said, we have a lot to do tomorrow"

My attention was not solely focused on her seeing the usual spot Sadiq used to park his car was empty. "Amina" she called which brought my attention back to her. I let out a smile. "Sure you too. Have a nice day" We bade farewell and in a matter of seconds, she was nowhere to be found. My eyes roamed around the surrounding for Sadiq's car but found none. What is happening? I don't understand the guy. After the sudden action, he pulled some hours ago, now he was nowhere to be found. He knew the time we finished off at the office but today, he chose to be late. And Ahmad told me he's outside. With the thought on my mind, I trekked to a quiet corner where a few block seats were decorated for maybe guards or other people to rest on. I can't keep standing like a statue waiting for him when I don't even know when he'd be coming. And to make matters worst, my phone was off since I didn't get to charge it. Though if fully charged, it lasts me for 3 days, and now that I needed to use it, it decided to disappoint me.

Like play, I sat in that position for almost ten minutes. No sign of Sadiq and I don't have any money on me. Had I known that's what will happen, I would've borrowed some money from Fareeda. From now one, I won't be this reckless again. Just because I get everything. Food for lunch and a lift back home doesn't mean I won't use the money for other things. A hiss made it way out of my mouth when I spotted his car entering the driveway. I don't know why but I felt anger rising inside me. If he has a problem with his life, he shouldn't involve us in it. Everyone has his/her problem. Be it Minor or Major. Collecting my things from beside me where I kept it from the moment I sat there, I walked up to the car. Opening the back door, I gently set them before unlocking the front door and got in. I didn't glance in his direction instead, my face was turned towards the direction of the window. I have my own problems at hand than to listen to his changed behavior. The drive back home was in silence. All the while, I could feel his gaze on me but I brush it off. If he wants to play cold then I will play colder. All of a sudden, the car came to a halt. I slowly opened my eyes but the unfamiliar surrounding I saw made me snapped my eyes towards him. And that in anger.