Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Amina

I heaved out a sigh of relief as I slouched down on my seat. My beating heart didn't subside. It kept increasing with each passing second. I knew the meeting will the tough the moment I set my foot in the conference room but what I didn't expect is to find myself presenting. I felt like my heart is going to pop out of it's socket. The smirk on Mr.Ahmad face tells me he did it on purpose. To test me and see if I will be able to pull it for and I did.

“What a good presentation in there” Fareeda said standing in front of the photocopy machine. I only nodded in answer. My Nokia phone vibrate from the desk. Sadiq flashed across the screen. I haven't change his name yet. Just in case. I don't know why but I feel my heart escalate more as I placed the phone to my ear.

“Assalamu Alaikum” his voice revamped from the other end sending an unknown chills down my spine. Something I've never felt before.

“Wa alaikum salam” I ushered back leaning on the chair.

“I’m outside” came his voice again.

“Okay give me five minutes” without waiting for his answer, I ended the call. Grabbed only my purse and made my way down. I could swore I saw fareeda's gaze on me. I will deal with her later. I hummed a song on my way downstairs. For some reason, I was excited to see him. Maybe because we didn't talk much in the morning. Only exchange greeting.

I spotted him leaning on the car. His gaze on his phone. My foot came to abrupt stop. I found myself accessing him. Why haven't I noticed his handsomeness all this while. My heart is trying to lead me to somewhere I’m afraid to get in. As if he knew I was watching him, he avert his eyes from the phone stopping them on me. He flashed me a smile. One of his act I find attractive. I flashed back trekking towards him.

“Hey”

“Hey”

A moment of silence fell on us. “So are you still not going to tell me the reason why you have those bags under your eyes?” he asked. I didn't feel offended or annoyed. However, something tug at my heart. The little questions from him shows that he cares. And I won't deny the fact that I like his caring side.

“Abida made me stayed up all night helping her with a business plan for the new clothing line she wants to start" I didn't try to brush off the question. Had it been it was fareeda or someone, I know I won't answer straight forward but for some reason unknown to me, I found myself getting comfortable with him. I feel like I can trust him. I could be myself when I'm with him.

“Oh, I can imagine how you must've felt waking up to see yourself like this” he said with a chuckle. I don't expect him to laugh at my answer. In fact I thought he won't give it that much talk.

“You could say that. I can see you enjoy seeing me in this miserable condition. Everybody is just giving me weird look and you're laughing at me instead”

“Okay I'm sorry. I just find it funny” He flipped his palms over his mouth to steady his chuckle getting a glare from me in return.

“So tell me how was your day going?” His voice was now serious.

“As always, boring and tiring. I don't think I will be able to get used to it. Mr.Ahmad almost gave me a heart attack earlier with an unexpected presentation” The earlier event skim through my head.

“Is it about that project?” He inquired.

“Nope. We discussed about a new project yesterday. He gave me a file to read through. By the looks of it, it must be an old one. I almost-”

“Do you know what's written on the file. The title or any other relevant information” he said cutting me off. His voice sounding desperate.

“Nothing much. You know, I'm still not used to all those things. However, AY was written in front of the cover”

“I think that's it” he breath out slowly.

“What’s what?” I asked my brows knitting in question.

“Can you do me a favor?”

“About?”

“Can you bring me the file. I need to check something”

My gaze didn't waver from him. “Why?”

“I think it has to do with what I’m looking for. This is my chance”

“But-”

“Please. Remember what you said. You'll support me. This might be my chance to get some clue. Please” I didn't know if sneaking the file out will be the right thing for me to do. Yet, the pleading look in his eyes weakens me. I know it's something he's been desperately wanting to achieve. So why can't I help him in this.

I heaved out a sigh “Okay. But it won't take time because Mr.Ahmad might asked for it and he warned me that losing the file will get me into trouble”

“Insha Allah nothing will happen besides I'll only take a look” forming his lips in a thin line, he handed me the black nylon. I've forgotten about my sole reason for coming down.

“I’ll be back in five minutes” I wasted no time in taking off. I met Mr.Ahmad making his way out with his briefcase. Maybe going for site checking.

“Good day sir” I greeted ready to take off but he was quick to stop me with his words. “Good job with the presentation. We'll have one on one meeting when I'm back ” I almost rolled my eyes. Good job to you too for putting me in that dilemma. My inner mind said but I smile in face. “Thank you sir”

He was about to walk past then he stopped. “You can keep my lunch in my office. I will warm it up later”

“Okay sir. Have a safe trip” He only waved his hands before fleeing away.

I took his lunch to his office as per his request then made my way to the office with mine. Cindy was the only one in the office. Nonso and fareeda are nowhere to be seen. I didn't waste time to dwell on the. I walked up to my desk, arrange some few scattered papers. What I came to pick wasn't on the desk. At first I took it as maybe I put it inside the drawer. But after unlocking the drawer, I found nothing. My heart pick up it pace. It can't be...

“Excuse me Ma...” I turned to Cindy whose attention was focused on her computer screen.

”Yes”

“Perhaps have you seen any brown file?”

“You mean the file I saw you presenting with at the meeting?” I nodded in answer.

“No. I saw you holding it earlier maybe you kept it somewhere. Check well”

“I did but I can't find it now” I muttered to almost myself. My hands were beginning to shake as I flip through the desk once again. My heart repeating Mr.Ahmad’s words. It can't be what he said about getting myself in trouble is becoming true.