5 Chapter 4

With a deep blush, she lowered her eyes when she saw him stare right at her.

What the hell is this imbecile doing in my house? How dare he? Did he follow me back home?

She was seriously seething with rage at the complete stranger who was slowly beginning to mess with her mind. She was beginning to think that he was a stalker; but he certainly doesn’t look like one. Looks can be deceiving Ainnie.

“Walaikum Asalam,” her father greeted and shook hands with the young man. For some reason, Anissa didn’t approve of such a person who exhibited so much authority to be present in her humble home—it didn’t suit him at all. He looked like a man who belonged in riches and luxury.

“I’m sorry for the intrusion. I realize that it must be surprising for you to have a complete stranger come in your home and request an audience. But I would really like to talk about something important with regards to your daughter Anissa.” He stated his voice crisp and curt; his entire being radiating power. As soon as her name slipped past his lips, her eyes darted in his direction only to be caught up in his grey gaze for the smallest fraction of a second. It spoke volumes to her—claiming that he was here for her.

“Of course, how may we help you son?” her father started, causing their eye contact to break. He sat down and gestured the young man to sit down as well. Now that she looked at him, he seemed very young, almost in his late twenties, perhaps three or four year older then Anissa.

Anissa went away with her mother to fetch some refreshments and when she got back, she saw that her father and their guest were sitting quietly but as soon as they saw the women approach them, they straightened in their seats.

She saw her mother pass her a confused look as she went up to her and sat down and placed the refreshments on the coffee table in front of her. She lightly shook her head and gave her mother a slight shrug as they faced the stranger.

Shehryaar was staring directly at the old couple who were visibly squirming under his powerful gaze.

“What business do you have with our daughter?” Mr. Musa Ghalib started as he looked at the young man with confusion.

“I’ll get straight to the point. My name is Shehryaar Ghulari. I’m the owner and CEO of Indus Enterprises.” He claimed. That took Mr. Musa by surprise as he realized the enormity of the situation that they were. He couldn’t fathom why such a famous and powerful man was doing in his humble abode. What business could he possibly have with his daughter? He was well aware that Indus Enterprises was a muti-billion dollar firm dealing in agricultural development and owned thousands of companies across the country as well as the globe. It was a major firm that dealt in hotel chains, resorts, chemical factories as well as construction companies. Mr. Musa had recently finished a project that was assigned to him by his firm from Indus Enterprise who was his firm’s legal clients for many years now.

He could’ve never imagined that the CEO of their most gracious client would be so young. “How may I help you, Mr. Ghulari?” he asked, his tone laced with utter respect. Anissa did not appreciate the way her father was showing respect to an individual who was decades younger than him—if anything, this arrogant man needed to show her father respect which he wasn’t and instead was eyeing him and her mother without regard.

Does Abu know who this man is? So what if he’s a big hot shot or the CEO of a company? Doesn’t mean that he can act like he owns this place!

She eyed Shehryaar disapprovingly and narrowed her eyes at him when her mother got up and gave him a cup of hot steaming tea. He let out a small smile to the old lady however; He saw her from the corner of his eye and smirked.

What?!

Not thinking much, she decided to focus on her tea instead. What the hell does this man want anyway? What’s he doing here to begin with?

As if sensing her silent questions, Shehryaar took a sip of his tea and placed the cup and saucer back at the coffee table.

“Actually sir, I wanted to ask something from you.” He started and looked at Mr. Musa straight in the eye. “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Anissa choked on the tea that she was drinking and quickly put it away and began coughing. “Are you alright Ainnie?” her father enquired as soon as he recovered from the words that his guest spoke.

“Y-yes,” she wheezed and quickly excused herself from the living room. Retiring to the kitchen, she chugged down a glass of water to relieve her burning throat.

That, that ill-mannered man! How dare he show up at my house and say something like that? How dare he? What would Ammi and Abu think for me? That I was doing these kinds of things at my work place? Damn him!

She tried to calm down but couldn’t. She never thought that a man could be as infuriating as Shehryaar Ghulari who had the audacity to come at her house and demand for her hand in marriage. She had tried so hard to keep herself dignified—no boyfriends throughout high school and college solely for the purpose that she thought that she would be cheating on her future husband. Because her parents had raised her to be self sufficient and noble, she always felt that she shouldered the heavy responsibility of carrying the family honor and to never tarnish the dignity and respect that her family held in society. No one had veer raised a finger on her or her character. Sure she was known as a prodigal beauty in the city, but everyone knew that she was a regal and decorous woman. And that’s why her parents were so proud of her.

However, after the incident from two years ago, she had given up all notions of marriage and love. All that she had now was to guard the little shred of dignity and pride that her and her family held.

He doesn’t even know me! Oh god, don’t tell me he took a liking to me when he saw me yesterday. My beauty really is a curse. But why me? Is it solely because of my beauty that it was able to attract a handsome and power man to my home?

She just couldn’t put her head on it but she refused to marry him. And it wasn’t because she didn’t like him for his aloof and dominant character, but because he seemed like an Elite class man with an aristocratic upbringing—the worlds that they came from were too far apart. Not only was she aware of this but she was positive that her parents were aware of this as well. What’s more, her instincts told her that he was dangerous and she needed to stay away from him.

I hope that Abu rejects his proposal.

She silently went back but didn’t enter the living room. Leaning against the wall, she heard Shehryaar explain himself. “I’m well established and I graduated from Yale University. My family is known throughout the country. I can assure you, that Anissa will have a good life with me.” He stated, his voice firm and authoritative. There was silence in the room for a few poignant seconds until her father spoke.

“We understand but that isn’t what can ease our worry. If you are truly sincere in your proposal then you should’ve brought your parents along with you. I’m afraid that we can’t consider your proposal properly until we meet with your parents.” He said in a soft yet rigid tone. She knew that when her father said that, he was final in his decision. Relief washed over Anissa as she sensed her father’s disapproval. He knew that the right way to accept a marriage proposal is between the parents of the youngsters—it’s the right thing to do. And Shehryaar was disrespecting her parents by not bringing his parents along woth him. And so, his chances of getting the marriage proposal accepted were reduced to a bare minimum. Because it’s considered that if a youngster brings a marriage proposal by himself without involving his family, then it isn’t a serious marriage proposal.

“My parents are very busy people and they are mostly abroad. I wanted to clear this matter myself.” Shehryaar spoke and his voice sounded strained like he was trying to control something—anger perhaps.

“I’m sorry son, but unless your parents come along with your proposal, we cannot accept it. I’m sorry.” Her father claimed. Anissa was relieved beyond reprieve. Thank you so much Abu, you just saved me.

She felt heavy footsteps and immediately straightened and decided to enter the living room from the foyer when she was stopped by walking into a wall so hard that when she bumped against it, she almost feel if not for the strong arms that immediately caught her arms and steadied her on her feet. Her heart was hammering against her rib cage as she felt elevtricty coarse through her from the place where he was touching her. His hands fell to his side and for an instant; she missed his touch but immediately cleared her mind and clenched her hands into fists.

Glancing up, she was met with a passive expression etched on Shehryaar’s face, his jaw was set so hard that she feared that the muscles might tick yet his eyes spoke volumes to her—the grey in them were darkened and gazed at her with a certain fury, anger, humiliation, rejection and a promise?

Her cheeks flared up.

Her brows furrowed slightly and before she could decipher the meaning behind his look, he immediately leaned down at the level of her ear, his warm breath fanned against her cheek as he whispered softly with an urgency. “I’ll be back for you. Be prepared.” His tone held an edge of finality.

It sent shivers up her spine and her eyes widened with fear as the meaning behind his words sank in and before she could say anything, he walked passed her and towards the door and exited her house.

She put a hand over her heart and tried to calm down. “Anissa!” Mr. Musa’s voice boomed from the living room and she flinched and rushed inside.

She saw her father was pacing around the living room and looked at her with anger. She had never seen her father this angry before and it scared her.

“Do you have anything to say to this?” he asked, his voice an octave higher. She winced and her heart sank as she noted the accusation in his tone.

“I-I don’t know Abu. Th-that man came to the hospital for a check yesterday and Dr. Farooq had sent him to me. I gave his injury first aid. Th-that’s all.” She stammered, tears brimming in her eyes. This is exactly what she feared. All that they ever asked of her was to never tarnish their reputation and honor but apparently Shehryaar Ghulari ruined it for her.

Mr. Musa stared at his daughter for a good few minutes until he sighed and walked to her sobbing form and passed his hand lovingly on top of her head—who could blame her; she was a lovely girl and had the attention of most of the boys from their neighborhood. He understood that Anissa was a focused young lady and always was ambitious—he didn’t hold her accountable for the events of today; he understood that the young man had fancied her when she had treated him in the hospital. He couldn’t blame the young man either; his daughter was a beauty to behold.

Anissa was so relieved when she saw that her father had relaxed and an understanding expression graced his features.

“Now, please help out your mother with lunch.” He said and gave her a gentle smile. She beamed and gave him a half hug and ran towards her room to get changed into something more comfortable. The rest of the day was spent in harmony as she continued to speand it with her small family.

She was content but Shehryaar’s words kept echoing in her head—‘I’ll be back for you. Be prepared’.

What did he mean by that? Wasn’t my father’s rejection enough to ensure him never coming back?

But she didn’t think much about it. She knew he couldn’t do anything. As long as she’s in the safety of her home, she had nothing to worry about.

After her evening prayers, she went to bed early since she would be having yet another hectic day at the hospital.

She woke up at the time of morning prayers and quickly got ready for work. Her parents were still sleeping so she quietly went to the kitchen and had tea and corn flake for breakfast. It was at 7am sharp that she left her house and walked to the end of the quiet street in search for a rickshaw.

However, as soon as she stepped out of the street, she felt like she was being watched. She looked around and saw no one but the feeling was still there. The hair at the back of her neck were standing with anticipation and her heart was hammering—stealthily, her hand went to her hand bag where she kept a small pistol. She gripped the handle and turned around, almost pulling out the small pistol from her bag. she sighed with relief when she saw no one.

However it was short lived she felt a strong arm wrap itself on her waist and a hand clamped around her mouth to muffle her screams. Her body, on instinct, began to fight and thrash against the hold of the vice-like grip of the person who was trying to kidnap her. Her heart was beating fast.

I need to get away.

She tried to take out of her hand that was gripping the pistol but when she detected the familiar smell of choloform from the hand that was clamped around her mouth and nose—her limbs began to fall limply to her side, her senses dampened and she felt her lids become heavy.

“At last, I have you, meri tara.” Claimed a familiar sultry smooth voice in her ear and the she blacked out after that.

**********