CHAPTER 4: TENSION.

Zeeshan's day had started well, with little documents to review and successfully convincing a huge client to seek their company amongst others. However, as the afternoon approached, shit began to hit the fan. There was a sudden meeting organized for the board of members that took him off-guard.

There had never been a meeting without Zeeshan being informed beforehand. One because of his busy work schedule and two, because he never attended any meetings that weren't appointed days before. He was known for his strict principles regarding the same. Zeeshan then called his father to inquire about the meeting, to which his father confessed to having no idea whatsoever. He had, however, let him know that he, along with Zeeshan's grandfather and uncles, would be present before time so Zeeshan should not worry.

Once Zeeshan put down the phone, he stared at the blank wall in front of him and sighed. He quickly went over the past few days, making sure he hadn't missed anything that would infuriate the Board of Members. Realizing this was just another annoying meeting that had no importance and he had to sit through it, Zeeshan left his office and made his way to the conference room on the fifth floor. He stood outside the large mahogany door for a while, trying to gather his thoughts before he pushed the door open and made his way to the head of the table, at the position meant for the CEO.

"Good afternoon everyone." He greeted.

Zeeshan ran his gaze around the table, finding his grandfather occupying the chair for the Founder and Chairman, on his right. His father and elder-uncle and younger-uncle sat at Vice-chairman, Director, and Marketing Director respectively. Zeeshan looked around some more to find that there were more of the troublemaker board members. Those who did not like the fact that a young man like Zeeshan was leading the company.

"First of all, Mr. Zaweri, we would like to congratulate you for your success so far." One of the Board Members spoke up.

Zeeshan turned his glare towards the particular person. He had a feeling there was a 'but' coming. And he did not like the sound of it.

"But, because you are at the ripe age for marriage, we fear that you will lose focus while trying to make a future with your family. That is why we have come to a decision, we would like for you to sign a contract indicating that you will not marry for the next few years." The old man continued, despite the heated gaze the Chairman was giving him.

Just when the man was done with his little 'speech', a pair of honey-brown eyes crossed Zeeshan's mind. Why do you ask? He had no idea. Zeeshan had an urge to slam his fists on the table and roar at the board member. How dare that old man even dare suggest something so stupid? All that fuss for money. It wasn't like Zeeshan had planned his marriage, not yet at least. But he knew he had to someday.

"If Zeeshan is to sign such a ridiculous document, then every married person here will sign a contract saying that they are not to meet their families for as long as Zeeshan is a bachelor. Why should he be the only one to suffer while you make your lives brighter?" Zeeshan's grandfather spoke with authority. "I will not tolerate any of you making a puppet out of my grandson. He is smart and is bringing in money for each one of you, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have a chance to live."

The board member began to squirm under the scrutiny of the eldest Mr Zaweri. He stuttered and looked around, trying to make up a sentence. Something, anything. He gestured at his colleagues, trying to get at least one of them to assist him. But in vain. No one ever had the guts to speak up against the eldest Zaweri, for his stance and words held a power unattainable.

"Now that we have that settled, any other issue regarding the company?" Zeeshan's father inquired, his tone harsh.

Seeing many heads bowed in shame, Zeeshan's grandfather scoffed loudly and made his out of the conference room. Zeeshan's father and uncles left once the other board members dispersed.

The empty room began to gnaw at Zeeshan, his thoughts veering towards the negative. Was his marriage a real issue? Was his wife going to become a distraction? Would the company stand strong in his reign or would he lead it to ashes? If that was the case, what was to become of him? Is he to forever live alone, without a partner? Without companionship?

Rubbing his face, he got up to get advice from the One and Only. He made his way to his office, informed his secretary that he wanted no interruptions, and locked himself in the four walls. He took off his blazer, shoes, and socks and made his ablution. He then spread the prayer mat he acquired from one of his desk drawers and began his prayer.

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The rest of Zeeshan's day was distracted. His thoughts ran wild and he imagined the worst of scenarios. Once the clock hit 6 p.m, he packed up his briefcase and left for home. His foot stayed on the accelerator the whole time.

Walking into the house, Zeeshan grumpily passed his briefcase to the house help and made his way to his mother. He kissed her forehead, and repeated the same with his grandmother and aunts before making his way to his room. While leaving the living room, his eyes caught the little beauty seated on a one-seater couch, her eyes filled with worry. His heart clenched as he ignored her, but his brain was too occupied to dwell on her innocence.

Entering his fort, Zeeshan harshly pulled off his tie, throwing it across the room. Rage filled his senses as he clenched his collar on both sides and pulled his shirt open, his buttons splitting and spreading in the room. His chest heaved up and down as he took deep breaths to contain his rage. Anyone who would glance once at his red eyes and angry expression would take him for a monster. Momentary relief from the tearing of his shirt allowed him to enter the closet and change into his pyjamas. Once that was done, he locked the door of his room on the inside and lay on the bed.

His heart whispered to him as he closed his eyes, trying to coax him into a run to the doe-eyed beauty downstairs. Her arms would be a cocoon, shielding him from the rest of the world. But it wasn't right. She wasn't his, to begin with, and neither did he plan to change it all. Changing it would mean becoming hers, and as tempting as the idea was, Zeeshan would have to share his feelings and thoughts, which he wasn't ready for.

'One day. When you'll be ready. ' His heart cooed.

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Ayesha watched around the table. Ever since the men had come in, the house was in a certain tension. It started when Zeeshan entered. Instead of greeting the elder women like she heard he did, he just kissed their foreheads and made his way to his bedroom. That's when the conversation stopped. And it hadn't resumed ever since.

The other men followed in shortly after, each making a beeline to their own rooms with their wives right after them. Ayesha was left in the living room with a few other girls, who tried hard to deflect the topic. But Ayesha wasn't having it.

Now, at the dinner table, everyone sat in silence and waited for Zeeshan.

"Looks like Zeeshan isn't hungry. Let's begin. Bismillah." Zeeshan's father interrupted the silence.

Ayesha was curious. And when she was curious, she had to find out what happened. Even if it got her killed. But this time, she decided to let it go. She was just a guest, nothing more, nothing less. She had no right butting into their family matters. So, Ayesha stuffed her mouth with the delicacies her aunt had served her to keep her mouth from asking inappropriate questions. It wasn't like she was going to speak anytime soon anyway.

'I'll let it go. Just this time.' She told herself.

'Just this one time.'