Chapter 23: peek-a-boo 2

Jamal and his group were about to land, he was so happy he kept smiling like he had won the lottery. After the discussion that Jamal and Hafeez had, Hafeez couldn't help but feel pity towards Jamal because he knew there was no way Balira or their parents would acknowledge his feelings.

FLASHBACK to 2 days ago

"I'm sorry for trying to... Hinder you and Xhara's happiness. Hafeez was tongue-tied because he had never heard Jamal apologize to anyone "No hard feelings right brother " he put his hand on Hafeez's shoulder with intense strength it made Hafeez wince. "it's okay brother Xhara and I held no grudge. But if I may ask why Balira of all people" Hafeez soon regretted his question because Jamal's face at the moment was scary. "well my friend just like people question things and never get an answer....you will also not get an answer to this one, let's keep it at that" he smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

END OF FLASHBACK.

Jamal's smile at the moment was making Hafeez and Xhara cringe, but they dared not spoil his mood else there would be dire consequences. ...

Mr Malik used all the people he knew to find his son but to avail. All his endeavours failed.

"Find that idiot I call my son, I'm his father, he has to obey me for goodness sake". Mr Malik was fuming, after some hours of trying and trying they finally ..... "sir we have a location, he's in Japan, sir". Mr Malik's eyes beamed like bright stars. "so that's where you are aye, well dear son ready or not here I come, you can't escape now" his deep voice sounded so menacing it scared his right-hand man.

FAST FORWARD

They arrived at the airport, and the lady who was there to welcome the tourists caught Mr Malik's eye. He walked over...

"hello miss, she smiled "Hello sir welc..... He cut her off "I'm looking for this man, have you seen him?" he handed her a photo.

The lady was upset that he interrupted her but she put a smile on her face. She started at the picture before replying "Sorry sir, I see different people on a different day, from all around the world but..... She glanced at the picture again "Yes I saw him, he came quite late yesterday him and three people " she continued "I should not be telling you this because I could lose my job". Mr Malik smiled at her and slid some money near her to which she refused. Mr Malik gestured for her to come closer and she did. He whispered "listen, sweetheart, I'm being generous here, you can use the money to get breast implants, I know you need them". She was shocked, how did he know? He gave her the money and winked at her. "Thank you oh sorry, ~Arigato Gosaimasu~" he then left with his men.

While all this was happening. Asad and

Abdin were not done with their talk even after Asad had answered his questions yesterday, he still had more. It was too early and Asad had a headache. "so your old man forced you to marry that gorgeous woman? And you're not happy?" Again didn't understand why Asad used the word forced. Was he not happy his wife was picked without him going through the trouble of courtship? Asad pinched the skin between his brows.

" Not that I'm not happy with the decision made, she's splendid to be around and she smells nice too, but it's just ..... He trailed off.

Asad wasn't the type to force things on people, Balira was his wife but he was sure if she had an option she wouldn't marry him even if he was the last man on earth. He was a wreck and he knew.

SNAP SNAP

Abdin snapped his fingers to gain his attention. "Hey, but what? Aren't you charming enough to court her?" he wiggled his eyebrows and gave a cheeky smile to which Asad gave him a sharp look "Oh my if looks could kill" he added while moving away from Asad so that he wouldn't try to punch him.....

...

Hafeez, Jamal and Xhara were all settled in their hotel suite with two bedrooms meaning one person was gonna either sleep in the parlour or leave to find another place. Xhara who was so tired just retired to one of the rooms leaving Hafeez and Jamal. "so I'll just go to see if they have another room"Jamal stopped him "Don't worry I won't stay, I booked a room for myself. I don't want to be a third wheel so yeah uhhhhh bye" he turned towards the door and left.

Hafeez was left dumbstruck, was this Jamal? Well, maybe it was better like this from now on. Respecting himself and the fact that he was feeling jet lagged he also went to the other room and collapsed on the bed.

*BACK IN SAUDI* 7:00 pm

Hamida was at home all alone, since her brother and father had forgotten her. She sighed when she heard a knock on the door.

" Lucy someone is at the door" She heard the knock again and decided to open the door by herself. Maybe it's Dad she thought, she opened the door and was greeted by an unexpected face. "Yasmine, what a surprise. Please do come in" They were seated when Lucy brought refreshments. "How have you been Hamida? And studies" Hamida smiled "Well I'm alive haha" she laughed awkwardly.

"Where are your dad and your brother? This house feels so empty" She glanced at the place it looked like a ghost heaven. "Truthfully it is empty. I don't come here often, since my brother got married it has been chaos, My brother just left with his wife and... "Did you say wife?" Yasmine cut her off, "yes he got married, I don't know who she is but she's from an influential family. Yasmin, are you okay?" Yasmine at the moment looked pale.

"Yasmine hello?" she waved her hand to gain her attention. "Hamida I'm sorry but I have to cut my visit short, I have to go somewhere in so sorry bye" just like that she scurried out. Hamida was and bothered, she just shrugged her shoulders then went back to what she was doing...