Samar's POV

As I type away, nearing the finish line of my presentation, Snow's loud meows interrupt my focus. I swiftly step away from my laptop and head to the living area to investigate. That's when I see Maryam perched on the kitchen counter, her body language screaming fear. Beside her, Snow paces the floor, shrieking in distress.

"What are you doing up there?" I ask, as I stride across the kitchen.

Maryam's eyes lock onto mine,"Can't you see? I'm saving my life."

"Saving from what?" I inquire.

Maryam's response is laced with sarcasm. "From this scary cat"

I laugh.

I approach Snow and gently pat her head. Her screams subside, replaced by contented purrs. I scratch behind her ears, and she nuzzles my hand.

"You're scared of cats," I state, amusement in my voice, as I walk towards the fridge.

" Obviously,what else can be the reason of me sitting on this kitchen counter."She replies." I know its weird."

"No its totally fine.People have phobia of cats.Its perfectly normal."I reply as I open the door of fridge.I pull out a chilled water bottle and twist off the cap with a fluid motion. I gulp down the water.

Maryam's gaze follows the movement, her eyes lingering on my face when my eyes meet hers she looks away.

I lean against the counter, my hands folded over my chest, " How did you acquire this phobia?" I ask.

Maryam doesnt say anything instead she is  examining me.

I raise an eyebrow, prompting her to respond. As I take another sip, my lips curve into a subtle smile.

Finally, she speaks up. "Why didn't you change?" she asks.

I am still in my wedding suit.I removed the coat and tie. My sleeves are rolled up, revealing my forearms. I set the bottle down, my movements deliberate, my eyes locked onto hers.

"I was busy, love," I reply, "Couldn't find the time to change."

I glance at the wall clock. "What are you doing here this early? You should be sleeping. I'm sure you must be tired."

Maryam shakes her head, her expression determined," I was studying. I lost a lot of time because of you and this marriage thing. I can't waste any more time."

Her words come across as a complaint, and I respond with silence.

"Why didn't you tell me you had a cat?" she asks, her brow furrowed," If I knew it before I would have not married you." She rolls her eyes.

I chuckle. "It's Anneanne's cat."

Maryam's expression changes to understanding. "Oh."

I smile. "Yes."

She requests, her legs locked into her hands on the kitchen counter, looking adorable like a child. "Can you take this cat away so I can study?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Anneanne is sleeping in her room. It's closed. Where else can I take her?"

"Now what?" She asks concerned.

"You can study in the room." I reply.

" You are right. You hold her into your arms, and I'll run to the bedroom."She says.

I lock eyes with her, a mischievous glint in my gaze. "What if Snow screams again and wakes up Anneanne this time?" I caution, trying to scare her. "Anneanne doesn't take kindly to people teasing her beloved cat."

"So what can we do now." She asks her eyes wide in worry." Help me."

"I can help you,Love but You would not like my way of helping."I say leaning in to the kichen counter,putting my hands on it.

"What "She says eyes in a little shock.

"Instead of holding Snow into my arms I can hold you and take you to our room."
I grin mischievously.I am taking advantage of the situation but its not my fault,I am helpless.

Her face shows clear shock.She looks anywhere but not in my eyes.

Maryam's expression hardens, her voice laced with anger. "I don't need your help."

I shrug, feigning indifference. "Okay," I say, walking away from her. "Spend the night on this amazing counter."

I take three deliberate steps towards my study room, leaving Maryam fuming.

Maryam's voice stops me.

"Okay"

I turn, my eyes meeting hers.

"Take me to the room," she concedes, her surrender tinged with frustration.

I flash a triumphant smile, striding back to her. "My pleasure," I say.

She hesitates to touch me,her hand hovering over my shoulder before retracting. She tries again and this time I hold her hand and guide it to the nape of my neck,pressing her palm against my skin.

In one swift motion I lift her off the counter,cradling her in my arms.

I take her to our room and gently,I lay her on the bed.she lies still,like a statue.I think she is regretting her choice of taking my help.

.........

I expertly crack eggs into the skillet, the sizzle and aroma filling the kitchen. Anneanne enters into the kitchen, watching me with a hint of amusement.

"You're quite the chef, Samar,Good." she says. "But Why don't you have a private chef?"

I smile, flipping the eggs. "I was alone, didn't see the need. But now..." My thoughts drift to Maryam, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest.

Anneanne nods, understanding," Yes.You should consider about having a chef.Maryam should feel comfortable."

I glance at her, my gaze softening. "Okay,then hire someone."

"I know just the person," Anneanne says, pushing off the counter. "Rihanna, she worked for your mother. Discreet, talented, and attentive."

My whisper,"Rihanna aunty?" I got back to my childhood when Rihanna aunty was our chef,She was also a good friend of Mamma.

Anneanne pulls out her phone. "Consider it done."

My phone buzzes, breaking the spell. I glance at the screen, a message from Maryam.

"Where is Snow? How am I supposed to come outside?" she asks.

I smile, typing back, "She's not here, love."

"Are you sure?" Maryam responds.

I chuckle, confirming, "Yes."

Just then, Anneanne interrupts, "Where's Maryam? Call her for breakfast."

I relay the message to Maryam, "Anneanne's asking for you. Come outside, Snow's not here."

Five minutes pass, and then I see Maryam walking towards the dining table. My breath catches.

She's wearing a stunning red dress, the dupatta draped elegantly over one shoulder. Her white earrings sparkle, accentuating her porcelain skin. The red hue still radiates the essence of a bride, and suddenly I feel air around me is getting thinner.

Maryam's eyes meet mine, and I'm lost in their depths. Anneanne clears her throat, breaking the spell.

"Good morning, Maryam," she says, her voice warm.

Maryam smiles, her cheeks flushing. "Good morning."

I tear my gaze away from Maryam,attempting to refocus on my task but I forgot what I was doing.My mind blanks.

I change into my office attire and head to my study room to gather my belongings.As I walk Maryam's voice interupts my thoughts.

"Where are you going?" she asks, concern etched on her face.

I turn, smiling. "Love, in case you still think I'm an unemployed stalker and lover, but I also work. I'm going to the office."

"You can't leave me with that cat alone."

I chuckle. "I told Anneanne; she'll take Snow away. Don't worry."

Maryam's face contorts in panic. "You told Anneanne? Why?"

I raise an eyebrow. "So what, love?"

Maryam's voice trembles. "You shouldn't have told her. What she'll think about me."

I sense a deeper issue. "Love, it's okay. Nobody will judge you."

Maryam shakes her head, "You can't understand."

I try to reassure her, but she turns and leaves.

I'm left wondering who made her feel ashamed of her cat phobia.

...........

I reached CAPITAL TECHS before Rayan He came 15 min late.We were waiting in the meeting room with our presentation.Dad came with 4 other senior workers .

Rayan started his presentation,He was looking disturbed he stopped for 2 times during his presentation .He is a wise man we dont need any proof looking at the fact that he cleared toughest exam of the world.I am afraid but I am also confident about myself I prepared myself to take over this company and I will.

I started my presentation I can see  members  alertness level I knew I have got this one.Three members favoured my presentation,and dad was not one of them for obvious reasons.Rayan left the room immedietly after that.

I was relieved to hear that.I was left alone in the room.I got so tired .I havent slept for two consequetive nights I sat on the sofa putting my head on sofa stand and in a minute I was dozed off.
I felt cold hand on my forehead,I woke up with a jolt.I found dad beside me on the couch.

"You have fever "He said.I know this person sitting next to me is my father,its normal for a father to show affection and care for his child But I feel guilt in me whenever he does that to me.Face of my mother come to my mind and fills me with anger,frustration,guilt and fear.

"I am ok "I stood up to my stuff and started gathering it.

"I am your dad.Why you always give me cold treatment.I care about you."

"Pls dont.I am a really bad person,Dont expect anything from me."

"I am calling the doctor."

"Dont.I said I am fine."

"Why are you doing this to you.You dont have to work hard.I did all this for you to have a comfortable life but you made it so difficult just for a girl."Ignoring him I started leaving the room.He grabed my arm and said

"I am asking something.Tell me for whom I have worked this hard."

"Hard work.You did hard work.What a bullshit.Did you established this on your own for me.I think you forgot that you use to work here as a low paid employ then you traped your boss's daughter into love and took over her company and left her suffering in pain after cheating on her."He had no expression as always.

"Will you ever stop blaming me for amira's death.It was a tragic death.She was overdozed on her sleeping pills."Listening to his stupid justification my head started hurting with anger.

"Why she took those pills at first place."He said nothing.I looked straight into his eyes.

"I know Why she did that cuz she was robbed by her own husband.Who did fraud with her and left her alone dying."I said and left the room.

I was walking through the hallway when I started listening my mama's voice.My head was hurting ,these voices in my head getting louder,heart rate increasing and I started shaking.

I went to washroom to calm my self down.I am having these panic attacks from my teenage years.Whenever I feel like I am a bad son ,whenever I have this convesation with dad and when I miss her so much I got panic attacks.

I was standing front of faucet.I removed my coat.My mothers thoughts filling my head,her laugh,her cries.I can feel everything .

A phone call was trying to drag me away from this I tried to look but the vision was blurry.It took me 15 mins to become normal.My phone rang once again,I find out it was from Maryam.I picked up
"Hello Maryam"

"So finally you picked up the phone.
Do you think only you are busy in this world.I have called you 3 times.Why are you not picking up my phone."

"Why would I ever dare to not pick up your call.I just realised my phone was silent."

"Anneanne asking if you are  joining us for lunch."

"yes.I am leaving.I will be home in 15 mins."She didnt even bothered to reply and cut the call as fast as she could.

Her disinterest in me making me hopeless but I cant be hopeless She doesnt know what she means to me.She is first and last girl I am interested in romantically.I know I have to work hard to win her heart.I believe she is kind and I am waiting for the day she will shower some kindness to me.She already did that on our first meeting I am grateful to God for that beautiful encounter.

I was wondering her impact on me,its crazy.Only listening to her voice sooth my heart.She is fixing the things she never broke.

I reached home.We were about to start eating I got a phn call from dad.Maryam's almond eyes looking me with a little anger because she already done waiting for me enough cuz I was late for lunch.I said sorry and told Anneanne and Maryam to start eating.I left the dining area to attend the call.

"Hey son,The company booked your flight to USA.Flight is early I think you should hurry."

"What are you talking about."

"I am talking about the deal that you have to finalise."

"I am aware  its not a thing to be done in a day.We can collab in a month or two."I argued

"The decision is from supreme authority.You cant deny them.you know who is supreme authority."He said laughing.

"your are doing this intentionally."

"Offcourse.I am the boss.I can do whatever I want."

"And your countdown starts now.Being your son Its my responsbility to give rest at this stage of your life.Dont worry dad I will take of everything." And that was a real warning.I will take his seat as soon as possible.He is doing this on purpose to get me away from Maryam and to cause trouble in mylife.

We were eating I told them about my trip to USA

"Dont be silly Samar.You should focus on your new life and go for honeymoon.What is this stupid bussiness trip,cancle it.I will not let you do this."Anneanne was angry.

"Its really imp for CAPITAL TECHS.I will be home in 2 days."

"You are not going.I will talk to Waqas."

"Anneanne please.Everything is already planned even He cant do anything"I was trying my best to convince her.I was curious about Maryam's reaction to this.I am sure she will be happy offcouse she wants distance from me.I was looking at her to see  her reaction but she was focused on her food unbothered by our conversation