The two men sat opposite each other. Haider felt awkward in presence of Hashim Jaffery. Not only because this man was a hugely successful businessman but also, they were related, now.

Haider shifted, moving the hem of his tie from the table, - 'Sir, will you—have coffee or—'

'I am here for my son, Mikael.' Hashim interrupted rather rudely. He sounded stern and in a no-nonsense mood. Haider gulped, - 'Okay.'

'My sources had been tracking my kids. And now I have decided that I want to meet my son.'

'And' -Haider cleared his throat, - 'your daughter.' He eyed Mr. Jaffery keenly. He stiffened but corrected his posture.

'She is in Mussoorie.' He commented. Haider suppressed his smile.

'Your sources are wrong here.' He revealed. Hashim straightened, his eyes widened a little. Haider noticed that the twins had inherited his olive-green eyes, but his complexion was less pale than his kids.

'Where is she?' Hashim enquired instantly. Haider didn't miss the urgency in his voice. This made him believe he did care of her. Why not? He was her father.

'She is here. In Noida.' – Haider paused, taking in the man's demeanor and expressions.

'Here!' Hashim's eyes bulged and mouth slightly dropped. His voice wavered.

'Yes, Mr. Jaffery. She is safe and well-doing.'

'Is she with Mikael?' Hashim was getting impatient.

Haider cleared his throat and shifted in the seat whilst snatching the side of his nose, - 'No. Sir. She is—with me.' He clarified, speaking clearly.

Hashim frowned, - 'With you? Why will my daughter be with you?'

Haider leaned back, keeping his arms resting on the armrest, - 'Sir, you are sitting before not only an entrepreneur, architect but also, your-- son-in-law.'

Hashim looked knocked out. He couldn't react to it and stayed perplexed. Finally, a minute later he changed his numb expressions, - 'What do you mean?'

'Simple. Mr. Jaffery. I and Amaal are married. Within a week our marriage certificate will arrive, you can see that for complete assurance.' Haider explained calmly.

Hashim gulped softly, - 'I can't believe this. Amaal—got married—to you?'

'Sir, I must say your daughter is very brilliant. She is kind, mature and a lovely person. I couldn't help but fall in love with her.'

Hashim's mouth kept hanging. He stared in utter shock and disbelief. There was silence in their cabin. Haider moved and picked up the landline, - 'Get one cup of Darjeeling Tea and a black tea in my cabin.' He requested.

Sometime later, a peon walked in with their orders and placed the cups next to them. Haider gestured him for the drink. Hashim looked at the steaming beverage and looked back at Haider.

'Amaal! And married to you.' – It was evident that he couldn't still believe it, - 'Anyway,' – He relaxed his shoulder, - 'good choice. For the first time in her life she made a sensible decision.' – He picked the cup and looked at Haider and since the first time they met, he smiled, - 'You are an excellent businessman. Heard a lot about you and your business. A gifted architect and a brilliant businessman. And of course, a mostly self-made man. Perfect qualities for a man a father would look for when selecting a life-partner for his daughter. Also, I am sure, you will be a suitable companion and lover for my daughter.'

Haider straightened feeling a sense of pride. Confidently, he picked up his cup and looked at Mr. Jaffery.

'I would want to meet her.' Hashim said with seriousness and Haider's smile, almost quickly, faded. He recollected about Amaal's dislike for her father.

'Um, I am not sure if she wants to meet you.'

Hashim's smile dropped and the glint in his eyes disappeared. He sighed, shaking his head, - 'She is still keeping grudge of what happened to Zaroon.' Thin lines appeared on his forehead and he sounded frustrated.

Haider felt his throat tightening, - 'You—got him—murdered. How can she—'

'Tell me one thing, Haider. What will you do if you face a situation like mine? I am her father,' – He pointed at his chest, - 'how can I knowingly let her jump into a deep, dark well? Zaroon was a gentleman, yes, but he wasn't meant for Amaal. She was used to luxuries and everything. He couldn't have given her that lifestyle.'

'Love is great and all but for survival, you need more than that. You need money. A man who couldn't afford his own higher education, could he have handled her expenses? And in the future, their kids? Their education—Nothing'

Haider nodded, - 'True, you need money for survival, Mr. Jaffery. But everyone has to start with zero. Look at me, I was once a zero too before building up an empire with my planning and hard work.'

Hashim pressed his lips, then took a sip of the hot tea, - 'Correct, but that man had no plan, whatsoever. He nor his family were gold-diggers. I know this because after his death, I offered money to his family and they bluntly refused. It is good but it's not practical. Zaroon could have given her love and all that mushy stuff but life is not a Bollywood movie. Real-life needs much more.'

Hashim huffed after ranting his heart out. Haider exhaled deeply and offered him some water, which he declined.

'Sir, but your son and daughter never desire money for luxury. And I know that by fact. Your daughter rejected donations in your name and your son, he lives a life like a middle-class person. And it has been a long time, yet they have no complaints.' Haider reasoned.

Hashim shook his head, - 'It's their ego—their stubbornness.' He shifted, gently sipped from the cup. Haider doesn't respond.

He wanted to add that money is indeed important for survival, but luxury is not. One can live without designer clothes, shoes, jewelry, and expensive trips to the parlor, but one can't live without food or proper clothing. And what use is a golden cage that has all money and luxury of life but no love and respect?

There was silence again, - 'Mr. Haider. I want to meet her. Can you—arrange our meeting.' Hashim requested. Haider hesitated, fidgeting with his pen. Hashim pushed aside his cup, - 'Please.' – He pressed on.

Haider took a moment and then nodded, - 'Okay, but for now please come with me,' – He rose from his seat, - 'I will make you meet Mikael.'

'No need, son.' – Hashim waved him to sit, - 'I would want to meet both my kids together. Arrange his presence too.' He suggested and Haider nodded again. Then, Hashim got up and took his leave. Haider stood and walked with him. He hurried and got the door for him. Hashim stopped and glanced at him.

'You are a gem of a boy. My daughter is in safe hands.' – He pridefully smiled and patted his arm. But Haider smiled at him with uncertainty. He also accompanied Mr. Jaffery to his car. Hashim bid a good-bye and happily hoped to meet his children for dinner.

After Haider came back to his cabin, he called for Mikael. He debated if he should tell the whole truth. Soon, Mikael walked inside the cabin and Haider felt nervous. He cleared his throat and kept sitting in his seat. Mikael sat opposite him.

'I was thinking—since, we are now relatives. I planned a dinner for you and—Miss. Alina at my place. If you don't mind and you are free you can—', - he licked his lips, - 'join me and Amaal for dinner?' He tried to be casual and calm. Mikael instantly agreed and looked eager for their meet. Haider smiled and extended his hand, - 'Great. See you by 9.' Mikael grinned and shook hands. 

Okay,

What are your thoughts on the Chapter, my lovelies? Did Haider do right by inviting Hashim? Should he tell the twins about it or keep them in a dark? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love*.