Hatred, it was all she could set her mind to. Her body lost its strength long ago. Her mind shattered and the rest of her followed suit. Without the hatred she feels like she'd die. There wasn't any part of her that feels anything when he was around. She despised him to the extent where his existence was making her heart ache.

Bushra could say she doesn't hate anyone, she never has. Until Sadiq came into her life - made her heart dark and cold whenever she saw him. Just looking at him breathe, living peacefully like he was innocent makes her heart to throb with pain. It tortured her to look at him and do nothing about it. She hated him from the depth of her heart, and she'd rather live the rest of her life single than to be with him.

"Adda Bushra!" Yasmin exclaimed for the innumerable time. Bushra snapped her head up and turned around in defense. Yasmin took a few steps back. "If something is bothering you, you can tell me please. You've been acting strange since the day we came home." Yasmin stated worriedly. Bushra exhaled sharply and shook her head. "No, no -- its just work. Wha- what's up? Where's Adila?" She changed the topic.

"She's with Aunty. Are you still going out?" She took a quick glimpse at Bushra's outfit. It looked like she was set to head out. "Oh yes, I'm going to visit Madina and... and go on some errands for Aunty. Do you need anything?" She walked over to her shoe rack and picked a matching shoe and fetched her bag from the hanger.

Yasmin folded her arms on her chest as she closely observed Bushra's behaviour. To her it didn't seem right. "Yes, I just need some few things when you're out. I'll text it to you." Her voice clearly didn't match her facial expression. She spoke in a calm and slightly jovial way but she looked at her sister quizzically. She was mentally bright and knows how to handle bad situations in the best way.

"Okay, do so because I'm not staying long." Bushra said and headed towards the door. "Hamma Sadiq asked about you this morning. He said he haven't seen in few days and it's weird because we live in the same roof, right?" Yasmin spoke inquisitively.

Bushra turned and peered at her sister. "So?" She asked keenly. Yasmin shrugged. "I just know whatever is bothering you, it has to do with him because you're clearly avoiding him." She was also clever with words. "We'll talk about it when you're back," Yasmin mouthed and patted Bushra's shoulder before heading out of the room.

Bushra stared at the door blindly. Was she trying to manipulate her into speaking or did Sadiq fumbled one of his lies and fed it to her? Because he was fond of doing that just to get at her.

Last time he told her father that she was inviting her male colleagues into her office to flirt with them -- just to cause her her job. It did turn out to be a huge disaster between her and baba but she resolved it, and she hated him more for that.

She was now in a situation where it was hard to open up to her parents about being sad for no reason. It was hard to explain to her sister and parents that she has this heavy feeling in her chest for the things Sadiq was putting her through. It was difficult for her to understand why she was having panic attacks while just driving home from work. It was difficult to understand her own self and how scary it was to feel like the whole world was falling on her shoulders and she has no idea why. Is her own father supposed to make her feel that way? Or was it because Sadiq was after her peace?

Bushra arrived shortly at Madina's house. She parked her car at the parking lot and sauntered in. "Mommy," she exclaimed and engulfed Madina's mother in a gentle embrace. "How are you feeling? Is Madina taking good care of you?" She asked mommy the questions. Mommy chuckled softly. "I'm feeling better, Bushra. Yes, she's trying her best."

"I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?" Madina said, walking into the living room. Bushra glared at her. "You interrupted us," she told her and averted her attention from her to mommy. "I apologize." She quietly sauntered out of the living room and left the two of them to talk.

They chatted for few minutes before Bushra joined Madina in her room. "Now I have your time," she claimed, joining her on the bed. "I knew you guys weren't going to last an hour." Madina said jokingly.

"Now -- jokes aside, Bushra. You promised to tell me everything today and you have to, there will be no escapes or excuses today," Madina spoke in a serious tone and Bushra knew it way either she formed a lie or tell her the truth.

She was hesitant at first. It was hard to talk about it. She couldn't even make up the words to use to tell Madina what happened and what was occurring at the moment. It's been almost two weeks since the incident but Bushra could still feel his hand around her neck, his threatening words, his death glares. Horrifying to think of it. "It's Sadiq... I don't know what exactly he wants from me. I don't know whether he wants to marry me or torment my life?" Her eyes welled up with tears same time her throat blocked with a lump -- she tried to swallow it, but it never went away. It hurts. "He threatened and harassed me, Madina. I... I don't... know why he'd do such." She burst into tears like a water dam bursting out of the river.

"SubahanAllah... Bushra what did he do? What happened? What exactly did he say to you?" Madina bombarded her with questions. It hurts her to see Bushra in a rough patch. "I don't know. I just had a little misunderstanding with his mother and I may have once slapped him..."

"You slapped him? Why?" Madina cut in. She had to hear Bushra's reasons first before jumping into conclusion or giving her an advice.

"He tried to touch me and I warned him, and he didn't listen... so I... I slapped him out of anger. Now he's doing everything in his power to torment me. And now Baba might cancel the six months he gave me and possibly ask me to resign from work..."

Madina engulfed her in a tight hug because she knew she needed it. Bushra let her words to hang. She hugged her back and sobbed into her chest. "Just breathe, Bushra. Breathe!" Bushra did as she told her. She breathe in and exhaled it out. It calmed her. She broke the hug and looked at Madina. "I can't believe I'm crying over this D-bag! What a waste of precious tears." They both laughed at the statement.

"I am surprised as well, Bushra. Can't remember the last time you cried to be honest. It's so rare of you. You are a strong woman and I believe you can overcome whatever comes your way. Sadiq is just another issue that came and surely it will pass, okay?" Bushra smiled through her tears and nodded. "We'll get through this together. Just calm down now."

Bushra wiped her tears that didn't seem to stop. She breathes in and out a couple of times to calm the panic. "That's good. Now, when the incident first happened, before the threat, did you report to Baba or Aunty or even at least, Yasmin?" Madina spoke carefully. Bushra ducked her head -- madina would flip of she told her she didn't tell anyone about it. "You didn't tell them?" Madina guessed right.

"You are the first person to know about this," bushra spoke sadly. "But why? You see... you are the one getting things more difficult for yourself, Bushra. If you have informed them that he was harassing you, there is no way baba would continue pressuring you over him. Heck, they'll kick him out of your house." Madina had a point but Bushra had one fear. "And what if I tell them and they don't believe me, Madina? What if Baba thinks I'm making things up to get out of it?"

"Why would they think you'd do such? You're bigger than that, common! You need to stand up for your rights. You can't just sit back and watch him roam around your father's house while you hide in your room and cry about it. And for his mother, I don't even want to hear what happened, because whatever it is, she deserves it. At least for raising a total jerk! So you better wipe your tears, right now and fight back because my best friend is not a loser and she will never be."

**

She typed away from her computer as she casually sipped her coffee occasionally. It was a Monday and Bushra had a lot to do. She was having a meeting with her colleagues, meeting a new client and setting up a new account for them, and the work kept pushing in.

There was that feeling in her stomach again, a soft of mixture between nausea and electric tingles. Her head has begun to buzz and her heart rate increases as if she was running away like she wanted to. Work lies ahead. Even though she was working already, it felt more like a sloth taking a walk.

She sipped her coffee again and dropped the mug on the table. She got to her feet and adjusted her blazer before stepping out of the office with everything she'd needed for her first meeting.

Few hours later, she was finally on break and back in her office. She collapsed on her couch, tired and closed her eyes, rubbing her temple. She heaved a sigh - she could feel the headache settling in. It was the kind that stopped all other traffic in the brain, as suddenly all had met with red lights.

She'd take a nap if she had the chance, but she only had an hour to rest and it was already time to pray dhuhr. She quietly laid there for few more minutes before she got to her feet and sauntered into her bathroom to perform ablution.

Less than an hour later, Bushra was getting set to resume working on her computer when her boss came in. He needn't to be given permission, he settled down on one of the seats meant for clients and visitors. "What's your schedule for the afternoon, Miss. Mansur?" He asked as he typed away from his phone.

Bushra immediately got the idea he was going to give her a task. If not, what would possibly bring him to her office at the moment. "I... uh have only one meeting left. It's going to be in less than an hour, that's if they aren't late." He nodded his head. "Great! We have a document that the Dan-Musa Global Trust MD/CEO or the COO has to sign. Which ever you get, they have to sign it today! Because tomorrow's the deadline for submission, you're the only person I can trust with this job. And I apologize for the late notice."

Bushra looked at him, to the documents he kept before her. "I thought it was the bankers job for that?" She dared to ask. He got to his feet. "Yes but unfortunately I choose you to do it." He was fond of watching the ones below him fumble with task that he could easily do or get it done by the appropriate worker. "Ok," she mouthed under her breath and took the documents. He strolled out of her office while she got set for her next meeting.

Later that day, Bushra closed and headed to Dan-Musa Global Trust. It was a short but stressful drive to the company due how tired she was. She got out of her car as she scanned the tall building. This was it, the Dan-Musa Global Trust she has been hearing about, passed by the place couple of times, but never entered until that moment. She took a deep breath before strolling towards the large door entrance.

The security out was hefty but she quickly got access when she disclosed her ID card and reason for her visit. She walks in and wandered across the lobby, towards the receptionist. "Hi, uh... I'm here to see Alhaji Adam Sani." Bushra spoke calmly despite the fact that she was panicking. Her guts wouldn't be at rest if she wasn't out of the building without meeting him. He was the last person she wanted to see -- after sadiq.

"Hello, good evening. Unfortunately the CEO is unavailable but the COO is currently available. Do you want to see him instead?" The receptionist said politely. She had a smile plastered on her lips -- it calmed Bushra's nerves. She gently nodded. "Yes please, that'll be okay."

"Okay and who should tell him is here to see him?" She asked, picking up the intercom. "Bushra Mansur, The company's account manager." The receptionist nodded and punched in the number's to Mahir's office. "Please have a sit, I'll be with you in a sec," she whispered just as the phone ringed. Bushra nodded and took a seat in the lobby. Clamping down on the chair, she crossed and uncrossed her legs out of impatience. It was so unlike to be that edgy. She way always calm and confident, not matter the situation. But, ever since she met him, her actions had changed - intentionally and unintentionally.

"Mr. Adam would see you now." The receptionist guided her to the elevator. "Top floor," she said before going back to her position. Bushra pressed the button and waited for the door to slide open. As soon as she stepped into the elevator, she knew there was no going back. She pressed the button to his office and waited. Sooner than she wanted, she has already passed five floors. Anxiety began to build in her stomach as she waited.

'Ding.' The elevator slide opened the door. She took a deep breath and dragged her 2-inch heels out the elevator. A man dressed in suit was by the door, waiting for her. "This way please." He led the way to Mahir's office and paused. "You may enter." He bowed his head before walking away. Bushra looked at the two guards wearing suit, standing between door to Mahir's office. She heaved a sigh and knocked before turning the door knob.

She walks in, her legs almost giving up on her. He raised his head up from his desk and looked at her. His eyes were pasted on the insides of her lids. "Take a seat." He said nonchalantly and went back to what he was doing. She looked around the large office -- he had so many chairs of different shape and sizes. Who has that many chairs? His living room included. The paintings and pictures were enticing - fire alarm in the center of the ceiling. Framed certificates college graduations and accomplishments.

Bushra focused and walked towards his desk, and settled down on the visitor's seat. "What can I do for you, Miss. Mansur?" He asked her without glancing up. She stared at his face for a moment. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. The kind that got into your bones, that speak to you of olden times before he'd say a word. He was striking.

"Uh-- this." She dropped the file before him. "My boss told me you have to sign it." She told him softly. He raised his head to take a look at the file. He peered at her, his eyes seemed to sparkle and she found out that she couldn't meet his eyes.

"Why are you just bringing this in? Isn't the deadline tomorrow?" He asked, taking a look at the file. Finding out she was nervous made him giddy. Where was the confidence, he wondered.

He rested his back on his chair with a sigh as he scanned the documents. "I'll sign it -- but what do I get in return?" He asked her. She snapped her head up. What does he mean by that? When did work turn into a favour? "What do you mean? Why do I have to return a favour when you didn't do anything at the first place?" Bushra could sense her confidence coming back.

"I'm signing the documents, but if I choose not to..." He shrugged his shoulders. She recalled how her boss kept emphasising about the documents being signed and it was something that has to do with the bank's legacy.

"What do you want?" She asked, looking at him keenly. "My friendly dinner," he retorted, his eyes were as serious as his tone. He still had that in mind after all those weeks? "What does signing the documents have to do with that, Mr. Adam? And I thought we've gotten over this." She was trying to keep it professional but he was making it difficult for her.

"I haven't. And I won't get over it until I get a yes. Reminder, it's just a friendly dinner -- nothing more." He placed the documents on the table and pushed it back to her. "And what if I said no?" She questioned her gaze darting down. He shrugged and went back to what he was doing before. "Then I won't sign."

Bushra's brown eyes flashed in annoyance. He was blackmailing her? Could he do that? Why does he always know how to get his way with things? Now this was something she couldn't say no to even if she wanted to. It was getting dark and she promised her sister she'd be back early for them to bake brownies. If she wasted more time, she'd not get the documents sign and Yasmin might be angry with her.

"I'm closing in 5 minutes, Miss. Mansur," he told her not raising his head to look at her, but he could sense the tension in the air. She shifted uncomfortably. Her phone chimed -- it was a text from Yasmin. She shoved her phone back into her bag as she furrowed her brows and rolled her eyes.

"Fine! I will go on the friendly whatever you call it."

"Friendly Dinner."