*You're Fatima?*

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On Monday morning I woke up thinking about istikhara. What if it says Yes? I don't want to get married to Aaliyan, he deserve someone better than me. I also don't know if he also agree to do this or he don't know anything about it? I push my thoughts away and get up to pray Fajr.

At  breakfast I tell Dad to do istikhara, whatever it say I will go for it. He and Zay also agree with me and said that he tell me about it when I get back home tonight.

I drop Zay at his school and remind him to send her friend at my office today at 3. He nodded but before going he warn me to behave good and not to say anything to her.  After dropping him I go college, ride was in good silence but I keep thinking about what happened to my life.

My life, full of love, care, fun, adventures. Everyone loves and care about me, my parents, my brother, my friends, but only one person which I always wanted to do all this for me. Him. I always get whatever I want but expect one. Him. Why? I don't deserve to get happy life? I feel a pair of hot tear roll down my cheek. I wipe it and park my car in parking lot and walk toward college entrance.

I spot Waniya waiting for me and talking with someone on phone. I walk close to her, she put her phone down when she saw me. I creased my forehead at her face expression. She look like I caught her doing something which I don't have to.

"Aasalam-o-Alaikum" She stuttered and avoid eye contact..

"Walaikum Aasalam Waniya. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I was just waiting for you. Where were you? You tell uncle about istikhara?" She asked. I know she was worried but don't know why she's reacting different way.

"Yes. Dad said that he'll tell me when I get back home" I said and start walking to our first class.

"oh" was all she says.

We went for our first class, Economics. Miss Lilly is our teacher. She was usually polite but when someone not follow her order she became most horrible person that time. We enter late in her class but she didn't say anything only shot us a death glare.

We quickly take our seats. I sit next to Waniya. After class ended we separate our way. I notice Waniya didn't talk to me much. She mentally isn't present in class. She seems lost in her own thoughts. I sigh and walk in my next class. 

In lunch time, me and Waniya sit on our regular table in corner. I glance at her, she still quiet and looking at door, like she's waiting for someone. I sigh and shook my head.

"Waniya what's going on? I asked her directly. 

"What?"

"Why are you looking outside? Are you waiting for someone? " I asked and try to follow her gaze but everytime she caught me and look in opposite direction.

"No one." all she said and look down at her and start eating her lunch.

"Are you -" when I was about to ask her a question, but suddenly someone pull out the chair and sit on it. I turn my head and saw a pair of hazel eyes looking between me and Waniya. As soon as I remember I was staring him I divert my gaze.

"Rayyan? How are you?" She asked him smiling. It's the first time today when she smile.

"I am fine. What about you two?" He was acting like everything is normal. He didn't even care what I say to him on Saturday. Did he really not concern about it?

"We are fine." She answer for us.

"So.. Why are you here?" She asked him. He look at me because I could feel his eyes on me.

"I want to talk to her" He replied.

"Misha I want to-" He was about to say something just then bell ring.

I silently thanks in my mind. I really don't want to talk to him. I don't know if I'm ready for it or not.

I get up and take my thing and head to my next class, but not before saying goodbye to Waniya. I know he was also there but I completely ignore him. That's what I wanted to do. The long distance I kept between us will be better for both of us and for everyone. I want to move on but seeing him again I can't do that. I want to make him realise what you feel when you love and care for someone but ended by hurting yourself. But I don't know how and I also don't know if I can do this or not. Cause I really can't see him hurt.

College come to end. I was getting a really bad headache because of Business Law class. Mr. James our teacher really scary. He shouted like everyone is dumb. No one was able to speaking in front of him when he was like that.

I get in my car and drive to office. Dad said he's picking Zay from school and visit Masjid for istikhara. He believe that the man in Masjid who called Sheikh will see istikhara for marriages. Because our whole family do that whenever marriage proposal comes for anyone. Dad always say that he want me and Zay to do arranged Marriage because according to his thoughts arranged marriage will be successful. Just like his, I means Mom and Dad. They were arranged marriage couples. And its has been successful for 20 years before my Mom died.

I park my car and walk to my office building. Once I enter in my office I throw my bag on table and sit on my relaxing chair putting my laptop on table. I rested my head back on my chair and close my eyes for few minutes to take rest. A knock on door interrupt in my resting time. I lean forward and start my laptop before calling.

"Come in" I called. Door open and closed, I didn't look up my eyes were focused on laptop, on our marketing chart. The person who come in didn't say anything but only clear their throats. I look up and surprised to see him.What he's doing here?

"Zay?" I was surprised even more when I saw him with a beautiful girl. She actually look beautiful. She was wearing red long shirt and black tights with hijab. She has gray crystal eyes which remind me of someone. She look simple but beautiful. She look familiar, like I've seen her before.

"Um.. Sis, I want you to meet Fatima and Fatima she's my sister Misha." he said motioning to us. So she is Fatima. But I tell him to send her alone? Why he came with her? Dad didn't pick him from school?

"Oh.. Please have a seat" I gesture them to sit. They take their seats and look at me.

"Zayan I thought you were with Dad." I said and start typing on my laptop.

"Yea. Dad drop us here." I look at him like he was stupid. Seriously, I mean why Dad do that?Did he introduce her to him?

"Ok. So you're Fatima?" I turn to her. She nodded.

"Assalam-o-Alaikum" she give me her Salam. I could feel her nervous.

"Walaikum Aasalam. How are you old?" I start asking questions and try to make her comfortable.

"I am turning 18 next month." she answer.

"How you know Zayan?" I asked which caused both of them surprised.

"Misha I think this question don't relate with her job" Zay said through his teeth.

"Zayan you're in my office so please be quiet." I said in same way.

"He is my lab partner" She said. I can see she was still uncomfortable, so I try something else.

"Ok. You know how to do assistant work? I mean you have to give appointments, print the details of the projects, set the files in closet, and most importantly you know how to make black coffee?" I try to joke. They both chuckle.

"Sis your important part of office is coffee?" I shot him a glare. Well, he's actually correct.

"Zayan just shut up. You don't know how much work I've to do, I got headaches everyday, and for that I need strong black coffee." I explain. When he take my place here then he know how much you need of it.

"Don't worry Ma'm I can make coffee for you." she smile.

"Okay then, you're my new personal assistant, and your salary will be 3000 per-month." I pick my phone and order my receptionist to bring her appointment letter.

"Let me explain you what you have to do. I came office at 2:30 pm on regular days but on Saturday's my time will be 9 am. I want my first coffee cup after 15 minutes of my arrival. I want you to join me in meetings, write down stuff which I tell you. After every meeting I want my strong black coffee and sometimes with pain killers. You have to set files in my closets according to years, months and weeks. And last if you want anything or want to do anything don't hesitant, I am not that type of people who always keep their assistants how they want. No, I am not counted in that, you don't get me now, but soon when you know how to work with me you will be going to enjoy it. Keep my words!" I explain smiling. They both were staring me with wide eyes.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing" both say on same time. Three of us chuckle and start talking like normal. After few minutes of chatting I got to known Fatima is very nice girl, I like her.

She's loving and caring. Whenever she saw me and Zay fighting like kids, I saw pain on her face. I thought why her parents kick her out? And why she left her pervious job? I think I should ask her but not now. When she decide to talk about it.

After an hour they left. I call one of my company's driver to drop them home. She's very happy to get this job. I give her appointment letter plus one month salary in advance. Incase she need something or she want some for herself.

I get back to my pending work. There was some problems with designs which I give to our California client, and some appointments. This all have to done by end of the day.

Its 5 in the evening and I was re-checking my designs which I have to send to California. Suddenly my office phone start ring.

"Yeah?" I asked once I pick it up. It's connected to receptionist.

"Ma'm.. Mr. Asif is here for meeting."

Shit! I forget about it. I thought he take it as a joke. But no, he's serious.

"Send him in my office" I order and hung up.

Panic start building in me. I don't know if I could face him after what happen on Saturday and today at lunch? I thought I would ignore him easily, but no, I see very difficult.

A sudden knock on door broke my thoughts. My heart was beating fast then usual. I try to calm down my nervousness.

"Come in" I call. Door swung open and close. I wasn't looking at him.

"Aasalam-o-Alaikum." He greet his Salam in different way. Just like professional. I look up at him and I stop breathing when I saw what he's wearing.

He was wearing his black tux, with white button shirt and black tie. He was looking business man. I wonder why he never wear this before? He tell me so many times that he hate business cloths. Then why now? He can wear his causal cloths. I didn't realise I was staring him until he clear his throats. I quickly look away. Shit! What I am doing, I have to ignore him.

"Walaikum Aasalam" I greeted back and motion him to sit. Avoiding Rayyan is not working. I have to do work hard on it. I can start it by answering short.

"Miss Ali I would like to see your designs for my new hotel project" I was shocked on the way he talk. There's no one who can say that this man don't know anything about business.

"Um.. Yea sure" I stutter, my nervousness come back. I quickly place my designs in front of him.

"Mr. Asif this would be better if you tell me what type of building and how many floors you want. But before this you have to tell me how many yards you've for your hotel." I turn on my professional way.

"2000 yards place we got for it. I want upscale luxury building, for floors I want 15 floors for rooms, 2 rooms on each, 1 floor for gym, 1 for laundry area, 1 for ballroom hall, 1 for restaurant, and 1 for indoor games, so the hotel will be of 20 floors plus playing area for kids, swimming pool area, and two big lawns at back of the hotel." He give me description of what he want there. I wrote it in my laptop so I could read and make as he want.

"Okay. I'll show you my design by tomorrow. " I said and take my designs back.

"Okay, so meeting is over?" He said more like asking. I nodded.

"Thank you Miss. Ali, its a pleasure working with you" he smile

"Same here Mr. Asif. Thank You as well for working with us." I smile back. He nodded and get up to leave. But he stop on his track and turn around.

"Miss Ali can I get your number? In case you need some help or if you forgot something about what I said". He asked giving me his phone, I hesitant before taking and type my number.

"Thank you Miss Ali, I hope we meet soon, take care" with that he leave my office room and me in confusion.

Why he's reacting different? I thought he would be mad for what I say but no he's like cool. Like he don't care about it. Is he really him or he's doing this because he's now a gentlemen? Argh! This all given me another headache.

Its 10pm and I'm still in office. Dad call me 12 times in one hour to know what I am doing. I get a  message from Waniya, she want to talk about something, I reply her 'we will talk late night'.

I was writing a mail for my company employees. In which I give them off for a week plus thinking of picnic for them. I started this holiday because all my employees work hard for my company, and only because of them we were winning 'Best Company In NewYork' of the year award from last 6 years. Its my 3 year of nomination for this award. And this only happen because of my workers. I want them to take rest and go on vacations with their families. I send the mail to all employees. Their vacations start from next week.

I pack my things and drove back to home. Its 11:30pm I get back home.  When I step in house was quiet, no voice coming from inside. I think everyone is sleeping. Without making any noise I go upstairs to my room, get cool relaxing shower and change into my night cloths. I already pray Salah in office.

I was hungry so I decided to go downstairs and get something to eat. I went in kitchen and saw lights on,  food set in plate and Dad sitting on chair waiting for me. His back was facing me.

"Dad?" I asked surprised he turn to me. He was waiting for me?

"Misha, come and eat dinner. I know you're hungry." I nodded and take my place on table.

"I thought you're asleep."I said digging in my food.

"Do you think I can sleep when my daughter is out?" He smile a bit.

"Sorry Dad, but I was busy in work I didn't realise when time pass out." I apologize for make him wait for me.

"Its okay." He paused. "Misha I get the result of istikhara." I freeze and stop eating.

"You want to know what it says?" I swallow hard before nodding.

"But before that, I would like to tell you something " He sigh. He shifted on his seat.

"Me and Hashim decide to about your and Aaliyan marriage. You both know each other very well and I know he like you, I want you to do same but I think your not interested in him. Well the point is, I want to see you in wedding dress soon, I don't know how much time I left, but before going anywhere I wanted to see you getting married. You're going to be 23 next year and I want you to meet people's and engage with them so we get better proposals for you, and I want the same for Zayan." He explain.

"Dad I already told you I always do what you say, but Dad its also important before starting a relationship. Yes it's true I am not interested in Aaliyan, and if we get married I am not sure, I would give Aaliyan that place which he deserve. And you're not going anywhere you're always here with us you will see my wedding with someone who you will choose for me."I try to explain what I think. He nodded.

"So back to result?" He said suddenly. I give him a 'yes' nod.

"Istikhara say 'No' for this proposal." he finish the suspense. I slowy let out relief sigh.

"Its okay Dad, I'll go for it. When Allah say No for this then there must be some reason behind it. Well, It would be better to follow it." He nodded and went silent. I finish my dinner and wash my plate.

Dad left for his room but before going he tell me tomorrow he'll inform Hashim uncle about my decision. I couldn't help but feel happy. I thanks Allah for making this simple for me. I also know Mom will be happy for me as well. I've to tell Waniya, she must be waiting for my call.

I quickly go upstairs in my room and pick it and dial her number.

Ring.. Ring.. She pick up.

"Misha? Where the hell were you? I've been waiting for-" she started

"Waniyaaa.... Its a No." I said excitedly.

"No? Really? That's great. Now you have to marry that filter." she said. I thought she give him this nickname.

"Yeah.. I am so happy, I thought if it says Yes than my rest of the life won't be better as I want" I stated and sit on my comfy chair. I heard someone chuckle from background.

"Who's that?" I asked. I don't think she tell someone about it.

"No one." She sound nervous.

"Waniya. Tell me" I demanded.

"Its me Aashir." That voice said chuckling. But I feel someone else also there. I feel awkward because I didn't talk Aashir bhai like this.

"Um.. Assalam-o-Alaikum Aashir Bhai." I greet him. I will kill her, she's with him and talking about this.

"Walaikum Aasalam Misha, I am so happy that you don't have to marry that jerk." He said.

"But how do you know?"I asked confused. Please don't tell me Waniya told you.

"Waniya tell me you know she didn't hide anything from me." He said. I will definitely kill her when I saw her.

"Oh." Was all I said and yawned.

"Um.. Misha, I think you should get some sleep, you sound tired."

"Yea. I think so. Allah Hafiz Aashir Bhai, Waniya." I said my goodbyes.

"Allah Hafiz" they said in union and hung up.

I prepared for my bed. Just when I laid down, my phone vibrate. I pick it up and saw a new message from unknown number. I open it to read it and a small smile appear on my face.

'Good Night Misha.'

-R

I didn't bother to reply him back. I lock my phone and put it aside and shifted into deep and peaceful sleep.

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Aasalam-o-Alaikum Readers,

Late Night Update..!!

Hope You Guys Like The Chapter. Don't Forget to Vote, Comment & Share. =)

So, I want to tell you that maybe next update won't been soon, because of my exams. I'll try my best and update on time. But please don't hate me if i can't make that. Need your support. Don't forget to Pray and also Remember me in Your Prayers. Jazak Allah.

-Maddy