𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟕

ARZO

“So, where did your husband take you yesterday?” api asks as we sit by the window table at the cafe.

Api and I are having lunch together today at the cafe across from the office building. She texted me in the morning saying that she wants to know about the trip yesterday and catch up with me at lunch. I happily agreed and told her to come at the cafe after I was done with work.

“He took me to show a house he had in sight, where we would move in.” I sign, smiling as I remember yesterday. “He said he wanted to know my opinion before he signed the papers.”

“Really? That’s so sweet.” api says with a sweet smile, “Is the house nice?”

I nod, “it’s so big and beautiful! It was love at first sight. Faizan had eight houses in sight but I couldn’t make myself go and see those and said yes to the first one.”

“Well, as long as the house makes you happy, it will be a great choice, In Sha Allah.”

“In Sha Allah.”

Before continuing our conversation, api and I ordered our food. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with apple juice while api ordered a veggie wrap with apple juice.

After we give our order, we jump back into the conversation.

“Did you two go somewhere else?” api asks.

I nod, “he took me to lunch then the mall to shop. He said he wanted to buy me things before we got busy with the wedding events.”

“Ooh, what did you buy?”

“Few clothes and a bag. There were so many beautiful things I wanted to buy but I didn’t want him to think that I was planning on wasting his money. He didn’t let me use my wallet.”

“I don’t think he would have minded.” api says, “He said he wanted to buy you things. He didn’t set a limit.”

“I still hesitated. I don’t want him to think I said yes to his money.”

Api chuckles, “okay.”

We continue to make small talk till our food arrives. We thank the waiter for his service before he leaves.

My phone dings with a notification before I could start eating.

I open Faizan’s chat.

Faizan

You’re not in the break room.

Or on the eight floor.

Or any floor.

Where exactly are you?

I try to suppress my smile but miserably fail as I type out my answer.

Me

I’m at the cafe with api, having lunch

Faizan

How come you didn’t bring her to the break room like before?

My fingers hover over the screen while I think of a reason why I didn’t take api to the break room.

Me

I wanted to eat outside.

I chew on my inner cheek as the dots on the screen appear indicating that he is typing.

Faizan

Okay.

I let out a sigh of relief at his reply and turn off my phone.

“Who was it?” api asks.

“Faizan.” I sign.

She nods after taking a bite of her wrap, “what did he say?”

“He was asking why we weren’t eating in the breakroom at the company.”

Api hums, “why aren’t we? I suggested bringing food to the company so you didn’t have to leave work.”

That’s true. Api did suggest that she bring take out like she did before and we’d eat together at the company but the atmosphere there is uncomfortable.

The whispers haven’t died down. I don’t understand why our nikkah is such a big topic for them to discuss.

Earlier today, I heard some girls mention that they saw me and Faizan leaving the building together. They were going to discuss the topic further- make assumptions- but sadly, I had walked in making them stop.

I still feel multiple eyes on me when I’m working and it puts me in an uncomfortable position.

“Arzo?”

I look up at api’s voice, pulling myself out of my thoughts.

“What’s wrong?”

I shake my head, “nothing.” I sign, “I didn’t feel like eating at the company’s breakroom.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

I contemplate telling her what has been happening but she will go and talk to the girls.

I promised myself I wouldn’t let anyone else fight my battles. I wouldn’t let anyone think I’m helpless.

So, I put a smile on my face and I sign, “Everything is fine.”