44. The Lunch Break

Just before the sunset, I went to the day care center to pick up my daughter. By staying near to Zoya, I got to forget about Ashar problem and every other problem of my problematic life. However, that little kid reminded of my sin a lot more than before. I wondered how my parents would've survived after leaving me alone. Did they feel the same way like me? If yes, then they surely didn't have an easy life.

I stopped walking when I noticed Ashar was standing at the front gate of the daycare with a yellow patterned paper bag in his hand. My mood was once again ruined.

The corners of his lips curved upward into a smile as his gaze met with mine. My nostrils flared. I didn't know why he kept showing me his puppy like smile. My heart fluttered in a way I didn't want to think about.

He walked towards me. I stood straight and waited for him to explain his reasons of coming here.

"I thought it would be difficult for you to take care of her. But you're doing good." He again gave me his soft smile that clenched my stomach.

Seeing him concerned for my daughter was a heart-melting moment for me. I could clean off all the grudges about him from my heart if that's how he had compensated for his mistakes. That's all I wanted from him all those years to not to make Zoya suffer because of me.

I put aside my thoughts and retorted a question at him, "Are you going to stalk me all day?"

"No." He prompted in a defensive manner, "I was here to see Zoya. I'm about to leave."

I wordlessly walked forward, not going to prolong my meeting with him.

"Hey, wait."

I exhaled a breath in exasperation and turned around.

"Here, take this." He moved up the paper bag in front of my face, "I brought it for you."

With a confused face, I took it from him and moved my hand into it to bring out whatever thing was inside. My confusion increased. I saw a photo album. Yes, a very large-sized photo album. It could contain probably hundreds of photographs.

"What's this?" I held the album in front of him.

"Memories." He replied, looking at the album, "It contains all the photographs of Zoya from her birth till her third birthday."

My brows shot up in astonishment.

His eyes moved on my face, "I captured all for you so that you don't miss out the important moments of her life. How she looked all those years. You can know now. I thought I'll give this to you when we'll meet."

I stared at him in blank amazement. He recorded Zoya's pictures for me? Was he really Ashar?

"I guess I should go now. See you tomorrow." He gave a light a nod to me and then, walked out of my sight.

I stood there, stupefied. This collection of photographs explained that he remembered me, thought of me and even knew that I would want to see Zoya growing up.

Oh boy, what you're doing to me?

💙

I was setting up the dinner table for me and Zoya with a stupid, child-like smile on my face. I had been like this since I had seen Zoya. She was like a boost in my energy, a rainbow to my black and white life.

She talked a lot. Although, most of her pronunciations were wrong, but still I think she loved talking and telling her stories to others. Her poor communication skills made her more endearing and adorable. That's why, I just let her talk and listen to her wordlessly and entertain myself.

"Mommy." I felt a light pull on my blouse. I looked down and saw Zoya was looking up at me.

"Yes, Baby? Do you need anything?" I bent down a little.

"Lilly's mommy and daddy lives with her, why don't you live me?" She hesitantly asked a question, looking at me with big, curious eyes.

A wave of guilt swept over me. I was speechless. I knelt down to her level and grabbed her shoulders. Tears filled in my eyes.

"Umm.. Zoya." I avoided her gaze, "Who's Lilly, by the way?"

"She lives in green house. I don't like her." She pouted.

I chuckled, "Why?"

"Because she is not a good girl."

"Are you a good girl?" I teased her.

She pressed her lips together and nodded her head in a slow motion, "Yes, daddy says I am."

I laughed and pulled her cheeks, "You're so cute, do you know that?"

"I'm a good girl, Mommy, will you live with me?" Her gleaming eyes looking for an assurance.

My smile faded, "Darling, I'm living with you."

"Not here. I want to live with you at Grandma's house. The biiig house." She opened her arms wide to virtually describe that big house she lived in.

I cupped her small face, caressed her baby skin. I thought for a moment to come up with suitable words for a three-year old. I found myself at the brink of tears after realization that this innocent creature didn't have a slightest clue how cruel her mother was. It's not fair to her.

"I can't go with you there because Mommy's office is here in this area." I lied, rising on my feet.

"Come, let's eat now." I took her hand in mine, trying to divert her attention because I knew I would burst into tears in front of her if she continued asking difficult questions.

She was making me weak. I wanted to keep her and didn't want to share her with anyone. I couldn't be sure how long I could act strong.

Later at night when Zoya was asleep, I thought of seeing that photo album, the one Ashar gave me. I sat up on the bed while she was sleeping beside me. I put the album on my lap.

I opened it with a heavy heart. The very first photograph was of a newborn wrapped in a soft pink sheet. The face I couldn't yet forget. They probably would have clicked it after second or third day of my delivery. I remembered her initial days' clothes.

I moved to the next one in which Zoya was sucking milk from her feeder bottle. It made me laugh. She looked cute and too tiny. Third one showed that she was in Ashar's arms and both of them were smiling. My heart constricted inside my chest at the image. He looked good and happy. I quickly glimpse to the other pictures and moved to her first birthday party. Zoya was sitting on Ashar's lap while he was holding her hand and cutting her birthday cake on her behalf. Ashar's parents were also there in that picture.

The next picture that caught my attention showed that Ashar was giving her a giant teddy bear while they both looked at the camera. Zoya looked nervous and distracted. Ashar was in nightwear; patterned trouser with plain, black tee shirt. He was looking sleepy, but, happy.

A tear managed to seep down my cheek and that's when I realized that I was crying. I wiped off the water with my finger and looked through the album. There were more photographs related to her second birthday, other celebrations, first time when she started walking and many more. Ashar was there with Zoya in most of the pictures.

The strange thing was that there was not a single picture of Samara in the whole album. I expected her to be somewhere in those pictures with my daughter, but she was not there at all.

There were dozens of questions in my mind and I felt impelled to get all my answers from Ashar, but, at the same time, I didn't want to involve in him or in his matters. The lesser I know, the better.

I closed the album with moistened eyes and smiling lips, feeling contented that my daughter lived well. I was now certain that she didn't need me.

💙

Next day, at the agency, I did my regular tasks. After I was done proofreading the reports, I intended to take them to dept. head's office. They were actually the hard copies of all the research reports that needed a dept. head's final approval.

I assembled them, held them in my hands and then, hurried towards Watson's office. I knocked the door for once, pushed it opened and stepped inside in his office.

"Watson, these are the reports-" I stopped in mid-sentence when I saw Watson, department head was in meeting with someone.

He looked at me. The man whom he was talking to also turned his head in my direction. An angry frown creased my forehead when I saw Ashar there. A suppressed smile touched the corners of his lips.

"Sanaya, please come inside." Watson waved his hand at me.

Watson was a friendly, another middle-aged man. He was more humane than the Caldwell. I was happy that I worked under him because he was not a difficult boss, but there were times when he acted like one.

Reluctantly, I walked forward and stood beside Ashar who was sitting on a chair, opposite to Watson.

"I'm sorry if I've disturbed you. I only came here to deliver these files to you." I placed all the files on the table.

"No problem." He nodded and glimpsed at them.

He looked at Ashar, "Ashar is your client. He was here to discuss something related to his new product."

"Okay." I tried to smile, looking at Ashar from the corners of my eyes.

"I should go now." He stood up from the chair, checking time from his Citizen wrist watch, "I'm getting late for my appointment. See you later."

He turned around towards the door when Watson stopped him, "Wait. Take Sanaya with you. She has excellent persuasive skills. With her, you can surely convince Alfaro."

"What, no. I've a lot of work to do today." I quickly refused.

"Are you sure she would be helpful?" Ashar asked to Watson, ignoring my answer.

"Hundred percent." Watson assured him, getting up from his office chair.

"But-"

"Sanaya, go with him." He interrupted me, "We've taken the responsibility to help them in promoting their new gadget. He's meeting with Alfaro, who is the CEO of multinational company. Ashar is going to meet with him to convince him to test Hobsons's new gadget. If he would agree, all the computer system of Alfaro's company will be replaced by their new device."

I wanted to take back my words about Watson. He was not nice. He was just like Caldwell. He should have first asked to me whether I wanted to go or not. How dare he!

"Thanks, Dude. I really needed someone who is good at convincing." Ashar responded.

I shot him a sinister glare. He tightened his lips in response.

"Go, Sanaya. I'm giving you two-hour lunch break today for helping me out." Watson persisted.

"I don't wan-"

"We'll be late." Ashar didn't let me finish.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I stamped my foot in anger, but not too loudly as I feared Watson might notice. I didn't further argue after seeing that it would be useless and just got out of the building. Ashar silently followed me.

He was deliberately using these tactics to annoy me. I could no longer work in peace that was certain.

"Wait. I'm sorry." Ashar yelled, sauntering behind me.

I rolled my eyes, but didn't turn around and continued walking outside the building. When we both were outside, he came forward and blocked my way.

"Don't be mad at me." He said in an apologetic manner, "I didn't plan this. It was your boss's suggestion."

I ignored his fake apologies, "Tell me where have you set up the meeting?"

He sighed in defeat and rubbed the back of his neck, "I'll go bring my car. Wait for me."

"There's no way I'm going to go with you. Tell me the address, I'll join you there."

"What? What's wrong in sitting in my car?"

"I said I won't go with you." I muttered in anger.

"Seriously, Sanaya, we'll be late like this. We only have half an hour to go there. The meeting is important." He surely sounded desperate, "You're being unprofessional."

I chuckled in disbelief, "The guy who is breaking all the rules, saying I'm being unprofessional."

He shook his head, "I didn't break any rule, at least not yet."

I knitted my brows at him, trying to understand the hidden meaning of his words.

"Come here." He grabbed my arm, began dragging me forward, "Let's go to my car. It's just few steps away."

"Stop it, Ashar." I placed my hand on his warm ones and tried to pull it away, "Leave my hand. I'm not going to sit with you."

"I'm sorry. I've to do this because I'm getting late." He said while towing me forward with himself.

He finally left my arm when we both stood in front of his car. He hastily put out an electric remote control from his pocket and unlocked his expensive vehicle. Then, he opened the front door for me. I turned on my side silently and crossed my arms.

"This meeting is a part of the contract iAdverts signed with me. Take it as one of your tasks." He reasoned.

I tried to understand his reason. His annoying personality was even influencing my logical thinking in a negative way. My standards related to my profession were quite high and I would never want to compromise on them in any situation.

I calmed myself down and made myself agreed to his request with a thought that if he once again pushed me for something I didn't want to do then, he would surely pay the price for his actions.

I uncrossed my arms and sat inside the car, closing the door afterwards. First few minutes, he drove the car in silence. His lips looked like that they wanted to be stretched into a full smile, but he was trying to stop them by pressing them together into a thin line. I felt the urge to strike his mouth with my closed fist and break all his front teeth.

I turned my head and looked to the other side in order to lessen my anger. The more I would see his face, the higher the chances that I would go wild.

Selfish beast!

"Why are you not talking to me?" He quizzed.

"There's nothing to talk with you." I murmured in a low voice.

"Did you look at all the photographs?"

I looked at him, "How much longer you're going to continue this fake show? At least, tell me your time limit, so that I make up my mind accordingly."

"Show? What are you talking about?" He cast a glance at me, before turning his head on the road in front.

"If this is not a some show you're putting on, then what else it is?" I let out a short, fake laugh, "Don't tell me you're acting all gentlemanly because you actually care. I thought you're only here to bother me, taking some kind of revenge or maybe you want some favor and then, you would leave. But, now your actions are making me more suspicious of you."

He looked at me. I noticed something in his dull, blue eyes, something similar to remorse and that look completely left me confused.

"Sanaya, it's not true." He stopped the car, "This is not a show. It's real."

I arched my brows at him, showed him wordlessly that he was talking completely nonsense and it was unbelievable. Afterwards, I immediately got out of the car and exhaled out a smothering feeling from my chest.

He also came out of the vehicle and scurried towards me.

"Wait, listen. Believ-"

"Which way to go? Is it a restaurant or café?" I interrupted him, pretending to look around and locate the place.

"No." He held my arm. I turned my face and looked down at his hand, "I'm not finished yet."

I looked up at him. He stared at me solemnly, "I'm not going anywhere. After years, I've got a chance to stay near you so there's no way I'm going to waste it. Get habitual of my presence because you'll keep seeing this handsome face almost every day."

One corner of his mouth lifted up into a playful smile, "You made me angry with your words so just to hell with that nice attitude."

I felt perplexed, "What are you trying to say?"

I tried to let go of his grip from my arm, but he tightened it further and pulled me close to him. My breath hitched as soon as I felt his warmth against my chest. He moved up his free hand and brushed his fingers on my cheek, slowly going down to my neck.

"I'll only speak truth now." He whispered, leaning his face to close to mine, "I lied about your boss. Yes, he helped me in my plan unknowingly, but I went to your office today only to steal you away for a while."

Surprise crossed my face, widening my eyes. The teasing smirk lingered on his face. I tried to step back, but he pulled my arm again. He touched the tendrils of my hair  then moved his fingers back to my face, softly caressing my jaw. My stomach lurched in reaction.

"And I'll keep doing that whenever I would feel like to." He moved his face closer and planted a kiss on my forehead.

I stiffened, utterly bewildered by his words. I was failed to imagine what was going on in his mischievous mind. I was even bothered by the fact that he was being successful in instigating an emotional turmoil inside me, messing with my brain.

He stepped back and created a decent distance between us. I heaved a sigh of relief silently as my unsteady heartbeat was coming back to normal.

"So, you lied? There's no meeting?" I composed myself and masked all my surprised expressions.

"No, I didn't lie about the meeting. I just wanted you to come with me." He clarified.

He bent his arm and looked at his wrist watch."My meeting with Alfaro is about to start in few minutes."

"The restaurant is this way." He pointed his finger towards his left side.

I narrowed my eyes at him. He wanted me to pull my trigger. I would never allow him to play with my heart.

💙

Meeting with Alfaro went good. He agreed to try the new gadget. If he would be satisfied with its performance, he assured us that his company would sign the contract with Hobsons's Electronics. Throughout the meeting, Ashar remained serious and professional. I was thankful that he didn't try any funny business in the meeting.

He asked me to initiate the discussion by telling the CEO about the most beneficial points of his new product. After few minutes, he joined me and used all the persuasive tactics to convince him for the trial. I was happy that eventually we accomplished the goal.

When Alfaro finally left the restaurant, I stood up from my chair and walked out of the restaurant while silently thanking fate for ending these torturous moments. But soon, my relief disappeared into thin air when I found Ashar following me.

"Where are you going?" He inquired aloud.

I stopped walking and turned around to face him.

"To the office. My work with you is finished." I answered.

Disappointment flashed in his eyes as soon as he heard me. I looked away and turned around to walk to my way. But, seemed like he was in no mood to give up, he came in front and stopped me.

"Why are you going to the office? You've two hours lunch break, remember?"

"I remember, but, I've some remaining work to complete, so I gotta go." I lied, trying to walk past him. I wanted to stay away from him. His words, his imploring looks were giving me creeps.

"Don't go." He requested, again blocked my path,"Stay. Spend your lunch break with me."

"Will you please get out of my way? Stop following me." I snapped.

Stupid lunch break!

Watson shouldn't have given me two-hour lunch break in front of Ashar.

"It's been years since we last spent time together. Take a break from work. It's not healthy. Even I'm quite tired." He suggested.

I looked at him in disbelief, "If you're forgetting then I must remind you that in the past we couldn't bear each other's company. Besides, if you're not going to stop annoying me, I'll..."

He drew his brows together in confusion. I thought for a moment to come up with a good warning, moved my gaze around to get some idea. My eyes caught a cop who was standing at some distance and talking to a civilian. The police jeep was also parked beside him.

"I'll file a complaint against you that you're stalking me." I threatened him.

He gave me a warm smile, "I'll accept all your punishments."

I got surprised, "I'm not joking, Ashar. I'll do it."

"I know, Baby. I know." He sighed aloud, "I understand your anger for me, but I'll do everything to erase that anger of yours."

He was surely out of his mind or maybe, he thought I was not serious. I couldn't believe his single word.

Let's prove him wrong.

"Fine. Don't blame me later on." I warned him for one last time.

I was going to keep my words and make him experience the pleasure of his own actions. I turned to my side and yelled at the cop to get his attention.

"Excuse me, sir." The cop started looking here and there, "It's me here." I waved my hand in air.

The man's eyes finally landed on me. He frowned and began walking towards us. Ashar stood beside me silently and didn't make any effort to stop me. His persistence further provoked to transform my threat into action.

I lowly whispered to Ashar, "You can still stop me if you promise me that you won't bother me anymore."

"No." He shook his head in negative, "I told you I ain't going anywhere."

"Are you crazy? I could send you behind bars in few minutes." I saw the officer was coming towards us.

"Your threat is not strong enough." Ashar rolled his eyes.

"Excuse me, Miss. Were you calling for me?" The cop finally stood in front of us.

I was so angry right now at Ashar's stubbornness that I ignored the fear-feeling in my heart and only surrounded myself with infuriate. I wanted to show my resistance to Ashar that I was not going to fall for his fake acting.

"Yes." I answered.

"What's the problem?" The middle-aged, dark haired cop asked, looking at me, then Ashar.

"Hello, sir." Ashar greeted him in a casual tone.

I looked at him in incredulity. He didn't even look slightest bit intimidated.

"This guy is stalking me for several days." I pointed my finger at Ashar, "Please help me, sir."

"He's even harassing me." I said innocently.

The police man narrowed his eyes at him.

Ashar shot me a surprised look, "When did I harass you?"

A small, brief smirk played on my lips when I finally noticed Ashar began panicking.

"Please deal with him, sir. He was even following me to my office. I'm getting late for my work."

The cop nodded his head thoughtfully, while listening to me.

"Tell me your name, I'm writing your complaint. Then you can go." He took out a small writing pad from his pocket and opened it.

"It's Sanaya Frances." I spoke.

He started scribbling his blue ballpoint pen on the blank page of his writing pad. I tightened my lips to hide my smirk.

"Sanaya, you're going too far." Ashar protested to me in a low voice.

"I should take my leave now." I ignored him and kept my posture stiff.

"This is my business card." The cop extended his card in front of me, "You can contact me anytime in future if anyone ever stalk you or harass you."

He passed me a courteous smile. I accepted his business card. Ashar narrowed his eyes at the cop.

"Thank you, officer." I said.

I quickly glanced at Ashar from the corner of my eyes and began walking straight. He looked worried and even called my name once, but I didn't turn around and ambled forward.

After walking numerous steps away from them, when I was certain that I was out of their sight, I hid myself behind a nearby parked vehicle and tried to look at the aftermath of my revenge.

The cop was saying something to Ashar and Ashar was shaking his head in response. I could see tension flickering on his face. The sight constricted my chest, but I laughed it off and ignored  the feeling. He moved his gaze around, maybe to locate me. I hastily bent down and hid my face behind the car.

Few moments later, I peeked again. Ashar rubbed his temples and spoke in a way as if he was trying to defend himself, but the cop's continuous shaking head in disagreement depicting that he was in no mood to get convinced. He moved his hand behind his butt and pulled out the handcuff from his pocket. Despite Ashar's protests, he clasped the handcuff around Ashar's wrist and began towing him towards the police jeep.

I broke into laughter. God, he was looking so helpless and innocent. He would soon experience the pleasure of imprisonment. His pride, his ego would be crushed into tiny pieces.

Bloody, worthless prick, deserves to get beaten by the cops. I mentally cussed him.

Ashar jumped inside the vehicle while his eyes were still searching for me. Smile faded from my lips when a thought crossed my mind that I guess he knew I was near him, watching him. I think he was still failed to believe that I was no more a softie. I wasn't naive like before.

Soon the police vehicle drove away and I could no longer see him. I stood straight and stepped away from the parked car.

I knew that he would come out of this problem in no time. He was a wealthy, powerful man. He had powerful means to set himself free from the trap I created. That was the reason I didn't stop or felt bad because I knew it was not a big deal for him.

These rich people could not be confined by any law. Their money could sort out their any matter. I shrugged my shoulders in nonchalance and ambled towards my office.