chapter 12

Fiza woke up late today. Fiza didn't notice when the alarm went off. Fiza slept in such a deep sleep after a long time. Fiza has no time to cook. So, she eats milk and corn flakes and decides to have lunch at the canteen.Fiza leaves hurriedly for the office and can't talk to Aman.I should have talked to Aman in the morning. Yesterday, when I returned home late, he was not happy. He has never reacted like this before. Fiza says inwardly.Fiza's mobile beeps. Shalini has messaged her. "Good morning, dear. How are you today.""Thank you. I am fine. I just reached the office. I will talk to you later." Fiza replies.Fiza sends a good morning message to Shabana as her routine. She knows just a simple message from her makes her mother happy. So, she never forgets to message her in the morning. Usually, when Fiza goes to the office, she forgets everything and focuses on her work, but today she can't concentrate. She misses Aman.Sameer comes to meet Fiza.'Good morning, Ma'am. Are you busy with any important work?''No, nothing like that.''Then please help me.''How can I help you?''By watching my project and giving feedback.'Fiza can't understand whether she should go or not, but as Sameer insists too much, she can't refuse.As she goes with Sameer, her team starts discussing her.'They look good together.''Hope they understand that.''But, I think Fiza Ma'am has a boyfriend.''How do you know?''Haven't you seen her expression while she talks on the phone?''But how can you be sure she talks to her boyfriend?''I know. Yesterday also a black car picked her up from the office.''That also doesn't confirm that she has a boyfriend.''Friends, whether she has a boyfriend or not, if you can't complete your assignment on time, be sure you will not be in the team. So, get back to your work.'Fiza and Sameer discuss Sameer's project for a long time. Sameer speaks very well. Fiza gets impressed by him. Fiza feels like if Sameer could keep talking all day, she would listen to him all day. But since that is impossible, Fiza returns to her desk after a while. Fiza feels good after talking to Sameer. Sameer is not that bad. Fiza says to herself.Fiza's phone beeps. Arif has messaged, "Hey! It's been two days since we talked.'Fiza does not like to talk to Arif every day. Actually, she does not understand what to say to Arif. They have known each other since childhood, but they were never friends. But, if Arif hadn't been there, she would never be able to come to Mumbai. Fiza knows that Arif will look after her parents in her absence. "I am busy now. Call you later." Fiza replies.Fiza keeps her phone aside and gets busy with her work. New projects have come, and she has to do planning and assign jobs to her team.At lunch, Fiza calls Arif while having lunch at the canteen.'Thanks for calling?''Why? Is everything right there?''Actually, I didn't expect you to forget me so soon.''I just got busy with my job.''Good. How is your office?''It's good.''How are your colleagues?''Good.''Just good?''I have just come here. Isn't it too early to judge someone?''Right.''Tell me what's going on at your end?''Is that you really want to know about me, or it's just courtesy?'Fiza laughs and says,' If you don't want to share, I won't ask you again?''You are a drama queen.'Both giggles.'Our company and Junaid uncle's company will jointly start a jute factory soon. I also have a plan to open a jute product manufacturing unit. But that we will consider later.''That's really a good news.'So you have made a very nice plan to take over Abba's factories. (Pause) I think it's good too if you don't cheat him. Otherwise, who will run those factories after Abba? Fiza says inwardly. 'Fiza, are you there?''Yes, I am listening.''No, you are thinking something. Let me guess. (Pause) You are thinking about me, right?'Fiza smiles, hides the truth, and says, 'Can't you talk like normal people?''Okay, what do normal people talk about?'Fiza thinks for some time and says, 'Like food ....weather  ..... movie ... music.' She can't think about anything more.'Really? Won't these sound cheesy to you?''Actually, I don't know what people talk about so much on the phone.''These only lovers know. Start loving someone you will also know.''Now, to know what people talk over the phone, I have to love someone.' Fiza laughs.Two of Fiza's team members come to the canteen and see her laughing while talking over the phone.'Look at Fiza Ma'am. Don't you think she is talking to her boyfriend?''No, it can be a friend too.''Okay, don't believe me. One day you will find she has a boyfriend.''Whether she has a boyfriend or not, is it related to our job?''No.''Then, why are we discussing that?''You are boring.''Let's have lunch and get back to our work.'After some chit chat, Fiza disconnects the call and gets back to work.Fiza had a good day at the office today. In her busy schedule, she forgot last night's incident. But as it is time to go home, she remembers that Aman was unhappy about her coming home late. Fiza becomes upset.I have to do something to make Aman happy. But, what should I do? Fiza thought.Fiza buys some painting kits for Aman and some earthen pots for herself. Fiza knows how much Aman loves colors and brushes. In the past also, Fiza has given Aman colors and brushes several times for various reasons. Aman had a dream of setting up his own studio. Fiza decides to convert her second bedroom into Aman's studio. If there is a studio, Aman will be busy all day. Fiza thought.After reaching home, Fiza keeps everything she has bought in her second bedroom. She comes to the photo of Aman that she has kept on the table. 'I know you will be happy.' She says.'Yes, I am happy.' 'Oh! you have come. Where were you?''I was here. You didn't notice.'Aman sits at the table and pulls Fiza towards him.'What's your intention?''My intention is good.'Fiza smiles.(Continued .... )