Chapter 28: Return of the CEO.

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"And in her smile I see something more beautiful than the stars."

-Beth Revis: Across the Universe-

*

"Are you serious?"

"Dead."

"No way," Yusra rolled her eyes at the boys' gossips. She was amused at how much these boys know about people. They should meet the Aunties! She grinned maniacally.

"Why are you grinning like that?" She turned to her side to see a confused looking Alayna.

"Nothing," she replied and Alayna narrowed her eyebrows making Yusra laugh. She had become close to her and the boys (namely; Wren, Cordon, Pritvi (strategic and analysis department), Lee Hyn, Casten, Than (Screening and testing department), Kris, Virat and Mateo (Programming and Designing) and of course the interns.) 

They kept her entertained with a lot of news, jokes and people watching. Yes, that is apparently a thing amongst these boys. She learned quite a lot about the boys, like their random quirks and obsession with coffee. They didn't speak of their personal lives nor asked about hers so she didn't pry either.

It was Friday, the last day of her training with Screening and Testing department. She had fun though. They had played multiple games and competitions; from which Yusra learnt a lot. It was lunch hour and she was out of office for lunch with these people. They had an hour so they chose the small diner across from their office building.

"Where have you guys decided to stay for the rest of the time of internship?" questioned Casten and Yusra shrugged, biting onto her sandwich.

"It's up to the department chief's." replied Old Han with a sigh and Jackson nodded. Zain agreed to it while Yusra continued eating. Their lunch was cut short when they received an email stating there was a meeting at Level 5 in five minutes.

They panicked and hurriedly paid before picking up their lunches and running (literally running for which Yusra was glad to be wearing runners) towards the office. By the time Yusra made it to the fifth floor, she was panting with a drink in one hand and uneaten brown paper wrapped sandwich in the other.

"This better be good," muttered Than from beside her and she chuckled, the sound coming out as a wheeze only. Alayna patted her back and Yusra was finally able to regain proper breathing.

"I am sorry to have rushed you all," Yusra's head snapped up at the voice, all frustrations melting away. He is back, her face slowly broke into a grin when she saw him. He stood at the landing of the stairs leading up to the sixth floor; looking regal as ever. His eyes were scanning the place and Yusra waited until it met hers. When it did, she found herself not being able to look away. He is really here. He is really here! Yusra then realized how much she missed him and her heart swelled. She blinked away the slight tears that formed behind her eyelids. She blinked rapidly and looked away from him. Why am I tearing up over seeing him?!

"Good afternoon everyone," he began and his voice brought her back to him. "As I said before, I apologize for cutting short your lunch breaks."

"You better be," muttered Than from beside her and she let out a grin. Someone's grumpy. Casten elbowed him causing him to shut up effectively.

"This is important because I have news for you all. First and foremost, the interns-" he said, looking at Yusra."-would be leaving us in two weeks." His gaze left hers and she felt that it was meant for her. Leaving us in two weeks.

"This week," He continued. "Was their last with the department rotations and over the weekend, they would be notified which department they would be placed in next. As per tradition over the years, we will give them a farewell at the Team building workshop two weeks from now. You all would receive the itinerary once its planned. There will be polls up too, I believe?" Islah looked at Markos who nodded at him. Islah grinned, the smile making Yusra's heart flutter.

"So be sure to be active around the place. Also, this is compulsory unless there is a special circumstance. Follow all protocols for any cases and let Miss. Darwish know. She is in charge of the workshop this year," Islah said and Rabail smiled at them. She was standing beside Markos at the side of the stairs.

"Any questions?" he asked and no one dared to ask. Even Than was quiet. "Right. Have a nice afternoon."

Yusra turned to Casten who asked for her attention.

"Will you be coming to the workshop?" he asked her and she shrugged.

"You heard him. It's compulsory unless there is some reason."

"Will we have a plus one this year?" Than questioned out loud and Yusra looked around for her CEO. He was right there and now, he was missing. Magic.

"I think so. I mean we do every year right?"

"And yet we don't bring anyone," Kris slapped Than and Casten's heads lightly. The two boys glowered at Kris.

"I should get back," she told them and bid her goodbyes. She walked towards her desk only to be stopped by Rabail midway. She let out a small gasp in surprise before laughing.

"You scared me," she told Rabail who grinned at her.

"I need to talk to you. Important." With that, Rabail pulled her along to the top floor and into her cabin. She shut the door and pushed her towards the desk. Okay. This is not anxious at all. "Sit."

Yusra took a seat on one of the chairs in front of the desk and crossed her legs over each other. She looked at Rabail expectantly, waiting for an explanation. Rabail sighed audibly.

"Alright, so Iravat apparently is getting on my nerves," Rabail began and Yusra grinned. If its about Irav, I am pretty sure it is something romantic. Unlike his older brother who did not even bother to meet me when he returned.

"Go on," she urged Rabail, effectively shutting out her thoughts. Rabail paced around the desk, making Yusra's head dizzy.

"He- he wants to tell his parents," Rabail said and Yusra's eyebrows shot up. Tell his parents? What exactly?

"What exactly? You got'ta give me details," Yusra told her and Rabail glowered at her before sighing again. That is a lot of sighing.

"He likes me and he wants to tell his parents about it." Rabail said. Yusra frowned.

"Do you like him?" The questioned halted Rabail on her tracks and Yusra looked at her with a small smile. So she is in denial phase still.

"I- I don't know," she finally said, taking a seat on the chair beside Yusra. Yusra grinned.

"If you like him, let him know."

"But there are things, things to consider." Yusra chuckled at her state. I can't believe I am the one advising her.

"If you like him and he likes you, there is nothing to be scared of. Love is something that's as important as your career and family," Yusra informed her and Rabail stared at her for a moment before grinning.

"Islah taught you that." at the mention of his name, Yusra blushed and frowned at the same time. "What's wrong?" She shook her head at Rabail's question.

"Let's not divert from the topic here. I'll tell you that later. Now, you tell me. What are you so afraid of?"

"Everything. What if we don't work out?"

"Right. Just go with your gut. If you don't work out, you still have your life with you."

"And if we do?" at this Yusra grinned. She leaned towards Rabail and whispered.

"If you do, you'll get married, have children and build a beautiful home." Rabail was astounded at how simple Yusra made everything. It's like this girl is simple minded, she thought with a small smile.

"Thank you, Yusra." She said and she meant it. She meant every word.

"Invite me to your wedding!" Yusra sang out as she stood up and began walking to the door. Rabail laughed. You would be the elder daughter-in-law of the house anyway, she thought smugly.

Before Yusra could open the door, it opened and familiar blue-gray eyes met green ones. Islah's face immediately lit up like a Christmas tree and Yusra glowered at him, effectively shutting down his Christmas light lit face. He walked into the room and stood in front of her.

"Hey," he said, carefully with a small smile. Yusra still glowered at him.

"Don't hey me," she said and immediately clamped her hands over her mouth. She did not realize her mind was going to have a word spurt moment now. Islah raised an eyebrow at her reply, clearly amused. Rabail laughed behind her as she walked out of the door, calling out Good luck Islah as she did.

"What'd I do?" he asked her and she rolled her eyes, stepping to the side to leave. She took a step to the left and so did Islah to the same side. He blocked her way out. What does he want? Yusra took a step to the other side and so did Islah.

"What do you want?!" she asked him frustrated-ly. Islah frowned.

"What'd I do? Why are you glowering at me?"

"You left the country without telling me, Islah. And you even made it back without telling me too!" she started the sentence with a hint of fierceness and ended it softly. I am hurt that he didn't think of letting me know.

Islah smiled down at her at the way she says his name.

"So this is why you are mad at me?" he asked and she nodded her head like a little child. Islah grinned. "How was I supposed to tell you? Why am I supposed to tell you?" when he asked the why question, Yusra's head immediately snapped up to him. Her green eyes were fierce and it reminded Islah of a bonfire in the middle of the forest.

"Why? I thought we were-" in love. She stopped dead in her sentence with her mouth ajar and Islah leaned down to hear what she had to say next. When she did not say anything, Islah nodded at her.

"This is exactly why I didn't tell you. We haven't sorted out whatever we have yet and if I did, you'd spend the time questioning yourself why I did," Islah replied and she sighed, looking up to him.

"You thought of that but you didn't think that I would question myself why you didn't tell me?" Yusra's voice was small because it was exactly what she did every night for the past two weeks. She questioned herself if what Islah and she had between them was real or not. If it was, he would have at least told her about it. But he told his mother. Islah's eyes widened slightly and he ran a hand through his hair, messing it up.

"I am sorry. I didn't think you'd question it. My entire family knows, Yusra." Her eyes widened at this. He told his family?

"What did you tell them?"

"About us."

"Right. What about us?" that's when it hit Islah that the two have not yet defined what their relationship or what-so-ever at the moment was.

"Crap," he muttered and Yusra rolled her eyes.

"I have work. See you for dinner today?" she asked him with a smile. His heart swelled at her smile, as his lips mirrored it.

"With Irav and Rabail." The smile immediately fell. It was supposed to be the two of us, damn it. He thought with disdain.

-

Islah waited at the car park, leaning onto his black jeep. His phone was in his hand as he went over the business newsfeed. Sure enough, his father and he were amongst the news and he sighed. At least they got a good picture. He laughed.

"What is so funny about this afternoon?" he looked up to see Rabail and Yusra standing in front of him. He rolled his eyes at Rabail.

"Where is your man?" he questioned her and she glowered at him. Why are all women glowering at me today? Of course excluding my mother.

"My man is also your brother," she retorted and Islah grinned back.

"So you admit he is your man," he air-quoted 'Your Man' with a laugh and Rabail blushed, trying to glare at him. Yusra laughed upon seeing Islah's teasing side. Islah's gaze shifted to her and he smiled softly.

"Hey," the three of them turned to see Iravat walking over to them.

"Where is your vehicle?" Islah asked and Iravat grinned.

"At repairs." Islah wanted to curse the living hell out of everything. The one day I want to have Yusra alone, they all have to hoard over us!

"Right," he muttered. "Pick your seats." He waited to see which one Yusra picks but so did Rabail and Iravat. Yusra looked at them before rolling her eyes and walking towards the driver's side back door. Islah chuckled and followed her, opening the door and placing his hand at the top edge of the door frame. Yusra got in and Rabail gushed about how cute they were. Iravat rolled his eyes at her.

"You gotta stop being so cute," Iravat told Islah once they were in the Jeep. Islah raised his eyebrows, feigning innocence. Iravat rolled his eyes and began messing around with the radio. He switched on Bluetooth and immediately it got connected to his iPhone. He began playing music and the silence in the vehicle drowned away.

This time, Islah chose an Indian restaurant. The name read India Gate in neon lights at the side with lots of leaves surrounding it. Yusra grinned at Islah, clearly impressed at his choices. Duh. You are one my choices, little girl.

"Shall we?" he asked her and she let out a small laugh, following Rabail and Iravat into the well-lit restaurant. Islah walked in behind her.

The waitress, a nicer one this time, guided them to a table of four by the glass windows. Yusra took a seat opposite Islah while Rabail took a seat beside her, opposite Iravat. Immediately the girls picked up the menus and began scanning though while the boys shared an amused look.

"What shall it be?" Iravat asked, taking the menu from Rabail who frowned at him. He stuck his tongue out at her and she did the same as reply. Islah rolled his eyes at their usual antics and turned to see Yusra watching them in amusement.

"Have you decided?" he asked her, taking her attention from the bickering duo to him. She nodded at him, handing over the menu.

"Butter chicken please," she said and Islah read through the menu with a small smile playing on his lips. I like that too. Everybody likes Butter Chicken, Islah. It has CHICKEN in it!, the savage voice in his mind replied to his thoughts.

"Ooo they have seafood," Islah muttered, excitedly. Prawns, Prawns- AHA. Prawns. He looked through the prawns menu and finally decided on Prawn curry, praying it was spicy. They ordered and the waitress kindly noted them down before leaving.

Islah turned to Yusra with a grin.

"So," he said and she raised an eyebrow at him. Rabail and Iravat watched the two interact bemusedly.

"So?"

"What all did I miss?" at this Rabail perked up.

"Ohh Yusra. Tell him about the proposal that came over at your place," Rabail said, with a sly smile. Yusra turned to her with a frown. Proposal? What proposal? WHO DARED TO- Okay, Iron man, calm down; the savage voice in his head (again) replied.

"What proposal?" Islah asked her, as calmly as he could manage. Yusra turned back to him and her eyes slightly widened. Islah's face was slowly paling and the vein at his neck was almost visible.

"Ah. Nahwan's proposal." She replied before turning to Rabail. "Which reminds me. Everyone is happy over it. They like Nahwan and so does Maha. They are thinking of some more get-together's." Rabail grinned, clapping her hands happily. Islah stared at them incredulously. Rabail! You know she is my woman. Why are you getting happy over her proposal?

"Um guys? Tell me!"

"It's for Maha, oh my god, you whiny child." Yusra chided him and turned back to her conversation with Rabail. Islah stared at her dumbfounded. Whi- Whiny. Whiny child? That was when Yusra realized what she did and blushed a deep shade of red.

"You could have told me that before the whole excitement, you know." Islah replied and Yusra grinned at him.

"I forgot?" Islah rolled his eyes.

"So when did this happen?"

"Last weekend. They came over and the family is pretty nice. So basically the dude's from a good family, has a good reputation, is sociable, earns well and is well-read. Also he prays and reads Quraan so my parents were all awhh and finally after they left, everyone became excited. I am pretty sure they liked Maha too. I mean, what's there not to like?" Yusra explain and Islah nodded with an appreciative expression. Wallahi, I am glad it is not her.

"Your food, Sirs and madams." The waiter said, placing the food on the table. Yusra immediately grinned at the aroma of different Indian dishes around her.

"Prawn?" Islah asked her and she looked at him sheepishly before nodding. Islah placed half of the prawn curry on her plate just as Rabail cooed at them. Islah rolled his eyes at her before turning to a very bright pink Yusra in front of him.

"Thanks," she muttered, quietly picking up her silverware and beginning to eat. Islah stared at her for a moment, taken aback at her shyness. He has never seen her in this avatar before and it was amusing. I like the shy-Yusra more.

"Eat," Rabail retorted and he shot a glare at her before doing exactly what he said.

The dinner was quiet; very unlikely of the group, though the silence was comfortable to them. Islah and Iravat walked up to the counter to pay while the girls walked out into the cold night air.

"It's getting cold," Rabail noted and blew out white puffs of air. Yusra grinned at her.

"It's the season of my hands are cold, can I hold yours romance," Yusra replied laughing. The boys returned and soon enough, they were on their way home.

We have to clear the air. And soon. 

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Hey guys. As salaam alaikum. So it's been a while. 

First and foremost: I am sorry for the late update. 

There's just alot going on right now and I am caught in a crossfire sorta thing. 

Anyway. 

I hope you are happy and safe. 

| R - C - V |

xx,

-Aalihha.