Alina was elated that she would be having lunch with her friends; after so long. She was moved by Meera's concerns, even though she didn't say anything her friend guessed something was wrong. At lunchtime, the trio made their way towards the cafeteria but they were stopped by Banerjee. He, very formally, informed them that Haider wanted Alina to have lunch with him in his cabin.

'What?' Meera whined but Mikael held her hand and shook his head at her. Meera pouted angrily. Alina's smile dropped and shoulders slumped for a moment, but she maintained her composure and flashed a smile at her friends. Politely, she asked them to carry on.

Haider sat on the black leather sofa, the table in front of him was laid with food. He sighed shrugging off his dusky pink blazer, tossing it to one side, unbuttoned, and pulled up the sleeves of his white slim fit shirt up to his elbows. Then, casually leaned against the plush sofa with one leg over the other, his arms resting on the armrest. A minute later, he checked his watch, adjusting the wavy strands of hair that rested across his forehead and just then, Alina opened the door. He paused and his head shot up. A slow smile brightened his face.

'Welcome, my love.' He walked towards her one arm held out. She smiled a little at him as he held her waist. He frowned tilting his head and observing her. He held her chin and raised her face, - 'What happened, Miss. Alina.' He enquired with concern.

Alina exhaled deeply and turned to face him. She clenched her fingers and expressed her desire to eat with her friends in the cafeteria. Haider's expressions changed and she gulped slowly. Before she could do any damage control, he called for Banerjee. Alina panicked and began stammering to form a sentence.

'Pack all the food.' – Haider said sternly, - 'Today,' – slowly he wrapped his arm around her waist again, - 'I will be eating with my fiancé and her friends in the cafeteria.' He announced. Banerjee gaped at him and Alina's mouth dropped open as well. She blinked at him. He smiled looking at his girlfriend.

'Anything for you, my love.' He answered and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. Alina inhaled sharply and looked up at him, at his smiling face. She smiled hesitantly, at first and then her smile grew confident.

She was pleasantly surprised and could feel excitement build up in her chest with a steady rising of her heartbeat. Alina glanced at Haider, who walked confidently with her, holding onto her hand with possessiveness and tinge of protectiveness. As though, silently telling everyone that he and she were serious about each other, so others can back off. All the employees there were stunned eyeing their boss stroll into the cafeteria. This was the time Haider was here, but he wasn't awkward because he was here for Alina. He knew he wouldn't be able to get too far being hostile with her friends, he needs to befriend them to win her. And when he has completely won her—at the thought his lips curved into a small smile.

Meera gaped at the couple while Mikael had a neutral expression.

'Hey!' Haider greeted them as he pulled a chair for himself. Alina was all smiles at her friends and glanced dreamily at Haider. He looked clueless and asked for Meera's suggestions. She greedily licked her lips and suggested the chicken burger and cheese pasta with a soft drink. Alina was little concerned because Haider was health-conscious. But he surprised her once again by deciding to get cheese pasta and a soft drink. He gently smacked his thigh and sighed,

- 'And you Miss. Alina?' He asked.

Alina insisted she came with him to the counter, but he refused, - 'One rice, dal, and boiled potatoes.' She said reluctantly. Haider nodded and looked at Mikael. He suggested he will come with him; Haider agreed.

After the men walked away, Meera grabbed Alina's wrist and looked at her with bright eyes.

'Yaar, I misunderstood Haider sir. He isn't Khadus but a gentleman.' She gushed. Alina's smile faded upon recollecting last night, how he had twisted her hand. Only when Meera shook her gently, she was broken from her trance. She smiled and nodded thoughtfully.

Meera's smile dropped as well, she sighed sadly, - 'But Mikael is also a good guy and he didn't deserve to be heartbroken this way.'

Alina looked at her, feeling of guilty filling in her heart again. She lowered her head. Her friend took a moment and then held her shoulder.

'Don't fret, babes. He has come in terms with it and doesn't have any hard feelings for you.' Meera encouraged her.

Alina was spared from responding to her as Haider and Mikael came back. Haider, amusedly, told them how amazed the guy at the counter was to see him here. Alina and Meera exchanged smiles. He loosened his tie a little and relaxed with a sigh. Meera elbowed Alina and looked at her with a mischievous grin.

Through their lunch, Haider tried talking with the trio. Meera was extrovert amongst them. But was a struggle for Haider, yet he tried nevertheless for the sake of impressing Alina. He kept glancing at her, observing her reactions keenly. After lunch, they took leave. Haider placed his coat on his arm as he walked ahead of the trio. At the door, Alina asked Mikael and Meera to leave as she needed to talk to Haider. They obliged.

'Haider!' Alina called, and he stopped in his tracks. He turned around, looking at her. She stood beside him and smiled.

'Thank you for having lunch with us. It was a sweet gesture.' She appreciated. Haider smiled, placing a palm on her shoulder.

'You needn't thank me, my love. What I did, I did for you.' He responded. Alina smiled at him, then bid good-bye. Haider watched her walk away, he hoped she would turn to glance at him. And he smiled with content when she did. Alina glanced back, smiled, and waved at him.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

Haider came home with a wide smile on his face. He recollected the SMS he and Alina exchanged throughout the day. He impressed her and hoped she would shed her inhibitions towards him. He whistled as he leaped up the stairs. But stopped in his tracks and a dark scowl replaced his bright smile. Uzma stood, waiting for him, around the corner. He ignored her and turned when she called him. He doesn't bother to stop.

Uzma gathered her pastel cotton nightie and hurried to him. She grabbed his arm and made him stop.

'There is someone waiting for in my room.' She said, a tinge of worry in her voice. Haider frowned and jerked his arm from her grip.

'I am not interested in meeting your guests, Mrs. Zaidi.' He said dryly. Before Uzma could speak, a strong deep baritone boomed through the silent hallway. Haider got rooted on spot.

So, guys what do you think? Is Haider's way of impressing Alina correct? I feel its a sweet gesture. 

And, Uh-oh!!! Haider is going to come face to face with his abuser again, How is he gonna react *internal screaming*

Oh, no! Haider, Bhagoo!!! 

Precap:

They looked at each other. Haider moved random strands of hair from her face. Alina lowered her gaze and realized she wasn't wearing her robe. Quickly, she turned but Haider held her hand and she stopped.

'I am so lucky to have you in my life, Alina.' – he held her bare shoulder and she closed her eyes in response, her lips parted on their own accord. Haider kissed the back of her hand, - 'Please, never leave me.' He whispered, pushing aside her hair and then pecked her earlobe.

Alina gulped, clenching her fists. She would feel the proximity and skin to skin touch. It made her heart leap to her throat and hair on the back of her neck stood up. Haider ran his palm through the length of her arm and held her fingers. She stilled feeling the heat rise from the bottom of her stomach. He planted a gentle kiss on her cheek and took a step back. Alina's eyes sprung opened and she was surprised by how she reacted to him. 

How were the Chapter and the Precap, guys? Drop your thoughts and guesses in the comments, please *Muuuaaah* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*