I hope you all are having a great weekend❤

Sleeping is an activity that is most important for us. It helps our mind and body relax. It helps us escape the world and go somewhere where we can be peaceful. It is an activity designed only and only to benefit us but if by any chance, we overdo it, we end up shaking our whole world, just for a while but it can be scary. 

Haajar woke up with a sudden jerk. She was an hour late to work. She quickly freshened up and ran out of the house. Her quick actions and fast driving on the part of Rahemat got her to the office soon but she was still twenty-five minutes late. She rushed up and found Alessia in the living room. She apologised for being late and quickly walked to her desk. Alessia observed her for a moment then brought a water bottle to her and asked her the reason for being late. Haajar apologised again and explained that she overslept.

With a shake of her head, Alessia said, "It is okay. Why did you run here? It was not going to end the world. Nothing that important was scheduled for the morning either. Look at your all worried. Why?"

"Didn't you scold Cody when he was late to work, at the begging of my internship? I have made it a point to be on time ever since. That was the first and one of the few occasions that I have seen you angry. And when I entered just now you seemed angry so I thought." Haajar tried to catch her breath which was still uneven.

Alessia patted her back before smiling. "Cody wasted his time and did not work well. That is why he got scolded. He was lazy and a procrastinator. But I know you are sincere. However, "Haajar looked up at her. "I won't mind if you tell me what made you wake up late. Were you so tired yesterday?"

"No, no. It was not work. I had an argument with that guest and he kept me angry for a long time. I couldn't sleep until two. I am sorry, that is a very silly reason."

"Seems like you have issues controlling your anger but you rarely get angry so that even outs. Nevertheless, do not let him take over your sleep. He is not worth it. Lose your sleep over a man you love. That's the right way to do it." Haajar looked at her with a blank face with no intention to smile or play along. Chuckling, Alessia said, "You are very boring. Very, very boring." Haajar wrinkled her nose as she turned to her desk whereas Alessia left but before she could reach her desk, Haajar said, "My salary got credited. I have a question. How are you managing my salary? We are barely making anything. Where is this money coming from?"

"I have earned a lot in all these years. I can manage it for a while. Do not worry. You left a great firm for me, this is the least I can do. You never have to think about your salary. It will be credited every month, as long as you don't backstab me. Then I will cut ten per cent." Haajar chuckled immediately making Alessia smile wider.

Soon William joined them, his hearing was approaching them as well so they started to prepare for it. The first half was dedicated only to him and his case. They studied, discussed and decided their moves and words. William, being anxious, stayed there until lunch, trying his best not to bother them but that he was not capable of. He left only after Alessia talked to him and made him feel at ease. It was three in the afternoon when they had their lunch and then began their preparation for Raiyan's next hearing. Alessia was challenged by Zara's lawyer in the courtroom the other day, she was not going to take it lightly, she was not going to let it slid. It was time to challenge back. Alessia worked without stopping for a moment. She closed the file in front of her only when Raiyan visited her around seven in the dark. Haajar made coffee for them and then they sat together.

"I am glad to hear you are fine," Alessia said with a smile, "Actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. Haajar told me you were having doubts, so I wanted to hear about them. But before you could go on, let me speak. Having doubts is pretty normal. When I was interning there was a woman who doubted filing a case against the man who killed her husband, the father of her three little children, the only breadwinner and her only support. He was her everything yet she doubted fights against the man who killed him. It is not an easy thing to go for a lawsuit. It comes with fear and surely doubts. It is a part of the process, I would say. That does not necessarily mean you are wrong. Of course, it does not necessarily mean you are right either so think about it, and also think of why you started. What made you take this step, remember that. And also remember you will keep getting doubts about every new thing that you do. That is just how our mind works."

"I agree," he shook his head, "Do not worry, I am over that feeling. Everything was going slow and easy but the beginning of the trial made it real, maybe that is what got me. But I have thought about it, long and deep. Do not worry, I will go forward with it. I remember why I started, and I will end for the same reason. I should at least try." Alessia smiled as she encouraged him to speak. Following that their conversation lasted for a minute as a call from Alessia's son made her leave the room. Haajar and Raiyan sat quietly, letting their thoughts flow but when accidentally Raiyan's eyes met Haajar's, she shook her head. "Ah, I am sorry. I did not mean to complain about you to her. I was just having a normal conversation and I happened to talk about it. I really did not mean to complain."

Raiyan shook his head and smiled, "Do not worry, I understand. I know you would not do that and I understand why you told her about my doubts. I would have too. It must have made you think and made you uncomfortable. I am sorry if I did that, I was not planning to."

"I know, "Haajar cut him, "You were worried yourself. I am glad you are feeling better." Raiyan smiled again making her smile and helping her leave work on a good note but that could not help her from thinking about the incident. She played his conversation with Alessia and then his conversation with her multiple times in her mind, each time wishing she had not opened her mouth. When Alessia said she would talk to him Haajar did not think it would be an issue. But when Alessia mentioned her name, she realised how she sounded like a traitor. She did not wish to go with that reputation. Raiyan had said he understood her but Haajar thought he was being polite and that his mind might be different. Closing her eyes she shut her mind for the night. She decided to let it be tomorrow's problem and then she reached home peacefully.

She found everyone on the dining table, having their dinner. Rahemat quickly took her bag and asked her to join them. Haajar excused herself for a few minutes and joined them. It was a calm and simple dinner where Sufiyan did not try to steal the spotlight. Everyone talked and everyone smiled, they all enjoyed the simplicity of the night. Usually, haajar would always return to her room after dinner, to escape Sufiyan but that day she sat in the living room for some time. She had missed watching shows with her mother and Rahemat. That used to be the best part of their day but in recent times, with work commitments and their guest, it became difficult to do so.

She took the remote and started to browse through the channels. She was not sure what she wanted to watch, but nothing seemed like a bad idea. Fifteen minutes into her browsing Sufiyan joined her. He sat on the sofa while she was curled in her chair. She kept changing the channels and then thought to retire for the day but before she could move Sufiyan had a question to asked. "How do you travel here? Is public transport easy or do you drive everywhere?"

"I cannot speak for others but for most places we drive. But I enjoy public transport. I prefer them."

"Why would anyone prefer public transport over a car, I fail to understand that." He was looking at her with a frown. "Whatever is your reason."

"It just gives me some me-time, nothing else. My thoughts get sorted. That cannot be done while you drive. Public transport helps that or when you walk. Driving is hectic."

"You love walking, I know that. You always walk with him."

"Sufyaan bhai?" Haajar frowned. "Not really. We never walk. That was the first time. I don't know if he even likes to walk."

"I am not talking about him. What is the name of that guy? Rehan?" Haajar's heart sank. "Rehan, No Raiyan. What a weird name. You should make him change it to something better."

"Why will I tell him to do anything?" She tried her best to control her eyes but failed.

"Aren't you dating him? Didn't you tell your mom he walked you home? I was in the other room that day and I heard. He was very nice to you the other day and I heard you two meet a lot. Aren't you dating?"

"No! What do you think? He walked me home because I was walking home alone in dark. He is nice to everyone, I am not special. And we meet because of work. He is my client. What do you think of us?" She said everything in one breath.

"I am not thinking anything. I am not judging. In fact, I feel it is good. If he is a nice guy why not date him? You are getting old anyway. You should get married. Date for a while then get married."

"I am not dating him!" Haajar's mind started to spin. "Why are you saying that? You should not spread rumours."

Sufiyan smiled. "Okay." Suddenly his phone started to ring. "That is my son. I will talk to you later."

"Do not come back!" She whispered shouted. covering her face with her hands Haajar tried to control her anger. "What the hell does he think of himself? Evil, pure evil. I hope he is not coming back." Haajar said to herself. She turned around to look if he was coming back but found her mother standing by the sliding door. She looked away as Valiqa started to walk towards her. She nervously squeezed her fingers when her mother sat on the armrest. The mother said Raiyan's name but before she could continue the daughter said, "There is nothing between us. He is lying. I told you he came home to drop me because I didn't know the way. He was just helping me! That day also he was helping me because this man was annoying me as always! I don't meet him for any reason other than for work. Ammi, believe me, I am not lying. He is so irritating! He is lying."

"I know darling. I know. He was just helping you. I trust you. Do not worry."

"I do not like to link my name with anyone! I am very specific about my name when it comes to character. I do not like this. Why is he saying whatever he wants? Why is he assuming about me?"

"That is how people are. Do not stress so much about what he said," Rahemat said who was standing by the entrance. Haajar frowned and looked away, getting anger by each passing second. Rahemat came closer and sat on the table in front of her. "Your character is not defined by what people say or think. It is how you conduct yourself and how you act that matters. You do not have to give an explanation to anyone, not even your mother for she knows you, we all do. My nephew, I am sorry for it. He is stupid. He never thinks before speaking. Do not mind him. He is a nutcase." Haajar looked at him with a small frown between her brows. "I will talk to him and scold him too. Do not worry, he will not speak of it again to you or to anyone. Do what you want to do. We trust you."

"We do," Valiqa said, "And I do not mind Raiyan. He is a good boy. Handsome as well." Haajar frowned deeper making her mother say, "I am just joking but I really do not mind. I do not think I will mind anyone you choose. You are good at picking the right things."

"Raiyan is really not that bad. I actually like him a lot. He is sweet and sure handsome, but not as much as I am." Haajar chuckled as a tear covered the corner of her eyes. Rahemat wiped her tear and smiled warmly. Haajar smiled but looked away. Valiqa squeezed her hands as she said, "Why don't you and I go shopping tomorrow. I want to buy a few things."

"I don't want to live here." Rahemat frowned immediately as Haajar said that who was looking at Valiqa. "Until he is here. I am not comfortable. Can I go and stay with Sufyaan bhai and bhabhi?"

"Sure, if you want to," Valiqa approved her thought, "If you and they don't have any issue then I think it is fine. Go for it. You can go now if you want. It will be a good change to your mind."

Haajar looked at Rahemat and leaned forward. "You are okay? I am not going because of you or him. I just want to be alone. Are you upset?"

"No, no." He wiped his frown. "Your peace of mind is important and I know Sufiyan isn't related to that. Why don't you go and pack your bag? I will drop you. If you want you can go tomorrow, or else I am happy to drive."

Rahemat hoped for Haajar to stay the night but she decided to go right away. With a smile, he accepted her decision and then helped her reach her cousin. But before leaving Valiqa had a chat with her daughter that calmed her nerves. Then Rahemat's smiling face when he dropped her took away all the little anxiety that she had. She waved Rahemat goodbye before she rang the bell.

"What happened?" Sufyaan asked when Haajar entered the house with a bag. "Is everything alright? Why are you here with a bag, Haajar?"

"I eloped from my house. Now you and bhabhi have to adopt me. You do not have a choice. You have me now, deal with it. I am going to stay here until I want. Do you have any problem?" Sufyaan opened his mouth to speak but Haajar's voice echoed first. "To tell you the truth, I do not really care if you mind. It is your problem, not mine." She picked her bag and started to walk but in the living room, she encountered Raiyan who looked straight at her. At the moment, as her first reaction, Haajar wanted to be buried of embarrassment.