Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu flowers!

The above, exquisite cover was made by a lovely friend of mine @_PrincessRapunzel_

Jazaki Allah for such a lovely one dear!

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22nd November, 2017.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
There is no Muslim who performs wudhu and performs it well, and then stands and offers two units of prayer with devotion of heart and mind in the two of them, except that Paradise becomes guaranteed for him.

[Muslim 288]
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CHAPTER 26 -
Delinquency.

After much contemplation, and reciting some verses from Qur'an, Zaryaan was able to calm his nerves down. He was really upset about something, which he didn't know himself.

He didn't left his spot, where he offered his salah, til he was not feeling better, from inside.

He never felt this kind of anger, or rage towards anything or anyone. But, that boy, seriously had some skills to bring very worst out of him! Something about his smiles, ticked Zaryaan off.

Rehan!

He seriously, had some problem with Zaryaan. He always had this, weird kind of glint in his eyes, whenever he spoke to him. Like, if he had a chance, he would never want to stand in the same room as Zaryaan.

Heck! It was clear as day, that boy didn't like him a bit!

Zaryaan wondered, why is that?! He didn't had some history with him. Then why would, that boy behave like he had did some huge crime.

Only Allah! Knows.

He didn't notice the time, it was already nearly 8 in the morning. And he was still in the same spot, with closed eyes and, beads of tasbeeh, in his right hand mumbling istighfar! Under his breath. Still deep in his thoughts.

He lifted his head, and opened his eyes, only to be greeted with the bright sun-light, that was protruding through the wide windows of the elegant masjid.

His eyes roamed all over the masjid hall, and found there were just mere few people, and imaam was sitting on the far end, and may be after offering his ishraq salah, in his dikr!

His gaze landed on the wide clock, that was stood proudly on the centre of the high wall, in the front. It shows 7:30 am. Immediately, his eyes went wide and, he finished his dikr on remaining beads of tasbeeh, and stood up to leave, after saying Salam to imaam, and having a brief hug, and a hand shake with imaam.

As it says in a hadith; "When ever two Muslim meet shaking the hands of each other, Allah would forgive them before their departure."

(Ibn Majah)

*********

Zaryaan came out of the masjid, and hoped into his car, after having a brief chat and exchanging pleasantries with the imaam. He was about to insert the keys, inside the key hole and, start the ignition. His phone went off, he fetched it out of his pant pocket, and pressed it against his ear.

"As salamu alikum, Mr. Khan! Its Wasim, we are having an important meeting in this afternoon. The meeting with the foreign delegate Mr. Hamilton, was pre-poned." Wasim, Zaryaan secretary spoke, from the other line.

Zaryaan's eye brows knitted together, in confusing manner, and frown etched his face. How could that slip out of his mind? Then, again Mr. Hamilton was't about to arrive next week, and it wasn't due to happened til next week. He ran his free hand, through his hair, and started to massage his one inch trimmed beard, still listening to Wasim carefully.

"Wa alikum as salam, Wasim! As per my knowledge, it has been scheduled for next week, right?!" Zaryaan briefly queired, still pondering over his schedule.

As for him, he didn't had any kind of meetings today. He made sure to clear his all meetings, and appointments for today. As he planned to spend some quality time with his wife!

Guess! He was wrong!

"Yes, Mr. Khan!" Zaryaan could make, Wasim's discomfort in his tone. "But, Mr. Hamilton, had some other errands to run, so his P.A approached me, earlier this morning, and informed about the re-scheduled meeting!" Zaryaan groaned, inwardly.

Zaryaan was silent for some-time, and spoke. "I think, I made my-self very clear, about my today's schedule!" Zaryaan spoke begrudgingly.

For love of Allah! He had been working his butt off, and cleared all his appointments, and finished his presentation, even he worked on weekends too. Just so he could have time of his life with his love, when she came back to him.

"I know, I am sorry, sir! But, Mr. Hamilton was leaving this night. So, he wanted to seal the deal." Wasim stated with hesitant in his voice, for he knew, Zaryaan won't change his mind once, he passed his word.

He also knows, that he won't back-out, when it was about the company and, that to, its one of the biggest project and prestigious one for that matter. He just need to push him further, and coax him to agree. Or else, they will surely loose the deal.

It's not like, it would cause any damage to their companies reputation, but, its just that, Wasim, knew his boss worked day and night to come up with the most impressive presentation for Hamilton corp. Project.

The project was about, building a special school, for dumb and deaf kids, and Zaryaan's company which was situated in London, was working with Hamilton corp. in this project, and was also partner of 35%. Mr. Hamilton was a very generous person, he was in his late sixties. And he had also been a very well known social worker, in England.

"Fine! But, this will be the last time, you are defying my orders, Wasim!" Zaryaan spoke, to him in a low threatening manner. "About what time, the meeting would start?"

Zaryaan heard his chuckle from the other end, Wasim knew well, that his friend/boss, was way too stubborn to let go any of the deals, which he laid his hand on.

"Well?" Zaryaan made a grunting sound, which made Wasim's chuckling died down in his throat. He covered with a cough.

"Sharp, 2pm!" Wasim beamed.

"Alright!" Zaryaan was about to end the call, after saying salam. When Wasim spoke again.
"Now, what Wasim?!" Zaryaan was really frustrated with this.

"Sir, you need to add some finishing touches, to the presentation and, need to discuss about which kind of interiors we would prefer for the school's interior." Zaryaan gave his affirmative, saying he will be in an hour and ended the call.

Zaryaan started the ignition, and the car roared into life. He drove away from the masjid's parking area.

*********

After parking his car, Zaryaan entered the main door, to be greeted with his very irritated brother Ahil! on something. Ahil's hair was deshelved, and his head was buried inside, what looks like his text book.

Zaryaan went towards his brother, and patted his head and greeted him. Ahil lifted his head up, and gazed at his brother with his sleepy eyes. And replied to Zaryaan's Salam.

Zaryaan face contorted into concerned look, for his brother. Ahil explained about his, upcoming semister and, his negligence about the exams, all these time enjoying his preparation holidays.

But, Zaryaan knows better than that, that whatever the circumstances would be Ahil, won't settle for anything less than first place. And he was damn sure, that Ahil will crack his semester, in sha Allah!

It's just, he was always on the edge, before exams. That's what help him, think straight.

After little exchange of few words, Zaryaan went to climb stairs, as his gaze fell on his beautiful wife, who was very busy and concentrating on something, that was on the pan.

For a second, his mind went back to this morning, his encounter with that Rehan boy. Slowly, he felt like, his rage forming into full swing. He clenched his hand into tight fist, and jaw tight, he turned away, not wanting his wife, to witness his sour mood. For he was sure, he would say or do something, that he will regret later.

With long and swift strides, he climbed the stairs, and disappeared into series of rooms. Once he was inside their bedroom, he unbuttoned few buttons of his shirt, and grabbed the clean dark blue towel on his shoulder. And went to have a shower.

As he was about to enter the bathroom, Aasiya came with a bright smile on her face, and a cup of coffee in her hand.
"Sorry! I didn't saw you coming. And you unusually spend more time in masjid, so, I went to prepare breakfast!" Aasiya began to explain. "Here's you coffee!" She passed the cup to him, as he was standing across her.

Zaryaan took it from, her hand, and thanked her. He sat on the arm chair. And began to sip from his coffee. Aasiya offered to prepare his bath, and arrange his clothes, but he dismissed it, saying he would take a cold shower and, he already made his mind about what clothes he was wearing today.

He was oblivious to the hurt look, that cross her face, as he strode to have a shower. Zaryaan himself didn't know, why he was behaving like a total idiot! giving her curt replies, and cold shoulder.

His chest was burning with immense jealous, he can't help but, punch himself for feeling this way. He didn't felt this much possessive towards anyone. But, when it comes to Aasiya he can't control his possesive and over-protective nature.

Still with jumbled of thoughts, Zaryaan changed into black colour trouser, and dark-grey colour button up shirt, with a matching blazer. He was fixing his wrist watch, when Aasiya came back in the room.

With a smile, she reached for his lap-top, and bag. But it was placed on the bed, where he was standing. So he grabbed it before she could make it to the bed. Completely, un-aware of her sullen looking face. He was checking in his phone for any mails, when she spoke.

"I have made roti and halwa, for breakfast. I'll just fill the plate for you!" Aasiya spoke softly and, began to walk out of the room, but was stopped in mid-stride by his hard tone.

"No need of that, I had an early meeting today. So, I'll probably have breakfast in office." Zaryaan lied. And he just left for office without even a second glance.

Zaryaan stopped out side his room, behind closed doors. His hands were itching to hold her, in his arms. And give her a goodbye kiss. Contemplating, whether he should walk-in or, just leave. But, the demons inside him, went better on his rational self. And he walked away from the door.

When he was on the last step, of the stairs. He felt uneasy, the way he spoke to her. Zaryaan changed his direction, and went towards the breakfast table, to have something. Which was made by his wife.

"Yus! Can you please fix me a plate!" Zaryaan asked his sister, politely. Yusra gave him a nod, with a smile. And began to place two rotis and a cup of halwa, with some chutney, in one plate. And a glass of orange juice.

As Zaryaan was about to sit in his chair, he heard the door bell. And went to answer it, as Yusra was not having her hijab on.
"Got it!" Zaryaan went to answer the door.

As his gaze fell on Asif, his face broke into a smile.
"As salamu alikum, jiju!" Asif greeted him with a smile. Zaryaan replied to him with the same smile on his face, but it was turned into a frown followed by a scowl, as he saw who was standing behind Asif.

"Rehan!" Zaryaan acknowledged his presence with a curt nod. As if on cue, this fist began to itch, to punch something.

Asif was very well aware of the tension between these two. He can't help, but move his eyes, away anywhere but the man who was looking like, he was on the edge.

"Who's on the door, bhai?!" Yusra came, after fixing her hijab. As she saw Asif and Rehan standing on their door-steps, she greeted them, and escorted them to the living room.

"Bhai! I'll call Siya, you go and have your breakfast!" Yusra said, but Zaryaan declined, mumbling something along the lines like, he had lost his appetite.

Yusra gave him a confused stare, as what his brother was mumbling to himself.
"I am in urgent, Yus! Will have breakfast in office." With that Zaryaan left, mumbling Allah haifz, and kiss on her forehead.

*********

Zaryaan's stomach was growling, in protest to stop his madness, and have some mercy on the poor intestines and eat something. But, as he was, stubborn. He didn't had anything except for the coffee, that he had in the morning, made by Aasiya.

From the time, he entered his cabin, he was working like a mad-man. Throwing orders after orders, and barking on anyone, who would cross his path. To the point, every one in the office, were chickened out even to greet him.

Zaryaan was still on his lap-top, working on the designs of the interior, and what kind of garden, play ground etc, will be required for the school. He finalised each and every design, and keep it on the side.

His mind was still reeling, with the thoughts of his earlier encounter with Rehan! What was he doing at his home? And that too, soon after having a conversation with him at masjid, that very morning?

And then, his visit to his office, along with Asif. He really can't believe, what that, Rehan boy did! He just tried to mess with him, and he allowed it. By railing up so easily.

He was feeling so deliquence, for he behaved so wrong with Aasiya. Whatever, it is. Its not her fault, that she had so many people around her who cares so much for her. To the point, threatening him.

After Rehan, explained everything to him, and his visit to his place. He was relaxed, and Rehan apologised for his behaviour, and requested him, not to tell anything about this to Aasiya.

Zaryaan still, can't understand, why he need to go such a length just to make sure he was good enough for her? It still didn't made sense for him! But, he thought to let it slip for now.

His eyes were focused on the screen, in front of him, but, his mind was miles away from there. When he heard a door click sound, followed by a knock. Zaryaan startled, and absent-mindedly, pressed the wrong button, and all the work he had done from past three hours was just went into vain!

"Oh! No!" Zaryaan went tense, and he groaned in protest. He with swift movements of his fingers, tap furiously on the key board, in the hope of getting the information and, his work back.

But, it all went out. As he didn't saved the information even for once. And now, he was paying for his lack of concentration.

"Is everything ready, Mr. Khan!" Wasim came, and stood across from him. When he saw, he wasn't answering he asked.
"What happened, is there something wrong?"

"I----I forgot to save the work, and now it all got deleted!" Zaryaan said, covering his face with his hands.

"Everything?" Wasim retorted, Zaryaan shook his head.

"No! Only the interior part!" He groaned. Placing his hand on his forehead, pressing it to stop the headache, threatening to start.

He was really feeling remorseful, now as he got to know that, that Rehan was just trying to mess with him. He was feeling angry on himself for, behaving like a jerk!

"Its alright! We already have presentation, ready. And Mr. Hamilton is on his way!" Wasim informed. Zaryaan gave him a nod, and dismissed him.

Zaryaan once again check his, presentation and, saved it carefully this time. And even tried to gather the information that, he had prepare for the interior, as much as he can. And added it.

He took some aspirin to give his aching head some relief. And closed his eyes for a second, when the door opened, followed by a knock.

"Mr. Khan! They are here!" Zaryaan nodded at him, as Wasim came into the room, and gathered the lap-top, and files, that were needed for the meeting.

Zaryaan stood from his leather swivel chair, and grabbed his blazer, which was hanging on the shoulder of the chair. He walked out of the cabin, as he buttoned his blazer, with the swift movement of his long fingers.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Mr. Hamilton!" Zaryaan greeted his staff, as he walked into the conference room. He gave a nod of acknowledgement to Mr. Hamilton, who was seated on the opposite end of the table, which can accommodate 20 people.

Zaryaan didn't waste a minute, as he jumped into the main matters. And he began to work his charms of intelligence. As far Mr. Hamilton looks, impressed with the work he had done.

"These were some of the interiors, I had prepared for the school. And there are some others too, like play ground, and gardens for children to re-fresh." Zaryaan concluded. And moved his gaze in Mr. Hamilton's direction.

I took almost three hours, to complete the presentation, and make Mr. Hamilton impress. After everything wrapped up, and deal was finalised, after discussing some other stuff, meeting was successful. Zaryaan stood up, and had a hand-shake, and congratulations form his colleagues.

After few more, exchange of words with, his secretary and Mr. Hamilton. He bid goodbye, to the clients. And breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alhamdulillah, man! You actually made it!" Wasim, turned into friend mode, and praised his friend.

"Yeah! Alhamdulillah." Zaryaan sighed. "But, still had to mail those remaining designs. It will take about few hours to get them back, I'll fix them, and you please mail it!" Zaryaan again turned into business mode, and started to work on his lap-top.

Wasim just shook his head, and went to grab something to for Zaryaan to eat. Its almost 4 in the evening, and he didn't had anything apart from couple of cups of cappuccino.

Zaryaan just wanted to finish this, and get back home to his wife. And boy! He did have a lot of explanations to do, for his earlier fiasco!

Few minutes later, Zaryaan heard a knock on his door, and he lifted his head from the screen, as saw Wasim, with a two boxes, what looks like a sandwich!

"Here, have something. Til then, I'll help you." Wasim, grabbed his right hand and dragged him, out of his chair. Zaryaan reluctantly followed him, after saving the draft.

Zaryaan sat on the couch, and grabbed a sandwich from the box, and took a bite out of it. He offered it to Wasim, but he declined politely saying he already had his.

Zaryaan shut his delinquent part, aside so that, he could be done and over with his work. As fast as he could.

Zaryaan instructed, all the details as Wasim followed him, and made all the necessary changes. And saved all the things they wroked together.

By the time, they were finished. Its already 8pm. He instructed, all the details and, asked Wasim to mail those things and, left the office only after giving strict orders, about not to fix any appointments or any kind of meetings for the other day.

As he was dead tired, and just needed his bed, and comfort of his pillow. But, before that he needed to apologise for his curt behavior. And explain himself.

**********

Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu lovlies!

How are you all doing? I pray and hope you all are doing good, Alhamdulillah!

So!? How's the chapter? Hope you guys enjoyed it?

Its all about Zaryaan! Do you guys, liked this side of Ryan?

And, Rehan finally apologised! Do you think he is upto something or he was just concern about Aasiya?

I didn't elaborate, about Rehan's apology scene, coz I want this chapter to be full of Ryan! I was kind of missing him! ;)

Do you like it?

And Zaryaan was not intentionally avoiding or hurting Aasiya! He was just so into the meeting!

So, how's the overall chapter?

Next chapter I'll try to add more of SiAn moments, in sha Allah! This one is full of Ryan and his world!

Hope you guys enjoyed it, and don't forget to vote and give your feedback. I'd love to read them!

Do vote, comments, & share.

Until then.

Allah hafiz.

#Bush.