The next day I had a meeting with Mr. Collins and his secretary. We had gone on to check the site where the grand hotel has to be built. Testing the grounds, having a conversation with the material supplier, and the contractor team went out for long period, it was all necessary as i was investing a large amount of capital for this project.

After lunch...

"The reports of the soil testing will be here in a day or two." Mr. Collin informed while adjusting himself on the chair.

"That would be fine. Mr. Collins please see that those reports are here on time. You basically know that I don't want wasting my time here and there. I do have a business to be handled back in India." I spoke charging in authority.

"Don't worry Mr. Sufiyan, everything should work according to the scheduled timing. Neither fast nor slow. We would not only build your grand hotel but also your trust in us." He spoke confidently.

"I hope so Mr. Collins." I told him as my iPhone started buzzing in my pocket. I excused myself so that i can pick up the call.

It was Elnaz, my little sister.

"Assalamualaikum Bhai (bro) " she greeted as i pick the call. Her voice happy and cheerful as always.

"Walaikumasalam Elnaz, how are you sis?" I asked her, twirling the pen in my hand.

"Allhamdullilla Bhai, I am fine. How are you? How was your journey? How’s-"

"Woah Elnaz bear! Slow down! I am human being unlike you a bear!" I laughed as she grunted on the call.

" I am not a bear, you baby donkey! Am a fairy princess like daddy calls me." She scolded me through the line. I can just imagine her face right now all red with anger with a scrunched-up nose, eyes narrowed and hands on her hips. Stifling my laugh i continue talking to her.

"Dad says you that because he doesn’t want the truth to come up to you" i told her.

"What truth?" She asks, now i know that i have bubbled up the curiosity in her.

"Which even if i tell you... you won't believe me"

"What is it Bhai? Tell me" she asked curiosity dripping in her voice.

"No, you won't Elnaz." I told her again refraining from telling her.

"Please Bhai tell me what is it? What is mom-dad hiding from me?" She asked again.

"No, you won't agree to me elnaz." Tossing it further more and controlling my bubbling laughs.

"I will agree to you Bhai. Tell me" she told me.

"Pakka? (sure?)" I asked her.

"Yes pakka." She willingly answered.

"The truth is … that you are born by birth a bear Elnaz. That's why I call you Elnaz bear." I finally told her laughing loudly.

"You dumb fellow... go I am not talking to you. Bye Khudahafiz." With that she ended the call.

Okay I know I went further with the joke but she really got angry now and I have to find a way to make her talk to me. I still was smiling at our so-called fight when i heard being called.

Turning my head i saw Rafa standing there with a cup of cappuccino in his hand.

"Why were you laughing as well as now you are smiling? Anything cheesy?" He asked sitting on the armchair.

"Actually, it was Elnaz. I was teasing her." I told him as kept my iPhone in my pocket.

Hearing her name, he stiffened a little, his eyes glowing with something similar to curiousness. Before i could ask him anything his stance changed in a second of a flash and he was back to normal, like he is always.

"OH your sister." He sighed sipping on his coffee.

"Ya my sister. Anyways what brings you here?" I asked him.

"Actually, was passing by so I thought why not have a look on you as well as see how work is going on." He answered.

"Reports of soil testing have yet to be received. Once everything is sorted, we can start with construction." I informed him to which he firmly nodded.

"When are you leaving for India?" he asked throwing away his cup in the bin.

"This Saturday Insha’Allah." i replied.

"So early?" he questioned narrowing his eyes.

"Rafa you know i have a lot of work to be done back in India. So i have to deal with my schedule studiously. Anyways i would be frequently visiting here to personally check on the construction." I told him taking my briefcase with me as i stood.

"You going home?" he further asked as he stood and we exited the room.

"Yeah. the work over is finished. I am just waiting for the reports and once the reports are as per our consideration I would get in to a contract with Mr. Collin's. You coming?" I asked.

"Nope man i have an important meeting with an important client. I would be coming sooner though so that we can go out chilling." he said getting in to his car.

"okay then. See you in the eve. Khudahafiz." I waved, i too getting in to my car.

*****

Quickly I got in to the house greeting Umera aunty while Rehan uncle was out somewhere. Feeling a little tired I thought about taking some rest as I would be out again with Rafa in the evening.

climbing the stairs my iPhone buzzed in my pocket alerting me that someone has messaged me. I took out my phone and saw that Elnaz has messaged me actually informing me that she is angry till yet. I was reaching my room while typing a reply when i bumped in to someone. Letting my briefcase and phone fall to the floor I quickly caught the person who was about to fall as she screamed.

"Firdaus" I whispered as I caught her in my arms.

Her dupatta (stole) falling off her head as she looked in to my eyes. We starred in to each other’s eyes until we heard uncle Rehan entering the house while talking to someone on the call.

Slightly nudging me she unwrapped herself from my arms. Setting her dupatta again.

"…. I... -" She was about to say something when I left her over there and went to my room because I can't seriously stand over there and watch her while she spoke to me when already she had so many questions unanswered left.

*****