After one hour of pampering himself in the jacuzzi, Maaz stepped out of it. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist and walked up to the mirror. He wiped the stream from the mirror and looked at his reflection. He inhaled deeply and admired himself.

'Wow! Maaz Nawab Ali, you are such a handsome man.' He winked at himself. He raised his arm and flexed his biceps while looking at it through the mirror. His smile widened. Then, he leaned forward and held his chin. He checked his stubble and ran his palms over his jaw. He opened the mirror cabinet and took out a trimmer. As he was busy trimming his stubble, he heard his father's voice from outside the room.

'All he does is relax. Even princesses and Queens don't relax so much.' Rashid said angrily. Maaz rolled his eyes, clicking his tongue in agitation. Annoyed, he walked out of the bathroom.

Rashid entered his room and removed his coat, throwing it on the bed he loosened his tie.

'What is your problem, Dad?' Maaz stormed into the room while speaking in a sharp tone.

Rashid paused and turned around. He scowled upon seeing Maaz standing at the doorsteps and wearing only a towel. Water dripped from his hair.

'How many times-'

'Oh.'

The men were interrupted by a young maid who was startled seeing Maaz. He smiled at her and she blushed looking away. He felt pride seeing crimson hue on her pale skin. Rashid watched him angrily.

'Emily.' – He called sternly, the maid flinched and looked at him, - 'What do you want?' He asked.

The maid gulped, - 'Sir, Tea.' She pointed towards the tray she was carried. Rashid looked at the teacup and few biscuits on the tray, then he looked up.

'I don't want it now, leave.' He said sternly. The maid nodded nervously and turned around. She wanted to glance at Maaz but resisted because she didn't want to risk her job. After she had gone, Rashid glared back at Maaz. He looked back at his father with a stern expression.

Zainab hesitated before knocking at the door.

'Come in.' She heard her son's voice and then entered the room.

She found Maaz standing in the balcony and smoking. She pressed her lips angrily. Purposefully, to annoy his father Maaz was wearing just white cargo pants. Zainab took hurried steps towards him. He was startled when she snatched the cigarette from between his lips. He furrowed his eyebrow and looked at his mother. Zainab threw the cigarette into oblivion.

'Mom.' Maaz exclaimed. His mother turned to face him, she placed her hand on her hip and tilted her head little to the side.

'What is all this, Maaz? Why aren't you wearing your shirt? You know your dad-'

'Stop it, Mom.' Maaz interrupted her rudely and turned around. He walked angrily back into his room. He placed his palms on his hips and exhaled deeply. His mother glared at his back for a moment before walking towards him. She grabbed his arm and turned him to face her.

'You give chances to your father. And in between your fights, I am the one getting caught.' – Her expressions changed, she held both his arms, - 'You are my son, Maaz and I hate it when your father scolds you.' She said seriously. Maaz gazed into his mother's eyes for a moment before sighing and looking away. He shrugged raising and dropping his arms.

'What can I do? Dad always finds some fault or the other.' He shook his head and sat at the edge of the bed. Zainab hurried to him and sat beside him.

'I have an idea, beta.' She said brightly. Maaz looked at his mother. Noticing the glint in her eyes, he knew she had a fool-proof idea. She held his forearm and smirked.

'Listen to me, Maaz.' She gestured him to come closer. Maaz leaned closer bringing his ear towards his mother. Zainab shifted and began whispering her idea.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

Anaya left the building and was walking through the pavement towards the sub-way when she heard someone called her name. She held the sling of her back and turned around. A red car was parked a few distances from her. And Gabin's handsome face emerged from inside. Seeing him, Anaya gulped softly.

'Hey.' He waved with a wide smile on his face, all his pearly whites on display. For a moment she wondered if he was calling her. She turned around and found the other pedestrian minding their own business. She turned around and pointed herself.

'Of course, you, Anaya. I just called your name.' He said, now half his body was out of the car. Anaya flushed. The way he called her name in pure French accent always made her weak in the knees and now he was calling her. Her heart began beating fast. She walked towards him but couldn't hurry as her legs shivered little and she had a hard time controlling her smile. She felt her cheeks burn and she knew there was a red hue on her skin.

She stopped beside him, - 'Yes, Gabin.' She tried to sound normal but felt her voice wavered.

Damn! This man will be the death of me – She thought mentally and suppressed her grin when another thought crossed her mind.

I don't mind dying by his hands

'You are going home?' – He asked, and she nodded, - 'Come I will drop you home.' He said politely. Anaya felt her heart skip a beat and a smile appeared on her face. But not to look desperate, which she was, she said calmly,

'It is okay, Gabin,' – She laughed nervously, - 'No need to trouble yourself.' She said. He smiled shaking his head. A playful smile on his lips.

'What trouble? My shift just ended, and I was going home.' He said. Anaya adjusted the sling of her handbag while pretending to think. She took only a moment to reply.

'Okay.' – Then, she added to sound casual, - 'If you insist.'

'Cool. Hop in.' He gestured with his hand. Anaya bit her smile and hurried around the car. He opened the passenger seat and she sat next to him. The thought of being next to him in a closed space made her feel butterflies.

'Seat belt.' Gabin pointed out. Anaya nodded and slapped her forehead.

How can she forget that?

Quickly, she wore the seat-belt and shifted, leaning against the seat. She looked at him.

'All set?'

She nodded. Gabin smiled and looked front. Anaya smiled to herself away. For a while, she kept staring at her fingernails while playing with her fingers and in her head, she contemplated if she

should untie her hair. Finally, she decided to. She has spent money on it then why not flaunt it, especially in front of him.

She eyed him from the corner of her eyes and slowly moved her hand back. But before she could untie her hair, Gabin interrupted her asking for the turn he needed to take. Mentally, Anaya rolled her eyes and moved her hand. After that, she began guiding him to her home.