I don't know how these three weeks passed, but here I am, standing in my room with a confused look on my face, and my brain that stopped working. What am I going pack for the trip? I have no clue whatsoever. I know this is just a business-related trip but I was never confused! Okay, I'm over-reacting and I have to pack only my formals but I still packed casuals too, in case I get free time to look around the sites in Malaysia.

After 3 hours of debating what I should pack and what I shouldn't, I ended up packing my best formals and casuals. And you can never forget the best hijabs, flats, heels and of course an emergency kit - consisting of body and face products, medicines and ointment.

I know I'm a bit dramatic but who knows? Someone may need it, right?

As I am done with packing, I'm simply sitting on my couch and binge-watching a few episodes of a random show to pass my time. I took this time to recollect what's been happening in my life.

So many changes.

From being jobless, to working multiple jobs, only to turn jobless again and get a job that probably will stay permanent if I don't screw things up. I'm really grateful to even get this opportunity. The least I can do is disappoint my boss constantly and get on his good sides. That's the only thing I can do to ensure I have enough money.

I then went to my room, getting ready for sleep so I don't get late or anything. I made myself completely comfortable and my brain is ready to have some sleep that's worth more than anything when my phone vibrated. I get out of my comfortable bed to check whether it's from office or not.

What I see clearly shocked me and I didn't know how to breathe. The text read,

Am I dreaming? Ow! I pinched myself to really see if I was dreaming or not. Nope, it's the reality. Why? Nope. N Never...I immediately messaged him and also trying to make myself calm—not working at all— and typed,

This is disastrous. My palms are still shaking after typing that terrible text. I can't stop shaking!

I kept praying that he cancels my trip and take someone else. But knowing him, he'll definitely take me by threatening to fire. Immediately my mobile vibrated and saw he messaged,

you are fired"

He can do whatever he wants to. I still won't accept this. He will understand that I simply don't want to go and will replace me. Sure, he may still be angry or cut a month or two of my salary but I'm totally fine with that. Okay, Nawal. Try to sleep and let's just forget this happened. This might be a dream and I'll wake up with a smile on my face as we'll be going to Malaysia. Yeah, that's a good idea. I laid down with my eyes closed and soon sleep overtook my body.

»»»♥«««

I woke up to my alarm. Suddenly I remembered where I have to be and...I'm not ready for this. I know I said that it'll be all fine but how can it be? I've done most of the work in this project and anybody would need at least four or five days to fully grasp the details. And if I don't go, he will definitely fire me, which, at this point, I cannot afford it. That leaves me with one choice: visit Saudi Arabia.

How will I be able to go back to that place where I have suffered? I can't do this, I cant again face all the tortures. But I don't even have an option if I will not go there, my job is at stake and I'll come on the road with nothing in my hand.

No, no, no. I can't let this happen. I need to be strong. I will go there. I am no more than the little girl who drank in all the tortures. I am a strong woman. Yes, I am strong. I'll go there bravely and will do my project successfully.

What am I even saying? Even after I gave myself a lecture about being brave, there's no way I stand even a chance to not freak out and run away from the airport. I have this feeling that something is going to happen there. It's obvious something will happen. Something that I never anticipated. Oh, Allah. Please protect me from the eyes of the evil. Please.

I got ready as from the airport I have to go to the hotel and then to the meeting. I have to leave for the airport with Mr Aadil as he will come to pick me up at around 8:00 am.

I finally completed my final touch up and went towards the door as I heard the bell ring. It's 7:00 am. He seriously came early to pick me up? I can clearly see his car parked near the garden area. As I open the door for him to enter, I questioned, 'sir, you're quite early. It wasn't necessary. You know my neighbourhood as well.'

He carefully replies, 'I guess you have forgotten, but we need to have a serious talk.'

If he thinks I will be giving a proper explanation on why I am hesitant to go on this trip, then he's wrong. Without wasting time, I call him in and, on his choice, entered the kitchen to prepare coffee.

Now that the two cups of coffee are ready, I place few filo pasteries.

As I enter with the tray, my boss was already seated on the dining table. So, he does have manners.

For some reason, I feel nervous. Nobody really comes to my house so I never made coffee for anyone. He again surprises me by saying, 'you make pretty good coffee, Miss Ibrahim. And that pastry-ish thing? What is that? Tastes really good. I think I may get addicted to it.'

It is a funny scene to witness. To see your boss gobble up all the pieces and also giving a look that clearly meant he wants more. 'It's a famous Middle Eastern desert called 'Baklawa'. And I can't give you anymore because they were the last batch I bought from a nearby bakery.' He simply nods, now realizing he finished eating and not leaving me a piece.

Finally done with breakfast, I take the tray back to kitchen. Mr Aadil comes a few minutes later. By the looks of it, I can tell why he came.

'Why were you not ready to go to Saudi? You were totally fine going to Malaysia. What changed?' It's funny to think that a simple question could have so many variety of answers. Does he want to hear about my sad past? Or the fear that I may not be able to see him or London once I go there? Matter of fact, its highly possible that I might not be alive to accompany him again.

But, I gave the simplest answer, 'there's no reason for my hesitation, sir. You can say I got surprised by the sudden change.'

'I see. And I guess you were sleeping the time I messaged you? I apologize for disturbing, but I wouldn't cause troubles for anyone without having a valid reason.' Not wanting to answer, I just nodded. He seems chatty today. Unusual, but refreshing after seeing him bossing all day.

'We should get going. Where's your luggage— there it is.' He doesn't finish his question or wait for my reply and quickly grabs my luggage, carefully taking to his car. I check my house one last time and then sat in his car. The shaking seems to start again and sadly I cannot seem to do anything. So I silently prayed to protect me and let me live peacefully.

*****************************

How will she face it there? Will her life change back to the old one or will it take her to some new place? Or is it the beginning of Aadil and Nawal's love story?

Do comment about what you feel will happen further.

Love Y'all💕