---
It was noon, but in a city like London, the sun rarely makes an appearance. Even though it was midday, it felt as if evening was approaching—an indication of the intense cold that was about to set in.
Rukhsar Begum knocked on Hoor's bedroom door. She waited for a response, but when none came, she opened the door and stepped inside.
The walls of the room were painted in a soft pink hue. A white dressing table and a matching white bed were neatly arranged side by side. Everything was placed meticulously in its proper spot.
She glanced around, but the room was empty. However, the sound of running water from the bathroom indicated someone was inside. She sat on the bed, deciding to wait for Hoor to come out. She wanted to have a detailed conversation with her.
Hoor, who had gone to the bathroom for ablution before praying, stepped out and was surprised to see Rukhsar Begum sitting there, waiting for her.
"When did you come, Ammi?"
"Just a while ago," she replied.
Hoor had already guessed why she was here.
"Were you about to pray?"
"Yes."
"Alright, then you should finish your prayers first. We can talk later," she said, getting up from the bed.
"No, Ammi, please sit. Tell me what you wanted to talk about," Hoor said, gently making her sit back down.
Rukhsar Begum remained silent for a moment, observing her daughter's face.
"I'm sure Aahil must have told you why he came?" she asked in a soft tone.
"Yes…"
"So, what have you decided?"
"Ammi, my decision will be the same as yours and Abbu's."
Rukhsar Begum looked at her daughter with pride. She had never given them a reason to bow their heads in shame.
"Beta, tell me your own wish. Are you happy with this? Your father and I only care about your happiness."
"Ammi, I want to accept this relationship," Hoor said, resting her head in her mother's lap.
Rukhsar Begum ran her fingers lovingly through her daughter's hair, making Hoor feel at peace.
"Did Aahil tell you anything?"
"Only that his wife passed away…" she said with a sorrowful tone.
Rukhsar Begum observed her daughter's face carefully—there was sadness in her expression.
"Just that?" she asked as if confirming.
"Yes."
"Hmm…" she sighed deeply as if preparing herself to say something.
"Aahil has a three-year-old son as well."
Although Hoor had somewhat expected it, hearing it out loud still made her heart skip a beat.
"Is your decision still the same?"
She silently nodded and closed her eyes.
Aahil had told them everything. After learning the truth, Rukhsar Begum had developed a deep respect for him. She wanted to tell Hoor as well, but Aahil had insisted that he would tell her himself.
He had to leave again in two or three days, so he was out meeting his friends. The night before, he had called Salman Sahab and informed him that he would be staying over at a friend's place.
She looked at Hoor, who was lying in her lap with her eyes closed. Gently, she kissed her forehead.
"Alright, finish your prayers. Let me go check on that useless boy," she said, lifting Hoor's head and leaving the room.
Hoor watched her go. She wasn't sure if her decision was right or not, but Aahil's words from the previous night were still troubling her.
Shaking off those thoughts, she stood up for her prayers.
---
Meanwhile, in another city…
Jaan had left for work, entrusting the office to Derrick. His intention was to make Derrick take an interest in the business, but in doing so, he had made life miserable for the rest of the employees and clients.
Even now, Derrick was sitting in Jaan's chair with his feet propped up on the table, making the employee in front of him extremely nervous.
"I'm not impressed with your work," he said, and just like the past two days in Jaan's absence, chaos unfolded once again.
Derrick wouldn't be satisfied until he made the employees dance to his tune—regardless of whether they were male or female. By now, everyone had developed a newfound appreciation for their actual boss, Jaan, who, despite being strict, never made them go through what Derrick did.
"Alright, sir. I'll try to improve," the employee stammered, eager to escape.
But escaping from Derrick was nearly impossible.
"Wait, what's the rush?"
"Uh… nothing, sir." The poor employee could only pray,
"Al to Jalal to, Ayi Bala ko Taal to." (A prayer to ward off trouble.)
"See that dress over there?" Derrick pointed toward a red maxi dress that had just arrived.
"Try it on for me."
The employee's eyes widened in horror.
"S-Sir, how can I…?"
The poor guy had no idea how to get out of this situation.
"Fine, if you can't wear that, at least try on those shirts over there," Derrick gestured toward the women's beach shirts.
"S-Sir, I'll wear the maxi instead!" The employee hurriedly grabbed the dress and rushed into the bathroom before Derrick forced him to wear it.
As soon as he left, Derrick burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha!"
Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he immediately picked up.
"Heyyyy, buddy!" he chirped.
Jaan pulled the phone away from his ear and double-checked the number.
Derrick? Happy while working at the office? Something was definitely suspicious.
"How's work going?" Jaan asked while typing on his laptop with one hand and holding the phone with the other.
"Absolutely A-One!" Derrick grinned, giving a thumbs-up to the poor employee standing in front of him, who was barely able to breathe in the tight dress.
The employee could do nothing but curse Derrick in his heart.
"Derrick, don't mess with the employees," Jaan warned, still focused on his laptop screen.
"Come on, man, let me have some fun!" Derrick pouted like a child, though his eyes were still scrutinizing the unfortunate employee.
"You can have all the fun you want—just not at the office," Jaan stated firmly.
"Where have you hidden the cameras?" Derrick suspiciously glanced around the office.
"I'll be back tomorrow." Jaan ignored his question.
Derrick narrowed his eyes. Two could play this game.
"Did you find me a secretary?" Jaan asked.
"I placed an ad, but none of the candidates lasted long enough," Derrick's green eyes gleamed mischievously.
"Hmm. Alright, I'll talk to you later. And stop messing with the employees," Jaan warned once more.
"Ugh, fine." Surprisingly, Derrick agreed.
After hanging up, Derrick rested his chin on his hand, observing the employee who looked utterly ridiculous in the dress.
"You can go now."
Hearing this, the employee wasted no time. He changed back into his clothes and vanished like a ghost.
Derrick, deep in thought, left Jaan's office and made his way to the interview room.
---
Emma sat with her head in her hands, exhausted.
Derrick had assigned her the task of conducting interviews, and sometimes, he would even sit beside her, making her job even harder.
Yesterday, he had asked bizarre questions to the candidates.
To a girl with small eyes, he had seriously asked, "How long does it take you to recognize a person?" leaving her utterly confused.
To a tall girl, he had casually remarked, "Don't worry, we have an elevator here."
And Emma had to struggle to keep from laughing every single time.
Now, as she was taking a break, Derrick suddenly appeared again.
"So, Psycho, found anyone yet?" he asked playfully.
Emma lifted her head and glared at him. He was determined to drive her insane.
"I already told you before that this is not my job, yet you still made me sit here," she said in an irritated tone, looking in his direction.
"Hmm… so you mean no…?" He placed his hand on his chin, trying to figure it out himself.
"What will it take for you to leave me alone?" Emma asked in frustration.
"Oh, come on! You're my friend. You should feel happy helping me," he said, sitting on the empty chair beside her with a fake look of regret on his face.
"First of all, I am not your friend. Second, no matter which girl I select, you never like her. And third, if this continues, we'll never find a secretary!"
As soon as Emma finished speaking, the fake regret vanished from his face, and a mischievous smile returned.
"Hmm… you can get rid of these interviews…" he said, dragging out his words to create suspense.
"How?" Emma asked impatiently, looking at him. She was fed up after conducting interviews for three days straight.
"But you have to promise me that you won't refuse," he leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms casually.
Emma narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.
"Don't look at me like that! I'm not making you do anything wrong or bothering you. But if you don't want to, it's up to you. You can keep conducting the interviews," Derrick said, cornering her with his words.
"I think you don't agree to my condition, so I'll get going," he said, watching her hesitate. He got up from the chair and started walking toward the door.
"Okay, okay! I agree!"
Seeing him leave, Emma quickly stepped in front of him, stopping him.
Derrick already knew she would agree.
After all, if Derrick set his mind on something, was there any chance it wouldn't happen?
"That's the spirit!" He clapped his hands together excitedly.
"Now tell me, what do I have to do?" When Derrick didn't say anything, Emma had to ask him herself.
"From now on… you are selected for the position of Jaan's secretary!"
That was the bombshell that made Emma feel like her brain was about to shut down.
But no, her mind was working just fine.
Which meant she had heard him correctly… He was planning to hand her over to the executioner himself!
"Whaaaaaaat?!!!!"
Shocked, that was all she could say.
---
To be continued…