Realisation

Zahid sat in his study, a deep frown etched between his brows, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he worked to fix the mess caused by an employee's sloppy mistake in an important report.

His concentration broke abruptly when his phone vibrated and started ringing on the desk. He glanced at the screen, ready to ignore it, but seeing his father's name, he reluctantly answered, putting the call on speaker.

"Dad", he greeted, his voice curt as his fingers resumed typing.

"Son, your mother wants you and Maira to come home for dinner tonight", came his father's voice, heavy with the same reluctance Zahid felt.

Zahid's frown deepened. It had only been a few days since his parents had left their house.
"Why, may I ask?", he inquired, keeping his irritation within to avoid being disrespectful.

"Apparently, her first cousin, who couldn't attend the wedding, is visiting tonight. You know how these things go", his father explained with a resigned sigh.

His father disliked unnecessary gatherings, especially with snobby, overbearing people who love to flaunt their wealth.

"Dad, you know I hate these dinners, besides, I am dealing with a crisis at work regarding the residential project", Zahid groaned inwardly, his hand running down his face.

"I understand, son", his father replied, his tone understanding but firm. "But you wouldn't want to upset your mother, would you? Just come, eat, and leave. That is all",
"Fine", he grumbled before ending the call.

He pushed back his chair and stood up, stretching briefly before heading toward the stairs.

Just a few days into marriage, and such obligations were already grating on his nerves. He was still bitter how his father forced him to accept this bond because he had complete different perspective of marriage.

On top of that, he also felt confined by his father's strict order that he must spend the week with Maira, instead of going to the office. He scoffed at the memory of the demand but had complied nonetheless.

As he descended, his thoughts shifted to Maira. She wasn't demanding or intrusive. In fact, her silent presence unsettled him in ways he couldn't understand. She was always subtle, appearing only to serve his meals or attempt small conversations that his short replies would end it as quickly as possible. She didn't nag or push for his attention, yet her mere presence felt like a soft whisper in the silence...a whisper he couldn't ignore.

Reaching the bottom step, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes landing on her.

Maira was curled up on the massive couch in the spacious living room, a romance novel resting on her lap. A steaming cup of hot chocolate sat on the side table.

She was dressed in a simple pink sweatshirt paired with grey sweatpants, her soft attire making her look endearing. Her silky hair cascaded over the couch's headrest, glowing in the soft light of the room.

She looked up from her book, her large, dear-like eyes widening in surprise when she noticed him standing there. A small smile tugged at her lips as she straightened her posture, her hair falling like a curtain around her lithe frame.

"Do you need something?", she asked softly, her voice light and uncertain as a faint blush formed onto her cheeks. Her gaze shying away under his intense stare.

Zahid blinked, snapping out of whatever spell had momentarily held him. Clearing his throat, he looked away briefly before addressing her.
"Dad called. They have invited us for dinner tonight, some guests are coming. Be ready by seven", he instructed, his tone clipped.