***

The following days were nothing but hectic. It could be seen that the assigned team for the collaboration with The Collins were working hard. Irfa was trying more than she could, she wanted to show her best, do her best. Shehreyar couldn't be more happy as he was getting more and more time with her, being it at home or work. Though it was nowhere near talking, just work.

Irfa was doing her work when suddenly someone entered Mr Ahmed's cabin in which she was sitting. She looked up to find Mr Zawar. She hardly controlled the urge to roll her eyes at his smug face.

“Woah! What a timing... I can't believe my eyes...” he said entering the cabin without even asking. She was confused at his behavior, nobody was allowed to enter the cabin if Mr Ahmed without permission.

“Um Mr Zawaar...do you need something?'” She spoke in a professional tone trying not to show the irritation.

“You...”he whispered that wasn't audible enough for her to hear. She raised her eyebrows.

“I mean your time... I need to discuss the deal with you.” He said.

But her mind was on his first reply...there was something fishy about him, and she never had any good vibe from him.

“Well Mr Zawaar I am just an assistant if you need to discuss anything you can consult Shereyar or Khizir." Her confidence and cold voice made him frown and an unpleasant look formed on his face.

“Woah…woah. Calm down. As you wish, I will consult them.” He said gritting his teeth and went out.

______

It was quite hot day so Miss Shifa was boiling in the heat…she couldn't take heat at all. The whole Siddiqui mansion was now at her head. Either she was shouting that, why is it this hot or drinking water, juice and what not. All thanks to the broken air condition system of the house.

Walking around like maniacs she whispered yelled looking up.

“Ya Allah itni garmi kyu hai? (Ya Allah why is it so hot today).”

Mumbling something under her breath she turned back. She had kept a wet small towel on her face and was walking back and forth in the living room. The other person who entered didn't see her and bumped straight into her. A loud shriek left her mouth as her comparatively light body kissed the ground with a thud. The other one didn't even budge from his place.

She instantly removed the towel to find an annoyed Khizir glaring her.

“You owl can't you see huh...?” she snapped at him.

“Excuse me, you were walking around with towel on your freaking face.” He snapped back.

Hearing her scream Saba came into the living room and found her daughter sitting on the ground and Khizir standing in front of her. Both with an annoyed look on their faces, as if ready to eat each other.

“Mami andhi ghore ki tarah chalegi toh kya hoga (what else to expect when she was walking like blind horse.)” He said in a mocking tone. She could feel her anger rise and body temperature too.

“ Shut up.” Shifa shouted.

“Shifa you shut up… .Khizir beta hua kya? (what happened?)” Saba asked turning towards him.

“Mami she was running around with a towel on her face and bumped into me.” He replied. Trying to look innocent.

“You bumped into me...”Shifa again shouted at him.

“Shifa shut your mouth and get up...pata nahi kya banega is ladki ka(I don't know what will happen to this girl?)” Saba mumbled under her breath.

“What mom?...kebab banega(mom you will make kebab).” Shifa spoke in enthusiasm as she had misheard her mom.

“Mami kebab banega?” This time it was Khizir...with a glint in his eyes.

“Mami I will also eat kebab.” He again spoke, without listening to Saba making her face palm.

“Ya Allah chup ho jao tum dono jab dekho bakwaas karte rehte ho(just shut up…always blabbering).”Saba said and went away.Khizir sat on his heels and was taken aback because what he saw was something he hadn't noticed earlier.

Shifa...her nose and cheeks were red due to heat...lashes were quite wet and long, beautiful. He was staring her as if it was for the first time…it was the first time he had seen her from this close. And only one thing came to his mind, she was beautiful.

“Oye owl stop glaring me and help me get up.” She said and he came out of his trance.

“Huh?...yeah get up you little rat.” He gave her his hand and she got up.

“And don't you dare call me by anymore animals name understand...”she said pointing her finger at him, yet his mind still on stuck on what he had seen a moment before.

“Woah… I am scared.” He led out a chuckle, and she went out stomping her feet.

__________

The meeting was going on and Irfa was constantly feeling someone's gaze at her when she looked up she saw Zawaar staring her and when he saw her he winked at her. She was shocked and turned away.

'Shameless She thought and concentrated on her in works.

“Irfa...wait.” Zawaar called her and she halted in her steps. Groaning in frustration she turned back, trying not to lash on him.

“Yes Mr Zawaar any problem?” She asked controlling her anger.

“You are so beautiful.” he said.

“What?” she was shocked and couldn't stop herself from shouting.

“Nothing, where are you going?” He asked.

“For now I am going to baba's cabin...do you want to join?” She asked sarcastically, hoping he would understand and leave her alone.

“Yeah of course...” he said.

'Ugh...he is such a jerk.' She thought.

''Well Miss Irfa…can I ask you something?'' He asked in a flirtatious tone.

He nodded her head, but she wanted to punch straight on his face.

“Can I have coffee with you?” He asked.

'What?...what did he say? How dare he.' Her mind literally went crazy hearing his question.

Shehreyar was coming from the opposite direction when he saw Irfa with Zawaar. He clenched his fist and in anger started to walk towards them. Meanwhile, they started walking towards the lift. Taking longer strides he proceeded only to stop hearing her call him.

“Sir actually-”she was in the middle of her sentence when she saw Shehreyar coming their way. Her face lit up, and she couldn't thank Allah more. He was a savior. She called him in a loud voice, her face and voice showing her relief and joy seeing him.

His name sounded so beautiful from her mouth. He smiled at her as she came towards him and handed him some file.

“Shehreyar please help me...” she said in a pleading voice making him worry.

“But what happened?” He asked.

“Nothing...just accompany me to your cabin.” She said and he nodded.

''Just wait and watch Miss Irfa...

Where ever you will go I won't leave you... I will make you mine...just wait and watch.'' Zawaar couldn't control his anger seeing her escape. Mumbling under his breath he stomped towards the elevator.

________________

It was the day a team of The Collins Company would take a tour of Siddiqui group's factory. Shehreyar and Irfa left for the factory early morning as it was quite far.

Whole way he was thinking about the clients. Anyhow, he wanted to grab the golden opportunity they were receiving. Irfa could sense him being tense, she herself was nervous.

“Everything will be fine.” She whispered looking straight. His head snapped towards her and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Though her assurance didn't completely calm him it still helped him relax a bit.

They reached their destination after a long ride of two hours and after some time the much awaited clients too reached.

There were three luxurious cars moving towards them in a line. All were black and sleek. Shereyar, Irfa and three other members went towards the cars as it lined up in the parking lot of their factory.

Few men stepped out. There were two people who were quite aged while one was a young man and a lady of late thirties probably the secretary.

“Good morning Mr Siddiqui.” One of the old man came forward and shook hands with Shereyar and other men.

Further the old man introduced himself. He was the owner of Collins Company... Antony S Collins while the other old man was one of their higher officials.

“Hello Mr Siddiqui.” the younger one came forward and greeted Shereyar.

He was so damn handsome. Irfa's jaws were open. This man was the epitome of perfection. He turned towards her.

“Hi… I am Joshua S Collins.” He introduced himself to Irfa and for a moment her reflexes stopped. His voice was deep and manly just like him.

“Hello...Irfa Zafar.Welcome, Mr Collins.” She greeted him formally after collecting herself.

Joshua was a tall well-built man or a gentle man. He had a fair complexion like the most Europeans and a little stubble on his face. His eyes were slightly blue and a perfect smile adored his lips.

Irfa mentally slapped herself for gawking at him.

Shereyar saw her looking Joshua with so much appreciation. He could feel a different kind of burning sensation, but little did he know it was nothing but jealousy.

“Josh...take a look of the factory.” Antony Collins said making Joshua nod at his father.

“This was Mr Collins.” Irfa said. They started moving, Irfa's confidence was stumbling a little but seeing a friendly smile on Josh's face she assured herself that nothing would go wrong.

“This area of the factory is for the basic cleaning of the raw material.”Irfa informed and he was listening everything very carefully. While on the other hand now and then shereyar was looking their way.

“Miss Irfa...so the basic cleaning is done with hands?” He asked in his British accent.

“Not really Mr Collins...first the extra gauge are separated with the help of machine and further some cleaning is done with hands.” She explained the process to him and guided him towards the machine.

Shereyar with Antony Collins and others were discussing other things.

“Mr Collins-”Irfa started but Joshua cut her in between.

“Josh...call me Josh.” He said smiling. This caught Shereyar's attention.

'Why will she call him Josh.' He thought and narrowed his eyes.

“Um okay... Josh...this is the second phase. Here the metal is treated last time before melting. The process occurs inside...we cannot go there right now as the process is going on.” She said, and he nodded looking inside through the glass window.

“Mr Siddiqui...we are really impressed with your offer. Let Joshua come...then we will discuss further.” Antony said and he nodded.

Suddenly he saw Joshua forwarding his hand towards Irfa's face…his breath got caught in his throat and his eyes were wide as saucer.

Actually something went inside Irfa's eyes so in reflex Joshua forwarded his hands towards her but halted immediately. Shereyar heaved a sigh of relief but all his relief went in vain when he saw him giving her his handkerchief.

She took it and thanked him with a smile. While Joshua was smiling at her too.

Irfa was successful in impressing Joshua. The details she gave about the factory production had impressed him and the way she explained was outstanding.

“Thanks Josh.”she said after cleaning the dust and forwarded him the handkerchief.

They went towards other member and started discussing different things.

“Gentlemen it's almost time for lunch...why not we have lunch and discuss the details further.” Shereyar suggested and they agreed.

After a ride of 30 minutes they reached a hotel. The factory was in outskirts area and the city area started after a distance.

They all moved towards a long table. Antony and the other one Lee sat and next Irfa sat on a chair beside Antony's secretary. Shereyar instantly settled in front of her.

He smiled contentedly but after a minute his smile faded. Joshua came and sat beside Irfa. His jealousy was at its best.

Now and then Shereyar would look towards them and find them taking in a hushed tone.

At a moment Joshua said something making her giggle. This was the first time Shehreyar was being jealous and it was getting too much for him to handle, he was getting impatient.

Anyhow after another hour the meeting ended, and he literally felt relaxed.

“Mr Siddiqui...we will inform you about our decision soon.” Mr Collins said and shook hands with him.

“It was really nice meeting you Shehreyar.” Joshua said and shook hands with him. Next he went towards Irfa.

“Miss Irfa...it was a nice experience. And by the way you are gorgeous.” Joshua said and a tint of pink appeared on her face.

Later Irfa and Shereyar too left for their house. Whole way Irfa was smiling in her self. Not only because of Joshua...but her presentation and appreciation she received. She was very tensed about this meeting but everything went well.

As soon as they reached Siddiqui mansion Irfa rushed inside followed by him. They both entered the kitchen where Saba and Shifa were cooking.

“Assalamoalaikum mom...” Shereyar greeted gaining their attention.

“Salem assalam...how was the meeting.” Saba asked turning towards him.

“Shifa...come I need to tell you something." Irfa whisper but loud enough for him to hear. The duo went upstairs. Shereyra too excused himself and went behind them.

“Come on Irfa tell me...” Shifa whined.

“So...it was a meeting with The Collins.” Irfa said creating suspense.

Shereyar heard this and stood outside their room to hear their further conversation.

“I was assigned to give a tour to Joshua S Collins...son of the owner of Collins company.” She said.

“You won't believe me...he was so handsome. I can't even express in words. He was tall and had blue eyes...really blue eyes.” She squealed. Shehreyar was controlling himself with great difficulty. She was praising someone else, and he was burning inside.

“Woah!...lucky you.”Shifa exclaimed.

“Listen first...he was such a gentle man. Something went in my eyes...he was about to remove it but stopped...he knew his limits.” She said and her voice was filled with appreciation.

“He gave me his kerchief...his very own.'” She said. It was not in his control otherwise he would have barged inside and told her to stop.

“You know he was wearing a sky blue shirt... I didn't know someone could look so good in sky blue shirt.” Irfa said and Shereyar looked down at his appearance. He was wearing a normal black suite with a 'white' shirt.

“Shit...” he mumbled because he was not wearing sky blue...it seemed childish, but he regretted not wearing sky blue today.

“And...he praised me that I presented everything very nicely.” She said happily and this was enough for him. He turned on his heels and went inside his room in anger.

“Ugh...why this girl is making me crazy?”

Little did he know it wasn't her who was making him crazy. Little did he know it was love.

_______

P.s Joshua's picture above