At the office...

"Sir we have received the reply from Collins & company on behalf of our mail." Informed Janet. While keeping the cup of black coffee for me on the desk.

"What does it say Janet?" I ask, while sipping the coffee.

" Sir, they are eager to have a meeting with you and they are ready to discuss about the construction of the hotel which you would be giving them by eventually drawing up the contract. Once the contract is made and valid." She reported.

"Yeah contract would be necessary, though I am giving them the contract for the construction. Ask them to let their architect to start designing the models for the hotel. Also, I would like them to have an interior designer, who would design the interiors. Tell him that I would be there in California by the end of this week, as well be ready with the contract. Inform him that I would even like to meet the architect, interior designer, and engineer during the meeting." I directed.

"Sir at what day would you like me to inform them that the meeting would be scheduled- time, place as well." She inquired.

"Today is Tuesday, I would be there by Saturday. Further information would be told to you by me or I would simply message by eve. You may leave now." I answered.

Janet left my cabinet only to call on my landline again.

"What is it Janet?" I asked.

"Sir, Mr. Sufiyan is here to meet. He is coming in your cabin." She informed.

"Okay." Was all I said as the door of my cabin opened, revealing my father, Mr. Zayn Sufiyan.

" Assalamualaikum Abbu" I greeted.

"Walaikumasalam Asad." He replied, and started to inspect my cabin. Well, before you guys think that my dad has never seen my cabin or something like that, but no, he has seen my cabin. It’s just that he keeps a tab in the office work. But what makes him come over here today? I think with a frown over my head.

"Well Asad, before you think I am doubting your skills and capability, let me help you know that your mom had a check-up with the doctor, which was on the way past the company and she wanted to see you working, as well... well she says it makes her feel proud that her child has grown now and handling the business." He said, as my mother entered the cabin.

"Assalamualaikum Ammi, how did the check-up go?" I asked mom as, she sat on the sofa, letting the cushion-pillow to lay on her lap. I went towards her as I sat next to her, while my dad being himself, he wondered through the files through the desk. Checking and examining my desk.

"Walaikumasalam beta, Allhamdullilla the checkup went good. I think your dad would have explained you why I wished to come here." She said, as I watched my dad, going through things and then all of a sudden, he opened the drawer, then it clicked me that there is a... photo in it. I brusquely got up as my mom's hand fell from my lap and she was frowning at my sudden behavior. But before my dad can browse more, I called him, "dad why don't you come here and sit with us, or the best we can go out for a lunch." I offered, calmly. He picked up the fax that Rafa had sent me going through it as he casually closed the drawer. I huffed at that. Thanks Allah he didn’t saw the photo.

Don't be astonished, my dad always had a habit of going through things if it was work related, otherwise when it would be my personal stuffs, he would mostly likely keep out of it. Sort of giving me my privacy.

"I don’t have a problem Asad. So, done Mrs. Sufiyan?" He asked mom, smiling.

" yeah. Let’s go." Mom answered, as dad handed me the fax which I quickly ended putting in the drawer.

During the lunch...

"So, when are you leaving for California?" Dad asked.

" Thursday dad." I replied, chewing the piece of stewed lamb.

"Hmm... so you are bringing Firdaus?" He asked as he kept his glass of water down.

I stiffened on hearing that. Why did I asked Elnaz to wish?

"I didn’t think about it." I replied.

After our lunch was over, waiter brought the bill and I placed my credit card in it, which he took and went to his desk.

After I was done with the payment, mom and dad went home, I must say even being old my dad is stern knowing very well what he does, his reasons.

Today asking me that question, was just a hint of what he wants done.

Once I reached office my secretary informed me that there is some important document which need my heeds. Somewhere about the profit we have earned in our new business etc.

It was nearing to the evening when I was done with my work.

What a busy day!

I laid my head on the back of my chair closing my eyes, sighing. That’s when I saw her again.

Flashback...

"I brought you a gift Firdaus." I said, sweetly. Hearing me she looked up startled. She was reading some book when I entered the room, I usually knock, which I did but she was to engrossed in the novel to even bother about whose there on the door.

She quickly sat up on her bed, checking if her dupatta was perfect or not on her head.

"Why a gift all of a sudden?" She asked as she eyes the wrapped parcel in my hands.

"You would be leaving tomorrow, so I bought a farewell gift. Hoping you will keep in contact." I told her. I moved my hands in her direction, as she hesitantly took it from my hands.

"Open it." I ordered, softly as I sat at the edge of the bed.

She slowly unwrapped the gift, as she opened the box which had a coffee mug in it. She smiled, then frowned.

"Why black? No design? No colors? Nothing" she asked as she turned and examined the mug up and down. It was a simple mug, full black, and not to forget she admired colors.

"Wait a minute." I motioned her with my fingers, as I quickly brought a thermos filled with coffee. She eyed me all perplexed. I smiled at her confused behavior. I went towards the bed, poured the hot coffee in the mug and gave it to her.

"You gave me -" she stopped speaking as the black color of the mug started fading away, slowly revealing a photo. Of me and her. Both smiling. We were good friends.

"it’s beautiful." Her eyes twinkled with the admiration as she gazed at the mug.

"It will remind you of me. Of us. Of our friendship When you would be away." I marked, feeling a tinge of pain in my heart.

"I hope you will keep in contact with me, when you leave tomorrow." I spoke as she started at me, her eyes all showing sadness.

"I will try, Asad." She replied, trying to smile.

Knock-knock.

Knock-knock.

I opened my eyes as I heard the knock on my cabinet’s door.

" come in." I answered.

"Sir I have informed Mr. Collins about your arrival on Thursday, even that you would like to meet him on Saturday." Janet reported as I had asked her to do.

" Good Janet. You may leave now." I told her, to which she nodded and left wishing a good bye and night.