Chapter 96 : "Keep your fantasies to yourself"

In Samir's office cabin, the lights from the bulbs illuminated the room, casting a warm glow. The sound of rain pouring outside created a soothing ambiance, while the television played in the background, reporting on the upcoming storm in Kuala Lumpur. The anchor's voice, crisp and urgent, filled the room:

"Residents of Kuala Lumpur are advised to stay indoors. Winds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour, coupled with torrential rain, are expected to batter the city from midnight onwards. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds… potential flash floods and landslides are possible… please take necessary precautions…"

Samir leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking beneath him. His gaze flickered between the rain-streaked cityscape outside and the grim weather report on the screen. Across from him, Faisal diligently reviewed a stack of reports, the rhythmic scratching of his pen the only other sound in the hushed room. They had to take care of the works as Ibrahim was absent today. Ibrahim took a break for a day to give some time to Ava.

Samir's mind drawn to a different kind of storm brewing within him. A name played on his lips: Farah. The memory of her defiant stance, the way she'd slammed the door shut after Ava entered her apartment, sent a smirk curling his lips. 

He liked her fire, her boldness, her unapologetic nature. But there was a thorn in this blooming rose - Elara. It seemed Elara was thorn of both Rahman brothers. 

"That smile, Samir," Faisal asked, "tells me you've stumbled upon something interesting."

Samir chuckled, "Maybe, Maybe I have."

Papers rustled in his hands, reports forgotten as Faisal stole glances at his friend. "What's going on with you, Samir? That smile could light up the whole city."

"I've started to like someone." Samir replied. 

Silence descended. Faisal raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Who is she?"

Samir tilted his head, a faint blush crawling up his neck. "Let's just say she's fiery, independent, and… well, she knows how to slam a door with enough force to rattle your bones."

Faisal laughed, "Sounds like you've found yourself a challenge, brother. But remember not to go through with same process as Ibrahim." 

"No way," Samir declared. "I'll never force her. But…" his gaze narrowed, "I will try to approach her. On my own terms." 

Samir loved his brother but Ibrahim's methods were… unorthodox. No, he wouldn't follow that path. Not with Farah. He stood from the chair, "Leaving the office to you and those reports. Put them in Ibrahim's table when you're done."

Before Faisal could reply, Samir had already left. Faisal shook his head, muttering under his breath, "God help these brothers and their sudden infatuation with fiery women. First Ibrahim with Ava, now Samir with Farah."

Samir walked briskly through the parking lot of Rahman Enterprises, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. Before opening the car door, he scrolled through his contacts, searching for Farah's number. He had managed to obtain it from their chatroom, eager to connect with her outside of their usual interactions.

He dialed Farah's number, but to his disappointment, there was no response. He tried again, hoping for a different outcome, but her phone continued to ring unanswered.

Frustration began to creep into his mind as he unlocked the car and settled into the driver's seat. His fingers tapped restlessly on the steering wheel. Why wouldn't she pick up Though it was the first time, Samir was calling her. 

With a sigh, Samir pulled out of the parking lot, the rain-slicked roads snaking through the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur. Neon signs bled into the night, their reflections shimmering like fragmented jewels on the wet asphalt.

But suddenly, his eyes caught a glimpse of a lone figure huddled under the deserted shelter of a bus stop. A figure he recognized instantly. 

Farah. 

Realizing that he had already passed the bus stop, Samir slammed on the brakes, the tires screeched a surprised cry against the wet tarmac. Pulling the car into reverse, he approached the bus stop with cautious curiosity.

Samir pushed open the car door, stepping out into the downpour. Rain lashed at his face, but his gaze remained fixed on Farah, her slender form hunched over her phone.

"Farah?" he called out. 

Startled by the sudden voice, Farah looked up from her phone. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Samir infront of her. "Samir? What are you doing here?"

"I saw you sitting alone," he explained, stepping closer, the bus stop offering scant shelter. "I called you twice, but you didn't answer."

Farah furrowed her brow, "So, it was you who called me? I don't answer unknown numbers."

Samir winced. Right, of course. He let out a sigh, the rain slicking his hair into strands against his forehead. "Why are you here alone in this storm?"

"None of your business." Farah retorted. 

Samir persisted, "Are you waiting for someone?"

With a nod, Farah replied, "Yes, I'm waiting for a cab." She then returned her attention to her phone, dismissing the conversation.

Unwilling to leave her alone in the storm, Samir spoke softly, "Come with me. I'll drop you off. It's raining cats and dogs out here."

Farah again looked up at Samir. "No, thanks," she mumbled, burying her nose back into her phone, a shield against his insistent gaze. "My cab will be here soon."

Farah told a lie. The app told her a wait for 35 mins for a cab. But it was better to wait. There was no way she was getting into his car. She didn't want to tangle with The Rahmans. Though, she didn't know what Samir had in his mind but it was better to keep distance.

"Suit yourself," Samir said, "But I'm not leaving until your cab arrives." With that he settled beside her on the rain-slick bench. 

Farah shot him a sideways glance, her disgust barely veiled. "Don't you have work to do?"

"No work matters tonight, not when I have a friend stranded in the rain," he replied. 

Farah clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. This was exactly what she didn't need – Samir's teasing banter, his playful audacity. All she wanted was to disappear into the anonymity of the rain, not be drawn into his orbit, "Save the lines for some other girl, Samir. You helped me once, and I gave you a coffee treat, that's the end of our story. Now please live me alone."

The dim streetlights cast long, distorted shadows on their faces. Samir's gaze was fixed on Farah. 

"Where's your knight in shining armor tonight?" he couldn't help but ask, a hint of sarcasm coloring his voice. "Aren't police officers supposed to protect and serve, even their girlfriends?"

"Elara's a police officer, Samir. Duty calls more often than love, unlike in some privileged circles," Farah replied with pride, "That's what I like about him. He manages his work and me so well."

As if to punctuate her statement, her phone buzzed in her hand. A message flashed across the screen: "Cab cancelled." Farah cursed under her breath, "Shit! Why now?" A frustrated groan escaped from her lips. 

Samir rose from the bench and stood before her. "My offer still stands, Farah. I'll drop you wherever you need to go."

But Farah, lost in the chaos of her own thoughts, barely heard him. She tapped furiously, reloading the page, only to be met with the same disheartening message. The storm raged on, the wind howling like a banshee, and the streetlights flickered precariously.

"It won't hurt you to take a ride with me," Samir said again, his voice gentle yet firm. "This weather isn't safe to be out in alone."

Defeated by the relentless downpour and the unavailability of a cab, Farah finally relented. "Okay. Take me home."

A smile bloomed on Samir's face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Farah rose from the bench and they both climbed into the car, the warmth of the interior a stark contrast to the icy chill outside.

Samir started the engine and opened his mouth to speak but his words on his tongue when he looked at her. Earbuds firmly planted in her ears, she disappeared into the world of her phone. 

Samir turned his head towards the road and shook his head in Disbelief. A wry smile played on his lips, "Why is it so hard to even talk to her?" he muttered to himself. He knew he wasn't a saint, but he wasn't some callous monster either. Yet, Farah was treating him like he was the plague himself.

But Samir wasn't one to give up easily. He knew Farah's loyalty to Elara ran deep. And that was the obstacle he needed to overcome. Samir had to find a way to weaken their bond, to create an opening for him to slip through.

If Samir couldn't have her, then neither could Elara. The thought was venomous, bitter on his tongue, but it tasted like a grim necessity. He needed to find a way to separate Farah and Elara....He needed to separate them. 

While driving, Samir again looked at Farah. This time she seemed genuinely happy, smiling as she chatted with someone on her phone. Who was she talking to? Who could elicit such warmth from her, such unguarded joy?

Samir caught a glimpse of Farah's phone screen. Then he saw the name - 'Elara' followed by a red heart emoji - Elara ❤️. Frustration washed over him and he clenched his jaw.

God knows the better. Did two Rahman brothers entangle in Elara's life, or was it the other way around? 

Their journey was short. As they reached her building, Farah mumbled, "Thanks for the ride", detaching her seatbelt and reaching for the door handle.

Before she could open it, Samir leaned towards her, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Farah flinch. "If you ever find yourself… looking for a different kind of love...." he murmured in a husky voice.

With narrowed eyes, Farah replied, "Keep your fantasies to yourself, Rahman. I don't need different kind of love."

With that, she pushed open the door and disappeared into the rain, leaving Samir staring after her.