A Quiet Assurance

Fiza stepped into the familiar restaurant, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space for Rehyan. At the far corner, she spotted him—calm, collected, with one leg crossed over the other. Even at 39, he looked striking, his features as sharp and alluring as ever. His presence made the few women in the room steal glances at him, their gazes lingering on his confident, almost regal demeanor.

Fiza smiled to herself, making her way toward him. As she neared, she cleared her throat just enough to make her presence known.

Rehyan lifted his gaze, his face softening as their eyes met. Without missing a beat, Fiza greeted him with a playful grin. "Well, well, if it isn't the most eligible bachelor in town."

Rehyan's lips twitched into a knowing smile. "Is that what they call me these days?" He raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing. "Should I be flattered?"

Fiza settled into the chair across from him. "I wouldn't go that far," she replied, her voice light. "But, let's just say you're hard to miss."

Rehyan's lips curved into a small smile, though it was clear he enjoyed their banter. He leaned back, his gaze flickering to his phone before meeting her eyes again. "Have you had dinner yet?" he asked casually.

Fiza shook her head, folding her hands on the table. "Not yet."

"Then dinner it is," he said, calling over the waiter.

Their meal arrived, and they ate in comfortable silence, the occasional comment about their day or the world slipping into their conversation. Fiza kept an eye on Rehyan, who seemed more pensive than usual.

Once they finished eating, Fiza leaned back in her chair, pushing her plate aside. She caught Rehyan looking at her, his expression unreadable.

"So, how's everything going at NeuraTech?" Rehyan asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.

Fiza smiled. "It's going great. They've given me a project that's keeping me busy, but nothing I can't handle."

Rehyan's eyes narrowed slightly, though there was no judgment in them. "That's good. But is it causing any problems?"

Fiza's smile remained in place, unbothered. "No problems at all. It's just a matter of keeping a low profile. I'll be able to stay out of their sight, don't worry."

Rehyan nodded, satisfied with the explanation. He glanced down at his plate, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

Fiza couldn't help but ask, "You're worried, aren't you?"

Rehyan looked up at her, his gaze softer now. "It's not you I'm worried about. It's the person I care about. I just want to make sure they're safe, that nothing happens to them."

Fiza's expression grew serious, and she placed her hand on the table, her voice firm yet soothing. "Don't worry. They'll be under our protection. Nothing is going to happen to them. We've got everything under control."

Rehyan nodded, his trust in her evident. He didn't need further reassurance, though the concern lingered in his eyes.

Fiza shifted the mood slightly, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "So, when are you finally going to get married, huh?"

Rehyan raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in topic. "Marriage? I haven't found anyone."

Fiza scoffed, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "You haven't found anyone because you're way too picky. No one's going to meet your impossible standards."

Rehyan chuckled softly, but there was a hint of something unreadable in his expression. "Maybe you're right."

As they finished up, Fiza looked at him with a sly grin. "You know, Rehyan, you should lighten up once in a while. Get out of that serious mode. Life's not all about the 'big picture.'"

Rehyan gave her a thoughtful look before nodding. "Maybe you're right again."

They both stood up, making their way to the door. Rehyan offered to drive Fiza home, and she agreed. The drive was quiet, the night outside calm and still. When they reached her place, Fiza turned to him with a knowing smile.

"You don't have to come inside," she said softly, understanding his reluctance. "Another time."

Rehyan nodded, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he spoke. "Take care, Fiza."

Fiza stepped out of the car, a warm smile on her face as she closed the door behind her. She waved before heading inside, where her father was waiting. They exchanged a few sweet words before Fiza excused herself to her room.

After praying Isha namaz, she slipped into bed, the weight of the day finally settling on her shoulders. Another exhausting but productive day, and she felt content with everything she had accomplished.

Tomorrow was another day, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace.

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