72

— Z A H I R —

. . .

Moving back and forth, I take small sips of my coffee while my secretary is busy with the task at hand.

I listen to her opinion meanwhile, keeping in my mind my next plan. Just in an hour, I have a meeting to attend and then my friend is coming to see me, being my lawyer. Well, I know he won’t leave that chance to ask me stupid questions.

She begins again, adding a few more things when my phone buzzes and I see it is Dad who is calling me. What's the need?

“My Dad,” I say, indirectly telling her to keep silent.

She nods and I answer him. I put the phone near my ear and he says, “Zahir, you had no breakfast. You left while we were sleeping.”

I chew my bottom lip, my eyes going towards my secretary. I expect a few words of chide from his side and I do not want my secretary to listen to it.

“You can leave for now. I’ll call you when I need you,” I say, keeping the phone close to my chest.

She nods her head and leaves. As soon as the door is shut, I answer my Dad,