21 Confinemen (2/2)

”Babe, I was just asking.” I said dryly.

Madonna huffed and puffed for a moment while she scanned the room for a clock. She noticed one behind me and said,” It's almost time.”

I closed my eyes and recalled all the things Mad told me about the Professor.

Don't fall for her trap. Don't overstay your welcome. Don't reveal anything more than what was required.

We heard chatter behind the office's door. I wasn't able to understand the conversation, but Madonna was listening to it with prying ears. The words were hitting my eardrums, but I was looking at Mad's face for her reactions. The wrinkles on her forehead were that of irritation. I guess she wasn't all to happy about our inability to listen to whole conversation.

In the middle of the conversation, I heard someone letting out a loud 'Huh'. I looked at Mad's face, and I knew something was up. Mad's eyes were bulging. Her expressions were aligning more towards being scared than annoying.

She dashed towards me and whispered in my ear. Seconds later a woman in all white hijab entered the room. she set her eyes on one woman bent over while in a chair and another one sitting near the chair on her knees.

”Well, I seem to have missed the interesting part of the demonstration. But I prefer all of us sitting on equal levels before we can start our conversation.”

”Yes sure.” Madonna said as she struggled to stand up. I let go of my knees and stood up to lend her a hand. I grabbed one side of her arm and Professor held another side of Mad and we put her back on the couch.

”Ah, seems like you have injured your legs. How did that happen, 1.6?”

Mad shot her a look with her sharp eyes and demanded not to be called that. Professor smiled softly at her and walked across the table towards her chair. She sat and signaled me to do the same. While I sat down, she opened one of her drawers in her table and took out a lunch box.

”Would you ladies care for some food?” she asked.

”Actually, we came here for something else.”

She opened her lunch box and the aroma from her biryani filled the room.

”What can I indulge you ladies with?”

”Habib, I am here to apologize for the past. Whatever I did to you, and every part of me you detested. I can't take that back from you, but I am more than willing to do whatever you like. All I am here for is your forgiveness and one last request.” Madonna spoke.

”I wont lie. I am intrigued. But there is one thing that doesn't settle with me. Have I met you before?” Habib pointed her gaze towards me and asked the question.

”No, I don't think so. I have lived in this town previously, but it was some time ago. Even so, I never came in this area.” I hoped I satisfied her curiosity.

”Hmm. when I woke up in the morning, I didn't believe my day would be going on this path. I guess the world is a small place. Isn't that right, Madonna? But you came into my office on the base of a lie. I don't think I am comfortable with that. However, I know of a perfect venue where we can meet later in this day. We can have dinner, and talk about this matter at hand for as long as you'd like. It will also give me enough time to think more about this situation.”

She looked at Madonna before saying,” I mean, it's not everyday you come across your past, now is it?”

She dug her spoon in the lunch, scooped up the rice and brought up to her lips. She looked at us and questioned our presence in her office. Mad stood up and touched my shoulder. It was my signal to stand up.

Mad flung open the office's door and said,”Be aware if…”

”…you're unfair.” Habib completed the phrase Madonna started.

”I hope you do a right thing this time, A1.”

Following that, we left the room.