The Boundary line
274 Words
Chapter 8: The Boundary Line
As the sun began to set, casting long golden shadows across the café, Zayd’s phone lit up on the table. The caller ID showed his mother’s name. He sighed, rubbing his temples before answering.
"Yes, Ummi," Zayd said into the phone, his voice respectful but strained. "No, I am still at work... Yes, I will be home for dinner... No, I haven't called her yet... Ummi, please give it time." He caught Zara’s eye and looked away quickly, clearing his throat. "Okay, I have to go. Assalamu Alaikum."
He hung up and set the phone face down, looking embarrassed.
"Your mom?" Zara asked gently, packing her notebooks into her bag.
"Yeah," Zayd muttered, running a hand through his hair. "She’s already asking if I’ve texted you to ask you out on a 'proper date.' She thinks because we didn't instantly say 'no' after the first meeting, we are basically engaged. I hate lying to her, but I don't want to rush this either."
Zara felt a sudden chill. The reality of their situation rushed back. "We aren't lying," she said firmly, though her heart pinched a little. "We are working. This clinic is a massive undertaking. We agreed to keep our focus strictly professional so feelings don't complicate the project."
Zayd looked at her for a long moment. The warmth from earlier seemed to cool down, replaced by a guarded professionalism. "Right. Exactly. Strictly professional. We need to maintain clear boundaries so we don't disappoint our families if things don't work out."
Zara nodded, but as she stood up to leave, the café suddenly felt much colder than before.
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