Episode 5: The first gaze

“Emaan, let’s close the store. It’s almost 10.00 pm now.”, Emaan’s new manager Imran asked.

Emaan completed the store closing routine, packed his bag and requested the doorkeeper, “Please switch off the lights and close the door. I shall be back from the washroom in that time.”

Emaan’s store, Timberland, was located on the ground floor of the mall. On the corner, towards turning left for the washroom, he could notice a staff closing the Tommy Hilfiger store.

Though Emaan did not make it obvious, he noticed a group of three girls and a guy sitting on a bench in front of Tommy Hilfiger.

Emaan always walked like a king. He never believed in turning his gaze away. This usually made others feel quite different. They would either be mesmerised by his confidence or look away not able to confront him.

This group in front of the Tommy store were engaged in a casual conversation. While walking towards them, Emaan looked straight not turning his gaze away. But their faces were on the other side. So he could not get a clear glance of any of them.

Not being much concerned, Emaan goes to the washroom and after quickly completing his nature’s call, he washes his hand and humbly appreciates himself in front of the mirror.

(Emaan looked handsome in the new grey checks shirt and the chinos, he got as perks from Timberland. He had also got a pair of new Timberland boots which made him look more sophisticated.)

Within just two minutes, Emaan came out of the washroom. He could see the group still sitting in front of the Tommy store.

Emaan was a charmer. He walked as if he was walking the ramp, with a gaze, so confident, that even angels would fall for him. As he came close to the group, a magnificent dusky girl, wearing a light blue thigh length dress, seated elegantly on the bench, caught his attention.

As Emaan came closer, even the group had made a notice of Emaan. Two of the girls were looking at him when even the dusky girl tilted her head towards him.

Emaan held his gaze while she (shyly) looked at him, not able to decide whether to look away.