"May I come in?" she asked, nervousness evident in her voice.

"You already came in, Ms. Sheharzaad," he said with a smile, "What brings you here?" he asked and pointed towards the chair for her to sit.

A ghost of a smile was apparent on his lips.

Sheharzaad sat on the seat just in front of his table and fiddled with her fingers out of nervousness.

"Speak," he commanded.

She looked up and then down towards the table. She was feeling utterly anxious.

"I don't know how you will take it," she ...