Chapter 12
Next Day,
Mumbai,
Mukherjee House,
The house that had been all silent n tensed in the past 3 months, now gleamed with joy as Shanaya was back.
Mr. n Mrs. Mukherjee were overwhelmed to see their daughter back with them.
Mr. n Mrs. Rawte were present there to welcome their would-be daughter-in-law. All of them sat on the sofa, discussing the most important thing, marriage.
Mr. Mukherjee, "Suryakant sahab, ab hamari bacchi wapas aa gayi hai to hum ye chahte hai ki Arjun aur Shanaya ki shaadi jald se jald kar di jaaye."
Mr. Rawte, "Hum bhi yahi soch rahe the! Kyu na hum hamare dono baccho ki shaadi do hafte baad ek saath hi kar de, Neha aur Vivaan ke saath hi Arjun aur Shanaya ki bhi shaadi ho jayegi!"
Mrs. Rawte, "Haan, ek doli hamare ghar se jayegi aur dusri doli hamare ghar aayegi, wo bhi ek hi din! Aaapka kya khayal he Mrs. Mukherjee?"
Mrs. Mukherjee, "Good Idea! Do hafte mein shaadi hai to bahot saari taiyariya karni padegi, kamar kas ke taiyar rahi Mrs. Rawte, aapke ghar to do-do shadiya ek sath hone wali hai!"
Mrs. Rawte, "Hume to sirf dhyan rakhna hai, wedding planners honge na shaadi ka kaam dekhne ke liye!"
They discussed about the wedding for some more time n then left.
~
Rawte Mansion,
Neha's back to Rawte Mansion. She was reluctant to come but then agreed as Arjun made her understand the fact that she couldn't stay at Vikram's place before marriage. Arjun gave medicines to Neha n asked her to take rest.
"Bhaiya!"Neha pouted, "Aur kitna aaram karna padega? Main bore ho gayi hu!"
"Nehu, baccha you need rest, ek baar thik ho jao phir tumhe koi aaram karne ke liye nahi kahega! Lekin pehle thik to hona padega n for that you need to rest!"Arjun tried to explain her.
"Kab tak ye chalega?"
"Sirf do din aur! Phir to tum shaadi ki shopping mein busy rehna!"
"Wo to main abhi bhi kar sakti hu! Just get me my lappy! Online shopping!"
"Thik hai, lekin sirf thodi derr, phir .."
"I'll take rest bhaiya, pakka!"
Neha then shopped online for some time n went off to sleep due to the effects of medicines.
~
Suryakant Rawte's Cabin
Vikram had came to meet Suryakant at his office.
Suryakant, "Baitho! Mujhe laga hi tha ki tum aaoge mujhse milne." He takes his chequebook n signs on a blank cheque. "Ye lo, blank cheque! Meri beti ko thik karne ke liye jo chahe keemat likh lo. Main de dunga!"
Vikram smiled looking at the blank cheque, "Soch lijiye Mr. Rawte! Main jo keemat mangunga wo aap de payenge?"
"Beshaq main tumhe tumhari muh maangi keemat de dunga!"Suryakant added arrogantly, "Tum maang ke to dekho!"
"Mujhe aapki beti se shaadi karni hai, haan keh dijiye!"
"Apni aukaat mein reh kar baat karo ladke!"Suryakant flared, "Meri beti se shaadi karne ki aukaat nahi hai tumhari!"
Vikram smiles, "Maine kaha tha Mr. Rawte, main jo keemat mangunga wo aap de nahi payenge!" He tears the cheque into pieces n throws them away. "Mere pyar ko khareedne ki aukaat nahi hai aapki! Kyunki pyaar paise se khareeda nahi jaata!"
He waved him a goodbye n walked away. Suryakant stood there fuming with anger.
~
Neha ended her chat with Vikram n sat thinking, Mujhe hi kuch to aisa karna padega jisse Vivaan aur uski family khud hi ye rishta tod de! Soch Neha kuch soch!'
~
Shanaya sat in her room, thinking about her life. She remembered her days in Shahpur at Sikander's Villa.
~*flashback*~
Sikander paced the floor untiringly, The matter which clouded his mind was something that could not rest.
Aqib saw his boss so tensed and wondered what could be the matter. As it was nowadays, Sikander had been mostly happy with the way his life had turned.
"Bhai? Jab tak aap batayenge nahi toh baat kaise suljhegi?" Aqib tried to find out.
"Maine kahaa na munh bandh kar!" Sikander snapped back, angrily further making him shut his mouth.
No one dared to speak up to the drug lord himself.
Sikander's Thoughts were broken by the sound of a rippling laughter. He walked up to the huge glass door and looked outside. Even though his mind wasn't at place but still a smile graced his lips.
There she was, Laughing away as she stood amidst of the new fountain pool that had just been fitted into his villa just a few days ago.
Though her maidservants asked her to come out but she still stood there, as the fountains sprayed water on her in regular intervals, her laughter not decreasing for a second. Shanaya had rolled up her jeans to her knees and her simple white top was now near to get drenched but still she loved the feeling.
Sikander shook her head at her innocence and walked out into the pool area. Seeing Him, The Maidservants bowed in respect and took leave giving the lovers some much needed privacy.
Seeing her maidservants leave, Shanaya turned and saw Sikander walking towards her. She smiled and gestured him to come fast. Sikander smiled and within few strides, he was standing outside the fountain pool. Shanaya advanced her hand towards him for support and holding her hand Sikander too stepped inside the pool, although his feet landing slipped a bit but Shanaya held him tightly.
Sikander held her lovingly from the waist as she kept her hands on his strong shoulders for support.
"Kahaan the tum? Subah se tumhe dhoondh rahi thi main!" Shanaya spoke.
"Kuch kaam tha, Ab toh aa gaya hoon na?" Sikander smiled at her making her smile too.
"Main nahi jaanti ki tumhare bagair main kya karungi..!!" Shanaya spoke as she hugged him tightly.
Sikander too hugged her back, as the fountain water drenched them again.
Shanaya broke the hug and saw Sikander's smile faltered.
"Pareshaan Ho?" Shanaya asked as she touched his face.
Sikander nodded in a No, as he didn't want to bother her.
"Jhoot mat bolo, main jaanti hoon tum pareshaan ho." Shanaya spoke, firmly.
Sikander knew it was of no good lying to her and decided otherwise.
"Sultan ka phone aaya tha!" Sikander spoke.
"Sultan Kaun? Woh tumhara Country Wise Dealer? Tum toh usse bohot maante ho na?" Shanaya replied to which Sikander nodded.
"Sultan Bhai ka bohot ehsaan hai mere upar. Apne business ka Sara ABCD Unhone hi mujhe sikhayaa hai. Bade Bhai ki tarah hai woh mere liye." He added.
"Toh iss mein mushkil kya hai?" She asked.
"Woh tumhe chaahte hai!" Sikander spoke looking at his beloved's face which still seemed to be clouded by confusion.
"Ek Raat ke liye!" Sikander finally spoke out as to what was bothering him.
Shanaya's hold around him loosened a bit as she looked at him.
"Iss liye pareshaan the?" She asked him quietly to which he nodded.
"Kyun?" Shanaya asked again.
"Yeh sab bohot pehle ki baatein hai. Uss waqt tum mere liye sirf Arjun Rawte ki kamzori thi, par ab tum meri mohabbat ho! Bewakoofi mein aakar Maine unse vaada toh kar diya par ab samajh nhi aata ki kya karun?" Sikander spoke, as he rubbed his temples.
"Mujhe lagta hai ki mujhe unke pass jaana chahiye." Shanaya spoke.
"Tumhara Dimaag kharaab hai?" Sikander burst out suddenly. "Kahaan yahaan main tumhe unse bachaane ka Soch raha hoon aur tum ho ki khud unke pass jaana chahti ho?" He spoke, agitated.
"Aur kya raasta hai humare pass?" Shanaya spoke, looking into his eyes.
"Tum unke pass nahi jaogi. Samajh Aayi Tumhe? Main tumhe kissi aur ke haathon beabroo nahi hone dunga! Darinda hai woh! Auratein uske liye sirf uski hawas mitaane ka zariya hai. Tum Meri Mohabbat Ho, aur main tumhari izzat par aanch nhi aane dunga! Chaahe iske liye mujhe apni Jaan kyun na deni pade!" Sikander spoke, cupping her face lovingly into his palms.
Shanaya nodded, blinking off the little tears from her Brown eyes. Sikander kissed her lips lightly and hugged her, Shanaya too hugged him tight holding onto the warmth his embrace provided.
That Evening..
The View At Sikander's Villa was totally different today.. Delicious Feast awaited the guests, Drinks And Alcohol ruled the Bar, Sultry Music was on, on which The Dancer Girls danced seductively to the beats. After all, It was a party held in the honour of Sultan Bhai.
The man himself had arrived a few minutes back, and Sikander had welcomed him warmly with a hug.
He was in his early 50's, tall and sturdy with fair complexion and cruel green eyes. A Round of Drinks had been galore as Sultan eyed the dancer girls lustfully, But his main aim was something else.
"Yeh sab toh bohot accha hai Sikander! Par humari asli Husnpari kahaan hai?" He asked Sikander rubbing his hands on his chest so lustfully that it made Sikander cringe in disgust from inside.
"Bhai ussi ke baare mein aapse baat karni hai." Sikander spoke as he took a sip of his whisky..
Sultan nodded, drinking his own.
"Sultan Bhai woh.. Woh.." Sikander fumbled not knowing how to start.
"Kya woh woh kar raha hai Bacche? Bol na?" Sultan urged him.
"Bhai woh aaj raat Shanaya aapke pass nahi aayegi..!!" Sikander let it out finally.
Sultan looked on, unable to comprehend the fact that his student just rejected the deal.
"Tu kya bol raha hai re? Woh Chokri nakhre dikha rahi hai kya? Fikr mat kar, Main sambhal lunga!" Sultan spoke up.
"Nahi Bhai. Baat asal mein yeh hai ki main nahi chaahta ki Woh aapke pass Jaye!" Sikander replied.
"Par Kyun? Tu jaanta haina ki tune mujhe zabaan di thi, phir ab kyun mukar raha hai?" Sultan asked, his decibel rising.
"Kyunki main usse Pyaar karta hoon Bhai..!!" Sikander spoke, firmly.
"Aur main usse kissi ke haathon beaabro hone nahi dunga!" He added.
"Wah! Wah! Wah Sikander Khan Wah!" Sultan got up from his place clapping slowly. "Apne iss 2 din ke Pyaar ke liye tu mujhe dhoka de raha hai? Uss insaan ko jisne tujhe Sikander Khan banaya? Agar Tujhe 30 saal pehle Mumbai ki gandi galli se uthaya na hota na? Toh tu wahi par mar jaata! Kitne ehsaan hai mere tujhpar aur tune mujhse hi vaadakhilaafi ki..!!" Sultan added.
"Bhai aisi baat nahi hai. Khuda ke baad ek aap hi toh mere apne ho. Aapko main dhoka kaise de sakta hoon?" Sikander tried.
"Baatein mat banaa Sikander! Aaj main Tujhe bohot acche se samajh gaya hoon." Sultan spoke as he came near Sikander. "Pyaar? Woh bhi Uss Arjun Rawte ki mangetar se? Tu bhool gaya Sikander ki hum Shikaari hai aur woh Shikaar! Aur ek Shikaari kabhi bhi apne shikaar se lagaav nahi rakhta warna uska jeena mushkil ho jaata hai..!!" Sultan spoke dangerously.
But Sikander didn't seem to be moved by his terror attempts.
"Aap Sahi ho Bhai. Aur yeh sach hai ki aapke bohot ehsaan hai mujhpar, itne ki shayad main apni zindagi dekar bhi unhe chukaa na paun. Par ek sach yeh bhi hai ki main Shanaya se Pyaar karta hoon! Agar Mohabbat Hai, Toh Mohabbat Hai.." Sikander spoke so firmly that his tone even surprised Sultan. He had known Sikander since he was an infant and knew that if he was so amandent and firm, he surely was in love.
Meanwhile..
Shanaya was in her room and her maidservants were with her too. Sikander was fierecly Protective and caring about her. He knew his nature of work wouldn't let him be grounded at one place and he wouldn't be there always to look after her, So he had appointed 3 maidservants to look after her 24x7.
Shanaya had protested this move of him but since when did he listen to her?
She was treated as to no less than a queen by everyone and as a royalty by her maidservants who took care of her slightest needs.
Right Now, They too were busy adorning her as Sikander had promised her to be in her embrace tonight after the party.
As Shanaya was not too used to such royalty, she had asked the other two to clean up the room while, Firoza dressed her up.
Shanaya applied the kohl in her brown eyes from the Silver Kajaldaani that Firoza had brought in a few days before for her. It was a delicate silver box that was now kept on the marble table of her huge dressing area. Her Room too was no less, Marble Flooring with Beautiful Walls painted to a light shade of Rose Pink.. White Long Silk Curtains were draped everywhere..
In Center was a huge bed of Rosewood which had Silk Sheets of soft colors which were changed every 3rd day.. A Huge Glass Door which opened to the Huge Temperature Controlled Swimming Pool.. And A Huge Teak Door at the entrance..
However, entry to her room too was not easy.. As The Teak Door Opened, A Soft White Silk Curtain stood hanging prohibiting the entrant to go further and also blocking the view of her luxurious too.. Entry was meant for limited people only and if she allowed only then would the curtain be removed otherwise not.
And If Sikander entered, he would himself pull away the curtain.
This was Sikander's move to protect his love from the dirty glances of the men that came into his den day and night.
"Baji aap bohot khoobsurat hai." Firoza spoke as she lovingly combed Shanaya's long hair and saw her reflection in the mirror.
Shanaya smiled as she finished applying the kohl, "yeh baat toh tum Hamesha kehti ho!" She spoke.
"Nahi Baji sach mein, aap bohot khoobsurat hai. Maalik aapko aise hi toh nahi itna chaahte" Firoza smiled again..
Shanaya smiled too, "Meri Saari Khoobsurati ussi se hai Firoza." She added and picked up a bottle of fragrant exilir to apply it on herself.
"Yeh waali nahi Baji, woh doosri wali lagayein! Maalik ko yeh khushboo bohot pasand aayegi." Firoza suggested.
"Accha?" Shanaya smiled warmly, "Chalo yeh waali hi sahi." She spoke and had just picked up the elixir bottle to apply it on herself when footsteps were heard.
"Lagta hai Maalik aa gaye." Firoza spoke but Shanaya however wasn't sure. She knew Sikander's footsteps very well and could make them out even in her sleep. The Silk Curtain was shuffled fast and mercilessly, This strengthened Shanaya's Doubt as Sikander just smoothly took of the curtain from its latches whenever he came.
Her Grip tightened on the Swiss Knife which she had with her for any need of self defense ready to take over anyone.
Before the intruder could enter, Familiar Footsteps were heard and Shanaya could swear on her love that it was Sikander.
"Bhai aap kya kar rahein hai?" Sikander's voice was finally heard.
"Wahi Jo mujhe aaj shaam bohot pehle hi kar Dena chahiye tha!" Shanaya heard another voice and knew it was Sultan.
"Maine aapse kahaa na? Woh aapke pass nahi jayegi..!!" Sikander spoke wringing away Sultan's hand from the curtain.
"Yeh tum galat kar rahe ho Sikander! Uss 2 takke ki Ladki ke liye tum mujhe inkaar kar rahe ho?" Sultan's voice bellowed.
"Agar aap yahi samajhna chaahte hai to samajh lijiye! Main usse kissi bhi qeemat par kissi ke saamne beabroo hone nahi dunga!" Sikander's voice echoed, dangerously clear.
"Tum iss vaadakhilaafi ki bohot Badi qeemat chukaoge Sikander!" Sultan warned him and pulled him closer holding his neck.
"Zara Dekhun Toh?" He spoke, grabbing Sikander's hair roughly and Shanaya could hear him grunting in pain softly.
"Tujhe toh sach mein Ishq ho gaya hai Uss Arjun Rawte ki mangetar se." Sultan spoke, looking into Sikander's eyes.
"Mujhe laga Tha ki tu usse Aiyaashi karne ke baad chhod dega!" He added.
"Woh mere liye pehle sirf ek aiyyashi thi, par ab meri mohabbat hai." Sikander spoke again, his tone dangerously clear.
Sultan guffawed and threw Sikander down on the floor roughly and walked away with his men. Shanaya finally let out the breath she had been holding.
Sikander got up and after dusting himself, gently pulled away the curtain . . . The Curtain rolled apart gently revealing Shanaya in her most purest and alluring form. She was wearing a milk white Salwar Kameez made of softest fabric sans any dupatta.
Firoza and other two maid servants bowed as a token of respect and left the room. As they left, Shanaya almost ran towards Sikander and hugged him tightly who hugged her back, taking in the intoxicating perfume of her hair and body.
"Maine kahaa Tha na? Ki main tumne kissi ke saamne beabroo hone nahi dunga?" Sikander spoke as he gently caressed her hair.
Shanaya nodded softly and hugged him more closer to him if possible..
They broke the hug and Shanaya claimed his lips gently to which he responded passionately..
~*flashback*~
2 days later,
Rawte Mansion,
The Raichands n the Rawte's were discussing about the engagement function when there was a phone call. Mrs. Rawte answered the call n was shocked. "Hume jald se jald City Hospital pahuchna hoga! Neha ka accident hua hai."
~
After an hour's drive they all reached City Hospital.
Arjun was waiting outside the ward while the doctors were checking Neha, who was unconscious.
Mrs. Rawte, "Arjun, beta yeh sab kaise hua?"
Arjun, "Aai, wo Neha road cross kar rahi thi ussi waqt ek car bahot hi speed se aayi aur Neha ko takkar maar kar chali gayi. Sab kuch mere saamne hua lekin main kuch bhi nahi kar paya!"
The lady doctors came out after completing the checkup.
Arjun n others immediately questioned doctor about Neha's health.
Doctor, "Dekhiye chinta ki koi baat nahi hai. Neha bilkool thik hai, bas thodi si chot lagi hai. Lekin ek buri khabar hai.."
"Wo kya hai doctor?"
Doctor, "I'm sorry to say but Neha ko jo chot lagi hai uski wajah se wo kabhi maa nahi ban sakti. Sorry."
"Doctor aap thik se check kijiye, meri behen ki zindagi ka sawal hai, please!"
Doctor, "Mr. Arjun, humne thik se check kiya hai, wo sachme maa nahi ban sakti. Kuch ghanto baad use hosh aa jayega tak aap use mil sakte he. Kal subah hum use discharge kar denge. I'll take your leave now."
After Doctor left, Mr. Raichand said consoling, "Sunkar bahot dukh hua Mr. Rawte, sambhaliye apne aap ko. We are sorry lekin ab ye shaadi nahi ho sakti aur deal bhi cancel kar raha hu. Mere delegates deal ke papers aapko wapas karne aa jayenge.we'll take your leave now."
Mr. Rawte, "Mr. Raichand! Aap aisa nahi kar sakte, meri business ko aise barbaad nahi kar sakte aap! Meri beti ka kya hoga? Mr. Raichand!" he tried stopping them but all in vain.
~
Next day,
Rawte Mansion,
Neha was brought home. She was constantly crying after hearing the news. The ambience of house had suddenly became gloomy.
Vikram stood at the door of the mansion. He was here to meet Neha. He had just returned in the morning from Pune, after a two days conference.
Suryakant, "Ab kyu aaye ho tum yahan?"
"Main Neha se milne aaya hu. Actually uska check up karna tha, medicines ka asar kitna hua hai aur kitna baki hai ye sab check karna hai. So with your due permission, can I meet my..patient?"
Suryakant stood thinking for a while n then allowed him to come in.
Vikram looked at Neha, she looked too weak, her eyes had swelled due to crying n her nose had turned all red. Vikram's heart pained to see her like this. "Yeh kya haalat bana li hai apni? Do din main mila nahi to tumne apna haal behaal kar liya haan?!" He teased her only to find fresh tears falling down from her brown orbs. "Hey! Please don't cry, main to mazaak kar raha tha!"
After completing the regular check-up, he said to Arjun, "Bhai, pehle ki dawaiya continue kijiye, lekin ab subah ka dose dene ki zaroorat nahi hai.Injection maine de diya hai, teen din baad phir se ek check-up karna padega."
"Thanks Vikram!"
"Waise bhai, wo itna ro kyu rahi hai? Kya baat hai?"
"Vikram, kya batau tumhe.. wo actually.. Neha ki shaadi toot gayi hai.."
"Lekin aise achanak kyu?Kya hua?"
"Wo kal shaam ko Neha ka accident hua aur phir doctor ne kaha ki.. Neha kabhi maa nahi ban sakti.. isliye unn logo ne rishta tod diya!"
"Ye to bahot bura hua, lekin ye to koi reason nahi hua shaadi todne ke liye! I mean this is really a stupid reason!"
Suryakant, "Oh you find this reason stupid! Zara ye batana ki tum uski jagah hote to tum kya karte? Shaadi karte ek aisi ladki se jo kabhi maa nahi ban sakti?"
Vikram,"Why not? Agar main usse pyar karta hu to shaadi bhi zaroor karunga. rahi baat maa ban ne ki to duniya mein bahot saare anaath bacche hai, hum kisi ko bhi adopt kar sakte hai. Waise bhi Krishna Devki ko nahi Yashoda ko hi apni maa manta tha, right?"
Suryakant,"Baate to bahot badi badi karte ho! Agar sachme himmat hai to karo meri beti se shaadi, main khud tumhe kehta hu! Bolo, karoge shaadi meri beti se?!"
Vikram, "Haan, karoonga main ye shaadi!"
Suryakant, "Thik hai, tum dono ki parso engagement hai aur uske agle hafte shaadi, Arjun aur Shanaya ki shaadi ke saath hi hogi! "
Vikram, "Ok! Jaisa aap chahe!"
Later, that night,
Arjun gave medicines to Neha n they both sat talking.
"Bhaiya, hamara ye plan to ekdum kamyaab ho gaya! Kisiko kuch pata bhi nahi chala!"
"Shh.. aise zor se bologi to sabko pata chal jayega!Waise tumne Vikram ko to sach bataya hai na?"
"Nahi, agar main usse sach bata deti to wo maanta hi nahi aur hamara plan flop ho jata, don't worry, shaadi se pehle main use bata dungi!"
"Thik hai! Ab tum so jao, bahot natak kar liya rone ka! Ab to bidaai ke liye aansu bacha ke rakho!"
"Yeah right!"
~ ~ ~
That's it!
A 3500+ words update!
Please drop in your long comments! Waiting eagerly!
Credits - Sikander-Shanaya flashback by Shanaya di, thanks di😊
Members Lounge
Book Talk
Current Affairs
14