Chapter 8
One month later.
The train marched its way through the night, its wheels pounding the iron rails in a rhythmic fashion. It was completely dark in the bogie save for an occasional station that passed by in a blur, that sought to illuminate the interiors for a brief while before plunging it back into darkness. Now and then a crossing train made its presence felt, the sound of the whistle intensifying till it reached its peak and finally receeding in a parallel fashion. In other words, it was a perfect example of the Doppler effect.
None of this registered to the lone girl sitting on the lower berth, her hands hugging the knees close to her chest. Sleep had long since eluded her, more so as the events of the past month reiterated themselves once again.
Everyone at Saiyyara was aghast when she had announced her resignation. Questions were many, and as usual, answers were not forthcoming.
"Resigning for personal reasons. I need to go back to Lucknow..." Was all that was answered to the query. People had stopped asking after a while. She had silently completed all the work till one day when a call changed her life forever.
She avidly remembered that day. The work had been just completed and charge handed over; she had nothing to do for the evening. Should she go shopping for some outfits? She had never shopped in Mumbai, way too expensive. And she wouldn't know where to shop and what to buy. When voiced, Alvira aunty had egged her on.
"Of course go for shopping, my dear. I know one place. This is a good boutique, be sure to tell them about me. You will get a good deal. And take the car. The driver is here!"
Her mobile had trilled in the middle of the shopping expedition. The display read an unknown number and she had hesitantly returned the call.
"Hello...is that Aarzoo Nausheen Khan?"
"Yes, this is she. Who is this?"
"Ms Aarzoo, this is Dr Bhatia from Govt General Hospital. There is a terminal patient here asking for you. Would you mind coming over for an hour or so?"
"But who is the patient? And why should he ask for me?"
"Don't know. For that matter I don't know the patient's name. He was found in a critical condition on the roadside and brought over to us by a good Samaritan. That was a week back, since then he has been drifting in and out of consciousness. Since yesterday, he has been sinking and won't last this night. And he has been asking for you! That's all I know..."
"But this number..?"
"he gave us!"
Aarzoo had then raced to the hospital and located Dr Bhatia with ease. He had led her to a special room equipped with a bed and the necessary paraphernalia.
The bed was occupied with a frail form hooked on to a couple of monitors. Dr Bhatia walked quietly to the man and touched his arm.
"Hello...see who is here? It's Ms Aarzoo Nausheen Khan..."
A pair of eyes had flickered to life briefly and Aarzoo had had a shock of her life.
It was Sarfaraz. A shadow of his former self, his papery lips quivered to greet his estranged daughter as he gathered the last ounce of willpower and tried to sit. A waiting nurse quickly arranged for a couple of pillows and Aarzoo waited with bated breath.
"Assalaam...Waleikum my child..." Aarzoo had to strain to hear the words, and she had no recollection of when she sat on the bed. "Thanks for coming. I wanted to give something to you. Will you pass it on to your mother? At least now she will forgive me..."
Trembling hands handed over a slim file to her. Aarzoo was thoroughly perplexed. What was all this about? Her eyes widened as she opened the file and skimmed through the papers.
Sarfaraz had willed his house to Nausheen.
"But I don't understand. Farah...?"
"She ran away with another man!"
"What?"
"Yes, my dear. After you exposed me to Sahir, he spread the word...I stopped getting work from anyone, anyhow. I was reduced to begging on the street...it was then that this disease was discovered, Farah left me..." Sarfaraz paused for breath and Aarzoo felt a strange peace from within. Whatever had been sowed was being reaped after all! Was it some sort of divine justice?
Sarfaraz grasped her hand with all the remaining willpower, as if to get the burden off his soul. "I don't have much time left. So...decided to return the Lucknow house to Nausheen. At least now...will you forgive me, my child?"
Aarzoo never realized when tears started streaming down her cheeks.
"Abbu..." She buried her head in his bony chest. His fingers roamed for a while through her hair and then stopped altogether. Alarmed, she looked at Dr Bhatia, who shook his head sadly.
A nurse had led her away as they dealt with the formalities. And it was a very shaken Aarzoo who had walked into Niyamat house after a while.
She had never known her father in the conventional sense. But his last moments were enough to last a lifetime. Silently she retired to her room and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Anyway, that was a couple of days back and now she was enroute to Lucknow. Back to square one? The train entered a dark funnel and she shuddered inwardly. Did the tunnel have an end? Did she have a future at all?
She remembered the day, not so far earlier, when she had boarded the flight for Lucknow. Her first experience. As the aircraft had soared in the sky, leaving Lucknow behind, she had felt her dreams sprout with wings. Indeed, Sky was the limit for a talented designer like her! Her Daadi had encouraged her while adding a word of caution.
"I am sure you would do well. But take care, my dear. I hear it is a very bad place. So don't trust anyone!"
Yes, she had got the best training and exposure at Saiyyara. Sahir had recognized her talent quite early despite the initial pitfalls, and then encouraged her to bloom further. He had even forgiven her treachery, never even mentioned it anywhere. Moreover, the recommendation letter on his personal letterhead was something unprecedented at Saiyyara.
The tunnel ended abruptly and moonshine flooded the interior. Aarzoo draped her shawl around herself and lapsed back in deep thought.
Why did she feel a tinge of sadness? There was something in Sahir's demeanour when she had said goodbye. It was for such a fleeting moment that she couldn't put a finger on it. As if he wanted her to stay? Alvira Aunty had hugged her and presented her with a choicest collection from a boutique. Zaki had got her a posse of flowers and offered to drop her at the station. Everyone at Niyamat house was sad; however they wished her well for the future.
Well, everyone except Sahir. Apart from the brief moment when he had handed over the certificate of training and the recommendation letter, there was nothing.
-----
The first person to announce the return of Aarzoo was Asharfi. Perched on the chair, the squawk was quite distinct.
Aarzoo aa gayi...Aarzoo aa gayi'
"Asharfi, keep quiet. You too have started daydreaming?" An irritated Myra snapped at the bird and then brightened as her eyes registered her eldest sister standing in the courtyard.
"Ammi! Look, Appi is home!" Myra squealed and Nausheen looked up surprised. Aarzoo? Without any prior intimation? Was everything alright? She hastily wiped her hands to the kitchen apron and hurried to the hall.
There she was. Having lost considerable amount of weight, she looked like a lost soul.
Good morning Aarzoo...Good morning!' Asharfi squawked again and Aarzoo managed a wan smile.
Aarzoo sad...Aarzoo on diet?' Aarzoo extended her wrist and the bird eagerly hopped on.
"Aarzoo..?" Finally the presence of her mother registered and she raised a hand in the traditional greeting.
"Assalaam Aleikum Ammi!"
"Waleikum. Is everything alright? We had no idea..." Nausheen's words were cut short by the severe expression of her daughter. Something was certainly amiss.
"Ammi, I have something for you..." Aarzoo handed over the file containing house papers to her mother.
"What is this..." Nausheen opened the file and her eyes went wide. Her head spun for a moment and Zara promptly led her to the nearest chair.
"This means...your Abbu..."
Aarzoo's downcast face confirmed the news.
A tear rolled down Nausheen's cheek. So finally it was all over.
"Appi..." Zara had taken over the file and was equally shaken as her mother. The same was repeated with Myra. A strange peace descended over them, hitherto unprecedented. None of them had known their father. Or felt anything for him. Throughout their life, they had been taunted as illegitimate, their mother labelled as a keep. The last straw had been the one instance when they were unceremoniously thrown out of their house.
That day they had unanimously decided not to even think about him. It was as if he didn't exist for them. And today...he had given their house back to them, even apologized...
"Even Allah respects a dying man's wish, my children. So let's forgive him. And move on!"
Their mother's words cut through their solitude.
Daadi had remained silent throughout. Both had quickly prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
The family had a long talk that night and decided to forgive and forget. It was too superfluous to grieve on a relationship which had never taken root.
Nausheen however had been surprised at Aarzoo's sudden return. But it was pointless to ask her anything. She had dismissed all queries in that direction by a curt reply.
"I was missing you all. And moreover, my training was over, there was nothing to hold me at Saiyyara anymore. I plan to apply for work here...I am sure to get something nice here itself. But first of all, let's shift back to our house!"
Shifting back to the house brought on a fresh wave of nostalgia to Aarzoo. Yes, this was the place wherein she and her sisters had sprouted feet. This was the place where they fought and made up, then learnt the tricks of trade called life. It was here that they could put their feet up and relax: the place still had the ability to offer solace to them. It was theirs. And the secure world had come crashing down that day when...
Daadi's hands clamped on her shoulder and wordlessly she turned to her grandmother: the older woman's eyes held a strange reassurance. The past was past, and it would never return to haunt them again. Aarzoo smiled her gratitude, making a mental note to start looking out for a job as soon as possible.
Then one fine day Nausheen's mobile buzzed with a known number.
"Haye Allah...now who is it at this hour?" Wiping her hands to her kitchen apron, her face broke into a smile as she glanced at the display.
"Alvira! Assalam Waleikum...Is everything alright?"
"Waleikum, Nausheen. Everything is very fine. Actually I am in Lucknow right now. Can we meet sometime?"
"You are in Lucknow? Since when? And you are telling me all this...now? Is this the value for a friendship...?"
"Whoa...Whoa... Nausheen. I just flew in an hour back. And I came in only to meet you...and Aarzoo!"
"Well then, come over tomorrow for lunch? I will make something special..."
"Sure, Nausheen...Allah Hafiz!"
And true to the word, Alvira walked in the next day morning.
"Assalaam Aleikum!"
"Waleikum. How are you, Alvira? And this surprise visit to Lucknow? Any new fashion show?"
Alvira smiled, a smile that was full of apprehension. "Actually, I came here with a purpose. I want something from you. Hope you won't turn me down?"
"Turning you down? What nonsense. You just have to ask!"
"Of Course, I know that. By the way, where is Aarzoo?"
"Appi has gone for a job interview!" Zara, sitting on the armrest of her mother's chair, quipped in. She and Myra had trooped in some while ago with a glass of water; Myra was perched on the armrest of her grandmother's chair.
"Job Interview? She is looking out for a job?" Alvira was momentarily taken aback. Nausheen murmured in an even tone, her head downcast.
"Yes, Alvira. Frankly, I don't know what to make out of all this. When she left for Mumbai, I thought something good would come out of that. She would get trained and then absorbed at your fashion house. You know, she even sent money to me. I thought she was doing well there..."
Nausheen wiped her face and continued. "Then suddenly one day she landed back here. Out of the blue. I don't even know how: by air or by train? And no prior intimation. And she had news for us: Her father had passed away some time ago and left this house to me!"
"Yes, I came to know about it. My condolences!"
"All that is not needed, Alvira. All of us decided to forgive and forget. But there is a lot more than what meets the eye. I asked Aarzoo why she left Saiyyara like this, and she just...clammed up!"
"She has never told you anything?"
Nausheen shook her head. "No, nothing at all. Alvira, and that's what bothers me. This girl has matured way beyond her age. She never had a proper childhood. When she should be playing with dolls and houses, she...was saving her pocket money for the future. In due course, she became my pillar of strength: She curtailed her own dreams to fulfil the dreams of her two sisters. And now, when it looked like she could fulfil her own dreams, live her own life...this turn of events..."
"You asked her what's the problem?"
"No, Alvira. When it comes to her own problems, she is like a closed book. Never share her own, but be there to take someone else's..."
"Of Course..."
Nausheen wiped her face and straightened up. "Enough of my story. Now tell me: what brings you to Lucknow? Some new boutique? Or a fashion show?"
Alvira smiled indulgently, "No, Nausheen. As I said earlier, I have come only to meet you. And of course, ask for something..."
"Spell it out, Alvira. You know I cannot refuse you!"
Alvira took a deep breath.
"I want Aarzoo. I have come for an alliance for Sahir!"
"What?" Nausheen stood up in haste, only to find her knees buckle down under tremendous emotional upheaval. Alvira rushed to support her best childhood friend.
"There is no hurry, Nausheen. Take your time. These decisions have to be taken with a clear mind, and of course, Aarzoo has to agree..."
"Ohh she will, I am sure..." Daadi spoke for the first time, "Who can resist such an alliance?"
"Then shall I assume...?" Alvira asked, her eyes locked on Nausheen.
Nausheen wiped away the lone tear that had trickled across.
"Well...how can I refuse? But let me ask Aarzoo in complete confidence. It's her life after all. Now, what about lunch? I have cooked your favourite kheer!"
"Slurp...Slurp!" Chanted Zara and Myra in unison. Alvira left soon after lunch, claiming some unforeseen work, leaving behind a jubilant family.
The subject matter of these discussions was slowly walking towards her house, lost in thoughts, kicking the occasional pebble in her path. A known car passed her and she jerked awake.
"Alvira Aunty? Here in Lucknow?"
The car had come from the direction of her house. Well, not surprising. Alvira and her mother Nausheen had been the best of friends since childhood. Maybe a casual visit, she decided and stepped in her courtyard only to be greeted by a loud song playing on the radio.
Sun Sun Sun Didi tere liye ek rishta aaya hain...'
Aarzoo pressed her hands to her ears and shouted above the din.
"Myra! Reduce the volume at once!" No effect.
Aarzoo strode over and ripped the power cord off. The effect was quite startling.
"Appi! That was such a nice song. You know, and also befitting to the occasion!"
"What? Which occasion? Aarzoo couldn't make a head or tail of this. She looked around the house. "Alvira Aunty was here?"
"Well, Appi..She had come here for a purpose. And we are all so happy...See, Ammi is smiling after so many days. By the way, what happened to your job interview?"
"Quite good. I can expect an offer letter in a day or two!"
"There is another one waiting for you here!"
"What? Another offer? From where?" The playful banter was interrupted by Nausheen, who emerged from the kitchen with a cup of tea. Aarzoo was quite grateful for the brew and palmed the cup, there was a nip in the air.
"Enough, Myra. You can go to your studies now. Aarzoo, come in, my child. I need to talk to you first!" Myra pouted amidst giggles and Nausheen dragged Aarzoo to her room.
"Ammi...what is the matter? She said some sort of offer..."
Nausheen was all smiles as she cupped her daughter's face.
"Aarzoo, Alvira came here on a mission. She wants your alliance for Sahir!"
"Wh...What?" Aarzoo choked on her drink and Nausheen rushed ahead to pound her back.
"Ammi..." There was a slight sheen in her eyes, which might as well have been from the choking and coughing event. Aarzoo wiped her face with a tentative finger.
"Yes, My child. She herself asked for you..."
"And what did you say, Ammi?"
"Of course, I am delighted. So is your Daadi...But I said that you also have to agree!"
"You are happy?"
Nausheen missed the slight change in intonation denoting sarcasm and continued in her enthusiasm. "If this alliance goes through, all will be well with the family. Our dark days are over finally. Zara can also follow you to Mumbai, and Sahir will be a fine protective figure to her as well. Myra can finish her studies and both of them can get married into good families. InshAAllah! You don't realize, but this alliance will work wonders for them also!"
She would have gone further but for a tentative grasp on the arm from Aarzoo.
"But Ammi...their social status..." Aarzoo remembered the taunts from Anam. "There is no match!"
Nausheen was taken aback for a moment. Then she straightened up.
"Fine, their social status and ours don't match. But then, that is not a secret. Alvira is well aware of it. And this alliance was sought forth by her, even after knowing that..."
"And Sahir? Is he in agreement?"
"Alvira said the whole thing was initiated by him!"
Aarzoo's startled hands dropped the cup, the remnant of the brew splashing everywhere. "What? Sahir Sir...wants to marry me?"
Nausheen bent down to pick up the pieces. The cleaning could wait.
"Yes, my child. Sahir wants to marry you! So what do you feel?"
"Arre, what is there to feel?" Daadi's boisterous words cut across. "Can't you see for yourself, Nausheen? The answer is a big yes!"
Aarzoo bowed her head and Nausheen smiled indulgently.
The entire house erupted in joy with Zara and Myra breaking into an impromptu jig. After a while Daadi and Nausheen also joined in.
Aarzoo was numbed beyond comprehension. Words that had been uttered in the past came back to her in a torrent.
This alliance will be good for your sisters as well, Aarzoo. Moreover, the full expenses will be borne by the Chaudhary family. We only have to reach the venue in time.
She is a small town girl, a bumpkin with low morals... She will do anything for money.
An intern at the end of the day. Nothing more, nothing less. So many have walked in before and so many will continue to do so in future. Saiyyara won't come to a standstill.
Unprofessionalism and incompetence personified...and gift wrapped for us.
You are a leech, a freeboarder. You are being tolerated only because Ammi is your Ammi's friend.
It was a long night. Aarzoo lay awake, trying to comprehend the turn of events. Throughout her stay at the Niyamat house, she had been looked down as one dependent on charity. Sahir had never even once refuted the allegation. And the same person was asking for her alliance and was willing to bear all the expenses.
Her fate was certainly mocking her. Wonder what Anam would comment? And Kurti Aapa? She closed her eyes in a vain effort to sleep and many faces swam in front of her eyes.
Smirking Anam. Scheming Kurti Aapa.
Supportive Zaki. He called her Jahannara. Meaning, the queen of the world. So christened after she had been accidentally trapped in the glass vault carrying the legendary costume.
Neutral Alvira Aunty, her silent supporter. Who spoke in her favour only when things went really out of hands.
And Sahir...The rich handsome single boss of Saiyyara. The Fakir at the peerbaba shrine had said that he was destined to be her humsafar. Was it going to be true?
But then why was she feeling restless? Some sort of pre-wedding jitters? Something landed on her shoulder with a flutter of wings and a voice crooned in her ear.
Main Chali Main Chali, dekho pyaar ki gali...
It was Asharfi. Aarzoo smiled tentatively.
"You sing well comparatively, Asharfi. And it's time to sleep now. So shut-eye, OK?
"Aarzoo no sleep. Sahir no sleep...tring tring call..."
And true to the prediction, her mobile rang. Aarzoo looked at the display and froze in anticipation. It was Sahir!
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