Chapter-40
It has been one week..
One dreadful weeks since Jalal's accident.He had been shifted to Lucerne for sake of his personal necessity and as an escape from media eyes.Thereby news didn't leaked to reporters or channels.Jalal's high level media relationships secured hiding this news from peoples.But still his condition was same like that.For Jodha every single day has been a torment.She rarely spoke or went out of hospital.Rukaiyya had narrated the whole story to Jodha about Jalal's accident and business crisis they encountering with.Jodha's clever mind instantly caught some connection between those two incidents.Considering what had happened with her is surely gave her a deep suspicion of Adham's hands behind everything.But she didn't expressed it to anyone, remained silent.
Jodha sat in the chair beside her window after packing food, looking outside at the dark night.She was preparing food for everyone who were in hospital.It's her job now.She was able to hear the crickets playing. It was the only sound that filled the void. This is Jalal's favorite seat in their bedroom. It was his 'perfect nook to sit with his wife as he said.Jodha could still smell his faint scent on the cushions.
She glanced at the clock at her nightstand. 1:38am.She was an insomniac right now.Jijianga had advice that she can sleep for a while if she want.But they hadn't any idea that sleep didn't give her relief. She stared back outside her window in the starless night and let out a heavy sight and whispered
"If Jalal were here, we would be sleeping soundly already or we would stay up all night and love make with each other or talk"Jodha shied and sobbed at the same moment.
" We'd talk about anything at night. Anything that just randomly pops in our brain. Things like why the man in the moon was created, why did Van Gough cut off his ear, why is yawning contagious, why do donuts have holes? some times talks about erotic things.They were all just silly random things that keep us awake and entertained.. But my Jalal's not here" Jodha closed her eyes and tears drops flooded from her eyes.No she wiped her tears...she had never cried again since the day of the accident.
Jodha wasn't used to not seeing Jalal everyday.When she was in house,it was an involuntary action for her to glance at her window to wait for Jalal's car to come through. But now, he wasn't there.
Jalal wasn't there to hug her from back.He wasn't there to love her...He wasn't there to wake her up in bed.He wasn't there to help her in cooking.He wasn't there to sit down with her.He wasn't there to talk to her.He's not there to hug her and tell me that everything is allright.
Jalal was always there.
She crossed ams at her chest, hoping for the pain to go away at this position. It was like her heart was being pierced at every breath.She closed her eyes in deprivation of sleep. Almost every night,Jodha would sit in this chair just so she would be close to his scent. It'll be like Jalal's really here, but Jodha knew it wasn't enough.
Jodha stood up from the chair in frustration and made her way to the bed.She didn't lie down,just sat at the edge, looking at the picture at nightstand. Smiling, she reached for it and stared at it in her hands.Jalal was hugging her passionately around waist in that picture..Her favorite pic of loving husband.Jodha softly brushed her fingers through Jalal's face in the portrait. Then she felt herself dry sobbing.
"You'll wake up soon, right Hubby?" Jodha asked the portrait.She knew it was pointless to ask but she missed talking to him so much also felt ike she is going crazy.
"You'll come back to me right? You can't leave yet..." she continued.Frustrated that she couldn't get an answer and clutched the frame in her hands so hard. Then it suddenly became hard to breath.It was then she saw a drop of water fall into the glass of the frame.When Jodha reached for her face and realized that she was crying.
Again !
.
Jodha stayed with Jalal through the entire week.Finding her inner strength she become brave and supportive for others.Inquired to doctors constantly about his improvement.Doctor told to her that Jalal had a traumatic brain injury due to bullet pierced into his cranium, which caused the comatose..
She was so angry when she found it was a professional killer's attempt.She was pretty sure that It was Adham who did this.Who betrayed her Jalal..Who destroyed her integrity.She wanted to kill him but controlled her emotions.Her emotions were so tangled back then.She was so lost these days. Demons played with her thoughts.The thought of Jalal not waking up from this sleep was like a knife to her heart.
A Sunday Evening..
Jodha was pacing the waiting room ofthe hospital again, waiting for word on Jalal's condition. He had been in surgery for several hours and the waiting without a word was startin gto worry her.Abdul was also there leaning his back against wall.
It was Jodha's stubbornness to take Jalal to a surgery.Even though Doctors warned chance is 50-50 and everyone opposed her decision.She was admant and confident.Believed blindly nothing will happen to Jalal.Abdul really amazed when he saw another face of Jodha, he always thought she is so soft hearted and delicate.But his concepts went wrong when he noticed Jodha's authoritative power over everyone.When it comes decision making capabilities she was extremely wise and strong.Jalal had spoked many times to Abdul about Jodha's skills.But He thought he is just exaggerating it.
Jalal was right.Jodha was very stubborn and dainty at the same time.No one couldn't argue with Jodha regarding her decision..Not even business lady Rukaiyya.Abdul observed Jodha's commanding power and long sightedness like he had spotted in Jalal.Jodha once again prove she is truly Jalalludeen Mohammed's dear wife...A corporate women.Abdul contentedly sighed looking at Jodha's nervous form
Several times a nurse in surgical scrubs would come out ofone door and hurry down the hall togo through another door. She was starting to think something had gone wrong and she would never have her husband alive again.
"Jodha..my child" Jodha heard from behind her as she looked out the window, tears running down her face. She turned around to find the father Dominique there, with a worried look on his face.Jalal had become like a son to him these past months.He was the best reason for the wedding of Jalal and Jodha, and he knew if Jalal didn't make it , Jodha wouldn't want to go on without him
"My child,Why didn't you let me know right away that you had to rush Jalal into surgery? I would have been here to help you through it, sooner" asked father concernly
Jodha turned emotional seeing father there, and ran to his arms like a freighted child needing her father.Father embraced her with love when she sobbed and patted her back as though comforting her
"It was a brain surgery father.Doctors said it is a dangerous procedure, but they are an experienced neurological team and I'm sure Jalal will come back to me." acknowledged Jodha in between her weeps.
"God is always with you.He will be okay and he had to be" father encouraged her knowing it wasn't a delicate surgery, and one that Jodha hoped would bring back the Jalal she knew and loved all her life.They fell in love right away in the Cathedral for which he liked to think he was responsible for.Jodha couldn't say anything, braking her hugged she just stared out the window as she recalled the last year of their marriage and her life with the man she adored more than anything, and loved more than life itself.
The surgery lasted several hours, several long and stressed filled hoursthat left Jodha nothing to do but pray that Jalal was going to be alright. She had to keep telling herself that Jalal would be alright.It was several minutes later that Main Surgeon came through the doors to speak to her. He looked at her and she couldn't make out what to think
""Mr.Jalal made it through the surgery without any complications. The injury was exactly complicated as we thought it was and bullet was removed without any problems. Your husband is in recovery now and you can see him when we get him settled in ICU in about an hour or so." Doctor spoke pleasingly glancing at Jodha's anxious face.
"Thank you doctor" she replied as she sat in a chair and let out the breath she had been holding.Jalal was finally settled in ICU where they could keep a close watch on him till he recovered from the surgery and his senses about him returned.
"Jodha,my child.Go see him" said father and Abdul.Bakshi and Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.They were all aware of that Jodha is going through most tough phase of her life and They need to support her.Father led me to Jalal's room. He gave me a supportive smile and he squeezed her shoulders in a fatherly way.
"I'll be here when you need me." He said, and walked away.Jodha stared at the white door in front of her imagined it swallowing her whole as my stomach churned. But I shook my head to get rid of my hallucinations. She need to do this! Jodha was always looked frightened when it comes to see Jalal's injured form.She couldn't bear that pain.
It took me a minute to summon up the courage to open the door. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and turned the knob and made her way inside with eyes still closed.She closed the door quickly but softly behind her.Jodha was in his room now but still couldn't open her eyes but heart softened as she took in the scent of the room. Sweet, just like Jalal.She took in the noise inside the room. The air condition was running and the heart monitor was beeping. It was still too silent.
'He's in here Jodha, just open your eyes. Don't be afraid." she heard a voice in her mind say.Taking a deep breath Jodha slowly opened her eyes.
There he is.
She took in a shuddering breath.Oh my Jalal...she felt shivers run down her spine and her heart jump.She looked at him longingly and suddenly felt like she could breath again. Just the mere sight of him filled her with joy, sadness and hope.
The room was filled with balloons, cards and flowers from friends and family.She felt the guilt slowly sink in. None of these are from hers.
There he is, asleep. Jalal's beautiful heart shaped face, muscular features, thick brown hair, pale skin and fragile looking body just lying there as still as a rock.His face looked so peaceful and tired. An IV was hooked to his right arm for fluids. All the hospital equipment to check his vitals was at the right side of the room.She heard the soft beat of his heart monitor confirming that he is indeed alive. There were plasters in his face most of them at his left side which is where bullet hitted, she assumed.He was okay except that head injury but looked even more fragile lying down in the hospital bed and was already showing signs of thinness but he is still her handsome Prince.Jodha slowly walked up to him, each step felt like a piece of herself was slowly returning.She was at the side of his bed finally, looking down at him. Tears silently escaped from eyes without her knowing.She had missed him so much, she felt like her heart's going explode.He's so much paler than he usually is.Jodha gently reached for Jalal's right hand and her heart ached at how cold he felt.She brought it up to her chest, holding it with both her hands and closed her eyes and relished the feeling of touching him again after such a long time.
It has been too long.She leaned down after a few minutes, wanting to be closer to his face.Jodha breathed in his scent and her heart fluttered. Involuntarily, her right hand went up to caress his cheek. She has did this every night when they slept in the same bed. After she would do it, Jalal would smile in his sleep but now... there's nothing.In that overwhelming emotion as she bend up Jodha lovingly brushed a few strands of hair off his forehead and placed a loving and tender kiss on his cheek.She again took his hand in hers and brushed it along side her tear strained cheek
"Hello, my love." She said softly."You are going to be alright. Don't you go getting any ideas of leaving me, you hear me. We're not done yet, remember. You promised me a baby and you always keep your promises, remember"Jodha let out a muffled sob as she took in all what was happening.Her body shivered then her head collapsed to her shoulder and she wept,tears came down continuously.She laid her right arm over Jalal's chest as if to embrace him, her body was still shaking.He's here right now in her arms, but it still hurts so much that He can't hug her back or smile.
"Oh my Jalal.Do you know I fullfilled your dream.I become Miss Switzerland" spoke Jodha sweetly.Then it hit her.She wasn't able to tell him yet.He didn't see hus wife crowing Miss Switzerland.But now she have her chance here right now to say it, but Jalal wouldn't hear it. Why does fate have to become so cruel?
Jodha raised her head from Jalal's shoulder and gently nuzzled his cheek while her tears were still falling.Would he ever be able to hear it? Will he ever wake up? Will he ever smile again?
" Jalal, I miss you so much. Please come back." She whispered to his ear."I'm so sorry I wasn't able to see you sooner. I was too weak without you." she caressed his head softly and lovingly.Her fingers slowly caressed his closed eye lids wishing that they would open.
"We're not finished yet, Jalal.So please..." She pleaded softly, "please wake up. Wake up, my love..." Jodha sobbed
"Mrs Jalal?" Jodha composed herself when a voice heard from her back and turned to face that person.It was a nurse.She heartily smiled at Jodha
"Yes, I'm Mrs. Jalal.How is my husband?" asked Jodha worryingly.
"Mrs. Jalal.The Doctor would like to speak with you.Please follow me.", Jodha called Abdul and both of them made their way to see doctor.When Jodha entered doctor's cubicle, she surprised to find a familiar face there.She felt like she has met him before and couldn't fathom from where.
"Mrs. Jalal,I'm Hanover. I'm your husbands neurologist."
"Doctor, what is wrong with my husband?"questioned Jodha impatiently.Doctor smiled and welcomed her.
"Make yourself comfortable Mrs Jalal and Sir you too" You look so beautiful that we seen in television.I am so glad to express that I am one of your fan" praised her without considering Abdul's presence there.
Jodha smiled back even though she didn't indulge in these discussions now.Yet she inquired "Did we meet before ?"
"Of course.But once.You have given me a autograph during one promotion event" disclosed doctor to Jodha
"oh I see !! Anyway doctor I need to know Is my husband okay ?"
Hanover's face become serious as he started ""Mr. Jalal seems to have a bruise on his brain between the cerebrum andthe diencephalons, a part which is referred to as the limbic system.Our surgery was a success anyhow..But" he stopped for some moment took a deep breath and continued making Jodha's and Abdul's tensed
"You know very well that with all surgeries and especially brain surgery, it is quite dangerous In Mr Jalal's case it was so complex.Even though he recovered from coma state now.There is a chance of he might experience a minor amnesia as a post surgical effect ."
Jodha's eyes widen in shock hearing this.Her heart almost stopped beating.Her eyes started to shedding teats involuntarily.Her heart filled with pain...suffocation...fear and many more emotions... she needed shoulder to cry.She couldn't believe herself that her kahnaa doing this.Other side Abdul knew what the condition Jodha going through.He put one hand over her hand giving the comfort she needed at that time and asked
"It's permanent ? Will he started forgetting peoples ?" Asked Abdul in shock meantime Jodha couldn't utter anything.It seemed to have her power of speech lost.Words stuck in her throat.Her heart pained as she clutched at her chest.She closed her eyes trying to get the negative thoughts out of her head.She can't lose hope now.Everything will be all right.Jodha prayed to her Kahnaa full heartily for her husband's well being.She knew she will die if something happened to him
'I can put up with that if he wakes up and forgets who I am!'Jodha's fist clenched at the thought.
"As long as he's alive and smiling... it would be enough...It would be enough...But still...The thought of having something or everything in his memory erased... every memory, every moment... Would fate be that cruel? Her attention again got diverted into doctor's talks
"Absolutely not.It's a minor case of amnesia.'Source Amnesia' we call it in medical terms.Frankly I don't think he will forget people but he can't memorize his own occupation,bank account any thing complex which is giving stress to his brain"
"But doctor Isn't curable ?" enquired Jodha.Her voice splutterd in fear.
"You don't need to worry.It will be temporary.But when he wake up and suddenly not have any sense at all of who he is- even if he look in the mirror he do not recognize his own reflection.It's rare I think.Same as the details in his wallet - driving license, credit cards, IDs - are meaningless. This type of amnesiais usually triggered by an event that the person's mind is unable to cope with properly. In most cases the memory either slowly or suddenly comes back within a few days.But The main problem lies with in our treating method.Especially the way his own family treating him.I insist that you need to take care him very carefully like a baby.Don't give him any kind of stress.The realization of he can't remember his own things will make him dismayed,lost and provoked This would be cause emotional outbursts and quite possibly harsh behavior.Most importantly he needs to get love and care of his wife,you Mrs Jodha"
"I always will.Doctor"
"Good.But there is a chance of he may be hurt you.Nevertheless you have to bear it understanding his acts doesn't represents what he is ? If he got care and support he needed I can assure you this deformity won't last more than a month.Everything depending on your love Mrs Jodha" When the doctor uttered it Abdul shot a glance at Jodha.Jodha just nodded her head infact she was so worried about Jala, she had make sure that he is okay now.So After taking adieu to doctors she headed towards ICU where her husband confined.All she wanted to do was to get close to him...
After opening the door to his room, Jodha instantly dropped his medicine bag, put down the his medical reports and climbed slowly in Jalal's hospital bed, careful not to bother his IV.She adjusted herself and lay on her side with Jalal's head below her.She placed her arm across his chest, wanting to embrace him and breathed in the smell of his manliness.When she hugged his sleeping body firmly
A shaky breath released as she brushed her face against his temple.
He's cold.
The room is colder than usual too. ""Didn't anyone even bother to monitor the room temperature?"This frustrated Jodha slightly she gently let go of his body for a second to walk to the other side of the room to bring the temperature to heat. Coming back to the side of the bed, she rubbed her hands together and blew her warm breath into the palms to create friction and heat. Then placed hee hands upon Jalal's face hoping to bring warmth to his cold skin. Repeating the process,she gently pressed her palms firmly against his neck and rubbed his arms ridding them of the cold.Jodha climbed onto the bed on her usual spot on his right side and took both his hands and rubbed them between hers, frequently pressing her lips against them.Whilst her eyes were still red from crying and she was still heaving small sobs.She just had to lie down next to him; it has been so long.She just stayed there for several minutes looking down at his sleeping form and feeling his heartbeat through her palm.It was accidental she noticed his hands moving slightly.This made so so happy.
"My Jalal will be all right soon" She murmured herself and soon traveled back to thoughts about him.A loud thunder cracked the dark sky, bringing her out of thoughts.She glanced at the window and saw the trees waving furiously as if it were trying to battle the wind. The sound of the storm outside was enough to wake a man from his sleep and enough to make children call for their parents because they're scared. Adjusting herself in the bed, Jodha hugged Jalal closer to her as she rested her cheek on the top of his head. It was like she wanted to protect him from the storm even though she kknew they couldn't be harmed inside the hospital room.She also guessed it's just her overwhelming sense of protectiveness when it comes to Jalal...
"I'll always be here for you, Honey" Jodha whispered and closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of him once again in her arms. Sleep immediately came and this time... no nightmares plagued her dreams.
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The doctors had anticipated about ten days in ICU would be about right, but once Jalal came to and started to recover, he was in a private room only after seven days..The doctors were amazed at how fast Jalal had bounced back from brain surgery, and all agreed Jalal was one for the books, but He knew it was the love of his Sweet Jodha and the promise left unkept that brought about his speedy recovery.Jodha had been by his side day and night, she has been camping out at the hospital never leaving his side. When she was home, it was only to take a shower, change,prepare food and pack a few clothes.Adkha and Jijianga loved Jodha even more registering her devotion towards her husband.They were thankful for she did have that look on her face anymore.Just the mere presence of Jalal has made her feel better but it wasn't enough. The dark circles under her eyes have lightened but it was still there...the depression and loneliness.
Bakshi felt she is blessed for getting a Bhabhijaan like Jodha.And thought Her Bahijaan is lucky as non one can ever love him as much Jodha loves.She also wondered thinking her Babhi didn't cared about her celebrity status.She don't even bother about Ms Switzerland Crown celebration.It was Jalal to whom she loved most and valued most.She was caring Jalal just like a loving dutiful wife.As Jalal's condition improved Jodha was becoming more weak.Bakshi figure out and often forced her Babhi to look after her own health But Jodha didn't cared.So just looking at Jodha's lean form made Bakshi's heart break.Finally, only 26 days after being rushed to the hospital Jalal was finally going home. Going home to his wife, his soul mate, and love of his life, back to pick up his life and fulfill the promises he had made.
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"You need to take a good rest" Mainavathi scolded her husband lovingly who is taking bed rest after the chest pain"Forgot ,What did doctor advised ? Don't stress on yourself"
"Please hear me once Maina...She...She..." stammered Bharmal.He was so ashamed and guilty at the same time
Mainavathi take his hands in her and squeezed it in assurance"I know what are intending to say ?.
"No Mainavathi.You don't understand..It..."
"Wait" Mainavathi sushed him up in midways."It was her hmm ?" Bharmal astonished seeing his wife calm and composed infront of him.Actually he was expecting her hatred and he was worthy of it..But...
"Why Mainavathi ? Why are you doing this to me ? Punish me for my sin.I can't believe you forgiving me in spite of knowing every thing"
Mainavathi replied in poised manner "Because you didn't hide anything from me.Yes I admitting ,You had done an unforgivable sin.But it was in your youth.You were addicted to position and power at that time.It blinded your senses leading yourself into wrongs." Although she tried calm her husband, there was a flame on jealousy and pain was burning in deep inside of her heart.
"I can't forgive myself ever for that Mainavathi.I didn't keep my word.I used an innocent girl and abandoned my child incurring her grow up like an orphan.Kaali Maa will never forgive me.I am a pathetic and cruel person" Bharmal's voice chocked through his tears."
"Baapusa, take this medicine" As Shivani came there with medicine Bharmal and Mainavathi post phoned their discussion for some time.Shivani looked so happy.A pleasant smile crept on her lips.With out wasting any moment she asked
"Baapusa, Maasa.Jiji going to win tomorrow's final,Isn't she ?" Bharmal happily embraced Shivani thinking happiness returned to their since his daughter Paridhi's arrival from Switzerland.Now she going to take part in Miss India Competition final.He felt so proud of her achievement.
"Miss India Competition is not easy as you thinking but I have confident that my bitiya will become winner"
"Aisa hi hoga" acknowledged Mainavathi in assurance.Like that family spent some quality time together.
************
Paridhi Sing Rajput leaped to her feet and clapped enthusiastically as Abdul Mali finished her rendition of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. It was the 19h day of Miss India pageant rehearsals and today they were doing a dress rehearsal of the final portion.Mali smiled at her before leaping off the piano, bouncing over to Paridhi and enveloping her in a bear hug.
"Thank you Mali ! I can always count on you for support!" exclaimed Paridhi happily,suddenly Mali's hands started to lower down Paridhi's back.
"You know Pari...you could come over to my house later and I could play the piece I wrote about you..."
Paridhi felt her face heating up as she tried to think of a way to politely reject Mali's invitation.She felt so disgusted by Mali's approach but she was bound to win Miss World.For that she had to seek help from Abdul Mali who is Shariffudeen's brother.Therefore letting a fake smile spreaded on her face Paridhi tried to come out of his grip. And all the while Mali's hands were getting closer to their destination.
"I think you are making her uncomfortable Mr Mali."Both of them turned to see Stephanie Thompson addressing them as she rolledthe heavy piano off the stage and back into storage.Mali's grip on Paridhi loosened enough that she managed to slip from her arms as Mali regarded Stephanie with a glare.
"What is your problem? Can't you see that Paridhi and I are in love?"
Whatever response Mali might have had was cut off by Stephanie. "So after Paridhi does her talent, Sonia will be next, then Deepika, then Ayesha, and then Telma will finish off the final portion"
Piano player diligently took notes of the order as his instructor alked.Stephanie immediately stopped her pacing and pointed at Sonia "You ready?" Sonia who had just appeared from the dressing room, adjusted her glittery black top hat and nodded.
"Good. Go change Paridhi. You're next."
Paridhi nodded and flashed Stephanie a grateful look before she hurried backstage.She could hear the sounds of Sonia tap dancing to a 1920s ragtime hit fading the closer she got to the dressing rooms, but she could still faintly hear the tune. As she closed the dressing room door behind her, she realized the lock was broken. She assumed this would be one more thing Armaan and his friends would have to fix. It was a little bit ridiculous how much work Stephanie actually expected them to do. He had them installing lights, mirrors, and other such jobs that should probably be left for professionals. But the boys were actually doing a pretty decent job and surely they were a lot cheaper than hiring professionals.
Paridhi's briefly searched for something to barricade the door with before deciding she was being overly paranoid. 'No one is going to be back her anyway.' She assured herself. She went to the locker she shared with Sonia and pulled out her final outfit.
Stephanie had bought her a new outfit for final that showed a lotmore skin. Probably another of her witty attempts to get bonus points from the judges. The final outfit was a two piece. The top looked like a long sleeved sports bra, but it was much fancier than the average sports bra. It was sequined with diagonal red and white rhinestones. The bottom of the outfit consisted of sparkly black short shorts. Although the outfit was very elastic andmade it easy to do her acrobatics, she always felt very uncomfortable stepping onto a stage in front of hundreds of people baring so much skin.She made an attempt to pull the shorts down to covermore skin, but it did little good. She reached into the locker once again to pull out a sequined white scrunchie to tie her hair into a high ponytail.Paridhi glanced down at her unpolished toes and mentally noted she would need a pedicure before the pageant.
"I like your hair up like that." Make up set dropped and clattered on the wood floor as she spun around in shock
"Adham Khan!" He started to approach her and she immediately backed up until she felt her back hit the lockers. Normally, she would have been worried about offending Adham with her obvious apprehension and mistrust but the fact that he had been watching her change made her ignore how she would have normally acted.
"How long have you been standing there?" He ignored her question and continued to approach. She reasoned he couldn't have seen much since her back was turned to him but that thought did little to calm her.
"No need to be afraid Ms Paridhi. I don't bite." smirked Adham
"What do you want?" She had wanted to sound calm, but she knew it came off more as arrogant.Adham stopped once he was standing directly in front of her.
"I have a business proposition for you." She arched an eyebrow
"Why would I want to do business with some pervert who watches beautiful girls change?" Even she was slightly surprised that she was speaking to him in such a blatantly disrespectful manner. She briefly wondered what this would mean for the pageant but pushed that thought away quickly. She didn't really care. But she would have to deal with her own goal.Adham looked surprised for a second, but quickly covered it up with an arrogant smirk.
"I didn't even know you were in here. I assumed it was unoccupied since the door wasn'tlocked."
"The lock is broken." She felt compelled to explain. "But that doesn't explain why you stood there after realizing I was changing instead of leaving."
"You don't know how long I was standing there. Maybe I had just come in when you were putting your hair up." stated Adham with an ease
"But did you?" pointed out Paridhi
"Would you believe me if I told you I had?"He had a good point. She wouldn't believe him and she had no way to know how long he had been there. She decided in this situation, she would have to give him the benefit of the doubt. But she would definitely be wearier around him in the future.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?"Adham smiled.
"Well, I was just walking around backstage looking for one of the workers Stephanie hired because I want the sign outside replaced and then I stumble in here and find you." He flashed another smile at her which she forced herself to return in order to be polite.
"And looking at you in that outfit made me realize how perfect you are." Paridhi shifted uncomfortably.
"I am going establish a modeling agency very soon." He suddenly reached into his suitcase and pulled out a binder. On the cover, in plain Times New Roman font was
'Khan Modeling Agency'. He stepped to her side and started rifling through the pages.She noticed some shots that could be considered artistic, some commercial, but also some that seemed really provocative. Especially since a lot of the girls in the book looked to be around her age, some a couple years younger. Eventually, he flipped apage and was met with a blank sheet without a picture. He flipped the binder closed.
"Paridhi Sing Rajput, I want you to be the face of the Khan Modeling Agency. We would travel the world. I can open doors for you. I can give you things no one else can. Things you can't even imagine." He had moved closer to her during the conversation and now his face was inches in front of her own.The thought of going anywhere with Adham completely repulsed Paridhi. After today, she wasn't even sure if she could force herself to finish the pageant knowing he would offer some thing like this
"Thank you for the offer Mr Adham Khan, but I'm not really interested in modeling." Distantly, she heard Sonali's music stop and scattered applause.
"Well, I have to go." She said enthusiastically, probably a little too enthusiastically. She quickly grabbed make up set and all but ran out of the room.Adham smiled at her retreating back. Once she had left the room, he leaned against a locker. "I hope you don't think this is over Paridhi" After all, no one ever said no to Adham Khan.
Edited by Swissgerman - 9 years ago
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