Ok here is Chapter 1, hope u guys like it! More intense SaHil scenes coming up at the reception itself! Anyway enjoy!
One week later, Bhopal:
On the evening of Haya's reception...
Aahil could not wait to get home! This is the first time he felt excited, knowing someone was actually waiting for him! Usually he would dread having to go home after work. He would either go out to some club and drink himself senseless or crash at some girfriend's place. The silence inside his house, its walls, and even his room would threaten to scream out and mock him. He feared the loneliness awaiting to claim him as its prey. But ever since Sanam entered his life, his house felt like a home. Its almost as if she had cleared away all the dark clouds and brought in sunshine. His room was no longer made up of furniture, it actually had a lively feel. Her smile was enough to bright up the room and her presence was enough to secure him in bed at night. He had promised her that he would come home early and they would go to Haya's reception together. Haya's wedding was a boon for Aahil, he got a chance to get closer to Sanam's family and he had to admit, they were really nice. On his way he grabbed a bouquet of flowers for the newly wedded couple. Aahil and Sanam had gifted them honeymoon tickets to Switzerland for the actual wedding. The reception today was to officially introduce Haya as Rahat's wife. He was almost close to home when his cellphone beeped.
"Hello Junaid, kya baat hai?"
"Woh Aahil sir aapki Ammi ne kuch papers Rehan sir ko dene ke liye kaha tha lekin maine galti se woh aapke project file mein dal diya. Kya aap unko nikal kar Rehan sir ko de sakte hai. Bohot bara mistake ho gaya mujhse. I'm sorry for my clumsiness." Junaid sounded a bit nervous.
"Aree koi baat nahi, mere car mein hi hai project file, main Rehan ko de dunga."
Aahil was too happy today to let anything upset him. He pulled into the driveway, turned off the ignition and grabbed the file. He shut his car door and walked towards the house. On his way down the hall, Aahil accidentally bumped into Lateef.
"Ui maaa!!! Aahil baba aapne yeh kya kiya!!! Agar mere nazuk se badan par chot lag jata toh? Aap toh mashallah bohot fit hai. Par main toh hui chui mui!"
He giggled while giving a dreamy look to Aahil and walked away. Aahil shook his head.
"Yeh Lateef bhi na, saare kaghaaz gira diya." He picked up the papers.
"Acha hua main Rehan ke papers alag kar deta hoon." He looked at the papers.
"Arre yeh project toh main handle kar raha hu, toh Ammi ne Rehan ko dene ke liye kyun kaha. Shayad unse galti hui hogi. Let me go ask her."
Aahil decided that he had some time and Sanam was probably still getting dressed. Aahil smiled remembering how beautiful his wife looked at the wedding. The color red had never looked so pure yet seductive on any woman before. Aahil had a hard time controlling his emotions that night. But most of all, her smile had an effect on him. She was happy and for once he found so much happiness just by watching someone else be so happy. Aahil could not wait to see her tonight! He walked to Ammi's room and saw the door was ajar. He was about to knock and enter when he heard,
"Gazala Sanam ko keh dena ke Aahil se nikah karne ke liye jo baaki paise chahiye, use teen mahine ke baad hi milegi. After all, hamare beech mein teen mahine ka sauda hua tha. Teen mahine baad, Sanam ko paisa aur Aahil ko wapas uski azaadi mil jayega."
Aahil froze as the words registered in his head. Three months... This nikah was a deal for 3 months! A contract marriage! When he was not even aware! Why did Ammi hide that from him! He was about to barge in and ask when he remembered what he himself told her when she had asked him to marry Nida. He was not prepared. His Ammi was doing all this for his happiness! How could he even think about blaming her! She did not know that he lo--. Sanam! Aahil knew Sanam married him for money but even after the nikah, he couldn't get himself to believe it. She must have had some reason. But a contract marriage! Sanam believed in relationships. She was not so fickle! But she hated him, he knew she did. Aahil saw darkness before his eyes. He took a deep breath, composed himself and walked towards his room. In three months, she would be free from him. In three months, this relationship will no longer exist. In three months, he would be lonely... Once again.
Little did Aahil know Tanveer was discussing how to get rid of Sanam after three months but upon hearing Aahil's footsteps, she had changed the topic. Allah may have taken away her eyes, but her hearing was sharp. She could tell who was approaching by their footsteps. Tanveer had failed miserably to finish Dilshad during the wedding. Sanam had almost caught her and she couldn't take the risk again. But as usual her step-son, being a fool that he was, had provided her with the perfect opportunity! Tanveer smiled. Just a little more patience! Once Rahat and Haya went to Switzerland and Faiz was packed off to Mumbai, she would ask Sanam beta to bring her Badi Ammi to Ibrahim Mansion. After that, Badi Ammi could rest peacefully, beneath the ground while her souls would reach heaven. Tanveer gave a evil grin! The past would never catch up to her!
Sanam took one last look in the mirror and placed the loose strands of her hair in place. She sighed. Time flies. It seemed like just yestderday when she would run her dhaba and Haya would feed the children in the orphanage. Dhaba... Her dhaba, that she had worked so hard to run. Maybe one day she would be able to open it again. One day. Sanam was really happy for Haya, her Haya! Haya had gotten married to Rahat a few days back. Rahat was a thorough gentleman who genuinely cared for Haya. Perhaps thats why Faiz had stepped aside for his brother to reunite and marry the love of his life, in the last minute. Both Rahat and Haya looked overwhelmed with joy. True love! Thats what they felt for each other, the kind of love Haya had dreamt of all her life! Rahat had also promised Sanam that he would take care of Badi Ammi. Sanam didnt know whether to feel overjoyed that the two most important people in her life were finally getting the happiness and peace they deserved or to wish that her own life wasn't as complicated. Not to say she was totally unhappy, in fact the bit unhappiness she had was not really due to Aahil. It was more from the frustration of not finding about her parents and what happened to them 20 years ago. Aahil. Her husband, the man who shared his name and room with her. They may not be like other couples who love and care for each other but there was a growing respect thats wasn't even present sometime back. These days they would try not to fight or come in each other's path and honestly he wasn't so bad. Jallad Jin. Sanam had named him that and it was apt, until recently when she started to realize that maybe, just maybe this Jallad Jin had feelings and even a kind heart. His gesture of getting a cake for her Ammi's birthday had shocked her. But it made her feel good. No one is perfect and with time maybe they both could learn how to make this relationship work. Sanam did have hope for that to happen and no matter what, she knew Allah makes everything happen for the best! Sanam checked her phone. Rahat had messaged her reminding her not to be late. Sanam got up and fixed her dupatta. Once Aahil would come home from work and get dressed, they would go. He had said he would come early when he was leaving this morning and Sanam certainly hoped so because she wanted to reach there before the guests and help Haya get ready for the reception. As Sanam turned towards the door she saw Aahil walk in.
"Your home just on time. Why don't you freshen up. I will bring you coffee and then we can leave."
"Why Sanam?"
His question stopped her before she stepped out the door. "Why what?" She asked.
"Why are you doing all of this. This bringing coffee, trying to be a typical wife, being all normal? Is this an act or for real? If this nikah means nothing to us then why all this? Plus can we even call this a nikah?"
Sanam was shocked. Here she though they were going in the right direction and now he questions he like this! As if its all her fault and he is the innocent victim!
"I dont get what you mean. Please say what you want to clearly." She faced him and stepped back inside. Sanam grabbed the remote from the stand and closed the door. "Is something wrong?"
"Wrong? Sanam everything is wrong!"
"Look Im still confused and honestly we are getting late. If you dont want to go then leave it! But can we discuss this later!"
"When three months from now... When ur free?"
"Aahil are you ok! I mean I know u love to make a big deal out of nothing but out of all the days you pick today? You don't care for anyone's feelings but today is a big day for me. I dont want to mess it up. Dont tell me your hearing something new and you thought this nikah was for our entire lifetime."
Aahil looked away. Sanam was surprised. Honestly Sanam had not even given this three month deal a thought. Begum Sahiba had said that at that time, perhaps to persuade her. But was she really suppose to decide? Sanam didn't know if she was angry at Aahil or confused by her own thoughts.
"Wait dont tell me you didn't know! Its true that Begum Sahiba had said after 3 months I would be free to divorce you if I wanted but that--."
"Right so I am at your mercy" he said sarcastically, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Sanam felt her anger flare at his tone. "What is your problem? Shouldn't you be happy your not losing your freedom? Since when is commitment a word in your dictionary? You don't even believe in marriage! Oh I get it. If you had known this nikah was for three months only you would have not stopped "living your life". You could have done everything you wanted to. Getting drunk, staying out late and sleeping around! I mean Wakil Sahab cant come check on ur night activities as well now can he!"
"Sanam!" Aahil looked shocked. Maybe hurt and disappointed as well. Sanam looked away this time because tears were threatening to spill from her eyes and she really didn't want to give him another reason to mock her.
"Its the truth!" Sanam took a deep breath to calm herself.
"Your right now is not the time to talk. I was just shocked to know all of this I guess. Sorry for making such a big deal. It will all be over in 3 months anyway." Sanam was surprised at his response. She felt her heart clench a little. Did he really want this nikah to be over in three months or was this his anger speaking? Sanam looked on as Aahil walked towards the closet, grabbed his sherwani along with his deo and cologne. He went straight inside the bathroom to freshen up and change without saying anything more. In fact, he didnt even throw one of his usual irritiating remarks or even his famous Jallad Jin stares. He seemed awefully calm. Maybe he was right, they needed to talk about this later!
Aahil closed the door of the bathroom. He placed his hands on either side of the wall, trying to let everything sink in. He looked at himself in the mirror. She never understood him, his pain, his anger, his love! She thought he also wanted freedom at the end of three months but he wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her and claim her as his... Only his! But she didn't want him. Sanam is probably counting the days until the three months are over, when she could stop this fake drama and fulfill her dreams, with the man she loves. He was just the ruthless, cruel jallad who held her captive. But he didnt want to hold her captive. She had freed him from a guilt that had threatened to perish him so why would he oppress her. He was just wrong, undeserving, and unworthy of her love. His father had always termed him as unworthy of being his son and now Sanam thought the same way. But if he was so unworthy, why had she trusted him, why did he feel that she cared for him, why did it seem like they were moving in the right direction! She had claimed to be his wife, told him to stop drinking and seemed happy with his decision. Aahil knew that things between them had changed since the nikah, they were able to speak without arguing or hurting each other. In fact, they both were trying to understand and respect each other's feelings. But if she did plan on staying with him, why did she want the rest of the money? As his wife, she would have the financial security to help her family and he himself wanted to help with Badi Ammi's treatment but Sanam had refused stating that Rahat would take care of it. He didnt want to pressurize her since he knew as his Begum, she would have access to everything, if god forbid an emergency did occur. Clearly this was all an act, her perspective on him had not changed. He was still the cruel, mean and undeserving man in her eyes. He was all wrong for her! Aahil banged a fist again the wall as he turned on the shower, trying to drown out the noise. But the storm within his heart refused to calm down. She did not consider this nikah to be real! But if thats how she wants things, he wouldn't allow her to mock his feelings any further. It was easier said than done but he would do exactly as Ammi wants, secure his sisters' futures and set Sanam free. As for him, he would go back to being who he was. Things will be like before, as if Sanam never came into his life, as if she made no difference. His mind agreed while his heart betrayed. Things would never be the same! She had renewed a hope inside of him. Aahil touched the tears rolling down his cheek. She had changed him. But now she would leave him. He would be alone once again. Aahil would not let her affect him any longer. If he attached himself to her anymore he would not be able go let her go. He wiped his tears and looked at the mirror. He closed his eyes and when he opened them, the emotions were erased. From his eyes, his face and his mind. But his heart felt a pain that was unbearable. The hurt that would never go away!
Sanam had touched up her makeup when Aahil came out of the bathroom. Sanam blinked. Jallad Jin looked ridiculously handsome in his gold and red sherwani. His fit body hugged the sherwani perfectly. Sanam had to admit Jallad Jin, with his lean body and tight muscles was quite appealing. Sanam chided herself for taking her thoughts the wrong path. She so did not check him out when he had come out of the shower with wet hair, black pants and a red towel around his neck! In fact, his intense glares did not make her get butterflies in her stomach and she certainly did not blush! But Aahil certainly made it a point to dress and groom inside the bathroom today. Did he think that she would check him out again, if he thought she usually did? Which she did not! Sanam shook herself out of her thoughts and took her attention to the fact that their outfits matched tonight. Since red was her favorite color, she had worn a red outfit to the wedding and even today her sharara happened to be red! Lateef had chosen her outfit! She knew he had planned this on purpose. That Lateef! Sanam smiled at Aahil when he looked up at her. Somehow her anger had evaporated from before. But he did not return her smile. He walked straight to the mirror without giving her another look, let alone praising her! He brushed his hands through his hair after applying hair spray and walked towards the door. Even in such a hurried manner, he managed to look stylish. Sanam looked at the time and frowned. They were not late so why was he rushing?
"I will go start the car." He left without hearing her reply. Ab inko kya hua? Was he still mad after their little argument? He was still Jallad Jin anyway! Why would arguing with her affect him at all! Unhe kya farak parta hai! He should be happy to hear about the three month deal! But honestly she could not see the happiness in him either. He was so confusing! Sanam sighed. She didnt get to think any further as her phone rang.
"Sanam have you guys left the house yet?" Faiz whined on the other side. This kid. He had no patience. But she adored him like a little brother. Sanam had always wished for a cute little brother to annoy and Faiz seemed to be perfect for that!
"Faizu hum bas nikal he rahi hai. Tumhe kuch chahiye? Chocolate ya icecream?" Sanam stifled a laugh. She loved to annoy him. If there was something Faiz could not stand, it was being treated like a kid. But he made sure he acted like one!
"Aap mazak kar rahi hai! Main kya bachcha hun! Aur mera naam Faiz hain Faizu nahin! Bhaijaan ne yeh naam rakh liya aur ab aap bhi! Jaldi aaiye aapki behen puri ghar ko sar pe uta rahi hai!"
"Ok chill aa rahi hoon!"
Sanam looked around the room. Everything was in place. She quickly went downstairs. Aahil was already inside the car. What about being a gentleman and opening the door for her! Sanam huffed and sat inside. He started the car and pulled out of the driveway. The car was simmering in awkward silence so Sanam decided to break it.
"Ok look I know I went a little out of hand with my words earlier. I just felt angry that you were accusing me. I had no idea-" He cut her off again.
"Its ok Sanam leave it. If your worried that I'm going to misbehave in front of ur family or say something wrong about our relationship, then let me assure you, I will be sure to paint the same perfect picture that I did in front of Wakil Sahab. That was for my family and this will be for yours. We are great at acting like a happy couple anyway," he gave a laugh that did not sound genuine at all to Sanam.
It sounded bitter and harsh. Sanam felt a little guilty. Maybe her words did come out harsher than expected .She did have a bad problem of blurting things out in the most hurtful way possible, sometimes unintentionally when she was angry. According to Badi Ammi, she had inherited this from her Abu whereas her Ammi usually kept her cool in most situations. Sanam decided it was best to stay quiet before Aahil got more angry with her. The rest of the ride went by in silence.
Preview: Seher arrives in Bhopal
SaHil pretend to be a happy couple
Aahil leaves reception heartbroken
Edited by Raingoddess - 10 years ago
Debate Mansion
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