PART 1. KYA PYAR KAROGI MUJHSE AALIYA?
Zain smiled as he met one of his oldest friends. He shook hands with him and was about to start talking with him when his eyes noticed something in his peripheral vision. He turned towards the vision fully and his eyes widened in shock. There came Aaliya down the stairs dressed in a red saree, looking like a shining star on dark night, her skin glowing with happiness, her cheeks stained with blush, her lips looking lush, her hair left open, flowing down her back, her hips moving gracefully down the stairs, her bare waist pulling Zain towards her, her twinkling eyes looking around curiously. Zain felt his heart beating wildly at the sight of her and he did not even notice his favorite friend calling his name till the friend clapped him on his shoulder bringing Zain out of his stupor. He turned back to the client but his eyes kept on going to Aaliya who stepped down the stairs and Nafisa came over to meet her.
Today was Barkat Royale's founding day anniversary and hence, Zain and Fahad had thrown a party at Barkat Villa to celebrate the day. As Aaliya was about to join Royale in next few days Suraiya decided that she needed to attend the party along with the rest of Abdullahs to get acquainted with her colleagues informally. And hence, here was Zain standing by a friend staring at Aaliya who was standing across the hall, looking as beautiful as he saw her the first time, chatting with Nafisa.
FIVE YEARS LATER...
Zain smiled as he remembered how beautiful Aaliya was looking that day five years ago. Her beauty dazzled him that day and still continued to dazzle him every day. "Aur party itni shaandaar thi na...", Aaliya's voice brought Zain out of his thoughts and he turned to look at her. Aaliya was leaning by Zariya's cradle telling her their story.
It was late afternoon and Zain had come home early from his Office to spend time with his wife only to find his wife leaning by Zariya's cradle narrating their story, so Zain decided to hide outside the room and listen to Aaliya. It was only the last day when Aaliya had narrated their crashes and it was only today morning when Zain told Zariya about his genius plan of bringing Aaliya from Bhopal to his house and from there to his Office. And now coincidentally it seemed, Aaliya had decided to narrate the story of how she turned from his employee to his wife. Of course, we all know that it was no coincidence but Zain does not know that, right?
As Aaliya described the party, his mind also went back to five years back. But unlike Aaliya who was describing the grandour of the party, Zain was remembering how beautiful Aaliya looked that day. As Aaliya's narration continued, Zain got lost in those memories too.
FIVE YEARS BACK...
It was an hour after Aaliya's arrival that the band struck the music while asking all the couples to come to the dance floor. Zain smiled as he noticed Fahad asking Nafisa for dance and Nafisa smiling and nodding while giving him her hand. Zain turned his eyes towards Aaliya again and he smiled as he saw her chatting with one of Royale's employee. She already had made friends, it seemed. The light in the hall dimmed as the song started playing and the couples started swaying in their places to the tune of the slow song. Zain's eyes sought Aaliya again as notes of flute wafted into the air. As the music gathered momentum, Aaliya raised her eyes and locked right into Zain's. For a second, the world faded away and only Zain and Aaliya remained in place.
Dil Mera Pooch Raha Hai Tujhse
The words jarred Aaliya out of her thoughts and she looked away but Zain's eyes remained on her.
Kya Pyar Karoge
Aaliya's eyes rose again to look at Zain and Zain felt his heart skip a beat.
Mujhse...
Mujhse...
Aaliya looked away nervously.
Dil Mera Pooch Raha Hai Tujhse
Aaliya turned around unnerved by his glance.
Kya Pyar Karoge
But then shyly she looked back at him sideways.
Mujhse... Haan Haan Haan
Mujhse...
Realising what they were doing, they turned away from each other and looked around. But every other moment Zain's eyes went back to Aaliya and she would give him a glance and walk away. Zain met many people that night but except Aaliya he did not remember anyone else. He looked back at Aaliya again only to see her laugh at something the girl standing near her told her. Zain almost smiled at her and slowly started walking towards her.
Hasti Hai
Aise Tu Hasti Hai
Jaise Bahaaron Mein
Khilti Kali...
Aaliya made a face at something the girl said and Zain felt his heart melt at her cuteness.
Lagti Hai
Tu Mujhko Lagti Hai
Thodi Thodi
Manchali...
Zain smiled to himself as he remembered the first time he saw her.
Pehle Se
Main Tujhpe Marta Tha
Kehne Se Darta Tha
Yeh Daastaan...
His eyes went back to her and he remembered their first crash.
Aankhon Mein
Khaabon Mein Neendon Mein
Tu Thi Basi
O Jaan-e-jaan...
Aaliya turned around and crashed right into Zain. Her eyes widened in surprise as she noticed him. Zain grabbed her arms for balance and he felt her shiver.
Dhadkan Pooch Rahi Hai
Tujhse
Zain's grip tightened a little and Aaliya took a sharp breath.
Kya Pyar Karoge
Aaliya's cheek turned red as Zain stared at her with intensity.
Mujhse... Haan Haan Haan
Mujhse...
FIVE YEARS LATER...
"Aur us din mujhe yeh ehsaas hua ki mere aur tumhaare Papa ke beech kuch toh hai!", Aaliya's words brought Zain out of his thoughts. He turned around to look at his family as Aaliya continued, "Aisa nahi hai ki us raat ke pehle maine kuch mehsoos nahi kiya tumhaare papa ke liye! Lekin us raat mujhe ehsaas hua ki main kuch uske liye mehsoos karti hoon. Hum ladte the, jhagadte the, dost the lekin us raat mujhe aisa laga jaise humaari kahaani kuch naya hi mod le rahi hai. Jab main tumhaare papa se takraayi aur woh mujhe girne se rokne ke liye mujhe pakda toh uski aankhon mein kuch aisa tha jo mujhe uski aur kheech raha tha. Uska mujhe pakadna, haathon ko thoda kasna aur mujhe itni tez nigaahon se dekhna, us waqt mujhe ehsaas hua ki hum dono ka rishta dosti se aage badhne ki kagaar par tha. Kuch naya hone jaa raha tha aur main aur Zain us naye zindagi ke mod pe khade the!"
Aaliya came out of her thoughts and smiled at Zariya, "Pata hai Zariya! Meri zindagi ki sabse yaadgaar raat thi woh! Jahaan ek taraf main apne career ki shuruvaat ki taraf badh rahi thi, wahin doosri taraf mere dil ne mujhe bataaya ki main shaayad tumhaare papa ki ore bhi badh rahi thi!" She smiled softly as she got lost into her memories.
Zain shook his head at her words. It was a memorable night for him too but while for Aaliya it was a beautiful night, for Zain it was night that shocked him into action, the night which brought him out of his Aaliya-land and right into reality.
FIVE YEARS BACK...
Suraiya smiled, "Haan Zain beta! Aapne aur Fahad bete ne milke bahut hi badhiya party organize ki! Humein toh bahut mazaa aaya!" Zain and Fahad smiled at each other in pride. The party was over and Zain, Fahad and Nafisa along with Suraiya, Usman and Aaliya were seated on the terrace of the house having desserts while talking to each other. It was Nafisa's idea to go to terrace for some quiet time as servants were still cleaning the hall and kitchen.
"Aaliya! Tumne party enjoy ki?", Nafisa questioned Aaliya and Aaliya eagerly nodded as she spooned another piece of rasgulla into her mouth.
"Tum apne naye colleagues se bhi mil chuki hogi! Infact, I am sure ki tumne unme se kuch ko toh apna dost bhi bana liya hoga!", Nafisa spoke and Aaliya grinned widely.
"Of course Aaliya ne dost bhi bana liye honge! Meri cousin hai hi itni milansaar! Sab ka dil jeet leti hai!", Fahad proudly announced.
Zain smiled at that. Haan! Aaliya sabka dil jeet leti hai! Dekho! Mera dil bhi jeet liya aur mujhe bhi!
Suraiya unknowingly echoed Zain's thoughts, "Haan! Aaliya beti ne toh sabka dil jeet liya! Pata hai mere kitty party ke friends toh Aaliya se itne impress hogaye ki woh toh Aaliya ko apne ghar ki bahu banaana chaahti hai!"
Zain choked on his rasgulla while Nafisa and Fahad looked at Aaliya teasingly. Aaliya blushed at their glances and looked down shyly.
Suraiya smirked at Aaliya and teased her, "Kyun Aaliya beta? Baat chalaaun aapki? Agar aapko party mein koi ladka pasand aaya toh bol dijiye! Hum unki mummy se baat kar lenge!"
Zain looked at Aaliya wide eyed, his heart beating wildly and his breath getting shorter.
Aaliya shook her head vigorously but continued to look down.
Usman frowned, "Aaliya beta! Kuch toh bolo!"
Aaliya nervously looked up, "Maamu! Maami! Main toh usi ladke ko haan kahungi jise Abbu mere liye pasand karenge!"
Zain felt his breath come back. Ok! So Phoophaji had the final say here. Good! Zain was sure he could impress Phoophaji right away. After all, Phoophaji would not mind giving Aaliya's hand to his nephew, right?
But while Zain was relieved, Fahad and Nafisa were frowning. Nafisa voiced their thoughts, "But Aaliya! Tumhein nahi lagta ki tumhaari bhi raay important hai! Tumhein ladka pasand hai ya nahi yeh bhi important hai!"
Zain narrowed his eyes at Nafisa. Why are you doing this Bhabhi? I can impress Phoophaji but after the fights we continue to have, I am not sure I can impress Aaliya. Why are you ruining my life Bhabhi? You are supposed to be my favorite person.
Aaliya shrugged at Nafisa's words. She never thought of these things. From her childhood she knew that she was supposed to marry the person her Phoophaji selected for her. Now the thought of having an input in the matter seemed foreign to her.
Nafisa continued to prod Aaliya, "Aur Aaliya! Agar tumhein kisi se pyar hogaya toh? Jaise mujhe Fahad se hogaya tha?"
Aaliya and Zain both were horrified. Zain was horrified because the thought of Aaliya falling in love with someone else never passed his mind. But no one noticed Zain's reaction as everyone was focused on Aaliya.
Aaliya looked at NT with horror. What if she fell in love? Ya Allah! She bit her lip nervously and thought about the matter. And then she brightened up and answered Nafisa with a smile, "Agar mujhe pyar hogaya na toh main usse kahungi ki jaake Abbu se mera haath maange. Agar Abbu ne use pasand kiya toh usse shaadi, aur agar nahi pasand kiya toh main usse apna rishta tod dungi! Meri love marriage ho ya arrange marriage, main apne Abbu ka dil nahi todungi! Unhonein mujhe padhne diya, naukri karne di, bhale hi yeh sab Maami ke kehne par hua lekin woh manaa bhi kar sakte the na! Lekin unhonein mujhe apni aazaadi di! Aur main unke bharose ko nahi tod nahi sakti! Main apne Abbu ke khilaaf nahi jaaungi!"
Usman smiled proudly at Aaliya while Fahad and Nafisa looked at each other in confusion. Being born and brought up in a city, they could not understand Aaliya's point of view.
Suddenly, Zain excused himself and scrambled away. All five looked at Zain in confusion and then shrugged and started talking to each other. Zain was known for his eccentric behavior so no one questioned his abrupt departure.
While on the terrace, the other five enjoyed their dessert party, Zain paced to and fro in his room. The discussion which happened just now had unnerved him. Till now he had thought that one day he will ask Phoophaji for Aaliya's hand and Phoophaji will say yes and all will be happy. But it never struck him till now that Aaliya might fall in love with someone else. Someone from his Office, maybe? Zain narrowed his eyes as he tried to remember which all male employees Aaliya made friends with.
But then Zain shook his head. Zain, tu paagal hogaya hai! Agar Aaliya ko pyar ho bhi gaya toh kya guarantee hai ki woh ladka Phoophaji ko pasand aayega! Zain nodded but then frowned. Lekin pasand aagaya toh? Suddenly, he saw himself on a stage showering flowers on the couple while Aaliya and her husband said Qubool Hai to each other. Nahi! Zain collapsed on his bed. No! This can't happen! Aaliya cannot be someone else's! But what if that happened? What if Phoophaji approved the guy Aaliya loved?
Zain put his head in his hands when suddenly he realised something else. If Phoophaji did not approve of the guy Aaliya loved, then there was a good chance of Aaliya marrying Zain. But will Zain be happy knowing that the girl he loved was in love with someone else first? Zain stood up in horror as the implications hit him. Forget about Phoophaji liking or not liking the guy Aaliya loved, Zain had a new problem right now. What would happen if Aaliya fell in love with someone else? Ya Allah! Ab main kya karoon? Aaliya kisi aur ko dil nahi de sakti! Uska dil mera hai! Then a thought struck him. I could go and ask for Mom to get me and Aaliya married.
But then Zain remembered Fahad's words from few days back, "But Zain, I don't want you to have arrange marriage! I want you to fall in love and be happy as I am!" Didn't he owe the same courtesy to Aaliya? Did she not deserve the chance to fall in love, to experience love, to marry the love of her life rather than the guy her Phoophaji had chosen for her?
Zain frowned as he continued to think. Ok Zain! Stop panicking. You are a prankster! Think like one! What is the problem? You don't want Aaliya falling in love with someone else but you want her to experience love? So what will be the solution? Zain thought for few minutes and then he smiled. Simple! Aaliya should fall in love with him. This way Aaliya will experience love but still remain in his life.
Then Zain frowned. How are you supposed to make sure that a girl falls in love with you? He paced the room again for a while and then an idea struck him. Arre yaar! This is so simple! He will woo Aaliya. He will flirt with her, buy gifts and flowers for her, he will make sure that he lives in her mind and heart. He smiled as he imagined him giving gift to Aaliya.
But as Zain tried to imagine Aaliya's reaction to his gift something seemed wrong with the situation. What is wrong? He pondered and pondered and then he realised. Till now he had fought with Aaliya at every turn. He rarely talked to her sweetly unless he felt that she needed his soft words rather than harshness. Agar main abhi usse yeh kahoon ki I love her, woh toh mujhe paagal khaane mein daal degi! Use phool doon toh woh taane expect karegi aur gifts doon toh woh koi prank samajhke uss gift ko uthaake phenk degi! Ya Allah! Yeh maine kya kar diya! Start se itna lada us se ki aaj agar main apne pyaar ka izhaar bhi kar doon toh bhi use mujhpe vishwas nahi hoga! Use kya mere parivar waalon ko bhi vishwas nahi hoga!
Zain again collapsed on his bed and looked at a distance with sorrow on his face. Aur lado Zain Usman Abdullah! Aur lado! Pehli baar mile the toh dosti karne ke bajaay lade kyun? Par ladta nahi toh aur kya karta? Woh toh mujhse darr rahi thi! Toh ek baar ladte! Doosri baar ladne ki kya jaroorat thi! Badi hot lag rahi thi na ladte waqt, ab sambhaalo apne hot hot problem ko! Zain's mind continued to fight with his heart as Zain looked around morosely.
But after few seconds, Zain stood up with a jerk. Nahi! Main Zain Usman Abdullah hoon! Aise haar nahi maanunga! Main ladunga! Apne pyar ke liye ladunga! Aaliya se ladunga aur ladte ladte uske dil mein apni jagah bana bhi lunga! Bhale uske liye mujhe kuch naya plan karna pade! Yes! I will create situations which will make us come face to face with each other. I will woo her all the while fighting with her.
Zain smirked as slowly a plan formed in his brain. Get ready Aaliya Ghulam Haider ! Zain Usman Abdullah is coming to make you fall for him. But then he looked up and smiled uneasily. Errr...I know what I am doing is going to be wrong but Aalah Miyaah, everything is fair in love and war, right? He winced and looked ahead. Hope Allah Miyaah doesn't ruin my plans.
NOTE:
The Past and Present Jumping is going to continue in every chapter!
As I want to show both Zain and Aaliya's point of view!
Also there is a reason behind showing both Zain and Aaliya's point of view,
but that you will come to know in next few parts!
But don't worry, the jumps will be less in the upcoming chapters compared to this one!
Oh! And also in present this is the day after the wedding Anniversary. The scene where Aaliya narrated their crashes in Dh Dh Epilogue happened yesterday and the scene where Zain narrates his manipulation in Jab Se Tere Naina epilogue happened in the morning and the current narration is happening in the late afternoon.
SONG DETAILS:
The song is from the movie Kucch Toh Hai (2003) and is sung by Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam.
PRECAP:
Zain starts his plan!
Thanks for reading, take care and have fun,
Kalpana
Edited by Kalpana_Writer - 10 years ago
CID
Kumkum Bhagya
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
