SaHil AU SS- The Meeting - Chp 1-11! Completed! - Page 5

One evening, Sanam had invited Aahil over for dinner for the first time. She had everything ready and was currently eyeing him from the kitchen door.

She led her mind go back a few hours ago, where Seher was getting ready to leave for a gathering.

Seher was making her way to the front door before she called out.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do. And if you guys must do IT, then remember to use your own room. We cannot have you guys doing it on the sofa. I mean I watch my actions movies from there, man."

Sanam shook her head wearing a blue apron and a wooden spoon in her hand while her hair up in a tight bun. She turned her attention back on the food which was busy cooking on the stove.

She shook her head by her sister's crazy words.

Aahil was wearing a light blue shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows - and of course those two important buttons undone as always.

She knew she shouldn't let his appearance get to her - and she was going to hold on to that thought. As long as she could.

He, on the other, was busy roaming around in the living room. His eyes were wandering on each thing placed in the room. He instantly noticed how organized she was.

The books were in right order. Things were neatly placed.

He himself was a pretty organized kind of person, but never in that extent as she was. He had to admit he liked it.

"You like to have certain things in order," he said from the living room.

"Yeah, I don't like it when it gets messy," she answered him from the kitchen.

His dark eyebrows knitted slightly upon seeing a pair of glasses lying on the table.

"I've never seen you wearing glasses before?"

"Uh yeah," she entered the room.

He reached out for them and took a long look at them. "But they look pretty normal to me, don't tell me you're one of those women who thinks wearing glasses makes you look more sophisticated?"

Sanam grabbed the glasses from his hands and placed them back on one of the black top shelves. "No I am not. I only use them sometimes."

"Sometimes? So how many fingers are here?" he said raising three fingers in front of her.

She rolled her eyes. "I am not blind. I can see alright."

Aahil chuckled. "You don't say."

"Anyway, the dinner is ready... Jallad Jinn" She said leading him to the dining table.

He raised an eyebrow at her way. Did he just hear right? Did she just...

"Jallad Jinn? What's up with the name?"

Sanam shrugged her shoulders as a light grin was playing across her lips. "You were the one who said you might be cursed, so why not call you a Jinn?"

"You said Jallad Jinn?"

"It goes fine with your personality."

Did she just insult him? But he didn't really find if offending at all. Usually he would give a piece of his mind to others, but not to her. He kind of enjoyed the kind of conversation with her.

"You don't know me."

She took a small glance at him. "I know enough." Imprinting the same words he had once spoken to her.

They both reached the dining table.

"I must say. I didn't know you were a cook as well?" he sat down on one of the chairs and saw the table consisting of three different dishes. There was Biryani, Pasta with meat and a plate of Garlic Bread.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I decided to make a variety of dishes."

"I like just about everything" he said letting his eyes linger on her for a minute longer than he had intended.

Sanam was already seated and poured some water for them both. "As I said before, I'm a food lover so I love to cook."

He nodded. "I can tell."

"And the fact that you're royalty so I thought, why not make a few luxury dishes."

Aahil took a small sip from his water as a light smirk was playing on his face.

"You don't mean that."

"You're right - I don't."

"You're starting to flirt, Miss Khan."

"Who's flirting?" She said in an oh-so innocent way before reaching out for one of the dishes.

After spending an hour, they had finished their dinner in a calm and relaxed manner.

"How about we share something about each other?" Sanam spoke before settling down on one of the couches holding into hot coffee mug.

"Aren't we already doing that?"

"Yes we are, but I was thinking we could ask each other a basic question which has to be answered. It could be either something we want to change or just get a deeper level of understanding toward each other."

"Where did you learn this?" he asked considering her words.

"At the business Academy," she said just before she earned a look from him.

He noticed that she had begun to loosen up and feel more relaxed around his presence. He was more than glad that she had.

"It's my own life philosophy."

"Okay, alright then. I'm in. Can I ask the question right now if I want to?"

"Go ahead."

Aahil studied her for a short while as he wondered what he wanted to find more about her. He had already gotten a bigger picture of the way she behaved in his and other's company.

But there was something about this woman.

She was definitely hiding something - but what?

Aahil lingered his gaze on her as thought-out the question he had settled on.

"Have you ever dated anyone else before?"

The question had her surprised for a slight moment. "Feeling possessive?"

"Not at all, you're a beautiful woman, so I was thinking maybe men would have asked you out a few times?"

Sanam became too lost in her own trails of thoughts. She didn't even notice his voice call after her.

"Huh?"

He furrowed his brows. "I asked you something."

How could she slip from such mistake? "No! No past experience with men before, if that's what you're asking."

He nodded.

"But I do know how to deal with them."

Aahil was convinced that every human being had something shelved away from the world which was not theirs to see.

He was like that, so she must only be the same.

But one thing did make him think. Was she really the same as him?

She seemed so straightforward, intelligent woman who didn't have the need to hide anything - or did she?

--------

In the following weekend, Sanam was busy driving through the busy roads. Aahil had called her in the morning saying they could have lunch together at his place in case she wasn't busy with something else.

Sanam had agreed and decided to head out.

Once getting done with the lunch they were seated at the living room area.

Her eyes were fixed on the pool area and still couldn't get her mind around the fact that how it would feel to dive in.

Suddenly her mind remembered what she had been so busy doing in the morning. She was heavily wondering where this thing between them was headed toward?

She had been seeing the Nawab of Bhopal for the last 5 months. She had dinner with him and had to admit that she enjoyed it. But she needed to know one thing.

Was this all fun and play?

Was there any seriousness involved?

She needed to find out just what kind of man he was. What kind of Nawab he really was?

Sanam raised her eyes and studied Aahil for a small while.

"Where do you see us? I mean is it just a good old laugh and friendship?"

"I like to think it's beyond friendship," he answered once meeting her brown orbs. But he noticed seeing something different in her eyes.

"What's wrong, afraid to see where this leads?" he challenged her.

"Not at all. I just don't like getting involved into something blindly, that's all."

"Only if we don't tell each other everything," Aahil expressed.

There was a small silence between the two individuals.

"Is there something you feel like you're hiding?" he already knew the answer of the question.

"I could say the same thing about you" Sanam said in a rather relaxed manner.

"So we are alike. We have both been through something which makes us uncertain to our decisions. At least it fits in your case."

"So what you're saying is that you put on mask of being this powerful and rich Nawab who can easily get anything he wants?" Sanam said turning her attention on him.

"Don't you? You act like you've got the world just where you want it, but I like to think there's something you're trying hard to achieve."

Sanam rolled her eyes trying hard to let him succeed in getting under her skin.

"I'm right and you know it."

He gave her a hard look.

"Remember what you told me at our first meeting? You said we shouldn't wait around, that time is precious. If we want something why not just say as it is."

"Stop it" she suddenly spoke.

He ignored her protest. "No! Why not put our cards down on the table for good, huh?"

"Mr. Ibrahim, you're crossing the line. You don't know me at all to say these things to me."

"I'm crossing the line? I don't really think so. Trust me, I already got you figured out. I know you."

Sanam stood up in one swift motion causing him to do the same.

"Don't forget you were the one who wanted to open the topic."

"Yes only to find out what kind of man I was dealing with."

"Care to elaborate?"

"The ones who think they can use anybody for their own goals without even looking back at the damage."

"And what did you find out?"

"That the world still consists of them unfortunately."

"Do you even know who you are talking to?" he said looking straight into her eyes.

"Really Mr. Ibrahim. Are you going to use that card on me now?"

"I'm merely showing you the mirror."

"Really?" she sarcastically spoke out.

"Just one question Miss Khan - did I ever make you feel that way?" he spoke in a soft voice yet had a hint of edge to it.

No respond came from the woman before him. Her lips felt dry and her throat go weak.

Aahil let out a bitter laugh from his throat.

"For the first time I'm not hesitant to share who I am. I have showed you the sides which I'm not proud of. Believe it or not, Miss Khan, but you are the first person I have told this to. It's up to you if you want to cherish it or throw it away."

Sanam reached for her blazer jacket and took her brown leather bag at her arm.

"The door is down the hall."

He watched her march out from the front doors of the Mansion. He stood back clenching his jaw and hands turning into fists.

"Shit!" He cursed under his breath.

--------

From that day on Sanam or Aahil had not tried to contact each other. They became busy with their own lives and their work environment.

There was no point on dwelling on something which was pointless. They didn't have a solid relationship, as they both kept trying to convince themselves that it was all platonic.

They only got to know each other on a basic level without involving feelings.

Yes, that must me it.

One evening, Aahil was leaning against the terrace doors of the garden area. He stared up into the dark sky and couldn't help but think about a certain woman.

Miss Khan.

He enjoyed saying her name lately. She was quite a woman as he hadn't met anyone like her before. She was something else and frankly, he enjoyed her company. Far more than anyone else's.

He enjoyed having long conversations with her which were highly intelligent and academic ones.

Miss Sanam Ahmed Khan.

"Hey Bhai. I haven't seen you around lately." A familiar voice pulled him out from his thoughts.

Aahil turned around meeting his brother's gaze with a smile. "I've been here all the time, Rehaan. You, on the other hand, have been too busy to spend some time with your dear brother."

Rehaan sat down on the bench watching his brother sitting down beside him.

"Sorry," he said rubbing a hand over the nap of his neck.

"I've kind of been busy with handling the respective projects and then seeing Seher as well. I guess it all got quite hectic at one point."

"That's what work does to you." Aahil said being the big brother.

"You're right." He said leaning back slightly and taking a deep breathe.

Aahil noticed there was some kind of glow on his face whenever he mentioned Seher's name. He hadn't gotten the chance to meet her yet, but he knew she was a great woman for his brother. He deserved to have someone in his life.

Aahil placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and gave a small squeeze. "I'm happy for you, kid!"

"Thanks Bhai. I'm happy as well. I mean for the first time I've come across a woman like her. She's wonderful human being and she really managed to bring something out from me."

"Good for you."

Rehaan turned his attention toward his brother. "What about you?"

He watched how Aahil got up from the bench and ran a hand through his hair as he stood back at the same spot he had found him in.

"Nah, I'm perfectly fine in the position I am in."

"That's a lie and I can tell. I know you haven't been dating anyone for a long time."

He paused and watched his body language with focus.

"And the fact that you brought a woman home."

Aahil narrowed his eyes at him. "How do you know?"

Rehaan acted as if he was hurt. "I'm your brother. Of course I would know such a thing."

He gave him a look.

Rehaan raised an eyebrow. "I live in the same house too in case you haven't noticed."

Aahil gave him another look waiting patiently for him to tell him how he had found out.

He rolled his eyes. "I got to know through Lateef."

"Lateef!" Aahil cursed under his breath.

"You have never brought anyone back home. You have never allowed that, and the fact that to have dinner and lunch. I know you Bhai and I also know your personality and set of rules you have."

"I didn't sleep with her if that's what you're implying." Aahil spoke almost like he was defending his motives.

He shook his head. "I never said you did. Besides I already mentioned that I know you and your rules. Maybe it's time to settle down?"

Aahil couldn't help but laugh slightly. "Me and settle down? Not a chance."

"Why not? The Nawab should find his Begum."

"Are you saying that or the Town?"

"Me, as in your brother." He answered simply.

Aahil shook his head.

"The Nawab should have fun." He said not entirely matching the emotions his eyes showed.

Rehaan stood up and pattered his shoulder. "Make it up for her whoever it is. I'm sure you'll do well."

"There's no one." He said over his shoulder, but Rehaan was already gone from his sight.

"She's special, Bhai. I can tell. Don't let your ego decide this one." Rehaan called out before disappearing inside his room.

The respond from his brother had gotten the Nawab into deep thoughts.

--------

It would be a lie if Aahil wasn't constantly on Sanam's mind ever since the discussion happened. She had shared the scenario with her sister, who had told her to make up with him.

"You've been working all your life, Sanam. You've had pretty remarkable posts in different companies - which you have rightfully owned. But don't you think, it's okay to let yourself loose a bit? To enjoy the thing called; life?"

"I am enjoying life."

"Really?" Seher raised an eyebrow at her, clearly not believing her sister's words.

"When was the last time you went out on a date where you truly enjoyed your time?"

"I've gone out on dates before." Sanam quickly hid the expression her feature had replaced a second ago.

Seher placed her hands on her hips. "Yeah who turned into jerks the very next day? Don't you remember the time when I had to call the restaurant and act like some kind bloody security thing? I had to inform you that you had accidentally' parked the car wrong - just because you wanted out from the date?"

Sanam closed her eyes as she groaned at the memory. God the man had been a headache all evening.

"But the interesting part is that I got no phone call or message to tell me you wanted to escape - instead you called for help to make it better."

"I judged him wrongly. I had to set things right."

"Hmm.. I see, stubborn and dominating as always. Anyway, the important thing is that you enjoyed yourself and you came home wearing a smile not a frown."

Sanam thought back on her first dinner with Aahil.

"You're thinking about the Nawab aren't you?"

Sanam didn't know how to respond. Usually she was good with her words but failed in front of her sister.

"You've already got your answer, Sista. You better do what you feel is right and the hell with everything else."

Sanam shook her head as she finished parking her car and stepped outside, walking her way to the front door.

She knocked on the door and waited patiently for someone to open it. It was late night and wondered if he was even awake at a time like this.

Soon the doors opened and her eyes found a pair of dark brown eyes staring right back at her.

Sanam allowed herself to take in what he was wearing.

Damn him! Damn him for making me weak over his utterly handsome face and that white shirt! What is the need to wear that at night? Is he off to a fashion show? I mean seriously?'

She cleared her throat. "Can I come in?"

"Sure"

They made their way inside the living room.

"I wasn't ready to take such step," Sanam said standing close to the pool area.

Aahil nodded. "Neither was I."

"It's never easy to let someone inside." She lingered her gaze on him for a minute longer.

"People will take advantage of you no matter who you are or what you do. Just because you're entering a world of where men usually dominate it does not mean a woman cannot step inside the same field."

"You already proved you had skills far more than anyone else ever had." She heard him express.

"Yeah, with a lot of hard work and dedication that had to be done."

"You have to work hard no matter what you settle for. Not only did you look beautiful but had brains as well."

She smirked by his comment. "That's exactly what I'm talking about - the scenario."

Aahil shrugged his shoulders. "Just wanted to see how you reacted."

There was a small silence between the two. He stood with his hands inside his pockets of his dark jeans.

"You'll be surprised what people do for money." He said taking a side glance at her way.

They both shared a long look with each other, giving access to each other's thoughts.

That night Sanam had gained a whole new picture of Aahil Raza Ibrahim. His history, his background and most of all his upbringing.

--------

Sanam had just arrived home. She thought back on the first day she had met the Nawab and how she had formed an opinion about the man.

She had a certain misconception about him and she knew that she had wronged him one way or another.

"Never trust what others tell you. Trust your own instincts."

Sanam's eyes were fixed on the dark night outside her bedroom window. This time she was willing to see just where this so called relationship was heading... Maybe she'll be able to like it.. Who knows..

****

To Be Continued!

Part 5: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/115650402