Part 14
*"Aankhon mein likhaa tha, padh nahin paaye, Baat itni si keh nahin paaye...Aaj kehna padaa mere yaar, tu hi hai mere dil ka qaraar...Saansein ban gayi yaara dhun yeh pyaar ki..."
Next Day - Ibrahim Mansion
The next day, Seher spent all day with Ishaan and Zain. Seher had told Ishaan that the engagement was called off. Ishaan had given her a speculative look, and asked her what was going on? Seher had told him that she'd realized that the feelings she had for Zain where NOT the right feelings to get married to him.
"You mean, you're not in love with him?" Ishaan had estimated correctly. "But then I already knew that?"
"Why didn't you say anything before?"
"I didn't want to be a wet blanket Seh, but I'm glad this is not happening, if it's not the right thing? I mean, I love both you and Zain, so I want you both to be happy?"
"You know I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off me? I am so glad you agree with my decision! But next time...IF you think I am making a mistake you TELL me OK? I mean, you're my brother, it's your job to warm me? Just like it's my job as your sister to do the same?"
"I stand corrected!" said Ishaan with a smile. "I'm sorry Seh! I know I should have said something? But I felt like I was being this dampener, trying to warn you off? Also, don't tell Zain"
"What?"
"That I said I love him? You know, he won't let me live it down"
"You guys are SO lame! Everyone knows that you love each other? You guys have been friends since you were kids?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't go with the image baby You know? My Cool Khiladi image? Loving your best friend in your heart is one thing, but saying it out loud...?"
"I still stand by my statement! You guys are SO lame! But I love you!" said Seher smiling. She and Ishaan hugged each other.
"Follow your heart Seh, no matter how crazy it may seem!" said Ishaan in a serious tone, as his arms tightened around her. Something in his tone had indicated to Seher that he was trying to tell her something. He looked up at him quizzically, and was about to ask him something, when Zain came into the room, and they had to stop the conversation.
Seher had not yet told Aahil and Sanam about her engagement to Zain being called off. She thought it would be better to wait until the boys had left and she can have a quiet discussion with them? She also wanted to talk to Rehan, but that was not going to be possible till later that night. he had left for work early again, and she had seen him only briefly at breakfast. He had barely glanced at her for the time he had been at the breakfast table. But he'd said goodbye to the boys and been very courteous to them. He told them that the place won't be the same without them. He turned to Zain before he left, having wished him a safe flight.
"Zain...I apologise for not wishing you before? But I understand that congratulations are in order? So let me say...congratulations on your engagement!" said Rehan with a small smile.
Zain gave a glance at Seher, who was watching this scene with shock. She had not expected Rehan to even mention anything about her engagement? Leave alone WISH Zain? But he had. She supposed he was trying to be the bigger person? Even after the way she had acted towards him? Seher felt even more ashamed.
"Actually...Rehan..." Zain began to say, when Seher stopped him, by indicating with her eyes to not say anything to Rehan. Fortunately, she was standing to the side and slightly behind Rehan, so he didn't see her gesture. Zain stopped short and said "Thanks Rehan!" instead.
Seher didn't want Rehan to find out this way that her engagement had been called off? SHE wanted to be the one to tell him, and also why? She wanted to tell him that she had made that decision because she only wanted to be with him? Then it will be up to him, if he wants her in his life again or not?
"I better get going. See you Zain, Ishaan" said Rehan, nodding towards the other young man, who came forward and hugged Rehan. "See you bro", he said with a smile.
Ishaan was not naive. He had seen the way Seher sometimes looked at Rehan and him at her, when they thought no one was observing? He also knew that something had happened between Rehan and Seher all those years ago. Because in all the years that he had known Seher, she had never mentioned Rehan. Which he thought was a bit strange? Especially considering he was Haya's brother as well? He knew the story of his Mother and Seher's parents. His Mother had told him some horror stories about Tanveer, and so had his Dad. Mum had said that Tanveer had married his grandfather Gaffur Ahemed Siddiqui, through blackmail. He had been desperate to find his older daughter, and Tanveer having discovered that Zoya was Gaffur's daughter, used this information to get him to marry her. She had promised him the name of his daughter in exchange for marriage, and in his desperation, he had agreed. His Mother told him how their lives had been turned upside down, by his second marriage, and how much she had rebelled against her Father because of this. She had not known why her Father had taken such a step? She had even eloped with his Dad to hurt her Father.
Ishaan was very well aware of the history of Tanveer with the Ahemed Khan and Siddiqui families. Therefore, initially he had thought that Seher didn't mention Rehan solely because of his connection to Tanveer? But as time went by, he had realised there was more to it? Especially when Sanam Api and Aahil Bhai talked of him and maintained a relationship with him, when they themselves should have equal grievances? He knew Rehan lived in Mumbai after the truth had been revealed. He had met him a few times in Mumbai, when he visited there for company work, and Aahil had always behaved normally with Rehan. He also noticed, that despite him mentioning Seher in conversation many times, and Rehan being aware of his closeness with Seher, he never asked about her? It didn't take him long to realise that their grievance with each other had a personal flavor to it, not just the family one. He had once tentatively tried to ask Seher about Rehan, but she had shut him down so fast that he wisely never questioned Seher about it again.
However, since arriving in India, seeing Seher in the same space with Rehan, had confirmed his suspicion that something definitely WAS up? He had noticed that since their arrival, Rehan had looked speculatively towards Zain and Seher many times? Sometimes he had seen downright displeasure on his face at their closeness? Then the arrival of Sonia had increased the tension between Seher and Rehan, if that was possible?
Seher's sudden engagement with Zain had indicated to him that something was going down for sure? He knew that Zain liked Seher, and that they were very close? But he had never thought Seher thought of Zain that way? So he had been surprised, but he had not wanted to dampen their enthusiasm, so hadn't said anything to Seher? Especially coz he noticed that Sanam Api seemed tensed since hearing about the engagement.
Something had happened in Mumbai which had cleared his doubts regarding the whole issue. After one of their meetings with clients, Ishaan had left the building where the office of their client was, to a cafe nearby. At the cafe, he had run into none other than Sonia. After exchanging some pleasantries, he had told her that he was flying back to Dubai the next day, and that he'll probably come back in a few months, and then he asked her casually if she will be visiting Bhopal again soon, to see Rehan? It was then that Sonia had told him that she and Rehan had called it quits before she left Bhopal. Hearing this, Ishaan had been even more convinced that this had something to do with Seher.
That night, Ishaan had questioned Zain about his engagement to Seher, without mentioning running into Sonia. Zain had assured him that Seher herself had come forward and agreed to get engaged. He said he had asked her a few days earlier and told her to think about it. Zain told him that since Seher came to India, he had missed her, and thought that maybe he should try to take things to the next level? He had never met a girl he liked so much. He knew Zain loved Seher, but Ishaan had wondered if it was the right kind of love? The kind of love she deserved to have? Ishaan had not been so sure.But he loved his friend Zain, and didn't want to hurt him by suggesting that Seher deserved more. So he had kept his reservations to himself. But he had not been able to shake off this uncomfortable feeling, especially since finding out that Rehan had broken up with Sonia? Now 3 days later, he found out that Seher called off her engagement too? He knew this was not a coincidence!
However, it seemed that Rehan didn't know the engagement was off? Because he had congratulated Zain? "Of course he didn't know" thought Ishaan. Seher had told him that even Aahil and Sanam didn't know yet. "Wonder what his reaction will be when he finds out it's off?" thought Ishaan with a smile. Somehow he didn't feel that Rehan was going to be upset by the news. Ishaan had wanted to tell Seher, that he was aware of the fact that something was happening between her and Rehan, but Zain's arrival had stopped him. But he HAD managed to tell her that she should follow her heart, and he was sure Seher had understood what he meant!
Aahil had stayed longer from work as well, and spent some time chatting to the boys, and Sanam had made them her special Pizza, as they both liked Pizza a lot. Aahil had left mid-morning, and Sanam also had a doctor's appointment, so she'd left too. Later that afternoon, Seher had driven the boys to the airport. She stayed with them till they had to go into the security section.
She had tearfully hugged both Zain and Ishaan in turn. She had apologized to Zain again, and he had told her that if she wanted them to remain friends, then she is going to have to stop apologising. Seher then hugged Ishaan.
"Remember what I said? Follow your heart Seh" whispered Ishaan to Seher.
"I remember Ishaan, and I promise you I will!"
"Let me know how everything goes?" he said and she nodded. Even though they had not said it in so many words, both Ishaan and Seher knew that he was talking about Rehan. It was funny how she had not said anything to him about Rehan, but he knew anyway? Seher realised that this is what being "family" meant? What "Khoon Ka Rishta" meant? They were so attuned to each other, that even without her saying anything, Ishaan knew she loved Rehan.
"I know!" said Ishaan, almost as if reading her mind.
"I figured you did? But I never even said anything?" said Seher with a small shake of her head.
"Some things don't have to be said Seh? You just feel it! Kuch bathain bathane khi zaroorat nahin hoti, sirf mehsoos kiya jatha hain!"
"Since when did you become this poetic?" asked Seher with a small smile.
"Since I saw my tough girl Seher Api become a fool for love!" said Ishaan, returning her smile.
"Time to go dude" said Zain's voice, taking the two cousins out of their bubble.
Seher felt her eyes sting with tears. She was really going to miss them. As she waved the boys good bye, she felt like a chapter of her life was closing? These guys had been her constant companions the past 3 + years. Somehow, she knew that that life was never going to come back again? However her life was going to be from now on, it was not going to be like the one she had led for the past few years? She was certain of that.
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Seher drove home with renewed determination. She was going to talk to Rehan. This was the night. It had to happen tonight. Seher felt very restless. So she went to Aahil's well-equipped gym in one of the rooms upstairs and ran on the treadmill. She knew her brother in law preferred to swim, but he did use the gym too? So did Rehan from what she saw? Rehan had always had a nice body, but he was even more fit and toned looking now? That Sonia must have had an eye full all these months? And she bet that Shalini ogled him too? But if she had her way, only SHE would have any rights over him from now on? They can look all they want, but only she would be able to touch those sexy muscles? Seher giggled at her thoughts? The direction her thoughts were going in? "Control Seher! You need to tell him how you feel first. Keep things strictly PG13 till then!"
Seher had a shower and changed into a pair of tights and a t-shirt. She liked to dress casually coz it was comfortable. She just could not dress the way Api did, all formal? Well, she WAS the Begum of Bhopal, so it made sense that she would dress that way, but unless people were coming over, she herself never dressed formally. She was the sister in law of the Nawab, so since coming back to India, when she did go out, she had been mindful of the way she dressed, but at home, who cared? She checked the time, and it was nearly 5pm? Hopefully Rehan will be back at least in the next hour, and she could talk to him? She was feeling even more restless now. She just needed to get this out? She came downstairs and found that Latiff was watching a show on TV in the informal sitting area.
"Hey Latiff...What's on TV?"
"Woh koi gossip show Seher. Aap bhi dekogi?"
"Ha...kyon nahin?" said Seher, who sat down to watch the show with Latiff. She needed a distraction anyway? Soon she was laughing away with Latiff, at the nonsense the show was capturing. They claim to know everything about a celebrity's life, but most of it was B.S anyway? She remembered how her Api had told her that once she had seen a segment on a similar show about Aahil? She said the segment had caused some misunderstandings between them, because it claimed that he was seen in Mumbai having a reunion with an ex-girlfriend? However the truth had been that he'd run into her by chance when she was actually with her fiance? But these people had made it sound like it was some sort of scandal?
Now that she herself belonged to a family that was featured in the news time and again, she knew not to take such shows and their tall claims seriously. Seher knew that Sanam no longer paid heed to such nonsense at all? She knew her husband, and their relationship was solid. Aahil was not the cheating type? Her sister was lucky in love! She was hoping some of that luck rubs off on her too! She knew that Rehan was not the faithless type either? Because even after all these years, and even after trying to move on, he had still failed to forget her? That surely MUST mean something? He HAD to forgive her! She could not even think what her life will be like if he were not in it? Funny how she had lived without him for more than 3 years, and told herself she was fine with it? But now, even the thought of not seeing him for the next 3 hours was not acceptable? Seher shook her head at her plight.
Just then, a sound came from the Hall, and she realised that her sister and Aahil had come home. Sanam had decided to go in to one of her restaurants after her doctor's appointment and see how things were going? She had not taken as much of an active role in the past few months, mostly because of Aahil's insistence than she rest. But usually, Sanam had been involved in the Menu preparations and even had acted as Head chef many times at her three restaurants. The restaurants served food of many styles, with more of a high end atmosphere. But Sanam had tried to keep some of the authentic Dhaba type feel in the restaurants as well. She had spent a lot of time and energy on the decor and the menus, and Seher was really proud of how well her sister had done with all that. Aahil had let Sanam do what she wanted and never interfered in the running of her business. Aahil was very progressive that way, and didn't think than the Begum of Bhopal should not work. But the truth was, being Begum of Bhopal was a full time job too, with the house to run, the other properties attached to the estate and some of the charities that the Begum was supposed to support. But Sanam had always been hardworking, so she found time for it all, including her demanding husband, who could not do without her!
"Hey Api...Jeej" said Seher, getting up from the couch as Sanam and Aahil came in. Just then Seher saw one of the men that worked in the garden walk in with a box, moving towards the kitchen.
"What's in that box Api?"
"I had dinner packed for us from the restaurant! So Latiff, you don't have to cook anything tonight?" said Sanam with a smile. Sanam knew how Latiff complained about how much cooking he had to do?
"Shukriya Sanam. Aab bohoth arze keh baad muje aaram karne ka mauka milega? Aab toh sari meheman chali gayi na? Main toh hui chui mui" said Latiff, as he took off towards the kitchen. Sanam too followed Latiff.
"Talking of our departed guests...Seher, did you get them to the airport on time?" asked Aahil.
"Yeah Jeej! It was all good. They should reach in another hour or so I think?"
"So Seher, have you and Zain decided on a date...or.." Aahil was saying, when they heard a sound from behind them. Rehan had arrived and he was walking past the informal sitting area. Rehan's eyes met Seher's briefly, and he looked away.
"Rehan?" said Aahil, as he turned around and saw him. He gave a quick glance at Seher.
"Aahil Bhai" said Rehan. "I needed to talk to you about something relating to work".
"Now? Or can we talk at dinner?" asked Aahil.
"Dinner is fine Aahil Bhai" said Rehan. "Excuse me" he said, as he carried on towards his room without so much as a glance at Seher. Seher watched his retreating back and sighed. He was obviously still mad at her. Had he heard Aahil asking her if she and Zain had set a date? That can't have gone down well with him either?
Aahil gave a speculative look towards Seher. He had noticed how Seher was waiting with bated breath for Rehan to look her way, but he was not budging an inch? "What is going on here?" he thought. Two days ago, Seher had been adamant that she was doing the right thing, moving on with Zain? But now she seemed to be giving longing looks towards Rehan? Something had surely happened since HE last spoke to Seher? That was clear. Whatever it was, Aahil was sure, they will find out soon enough? Maybe Sanam knew something about what was happening? He had seen Sanam coming out of the kitchen and heading to their room a few minutes ago. He also took off to his room to change.
Rehan went into his room and closed the door. He had heard Aahil ask Seher, if she and Zain had set a date? So it looked like the wedding was still very much on? "What did you think Rehan? That because you told her YOU love her, that she has decided to call it quits with Zain? You have really lost it!" Rehan thought. If him, or his feelings mattered to Seher, then she would not have misjudged him the way that she had? How he wished he could make an excuse to get out of dinner tonight? But he couldn't? He had to discuss the Bayside Mall Project with Aahil. He knew that Aahil had wanted one of them to go to Mumbai to meet with the "Tyagi & Son" people. He had called them today, and arranged a meeting on Friday with Avinash Kirloskar, the project manager for the Bayside Mall Project. He was going to leave tomorrow night after work, attend the meeting on Friday, and afterwards he can catch up with people at their Mumbai office. He had done that mostly to spend the weekend there. Good way to avoid Seher. He knew he couldn't do it forever? But he probably won't need to, coz maybe the wedding will be soon, and most likely in Dubai?
Later that Night - Dinner Table
Everyone came down to the dinner table, and Latiff had set up all the food that Sanam had got from the restaurant. Soon everyone started to eat.
"Wow Api, this food is amazing?"
"It's from the new menu! This was the first run of it. So you are getting to taste it first?" said Sanam with some pride.
"It really is very good Baby?" said Aahil. "Especially the fusion dishes?"
"It's superb Sanam. You have outdone yourself this time, and I think this is the best stuff I have tasted from the restaurants to date?" said Rehan.
"Thanks Rehan! I am so glad everyone is so impressed? If the food is that good, maybe we can use them to cater for an event we have next? Maybe one of your project openings?" said Sanam.
"Yeah? Maybe we can use this food for the Alpha Launch?" said Seher. "I mean, you should include some of these dishes in the Hotel Restaurant menu Api?"
"That's actually not a bad idea Seher, but the launch won't be happening for months yet?" said Sanam. "Hopefully, we have something else we can use it for in the near future?"
"Why don't you use it for Seher's wedding?" said Rehan. Everyone turned to look at him with varying degrees of surprise in their eyes.
"Seher's wedding?" said Sanam. It had not even occurred to her. Maybe because she had tried to not think too much about it?
"Yes? Oh but I forgot, it's probably going to be in Dubai right? But still, you could use the menu even there, surely?" said Rehan.
"Rehan..." Seher started to say, but Rehan didn't let her finish.
"Aahil Bhai, I just wanted to let you know, I'm going to Mumbai tomorrow night. I'm meeting with the Tyagi people about the Bayside Mall project on Friday?"
"Friday?" said Aahil.
"Yeah. I'll stay in Mumbai for the weekend! I have a few people I want to catch up with?"
"Sonia you mean?" said Seher, before she could stop herself.
"I don't see how it effects you Seher? Won't you be spending your weekend doing FaceTime with your fiance?" Rehan retorted back.
Aahil and Sanam looked at Seher and Rehan with shocked expressions. They then looked at each other as if to say "What brought this on?" Aahil realised that he had been right in his estimation that something HAD happened in the last 2 days?
"So what if I did Rehan? How does that effect YOU? Are you jealous?"
"Jealous? ME? Please... don't flatter yourself Seher?"
"Oh really? I am flattering myself now am I?"
"I don't want to have this discussion anymore?" said Rehan, getting up from the table.
"Yeah, run off? Don't discuss anything? That will solve EVERYTHING?" said Seher, also standing up from her seat.
"Goodnight Aahil Bhai, Sanam!" said Rehan. Never one to forget his manners. He gave a withering look to Seher, as he walked off.
"Rehan...Rehan..." said Seher angrily. Seher started to follow Rehan.
"Seher?...What...?" said Sanam in a shocked voice, her face was reflecting equal shock.
"Not now Api?" said Seher giving Sanam a quick glance and stalked after Rehan.
"What...just...happened?" said Sanam, turning her head towards Aahil.
"Something that should have happened a long time ago?" said Aahil with an ironic laugh, as he watched Rehan walking off in full speed towards his room, and Seher hard on his heels.
Rehan's Room
Rehan reached his room seething in anger. What did that girl think of herself? Accusing him of going to Mumbai to meet Sonia, when she herself, was engaged to another guy? Rehan walked through the door of his room which was open, and turned around, thinking to close the door. He got hold of the handle and was about to close the door, when Seher pushed it, and stepped through the entrance before Rehan could close the door.
"What are you doing Seher?" asked Rehan angrily.
"What the hell is your problem?" asked Seher with barely concealed anger.
"MY problem?"
"YES...your damned problem Rehan?"
"I..." Rehan started to say, when Seher cut him off.
"I am not done yet!" said Seher. "I know I screwed up OK? I KNOW! You don't have to treat me like this for me to know that? I know I deserve your anger. But I have been trying to pin you down for the past 2 days, trying to apologise to you? But instead of even HEARING me out...you just give me attitude? What is your deal? Like I said...I know I was wrong? But do you have to be such a jerk to me?"
"Are you done yet?" asked Rehan.
"NO! I am not? There is a lot more I want to say to you?"
"Really? More than what you said to me in your room? I thought that was enough to last me a lifetime?"
"I TOLD you, I am sorry for that? What I said was wrong, and I only reacted like that coz I..."
"What? You what? Because you think that a killer's son can't be anything but characterless?"
"Will you STOP with the killer's son thing? I KNOW you're not HER, and I know you never will be like her? So stop saying that! I don't think that you're a killer's son OK? I know there is more to you than being her son! I don't hold that against you! I know your REHAN. Not just Tanveer's son? You're Rehan Imraan Qureshi? The first guy I fell in love with?"
At that, Rehan looked at Seher in shock. His eyes flashed emotion for a second, before his eyes became shuttered again.
"You're not going to say ANYTHING to what I just said?" said Seher with an incredulous look.
"You said I was the first guy you fell in love with? Not the last? Either ways...I know how you feel about me Seher!" said Rehan with an ironic laugh.
Seher sighed. This man was impossible? Can't he see what she was trying to tell him?
"Really? So you know how I feel about you?" Said Seher, moving forward towards Rehan. She came to stand next to him, and in the next the moment she put her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to her, and caught his lips in a kiss. Seher went on her tip toes so as to get closer to Rehan. She was now pressed flush against him. Rehan was shocked for a minute, but as Seher's lips continued to move on his, he responded back. His arms went automatically around her waist and he pulled her closer, as he kissed her back. Neither were sure how long they were locked in the kiss. Seher finally moved her lips away from Rehan and whispered;
"THAT is how I feel about you! Is it clear enough, or do you need a further demo?" asked Seher, looking at Rehan through hooded eyes.
Rehan looked down at Seher with an incredulous look. Had she just kissed him?
"But Zain?" he said involuntarily.
"We called off the engagement?" said Seher softly.
"Why?"
"Because...I am not the sort of girl that can marry one man, when she is love with someone else? I thought I could, but when it came down to it...I just knew I couldn't?"
"So you love me?"
"Yes idiot! I LOVE you!" said Seher. "Didn't I make myself totally obvious just now?"
"Maybe I need more convincing?" said Rehan with a slight smile.
"Oh...so it's like THAT is it?" said Seher with a grin. "Very subtle Mr Qureshi? Or should I say "Sir?" like your bimbo loves to say it?"
"You really ARE jealous of Shalini aren't you?"
"Yes, and from now on, you better make sure she knows not to creep into your cabin for every little thing?"
"I will put up a sign outside my cabin door? "Property of Seher Ahmed Khan!" how does that sound?" said Rehan with a laugh.
"Sounds great!" Seher giggled. Rehan bent his head and caught her lips in a quick kiss, and his arms tightened on her.
"God Seher...you have NO idea how much I missed you? Don't EVER leave me again? Promise me you wont?"
"I wont! I can't Rehan! Because I missed you too! But if you missed me so much, WHY didn't you come to see me? Why didn't you try to talk to me Rehan?"
"You don't know how many times I wanted to come to London to see you? Or to Dubai? But I felt guilty, for what SHE did, and I felt too ashamed of being her son? I didn't think I deserved you? It took me a long time to separate my identity with hers. You have NO idea how hard it was for me to never ask about you, never talk about you, when Aahil Bhai, Sanam, Haya or Badi Ammi would bring you up? In the beginning I missed you so much, it was almost like a physical pain? But as time went by, I learnt to live with it? I thought I tired to move on too... But..."
"Sonia?"
"Yes. But I just was not able to take that final step with her? Because whenever I tried, I felt like I was cheating on you? I told myself that I was crazy. That we were over? But for some reason, it never FELT over? And when I saw you again, I knew it was because it wasn't?"
"So you and she never...?" Seher left the sentence unfinished.
"No! It never went to that point? I had only started seeing her 6 months ago anyway? Until Sonia, I didn't think I could even put my guard down to the extent that I did? Initially I didn't even want to go on a date with anyone?"
"It was the same for me Rehan? I only started going on dates in the past year? And I could never go that far with anyone...I.."
"So you and Zain? How long did you guys date?"
"We didn't really DATE? We were very close. I really clicked with him! He asked me to marry him after I moved back to India, coz he said that he realised he missed me too much!" said Seher with a smile.
"Well now, he will have to miss you forever! Coz you are not going anywhere again Seher."
"Don't worry I won't. You won't be able to get rid of me!"
"Like I want to?" said he bent his head to kiss her again, soon they were locked in a passionate kiss, and before they knew it, they had fallen onto Rehan's bed. Seher's hands moved from around Rehan's neck and moved down his t-shirt, and moved under it. She finally managed to touch those muscles she had been fantasising about. They only broke apart when they were running out of oxygen.
"Wow"...whispered Seher. "Now that is what I call a kiss?"
"Hmm..." Said Rehan, as he bent his head and placed a kiss at the base of her neck. Seher's hand travelled further down, and encountered the string of his track pants. She started to fiddle with it distractedly, and suddenly felt Rehan's hand close over her fingers.
"Seher...I think...I mean...I want us to wait till we're married?" Said Rehan softly, looking down at her. Seher looked back at Rehan with an ironic expression.
"Don't you think it's a bit late for that? Like almost 4 years too late?"
"I know, but...I don't want anything to go wrong this time? I want things to be perfect?" Rehan shook his head. "I know it sounds superstitious? But this time, when we make love, I want it to be perfect in every way? Not that last time was not...I..." Rehan was trying to explain, but Seher put a finger on his lips.
"I understand" she whispered. "I didn't know you were this romantic Mr Qureshi?" said Seher with a smile. "But no matter how romantic it is...I want a PROPER proposal, before I say yes to marry you?" Seher said with her brows raised.
At that, Rehan stood up and pulled Seher up with him. He went on one knee in front of her. He took her hand in his, and looked up at her, his eyes reflecting the love he felt in his heart.
"Seher Ahemed Khan...I love you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes...Rehan Imran Qureshi...Yes...Yes Please" said Seher pulling his hand, indicating for him to stand up. As he stood up she launched herself into his arms. The momentum toppled Rehan backwards and they ended up falling on his bed again. Rehan started to kiss her, and soon Seher felt his hand move under her t-shirt and move to the side of her breast.
"I thought we were going to wait?" said Seher, pulling her lips away from Rehan for a moment.
"Yes...but no one said we couldn't fool around a bit?" said Rehan with a cheeky grin.
"A boy scout with a wild side ha? I like it!" said Seher with a giggle, as Rehan started to kiss her again.
Sometime Later - Living Room - Same Night
Sanam and Aahil were sitting in the informal area, sitting on the couch facing the TV. They were both looking at the TV which was on, but neither were really concentrating on the show. It had been nearly 45 minutes since Rehan and Seher had stormed off from the dinner table, and neither had emerged? They couldn't help but wonder what was going on? Suddenly almost on cue, the two appeared. Sanam looked up at them, and noticed that they were holding hands? And Seher's face was very pink, and her lips looked a bit swollen. Rehan also had a rather sheepish expression on his face.
"So what have we here?" said Aahil, trying to suppress a grin. He too had noticed everything that Sanam had. It didn't take a lot to realize what had been going on.
"Api...Jeej...Rehan and I have something to tell you both?" Said Seher in a soft tone. She just kept looking at them, and so did Rehan, almost as if to find the right words.
"We're waiting guys?" Said Aahil his browse raised.
"Actually...Aahil Bhai...Sanam...Seher and I are getting married?"
"WHAT? Ya Allah!" Sanam could not quite control her exclamation. "When did all this happen? I mean...Seher...What about Zain?"
"Actually Api...I called it off with Zain last night. Before you say anything...I wanted to tell you after I spoke to Rehan, and I thought if I told you or Jeej, it may come out involuntarily? I didn't want him to find out before I talked to him?" said Seher in an apologetic tone.
"Well...looks like congratulations are in order? Right Begum?" said Aahil, getting up and extending his hand to Sanam, to help her get off the couch.
"Yes! I am still in shock? I cant believe this is happening? I cant tell you how happy I am for you both?" said Sanam, smiling, as she came forward and hugged Seher, after which she hugged Rehan. Aahil did the same.
"Congrats Brother...Sali Sahiba?" he said smiling. "FINALLY, you guys got your act together? I am SO happy for you both, I have no words!" said Aahil sincerely. Both Seher and Rehan smiled.
"Thank you Aahil Bhai!" said Rehan. "It means so much to me that you have given us your blessing?"
"How can I not? Aahil Raza Ibrahim sacha Ishq ki kadar karta hain!"
"Spoken like a true lover!" said Seher with a laugh. Sanam hugged Seher again.
"Main sach main bohot kush hu Seher? I can't tell you how relieved I am, that you made the right choice for your life? You too Rehan? There is nothing worse than being separated from the one you love!" said Sanam softly. "I am so glad now that won't happen to the two of you. We had almost given up on you two seeing sense?"
"Api...I have to say...your reaction this time is a vastly different from the one you gave LAST time I told you I was getting married? Anyone would have thought I told you I was going to be a "Bin bihayi Ma...NOT getting married?" said Seher with a giggle.
"This time your marrying the guy you love? So of course my reaction will be different?" said Sanam shaking her head.
"Oh and don't worry Api...that Bin Bihayi Ma thing won't be happening? We have decided to wait till we're married this time? Rehan's idea!" said Seher looking at Rehan adoringly. Rehan's face ran with colour at the implication of what she said.
Aahil rolled his eyes. "T.M.I Seher...TMI! NEVER know when to censure yourself do you Sali Sahiba?"
"Well I think it's romantic, so I said it! Anyways...I say it like it IS ok dude?" said Seher with a smirk.
"Rehan...I hope you know what you are signing up for?" said Aahil with a pointed look at Rehan.
"Yes.. I know Aahil Bhai, and all I have to say is...Muje Seher ki har baath Qubool Hai!" said Rehan with a adoring glance at Seher
"Looks like the other Khan Sister turned YOU into an Ashiq too Rehan?"
"Looks like we WILL be serving my menu at Seher's wedding after all?" said Sanam, smiling.
"Yes Api...and this wedding will be happening very soon, so get ready!" said Seher laughing. "Because I have never been more ready to say "Qubool Hai!"
To be continued.
* Lyrics derived from the song "Paradesi" - Movie: "Kahi Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye" (2000).
Hi All,
Here it is, as promised the confession and the conclusion! I will write an Epilogue if you guys really want it! Not till next week though! Please leave comments and dont forget to hit "Like!"
Mandy
Cricket
Kumkum Bhagya
Tum Se Tum Tak
Sampoorna
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