Part 13 - "This Feeling Between Us" - Part 2
*"Na jaanu main, na jaane tu...Huaa ye jaadu kaise...Jo mera tha woh kho gaya...Jo tera mill gaya ho jaise...Iss dil ne, jab jaana ki bas tu...Aisi kya, chali hawa, ki le gayi...Meri saanson ko mujhse door, Tere paas...Aur mujhe huaa ehsaas..."
For the next two days, Sanam got flowers delivered to her. Every day the same, it was 2 dozen red roses, and it was delivered to work, or home, depending on where she was at the time. The message always read "Thinking of you, Aahil!" Aahil had not called her since their coffee date. It was Thursday now, and the flowers had come for the past 2 days straight, and she had one in her office and another at home. They arrived both times at 6pm sharp on both days. But no call from Aahil. It's like he had backed off for a few days and given her breathing room, but the flowers made it clear she was on his mind. As always, the flowers were only delivered if SHE accepted them in person, and it was always from the same place "Flower Power". Sanam had to accept, he knew how to make a statement. He was totally messing with her head! Or maybe...this was his way of giving her space, while still remaining in her orbit? She realised that her mind was making arguments "for" and "against" Aahil. Either ways, she wished he would either call her, or just not send her flowers anymore. Maybe SHE should call him? Is that what he was waiting on? She was not sure. Her manners had dictated that she thank him for the flowers. So she had sent a message each time with a simple "Thank you for the beautiful flowers". The only response she had got was "You're welcome!" Nothing else. That response did not really require a response back. She honestly didn't know what to say back, so she said nothing too. However, after the second day of flowers and the same routine, she had felt restless. She went to her contacts list and almost chose him a few times to call him, but decided not to. Things between them had been left in Limbo. But his last words to her had been "Later Sanam!"
"Oh God"...thought Sanam, I am turning into one of THOSE women, that obsess over everything a man said to her and didn't say to her etc. Some years ago when she was in New York, she had read the book "He's just not that into you!" which had been written by a New York based Author, a man! So he knew what he was talking about. That book was VERY clear about not obsessing over a man and just putting him out of her mind, if you were not sure where you stood with him. At the time she had thought it was a great book, and the advice was worthy of being followed. So why NOW can she not do so, and stop obsessing over Aahil?
On Tuesday the flowers had been delivered to her work, but yesterday they had been delivered at home. Yesterday was her evening off, and he must have known this, so he didn't send the flowers to work. How was he getting this info? Was he asking Seher? Sanam was not sure. But that somehow didn't seem like his style. Yes he had got her number from Seher, but that doesn't mean he would be contacting her daily to know her routine. How he found out was not important. What was important is that he knew, and he was playing mind games with her! "I REALLY need to stop thinking of him!" thought Sanam as she prepared for the evening. Sean had said he was going to be in a bit late today, so only Danny the Sous Chef was here, and his assistants who was helping him.
Sean had said he will arrived just after 6pm, and Sanam looked at her phone and saw that it was 6pm. She almost expected the kitchen door to open and the delivery guy from "Flower Power" to be standing there, expecting her to sign for the flowers. However, it was now 6.10pm and no flowers had arrived. Sanam didn't want to admit that she was curious why there were no flowers. Then suddenly the door of the kitchen opened and Sanam looked up expectantly, expecting to see the delivery guy, but instead it was Sean entering the kitchen. Sanam didn't realize that her face must have fallen, because Sean looked at her speculatively.
"Good to see you too San!"
"Sean! Sorry, I was thinking of something else!"
"Something, or someone?" said Sean with a raise of his browse.
"Please don't start!" said Sanam rolling her eyes.
"When the door opened, you thought it was the guy from that flower store right?" said Sean with a laugh.
"No I did not!" Said Sanam indignantly.
"Come on San...this is ME! I have known you for years! I could tell as soon as you saw me, you looked disappointed. Why don't you just call him?"
"No way!" said Sanam.
"Why not? You're thinking about him, that's for sure! Also, no flowers today, and you are disappointed! Please don't pretend you're not, coz I don't buy it!"
"OK. Maybe I am a little bit! Just a very little perhaps" said Sanam with a small pout.
"Yeah...just a VERY little!" said Sean with a chuckle as he started to put on his chef's uniform and got prepared for the evening.
Sanam didn't want to admit she was feeling restless. Why had Aahil not sent her flowers today? Had he been expecting a call? So when she didn't call, he had stopped sending flowers? Was that it? Sanam shook her head as she realised she was obsessing again. Well if he gave up THAT easily, then maybe he was not that interested? Maybe "He's just not that into you Sanam!", she thought to herself ironically. Sanam told herself sternly to concentrate on the task at hand.
Sanam and Sean started to prep for evening service and Sean mentioned that the "Chef's Table" had been booked tonight. They usually didn't have as many bookings for the Chef's table on a Thursday. It was mostly Friday and weekends. They took turns taking on the "Chef's table" as that required the Head Chef to be at the table most of evening, presenting dishes from the tasting menu. The menu was designed as a "Degustation Menu". It essentially comprised of the Head Chef's signature dishes. "A Truly Gastronomic Experience" was how they advertised it on their website. They only did this menu 4 times a week. Starting from Thursday to Sunday. The Chef usually took them through the dishes as they came to the table, and even did some quick dishes in front of the diners. These would usually be the molecular gastronomy style dishes which required some chemistry as well as culinary skills. Both Sanam and Sean had spent many months designing this menu and it included signature dishes from both of them, and it had the signature style of "S2" which was fusion cuisine. There was a special table at the end of the restaurant which was designed in the style of a mini bar, with the chef in the middle and the diners sitting around. It seated a maximum of 10 only. The menu comprised of 8 courses, and wines to go with it.
"It's your turn to do the Chef's Table tonight Sean".
"Isn't it your turn?" said Sean.
"No I did Sunday. So Thursday is you!" she said as they continued to look at the special chef's table menu to see what was on for tonight. They had a rotation of dishes. They changed it every 2 weeks and some got taken out, and some put in.
"This is the final menu right Sean?" asked Sanam looking at the menu, when the kitchen door opened. Once again Sanam looked at the door almost as if expecting to see the flower delivery guy. But it was Neha, the floor manager.
"Sanam, Sean, I thought I would just remind you both that the Chef's table is booked for 7pm. Party of 8!" said Neha.
"Yeah Neha. We were just discussing it. Sean will do tonight" said Sanam, as she glanced at Neha while still studying the menu.
"No Sanam. YOU are doing the Chef's table tonight!" said Neha. Sanam looked up at her at the comment.
"No. I did Sunday. That means, Sean does tonight! We take turns remember?"
"Yes. But the party coming tonight requested that YOU be there chef tonight!"
"What? Who is the party at 7?"
"I.H Group!" said Neha, looking at Sanam intently.
"I.H..." Sanam trailed off, as she realized who it was. "Who made the booking?" asked Sanam, trying to pretend to be disinterested.
"Ruhi Singh!"
Sanam recognized that as the name of Aahil's assistant. "OK. Well I guess they have a business party coming, and wanted them to experience the Chef's table. She knows me from the last time they were here. So she must have asked for me!" said Sanam by way of explanation.
"Yes. I am sure that's the case" said Neha, suppressing a smile. She looked at Sean, and he smiled at her. Sean was standing behind Sanam, so she could not see his expression. In Sean's opinion this had "ARI" written all over it!
"No flowers, but looks like we are going to be graced with the presence of the Nawab himself San?" said Sean.
"What?" said Sanam looking back at Sean. "He is probably not even coming?"
"Really? Doubt it!" said Sean with a chuckle.
"He doesn't always have to come for every business dinner?" said Sanam defensively.
"He doesn't HAVE to, but he WILL! Phoolon ki badalain, main Aa Rahi hu Sanam!" said Sean with a laugh.
"Wow Sean, your Hindi is really improving? Not!" said Sanam cattily. Neha laughed at that.
"I will call you when the party arrives Sanam!" said Neha as she turned to leave, once again sharing a smile with Sean. They could both tell that their usually cool Sanam was flustered. But both Sean and Neha were sure, this was Aahil's doing. HE wanted Sanam at their table. "Pretty romantic" thought Neha with a sigh. The guy was a dreamboat! "Lucky Sanam!" she thought as she made her way back to the restaurant floor.
Sanam busied herself with the menu and making sure everything was in order for the Chef's table. She saw Sean looking at her from the corner of his eye, and she rolled her eyes at him.
"What?" said Sanam.
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" said Sean suppressing a grin.
"Stop it Sean!"
"I am not doing anything Sanam? Anyways, it's nearly 6.45, and your boyfriend will be arriving soon! Why don't you go make yourself pretty?" said Sean with a laugh.
"Whatever! He's not my boyfriend!" said Sanam, giving Sean a withering look. But she did realize that she needed to change into her clean Chef's uniform to present the Chef's table. So she went into the bathroom at the corridor where the lockers with each of their things were kept. She kept most of her things in her office, but her chef's uniforms were kept in the locker. She took out a fresh one. Black with Red piping. She went to the bathroom and changed into it, and pinned her hair up neatly. She didn't want to admit it, but she wished she was wearing something a lot more attractive to see Aahil after 3 days. However, she did her eye makeup more carefully, and also applied a bit of extra blusher on her cheeks and a bit of bronzing powder for sheen. Two quotes of lip gloss and she put on her sensible wedge heeled boots, and some perfume and she was ready. She did look smart, very cool and professional. Happy with the result, Sanam walked out of the bathroom.
She went back to the kitchen, and told the Sous chef and his assistants to start prep for the first course for the Chef's table, and got ready with the second course. She didn't want ANY mistakes to be made tonight. None at all! Sanam looked at the time on the wall clock in the kitchen. The time was 6.55pm. She knew they would arrive right on time. They had last time as well. Right on cue, 5 minutes later, Neha came into the kitchen to tell her that the "Party of 8" at the Chef's table was in, and taking their seats. Since the wine went with the dishes as part of the menu, there was no issue of getting a drinks order. Therefore, usually the Head Chef would go out and introduced themselves and they would get right into it, with the first course and accompanying wine. One of them was ceviche sea food, so it had to be done at the table, along with a cold cucumber salad. It was very refreshing and cleared the palate.
Sanam went out on to the restaurant floor, ready to take her place as center stage at the Chef's table. As she walked towards the table, she noticed that there were 3 women and 5 men at the table. One of the women was Ruhi Singh, and two other women in business clothes. She recognized two of the men. One was Rehan and the other was Aahil. Sanam froze for a second as she took in Aahil's appearance. She had not yet moved to the area where the customers at the table could see her. So she was able to take a look at Aahil without him seeing her. He was dressed formally, but as usual with his own style. He wore a light blue shirt, and a charcoal grey blazer. As usual, the top 3 buttons were off. Sanam gave a small smile as she realised that she'd become used to his style now. The first time she had met him, she had thought he was an exhibitionist. Well he still was, but since knowing him better Sanam realized that this was just how Aahil was. He wasn't flashing his body to get attention. He just liked to be comfortable, and the "Stuffed shirt" look of a typical business man did not suit him!
"Concentrate Sanam!" she told herself as she walked further onto the restaurant floor. She took a fortifying breath and walked towards the table. Neha was there and she turned to the guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our head chef, Ms Khan is here, so I will leave you in her capable hands! The wine that accompanies your first course will arrive shortly." she said as she turned and gave Sanam a smile as she walked away.
"Good evening everyone. I am Sanam Ahemed Khan, Head chef of "S2". Welcome!" she said with a smile as she gave a glance around the table in general. She only met Rehan's eyes, and gave him a small smile and a nod, and he did the same back. After all, he WAS her sister's boyfriend! However, she didn't meet Aahil's eyes. "HE is not the only one who can play mind games" thought Sanam.
"I hope you will enjoy our tasting menu! So without further ado, let's get into the first course!" said Sanam as she turned around to indicate to the waiter to bring in the first course.
"Not so fast Ms Khan" said a voice. Sanam knew who it was, and for the first time since arriving at the table, she looked at Aahil directly.
"Any problem Mr Ibrahim?" asked Sanam with a pointed look towards Aahil.
"No problem Ms Khan. But I think some introductions are in order, before we proceed? I want you to meet my associates!" said Aahil indicating the people sitting at the table. "You are already acquainted with Ruhi and Rehan. So please meet Neil Singh, one of my executives, and this is Mr Vyas, Mr & Mrs Deora and Ms Kant" said Aahil, as he introduced the people at the table to Sanam. Neil Singh was a young guy who looked like he was in his early thirties. Mr Vyas was a young looking man, probably in his late thirties and Mr & Mrs Deora were a middle aged but very smart looking couple. Sanam then glanced at Ms Kant, and she was a young and attractive women. Probably also either late twenties or early thirties maximum. She looked smart and she smiled at Aahil as he introduced her and the way she was looking at him didn't please Sanam one bit.
"Pleased to meet you all! "Shall we begin?" said Sanam with a tight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, as she glanced at Ms Kant. Sanam indicated to the waiters to bring in the first course.
"Before we begin, I would like to propose a toast" said Aahil, as he raised his wine glass from the table. "We have this Monday finalized a very lucrative deal with Deora Group and I thought the best way to celebrate would be to give them an experience of some of the best fusion food we have in Bhopal! Cheers everyone!" said Aahil as he raised his glass and took a sip of the wine. "This wine is superb Ms Khan" said Aahil looking at Sanam intently.
"Thank you Mr Ibrahim" said Sanam formally.
The waiters started to serve the first dish and she explained the dish, and the diners started to taste it. Since the wine had already been served as well, soon things were flowing on, and everyone was getting into the food. Sanam noticed that Ms Kant seemed to be hanging on Aahil's every word. They were sitting next to each other, and Neil Singh was on the other side of Ms Kant, and Rehan on the other side of Aahil. "Seher had not mentioned that Rehan was going to be here tonight?" Thought Sanam distractedly for a second. So she probably already knew they were coming tonight as well. She shook her head. Her sister was a dark horse these days! "Working for the enemy!" she thought!
Aahil was smiling and talking to Ms Kant, and seemed overly friendly towards her. Rehan was chatting with everyone in general, and so was Ruhi and Neil Singh. Sanam had done the Ceviche Sea Food (which was cooking something in acid of lime) for them and the cold cucumber salad had arrived to accompany it. That was the last of the entrees and everyone raved about how great the food was! The Deora's were nice people and they continued to ask her questions about the food, as she explained each course and the accompanying wine and the thought process behind the dishes. Mr Vyas too seemed fascinated. Ruhi, Rehan and Neil were equally interested in the food and the wine. It seemed only Ms Kant, was too busy chatting with Aahil to appreciate the food or the wine as much as everyone else was. Even Aahil, who was usually a very discerning diner. (As she knew from the Panna Cotta experience the first time he had come to "S2") hardly seem to be asking any questions.
As the evening progressed, Sanam was getting increasingly angry at the way Ms Kant, and Aahil were carrying on. Almost exclusively talking to each other. Aahil was quite formal with the other guests from "Deora Group", always referring to them as "Mr & Mrs Deora" or "Mr Vyas". But he called Ms Kant "Priya" on a number of occasions, and Sanam seethed as she saw the way "Priya" smiled at Aahil and seemed to hang on his every word.
Rehan glanced at Sanam a few times and he did notice that Sanam didn't look too pleased when Aahil was paying attention to Priya Kant. He suppressed a smile. Aahil Bhai really was a devil. He was SURE he knew exactly what he was doing! This whole over enthusiasm towards Priya Kant was probably in aid of making Sanam jealous, or seeing if he is going to get a reaction out of her by doing so? Rehan shook his head and he thought that he was most definitely getting a reaction. Exactly the one he was hoping for!
By the time the final course was served, Sanam was not feeling like a very happy camper and while her smiles towards the rest of the crowd were warm and friendly, her expression when she looked at Aahil and Ms Kant was decidedly cold. Besides Rehan, even Neha and Ruhi had noticed this. Just like Rehan, they too were privy to the fact that there was something going on between Aahil and Sanam. Therefore neither had missed the way Aahil paid extra attention to Ms Kant, or the way that Sanam had reacted to it. As the evening came to a close around 10pm, the guests at the table were getting up to take their leave. They all thanked Sanam, and Mr & Mrs Deora had promised that the next time they came to Bhopal, they would definitely be vising "S2" again. They were full of praise for Sanam, the menu and also the ambiance and service of the restaurant.
"We had the most wonderful time my dear" said Mrs Deora. "How I wish I could find a daughter in law half as beautiful and talented as you!" she said with a small laugh.
"Gayatri, you are embarrassing Ms Khan" said Mr Deora with a smile.
"No Mr Deora. I am very flattered. Thank you Mrs Deora" said Sanam with a sincere smile.
"Does that mean, you will consider marrying my son then? Ashish is very handsome, and I am not saying that because I am his Mother. He seems to have quite a few admirers! If you don't believe me, then ask someone close to your own age!" said Mrs Deora with a laugh. "Don't you think Ashish is handsome Priya?" asked Mrs Deora turning towards Priya Kant.
"Of course Ma'am!" said Priya Kant with a smile.
"See! You have got endorsement from someone your own age!
"I supposed if Ms Kant thinks he's handsome, then he must be! She seems to know how to pick them?" muttered Sanam under her breath, as she gave Priya Kant a fake smile.
"It's too bad really. He was meant to come on this business trip too, but had to stay back to handle something else at the office! But there is always next time!" said Mrs Deora.
"I look forward to it!" said Sanam with a smile. Rehan suppressed a grin as he saw the thundercloud expression that had come over Aahil's face at this exchange. He didn't seem pleased that the Deora's were pairing Sanam with their son Ashish! If Sanam noticed, she was not showing it.
"Ms Khan, can I have a word please?" asked Aahil, as everyone started to make a move to leave.
"What can I help you with Mr Ibrahim?" said Sanam in a cool and formal tone. She didn't attempt to move away from the rest of the crowd. "I hope the menu and service was to your satisfaction?"
"Yes. Everything was excellent!"
"Thank you! Have a nice evening Mr Ibrahim" said Sanam, looking at him as if to say "This conversation is over!"
"I'll take my leave from you now. Good evening everyone! It was very nice meeting you all!" she said as she took her leave from the group, with a nod and a smile in the general direction of everyone. "Bye Rehan!" she said softly to Rehan with a small smile, and he too smiled and said "Bye Sanam!"She didn't look at Aahil as she walked away.
Aahil's eyes bore into Sanam's retreating back. He then turned around and went to the exit of the restaurant. Sanam saw him in conversation with the group in the restaurant foyer. She saw him shake the hands of Mr & Mrs Deora, Mr Vyas, and then he shook Ms Kant's hand, and she leaned over and said something to him as he bent his head to hear her better. He laughed at whatever she said. Sanam looked on coldly for a few minutes, then moved towards the back of the restaurant. "NOW he wanted to talk to her?" Thought Sanam witheringly. But it seemed that he had gone back to play with his new "friend!" Well he was welcome to her! Thought Sanam as she walked into the kitchen.
As everyone exited the restaurant, Aahil looked around and saw that Sanam was nowhere to be seen. He had sent everyone off. Ruhi had organised transport for their guests to their hotel tonight, as they were catching a flight out of Bhopal in the morning. Ruhi, Neil, Rehan and Aahil had driven here together. They had all planned to drive back to work and get in their respective cars to drive home. It was far easier than bringing many cars and trying to park at the restaurant. Aahil had told Rehan to drive Ruhi and Neil back to the office and come back for him after. There was no way he was leaving here without speaking to Sanam.
"Is there something you forgot to discuss with Ms Khan Bhai?" asked Rehan with a pointed look at Aahil. Ruhi tried to suppress a smile and even Neil had sensed something during dinner. They were all trying hard to not look amused.
"Yes Rehan. I have something I need to discuss with Ms Khan!"
"Business related?" asked Rehan with a raise of his brow, at which Aahil gave Rehan a withering look.
"That's none of your business Rehan!" said Aahil in an ironic tone. Rehan smirked.
"I'll be back in half an hour Bhai. Hope that's enough time to complete your discussion?"
"Yes. That will do! Bye Rehan!" said Aahil, as if to say this conversation has gone on long enough. Rehan exited the building with a very amused Ruhi and Neil. Aahil then turned and went back to the restaurant. He moved towards the restaurant floor. Within a few minutes he spotted a waiter, whom he called to the side, and asked that he call Neha the floor manager over for him. He went away and within minutes Neha arrived at Aahil's side.
"Yes Mr Ibrahim? Is everything OK?" asked Neha. Aahil was not looking too pleased, and she felt nervous.
"Yes Neha. All good. I just need you to...I mean, can you...ask Sa...Ms Khan, to come see me for a minute please?"
"Of course Mr Ibrahim! Can you please wait here for a minute?" asked Neha politely, as she turned on her heel and left towards the kitchen. Aahil was waiting close to the foyer, but he made sure he stayed in the shadows, as he didn't want to draw attention to himself.
Neha opened the kitchen door with a smirk. It was clear Mr Ibrahim was not going to leave without talking to Sanam. She had noticed the cold way Sanam had acted towards him, and she realised it had a lot to do with Aahil's interactions with Ms Kant. How she wished she could listen to this conversation? Neha entered the kitchen and looked towards Sanam.
"Sanam, you're needed outside please!"
"What's going on Neha?" asked Sanam quizzically.
"Mr Ibrahim is waiting for you in the foyer!"
"What? I thought he left?"
"He didn't!"
"I don't think...I'd rather not..." Sanam was saying when Sean cut in.
"Cold war ha? What happened? A lover's quarrel?"
"Sean please...I really am not in the mood for this?"
"Sanam...please come outside. You know him! He won't leave unless you see him!" said Neha getting nervous now. She really didn't want to go outside and tell Nawab Aahil Raza Ibrahim that Sanam had refused to see him!
"Fine! Let's get this over with!" said Sanam as she walked out with Neha. Suddenly she felt very angry. He had practically ignored her all night, and flaunted his floozy in front of her, and now he was demanding that she come out and speak to him? "He did try to talk to you, and you shot him down Sanam" the reasonable side of herself told her. "He deserved it!" said the scorned women in her. Neha went in front of her, and she walked behind Neha towards the foyer. They spotted Aahil standing towards the end of the foyer where there were no people present. Neha indicated to Sanam that she should carry on, and she went in the opposite direction.
"Mr Ibrahim? You wanted to see me?" said Sanam looking at Aahil, her eyes cold.
"Mr Ibrahim? No one is here other than us? So why are you being so formal Sanam?" asked Aahil, looking at her pointedly.
"Oh, now that your audience is gone, I guess you don't have to keep up with your performance? Is that it? Well I don't know what game you think you're playing, but I am not interested in being a part of it!"
"Game? What game?"
"Look Mr Ibrahim, if you don't have anything work related to discuss, I suggest you leave, because I DO have work to get back to!"
"I do have something to discuss, but it's not work related Sanam!"
"In that case, I am not interested!" said Sanam haughtily.
"Is that so? You know me Sanam. I won't leave till you speak to me!"
"I AM speaking to you!"
"Privately!"
"You can say what you want to say here!"
"Really? You want me to have this discussion here? I can! But you probably won't like the attention you will draw from your diners Sanam! Not to mention your staff!"
"Fine. Let's go to my office!" said Sanam in an angry whisper, as she led the way to her office. Aahil followed, his lips pursed. He KNEW he had over done it with Priya Kant. But it had been deliberate on his part. He had wanted to gauge Sanam's reaction, and Sanam's apparent displeasure had made him feel confident. She didn't like it when he was paying attention to another girl. That meant, she too had feelings for him. He had wanted to make her realise that she could not just deny this feeling between them. That is the reason he had stayed away from her for the past nearly 3 days. Difficult as it had been, he had done that on purpose. He had wanted to see if she would miss him, and also time to reflect will make her realise that whatever was between them was worth exploring! However, now Sanam was in a full on huff, and being so cold and dismissive towards him, that even he felt his temper rising. But he tried to control it because he wanted this discussion to be at least somewhat rational.
Sanam came close to the door of her office and reached out to open it, when Aahil stepped past her to open the door. As they both reached for the handle, Sanam's hand was covered by Aahil's. She looked up at Aahil.
"Let me" said Aahil softly as he turned the handle of the door.
"I can open the door myself. I open it a few times a day every day!" said Sanam with a glare towards Aahil.
Aahil sighed. This girl was impossible. "I know! But now that I am here, I will do it! I thought you liked gentlemanly gestures?" Said Aahil as he opened the door and Sanam stepped past him with her head held high. Aahil then closed the door and stepped into the office.
"When they come from a gentlemen yes!" said Sanam, turning around to look at Aahil.
Aahil's eyes flashed anger at the statement. "Don't push it Sanam! Just because I am keeping a lid on my temper, don't think you can push me too far!"
"Push YOU too far? What do you have to lose your temper about Aahil? I should be the one who is losing my temper! You're the one playing mind games?"
"What the hell is this thing about mind games Sanam?" said Aahil angrily, as he stepped further into the office and Sanam instinctively took a few steps back.
"So you were NOT playing mind games? What would you call your conduct then? You suddenly stopped calling me, you send flowers for 2 days and then you just turn up here, and flirt all night with that floozy of yours!" said Sanam angrily.
"Priya Kant is not a floozy!"
"Of course your precious PRIYA is not a floozy! After all, she wears a business suit, and goes to high profile business diner's right? But funny how she couldn't seem to rise above "High School Musical" when it came to dancing to your tune all night?" said Sanam cattily.
"Jealous Sanam?" said Aahil, his voice suddenly dropping down a few decibels.
"Jealous? ME, of your little fan? PLEASE..." Said Sanam rolling her eyes.
"Yes YOU! I did notice you didn't look too pleased at all that Priya was enjoying my company! Or is it the fact that I was enjoying hers that you objected to?"
"I couldn't care less Mr Ibrahim!"
"Why don't I believe you Sanam?" said Aahil softly.
"Believe what you want! Anyway...what are you doing here with me? Why didn't you go with your new-found fan?"
"Why do think Sanam?" said Aahil huskily. "I am exactly where I want to be! Trust me, if I wanted to leave with Priya, I could have. But I didn't want to! She is a cute girl, and fun to talk to. But that's all it is!"
"Oh really? Then why did you spend the whole night flirting with her?"
"Because I wanted to see if you would care? If you would be jealous, and I think I got my answer!" said Aahil looking at her intently.
"Like I said before, this is all a game to you right? You enjoyed playing mind games with me! You just can't stand it if all women don't fall at your feet and want to be your next conquest! Well I have news for you Mr ARI, I don't want to be next on your "List!" I already told you that before. I don't enjoy being part of a crowd!"
"And I told you before, you're not Sanam! I didn't do this to play mind games with you! I didn't call you, coz I wanted to give you a bit of time to reflect on what has been happening between us! Yes I sent you flowers, coz I wanted you to know I was thinking of you. I know the last time we met you didn't want to accept that there was something more than attraction between us! But I wanted to give you time to realise that there was!"
Sanam looked away from him. Suddenly the intensity of his eyes was making it hard for her to breath, and the anger that had been her shield all this time was starting to melt away slowly, and she needed to hold on to the anger, if she was not to give in to her feelings!
"I guess I was hoping if you didn't seem me for a few days, or hear from me, then you would miss me? That you would be willing to admit that you felt it too!"
"Felt what?" said Sanam softly.
"This feeling between us! You know you feel it too Sanam! You can't deny it. THAT's why you were jealous of me paying attention to Priya!" Aahil suddenly moved forward and pulled Sanam towards him by putting both hands on her waist. Sanam had not expected that, so she was surprised and she instinctively put her hands up to stop herself from colliding with his chest. Her hands were placed firmly on his chest now and one of her hands made contact with his warm skin.
"I...I wasn't jealous!" Sanam whispered defiantly.
"Don't lie to me baby!" said Aahil huskily. "You were! You were practically spitting fire with your eyes at me and Priya too!" said Aahil with a soft laugh.
"You think this is funny? Maybe it's funny to you! But it's not to me! I don't like being used! WHY are you so concerned about making me admit to some feeling between us Aahil? Does your ego dictate that you must make every women you meet fall for you?"
At that Aahil actually looked angry as he pulled Sanam closer and turned her around and trapped her between him and the door. His arms were still holding her waist as he leaned forward and said angrily.
"I can't believe that you think this is all about my Ego? Do you honestly think I play ANY games with women? I don't! I NEVER do! If I find a women attractive, I ask her out, we go on a date, and if we like each other's company, we will go on another date. I tell them at the onset that I am not looking for anything serious, or a relationship per se, and if they are good with that, then we can proceed to the next level. If not hasta la vista I guess? But with YOU? That formula is not, and will not work, coz I want more from you Sanam! I want to get to know you better and I want you to get to know me! From the moment I met you, I have been in total flux, coz I've never felt this way before, and I guess I don't know exactly how I SHOULD act? I thought trying to make you miss me, and trying to make you jealous, was the way to go! Maybe it's not! So cut me some slack OK?" said Aahil.
"OK!" breathed Sanam, staring at Aahil like she had never seen him before. She had never seen him loose his cool to this extent before.
"OK?" Is that all you're going to say?" said Aahil incredulously.
"What do you want me to say?"
"That you feel it too? That there is something between us other than a mere attraction?"
"Yes!" whispered Sanam.
"What?" said Aahil as he bent his head more towards Sanam, as if to hear her better! "I didn't quite hear you?"
"Yes! I feel it too!" Sanam whispered.
At that, Aahil pulled Sanam away from the door and into his arms as he bent his head and nuzzled her cheek and ear, as he breathed in the scent of her hair.
"Have dinner with me tomorrow night!" he said huskily in her ear. "And don't tell me your working?" he groaned.
"Well I am, I mean I was. But I am sure Sean and Danny can manage tomorrow night!" said Sanam softly. Aahil lifted his head away from her hair and looked into her eyes. He smiled.
"I told you that the next time we meet, I would make you admit you felt this feeling too Sanam! I also recall saying that within 48 hours you would be asking me to come to your office to discuss something non work related? Looks like they both happened! But it took a bit longer than 48 hours! But hey..." he said with a small shrug.
Sanam shook her head. "You love to win don't you?"
"Yes I do! Generally. But this was more than just about winning Sanam! I hope you know that!" said Aahil with that gleam back in his eyes. The one that never failed to get her flustered, and Sanam was suddenly feeling very flustered indeed. Aahil noticed that Sanam was starting to blush under his scrutiny. His eyes lingered on her lips and they automatically parted. He bent his head and captured them. Sanam's eyes closed as Aahil started to kiss her and she was unable to stop her response to him. Both her hands were resting on his chest and one of them went around his neck as his arms tightened around her and he pulled her even closer. Her fingers went into the hair at the base of his neck. Her lips parted on a sigh and the kiss started to turn passionate. Aahil's hands moved under her chef's jacket and encountered the thin fabric of her singlet. His warm hand caressed her through the thin fabric and Sanam felt her skin burn through the thin material wherever his hands touched her. One hand moved further up her side and cupped the side of her breast. Sanam's hands tightened around his neck and the other on the collar of his shirt. She tore her lips away from his as she was fast unable to breath. Aahil moved his lips down her neck and softly nipped the base of her neck. Sanam gasped at the pain, and just then his tongue darted out and soothed the spot. He moved his hand away from her breast and moved both his hands back to her waist again. He then looked up and into her eyes. Both their breathing was labored.
"Now we are even!" he said.
"Even?" Sanam croaked. Her mind far from coherent thought.
"You bit me, and now I bit you back! So we are even now! Until you bite me again that is!" said Aahil with a smirk. Sanam laughed as the tension between them eased a little bit.
"Is that an invitation Mr Ibrahim?" asked Sanam saucily.
"Your flirting again Ms Khan!" said Aahil with a laugh. "Be ready!"
"For?"
"Our first official date tomorrow. 7pm. I will pick you up!" said Aahil softly.
"OK!"
Just then they heard a beeping sound. Aahil realised it was his phone and took one of his hands away from Sanam's waist and reached for the side pocket of his jacket and took out his phone, and took a look at his messages.
"It's Rehan. He is waiting outside for me!"
"Rehan has been waiting outside all this time?"
"No. I sent him back to the office with Ruhi and Neil. They are both parked there. We all came together in my car. Now Rehan has come back to pick me so we can go home!" said Aahil.
"I see" said Sanam. Aahil then bent his head towards and took her lips in a quick kiss.
"I better go. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yes" breathed Sanam. Aahil let go of her reluctantly, but took her hand and opened the door and led her out of her office. Sanam walked with Aahil to the main door of "S2" and she quickly moved her hand away from his. She didn't want any of her staff to gossip. Aahil understood and let her hand go.
"Bye" he said huskily, looking at her as he opened the door to the restaurant.
"Bye" Sanam whispered back as he stepped out of the restaurant. Sanam could not wipe the smile off her face, as she watched him walk away. She turned away from the door and headed towards the kitchen. She didn't quite know if she was walking or if she was floating. She had never felt this way in her life! Anyone would think that she had won the lottery not got a date! Sanam shook her head at her predicament, as she walked into the kitchen.
Outside the restaurant, Aahil spotted Rehan in the car on the other side of the parking lot, and he walked towards the vehicle. He got into the passenger seat and turned towards Rehan. He gave him a small smile.
"I take it things went well Bhai?" said Rehan with a smirk.
"Is it that obvious?" sighed Aahil.
"Yeah it is, when you carry the evidence with you!" said Rehan with a raise of his eyebrows.
"Evidence?"
Rehan lifted his hand and pointed towards Aahil. "Corner of your lip, pink lip gloss Bhai!" said Rehan with a snigger.
"Damn" said Aahil as he lifted his thumb towards his lips wiping off the sides.
"So I guess you resolved the fall-out from your flirting with Priya Kant?" said Rehan with a laugh.
"Yes. Fallout resolved. We have a date tomorrow night!" said Aahil with a smirk.
"Good work Bhai! I guess the jealousy trick always works!"
"Tried and true brother!" said Aahil with a laugh. Rehan joined in as he turned on the ignition and reversed the car out of the parking lot. The car flooded with Rap music as the boys drove off into the night.
To be continued...
*Lyrics derived from the song "Tu Meri" Movie: "Bang Bang" (2014)
Hi All,
This one was long. Hope you guys like it! Please leave comments, and as always dont forget to hit "Like!" if you liked the update!
Thanks
Mandy
Previous part - Part 12 - "This Feeling Between Us!" - Part 1 Next Part - Part 14 - "Just the Special One's!"
Edited by MrDarcyfan - 11 years ago
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