FF - A Rude Awakening COMPLETE STORY PG 145 - Page 36

Originally posted by: Diksha_1991

Fab job Suvi di. Loved it!!

Good Morning 😃

Waiting for next update. Bhagoo

Assalamualaikum my SaAz Baazis. Here is chapter six for you. Happy reading.

Chapter Six

"Assalamualaikum Sahir saab!" Rahman, along with Samaira entered the main hall of the Niyamat house just as Sahir was on his way to go to his room.

"Walaikum salam Rahman saab. Please come. I was..waiting for you."

Rahman gave him a knowing smirk. "Looks like you're really eager to announce the engagement of Zaki and Samaira. I have booked a party hall just for this purpose and arrangements are already underway. All you need to do is show up. It will be a double celebration. The engagement and signing of the deal. Where is Alviraji? We need to talk and fix the date for the nikah too."

Sahir loosened his tie and smiled. It was the smile of a shark just before it took the first chomp of its prey. "So nice of you to think ahead and arrange everything Rahman saab. Please, have a seat. Let's talk."

Rahman frowned. "What is there to talk? Where is Zaki?" His look turned thunderous. "Don't tell me he ran away leaving my daughter to bear the brunt of his misdeeds. I'm telling you if it's something like that.."

"I'm right here Rahman saab. Running away is not my style." Zaki walked into the hall to stand behind his brother. "It is thieves who run away and I'm no thief."

Rahman looked as if he didn't know whether to be relieved that her daughter's love didn't do the runner or worry about the silent stare that the Shark was subjecting him to. He nevertheless took the seat with Samaira mimicking Zaki and standing behind her Abbu. "So what is it that you want to talk about?"

"Nothing. In fact I just want to give you a last chance to sign this deal without bringing our families into the equation. I don't want you to think that I didn't give you one last chance to amend before I bring you and your family crashing down."

"Meaning?" Rahman's look turned menacing. "I suggest you watch your words.."

Sahir's deceptively relaxed posture changed as he leaned forward. "No. I suggest you watch yours." His hand reached out to Zaki who immediately placed the medical report in it. "This is the DNA report of your daughter's pregnancy. Zaki is not the father."

"Abbu no." Samaira cried out but Sahir's keen gaze caught her pale face. He gave the report to Rahman who barely glanced at it before starting to tear it to pieces.

Sahir's grin was pure evil. "You are so innocent Rahman saab. You really thought I would give you the original report? It's just a Xerox. The original is safe with me."

"The report has been falsified. I don't believe it." Rahman's face turned red with anger.

Sahir nodded sagely. "I knew you would say that. Zaki?"

Zaki fiddled with his phone and clicked open a voice recording. Samaira's slightly nasal voice could be heard clearly. "The guy I slept with was married yaar. Zaki is a nice stop gap until he divorces his wife and comes to me." Her tinkling laugh could be heard before she said, "Zaki baby has no choice right now. His bhai is not going to give him a choice. The engagement is tomorrow so you better be there, OK? Bye sweetie."

"I had the great chance to record this just a few minutes back. Eavesdropping has its own merits I guess." Zaki winked at Samaira.

"Th-that's not my voice." Samaira sounded hysterical.

"My daughter would never do something like that." Rahman tried to look affronted but he knew he was grappling a thin rope. "And don't forget Sahir saab that.."

"I never needed to hear that recording at all Rahman saab," Sahir's even tone belied the ruthless nature lurking underneath. "This report alone is enough. The recording is just going to make my job easier."

"Sahir sa.."

"No. The time for you to talk is over. Now I talk and you listen. Sign the deal and keep the personal mess out of this. Hand over the CD and everything else related to the incident. Or you will be seeing your daughter's face splashed in every tabloid newspaper and magazine of this country. On top of it, there will be a case against you in court for trying to malign our family's respect and name."

"These days with the technology the way it is.." Rahman had begun to sound desperate while Samaira just looked trapped and furious.

Sahir sighed. Patiently. Like he was dealing with a tantrum throwing five year old. "You are absolutely right. But tabloids are hardly going to care about all that. The scent of a scandal and your whole family and its history will be smeared out there for everyone to read. You were talking about technology? So it won't be just the newspapers. The social networking sites will make sure the news doesn't die down. The comments your daughter would have to face whenever she goes out..come to think of it, would the real father of the baby be willing to take her on after all that I wonder."

Rahman dragged Sahir out of his chair by his collar. "You will ruin my daughter's reputation for your damn deal?"

Sahir merely removed Rahman's hands and smiled. "You already know the answer to that. So I'm giving you one last chance. Take away the personal mess out of this equation. Let's sign the deal and get back to business."

"Abbu.." Samaira tried to look teary eyed.

"Chup Samaira!" Rahman shouted back. "We'll talk about this later." He turned back to Sahir and nodded grudgingly. "I'll sign the deal but not one word about my daughter should come out after that."

Victory flowed through Sahir's veins but he kept a tight rein on it. "As long as you shut your mouth, there is no need for me to open mine. That is the promise of Sahir Azim Chaudhary."

Rahman nodded again. "Get the papers. I'll sign the deal."

Sahir took the file from Zaki and extended it for Rahman to sign. After one long look Rahman took it and placed his signature beside Sahir's. "In case you are tempted to open your mouth in future, just remember one thing Rahman saab. I won't hesitate to ruin your daughter's life. Whether she has a husband or kids would hardly matter to me." Rahman gave another grudging nod. "Now I'm sure you will call Singapore and get their go-ahead, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. Khuda hafiz."

****

"You called me, aunty?" Arzoo reluctantly entered the Niyamat house kitchen. The memory of how she had made a fool of herself with her paratas caused her to cringe.

Tum mere saath rahogi na toh humesha hasta rahunga. Dogi mera saath?

Tumhari tarah hasne ki koshish ki, woh stupid parate khaye..

Which was true? She was not a person who could be so easily fooled. She never had a father or brother to protect her from the harsh world. She had taught herself how to judge and assess the opposite person. How to protect herself and her sisters. How had she been so wrong? Had she been wrong? Why weren't the questions leaving her?

"Come Arzoo. I called to tell you that Saiyyara got the deal today. Rahman saab signed the papers. So Zaki and I thought it would be good to have a small get-together tomorrow. Just the family and Saiyyara employees and a few major clients."

He got the deal. She smothered a hysterical laughter. If that report had come a few days before, none of this would have been necessary. What did that make her, she wondered.

"So Sahir sir got what he wanted."

Alvira paused before replying. "Yes. There is still the Singapore client and his final approval and signing of the papers of course but.."

"OK aunty. But I don't understand. Why are you telling me this?" Try as she might, she couldn't forget that Alvira aunty had given her the kangan along with her blessing without mentioning a word about Sahir's first wife. Yes, she was a mother but wasn't she a woman first?

"I'm not telling you. I'm inviting you and Zara for the party. Both of you have been a part of Saiyyara team especially in this last project. It will be a nice change for you also."

"When is the party aunty?"

"Tomorrow evening say around five. It can end after the dinner. Will you help me with the menu beta?" Alvira looked a little pleading and hopeful. She knew. She just knew Arzoo was the one for Sahir. She just needed to bring both of them together. This was another chance and she wasn't going to lose it.

"No aunty. On the other hand, if the party is tomorrow evening then the office will close early. Maybe Zara and I can go for house hunting."

Arzoo didn't give Alvira a chance to protest. Just turned to leave. And ran smack into Sahir who had entered the kitchen and from the looks of it had heard every word. "Sorry sir," Arzoo sidestepped hastily, intent on leaving the room.

"All the employees of Saiyyara are invited. No exceptions. No excuses."

Arzoo halted and turned to face him. "But I'm not just an employee of Saiyyara, am I sir? I'm also your collateral damage. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be reminded of that while you celebrate the success of your deal." She practically spat the last word, her eyes clashing with his, not missing the slight flutter of his or the sudden sheen of moisture coating them before he blinked it disappeared.

"The client whose project you and Linda are currently handling is going to be there and he wants to meet the whole team. You don't have a choice."

"Bhai, here is the list of all our clients. We can.." Zaki's update came to an abrupt halt as he saw Arzoo. His entire face lit up. "Jahaara! How are you doing today?" Arzoo merely nodded and once again tried to side step and leave the room. This time it was Zaki who blocked her way out. "Jahaara..Arzoo..you were absolutely right yesterday. I never gave any reason for my brother to trust me. But I'm going to turn a new leaf now. I'm going to start over. From today I'm going to do my best to be my family's strength. Not someone they would be ashamed of. This is my promise. To you and to my family."

Alvira sighed in relief while Arzoo looked at both the brothers, standing side by side. For the first time they looked like brothers. A team. The team that played tag with her. Her eyes turned round as if Zaki's words had shocked her out of her wits. "Did you tell your brother that you are going to make that promise to me Zaki? Did you take his permission? After all, I'm a gold digger and who knows what I will do with that promise of yours."

"Jahaara.."

"Are you done?" Sahir's voice overrode Zaki's like a whiplash. "Are you done with your theatrics?" He came closer. Closer still. Until she could feel his minty breathe on her face. "I want you there at the party. The client wants to meet your team and he will meet your team. The whole team. Including you."

"And I'm to introduce myself as what? Your intern or the collateral damage?"

With a rough growl, he swiped his hand across the counter, causing the coffee mugs to crash to the floor. Whirling, he turned and stalked away like the hounds of hell were chasing him. Leaving behind a stunned silence. Zaki was the first to recover. As Arzoo walked away from the kitchen, she heard him asking,

"Ammi, what happened to Sahir bhai's hand? He has a bandage."

"Hand? What happened? I don't know. He never said anything."

She didn't wait to hear more. No one knew how he got hurt. No one even noticed until now. Because they don't care? Or because he doesn't share? Where was his wife?

****

Teri pyari pyari surat ko kisiki nazar na lage..Chashmebaddoor..

Arzoo grinned as Asharfi continued to repeat Chashmebaddoor like a broken record. "Thank you Asharfi. Enough now. Go and get some sleep. Goodnight."

Chashmebaddoor..

"Asharfi, come here." Arzoo extended her hand and the parrot obediently trotted on it. "Will you tell me something? Please?" Asharfi cocked its head. "Who taught you these songs? You're my best friend Asharfi. My only friend right now. Can't you share with me? Who taught you?"

Gabbar Chaudhary.

Arzoo sat up slowly. The smile disappearing from her face. "Sahir sir taught you?"

Ghayal Gabbar Chaudhary. Dr Arzoo.

"I wish I knew what is going on Asharfi. I'm tired. So tired. And I hurt. I don't know what to think and what to believe anymore. My ears are hearing one thing, my eyes are seeing something totally different. My mind is saying one thing and my heart is screaming another. I'm stuck Asharfi. So badly stuck."

****

Next day evening, the party was on full swing. The terrace of the Saiyyara office had been decorated with strings of lights and colorful flower bouquets. Music played in the background which had a few of the guests swaying to it while the waiters efficiently moved around serving refreshments to everyone. Buffet dinner was arranged to a side and the spicy aromas from the dishes wafted in the air.

"I still don't understand. We never celebrated anything all these years and now out of the blue.." Kurti apa couldn't stop muttering to herself as her eyes took in the festive surroundings.

Anam rolled her eyes. "It is not just any deal Kurti apa. It is THE deal. And Sahir got it without Zaki having to marry Samaira. No wonder Zaki arranged all this."

"But now Zaki is back to running after that bakri. Khuda help us all! Is there a scarcity of girls in this huge city that both the brothers have to run after the same bakri?"

Anam smirked. "And looks like Zaki doesn't mind that his brother has sampled her first."

Kurti apa scowled. "No matter what tricks that bakri tries, she is so not going to get her hands on Sahir. I won't let him forget Zeenat so easily. Mark my words."

"You know what I feel? This party is like counting the chicks before the eggs hatched. Rahman signed the deal but the Singapore guys are yet to get back na. Who knows what they will say!" Anam shrugged carelessly and waved her hand carelessly. "Don't think so much about Arzoo Kurti apa. After tomorrow Arzoo and her family will be out of our lives forever."

Kurti apa looked interested. "What did you do Choti begum? Care to share?"

Anam grinned. "Just enjoy the show Kurti apa. Just sit back and enjoy the show."

****

Linda waited until the client left their group before turning to Arzoo. "He is right Arzoo. Your design was the best. And just imagine the bride is going to wear that for the actual wedding. Your design will be showcased in all the fashion magazines.."

Arzoo allowed herself to smile. "Yes Lindaji. It felt really good to know that my work has been approved and appreciated by so many. Gives me a lot of self-confidence." Her eyes lost their smile. "Now at least I know that when I venture into the world outside Saiyyara, I can have a future. I can make something of myself." Her eyes fell on Zara, who was engaged in an animated conversation with the client. "And looks like even Zara is finding her footing."

Linda noted the lost look on Arzoo's face and tried to cheer her up. "Now I don't need to worry about what I should wear for my wedding. You will design my dress."

"You're getting married Lindaji?"

Linda shrugged. "Nothing fixed yet but he is right now in Australia on some project work. Once he gets back.." she smiled shyly. "He doesn't want to wait anymore."

"But..your ex? I mean..your son.."

Linda's smile turned wry. "I'll never know why he married me. All he ever wanted was the money I had earned. After he left, it had been almost impossible to trust another man. But.." Her face perked up as she shrugged and smiled.

Arzoo hugged her friend. "Allah knows I'm so happy for you Lindaji. You deserve all the joy in the world."

Linda hugged her back. "I think you do too Arzoo."

Arzoo pulled back and hesitated before plunging ahead. "Lindaji, can I ask you something?" Linda nodded. "Did you see Sahir sir's wife at any time? How does she look? I mean, she must be beautiful na.."

Linda looked confused. "Whoa Arzoo. Sahir sir is married? I didn't even know that. I have been working here for the past six years. I thought he was a bachelor. How do you.." Just then someone called her and she hastily excused herself and left Arzoo alone with her thoughts.

****

Zaki saw Arzoo walking away from the party. She looked lost. Almost scared. Arms wrapped around herself, feet slightly dragging. His frown of concern deepened as worry crept in. What happened? Did someone say something to her? Did she remember her attack again? He had read quite a lot about PTSD. It could hit a person anytime with little or zero provocation. Was that what happened? But she didn't look scared. She looked..lost. The light in his eyes dimmed. His Jahaara was hurting. And all he could do was stand and watch helplessly. He would never forgive himself for the role he played in that but he would do whatever needed to bring the old Arzoo back. The one who was quick to smile and always greeted a new day with a fresh streak of optimism. Determined steps took him in the direction she had disappeared. The party was going on smoothly. His presence wasn't needed. If nothing else, he would make sure she reached the outhouse and her ammi was there to take care of her. He saw her as soon as he got down from the steps. Saw her miss her step, stumble and go down on her knees with a small startled cry.

"Jahaara!" Concern overrode the natural caution that he had learnt to exhibit in her presence so as not to spook her. He ran the short distance and bent to hold her shoulders in support. She stiffened and in the next second screamed in terror.

****

Sahir sat at the place where he had known peace for the first time in longer than he could remember. The place where not long ago he had let go of everything and gave in to his feelings. He leaned back on the porch and closed his eyes tiredly. The deal was done. Signed. He should have been out there celebrating. He should have been relieved. But all he felt was this..this..emptiness. Will he ever find peace? Did he deserve it after everything he said and did? He rubbed his palm over his aching heart. Would he ever feel her that way again? Resting against him. Trusting him. Loving him.

Yeh humara wada hain..khud se, aap se aur Allah se..ki hum aapse aur aaphi se mohabbat karenge.

A lone tear slid and disappeared into his hair. She had given him the one thing that he had been craving for. Unconditional love and acceptance. And what did he do? Collateral damage. He made her the collateral damage.

"Arzoo..Come back to me. I..I need you." His heartfelt whisper went unheard. "I'm tired. Tired of carrying this burden of Zeenat's secret and my past alone. I'm tired of living this lie. Stuck in a relationship that's nonexistent and yet unable to move on. I need you Arzoo."

He remained that way until the distant sounds of the music from the party upstairs was suddenly broken by a scream. Jerked out of his painful reverie he was up on his feet and running before it ended. "Arzoo!" And then he saw her. On her knees, with her arms crossed over her face. And Zaki crouching beside her. One lunge and he was in front of her.

"Arzoo, Arzoo, look at me. LOOK at me Arzoo!"

She lowered her arms slowly. Her breath was still shuddering out of her in rapid succession. He almost came apart at seams at the stark terror in her eyes. He forced himself to relax and extended a steady hand to her. Once again demanding she let go of her fear and grab the reality. And she did. She grabbed the sleeve of his shirt as she fought with her fear in order to embrace the reality.

"S-Sahir."

He nodded. "Yes. Sahir. You're safe."

She nodded and the fear slowly started to fade from her eyes, leaving her face stark and pale. He helped her stand up, made sure she was stable before turning and grabbing Zaki's collar. "What the hell did you do to her Zaki?"

Zaki, who had been watching the whole exchange looked at his brother as if seeing him for the first time. Whatever his brother felt for Arzoo it was not hatred. Definitely not hatred. The cold unemotional ruthlessness that had been a part of his brother all these years was nowhere in sight and he was seeing the real Sahir for the first time. And what he saw shook up his foundations.

"Bhai, I didn't do anything. She was walking, stumbled and fell. I was just trying to help her."

"S-sir?" Sahir let go of Zaki. "Sir, Zaki..Zaki is telling the truth. It-It was not his fault. I-I just..he came from behind and I didn't think." She looked weary. The burst of adrenalin had drained and she was crashing. "I'm sorry Zaki."

Zaki shook his head. "It's OK. I shouldn't have come so suddenly. It's my fault. Are you hurt?" Arzoo shook her head in negation. "Shall I walk you till the outhouse?" She shook her head again. And as Zaki watched, she turned and walked off towards her house while his Sahir bhai stood there in stoic silence, fighting the urge to go after her.

That's it for now. Hope you all liked it. Do let me know. Positive comments / negative comments ..sab kuch chalega. Happy Weekend.

Originally posted by: Suvika.

Thanks for posting this a day before its due - Sunday I think you had decided 😊 Much needed given what has been happening the past couple of days...

Sahir loosened his tie and smiled. It was the smile of a shark just before it took the first chomp of its prey.

WOW!! What a dhamakedaar closing 👏 This is how it should have been and it looks so easy and natural the way you have done it! I don't think we will get a closure to this anyway in the show now. They have all conveniently forgotten the deal 🤢

****

How had she been so wrong? Had she been wrong?

Try as she might, she couldn't forget that Alvira aunty had given her the kangan along with her blessing without mentioning a word about Sahir's first wife. Yes, she was a mother but wasn't she a woman first?

For the first time they looked like brothers. A team. The team that played tag with her.

"And I'm to introduce myself as what? Your intern or the collateral damage?"

With a rough growl, he swiped his hand across the counter, causing the coffee mugs to crash to the floor. Whirling, he turned and stalked away like the hounds of hell were chasing him. Leaving behind a stunned silence.

She didn't wait to hear more. No one knew how he got hurt. No one even noticed until now. Because they don't care? Or because he doesn't share? Where was his wife?

Need I say again this is perfect - Arzoo's dilemma, the questions tearing her apart, the tension between the two, the coming closer, the going apart. 👏

And you have redeemed Zaki! 👏

****

Teri pyari pyari surat ko kisiki nazar na lage..Chashmebaddoor..

Who taught you?"

Gabbar Chaudhary.

Arzoo sat up slowly. The smile disappearing from her face. "Sahir sir taught you?"

Ghayal Gabbar Chaudhary. Dr Arzoo.

"I wish I knew what is going on Asharfi. I'm tired. So tired. And I hurt. I don't know what to think and what to believe anymore. My ears are hearing one thing, my eyes are seeing something totally different. My mind is saying one thing and my heart is screaming another. I'm stuck Asharfi. So badly stuck."

This is sooo sweet. What a song choice! 😆 I can just imagine Sahir singing it to Asharfi 😆 He would have a soft, sweet, sad smile on his face

And the dilemma does not leave her - rightly so!

****

Now at least I know that when I venture into the world outside Saiyyara, I can have a future. I can make something of myself."

"And looks like even Zara is finding her footing."

"You're getting married Lindaji?"

Arzoo hugged her friend. "Allah knows I'm so happy for you Lindaji. You deserve all the joy in the world."

Linda hugged her back. "I think you do too Arzoo."

Arzoo surely needs a friend and you have fitted Linda beautifully in that role.😊

****

Sahir sat at the place where he had known peace for the first time in longer than he could remember. The place where not long ago he had let go of everything and gave in to his feelings.

He rubbed his palm over his aching heart. Would he ever feel her that way again? Resting against him. Trusting him. Loving him.

Yeh humara wada hain..khud se, aap se aur Allah se..ki hum aapse aur aaphi se mohabbat karenge.

A lone tear slid and disappeared into his hair. She had given him the one thing that he had been craving for. Unconditional love and acceptance. And what did he do? Collateral damage. He made her the collateral damage.

"Arzoo..Come back to me. I..I need you." His heartfelt whisper went unheard. "I'm tired. Tired of carrying this burden of Zeenat's secret and my past alone. I'm tired of living this lie. Stuck in a relationship that's nonexistent and yet unable to move on. I need you Arzoo."

I almost cried at this one...😭 They gave us something similar but never quite the same. He was still questioning himself at that point about his feelings. It would have been lovely to see Harshad enact this on the show but that is not to be 😭

"S-Sahir."

He nodded. "Yes. Sahir. You're safe."

👏 👏 👏

I loved, loved, loved this bit 👏

Zaki, who had been watching the whole exchange looked at his brother as if seeing him for the first time. Whatever his brother felt for Arzoo it was not hatred. Definitely not hatred. The cold unemotional ruthlessness that had been a part of his brother all these years was nowhere in sight and he was seeing the real Sahir for the first time. And what he saw shook up his foundations.

Finally!

Suvika, this was superb! So many things happened in this one. Loved it as always 👏

Am very upset about the show. Looks like we will get to see Sahir only for a little while more now 😭🤢 How badly they messed up a thing of beauty... total waste of everything...

Keep posting!

Originally posted by: Sagi.

Wow Aunty...me first!

Congrats Sagi 😃

Sahir checkmating Rehman was like...hmmm...my favourite cornetto icecream slowly melting till the right consistency till it flows...then Sagi dipping her spoon into it and relishing it slowly, slurping, chewing the intermittent nutty interruptions and then swallowing the whole lot. And then feeling the coldness right upto her stomach.

😆 what a description. Thank you.

Zaki here is really a new leaf. Wonder why can't they expose Sam like that in the serial. Waise that character was just not needed. As I said in another post, she was introduced just to boost the sales of antacid tablets. I am sure.

Serial ki baat mat karo Sagi... I don't know why they decided to make Sahir dance to Rahman's tunes for so long I will never understand. 😡

Aarzoo, with her feet firmly on ground, tries to maintain her distance from her hot boss. They have shown this in the serial, but that Aarzoo isn't grounded as well as yours. Well, she has her eyes set on her future. Too good.

Linda's story is good, something that you introduced here. Liked the way she said, "Impossible to trust a man again..." Maybe this has a future significance? And Asharfi...oh Asharfi. Actually plays cupid. Spills all the beans.

But she did trust again, didn't she?? She has a nice man in her life now and is going to marry him. Goes to show that there is always good along with the bad.

Party main maza aaya. Something like this is totally out of turn for the character of Sahir as shown in the serial. Pata nahi kyoun.

Sahir has no interest in any kind of celebration. It was Zaki's idea and Sahir wasn't even attending it. All he wants is now the final confirmation from Singapore so that he can fulfil his promise. He pushed Arzoo to come because otherwise she will end up searching for a house. He didn't want that.

Wow SO Linda hasn't seen Sahir's wife? Kya baat hain. So will Aarzoo find out? Maybe ask the house servants. Or chupke se follow him? engage a detective? But why is she even bothered?

Why is she bothered.

1. Love and hate are two sides of a coin.

2. You can't switch off love for a person like a tap. It takes time.

3. Her instincts are telling her that there is more to him that he is letting on.

Ab buss. That reminds me. I have to finish the CID-HS writeup.

Saw your post. Will comment in a while. 😊

Sagi