Say my name

Sanam was having a bad day today. A very bad day. In fact the worst day of her life. Hiye Allah why me? She thought to herself. That Aahil was hosting some kind of dinner party for his city friends and Begun Sahiba wanted him to cancel it because she wanted to invite some guests around to talk about his marriage plans. In his head that was way into the future but Begum Sahiba was very old fashioned. But what could he do he would never no to his pyari ammi so his dinner with friends was going to be on another day.

Sanam thought that even though Aahil was educated abroad he could have chosen any girl to be his wife. Such a hypocritical way of thinking. Having fun in a different country doing who knows what and then getting married to a traditional muslim girl. Ok she was jilted on the day of her marriage, but things happen for a reason don't they? Obviously her true love would come her way she was sure of it. A soul mate who would understand her every needs and wants, would make her feel alive and love her unconditionally.

This happens only in fairy tales. Why doesn't anything like this happen in real life?, Sanam wondered to herself.

Sanam looked at the clock it was almost 7.00pm. Lateef was nowhere to be seen and the table had to be laid in the dining room!! "Haye Allah main kiya karu?"

"Lateef, Lateef where are you?", Aahil was coming towards the kitchen.

Sanam turned around and looked at him. She's not here I have to get everything ready for your guests. I'm trying my best here. So if you don't mind."

Sanam didn't like Aahil, she had a few nasty encounters with him since she started work here. She thought he must hate her too, by the way he spoke to her. Like she was some kind of parasite. Well she couldn't forget how he had humiliated her when they first met, he burnt down her dhaba . He made her lose her livelihood. The evil wretch. Now she had the misfortune of being a servant in his house. God was certainly testing her she thought. As soon as she enough money saved she was going to Mumbai and find some work there. She had to because Badi Ammi wasn't well and Haya had to go to a special school.

"Actually I do mind, let me help you with this". he reached over to get one of the serving dishes. It was quite hot. At least he didn't drop it.

UAahil never really understood girls at all. He was a player. By that didn't put girls off his charm and sweet talk. His bedroom was Ashram to all his conquests. Photos with ratings out of ten. When Sanam was tidying his room she came across some red knickers. She looked at him with disgust. Aahil snatched them off her and threw them in bin.

Since Sanam had been there he was beginning like her. He couldn't quite describe it really. Her food was amazing, ok she still had to master continental dishes. But that would come in time. She treated everyone with respect and always got on with her work without any complaints. A very traditional type of girl with no airs or graces. He wanted to marry someone like her one day. But maybe she could be the one...That thought had crossed his mind a few times.

His mother wanted him to marry a girl who had been educated overseas or had been born abroad to match his calibre, but his mother's hopes were too high. Foreign girls wanted a comfortable and easy life, shifting to India would be like living in the dark ages.

"Umm thank you Aahil for helping me today. If only Lateef hadn't disappeared to I don't know where.", Sanam managed to say after the guests had left.

Fortunately for Aahil the girl he saw wasn't to his liking, Ammi didn't like her that much either

"It's not a problem Sanam, he replied. Lateef had to go home for a few days her Mother isn't well."

"Oh I hope that she ok. God willing". Sanam answered back softly. She didn't realise she was crying and wiped away the tears. She hurriedly put the last of the dishes away in the kitchen and was about to leave for bed. She didn't want Aahil to see her in this state.

Aahil followed her into the hallway. "Sanam what's wrong?"

"Nothing Aahil, I just...it's really late,

"I know you've been crying", he faced her and wiped the tear streaks off her face.

Sanam found herself looking into his dark haunting eyes. They were not eyes of an arrogant Lord of the manor, but of a man who was genuinely concerned and worried. "I was just thinking about my Ammi, if only she was here with me. If only both Ammi and Abu were alive today". Then she started crying again.

Aahil pulled her into a hug, "my poor beautiful Sanam, don't worry you've got me now. I'll look after you".

Samantha pulled away from his embrace. What was she hearing from this man. She couldn't quite believe it. Was he saying this out of spite or ...

"Aahil yeh aap kiya keh rahe ho mujhse, I don't understand. She looked at him in a confused manner.

"Sanam, isn't it obvious. Look I can't believe either. I've fallen in love with you. I don't know why or how. I love you Sanam. That's it. I love you. It's always been you".

"Aahil please don't try and mock me because I'm your maid", she said angrily

"Sanam, he cupped her face in his hands and bent forward to kiss her.

Sanam turned her head, 'No Aahil you can't love me, you can't do this to me!"

Aahil was getting angry now. He pinned her against a pillar. "Why not, it's true Sanam. I have feelings for you".

Sanam thought long and hard. She lowered her head and went over everything they shared together. The good, the bad and the downright ugly. Allah is Aahil the one written in my destiny. Is this what you want for me. She thought.

Aahil lifted her face towards him. "I want an answer Sanam. Mera pyar qubool hai ya..?"

"Qubool hai Aahil".

"Yes Sanam. I want my name to stay on your lips forever". Then their lips touched each other and it felt like the gates of heaven had opened.

The End