SaHil SS: HOPE - Thank-You-Note - Pg 13! - Page 3

Great beginning.. 👏

Lovely!❤️

Wow this sounds so interesting
I like it
Actually loved it
Reading anything on sahil after so long
Feels good
Plz do pm me when you update next
Awesome

OMG!! Is Aahil the one in coma?! 😲 AAAND Sanam is going to be his doctor? Yaayyy

And I loved the scene where he is supposed to locate the missile!! So brilliantly you've described it 👏... I could actually imagine it all 👍🏼

But such a short update, Mahu... Do continue with your long updates soon 🤗

First of all.. Thank you so much for liking the story. I appreciate it very much. I'm sorry for the late response, as I have been very busy lately. I will try to update as soon as I can and see if I can give an overall replay to your kind and encouraging feedback in the next few times. 😳

MysticRiver: Thank you so much for liking the part. 😳

Muskaan17rocks: Aww, I'm so glad you liked the chapter. 🤗 Yeah.. A lot of mystery is going on, which you all will soon get an insight into. I will try to update soon.

Junoon-e-SaHil: Prags, can I just say how much your comment touched me. 👏 Really, it was so wonderful and above all, I feel honored that you shared your story about your father being in the Air Force. You have no idea how I felt when I read that part. I literally had goosebumps. It also means that I need to have important facts into the story - which is quite hard - but I'll try to do my best. 😳

Now coming back to your beautiful comment, I. Am. Speechless... That's why it took me some time to response in the first place. And I've got to admit that even I fell in love with the beginning.. It's YOU who are beautiful inside and out. You sure is a very dear friend, Prags. Always stay that way. ❤️

Adventure_gurl: Thank you, Lovely. I'm really glad it. 😳

Sageflower7: Thanks Sage.. Hope you'll enjoy the next few parts as well. 🤗

Darkice7_12: Thank you so much, Lovely. You always seems to get what I want to portray. 🤗 Let's see how their journey is going to be.. I know, it's a very short update, but I will try to make them longer. I promise the questions would soon be answered. Just stay tuned and enjoy the ride..

Lovesahil: Thank you so much for liking it. 😳

Chicksoup: Thank you, Lovely. You've got a lot of things right.. Rehaan is kind of taking care of business.. Aahil is a soldier and something did happen to him.. A lot of mystery which I promise would soon be unfolded. 😉

Cutie15: Thank you for loving the story. I will definitely try to PM you and make a new update soon. 😳

Innocentangel4u: It's always a delight to read your comments. They are so thoughtful that it really makes you feel good about what you have written. 🤗 Yes, Sanam is going to be there to help Aahil get through something... I'm so glad you liked the scene where he is flying.. I was rather afraid that it wasn't done properly. I've actually made the chapters quite short, but will take a look at it again and make them longer from now on.. Once again, thank you so much for liking the beginning of the story. You are awesome. ❤️

** * **

"Please take a seat as you will be joined shortly." A housekeeper spoke as he disappeared hurriedly in search for the owner.

A woman sat down patiently as her soft brown eyes wandered around the huge palace. Silently admiring the various decorations and paintings, she knew it was a well-known home she had stepped into.

Once hearing a few footsteps approach her, she raised her gaze into a stoic man. She stood up and smiled gently and raised a hand forward to greet him. "Mr. Ibrahim..."

Aahil Raza Ibrahim dismissed the gesture as a silent scowl appeared on his face. "Look, there's no need to go through all the formalities. I do not know who have sent you here but unfortunately, I do not need your help. I can assure you everything as it should be. I am doing fine. You may leave and save yourself some time."

The brunette withdrew her hand and maintained eye contact. "Usually the first sign of help is always denial. But worry not, we have a long journey ahead of us, so hopefully it'll be settled."

"Look miss.."

" - Sanam." She addressed. "Miss Sanam Ahmed Khan. I am here as your therapist, Mr. Ibrahim."

Aahil inhaled a breathe as his level of patience was soon gone. "I think the medical staff did a mistake of sending someone out here. I'm sorry for having you come here in vain." He said just about to leave.

Sanam however spoke, stopping him. "Well, I think a small conversation wouldn't hurt then."

His lips formed a thin line. "Do you know who I am?"

Sanam sat down while making sure she didn't remove her gaze. "I have to be honest, I only shifted to Bhopal a year ago.. But I do know who you are. Aahil Raza Ibrahim - a Nawab of this city and a human being who have done rather extraordinary things both on a personal level and being a public figure."

Aahil let out a bitter laugh as he muttered under his breathe. "Another fan."

"Not really." She shook her head. "I've just quoted the latest article I've read about you. Why don't you go ahead and change the perspective I have about you."

"Not interested." He responded.

"Really? Your body language doesn't seem to agree."

Aahil sighed. "Good observation."

"Still not changed, Mr. Ibrahim." She gestured him to sit down on a chair. "Please."

He stood still yet the scowl he wore remained to be the same.

"I'm here to help you cope with whatever you are troubling with. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't serious or that someone didn't care about you."

Aahil groaned silently. "Miss Khan, I don't think you realize that I have a lot of baggage I carry around with me."

"I'm used to it."

"- Used to pitying people?" Aahil responded with a raised eyebrow.

Instead Sanam remained calm and professional. "Our sessions are weekly based on every Wednesday at 12 am. I assume your housekeeper can lead me inside so I can wait for our one hour session can begin. Right now, I'm going to sit tight and let you release your thoughts, because in all honestly, this is a process of working with yourself too."

"What makes you think that I would be willingly share my thoughts?"

"I have faith that you will. I have had a few who had troubled with opening up which soon developed into an long-term understanding." She assured him.

His eyes were fixed on the woman. "So technically, I can just remain to sit here and wait till the session is over?"

"Technically yes."

"Very well then." He said staring right into her eyes in pure silence.

5 minutes went away.. 10 minutes.. 30 minutes.. long 45 minutes.

Aahil took a glance at his watch as he stood up. "There you have it, 45 minutes went away in a shot."

"I'll see you next time, Ibrahim."

He went on to climb the long set of stairs.

Sanam began to collect her bag in silent.

"Laad Saab don't usually talk much these days." The housekeeper, named Lateef, shared as he guided Miss Khan to the front door.

"I gathered as much. Don't worry, it's about to change. Denial is usually the first step toward acceptance. I'll come around again next week same time." Sanam smiled warmly before walking out of the palace.

----------

However no matter how many times Aahil had called the hospital staff explaining them that he did not need any therapy, it all went unnoticed. They had a high order from someone, telling them that it was only temporarily.

So here he was again, sitting in front of the psychiatrist he met one week ago.

Sanam stared at the man who had not uttered a single word since she had arrived 20 minutes ago.

"Those 60 minutes every week are going to be very long, Mr. Ibrahim."

"Sorry about that. I suggest that you tell the medical staff that I am doing fine."

"Giving up is not my style. I am here to help... Again, those minutes are going to be very long."

"So be it." Aahil answered.

"Spending one hour in silence, tell me what's the fun in that?"

Suddenly an empty look ceased his deep brown eyes.

--

Aahil was driving home one late night as the road ahead of him was rather empty and rarely saw any cars drive by from the other side.

Suddenly, he lost control of his vehicle as a stinging pain went through his left shoulder. Drawing a sharp breath, his car stumbled down the road and hit by a large three in the darkened night. Aahil let out a painful grunt, not noticing how several men clad in black, had surrounded the car. He tried to fight back, but it wasn't enough.

Suddenly a hard hit was landed on the back of his head. Making him pass out cold, not realizing how he was dragged away. Blood stains scattered on the hard cold floor.

-

Location - mysterious warehouse:

A splash of cold water shock Aahils's body awake, who was tied tightly to a chair. He woke up after filling his lungs with ragged breaths.

"Good to join us, Ibrahim."

The pilot, furrowed his brow by the pain his body was feeling. His head felt heavy and was throbbing with pain.

He blinked a few times trying to contain his breathing while figuring out where he was. The vision in front of him still a bit blurry and dark. How many hours were he out for?'

"Where the hell am I?"

A man, whose face was covered, stepped in front and sat down. "You're somewhere far away from your precious city."

"Who are you! What do you want? Do you have any idea who you've messed with?"

"First of all, way too many questions. Of course we know. You think we just blindly took a risk to kidnap the Nawab of Bhopal, who by the way has joined the military too? So, yes, we do know what we're doing, don't we men?" He smirked, taking off the cloth he wore on his face, showing one crooked tooth of his.

The man, named Haroon, let out a sinister like laugh. "You know, I have been thinking.. How do I, a small employee, capture a man like you, who are both powerful and respected.. How do I leave a permanent mark on one of the toughest cold souls? Don't worry, I wouldn't reveal the grand plan just yet, because what's the fun in that?"

Haroon stood up as a smirk grew across his face. "You're welcome by the way. We made sure to patch you up while you were knocked out cold. How are the stitches by the way? I hope I didn't shoot too deep?"

"I don't know who you are. But if you hold your life dear to you, you will release me." Aahil responded as he tried his best to control the pain his left arm was making. He could already feel a tickle of blood run down.

Aahil tried his best to struggle with the roped, but without any luck.

The man leaned close to his ear. "I'll get what I want and there's nothing you or your pathetic Team can do anything about it."

He pressed the back of a gun deep into Aahil's wound where he gritted his teeth together by the sheer pain he felt. He clenched his jaw as tight as he could, trying hard not to scream.. But the pain was too hard to handle.

A painful yell echoed the warehouse.

--

Aahil blinked once realizing that he was back in his living room as a pair of eyes curiously stared back into his. "There's nothing to discuss!"

He stood up swiftly and went upstairs not caring about the woman he left behind.

----------

"Here we are again." Sanam spoke as she watched Aahil sit down on the opposite coach.

"So we are." Aahil spoke glancing down at his watch.

"I saw the look you wore last time I was here. It's always better to talk about what you have been through than to stay quiet."

"Well, I'm not in a talkative mood today, Miss Khan."

"I already knew you wouldn't be able to talk about your personal issues.. Let alone about the trauma you had been through. No one are ready to open up so easily, which is understandable."

"What trauma?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly stating as if nothing had happened.

"The traumatic event which has been described in your medical report. You survived it physically but often some are left with emotional scars which are hidden from others. I am simply here for you to release the emotional burden you carry around with you. I'm just here to help, that's all. That's all I offer."

Sanam watched his every move. Every small gesture he did from his eyes and body language.

"I don't need help, Miss Khan. I think you are wasting your time here." Aahil responded once getting up from his seat and walking up to the counter table which was placed in the living room, where they were currently sitting in.

"Maybe some other time, I guess. Once when you are comfortable speaking about it."

Aahil watched for a slight corner of his eye, before he reached forward for a glass of water.

"Would you like something to drink?" He asked.

"No thank you, I'm fine." Sanam shook her head. "How about if I ask you a few questions? Mind if ask about your childhood? Would that be alright with you?"

Aahil was about to decline but agreed eventually as long as he could avoid the other topic.

He took a sip from his glass. "As you can tell, I was born into a Nawab household. My father passed away 5 years ago. Despite of being a mentor to me, he was never happy with my decision about choosing to join the Air Force. This had however, always been my passion for the longest time I can remember. Before you ask, I do not know how and why I had developed such kind of interest."

"But you took a business course as well?" Sanam asked silently making a few notes down on her work-pad.

"Yes, I did take the course but only for his sake. I guess, I couldn't disobey my father at that time. But eventually it did become too much. It was almost like you were playing a role and on the long run, most people would get tired of doing so, - I did too."

"So you ended up joining the Air Force?"

"Yes."

"What about your mother?" She asked watching his reaction very closely.

Aahil raised his gaze into hers. "Which one are you referring toward? The mother who passed away after my birth or the one who turned out to be a psycho killer? The stepmother of mine murdered my father because she wanted to inherit the family business.. And she was one of the reasons why I was held back in joining the Air Force.. Always hated that woman.."

Aahil sighed but caught her how she hurriedly scribbled down.

A light smirk grew across his face as he walked closer and sat down on the couch. "Looks like you haven't done your homework, Miss Khan?"

"Oh, I have. You didn't have a good relation with.. your step-mother. But you did with your brother, Rehan.."

The smirk was slowly replaced by a sad smile across his tired face. "He is my kid brother who I would do anything for. You would have noticed by now that not a lot of people live in this huge palace. Rehan and I might not share the same bloodline, but he is the only real family I have left."

"And you might as well have an idea that he feels the same way?"

"Yes. Rehan has never been good at hiding anything from me."

"Tell me, Aahil.. What do you see when you look at him? The look in his eyes he has whenever your bother speaks about you."

Aahil knew what she was trying to do and fell right into the trap. "He wish to help, if that's what you are trying to imply?"

Sanam nodded, noticing a small glint in his eyes. Almost looked like a spark he was hiding behind the dark brown eyes.

"Yes. Is there anything wrong with that, Aahil?"

"No. I suppose not."

"So, why won't you reach forward? You have to know that it's not a sign of weakness if you share your thoughts. It's only an act of bravery."

Aahil tried hard not to dwell on her words. He placed his glass down on a table in front of him. "I think you're 45 minutes are over, doc."

"Not yet." Sanam responded while noticing a light scowl across his face. Above all, she couldn't stop staring at the dark circles which had formed under his eyes.

She inhaled a short breath and prepared for whatever was coming her way. "Was it your way to control the anger, that you decided to join the Force?"

He furrowed his brows by the sudden question. "I thought psychiatrists had no authority toward judging the clients?"

"I am not judging, but simply asking."

"Me joining the military was out of interest. It had nothing to do with getting a hold of my anger. If I wanted to do that, I would blow some steam off in the gym - which I already do."

"So you do agree with the fact that you did have some sort of anger issues?"

Aahil shook his head. He wondered if she was even listening to what he was saying. "I do not have any issues, Miss Khan. I'm living my life just the way I want. Are we done here?"

"Look.." Sanam remained quiet for a minute before leaning forward. "I'm here to help not to make you uncomfortable or judge you... I have noticed that you have a rather beautiful garden outside. Do you ever get time to spend out there?"

Aahil ran a hand through his hair. "Yes, I do."

"Hmm.. When was that?" She asked.

"Just a few days ago.. I don't see how this question is relevant?"

"Well, as you're not ready to talk about the real matter, so I thought to ask a question. According to Lateef, your housekeeper, you rarely talk with anybody or go outside."

He silently groaned and mentally remembered to have a long talk with Lateef. "I've been busy."

"No, Aahil.. This is called running away. When was the last time you saw sunlight? Actually felt your skin burn by the heat? Took a breath of fresh air and felt the wind caress your senses?"

He raised his gaze and lingered at her soft yet helpful words. There was something about the way she spoke. Almost like her words were taking effect on his being. Was this even possible? Was she slowly trying to move pass the heavy walls he had surrounded himself in.

He blinked vividly. "Are there anything else you would like to ask me, because we've got exactly 60 seconds?"

Sanam leaned back. "I think it's enough for today."

"I suppose you can find your way out yourself." Aahil walked up toward the stairs, leaving the young woman to collect her things in silence.

-----

Sanam sat glancing down at her notepad as she scribbled the date down. It had been two weeks since the conversation she had about Aahil's family. She raised her brown eyes and into the man who was both a Nawab and Pilot. "What made you chose this path of joining the Air Force?"

"I wanted to make a change.."

"You're already a Nawab and having read what you've done so far, you could easily provide a change through your title."

Aahil met her gaze. "I wanted to feel a change in myself."

She nodded slowly. "So, you put your own life on stake knowing well enough that you had a family to come home to?"

"All I had was a brother, where else others had wives and children to come home to."

Sanam couldn't help but admire the man in front of her. "But it doesn't make it less painful."

"No I suppose it doesn't." He said letting the words linger in silence.

Sanam scribbled down as she carefully raised her gaze. "Who were the people that kept you hostage?"

Aahil's shifted slightly in his seat, knowing he couldn't avoid speaking about his experience. "I don't know.. Never saw them in my life."

"Were there anyone who spoke ill of you? You are a public figure, Aahil and maybe someone didn't like the way you were?"

He narrowed his eyes upon the question. "Are you implying I had enemies, Miss Khan?"

"I don't know, Aahil.. Did you ever feel like someone wouldn't like you?"

"I am a nice guy to those who really know me and I think that's important enough for me."

"I was just making sure you knew you the value of yourself too." Sanam smiled briefly at him.

"Look I would like to end the session earlier. I haven't slept for a few days, so I would like to rest a bit."

Sanam nodded knowing well enough that sleep might do good to him.

Nodding silently at her, Aahil went up the stairs and into the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face, hoping it would awaken his tired face.

--

"Remember how I told you that I like to be unpredictable.. Seems like you like to be so too. I actually recall one of your interviews saying: In order to be different you need to be unpredictable and that's who you wanted to be. And we should all follow the great Nawab's words. Therefore, I should follow every step of yours too." Haroon spoke while nodding to one of his men to close the door. He walked closer as a sharp knife played in his hand.

Aahil's head was slumped downwards, trying hard to stay awake. Slowly, his breathing became heavy and slow.

Haroon titled his head to the side and raised Aahil's face. "Let's see if you like the side of me of being... unpredictable."

Did you break but never mend? Did it hurt so much you thought it was the end?
Lose your heart but don't know when..

Well did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light?
Did you feel the smoke in your eyes?
Did you? Did you?

--

Aahil slammed the cabin door shut as his reflection came into view. A flash of anger ceased his deep brown eyes. He reached to place a flat hand against the cold tiles, breathing hard with eyes closed. Despite of not showing his real emotions, he was hurting.

Swallowing with difficulties, he reached forward for a white bottle and swallowed a small pill. Hoping it would calm his senses.. Hoping it would just wash away the restless memories which were crashing down upon him.

Hoping it would lay him to sleep just for a small while..

Raising his tired gaze, he caught a red scar across his forehead. Engraved..

Seems like some things won't fade away.'

----------

Sanam arrived at the highly secured felicity where she sat waiting. She had called in a meeting with the Air Vice Marshal, hoping she could get some light into Aahil's case. Despite of reading the medical report, she still had a few questions about what really happened at the mission.

It had been one month and a half and still Aahil found it hard to open up to her. She on the other hand, understood fully that it was never easy speaking about a event which you rather would suppress.

A sound of a door being opened brought her out from her thoughts. Sanam stood up and reached a hand forward to greet the Air Vice Marshal.

"Hello, Mr. Khalid. I'm thankful for trying to get some time out to meet. I appreciate it."

The stoic and elder man nodded in a respected manner, before sitting down. "It's a pleasure, Miss Khan. I can understand that it's about Ibrahim."

"Yes. I'm currently working on his development. I had a few question regarding the mission he was on before the kidnapping happened. What kind of man was he once being off-base."

"I, along with the unity we have around, would call Ibrahim by his code name - AIR, because of the speed he would choose to fly with. Not all would have the kind of trust and passion toward any aircraft. - But Ibrahim did. We had an agreement of not focusing on the title he had as a Nawab but treat him as any other pilot of the unit." He paused.

"Ibrahim was and still is a remarkable pilot. Despite of having the odds against him, he managed to fulfill each task with a profound feeling. He was very serious and did everything very thoughtfully. I suppose it was his passion after all."

The Air Vice Marshal watched how she nodded with a thoughtful look on her face.

"Miss Khan, allow me to ask are there anything particular you would like to ask about or are in doubt about?"

The question caught her off guard. "Well, I would like to ask what happened on the mission he was sent off to."

"I cannot talk about what happened. It's up to my pilot to discuss the matter. What I can tell you is that Haroon, the kidnapper had sent a video. That's all I recall... It was a very dreadful moment to experience even though how much you prepare your soldiers and pilots."

--

"We have received a video from an unknown source. It could be from him, sir."

Serious gaze were drawn to a wide screen into the military facility. The Air Vice Marshal nodded at his team-member.

"Play the video, Kabir."

Pressing a few buttons, opening the folder, a video started to play. A black and white footage began to move.

Rehan took a step forward once recognizing the his brother's defeated posture, sitting on a chair while being tied. From what he could gather, bruises were evident on his body and face.

"I've got to say this. Your solider here doesn't look quite good. Maybe you should send him back into training again, - If he survives this.. He's already in a bad shape." A deep robotic voice spoke.

A hint of anger and helplessness ceased across Rehan's eyes.

Haroon, whose face was covered, stepped in front of the camera. "It was rather easy tracking Mr. Ibrahim down. Anyways, I'm sure you're all waiting for the main motive of kidnapping The Nawab of Bhopal, so listen very carefully. Have 3 million ready by the end of the week. I suggest you take my words very seriously if you wish to see your Nawab alive.. He is bleeding out. You're the only one who can help him. Take him away from all these sufferings.."

"Don't listen to him.. He's -" Aahil never got the chance to finish, before a kick was landed in the gut. Sounds of groaning filled the dreadful video.

"I don't think you're in any condition of speaking. I suggest you keep your energy intact. You might need it, if your dear team abandons up."

The man turned his attention back on the camera, looking straight into the lens. Feeling like he was looking at each person staaning in the felicity.

"Rehan.. I know you have the money staked up already in the back account. If you keep your end of the bargain, I'll keep mine."

A loud laugh began to echo. "Because if you don't then we all know what's going to happen."

Making a final gesture of a gun being trigged off, the video ended.

--

"Based on what he has been through, he deserves his share of peace. He thinks that winning his battles in silence, would perhaps heal everything. But sometimes, it's the opposite that helps and other drowns." The Air Vice Marshal spoke.

"Ibrahim... had a spark in him which I saw the very minute he signed the course. He always wanted to make a change and that's why he is still fighting his journey... I wish the Air Force could provide more help, but you've already providing the right kind of counseling he needs."

All Sanam could do was nod understandingly. He did have a severe experience after all..'

** * **

To Be Continued!

Hello Lovelies. I hope you enjoyed the slight long chapter. I will update sooner this time, as almost everyone have left the Forum. But I still hope, you'll stick around to read the story. ❤️

The song I used is: "Flares" by The Script.

This was super awesome
Aahil is really having a hard time
And sanam is so patient with him
He has kinda started liking her.. And i guess he'll open up to her soon
It was very interesting
I wanted to read more and more
Loved it

Amazing chapter

amazed at your talent for each story you write, very well done yet again, take a bow my dear!

Thanks for the PM, Mahwash! And for the super long update!

Loved the banners. It takes a particular talent to choose such meaningful pictures for these, and they both look gorgeous. 👍🏼

And the song choice . . . . . . such a deep song. I actually looked it up and loved it. Great choice!

Now, on to the chapter. The flashbacks to his suffering were hard to read. To see his history and what the poor guy suffered through. . . you wrote it really well. so much so that it hurt my heart to see poor Aahil suffering so much. 😭

but he has Sanam, and she'll be there for him. I'm liking the gradual buildup of their relationship. Hopefully we'll see trust grow on his part and see him share.

Great job! 👏

Update soon!