SaHil SS: HOPE - Thank-You-Note - Pg 13! - Page 4

That was a mind-blowing update Mahu!! 👏 And a big big thanks to you for granting us readers the wish of a longer update ❤️

Your banners are really beautiful, so apt pictures you've chosen 👍🏼

The psychiatrist sessions are amazing... You've described every minute detail so well... The choice of words, how Sanam is very carefully nudging him to reveal what has affected him so deeply... How he is trying desperately to keep up the faade of one of the toughest cold souls... How she has witty responses to everything he says... I'm impressed by how determined she is...

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

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

It had been one month and a half and still Aahil found it hard to open up to her.

Those flashbacks show a lot of pain... Poor Aahil... Who had kidnapped him? I wonder was it his stepmother... 😡

And Aahil IS affected by her, eh? 😆 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 past the heavy walls he had surrounded himself in.

Good that Sanam actually managed to meet the General for more information on the mission...

Oh, and the code name - AIR - it's pretty cool... because of the speed he would choose to fly with. 👍🏼

Eagerly waiting for more of such long updates 🤗

Cutie15: Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words. 😳

Muskaan17rocks: Aww, I'm so glad you liked the chapter. You probably meant Sanam and not Zoya, but I totally get what you mean. I am really honored by the kind of feedback I am getting so far. Honestly, I didn't really think I would have such a response to it - I am very thankful. Oh, and thanks for liking the songs. Much love your way. 🤗

Adventure_gurl:I really don't know how to response to your touching feedback. ❤️ I always take each and every word very close to me. Thank you so much, Lovely.

Noesha, Navk & MysticRiver: Thank you so much, guys! 🤗 Much love to you all. I appreciate the feedback and I am honored that you loved the chapter. Hope you'll stay tuned for more.

Darkice7_12: I am so glad you enjoyed it, Lovely. You're such a beautiful soul that whenever I read your name across the comments, it just brings a smile on my face. 🤗 I am happy that you liked the banners, because I tend to take a lot of time whenever I try to put some pics together.. I have always loved a few songs from The Script and came across this one - I thought it would fit perfectly to the chapter. All I can say is: Thank you for always showing support and being a true friend. ❤️

Junoon-e-SaHil: Prags, I've read your comment for at least 5 times already. This is so beautiful, amazing and incredible.. You are always ready to give an honest opinion which really helps me to develop myself. Yay, how awesome are you, that you just provided the real facts about Air Force. I decided to edit it so I get it right. Thanks for that one, Prags. Okay, coming to your comment, I am still finding it hard to comprehend it all. You are one kind and beautiful soul - You really are. 🤗 I cannot thank you enough for giving such a heartwarming comment. I'm so glad you loved the banners, even I love the shadow pic of Aahil. - And you're so right about the second banner.

Okay, confession time.. Reading the word "session" and the way you've used it kind of made me smirk.. You probably know why.. 😆 Two words: Long-live Brotherhood! I know how hard it must be to read the flashback and Aahil's struggle.. It was hard to write as well.. - Prags, thank you for the heart. I am blushing by the kind of response I am having from you. Love you too, girl. You are the person, who has a warm soul. ❤️

Innocentangel4u: No matter how much I thank, it would never cover the real feeling I have whenever I read your heart-touching feedback. ❤️ You are truly one of a kind - always stay that way. I am so relieved how well the part of describing the sessions are being received. I am glad you're liking this Sanam. I wanted her to be patient, calm and open with no hidden layers to her character. Quite the opposite of Aahil... I so thrilled to show different aspects of their bond.. Once again, thank you for the loving comment 🤗

Originally posted by: mahwash22

Muskaan17rocks: Aww, I'm so glad you liked the chapter. You probably meant Sanam and not Zoya, but I totally get what you mean. I am really honored by the kind of feedback I am getting so far. Honestly, I didn't really think I would have such a response to it - I am very thankful. Oh, and thanks for liking the songs. Much love your way. 🤗

Before you read, go check out the Soundtrack of Pirates of The Caribbean. Imagine a mixture of the following two songs. I swear, you'll be having goosebumps when you read the chapter.:
"Marry Me" & "One Day."

** * **

Sanam stepped inside a tall sparkling hall where various men and women could be seen gathered. Waiters dressed in a classic black and white, were skillfully serving drinks and light refreshments. Taking a slight look at her wrist watch, she mentally rewarded herself for being so quick to get ready for tonight's evening.

She slipped her hair to one shoulder and lightly adjusted her cream colored gown she had chosen to wear for the evening. It was simple long sleeved dress with delicate beaded work along the bodice.

"Fancy seeing you here, Miss Khan." A deep voice spoke from behind.

She turned around to meet a pair of brown longing eyes. "Mr. Aahil. What are you doing here?"

Aahil stepped forward, dressed into a black shirt with matching black blazer. "Should I feel offended? It is an evening for Bhopal's elite after all. I had to be here." He responded with a light smirk across his face.

Sanam did not expect to meet him tonight or let alone, see him in a total different light than what she was used to.

"I didn't mean it like that. It's a charity event so it's nice to see you here along with everyone else." She spoke with a brief smile across her face.

He nodded silently thinking that there was something about the way she looked tonight. She wasn't in her usual work clothes, but looked rather sophisticated. - Different but the same. He had been standing by the counter and taking a glance over the Hall, where against his better judgment, had to stop and take a small glimpse at her.

What was it about her, that made him stand still and stare at her in a such intensive way? After all, she was only his therapist..

Hearing a soothing sound flow through the Hall, Aahil couldn't help but speak what he truly wanted even though how much he resisted.

"Dance with me."

It sounded more like a statement than a request which certainly caught Sanam off guard. "I don't think it would be appropriate for me to do so."

"I'm not here as a Nawab nor am I your client tonight. I am here because I, along with rest of these people, have made a difference."

"So you agree that you've done some good to Bhopal and its people."

Aahil stared at her knowing well enough that he had fallen straight into her rhetorical traps. What made him calm was the only idea of finding out what kind of woman his therapist really was.

Without giving a response, he reached a hand forward before taking a small glance at the middle of the hall, watching how couple were swaying elegantly in their own pace.

Sanam bit her lip and slipped her hand into his where he led her to the spot. Placing his other hand on the small of her back, he moved in a respected manner, where she rested her other on his shoulder.

Glancing over his shoulder she took a silent look around where various people were enjoying the evening. The small voice in her head kept reminding herself just who she was dancing with and what Aahil was to her, even though he told her not to.

"Wow.. I must say, very Phantom of The Opera kind of feel.." She expressed looking at the large crystal chandelier hanging from above.

Aahil lowered his eyes into her and watched how her eyes danced with such intensity that surprised him beyond words.

"What's wrong? Don't you like the night?"

Sanam shook her head keeping her face to the side. "Nothing like that."

As the cello played beautifully, they allowed it to fill every aspect of their beings.

".. Perhaps, you're right about the feeling it brings.. Have you ever experienced wearing masks in public, Miss Khan?"

She turned her gaze into his and furrowed her brows. "No, at least not that I am aware of."

Aahil smirked lightly. "So you were always this righteous person to begin with.. Too bad, because I believe that there comes a point in our lives where we all wear masks for one reason or another."

Sanam parted her lips in astonishment, not knowing how to interpret his words. Should she take it as a hidden message or just enjoy the night she came for in the first place.

"I'm sorry, that was inappropriate." She heard him speak in a soft voice.

As the music was slow and tender, it began to evolve into a more demanding pace. It was like the glorious Hall was filled with an enchanting feeling.

Still holding into her hand, Aahil took a step back only to draw her in as they swayed. Trying to match each chord they would hear.

As Sanam tried her best to follow his lead, she mentally thanked herself for not falling straight onto the floor or else it would have been highly embarrassing.

Aahil twirled her around, bringing her closer into him, but making sure to keep a barrier between them. For a slight moment Sanam couldn't help but feel like Cinderella, dancing her heart away with a stranger, who didn't feel like a stranger at all.. He was so familiar.

She didn't know what happened to her, but once closing her eyes, she decided to surrender herself to the moment. To this precious and heartwarming moment while being in the arms of the familiar stranger.

As the music began to get louder by each chord, Aahil turned her around once more, noticing her every move. Graceful moves while being content.

It was almost like every step of hers was light and delicate with an knowingness growing in her heart.

Grasping into her thin waist, Aahil's world began to cloud yet light up at the same time as it no longer was filled with darkness anymore. Or maybe he was simply chasing an illusion, with his heart half open, toward the unknown.

Feeling her hot breathe hit his stubbled jawline, he whispered gently. "Don't worry.. You're safe, it's slow pace from now on."

Sanam blinked slightly once raising her gaze. Something she shouldn't have done. It was like his deep brown eyes were consuming her in a forbidden place where she had no authority over.

Still, she did the mistake to hold his gaze. His eyes... They were deadly, yet innocent..

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" A question rose from his side.

"No.." She responded.

Aahil leaned in before letting her gracefully to the side. "I don't need to have any certificate to read the signs."

Sanam was left staring into his back where he went on to join a group of men. She was left speculating whether he could sense her discomfort? Did she do something? Did she say something without her realizing?

Before Sanam had the chance to carry on with her thoughts, her attention was drawn at the stage ahead of her, where various speeches begun to take place.

"Thank you so much for honoring the evening with your presence. We shall begin with..."

---

As the Charity Event was busy collecting various funds, Aahil loosened his collar of his shirt before stepping outside on a wide balcony. Staring into the still night, he found comfort in the silence.

Sensing someone stand next to him, Aahil took a small look by the corner of his eye. "Here to tell me that I should go and mingle with the crowd?"

"As far as I remember, I was not your therapist but a guest of the evening. Isn't what we agreed on?" Sanam responded taking a small step forward.

His mouth went upwards once slipping his hands into his dress pockets. Here they were, both standing in complete silence but allowing gentle sound of the breeze to fill them in.

Sanam enjoyed staring into the long night. It had been an old habit of hers, ever since she could remember. It somehow helped her to calm her soul and be thankful of life's small wonders.

But a thought began to cease her mind. Did this have the same effect on another person? How could she possibly convince the man beside him, to share the same thoughts as her?

Wishing to share the same thought would perhaps be granted, now that they were both staring at the same sky.

Standing side by side, they watched how the beautiful colors had melted into each other. Red and blue, creating a concept of fire burning into the dark sky.

But what their gazes witnessed had two different meanings in their respected lives. To Sanam it symbolized the warmth and kindness of the wind. Where else all Aahil could see was how the darkness overshadowed the light.

Taking a slight glance to the side where Aahil was too clouded with his thoughts, Sanam tried to read his soulful eyes.

He was slightly mysterious and had a rough aura around him. What really made her surprise was the fact that there was a man behind the mask. Someone who wasn't that bad... Someone who was just stuck at one pace and needed a bit of help in order to move on.

"Doing a bit of analyzing, huh doc?" His deep husky voice interrupted her thought.

Taking one last look at the night, Sanam shook her head. "All I'm thinking about is how I'll get rid of these killer heels."

Aahil moved his gaze at her back, witnessing the sound of her heels clicking into the marble floor.

---

Once arriving home into his bedroom, Aahil hurriedly unbuttoned his shirt as if he was being suffocated. Throwing the black shirt on the bed, he exhaled loudly when he stepped outside the balcony.

Gripping into the steel handle he made sure to lower his gaze. Clenching into his jaw, he no longer felt he had any power of his emotions anymore. His feelings were slipping through his hands like sand.

He was too afraid to hope. Too afraid to let his dream shatter into pieces. Somehow Aahil knew if he raised his gaze, he would be reminded of what had happened to him. A man, who once found peace by flying through the high skies, suddenly felt so small.

Taking a long breath, Aahil carefully raised his brown eyes, noticing how the colors of the sky had mixed together. Most of all, how the radiant glow had overpowered the inner darkness.

Was the sky trying to tell him something or were his own thoughts turning against him?

----------

Three days later, Sanam had another session scheduled with Aahil in the early evening. He had shifted the meeting, making it clear to Sanam that he had a few things to take care of before they could meet.

Seated in the living room and almost opposite of each other, Sanam took a small look through her notebook. As she went through the pages, she couldn't help but bring up the evening they had shared the other day.

"You were different." She spoke without choosing to further elaborate.

Aahil however leaned back into his chair. "So were you. A therapist by day and a stunner by night.. It makes me realize that we're not that poles apart through a few adjustments are required."

Closing her notebook she titled her head. "Good observation, but this is about you."

"I would like to know the person who I am going to open up to, Miss Khan."

"Sanam." She smiled briefly. "You can still call me Sanam."

She knew by doing this was the only way to make him open up and maybe there was nothing wrong with it. Just as long she stayed professional. As long as she did not cross the thin line between right and wrong.

"Very well then. You already know my name and the fact that I moved to Bhopal one year ago. My parents passed away at a car accident when I was small, so therefore I have been living with my Badi Ammi ever since. - before I moved to Bhopal."

"What made you choose the line of work, Sanam?" Aahil asked.

"I guess, I always wished to help people one way or another.. I decided to apply for the course and here I am."

He nodded seeming to catch his attention. "Did you have any other backup plan in case it didn't go well?"

It took a moment before responding not knowing whether she should share the thought which was circling around her mind. ".. I wanted to become a chef. I guess the years of growing up I developed a passion toward cooking. It's what I enjoy the most."

"That would explain why you went on to talk to the chef after the dinner was served."

Sharing a slight look with him, Sanam didn't know if the conversation really was taking place. These few days, this had been the most what Aahil had ever spoken about. Raising a slight eyebrow, she couldn't help but ask. "Were you studying me?"

"Weren't you doing the same?" He raised a brow. "Like I said, Sanam.. I wanted to know who was going to listen to my story. Not everyone should have access."

".. So you won't blame me if I ask you any questions. Because apparently you saw me as I was.. But I didn't quiet see you as someone I thought you were."

His intense eyes were fixed on her. "What did you see?"

Despite of the look she received, she had already decided to say out loud what she had been thinking about ever since returning from the evening. "I saw a man who was both closed yet open.. Secretive.. Mysterious.."

Aahil reached forward for a glass of water and took a sip before responding. "We all have secrets. It's what makes life worthwhile."

Her eyes were very focused on every move he did. "Do you like to be secretive?"

"Maybe... Maybe not."

Sanam remained quiet for a small moment only to ask him something irrelevant. "What's your favorite dessert?"

Aahil furrowed his brows upon the sudden question. "Apple pie - why? What does this have to do with anything?"

Sanam smirked briefly with look of victory ceased her eyes. "Oh, I just wanted to see if you were capable of answering a question with a straight answer. Does it not bother you that someone might have a misconception of who you really are as a person?"

Aahil coughed lightly. "No.. Not really."

As she had observed his body language, she could already tell that something was different. "I'm afraid to tell you that it does matter to you - and it's alright. It's okay to care."

Aahil rolled his eyes. "So, what's the big deal?"

"Aahil.. Do you remember asking me weather I had ever worn masks in public? Well my answer is some point of my life, I might have done it. People tend to do so when they want to hide their feelings or hide the real person they are. It's alright that some do it, as long as it doesn't become a habit or second skin to them." Sanam paused.

"I hope you know how much your brother was relieved by having you back and still alive.. I've seen a lot of people go through something horrible. And they have always managed to defeat the darkness which has surrounded them.. The old clich they say about those who return with bitterness in their heart from being on the battled ground, is not always true. Yes, they are hurt and dealing with their own personal issues - but they will defeat the darkness. They will reach toward the sun. Annd someday, they'll look back and realize how much stronger they really were than what they thought to begin with.. You just need to seek deep inside of you.. I know you can. I know you're different.."

Aahil swallowed moving his eyes back and forth.

Sanam didn't know whether she had spoken too much, but it was necessary to do so. Maybe this way, Aahil would be able to talk about what he had been through. "I've shared you some of my story, now it's up to you to complete the other half. You can choose to do it now, next week or even next month.. But Aahil, remember talking solves the inner discomfort one might have. Not everyone gets the chance." She spoke gently with soft eyes lingering at him.

A silence crept between the two of them. Forcing them to comprehend what was going on.

"What have you read about me before you were signed to be my therapist? What did my report say?"

Sanam inhaled a short breathe. "I had read about your background story along with the medial history. You got a scar on your left shoulder from a gunshot wound. You've been into coma.." She trailed off.

" - Yeah, no need to go into details." Aahil swiftly stood up from his seat and walked toward the window.

"It wasn't only the bad sides of you that I got a chance to read about. It said that you gained medals for your training too. You were brave."

"Being brave didn't get me anywhere. The medals belonged to the Air Force."

Sanam parted her lips slightly before asking. "What happened out there which made you so closed within."

He looked over his shoulder. "Read the report one more time and maybe you'll get your answers."

"I have, but I wish to hear it from you." Sanam stood up from her seat watching how he walked toward the counter to reach for a glass of water.

"I don't want to burden your soul with my damages."

However Sanam stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. "Not tonight. You're stronger than this."

"Tonight I am not." Aahil shook his head, looking at her straight into her eyes. "No one really knows what happened.. What a person might go through.. How life can be so fair yet crucial. Despite of having it all, you're left with nothing."

Watching how his brown eyes reflected the loneliness and pain only made her heart wrench in despair. Sanam moved forward.

"What happened when you were sent off as a pilot.."

A look ceased across his expression as if he was reliving the horrible experience all over again. "All I remember was how they had sent a rescue team to the location..." Aahil moved his eyes the side. "And the next thing I knew, I woke up at the hospital. That's all I remember."

However Sanam was convinced that there was still something he was hiding and not ready to talk about. But it was all she got from him that evening. He refused to elaborate further and she didn't want to pressurize him either. So, Sanam went on to pack her bag and get ready to leave.

A sound of someone coughing filled the living room. "Laad Saab, dinner is ready by the table."

Aahil nodded at Lateef and took a small look at Sanam. "You're welcome to stay for dinner."

She was about to decline, but figured she could get a chance to see him in a different atmosphere. - And the evening they both attended did not count.

"Sure." Sanam said with a smile following him toward the hallway where a long wooden crafted table was set with various meals being cooked.

Sitting down, she noticed how Aahil was rather conscious about the food he ate. At least he took good care of his eating habits.' She thought to herself before reaching out for a plate of chicken.

As they ate in pure silence where the only sound of cutlery moving and glasses clicking, Sanam raised her gaze into the man who was her client.

"I wonder, what pleasure it must give to have dinner like this.." She muttered.

"Did you say something?" Aahil spoke from the other end of the table.

"I said, what's the point of sitting far away and have dinner at a table which is almost the size of a parking lot? Knowing the current situation, you should connect with your brother. Often real conversations happen over a course of meal or a cup of coffee."

He led his eyes linger at her for the longest time before he continued to eat his dinner. "Lateef, please make sure that Miss Khan has something to drink.. She might need it."

And just like the conversation too ended abruptly.

----------

In the following nights, Sanam would find it hard to fall asleep. She would often lay awake thinking about her client's history. In other words, she was having a hard time trying o figure out who Aahil was. Even though it had been several months already, there were still a part of him which was untouched. That did not mean, that they didn't manage to maintain a progression in his personal life.

Sanam sighed staring into the darkened ceiling. Aahil's personality was different from what she had witnessed before.

Too dark.. Too unpredictable.. Too wounded..

A small moment crossed her mind, remembering telling Aahil to either paint, write or do something else in order to empty his mind for the heavy pain he carried around with him for so long.

--

"What's this?" Sanam asked before she was handed a piece of paper in her hand. Aahil sat down on the couch.

"It's my contribution. Drawing a stickman sure made me feel good. - Almost like I forgot what I've been through. I guess, your therapy really worked and sadly it ends here."

Staring into the paper where a stickman along with a building and planes where badly drawn, she tore her gaze away.

"Are you mocking my skills?"

"Who said anything about mocking? I did what you told me to."

--

Sanam swung her legs over and turned on the light of the bedroom and hallway. Walking inside the other room where her desk was placed, she reached for a few files and placed them on the table.

Glancing at a name which was the reason of her restlessness.

"Aahil Raza Ibrahim."

He was such a complex character who had several layers to him. She had to admit, that she had already formed an opinion about him from the very first time she met him. He was arrogant and rude yet charming and tempting..

According to him, it didn't seem to be bothered at all by how he was viewed by others.

Every time Aahil was close into sharing something, he would always end the conversation as if nothing had happened. She had noticed it several times, almost allowing her to categorize it as a some kind of pattern.

Shaking her head, she raised her arms to tie her loose hair in a tight bun and went on to prepare some coffee for herself, knowing it was going to be a long night.

Sanam studied every little detail about him. From his childhood: growing up in a public eye to a father who owned various Bhopal's finest companies - Ibrahim Cooperation. Not only did Aahil take a degree and handle the Family Business but he was also a trained pilot.

Despite of going through the horrible exposition of his step-mother who was only after money, he still had a loving brother. Sanam knew the two brothers could count on each other.

A soothing feeling crept into her mind. She knew very well that Aahil was different. He was trying too hard to portray something he wasn't. Why was that?

She had already seen him in a complete different light at the Charity Event. Still at the back of her mind, she couldn't figure out how the two sides of his personality were so different from one another. He had been a bit mysterious that night but nice with the smirk across his face.

It almost felt like she was solving small riddles given by him.

She glanced up briefly with a thought circling around her mind. Maybe this was a mystery after all..

Despite off the fact that her eyes were getting heavy, she couldn't miss the remarkable person he was. Pages after pages, she kept reading about his pilot course. She noticed how it said that he was almost gone for every task which had been assigned.

As she scribbled down on her notebook, she reached her other hand to take a sip from her coffee, only to find out that the cup was empty.

Sanam leaned back into her chair and sighed deeply. Rubbing a hand on the back of her neck, she cursed herself for staying awake. Not only am I going to have a sore neck tomorrow but also major dark circles.'

Titling her head side to side to untangle the sore muscles, her eyes caught the picture Aahil had drawn, on a small pin board she had on the wall.

Stickman... Building... Plane ...

Did they mean something? Maybe he had just drawn the most valuable things for him? Or maybe it was just her tired mind playing tricks on her?

Starting her career, Sanam had always learned that when someone was in an emotional state, then writing and painting would most likely help to cope with what they really wanted to express. Sometimes, words fail to express the emotional state...

Staying silent for a few minutes, she realized that something still didn't quiet add up in her mind.

"Why would a wealthy man who had everything, risk himself on a battled ground? Push himself far away from his usual surroundings?... What made you take this decision? Who were you running from Aahil?"

** * **

To Be Continued!

There you go, Lovelies. I hope you all enjoyed the read, please do leave a comment and let me know what you thought. <3