Akdha FF: Feast of Memories (On Hold) - Page 5

Originally posted by: divyaJA

Our hero is in full mood to impress his heroine

Both are too good

Superb update

Yup, Jalal is all set to win his lady love 😉

Originally posted by: sajwan07

Thanks for the update dear.. amazing as usual.. quite interesting and a different story line.. really enjoying it.. let's see how our jalal wins back his heer..😉

this story reminds me of rose and storm.. feels like it's kind of a spin off.. in modern era.. wonderful work.. keep going..👍🏼

It reminds me too of my first baby. Although I am trying to make it a little different but I can't shake off how much I like their chemistry in that FF.

Jalal is definitely not backing down. Now, more so than ever he's decided because she did admit that she knows it is different with him.😉

Congratulations,👍🏼🤗

A very interesting FF and well written.

There are many unsettled phenomena in the world, why shouldn't there be reincarnation.

So far, science cannot explain everything.

I am looking forward to the next updates.

Thanks for the effort.👏

[/ QUOTE]

I'm so so happy to see your comment.

True. Science can't explain everything.

Thank you so much. I'm glad you're liking the story. 😳❤️

I’m falling for this Story...Dear

Beautifully written👏

What should i say, every now n then it reminds me of previous one. i went on comparing both if them and it feels like those are the past of these two😳

Well here Jalal is all set to impress her with his charms and he already pretty much succeded in that along with impressing her family. The day is not far then that she falls for him, not sure though how n when but waiting for that for sure😳

WOwo unexpected date ❤️
Hug ufff😆

Really very nice upadte...that vikrant is just so stupid....hahaha🤣

It was such a beautiful update..!!

I really liked the fact that both of them never hesitate to express themselves.. whether it's our jalal who is so upfront about his feelings or our jodha who never shy away to express what she feels..

And then there is this warm fuzzy feeling that never leaves me whenever i read about them..❤️

thanks for this update.. i am already falling for this story just like the previous one..

Originally posted by: AliChase

It reminds me too of my first baby. Although I am trying to make it a little different but I can't shake off how much I like their chemistry in that FF.

Jalal is definitely not backing down. Now, more so than ever he's decided because she did admit that she knows it is different with him.😉

yes.. i too can't shake off the previous chemistry but this one feels different maybe because of the modern backdrop.. really can't wait to see how this one unfolds itself.. thanks for coming back with such a fascinating plot..🤗

Chapter 11: A Little More

I was excited. All of us had worked on this for an year. It was the launch of our newest product.

“Boss, it is set.” My assistant assured. I took a shot of Vodka to still my nerves.

“Wish me luck.” I told her.

“Boss, I always wish you luck. My job is in danger if you’re not in good luck.” She answered. Wow. Even my own assistant gives me sass.

“Remind me to make sure to give you a lesson on how to speak to your boss.” I teased her.She laughed.

“Let’s face it. No other girl is going to last 20 minutes in your presence. Hence, the efficiency is highly reduced. We both know that I’m here because I’m efficient in my work.” She prided herself for that. I’d admit. She’s an amazing assistant. I haven’t seen her ever say ‘impossible’. She knows how to get things done. I can call her up and say I want a reservation in the busiest restaurant in the city right now and she’ll get it done with a click of her fingers. I’d credit her for helping me keep up with eight projects. “Also, your sweetheart is here with her boyfriend.”

“Can we not speak of Vikrant right now? I don’t need distractions.” I told her.

“J, I want to tell you something.” She started. I nodded.

“Ankit Khurana. I’m not sure he has good intentions. Although I have no proof of it but some where I’m being told that he does plan to take over Singh Corporation.” She told me. I looked at her in surprise. After yesterday’s conversation, I had thought of leaving the project to Jodha and not personally taking care of it. Now, she’s telling me this.

“Tania, see I trust you as much as myself but we can’t accuse him of something like that in front of Jodha without proof.” I told her.

“Ankit Khurana’s assistant is one of my mutual friends. So, casually over dinner we were drinking with our friends. Naturally, everyone started boasting on how we are the best ones in the robotics and tech companies. I took in the praises but it didn’t well with him. He started boasting that very soon they’ll become the richest companies considering they’ll have Singh Corporation in their side. I assume that Ankit Khurana is working up on this relationship that Singh and Vikrant have.” She told me.

“I swear, Tania. You have to give me ground shattering news right before my big moment.” I groaned.

“Superstar,I told you this because I know you care for her. Secondly, you can mess up anything but this.” She assured. “Now, go and set the stage on fire. Not literally.”

I jogged up the stage. I saw Sam, ammi and abbu sitting at the front. There was applaud. I gave my million dollar grin.

“Hello,Hello, Hello.” I started, “The first time ever I had come across machines was when I was 10 years old. It was when I had been introduced to proper machines.Since, then they had become a part of my interest. In this century, where most of our work is done with the help of machines, let me introduce Reload. The application that we all have worked on for an year now.” I then began explaining the application and its working. “Available in over 600 languages in the world, the command can be given in any language and Reload would catch the command. Your own robotic assistant with the household.”

There was aloud applaud. I gave a dramatic bow.

“Thank you everyone. Now comes my favorite part.” I said, “Party. Dinner, drinks and music.Let the night begin.”

I jogged off the stage. Tania grinned at me.

“Awesome,boss.” She gave me a hi-five.

“Perfect, Jalal.” Anwar gave me a hi-five. Parth, Nikhil and Vishal were my best friends.They hi-fived me. Abdul, Parth, Nikhil, Vishal and I were the closest people.

“Be honest,J. You actually dressed in a suit for Bhabhi. Or else, this ass dressing up informals is almost impossible. Last time he dressed in formal was his internship meeting.” Vishal commented. I guess it was my life somehow that I was meant to find people who were closest to me in previous life. I used to hear that people closest to you in previous find their way to you. So, did Birbal. Or Parth, as he was known now. He didn’t really know about that and I didn’t try to disturb him with the truth. We almost grew up together. It was the most fun childhood.Although he was a different person with different name, it didn’t change his clever answers.

All the boys laughed at my expense.

“What matters is that Bhabhi was definitely impressed. I’m proud of that, man. You’re hope for all the men in the world who’s crush already has a boyfriend.” Parth commented. I laughed.

“I try, Parth. I try my best.” I gave air kisses to imaginary people around. Everyone laughed.

“Anyway, boys. I’ll go see her.” I told them.

“Don’t disappear for drinks. We also have a round of poker with drinks and party.” Nikhil reminded me.

“You got it.” I said walking backwards. Black trousers, black vest and blazer with white shirt and locket hanging. I can’t do that tie so I left the bow tie open to make it look fashionable. I looked around and found Jodha with Vikrant. He was in a tie-suit. I walked up to him.

“It is a wonderful launch, Mr Ali Sheikh.” Jodha told me with a smile.

“I’m glad to have impressed you.” I winked with a smile. She chuckled.

“Sir, should I take a photo?” Tania showed up. Of course, my people will find their own way to get in between. I nodded. Vishal stood on other side of Jodha. I signaled to Parth who was nearby. He grinned and gave me ‘you got it, dude’ look. He walked up to Vikrant.

“You’re Vikrant Khurana, right?” Parth came up, acting as he was so starstruck at seeing Vikrant.

“Yes.” He answered.

“I saw your modelling portfolio.” Parth said. Jodha and I walked a little away and Tania took a picture of us together.

“I should admit, Jalal Ali Sheikh and a suit go really well together.” Jodha said with a smile.

“Drink?” I asked her.

“Well, a celebratory champagne would call for it.” She answered. I clicked my fingers and the waiter showed up. I took two glasses and gave her one and took another one.

“To the launch of your new project.” She said.

“Cheers.” We said in unison.

“It is actually impressive. I have hardly seen people finish projects in a year.” She added. Her smile was almost muting anything she was saying. She had worn a beautiful saree. It was chrome and black printed saree with vintage border and a multicolored printed blouse. Long hanging earrings, her diamond ring on her forefinger and bracelet. Her other hand having black watch. Her hair left open. A gold waist belt on her waist. Her saree teased a bit of her waist.

“You look really beautiful.” I complemented her. She gave a shy smile.

“Thank you.” She had that ever-present comfortable look in her eyes. I don’t know why I’m so comfortable around you. She looked down, shyly blushing at the compliment. It took almost all control not to interlace my fingers in hers and kiss her. I gave her a tiny look alike of the ship she used own which was her favorite ship ‘Rahimi’ as a gift after the dinner we had together. It took sometime to make it but I managed. The way her eyes lit up when she saw that was beautiful. She didn’t remember much but her smile was enough to light up my world.At that moment, I knew one thing. I would be able to live if she didn’t remember what we had at all as long as she’d hug me like me hugged me that night. She took up the comfort that she felt in my hug. She didn’t remember or understand but she still felt the same safety with me that she did years ago.

“I can’t believe that we actually are here.” She complained.

“Trust me, it will be fun.” I assured her while holding the firearm in my hands.

“We’re here hunting. I’m not a huge fan of killing innocent animals.” She commented. I gave her a look.

“Heer,a man-eating tiger is hardly innocent. He is eating people of the village. It is almost terror.” I reminded her.

“Why do you have to bring me into all this, Shehenshah? You know I’m not fond of hunting. Ruqaiya begum enjoys it, you could have spared me the guilt of hunting an innocent animal.” She complained.

“Heer, I’ve sat through that four hours of stupid play for you. You can do this for me.” I reminded. She looked at me incredulously.

“You’re comparing a play of Laila-Majnun with hunting?” She couldn’t believe. I nodded a yes and she rubbed her temples. I heard a growl and silenced her. The predator prey was nearby. Heer steadied her own firearm. It is just one chance.You either hunt or miss and die at the hands of the tiger. Suddenly, the tiger pounced. It was almost as fast as lightning. Jodha shot her firearm in fear and the tiger pounced up on her. I instantly shot the tiger and it fell down. Quickly, I ran up to her.

“Are you alright?” I asked her in panic. She just instantly wrapped her arms around me. She was scared. I hugged her and rubbed her back assuringly.

“Itis fine.” I assured her.

“I… I…” She was close to crying, still having to reel from the fact that she had almost become prey to a man-eating tiger.

“It is alright. I’m here.” I assured her.

It felt a little hurtful that although I remember everything, she had no clue. The most beautiful moments that we had shared were not even in her mind.

“Though what is more surprising is that I’ve got to see Jalal Ali Sheikh in a suit.” She said. I just smiled at her. At least she was smiling with me. She was holding my hand. I don’t think she realized that she was holding my hand.

“Jodha…” Vikrant came up. She put his hand on her back and began to take her something. Her hand left mine. I could instantly feel the loss of it. I looked at my hand which she was holding. I looked up. She was looking at me. The look in her eyes, I could never forget.

“I love you. Do come back soon. I’ll miss you.”

She would always have that look when I went on wars and she’d watch me go off.

“Of course,I want you to miss me. I don’t want to be the only one dreaming about you. How unfair would it be that I’ll be waiting for you in my dreams and you wouldn’t see me at all.” I’d tease her.

“Just a moment, Vikrant.” Jodha excused herself. She walked up to me and hugged me. That hug felt so soft. She was vulnerable. Not scared but so open.

She then broke apart and walked away with Vikrant. Her arm linked in his. The scene was an arrow through my heart, piercing right through it.

Why did the cupid's arrow not hit her as well? Would've been better if both of us were hit with the cupid's arrow.

Chapter 12: Heartbreaker

I looked at the photograph that I had clicked earlier by Agra Fort. She was twirling around at the octagonal balcony. It was her. In that moment I desperately wanted to go back in the past where she was mine. Every inch of her was living as if she was Heer. The yellow anarkali. She was beautiful. A reminder of how much she was Heer. I remembered her perfectly.

I sipped whisky. For a moment, I knew I was slipping back to the old coping methods.Whisky, cigarettes and her photograph.

Even I had no idea that I had captured her photographs until I had them printed and checked them. I guess I had clicked on the camera button without looking at what I was capturing because ammi had called me. I turned around and took the photograph but didn’t re-check.

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of anger that there was some other man even touching her. I downed the whiskey in the glass. I picked up the bottle and walked down to the workshop. I put the cigarette aside and pulled out paint and brushes. While taking a sip in every alternate moment with the cigarette puff, I began painting. With every stroke, there was only one thing in my mind. Even drunk,her face and her softness doesn’t leave me.

She would teasingly accuse me of not loving her enough because I did marry other princesses after her for alliance but it was her who didn’t even have a single memory of me ever existing in her heart. So much for her claims that she loved me more than anything else.

How can you forget me, Heer? You and I were supposed to be together every single time. Every damn time. Do I have to prove how much you mean to me? Isn’t it enough that I remember you even past the oceans of time to prove that I love you eternally?What else do you want me to do?

“You’re the player, Heer. You’re the heartbreaker, not me. I stayed with all the while and held on to your memory but you didn’t. You left ever sign of my memory ever existing in your soul.” I accused as I took another drag and drank a little more whiskey from the bottle while looking at the painting.

She was perfect in every sense. Proud, strong, willed, determined, stubborn, ethereal like beauty, the softest compassion, harshest critics and the cruelest lover. While I was impatient and passionate, she was warm and merciless. She’d make you go crazy wanting her before she’d let you possess. She had an unusual warmth in her person that drew me to her like a moth. She would be in complete understanding of what she does to me when teases me but would pretend she’s ignorant to it. She knew she was a woman and would use it perfectly to let others know what she’s capable. She didn’t need to be the perfect warrior queen who goes to battle with all the soldiers. When it comes down to it, she was capable of fighting on her own but she’d chose rather to settle her scores other way. She knew what she wanted and she’d always have a plan to get.

The possibility that she could take over the whole power of the sultanate and run the kingdom herself but choosing to play in the background without most people noticing. She could find her happiness in the happiness of her people and her close ones. Her soft compassion is what has several times brought her into trouble. She’s soft with emotions.

When I finished the painting, I stood back to check it.

“There you are, you heartbreaker. The Queen of my heart. Master of my love. Heer Kunwar. Malika-e-hindustan, Mariam uz zamani, Wali Nimat Begum.” I said laughing as I looked at the painting. Sitting with her doves and rabbits in the garden. Her beautiful smile. “Are you happy with breaking my heart like this?”

I sat down in front of the painting. My eyes slowly feeling heavy, vision blurring as the alcohol kicked in.

She was sitting by the water gate stairs staring by the Yamuna river.

“There you are, heartbreaker. Back to haunt my dreams.” I accused her with a chuckle. She turned around and looked at me. I was in the same suit that I was wearing forthe launch.

“Easy on the moves, tiger. You’ll fall down.” She told me. Her hair was open, pink skirt, blue dupatta and soft pink chunari over her head. She leaned her arm against the step and looked at me with a little titled head.

“Hello, life ruiner.” I said in drunken stupor. She laughed. Her angelic laughter almost melting my anger.

“That was long ago, my tiger. Also, your life doesn’t look so ruined to me.” She teased with a wink.

“Don’t play with me, H..Hee.”

“Heer. Yes, I got it. You’re mighty drunk.”

She helped me sit down. I felt like my heart was breaking apart. She looked so beautiful. She looked curiously at the way I was dressed but didn’t comment much.

“Don’t you miss me even a bit? At least this much?” I pinched my fingers together.

“One doesn’t miss what they don’t remember.”

“You’re the cruelest lover to have ever been born, Heer. With the name of such an infamous lover, you almost make love to be torture.”

She looked at me with her brown eyes.

“Love doesn’t live in memories, Jalal. It lives within hearts, within emotions. If you weigh their against memories which a person doesn’t have, you’ll never find it. You’re not the only to be reborn. I’m not the only one to be reborn. There are so many others. In every birth, most soulmates find each. They don’t have memories of their past live, do they accuse of not ever loving them too? No,Jalal, no. They create new memories. Love is beyond time. I don’t need to remember you to love you. Do you have to remind your heart to beat? No, it does that on its own. A reminder is not necessary. Love is torture to you because you’re loving with the desire to make me yours again. How silly is it? I’ve never been something to own. I’m my own person. If you love someone just to love them, then it is love. Your love has no boundaries for other women you go around with. Then why put them on me? You just want to be with them for that moment without expectations.”

“Heer,you and I both know that our part is different. I cannot live if I have to learn that your heart doesn’t care for me the same way you used to. To know how your love felt and then suddenly lose it, it is unbearable. You complained about how much you thought those other women will take me away from you. Isn’t it fair that I have the same desire to know that your heart belongs to me? I’m not asking you to give every aspect of your life to me but at least love me,Heer. Please love me. Your love is like air to me. I can’t fathom that you don’t have the same feelings anymore.”

She slowly interlaced her fingers with mine and gave me the sweetest look. One that made me want to kiss her.

“This is the problem. You’re impatient. Is pyaar ki bhi ajeeb fitrat hai. Kisi ke dil mein kheer ban chuki hai aur kisi dil mein toh abhi bas doodh aanch par chadi hai. Zara sambhale khud ko, janab, ab aanch khud mein zyada nahi hoti, use hawa deni padti hai. Abh agar kheer aapko khani hai toh banani bhi aapko hi hogi. Ishq mein sirf do logo ki jagah hoti hai. Ek hum aur ek aap. Agar humse na ban paa rahi ho, toh koshish aapko hi karni padegi na.”

“As if I haven’t tried. If only you can look past Vikrant Khurana.” I complained. She laughed. She actually laughed.

“Jalal ud din Ali Sheikh, you have that old car, right? The one you had remodeled and made it look brand new? Did it work the first time your repaired it?”

“No. Took a lot more work.”

“Exactly. How fair is it that you’re giving up on me so soon?” She was silent for a moment and then looked at me. “Since when did you give up so soon, though? The man I love is always determined to get what he wants. If you’re giving up this soon then probably, it is probably destiny for me not to know you. Good night.”

She stood up and started walking.

“Heer…”

She turned around and looked.

“Sleep,Jalal. Sleep. You need to sleep more.” She walked back to me and kissed my cheek. “You’re accusing me of forgetting but you too didn’t remember the most important things about me. I’m stubborn, determined and a little troublesome. Would you leave me go if I’m being a little stubborn and not getting the point instantly? If you think I want a knight in a shining armor, you are wrong. I want you. Troublemaker, slightly annoying, supportive, impatient, passionate and playful. Someone who can break my heart as much as I can break yours. I’m a big girl, I can handle my problems myself but I don’t deny that I hope that while I fight my battles, you’d stay next to me and be right there to support me.”

“Don’t go. At least for now stay.”

“If I live in your heart, how far am I from you?”

When I woke up, my head was almost killing me.

“Aaahhh…” I groaned. I saw that I was in my bed. I was in my tracks. I brushed my teeth,put on a t shirt and walked down.

“I see you’re awake.” Ammi and abbu were in the kitchen making breakfast. Both of them wearing aprons and having a little flour on them.

“My head is killing me.” I complained.

“Of course,it is. If you drink so much what will happen if not a headache.” Ammi scolded me softly.

“You fell asleep right near the paints. We sent the suit to dry cleaning to remove that paint.” Abbu told me. He passed me some coffee and a bouquet of roses.

“Since when are you buying me roses?” I asked him chuckling.

“Why would Abbu send you red roses? It is from your jaaneman.” Sam corrected. I was shocked. I checked for a card.

In a beautiful cursive writing, there was a little message.

I was hoping to stay a little longer and spend time with you but I had to leave. I’m happy about your success. Congratulations. I’m sending you roses as a congratulatory gift. Hope you’ll see much more success.

Jodha

I don’t know the last time a gift had made me so happy. I smiled at the roses.

“Here eat something and take some medicine for the headache.” Ammi told me, passing mybreakfast. I guess it was more like a brunch because I woke up at 12.

“Shazia, he already got his medicine.” Abbu teased me.

“I jus t thought to inform you.” Sam started. “She called.”

I looked at her questioningly.

“Please tell me you didn’t pick up.” I prayed.

“She did.” Ammi answered laughing. “Almost spent an hour talking to her.”

“Have you gone mad? What made you assume that it was good idea?” I dashed to get my phone. I checked the call details.

1.44.52

What the hell did she talk to her about for 1 hour 45 minutes?

“Seriously, Sam? What the hell did you talk to her so much about.”

2.06

5.01

2.03

4.00

3.10

1.30

These were the call durations of every other call with her. None of them exceeded 5 minutes. So, the sudden rise in the call duration was almost inviting jealousy.

“I had just gone to the gym with her. She invited me for a coffee at her home. Bhai, I should swear, her room was amazing.” Sam told me. I had always felt like wanting to kill my twin sister but today it was a little more.

“Are you sure you didn’t adopt her?” I asked Ammi. She slapped my arm. “How in the hell did you manage to have a gym meet up in 1 hour 45 minutes talk with her? I have spent almost 4 weeks with her and she never even offered to have lunch with me while you just casually walked into her house with her like you are best friends?” I asked Sam. Sam gave me a smile and flipped her hair in a dramatic fashion.

“I’m filled with surprises.” She grinned. She knew I was jealous.

“Sam, I swear. If you’re not telling me what you spoke to her about, I’m going to seriously throw away all your nail polish and burn your stupid drawings.” I threatened her. She crossed her arms on her chest.

“Try me, Jalal ud din Ali Sheikh. You do that and I’ll tell her about you drawing her portrait and almost getting drunk while painting.” She blackmailed me.

“I’d tell her that you’re bluffing.”

“I don’t think you really understand but a girl with trust a girl more than a man. So, naturally, she’ll believe me more than she believes you.”

“Who needs enemies when we have one annoying girl like her in the house?” I complained.She grinned. Was it quite possible that she’s Mehr-un-nissa reborn? Only she could manage that level of blackmail.

“Bhai, we’re both twins. I’m just as same as you. So, you should be expecting me to use everything I have at my disposal.”

“I suggest you stop calling me bhai because I’m divorcing you. We’re no longer siblings.”

I decided to pretend she didn’t exist anymore. Annoying prat. She laughed.

“You’re just jealous that I managed to do what you couldn’t do in 4 weeks.”

“Shut up. We’re no longer siblings.”

“Good afternoon, Sheikhs.” Parth walked in.

“Good afternoon.” Everyone greeted him.

“What’s go him in a mood like this?” Parth asked sitting next to me.

“Sam apparently has made best friends with Jodha. So, he’s just jealous.”

“All in good faith but I think I saw her car in the front porch. Might wanna hurry up, Sam.” Parth told her.

“Shit!!!” She exclaimed.

I almost spit out my coffee.

“Why is she here?” I asked.

“Well, I may or may not have invited her to spend a day with me.” Sam teased me. I dashed quickly. I am going to have to stop this friendly altercation. She was standing in a kurti and denim. She looked so pretty.

“Hi..” She greeted. “Is Samaira ready?”

“I seriously think this a bad idea to be best friends with her. She’s one annoying monkey.She seems nice and sweet until you actually get involved with her. She then suddenly becomes the devil.” I tried to tell her. She raised an eyebrow.

“Ali Sheikh, don’t be so jealous.” She teased me. It was almost a sight of Heer in Jodha. She’d tease me and find it amusing. I couldn’t hate it for long. After all she was my love.

“I really think it isn’t a good idea.” I told her.

“That is your opinion, Mr Ali Sheikh.”

“Tell me. How is it that in one small class, a gym time together had suddenly patched you up so well with a person she almost didn’t know till yesterday. How can you trust a stranger like that? Someone who you didn’t know at all now has become so close without knowing anything about her. That much trust you have on a stranger?”

“Well, she is your sister. I’m pretty sure that I can trust her.”

“Is he being annoying as ever?” Sam showed up. She wore a sundress with boot heels and a denim jacket.