Chapter 21 A New StartAt the clinic, Sanam was in the resting area in her own room where the doctor had just finished treating her. Aahil and Rehan waited outside in the hall. Rehan looked at Aahil, who was sitting in frustration and nervousness. Rehan put his hand on Aahil's shoulder while Aahil turned to Rehan. "She'll be fine, Aahil bhai." Rehan assured. Aahil remained mum, still worried. Just then, the doctor came out of Sanam's room. Aahil immediately got up from his seat and went up to the doctor with Rehan following. "You brought her in right?" the doctor asked Aahil.
"Yes, doctor."
"What's your relation to her?"
"I...I...I'm...I'm her husband."
"She's okay now. All she needs is some rest. She should at least stay here for the rest of the day till she wakes up."
"Thank you, doctor."
"Go to the front desk and they'll settle the payments needed there."
The doctor left while Aahil stood, frustrated. "Its okay, bhai. I'll pay." Rehan said.
"Rehan, I'm sorry."
"Its okay. You just stay with Sanam."
"I still can't believe it. One day changed everything. After you told me what happened at the palace, I feel ashamed that we worked for that man! Its sick!"
"Its not your fault, Aahil. How could we know that just fir the sake of power, he could do anything. But now...Sanam is our responsibility. We'll have to take her to somewhere safe...away from here."
"I agree. You just handle the payment. I'll have to think over this."
Rehan nodded and headed down the hall. Aahil then went inside Sanam's room. Sanam was laying down on her bed, deep in her slumber. Aahil came by and sat down at the chair near her. He watched over her in her sleeping state. How will she react when she wakes up? I hope...she'll be all right, Aahil thought to himself.
At the front desk, Rehan was taking care of the payments for Sanam's treatment. As he was doing so, he received a call on his cellphone. He took out his cellphone and answered the call, "Hello...Asma?"
"Thank God. At least you remembered me!"
"Hi. How are you?"
"I'm fine! But where have you been? I tried to knock on your door yesterday but no answer."
"I'm sorry. I'm actually out of town."
"You didn't tell me."
"Sorry...some urgent work I had. Did you need something?"
"Well...I was going to let you know...I'm actually heading out to Banares."
"Banares?!"
"Yes. I have to see my family over there. Since your my friend, I thought I would let you know. Especially Sanam."
"I see. Well...I guess...have a safe trip."
"Thank you. Send my regards to Sanam as well."
"Sure. Bye."
Rehan hung up the phone. He finished the payments and began leaving from the desk. As he left, he stopped to think. So...if Asma is going to Banares...we could shift there then..., Rehan thought to himself. Rehan headed down to Sanam's room where Aahil was watching over Sanam. "Aahil bhai...I think I know where we can take Sanam." Rehan said.
"Where?"
"I think we should go to Banares."
"Banares? Why Banares?"
"Banares is a safe place. Its further away from here. Sanam can then be safe from Aslam then."
"I guess so. We'll head there once Sanam wakes up."
"Yes, bhai. I'll call the loft in Bihar for checking out."
Rehan stepped out of the room. Aahil looked at Sanam who was trembling with fear all of a sudden. Aahil came towards Sanam, worried. "Sanam...Sanam, are you okay?" Aahil asked Sanam. He tried to hold her hand to calm her down. Sanam slowly relaxed and even woke up from her sleep. She sat up from her bed with Aahil helping her. "Are you okay?" Aahil asked Sanam.
"Yeah...but inside...no."
"Why?"
"I know that he wasn't my real father...but even then...he was a good man! He took me in when my own parents were gone! And now...I have no one."
"That isn't true...I'm here."
Sanam looked at Aahil, astonished at what he had said. Aahil looked at her, realizing what he had said and composed himself saying, "I mean...me and Rehan are here for you. When we found out what our saab had done...believe us...we were shocked ourselves. But,,,now your safety is our responsibility."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning...we'll have to take you away from Maharastra. We are heading to Banares."
"Banares?"
"Yes. We'll be going in the evening. Just get ready when you can, okay?"
"Okay?"
In the evening, Sanam got ready to leave from the clinic. Aahil had her checked out and she, Aahil, and Rehan left the clinic. Before they headed for the bus stop to get to the train station, Sanam asked them to wait for a few minutes. She stopped by a small water fountain. She wrapped her dupatta around her hair and splashed the water in her face, cleansing it.
After cleansing her face, Sanam bent on her knees and then raised her hands upward in prayer. Allah, my life has gone through a hectic turn. I've seen some of this outside world...and now I will see more. A fresh start is awaiting me, Sanam thought to herself. I ask that you keep Emperor Altaf in peace...may his death not be put to vain. For he was just like my abbu to me for all these years. Bless me...for the new chapter in my life.
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