Part 9:
They were showered and ready for breakfast.
Aahil saw that Sanam had put on her pink lace dress, the one that made her look like a delectable fairy. He was hesitating as Sanam stood in front of the mirror adjusting her hair.
Aahil looked away, her eyes made it hard for him to speak.
Aahil: Well, I ah, I wanted to apologize...about earlier.
Sanam got busy again: As you should! You ruined half the fun. I would have been fine in a couple feet of water.
Aahil: Not that! I meant, earlier. Um, last night.
Sanam looked around, confused.
Aahil pressed his temples, was she intentionally making him pay for it this way?
Aahil: I was just trying to console you. I shouldn't have...without permission.
It dawned on her.
Sanam: The kiss.
Aahil looked up at her: Why do you talk so abruptly about these things?
Sanam: Just call a kiss a kiss. You can do it all and I can't even say it?
Aahil sighed in morbid embarrassment: I don't want to talk about Punjab again.
Sanam's voice trembled: I certainly don't mind talking about it, Aahil. That model knows what to do obviously, I didn't, so it's fine that you prefer her type. I didn't mind that you stopped, just so you know. It doesn't matter to me.
Aahil: That's not why I...!
Sanam walked out with: We are late for breakfast.
It didn't matter to her? It didn't matter that he half-kissed her? How much affection was she used to anyway? He could bet she had never been with a man, she just wasn't the type to without marriage. It's not like...did she and Anwar...?
Aahil shook his head. No, she said she didn't love that guy. Well, she didn't love him either did she? So it didn't affect her.
Aahil followed her in the hallway toward the breakfast parlor. Sanam sniffed, trying to regain composure. She saw Aahil come up behind her, he was thinking hard about something.
How could it not affect her when it affected him so much!? She was abrupt, it is not like she was lying...maybe it really didn't matter.
Sanam: Listen.
Aahil looked up.
Sanam: The Nawab with be in there. Do I have to courtesy or something?
Aahil: I am a Nawab, do you courtesy to me?
Sanam bit her lip in anger: You wish!
Aahil: Well then, you don't have to courtesy to him either. He's my chachu and he is far from formal with family.
Sanam made a face, turned on her heel and sashayed into the glass breakfast nook...leaving him behind.
Anjali Di got her a seat next to Khushi and Arnav as Sanam bid everyone good morning. Aahil paid his respects to Chachu before going to check on the baby in the corner.
Imad was feeding her some kind gooey cereal. Imad started back, laughing as she grabbed some from the bowl and threw it at him.
Imad: You didn't get that on you, did you mate?
Aahil wiped his trousers good naturedly: It is nothing.
Anjali Di swooped in like a pro and wiped the little one's hands clean with a paper towel.
Anjali: Go join the breakfast, Aahil, Sanam is waiting for you.
Aahil playfully pulled the baby's cheeks and went back.
Sanam was not waiting for him. She was busy hovering over high chair with what looked like cotton ball by a milk bowl.
Khushi adoringly: LG. That was my wedding present for Laad Governor. He's our babyyy.
Sanam smiled widely: He's gorgeous!!!
Khushi: See the top hat birthmark on him? So cute, na?
Sanam giggled: Just perfect.
Aahil peered around the girls, confused: You gifted Arnav a wad of cotton as a wedding present?
The girls and the cotton turned to glare at him.
Dread dawned on him. It was a cat. A tiny tiny cat. He dreaded those things.
Aahil: Oh dear.
Sanam: It's a kitten, not a "wad of cotton."
Aahil: Sorry I asked.
Sanam snapped: Go have your coffee!
Aahil joined Arnav on the table: Congratulations Arnav, your son/daughter has your eyes.
Arnav rolled his eyes: Tu dost hai ya dushman? Don't make me feel worse about it than I already do.
Khushi popped in: Excuse me, don't you pretend to dislike him now! You adore LG.
Arnav blushed: That's enough, Khushi.
Khushi cleared her throat and said aloud for the entire room: Everyone in this rooommm knows... We seee you petting him when no one is looking.
Aahil laughed as Arnav grew redder.
Chachu: Darya dear, don't give the boy a hard time. LG is adorable, I occasionally like to play with him myself.
Arnav looked grateful for that lending of support in front of Aahil. So much for a macho image for his buddies. Khushi would ruin it all!
Sanam announced: I am going to get a cat, that's the first thing I will do when I am settled. Haya and I have been planning it forever.
She sat down next to Aahil and buttered his bread for him.
Anjali laughed: You are already settled sweetie, what is stopping you?
Sanam, taken aback, looked at Aahil.
He knew what she meant. That cat was in her future, he was not. She meant when she is more settled on her own.
Sanam embarrassed: Yes...well, maybe I should think about it already.
Arnav unhelpfully chimed in: Aahil doesn't like cats.
Sanam shocked: What?
Arnav smirked: He's allergic to cuteness.
Aahil looked warningly at Arnav. This was his friend's way of getting him back at him for the teasing.
Sanam put the bread down on Aahil's plate. She regarded him as if he had committed a horrible crime or worse, betrayed her.
Sanam whispered: Is it true!?
Khushi put her hand on her waist: You are allergic to cats? I didn't see you sneeze a single time and you are in this room with LG. (She peered at him) Or is it just an excuse?
Aahil: I don't like them. That's all. Can't even stand to hear the word. They are a nuisance.
Sanam, offended: That's too bad cause I LOVE THEM! Cats cats cats!
Anjali mediated: Okay okay, so he's not allergic. He will just need a little time to settle in with the idea just like our Chotte here. Now let's talk about something else. So guys, Aakash and Payal are coming back this evening, the last of the surprise plans need to be smoothed out...
Aahil was grateful for Di's peacemaking skills. He couldn't bear to disappoint Sanam one more time.
Akash and Payal's anniversary party...
Aahil needed a little time to adjust to Sanam's backless lehenga. He was guilty of buying it himself, but he wasn't aware that she could make it look like this. All he could think of was how easy it would be to peel the silky, sheer fabric off her or just caress her through it. It was sinful, but so classy.
The large hall was decorated with fairy lights and Khushi's favorite papier-mache pom poms. Sanam contributed to the cooking with Anjali Di. Aahil was happy to see Sanam so happy with his extended family. This was the kind of environment he could not give her with his own sorry family where Ammi was always busy with legal issues and Nazia and Shazia were always fighting. This was no doubt the kind of happy family atmostphere his Sanam thrived in. Wished for. He could see a sparkle in her eyes all day as the girls busily prepared for the private anniversary party.
The only thing he didn't like was how quickly she got comfortable with that cousin of Aakash's. NK. He was like an honorary member of the women's party. A total goof. Arnav assured Aahil that the guy was straight. It did not make Aahil feel any better about the whole situation. The budding friendship between NK and Sanam was just as intolerable as Rehan and Sanam's equation. They were doing perfectly innocent things like organizing the decorations and music all day, but Sanam laughed more freely with him, she even touched him playfully on occasion. In two meetings, this NK guy had established a comfort with his wife that Aahil himself could not. He observed them at the party now, sharing secrets with each other.
Aahil: What's his deal?
Arnav: Don't ask me. He was always like this. Women love him.
Aahil: I don't trust him.
Arnav: He is okay. I have just come to accept him as crazy. Khushi adores him too. They are a team in every mischief in this place. There's nothing untoward about them, you know. You don't have to worry either.
Aahil looked at NK through narrowed eyes and the guy protested something Sanam was ernestly saying to him: There's a difference. Khushi actually loves you. She accepts you as her husband.
Arnav: Sanam does too. Despite what you say, I would say you two are quite couple-y. In a way Khushi and I were not for a long while.
Aahil: Ya right.
Arnav: I am serious! You guys do little things for each other. You behave very much like a couple. We had a crazy marriage too, it took as a long time before we got close like that. Everyone has their trial period Aahil, there's no reason to think this is the end of it all. It will get better. It just takes time for us because we both messed up in the beginning.
Aahil: Did Imad and Anjali Di have troubled times too?
Arnav: No. The only thing that got in their way was...well, me. But that's different. He's...he's pretty sane.
Aahil, offended: So what, you are saying that we are insane?
Arnav: He didn't mess up to the degree you and I messed up, that's all.
Imad clapped them both on the shoulder: That's right boys, let a man show you the ropes.
Arnav: God Imad, you can't listen in on us like that dude!
Imad: Mere taareefye ho rahe hai aur mere pit piche? No way. I had to listen in to my saale saab praising me for once.
Aahil: Lebanese, and he speaks fluent Hindi. Great. Thanks for making us look bad, Imad. Really.
Imad: Anytime boys, anytime. (More seriously now) Remember what I said, Aahil. Patience.
He walked away laughing. Aahil and Arnav looked on annoyed as he went and swung Anjali on to the dance floor in one smooth move.
Aahil with a straight face: I hate him.
Arnav smiled: I would too, if he wasn't so good to my Di.
Aahil smiled now: Sanam was right, they do make you believe in fairy tales.
Sanam finally conviced NK to dance with her.
NK whined: Your husband with kill meee.
Sanam: He's all talk. Don't worry about it. I just want him to be a little jealous.
NK: Why don't you just talk to him if you are mad!? Don't use meee...
Khushi creeped up behind him: Nanheji, do as you are told.
Sanam: I just want him to see that I can be in demand too. That's all.
Khushi very conspiratorially: I will put on some romantic music. Sanam, do your thing!
NK stomped his foot like a child and took Sanam to the floor where Payal, Akash, Imad and Anjali danced.
NK: Your husband looks like he has a horrible temper.
Sanam nonchalantly: He does.
NK: Then, how could you girls blackmail me into this!?
Sanam: I told you na? I will get you a date. Between me and Khushi, we know plenty of girls. Just do this for me.
NK: Okay...but if he hurts me it's on you.
Sanam: He won't.
NK: Oh my God! Don't look now, but he's glaring at usss...!
NK tried to slither away. Sanam pulled him back in place.
Sanam: Stay put or else...
NK: Leave me!
Sanam: He won't do anything to you, chill. Now look into my eyes.
NK: I can't stop looking into his eyes! They will eat me alive.
Sanam: NK! Concentrate!
NK whimpered: I don't know about this...
Khushi smirked as NK spinned Sanam around the dance floor.
Arnav: Why are you squeaking with such joy?
Khushi: Plan 2 is in action!
Arnav: What the F-HELL is Plan 2!?
Khushi: Plan 2 in Mission Aahil and Sanam. (At Arnav's blank stare) Jealousy!!! Plan 1 was already a great success.
Arnav: What CRAP! I didn't even see you do anything!
Khushi: This morning? The sexy rain dance!? Aahil was meant to come see her. But he was already there! (She jumped in glee and clapped).
Arnav: And he lost his temper with her. That's a fail.
Khushi smirked self-importantly: Hah! You didn't see him checking her out in her wet dress...
Arnav: God Khushi, why can't you...
Khushi: Hush, this is the best part.
NK dipped Sanam with the cresendo of the song. Sanam was laughing.
Arnav: Aahil will kill NK and then you will be sorry.
Khushi waved him off: Choroh! (Like Kajol in K3G).
They partied late into the night. Sanam made sure she ignored Aahil for most of it. Let him dream about his models. He couldn't deign to finish her first kiss just out of politeness. No. Now he will be sorry.
Aahil was seething by the end of the night. Without notice, he left the party.
Sanam came after him a little later.
Sanam: How rude is it to leave the party like that? What will they think?
Aahil snapped: You couldn't wait till the end?
Sanam: What?
Aahil was smarting with tears: You had to move on in front of me like that!? You couldn't wait until this marriage was over at least? Or at least until I filed the papers?
Sanam angrily: What do you care?
Aahil slammed the door shut behind her and shouted: I care! I CARE! In case you do not notice, I am the one that LOVES YOU! It is you who do not care! NOT ONE BIT!
Sanam: Ya right, you couldn't even be bothered to give me my first kiss properly!
Aahil, frustrated: You play dirty Sanam Raza Ibrahim. Is THAT what this sharade was all about? You are mad cause I pulled away!? I pulled away because I wasn't sure you wanted me to touch you! You never gave me the faintest idea!
Sanam: I was licking your lips! How much more encouragement do you need!? You wanted me to tell you? I wanted you to kiss me! OKAY!? I wanted you to! But you couldn't bother to finish. No, you had to go and open your favorite TV to watch your floosie!
Aahil blushed: That was an accident and you know it.
Sanam: Fine. That was just an ad. But you ruined my first kiss even with encouragement. I hope you are happy now. Ruined it for me. Ruined it!
She walked out.
Aahil stood behind, still breathing heavily. What an exasperating, confusing woman! God, he could just break something!
Sanam made up the excuse that he was down with a headache when Aahil didn't come back to the party. She stayed for a little longer and let him seethe in peace. Exasperating, arrogant, Jallad! She couldn't believe his guts.
She finally came to bed late at night.
Aahil waited until she got comfortable before pounching on her.
Aahil: You wanted to kiss, Sanam, well I hope you are ready for this...
Aahil pulled away breathless instead: How did you learn to kiss like that!? I thought you said that was your first kiss!
Sanam tried to calm her erratic heart: It was.
Aahil: And you just KNEW how to French kiss, did you? Who taught you? Tell me! That driver, Anwar?
Sanam: Emran Hashmi.
Aahil flabbergasted: YOU KISSED THAT EMRAN HASHMI!?
Sanam: Don't be absurd. I saw him. He always kisses his heroines like that.
As it finally sank in, Aahil burst out laughing.
Aahil: You have got to be kidding me. Really, Sanam?
He softened a little and kissed her again: What did I do to deserve you? You little (he kissed her with every word), clueless, fairy thing...
Sanam pushed against his shoulders: I know stuff!
Aahil pretended to be serious: I am sure Emran Hashmi taught you well, my love. Well, how was that for a memory?
Sanam: Nice.
Aahil: Nice? I kiss you breathless and all you can say is that was nice? That is not the reaction women have when they kiss Aahil Raza Ibrahim.
Sanam: I am supposed to be grateful then, am I?
Sanam struggled to adjust her breathing: You were good. It will do for a correction first kiss.
Aahil considered this for a second: It will do. Meaning, meaning you don't feel...you don't feel something?
Sanam: Feel what?
Aahil: Are you kidding me? You didn't just feel the spark?
Sanam: It was nice when you bit my bottom lip. That was the "spark?"
Aahil sat up, groaning. She lay in the moonlight, eyeing quietly from side to side like he was the crazy one.
Aahil sadly: Forget it, Sanam. You clearly don't feel anything.
He angrily pulled off his blanket and lay down on the floor.
Sanam emotionally: Aahil! Aahil don't do this again! Why do you throw a tantrum over everything!?
Aahil: Leave me alone! Go dance with Rehan and NK, they will make you feel the spark.
Sanam: Don't accuse me of that, that's unfair!
Aahil wasn't looking her way: Yes, that's unfair! But demanding kisses from a man clearly in love with you while you DON'T FEEL ANYTHING is totally fair!
Sanam tugged at his kurta from the low bed: Come back.
It was a low, throaty request. He wanted to give in, but he just couldn't. He needed to preserve the semblance of self-respect that was left in him. She totally could not feel anything for him, not even after kisses like that.
Sanam: I am sorry, please. You will have a nightmare again if you sleep on the cold floor.
Aahil: A nightmare is better than putting up with a cold woman like you. You are so cruel! You don't even know how much that cost me! No, you just needed an experimental first kiss for fun.
Sanam pleaded for God knows how long, but he didn't listen.
She started crying.
Aahil: Stop blackmailing me!
Sanam: You are terrible to me. Terrible. No other girl would put up with your tantrums like I do. What did you expect me to say? What do people say when they kiss? I am sure they don't ask the girl to review it right away...
Emotionally stupid. Badi Ammi's warning came to mind. This girl was so confused. Confused by feelings. Aahil softened as he remembered that Imad had said the same thing. And that guy knew what he was doing.
Aahil finally turned to her and wiped her cheeks.
Aahil: Fine. Scoot.
Sanam moved back quickly.
She snuggled close with big, hopeful eyes when he lay down beside her.
Aahil pulled her into his chest and she fell asleep a little later, sniffling like a baby.
Aahil: God, give me patience to understand this woman.
It took hours. No time to edit. Have fun and let me know how it was 😃
Edited by Marybarton - 10 years ago
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
