SaHil FF: A Tangled Love- pt11 pg 39 (*new) - Page 24

Chapter 11

A long time had passed. Aahil has been living in a cloud of dark regret for almost 2 years now. Denied the forgiveness that he craved, for the misdeed he had done Sanam.

Ammi had passed on soon after Sanam left him. She had displayed grotesque elation over her victory over Sanam. But she had gone too far in her addled mind, filled with venom for Sanam, whom she interchanged with Zoya more often. How Zoya had ruined her chance at living her dream of being a rich man's wife. How Asad had looked over her for love elsewhere.

"I never did anything wrong !," she would cry aloud. "I only wanted what I had a right to..!! And Jammy was mine since we were kids... This Zoya was a menace ...I would have made a wonderful befitting bride to Asad..." Aahil would just listen quietly to the madness that had taken her over.

And then he would come home to the gaping emptiness that is his house. His sisters, have both stated their extreme displeasure at his treatment of Sanam, and both left overseas to study.

"What you did to Sanam Bhabijaan was awful, bhaijaan. This house, it traps you and keeps it dark until you can't even tolerate bright light when you see it...! I don't know how to console you Bhaijaan, as your happiness will only be when Bhabi returns to you... I need to get out of this town, Bhaijaan, for my own sanity... Ammi is dragging all of us down with her poison!" Shazia said the night before she left for the US to study.

Aahil knew he needed to find Sanam again. He needed to apologize profusely at his misguided sense of loyalty and filial piety. Surely she would understand and forgive him.

Wouldn't she?

If only I can find her...

He searched everywhere. But Farooqui Trust dissolved and all assets seemed to have been channelled elsewhere out fo the country. All searches of the Dilshaad Constructions also proved a dead end. The company completely withdrew from Bhopal and businesses there. Apart from some private properties in the form of houses and apartment blocks in Indore, there was no sign of Asad Ahmed Khan's company in Bhopal.

He even thought of going to Ayaan Ahmed Khan or Haider Sheikh in Dubai... But all his lawyers attempts at communicating return unopened. They wanted nothing to do with him.

Could Sanam actually go on without him forever?

I know I can't.

The emptiness gnawed at him and being alone at home just made him feel haunted. SO he threw himself into work. His business expanded and thrived well. He made a huge profit and celebrated with his staff, silently thanking Sanam for gifting him his company back.

One day, a curious letter arrived at his lawyers' office. It shocked his lawyers and they rang to tell him of it.

"Aahil sahab, it is a petition of dissolution of marriage. Ms. Sanam has sent it via her lawyers in Indore. They say that because you have no children together, and no property in dispute, an amicable divorce would be beneficial to both parties involved..." the lawyer finished warily, waiting for the angry onslaught about to come from the other end.

But the other end was silent.

And then a big sigh, and "Tell me, where in Indore..?"

The lawyer thought it strange that he didn't react to the matter of the petition but to the location of the opposition lawyers' offices. He gave Aahil the address and waited for further instruction.

"Do nothing. I'm going to find my wife... Stall the legal proceedings at all costs...find loopholes, anything"

In no time, Aahil had an address. Finally, he will see his Sanam again. Sure, she will be cold and angry and distant. Of course she would be.

I broke her heart. But I will fix everything. Very soon.

I will bring her back .

At all costs.

You're mine , Sanam. For always.

****

Sanam had just finished signing off some papers and gave them to her assistant. She felt nervous after sending off those divorce papers yesterday. But it had to be done. She needed to send some other papers too. Fairuz won't wait long...

For the first time in the last two years, her life looked bright and she had something, someone to look forward to. Fairuz... Sanam smiled softly. Finally, laughter and smiles will be back in her lonely house with Badi Ammi.

Although her house was never lonely or quiet. She had dissolved Farooqui Trust, and bought a huge school house and its accompanying hostel. She and Badi Ammi have been running a school and hostel for orphans. They housed children of all ages, and they fast became a reputable school for unfortunate children. She herself ran the school as the principal, is known for her strict but loving ways.

Her busy days and nights filled with children and work helped her get over her broken heart. She even thought she had no space in her heart for another. Then Fairuz came along and she suddenly didn't want to be alone anymore. Badi Ammi approved too, and that sort of sealed it for her. When Haya came to visit, it became a big happy celebration.

But first she had to face Aahil. She knew what that lawyers' notice entailed. He would be here very soon. She didn't want to think about Aahil at all, the pain of missing him was just bottled up in her heart and compartmentalized.

The phone rang shrilly on her table, making her jump. Absently she picked it up and ," Good morning! How are you?"

A brief pause on the other side of the line. Then a familiar baritone sent tremors through her body.

"I haven't been fine, Sanam. I've been missing you every day since you left..."

Sanam lost her tongue. She held her breath and gripped the phone receiver tightly.

"Sanam..? Are you there? It's me, Aahil. Talk to me , Sanam... say something..."

The Aahil in her heart, the one she packed away in a box into the corner of her heart; was clamouring to get out of the box. Sanam panicked and hung up the phone.

Gasping for breath, she put a hand on her chest to calm her pounding heart. Just one call, his voice, was reducing her to a puddle of nerves.

Stop it Sanam! Get a grip over yourself !

Calm down... he's in Bhopal. And you're here in Indore. Hours away. Relax.

"Sanam ji ! Sanam ji! " her pretty assistant, Surayya came in, "our visitor just arrived ! " A potential donor called and fixed an appointment for today, to fund new buildings for the school; a gymnasium and a bigger library. Their students' were growing in numbers, as nearby villages sent their children to boarding school with them.

Sanam smoothed down her modest salwar suit and took a deep breath. She was proud of her school, and of its good reputation among parents and word-of-mouth. This meeting should be a cake-walk.

Until she saw who the potential donor was.

She walked out to the courtyard and saw the group of men in suits. A man stood in the middle in glares, looking at her school, sizing it up.

Oh God...

Aahil turned around and saw her. But keeping his glares on he watched her, hiding his reaction. Surayya nudged her, "Sanam Ji! Shouldn't we go meet them?" Sanam moved in a daze , closer to the group of men.

"Assalamualaikum..." she said in greeting.

Aahil continued to watch her through the glares, she couldn't see his eyes. He stood still like a statue, just staring at her. It was a little awkward that his PA answered her greeting and exchanged pleasantries. Aahil just stared at her without a word.

They had learned from the local maulvis that the school was looking for donations. They were very keen to help in any way. If Sanam had known that it was Aahil's company that was coming, she would have refused point blank. Too late now...

After a glance she led the party around the school grounds. It was a nerve wracking experience. She essentially narrated to them everything about her efforts the last 2 years, while a silent Aahil followed and watched.

Then she led them to her office for discussions. She saw Aahil take in everything in her office. A cosy, practical office, no photos and personal effects. The men sat and discussed and she served them coffee and refreshments.

Slowly , Aahil took of his glares and looked up at her. Piercing eyes searched hers.

"I like what you've done with your school. I'd be very honoured to fund and build your new gymnasium and library. Let's discuss the details once I get the funds cleared with our bank..."

Sanam was stuck. Her every instinct screamed at her to refuse this donation. She didn't want Aahil to be a part of her school. She wanted her school to be Aahil-free. Too late now, now she'll see him everywhere. Now, when she was putting an end to their marriage.

He dismissed his men and they shuffled out quickly. She was trapped. He turned to her, and finally smiled.

"Hi Sanam. You look beautiful...How've you been? "

She kept silent, not trusting her voice, especially since he was closing the distance between them and standing right in front of her. He took her hand and placed a kiss on it. It burned like a brand.

"Won't you say anything, Sanam? Didn't you miss me? I missed you terribly..."His knuckles gently caressed her cheek. It was as though a spell was cast, and she was stunned.

He smoothed her hair aside, cupped her face and held it up to face him.

"Sanam... " he whispered softly and folded her into his arms. Sanam closed her eyes and let him. It was a wonderful feeling, and tears moistened her eyes. He hugged her tightly, held on for quite a while before he realized that she wasn't reciprocating the hug.

"Sanam.. what is it? Say something! I'm sorry .. so sorry about our terrible fight. I said horrible things I didn't mean because i believed Ammi... But that's no excuse, I behaved very badly and you left me. I'm here, apologizing and asking for another chance..."

"I still want the divorce Aahil. Nothing has changed."

to be continued...