Sanam stood looking into the plot of land. The evening breeze ran through her hair, giving her exhilarating feeling; she felt like she was flying, free. But a heavy stone has settled in her heart, spoiling her happiness somewhat.
Aahil had brought her here this evening, eagerly wanting to share his surprise for her. His excitement was infectious, she couldn't help but feel happy too. He was a changed man this morning, his tread light and the everpresent frown had disappeared. His eyes were clear and soft, and she saw Love in them, for her. She was sure of it.
She was ecstatic, the man she loved with all her heart, loved her back. It was there in his gaze, his gentle touch, his soft kiss on her forehead. She got swept in by the heady emotion, she left her pragmatic self behind somewhere.
He laughed and cajoled her the whole way, refusing to tell her where they were going. Then they arrived at an empty plot of land, with nothing on it. She looked at him, curious.
"For you, Sanam. I'm building our dream house here, for us. With the breezy garden, lots of windows and sunshine, and happiness. With that bedroom and the adjoining rooms for the kids. Our kids, Sanam..." he spoke facing the steering wheel, as though feeling shy.
She turned to the grassy area, bewitched. She stepped out of the car, and the breeze hit her. Suddenly she could see it; the gateway, garden with a fountain and the big white house. For the first time in her life, she allowed herself to be carried away by her imaginations. She spread out her arms wide, a huge smile splitting her face.
Aahil appeared behind her, his hands gently supporting her from behind. His hands ran over her underarms and hooked around her wrists. He brought her one arm back around his head; her hand running through his hair in their own volition, as he bent to kiss the angle of her neck.
The electricity shot through her like sword. His lips kissed its way up her neck to her cheek. While his arms snaked around her bare waist to clutch her tightly. Feeling rather exposed, she shivered a little. He turned her in his arms and engulfed her tightly, the strength in the hug made her tear a little.
"You've freed me Sanam. From the weight that settled on my head. No one has done this much for me ever. Thank you.", he spoke solemnly. "I want you Sanam. I can't imagine life without you, please say you'll stay with me for always..." he spoke into her hair, arms holding her tight. "I love you, Sanam..."
Sanam closed her eyes and let the words wash over her. She didn't trust herself to speak, tears were clogging her throat. Aahil released her and tilted her chin to look into her eyes. Awash with tears, they shone with a reply for his declaration.
"Say the words, Sanam... " he pleaded smilingly.
He backed her against his car bonnet, when she had nowhere else to go, he lay her down on it.
"Say the words, Sanam..." he persisted. She started to giggle in response and his eyes narrowed. His eye had the gleam of retribution, and was about to kiss her senseless until the words tumbled out of her.
Suddenly, headlights shone at them, intruding their private rendezvous. Two women appeared from the intruding car, waving at Aahil gaily. He lifted her up from the bonnet and tucked her behind him , giving her privacy to straighten up behind him.
"Hey Aahil !! Fancy meeting you here !! Long time no see, you stud ! Where have you been hiding??"
"Natasha! Tina! What are you guys doing here?" He sounds flustered; uncanny that two of his previous flings suddenly appeared here of all places.
Sanam watches the two women touch and pat Aahil's back and shoulder, much too friendly for her liking. One was looking at him coyly and suggestively, the other teasing.
"So now, the Shark is married? And to a country bumpkin, no less?? Poor Aahil... A man like you is more suited to modern sexy types no? " the taller one with awfully big teeth said. They spoke to him as though she wasn't there. Aahil shuffled uncomfortably, clearly thinking of getting rid of them quickly.
Sanam turned away from the trio, looked instead at the grassy land he had just given her. The house looked faded in her mind now, like a dream. Dream house though it was, Sanam thought absently. The voices behind her faded away as her focus shifted to her heavier thoughts.
Pragmatic Sanam had returned...
Was this really Love?
Or is it gratitude? Because she helped him through his fears?
Is he settling for less because he feels indebted at this moment?
What if he looks back later and wished for someone more suited to his lifestyle? Whom he could have scintillating conversations with? Whom he could show off proudly to his friends...
Who was she but a cook? A poor person who wasn't as educated as him?
"Sanam?" Aahil's voice startled her out of her deep reverie. She turned to him and gave him a distracted smile. He took her hand and pulled her close.
"I don't know how these two appeared here, Sanam. Believe me I had nothing to do with it.. " Aahil sensed a need to explain, that she shushed, "Forget it Aahil, please let's go home..."
Aahil watched Sanam seat herself in the car, the previous mood gone. He got into the car and looked at her, as she looked out at the land wistfully. He started the car and drove back to the mansion.
Reaching the house, he parked and took hold of her hand. Unable to stand her horrible silence, he was about to make her spit out what was bothering her,when Ammi appeared at the door.
"Aahil? Aahil beta is that you? " she called out. They both scrambled out of the car quickly and made towards Tanveer.
Aahil led his mother inside. She eagerly sits him down to talk about some legal papers she has just gotten. He sighs warily at her persistence and is taken to task for it. She pushes a pen into his hands and forces him to sign the papers right then. When Aahil picks up the pen and starts to sign his name, she adds, "I have wonderful news for you, son! The divorce papers you have been waiting for will be ready very soon. You'll get them in two days. Then you'll be free of this marriage forever !! isn't that wonderful news??"
Aahil gaped at his mother. But the light anklebell sound behind him made him cold all over. He turned to see Sanam's face, shuttered. He willed her to look him in the eye, so he can negate these awful things she's heard. But she refused to look at him, instead walked away to their room.
Sanam removed her silk saree, and changed into her cotton salwar. She curled into bed and pretended to sleep. Sometime later Aahil touched her shoulder, "Sanam? Can we talk please?"
But she kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep.
***THE END***
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