SaHil SS: Junoon... (part8 pg 15) *new* 28/9 - Page 2

Part 2

The dream stayed with her when she woke up. She was stunned that she could have such a vivid sensuous dream with a stranger, who isn't her husband. The notion worried her, making her feel guilty.

Am I cheating on my husband because I dreamt of being touched by another man? And that I loved his touch?

The disquiet made her mood pensive and distracted , and Shaad noticed. They were back in their room after breakfast, getting ready for their day out. Jannat didn't partucularly feel like shopping anymore. She wanted to know what Aahil was doing, the more she tried to stop thinking about him , the more he featured in her mind.

Right now, she just wanted some time alone, to think.

Shaad's phone rang.

"Hello..? Oh Salam alaikum ,Mr Aahil...! How are you?"

Jannat's ears pricked at that. Her heart jumped into action at the sound of his name. Is he coming over?

Jannat's heart did nervous backflips at the idea of seeing Aahil, and hearing his voice. Real time.

"Oh.. what a pity.. Jannat and I were looking forward to going sight-seeing with you today... Hope you feel better soon... Oh okay.. see you tonight then.."

Her heart lurched at the information. Aahil's not feeling well? What happened? Is he alright?

"Shaad? What happened to Aahil? I mean Mr. ..Aahil... Is he alright?" she couldn't keep the worry out of her voice. Shaad smiled at her perpetual concern for others.

"He's fine.. just a little unwell. He had some important family matters to attend to today, but he will meet us tonight at the inauguration event tonight. Remember? The New Mayor's installation? He's sending a car for us..."

Jannat couldn't stamp down the disappointment at not seeing him all day.What's wrong with me?

Shaad and Jannat went sight-seeing all day. Jannat felt a kinship with the town, something she couldn't put her finger on. But she couldn't keep Aahil out of her mind for long.

Every time Shaad put his arm around her, she felt guilty. She should be enjoying time alone with her husband, instead of obsessing over another man. Shaad would be so hurt if he knew. He had been so gentlemanly about her amnesia all this time.

Evening came at a mind numbingly slow pace. With nervous anticipation, she got ready for the evening's event. She wore a saree, black as night, it had a simple stone studded design, with a gemstone border pattern. She bought it on a whim this afternoon. She loved the way the fabric fell without looking bulky, plus it made her feel beautiful.

Shaad had gone off with his compatriot MJ for a case related meeting, and he left her to take the bespoken car to the event without him. She fingered her saree border anxiously as she waited at the lobby. The Aahil's uniformed chauffer arrived, and she was on her way.

Slightly disappointed, she chastised herself for thinking Aahil would come for them himself. Was he avoiding them? Or avoiding her specifically?

Don't be silly Jannat! He's the Nawab of Bhopal, he has things to do...but she couldn't stop herself from asking the chauffer.

"Is Nawab sahab coming later to the event?"

"No, Miss. He's already there. He sent me to pick you up after I dropped him there..."

Her unrest intensified. A niggling suspicion of being avoided. A frown marred her face.

When she arrived at the venue, she was met warmly by a couple of event officials and treated very warmly.

"Good evening Ms... Mr Aahil has asked us to take special care of you..."

Jannat felt like a VIP with all the fuss, but it made her more impatient to see Aahil. Where was he?

Getting up from her assigned seat at the table, she started wandering among the early guests. As she walked, she searched for him. She knew somehow he was around here , the more she couldn't spot him the more the anticipation grew.

She didn't bother hiding it anymore. I need to see him.

She turned and there he was. Standing with some officials, going through some papers. She felt an instant elation. As though he knew, right at that instant, he lifted his eyes and looked straight at her.

His gaze arrested her breathing. Slowly he nodded in acknowledgement and smiled. Something about that smile bothered her, he didn't smile with his lips but with his eyes.

What would you know about Aahil's usual smile , Jannat??

He was wearing a black satin Jodhpur suit, and looked heavenly. The suit hugged him complimentarily and he looked like a million bucks. Then he started walking towards her.

Her breath hitched. His eyes held hers and she could only stare at him. He looked at her appearance and smiled appreciatively, making her blush heatedly. The sound from around them disappeared and all she was aware of was him. Like a spell. As though, no one else existed in between them.

His gaze piercing, he walked toward her. She was breathing, but felt a lack of oxygen somehow. His eyes took on an intense look as he almost reached her.

Unfortunately someone came in between them, distracting him with greetings. He spoke with them awhile while she stared at him agape.

What's wrong with you Jannat? Stop this obsessing !! This is dangerous !!

She turned quickly , swallowing hard. She grabbed a glass of juice from a passing waiter and gulped it down. When she turned, she found his eyes immediately, staring at her. She turned away hastily walked out of his sight.

She met one of the committee girls and asked about the washroom. She was engaged in some small talk and she allowed herself to get involved. Yet, everytime she looked his direction, his eyes were trained directly on her.

After while she gave up the pretense and walked out on to the gardens for some air. The solitude and night air calmed her for 10 minutes, and she headed back, sure that Shaad had arrived.

But Shaad was nowhere to be seen. And so was Aahil. Feeling a little lost, she asked every passer-by if they had seen Aahil. But no one had an answer. She felt the now familiar warning signs of a panic attack. Breathlessness, palpitations, nausea and sheer panic.

She made for the washroom, thinking some water on her face will help. It was supposed to be just around the corner. But she couldn't find it !

She opened door after door and not finding the washroom. Feeling more and more agitated, she opened every door she came across. And then she discovered she was lost and all the corridors looked the same.

Feeling faint, she opened the nearest door and tried to look for a window for air. But she couldn't find any ! Feeling out of her wits, she started to scream for help. Screaming with all her might, hoping someone would hear her and come to her aid.

In the haze of her hoarse screams, she heard a voice calling her. Shouting.

And then her door opened and a man stood in the doorway. Aahil...

She ran towards him and launched herself in his arms. His body rocked backwards to stabilize them with the force, as his arms held her tight.

Jannat sobbed with relief as he held her.."Shhh...shhh... You're okay now..."

His voice made her cry even harder. She sobbed her heart out on his chest and he just held her, stroking her back soothingly. When the electricity blackout happened right then, she didn't even flinch.

They stood like that for ages. Jannat hiccupped from all the crying. She heard his heart beat and found the sound soothing. She turned her face up to him in the darkness and saw his face so close to hers. Spellbound, she stared into his soulful dark orbs.

"Are you alright?"

"I am now, thanks..." She pulled out of his arms and he reluctantly released her. Aahil turned to open the door but found in locked. He jangled the handle but it refused to unlock.

"Darn.. it's one of those useless power lock security doors. Because of the blackout, the doors are locked for security purposes. I'm afraid we're locked in.."

Part 3