chapter 34

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Athar's POV

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I had to go for some official dinner, all throughout I was thinking about Ayesha. When I entered the house I found her instantly.

She was sitting with Hayat in the living room, dadi and maa were also there, but sitting at some distance.

"Assalamualaikum" i said loudly

"Walekumassalam" dadi said

Ayesha turned serious when she saw me.

"Hayat! Go make coffee for me" i said to her, she rolled her eyes

"What is this Bhai? Your wife is here now, you tell her to make" she said, i looked at Ayesha, she shifted uncomfortably

"I told you many times, that only you will make coffee for me, and since my wife is also here, make for her also" I teased her

"I will not make" she shook her head

"You will, now go and make" I ordered, she whined

Maa was passing by from there, hayat spoke

"Maa! See Bhai is troubling me"

"Lately he has been troubling everyone. And Athar why my daughter will make coffee for you and your wife, she is not your servant" maa snapped at me, hayat stood up immediately

"I was just kid..." She was saying, but maa cut her off

"Have you done any favour on us by getting married that all of us should just bow down in front of her?" She pointed at Ayesha

"Maa I would nev...." Ayesha was speaking, but maa cut her off

"You just stay quiet, I am not talking to you" she shouted, Ayesha startled

"How are you talking to her?" I said to maa

"Oh! So now I will have to learn from you how to talk with her?" She yelled at me

"Maa! Please don't talk like that" hayat panicked

"You stay quiet" she scolded her, "I had such big dreams for both of my sons' weddings, but because of him, I couldn't do anything for Izhaan also" she said angrily, then she looked at Ayesha, "she has walked over my dreams and entered this house" she said, tears formed in Ayesha's eyes.

"Maa please" I said

"I can't even bear to look at her, she gives me pain in the eyes." She said

"That's enough!" Dadi said in a high tone

"No Amma! Nobody can see my pain, if this marriage happened with everyone's will I would have had no problem with her, but she poisoned Athar's mind also and made him marry her. I don't understand what was her real plan, engagement with someone else and marriage with someone else" she taunted

"Maa" I shouted

"Ok stop it now Huma!" Dadi shouted, "Hayat take Ayesha to her room" she instructed, Ayesha literally ran away from there

I couldn't believe how maa has just spoke to her. It hurt me immensely, how can she insult my wife like this

"You will never talk like this with Ayesha ever again" I said

"I will not talk with her at all" she scoffed, "I don't like her at all, she has blinded you with her fakeness"

"Enough maa enough" I shouted, she gasped and looked at me

"She has not done anything, she didn't even want to marry me" I said, maa rolled her eyes

"Can you see it Amma! He cannot stop taking her side" she said

"I'm not taking her side, I'm telling you the truth. Ayesha's father's company has been going through with some tough time, a friend of mine has proposed to merge his company with them, it would save the company" i explained

"So, this was the sob story she gave you, and you married her" maa asked

"No! When I got to know about her engagement, I dragged her to the mosque and told her to marry me right away otherwise I would stop the merger and bring her parents on road" I told her the truth, her mouth dropped open, even dadi looked at me in shock

"What?" Maa said

"I fell in love with her and I couldn't let her go, so the only thing I could do that time was to blackmail her into this wedding, she begged me to not make her do it, but I still did it. It's not her fault so stop blaming her and stop being so mean to her" I said, maa dropped on the sofa, dadi held her

"What is he saying? What has he done?" Maa cried, I was standing at some distance, I took a step towards her, but one glare from dadi stopped me

"How can you do something like this with her?" Dadi shouted, I just stood quietly, maa was crying profusely

Suddenly Reem and Izhaan came, when they took in the scene, they came running to maa

"Why are you crying?" He asked

"Is everything ok?" Reem asked

Ayesha must be hurting right now, only Reem can handle her. She should be with her.

"Reem! Go to Ayesha, she needs you" I said, she looked around once, then ran upstairs

"What is happening here?" Izhaan asked, he was kneeling beside maa

"You won't believe what Athar has done" maa's shaky voice said, Izhaan held her knees

"What did he do?" He asked

"He forcefully married Ayesha" maa told him, he gave me a look

"You told her?" He asked

"You knew?" Maa asked him in disbelief , he nodded

"Ya Allah! I can't believe this Amma. My one son is doing injustice with someone and other one is supporting him." She held her head. "this is not what I taught you both"

"I am really disappointed with both of you. Imagine what will happen when I will tell Naeem about it" dadi said, izhaan moved to her immediately

"No dadi please no, don't say anything to dada ji" he said

I walked towards them, and knelt beside Izhaan.

"Maa! Daadi! I'm sorry" I said

"It was because of you that I got so mean with that innocent girl and she heard everything quietly, how will I ever look in her eyes"

Maa and dadi was so upset with me, they even refused to look at me. Their behaviour was hurting me, but I couldn't let anyone hurt Ayesha anymore.

Izhaan was insisting to both of them to not tell to dada ji and papa. And I agreed with him, I'm not scared to face their anger, but I'm afraid they will tell everything to Ayesha's parents and they will take her away, I can't lose her.

Maa got up and walked towards the stairs

"Where are you going?" Dadi asked

"To Ayesha" maa replied, dadi also got up and went with her.

Izhaan and I exchanged a look.

"I had to tell her" I sighed, he just gave me a quick hug

"It's ok buddy"

*****

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Ayesha's pov

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"Bhabhi! I'm very sorry. I didn't know a joke would turn into something like this" hayat held my hand. I stifled a sob

"It's not your fault" I patted her shoulder

"No, I know it is my fault" she cried

We both just stayed silent. I have never been so insulted in my whole life. I just want to pack my bags and leave from here and never return. It hurts to stay

Hayat was constantly blaming herself, while I just sat quietly. I have no strength to even talk to her.

Suddenly the door burst open and Reem entered, she came running to me. I felt relieved seeing her, I needed her, she hugged me

"What happened?" She asked to Hayat, she told her everything, then she turned to me

"I'm sorry Ayesha, I left you alone" Reem apologised

"I will talk to maa. She can't insult you like this" Reem said

"No! You will not say anything to her, she is our elder" I said

We just sat in silence, none of us had anything to say.

There was a knock on the door. It slightly opened and dadi entered with maa, I sat straight.

"We have to talk to Ayesha, both of you go outside" dadi said to Reem and Hayat

"No dadi! I can't leave her alone" Reem protested

"Go" dadi said in a high tone to her, she reluctantly left. I stood up from the bed

"Keep sitting" dadi said, she sat next to me, she caressed my head and looked at me lovingly then she gave me a hug

I didn't know how to react, so I just sat there like a statue.

"Huma! Come" dadi called maa, she hesitantly came and sat with me. Dadi gave her a look, then she started speaking

"When I was being mean to you, I had a lot to say, but now when I'm here to apologise, I can't find words." She sighed, suddenly I felt bad for her

"Maa you don't have to apologise" I said

"No beta! I have to. You were innocent and I was continuously taunting you, but the truth was you never did anything wrong, it was my own son who forced you and made you do something which you didn't want to" she said looking down, my eyes widened

"You know?" I asked, she nodded

"Athar told us, and since we have found out we feel so ashamed to even face you" dadi said, I gasped

"Dadi please! You are embarassing me, please don't talk like this" I held her hand

"All the time I kept on talking about my dreams, little did I know, Athar has spoiled all your dreams, and instead of understanding you, I kept on being rude to you. I am so sorry beta" maa said

"It's not your fault!" I said

"Of course it is. He is my son, it was my responsibility to teach him to respect women, but I failed. On the other hand there are children like you who are willing to go to any extent for their parents, your parents are very lucky to have a child like you" her words made me cry, she hugged me immediately

"I'm very sorry beta, please forgive me"

"Maa please" I sighed.

They stayed for a while with me, then they left. I can't believe Mr Khan told them the truth, I thought he's so shallow, he would just let me get insulted

*****

"Are you happy now?" Reem asked, I turned to face her. It was the night time and we were lying down on the bed to sleep.

"Yes. It's a big relief that maa understands me now"

"Maa is a sweetheart, she just had a misunderstanding, otherwise she has always liked you."

"I can't believe Mr Khan told them the truth, and you know when maa was taunting me he was continuously speaking in my defence" I said, she narrowed her eyes at me.

"So what's the big deal in this? He got you in this problem. It was his duty to pull you out of it. Don't be so happy about it"

"I'm not happy. I was just wondering, to hell with Mr Khan" I cringed

"Let's just go to sleep I have to go to the university and then NGO"

"How will you go?" I asked, she rolled her eyes

"Izhaan will take me" I grinned

"My my"

"Shut up" she said then told me about the incident happened tonight.

"Oh god! Poor Chandni" I heaved a sigh

We both were talking about random things when she told me about the trip to nani's house.

"She lives in udaipur" she said

"When do we have to go?" I asked

"In a day or two perhaps"

"Oh" I was deep in thinking, she must have noticed me, she asked

"what are you thinking?"

"I'm just thinking there won't be this adjoining door at Nani's house, then we will have to stay apart" I said, she sat up straight

"No! No way! I can't share a room with Izhaan, we will look for a solution" she panicked, I frowned

"What is the matter with you?"

"I just don't want to be with him"

"Why?" I asked, she was quiet for a second

"Just like that" she shrugged

"Reem!" I sat in the same position she was sitting, "spill" I said, she sighed

"I don't know! something happens to him when we are alone, he behaves so differently" she said

"Differently! How?" I asked

"He comes so close to me, the way he touches me it's so different, and he talks in my ear, as if I'm deaf" she turned red while speaking, I smirked

"Ohhhhooo"

"Shut up" she laid down turning her back at me, i laughed loudly and hugged her, I kept on teasing her

*****

After a tiring aircraft ride we finally reached, I heard Nani lives in old style haveli. I can't deny it got me a little excited, I'm a sucker for old architect

Generation after generation they have been living here. Chhote mamu came to receive us.

My phone rang when I sat in the car, it was Sufiyan's call, but since every one was there, I couldn't attend it, the poor guy has called me yesterday also, but I couldn't answer it even then

I will call him as soon as I am back in Delhi, for now I leave all the thoughts aside and admired the beauty of udaipur. Soon we reached.

I smiled looking at the entrance of the house, so many people were standing there to welcome us, it was all so royal

"They are overwhelming me! I hope they are not kings and queens of some fortress, do we have to bow down?" I joked to Reem, she giggled

"Let's try" she laughed

We were introduced with bade mamu and chhote mamus family. Then we went inside. I looked around studying the whole area, it was so beautiful.

Nani does not keep well, so her movements are restricted, so all of us went to meet her in her room.

"Assalamualaikum" I said

"Walekum assalam" she chimed. Ecstasy was oozing out of her. Both the brothers pounced on her.

"Nani we missed you" they said, Nani laughed

"I miss you too my kids"

"Reem" she smiled at her, the boys moved back then Reem went to her, she opened her arms for her

"My child" nani said. Then she squinted her eyes at me

"Is this Ayesha?" She asked Reem, she nodded, then nani gestured me to go closer, I went to her.

I guess Nani has really weak eyesight.

"I'm so happy to finally meet you" she said to me, I smiled not really knowing what to say in response. "Athar! Teri dulhan to bohot khoobsurat hai (your bride is so pretty)" Nani held my chin

"I know" Athar smirked, I blushed.

Nani handed me and Reem a box each.

"This is from me for both of you" she said to us

"And what is there for me?" Jeeju asked

"Tujhe 10 saal baad teri biwi mil gayi hai ab aur tujhe kya chahiye (you got your wife after ten years, what else can you ask for?)" Nani joked, we all laughed

"Come on girls open the boxes and tell me how you like it?" She said

We did what we were told. A beautiful diamond studded gold jewellery was there.

"Wow Nani it's so pretty!" I said

"Seriously! It's very very beautiful" Reem said.

"I'm glad you liked it. Now both of you wear it and show me" she commanded

Suddenly the door burst open, bade mamu's daughter, Saima came

"Izhaan Bhai and Reem bhabhi, mummy is calling you" she said

"Ok we are coming." Jeeju said, "we'll be back" he said, then both of them left

"Till then you wear it and show me" Nani said to me, I got off the bed and stood up infront of the dressing table. I put the box down and took off what I was already wearing.

"Go, help her" Nani said to Athar, he nodded and came to me, he stood behind me

"I'll do it on my own" I said

"Nani sent me here, I have to help you" he said

He bent forward to pick up the neck piece, his chest grazed against my shoulder, we looked at each other in the mirror. Without a warning he gathered all my hair on my one shoulder, I froze under his touch.

He brought the neck piece in front of me, secured it on my neck. He was fidgeting with the lock.

"Done?" Nani asked

"Just a minute" he said , "The hook is a little loose" he muttered under his breath, but I heard it

"Leave, I'll do it" I said

"No I can fix this" suddenly he bent to fix the hook with his mouth, chill ran down my spine when I felt his lips on my skin

"Mr Khan" I said

"Almost done" he said

Does he realise what he was doing with me?

"Done" He sat up straight, seeing me all flushed he realised his actions, his expression changed

Slowly he turned me around to face him, I looked up in his eyes, they looked dark, I looked down.

He picked up the earring and turned my face to the side by using the back of his two fingers.

I didn't know to put earrings on, so much closeness was required, I could even feel his breath. When he was done, he traced a finger from my ear lobe to my jaw.

My heart was beating too fast. Slowly I lift up my eyes to look at him, he held my waist, and pulled me close to him. We continued staring at each other.

"Itna time kyun lag raha hai (why is it taking so long?)" Nani said, I moved away from him. He didn't say anything.

I quickly wore the next earring and then went back to nani, she called me closer to her.

"Mashallah so pretty you are looking" she smiled, I looked at Mr Khan, he was staring at me. The intensity of his gaze trembled me.

What was he doing? Why was I not stopping him? I should just stay away from him.

"I'm back" Reem chirped. Jeeju was coming behind her. Thank God they did not come two minutes ago, otherwise I would have not been able to face them ever again.

After spending time around, we went to have food and then the rest of the day went in blur. Coming to Nani's house was not a bad idea.

******

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Izhaan's pov

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I entered the room with Reem, the room given to us was on the first floor, while Ayesha and Athar were on the ground floor.

The room was big, there was a king size bed in the center of the room, two chairs and a coffee table were also there.

Everyone has gone to their room, but since we are not at home, and there is no twin door, swaping room was not an option for tonight. And the icing on the cake was, there was no couch in the room. I was pretty excited about tonight, it's going to be our first night on the bed together.

"There is no couch" I said

"I can see that" she rolled her eyes

"We will have to share the bed tonight, unless you want to sleep on the floor" I teased her. She narrowed her eyes at me

"Why would I sleep on the floor?" She asked, I took a step towards her, she took a step back

"Because, you can't handle our closeness" one more step forward, one more step backward

"You feel uneasy, you feel things inside you which has no explanation" another step forward, another step backward

"When I come near you, your world spins, your heart jumps, and your body reacts the way you can't understand yourself" her back was against the wall now

I rest my hand on the wall next to her. She looked nervous, I bent down and whispered in her ear

"Where are you running away from me? I will keep following you" she shuddered.

Ok that's enough Izhaan. I told myself and forced myself away from her.

"Let's go to sleep" I said and came to the bed. She was still standing in the way I left her.

I want her to have an impact of my proximity, but I don't want to scare her away at the same time.

I laid on the bed leaving a good amount of distance between us. My back was at her, after a while I felt her lying down, I smiled to myself. This much closeness was enough for me now, but I can't wait for the day when I can hold her in my arms.

With the thousands of desires in my head, I closed my eyes, and soon I fell asleep.

I was in deep sleep, but because of the extreme thirst my slumber broke, I sat and drank a glass of water.

I turned to look at Reem, but found the bed empty, I instantly got worried, where has she gone?

Is she with Ayesha in her room? No no, if that was the case Athar would have been here. I checked the time it was 3:30 in the morning

I found the door unlocked, I opened it and went in search of Reem. I checked the living room, it was empty. So was the dining area, lawn and kitchen

There was no way I could go door to door asking about her, but where can she be, I decided to check the terrace once, if she wouldn't be there I will go to Ayesha and Athar.

I opened the door of the terrace and looked around. I saw her sitting on the bench, with her knees against her chest, she was crying. I ran to her

"Reem! Are you ok?" I asked, when she saw me her sobs increased. I was getting so worried

"What happened? Are you ok? Why are you crying? Please tell me, I'm getting scared now" I said, she looked up at me

"I had a nightmare" she said between her sobs

"What nightmare?" I asked

"Mom.. dadu.. dadi.. they all were with me" she was crying generously, I put my arm over her shoulder to comfort her

"It's ok" I said, she kept on crying

"They looked so sad, and they were saying that I have disappointed them, I wanted to hug mom, but she turned her back at me"

"It was just a dream" I said. I made her put her feet down, and stood up with her. "Don't sit here and cry, it's too dark, let's go the room, and please stop crying" I said

"Izhaan! when I ran to dadu, the fire took him away, then mom, then dadi, I fell in my knees and called them, but they didn't come" she cried, I just rubbed her back

"They are gone, I'm alone. I miss them" she wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me, she was crying in my arms, I held her tightly

"It's ok. They might not be here, but they'll always be in your heart, in our heart" I just held her close to my heart, and whispered soothing words to her, my heart was in knots seeing her like this, I couldn't bear it.

After an eternity her sobs stopped, suddenly she left me and moved back, she looked up at me, she looked embarrassed.

"I'm sorry" she lowered her head, I put my finger under her chin and made her look up.

"You can never be alone, till my heart is beating" I said, she looked wide eyed at me. I held her face with my palms

"Reem! Never cry like this again. It broke me, it felt like my heart ripped out of my body. It hurt" I said, she just continued staring at me

Every ounce of my body wanted to confess my love to her, but it was not the correct moment. I can wait.

"Let's go" I held her hand and we made way to the room.

"By the way, first time we shared the bed and you already got a nightmare" I joked to lighten the mood and first time in life, she genuinely smiled at me.

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