chapter 46

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Ayesha's pov

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Excitement ran in my body as I landed on Chandigarh airport. I was eagerly waiting to go outside and meet Baba. My eyes met Mr Khan's, there were some weird emotions in his eyes, but I was not interested at the moment.

After getting our luggage, I ran towards the exit. I was desperate to meet Baba. I could not ignore the laughter of my family who were following me and looking at my restless self

My eyes were scanning all the faces as I exited, I was not being careful, I stumbled  on something, I prepared myself to fall suddenly Mr Khan came in lightning speed and held me

"You ok?" His eyes were filled with concern, I nodded, I calmed my fast heartbeat

"Ayesha" I heard a familiar voice, I quickly turned towards the source, and there stood my baba. I ran straight to his open arms, the warmth of his hug felt so peaceful

"I missed you baba" I said pulling back.

"I missed you too, my princess" he caressed my head lovingly. He looked at me lovingly and then he hugged me again.

I was enjoying this beautiful father daughter moment, I wanted it to last forever, but..

"Assalamualaikum"  an irritating voice spoke, I rolled my eyes, but felt a little bad when baba left me and turned to Mr Khan and hugged him

"Walekumassalam, my child." Baba said with so much love that I felt so jealous

Soon the whole family came there

"Baba" Reem said excitedly and hugged baba. Everyone got busy in the greeting. My eyes were searching for particular someone, then I turned to baba

"Mumma?" I asked

"She still has no idea about your arrival, go to home to meet her" he said

"Right now?" I asked getting nervous

"Yes" he nodded

"But..."

"Aftab Bhai is right beta, go to meet your mother" maa put her hand on my shoulder.

"I'll be with you" Reem held my hand, she must have noticed the hesitance in my eyes. With her by my side, I felt a little confident.

"I will take everyone to the hotel, you can go from here" baba said, I nodded.

I held Reem's hand and left from there.

*****

"That's it! I can't wait anymore" Reem groaned

"Shut up Reem" I scolded her

"We have been sitting in this car for almost an hour, I'm tired of staring at the gate, let's just go inside" she whined

"I'm gathering courage" I confessed, "how will mumma react? What if she gets angry?"

"Then she will slap on your other cheek also" she joked, I gasped and looked at her, she was laughing, I pinched her arm

"Meanie" I said

"Ow" she rubbed her arm

"You are here to support me or scare me?" I narrowed my eyes at her

"I'm just preparing you for every possible scenario" she made me even more scared than I already was

"Let's just go back" I gave up

"Gabbar, yaar" she held my hand, "you have to face her, I'm here with you, let's just go inside" she said with seriousness, I sighed deeply

"Ok" I nodded

"Shukar Alhamdulillah" she mumbled while getting off the car, I rolled my eyes.

With small steps I walked in the house, the moment I entered I looked around, my house, every corner of this hold so much memories.

"Baby! Alhamdulillah you are here! This house has been so lifeless without you" Rumaisa Aunty came running from the kitchen, I smiled and answered her. I met her with warmth. My eyes were roaming around

"Bibi ji is in her room, should I call her?" Aunty said

"No! I will go there" I looked at Reem

"Let's go" she encouraged me

We both reached her room, I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in" a chill ran down my spine when I heard my mother's voice, tears threatened to fall from my eyes

Reem opened the door and pushed me inside with her. Mumma was arranging clothes in her wardrobe, her back was at us

"Yes Rumaisa?" She said without looking at us

I motioned Reem to go first, she rolled her eyes and walked in mumma's direction, she back hugged her, I heard mumma gasping

"Rumai..." She turned around, "Reem!" She shrieked in excitement and pulled Reem in a hug.

"Assalamualaikum mumma" Reem said

"Walekumassalam" she rubbed her back

They both were talking with each other, mumma had a huge smile on her face, suddenly her gaze fell on me and her smile dropped. My heart stopped beating

She kept on staring at me with a blank face, my heart was pounding in fear, after what felt like an eternity, she opened her arms for me

"Meri bachhi" she cried, I burst into tears and hugged her. Once I was in her arms, the dam of my tears worsened, I was crying too much

"I'm sorry mumma, please forgive me" I cried

"Shhh my child" she was caressing my back.

"I never wanted to hurt you, I'm so sorry, please stop being upset with me, please mumma" I pulled back and folded my hands infront of her, she held my hands

"I have forgiven you beta, I missed you so much. These past few months not even a day passed when I have not thought about you" she whimpered

"I'm sorry mumma" I chanted while sobbing

After a while of this crying session Reem finally gave up.

"If you both are done crying please acknowledge me also" she whined like a child, mumma and I pulled apart and laughed at her cuteness

****

Reem, mumma and I were sitting in the living room. I was lying down on the couch, my head was resting on mumma's lap, her fingers were softly massaging my hair, I closed my eyes

My phone beeped, I picked it up, there was a message from Mr Khan

All ok?

I thought of ignoring it first, but then I don't know why but I found myself replying. I told him mumma forgave me, he expressed his joy at the news.

I put my phone back and closed my eyes again. Just then mumma spoke

"I'm so happy to see you." She said, I opened my eyes and looked at her.

"I was so scared of coming infront of you, I thought you will never forgive me" I replied

"I never wanted to forgive you, but when you came in front of me, I couldn't control myself, I love you too much beta"

I sat straight and looked at her with wide eyes

"Are you saying if I had not come today you would have been still upset with me?" I asked

"Ohho stop it both of you!" Reem groaned loudly

"Reem is right Ayesha, let just move forward" she smiled, then she leaned forward and held Reem's and my hand in hers, "my girls are here and I am too happy about it"

Lunch was being served now, and all of us were continuously talking, we had a lot to talk about.

I told mumma about my conversations with baba, I thought she would be upset but she surprised me when she said that she was happy with baba for staying in contact with me.

Mumma was looking forward meeting the rest of the family. I told her that they were staying at the same hotel where the function will be tonight.

She was upset with baba for not bringing everyone to home, but I calmed her down.

"I think we should leave now" Reem said looking at the clock

"Leave? Where?" Mumma asked holding my hand, even I didn't want to go but we had to get ready

"To the hotel, we have to get ready" I said

"No! None of you are going anywhere, you can get ready here only, then we can go together from here" she instructed

"But mumma, we don't even have our clothes" Reem made an excuse

"Send the driver to bring your belongings from the hotel" mumma said stubbornly

"Mumma I was sa...." I wanted to speak but mumma spoke.

"That's final" she said, Reem looked at me for escape, but honestly even I wanted to stay, I pleaded her through my eyes, she sighed deeply and nodded, I got happy.

Immediately the driver was sent to get our things. And we resumed our talks .

***

There were three hours left for the party to start, Reem and I came to my room to start getting ready, the driver we sent was now on his way back to us with our stuff.

Reem went to the washroom, I was looking around feeling so much at peace, I was in my room. Everything is still as I left it.

I was just about to sit on the bed, when I heard Reem's phone ringtone, I went towards the small writing table where the phone was.

Jackass calling

I quickly answered and put the phone on my ear, but before I could speak jeeju spoke

"What is this jaan? Why have you got your clothes there? Are you going to get ready there?" He asked

Ohho Jaan! I smiled

I answered the phone with the intention of telling him that his wife was in the washroom right now, but after hearing his tone an evil idea struck me

"Hmm" I said softly putting the hand on the mic, I stifled a laugh, he sighed deeply

"This is so unfair! How can you leave me here all alone, you said you'll be gone there for an hour and it's been seven hours, eleven minutes and twenty three seconds since I last saw you. I miss you Jaan" he sighed

I tightly pressed my hand over my mouth, it was hard to stop myself from laughing

"Are you gonna say something or keep torturing me?" He asked

"Hmm" I hummed again

"What hmm hmm? Thik hai beta tadpalo jitna tadpana hai, mera waqt bhi ayega, chhodunga nahi phir tumhe  (make me yearn however you want, my time will also come, I will not leave you then)" he said in a deep voice this time I couldn't stop my laughter and he heard me laughing, but he didn't recognise me.

"Who are you talking to?" Reem came and asked, I didn't answer her, just turned on the speaker, next moment her eyes grew wide after hearing what jeeju said

"Bohot hasi aa rahi hai, tum haath aao ek baar, tumhare honthon ko muskurane layak bhi nahi chhodunga (you are laughing! meet me once I won't leave your lips capable enough to even smile)"

"Izhaaaaaan quiet" Reem stopped him immediately, she tried snatching the phone from my hand but I moved it away, she glared at me

"Why? Already scared? You didn't think of me and left me alone, now I will take into account every single second I spent without you, be prepared Mrs Izhaan Khan, I'm gonna eat you, you'll beg me to stop but I'll be so merciless" he warned her, and I laughed out loud, Reem face palmed herself

"For God's sake Izhaan stop talking" Reem turned red

"Why?" He asked now getting confused

"Because I can hear you, jeeju" I said, he was quiet then the line went silent, I looked at her and burst into laughter

"Oh my God" I was holding my stomach and laughing, while Reem was continuously hitting me

A string of curses left her mouth while hitting me, I knew she was just trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Ok ..okkk... I.. I.. am s .. so.. sorry" I said between my laugh. She crossed her arms at her chest and turned her face from me

"Sorry yaar" I repeated

"Izhaan would be so embarrassed to face you now" she said

"Oh come on! He was just flirting with his wife, he got nothing to be embarrassed about" I said

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Baby your luggage is here" a maid came and left our luggage in the room

"Let's get ready now, we don't want to get late" I said, she nodded

We were now standing infront of the mirror, I saw Reem putting foundation in her face

"Stoppp" I said loudly, she startled and stopped her hand

"What?"

"Don't put it" I said seriously, she frowned

"Huh?"

"Salt and pepper should be enough, jeeju will enjoy eating you" I winked at her, she gasped and smacked my arm.

She narrowed her eyes at me, I turned serious, then we both burst into laughter. Her cheeks were so red making her look so adorable.

******

I reached the venue along with mumma and Reem, we found baba at the entrance only. I was with the three most important people of my life, I was the happiest tonight, I was feeling so complete after so long.

When I entered the hall, I spotted maa immediately, she was already waving at us, we walked to her, everyone else was also there.

Mumma met the whole family with such great warmth that it soothed my heart. For a long time they all were talking.

"Assalamualaikum aunty" said a voice, we all turned towards the source, Mr Khan was standing there, he was looking at mumma.

My heartbeat stopped for a moment, I didn't know how she would react with him.

"Walekumassalam beta" I was so surprised when she moved forward and hugged him, she put her hand lovingly on his head, I released a breath

They all met so nicely, mumma looked genuinely happy with everyone, I felt the corner of my eyes getting wet, I blinked rapidly to stop myself from crying.

I just stood quietly and noticed everyone having quality time with each other.

"Hey thief" I felt a whisper in my ear, I shuddered. I turned around and found Mr Khan smirking at me.

"What do you want?" I rolled my eyes

"I want what you have stolen from me" he said confusing me

"What?" I frowned, not really understanding what he meant

"Give it to me" he said

"I have not stolen anything from you"

Why is he accusing me?

He took a step towards me, and brought his lips closer to my ear, my heartbeat fastened, what the hell is he doing, everyone is here.

"Liar! You have stolen my peace, my sleep, my restfulness" he whispered, I felt the heat of his breath on my earlobe

"Mr Khan" I said and pushed him back a little

The way he was staring at me did something to me, I wanted to hide myself from him. He held a loose lock of my hair and twirled it between his fingers

"Just when I think you can't look anymore beautiful, you show up looking like this and surprise me, you look breathtaking." He smiled, I looked down

"I wish I could tell you in words how beautiful you are looking, I just want to take you awa..." He was saying but he was cut off

"Ayeshhaaaaaa" I heard my name, I turned to look and found Farhan with my other university friends, I squealed in excitement

One by one I hugged and greeted them. Lastly it was Farhan, I smiled and hugged him, the same old brotherly warmth engulfed him, I kept my hold on him for a little longer than others, suddenly I was pulled away from him. Mr Khan was throwing daggers at me

"Excuse us" he said to particularly no one and pulled me away from there

"What is your problem?" I said in irritation

"Behave yourself Ayesha, I'm warning you" he pointed a finger at me

"What have I done?" I asked

"Athar beta! Come here" before he could answer me baba called him, he glared at me and then went to baba

What is the issue with him? Idiot!

****

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Reem's POV

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For how long do I have to wait for you?

I rolled my eyes when I received the message from Izhaan, some times he behaves like a child, zuhan looks more matured than Izhaan.

On my way to you

I replied. I was in the car with mumma and Ayesha, we were just about to reach, the whole time i was messaging my impatient husband.

My phone beeped and there was another notification from "jackass" I opened the message, he sent me a thumbs-up emoji to me.

I smiled at his restlessness, so much has changed between us. He is not a jackass anymore, I should edit his name now, I thought what should I write now, it took me a second to decide and I quickly replaced jackass with jaan. I smiled

"Why are you smiling?" Ayesha asked, I shook my head. I looked outside we were already outside the venue.

I quickly got off the car along with Ayesha, we entered the hall, I saw maa waving at us, mumma and Ayesha walked towards them I was about to follow them but suddenly someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the crowd

It was none other than my Izhaan, he pushed me inside some room and closed the door behind me

"Izhaan! What are you doing?" I looked around, it must be a storage room because all I could see was towels.

"You ruthless woman" he narrowed his eyes at me. There was naughtiness in his eyes, I felt so shy I looked down immediately

I felt the heat of his eyes for a very long time on my face, then he leaned forward and planted a kiss on my cheek, I clenched his blazer in my fist, then he kissed on my other cheek.

"You have really tested my patience today" I dared to look at him, his eyes were fixed on my lips. I saw him leaning down and I quickly put my hand on his mouth, he looked at me

"What?" He asked

"My lipstick" I said, he smiled and removed my hand from his mouth

"I don't care" He said and before I could protest any further he smashed his lips on mine and kissed me so hard, I could feel him biting my lips

Thank god! I kept a few make up products in my clutch thinking I would need to touch up, it will really come in handy now.

He was deepening the kiss and I let him, I was lost under his touch. He only stopped when we both were completely out of breath, He put his forehead on mine. We were breathing heavily

"You drive me crazy" he said, he gripped my waist and pulled me to him

"Izhaan please! What if someone comes? Let me go" I begged

"So what if anyone comes, you are my wife, I'm not doing anything illegal here" he said in a deep husky voice

He pulled back a little and looked at me from head to toe.

"You are very beautiful" he held my hand and kissed at my palm.

He was looking at me with hungry eyes. It was making me nervous

"Can we go back now?" I pleaded, he stayed silent and just kept looking at me.

Suddenly his phone rang startling me. He looked at the caller, then he shook his head

"Yes Adarsh!" He said "ok" then he hung up the call.

"I will have to go in the room for a while, I have to make a video call, the client wants to discuss something" he said

The final hearing of Izhaan's current case is tomorrow, he didn't want to come for the party, but I begged him to come, he only gave a nod when I agreed to return to Delhi immediately after the party.

"You go back to the party I will join you soon" he said, I looked at him

"Izhaan" I said nervously

"Yes jaan"

"Please wipe your mouth" I said looking down, he chuckled

He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping his mouth. He looked at me

"Come in the room with me, you can fix your makeup there" he advised, I rolled my eyes

"Now you care?" I said, he laughed.

Before we could talk anymore his phone rang again, he went to the room, while I walked in the common washroom to fix my make up.

I returned in the party and got busy with everyone. Thankfully nobody suspected my sudden absence.

It felt so good to see success of my baba, may Allah bless him with much more. I looked around the hall, such a nice decoration was done, the whole aura screamed of wealth, I loved it.

"Where did you disappear?" Some boy came and asked Ayesha, there was a girl with him

"I have been here only" Ayesha replied, "by the way guys, this is my Reem" Ayesha put her arm over my shoulder and introduced, I immediately knew that they were Farhan and Nitya

"Oh God! You are baby?" Farhan asked

"Yeah, the one and only" I shrugged

"You know there was a time when we used to think Ayesha was having a secret affair, all the time she used to call her baby. You were her secret, she only told us your name after being friends with us for a year" nitya said, I smiled looking at Ayesha

"Tujhe kya hua (what happened to you?)" Ayesha asked Farhan who was looking at me without even blinking

"I'm just thinking why did you hide her from us? Seriously Ayesha we have been friends for years and this is the first time we are seeing her, you never introduced us" He huffed

"So what I am introducing you guys now, Reem, this is Farh ..."

"No thanks! I can do it myself now." He rolled his eyes dramatically at Ayesha, "hi gorgeous! I am Farhan" he extended his hand in front of me.

"Hi Farhan" I said shaking my hand with him, I tried pulling my hand back but he didn't leave, I looked at him

"You know you are very beautiful" he smiled

"I know! My husband says the same" I smirked, he immediately left my hand.

"Ayesha ki bacchi itni der se milwaya hume, ab to mera koi chance hi nahi (you introduced us so late, I have no chance with her now)" he glared at her

"There was no point of introduction, she has been married for years" Ayesha replied

"Huh?" He frowned.

"Let it be" Ayesha replied

"What let it be? You also betrayed me and got married" he faked being angry, "ab to lagta hai mere naseeb mei yeh jhalli hi hai (I think now I have this stupid in my fate only)" he pulled nitya closed to him

"Chal hatt (get lost)" she jabbed his stomach

"Reem bhabhi and Ayesha bhabhi maa is calling you both" hayat came to inform us then she left from there

"Who was she?" Farhan's eyes twinkled seeing her

"Katayi ghatiya insaan ho Farhan tum, nand hai meri khabardar jo uske paas bhi bhatke (You are such a cheap man. She is my sister-in-law and don't you dare go near her)" Ayesha pointed a finger at him, he just shrugged

"What a cartoon!" I said as soon as we left from there

"He is crazy" she laughed

We were on the dining table now, about to have dinner, Izhaan entered, our eyes met he winked at me, I looked down, he dropped next to me.

"Assalamualaikum aunty" he said looking at Mumma, she smiled at him

"Walekumassalam beta! I never got a chance to meet you, how are you?" She replied

He was answering mumma, I looked at him when he was not noticing me, my husband is so handsome, I couldn't stop admiring him.

Suddenly he held my hand from under the table. I gasped

"Aise hi dekhti rahogi to khana wana chhodke utha k room mei la jaunga, wese bhi bade hisab kitab karne hai tumse (If you keep on looking at me like that I won't even wait for dinner. I will pick you up and take you to the room. We already have too many scores to settle)" he whispered, I felt my face burning, he laughed

"Darpok (coward)" he mumbled under his breath but I heard him

Me? And coward? I felt annoyed.

"Khala jaan! I really want you all to stay here in our house for a few days" mumma said to dadi

"Beta we would have stayed, but we have our flights books for tonight, we are going for Umrah tomorrow" dadi replied, mumma's face fell

"This trip was planned a month ago, since we didn't want to miss this party, we change our flight, we will leave directly from here" maa said

Maa, papa, dada ji and dadi were going for Umrah.

"We will come to spend some time with you soon beta" dada ji said looking at mumma's long face

"Ok! I won't say anything because you are going for such a good work, but the rest can stay" mumma said

"Sorry, but I have office and Izhaan also had his final hearing tomorrow" Athar said

"Then it is decided, Ayesha, Reem and Hayat will stay here with me for a few days, I won't hear anymore excuses now. What do you say khala jaan?" mumma asked excitedly

"Well I leave the decision on the girls" dadi shrugged

"I would love to stay" Ayesha said enthusiastically

"Me too" Hayat grinned

"Reem?" Mumma asked me

"Ok" I shrugged. Izhaan left my hand, I looked at him. He looked so angry

Oh no! I think he has got upset with me.

"Then it is decided" mumma clapped her hands

Izhaan must be upset with me for agreeing to stay here, but what should I do now.

After dinner Izhaan disappeared, I went in search for him. I reached the parking area in his search.

I saw Athar talking with someone, I was turning from there but when I heard their conversation, I stopped. With wide eyes I was listening to every word.

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