Shot 3 - Another chance to this???

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INAAYAT

'Abeer...No please!!!' I jumped at once trying to stop him. He had literally hung up Peter in air holding his shirt collar like he weighed nothing. The poor man was already struggling to breath with a bleeding nose and here I was trying to stop an infuriated Abeer.

'How ddddare you touch Zoya?' he kept repeating the same lines while I was trying to explain Abeer but he was behaving like a mad bull.

'Abeer please stop it. Peter and I were only talking. Please stop it...put him down please... please' I kept begging Abeer while I did not realise how and when I was in tears. I tried to stop my tears but I was scared. I closed my face with my palms trying to hide myself.

Within a few seconds I heard a thud sound while slowly I felt two hands cupping my cheeks.

'Aap theek he Zoya?(Are you ok Zoya?)' I heard Abeer's gentle voice and I opened my eyes. I noticed Abeer looking at me with a worried look in his eyes. Zoya from his mouth after years felt like honey pouring into my ears.

I nodded and then looked at Peter who was cleaning his nose saying
'Damn it Abeer! Stop...I was not flirting with Zoya. For god's sake I have a fiance please! I was just teasing her!' he said and Abeer looked at me and I nodded.

'I.....I am sorry...I was... scared!' Abeer said softly while I couldn't help but look at his back to again gentle look. How had I ignored all of this for so long.

Throughout the function that evening I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was a gentleman.

'He cares for you...a lot Inu' and this time it was Dharini. I didn't know what to say. I simply applied lemon and sugar on her Henna and asked about who told her about the backyard incident when she smiled saying

'That is not important! What is important is my friend who would run away from 'her husband' for all these years has been eye fucking him all evening!!!' and my eyes widened

'Dhariniiiii language!' I said and she raised an eyebrow saying

'Madam he is your officially married husband. It's Halaal for you!!!' she said and I rolled my eyes and continued applying the solution to her foot.

'Inu...you know I don't like to interfere into anyone's personal matters but Abeer Bhai is a gem. And I genuinely think you both must give each other a chance. I mean fine you both were forced into this but look at the positive side of it. Neither you asked for 'Khula' (divorce) nor did he divorce you! You both were away for years from each other yet working in the same organization. Heck same family.

But just for that one promise he made to you he didn't even turn back Inu...he could have come back questioning you...he could have asked you for a divorce...he need not have done all that he did for you Inu... may it be your education...your will to study in world's best institutes, or your dream to join your Ancestral business. Saira told me it was Abeer Bhai who fought against your brothers to let you join the business.

He did everything for you Inu. Yes he married you against your will. You called him Bhai and he was thrown into a marriage with you but honestly I don't think I ever saw that brotherly feeling in him for you. He kept telling you to not call him Bhai but you still did it because of your childhood habits.

But marriage...it was forced upon Abeer too. Yes he could have denied but why don't you see there wasn't much of a choice with an already dead father, almost to die uncle and a suffering grandmother. Where was his choice to choose??? You were trapped true! But so was he!' she said leaving me with my thoughts.

Dharini and Pearl were exchanging vows. As Pearl poured handful of rice grains on her head she giggled while she repeated the same. Priest muttered something to them while they both giggled and soon Pearl tied a yellow colored nuptial chain onto Dharini's neck as her eyes filled with tears. Pearl kissed her forehead while all the elders were blessing them. Isn't this how a supposed to be a 'happy wedding' should look like.

Even I had dreamt of a happy Nikaah (wedding) like this. Where my Abbu (father) would hug me warm, my Ammi (mother) would kiss my forehead as I whisper a Qubool Hai (Accepted), my groom would try to look at me through the netted screen and maybe wink at me. My brothers would shower roses on me and my Shohar (husband) while my friends would tease me about my first night and honeymoon. Had I asked for too much Allah Miyan?

I still remember that dreadful night when Daadi Jaan (dearest grandmother) asked us to come to the hospital after dad's death. We had accepted my Abbu's death when we got to know Taya Abbu (father's elder brother) was also no more.

Flashback begins...

'Daado wants you to get married to Abeer!!!' my Ammi announced leaving me and Abeer stumped.

He was still trying to console his crying mother who had just lost her husband few hours ago and here my Daadi Jaan was asking me to marry this man. My cousin.

'Ammi please I can't marry Abeer...for god's sake I call him Bhai. I have never seen him from that perspective...not once!' I screamed while the entire hall echoed of my screams.

He was still sitting there silently like a rock.

'Abeer...tell them please...you know na I don't feel that way for you. I mean... I'm just eighteen... Please tell them...'

But he didn't utter a word and left to his room. The entire night which rained cats and dogs didn't let me sleep thinking about my Daado's request. How could she ask such an absurd thing. We aren't in the nineteenth century for god's sake.

I was still hopeful that Abeer would deny in the morning. I knew he needed time to mourn Taya-Abbu's death but the next day morning I was left flabbergasted as Tayi-Ammi simply announced so casually that

'Its a yes from Abeer!!!'

My anger was on cloud nine. Knowing he would still be in his bedroom I barged in without knocking. He was shocked to see me in his room. He was shirtless and probably trying to dress up post a shower. I did not care. I had important stuff to talk.

'How could you??? I called you Bhai...I thought you understood! You are not my kind...you can never be...how dare you say a yes...what did you think I'll marry you? Huhhh in your dreams Abeer Ahmed Sheikh. I don't have any emotions for you and no I will not marry you even if it means the world will call me selfish!' I yelled.

He quickly wore a tshirt saying
'Zoya...Daado is not well. You have to understand it's her last Khwahish (wish).'

I didn't care anymore. If she really loved me she wouldn't wish this for me.

'I don't care! I will tell her that I don't want to marry you!' but before I could leave I was pulled into a hard chest and I was shocked. Never ever did he behave like this with me

'What is the problem Zoya? I can give you every happiness as a man I promise...our family has lost too much...and Daado is too in a shock...can't we do this for our family's sake...I promise to keep you like a princess...I will lov-' and before he could complete the statement I don't know what happened I picked a vase and threw it right into the mirror behind him leaving him shocked.

I was fuming with rage and anger.

'Nahi karenge aapse Nikaah! Humari Raza nahi he isme!!!' (I will not marry you..I don't give in my acceptance to this affair)' I yelled and stormed out of his room.

'Badtameez hogayi he aapki ladki (She has become mannerless)' said Ashfaq Bhai and I shot him a look. Zafhar Bhai only stared at me and finally said 'Jaise Aapki Marzi Ammi (As you wish mom)' saying my own blood...my own brother left the room, leaving me all by myself. Broken!!!

And with that I simply muttered a Qubool Hai to the most unexpected man without any emotions.

My family was about to do the Ruqsati (Let going off the bride) ritual I simply went to Abeer and said...

'Nikaah Mubarak!!!' (Congratulations on the wedding) wouldn't you be giving me a wedding gift?' I asked and he raised an eyebrow saying 'Sure!!!'

'Stop the Ruqsati!!!' I asked with a damned expression leaving my family stumped.

'Is she crazy? What is she asking for?' Zafhar Bhai said while my eyes were still darted at Abeer. He was shocked but was still trying to grasp my sayings.

'I don't want this Ruqsati done till I wish for. I don't want you to touch me till I wish for...I don't want you here with me under the same roof till I ask you for...I don't want to complete this marriage till I accept it. For once give my right to Raza (acceptance) in this marriage. Give me Haq (rights). That's my gift! ' I asked leaving him shocked. I heard the commotion from my mother, his mother but all he said was 'Qubool Hai (Accepted)'

With that he left the wedding hall. That was the last time I heard from him. Literally!!!

Next day morning I got to know every other wedding function that was planned to announce that we are married was 'cancelled' because Abeer had fled to Mumbai.

Flashback ends...

Without saying a word, without asking a question, without reaching me out all these years. He had only accepted my Farmayish (wish) and made sure to not even return to Delhi all these years. He didn't come home all these years.

But this time it was Pearl's wedding and he couldn't deny coming to Agra.

Rehmat told me he wouldn't be staying after the wedding. I was told he would come back to Delhi only to sign a few deals in person and leave to Mumbai the same night.

'My car had broken down and wasn't working. Dharini's cousin was looking into it when he said...

'Well looks like it would need a mechanic Inaayat...can you wait till evening?'

'Oh no no!!! I have a very important meeting to attend! Can't it be any early?' I asked as he said...

'Looks like you must wait more as I think it's a heating issue, even if you drive...this may again break down half the way..how about we ask somebody amongst our relatives to drop you to Mumbai while Pearl will get this car when he comes to Delhi for Dharini's Pagfera ritual (post wedding ritual)?'

I didn't really have an option so I agreed. How much I regretted not joining Rehmat, Saira and Roshana today morning. I had a online meeting due to which I couldn't travel but now I was uneasy travelling with a stranger.

Fiddling with my fingers I waited for Pearl's cousin to come back saying

'You can travel with him Inaayat...He is also going to Delhi!!' he said leaving me stumped.

Abeer was sitting on the driver's seat wearing a white shirt, sleeves rolled up to put his strong hands for a display, his nerves popping and his emotionless face with his sun glasses. He looked sexy.

Sexy??? Inaayat??? Stop! You can't!
But wait!!! He is still my Shohar!!!
So technically nothing wrong!

Shohar ??? Like really???

I mentally slapped myself for getting such wierd thoughts. I simply climbed the passenger seat and within few minutes the car was talking to winds.

There was a deadly silence. No one spoke a word. It felt wierd in a closed environment with him. The windows were shut, AC was on a low and his music system played old Boney M classics.

'So wierd!!!' I muttered to which he said

'Hmm...But don't worry...we will be in Delhi soon. I am sorry you had to tolerate me. I couldn't say no to Raj.'

'Raj???'

'The guy who checked upon your car. Don't tell me you didn't know his name?' I bit my tongue. I really didn't.

He smiled flashing his perfect teeth and I was mesmerized.

'You know what??? You must smile often! Aap pe suit karta he (It suits you well)' I said and then again there followed the pin drop silence. Not once did he attempt to break the ice. I was also pretty skeptical. Luckily he stopped at a point for tea. He offered me one just the way I like with less sugar and that's when I realised he still knows what I like and I don't.

'Thank you!!!' I said as I boarded the car again

'For what? It's fine. I can drive my employee to their home. It's nothing wrong I believe!' he said and it hit me directly in my heart.

Employee??? That's all he considers me to be??? Just an employee???

'I said thanks for the tea. You asked them to make it just how I like!!!' I said politely to which he said

'Dont be! That is exactly how they made tea. I didn't customize anything. Looks like the tea stall guy did his job fairly good!' he said and a small hope which erupted inside my heart died already.

Rest of the journey happened to continue with pin drop silence. We reached home and that's when he was about to take a turn about and I was shocked.

Won't he come home???

'Abeer??? Won't you come home?' I asked as he said

'I am staying at the hotel near the airport. Tonight is my flight back to Mumbai. I have to go as I have a few more pape-'

'You wouldn't even come home?' I asked my voice was hopeful, my eyes almost glistening when he said

'No!!! It's fine! Thank you!'

I was shocked.

'Abeer this is your home too!!!' but I got no reaction from him. He was trying to look elsewhere.

'I can't!!!' he said and started the car. Within seconds he was off. I stood there I don't know for how long thinking what just happened.

'Zoya??? At this time???' he looked at his watch. I was right now standing at his door knocking at a very odd hour. The six feet tall handsome man stood in front of me in trousers and a silk robe which covered his upper body. If not for this hotel be the official one which Sheikhs booked for business stay and meetings no one would allow me to disturb their guest at this odd hour.

'You were supposed to go to Mumbai tonight? Weren't you? I asked in a dominating voice while he was shocked but soon he calmed down saying

'I missed the flight!'

I took another step closer to him filling my nostrils with his damned lemon flavoured body wash boring into his green eyes and said

'Or maybe you never booked one!!!'

He was shocked but soon he looked into my eyes saying 'None of your business!'

'It is my business! You are my Shohar... everything about you is my business!!!' I announced shamelessly leaving him stumped. But he smirked saying

'I am glad you remember!!!' saying he was about to walk away but I pulled him via the collar of his silk robe such that I was facing him. Our chests touched and I whispered onto his face hotly

'I remembered!!! You were the one who forgot! How could you Abeer? How could you forget me so easily? Ignore me so easily??? Let me go off so easily!!!' saying my eyes filled with hot tears.

His jaws tightened as he slowly touched my fisted fingers which held the collar of the robe only to let go off my grip and whispered

'Because my legally wedded wife asked me for a wedding gift. I just granted it!!! It's all according to your wish Zoya. You didn't want the Ruqsati...I gave you...you didn't want me to stay under the same roof...I gave you...you didn't want ME!!! I gave you!!! Sab Qubool... Begum!!! (Everything Accepted... Wife)' he said

And the word Begum from his mouth brought unimaginable butterflies alive in my stomach. My fisted fingers moved from the silk robe's collar to his chest on his chest where his heart resided and I whispered saying

'Then I am asking you for another gift! Can you give it to me? Call it the gift for our long awaited meeting!!! Will you?' I asked and he nodded

'Give me my Abeer...Please come home!!! Please...' I said with tears in my eyes and he was shocked.

'Zo...Zoya!!! You are complicating this!!!' he said

'I am not Abeer! It's simple! I want you home. I can't see you like this...like a stranger...you are family. My family. My words back then may have hurt you...I was a eighteen year old kid Abeer. Please don't screw up relationships for my stupidity. Please come home!!! Please' I said clutching his robe fisting the silky material off his chest and without even knowing my head rested on his broad chest and I burst out into tears.

'Zo...Shhhhh!!! Please...Stop crying! You know I can't see tears in your eyes. I...I will come home... please stop crying!!!' he whispered and my happiness had no bounds.

Tayi-Ammi and my mother were all tears seeing Abeer home. Even my brothers who didn't talk to me had come to greet him. Business definitely had brought distances in their relationships but today them coming to hug Abeer on breakfast table and we having a family breakfast after ages was a scene to witness.

There were giggles, smiles and happiness on the table. A strange happiness filled my heart as Abeer was smiling. My family was happy. It felt like now on life would go back to normal.

Post breakfast Abeer called me to his room. I felt extremely happy I don't know why. I didn't know what my heart was expecting but he smiled saying

'Thank you for convincing me to come back home Zoya.'

'Thank you for coming back home Abeer. I can't even tell you how it felt seeing the entire family together today. I just want to correct all my mistakes.' I said and he smiled saying

'Me too!!! That's why I have called you here...take this!!! Had got them prepped long ago but never had the guts to courier them to you...but now I'm feeling it's all sorted...let's get this done too!!!' he said and I was curious.

'What is it???' I asked and his answer left me shattered.
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'Divorce papers!!!'.

And I froze.


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