chapter 14

Since Aarav and Shalini left Fiza's place, Aarav notices that Shalini is thinking something deeply.'What is bothering you?' Aarav asks.'If she had painted on that canvas, why did she write Aman's name?''Maybe as gratitude.''No, I think she is not well. I didn't find any medicine at her place. I need to talk to Arif.'Shalini takes her mobile to call Arif, but Aarav stops her.'She is going to the office and doing her job. Why do you think she is unwell?''If you had seen her in the last two years, you would not have said this.''Why doesn't her mother come and stay with her?''Fiza is having some issues with her parents.''And what is this issue about?''Uncle wanted her to marry Arif, but she chose Aman.''Same age-old story. I don't understand why parents are so obstinate when their children choose their life partner for themselves.' Aarav gets lost in some thoughts.'Have you ever had a girlfriend with whom your parents didn't allow you to marry? Don't dare to lie to me.' Shalini threatens Aarav.Aarav laughs and says,' I didn't get time to find a girlfriend. As soon as I got the job, they married me to you. How many boyfriends did you have before marriage?''What would you have done if you had time to find a girlfriend?''I would have sung and romance like movie heroes.' Aarav says with a mischievous smile.Shalini frowns. Aarav laughs.'Why did Fiza's parents reject Aman?' Aarav continues the conversation.'Aman was a struggling painter and was not from a wealthy family. Moreover, Arif's father exposed Fiza-Aman's relationship in front of everyone, which Fiza's father took as dishonor.''If Fiza had a fiance, why did she get involved with Aman?''No, Fiza didn't know about this. I think even Arif has also come to know after Fiza and Aman's relationship came to the fore. Their marriage was fixed by their parents when they were children.''It is absurd. Parents do wrong and punish their children.'Both keep silent for some time. Many questions are flooding into their mind.After some time, Aarav says,' I think you should ask Fiza to stay with us for some days. This way, she will be in front of you, and you can take care of her.''That's the best idea. Then I will call now.' Shalini takes the phone to call Fiza, but Aarav stops her.'No, call her after a few days. Otherwise, she may doubt your intention.'After a few days, Shalini calls Fiza.'Hey darling, how is life?''Nothing special. Busy in the office, learning new things.''How is your painting class going on?  'Trying to learn.'Shalini deliberately mentions the painting so that Fiza talks about Aman, but Fiza does not say anything about Aman.'What else are you learning?''I have joined Salsa classes.''How do you manage time?''I try to make the best of whatever time I get.''That's good. You are the best.'Fiza laughs.'How is your life?' Fiza says.'What about me? Nothing new. It's been a long time since you came to our house. Why don't you stay with us for a few days? Then we can have a good time together.''It's a great idea, but I have the office.''From here also, you can go to the office.''No, your place is far away.''Then come on the weekend.''No, this weekend, I am going to Goa.''Goa? How can you go alone to Goa?''I am going with my team.''But, you don't know them well. Have you informed Arif? Have you taken permission from uncle?'Fiza gets angry after hearing Arif's name. Why should I inform Arif of everything? Why should I need to take permission from anyone? Fiza thought. Shalini's words made her sad. So, she hangs up the call by giving an excuse.'Why are you sad?' Aman comes and sits by her side.'How can she think like that?''One who has the habit of always holding someone else's hand, she will find every self-sufficient woman wrong.''Now, she will tell Arif, and he will tell my parents, and they will make issues.''Why don't you tell your mother before Arif tells it.''Good idea. When you are with me, I have no fear. I will call Maa now.'Fiza calls her mother and informs her that she will go to Goa with her colleagues next weekend. Shabana is happy that her daughter has come out of her trauma. But thinking of what Junaid will say, she gets worried. It's good that father-daughter don't speak to each other. If Junaid comes to know, he will only shout at me. I have to bear it for my daughter's happiness. Shabana thought.'Beta, wherever you go, keep me informed. Don't forget to take all your essentials, especially medicines.'Shabana's words make Fiza relaxed.'Okay, Maa, tell Abba about my trip.''Don't worry. I will handle it. But, I think it has been a long time, now you should start speaking to each other.''Yes, Maa, surely.'I will talk to him the day I can prove that Aman loves me for me and not for Abba's money. Fiza says inwardly.Fiza hung up the phone after a few regular chats.'Relaxed?' Aman, who had been holding Fiza's hand for so long, asks.'Yes. Thanks for always guiding me. I love you.' Fiza leans on Aman's shoulder.'I love you too, darling. I have been thinking for a long time to say something, shall I say it?'''Why are you hesitating?''Promise me you won't get angry. You will listen to me calmly.''Now, you are scaring me.''It's nothing to get scared. I just want to say that it has been a long time .... now reconcile with your father.''I will reconcile after I prove that you love me for me and not for his money.''That he knows. His money is of no use to me now.'A mosquito bite wakes up Fiza. She sighs and drinks water, and goes to the balcony. She looks at the brightest star in the sky and smiles.Shalini is worried after hearing that Fiza will go to Goa with her colleagues.'How can she go out with some strangers?' Shalini murmured.'Colleagues are not strangers.' Aarav tries to convince Shalini.'How much does Fiza know about them?''It's impossible to explain to you.' Aarav says and starts watching TV.(Continued ...)