chapter 25

Fiza is standing alone on the balcony. She is sad that her birthday plan is ruined. Why can't I be the way I want? Wherever I go, people never stop intruding into my life. Fiza says inwardly.'Who are you talking about?' Aman asks.'Everyone, whoever is sitting outside.' 'But you were happy with Arif's surprise visit.'Fiza frowned.'You have said in front of everyone that Arif's surprise visit is your best gift today.''That's because he has saved me from Sonakshi's question. I don't want to give any input to her gossip. I think she has come with some bad intentions.''It sounds selfish.''Really?''Yes. Why do you worry so much? Go and host your guests.''But, without you ...' Before Fiza could complete her words, Arif entered the room.'What are you doing here alone? All your friends are waiting for you.''Firstly, make it correct that they are not my friends. They are my colleagues only. Secondly, I haven't invited them. So I won't serve uninvited guests.''Is this applicable for us too?'Fiza looks at Arif angrily.'We also came uninvited.' Arif says and smiles.Fiza turns her back on Arif.'Fiza, you can't do this with your guests.' Arif says and holds her hand and forcibly takes her to the living room.Fiza looks back as she goes with Arif. Aman smiles and follows her.After seeing Fiza inattentive to her guests, Arif, Aarav and Shalini become hosts.Fiza cuts the cake. Everyone sings 'Happy birthday song' for her. Although it's Fiza's birthday, she is not enjoying the celebration. She is sad as she could not celebrate her birthday with Aman due to the sudden visit of everyone. Despite having guests in the house, Fiza is only thinking about Aman.When everyone gets busy eating cake, Aman comes and whispers to Fiza, 'Happy birthday, dear. Why are you sad? I am always by your side.'Fiza smiles.Arif orders dinner as per everyone's choice. After dinner, Sonakshi says, 'Mr boyfriend, I must say you are a wonderful host. What are you giving to your lady love?''It's pretty personal.' Arif replies without any hesitation.Fiza gets annoyed by Sonakshi's unnecessary questions. She was about to say something, but Shalini stopped her.'Let Arif handle this.' Shalini whispers to Fiza.'What is so personal that cannot be shown to everyone?'  Sonakshi says sarcastically.'I have brought an ordinary gift. Only Fiza can tell whether it can be shown to her colleagues or not. Hope you understand.'Fiza feels irritated. The party is over, so why is Sonakshi still not going? Fiza thought.'Hearing you, my curiosity increased. What ordinary gift have you brought for Fiza in such a big box?' Sonakshi says, pointing to the big box Arif kept next to the shoe rack.Fiza notices the box after Sonakshi points to it. Really, what did Arif bring in such a big box? Fiza says inwardly.Vinay and others feel very uncomfortable with Sonakshi's behavior. 'Sonakshi is behaving too weird. It's too embarrassing. Let's leave.' Vinay whispers to other colleagues. Everyone agrees with Vinay.'Ma'am, we will take your leave now.' Vinay says to Fiza.'Hey! wait. After seeing the gift, we will go together.' Sonakshi says.'No, we are getting late. Tomorrow we have to go to the office.''Tomorrow I also have to go to the office. Please wait a bit.'Vinay and other colleagues leave after saying goodbye to Fiza and others. Since no one waited for Sonakshi, she had to accompany them.Everyone is relieved as Sonakshi walks out.'She is too irritating. I don't know how people tolerate her.' Shalini says. Arif and Aarav support her.Fiza doesn't reply. She is thinking about what is inside the box.'But what is in that box?' Fiza asks Arif.Arif brings the box and gives it to Fiza. 'It's your gift.''But what is in it?''Open it and see.'Shalini and Aarav could not hide their curiosity and approached the box. Fiza opens the box and gets surprised.'Where did you get these from?' Fiza asks.Arif smiles.'Aman had told me that some NGO had bought these portraits. Where did you find this NGO? How did you know I was looking for these portraits?' Fiza continues.'Please hold on. Let me answer these questions one by one.' Arif interrupts Fiza.'Okay.''The NGO belongs to my friend. And he bought these pictures on my behalf from the exhibition. Once Aman had told me about these portraits he was looking for.''But why did you buy these portraits?'Arif wanted to say, 'I didn't want to exhibit my Lady Love's portrait in public.', but say, 'When Abba told us about your portraits in the exhibition, I bought them to hide them from Junaid uncle. But I had no idea uncle would believe Abba without any proof.'On seeing the portraits, everyone gets astonished. Fiza couldn't understand how to react after getting back the paintings of Aman that she had been looking for so long. She kept looking at paintings for a while and then went inside the room.'Beautiful. I haven't seen such a beautiful portrait before. It was unimaginable to me that one could express emotions so beautifully on a canvas with paints and brushes.' Aarav says.'Yes, these are masterpieces.' Arif says.'I wonder why Aman sold these portraits, and why was he looking for them after selling them?' Shalini asks.'The coordinator has sold these portraits without his consent. These portraits were in the "NOT FOR SALE SECTION". 'Fiza goes inside the room, takes Aman's photo from the table, and says, 'Did you hear that Arif had the portrait we were looking for? You were right. He has the solution to all my problems. Whenever I am in trouble, I don't know how Arif reaches there. He has always been my friend in need. (Pause) But did he really buy the pictures to save me from Abba, or did he buy them for some other reason?'Why am I so suspicious? Arif was always by my side whenever I needed him. Now, it's time to show some gratitude toward him. Fiza says inwardly.'Fiza, we have to go. Please come, dear.' Arif calls out from the living room.'Is it necessary to go?' Fiza asks.'Yes, tomorrow Aarav has to go to the office.' Shalini says.'She is saying this to Arif.' Aarav whispers to Shalini.'Please don't go.' Fiza says.(Cintinued ..... )