chapter 52

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Reem's POV

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"Wake up" I said

"Hmm" he mumbled in his sleep

"Izhaan! Get up. It's 8 o'clock" I shook his shoulder lightly

"I'm up" he said

"Ok. I am going to take a bath" I got off the bed, took out my clothes from my cupboard and went to the bathroom.

I looked at my reflection as I stood in the bathroom. My skin looked smooth, I think my new cleanser is really benefitting my skin.

I spread toothpaste on my brush and put it in my mouth, but the moment I tasted the toothpaste I vomitted, it tasted horrible.

"Oh God. I shouldn't have eaten so much noodles last night"

I was feeling weak. I somehow managed to finish my bath.

When I returned in the room, I saw Izhaan was still sleeping. I looked at the wall clock.

"Izhaan, wake up" I shook him hard, he startled

"What happened?" He asked looking around

"It's 9 o'clock" I told him

"What? I told you to wake me up at 8 o'clock, oh god I'm late" he got up and ran into the bathroom.

I have been trying to wake him up for so long, but God knows what did he eat before sleeping that he was out like a log.

I just shrugged and freed my wet hair from the towel's clutches.

I took out his clothes and kept on the bed, while I sat in front of the dresser

Just last night we returned from a week's vacation, Srinagar was fun, the place is so beautiful, like a dream.

Hayat led the trip, we were following her instructions like children, she wanted to make it memorable, and she actually succeeded in it.

This reminds me, my phone is still with Hayat, she took it from me and Ayesha on the first day of the trip, because she thought we looked too busy with our phones, so she took it and never returned.

It was late when we returned last night, I was so tired that I only wanted to sleep, but suddenly I was very hungry, I requested Izhaan to make Maggie for me, honestly it was the worst Maggie ever but I still had it and now I am sure that is the reason of my stomach ache.

"You really have got me late" Izhaan came running from the bathroom, I turned around to glare at him

"Seriously? I got you late?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

He was quickly wearing his clothes.

"You did not wake me up on time" he was fidgeting with his shirt's button. I walked to him and started buttoning his shirt. He quickly started brushing his hair.

"I have an important meeting at 10 o'clock, I don't know if I can reach on time" he was saying, I chose to stay quiet.

After he was completely ready, he looked at himself in the mirror.

"Bye Jaan." He said while picking up his bag.

"Breakfast?" I asked

"I'm late already jaan" He hugged me and kissed my cheek, "bye" he said and left.

After he left, I quickly tied my hair in a bun and decided to go to Hayat's room to get my phone, I have not checked for so long, I must have many messages and calls.

I opened the door to go, but stopped when I saw Ayesha standing there.

"Wassup Gabbar" I smiled

"We need to talk" she walked into my room. I closed the door behind me. I could guess what she wanted to talk about, she wanted to talk to me last night only, but couldn't, since all of us were tired, now she must have seen Izhaan leaving that is why she is here.

"About what?" I pretended to be unaware about her anger. she narrowed her eyes at me.

"What are you upto Reem?" She crossed her arms at her chest.

"Nothing! Why do you ask?" I asked innocently

"Shut up! This whole trip you have been pushing me towards Mr Khan, why are you doing this? You think I didn't notice that you were deliberately keeping us together." She asked getting angry

"No! There is nothing like that" I lied

Since I have seen a clear picture of Athar Bhai, I have accepted him as Ayesha's husband, and now I just want them to be happy together, and I will do anything possible for that.

"I don't know how jeeju changed your heart about Mr Khan, but it is becoming very annoying how you cannot stop favouring him, I don't feel like sharing my thoughts with you anymore, you don't understand me." She shook her head, her words hurt me

I made her sit on the bed and sat next to her

"Don't say that please! I just want the best for you" I held her hand

"If you want the best for me, then stop bringing me closer to Mr Khan, I have got nothing to do with that guy" she said in anger

"That guy is your husband, you have a lifetime to live together, how will you live your life this? And why can't you see Athar Bhai has done so much for y..." I was speaking but she cut me off

"Enough Reem!" She stood up

"Ayesha you can't keep running from this"

"For now, I'm going from here, you are being stupid and I can't handle that" she marched off

"Listen" I got up and ran after her, suddenly my head started spinning, "ow" I whispered holding my head

"Reem! Are you ok?" Ayesha came and held me.

"My head hurt" I cried, my stomach churned, I ran to the bathroom, and puked my guts out.

"Baby are you ok?" Ayesha was rubbing my back. I shook my head.

She helped me in getting into bed. I was totally worn out.

"Water" I said, she quickly got me water. I finished the glass in one sip and rested the back of my head on the bed crown.

"What's wrong?" Ayesha asked

"I don't know"

"Have you been taking your medicines?" She asked, I nodded my head.

"I'm sorry for shouting at you, baby. Please don't take stress" she looked so worried

"I'm fine. Sit with me please"

She sat next to me, we talked about random things, she successfully made me forget about my health.

****

Hayat, Ayesha and I were sitting in the living room, we were having coffee and just talking about random things.

Dadi and the rest are returning tonight, so we have to go to receive them from the airport.

I took my phone back from Hayat, but since it was switched off for too long the battery ran out, I will have to put it on charge.

"I'm so excited. Finally everyone will be together" Ayesha said with a huge smile.

"Yeah me too" hayat showed her excitement

I looked at the time, it was 5:30 pm. Izhaan will be returning soon. I wonder if he ate anything

"Are you ok?" Ayesha shook my shoulder

"Yeah I'm fine" I said

"You look sick bhabhi" Hayat said looking at me

"No, just tiredness because of the trip, I think I have really overdid myself in excitement" I let out a cold sigh

"Go take some rest" Ayesha said

"No I have to go to the airport" I said

"Bhabhi there's still a lot of time for that, just go and take a nap" Hayat suggested, I nodded in agreement

I got up and came to my room. I put the phone on charge and laid down on the bed. I switched it on, it was taking so long, I closed my eyes and didn't realise when I fell asleep.

*****

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Izhaan's POV

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I parked my car outside the house and exited. I found Athar coming out of his car at the same time.

"Hello buddy" he grinned looking at me

"Hi" I smiled

"You are back early!" He said, I looked at the time, it showed 6:30 pm.

"I will just rest for a while, we have to leave by 8 o'clock"

"Even I am thinking of sleeping for a while." He stifled a yawn

Together we entered the house.

"Say thanks to Reem on my behalf" Athar said

"Why?"

"I noticed she's trying to bring me and Ayesha closer." He smiled

"She is doing it for Ayesha, not for you, so no need for thanks" I shrugged

"How does it matter! At the end of the day, it is benefitting me" he winked, I shook my head

"How are things going on between the two of you?" I asked

"I did something, and since then she is not talking to me, she tries to avoid me as much as possible" he sighed

"Please don't tell me you made a mistake out of jealousy"

"Kinda" he shrugged

"You are hopeless Athar! Improve yourself"

"I try to"

"Coffee" maid brought coffee for us.

"Where is Reem?" I asked her

"Bhabhi has gone to her Room" she replied

"Ok" I nodded, she left from there, I looked at Athar, he was smirking at me

"What?" I asked

"You really can't be without her even for a second" he laughed

"Oh yes brother, my condition is just like you. Don't think that I have not noticed how your eyes are roaming around to find particular someone" it was my turn to wink at him, he grinned

"I am well aware of your observing habit, Mr lawyer" he said, we both laughed

"By the way, do you know why dadi has shortened the trip, why are they returning early?" He asked

"I don't know, she just called and asked me to book their tickets for tonight, so I did it"

"Ok"

We had coffee together, while talking about work. We both have been so busy with the family lately that our work is suffering.

After around half an hour, I got up from there to go to my room. Athar went to his.

I opened the door, the room was pitch dark, I turned on the light and found Reem sleeping peacefully. A smile made its way on my lips looking at her.

I went straight into the closet, took out my clothes and went to the washroom, I freshened up and returned in the room, I laid next to Reem.

I pulled her in my arms, she was in deep sleep. I took my phone, and began replying to some e-mails.

I engrossed myself in the e-mails so much, that I lost the track of time. When I checked the time it was quater to 8, I put my phone aside and turned to Reem

"Jaan" I whispered in her ear

"Hmmm" she stirred, but didn't wake up.

"Wake up" I said softly

"Let me sleep" she said in a groggy voice, her cuteness made me want to squeeze her into myself

"Ok! Then you sleep, I am going to the airport" I said and her eyes snapped open.

"Are we late?" She sat with a jerk, then held her head, "ouch" she yelped

"Relax jaan! There's still time" I held her from her shoulders

"I will just get ready" she said.

"Ok! But be careful" I said, she nodded.

I got back to my phone. There's some murder case offered to me, I was reading the details about it.

Reem returned into the room, she changed her clothes and was now sitting in front of the mirror getting ready.

Her phone rang.

"Izhaan please answer my phone and put it on speaker" she said, I looked at her she was braiding her hair.

Without really looking at the caller, I answered her phone and turned on the speaker, I brought my gaze back to my phone

"Hello" Reem said

"Reem! Where the hell are you yaar? I have called you so many times, your phone was switched off, I left so many messages but you didn't answer" a male voice said, I looked up at her, the restlessness in the tone for my wife, irked me

"Hussain! Hi!" Reem smiled

"To hell with your hi, you troubled me so much, I have been trying to get in contact with you but you were just unreachable. Do you have any idea how troubled I was"

Reem was talking with him, but I did not like the way he was talking. Who the hell is he to show authority on my Reem.

"So what you were traveling? You should keep your phone with you, you did not even think about me" he complained

I felt so agitated, I got up, went near her and just disconnected the call.

"What happened?" She looked at me with wide eyes

"How the hell he was talking?" I got angry

"He was just worried about me" she said, I glared at her

"I did not like how he was talking to you"

"He is just my friend"

"Friend hai to friend banke rahe, boyfriend ki tarah kyun baat kar raha hai (if he is a friend, he should behave like a friend. Why is he talking like a boyfriend?)" I snapped at her

"Izhaan, why are you getting so angry?" She asked

Her phone rang, it was his call again. I declined it.

"Don't talk to him, this guy does not give me good vibes, I don't want you to be friends with him"

She stood up and walked to me.

"Don't you think you are overreacting" she said holding my cheek, I pushed her hand away

"I am overreacting? Did you hear the way he was talking to you?"

"Enough Izhaan! Hussain is just a friend for me, there's nothing more than that" she said firmly

"He likes you Reem" I stated, she rolled her eyes

"How can you say that? You have not even met him that you can say you saw the spark in his eyes" she mocked me

"I am a guy! And I can tell when a guy likes a girl"

"Oh please Izhaan! I had enough of your theory. You can't know everything"

"Reem! I am telling you, you will never talk to him" I shouted, she startled.

"I ... I" she stuttered

"Do you get it?" I asked, before she could answer there was a knock on the door. Reem quickly went to answer it.

"Are you guys ready to leave?" It was Ayesha.

"Yeah let's go" Reem said and left with her

Damn it! I left after them, it was time to go to the airport, I will talk with Reem later.

******

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Ayesha's pov

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"Is everything ok between you and jeeju?" I whispered into Reem's ear, we were sitting in the car

"Yeah why do you ask?"

"I heard him shouting"

"It was nothing" she said and put her head on my shoulder

"You still have a headache?" I asked

"Hmmm" she replied

"I will take you to the doctor tomorrow"

"Not tomorrow, I would want to be with dadi for now" she said

The driver's door opened and jeeju sat in the car, Mr Khan opened the door where I was sitting, Hayat was there with him

"Come out" he said

"Why?" I asked

"You sit with me"

"No I'll stay with Reem" I shook my head

"Go with him Ayesha, Hayat will sit with us" Reem pushed me out, I glared at her.

"But you are not well and I can't leave you like this"

"I'm fine, Izhaan and Hayat are here with me"

"Yeah bhabhi, please go with Athar Bhai" Hayat sat on the passenger's seat.

Unwillingly I went to the other car with Mr Khan, a victorious smile on his face did not go unnoticed by me. My blood boiled in anger. I am only quiet because Reem already has a headache, I don't want her to take stress anymore.

We sat in the car. And soon he began driving. After a few moments of silence passed, he spoke

"You know what Ayesha" he said, but he looked so bad to me right now, I just didn't want to talk to him. I played the music and turned up the volume.

I just kept looking outside from the window and avoided him completely. He sighed and just concentrated on driving.

****

I tied my hair in a messy bun, and looked at myself in the mirror.

"Are you ready to go?" Mr khan asked standing behind me

"Go? Where?"

"Office" he shrugged

"I'm not going to the office today, I want to spend time with maa and dadi" I said without looking at him.

The flight was delayed by an hour, it was quite late when we reached home, so everyone just went to rest in their rooms. So now I just wanted to spend time with maa and dadi.

"You have not gone to the office for a very long time, I was thinking..."

"I will go whenever I want to Mr Khan." I said sternly, he let out a cold a sigh

"I think we should just talk about that incident" he said and that so-called kissing scene flashed in my head, my heartbeat increased

"There's nothing to talk about" I said firmly

"You can't keep running, you have to face it" he said

"Shut up Mr Khan" I said angrily and left the room.

I stopped to calm my running heartbeats. Then I made my way to dadi's room. I knocked on the door

"Yes?" Dadi said

"It's me dadi" I opened the door, dadi was sitting on the bed with clothes all around her. She smiled widely when she saw me.

"Come in beta" she put clothes to one side

I walked to her and laid on the bed next to her, I put my head on her lap. She began massaging my head, it felt so soothing.

"We missed you dadi" I said

"I missed you all too. I have prayed so much for my kids"

"We really need your blessings" I said, dadi laughed

"How was Chandigarh and Srinagar?" She asked

I gave her details about our trips. Then she was telling me about her trip. We didn't realise when so much time passed. It felt so relaxing talking to her

"I specially asked Allah to forgive my Athar for what he did with you, but beta even Allah will not forgive him till you forgive him." Dadi said out of nowhere, I immediately sat straight and looked at her.

"You think I can't see the clash between you and Athar, you may live under one roof but there is a lot of difference between the two of you."

"It's not true" I tried to lie

"Don't lie beta, I don't hold you responsible for what is between the two of you, but I really request you to forgive him and start your married life." I looked down, she held my cheek

"Don't think I am saying all this because Athar is my grandson, trust me I am more on your side than him, I know what he did to you was unforgivable, but beta he regrets his action now, he is trying to rectify his mistake."

I was just listening quietly to her, I had nothing to say.

"This grudge against Athar will just burden your heart, forgiving him will set you free, you will feel lighter and relaxed. Please beta I request you, forgive him" dadi pleaded

"Dadi please you are embarrassing me. You just order me what you want me to do"

"Beta just please promise me you will forgive him and give him a chance. For my sake" her eyes teared, it pained my heart

"I promise I will do as you say, you want me to forgive him, I will forgive him, for everything, from the bottom of my heart. But please don't cry" I wiped her tears, she hugged me

"Thank you beta. It will be a huge favour on me. You are very important for me. You are so dear to me" she rubbed my back

"I know dadi" I laid back on her lap.

She was telling how relieved she was feeling after knowing that I will forgive Mr Khan, then we both were talking about random stuff, suddenly the door opened and Reem entered

"You guys are talking without me?" She pouted and laid next to me, dadi pulled her cheek

I wanted to ask her about her health, but if I ask right now, dadi will worry and Reem would not want that.

The whole afternoon both of us stayed with dadi only.

I was thinking about her words, I don't want to forgive Mr Khan so soon, but now I have promised dadi, I will have to fulfill it.

****

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Athar's pov

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The whole dining area was echoing with laughter, it was so nice to see the whole family together, everyone was cracking jokes.

My eyes were going on Ayesha every now and then, she looked like she was having some inner battle

How things will improve between us? Should I apologise for the kiss? But I don't feel sorry about it, I don't regret it.

I should not forget that it was against her will, and I promised myself that I will never force her into anything. I should apologize, I hurt her.

After the dinner and tea, finally I was in my room with Ayesha. She was preparing the bed for us to sleep. I was looking at her

"Can we please talk?" I requested, she did not utter a single word just sat quietly next to me, her obedience shook me, but I quickly recovered myself.

"I'm listening" she said and I was thinking hard to find correct words to say. I cleared my throat

"I'm sorry." I said she looked at me. "I know I keep saying that I will never be unfair to you still I do something that is totally wrong"

Although I was not really sorry for the kiss, but I was in the situation where I had to just bow my head in front of her.

She was sitting too quietly, just looking down. I sighed deeply

"I am sorry for.." I was saying but she cut me off

"I forgive you Mr Khan" she said, my jaw dropped and I looked at her dumbfounded, her face had no expression, her eyes looked stone cold

"Ayesha did you really say what I heard?" I asked not really believing in my hearing

"Yes Mr Khan, I forgive you for everything you have done to me, from throwing me out of the lecture for being late, to forcefully removing my lipstick." Her eyes lowered at her last words

"Are you serious?" I asked, she nodded her head, "have you really?"

"Yes, from the core of my heart" she heaved a cold sigh

"Oh Ayesha! You have no idea you have just set my soul free, thank you baby, thank you so much. I love you." I smiled wide. I took her hand in mine

"I know I have been very nasty to you, but you have done a great favour on me by forgiving me, I will be forever grateful to you for giving me a chance, I promise you will never regret your decision." I tightened my grip on her hand

"We will start our life now, and there will only be love between us, nothing else. " I stared deep in her eyes and brought her hand to my mouth, before I could kiss her hand she pulled it away.

"Kisi bohot badi khush fehmi mei hai aap, Mr Khan. (You are misunderstanding)" she snapped at me and stood up. I stared at her in confusion

"The only reason I am forgiving you is because dadi made me promise to do it, I may have forgiven you, but I will never forget what you have done to me. And what the hell were you saying? Love? There can never be love between us, I will never let that happen"

I stood in front of her

"Please don't be so merciless, I'm saying I'm sor..."

"Merciless?" She scoffed, "do you remember our nikah day? I told you if you make me marry you I will hate you forever. You can forget that, I can't, and now I will stand by my words." She looked into my eyes "I will not let love come between us, I won't ever let that happen. come. what. may" she chewed her every word

I couldn't believe how stone hearted she is. Suddenly the air felt thick, it was hard to breathe there, I exited the room.

She forgave me under dadi's pressure. She has no feelings for me, our lives can never be normal, there can never be love between us.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't see Izhaan coming and I bumped into him.

"Sorry" I said

"Buddy! Are you ok?" He asked looking at my colourless face.

"I don't know"

He held my hand and took me to the study room.

"Sit" he said and I settled on the chair, he sat beside me, "What happened?" He asked

I was feeling so low that I ended up telling him everything. He listened to me quietly.

"Everything is finished, she will never love me. I can never be happy" i could feel pain in my chest

"Don't be silly Athar! She said it and you believed it?" He rolled his eyes

"She meant it"

"Who has control over love? Nobody can stop it. It just happens. Ayesha has made it an issue of her ego. Give her some time, she'll be alright, and things will definitely improve between the two of you."

"I don't have any hope left." I shook my head

"Buddy please! Don't lose hope, stay optimistic, it's a testing time for you. Just be careful that you don't do anything stupid out of jealousy, I know you are possesive over her, but trust her too, your insecurity makes you blind."

I had nothing to say, so I just stayed quiet.

"I'm always there for you." He patted my shoulder and stood up, "now go back to your room" he said

"You go, I'll go in a while" I said, he nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly stopped

"By the way, why were you not answering Emma's call? She called me, she sounded worried" he asked, I rolled my eyes

"That girl is so impatient, I only missed her one call, I was in the meeting and I called her back the moment I got free"

"Ok. Go to sleep now" he said

"Yeah I'm just going" he nodded and left

I wanted to sit alone for a while, my heart was hurting because of what Ayesha has said.

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