Chapter 24

Sana

@sweetangel_25

Part 24

As Naazneen leaves, Muskaan moves towards Armaan's desk to talk to him, but just then a clerk comes over. Feroz had sent him to call for Muskaan.

Muskaan comes back after a while. She is at the door of Armaan's cabin when she hears hoots and laughs coming from inside the cabin. As she peeps through the door, she sees Tabrez, Zia and Armaan crowding over Zaheer as he sat on Armaan's chair. As she watches, she could see Tabrez and Zia teasing a hell out of Zaheer who sat with his head down, and an overzealous Armaan taking that teasing to the edge. She immediately wanted to leave, a reason being that she didn't like intruding in their space like that. And secondly, she wasn't in a condition to take this kind of a scene anymore. But something kept her from going, something so heart catching that she froze in her place as she saw and heard what was going on inside.

Armaan was dictating to Tabrez and Zia the incident in his car a few days back, when he found Zaheer blushing but refusing to tell him anything.

Armaan: you know guys…mujhe pehle se hi shak tha…I was just waiting for him to (gives Zaheer a punch)…admit it

 Zia: I see…both of you knew it haa

Armaan: kind of…his expressions you know.. every time she was around him…but I thought...is jaise hopeless se ...kya expect karna

And the laughing and teasing continued.

But amidst all that Muskaan just couldn't help staring at Zaheer's face. The blush and glow on his face was something no one could miss. Muskaan's eyes widened as the realization struck. She covered her mouth with her palm in an attempt to cover the sound of her gasps that were filled with shocks.

Zaheer had feelings for her…and Armaan knew it. He always did.

And she was such a fool…she thought he himself had feelings for her…and here she was waiting for him to admit it…worrying her head off to think of the many reasons for his disguise of feelings…such a fool she had been.

As her legs started to give way…and her knees weakened enough to hurt….she turned from there and ran out of the place…towards her car…and back to the house…fighting back her tears…till she was in the safe vicinity of her room.

And then she broke out. Pouring out her tears… her last few hopes…and all those simple.. little…beautiful dreams  she had treasured in some corner of her heart…all her secretly kept dreams…that were a part of her life…a part of her…since…she didnt know since when…since a girl gets a hold of such feelings…inside and around her…

She wound herself close as she lied down on the bed...and let the reality of the situation sink in...

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A week passed...bringing shocks and realities for Muskaan...ones she was far away from. She could see Armaan's happiness over her proposed marriage...the family's glowing faces as they prepared for the upcoming engagement..and...Zaheer's change of attitude towards her...but she couldn't do anything about any of that.

She couldn't say anything to anyone, could not even show her emotions. Well.. that was a far shot..even if she let that fake smile drop from her face for a while..she would have to answer people about why she wasn't smiling over her marriage...so she would just spend most of her time in meetings or alone...but the reality of her situation wouldn't ever leave her.

The following weekend...the entire family was out shopping...it was decided that the engagement will be a private affair...only a celebration for the marriage getting fixed...the official ceremony will be held later in a grand way.

Muskaan and Naazneen were seated near one of the lehenga counters absent-mindedly staring at the clothing. Naazneen had tried a lot to convince Muskaan to say no for the marriage. But Muskaan couldn't get herself to do that. Firstly, because her dad would ask her for atleast one reason.. and she had none to give him. And secondly, she was still not in a condition to decide on anything herself. Even when she did try to talk to her dad, she couldn't utter a word amidst all the chaos and celebrations going around. So she just let things be...and concentrated on keeping her mind and emotions stable.

Naazneen nudged her as she noticed Muskaan is in her thoughts again. Muskaan jerked out of her thoughts and saw Armaan and Zaheer moving towards them.

Armaan: hui ki nahi tumhari shopping...dont tell me aaj bhi tum log khali haath hi jaoge..

Zaheer: Muskaan..u don't like anything here?

Muskaan:..hmm..ya I don't

Zaheer: ok...but this is one of the best shops in Mumbai..aur itne din se tumhe baki shops me bhi kuch pasand nahi aya..do you have anything special in mind??

Naaz: oh common bhai..its gonna be her special day..do you think wo kuch bhi select kar legi...mujhe bhi to kuch acha nahi lag raha..

Armaan: oh common it will be special for us even...but poori family ki..almost sari shopping hogayi hai...sirf tum dono ko chod kar..

Zaheer takes a step closer to Muskaan:..Muskaan...its ok..we will call a good designer home tomorrow..ok??

Muskaan: hmm

Naaz: uffo bhai..app bhi na uske peeche pad gaye..she is just a little choosy...wow..did u see that sherwani..(she points to one on display behind his back)..chalo dekhte hai...

Zaheer protests that he doesn't want one but she just drags him out of there to give Muskaan her space to breathe. But before leaving, she doesn't forget to...

Naazneen: Armaan bhai you also come along?

But Armaan : tum log dekho..mai bas ata hu...

Here he turns to Muskaan, who was staring at the ground to avoid looking at him. But soon his gaze gets caught by a beautiful gold and orange lehenga lying on the counter.

Armaan: wow..Muskaan.. tumne ye wala dekha.. (he touches the dress gently)

Muskaan just takes a glance and looks away.

Armaan: its so beautiful...you should try it

Muskaan: I didn't like it (she says with a straight face)

Armaan: please try to karlo..acha nahi laga to mat lena..but I don't think wo option useful hoga (he winks at her but she doesn't react)

Hearing them the saleswoman comes forward.

Saleswoman: sir..I can drape a little around her and you two can have a look

Muskaan was about to reject the idea when Farhat and Saba come to join them.

Farhat (to Muskaan): kuch pasand aya beta

Armaan: (to the sales woman) yes you go ahead. Chachi..ye pasand aya hai..wo Muskaan par thoda sa drape kar denge..to dekhte hai kaisa lagta hai..

Before Muskaan could react she found the saleswoman putting the ghoonghat on her shoulders and head. Then she tied the lenhenga fabric piece around her waist by a thick thread, and adjusted the ghoongat on her head in a particular style.

As she got done and moved away Muskaan saw both the ladies and Armaan staring at her.

Saba: bohott praya hai..good choice..

Farhat: tujhe acha laga na Muskaan?

Muskaan didn't react..feeling uncomfortable in the clothing.

Armaan: I think she should get a proper look

Saying that he moves towards her and gently turns her towards a full-length mirror at her back.

Muskaan gasped as she saw the reflection...the sight of her slightly transformed self...but more than that..the familiarity of the situation..the sight of watching him next to her in a mirror.. his gentle touch on her shoulders...his smiling face next to hers.. and the memories came flashing back..

She looked down as tears threatened to show up..she moved away from him..but she could not take it anymore..couldnt keep the feelings or the tears out...she excused herself and rushed to a nearby trial room at the store...

As she burst into tears...100s of reflections got generated in the room ...she as surrounded by mirrored walls.. the reflections multiplied.. as did her pain...

[Song in the background..]

Wo meri neend mera chain mujhe lauta do...

She looked up at her reflections..and at her face filled with tears...but all the tears combined couldn't help relieve her from her pain..

Wo meri neend mera chain mujhe lauta do..

Wo mera pyaar mera dard mujhe lauta do..

Neend jitni bhi maine khoyi hai..

Chain jitna bhi maine khoya hai..

Wo meri neend mera chain mujhe lauta do...

Wo mara pyaar mera dard mujhe lauta do..

She wiped her face clean and walked out to her family. All of them had gathered near the counter now waiting to have a look at her.

She struggled to remain stable as she noticed their approvals and appraisals..and Zaheer's gaze at her.

She looked at her dad silently asking him for his opinion, and noticed the slight moisture in his eyes.

Ek masoom dil hai aur sitam hai kitne...

she moved towards him and smiled..nodding at him..as if to say..she likes it if he does...her father gave her a light hug and nodded back...

Ek masoom dil hai aur sitam hai kitne..

Is mohabbat ke siva aur bhi gam hai kitne..

Is mohabbat ke siva aur bhi gam hai kitne...

The saleswoman got the dress off her. Armaan winked at her holding up his collar at his victory and she struggled to hold back her tears as a smile appeared on her face at his act. She looked down at the floor and turned away.

Mere ishq ka imtehaan yu na lo...

Tumhe hai kasam meri jaan yu na lo...

Khwab jitney bhi maine dekhe hai..

Yaad jitna kiya hai maine tujhe..

Wo mere khwab meri yaad mujhe lauta do...

All of them left the store after the dress got packed for her.

Wo meri neend mare chain mujhe lauta do..

Wo mera pyaar mera dard mujhe lauta do...

She stood in her balcony.. taking in the peace of the night...leaning against the door frame for support..physical or emotional support..she couldn't say...when she noticed Armaan & Zaheer with a bunch of friends hanging around the lawn of Armaan's house. Her gaze held on to him...his liveliness that stood out from the rest.. his gorgeous smile...she felt something hurt her arm bringing her back to her senses. She gently rubbed the area on her arm.

Ye meri bhool thi jo maine tujhe pyaar kiya...

She turned away from him and came back to the room.

Ye meri bhool thi jo maine tujhe pyaar kiya..

Na milne wali mohabbat ka intezaar kiya..

Na milne wali mohabbat ka intezaar kiya...

She sat on the edge of the bed holding the edge tight, as tears streamed down her face...

Ye kya rang layi hai meri wafa..

Mili hai mujhe kis liye ye saza..

Teri chahat ki pyaas thi mujhko..

Tujhko pane ki thi ummeed mujhe

Wo meri pyaas wo ummeed mujhe lauta do...

Wo mere khwab meri yaad mujhe lauta do..

Wo meri neend mera chain mujhe lauta do..

Wo mera pyaar mera dard mujhe lauta do...

She let her tears burst out once again..waiting for that pain to leave her..hoping that the tears may eventually wash away her stinging pain...

Just then her phone rang...she didn't care one bit to check it...but it kept ringing..for a second time now..

Irritated at the how adamant the caller was she picked it up from the side table and checked the number...she gasped..as fresh tears streamed out now..looking at Aman's name flashing there...her fingers shaking, she received the call..

Muskaan:...h..hello...(crying hard)

Aman: Muskaan..are you ok..why do I feel you are..?

She cried even harder now...feeling the warmth of the presence of her best friend...

Aman: Muskaan! You are crying?! Kya hua?? mazak kar rahi ho kya?

But she didn't reply..only cried harder..

Aman: Muskaan please talk to me..kya hogaya huh..(he was all hyper now)

Muskaan: Aman...Aman... .wo...Aman

Aman: ha bolo Muskaan..dear...kya hua? Naaz nahi hai kya waha par?

But she just could not talk amidst her tears...she could only pour out her pain in front of him through her tears...

Muskaan: Aman...where are you?...please ajao...please come... Aman..please

Aman: lekin hua kya..you relax first ok..maine hu na..its ok Muski..whatever it is.. please relax first..aur Naaz kaha hai!!!

Just then Naazneen enters the room and witnesses the scene. She takes the phone from Muskaan wondering who it is on the phone.

Naaz: hello..Aman wo..

Aman: Naaz!! Kya ho raha hai ha waha par!! Aise kyu ro rahi hai wo!!!

Naaz couldn't decide what to tell him..or she rather take care of Muskaan breaking down in front of her. But Aman knew better..and he couldn't even take it anymore..he drinks up all his anger and helplessness.. and disconnects the phone...

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The following day..

Muskaan was in the garden. It was a Sunday and she didn't want to be in the house facing everyone.

Armaan comes out of his house all set to go out. He was walking towards his car when he notices Muskaan sitting alone. He realizes how long it has been since they had a good talk. He closes back the door of his car and moves towards her.

Muskaan hears the beep of a car door getting locked. She looks up to see Armaan moving towards her. She freezes at her place. She couldn't face him now. But the second time she looks up, the sight makes her jump to her feet. She starts to walk across the lawn.

Armaan sees her walking towards him. But he gets surprised when she starts to pick up pace and eventually starts to run..and ..a few tears trickle down her face... he stops in his tracks at the sight.

But Muskaan goes running...crosses him..and runs into Aman's arms...who was standing a few feet behind Armaan. And as soon as she feels that familiar warmth...her light sobbing gives way to heavy tears.. as she clings tightly to her friend.

Aman immediately hugs her back.. momentarily looking at the completely baffled face of the stranger standing a few feet from him, but then gets back to consoling his dearest friend.

Part ends.

Comments awaited.

Love Sana.