SAHIL FF-AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE-PT25-THE REAL THING-NEW-PG-108 - Page 49

Originally posted by: MrDarcyfan

Hi all,

I am out of town till Monday. So most likely canno update till then. Sorry about the wait, but it's a family holiday, so can't spend all my time on the laptop! :)

Thanks

Mandy

...Whatever happens please let it be a lonnnggg update...so even if the new guy tries to pursue sanam plz plz let sanam speak up and just say NO respectfully!

I want Sahil reunion...pretty plz? 😭

Originally posted by: Pasya

why no updateee...

update soon...

plzzz

^ Brilliant if update is LONG! Yippee!

Part 18 -"About A Girl!"

Sanam was walking towards the kitchen and her heart was racing. She had stopped for a moment to tell one of the wait staff to get the drinks order from the I.H Group table and set off towards the kitchen. She knew she had a bit of time before she needed to be back out there again. She was trying to calm her nerves since seeing Aahil. She had noticed the speculative looks from Neil and Ruhi. Her eyes had met Rehan's for a moment and she had given him a faint smile. He had merely given her a small nod in acknowledgement. Her heart sank as she saw that the usual warmth was missing from Rehan's expression as he looked at her. It seemed Seher had been right. He was pretty upset with her. She didn't blame him. She understood the sibling bond very well, and she knew she probably would have acted the same way towards him, had Rehan hurt Seher in some way. Sanam entered the kitchen and Sean looked up. Upon seeing Sanam's pale face, Sean knew something was wrong. He looked at Sanam and gestured towards her;

"What's wrong?"

"He's here!" said Sanam in response.

"He?" said Sean in confusion for a second, and then clarity dawned on his face. "You mean Aahil? He is here? So then what are you doing in here? Go talk to him!"

"He came here with people from his company Sean. Not to see me?" said Sanam shaking her head.

"Oh...Yeah...I forgot that his company brings clients here! You didn't know he was coming did you?"

"No. Not until 10 minutes before he arrived! So much for waiting to call him!"

"I suggest you talk to him before he leaves for the evening. Why not use that office of yours? After all, it won't be the first time you met him there right?" said Sean with a smirk.

"NOT funny Sean!" said Sanam, as she turned to leave the kitchen.

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Aahil was looking morose as he thought of how he was going to spend the rest of the evening pretending to have a good time and do small talk with the Deora Group people. He had been dismayed when the Deora's had insisted on coming to "S2", and he had not wanted to protest too loud in case they start to wonder what the problem was. Also, he had thought since this was just a regular dinner, that he may not even run into Sanam. But he had known that the Deora's would call her out to meet her before the end of the evening. But he had expected no more than a 10 to 15 minute encounter. However, when he walked into the restaurant he done an about face when he saw Sanam. He had been shocked to see her on the restaurant floor dressed formally. It looked like she was covering for Neha, the usual floor manager. It was just his luck, that today of ALL days, Neha was not here, and Sanam had taken her place. So now instead of seeing her for a few minutes, he will be forced to see her on and off the whole night.

Almost as if on cue, Sanam appeared at the table. Aahil looked at her almost on reflex, and her eyes met his for a moment. Aahil's breathe caught for a second at what he saw in their depths. It was like she was trying to say something to him. Was that regret he saw in her eyes? For that moment it seemed like all the other people at the table were not present. All voices and noise faded into the background as their eyes held. Just then a voice broke through their private moment.

"Sanam" said a voice. "Sanam!"

Suddenly Sanam snapped out of her moment with Aahil and looked towards the voice, which was Ashish Deora's.

"Sorry...Yes Mr Deora?" said Sanam politely. Despite himself Aahil was pleased that Sanam had not chosen to call Ashish by his first name, but maintained a level of formality with him.

"I told you already Sanam. Please call me Ashish!"

"Sorry...Ashish, you were saying?" said Sanam, and Aahil scowled. Rehan's eyes moved from Aahil to Sanam and then Ashish Deora. He sighed in exasperation. "Why did this Ashish have to start hitting on Sanam, tonight of ALL nights?" thought Rehan. Rehan had hoped that this chance meeting would give Aahil and Sanam a chance to talk. But it seemed Aahil was too busy being jealous and Sanam too busy trying to be nice to Ashish Deora.

"Your wine selection is just excellent Sanam. It's international standard!"

"Thank you Ashish! We have a cellar, and we house all the wines there!"

"Well it's excellent!..ARI..." Said Ashish looking at Aahil. "I have to say, you have found a great place to bring your clients to! Mum was not exaggerating. This restaurant is a class apart! I am just sorry I missed the degustation menu last time!"

"Yes Ashish...This restaurant is a class apart. Just like Ms Khan! She is very discerning!" Said Aahil, glancing at Sanam. Only Sanam and Rehan knew that Aahil was not really paying her a compliment. Sanam looked away.

"Well you have proven yourself to be very discerning too ARI. After all, out of all the fine dining establishments in Bhopal, you chose Sanam's restaurant to bring your clients to!"

"Yes! I have chosen wisely Ashish. Ms Khan also chooses wisely, she has very strict rules!" Said Aahil, glancing towards Sanam. Sanam gulped. She was feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Was she and Rehan the only people that understood the subtext to this conversation? It appeared Ruhi and Neil were cottoning on too!

"Is that a fact? Well I hope you make an exception to your rules time and again Sanam?"

"I am sure she will Ashish, if she deems the person worthy of her impossibly high standards!"

"Well you know I love a challenge ARI? So I hope I can meet those standards?"

Suddenly there was silence around the table for a second. Ashish Deora had openly declared that he wants to put his hat in the ring when it comes to Sanam. It seemed like he didn't waste his time! Aahil's eyes were decidedly cold as they looked towards Ashish. But Ashish's eyes were trained on Sanam so he didn't notice. However Rehan, Ruhi and Neil saw how bad this situation was. Rehan quickly cleared his throat.

"Why don't we order the entrees everyone? The scallops are amazing. I have tried them!" Said Rehan quickly. He managed to diffuse the situation for the time being. Sanam threw Rehan a grateful glance.

This set the tone for the rest of the evening. Ashish continued to openly flirt with Sanam and Aahil's face continued to resemble a thundercloud. By the end of the night even the Deora's and Mr Vyas were looking a bit tensed as they sensed that Aahil was displeased by something. Gayatri Deora decided she was going to have a word with her son after they went back to their hotel. She liked Sanam a lot, but even she had not expected Ashish to be so obvious.

Before the evening was through, Sanam came to their table to ask them if they had enjoyed their evening. Ashish moved in for the kill.

"Sanam, I have to say, I am very impressed with your menu, your wine selection and your service. You truly are streets ahead of a lot of restaurants who do fusion cuisine! Trust me, I am a big foodie and I try food at different restaurants all the time. It would be great if you could actually join me for dinner. I am sure your expertise will come in handy when it comes to a selecting a good menu!"

"I bet!" Said Aahil under his breath! Rehan sent him a quick glance and could not help his lips from twisting in amusement. Bhai was livid and that was a good sign. No matter what he said, he was in love with Sanam and could not stand to see any other guy trying to get close to her!

"Thank you Ashish. You're very kind!" Said Sanam politely. She did not want to be drawn in to a conversation about a potential date with Ashish Deora.

"Why so coy Sanam? I am sure someone as beautiful and talented as you get asked to accompany men to dinner all the time? I'm afraid this trip to Bhopal ends early tomorrow morning. But I will definitely want to take you out to dinner the next time I am in town! So rain-check?" Said Ashish with a smile. He really was very handsome and normally Sanam would have been flattered by his attention. But tonight it was having the reverse effect on her!

Sanam was decidedly uncomfortable with the way things had gone tonight, and how Ashish Deora had continued to show a clear partiality towards her. Here she was trying to see if she could get Aahil alone so she can apologize to him, and Ashish Deora's continued attention towards her seems to have made Aahil even angrier. What was she going to do? At this rate, how was she even going to talk to Aahil? However, she knew if she didn't at least pretend to consider a date with Ashish, he would not let go of the topic. He was anything if not persistent!

"Yes thank you Ashish!" Said Sanam, at which Sanam saw Aahil, Rehan and their colleagues look at her speculatively. It seemed they couldn't quite believe what they were witnessing. Ruhi's eyes widened. Did the Ms Khan who had been dating ARI till last week, just agree to go on a date with Ashish Deora in the presence of her boss? She could barely believe it! "Ms Khan sure was brave!" thought Ruhi. Sanam deliberately didn't look at any of them. She was too embarrassed by what had just happened.

"It was nice to see you all again, Mr and Mrs Deora and Mr Vyas. I hope you enjoyed the dinner tonight?"

"Of course. It was excellent as always!" Said Gayatri Deora, to which the others in her party agreed.

"It was a pleasure meeting you Sanam!" Said Ashish Deora, as they were about to leave. "I look forward to seeing you next time I am in town!"

"It was good to meet you too Ashish. Have a good night and a safe trip hope!" Said Sanam without committing any further to a future meeting.

Everyone started to wish each other a goodnight and move towards the door. Sanam was looking at Aahil, and his eyes met hers for a second and looked away, anger flashing in them. Sanam sighed. How was she going to have a conversation with him with everyone watching? She had to get him alone.

"Aahil...I mean Mr Ibrahim...could I have a word with you about something please?"

"Yes Ms Khan, what is it?" Said Aahil looking at Sanam pointedly, and making it clear he wanted her to speak there and then.

"Actually...I...could we speak in private?" Said Sanam as she looked at Aahil, her eyes pleading him to understand. Maybe it was the look in her eyes that disarmed him. He pursed his lips for a second and nodded. He turned towards the group and bid goodnight to them all and wished the Deora group crowd a safe trip back the next day. They all turned to leave, along with Ruhi and Neil. Aahil then turned to Rehan.

"Rehan...please drop Neil and Ruhi back at work and come back for me!"

"Sure Bhai!" Said Rehan, suppressing a smile. Rehan was happy that finally, Aahil and Sanam will get a chance to talk.

As Rehan turned to leave with the rest of the group, Sanam saw Ashish Deora give a speculative glance towards her and Aahil. She also noticed Gayatri Deora looking at them too. She seemed to be contemplating something. Almost as if she had found the answer to something she was pondering on. She smiled at Sanam as she left and Sanam smiled back. Gayatri Deora was no fool. She had seen the way Aahil's eyes had been clouded over most of the night and how he had appeared to be keeping a lid on his anger. She could very well guess why. Looks like the Nawab Sahaab had more than just a professional interest in the beautiful Ms Khan. He was clearly jealous of the way Ashish had been paying attention to Sanam all evening. Sanam too had looked uncomfortable with Ashish's interest. Now it appeared that Sanam wanted to speak to Aahil alone. It was clear Sanam also had more than just a professional interest in Aahil. Gayatri Deora realised that her son had unwittingly lodged himself in the middle of a lover's quarrel. She would definitely have to have a chat with her son, she thought as she left the restaurant.

Aahil noticed the interest that Ashish and Gayatri Deora has taken in the two of them. Looks like both Mum and son were equally keen on Sanam? Aahil felt the anger he had suppressed in response to the pleading look in Sanam's eyes, return once more at what he has just witnessed. Finally everyone left through the front door and Aahil and Sanam were left standing in the foyer alone.

Aahil turned to Sanam. "What is it that you want to discuss with me in private Ms Khan? I thought you had already said everything there was to say the last time we met?"

"Aahil please...at least give me a chance to explain...I..." Sanam was saying when Aahil cut her off.

"Explain what Sanam? That you don't think I am worth taking a risk on? That all you ever saw in me was someone to have a fling with? That you always thought of our relationship as transitory? Is THAT what you want to explain? Well I don't need you to elaborate anymore. I got the message loud and clear the first time!"

"Aahil...can we at least talk in my office? This is hardly the place?" Said Sanam gesturing towards the foyer.

"Fine. Lead the way Ms Khan. But I still don't see what the point is?" Said Aahil sternly as he turned to follow Sanam into her office. As Sanam reached the door of the office she stretched her hand to open the door, when automatically Aahil also reached for the door handle beside her. His hand covered hers and they both turned and looked at each other, their eyes holding for a moment.

"Sorry. Force of habit!" Said Aahil as he took his hand away from the door handle. Just then Sanam took her hand away as well and gestured to the door.

"Please go ahead!" She said as she stepped away from the door. Aahil was surprised, as the last time he had tried to open this door for her, she had told him categorically that she did not need help opening the door. Not that she did now, but she had deferred to him, and let him open the door for her? What was going on with Ms Khan? Thought Aahil as he turned the door handle and held the door open for Sanam to walk in. She did so and then Aahil closed the door behind him, and turned to face Sanam who had just turned around to look at him.

"So what is it that you want to say to me that required this amount of privacy Sanam? Like I said before, have you not made your sentiments about me and any relationship with me abundantly clear?"

"Aahil...look...I know I was wrong to not tell you I was going with Saif to the Architects dinner, and I was wrong to not discuss the Sim issue with you...but I honestly didn't know what to say and how you would react?"

"So you avoided me, and then lied to me? Great way of dealing with things Sanam! Overly cautious if you ask me, which doesn't seem to be your style ALL the time? Maybe when it comes to someone you think is worthy of your time, you act differently?"

"What is THAT supposed to mean?" asked Sanam, her eyes flashing.

"Ashish Deora. You didn't seem to have ANY problem with agreeing to go out to dinner with him and you only just met him! It seems you're ready to throw caution to the wind when it comes to him?"

"I can't believe you just said that. Actually...I can't believe you even THINK that? You know very well I only said that to be polite. I could hardly refuse him point blank in front of all those people? You saw how persistent he was? After all...he IS a business colleague of yours?"

"So are you suggesting that you agreed to go out with Ashish Deora because of his association with ME? A better excuse I have never heard!"

"It is not an excuse Aahil. It's the truth. I didn't want to embarrass myself, Ashish, or you. Especially in front of his parents and Mr Vyas. I was trying to be tactful. But obviously you are too biased against me to see that! ALL you can see is your ego that's been bruised!"

"Oh...wow..I see the conversation is back to my ego?Your favorite subject when it comes to me? The reason I do everything right? I have NO finer feelings! It's always to do with my big fat ego!"

Sanam closed her eyes in exasperation. She couldn't believe this is how this conversation was going. Here she was trying to talk to him, to apologize, and this conversation was going off on a tangent into dangerous territory.

"Aahil..." Sanam sighed. "I am trying to apologize here...Can you at least..." Sanam was saying when he cut her off.

"OK. So you have apologized. Thanks I guess! I suppose I can leave now?"

"Aahil...Please...I KNOW your ego is not the reason you do everything. I was not suggesting that at all. I know you've been hurt in your childhood, and you..." Sanam was saying when she suddenly realized what she had just said. She froze, and looked at Aahil, who she noticed was staring at her intently. The color seemed to have left his face.

"WHAT did you just say?" he said in a deathly quiet voice. Too quiet.

"Aahil...listen...look...Rehan didn't mean to betray your confidence. He was worried about you. So he told Seher about your Dad...and...and how he used to be. How he made your life hard, ALL your lives. I finally understood why you do some of the things you do...I mean I understand..." Sanam knew she was babbling, but she didn't know what to do. She realised what a huge error she had made, letting Aahil know she knew about his childhood.

"You don't understand ANYTHING...do you get that?" said Aahil taking a step towards Sanam. She saw the menacing look in Aahil's eyes and she automatically took a step back. "Don't worry Sanam...I am not going to attack you! My FATHER was the abuser. Not me! But I guess it's all the same to you right? Like Father like Son?" said Aahil in a bitter tone.

Sanam gasped. How could he even THINK she thought he would attack her? "AAHIL..." she breathed in shock. "Of course I don't think that! How can you even THINK such a thing?"

"So THIS is why you wanted to apologize to me?" said Aahil, as if she had not even spoken. "Why you suddenly felt the need to "Explain?" why you did what you did? You took pity on the poor abused kid with a bad childhood right? Well let me tell you something Ms Khan...I don't need your pity. I KNOW I am damaged goods. But even I draw the line at sympathy sex!"

Now it was Sanam's turn to turn pale. Had he just accused her of only wanting to apologise to him out of pity? Sympathy Sex, is THAT what he thought she was offering him?

"If THAT is what you really think...then I guess there really IS nothing left for us to talk about! You accuse me of not valuing our relationship? Well it doesn't seem to me like you value it either?" Sanam stared at Aahil, her eyes filled with pain.

Aahil stared back at her, his eyes reflecting equal pain. "I think its best I leave now, before we BOTH say anything else we will regret!" said Aahil, as he turned around and opened the door to Sanam's office and stepped outside. Sanam watched him leave, her eyes full of unshed tears. She had tried to apologize to him, and THIS is how it had ended. Why did it feel like things were well and truly over between them now? She felt like they had hurt each other too much to turn back now.

Aahil stomped out of Sanam's office and then walked to the front door, and stepped outside. He stepped on to the curb, and caught his breath. He was breathing heavily, like he had been running. He could not believe what he had just heard? Sanam KNEW? She knew about his Dad? How could Rehan do this to him? It was his secret. His shame. It was HIS choice to tell her. But now that choice had been taken from him, and he was angry. But mostly disappointed. His chest ached with the raw pain that encounter with Sanam had caused. To think that THIS was the reason she suddenly regretted the way she had behaved was just too painful for Aahil to contemplate. For a moment tonight, just a moment, he had felt that maybe she genuinely DID feel regret at how things had ended. That maybe, just maybe, she wanted to give this relationship another chance? But now he found out, it was all out of pity. She was sorry for him. Well he didn't want her sympathy. He didn't want anyone's sympathy. He would rather be thought of as an arrogant player, than a pitiful victim. NO. He most certainly did not want to be viewed that way. Especially by Sanam. Aahil took his phone out and went into his favourites and hit "Rehan". The phone started to ring.

"Bhai? I am on my way...I'll..." Rehan was saying when Aahil cut him off.

"Rehan...please go home. I'll be spending the night at my apartment in town! I want to be alone. I do not want to be disturbed. Is that clear?"

"But BHAI...What happened...what...?"

"Is that CLEAR Rehan?" said Aahil, in a deathly quiet tone. A tone Rehan recognised very well. That tone meant "End of discussion!" Rehan was very worried, but he knew that in this mood there was NO reasoning with Aahil.

"Yes...it's clear Bhai...I..." Rehan was saying, when Aahil cut the call. WHAT on earth had happened at "S2" with Sanam for Aahil to be reacting like this? Rehan knew something big had happened. Definitely nothing good. This was bad. Really bad. He decided to call Seher, as he drove towards home.

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After the call Seher got from Rehan, she had realized something big had happened between Aahil and Sanam at "S2" that night. She was about to call Sanam, when the front door opened and Sanam walked in. She was looking pale and didn't at all look like she was well.

"Api...API... Are you OK?" she asked, as she came towards her and held Sanam by the arms.

"No...No I am not Seher!" she said, her voice breaking. "I am not OK, and I don't know if I will EVER be ok now? He hates me Seher...he hates me!" said Sanam as she started to sob.

"Api..." Said Seher in a shocked tone. "What happened between you and Aahil? I got a call from Rehan. He said Aahil told him he will be staying at his apartment in the city tonight, and told him to go home! He's really worried. He knows you guys must have argued, but he's not sure what exactly happened? He said some business colleague of his was hitting on you? Some Ajay...Ashish Deora? Was that what this is about?"

Sanam gave a small laugh. "I wish this was about Ashish Deora Seher. I wish it were that simple. But this was SO much worse than that!" said Sanam, looking at Seher, at which Seher looked at her quizzically. Sanam then explained what had happened and how while trying to apologise to Aahil, she had inadvertently mentioned that she knew about Aahil's father and the abuse he had suffered. Seher looked shocked. No wonder Aahil had reacted as he had. This also explained the way he had acted towards Rehan. This is the reason he was staying at his apartment. Obviously to avoid seeing Rehan at home. He was clearly angry with him.

"I ruined everything Seher. I don't think he'll ever want to see me again now. I'm sure he hates me totally now!"

"Of course he doesn't hate you Api. He's madly in love with you? Can't you see THAT is why he's so upset you found out about his Dad? I suppose he thinks you think less of him now? He can't stand the thought of appearing less in the eyes of the women he loves. It would be tough for ANY guy. But for someone like ARI...so proud? Even worse! It's very complicated Api!" said Seher with a sigh.

"Yes it is. And I clearly know nothing about loving a man as complicated as Aahil! It's better for him, if I stay out of his way. At least that way...I won't be able to hurt him anymore!" said Sanam, as tears fell down her eyes. Seher looked at Sanam, her heart breaking for her sister. Sanam murmured that she was going upstairs. All Seher could do was watch her leave. She was home a lot earlier than she usually did. Obviously after her confrontation with Aahil, she had clearly not been in any fit state to work.

Sanam went into her room and fell on her bed and cried bitterly. She could not believe what had happened with Aahil. She was so angry at herself for inadvertently letting Aahil know she had found out about the abuse he had suffered. His reaction had made clear that she had hurt him terribly. Especially because he thought this was all about her being sorry for him. She knew what he said to her was not good. But she also knew it was his own insecurity regarding his past, and the complexity of his feelings regarding the same, that had made him react the way he had. Sanam had walked into the kitchen after Aahil had left. One look at her and Sean had known something was clearly wrong. He had insisted that she go home, and said he, Danny and the rest of the wait staff will handle the rest of the evening. Sanam had gratefully agreed and left. She had considered calling Seher to come get her, but instead had decided to drive. Luckily it was a short drive. As Sanam cried herself to sleep, she thought she had never been so unhappy in her life.

Aahil was sitting on the rug in the hall of his apartment. His back was to the couch. He was in his boxers and he had a bottle of whisky next to him and it was about quarter empty. His apartment had a great view, but he was in no mood to appreciate it. He had almost dialled the number of some girl he had dated ages ago, and then he had just thrown his phone on to the armchair across the coffee table. He could not even think of being with another women now. Everywhere he looked all he could see was HER face. She had ruined him for any other women, and ALL she felt for him was pity. Well he didn't want it. He would rather have nothing from her, than have her in his life because of some misguided idea she had that she needed to "save" him! Aahil gave a bitter laugh. No one could save him. Maybe he was cursed. Cursed to always be lonely. He had never told ANY women about his past, his Father. The truth was, he had never wanted their sympathy. He had never wanted them to view him differently. But those were women he had not even had any special feelings for! When it came to Sanam...he had only wanted her to see the best in him! And NOW, thanks to Rehan...all she could see was a victim. As Aahil took another swing of whisky off the bottle, he thought he had never been this unhappy in his life!

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Over three weeks had gone by since the night at "S2". Both Sanam and Aahil had gone back to their respective routines, but the people close to them could see that neither were happy. It pained both Rehan and Seher to see the unhappiness that their siblings were suffering through.

It was a Wednesday, and Rehan, Aahil, and a few other colleagues were sitting in the conference room for a meeting. Rehan was looking at Aahil as Neil was discussing some numbers with him. He was nodding and making all the right sounds, but he was not sure if Aahil was even listening to him. After that night at "S2", and Aahil's insistence that he will spend the night at the apartment in the city, Aahil had pretty much been distant with him. Rehan had of course found out from Seher what had happened and that Sanam had let slip that she knew about Aahil's Dad. Aahil had not come to work the next day, neither had he taken his calls. However, he had left a message with Ruhi to cancel all his appointments for the day. When Rehan came home that night, he had found him in his room playing video games. Rehan sighed as he remembered how he had tried to apologise to Aahil.

*Flashback*

"Bhai...PLEASE try and understand...I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted Sanam to realise that you had reasons for some of the things you've done, and some of the ways you act! I just wanted her to understand you better..." Rehan had trailed off in desperation, as Aahil had continued to shoot some hapless victim to death on his screen.

Suddenly he had paused his game and looked up at Rehan.

"I understand your intentions were good Rehan, but your methods were faulty! I don't want Sanam's pity, nor do I want her to come apologise to me out of sympathy. I don't want her to give our relationship another chance, just because of some misguided sense of guilt she has about hurting an abuse victim! You screwed up Rehan. Don't EVER do that to me again!" said Aahil as he turned his attention back to the screen. The shooting started again, and that was the end of the conversation.

*End of flashback*

Rehan knew he had to do something to get his brother out of this funk he was in. But what? He was not cold towards him, but he was certainly "cool" and was not hanging out with him as much. To be honest, all Aahil seemed to do these days was work long hours and play video games! Rehan had tried to get him to go out with him a few times, but he had refused. The meeting ended and they all went to their respective desks or cabins. It was late in the day, and everyone was getting ready to go home. Rehan too decided he should leave. He finished up whatever work he had and called Ruhi to see if Aahil was still in his cabin. Ruhi informed him that Aahil had already left. These days, Aahil and Rehan never drove in together, or left together. Aahil always kept his own hours.

After reaching home Rehan inquired from Lateef if Aahil was home, to which Lateef had informed him that "Aahil Baba" was locked in his room playing video games. He lamented his boss's changed behavior to Rehan.

"Patha nahin Aahil Baba ko kya hogaya? Aaj kal woh ithana swimming bi nahin kartain? Jab woh swimming kar tha tha...Kya nazara tha! Lekin aaj kal...? Patha nahin usse kya huwa hai? Soch soch kar meri puri beauty sleep karab ho jathi hain...main to Hui chui mui!"

Rehan shook his head at Lateef as he went his room. He had a shower and got dressed and was about to reach for his phone to call Seher, when Suddenly Rehan's phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello?" said Rehan distractedly, picking up the call. Probably some Tele marketer.

"Am I speaking to Rehan?...Rehan Qureshi?" said a female voice at the end of the line. The voice somehow sounded familiar to Rehan.

"Yes!" said Rehan perplexed. "This is Rehan!"

"You really don't know who this is do you?" said the voice, and this time he could sense amusement in it! Suddenly Rehan knew who it was.

"Sadhana?" said Rehan in an incredulous tone. Sadhana Laxman?"

"Right the first time! I have to give it to you...5 years and you still managed to recognise my voice. Not bad Rehan! At least you're better than your brother...who's not even picking up his phone these days?" said Sadhana.

"Yeah...ummm...Bhai's been busy with work lately! Also...your number has changed, so he obviously didn't know it was you!" said Rehan, making an excuse for Aahil.

Sadhana Laxman had been in their MBA class with them. She had been part of the group they had formed in the 1 year of their MBA. The group had included the now famous fashion mogul *Arnav Singh Raizada. She had been closer to Aahil, but had been pretty good friends with him too. They had not seen each other since their stint in the States. But kept in touch via social media over the years.

"Busy with work, or working some girl over? I bet Aahil still has a bevy of beauties following him around? Boston or Bhopal...some things never change!" said Sadhana with a laugh.

"No...Bhai has actually been busy with work. There's no girl!" (Well there WAS a girl...but then it way WAY too complicated to explain to Sadhana over the phone!)

"Seriously?" said Sadhana, her surprise showing in her tone! "Maybe something's DO change then? Anyways...look I called coz I wanted to let you guys know I am in Bhopal this week. Just arrived today. A friend of mine is getting married. She is someone I went to boarding school with and she's from Bhopal. Samiya Sheik. Her Mehendi is today and Sangeet tomorrow. The wedding is on Friday. My flight back to Chennai is on Sunday afternoon, so I really want to catch up with you and Aahil on Saturday night if possible?"

"Yeah of course...we MUST catch up. I will speak to Bhai and call you back!"

"NO. You make your BHAI call me back!" said Sadhana with a laugh.

"Sure!" said Rehan as he bid Sadhana goodbye. Rehan contemplated the stroke of luck that had brought Sadhana Luxman to Bhopal at this time. THIS was a great opportunity to get Aahil to come out for once. To come out of the shell he had placed himself in for the past month. Rehan knew what he had to do. He made his way to Aahil's room. He knocked a few times and suddenly Aahil's voice said.

"It's open!" and Rehan opened the door and went in. Aahil was once again, playing a noisy video game and killing some hapless minion that had got in his way. "Yes Rehan?" said Aahil without looking up from his game.

"Bhai...Bhai, can you STOP that for a minute? I have something to tell you!"

"Unless it's that our stock price tripled, I'm not interested Rehan!" said Aahil, still not looking at him. Rehan shook his head in exasperation. He went and stood in front of the screen, so Aahil was unable to aim and shoot anymore.

"Hey...I was about to clear that level?" said Aahil, looking at Rehan for the first time since he had walked into his room. "What is it?" he snapped. "Like I said before, unless our stocks have gone up, I am not interested!"

"Oh you WILL be interested Bhai. When you know who's in town!"

"Who?" said Aahil, looking anything but interested.

"Sadhana Laxman!" At this statement, Aahil looked at Rehan, his eyes wide.

A true example of the phrase "Beauty with Brains!", Sadhna Laxman had been the smartest girl in their MBA class. The only daughter of Southern Industrialist Sunil Laxman, Shadhna came from privilege, but she had never had an attitude. She'd been a cool girl, and the only REAL female friend he had made in his MBA class. He had dated some girls, but Sadhana had been part of their inner circle which comprised of himself, Rehan, Arnav Singh Raizada and Andrew Ledger, an Australian guy who had been in the same MBA programme with them. The fact was "Sadhs" as they had called her had had a bit of a crush on Arnav. She refreshingly didn't seem interested in dating him. Arnav had been very focused and not interested in a relationship. Sadhana had decided she was OK with it, and they had remained friends. Story was that Arnav had dated some girl from the collage he had been to before coming to Harvard for his MBA, and that didn't work out. So he was not interested in further distractions. Arnav had always been their sober driver, since he was a diabetic and didn't drink. He, Rehan, Andrew and Sadhana had had their share of drinks. Sadhs was the only girl he had met who liked beer, and not sipping cocktails to look cool! Aahil shook his head, as he suddenly went down memory lane.

"Good old Sadhs ha?" said Aahil with a smile. Rehan was pleased to see that Aahil had given a genuine smile after such a long time.

"Yup. Good old Sadhs. She is here for a friend's wedding, and leaving on Sunday. She called you a few times but you didn't pick up. She's changed her number. I got the call and took it, so she told me she's in town! She's free Saturday night and wants to catch up!"

"OK! Sounds good!"

"So you WILL go out?"

"Yeah Rehan. Of course I will go out. I haven't seen Sadhs in ages. The last time was actually Mumbai around 18 months ago. I was there on work and she was living there at the time. It'll be good to see her. Tell her lets catch up Saturday!"

"No...YOU tell her Bhai! She wants you to call her!"

Aahil laughed. "OK, pass me her new number and I will!" said Aahil. Rehan passed him the number and he saved it on his phone.

"Confirm a time and place and let me know Bhai!" said Rehan as he turned to leave.

"Sure!" said Aahil as Rehan walked out the door. He started to dial Sadhana's number. Finally, he had something to look forward to, thought Aahil as he heard Sadhana's number ringing, and then he heard her voice pick up the call.

"Well hello Mr Ibrahim...or should I say Nawaab Saahib? Looks like your brother gave you the message and you FINALLY decided to call me?" said Sadhana.

"Sorry Sadhs. I didn't know it was you. I usually don't pick up calls from unknown numbers!"

"Come on Aahil...since when have YOU become so cautious? Yeh Apki image ko bilkul suit nahin kartha! Live a little. Kabhi kabhi unknown numbers bhi uthaya karo! Who knows? It might be someone worth talking to?"

Aahil laughed at the comment. "These days, I don't feel like talking to anyone that much!" Aahil said involuntarily.

As expected Sadhana's sharp mind went into overdrive hearing the pensive tone in Aahil's voice. She sensed even after her conversation with Rehan that something was going on with Aahil. Didn't he say that Aahil was very busy with work, and there was no girl? Then WHY did she get the feeling that whatever was going on WAS about a girl? "Maybe THE girl?" Sadhana surmised wisely. That was possibly the problem! ARI had always played it cool when it came to girls. But now Sadhana wondered if something has changed? After all, he never used to be so cautious that he would not pick up calls from unknown numbers. Also, he was always in the mood to talk. Especially to girls. At least the younger Aahil had been. But with time and circumstances, people did change! But it seemed Aahil had become very serious suddenly! Nothing makes someone more serious than falling in love. Especially a guy. Maybe that was the Nawaab Saahib's trouble? Heart trouble! Thought Sadhana with a smirk.

"Oh really? Kya hogaya Nawaab sahib? Kya aap ko kisi se ishq vishq toh nahin huwa?" said Sadhana with a laugh.

Aahil suddenly went silent. How had Sadhana figured so much out by just his unwillingness to speak to anyone much these days? It's true what they said. Female intuition was honestly a REAL phenomenon. Or maybe he had not given enough credit to Sadhana for being able to identify his changed behavior for what it really was.

"Ishq? What ishq? Anyway...Why...why would you think it's something like that?"

"Why? Because when a man doesn't want to talk much, and silence seems to appeal more than sound...well let's just say...yeh ishq ki nishani hain janaab!"

"Wow...Sadhs! How things have changed? You never used to speak this much Hindi?" said Aahil in a sarcastic tone! "As for all this ishq stuff...why do I get the impression that you're speaking from experience? Of course...how can I forget? Your great love for the great Arnav Singh Raizada?"

"Oh please...That was no great love. That was a crush. Yes Arnav was hot, and a bit of a sweetheart under the quiet, tough exterior. But if it was a great love, it would be ME who is married to him now. Not Khushi! As for my Hindi...well after my stint in Mumbai, I can't help it. Apun ko adath si padagayi hain...samja kya?" Sadhana giggled.

Aahil laughed back. "Honestly Sadhs...you have become full on tapori...Yeah ASR...I know he's happily married! Who would have thought he would even GET married?" said Aahil.

"Yes well...who can fight true love? Now THAT is a guy who fell in true love! Takes one to know one!"

"So you admit, you're in love?"

"Yes! Chupane wali baath hain nahin Nawaab Saahib. In fact, I am not just in love, but I am engaged too!"

"WHAT? Engaged?" said Aahil incredulously.

"Yes. It was a very private affair. We will announce it soon. His name is Arvind. Arvind Iyyer. He's a doctor, the son of a family friend. To be honest...I didn't even like him when we were teenagers. I thought he was so full of it. Like a real know it all! He was studying overseas for a long time, and came back to India last year. In the past year, we became close. I started to see him in a different light. He then told me that he was in love with me for years, but didn't think I would be interested in him. So he just decided to not say anything to me. But when we met again, he couldn't quite supress his feelings anymore!" Sadhana sighed. It was clear from her tone that she was in love with this guy!

"Congrats Sadhs!" said Aahil, his voice sincere. "You sound really happy. At least your love story has a happy ending!"

"Aa-ha...so you DO admit that Aap ka bhi koi love story hain?"

"Yes it was a story allright. As for the "Love?" well I think it was only from my side!"

"I somehow find that hard to believe! THE right royal Aahil Raza Ibrahim getting rejected? Yeh baath kuch hazam nahin ho raha hain!"

Aahil gave an ironic laugh. "Trust me Sadhs! This was one right royal rejection!"

"Let's talk about it more when we meet shall we? Hey Aahil...I better go. But we will catch up on Saturday OK? You, me and Rehan? I'm free in the evening. So why not catch up for dinner and then maybe clubbing? You know it's been AGES since I've been clubbing!"

"Dinner and clubbing it is. Send me your address and I'll pick you up? 8pm sound good?"

"Sounds great! See you soon!" said Sadhana as she hung up.

Aahil looked up from his phone and wondered at the conversation he had just had with Sadhana. It was enlightening to say the least. He was happy that Sadhana sounded so happy and was going to settle down. Arnav had got married as well, and their friend Andrew Ledger had married 6 months ago. Both Arnav and Andrew had been two years older than him. Sadhana was his age. But now with her getting married, it left just him and Rehan. He knew Rehan was getting more serious about Seher. So if that carried on HE would probably get married as well, which left only HIM from their MBA group. Still a bachelor. He was turning 30 in two months. Why did marriage remind him of her? Because SHE was his only love story. It was ironic how Sadhana had guessed in two minutes flat that the change in him was all about a girl. It always was about a girl!

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Aahil sent Rehan a text and told him that he had agreed that they would meet Sadhana at 8pm on Saturday. Rehan had agreed. He was happy. FINALLY Bhai was going to go out and have some fun. He knew from Seher that Sanam was pretty much a recluse these days too. Then suddenly a thought occurred to him. THIS may be a great chance for them to have a "chance" meeting. Aahil had done everything to avoid running into Sanam. He never went anywhere with him, and he had also not gone for the last two client dinner's at "S2!". Getting him and Neil to go instead. So THIS may be a great chance to get Aahil and Sanam in the same space. He will ask Seher to somehow convince Sanam to go out clubbing with her on Saturday and turn up at the same club that he Sadhana and Aahil would come to. Yes...that was a good plan Rehan thought. Aahil and Sanam HAD to talk. This silence needed to end if either of them were ever to be happy again! He called Seher.

"Hey babe!" he said as Seher picked up the call. "Is Sanam busy on Saturday night?"

"Yeah I think she is working? WHY?"

"Well get her out of work early and bring her clubbing!"

"Clubbing? Babe you know Sanam is barely leaving the house these days, other than to work? She won't want to come clubbing? What's up? Why this sudden interest in getting Sanam to go clubbing?"

"This sudden interest is coz Bhai is going to go clubbing this Saturday, and this is a great chance for you guys to run into him accidentally!"

"Aahil is going clubbing?"

"Yeah...a friend of ours is in town and we are catching up with her!"

"HER ha?"

"Yeah HER! Sadhana Laxman. She did MBA with Bhai and I in the States!"

"She's not one of Aahil's ex's is she? Or yours?" Seher asked in a dubious tone.

"NO babe...she is NOT!" said Rehan with a laugh.

"Ok then...Mission bring Sanam clubbing is ON!" said Seher as she ended the call with Rehan.

Seher started to bite her lip. She had told Rehan she will get Sanam to come, but that was easier said than done! These days, Sanam hardly went anywhere and she had gone very quiet too. But take her out she must. She and Aahil HAD to meet. They were both miserable without the other and it was time they both admitted it, and did something about it. But it seemed neither were willing to take the initiative due to their own misguided notions. Seher had had enough watching her sibling's misery and she knew Rehan's plight was similar.

"Mission Bring Sanam clubbing is most CERTAINLY ON!" thought Seher as she started to think of a strategy.

To be continued...

* The Charachter Arnav Singh Raizada is derived from the 4 Lions Films TV Series "Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon!" - (2011)

Hi All,

This part was long. The MU between SAHIL has deepened, and they are both in pain. I intended to resolve things this chapter, but it got SO long, that it is not possible. But I am going to work on the next part soon and I promise SAHIL will have a great encounter at the club, which will lead to more encounters! Stay tuned!

Thanks

Mandy

Previous part - "Part 17 - "Tu Jaane Na!" Next Part - Part 19 - "Shake It Off!"

Great update! it was long! i feel so badly for Aahil and sanam. That apology did not go the way Sanam intended, but the green eyed monster generally does seem to muck things up.

Can't wait read the clubbing chapter. update soon!

Such a great update it is... And what about more encounter?????..plss continue soon..

Nice update mandy. Poor Sahil 😭

Fabulous chapter! ! My ... the tension is leaping off the screen when they fight? Poor Sanam, not getting a chance to explain .. Now the gorgeous Sadhana will drive her up the wall ...

OMG the whole world can see the underlying simmer when these 2 are around each other.