SAHIL FF-AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE-PT25-THE REAL THING-NEW-PG-108 - Page 52

Originally posted by: MrDarcyfan

Probably not till tomorrow! My life is hectic at the moment! I want to make this part worth the wait! So stay tuned! :)

Originally posted by: MrDarcyfan

@ Asyasahil: Not till tomorrow. I just have not had the time to write this long piece. It is half done, so I hope to complete it tomorrow.

Welcome to the forum BTW!

Part 19 - "Shake it Off!"

"Tumhe koi aur dekhe toh jaltha hain dil...badi mushkilon se phir sabaltha hain dil...kya kya jathan karatain hain...tumhe kya patha...yeh dil bekarrar kitena...yeh hum nahin janathe...magar jee nahin sakethain...tumhare bina"

It was Saturday and finally the day was here that Aahil was going to catch up with his old MBA friend Sadhana Laxman. He was really looking forward to it, as this was the first time in weeks he felt any enthusiasm towards anything. Sadhs was always great to talk to and it would be fun catching up with her and reminiscing old times. Good friends like good wine, just got better with time. Even if you don't see each other for months or even years, you always fell back into the same comfort level in minutes and you just start up where you left off. It was a strange phenomenon. Aahil only had a few really good friends, but those few were worth a lot to him. Sadhana was one of them. He really wanted to know more about this guy who managed to capture Sadhs! He must be quite something, to make her want to spend the rest of her life with him.

It was early afternoon, and Aahil came down for lunch. He found Rehan and his Mother sitting at the table. Ammi started to chat to them about one of the charities that she was involved in. She said how they were having a fundraising dinner that night. She was going and she wanted them to come too.

"No can do Ammi. Sadhana Laxman is in town, and Rehan and I are catching up with her!" said Aahil.

"Sadhana Laxman? Woh textile mogul Sunil Laxman ki beti? Jisne tum logoke saath MBA kiya hain?"

"Yes. That's the one Ammi!" said Rehan. "Sadhana is here for a friend's wedding and she's leaving tomorrow. So we have to catch up with her tonight!"

"What time are you meeting her?"

"8pm tonight. We are going to dinner at the Kohinoor restaurant and then clubbing in the city!" said Aahil.

"I told the committee members that my sons will come with me to this event. I actually thought at least one of you will be free tonight. Because Aahil, I have noticed you don't seem to go out much these days? You seem to be more interested in your video games?" said Tanveer looking at Aahil pointedly. "Koi girlfriend ke saath jagada huwa hain kya? I have to say I am surprised. Don't you just break up with these girls you date? I don't remember you ever fighting with one before?" said Tanveer in an ironic tone.

Aahil looked away and looked back at his mother. "Aisa kuch nahin hain Ammi!"

"Really? Muje toh aisa hi kuch lagtah hain! If she is someone worth fighting with, then she may be someone worth keeping Aahil?"

"Ammi...please not with this marriage talk again!"

"Marriage talk? Who said anything about marriage? Lagtha hain tum apna dimaag par kuch zyada hi zor daal rahe ho! Just the mention of this girl and you're talking of marriage? Very interesting indeed!" said Tanveer with a smirk. "Rehan? Kya Aapki bhaijaan ko kisi se ishq toh nahin huwa?" asked Tanveer looking at Rehan with raised browse.

"Ammi...actually..." Rehan was about to say when Aahil glared at him.

"It's OK Rehan! Lagtah hain Aahil nahin chatha hain ke tum muje kuch kaho! That's fine Aahil. I have ways of finding these things out! Whoever she is, she has had a very strong effect on you! You have been sulking longer over this girl than you have been dating most girls! Lagtha hain muje khud apni bahu ke bare main patha lagani hogi!"

"Bahu? Ammi what are you talking of?" said Aahil, colour creeping up his cheeks.

"Ya Allah! Are you blushing? Ba khuda...I never thought this day would come! Mera beta Aahil kisi ladaki ke naam pe sharam se laal hogaya hain!" said Tanveer laughing. Rehan chuckled on the side.

"Very funny Ammi!" said Aahil, then looked at Rehan witheringly. "What are you laughing at? Tere bare main batha du kya?" said Aahil threateningly.

"Bhai..." Said Rehan, looking stressed out. Aahil smirked.

"What is Ahil talking about Rehan?" asked Tanveer looking at Rehan. He squirmed under his Mother's sharp gaze.

"Nothing Ammi. You know Bhai...how he likes to kid around? What time is this event of yours Ammi? I'll come with you, and Bhai can go to dinner with Sadhana. I can catch up with them later at the club!" he said quickly changing the subject. Tanveer gave him a speculative look but decided not to press the issue any further.

"The event starts at 7pm Rehan! You can stay for a few hours and then go and catch up with your friend!" said Tanveer.

"Great Ammi. I'll be ready!" said Rehan. Aahil gave Rehan a sarcastic smile. Rehan rolled his eyes at Aahil. Soon lunch was over and after their Mum took her leave from the table, the boys lingered on for a few more minutes.

"Thanks Rehan, for taking one for the team!" said Aahil with a smirk.

"Whatever Bhai! You did that on purpose. Now you get to have dinner at Kohinoor restaurant and hang out with Sadhs gossiping about the MBA crowd, while I have to stand around and smile and nod at God only knows how many people at this charity yawn fest!" said Rehan with a shake of his head.

"Yawn fest? Rehan...where has your altruism gone? As the Chote Nawab, you should take your responsibilities to society more seriously! You're representing the younger generation of our family by going with Ammi! Kitena acha bacha hain tu!" said Aahil with a laugh.

"Thanks a lot Bhai!" said Rehan with sarcasm.

"Anytime little brother! Anytime! Now run along and get your nice clothes out to go out with Ammi! I'll catch up with you at the club. Make sure you don't turn up there in your three piece suit!" said Aahil with a chuckle, as he stood up to leave.

Rehan started at Aahil witheringly as he left the table. But then he smiled. That was the most normal conversation they had had since he broke up with Sanam. That too had happened because of Sanam. Ammi with her sharp mind had already figured out Bhai's predicament was because of a girl. She had also correctly surmised that this girl was not like the others. Ammi had her sources. She will probably soon find out who the girl is too! "Oh no!" thought Rehan. "What if she found out about Seher too?" It's not that he was not going to tell her about Seher. It's just that he had not wanted to put pressure on Seher by suggesting a meeting with Ammi so soon. He loved Seher, and he had never been more serious about a girl. So it was a given that she would have to meet his Mum. But he had not been prepared to do it this soon. "Oh well" he thought. "No point stressing about it now!". He would just worry about it when the time came!

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Meanwhile at the Khan residence, Seher was trying to convince Sanam that she should come clubbing with her.

"Come on Api! How long are you going to do this "Hermit" act of yours ha? Just come clubbing with me tonight!"

"Mood nahin hain Seher! Please don't bug me!"

"Apko kaab mood hogi Api? Come on, stop being a spoilsport. Look, Rehan is out at some charity dinner with his Mother, so I am at a loose end anyway. Also, I called Rhea, Aliyah and Rishi as well. Unfortunately Nat's out of town. But the others are all keen to go! It's been ages since we all caught up and did something fun! I promise if you come tonight, you get a free pass to not go anywhere for the next two weeks! I won't ask you! Deal?"

"Ok fine! Come and pick me up from work at around 11 then. I am sure the boys can handle the service for an hour or two without me!"

"Yeh hui na baath!" said Seher with a smile. "Finally...some progress!" thought Seher to herself. Her sister was going to run into Aahil at this club, and finally they will get a chance to talk. Hopefully they WILL talk! At least seeing each other again will be something!

Sanam walked away from the hall and went to her room. She thought she should pack some clothes to change into after work, if she was going clubbing. She will shower and dress at work. She had said yes to going out with Seher and her friends tonight, but honestly she really didn't feel like it. The past few weeks she had been feeling anything but sociable.

But she decided that to please Seher and thier friends she will go out. Seher was right, she can't be a hermit forever. Yes she was feeling down, but she has to get out and about at some point. Their Badi Ammi had come back from Lucknow 2 weeks ago and said that she decided to join her cousins on a cruise to Singapore and Malaysia. So she had come one weekend and visited them. Then she had joined her group for the tour. Sanam and Seher both wanted her to do whatever made her happy. They were not kids and didn't need her around to look after them anymore. After their parents died, she had been their parent. It was time she got a break to enjoy life. Thankfully Badi Ammi had been so busy preparing for her trip the few days she had been in town, she had not had too much time to dwell on Sanam's changed behavior. She had however asked her a few times if everything was OK, to which she had assured her it is. She told her she was tired coz she was always busy. Badi Ammi had wisely not questioned her any further.

After weeks, Sanam felt like she had something to look forward to. She decided that maybe from tonight she should try to put the past behind her. Sanam sighed. "Easier said than done!" she thought. The thoughts of a certain someone never seem to leave her, and she still could not think of Aahil without that now familiar pain clawing at her! She had thought so many times of calling him, or going to meet him. But every-time, something stopped her. She just could not help thinking Aahil must despise her now. She remembered his anger and hurt on their last meeting. She just could not draw up the courage to face him. Anyway, it appeared he didn't want to see her. He had not come to the last two client dinners that I.H Group had had at "S2". So far, she had not heard that he is seeing anyone. But it probably won't be long before he did. How long will he pine over her anyway, if he even was? No, painful as it was, it was time to admit that things between her and Aahil were well and truly over.

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Aahil had picked up Sadhana from her friend's place and driven to the restaurant at the Kohinoor Hotel. When he had called to ask for a table, the floor manager had asked if he didn't want a table set up in the rooftop terrace, like last time. Aahil had winced. He remembered what "Last time" he was referring to. The time he had taken Sanam to Kohinoor for dinner. It was still too painful to think of that night. How perfect it had been. How happy they had been. How Sanam had seemed to be both eager and shy at the same time, when she was in his arms. How amazing had that first "official" date been? For the next month, things had gone so well between them. He had started to feel like they were a real couple and that Sanam was as into him as he was to her. That she really wanted to be with him, that she had seen past any initial bias she may have had against him. But then everything had come crashing down around his ears.

Aahil had told the floor manager that he didn't want any special arrangements. Just a table in the restaurant, in a private area was just fine. He had agreed. He could have gone anywhere with Sadhs, but he wanted her to see their newest and most exclusive hotel. So he had decided to bring her to Kohinoor, even though coming here was painful for him. As expected Sadhana had loved the place. He had taken her for a mini tour of the hotel, and introduced her to the front office manager of the Hotel as one of his close friends from university, Ms Laxman. Somehow Aahil didn't feel comfortable with the thought that the staff think this was a date. Especially now that Rehan was not around. He usually didn't care what anyone thought. But for some reason, he didn't feel good about the staff thinking he was bringing some other date here after that special date with Sanam.

He had never brought a women here on a date before or since. Somehow he wanted to keep it that way. Even though Sanam was not in his life anymore, he didn't want to give the distinction he had given her to anyone else. It's ironic really. Sanam had thought he was a guy who was not worth risking a relationship with. A guy who could not be trusted to stay true, to stay committed. Aahil's lips twisted. Here he was, still not wanting to give her place to anyone else. What a sentimental fool he had become. "I know you never thought I was worth it Sanam. So why can't I stop thinking of you?" Aahil thought painfully. The past month, he had tried his level best to forget Sanam. But tonight, coming here had made all those old memories painfully alive again. He realised, that even a month of not seeing her had not made her memory fade in his mind. If anything it was just as vivid as it had been the night he had walked out of "S2" and not seen her again. Aahil sighed at the weight of his memories.

"You have it bad Aahil!" said a voice to him, and he had looked up at Sadhana who was staring at him. She shook her head. "Why don't just you tell her?"

"It's complicated Sadhs!" Aahil had sighed.

"Actually it's not. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap. Even if you don't know where you are jumping to. That is what love is Aahil. A leap of faith. I am telling you this, coz as someone who has known you for years...I can safely say, I have NEVER seen you like this! Whatever this is, it's worth holding on to. Nothing that makes you this miserable can be dismissed that easily!" said Sadhana with a smile. "Why don't you tell me what happened?" Sadhana had seen his hesitation. "Please...as a friend...I am asking you to share this with me!" she had said in a sincere tone. Her eyes serious.

Despite himself, Aahil had found himself narrating the story of him and Sanam to Sadhana. How they had met, and how he had thought Rehan was dating her. How it came out she was a twin. Then the tentative steps they had taken towards each other. Then the weeks that followed where they had officially dated. How things were going well until Sanam had overheard a conversation that had set about a chain of events, that ended with him walking out of "S2" a month ago, and how he had not seen her since. Sadhana had listened without interruption.

"It looks to me like you both have been the victim of your own insecurities and misconceptions. Contrary to what you think, I don't think Sanam pities you at all!"

"Maybe not. But she doesn't trust me either, and I do admit, I lost my cool with her that last time we met. But Sadhs...I never wanted her to think of me as a victim!"

"I doubt she does Aahil. But you know her better than me. But I still don't think that is what this is at all. How I wish I could meet her, so I can decide for myself!" Sadhana had said.

"That is highly unlikely. I would say pretty much impossible!" Aahil had said at the time. Little had he known, that he would be proven wrong that very night!

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Sanam walked into the club with Seher where their friends Rhea, Rishi and Aliyah were waiting for them. Sanam was wearing black jeans, and a red and black corset style top with straps. She wore her hair out and had not much make up. Just red lipstick and some eye liner. She wore a pair of neutral peep-toe shoes with a small heel. Seher was wearing a black short skirt and black sleeveless silk top with yellow checks, and black strappy sandals. Her hair was tied up. Sanam had purposely gone for a more casual look. She was going to stay for awhile and if she was bored, she will drive home, and get Seher to get dropped off by one of their friends.

As expected, when Sanam and Seher walked in together, they always got double takes and glances. One, they were both beautiful and together they were a "Double Dhamaka" as their friends used to call it. They saw their friends and joined them. Soon their group was having drinks and chatting, and none of Sanam's friends brought up Aahil. Seher texted Rehan and told him that they had already arrived at the club. Seher had deliberately chosen the club Rehan had said he and Aahil were bringing their friend to. Seher had not even told their friends what the plan was. She didn't want this plan to fail. A song everyone liked started to play and their friends managed to get Sanam to the dance floor. She seemed to be having a good enough time. She had had a drink too, and seemed a bit more relaxed. Seher smiled. At least her sister was having some fun.

Rehan had gone home after the charity dinner and changed into jeans, a white t-shirt and leather jacket to go out on the town with his brother. He called Aahil and told him he will meet him outside the club, and they can go in together. Aahil and Sadhana had already set off from Kohinoor. Soon they all reached the club and they walked in together. Even Aahil and Rehan didn't get less attention when they went out together. Two very good looking guys in a very contrasting way, but both just as attractive. One was sexy hot, and the other was cute hot. But together they were a combustible combination. Aahil was in a black dress shirt with dark blue jeans. Sadhana walked in between the brothers, in a dark blue silk chiffon dress. It had no sleeves but a flared skirt and a black belt at the waist. Sadhana smiled as she thought how similar this was to when she used to walk into places with her "Boy gang" during her MBA years. Arvind (her fiance) should see her now, she thought. One thing she loved about Arvind, he was not the jealous type. He was sure of her love, and visa versa, and no matter how many male friends Sadhana had, he didn't care. He knew she had chosen him, not any of them to be her life partner. She hoped that her friend Aahil would also find the same sort of happiness that she had found. He deserved it. That is for sure. Little did Sadhana know, that before tonight was through, she would have indirectly helped his cause.

Rehan texted Seher and told her that they had arrived. Seher was inside looking at the door. Then she saw them. Rehan, Aahil and their friend. What had Rehan said her name was "Sandya", no "Sadhana" that's right, thought Seher. Seher noted that Sadhana was very pretty. Just as well she was not Rehan's ex she thought. There was a bit of a stir as they entered the main area of the club, and people saw the three of them. Sanam's friends Rhea and Rishi had also noticed Aahil and his group. They looked at each other, and Rhea poked Aliyah. She looked up at her quizzically, and she indicated Aahil and his companions to her. Aliyah looked at her speculatively. She whispered to Rhea. "Looks like he has a new girlfriend. Sure didn't waste any time did he?".

"We don't even know who she is Ally? Rehan is with them too?" whispered Rhea back. She had always been a bit of a fan of Aahil. Aliyah merely rolled her eyes.

"Sanam was starting to have fun. Now this guy turned up here of all places, with his new arm candy in tow? Couldn't he go someplace else?" said Aliyah in disgust.

She quickly turned to Sanam, to try and divert her attention. But it was too late. She had also seen them. Sanam's eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Was that really AAHIL? She blinked. Yes it was. Aahil, Rehan and a girl. Of course, no guesses as to who the girl was with. She knew Rehan was still very much with Seher, and he didn't appear the two timing type. So the date must be Aahil's she thought. Sanam gave an ironic laugh to herself. Here she was still struggling to move on, and he appeared to have already done so. She thought coz she had not heard of him dating anyone, that maybe he was not. But that clearly was not the case. Maybe Seher also knew about it, but just didn't tell her. Thinking she might be upset? Well she didn't care! Thought Sanam. He can date anyone he wanted. After all, there was nothing between them now. So why not? Either ways. What Aahil Raza Ibrahim did, or didn't do, had nothing to do with her anymore. Aliyah looked at Sanam with concern.

"Sanz, do you want to go somewhere else babe?" she asked.

"No of course not. Why should we go anywhere else Ally? We were here first. We will stay" said Sanam with determination. She was determined to show her friends and even Aahil and Rehan, that she could not care less about running into them. She looked around and realised that Seher had already gone forward to meet Rehan. She saw her standing with Aahil, Rehan and the girl with them. She was smiling and talking to them, and shook the girl's hand. Why did she feel like her own sister was betraying her? "Get a grip Sanam! You already said, what ARI does, is none of your business. Seher is his brother's girlfriend. So she has to play her part. Don't be petty" she chided herself.

Then to her horror, she noticed that the group was walking towards where they were. Sanam tried to control her expression early, so she didn't give away how disturbed she was. Soon they were standing in front of Sanam and her friends. Sanam took a quick glance at Aahil and their eyes met for a second. She quickly diverted her gaze. But in that second she had noticed how handsome he looked. He always looked good. But she realised how much her eyes had missed seeing him for the past month. She wanted to look at him again, but instead she turned her gaze on Rehan and Seher.

"Hey Sanam!" said Rehan. "Fancy running into you guys here!"

"Hi Rehan! How was your charity dinner?" she asked politely.

"Good. But a bit boring. You know how it is!" said Rehan with a smile. "Hey guys, you all know my brother Aahil!" said Rehan. He turned to Aahil and said "You've met Seher's friends Bhai!" He was about to turn to Sadhana to introduce her, when Aahil spoke.

"Yes of course. Nice to see you all again. Please meet Sadhana...my good friend" said Aahil to the crowd. He gave a quick glance at Sanam, but she averted his gaze. "Is THAT what they call em now?" thought Sanam witheringly. Sanam looked at Sadhana pointedly, and spoke up.

"Hello. I am Sanam. Seher's sister. This is Aliyah, Rishi, and Rhea, my good friends" said Sanam, giving Sadhana a tight smile. She completely ignored Aahil.

"Pleased to meet you all!" said Sadhana politely. She looked at Sanam speculatively for a minute. "So THIS was Sanam?" She thought. Sadhana tried hard to school her expression, because she felt like smiling. This girl was not indifferent to Aahil at all. In fact she was jealous. It was totally obvious. She looked at Sanam.

"I have never met identical twins before. This is very interesting. You both look so much alike. But then, somehow not alike as well! But I can totally see why anyone would mistake you for the other!" said Sadhana with a smile, her eyes flitting to Aahil. "It must be tough for your boyfriends sometimes!" she said with a soft laugh.

"Since I don't have a boyfriend, it is not an issue!" said Sanam, her voice cold. She turned to Aliyah. "Ally, you wanna come to the bar with me?" she asked. "Sure Sanz" said Aliyah. "Excuse us!" said Sanam, as she and Aliyah walked away from the group towards the bar. Sadhana was looking at her with a small smile. "Feisty" she thought. No wonder Aahil was crazy for her.

She looked at Aahil, who's eyes had followed Sanam on her way to the bar. Sadhana moved closer to Aahil and whispered. "So this is the girl who pities you ha?" she said at which Aahil looked at Sadhana. "I pity you, if that is what you think! Yeh Aag toh dono tharaf barabar ki laagi hui hain boss!" laughed Sadhana.

"Sadhs...please don't start!"

"Hey...I am just telling it like it is! Just like Dr Phil!" she said with a sarcastic smile. "Aahil, be a sweetheart and get me an Appletini please?" she said batting her eyelashes.

"I know what you're doing!" said Aahil, giving her an ironic look.

"I am not doing anything. I am just asking a friend, to get me a drink! Now go get me that Appeltini. I am parched!"

"Fine!" said Aahil as he turned on his heel and went towards the bar. As he walked closer to the bar, he noticed that Sanam and Aliyah were now at the bar counter. To say that Aahil was shocked at suddenly running into Sanam like this was an understatement. When he had walked in and seen her, his breath had almost stopped for a second. As always, she looked beautiful. But tonight she looked even hotter. Was that because he had not seen her in a month? Aahil was not sure. But all he knew was that his eyes could not seem to get it's fill of Sanam. He realised how much he had missed seeing her.

As he approached the bar, finally Aahil was able to look at Sanam without anyone else around and he looked his fill. God but she was beautiful. Even in this casual look, she looked just as good as she did in formal clothes. She looked sexy in her figure hugging jeans and corset top. How he wished he could run his hands over those curves right now? Hold her close, smell her hair, her warm skin. She had always smelled so good. Most of the time when he was close to her, he had felt lightheaded. Such was his attraction to her. No women had made him feel the way Sanam had. Kissing her had been pure pleasure. He could only imagine what it would have been like had they made love. Aahil had to take a few breaths to calm himself down from his heated thoughts. "Looks like your too horny Ibrahim!". He told himself with a snort. After all, he had not had sex in months. Not since the night he had met Sanam. That was over 3 months ago. How ironic, that since the night he met the women who turned him on more than any women he had ever met, his sex life had come to a full stop. But he knew that his heated thoughts on seeing Sanam had nothing to do with sex. He was in love, and he wanted her because of that. That was the reason he had been able to hold back with her, because with her it had been so much more than about just sex. He had wanted to take his time with her. Make her feel comfortable with him, so that when they did make love, she was sure it was what she wanted too. He had wanted her to want him as much as he wanted her. The truth was...he had wanted her to love him. To fall for him. And for a while he had thought maybe she had. But then things had crashed and burned. But tonight, why had she looked so coldly at Sadhana? Did she think she was his date? Some new girl he is seeing? Was Sadhs right? Did Sanam still feel something for him?

As he came closer to the bar counter, he saw Sanam lick the back of her hand before lifting a shot glass and downing the contents into her throat. She then took a wedge of lemon and sucked on it. Then she lifted two more shot glasses and did the same. His eyes widened. He saw Aliyah say something to Sanam, at which she waived her hand at her, as if to say "Don't worry!" Sanam was doing Tequila shots like she was having potato chips. What was she doing? He had never seen Sanam drink like that in the weeks they had gone out. He didn't even think she drank that much. Just as he came closer to the counter, he saw her lift yet another shot glass to her lips and drink the contents in one go, and then she picked up a wedge of lemon and sucked on it. She then turned around with the lemon still on her lips and looked straight at Aahil. She took the wedge of lemon off her lips and stared at him.

"What are you looking at? Have you never seen a girl do Tequila shots before? Aren't you like this big player, man about town?" said Sanam with a laugh.

"Sanam..." Aahil started to say when Sanam cut him off! "Yeah that's MY name! But don't worry about me...you go back to your Sakina or Sameera or whatever her name is! Sadhana...that's right! Sadhana...! Go back to her, and let me do my shots in peace!" she said as she turned around and took yet another shot. Aliyah looked at Aahil and then back at Sanam.

"Sanz, babe, take it easy. You've done like 5 of those now! Why don't we dance ha?" she said in a pacifying tone.

"Dance?" said Sanam with a screech. "Yeah, let's dance! What a GREAT suggestion Ally! That's why I love you. You always know what to say!" she said with a laugh. She jumped off the bar stool and was about to stumble, when Aahil moved forward to catch her. Sanam then held the end of the bar counter and steadied herself. She held a hand up to Aahil. "I am fine thanks Mr ARI. I can still stand without your help!" she said as she took Aliyah by the hand and moved towards the dance floor.

Soon Sanam was dancing around, and Aahil was looking at her. He didn't know what to do. She was getting drunk and acting jealous. That much was clear from her behaviour and her words. It seemed that Rehan and Seher had noticed what was going on at the bar too. They looked at each other. It didn't seem like Aahil and Sanam were talking, but Sanam sure was showing her feelings that much was clear. But soon she wont be in her senses enough to verbalise them. Seher was about to get up and go to Sanam when Rehan had told her to leave her for now.

Aahil sighed at the sight of Sanam dancing as he ordered the Appeltini for Sadhana. He made his way back to the booth that everyone was sitting at now. Rhea and Rishi also got up and said they would join Aliyah and Sanam on the dance floor. A few minutes later the song changed. They started to play "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. People started to cheer and clap. Soon the place was buzzing with the song. A few seconds into this a loud cheer could be heard from one side of the dance floor. There was an island of sorts around medium height in a section of the dance floor. It was not in the middle but a bit to the side. But people were dancing around it. It was just an island for people to keep their drinks on. At the sound of the cheers everyone looked towards where the sound was coming from. Aahil's eyes flew up in horror at what he witnessed. Standing on top of the mini stage was Sanam and she was lip synching the lyrics and swaying to the song.

"Well a player's gonna play play play play play...and the haters gonna hate hate hate...but I'm just gonna shake shake shake shake...shake it off...shake it off!" Sanam was singing out loud with the song.

"I go on too many dates...but I can't make em stay...that's what people say...that's what people say..." The song was saying, and Sanam was agreeing and moving her hips to the music. A whole bunch of guys were standing below the table now, cheering at Sanam and clapping. "But I keep grooving, can't stop won't stop moving, it's like I've got this music, in my mind saying it's gonna be allright..." Sanam continued singing the song enthusiastically, waving her arms while the guys cheered on.

"Ya Allah...Api...God Rehan..." said Seher, shaking Rehan's arm, as she realised what was going on. She got up from the booth and so did Rehan. Sadhana also stood up as Aahil put her drink down and turned to follow Seher and Rehan to the dance floor. As they got closer to the stage where Sanam was dancing, Aahil saw that Aliyah, Rhea and Rishi were trying to make her come down, but Sanam would have none of it.

"Shake it off...shake it off!" Sanam kept saying, as she continued to dance.

Seher thought what a good thing it was that SHE had chosen to wear the skirt tonight, and Sanam had worn jeans! Seher and Rehan were also fighting their way to the front of the crowd. Just then Sanam turned on the stage and she lost her balance. She was about to fall and Seher yelled "Api!"...trying to run towards the stage as fast as she could.

Sanam felt herself losing her balance and falling. She thought she would now trip over. Just then, a pair of hands reached for Sanam and lifted her bodily off the stage. Sanam gasped as she collided with a strong chest. Her arms instinctively going around the neck. She looked up and into chocolate brown eyes.

"Aahil..." she breathed. "You saved me!" she said, blinking up at him.

"Sanam...what do you think you're doing?" asked Aahil sternly.

"Dancing! Didn't you like my dance?" She asked almost innocently. "Everyone else did!" she pouted.

"Yeah...too much!" said Aahil in a dry tone.

"Are you jealous Aahil?" asked Sanam softly. "Or don't you care anymore? After all...you have HER now!" she said. Suddenly she tried to struggle to get out of his arms. But Aahil was having none of it. He carried her firmly through the crowd, and towards the foyer of the club. He put Sanam down slowely, but held on to her waist.

"Are you OK Sanam?" he whispered, as he looked down at her intently. Sanam stared back at Aahil, drowning in the chocolate brown depths of his eyes. "You have such beautiful eyes Aahil...has anyone ever told you?" she asked almost distractedly. "They're like chocolate pools! I love chocolate, and pools!" said Sanam with a small giggle. Then suddenly Sanam lifted her index finger, and touched it to his lips. "And your lips..." She said softly. "You have the most kissable lips. I am sure SO many girls have told you that!" said Sanam, looking at him accusingly. "But I still want to kiss them..." She said almost as if she was talking to herself. "Don't you want to kiss me Aahil?" asked Sanam, looking into his eyes. Aahil drew in a sharp breath. Her seemingly innocent act of touching his lips, and then her words about wanting to kiss him, had sent heat coursing through Aahil's veins. He was trying to hold on to his self-control, so aroused was he by her closeness, and her artless confession. Aahil knew Sanam was not in her senses, and he was not the sort of guy who took advantage of an inebriated girl. No matter how tempted he was to kiss Sanam, he knew he could not. Not when she was in this state.

"Sanam...I...you don't know what you're saying!" he said hoarsely.

"Yes I do. I know what I want Aahil...but do you?" asked Sanam as she moved her face a bit closer to him. Just then a voice spoke behind them.

"Is everything OK Aahil?" said Sadhana. She had come out to the foyer when she realised that Aahil had managed to get Sanam out of the dance floor. The others also reached them.

"Oh look...your good friend is here Aahil..." Said Sanam as she turned to look at Sadhana. "Have you noticed how the world is full of your good friends?" she said as she looked from Aahil to Sadhana. She took a step back from Aahil, and he reluctantly let go of her waist. He was already missing her warm body that had been so close to him a minute ago.

"Api..." Said Seher, as she stepped forward, and put her arm around Sanam's waist.

"Seher.." said Sanam looking at her sister. "Don't you agree with me? Don't you think I'm right? Isn't the world filled with Aahil's good friends? The Nawab Saahab...the great player...Mr ARI, and his legion of friends. You meet them wherever you go!" said Sanam with a laugh. Everyone else looked at Sanam, feeling decidedly uncomfortable.

"Api...it's time to go home!" said Seher in a firm tone.

"Home? I don't want to go home. I'm having fun Seher. Great fun! I don't want to go home right now. Aahil is not going home right now, are you Aahil? But when you do...will your friend go home with you too?" said Sanam, her eyes flashing fire as she looked from Aahil to Sadhana. Aahil gulped as he looked at Sanam. She was clearly jealous and there was no doubt about that. Sadhana was trying so hard not to laugh, and her face hurt with the effort it took to control her facial expression. She glanced at Rehan, and she could see even he was trying to control a smile. Maybe Sanam and Aahil had not "talked" as he had hoped they would. But this encounter had had a definite upside. Sanam had made her feelings more than clear.

"OK...that's enough now Api" said Seher. "Yeah come on Sanz, it's time to go home!" said Aliyah who also stepped forward.

"Ok fine. Party poopers!" said Sanam. "Bye Aahil" she said with a glance over her shoulder as Seher very firmly led Sanam towards the entrance of the club. The others followed, and so did Rehan.

"I'll go make sure everything is OK bhai!" said Rehan as he took off towards the entrance of the club as well. Aahil nodded. "Bye Sadhs" said Rehan as he came over and gave her a quick hug. "Sorry I was not able to catch up with your properly!"

"Oh don't worry Rehan. I am sure we will meet at the wedding!" she said with a smile.

"Your wedding? When is it?"

"No not my wedding. Though I will let you know when it's happening!"

"Who's wedding then?" said Rehan, giving her a confused look.

"Who's do you think?" said Sadhana indicating Aahil with her eyes and then the door, where Sanam had just exited.

"You know?" asked Rehan his eyes wide.

"I know!" said Sadhana with a smile. Rehan smiled back as he turned and walked out the door.

Aahil had dropped Sadhana back to her friends place, and gone home. Rehan had come back an hour later, and told him that Sanam was fine. Just sleeping it off.

"Did you know she was going to be there?" Aahil asked Rehan. "Don't worry, even if you did. I'm not mad!" said Aahil with a sigh.

"Yes!" said Rehan, who didn't want to lie. "I knew Seher was coming there tonight. I was hoping you guys would talk Bhai. But I had no idea Sanam would act that way!" said Rehan shaking his head.

"Neither did I" said Aahil with a twist of his lips.

"She was jealous Bhai, and how? Don't you think that was pretty telling?" asked Rehan.

"Telling of what Rehan?"

"Seriously Bhai, are you trying to pretend that didn't mean anything? Its clear Sanam still has feelings for you. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"No Rehan...the question is, what will Sanam do about it, when she is not drunk? Will she still say all the things she said to me when she was? That is what I want to know!"

"How are you going to know that?"

"That's the question!" said Aahil. "If she can tell me what she said tonight, when she is stone cold sober. Then I'll know she really means it!" said Aahil with a sigh.

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Sanam woke up the next day with a massive headache and feeling totally dehydrated. She groaned as flashes of things that happened at the club last night filled her head.

"Oh God...how could I?" she asked herself as she struggled to sit up in bed.

"I asked myself the same thing last night! Is that really Api?" said a voice from the doorway. Seher was standing at Sanam's door, with a tray in her hands. She walked into the room and set the tray down on Sanam's bed, and sat down on it. The tray had a coffee plunger, a mug and milk, and also some jam toast.

"How are you feeling Ms Drunkest?" said Seher with a laugh. "That was quite a show you put on last night!"

"Please don't remind me!" said Sanam groaning. "I feel so humiliated!"

"Yeah...tell me about it! But at least one thing was clear. Someone still has the hots for a certain hot Nawab like big time!"

"Whatever Seher. Didn't you see his new girlfriend?" said Sanam with a withering look at Seher.

"God Sanam...you really ARE an idiot. That was not his girlfriend. That was Sadhana Laxman. She did MBA with Aahil and Rehan in the states!"

"What?" said Sanam, looking at Seher her eyes wide.

"Yes! She did MBA with them in the US, and she was in town for a friend's wedding. She's from Chennai. In fact, her Father is Sunil Laxman, the textile mogul...the owner of "Laxman textile Mills". She's even engaged. Rehan told me. So no, she is not Aahil's new girlfriend!"

"So when he said she was a good friend..." Sanam trailed off. "Yes, he actually meant 'good friend'! No sub text you crazy fool!" said Seher with a roll of her eyes.

"Ya Allah...this is SO embarrassing. What must she have thought of me? I was SO rude to her!"

"Yes you were. But Rehan told me she was the smartest girl in their class, baring only Arnav Singh Raizada. So she would have already figured out that you are Aahil's jealous ex!" said Seher with a laugh.

"Oh God!" said Sanam, covering her face. "How could I be so stupid?"

"Not to mention obvious! Api...you are SO obviously still in love with Aahil! The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know Seher!" said Sanam, running her hands through her hair. "This sucks!"

"It sure does! Well if nothing else...you definitely owe him an apology. For the way you acted before, and for the spectacle last night in front of his friend! At least TRY to see him to say sorry, and maybe, you can tell him anything else you have to say as well?"

"I don't know how I'll face him after the way I acted?"

"All the more reason to, don't you think? Can you really live with it, if you don't even try? This is clearly not over!" said Seher wisely.

"Your right Seher! I have to see Aahil. Even if it's just to apologize. I owe him that much!"

"So will you call him today then?"

"No. I feel like hell today, and maybe even he will need a day to come out of what I did! I'll see him tomorrow!"

"Where?"

"I'll go to his office and meet him. He is going to be there for sure, and this way, I will get to talk to him in private!"

"Talk...or something else?" said Seher with a wink.

"Talk. Thank you very much! Anyway, I doubt Aahil will want to do anything else!"

"Oh don't be so sure!" said Seher with a laugh, as she left Sanam to have her breakfast.

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The next day Sanam was psyching herself up to go to Aahil's office. She didn't want to call him. She didn't even know what to say if she did. She just wanted to see him, and speak to him, and get this over with. There were things she had to say to him. She had to put herself on the line this time. She was the one who had screwed up. She knew she had betrayed herself and her feelings in her inebriated state. Now it was time to put her money where her mouth was and say her piece. Even if it meant rejection, she had to face that. But she could not just pretend like last night meant nothing. Because she knew and probably so did Aahil, that she had betrayed herself completely. There was no hiding now. Sanam had a meeting with a client in town during lunch time, so she was dressed for business. She wore a white shirt and a grey pencil slim skirt, and nude pumps and a tan coloured bag. She had pinned her hair up with a clip and wore minimal make up. Just a coral coloured lip gloss, and small pearl studs to go with her white shirt. She looked cool and elegant, but she felt anything but. After the client meeting, she made her way towards the I.H group offices.

She entered the foyer and went and spoke to reception, where she was told Mr Ibrahim's cabin was upstairs. She was asked if she had an appointment. She said no, but she was hoping he would fit her in? The receptionist was about to protest when Sanam said that she knew Ms Singh, and can she at least talk to her? The receptionist had told her fine, and shown her in which direction the lifts where. Aahil was on the 8^th floor. Sanam took the lift up and soon she was in the foyer of the area leading to Aahil's office. She went through a glass door, and she saw Ruhi Singh sitting at her desk.

She looked up as she saw Sanam.

"Ms Khan!" she said in surprise.

"Hello Ms Singh" said Sanam with a small smile.

"Hello" she greeted her back. "What a surprise to see you here? You don't have an appointment with boss?" she said as she double checked her schedule, almost as if to make sure. Ruhi Singh was very efficient. She would have remembered if the boss had an appointment with Ms Khan.

"No I don't. But I was hoping to see him anyway. Can you please tell him I am here?" asked Sanam tentatively.

"Sure" said Ruhi. But she frowned. She knew the Boss. He never saw girlfriends at the office. He never saw ex-girlfriends at the office either. She had had to deal with a few irate females who came to see her boss on and off over the years. But she had dealt with Ms Khan many times, and she was not like those women. Ms Khan was classy. So she was sure she was not here to create a scene. She was half dreading calling Aahil, in case he said he didn't want to see her. She liked Ms Khan, and didn't want her to be embarrassed. She indicated to Sanam to please take a seat and lifted the receiver of her phone.

"Sir...yes...Ms Khan is here to see you!" she said. Sanam watched Ruhi as she spoke on the phone to Aahil. "Oh God" thought Sanam. "What if he says he doesn't want to see me?" thought Sanam mortified.

"Ok Sir!" said Ruhi as she put the receiver down. "Ms Khan...Mr Ibrahim will see you now!" she said looking at Sanam.

"Thank you!" said Sanam with a small smile as she stood up and made her way to Aahil's office door. She took a deep breath as she turned the door handle. "Here goes!" she told herself as she stepped in.

To be continued...

Hi All,

So here is one long part as promised. Please do let me know what you think. The next part will take the story up a notch. Stay tuned!

Thanks

Mandy

Previous part - Part 18 - "About A Girl!" Next Part - Part 20 - "Crazy Kiya Re!"

WOW You always succeed to surprise me Mandy ! 👏 I was waiting for a clash but this is so much better 😆 !

WOW.. now Sanam is all hot.

Originally posted by: JShukla

WOW.. now Sanam is all hot.

She is so damn jealous. She is so into Aahil. they've both admitted to themselves that they love each other... Oh their meeting will be combustible.

Please let them meet already Mandy. You are such a tease😡😆