The whole ride to home Pari glared at Salem. But Salem's eyes told her not to ask him anything now, so she kept quiet. She too didn't want to create a scene between them in the car in presence of Wajid and Tiger.

"You want to give answers now or once we freshen up?" Pari asked bluntly, scaring Salem a bit. He replied with one word 'later' and Pari went to freshen up.

After both of them settled down, Pari asked "do you want to answer now?"

"What? What is there to answer?" He asked casually, acting naive to Pari's question.

"You might be a good actor on screen but I can see through you. So, tell me why did we go to Murli Das's house and on top of it, you had conversation with Moosa Ali!" She said not believing herself.

"You saw, Murli Das had invited everyone from the movie industry. Now, whether he called us because we really mean something to him or he wanted to show off his alliances with celebrities to gain people's vote is none of my business. And Moosa...I am surprised you know him." Salem smiled appreciating her. Moosa Ali was a famous don whose name most people  knew due to seeing his name on TV news channels or newspapers.

"I am not that dumb to not know Moosa Ali. Salem, that man is dangerous, you should stay away from him." Pari was angry but also worried for Salem. Moosa's name were in drug dealing cases and also for supplying guns and other arms.

"Relax sweetheart, nothing will happen." Salem took her in his arms and soothed her.

"Salem, you won't keep any alliance with Moosa, right?" She asked with doubt in her voice.

"Babe, he is an investor in the film. It's a big budget movie. He just wanted to have conversation with the team he is investing his money. That's fair, right?" Salem replied casually. 

"Why! There are many producers who are clean. You don't need Moosa." Pari protested. Salem was getting irritated by now. He didn't like arguments, especially on the same topic. But he understood where Pari is coming from. Moosa was no ordinary man. He was an underworld don with...questionable reputation.

"Sweetheart, you don't understand the business. The producers who seem to be clean also have much dirt buried inside. So nobody is a saint here."

"But they must be less of sinners than Moosa. Salem, this one project. Nothing else, nothing more to do with Moosa. Do you understand?" She said sternly to which he nodded.

He found it funny that he couldn't argue with her further. Only his parents had the power to order him and now his wife. He was a bit scared when she warned him. He smirked at the possibility of being scared of his 'wife'. He had always the heard the joke of men being scared of their wife but to him, it was just that. Never had he thought that he would one day get scared of upsetting his wife.

That night, he pulled her in his arms and kept her close. He didn't sleep a blink while she slept like a log. He had never thought of this before but how long can he keep her in dark? God knows she would set the house on fire if she comes to know the truth. He kissed her temple and pulled her closer, if that was possible. He felt heavy inside and gulped the emotions he was battling inside.

He rarely cried in his life and mostly because someone close to him was suffering or dead. He would feel hurt if he saw a child suffering but never was Salem in self dilemma and felt emotional over his actions. Those were the rarest of moments. But he didn't let himself shed a tear. He knew that he won't let Pari go away from him.

***

The one thing Pari started accepting was that Salem didn't solely belong to her. His time belong to many others. That was one of the perils of being a celebrity wife. While she could shop from any shop without seeing the price tag, she could get access to any shows or concert, the one thing she didn't have right on was her husband's time.

On his birthday, she planned to celebrate it with him and their family but his friends came to wish in throughout the day and if that didn't end, a huge crowd gathered outside Salem's parents apartment to wish him. That was the only address people knew. His fans came in and stood there for hours to get a glimpse of Salem and wish him. Salem though to stay indoors for an hour or two, as advised by everyone in the house so that the fans would leave. They even told the fans through security that Salem wasn't available but the crowd only kept increasing and waited for him. Pari was shocked looking at the fans, holding posters, cakes and shouting for Salem to come out as they wanted one glance of their hero.

In the evening, Salem's father, Mr.Ahmed told Salem to greet his fans from the balcony. After all, it's because of them that Salem has got this much popularity and love. The crowd roared when Salem came out on the balcony. Salem folded his hands and waved at the fans. Pari looked at all this from afar. Gone were her plans of a quiet birthday. She wasn't sad about it but she had a realisation that these moments with Salem belong to his fans as much as it was for her.

Once, he thanked the fans and bid them adieu, he came inside where all his friends had gathered. Salem cut his birthday cake and parties hard. On the terrace of the building, there was alcohol and food served. Pari asked Salem to have alcohol in control but Salem had little to no control over alcohol.

Even when they reached their home, the first thing he did was light a cigarette. That's when Pari had enough.

"Salem. Throw the cigarette away. Now." Pari yelled in a loud voice which was unlike her. She would rarely raise her voice, even in anger.

Salem looked at her, "Shh. Keep your voice low. My head is already aching."

"Ofcourse! My voice is the problem, not your alcohol and cigarettes. Salem, throw it away right now or I will do it." She walked towards in him in anger.

As she walked towards him in anger, trying to snatch the cigarette away, he swiftly held her hand. "Don't try it, sweetheart."

She tried to twist her hand to remove it from his hold but he only held it tighter.

He pulled her closer to his face. She knew what was going to happen next. He removed the cigarette from his mouth and blew the smoke on her face.

She gritted her teeth and turned her face away. She thought this was his way of asserting his dominance and showing who is the boss.

"Go to sleep. It's been a long time. Tomorrow I have a shoot. I want you to prepare my lunch." He said. It was one of those rare times when he asked her to cook.

As she laid on the bed, she turned to him and hesitated a moment to say what she wanted to, but one look at him still smoking and her anger grew. 

"Salem, don't think I will let this go easily." She almost threatened him.

He was amused at words. "Kya kar logi?" (What will you do?) He asked wanting to hear her reply.

"Pata nahi." (Don't know) She answered honestly and slept with blanket covering her whole body and face. She would have thought of a threat! Now, she looked like a fool infront of him. She wanted to curse herself.

At midnight, she felt someone very close to her neck. She didn't need to open her eyes to know who it was. His fragrance was enough for her. As he continued peppering kisses, she pushed him away slightly.

"What happened?" He asked her. She had never pushed him away.

"Don't come closer to me with that alcoholic mouth and smoking smell." She said.

Now was the time to get revenge!

"But I have washed my mouth, darling." He defended himself.

"Nahi aaoge kareeb. Samjhe?" (You won't closer. Do you understand?) She said sternly.

He chuckled at her words once he connected the dots.

"Oh! Is it what you planned to do to what happened sometime back?" He asked. "Is this my punishment?"

When she didn't respond, he continued, "Okay then, I will accept it. But remember, it's me who is accepting this punishment. Warna mujhe mere biwi se alag koi nahi rakh sakta. (otherwise noone can keep me away from my wife.)

In the morning, he woke up a bit late but his wife was nowhere around. He reached the kitchen looking for her.

The maids were helping her as she cooked something. He asked the maids to give them privacy. His wife didn't bother to look at him. On the other hand, Salem wasn't getting enough of her.

She wore a pink gradient flowing kurta and her hair was tied in a messy bun as she stirred the pot. He went from behind her and held her waist and kept his head on her shoulders.

"Morning, wifey."

She still didn't respond.

"I said morning." He said a little annoyed.

"Morning." She muttered. She thought he would leave her and let her cook in peace once she replies but what he did next surprised her. He turned off the stove and turned her around to make her face him. He didn't take a second to hungrily grab her face and eat her mouth. He kissed her passionately - in rough and raw manner. When she found it hard to breathe, she hit him on his chest to leave her.

He left her for a second or two and again kissed her. This time he held her hair and threaded his hand through her long hair.

He left her after biting her lip.

"Next time, don't ignore me. I don't like it." He said and went away.

***

In anger because of his morning act, she threw all his cigarettes away. She knew he might have an extra stash elsewhere but atleast she will throw away the ones at home.

He noticed it instantly as the first thing he does is light up his cigarette.

"What the hell. Where are my cigarettes?" He asked Pari in anger.

"I don't know." Pari feigned innocence.

"Sweetheart, my baby, this is not the time. I am asking you nicely, tell me where are my cigarettes?" He questioned her.

"I....I threw it away." She doesn't know why she told the truth so easily but she was a bad liar.

There was silence in the room after her confession. She gripped the sides of her kurta when he walked towards her with a deadly expression on his face. Her breath hitched when he grabbed her by her throat. He didn't apply pressure yet. He looked at her dead in the eyes and said, "Don't. Ever. Make. This. Mistake." With each of his words, he squeezed her throat harder and left her with a jerk.

"Babe, I dont warn people but for you, I am changing. I am warning you to not touch my cigarettes. If you make this mistake again, I promise you will regret it." Salem whispered in dangerously low tone.

Noone. Noone messes with Salem and his stuff.

She understood it better now after 2.5 years of marriage that there are certain things you don't cross Salem at all. As his fame grew, so did his power and influence. She concentrated on what Wajid said - to not make Salem angry and let the topic go for now.

Salem ordered Tiger to buy cigarettes for him and Tiger came with tons of packet. Pari didn't say a word and let things be. She wasn't someone who would keep quiet easily but she was not a fool to not understand the gravity of the situation.

The whole week Pari kept her distance from Salem either by going to her in-laws place or her maternal place. Seeing her frequent visits to her in-laws place, Jenny, her mother-in-law asked her if she had a fight with Salem. Pari kept quiet. She didn't want to give details of their relationship to her mother-in-law.

"So, it was a fight. Beta, fights happen between every couple. But I hope you guys are working on resolving things."

She just nodded at her words and left for her home.

By the time, Salem came back home she would be fast asleep.
"Are you avoiding me?" Salem asked her one night, after seeing her avoid him throughout the week.

"I am sorry." Salem said. "Look what I got you," he removed his hands from back and surprised her with a 'gajra' (a floral garland worn in hair)

While she loved flowers, she wanted to hurt him and what better than Pari's words which were sharp like a dagger.

"You think you can buy my forgiveness with a gift? And that too these cheap flowers? Atleast, I expected a diamond set and designer bags. Take these cheap flowers back." She threw it on the floor.

For her, those flowers were delicate and pretty but she wanted to hurt Salem and this was the only way she could think of. She wanted to put a dent on Salem's wallet.

"Okay, my love. I will get you a diamond set and designer bags, happy?" Salem could see through his wife. He knew she was doing it to hurt him but it was fair in love to go through this torture.

The next day, Salem ordered Tiger to accompany Pari to the shop and help her carry the bags as well. Pari shopped for the most expensive items from the mall and bought it all - from clothes to jewellery to bags.

It worked both ways - she fulfilled her teenage dreams of shopping endlessly and hurt Salem financially.

Tiger shook her head at Pari's naivety. This was not even 1% of Salem's wealth and here Pari was thinking that this will hurt Salem's pocket.

**

The movie that Moosa Ali was producing for Salem was released and it became a massive hit with the masses. The first day first show was housefull with people whistling at Salem's entry. A TV coverage showed fans screaming Salem's name, girls having posters of Salem, boys copying his style. In that one month of movie promotion, she hardly saw Salem at home. The entertainment channels would show the fans going crazy for the movie and Salem's character.

He was even mobbed at the airport while coming home. The girls tried to put garland on his neck and they were screaming 'Marry Me'. Pari found all this amusing. She was also a teenager once and a fan of actors so she knows this is all the love for the on-screen character and charisma. But one particular entertainment-news channel showed Salem going to a party with the lead actress and it hurt her a bit. She tried not to think about it. Then, it started showing pictures from the party where he was photographed with female actors and models along with other male actors. It didn't go well with her.

When Salem came back, she questioned him of the images and the party to which he tried explaining that it was just a photograph and all he did was chill at the party. 

"Trust me, they are acquaintances and more like my friend. Nothing more." Salem said in his defense. Pari just glared at him, not wanting to accept this.

"You don't trust me? Ask Wajid yaar. He was with me." Salem said and yelled for Wajid who appeared instantly from the door.

"Seriously? Wajid? You are trying to prove yourself innocent by asking me to trust Wajid?" Pari huffed. "Wajid would always save you. Why would he say the truth?"

"He wouldn't lie about things like these. Wajid, tell her the truth - was I involved with any of them?" Salem asked.

"No, Bhabhi. He wasn't. Yes, some of them were trying to flirt with him but he didn't even look at them. You know I don't understand relationships nor do I want to. If Salem Sahab was involved with any of them, I would have told you. I don't think it's something to hide. I have seen men do these things. I have no reason to hide such a normal thing from you." Wajid said casually. He was not happy that he was called in here for such a petty thing. He had seen so many men cheat and it was normalised for him. He didn't get what was the big deal. Yes, cheating is wrong but what do you expect from men who are surrounded by beauties?

"Oh my god! Do you always say the wrong things? Men cheat and it's normal?" Pari said in shock, "Okay, wait I will come to you later. Wajid, you can go." She knew Wajid at least so much to know when he says the truth and he lies.

Salem wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her shoulder. "Baby, please don't be angry. I swear, I didn't do anything with them. They are no match to my wife's beauty." He said softly.

She turned to look at him in anger and said, "Means if someone was more beautiful than me, you would go to them?"

Salem laughed and said, "Is it a wife trait to give another meaning to the sentence? But let me tell you, there is noone more beautiful than you, so I won't go to them. But..." He took a pause and she knitted her brows.

"But I think, there might be someone who will be more beautiful than you and while all my love is yours, my heart would beat for that one." Salem said mischievously.

"See! I knew you men can't be loyal. Leave me. Leave me right now. And yes, don't wait for future, go to her right now." She said sternly trying to mask the jealousy in her voice.

"There is one issue. 'She' is not here yet. And I don't know when will she come to me. But whenever she is here, I know you and I are going to love her so much. She should have your beautiful smile, my attitude. Our perfect mix. She is going to be my princess."

Pari blushed a little at the mention of their child. "Salem..." She started but he interrupted her, "Pari, of course not now. But whenever, we are ready. I would love to see our mini me calling you mumma."

They had talked about kids in the beginning and both of them agreed that they don't see themselves as parents for atleast the first 5 years of marriage. They were too young and Salem had a career to build. Now, thatbhe has gotten significantly bigger, he doesn't have the time. He has many commitments while Pari doesn't feel ready to be a mother. They were both on the same page of not wanting a child right now and the next few years.

Their moment was interrupted when Salem's phone rang. He picked up the call and a loud 'What?' left his mouth. He controlled himself and asked the person on the other line to not worry as he would arrange something.

As he kept the phone, he informed Pari that Sahil's dad has been hospitalized and his mom is alone as Sahil is abroad for his shoot.

Sahil Rai was Salem's contemporary actor who was also a successful hero. Salem's rapport with most of his contemporary actors was good. He never had a rivalry with any of his competitors. Infact, Salem bonded well with some of them during parties. Sahil Rai was one such actor. Sahil was mostly known for horror and thriller movies.

Salem called Tiger and the team and asked them to bring Sahil's mom here and Wajid to accompany him to the hospital. Sahil's flight was cancelled due to hurricanes, which is why he won't be able to come here quickly. He knew Salem was the person he could rely on at this time with his mom.

"Pari, I'll bring his mom here. Please take care of her."

Within half an hour, Sahil's mom was shifted to their home. She was an old lady with health issues and a problem walking. She was crying for her husband and was even scared as her son was not here yet. 

Salem on the other shifted Sahil's dad to another hospital where the best heart surgeon practiced. He was also on call with Sahil informing him of everything and keeping him updated.

As the doctors kept Sahil's dad under observation, Salem quickly went home to check on Sahil's mom as Wajid and few others stayed in the hospital.

"Aunty, don't worry. Uncle will be fine soon. You need to be strong and take care of yourself. Nothing will happen to uncle." Salem assured aunty who thanked Salem for his help.

"C'mon, Sahil is like my brother. You don't need to thank me at all." Salem said and asked Pari to bring food for aunty.

The next day, Pari was blunt and asked Salem till when will aunty remain with them at their home. He nonchalantly replied till the time Sahil got back. Pari huffed and was visibily not happy with the answer but Salem said, "Listen Pari, she is my friend's mom. As much as you value your privacy, she needs us right now. So, take good care of her. Check in on her and see what she needs. Do you get it?" He asked sternly and she said a small yes.

He knew Pari well to know that she doesn't like many people in her space, especially unknown and she wouldn't hide her dislike either. He shook her head, not all things are gonna go her way.

Sahil came back 4 days later and was really grateful to Salem and Pari for all the help. "You proved that I put my trust onto the right person. Thank you is not enough Salem for what you did for my parents...." Sahil was getting emotional. Salem just tapped his shoulder and said, "Chal yaar, Bhai hai tu. (You are my brother). I am happy you trusted me and I could do this for uncle and aunty."

**

As the festival of Diwali approached, she realised she was invited to a lot of Diwali parties, well Salem was invited to lot of actors and producers house.

She attended a few of them which Salem asked. Pari was intimidated to go the house of actors she has always seen on screen. She was more nervous to make a conversation with them.

In the first 2 years fo marriage, Salem's popularity was growing, so very few invitations came from the top producers and actors. But this year, everyone from the fraternity has invited him. Earlier, he didn't force her but now he wanted her to attend since it was a festive party.

She wore a gorgeous golden saree and was styled by Salem's team of stylists. She looked at herself and felt gorgeous!
She kept looking at herself from all angles.

"Khudko nazar mat lagao." (Pls translate) Salem said from behind and hugged her.

"You are looking absolutely stunning, my love." He said and kissed her hand.
"I am keeping Tiger with you so that noone flirts with you."

She laughed a little and said, "there are going to be heroines all around. I don't think anyone will bother to flirt with me."

"They better not." He said and both of them headed out.

In the party, Salem introduced his wife to everyone from the current lot of actors to the yesteryear's superstars. All of them complimented them as couple. They looked really good together.

He was by her side for the most of the party but excused himself when one of the producers called him. He asked Tiger to keep an eye on her. As much as he tried to gel Pari with friends from the fraternity, she would still be aloof and liked her own company.

"Hii m'lady. Why are you standing all alone?" A young guy came to her with a flirty smile.

"I am waiting for my husband to come back." She replied with a small smile.

"Oh! Can't believe that a husband can leave this gorgeous wife alone for a second. If you'd my wife, I would have stuck to you every second. By the way, my name is Chirag. I am a model." He forwarded his hand to her and she shook it.

"I am okay. I am find of leeches who'd stuck by me every second." She replied.

"Hahahaha, okay okay. I get it. But seriously, why so gorgeous? And you sure you are not an actor or a model, because that face belongs on the posters and screens." Chirag asked.

"Yes, I am sure. I like my privacy way too much to be an actor or a model." Pari said trying to keep the conversation as short as possible.

"Oh! Sad that the world doesn't get to see such a pretty face." Chirag said.

"Are you this flirty with all married women?" Pari asked.

"No, not at all. You are the first. I wouldn't even go for a married woman but you are very pretty..." He complimented her again.

He was about to say something when Tiger came behind Pari and coughed.
Chirag was confused seeing a man barging in their conversation. He gave a questionable look to Tiger.

"Ma'am, should we go elsewhere?" Tiger wanted to take away Pari from Chirag. He had been here chatting with Pari longer than needed.

"Yes, 2 mins." Pari said and Tiger stepped away a bit.

"Oh! So, your bodyguard is here. Tell him, I mean no harm. By the way, I didn't catch your name." Chirag said.

"Pari. Pari Salem Ahmed." She said and colour drained from Chirag's face. He slightly coughed and bid her adieu quickly and went away.

Chirag walked away and couldn't believe he was flirting with Salem's girl.  Salem was a growing star and as much as he had heard good stuff, he had also heard of Salem's temper issues and multiple stories of his association with the Don Moosa Ali. He had done a fashion show with him. While he was cordial on the show to everyone, his aura was dangerous and noone would mess around him. He just hoped there was no bad news for him.

Salem came back and asked her if she ate to which Pari nodded. As the music started and everyone took the dance floor, Salem also let loose and was dancing with his contemporaries setting the stage on fire. Pari saw him enjoying. When he went to grab the alcohol bottle, she went to him and informed him that she would leave for their home. Salem insisted her to stay but she shook her head so Salem asked Tiger to drop her off. She instructed him to not drink alcohol out of the limit.

She went home, freshened up and went straight to bed. At midnight, she could smell the smoke and alcohol in the room, which disturbed her sleep.

She saw the dim light in the room illuminating Salem's silhouette on the couch. He was smoking. She turned on the lights and saw him dangerously staring at her.

"Salem. What happened? Why are you not asleep yet?" She asked as she rubbed her eyes and sat on the bed.

He walked towards her with cigarette in one hand and other hand in pocket.

"I heard someone was interested in my wife and flirting with her when I was away." Salem said.

"And?" Pari asked in dull, not interested tone.

"Yoy didn't shoo him away in 2 mins? My Pari would usually ask people to leave her alone within 2 mins."

"Salem, if you want to talk about this stupid topic. Let's talk tomorrow. I am way too tired to talk on this." Pari said and was about to sleep.

"Babe, I am talking right now." Salem said seriously. "So, you will listen and answer."

"Why didn't you ask him to fuck off?" He asked.

"Because he wasn't a creep. He didn't make me uncomfortable. I was not planning to stand there and talk all night anyway. So there was no reason to be rude."

"Any other time, you wouldn't mind being rude? What changed this time? May be you liked him?" He wasn't questioning, he was stating those things.

Pari's anger flared. "May be your judgement is getting clouded with all the alcohol and smoke. Why don't you fuck off and let me sleep?" She spit her words.

Salem laughed. A dangerous laugh. A cuss word. Directed at him? By his wife?

Pari's intuition said nothing good was going to come out of this conversation. He walked towards her and took her hair in a tight grip. His other hand pressed her jaw with force.

"Try another cuss word at me. Huh, What happened? Speak. Say another cuss word." He said in a low voice while still gripping her jaw.

"Don't disrespect me, Pari." He warned her and left her.

She felt hurt at his treatment and her chin wobbled as tears threatened to fall but she tried remaining strong.

"Why? Only you can disrespect me but I can't say anything?" Pari questioned him.

"No, my wife will not disrespect me. Do you get that?" Salem said trying to control his anger.

"And the next time a guy flirts with you, you better get rid of him within 2 minutes, if I see you enjoy the conversation, it will have very bad consequences, wife." He took her hair in a grip and kissed her lips, devouring them.

_____

12 Oct 2024

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