Present

"Pari, look here, I am there with you. We are safe, Pari. Take deep breaths."
Pari was hysterical. Nia, by now, had quite an experience in making Pari's laboured breathing calm and distracting her with stupid talks.
What was concerning was Pari's rising attacks.
God knows what she has gone through, Nia wondered.

Suddenly, the door opened with a thud. It was Mrs. Sharma. She came walking as fast as her old legs could take and sat on the bed. She took Pari's fragile hand in hers and soothed her.
Pari was crying uncontrollably, sobs wrecking her entire body.

"Pari beta .... everything will be alright, darling. Please don't cry." It seemed to Nia that Pari was not listening to the words but wanted to hold on to their hands.

"Think about the baby. Please."
Nia just glared at Mrs. Sharma. This could go both ways. Either Pari would cry more or stop... but why take risks by bringing up her pregnancy?
It was clear that Pari didn't want to get associated with the baby. But to Nia's surprise, she stopped crying and sat up straight.

"It's not easy when I know I am close to my death. I know, he will not spare me this time. I don't want to die, I don't want to die. Please." Once again, sobs wrecked the poor soul's body as she pleaded for her life.

Mrs. Sharma tried to convince her that she is going to live, age to see her child grow older. But Nia knew Pari wasn't having any.

"He would make me beg till I am fixed at his feet. He would make me rub my nose at his feet telling him how sorry I am, even when I am not." Pari shivered thinking of the consequences of her actions.

"For now, you are here and you don't need to worry about that. Sleep, my child."  Mrs. Sharma comforted her. Once she fell asleep, Nia and Mrs. Sharma went out of the room and sat at the table.

"I know you know about her life. Why can't anyone tell me? She is suffering and whoever did this, deserves to be in jail. Instead, she is rotting here. Can't go away from the house, having sleepless nights ...why can't we just complain to the police?" Nia tried to control herself and not to raise her voice but her blood boiled thinking of Pari's condition. Why would Mrs. Sharma protect the abuser?

"We can't defeat power. Power doesn't see right or wrong." Mrs. Sharma said and walked away, leaving Nia with many unanswered questions.

Nia hugged Pari and comforted her. There were many nights when Pari would have a hard time sleeping. She would wail in her sleep because of a  nightmare or cry all night and not sleep at all.

Nia would get tensed for both Pari and the baby but in the morning Pari would act all normal. She advised Pari a lot of times to go for therapy but Pari refused every time.

Nia was restless and curious at the same time to know about Pari's past. She called Kabeer who picked her call after two rings.

"What a pleasant surprise! You called me?" Kabeer said on the other line.

"It's about Pari. I know it might not be my place. But have some mercy on her and report the person who did this to her to the police. She is having sleepless nights. As a brother, you should protect her and be at her side." Nia was going continuously.

"I don't think you should get into all this as you rightly said, it's not your place. You know nothing! Not her, not us, not our family. She is the ungrateful and greedy one! Whatever has happened, she brought it on herself. Noone is responsible for her condition." Kabeer tried controlling his anger. His sister was one such sour topic for him. 

"Really? How can you say this?" Nia was shocked at Kabeer's statement. "Noone deserves what she is going through. She might be ungrateful or even greedy but she is with a child, no woman deserves to go through the trauma she is going through.  And I may not know your family but I have lived with Pari enough to know she is not greedy, she has all the jewels in the world, I don't think she needs any of those!" Nia defended Pari. 

"That's the thing with greedy people - they never have enough. Do you know she stole some of the jewellery that she has from her own family? All of it doesn't belong to her. Nia, I am telling you this for your sake - don't get into all this." To Nia, it sounded more like a 'friendly' warning. She kept the call and sighed defeatedly. There was no way she was going to let Pari be at this miserable state. 

She went to Pari's room and saw her taking medicines. "What is the use of popping medicines when you don't eat well, sleep well? You need to eat well to be healthy." Nia lectured Pari. 

"Hahahaha, okay, Meri maa. Kha lungi" (Okay, mother, I will eat.) Pari said with a slight smile. 

"How were they like?" Nia asked seriously. Pari understood who was Nia asking about - her family. 

"Good. Much better than what I deserved...I regret not valuing them, not listening to my parents." Her voice quivered and Pari's eyes watered. This was one of those rare times Nia saw Pari breaking her walls and showing emotions. "I was a brat." Pari had a smirk in her voice, "extremely bratty and stubborn. I believed it was my right to get the finest things and often fought with my parents for not buying new things for me, blamed them for our poverty, hardly understanding that they are doing their best."  Pari shook her head remembering all her harsh words and behaviour towards  them before marriage. 

"And your in-laws?" Nia asked for the first time.

"Good..." Pari took a pause and spoke, "as good as they could be." Nia realised that Pari's words didn't match her eyes. They held a lot of anger when she spoke about her in-laws. 

"You are lying? I thought Pari never lies." Nia commented. In the time, she was with Pari, she would never lie. She would say that she doesn't want to talk about it but she would never lie. That was one thing which Nia really liked about Pari. 

"I am not lying. They were not evil like other in-laws, never plotted against me, never forced me to do home chores, didn't ask me to leave my job. They were as good as in-laws could be but I forgot they were not my parents. When the time came to choose between me and their son, they chose him. Initially, I had lot of anger against them. I held it against them for not choosing me, but it's okay..."

"No, it's not! Pari, if you have complaints from them, it's okay. All your feelings are valid." Nia comforted Pari. She was worried and angry at Pari's state. She couldn't see Pari's state getting worse. 

"Nothing. Nothing I feel is valid. Do you get it?" Pari said in extreme anger. Nia was too stunned at Pari's sudden anger to say anything. Pari kept her hand on head and calmed herself. 
"Nia, I don't think it's the right time for us to speak. I don't want to hurt you with my words." 

Nia tried to say something when Pari shook her head hinting its not the right time for them to speak. Nia left the room leaving Pari on her own to remember the memories of the past. She thought  of Nia's question...Jenny and Mr. Ahmed. They were really good....or were they not? They always said 'you are like a daughter to us' but would they let Aamna live in a miserable marriage like hers? 

When Pari didn't want to cry, she wants to scream - scream in anger and pain. 

She tried to keep her calm for the little life growing inside her - her little bean. She had read that the baby could sense mother's emotions and she didn't want to cause the baby any harm. 

In the afternoon, Mrs. Sharma gave her the phone as Dr. Rhea wanted to speak to her. 

"It's Aamna. She has been admitted to the hospital." Rhea said from the other line and Pari didn't speak. 

"You know how Sahab gets...He has been annoyed at everyone and all of us are just too scared to say anything. You know how he gets when Aamna is unwell." Ofcourse, she knew! Rhea continued, "Just...just stay at my mom's place, don't move. You never know whom he has assigned to search for you and now that he is annoyed, he might have reached the end of his patience...you know what I mean." One thing Pari knew was to never underestimate Salem. While Rhea and Kabeer had said that he has not asked anyone to search for her, no one actually knew what Salem does. Who knows if he had people behind her but was just acting as if he didn't care?

"And don't worry, I have talked to mom. She will not say anything to you. I explained her that if you moved, it would be more unsafe for all of us." With that Rhea cut the call. 

*

In the room, Nia paced around, not able to concentrate on her assignment at hand. She was curious. Too curious. And the thing she saw with Pari was something she can start as search at. A few days back when Nia complained about her lack of funds to go to an exchange program that would give her excellent opportunities in the future, Pari had called her to her room in the evening and put forth her jewellery options and told her to take the jewellery and sell it.

Nia's mouth was agape. She denied taking anything from Pari and told her what will she be left with if Nia takes these. Pari pointed at another small bag and indicated that she had more!

"Are you sure that you haven't looted these? Kaha daaka dala?" (Where have you stolen it from?) Nia asked her.

"Some are mine. Some are family jewels. But don't feel guilty....the ones I am offering you are all mine." Pari said.

"That doesn't make me feel better. And no, I am not taking any jewels. Look, I was just feeling low that I am not getting to go to that exchange program and my friends are. But it's not a big deal. I am fine now." Nia said and hugged Pari.

Over the course of time they had gotten closer with Pari helping Nia in projects, listening to her rants and being her agony aunt and Nia pampering Pari with food delicacies and preparing her morning tea everyday as Nia always makes sure to tell Pari how horrible tea she makes. They also discussed music however Pari always denied watching Hindi movies with her.

What Pari didn't know was Nia had a deep interest and understanding of luxury jewellery brands. Amongst the collection that Pari showed Nia, she noticed a XVX chain and bracelet from their exclusive collection. Nia hid her shock when she noticed that Pari owns an XVX. The collection was released by XVX some years back and was exclusive that only 101 pieces was made. XVX brand released this collection on their 10th year anniversary. That meant multiple things - A. The person is ultra rich and the importantly B. The person who gave this to her was in 101 name list and was the key to Pari's past. Now, she just needs her hands on the 101 name list from the exclusive collection.

"I thought Pari was rich...richer even. But to own an XVX exclusive....hmm interesting! Rich beyond my imagination....Who is this big shot bastard you are related to?" Nia spoke to herself.

____

Pari has been restless since she heard Aamna was in hospital. Whatever she might feel for Salem and how much ever bitter she is towards him and his family....Aamna was a baby to her. Salem had treated Aamna like a precious baby and from the beginning of their marriage, Pari also treated Aamna the same.

Aamna was only been a teenager when Pari was married to Salem. She has seen that girl grow - to a bratty and sometimes sweet woman. She was bratty because she knew both her brothers would bring the world to her. But she was a sweet girl at heart. Like Salem, she was generous.

Ofcourse, there had been moments when Pari was annoyed with Aamna and had their bitter moments like sister-in-laws.

(PAST)
In the third year of marriage, Pari had called Salem's family for dinner and there was his sister Aamna criticising her dishes. "Bhabhi, this is too spicy."

"Bhabhi, this is good but feels like the salt is less."

When Pari had enough of this, "Aamna, why don't you stand in the kitchen and make all this...just passing unnecessary comments."

All of them looked shocked at Pari losing it at Aamna. Salem also saw their exchange.

"Bhabhi, I didn't mean it like that...I was just telling..."

"Did I ask?" Pari cut her off in the middle.

"Why are you being so angry when I just stated it normally? I really don't understand!" Aamna exclaimed.

"And you won't understand because you haven't taken the efforts to cook it." Pari retorted.

Salem just coughed to indicate that it's enough.

"Aamna, she is right. Eat what's on your plate without complaining." Salem said strictly. As much as he was the brother who would bring the world to her feet, he also didn't entertain much tantrums about unnecessary things.

Jenny and Mr. Ahmed knew better than to speak in between Aamna and Pari. They knew their daughter didn't mean to hurt Pari but Pari was also right. They knew Pari and Aamna would manage to solve this on their own. They knew their daughter in law had a temper but she has no menace in her heart. She did care for both Aamna and Asif.

"But Bhai ..." Aamna tried saying something when Salem glared at her and said, "Aamna. Enough."

Then, it was a quiet dinner. Asif tried to talk about something random with Pari to distract her mood. Pari and Asif shared a good bond. To her, he had become more like a friend and younger brother. Now, Asif was chill discussing girlfriends with her. But a lot of times, it resulted in Pari reprimanding Asif for being a Playboy.

"Apne Bhai pe mat jayya karo. Samjhe? Shareefon jaise raho." (Don't be like your brother. Be a good guy, understand?) She'd say him.

While Salem would make a face hearing Pari say it. "How come you bring me in this conversation? He does mistakes and you taunt me!"

"But if I don't take inspiration from my brother....how will I get a good girl like you?" Asif teased Pari.

"Shut up! And I am telling you Asif, be a  decent guy that you are. Don't go on soo many dates. Stick to one girl." Pari advised seriously to which both the brothers laughed.

"Arre! He is not married yet. Why are you killing his fun yaar? Go and explore. When the right one comes, he will stop. Kahin aur Jane ka Mann hi nahi karega." Salem told Asif and got up and left. (When the right one comes by, he will stop and won't feel like wandering)

Pari mimicked Salem, annoyed at his words.

The next day, Salem got Aamna home and made Pari and Aamna reconcile. Aamna hugged Pari and said sorry. Pari said it's okay and hugged her back.

"I am surprised you took my side. I thought you will always take Aamna's side." Pari confessed.

"It's not like that. She needs to learn to respect the food and the person who has taken so much efforts to cook. I won't take her side if she is wrong." Salem said and kissed her forehead.

***

Salem had collaborated with Moosa Ali for another movie after their first collaboration for the movie was a success. Pari didn't like it one bit that a gangster was producing Salem's movies.

Salem told Pari that Moosa would give Salem the price he'd named if he works in the next movie and everything will be according to his wishes. Salem demanded a huge sum of money and when Moosa agreed, Salem was happy to act.

Pari didn't like any of Salem's action. She asked him to stop working for Moosa but Salem didn't budge. He'd say 'I am working hard and not committing a crime. I don't see any wrong.' They had often argue about the same thing - working with Moosa and there was no solution to their fight as Salem didn't think of quitting working with him and Pari didn't budge from her stand.

In the coming months, few things drastically changed. Salem bought one of the most expensive cars - one for him and other for Pari. He also bought another room upstairs in the same building and converted it to his office where he'd often deal with producers and filmmakers. It was still in development stage. Right now, the office was made but Salem had his plans for the other rooms.

That morning, Pari had nothing much to do and planned to visit his office upstairs for cleaning. The bodyguard from Wajid's team told her that he will need to ask Wajid or Sahab to give her permission. Pari looked at the audacity of the man who was telling her she would need permission to enter her husband's office. She told him that she doesn't need anyone's permission to enter her husband's office.

She dusted the place along with the help of another servant. Then asked him to clean the fan and she took the duty of cleaning the drawers. She knew Salem doesn't like anyone entering here without his permission and touching any drawers was a big no-no for any helper. So, she did the duty of cleaning the drawers herself. She made sure she was careful with the way she handled the documents and scripts there and kept it as is.

However, there was one drawer that was locked. She thought for a moment and opened it with the set of office keys. There were multiple keys in that set. She tried 3-4 keys and was about to give up when it finally opened.

It had multiple papers which she didn't bother to read and removed the bunch of papers to clean the dust beneath, when her hand touched a small leather bag. She furrowed her brows doubting is she really holding a holster?

Her doubts turned out to be true when it revealed itself to be a shiny black gun.

----

Nov 2 2024

Please Vote and Comment!

Happy Diwali 🪔