Salem was at her doorstep at 3 AM.

Kabeer welcomed him inside. The bodyguards stood outside as he stepped inside but his eyes were rooted at Pari. Kabeer closed the door. His sleep vanished looking at Salem. 

"Let's go home and let everyone else sleep." Salem said looking at Pari. Pari shook her head. 

"Salem beta, why don't you sit? Sit and have a chat." Her mother said. 

"It's 3 am mummy ji (mom). I just want to take my wife home. I will come in day time to sit and chat." He said curtly. 

"I don't want to come back. It's better if you get lost." Pari replied to Salem and everyone's eyes widened. 

"This is no way to talk to your husband." Pari's aunt reprimanded her. Kabeer shook his head. Doesn't she love her life? Everyone else respects and fears Salem and here is his sister, talking to him in this tone. 

"Aadat hai mujhe iske aisi baaton ki." (I am used to her talking like this). Salem said. He wouldn't like it if anyone else says something to Pari. 

"He isn't worthy of being called a husband or even a human." Pari said with detest in her voice. 

"Ab kya kar diya maine?" Salem sighed. "You came here without even bothering to inform me, now when I am here to take you back, you don't want to come with me and you talk like this. And I am the problematic one in the relationship?" Salem said with a chuckle. 

"Salem, please go from here. I am requesting you." Pari folded her hands infront of him, wanting him to know that she is fed up of him.

Salem sat on the sofa and looked at her with serious expression, he stretched his legs and kept on the table as his put his hands behind his neck to relax, "When will you be back?" 

"I don't know." Pari wanted to answer 'never' but she knew he would continue his drama. 

"Pari, I will go for now and let you win in this little tantrum of yours but remember, the day my patience is over, I will drag you back. Aur jagah, waqt kuch nahi dekhunga." (And that day, I won't consider the day and time) Salem said with a pointed finger at Pari.

He got up from there and went to Kabeer, "Dhyan rakhna behen ka." (Take care of your sister) and Kabeer nodded while looking down. 

As soon as Salem went out, Kabeer looked at his sister and shook his head, "Why? Why do you have to come here? Why can't you stay at your place?" Kabeer cribbed to Pari. 

"This is my home too. Don't forget that." As Pari was about to say more, Pari's aunt shouted, "Look at the time and you want to argue! Go to sleep and let us sleep." 

In the room, Pari occupied the bed. "Di! Not fair. This is my bed." Kabeer complained. 

"Shut up and sleep on the floor." Pari said as the lights went off.

**

At home, Salem drenched himself in alcohol when Wajid thought of confessing, "Pari Bhabhi went to Blue Eyes today. Joel had called me. She was with a dancer named Shazia." Wajid confessed to him about his conversation with Pari. Wajid had told him half truth that Pari left for her parents place but didn't tell him about her visiting Blue Eyes. 

The moment Salem heard it all, he punched Wajid in the face. Tiger was shocked. He didn't know what to do.

"And you are telling this now?" Salem asked in a deadly voice. The room had a pin drop silence.  

"What if you had done something at her home? It wouldn't look nice infront of her parents..." Wajid said in a low voice. 

Salem smiled. Wajid cared for his relationship. "Okay, let her be at her place. Wajid, I am telling you marriage is a mess. If she stays away for some days, I will be at peace." Salem slurred. 

But he was totally wrong! Salem was restless without his wife. He craved to drink the tasteless tea from her hands, her home cooked food. He never understood how she could cook decently but messed up on tea ratios. 

He was more angry on sets due to lack of intimacy. He went to Blue Eyes for a meeting with a politician who wanted him in the rally and in return offering him lots of money and piece of land in the prime location of the city. Salem's manager told him to enjoy the girls at Blue Eyes and they would later decide if Salem would attend the rally. 

One of the girls came onto Salem and touched his chest sensually. He pushed her off instantly and called for Joel and Kabeer. He yelled a lot at the both of them about not monitoring and training people enough. Kabeer only handled the special guests, he didn't know what was his mistake. 

"Your fucking mistake is not to check whom you let in when I am in the room." Salem yelled at Kabeer understanding where his thoughts were wandering. 

"Throw this girl out. If anyone touches me next time, I am going to have both of your heads." 

A while later, Salem called Kabeer personally and apologised to him for yelling. Kabeer nodded his head and told him he understands where his frustration is coming from. Salem asked him how is Pari doing. 

Kabeer gritted his teeth and said, "She is fine. Fights with me a lot and she has joined a job at the hotel." 

Salem laughed and said, "Lucky, atleast she talks to you. Doesn't answer my phone unless I send her a text." 

Kabeer made a face at the word "Lucky" just because Pari talks to him. 

**

At night, Kabeer was surprised when Pari was awake in the room and waiting for him.

"Go freshen up, I will oil your hair. They look like a bird's nest." 

"Does the oil have poison in it?" Kabeer asked suspiciously. Pari shook her head and ask him to come fast. 

Pari sat on the bed and Kabeer on the floor. She oiled and massaged his hair. One thing about Pari is that she took great care of Kabeer's fashion and beauty, she never let him dress or look in a shabby manner. She used to say 'You are my brother, you should look smart and handsome.' 

"Leave your job at Blue Eyes." Pari said and Kabeer turned around in shock. 

"I know about the private dance and the girls. Kabeer, it's not nice, leave it." Pari advised and explained him what he is doing is wrong. 

"I can't do it, Di. Plus, I just look after the guests and their bookings." Pari glared at him. Kabeer sighed, "I am not personally selling anyone! It's not even trafficking. Not one girl there is forced. It's their choice." Kabeer explained. 

"Their choice or not. You want to be a part of the place where girls have price tags on them?" Pari questioned. 

"I don't even look at them. And I can't leave it. Do you know the amount it pays me? And if the client is big, Salem Bhai and Asif Bhai gives us all extra money, they don't keep it to themselves and make us work at the same salary. They always give all of us our share." Kabeer said. 

"I have oiled your hair, you can go to sleep." Pari said. 

**

The next morning however was not as peaceful and quiet for Kabeer because of Pari. 

"Do you know? Salem Bhai loves Pari so much. He didn't let any girl touch him last night at the meeting in the club." Kabeer told his mother and aunt. Their mother and the family knew he works at the club where food and drinks are served, ofcourse the whole truth was concealed. 

Pari banged the plate on the table. "Shut your mouth and you better leave that job or I will ask Salem to sack you." Kabeer was angry hearing this. If she demands Salem of it, he will do it!

"Why! What have I done to you? Why do you want to take my job? Why can't you see me happy? Go back to your own home." Kabeer said frustrated. His job paid him handsomely, way better than his colleagues.

"I am telling you for your own good! And this is my home. Way before you were born." Pari fired back. 

"Your home is your husband's place. Not here! So, go back and release us from your curse." Kabeer said. He was in no mood to hold back.

"This boy? This is the boy you all prayed for?" Pari pointed towards her brother and looked at her mother. In the society where they stayed, boys were considered superior to girls. Even after two girls at their home, the relatives used to taunt and express displeasure that the house doesn't have a boy child. Pari's mother had prayed for Kabeer to be a boy child. "What a mistake to birth him and what a mistake to spend on him and his education only for him to work at a high end bar. Kabeer, because you came along we had to cut more of our expenses." Pari taunted him.

"Oh? So what do you think happens in the rooms where you work?" Kabeer retorted. "And if I am the product of what my parents prayed for...isn't all the luxury that you live in,  the result of your lifelong desires? Now, you are coming back to stay here....but as far as I remember, you used to be embarassed of this small house, the 'boring' food....the lack of money? You have all the gold at your husband's place, so go back and stay in the place you have prayed for." Kabeer said and released a huge breath.

"And this is the husband that you chose! Not our parents or family. Now, you are not happy with him as well. So, what do you exactly want?" Kabeer spit fire from his mouth.

"I will slap you so hard, Kabeer. Get out of my sight before I do anything bad." Pari gritted her teeth.

"Why?..." When Kabeer was about to say more, her mother and aunt yelled at the both of them.

"You both have no shame left? Fighting like this infront of your parents?" Her mom said and cried. Her father was in wheelchair listening to all this.

"Papa." Pari went to her father and sat infront of him. Her father kept a hand on her head.

"Papa." Kabeer said disappointed that his father sides with Pari, always.

Their father put his hand and called for Kabeer. Kabeer sat in front of their father. His father touched each of their face with his hands.

"You both are my heart. And I don't like see you both fighting." Their father said weakly.

"Sorry Papa." They both said together. They loved their father too much to continue arguing. His father smiled at their words. For the first time, Pari was quick to say sorry. Otherwise, Pari was the last person to come and apologise.

"Go....go to your jobs. And my Kabeer is not a mistake and neither my Pari is wrong in her marriage or his wishes for luxury." Her father said.

Pari and Kabeer gave each other a death stare and left for their respective jobs.

**

Pari found a job at a five star hotel in the same profile as before marriage. She worked at the reception. Everyday, she would get call from Salem either on the office landline or her personal phone. She would understand that he has reached his patience when there would be a text saying, 'Pari, pick up the phone.'

She spoke very less on the call, not willing to address even the issue that bothered her. She would answer yes or no and cut the call.

He would send her a car to pick up from the office but she always took the public transport. The car would follow her to ensure she reached safe. He would often send flowers and other gifts like cookies and pastries.

"You know Asif is getting married. He wants to marry a girl names Vrushali. Mom and dad are very happy. Once the date is fixed, you will have to help mom with the shopping and everything." Salem informed her on the call.

"Congratulations! But I don't want to be a part of the wedding." Pari clarified.

"Pari." Salem said in a serious tone.

Pari didn't want to argue and said she will have to leave.

*

Kabeer was pissed at work after his fight with Pari at home. He was not in the mood to talk to anyone but Shazia came in his view and said, "Please tell Pari to do something. They are cutting my pay and also not giving me the powder." He knew she was referring to drugs.

Joel was pissed at Shazia for spilling things to Pari. As a result of which, they cut her pay and denied her drugs. He told her that Pari is Kabeer's sister and Salem's woman. Shazia was shocked learning the new information. Indeed, Pari was a very beautiful woman but she had no arrogance or disgust while speaking to her. She was a bit angry at Pari for lying to her about her identity.

Kabeer chuckled and said, "Pari is not going to do shit for you. She wanted information, she got it. Anyway, I will pass the message."

Wajid came to Kabeer and gave him the phone. It was Salem who wanted to speak to Kabeer.

"I heard you are angry. What happened to you?" Salem asked.

"Your wife happened. She said a lot of things, a lot of them." Kabeer sounded hurt which worried Salem a bit. Pari and Kabeer always fought but Kabeer hardly complained or sounded hurt.

"What did she say?" Salem had never bothered to take sides between the two of them or even ask in detail what was the fight about, as it was normal sibling fights between them.

"She said I am a mistake. My birth was a mistake, my parents spending money was a mistake....Salem Bhai, she has never respected me. I don't think she even values me." Kabeer said lowly. He knew Salem would never take his side but he wanted to be heard.

"Kabeer, C'mon don't say this, you are loved by your family, man. Even Pari for that matter. You know how she is, she says bitter stuff in anger. Chalo, don't be so sad over her words." Salem said. He shook his head at Pari's words. How can she say something like this to Kabeer? Even Salem had siblings and he also fought with them at times but he loved them to bits and would never call them a mistake.

That night when Kabeer came home, he saw 'gajar ka halwa' (carrot pudding) kept on the kitchen counter. "Eat, your sister has made for you." His mother told him.

Kabeer didn't say anything and went to the room.

"Shazia had a message for you - they cut her pay for all things she spilled to you. She wants you to do something about it." Kabeer told Pari and went out to sleep. He didn't want to be in the same room as Pari.

Pari felt bothered about Shazi's situation and decided to call Salem.

"Hi, love. To what do I deserve the pleasure of you calling?" Salem asked with a smile playing on his lips.

"Shazia. Don't cut her pay." Pari said.

"Ummm. Come back home and we can talk about this." Salem wanted to see if this negotiation would work.

"I am not coming back." Pari was firm with her words.

"Okay, then pay cut it is for Shazia." Salem said casually.

"Okay. She should understand the people she is working for." Pari said and cut the call.

Pari felt bad for Shazia's pay cut but she was not a great person who'd sacrifice herself for someone else's pay.

**

The next day at work, Pari was called in the conference room by the general manager. She knocked on the room and her manager and CFO were there. She was scared if she did something wrong.

"Come, come, Pari. Have a seat. He must be coming in sometime." The general manager said.

"Who ...is coming?" Pari asked a bit scared.

"Salem Sir. Why didn't you mention he is your spouse?" The general manager asked, more liked accused her.

"Umm, Sir, it's a bit complicated." When Pari tried to explain herself more, the door was opened and in walked Salem with Wajid & Tiger.

"Hi Sir, pleasure to meet you." The general manager and the CFO greeted Salem.

Salem nodded a bit, not bothering to exchange pleasantries. "Can I have my wife for the day?" He asked, coming to the point.

They smiled and nodded saying 'ofcourse.'

"But Sir..." Pari wanted to argue when Salem said, "Sweetheart, I told them that you are upset with me and I just need time to convince you. The gentlemen here understood the plight of husbands like me and agreed." Ofcourse, Salem had given them money.

"I don't want to be with you." Pari stated and Salem took a deep breath. "Just come with me to the room."

"Sir, this is wrong. This man is forcing me to come to a room with him." Pari said to her bosses.

"This man? I am your husband, sweetheart." Salem said and caught hold of her hand and forcefully took her to the adjacent room.

The room was decorated with balloons. "Surprise." Salem said and kept his head on her shoulder.

"This man hmm...should I remind you I am your husband?" He said with lowered voice and bit on her neck. Pari shrieked and tried to free herself from Salem's hold. He kissed on the spot where he bit her.

"Don't you feel shame while giving money for your own wife?" Pari said in disgust.

"Nothing is shameful if I get to spend time with you." Salem said and kissed her cheeks. "I missed you baby." Salem said.

He got Pari her favourite pastry and fed her. "Asif's wedding date is fixed." She just hummed but didn't say anything. He just laid his head on her lap and talked to her. He hugged her and kissed her from time to time, missing her presence and warmth.

"I have missed you so much. Please come back, baby." He said lovingly. It's been a long time since he was convincing her but she never budged from her answer.

"You know my answer." She replied.

"Come home before I have to come to yours." He said but she shook her head in denial.

Jenny also called her to come home and told her about Asif's wedding but she denied coming to the wedding on the call.

Three days later, Salem came at midnight with Tiger and bodyguards.

"Time's up, wife. Pack your bags and come back home." Salem said dangerously.

Pari shook her head and her feet went backwards. It looked like he came back directly from the shoot.

Salem rolled the sleeves of his shirt. "I have to wake up early tomorrow. I had a bad day at work. Don't make it worse for the both of us. Come back with me."

Everyone in the room was able to sense Salem's bad mood and nobody said a word.

"I don't want to come, Salem." Pari said weakly. She was standing near her mother and held her father's hand, "I really don't want to come."

"Did I ask?" Was Salem's reply.

As Pari's father was about to speak, Salem said, "I am here for my wife and not in the mood to talk to anyone else." Salem tried to be polite when he said that.

Pari's father kept his hand on hers as an assurance that he is there for her.

"Pari, this is the last time I am asking to come with me. I won't like the things I would do, sweetheart. Atleast I don't want to do it here." Salem said lowly. He didn't care if it was her family standing infront of him. Right now, his only concern was to take Pari from here.

Kabeer who was standing at the corner said, "I will talk to her. Di, come here."

Kabeer took Pari in the room, "Please go." Kabeer almost pleaded.

"You don't have any love or mercy for your sister?" Pari asked seeing how Kabeer was pushing her to the monster.

"I love you and that's why I am asking you to go. He looks in a bad mood. What if he does something?" Kabeer emphasized it.

"And you don't care what will happen if I go there and he does something?" Pari asked.

"I...I do. But atleast not here, not infront of our parents. Please. He has asked you repeatedly. The first night he came here...trust me Di, he doesn't let anyone talk to him the way you did. Unlike you, I do care about you, di and the wise thing is to go with him. Dad wouldn't be able to bear it if something happens infront of him." Kabeer said in a low voice.

Pari didn't know what to say. But Kabeer was right. What if Salem did something in front of their parents? She went out with her packed bags. Pari hugged her parents and aunt. She went to Kabeer and hugged him. She looked at him and wanted to say many things but she kept quiet and left.

Salem was pissed and didn't talk to her in the car. He dragged her home and took her to the bedroom.

"God save you if you step out of the house without my permission!" He said.

"Why? So that you hide your bad deeds? Salem, your actions disgust me so much that I don't even want to talk about it!" Pari said referring to the activities at Blue Eyes.

"Salem, I want divorce." Pari said firmly.

Salem laughed like it was something funny.

"Say that again." Salem challenged her.

"I want..." Her voice was blocked as he gripped her throat tightly with his hand. She couldn't breathe to say the word. He left her throat seeing how breathless it made her.

"Tomorrow, act like a good daughter-in-law and help mom with Asif's wedding. I gave you enough time with that childish tantrum of yours.  The next time, you decide to act childish and leave home...I won't be so understanding." He kissed her forehead

****

Nov 28 2024

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Option B is not compulsory. I understand many of you must be underage to contribute anything. This were just my thoughts and wanted to share with my readers.