Pari was welcomed by Jenny, Asif and Aamna the next day when she visited her in-laws place. They were very excited and told her all the plans for the wedding. The wedding was in two months. Asif forced Pari to choose one dish for the wedding. He had forced everyone in the family to choose one dish of their choice which would be a part of the wedding menu.

The engagement and wedding was in two months and every day was crucial. Jenny and Aamna wanted to take Pari along but she denied and went back to Salem's home. She didn't know where was 'her' home. It wasn't with her parents - everyone believed once married, the 'real' home of a girl is with her husband. And the other home - where she stays with Salem....can it really be called her home? Home is where love is, but that home had violence as a part of its memories. That home didn't provide her security. But for now, it was her home

She called Priya and asked her to come to her home in sometime. 

Pari hugged Priya tightly. She knew that Priya is one person who'd support her and understand her. 

"Pari, I am very proud of you for being so strong. I don't understand how you don't shed tears at all." Priya said. Pari rarely cried and even when she felt hurt, she would not shed tears, not when Salem hit her, Kabeer said her hurtful things and not even when Salem brought her by threatening. 

"It breaks me but I am not going to give him or anyone the satisfaction to see me cry. Also, crying doesn't give any solutions." Pari said. 

"I feel so ashamed and embarrassed, Priya." Pari confessed to her sister about the thing which was in her head for a long time. Priya asked her why did she feel the way. 

"He has hit me... like I am some rag doll or an animal. He crushed my pride, Priya. I don't feel I am capable of meeting anyone's eye. He destroyed the Pari that everyone thought is so strong. He ruined it all." Pari said lowly. For Pari, her pride was everything. Her pride in her self-respect and how people saw her.

"Pari...you are the strongest! It's him who should feel this way, embarrassed and ashamed. Not you. You haven't done anything wrong." Priya explained to her.

Pari felt better talking to Priya. Priya was the only person who Pari could tell everything about.

"How was one month stay in mayka?" (Maternal place) Priya asked.

"Mostly good but Kabeer, he has to spoil everything. We had a big fight." Pari said and Priya rolled her eyes. It's impossible that Pari and Kabeer didn't fight. They had the rare bonding moments but other times, they were always after each other's lives.

"What about the job?" Priya asked and Pari's face became sad. It was just for a month when she was at her maternal place that she joined a job but now knowing Salem, he will ask her to leave it again.

"He has asked me to leave it. I-I don't know anymore." In the past months, Pari felt so numb and weak. No one around her had an idea what it meant to have a ruthless husband like Salem neither did she wish a husband like him on anyone. They didn't know how much it breaks to you to see a man who is meant to protect you, hits you. As normal as it was in news and around them, the severity of domestic violence and its impact is only felt when it happens in your own house. It wasn't normal and nor it should be. Marriage is meant to be cherished and not for it to leave you broken and bruised. 

It was a celebration at their home when it was announced that Salem was declared as the winner at the National Awards. The National Awards were considered as the highest reward for an actor in the country. There were continuous calls at home and all his friends had come over as a celebration. A part of her was happy for him. She had seen the efforts and hardwork he had taken to become the actor he is and to get the projects he gets. He would barely sleep and never skip work. He had hardly taken vacations even though he could afford to. His work always came first. She didn't understand why he had to resort to disgusting businesses when he was already getting money and fame from acting. 

For Salem, it was simple. He loved power and dominance. Money could give him comfort, success is giving him fame but only his other networks and business is giving him the power he craves.  He was always the handsome and charming guy whenever he walked into any room but now, with his connections with Moosa and other politicians, he is also powerful. He loved the power he had on people, he loved to rule. 

Salem asked Pari to accompany him on the award ceremony of National Awards as he wanted her to be there for his special moment and he was surprised when she agreed. His family and friends all gathered at his parents' place and watched the ceremony together. Pari was indeed a proud wife when Salem collected his award, however she wished he wasn't a part of any wrong business. Salem had the same instruction for the press - to not show her on any coverage. They clicked multiple photos of him with Pari, all for his personal usage but not for the world. 

His fans kept a special celebration for him as they gathered near his building, carrying his poster and singing songs from all his movies. The place was so crowded that police had to be called to control the crowd. Once he came home. his friends threw a surprise party for his success. Pari also met Vrushali, Asif's to-be wife in the party. Vrushali was a model/actress in the industry. She had done supporting roles in few films. Asif and Vrushali fell in love during one of the parties and dated for sometime before deciding to tie the knot. Pari just smiled at her but didn't interact much. Vrushali asked Asif the reason behind Pari's rudeness. Asif shushed her and told her to not say anything about Pari especially infront of Salem, he won't have it.

To Vrushali, Pari looked liked the pampered brat. Jenny had called their family jeweler at home for everyone to select jewellery. Salem was there for sometime before he had to leave for shoot. Vrushali saw how much in love Salem was. Salem would encourage Pari to try different jewelleries and compliment her. Jenny joked that would he buy the whole collection for his wife to which Salem said ofcourse. He was sweet enough to say, 'You all can buy whatever you want. It's not just an offer for my Pari but for everyone. Also, you know the drill, if my wife touches it, it's hers." Salem winked and left.

Vrushali asked Aamna what he meant by that. Aamna told her, "It's Bhai's thing since they got married. If Bhabhi even eyes a thing for long or she touches it out of curiosity, Bhai buys it for her."

Vrushali smiled and said, "Asif, when will you love me so much?" To which Asif laughed and said, "You will make me file for bankruptcy."

But Vrushali noticed how Pari was aloof from everyone. She barely smiled and had an irritated face. Vrushali shook her head, it must be the arrogance about her beauty and her husband's money.

During the wedding festivities, Pari was happy to have her family around. They were invited for all the functions. Aamna and Priya were sticking by her side. During functions, it was always fun to have Aamna around as she would give gossip about everyone in the room. During one of the functions, it was just Vrushali, Aamna and Pari sitting together on stage when Aamna started with her gossip. She told her how the new gen actor Suraj had an affair with his co-star despite being married. Pari was shocked to know about many extra marital affairs of other actors and producers.

"Bhabhi, you are lucky to have Salem Bhai. He is so much in love with you!" Vrushali smiled. Vrushali had worked with Salem in one movie. He talked to everyone on set but not for once, he looked at any other women with bad intentions or flirt with anyone.

Pari smiled slightly and changed the topic by asking Aamna about the food arrangements.

After the wedding was done, Pari tried looking around for Aamna but was not able to find her. She was shocked to see Aamna drinking and Kabeer smoking with a group of their friends in a corner. 

"Aamna." The way Pari yelled, Aamna signed her friends to leave from there.

"Throw the cigarette away. Now." Pari looked at the both of them in anger.

"Aamna and Kabeer, I am not going to say it once - Smoking and drinking alcohol is a disgusting habit. It's not what makes you cool. And Aamna, you always say Kabeer is like your younger brother...is this the example you want to set? Why didn't you stop him?" Pari lectured them as both of them put their hands down.

"And Kabeer....I would have slapped you if we were not here." Pari said.

"What's going on?" Salem entered the scene seeing these 3 alone.

"They pick on your habits...You know what? It's not their fault, it's your fault!" Pari said angrily. She knew Salem was a bad influence.

Salem knit his eyebrows together and looked at the two youngsters. "You both made my wife upset? And now, it's somehow my fault! Great." He sighed.

"They were drinking and smoking." Pari complained with anger evident in her voice and glared at the two culripts.

Salem looked at the two of them and shielded them from Pari. "Told you all to avoid smoking and drinking at home." He shook his head at the stupidity of these two to smoke around Pari.

"Shameless man! If you knew, you should stop them." Pari shook her head in anger and mumbled.

"They are adults." Salem shrugged. To him, it was not a big deal. Salem loved his sister dearly and was a protective brother but he didn't limit her actions and curbed her freedom.

"Kids, don't smoke at home. My wife might kill you both." He said and dismissed them.

"How can you let them go?" Pari was continuing when he took her aside away from the crowd. She was blabbering when he kissed her on the cheeks. Pari stopped her rant and touched her cheek.

"My wife is looking the best." Salem said and kissed her again. "And I like you seeing like this - talking, being angry, expressing yourself." Salem had seen how Pari had gone quiet ever since she had come back but today, thanks to Aamna and Kabeer smoking, he saw her angry and expressing herself.

"Leave me, Salem. We need to go." Pari said trying to remove his hold from her waist. But he placed another kiss on her neck. "Salem." She said again.

Salem smiled and pretended he was thinking. "If you ask politely, then may be."

"Please, Salem." Pari gritted her teeth and Salem left her with a peck on her forehead.

The marriage celebration went well and all the famous people - from actors, politician to sportspersons attended it. Salem took Pari around and introduced Pari to them. The guests were too stunned by Pari's beauty. They looked like the perfect couple - a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Few people envied them but Pari shook her thoughts - only if they knew the truth.

Salem asked Pari to go ahead as he would come after the drinks. Pari told him not to drink much but it was Salem whose first love was alcohol.

Salem came back home hours later, stinking of alcohol and smoke. He became sober when he entered his room and saw Pari crying. She had put her hands between the head which was bowed down. Salem quickly went to her hearing her sobs.

"Hey love, what happened?" Salem asked.

"Divorce me." Pari said crying.

Salem narrowed his eyes at her. "You know the rules. Hmm. Let's stick to it." Salem said and took her in his embrace.

The rules were simple and set by Salem. Divorce would be Salem's call and children would be Pari's. 

"What happened, baby?" Salem asked.

Pari shook her head and cried more. It was shocking for Salem. He was not good at handling a crying women. Pari was not a cry baby. She rarely cried but right now her sobs were scaring him.

Pari mumbled something while crying but Salem was not able to comprehend her. "Ah. Ah. Don't cry like a baby. You are my woman. Answer me like one. No more crying, okay?" Salem said sternly.

He could take all her tantrums but he hated a whining, crying woman.

"You would never understand. Noone would." Pari said and turned around.

"Explain me." Salem said softly but was running out of patience.

"Their marriage, Salem. I saw couples today. They had so much love! Why go far? Even our family...My mom and dad, your mom and dad, Priya and Vivek...even Asif and Vrushali." Pari chuckled and a tear left her eye.

"What are you getting at?" Salem was confused at her words.

"They are so happy....their man never raised a hand on them. They have a respectable marriage. On the other hand, I feel so broken. Why, why did you do it? Why did you shatter our marriage?" Pari cried.

"Look Madam, every marriage is different. What matters is our love for each other. I bet they don't love their wife as much as I do. So, wipe your tears and stop crying on such silly things." He shook his head. Pari already knew he wouldn't understand.

"I don't think I want children with you." She said when he hovered over her at night.

"Okay." He dipped his head in her neck and kissed her. "As long as you are mine, I am okay with your decision." Saying that, he bit her neck and shoulder harshly and a scream left her. He loved kids and wanted to have them one day but for her, he can sacrifice his desire for her.

**

Salem had denied her from working and no one saw it as abnormal. They said a woman needed to work if her husband isn't earning enough but here, Salem's money was more than enough for them. Both the families didn't see the need for Pari to work, if Salem didn't want it. So, she went back to shopping and exploring new shops and studying upcoming luxury brands. She loved handbags and of course, the jewellery. Pari was also invited to a lot of kitty parties hosted by socialites and other celebrity wives. At Asif's wedding, she was introduced to a lot of these women who asked her to join their kitty.

Pari thought it'd be nice to go out of her shell and socialise with some women. Soon she realised these women didn't live any different life than hers. Their marriage was as rocky as hers. Most husbands were cheating, many were drug addicts and some were abusive. Pari refrained from giving them information about her relationship with Salem. Salem's image for the world was of a handsome hero with a golden heart and a little temper. Whether his charity acts or his movies, he always stayed in the limelight. The wives praised Salem for his recent donation to the hospital and saving lives of cancer children by treating them with his money. Pari smiled through it all. She knew to conceal her feelings and not let it show on her face to the world. These women were not her friends. Noone was. Pari was here to pass her time and these women wants to befriend her for the influence and money she carried. It was a barter, not friendship.

Pari went out for dinner with Aamna and Vrushali. Vrushali was talking about her new project and how much she loved resume working. She had even done an interview where she talked about the importance of women working and being independent. Aamna had started working as a costume designer for movies and she gave them non stop gossip about others on set. Vrushali asked Pari if she didn't feel like working? It was a sore topic for Pari. Her face scowled at the question. "My husband doesn't like it." Pari replied.

"Duh! She is the queen of the house. Why would she work?" Aamna commented. Pari wasn't sure if Aamna was delusional to not see the unjust behaviour of her brother.

Pari's phone rang and she excused herself. It was her mother's call. She sounded tense. But what her mother said worried Pari more. She told her mother not to stress and cut the call. She bid adieu to Aamna and Vrushali and went to Blue Eyes.

This time her driver had informed Wajid about their new destination. Wajid asked Joel to be with Pari. When Pari entered Blue Eyes, Joel welcomed her with his signature smile.

"I want to meet Shazia." Pari said. It was not her plan.

Joel hesitated but seeing Pari's stern look, he let Shazia meet Pari.

Shazia's smile dropped seeing Pari. She didn't like how she was lied to by Pari about her identity. But she understood that she needed to behave in order to not offend Sahab's wife.

Pari asked her how she was doing and also told her that she understands if Shazia is angry because of her lie.

"It doesn't matter." Shazia replied. "I am leaving this place in one month." She smiled.

"Oh! That's great. You got some film?" Pari asked.

"No, I got a man who is interested in being with me every night." Shazia replied.

"And you are okay with that?" Pari questioned. Good, that Pari came back here. At least, she is reminded of her hate for Blue Eyes - the whorehouse.

"Yes, he is a producer. Although, a bit old for me. But I am happy." Shazia was a big chatterbox but she needed to conceal details. She didn't want to upset Joel and Sahab, after last time.

Pari took a deep breath. "I don't know how to say this to you - but he won't offer you roles. This....this is not going to help in achieving your dreams."

"And what do you know about it?" Shazia said with a venom in her voice, "or you actually know about it. An ordinary girl...ending up with today's superstar. You should actually guide girls like us, huh? Afterall, you hit the jackpot - the title of his wife." Shazia spat back. What did Pari know of struggles and addiction?

Pari smirked. "For once, I am going to ignore all the bullshit you just uttered. Because I know where this is coming from. But listen Shazia, I am not telling this to the stripper from Blue Eyes, I am telling this for Shazia, the daughter of her parents...even with consent, all this is wrong. And if you are doing this with hope that some day, you are going to be an actor....I don't know if it's possible. All this is a risk, a chance that's not worth it."

"Ma'am, it's not about being an actor anymore. If you don't get it, it's about my survival, a lifestyle. I am used to the alcohol, the drugs...they make me feel alive. I am used to splurging money. I can't...I can't go broke, not now." Shazia clarified.

Pari felt bad. She understood Shazia's decision but she felt bad for the talented girl sitting infront of her. "As long as you know what you are getting into...I am noone to say anything." Pari said. Shazia also muttered a soft apology for her words earlier.

"Tell me how did you know Sahab? You don't look like you belong to his world?" Shazia asked curiously.

"He was in my college. We were friends initially but something switched and he was after me..." Pari left it at that.

"And are you the girl from the kissing picture?" Shazia was too inquisitive. Pari nodded at her question, surprised that she remembers the kiss incident even after 5 and half years. Shazia exclaimed when Pari nodded!

"I don't get it why these guys didn't stop it..." Shazia muttered but Pari had caught it.

"What do you mean by this and also I don't belong to his world..?" Pari asked her.

"Umm...nothing. it's just that you both seem different people." Shazia didn't want to land in mess like the last time. But she didn't lie when she said that they both are very different. Salem had come from a rich family but Salem's network with both - good & bad people made him influential. He was not someone you'd associate easily, especially in today's time. Everyone feared him not just in Blue Eyes but also outside. He was good to people, when he wanted to be. From what she came to know, Pari wasn't from a rich family. And from her conversation with Pari, she was a good honest woman. Despite her lies, she wasn't a scheming woman.

"Shazia...where is Kabeer?" Pari asked. Shazia looked around and told her to check with Joel. Shazia said a small sorry again to Pari for overstepping her boundaries in anger.

Joel asked to sit in another room on the top floor and Kabeer would meet her there. She waited for Kabeer in the room who showed up after few minutes.

"You still smoke?" She asked him.

"Sometimes." He replied not looking at her in the eyes. "Are you here to investigate me?" He rolled his eyes at her.

"Kabeer, I want you to answer me honestly. Do you also do drugs?" She asked.

"Di, why are you interfering in my life?" He didn't know why she is questioning him suddenly.

"Because, you are my brother! I don't care what happens to anyone else here. I don't care if 1 person is doing it or 100 of them, you are not going to be a part of this filth." She yelled.

"If you can't see the difference let me tell you. The kids you see here doing these things....their life is set. They have their rich parents to rely on. The workers you see here doing drugs, don't have a future. You, I think you want a future, don't you? So stop falling for all this and get your life together. You are our parents son, so behave like one." Pari spat at him. This was the most respectful she could talk to him. She left from there in angry mode.

*

When Salem came back late at night, he was surprised to see her awake at this hour. She has not waited for him in the past months but today, she was waiting. He knew there must be something she wanted to talk about. What he didn't expect were her red eyes starting at him with detest.

As he locked the door and walked closer to her, she stood up to match his eye level.

"Hello, my love." He spoke and kissed her lips.

She wiped off his touch from her lips.

"Don't touch me, you despicable man." She gritted.

"Ah! My wife is calling me some sweet names but I keep hearing different things." Salem said not understanding the reason behind her hatred.

"Aaj bolne diya 'despicable', ainda bolne layak nahi chodunga." Salem threatened her. (Today, I let you call me despicable. There won't be a next time.)

"I haven't seen a more shameless person than you! You ruined my life and wasn't it enough that you are ruining my family?" She cried and then held his collar tightly looking into his eyes with detest.

"Salem, I am warning you. Kabeer is my   younger brother. I won't let him be ruined." It looked like she was possessed with anger. He took hold of her hands and removed it from his collar.

"I am ruining your brother's life? Enlighten me, how?" He asked with a hint of anger in his voice.

"Blue Eyes gives all their employees drugs...allowing him access to consume drugs is not ruining him?" She questioned.

"He is an adult, not a baby that I am force feeding him. Isn't he capable to think for his own self?" Salem fired back.

"You are saying this because he is my brother. Why don't you ask Aamna to work at Blue Eyes and when she consumes drugs, would you say the same thing?" She spit in her anger.

He slapped her hard. "You shouldn't have brought my sister in this!"

He lit his cigarette and loosened the sleeves and rolled it up. He turned her around and held her neck in his hands. Her back was to his front. She tried prying his hands off.

"Babe, where did you get the courage to hold from collar?" He asked as he took a puff from his cigarette. He tightened his hold on her neck.

"Let's do something about that...shall we?"

____

10 Dec 2024

Please vote and comment!

I have already mentioned that this month I won't be able to update much but I will try.

Also, due to majority comments, I have decided not to go ahead with selling this book on other platfo*ms. I want to know if you'll be able to contribute through other apps like PayPal/UPI/Patreon...?