#Fasana

#Episode6

#ContinuationofTheMarriage

#Alovestory

#RhituparnaChakraborty

#Disclaimer: This is an original work of fiction. Any relation to any person or organism living or dead is purely coincidental. This story cannot be published, copied or reproduced elsewhere without the consent of the author Rhituparna Chakraborty. This is a work of imagination with no intention to hurt anyone.

Mushtaque waited for Saanchi to call him back. He hoped she would call him back because he had read her eyes. He had spent a lot of time with Saanchi during those dark days when he had rescued Saanchi and the rest of the innocent girls. Mushtaque was blessed with a strong intuitive feeling. In couple of meetings, he had the ability to distinguish right people from the wrong ones. He liked Saanchi because of her simplicity. She was a simple soul who never understood what it was to be sly and cunning. Mushtaque, on the other hand, was an amalgamation of intelligence, smartness and simplicity. With simple people he would be a straight forward guy. With complex people, he would be the most sly soul ever. This was primarily because of his profession. Mushtaque aka Faraaz came from a very well to do family. His parents were doctors. His mom was a gynecologist and his dad was a cardiologist. His younger sister was a software professional, happily married and settled in Canada.

Mushtaque had to go to his hometown tomorrow. He had hoped Saanchi would call him today, but alas, she did not. Next morning, he rushed through his packing and left for the airport. He had to catch an early morning flight. Mushtaque was not a hyper soul. He was always patient. Although he was rough, stern and aggressive when it came to handling criminals, he always ensured he took his decisions using a cool head.

Mushtaque reached his home town. His parents had a beautiful, spacious home. They had house helps, gardeners and cooks. Mushtaque’s mother Noor was a soft spoken lady. Mushtaque’s dad Fahaad was also a soft spoken gentleman. The moment Noor saw Mushtaque, she said, ‘My little Boy! What a pleasant surprise!’ She hugged him tight and planted a kiss on his forehead. She then looked around and said, ‘Where is Mehek?’ Mushtaque said, ‘She is at home with Sakina. It was a very short trip. It would have been very hectic for her. So did not bring her.’ Mrs. Noor Fahaad Khan was around 5 feet 8 inches tall, fair, slim and was an extremely beautiful lady. Mr. Fahaad Khan was around 6 feet tall and was a very good looking gentleman. Mushtaque had inherited the best of genes. Mushtaque hugged his mom tight and said, ‘Transfer orders Mom.’ Noor said, ‘Oh yes. It has been 3 years. So, where is the new place?’ Mushtaque laughed and said, ‘Just two hours away from here.’ Noor was immensely happy to hear that. She said, ‘That’s one happy news. Now, go and freshen up. Your dad will come back from the clinic in some time. I will go to my clinic at 5 today. Let me make something nice for you for lunch.’ Mushtaque said, ‘Mom, let Savitri cook. She cooks well. Why do you need to take trouble? You come and talk to me.’ Noor said, ‘Sure. Let me get some tea and snacks for us.’

At the dining table, while sipping tea, Mushtaque looked at Noor and said, ‘Mom…’. Noor looked at Mushtaque and said, ‘ Yes’. Mushtaque looked at his mom thoughtfully and said, ‘I had to talk about something important. I have to tell dad also about this, but I would like to tell you first.’ Just then Fahaad came. He said with surprise, ‘My my, look who is here!’. Mushtaque got up from his chair and went ahead to hug his dad. Fahaad said, ‘So my gentleman, how come this pleasant surprise? You usually inform us and come. And, where is Mehek?’ Noor told Fahaad, ‘Now that you are early from work, come join us for some tea, moreover, our son has to tell us something. Mehek is fine. I just spoke with her and Sakina.’ Fahaad quickly washed his hands and joined Noor and Mushtaque at the dining table. Noor then looked at Mushtaque and said, ‘What were you going to tell us?’ Mushtaque hesitated and said, ‘Umm, this is something serious and I really don’t know how to say.’ Fahaad smiled and said, ‘ Tell us. We are all ears.’ Mushtaque said, ‘I want to marry this girl…’. Noor beamed and said, ‘What? Finally? You really want to get married?’ Fahaad laughed and said, ‘That’s a lovely piece of news. But, why were you hesitant?’ Mushtaque said, ‘Her name in Saanchi Pandit.’ Noor and Fahaad looked at each other. There was pin drop silence. Noor got up from the dining table. Mushtaque was tense. He had presumed that this topic might create problems at home, but somehow he had felt his parents would understand. Fahaad looked at Mushtaque and said, ‘Are you sure about your decision?’ Mushtaque said, ‘100 percent. But I won’t do anything against your wish.’ Just then Noor came. She said, ‘Does Saanchi know about Mehek?’ Mushtaque said, ‘Not yet. But I know Saanchi. She will be happy to know about Mehek.’ Noor then said, ‘I know you like Saanchi. All I want to know is, are you sure she likes you?’ Mushtaque said confidently, his eyes twinkled when he said that, ‘100 percent mom.’ Noor then rushed to the kitchen, got a packet of cookies and said, ‘So, what’s the fuss then? Let’s celebrate this moment with something sweet.’ Mushtaque laughed and said, ‘I should have known.’ Fahaad laughed and said, ‘Of course you should have known. If you love someone, we love that “someone” too. Your happiness is our happiness. So, when do we have to go and meet her family?’ Mushtaque blushed and said, ‘ Soon dad. I will tell you.’

Saanchi had not called Mushtaque as yet. ‘Priyanshu wouldn’t lie’, Saanchi thought. At breakfast table, Saanchi looked hell worried. Parvati looked at Saanchi and asked, ‘What’s the matter darling? All okay?’. Saanchi looked at Parvati and said, ‘Mom, what should we do when we are in doubt?’ Parvati looked at her and said, ‘Now, that depends on what the doubt is? If there are questions, you have to find the answers. If there are lies, you have to find the truth.’ Saanchi then said, ‘What if somebody tries to hide something?’. Parvati then said, ‘Depends on “who” that somebody is. If that somebody is someone you trust, he or she probably did not hide anything. Maybe they are waiting for the right time to share that.’ Saanchi said, ‘So, you mean, if I am in doubt, I should seek answers?’. Parvati said, ‘Yes.’ Saanchi then said, ‘Should I seek answers through indirect sources or should I question that person directly.’ Parvati said, ‘I would always suggest asking the person directly. Indirect sources create confusion.’ Saanchi said, ‘Thanks Maa.’ Parvati did not ask Saanchi what was troubling her, but she did feel Saanchi was very worried.

Mushtaque went to his room after tea, lied down on his super comfortable bed. His room had a comfortable king size bed with satin bed sheets and soft pillows. There were broad windows had beige curtains. The beautiful chandelier hung on the ceiling majestically. There was a fire place and a cozy couch, right in front of the fire place. A beautiful book shelf stood majestically at the corner.There was a 50 inch flat screen TV, and a recliner too. The room was centrally cooled in summer. Mushtaque looked at his phone. No, Saanchi had not called. Suddenly his phone rang. It was from Saanchi. He was overjoyed.

Mushtaque: Hello

Saanchi: Hi Mushtaque

Mushtaque: I was waiting for your call.

Saanchi (hesitatingly): I am sorry.

Mushtaque: Sorry for?

Saanchi: For keeping you waiting.

Mushtaque smiled and said: They say patience yields sweet fruits.

Saanchi: I am sorry if I am intruding in your privacy, but I need to ask you something.

Mushtaque (smiling): You have the right to ask me anything Saanchi. Go ahead.

Saanchi: Who is Mehek and Who is Sakina?

Mushtaque (surprised): How do you know about them?

Saanchi: That’s not the answer to my question.

Mushtaque: I would have eventually told you about Mehek. But, I knew you wouldn’t have any objection. Hence I did not think it was necessary to tell it now. I had rescued Mehek from child traffickers. She was sold by her biological parents. She had nowhere to go. Hence I had adopted her. She is my daughter. Sakina is her caretaker.

Saanchi’s eyes welled up with tears. She hated herself for doubting Mushtaque. Her love for Mushtaque grew, her respect for him soared higher and higher. Mushtaque was an epitome of compassion, courage and love. How could anyone not love him?

Mushtaque said: Saanchi, are you there?

Saanchi wiped her tears and said: Where will I go leaving you?

Mushtaque smiled and said: So, will you come with me to the new place as my wife?

Saanchi laughed, blushed and said : Yes I will.

Mushtaque (beaming): I will be back tomorrow evening.

Saanchi: When am I meeting Mehek, our…

Mushtaque: Our what?

Saanchi (blushing): Our daughter…

Mushtaque (smiling): Thanks! I will introduce you guys soon. By the way, how did you know about Mehek?

Saanchi: I never knew anything. It’s just that my friend Priyanshu coincidentally saw you at some ice cream parlor with Mehek. Hence he told me.

Mushtaque: Oh ok. Anyway, see you tomorrow.

Well Mushtaque had to meet Priyanshu now. Priyanshu was at Zodiac Bistro coincidentally, Priyanshu was there at the Sandwich shop coincidentally and Priyanshu was also there at the ice cream parlour coincidentally…. so many coincidences and Priyanshu thought Mushtaque did not notice? Mushtaque will meet Priyanshu tomorrow.

To be continued……..