Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 8 : The Promise

Arbaaz reached home around 5 in the evening. Despite his brother's instructions of going home, he had continued his search till the last cafe of Ajmer. He just couldn't understand, Shanaya's mother had talked about cafe then how was it possible Zunera worked in none of them ?

His thoughts jumbled, he entered the main hall to find his mother, grandmother, sister-in-law and Kashish gathered on the evening tea.

“Assalam o Alaykum!” - he greeted them all, his voice tired.

“Wa Alaykum Assalam!” - the ladies replied in unison, frowning at his dull demeanor.

“How was the wedding Abhi ? Was the journey too tiring ? Because you certainly seem so...” - Aafiya asked, concerned.

He sighed. Not just tired, he was exhausted. To the bones. But the reason was not the travel. It was the absence of someone. The desperation of seeing that face. The restlessness to hear the sound of those bangles again.

“It was superb Mom. I'm just tired and want to rest for a while. Will talk to you in detail at dinner.” - he answered and headed upstairs.

Stepping into his room, he freshened up. But instead of resting like he had said, he changed into an old white tee of his and entered a room within his room.

His art studio.

Completely white. At least, it had been once when it was new. Now, it had stains of paint everywhere. On walls, on the floor and even on the ceiling. Paintings were lined up around the room but he stopped infront of his latest one which he had made before leaving for Jaipur.

A pair of caramel eyes peaking through a baby pink veil.

He trailed his hands on it. And felt the warmth of her hand through it. He knew it was just his mind playing tricks on him. How could anyone feel someone's warmth by a painting ? But he was...

“Look what have you done to me. I have gone completely mad.” - he said, chuckling. “Know that I'll find you. Wherever you are.” - he said in a promising tone. His gaze fixed on the eyes in the painting.

He covered the painting with a butter paper before moving towards the new board. After all, he had a beautiful face to paint. Although, he had her photo in his phone but he didn't pull it out to paint. He didn't need to. That face was carved on his heart and mind now.

For the rest of his life.

***

Fifteen minutes into painting, there was a knock on the door.

“Yes...” - he said, just making the outlines at the moment.

“Knew I'll find you here.” - came his brother's voice as he stepped into the room.

Arbaaz placed his brushes back and covered the board with a paper before turning to Arish.

“You know me well.” - he commented, shrugging.

Arish placed an arm around his shoulders and both brothers stepped out of the studio to his room.

“Dadi jaan is worried for you. Said ‘Something is bothering Abhi’. Should I tell her she need not to worry as her younger grandson is just in love ?” - Arish asked innocently and burst into laughter when Arbaaz glared at him.

“Sorry yaar... but I can't help. My carefree and happygolucky brother is behaving so... lovesick and melancholic, it's hilarious!” - Arish continued, falling on the bed due to laughter.

Arbaaz picked the pillow and threw at Arish with force. Making him yelp and sober up. Albeit, forcefully.

“I couldn't find her in any cafe! I am going mad now!” - Arbaaz sat with a thud on the bed, resting his forehead on his palms.