AASHIQUI : chain bhi..dard bhi

Chapter 40

FAISU

She is visibly shaking by the time I reach her. "It's gonna be okay."

That only makes her take several steps backward. I know she's scared, but she doesn't have to be. I'll be her anchor this time.

My stare locks with hers. "Trust me." I hold out my hand. "Please."

Her petrified gaze bounces between my outstretched hand and my face for several agonizing beats. My chest recoils because I'm positive she's going to turn around and flee... But then she takes it.

I don't break eye contact as I bring her out on stage, because I know once she gets a glimpse of the massive crowd, her fear will take over and she'll bolt. The closer we get to the mic stand, the more she trembles.

"Trust me," I repeat as I maneuver her so she's the one in front of the mic. Then I move behind her. Another wave of panic courses through her body, and she peers at me over her shoulder.

"I c-can't do this." I lock my arms around her waist, keeping her right where she's meant to be.

"Yes, you can."

The intro of 'Sunn raha' cues up and the excitement and energy from the crowd is so tangible it buzzes through me like a current of electricity. Like magic.

Five minutes before the concert started, I told Faiz, Mohsin, and the fill-in bassist that we were doing 'Sunn raha' for our last song tonight. I just didn't tell them Jannat would be the one singing it. At least that was the plan...but she doesn't make a sound.

She squirms in my arms, no doubt trying to run off, but I squeeze her tighter. She's got this. I know she does.

My lips brush the shell of her ear. "Close your eyes." After they squeeze shut, I press a soft kiss to her temple. "And no matter what happens, don't you fucking stop."

The intro cues up again and I hold my breath for the first four bars, willing her to trust me...and her gift. Then I hear it.

Yaara aa
Manzilein ruswa hain
Khoya hai rasta
Aaye le jaaye itni si ilteja

Her hoarse, sultry tone reverberates through the speakers, filling the stadium. The first verse is a little shaky, but by the time she hits the chorus, her nerves dissipate and it's goddamn perfection

Yeh meri zamanat hai
Tu meri amaanat hai aa....

Mujhko irade de, kasmein de vaade de
Meri duaon ke isharon ko sahare de
Dil ko thikaane de, naye bahaane de
Khaabon ki barishon ko.....Mausam ke paimane de

She grows stronger with every note, transforming into a fucking powerhouse.

Apne karam ki kar adaayein
Karde idhar bhi tu nighahein

Sun raha hai na tu
Ro rahi hu main
Sun raha hai na tu
Kyun ro rahi hu main

A mixture of pride and exhilaration swells in my chest. She's dominating the stage. Keeping us all prisoner. I know without a doubt that every single person witnessing this realizes what I've known for years. She's special. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and goose bumps graze my arms as she belts the final verse. She didn't just kill it. She fucking slaughtered it. Just like I knew she would.

The outro hasn't even finished when the crowd erupts in cheers before rising to their feet...giving her a much-warranted standing ovation.

"Open your eyes." I don't want her to miss this. Because she deserves it.