Hadh...Out of Limit

Chapter 7 : Old Ruins

Anjum's scared expressions worried Shiza. She could easily read the expressions on Anjum's face. It looked like she was holding back a volcano that could explode any minute if poked. Anjum on inquiry by Shiza, took her to Shiza's room and closed the door.

"Ammo, will you please tell me what is wrong? Why are you crying? What happened? Did Mamu say anything?" Shiza bombed her with questions.

Anjum hugged Shiza tightly and started narrating what had happened. This was one day when Anjum had to sit in the shop, due to Rauf's ill health. She told her that some men had come to the shop and threatened her. The men were asking for money. They asked her to pay the debts that they owe to Arun Gupta.

"DEBT? You took money from someone? And who is Arun Gupta?" inquired Shiza

"I don't know Shiza. I have heard that name for the first time." said Anjum

"Then what were they asking for then? Which money? Does mamu know any Arun?" asked Shiza

"I don't know Shiza, I am just so scared", said Anjum

"Did you call the...I mean Cops?," asked Shiza hesitatingly

"NO!, they threatened not to, I don't know what the matter is but they said, if I call the cops, bhaijaan will be the first one to get arrested"

"Did you tell Mamu?", inquired Shiza, to which Anjum gave a astounded look, "of course not? Can you risk his health?"

Shiza and Anjum decided on not telling anything to Rauf for the, after all he is a heart patient and they cannot afford to risk his health. Calling the Cops was two way trouble for Rauf that they were not even aware about. Shiza wanted to know the entire matter first, specially since Anjum was so hyper at the moment.

Who was this Arun Gupta? Why did he pop up suddenly asking for debt? Which debt was he talking about? Was it something genuine or just another con man? Shiza's perception concluded to Arun being a Con man, since she knew her mamu would never do something as leave someone's debt unpaid, he was too wise for it. Anjum was too scared and relied on Shiza for some solution to this problem that can help them figure out what to do. Shiza, who was scared herself called the first person she trusted the most.

"Ashar?" said Shiza

(SERAJ VILLA)

Zaid stood in the lawn and he conversed on phone, when noticed Arun entering. Arun looked Happy and extra joyous.

"Hey buddy, looking happy?" inquired Zaid.

"Oh! Yes mate. Today was fun! I took care of Rauf Elbaz and his family", answered Arun.

That very name rang several bells in Zaid head. He thought immediately about Shiza.

"What did you do?" inquired Zaid in a worried tone.

"Looks like you are unhappy?" prompted Ali from behind

"Ali! No dude, just asking", Zaid covered up.

"Well, Guys I had sent my men to his shop. They told me that there was some women at the shop, I suppose Anjum Edris it was. Oh Man! They told me she was so scared! Although she was lost. I mean she asked who is Arun Gupta? They don't know about Gupta constructions as well. Owing a debt this high and they acted smart." Arun narrated in amusement.

Zaid did not speak a word. He was too engrossed in the thoughts of Shiza's safety. He was worried and scared for Shiza and her family. Somehow, he was convinced that Shiza was innocent. Zaid immediately went back to the smile that he remembers so perfectly and the innocence in the eyes. He knew that she can never do such a heinous act. Zaid couldn't think of letting those eyes cry. They were the most perfect and true that any human could ever be. This feeling was chocking Zaid, shocked at his reaction, even he was trying to figure it out, what was wrong with him. How can a human have such a deep impact in the very first and the only meeting? However, this was not a question to be answered right now, bigger question for him was, is Shiza safe?

(Old Allahabad)

After a couple of hours of discussion, Ashar, Shiza, Zareen and Anjum decide on the fact that Rauf will not be told about this incident for now. Ashar, now aware of the whole thing, has two of his friends, Misbah and Ratan, to sit on the shop with Anjum, also to be around the Shop when Rauf was there. Ashar assured Shiza of his presence and their inevitable bond.

The Next day, Anjum cancels her tuition to sit on the shop. Misbah and Ratan arrive at the shop and sit there with Anjum. Shiza, Zareen and Ashar also stayed at the shop for some while.

At a distance from there, in a black car, someone was staring at the trio. It was Zaid. He was there to ensure that Shiza was safe. And when he saw her happy and smiling, he stood there for a while admiring her. Zaid felt a weird sense of relief to witness her smile. It was not that he was romanticising her, but it was a admiration for someone so pure a heart. Someone who cared for everyone not for what she gained, but satisfaction. Her love was pure Gold, he thought, the man receiving a love so pure, would be the luckiest in the world. Just when he was admiring her, he got a call from Parvez informing him about Zuhaan's lost temper over a female servant. Zuhaan was angry on servants just because a female servant entered his room. Zaid without giving a second thought drove back to Seraj Villa.

Zaid controlled Zuhaan and later instructed the servants, "Aren't you guys aware that bhai's room is a 'no-female zone'?", he then looked at the scared and weeping female servant in front of him, he took a breath and then added, "Nazia, You know that females are not allowed in bhai's room. Now next time, don't do it! If any of the female helpers need anything from Bhai, come to me or Baba. Never Bhai! Get it?"

The helper Nazia nods and leaves.

"Baba, this is getting worse!" Exclaimed Zaid as he sat on the sofa with a thud, "Baba, now, my mind has stopped working, what makes him this way?" said Zaid and then added, "I hate to see him like this. I want to see him happy. I want to see him smile that probably he has never done! I don't think that even he likes to be grumpy all the time. You have to think of something.", As he spoke, he noticed Parvez staring at the locked door from across the gallery, he couldn't help but ask, "Baba! Why do you keep staring at the room? What is in that room? You go there once every year, but keep staring at it, what is in there?"

"How many times do I have to tell you not to ask me that question!", yelled a suddenly angry Rauf. Zaid shocked at this immediate reaction, just gawked at him. Suddenly calming down, Parvez said, "Sorry" then he continued, "Don't worry about Zuhaan, if my calculation is right, things will come under control!" Exclaimed Parvez to which Zaid nodded in a tired manner.

Probably now, Zaid had began to give up. He was beginning to worry more and more about Zuhaan. Also the reason was his temperament. What made him the way he was? Why did he hate women so much? He wondered, will anyone ever get an answer these questions?