Alfaaz

Chapter 16: Lihaaz

Folks!

Thank you so very much guys! Loved your comments on the previous part! Makes me so happy that you all are enjoying Alfaaz so far! Major changes on the way.. Let it grow on you!

Coming to this one, I am writing with a writer's block, so I know this is probably not in best interest of the story and might not be out of the box at this point, but please bear with me and I hope you enjoy this bland-ish update by my standards.

Talking about Lihaaz. The word means respect. Complete and incandescent respect. In the last update, I left you all wondering how the trio would convince Ramnath to let Shravan live his dream. Honestly, this is what caused the block, LOL. I was trying to find ways, anyway, I found one which kind of fits. So, without further chatter, here's presenting, Lihaaz!

P.S. Hear the song Meer-e-Karawan from Lucknow Central if you haven't already.. It's really soulful and I believe goes well with this update! Link is in the external links... 

LIHAAZ

Biting his lip, gazing into the amber colors of the now setting sun, shaking his head in the negative, he spoke unconvinced, "What crap? This idea sucks." Scratching his head, "This seems like a 90s movie. Its utter emotional blackmail!"

"Uff Bhaiya!" Exclaimed Pushkar. Slapping his palm on his forehead, "You don't know. Emotional blackmail always works!" He finished, shrugging.

"This is my father we are talking about!" Shravan got up and started pacing the terrace. "The Ramnath Malhotra! He will see through this in no time!" Rubbing the back of his neck with his fingers, he spoke, "I think I should talk to him directly."

Suman who was silent throughout the exchange narrowed her eyes. Contemplating she walked up to him. "Shravan, I agree with Pushkar. He has a point. Even if Uncle sees through this farce; which is a big if, but even if he does, emotional raag is the way!"

Shravan let out a tired breath, "Fleecing my own Dad! Never thought this day would come!" He worded, raising his hands to heaven as if begging for help.

"Never say never..." Said Pushkar rolling his eyes.

Shravan's lips pursed in a thin line, whispering he whacked Pushkar's head, "This better work Chotte."

"Arey!" Said the kid-brother, "Its Sumo's plan too!"

"This better work Sumo!" Said the exasperated son.

Suman simply smirked, smug, "Sumo's plan never fail! You will see amateurs!" Popping a collar, she indicated Pushkar to follow her and told Shravan to stay put and wait for their signal.

Shravan simply smiled at her cute antics and Pushkar silently did as the leader asked. Their plan was in play, they had to get their parts right.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

"He's coming! I saw the car!" Exclaimed Pushkar, shutting the curtain and making a dash for the sofa. He sat next to Suman quickly and acted as if he had been lounging all the while.

Suman quickly grabbed the remote and played a video that had been specifically paused at profitable juncture. Adjusting the volume, she sat doe eyed.

"Dekh na Sumo, Bhaiya kitne acche lag rahe hai, tu bhi hoti toh maza aa jata!" Pushkar smiled, giving running commentary to Suman under the pretext of the fact that he was simply showing Sumo the graduation ceremony clip cause she wasn't there in person. "Woh dekh Eric.. Arey! Speech! Kya masst speech di thi bhaiya ne!" Saying he discreetly glanced towards the main door to see Ramnath. Eyes glued to the TV screen, ears trained towards their banter, court jacket in one hand and bag in the other.