Meri Sanam Ki Yaddein

Familarity

Part Two- Familiarity

She felt his dark orbs gazing in her direction. She did not remember their nikkah or how they met, but she sensed familiarity with him that she never had with Shaad. Shaad the man who had saved her then used her for his own needs. He wanted to defeat Shashi Kappor and uncover who it really was. She had led him to the truth even though he had not believed her and then he lost his family. He should have listened to her and lived happily with his family in Pakistan.

She shook off thoughts of him. She was where she truly belonged now.

She realized she was wearing a long kurta. It must be one of Aahil's.

Aahil realized what she was wondering.

" You were pretty drenched last night so this was the first thing I found. I didn't peek, just got you dry then brought you home earlier this morning," he assured her.

" I think I should get up and freshen up. Where is..," she trailed off.

" Everything is kept the way you left it Sanam. I let the maids clean but everything has been maintained, as you would have wished. Do you feel ok enough to stand?" he asked with concern.

She hesitated.

" Give a me a second. Please don't peek. I want to try to stand, otherwise I will try later," she stammered.

He nodded but remained close enough in case she needed him.

She stood up on wobbly feet and felt dizzy.

"Aahil!," she yelled in fear thinking she would hit the ground. He had reached beside her and caught her just in time. His hold felt firm and familiar as if he had held her many times before now.

Their gazes locked. She felt a blush coming on realizing she was in his arms and he could see her bare legs since the blanket no longer covered her.

He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"You still have a fever Sanam. Just relax, I will have a nurse come in to help you get washed up in bed," he stated.

He helped her lay in bed.

Lateef came in with a tray.

Sanam looked at him strangely.

"Sanam why are you looking like you have seen a ghost? Main hoon chui mui," he declared before noticing Aahil's stern glance.

" Theek hai Aahil baba, I will come later," he declared.

"Lateef show the nurse in when she arrives," he called after him.

Sanam heard a muffled reply.

"Lateef has been with this household for ten years, way before we ever met. Don't mind him," he assured her.

She nodded meekly.

"Come have some juice," he urged.

Aahil fed whatever he could convince her to eat. She enjoyed the attention and was amazed how well he knew her tastes.

Later she felt somewhat better after the nurse had helped her get washed up. She felt ready to emerge from the room and explore Ibrahim Mansion. The furnishings and the rooms themselves felt familiar. She had walked these halls before. Then came the pool. She sensed this pool had some memories of her past as well. Suddenly she felt a feeling of déjà vu. She had stood in this very spot before and then there he was working away on something as he sat at the poolside. He had a glass beside him. She frowned.

Before he knew it she was in front of him and reaching for the glass beside him.

He was disappointed. He was hoping she would say something pertaining to a memory, but what she said next made him relieved.

" Yeh kya hai?," she asked as she sniffed the glass.

"It's not alcohol," he stated with a slight smile.

"Sahi hai, aap apna vaada nahin bhooliye," she stated with glee.

He looked at her softly.

"Tum bhi yaad hai," he said gazing into her eyes.

She turned solemn.

" Did you drink a lot before?," she asked.

" Yes I used need a drink or two every day at least until I met you," he declared.

She smiled slightly but seemed tensed.

"Kya hua Sanam? You seem stressed. The doctor said you need lots of rest," Aahil added with concern.

" Aahil I was thinking until I get my memory back, should I go work at a restaurant some place? I know I can cook, I just ..," she trailed off.

" Sanam you are a brilliant chef. But the only one allowed to taste your food are those who are members of this house and any guests we invite to our home.," Aahil declared.

He got up and picked her up in his arms. She was startled.

" Aahil yeh kya..?

" Just shut up Sanam!," he growled.

He carried her to the kitchen.

He placed her down on her feet.

" Meri begum sirf yahaan kam karengi!," he declared.

She was overwhelmed with his love for her.

" Aahil main aap ke liye apple pie bannati hoon. You go relax!," she urged.

His tensed muscles relaxed when she reached over and caressed his stubble with her fingers. He took her hand in his and placed a chaste peck on her hand.

"I am sorry Sanam. But I can't lose you again. I love so much," he stated.

" No worries Aahil. It will take me time to remember everything. But I would like to at least make apple pie today for you," she stated.

He reached over and checked her forehead.

" You are still weak Sanam. Tomorrow you can have full access to this house and especially this kitchen," he declared.

She pouted.

How he longed to kiss her but he knew it was too soon. He asked Lateef to prepare lunch and they would eat in the garden today.