"Leh...main sara ghar dhoond raha hun aur tu yahan hai" i turn to find Hussain standing at the terrace entrance with his hands on his hips and panting a little.I shaked my head and looked back at the sky,closing my eyes again.I could sense him standing next to me holding the railings,his fingers brushed mine,i saw him with partly open eyes then at our hands
"Din me taare gin rahi hai ya kawwe?" he asked looking at the sky then at me.I chuckled
"Khamoshi ki awaaz sunrahi hun" i told making him raise his brows in confusion "Khamoshi ki awaaz?"
"Hmm,bohot kuch kehjaati hain yeh khamoshi ki awaaz" i told not looking at him.He let out a sigh
"Accha? toh batao kya kehrahi hain yeh khamoshi ki awaaz" he asked smiling at me
"Kehrahi hain ke" i took a pause
"Tum kuch chupa rahe ho mujhse" i said looking at him
"Tumhari aankhein jese zubaan ko dhoka derahi ho,dil aur dharkan jese saath chalna bhool gaye ho,bohot kuch kehna hai magar bohot kuch nahi kehna chahte ho" i said trying to look right into his soul but he looked away instantly.He chuckled
"Aur pata hai yeh khamoshi ki awaaz mujhse kya kehrahi hain?" he smiled asking.I raised my brows
"Aaj tumhara birthday hai aur tum ghar pe bethi ho,not done" he scrunched his face
Aaj bhi taal diya..
"Hame kahin baahir jana hai aur hum late horahe hain" he said emphasizing each word making me frown
"Poocho kahan?" he urged me
"Kahan?" I asked
"Yahan" he said pulling something out of his pocket.I frowned
"Tickets?" I asked and he nodded
"Concert ki" he exclaimed enthusiastically
"Kiski?" I asked and he rolled his eyes
"Woh haina apna Atif..Atif Aslam" he casually stated "he is in town,mene kahan yahan bhi concert karle yaar,pehle nahi maana tha par phir baadme mere liye.." i cut off his blabbering
"Hussain.." i clutched his hand tight with eyes popping out
"Atif Aslam?" I asked again for confirmation,fixing my eyes on him.He gently smiled
"Haan meri maa,ab chal we are getting late" he dragged me downstairs to my room
"Par tune pehle kyun nahi bataya? Itni dair me jab concert ke liye sirf ek ghanta reh gaya hai tab bataraha hai? Aur main kya pehnungi,aur mere..
"Sshh.." he placed his index on my lips shutting me up
"Bohot baatein karti ho tum" he narrowed his eyes at me.He left it to stay there for few seconds until he himself pulled it back looking away,embarrassed
"Chal.." he then dragged me towards the closet and made me stand in front of the mirror
"I'll pick dress for you" he said enthusiastically and moved towards my wardrobe,i gave him a side
"I hope it's safe to open this one" he ended it with a chuckle
"Yeah.." i nodded
He slid open the door revealing my dresses hanging down.He took purple colour long dress and kept it in front of me as he glanced on the mirror,scrunching his nose he kept the dress back taking another one,he did the same,then he pulled out black colour maxi dress and kept it in front of me
"You like it?" he asked me.I shrugged in response
"It's not that good" he muttered putting it back on the holder.He was running his hand on his chin as if in deep thinking,his forehead turned into frowns.I smiled at him and found myself lost in him.
"Done..this one" he shrieked enthusiastically bringing me back to reality.He handed me new black jumpsuit
"Go get change...jaldi se" he clicked his fingers pushing me towards washroom
I came out and found matching accessories to go with this dress,already on the dressing.I wore them,brushing my hair and touching up,i gave myself a final look before coming out of the dressing room.Hussain was parading in the room,looking at me he halted instantly.He frowned and i mirrored his expression
"Kuch missing hai" he mumbled but it was loud enough to reach my ears.He ran past me and within few seconds he came back with my favourite black colour beret hat.He helped me wear it and adjusted my hair.Taking a final glance at me,he gave me a double thumbs up
"Perfect"
Descending the stairs,we saw papa getting into the house from office.We greeted him
"Kahan jaarahe ho bhae?" he asked us
"Atif Aslam ka concert hai uncle,bas wahin jaarahe hain" Hussain told
"Main jaun papa?" I asked,although i know his answer already
"Ofcourse beta,it's your day afterall" he patted my cheek and settled in the couch.We bid him and were about to open the door when he called Hussain.We exchanged glances as we heaved up a loud sigh and smiled.Hussain dramatically turned around
"Jaanta hun uncle,aap ki beti hai saath,drive bhi araam se karunga,khayal rakhunga uska and we'll be back in time" Hussain said all in one breathe making us laugh
"Accha theek hai" Papa said still laughing over his drama
"Jao ab,warna late hojaoge" papa said and we left the house
We soon reach the place.My jaw dropped looking at the full house crowd already present there.After parking the car he came and stood beside me
"Looks like Atif is here already" he sighed
"Agar tu thori jaldi tayaar hoti toh.." i cut him off
"Don't...Sab tumhari galti hai don't blame me" i scowled,pointing my fingers at him.He raised his hands as giving in.Suddenly the crowd started roaring as Atif made it to the stage
"Chal.." he said
"Kahan?" I asked
"Tujhe aage khare hona haina" he pressed a smile
"There is no way,i mean logon ko dekh,hum nahi jaa paenge Hussain" i said
"Don't you trust me?" he asked sincerely.I gave a quick shake to my head referring as "No..".He chuckled
"Yeh gaane ke khatam hone tak hum pohanch jaenge,dekhlena" he smirked before lifting his hand forward.I looked at his hands then at him,Atif was already on stage adjusting himself.I sighed placing my hand on his.The crowd went silent as Atif's started singing
Haal-e-Dil ko sukoon chahiye,
Poori ik aarzoo chahiye,
Jaise pehle kabhi..kuch bhi chaaha nahi,
Waise hi kyun chahiye..
He pressed my hand tighter as he dragged me between the crowd,my heart beating faster then usual as he shoved away people keeping my hand closer to his chest as if leaving it and i would be lost forever
Dil ko teri mojoodgi ka ehsaas yun chahiye..
Tu chahiye..tu chahiye..
Shaam-o-subah tu chahiye
Tu chahiye..Tu chahiye..
Har martabaa Tu chahiye...
I closed my eyes as the screams almost ruptured my ear drums.I clutched onto his shirt using my free hand as someone pushed me and i almost lost my balance.He quickly released my hand as it instantly went to my waist holding me firm in his grip
Jitni dafaa...zidd ho meri
Utni dafaa..haan,Tu chahiye..
"You alright?" he mouthed asking
"Sain waapis chalthe hain,yeh log dhakke dhakke maar maar ke hame hospital pohancha denge" i said horrified making him chuckle
"We are half way through" he smiled
"Idhar udhar mat dekho,just look at me,hmm?" he asked emphasizing each word as if explaining a child.I nodded and we resumed walking.I did as he told,i didn't look away from his face,not even once
Koi aur dooja kyun mujhe,Na tere siva chahiye..
Har safar mein mujhe,Tu hi rehnuma chahiye..
Jeene ko bas mujhe,Tu hi meherbaan chahiye..
The rush was even more here as if I'll forget to breathe anytime,he was sweating while his left hand was continuously shoving people away.Unknowingly his grip around my waist went even tighter making me land my right hand on his chest,bringing me even closer to him.I exhaled a sharp breathe before breathing in his cologne.His heart pounding hard under my palm
Ho..
Seene mein agar tu dard hai,
Na koi dawaa chahiye..
Tu lahu ki tarah,
Ragon mein rawaan chahiye..
Anjaam jo chaahe mera ho..
Aagaaz yun chahiye..
I tilted my head a little to have a closer look at him,his face inches away,his beard tickling my nose,his forhead formed sweat beads,he was looking so tired but not ready to give up on me
Tu chahiye,tu chahiye..
Shaam-o-subah tu chahiye
Tu chahiye..tu chahiye..
Har martabaa tu chahiye
Jitni dafaa..zidd ho meri
Utni dafaa..haan,tu chahiye..
"Almost there.." he smiled enthusiastically looking at me.The audience raised their hands up in air as they sung in chorus.He scrunched his nose making me laugh
"Don't breathe till they put their hands down" he laughed saying to me
"Owww.." he growled as an elbow dropped right on his cheek.I glared at the muscular guy who seem so into the song that he did not even bother looking down at once.Hussain was laughing,strangely
"Dard horaha hai?" I asked as i rubbed the spot which was pink by now
"Nahi.." he mouthed smiling so unlike his
Mere zakhmon ko teri chhuan chahiye..
Meri shamma ko teri agan chahiye..
Mere khwaab ke aashiyane mein tu chahiye..
Main kholun jo aankhein sirhane bhi tu chahiye..
He raised his hand,pressing my hand which was on his cheek,he gently put it down.Our eyes met for once before i could breathe properly.He pressed a mischeivous grin
"We made it" he whispered in my ear,just then realisation hit me.I looked around to find us standing just near the stage and Atif was right in front of my eyes.My jaw slightly dropped as i looked between Atif and Hussain.He winked at me before releasing me from his hold.I mirrored his expression
"Gaana khatam?" I asked stupidly
"I told ya.." he boasted.Just then Atif started singing Jeena Jeena..
After the song,he took the microphone in his hold,taking it out of the holder.He came forward standing right above us
"Hold on,hold on.." he spoke over the mic gaining all the attention
"For the next song,i want someone to accompany me" he said and the crowd cheered.I grinned
"And i know who it should be" he said later with a meaningful smile playing on his lips.I looked at Hussain and frowned,he simply smiled at me then i looked at Atif who was looking at me?
My eyes widened as he took steps toward us,he bend down,going on in his knee near me as his face came right in front of me
"May i have a pleasure of sharing a stage with you?" he asked,for a moment i went numb,my hands started sweating and my jaw dropped with eyes popping out.I felt Hussain's hand in my shoulder,squeezing it,i looked at him and he smiled
"Go.." he mouthed.Just then i blinked my eyes.I looked between Hussain and Atif
"Main?" I asked for confirmation.Atif nodded
"Say yes" Hussain said followed by the crowd who chanted the same "Say yes...come on girl,say yes...say yes larki.."
"But..m-main.." i trailed off
"Come on.." Atif said and i let out a sharp breathe before giving a short nod,pressing a smile with lots of difficulty.He stood straight and i quickly faced Hussain
"You can do it.." before i could say anything he cupped my cheeks assuring me
"I am not sure.." i sighed helplessly
"So everyone,put your hands up for birthday girl" Atif screamed over his mic making my stomach churn up into multiple knots.The crowd cheered as they started applauding making it more worse.I again looked at Hussain and he gave me a assuring look.I let out a sharp breathe before approaching for the stairs.Atif lended me his hand,i placed my left in his as i walked to the stage with him.He kept the microphone stand in front of me and i gulped looking at the audience
Itne logon ke saamne? Beizzati se accha hai tu bhaag ja Iram..bhaag jaa
Someone inside me spoke that this is not the first time i am performing on stage
Par mere saath Hussain aur Shehry hote the..hamesha!
My phone vibrated under my pocket,pulling it out,Hussain's text popped up
"I am right here" it read and i instantly snapped my head at his direction,surprised.He assured me with a smile,i wrapped my hands around the mic.I roamed my eye balls through the crowd and it landed on the camera that was recording us and to my surprise,behind it was Shehry.My eyes widened and a huge smile crept onto my lips as he looked out of it,showing me double thumbs up.He then looked at Hussain,we three shared a glance and in seconds my eyes pooled up,my heart swelled up with happiness.I gulped blinking away the tear
I can do it!
"Ready?" Atif asked not in mic this time as he took hold of his guitar.I gave a quick nod and sighed deep before he started playing the strings.We moved our heads in chorus
Hona tha pyaar...
Hona tha pyaar,hua mere yaar..
Atif looked at me smiling as i continued the song
Hona tha pyaar,hua mere yaar..
I looked ahead to find Hussain who shaked his head as a gesture of telling me that i am going good,i looked at Shehry who smiled at me from behind the camera
Aaye nazar..chehre hazaar
Hona tha pyaar..hua mere yaar..
Hona tha pyaar..
I sang giving a backgroud score,Atif waved his hand in air as audience hummed in chorus with their hands up in the air
Tere dil ke shehar mein,ghar mera ho gaya,ho gaya...
My eyes fixed on Hussain as he quickly wiped away the tears that was formed at the corner of his eyes,smile not ready to leave his face anytime soon.I smiled knowing the reason behind those tears.
Sapna dekha jo tumne..woh mera ho gaya, ho gaya.. i blinked my eyes at him
Doobe toh yun, jaise ho paar..
Hona tha pyar, hua mere yaar..
Hona tha pyar..
Hussain's eyes twinkling in those lights and it is showing utmost affection.He grinned at me trying to suppress those tears from flowing down.I looked at my right to find Atif, his gaze towards the audience and showed a thumbs up,i frowned following his gaze and found Hussain responsing him back with an appreciating nod.I knitted my brows in confusion
Kya yeh sab planned tha?
Thaame dilon ki baahein,hum aate saalo mein, saalo mein...
I felt a nudge on my right arm,i looked at to find Atif raising his eyebrows at me,i looked here and there as realisation hit me,i had to sing the next line,i closed my eyes tight as i sung
Paaye jawaab humne,tere sawaalon mein,sawaalon mein..
On opening me eyes,i found Hussain going away
Khwaabon ki dor, tootey naa yaar
Hona tha pyar (hona tha pyar...)
Hua mere yaar (hua mere yaar..)
Hona tha pyar (mere yaar..)
Hona tha pyar...
~~~~~~~
After the performance,i came to backstage as Atif continued his gig.Shehry and Hussain were waiting for me,Shehry came forward clunging onto me,hugging me tightly
"Aag lagadi yaar...kasmey" he said over my shoulder making me grin idiotically
"Tum log jo the mere saath" i told pulling away.Shehry sighed rolling his eyes,i shifted my glance towards Hussain who was simply staring at us with both his hands on the pocket
"Yeh idea kiska tha?" I asked though i know the answer already. They shared a glance before Shehry pointed towards Hussain.I let out a low chuckle
"Aaj tak sochti thi ke mere khwaab sirf mere nahi hain,aaj pata chala ke mene khwaab dekha hi nahi apne aankhon se kabhi,aaj apne khwaab ko tum dono ke aankhon me jhalakta dekha hai mene,it was you both...always" i said as tears slipped down my cheeks
"Ayee.." they both came forward as they cupped my cheeks,Hussain rubbed his thumb across my cheek,swiping away the tears.Going on my toes,i hugged them both
"Best birthday gift ever" i told over their shoulder.I tilted my head a little,going near Hussain's ear
"Thank you.." i whispered and i felt his hands around my shoulder loosened.He broke the hug
"Tu rote hue bohot buri lagti hai pata haina tujhe?" Hussain asked making horrified expression
"Tujhse kam" i countered back clearing the tear stains
"Ab tum dono ka hogaya ho toh hum chalein,i am famished,seedhe office se aaya tha" Shehry made a face.We nodded as we headed towards the car
"It's your treat babyy" he cheesed excitedly bringing the car to roar
---------------------
"And here it is up on our youtube channel" Shehry clapped his hands as he uploaded my singing video with Atif.I smiled seeing his excitement which was nowhere near to anything else.We heard the knock on the main door
"Main dekhta hun" Hussain said jumping off the table.He opened the door and received a huge packet,wrapped neatly.I frowned looking at Shehry,he looked clueless himself.Hussain smiling,dropped his signature in the form and closed the door.He came and stood near us
"Ye kya hai Hussain?" I asked looking at the packet
"Khud dekhle.." he said handing over it to me with a huge grin.I frowned and unwrapped it.It was a photo frame,turning it around i found my picture from yesterday night.With that,my jaw dropped slightly and eyes widened in surprise
"Yeh..." i couldn't find words to speak
"yeh yahan ke deewaaron me sajengi,aaj tak dosti ke khisse sunate aaye hain,ab hamare kamyabi ke khisse bhi sunaenge yeh deewaarein..lagna chahiye na ke kisi aere gere ka studio nahi hai yeh" Hussain said winking at the end.I muster up a smile trying to control the tears from welling up
"Aur shuruaat teri tasveer se hogi" Shehry said taking hold of the frame.He walked towards the wall and attached it there in between all our photos
"Perfect" he uttered.He came and stood beside,i looked at Shehry then at Hussain,their elbows on my shoulder and eyes fixed on the wall as they looked at pictures affectionately
"Kya sochrahe ho guys?" I asked
"Waqt kitni jaldi guzar jaata haina,sab kuch jese kal hi ki tarah lagraha hai" Shehry said
"Magar badla kuch nahi hai,aaj bhi hum wese hi hain,kishmish bhi wese hi hai aur.."
"chuarey bhi.." i said completing him and shared a hearty laugh
-------------------
"Aashi ki bacchi,aagayi yaad meri?" I scowled at her over the phone
"Kasam khuda ki,aisa ek bhi din nahi jab mujhe teri yaad na aati ho" i could sense her going all dramatic
"Chal chor,bata kab aarahi hai mere paas?" I asked as i dragged the trolley towards the bill counter
"Next week" she said
"What?" I shrieked in surprise
"Haan,wahi batane ke liye call kiya hai" she said
"Accha kiya" i said as i paid the bill for my items
"Chal phir milte hain next week,bohot si baatein karni hai mujhe tujhse" she said as her voice went little low
"Mujhe bhi" i said in a same tone.I heaved up a sigh
"Khayal rak apna and have a safe journey" i said
"Allahhafiz" she said and replying back the same,we hung up
"Thank you" i passed a smile to the counter girl who gave me my shopping bags.I wore my aviators and left the shop only to confront the huge crowd gathered around someone
"Arey haath toh chor de mere bhai" a male voice came from the crowd,girls continuously throwing themselves on him,asking for a selfie and what not
Koi celebrity hoga...
I made my way out through the crowd.I didn't mind sparing a glance at the celebrity,not even once.I heaved up a loud sigh and started walking towards the exit of the mall
"Hey,listen...excuse me?" a male voice brushed past my ears.I turned around to find no one familiar to stop for so i started walking again
"Arey oo...suno toh sahi.." same voice again made me halt on my tracks.Before i could turn,a hand brushed through mine,grabbing my forearm i was turned around
"Larkiyan meri peeche pari hui hain,tum ho ke mujhse bhaag rahi ho" he said panting,he looked at me and my eyes popped out
Armaan Malik? The singer?
"Nahi woh..main bhaag nahi rahi thi" i told trying to keep my cool
"Bhaag rahi thi ya pehchaana nahi?" he asked with a smug on his face as he removed his glass
Shit! What is he doing here? With me?
"Armaan...Armaan Malik,naam toh suna hi hoga?" he flaunted lifting his hand for a shake making me smile wide
"Yeah,ofcourse.." i smiled nervously,he raised his eyebrow gesturing me towards his lifted hand.I mentally smacked my forehead for behaving like a complete idiot
"Iram..Iram Aftab" i said as i shook hands with him
"Nice name" he said
"So?" I asked growing curious
"Atif Aslam,mene concert dekha tha jisme you performed with him and believe me you were amazing" he said popping his eyes out making me smile.He seemed nervous himself
"Thank you" i smiled nervouslessly
"Mujhe nahi pata tha ke tumse iss tarah se mulaqat hojaegi" he said
"Aap..mujhse? Kyun milna chahthe.." i trailed off.He chuckled
"I am recording a song with my brother aur mujhe female singer ki zaroorat hai,koi naya voice so why don't you give a audition?" he asked and i felt i heard something wrong.I raised my eyebrows
"No..i mean audition would just be a formality,let's just meet up" he retorted finding my uneasiness.I took a while to digest his words and parted my lips to say when i heard loud scream at my back
"OMG...ARMAAANN" he scrunched his face making horrified expression.I looked back to find group of young girls running towards us
"Give me your phone" he asked and i frowned deeper
"Number save kardeta hun mera" he said and i stood numb unable to get him
Number? Kuch zyada jaldi nahi hai,i mean...i haven't decided anything yet
"Oh hoo.." he uttered as he took my phone from my hold and tapped on the screen multiple times,before giving it back to me
"Call me" he mouthed and without further due he ran towards the exit where two mens guarded him from the crowd.I looked at my phone and found his number,i was still unable to recover from the shock he just gave me
He..Armaan Malik wants to record a song with me?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~