She lived a normal life with her parents. But her dreams were bigger. She dreamt of becoming the 'dream girl' and star in movies. Her ambitions forced her to come to the city of dreams, leaving her parents alone at home. She started in advertising with small roles and eventually did few films as a junior artist but then there was no work. Every audition was the same - she was rejected. At one of the parties, she met girls who connected her with Joel and that's how Shazia got into 'Blue Eyes', a newly opened restro and club in the city. Joel told her it was owned by Asif, Salem's brother. Shazia thought if Salem ever sees her, she could tell him about her interest in the movies and he would help her with movies. Salem was one of the most successful actors in recent times and she was a big fan of him. But alas, she never saw Salem in the club.

At first, she was a normal server but as she got comfortable with her colleagues at the club, she came to know the paycheck that the private dancers are getting. Her morals stopped her from being a private dancer but she gave in, the moment her rent was due and she was left with little money. She was also ashamed of asking money from her parents, so she went to Joel and offered herself for the role of a private dancer at 'Blue Eyes'.

Joel explained her the terms of being a 'private dancer', it was just another word for stripper or worse 'whore.' Depending on the pay by the client, it was decided if she would just give the client a performance, if he is allowed to touch or go ahead and sleep. She told Joel that she was a trained belly dancer and he was happy to hear that. Joel was good to her. He only meant business. He told her that he would give her shows at parties of influential people if she proves herself good.

And then it started, she gave private dances in 'Blue Eyes'. Her identity was concealed. She had spent her time with rich people of the city and from outside the city. The first month, she felt disgusted and embarrassed with herself but then this was the way for survival. Earlier, she got little amount of money, only enough to pay her rent but now the money she received was enough to live her dream life.

There were other girls who gave private dances at night. She was becoming friendly with her peers. At Blue Eyes, the staff got free alcohol and drugs to consume, just on one condition - not to be high during the working hours. But they can take it with them for free of cost. Joel was a good boss, he would give them leaves and was never fussy about it. His only rule was to keep customers happy. He also hired trainers for them to learn new pole tricks to seduce the customers and keep them satisfied. He said that their service should be top notch and of premium quality.

Shazia was happy when she got to know that Joel has pushed her name to perform at Moosa's anniversary. She knew Moosa was a dangerous don but he was funding many movie projects. If she could get attention of anyone at Moosa's party, it would be her way to the movies! 

A month back she had performed at Moosa's anniversary and she was indeed noticed by many people. Joel was the happiest with Shazia, getting him business and enquiries. 

Today, she had no private orders and was serving tables when she went to take the order on table 26.

"Hello Ma'am, are you ready to order?" Shazia said her usual line.

"Remember me?" The woman lowered her sunglasses and looked at her in the eyes. Shazia had a confused face but as the woman removed her sunglasses completely for a moment, Shazia recognised her, "Angel? I mean...Pari?"

"Hi Shazia!" Pari was covered in a long green cloth and wore a chain of moti necklace around her neck. Her hair was wrapped in a scarf and big sunglasses were on her face making her difficult to recognise.

"Can you sit with me?" Pari asked after placing her order but Shazia looked around. Pari told her not to worry and continue with her work if her manager scolds her. But when Shazia came back with her order, she sat down with Pari.

"Joel is busy in a meeting and anyway, it's not too crowded. He won't mind me taking some time off. Anyway, it's just the afternoon and not at all crowded." Pari offered her dish to Shazia who denied at first but later took some from the plate.

"So, how come you are here?" Shazia asked.

"Actually, I was around here and then I remembered about you working at Blue Eyes. I thought you won't recognise me since you were drunk that night!" Pari added a laugh at the end to make her chat sound real.

"Oh! I remember everything even if I am drunk. Remember, my work is also to deal with alcohol." Shazia commented.

"I have come here only once...but this place is nice, it has good aesthetics." Pari complimented the place. By now she has understood that Shazia liked her job and her manager - Joel.

"I know! And this is just the afternoon. You should come in the evening, the vibe is totally different. You will love it." Shazia said enthusiastically.

"Oh! But what's the point? I mean you would be busy..." Pari commented looking disappointed.

"So? Come with your friends...and I will be available till 10 pm post that I will have orders." Shazia answered.

"Oh! Where do you work? I mean here it looks like an open space...so where do they have the private dance?" Pari asked curiously.

"On the top floors. No one is allowed without a pass. But you are my friend so I think it's okay." Shazia said smiling. Pari had lied to Shazia that she is an casting agent for advertisements and does movies sometimes. She knew Shazia would be interested and friendly if she tells her that she is connected to the movies. Pari was not a good liar but Shazia was too gullible.

Pari took her leave stating its a busy day of work. In reality, she had to be back at home before anyone catches her lie. Salem was busy in his shoot so she lied to him that she is going to Priya's and took the driver at Priya's place where Pari changed her attire and sneakily went to Blue Eyes. Now, she will quickly have to go to Priya's place and change her attire and be back in time. 

Pari told Shazia that she will be back as she has a new project at hand and is looking for girls to cast. Shazia was too dreamy-eyed and believed her instantly. She looked forward to meeting Pari again. 

Once at home, Pari was relaxing when Jenny, her sweet mother in law called her. Jenny made sure she called once or twice every week to ask about Pari ever since that night where Salem hit her. Pari still remembers the horrors of that night. Salem had hit her so hard that she had fainted. When she gained consciousness, the doctor had asked her routine questions. Salem had refused to take her to hospital and called one of the doctors from his team. He didn't want any scandals on his name. When Jenny had come to see her, Jenny was horrified seeing her bruised state but Pari didn't talk to anyone. Jenny had yelled on Salem, condemning his actions and he heard it all. His reasons were that he was drunk and Pari made him angrier with her behaviour towards his parents. Jenny took good care of her for 2 days and also called her parents. Due to her father's health, he was not advised to step out of the house, so her mother and aunt had come. Jenny told them about the fight and was very apologetic. Pari had not spoken a word and didn't cry to her mother like the first time he had slapped her. Jenny moved out of the room to give Pari time with her mother and aunt. 

Pari's mother hugged her and Pari returned the hug. Her aunt also had tears seeing Pari's condition. 

"Can I come home, forever?" Pari asked with tears in her eyes. 

Her mother kissed her forehead, "Beta, don't talk like this. The situation is not ideal. But highs and lows are a part of every marriage. That doesn't mean you will break your relationship. I will talk to his mother." She smiled at her mother's answer. She wasn't sad, she had expected it but what she didnt expect was her mother talking to Salem's mom. Her mother was a timid woman, never raising her voice or even speaking in important matters. For her whole life, she followed her husband or her sister-in-law. It was bittersweet that her mother was willing to talk to her mother-in-law. Pari was surprised when her mom talked sternly to her mother-in-law and expressed her disappointment. Jenny was apologetic over what happened and assured her mom that she would take care of Pari.

"Sab theek ho jayega, mere bacche. Ekdum pehle jaise." (Everything will be alright, my child. Just like before) Her mother assured her.

But she knew nothing was going to be like before. No amount of assurance can heal her broken heart. Her mother's answer made it clear that she couldn't go back home. She tried to console herself. She had expected her mother's reply, so there was no need to cry. Separation from husband was a big big taboo in the society. She understood that she had no way back home because domestic violence was "common." But being common didn't make it right. Everyone in the society thought that it was a wife's duty to bear her husband's anger.

Pari didn't speak to anyone for 1 week, neither did Salem force her. He made sure to come home early and fed her dinner with his hands. One day, he made her a breakfast and fed her, asking her how was the taste. He said sorry for what had happened but also warned her not to talk to his parents in disrespectful manner. Eventually, she started to speak a bit with him. He used to tell her about his new role as a boxer for which he is training hard. His trainer is an ex-international boxer. Salem's alcohol consumption was also low due to the role which Pari liked.

Three days later, Pari again visited 'Blue Eyes' but this time at night. Neither Salem nor Asif was in town. She wasn't sure what she wanted to know but her mind wasn't at ease ever since she got to know about 'private dances'. She wrapped her hair and most part of her face in a scarf to hide herself. The place was crowded and it was hard to spot Shazia. When she couldn't spot her, she asked one of the waitress about her.

The waitress turned to her colleague and asked about Shazia.

"Shazia, I think she must be with KD." The other one replied.

"No, it's too early for KD to come." The waitress asked Pari to wait for some time.

Sometime later Shazia showed up and was happy to see Pari. "They were saying you were with KD. Who's that?" Pari asked curiously wanting to know more.

"Just a client. And no, I was not with that as*hole." Shazia's mood soured.

Pari enquired more seeing Shazia's sour face. Shazia told her that KD is one of the real estate guy and he is usually cocky and rough.

"Why don't you tell it to Joel?"

Shazia chuckled. "Joel is not going to say anything to KD. Afterall, we are meant for their pleasure. These are the guys who brings them good business." Shazia realised she sounded too rude. "Sorry, I am just angry. Angry at Reshma and Joel."

"You can share with me." Pari said.

Shazia told her how Joel snatched her potential client and gave it to Reshma just because she buttered him up. The client was a producers son. Initially, Pari thought Shazia was upset because a producer's son as a client was snatched from her but she understood Shazia was upset because of the paycheck. "Reshma! She always tries to be at the top and can't see anyone else taking her position."

"Just curious, how much more can it pay?" Pari asked.

"Depends." Shazia answered vaguely.

"On?" Pari probed.

"I am not allowed to share much but it's you!" Shazia said and answered her question, "These are premium clients....you know influential people. So the more you keep them happy, the more you get. Depends on your demand. But..." Shazia smiled, "virgins and young girls always sell for more."

"How young?" Pari shivered while asking.

"17-18. We don't have many of them here. They are rare here - just like girls with Blue Eyes. You get it?" Shazia winked.

"Oh god! That's too young." Pari didn't hide her disgust this time. Does Salem know everything that happens here?

Shazia shrugged her shoulders and muttered, "That's the nature of it." Pari felt the need to be truthful to Shazia in one thing and she told her, "I think if you want movie castings, you should leave this and focus on auditions..." Pari didn't say it clearly but what she meant was clear - Shazia was not going to get any casting being a who*e here.

"I haven't met my parents in a long time. But now atleast I am able to send them money. When I was just giving auditions and getting rejected, they had to send me money." Shazia continued. "I know it's difficult but not impossible. There was a girl here who was fancied by an old producer. He gave her a break in his movie after begging the owner to let her go from here and paid these guys very well. So, it might get me a good meaty role." She looked at Pari's shocked face and said, "I told you, the contacts are damn influential here."

Shazia asked Pari about her casting when Pari said, "It's going good. If I have any roles, I'll let you know." Pari stood up to leave. Shazia asked her if she would like one drink before leaving to which Pari shook her head. They made their way through the dancing crowd and Shazia gave a side hug to Pari who told her to keep giving auditions.

"Shazia, who's this?" Shazia turned around to see Joel. Pari didn't turn around at all.

"I mean you don't have any visitors apart from the clients. If it's your friend, I hope you made sure she had a good time." Joel said laughing.

"Yes, she had a good time. Joel, this is my friend angel...I mean Pari. Pari, this is Joel." Pari covered her half face with the scarf. She turned around hoping Joel won't remember her much. After all, they had just been introduced once.

She smiled slightly at Joel who had a puzzled expression on his face trying to recollect where he knows her from.

"Have we met before?" Joel asked. Shazia said it was funny because Pari had said her the same thing when they first met.

"I thought you know each other from events...Pari?" Shazia remembered how Pari told her the same thing about Joel.

Pari didn't think there would be a confrontation with Joel. But she didn't fear it. Unlike them, Pari wasn't doing anything wrong.

"Pari?" Joel said the name again and it hit him.

"She is a casting agent for ads and movies..." Shazia was saying when Joel stopped her.

"You could have told me you are coming. I would have made sure you'd the best time." Joel's attitude changed which didn't go unnoticed by both Shazia and Pari.

Joel asked Shazia to leave. His glare told him that there should be no questions asked.

"Come, Ma'am, there's new range of appetizers and mocktails we are introducing that you must try!" Joel said smiling. He wasn't sure if Pari was meant to be here but he has to be hospitable to his boss's wife. Pari denied his offer and left from there.

Joel immediately informed Wajid and Tiger about Pari's visit. If she'd come here without any bodyguard, it meant she wasn't supposed to be here.

"You know my friend?" Shazia asked.

Joel took her to a private place. "She is not your friend. Get that clear. What was she asking?"

"Is she a cop?" Shazia asked.

"No. Worse." Joel said. "Listen, I don't have clarity on things but don't mention this friend of yours to anyone here."

**

When she went home, Wajid stood in the living room glaring at her. Pari stared back at him.

"Why did you go there without informing anyone?" Wajid asked.

"So, now it's you as well that I need to answer?" Pari asked irritated.

"It's not like that! Bhabhi, I also consider you like my sister. And as my sister, it's not safe to go anywhere without telling me or Bhai." Wajid clarified.

"Safe from who? From people like you who are selling girls for men's pleasure?" Pari fired back.

"It's not my place to answer. But whatever you are understanding is wrong." Wajid said.

"Ofcourse. Now get out of the house." Pari snapped at him and went to her bedroom. She removed a big suitcase from the wardrobe and put all her dresses in it.

"Where are you going?" Wajid asked when he saw her at the door with a suitcase.

"To my home." She emphasized on the word "my".

"When will you be back?" Wajid enquired. He was answerable to Salem, who was in shoot and Tiger informed that Salem won't be able to come on call.

"I don't answer to my husband's dogs." Pari stated and ordered him to move out of the way. They know both knew the other bodyguards were not allowed to touch her and Wajid wouldn't do it unless ordered by Salem.

"And don't worry. I have just taken my clothes. I haven't taken anything expensive, so all your boss's money is intact."

"Bhabhi, you know that's not the problem! Bhai won't like it if you leave now. Listen to me, please wait till Bhai comes and he will explain you."

"Explain me or fool me?" Pari questioned.

"Pari, you are like my sister. Don't step out, please. You know, I wouldn't beg you to wait if it's not serious. Just wait. Salem would be angry. Upar se woh boxing ki training karta hai". (To top it all, he is doing boxing training).

Pari thought for a while but told Wajid to move aside. "I appreciate your concern, Wajid. But I don't want to be a part of this anymore."

Pari couldn't believe how Salem and Asif own a club where they provide girls to the rich!

She reached home with her suitcase and went straight to her room, not answering questions from her parents and aunt. Kabeer was still working at Blue Eyes and hadn't returned. After sometime, she went to her dad who was bound in a wheelchair and said, "Papa, I am not going back."

"Why beta?" Her mother asked.

She couldn't answer her parents...how can she tell them the truth?

"Not now please. I will tell you tomorrow." She went to her old room which was occupied with Kabeer's stuff  and slept on the bed.

At midnight, there was a knock on their door and the bell rang continuously which woke everyone at home. Kabeer had already come home an hour back so it confused them who could it be at this hour.

Kabeer opened the door with half eye open.

"Sorry for disturbing you all at this hour. Wife, let's go back." There stood Salem smiling with his bodyguards by his side.

_______

Not edited.

27/11/24

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I might not be available much in december (second half)