CHAPTER 11 - THE KILLER PLAN

'Ammi, abbu, please don't tell my in-laws yet. I want to give them the good news myself and to Ahmed ji as well.'

Aliza's parents accepted whatever she asked them for because they were ecstatic and were in a sweet inebriated state. But it was Aliza's time to stay alert and think. She needs to remain calm and vigilant for her plan to work. She called her in-laws' house later that evening when everyone else retreated into their rooms.

'Assalamu alaikum, ammi ji. Aliza here.'

'Walaikum Salam, Aliza. You finally remembered us. I thought you had forgotten us already.' Aliza twitched at Rabiya's comment.

'Arey, ammi ji. How can that ever happen? My mind is always with you even while I am here.'

'How have you called now? All fine there? When are you planning to come back home?'

'Ammi ji, I called because there is finally good news. You know, Fahim bhaiya has an interview to attend in Bangalore, and there is a chance that he might get selected for the job right away because Abba knows them well.'

'But he hasn't received the job yet. How does it become news?'

'Ammi ji, bhaiya says he will take me with him if you permit. He would drop me at Ahmed Ji's house. I could stay there and return with Ahmed ji the weekend after that.'

Aliza knew she wouldn't be allowed to go alone because her parents and in-laws thought women shouldn't travel independently. If she conveyed her pregnancy news, she wouldn't be allowed to travel under any circumstances.

'But your parents didn't inform me so.'

'Ammi ji, they don't want me to go unless you say yes. I told them I would ask you myself. And ammi ji, if you say no, I don't want to go too.' Over the months, Aliza learned a few tricks to keep her in-laws happy.

'Let me talk to Ahmed's papa and get back.'  The other side of the receiver went blank for a couple of minutes, and Aliza's heart raced. Calculations and preparations were running through her mind on how to tackle the forthcoming questions. The call came to life again when Rabiya's voice echoed through the phone.

'Okay, Aliza. Be careful during your travel.' Aliza couldn't believe it was real. She rejoiced over Rabiya's approval, clutching her belly.

'And inform us about your travel schedule before leaving. But remember, you must return in a week because this house has turned into ruins. You need to be back soon and set it all right. We will also talk to Fahim before you leave.'

Aliza knew what was to be done. She needs to alter her story and make amendments so that the topic of Fahim's interview never arises.

After the phone call, an overjoyed Aliza waited till her brother and father came home. She told her parents she had spoken to Ahmed's family, and they accepted her request to visit Ahmed and convey the news in person.

'What? Your in-laws asked you to travel while you are carrying? It isn't safe, Aliza.' Exclaimed her mother, who didn't seem to believe Aliza's woven story. 

'Ammi, but you said I should do whatever they ask me to. You said that's my home now and that they should be my priority. When they finally permitted me to visit Ahmed ji, you are questioning them. I don't think they will like it, ammi.'

'Arey, when did I question them? I am just shocked at their practices.'

'Let her go if that's what they want. We don't have any say in what they decide.' Her father's final verdict calmed her mother down and settled Aliza's apprehension.

So that was it. All set, and Aliza had to make sure her plan worked. She will leave for Bangalore in a few days and give Ahmed the good news herself. She couldn't wait to see the reaction on his face when he found out. Aliza couldn't sleep that night because of nausea and the thrill of finally travelling to meet her husband. Bangalore is looking forward to receiving Aliza as much as she awaits it. The dangers of not travelling could be more than the danger of travelling for a pregnant Aliza.

To be continued…

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