Chapter 16

Asad had seen her reaction and he grinned devilishly at the sudden darkness of her chocolate eyes. He had to admit, he liked what she was wearing. A semi-sheer chiffon shirt with a deep v-neckline and cascading ruffles with high and low hems along with a pair of black jeans. The outfit clashed perfectly with her raven tresses and the blush that was spread across her cheeks. His grin widened when she looked up at him.

Zoya's heart started to beat three times as fast when she saw the grin on his face. She swallowed again and turned her head away from those dark orbs that peered straight into her soul.

What the hell had she gotten herself into?

Zoya screamed but a hand was clamped tightly over her mouth. She struggled as the person slid an arm around her waist and held her close.

"Relax," he whispered softly. Her body instantly melted into his arms and she moulded herself into his muscular form.

"Shouldn't you be at work?" Zoya asked. Asad made a noise that sounded very much like a snort and let go of her, stepping into her vision. Zoya drank in his handsome build once again and cleared her throat.

"What's wrong Ms. Farooqui?" He asked. Zoya opened her mouth to say something but closed it. A thought came to her mind and she argued whether or not to voice it.

"Mr. Khan, what is loyalty to you?" She asked, hesitating slightly. He looked at her in confusion, his eyebrows furrowed and his luscious lips pursed.

"I won't betray you," he said earnestly. Zoya smiled softly and shook her head.

"I know you won't, but what does loyalty in friendship mean to you?" She asked, re-wording her question.

"It's the foundation of friendship isn't it? How can one possibly be a friend where no trust nor honesty lies?" He asked her. Within two seconds, her mind was made up. She had to tell him.

"Mr. Khan, Tan-."

"Jammy?"

Both Asad and Zoya turned to see Tanveer step into the room. Tanveer smiled softly at the two and walked towards them.

"Jammy, I was wondering if you could help me with something?" Tanveer asked. Asad immediately stepped forth and nodded his head.

"What do you need help with?" He asked.

"There's no water in my bathroom, I was wondering if you could fix it," Tanveer asked.

"Of course I can," Asad smiled at his childhood friend and made a move to walk. Fingers encircled his upper arm and sharp nails dug into his skin.

"Tanveer," Zoya began.

"Yes Zoya?"
"Does Mr. Khan look like a plumber?" Zoya asked her wide angry eyes fixated on the woman in front of her. Tanveer stammered and glanced at Asad, who remained oblivious to the tension between the two women as he marvelled at the feeling of Zoya's fingers digging into his arm. For a woman so slim, she had a strong grip.

"But why call the plumber when Jammy can fix it?" Tanveer asked.

"Because Mr. Khan has a business to run. Or have you forgotten?" Zoya said sharply.

"Mr. Khan, I think you should get to the office. Didn't you say you have a very important meeting today?" Zoya asked. Asad smiled at her and forgetting all about Tanveer, he picked up his files and briefcase and headed out the door.

"You've been awfully touchy with him," Zoya noted.

"What are you saying Zoya? Jammy is my best friend," Tanveer protested going towards the door. Zoya blocked her path and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Just your best friend?" Zoya asked.

"Please Zoya. I'm a woman who prides herself on her honour," Tanveer replied, a hint of anger in her voice.

"Honour. Of course, because trying to kill your best friend is such an act of nobility," Zoya mocked, a wide smirk on her lips. Tanveer's eyes narrowed at her.

"Zoya," Tanveer warned.

"What Tanveer? If I don't listen to you will you try to kill me too?" Zoya asked, laughing.

"You don't know who you're messing with," Tanveer hissed. Zoya feigned horror and stumbled back.

"Oh such anger! What ever shall I do? Oh I know," Zoya said, bringing her finger to her lips in thought.

"I could just show Mr. Khan the video clip of you setting the store room on fire," Zoya said innocently. Tanveer's face paled but she refused to back down and pointed a finger challengingly at Zoya.

"Mark my words, Zoya. You've just made the biggest mistake of your life," Tanveer hissed menacingly.

"Does it look like I care?" Zoya asked nonchalantly. Tanveer opened her mouth to say something but Zoya grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back.

"Ouch! You bi-," Tanveer started.

"Listen here and listen good. If I see a single scratch on any one of the members of this household, specially Mr. Khan, then I will personally make sure that your heart doesn't have the privilege of beating," Zoya hissed, her voice filled with ominousness. She brutally pushed Tanveer away from her and stepped into the doorway.

"Do make a point to note this: I don't make promises that I cannot keep," Zoya said before slamming the door shut behind her and making her way to find her Phuppi leaving a fuming Tanveer inside.

"You plan on destroying me, Zoya?" Tanveer asked staring at the closed door with utter hatred.

"Zoya, Zoya, Zoya. You've just entered a hole filled with monsters," Tanveer said, a manic smile spreading across her lips.

"Monsters who are hungry for blood," Tanveer whispered.

* * * * *

Asad leaned back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling. The meeting was finally over and he found his thoughts wandering back to Zoya. She was perfection in his eyes, his prized possession. If anything were to happen to her, Asad shook his head. Pulling out his wallet, Asad flipped it open and extracted the earring that he had kept so safely with himself over the course of the months. He knew he had to give it back. But she wouldn't mind if he kept it just a bit longer would she?

"Sir?"

Asad looked up at his PA whose head was peeking out of the crack from the door.

"Yes?"
"This has just arrived for you," she said walking into his office and placing red envelope on his desk.

"Thank you," he said. She nodded and retreated from the room. Stowing the earring back, Asad picked up the red envelope. Opening it he pulled out the golden card that was slipped inside of it.

You are cordially invited to the Nikaah ceremony of

Aiyaan Ahmed Khan

(Son of Rashid Ahmed and Shirin Khan)

to

Humaira Siddiqui

(Daughter of Ghafoor and Razia Siddiqui)

at The Trahison Avance Hotel.