Epilogue
Asad was sleeping peacefully and the shower of fists were downing upon him.
"Mr. Khan!! Please wake up. It is almost 9 am and you are sleeping still. You did not let me sleep this late now why you are sleeping? Mr. Khan, Wake up Mr. Khan." The voice chirped in his ears and he was smiling. How he missed this voice past week. He denied her urge and changed his sleeping position only to irritate her.
"Now I will pour water on you Mr. Khan" She was angry. Oh man he could imagine her red nose and her glaring pout and hands on her hips everything. He said this time lazily "please let me sleep Ms. Khan and if you want you can sleep with me too"
"No, I won't and please you wake up too. We need to go for shopping. Tomorrow is the function and you brought nothing for me till now, humph!!"
Asad was grinning like a fool hearing that accusation. He wanted to capture her between his arms and wipe all her anger with smile and kisses but he had to play along with this. He was enjoying this game. But to his dismay he could not continue the game. She had already poured the glass of water over his white night kurta. Asad jumped from the bed and pulled her under him and started to tickle her. She was giggling and asking to leave her. They were in their world when another voice halted their game.
"What is happening here? Care to share with me also? I also want a good laugh in this morning" stated a stern woman voice and both almost jumped from the bed to wish her. The woman was wearing smashed blue jeans with white top, still as gorgeous as she was before and holding a tray with a glass of juice and a cup of steaming coffee. Asad gave a sweet yet shy smile to the new comer and shrugged when the other ran over the bed to her and jumped on her lap.
"Assalam-O- Aleikum and good morning, Ammi. I was waking abbu up! He does not let me sleep let at the morning and see he is sleeping till now." The 5 year old girl pouted and complained to her ammi. Zoya took that girl in her arms and spared a little glance to Asad. Zoya had kept the tray she was carrying on the bed side table before taking the girl in her arms.
Asad also greeted her with Salam and good morning. He was looking at her earnestly. She was ignoring him. She wanted to take the tray in other hand and take to the couch so that they can enjoy their morning drinks together. When she reached for the tray Asad held her hand and patted the place where to sit, her favorite place. Zoya gave her an angry look and he immediately mumbled sorry. His puppy face did not work this time to make her soft but when Zoya looked at the young girl she realized the girl was watching them wide eyes. Zoya immediately masked her anger with sweet smile and sat there.
Asad and Zoya both had fought before Asad went to Mumbai for his work. Well that was not just bickering it was serious. Asad wanted to cancel the business trip as he did not wanted to leave them alone. Dilshad was in New York with Nazma. Nazma and Imran shifted there and she visited them every year for one month at least. So Asad wanted to miss this contract. But Zoya was adamant. She said she could manage it as she would take the baby girl with her to the office after her pre-school and then they would come back from there. It was no problem at all and he could go easily. Asad again denied her suggestions and she was angry. Actually it was about Asad's dream project and she did not want to miss his wish this time for her. Yes after almost seven years he again got a chance to fulfill his dream project. All the sites, plans and per-designs were set but because of them he wanted to cancel all his meetings and she could not let this happen this time. After all this was about a cancer hospital. How could she just let him to leave his dream? So she insisted him to go and for this reason they had huge fight. Asad being Asad actually fought with her without any reason. Zoya actually could manage this, he too even knew it. If Dilshad would present there then also Zoya took care of everything whenever he went for a business trip from last seven years. The very next day after the fight Asad had gone to Mumbai directly from his office. He did not even inform Zoya before his leaving. Zoya was there at the office but because of his ego he did not inform her. Zoya had known it from Prasad only when they had landed to Mumbai. Zoya was super angry with Asad after this and she did not talk with him in this whole trip but she did talk with Prasad to keep update of Asad and also gave their update. She knew unless this he could not sleep peacefully. Akdu to the power infinity!! Huh!!
She came back to reality when she realized, she was on his lap and their daughter was laughing something at her father's gesture. She sighed heavily. Now she could not show their fight infront of their child. So she relaxed and leaned on him with their girl. Asad wrapped his arms around his world and the girl chirped "perfect." She also leaned over her mother.
"Now you are happy baby. Your abbu is here after a long week. Now we have our perfect family Zun"
Zunairah Ahmed Khan, daughter of Asad Ahmed Khan and Zoya Asad Ahemed Khan chuckled and then sighed. "I miss Didan-Ammi now"
"Aww...she will be with us soon, Zun" Zoya cooed. Zunairah nodded and took a sip from the glass. Zoya took her coffee mug and took a sip too. Then her eyes locked with a half smiled Asad through the dressing table mirror infront of them.
"Where is Abbu's coffee Ammi?" Zunairah asked innocently.
"Well I did not know you would wake your abbu up this early morning. He had returned late from Mumbai last night so I thought he was sleeping" Zoya answered sheepishly, answering Zunairah but looking at the mirror.
"It is okay Ammi" Zunairah said and took another sip of her juice. Zoya kissed her chubby cheeks. "Umm.Don't do that now Ammi. I am drinking juice. It will spill over and spoil my dress" Zunairah scolded her mother. She was a cleanliness freak like her father and Zoya hated it more.
Zoya gave Asad another angry glare and concentrated on her coffee but she could not do that because Asad gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek and then nuzzling her hair with his nose and mouthing sorry again. Zoya's eyes went wide as she knew how Asad did not like to show off his feelings infront of anyone. Then what happened today? Zunairah was with them and if she looked up to the mirror then she would catch them. She hastily looked at the mirror and smiled. Asad had locked Zunairah's vision with his palm and Zunairah was smiling. She thought it was their hide and seeks game. Asad played with her often with this game. After placing a trail of kisses on her neck he left her and took the coffee mug and drank it. He had a victorious smile on his lips. He knew Zoya already had forgiven him.
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Asad came back from shower and just that time Zoya entered the room with his coffee. He stealthily came near her and held her by her waist. He shook his head and few water droplets fell on Zoya's face. She stared at him, wanted to tell him she missed him more than any other time he had gone. She sighed heavily she just could not be angry with him for long time. Asad just leaned to her and Zunairah came to the room.
"Ammi, you are not ready, yet?" She said loudly. Asad and Zoya was so embrassed that they wanted to swallow in the ground. Zunairah did not notice their uneasiness. Asad took her in his arms and walked away from the room leaving a blushing Zoya.
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The father-daughter duo was waiting for Zoya in the living room. When Zoya entered the room she saw Asad was talking on the cell phone and he looks happy. She took Zunairah with her motioning Asad to come behind them. After locking the main door she went near the car. Asad already set Zunairah in the back seat and when Zoya went near the car Asad took her in a hug and whispered in her ear "Thank You." Zoya was perplexed but she reciprocated the hug happily.
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Same Night
A very tired Asad entered the room finding Zoya was sleeping peacefully on her side. Just this scene made him relaxed after the hell tiring day. He had to attend office after the shopping time when Zoya and Zunairah went to the venue to check last time preparation for the function. Asad finalized the project and signed the contract. He was so happy.
He changed and went to Zunairah's room. His daughter was just like him only when she was awake but when asleep she was just like her mother. Zunairah was sleeping across her bed, the blanket was half lying on the floor half was covering her. He was irritated to the core "Incredibly foolish. How come anyone turn total 90 degree angle in her sleep? I just can't understand the theory"
Then he took the blanket, made Zunairah straight and kept her head on the pillow. The faint light made her face more innocent as she smiled a little in her sleep. This brought smile to her father's lips. He passed his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead. That's the best moment for the day. He missed these moments.
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Asad lied down on his side and turn to Zoya only to find her backing him. Her exposed milky white skin was only thing that visible to him. After many persuasion he had managed her to wear this nighty. He looked at her back again and went near her. He placed a lingering kiss on her back and at the same time Zoya shivered lightly. He lied down again and in no time she snuggled into him. Peaceful sleep fell on them.
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Next Day
"Abbu I can't walk, pick me up" Zunairah whined and Asad took her in his arms making his way to the dining table.
"Assalam-O-Aleikum" Asad and Zunairah greeted to everyone and Zunairah squealed with joy when she saw her grand mother. She jumped from her father to her grand mother. Dilshad wrapped her in her embrace and kissed all over her face.
"Oh! Zun I missed you so much. How are you bachcha?" Dilshad purred.
"I missed you more Didan-Ammi." She giggled as she was feeling ticklish. "But I am angry too. You did not tell me that you are coming back early" She pouted and keep her hand across her chest.
"Okay then I will give all the chocolates and toys to the neighbors" Dilshad grinned.
"No!!!" Zunairah screamed. Zoya intervened this time. "Enough! Both of you, for now. Let's have breakfast then you can continue with this" Zoya said.They shared a quick hug. Asad just remained silent and looked at them. He was observing the same scene from last 5 years. First it was Zoya who complained to Dilshad's going abroad and now it was Zunairah. But this same scene never bored him. He always prayed for this and he invented a new dimension every time with this same scene just like his wife. In these 7 years he found a new side of Zoya each and every day and new ways to live his life too. She took care of everything about him, his family. She even made this family stronger after knowing his father's truth. Yes Rashid had proved himself that he was not the murderer of Zoya's parents but he got his punishment for hiding the truth and he just exculpated few days ago. Asad brought back to the reality when Zoya tugged his sleeve leading him to the dining table. The family shared good breakfast after long time.
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Asad was working on his laptop, regarding the contract when Zoya came with his coffee. She bent to keep the mug on the table when Asad screamed "No" Zoya was startled for a while and looked at him incredulously. "Ummm...give it to me. I will keep it here" Asad said sheepishly. Zoya really was baffled but gave him the mug. He was behaving weird after the call had come before they were on their way to shopping yesterday. What happened to him? Did he somehow..know..but how? Zoya's thought was broken when Asad carefully sat her beside him and placed a cushion at her back just to keep her straight.
"Do you want to tell me something?" Asad asked as he took a sip from his mug and looked straight to Zoya.
"Yes" Zoya bit her lower lip.
"Shoot" Asad said and relaxed on the couch and bring Zoya close to him. Zoya remained silent and played with the button of his kurta. Asad sighed.
"Abbu had called in the morning" Zoya whispered, anticipating the wrath of a furious Asad. "and" Asad asked.
"He wished and asked forgiveness again. Although I said that I had forgiven him long back" answered a dazed Zoya. She could not believe that Asad did not react at all hearing about his father. Asad did not forgive his father but he was in no mood for spoiling their moment now. Moreover Zoya forgave his father after knowing the actual truth because she did not want to hate anyone and let her past to rule her present and future. Rashid and she bonded well within few days but only them. Neither Dilshad nor Asad tried to contact with him or talk to him. Rashid took this as his life time punishment as he realized finally what he did in this whole life was totally wrong.
Already Asad was nuzzling her neck but abruptly pulled back placing his hand securely over her stomach. Zoya frowned again. Now what happened? He was all good and the next moment he withdraws. Zoya frown erased by Asad when he kissed her forehead. "Today I am so happy. All good news is coming here and also Ammi reached safely to us" Asad said, bringing her close to his chest.
"Ummm Hmmm...we are blessed with our family" Zoya looked up at him.
"Where are Zun and Ammi?" He inquired.
"Oh you know Zun, she is explaining about her experiences in the school to her Didan-Ammi." Zoya laughed.
"And how she scolded us like his Didan- Ammi when we started bickering in this month" Asad winked. Zoya hit his chest playfully.
"Now let's get ready we need to go. I am going to inform Ammi too" Zoya stood up suddenly but Asad caught her. "Slowly" He growled. Zoya narrowed her eyes to scrutinize his action but Asad masked his emotions. She left there hesitantly.
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The function was on full swing. Guests were mingling with each other and observing everything with surprised eyes. The day was 5th foundation anniversary of "Sweet Home." The home for orphan children, Asad-Zoya never wanted it as an orphanage rather they took care about the emotional attachment too. All the members there lived completely free and lived there like a family. Asad and Zoya were their Aapi and Bhaiya. Asad-Zoya did take care of all their needs and all the responsibilities were upon them also. They took care of each other and protect themselves like a family. "Sweet Home" family members were brought up with utmost care and love like a family. Asad - Zoya used to take Zunairah also them and faced her with their reality. That made Zunairah compassionate towards other people and like other rich child she was not a spoil brat. She did know how to become selfless and value others. She was a 5 years old girl and it was hard for her to understand this things but she was taught all this from the beginning.
No rich guests were allowed in the function. Only few of Asad's and Dilshad's friends, who knew about "Sweet Home" they were invited.
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Asad ordered to serve the food and looked for Zoya. She was not infront of his eyes for last half an hour. Where was she? He went to the garden only to find her looking at the sky. She was wearing a royal blue saree having baby pink lace and still she looked breathtaking for him. Every time he saw her he thought he was meeting a new Zoya. He went near her and gathered her to his arms. This function brought her parent's memories too. She was crying silently. But feeling his presence she tried to wipe that away as she knew he did not like her tears at all.
"Don't." He stopped her. "We are going to Dargah after this." He said wrapping her with him.
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They were returning from Dargah in their car. Today Asad and Zoya took back seats of the car and driver was driving the car. As usual Zoya drifted to sleep after sometimes. Zunairah went with Dilshad to the house early. It was dark out side and Asad looked down at Zoya and prayed to the almighty for keeping the happiness in their life and enveloped her to his warmth. Her dimond ring flickered with the street lamp occasionally and he remembered the very first night with her in the car. The same ambiance, the same them but feelings were changed. Love came and they are happy with their children. Asad also drifted to sleep soon.
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Zoya found herself on the bed.She was still in her saree. It was late and she heard the giggles of her angel. She slowly went near the window and watched the beautiful sight infront of her.
Asad was trying to teach Zunairah guitar. Zunairah could not hold the guiter as she was too small for it. Every time she tried, she stumbled but she was enjoying. She was fond of music like his father and Asad had decided to teach her guitar when she would be fit. Zunairah asked her father to sing a song for her and Asad obliged. He never could deny his angel.
Dilshad went to them and took Zunairah in her arms. It was qite late and she needed to sleep as she had school in the morning. Dilsahd kissed Asad's forehead and said something to him and Asad nodded. With that Zunairah also kissed his cheek bidding Good night to him. Zoya had tears, they tried to give Zunairah a memorable and loving childhood unlike themselves and they were successful. Now they are going to do the same for rest. She looked at her stomach and caressed it lovingly. She was going to reveal the secret to Asad now. She smiled; she got an idea and made her way to the garden.
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Asad was humming and tuning with guitar when he heard the "chammm...chamm...chammm" tuned with the music. He grinned and knew very well Zoya wore the anklets those he gifted her about 6.5 years ago. Zoya kept her words. She wore those anklets only for him. A pair of hand snaked around his arms as she wrapped him with her from his back. Asad looked upward only find smiling eyes over his. Zoya touched his forehead with hers and then kissed his forehead. He ushered her to come to his front and sat her on his lap.
"What Mrs Khan, today you are showing so much love to me and then this gift" he said catching her ankle. Zoya bit her lip and opened her mouth but stopped as Asad abruptly stood up with her in his arms.
"Wait. We need to talk Asad" she tried to protest but Asad hushed her again. Dejected she remained silent but was surprised when she realized they were not going to their room but to the terrace. Her eyeballs were out of the sockets when she saw the candle decorated terrace infront of her. She looked at him questioningly and he dipped his head, a sweet, passionate kiss melted Zoya and she clung to him for support. When they were out of breath Asad broke the kiss and embraced her.
"Thank you so much for this Zoya. I am so happy as if this is the first time. Congratulations to you, mother of our second child" Asad said with utmost sincerity.
"So you knew." She said in a dejected tone. She wanted to surprise him but he knew that already. "How do you know and from when you know? She asked, completely fooled by her husband.
"Before you were confirmed about it, you remember yesterday there was a call before we were going for shopping. That time. They could not reach you so they had called me. Then I told them to inform you. I was waiting that you would tell me but...so I arranged this" He explained gesturing the whole decorated terrace.
"I wanted to surprise you Mr. Khan." Zoya complained, while playing with his collar. "Does Ammi know?" She asked. "Yes. I informed her today morning when I went to receive her to the airport." He completed.
"That's not fair at all" Zoya whacked him.
"Believe me it is fair Zoya. Remember how you surprised me when Zunairah came to our life? So this was my turn. Now left all these and give me my gift. After all I am the father" Asad said with a mischievous tone.
"No gift for you. It is your punishment" Zoya was going to make distance from him but arrested by him once again. The night of celebration just began.
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One Year Later
It was almost dawn. Both Zoya and Asad were asleep as they were hell tired. Asad was busy with the project and Zoya was busy with the office and their children in home. Suddenly there was a baby cry and Zoya whimpered hearing that. She was dragging herself from the bed. Asad dragged her to the bed and asked her to sleep and he would take care of it. He went to the nursery and flicked on the light.
Ayaat Ahmed Khan was crying and hearing that Azaan Ahmed Khan had also started. Yes they were blessed with twins this time but at the same time they made their parents running all the days. Most of the time Zoya looked after them, He could not give much time to them because of work. They are 3 months old now and they are late night riser. Zoya slept just an hour ago after keeping them in their crib. Asad sighed and took both of them on his shoulder pacing through the room and sang a lullaby to them. He rocked them and they were silent immediately. They could sense their father. Zoya had also come to the room and watched them from the door. He signaled her to come in. She nodded and took Azaan in her arms both were now looking at their parents happily, smiling at their parents. Asad and Zoya both pressed them to their chest and kissed them. Then Asad kissed Zoya's forehead lovingly, suddenly another door opened and Zunairah ran into them. Dilshad padded after her humming the same lullaby. She took Zunairah in her arms and all shared family time. Dilshad kissed all her children and grandchildren's forehead. Asad held Ayat in his one arm and kept another to Zoya. Zoya took her another hand to Dilshad and Zunairah held Asad's neck from Dilshad's lap just to complete the circle. Indeed a happy beautiful family shared their moment together.
Does that mean they live happily ever after? No, they live a real world life not an imaginary story life.
They fought, they got hurt, they cried but with these they respected, healed and loved each other. They protected each other, when almighty given them to live a real life they accepted that. They did not denied anything love or sorrow in there way of living.
Most importantly "They lived together."
"Toofaan to aanaa hai, aakar chale jaanaa hai
Baadal hai ye kuchh pal kaa, chhaakar dhal jaanaa hai
Parachhaainyaan rah jaatin, rah jaati nishaani hai
Zindagi aur kuchh bhi nahin, teri meri kahaani hai!!!"
A/N -
So this is all about "Given and Denied" 😊 Hope you all enjoyed the journey with Asad and Zoya in this story as much as I enjoyed to write this.😉 I am really very lucky to get you all as my sweet readers. I want to thank all of you who encouraged me through their likes and comments. 😃
Thank you all so much for loving this story. Best wishes to you all. 😳
Lots of Love 🤗
Swapno
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