FF: A Lifetime with you... END: pg18

chp 1-9 pg 1

CHAPTER 1

"Nanu Nanuuu" her voice echoed through the silence, "where are you? Nanuuu". The voice seemed distant...for a moment he couldn't comprehend who was talking, or where he was? Perhaps because he had drifted off to his world...his past...again. He woke up with a slight headache and the memory of a hazy dream? or perhaps a glimpse of his past. He sighed, they had finally come, he had been awaiting her arrival, afterall it had been a month since he last saw her and Zaina. He noticed the afternoon sun rays had poured into his room like everyday, giving the wooden floor and furniture a beautiful shimmer. He smiled enjoying the warmth of the sun in the confines of his air-conditioned room. It was strange how little things such as this could bring a smile to his face, he wasn't always so observant, he was now, time had changed, he had changed...Suddenly, two chubby little hands blocked his vision, "guessh nanu!". In a swift move he had her in his lap, "Nanu! nofair" she said angrily, twisting her mouth, "you know your supposed to guessh". He still didn't get why his 5-year old grand daughter Zaina who spoke every word clearly still couldn't pronounce 'guess', and oh yes she had this unusual habit of using the phrase 'you know'. Chuckling at this thought, and twirling her curly black hair he gave her a noisy wet kiss, at which she annoyingly wiped her hand on her cheeks, and frowned saying "Ewww you know Nanu don't do that!". He ignored her and asked her why she was late, "Nanu you know all coz of mumma, you know busy putting make up, lipstick, eyeliner, you know nanu as usual the list goes on" she shook her head like a grown up. He loved Zaina, mostly because everything about her reminded him of his daughter Zaara...his past...happy times...and...his wife...

Zaina toddled off after a while to look for her mamu, perhaps cooking a scheme of what the best way was, for him to give into her request for a candy...

"Salam'alaikum papa, sorry we were late" Zaara said encircling him from behind, "Where's Zahir, tell him he needs to be quick the girl's family is waiting!". "He's getting ready Zaara, you know he takes his time" he smiled remembering his days, "after all he's asking her hand in marriage, he has to look his best". She smiled and shook her head, her brother would never change perhaps his wife could do something about this habit of his. She sighed looking at her dad, it had been a month since she had last seen him, wrinkles were now quiet visible on his face, his hair were graying, he had stopped using his gels for which she had endlessly reprimanded him, she remembered how she used to scare him with articles from science journals about how gels cause premature graying and hair loss...but it never stopped him, he was a stubborn man, she thought lightly shaking her head...for some reason the thought of his graying hair saddened her...He now had a light beard which highlighted his personality and matched his age, but his light brown eyes were the same...penetrating, 'full of life' some would say... but only she could see the sea of loneliness in them...her heart cried out for him and for herself, wishing why destiny had been the way it had...her dad had been exceptional throughout their childhood and teenage years, he had been energetic, lively, more like a friend... he hadn't changed with time or age, perhaps he hadn't for her and Zahir...She noticed prayer beads in his hand, and smiled inwardly. He had become pious, spent much more time praying and in reverance...specially after her marriage 7 years ago. "Papa you are sure you don't want to come?" she asked for the umpteenth time, "No, I'm sure...I uh...Its feels right being here today, and I'm sure that my daughter will take care of everything, besides your Imaan khala and Ayan Chachu are coming so they'll fill my void" he said smiling and turning towards the balcony. A calm wind was blowing, swaying his slightly overgrown hair...He closed his eyes momentarily and opened them when he felt something warm on his cheeks, he smirked realizing like many times that a lone tear had escaped again...unknown...

"Papa, remember we can't meet mom if you cry" she said smiling showing off her dimples. He was startled...he hadn't realized that Zaara was around, or else he would have stopped himself...he hated causing her misery. "You'll be fine Papa?" she asked pressing his shoulder affectionately, "Yea, don't worry" he smiled and then said "I love you beta...I uh miss you" he said, although he tried keeping a straight face, his heart tugged when he said the last words, he really did miss Zaara, she had always been much more mature than her age, she had been like a mother to Zahir, she was someone with whom he had shared endless times, laughing...shouting...letting out his anger...then crying...Since her marriage he saw much less of her, so he missed her, the house seemed lonely again without her chit chat...her constant advices...He ocassionally talked with Zahir but as a young man he spent less time with his father and much more with his friends, young men he sighed shaking his head. It seemed like he lived only for Zaara's visits. She simply said "you know I feel the same" and walked out of the room, because she didn't want her father to see her tears. Once outside she went to her childhood room and sat on the floor, pressing her knees to herself she cried...she cried her heart out...and in between her sobs she remembered...a memory she had registered clearly in her mind...a memory she often went back to....

***

She was crying on her bed, when her father had come, held her and said "You know beta, if you cry Mumma won't come to meet us, even we can't go to meet her like this, she doesn't like cry babies...", a 6 year old Zaara had looked up at her dad's eyes, they were shimmering...he was speaking the truth she had decided...and so she promised her father between her sobs "Papa, I swear I won't cry anymore, can we meet her then? hmm?". "Yes, Darling, but you'll keep your promise, and if Papa cries you'll remind him won't you?"....

***

She smiled, despite her maturity at 6, she was after all a kid...she had believed that one day she would really meet her mom, so she had never cried since...atleast not around her dad...She wiped her tears, put on some concealer to hide the dark circles around her eyes and closed her room...

CHAPTER 2

The house was dead silent now, except for the occasional hushing of the wind, whereas a minute ago it was filled with Zaina's shrieks. She had thrown her usual tantrum about her mom's cruelty, he smiled thinking how she always cried whenever she had to leave her Nanu, he smiled saying "Kids"...

One thing was certain...Life was strange...unpredictable...it didn't offer second chances...whatever happens just happens and your left with no choice but acceptance. To the world he had been a good father who had gotten over his past, perhaps because people wanted to believe that everyone eventually gets over grief, it is after all a natural tendency to believe that everything reaches normality...but only he knew how much he missed her...she was his life...his heart...and with her she had taken both...He hadn't cried much for her just an occasional tear was wasted, a painful streak across his heart was endured, just that much...not more...just that...

He strolled across his room, walked towards his bed, caressing the soft sheets...millions of memories came flooding in...sweet memories...her memories...he stood up with a jerk, shut his eyes calming himself, trying hard to forget what he had remembered...but in vain...he walked towards the dressing table, touched the polished wood, fiddled with his aftershaves, hairsprays, gels he no longer used...perhaps they were expired, but he hadn't bothered to throw them out, he liked keeping things as they were, he couldn't stand change...

Sitting down on his arm chair, he realized he was tired...very tired...of...he didn't really know what he was tired of...he smiled realizing...he was tired of living...He was sure he would doze of any second now, it had happened quiet often these last few months. He would wake up with a headache and a faint memory of his past, he had been dreaming about his past a lot, because he was getting older...or perhaps because loneliness was eating him these days....

He looked up to his image in the mirror...into a pair of light brown eyes...and saw the reflection of a young man of 26, he was dressed in a rich black sherwani, embellished with silver threads, it perfectly suited his well built, tall personality. He had been setting his wet hair for half an hour and now that he was happy with his look he quickly added hair spray to set them. He smiled he was looking perfect, just the way he should. He wasn't going on a date or anything... he usually took his own time getting ready. "Yo Zeeshan!!! Man we're getting late!" his friend Vasim screamed out to him, "the gangs waiting, we have the water balloons ready" he said. Zeeshan Khan looked at his friend he had dressed up well, but he wasn't as handsome, everyone knew that...there was no point being humble about it, he smiled inwardly, "red chilli's added to the halwa?" he asked Vasim, "Yea yea all's done! Everything's ready, only you are not mere yaar, the girl's are goners today, by the way you haven't spilled the beans to anyone have you? not even to Ayan bhaijan right? Oh and we didn't add 3 tablespoons of chilli we just added one" said Vasim, but the look on Zeeshan's face made him regret what he said. Everyone was aware of Zeeshan's temper he would snap right away if things weren't said or done the way he wanted, he was a perfectionist, a high-tempered perfectionist. "First, I who was the initiator of this plan wouldn't dare utter a word to Ayan, and second I want 2 more tablespoons in that halwa right now, got it!" he didn't shout, he said this in a very calm and civilized manner, anyone would think he was having a normal conversation, except for his eyes which gave away his anger and frustration. "Fine! I'll do it, I was just being considerate for the girl's yaar" Vasim said chuckling ignoring Zeeshan's anger. Zeeshan smirked thinking how Vasim was such a softy at heart. But he wasn't never would be, 'what's planned is planned, I don't care if the girls are ready or not for this, they'll have to deal with it', he thought and smiled awaiting the fun they would have.

Ayan, who was standing outside had heard their conversation and quickly called his to-be wife Imaan. "Hello, Imaan I've something to tell you, my brother, cousins, friends, all of them are coming to give you the mehendi gifts right?" Ayan whispered into the phone, "Yes, I do know the rituals, Ayan! I hope this is not why your calling me, plus I don't have time for this you know I'm getting married in 2 days, and why are you whispering?" she asked annoyed. "Arrre Yaar, they're planning something, I just heard they're adding chilli powder to something, they will probably tease you, so I just want to warn you" he said. "Thanks Ayan, your such a sweetie, thanks for being on our side, now we'll show them, what we're made of" she smiled in triumph. "Click" she put the phone down. "Huh?! shit! I shouldn't have called them, I was just warning her, Oh man! I shouldn't have, hopefully Zeeshan won't guess" he sighed, why was he so vulnerable...gullible...he was Zeeshan's older brother but they were poles apart, a better version of him people would say. It was true he didn't have Zeeshan's raging temper, he was much more kind and understanding, slightly taller and skinnier, and yes he always had a smile dancing on his lips...a quality Zeeshan would never share. Ayan, however admired his brother, because he was a perfectionist, he excelled in everthing that came his way, and what's more he had the personality to go with it.

Ayan Khan was finally getting married to Imaan Syed, the love of his life, it wasn't exactly arranged, more like love-arranged, they were lab partners, and their 'love-story' started from there. Today both his family and Imaan's would apply henna on their hands, perhaps enjoy songs and show off a few dance steps. He knew Imaan's family, they weren't much into dancing and he was sure they hadn't prepared much for this mehendi, his family was almost the same...the quiet kind, not indulging much in any 'masti' except his brother had decided it was time to do something out of the ordinary. It was a sort of ritual they had, on the girl's mehendi the groom's brother and friends would take Henna, dresses and bangles to the bride's house, if they wished they could play tricks and tease each other.

Imaan on the other hand, hadn't guessed that Ayan or his family would play tricks and such, maybe she had underestimated them, she always thought of Ayan and his parents as the silent innocent type, but his brothers...well she hadn't thought about them, she smiled, saying a silent thanks to Ayan, she rushed to tell Zeenat and her cousins about it.

"Zeenu! where are you? come quick!"she shouted, in a minute she had gathered all her cousins and friends, her sister Zeenat was the last one to come like always. "What?" Zeenat asked, crossing her hands across her chest, raising one of her eyebrows, tapping her foot, expressing how very annoyed she was. Imaan chuckled at her sister, it was amusing how Zeenat would express herself be it anger, annoyance, frustration, she had the most amusing actions for every expression. Zeenat gave her a look, "What's so funny? and why are you shouting, its your marriage di! and your not behaving like a bride!" she said almost whispering, afraid the elders would here. "Zeenu…", "Yes?" "Shut up…rite now I want all of you to think of something really evil, because…Ayan's brothers are about to give us a hard time, and they think we are completely unaware!", "Eggs! Shower them with eggs…" Kanwal shouted, "No!!! Kanwal please spare your bizarre ideas" Zeenat almost screamed, she knew it even before Kanwal had spoken that she would be the one giving the most dangerous and gooey plan. Imaan chuckled at Zeenat's horrified face, and Kanwal's triumphant distant gaze almost as if she could see the boys screaming in agony at the splattering eggs, she sighed her sisters were total opposites, and that's what they did…oppose each other. But, she had decided to go with Kanwal's idea this time, she wanted to show the boys that 'hum kisise kum nahin'

So, it was decided that the eggs would be thrown from their terrace and that too when the guys would leave, that way they would be completely unaware…unprepared. Zeenat ofcourse knew it was a bad bad idea, she was scared of her parents who would surely scold them for their shamelessness, not to mention the guys who would be extremely pissed, and this would only cause them to play an even dirtier prank…so with these thoughts in her mind, she had decided that she would not take part in the action, but just watch the guys, perhaps laugh at a few…'that's all' she thought…'there was no harm in that right?'

Meanwhile, the guys entered the Syed Mansion, greeting the elders politely, but mostly keeping to themselves, waiting for the elders to leave and the bride's friends to arrive. The elders sensed this, and excused themselves after a few minutes, leaving the guys relieved and excited…and the girls a bit nervous about what was to come.

"Zeenat, go serve them drinks, and all of you can accompany her, except you Imaan" her mom said sternly, gesturing the girls to follow Zeenat. Zeenat chuckled at the disheartened look Imaan had on her face, she really wanted to accompany them in all the fun, but alas! She was the bride, and brides weren't supposed to go out and do 'masti' with the groom's friends.

Turning her attention to herself Zeenat realized that everyone was expecting her to take the first step, and enter the room to serve the guys. She suddenly felt flustered…extremely nervous….not only because there were around ten or more guys sitting there…but also because being the sister of the bride she would probably be teased a lot more. She was extremely introvert and shy, she hated being the centre of attention, she avoided speaking a lot in large gatherings even when she had witty things to say, because she didn't like a hundred eyes staring at her, and here she was in the same position…and this time there was no way out of it…praying silently she entered the room with the traditional milk concoction, and laid the tray on a coffee table. She dared not look up because she had an eerie feeling that everyone was staring at her…the truth was everyone had looked at her as she was the first one to enter, but then looked away except one set of eyes…Zeeshan's….

She took in a deep breath, as she and all her cousins sat across the guys, she hadn't offered them to drink yet, so they hadn't. She felt a nudge, and then a whisper…it was Kanwal asking her to offer, she looked at Kanwal, with a pleading look, indicating she didn't want to, but when Kanwal didn't react…she went ahead "uhh…you can help yourselves" she said giving a tight smile, the next second she regretted saying that, because to her horror a very strong and booming masculine voice, said "Actually, we want you to help us…". She looked up to realize that the voice had come from a man who was smirking…sitting right across her, his eyes were a light brown, well-defined, light eye-lashes not something she would want for herself, she personally loved her own thick eyelashes…she could analyze his eyes clearly…because she realized after a while that they were staring right back at her…she stopped herself, and looked away only to realize that everyone was expecting her to go up to the guys and personally serve the drink to each one…she didn't budge, because she was appalled of what was expected…how cheap and pathetic! she thought.

He decided he liked her…she wasn't upfront… a little shy…well-mannered…admitted he was the total opposite…he was well-mannered but other than that he was anything like her…but still he was attracted to her, this was the kind of girl he would want…plus she didn't look bad either, a good figure, coupled with a beautiful face…excellent eyes he had noticed…her eyes were dark…expressive…plain…she hadn't applied any make-up, perhaps because it was the mehendi ceremony. He wasn't sure if he was attracted to her beauty? Or her? 'She wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, he had seen prettier girls, but she had an aura of attraction…' he reasoned with himself, 'kashish' yes that was the word…she displayed 'kashish'. She was the bride's sister…he would see her…meet her again and he didn't mind it one bit, he smiled inwardly…with this trail of thought he decided he didn't want her serving the other guys… "Since you're apparently very nervous" he chuckled at this and the others followed, "Let's make a deal, the bride's sister serves the groom's brother? And vice versa".

She was a bit relieved, she thanked God silently, for making the task slightly easier, except in a way it was even harder to be serving him alone…because he was devastatingly handsome…confident…and well…he was everything she wasn't…she couldn't stop herself from thinking that she would die for a husband like him…taking a deep breath again…she stepped forward, he stood up to her amazement…perhaps to make her task easier…she noticed he was slightly taller than her, and was looking down at her intently, with a lazy smile dancing on his lips, his face was slightly unshaven…leaving a light stubble…she decided she liked him…just for this…because this little stubble told her that he made his own rules…it was a norm that guys were usually expected to be clean-shaven unless they had a proper beard…specially on occasions like marriages…she couldn't help but notice how perfectly he had lined his stubble…a perfectionist?

She realized how warm she was feeling…she felt herself blushing and prayed silently that it wasn't apparent…atleast not to him…bending down she picked up the glass of milk…she was about to raise it to his mouth when he bowed his face down a little, towards the glass, so that they were on eye-level with each other…She cursed the groom's friends and her own cousins because they had just started cheering and whistling at his stupid gesture! She wanted to bury her head somewhere…on his chest? No! she wanted to slap herself for thinking such cheap thoughts…She tried to ignore everyone and silently gave him a sip of it…that's it…the task was done…she heaved a sigh of relief… "We're not done yet, I like this drink and I intend to drink it completely, I am sure you wouldn't mind?" he said in his husky voice…giving it a seductive tone…she noticed his tone and was appalled at his forwardness…Giving him another tight smile, displaying her dimples slightly she raised the glass once more…again he bend down…the cheers followed…he drank the liquid slowly taking his time, looking intently at her…speculating her… 'expressions' …he always analyzed people before befriending them...their expressions told him a lot, he was amused at how much and how easily she was telling him about herself…she was too expressive…For a while, she stared back at him…then looked away…slightly annoyed at herself…but then her eyes shot up, her eyebrows creased in annoyance and this time her eyes challenged his and didn't budge, she stared right back at him…as if to express how appalled she was with his gaze…he read her eyes…her expressions…he was enjoying every bit of this… 'I can't drink air anymore' he said, 'Huh?!' she realized she had been staring at him for so long that she had lost track of the milk…she could here the guys and him laughing heartily and the girls arguing something in the background…all she could think of was 'why had she agreed to this…Kanwal was also the bride's sister, she would have given him a much better time perhaps thrown some nasty prank or remark…why hadn't she thought of this earlier…or was it because she really wanted to serve him?' She was about to turn when she remembered he still had to serve her…'Right' he said "I see you eager to have your share of the bargain completed, I gather you like eating sweets, or is it because I am serving them" he said with a wink, he noticed her flush red, she looked back at him her eyes pleading at him to put an end to her misery…smiling he bend down again, his light eyes piercing back into her dark ones and placed the 'halwa' in her mouth, his finger slightly touching her lips…he said 'It is said that even poison from a lover's ('aashiq') hand is sweet, let's see how…' before he could finish she had tears in her eyes, the chilli powder had not only taken a toll on her but on all of the bride's cousins and friends who had tasted it…the hall was filled with their coughs, curses, vows of revenge, and not to mention the booming laughter of the guys.

Laughing heartily he looked up to find her missing…was she angry? He hoped she wasn't, it was just a silly prank, she had no right in his opinion to be angry…hadn't she eaten spicy food before? He was angry because she had left without even saying anything…who wanted her anyways…he was enjoying himself…but for some reason his mind lingered back to her…he wanted to see her again…soon…

Meanwhile Zeenat had a hard time getting over the spicy-sweet taste…because he had placed so much of it in her mouth! She was trying to gargle as much as she could…but the taste would keep lingering…despite all this she couldn't help but think back to what he had said... she couldn't believe he had the nerve to flirt with her…yet she couldn't help but feel special…

Revenge was in the air and the girls rushed up to the terrace, with loads of egg trays, leaving the elders to speak with the guys. After a few minutes of mostly silence, the guys left thanking the elders profusely for their welcome, and left with greetings of Peace… 'Salam'…As soon as they walked out of the door they were showered with eggs…eggs splattered onto them from all sides…and some who were foolish enough to look up had eggs splashing onto their eyes…Zeeshan had managed to escape but 'splat' one hit him right on his shoulder…he was furious! Someone had the nerve to hit him…with eggs?! The stink wouldn't leave his new sherwani for days! He looked up to see Zeenat laughing heartily her hand was outstretched and pointing towards him, not to mention he also saw his to-be-sister-in-law Imaan aiming another egg! Girls! They were so hard to understand…one minute they seemed so reserved-innocent and the next they are firing you with eggs!

The boys had taken pity at the girls and not thrown their water balloons yet but they were still armed…so they went in pretending to wash off the stains…and as the girls were coming downstairs they were hit with balloons from every angle…The house was filled once again with the shrieks and murderess threats of the girls and the triumphant laughter of the guys…Kanwal had taken an instant dislike of Vasim, he had been throwing water balloons at her alone…she was fed up of his childish actions and the fact that he had been following her around the house…extremely angry now she led him to the kitchen…opened the fridge and through a huge brown egg right on his face…except he ducked right on time and it hit Zeeshan who was right behind! She gasped loudly and ran away before he could follow her…he cursed and cursed…anything but his face and hair! The egg was in his hair and he was stinking bad…he was mad at everyone especially that Zeenat, she had the nerve to thrown an egg at him! He decided this was all her fault…he marched up to the washroom, where he bumped right into Zeenat, she looked up to see his white and yellow egg-filled face and burst into laughter. But she soon stopped when she saw him staring angrily at her…his jaw was set tightly…her heart hammered…she wasn't sure about his next step, but knew it would be something mean…his eyes they were scaring her. He held her wrist tightly to prevent her from escaping and wiped his face with her orange shimmering dupatta…at which she gasped…her new dress was ruined! She had made this especially for the mehendi ceremony which was in the evening…teary-eyed she looked up to him, to which he replied 'That's how it feels, when your best dress is ruined, next time think before you act!" he whispered, even though no one was around…He left her wrist leaving a faint mark, after a few steps he turned back and said "Oh! Yes I forgot one more thing" and with that he threw his last water balloon on her. Her silk dress was spoilt, she felt like crying but she waited until he left and then she rushed into her room and burst into tears…she hadn't thrown eggs at anyone, she had merely laughed, was it so wrong to laugh? It was all fun wasn't it…He had played a prank too, and she hadn't been angry…all she could think of now was how much she despised him…

Imaan entered her room to find her sister crying over her dress, she consoled her and picked another dress for her, at which she cried even more because she loved her orange silk dress, she had personally chosen it…She sighed, she was angry at Zeeshan because he had made Zeenat cry that too on her sister's wedding, how childish could he be? Couldn't he take jokes? She called up Ayan and asked to speak with Zeeshan… "Hello" he said, "Hi Zeeshan…this is Imaan speaking…how dare you…" and the rest was muffled by Zeenat's continuous sobs, why was her sister scolding him? she was even more scared of Zeeshan now, wouldn't he be angry at her for this too? Imaan put the phone down and told her to stop crying and that he was apologizing, 'he wasn't aware that you had not thrown a single egg' she said. Zeenat still didn't believer her sister, she couldn't whenever she tried picturing him apologize, she saw his blazing eyes, and all she could do was imagine him as a fire-spitting dragon. She hated him…was apprehensive of him…and she didn't want to see him ever again…she prayed silently that she wouldn't have to encounter him throughout her life…especially during the marriage…

CHAPTER 3

He smiled as he woke up earlier than usual, he had dreamt all night about her…He ran his hand through his hair once more, shook his head and walked in to the shower…Closing his eyes he let the warm water run through his hair…trickling down his face…seeing her face he opened his eyes and reminded himself to stop thinking about her…but she kept replaying in his mind…He felt slightly guilty for the way he had spoken to her…but everyone made mistakes, and he still believed he had every right to be angry…not at her…but at all the girls…he hated admitting he was wrong…and so he didn't…she was just at the wrong place at the wrong time…and had endured his anger…although he secretly hoped she had forgiven him and stopped crying…he had heard her sobbing over the phone…he chuckled…she was one of a kind….

Today was Ayan's Nikaah…Zeeshan had dressed up in a white crisp kurta pyjama…while Ayan had chosen a beige sherwani…the ceremony would start at 9:00 am…an hour later Ayan was married…and was tired of all the 'mubarak ho' congratulatory hugs he had been getting…he just wanted to see Imaan…but that wouldn't be until tonight after the reception 'rukhsati'…Meanwhile the Nikaah had left a new desire in Zeeshan…he wanted to get married…soon…

Zeenat couldn't believe it her sister was married…and crying? Usually she was the one who would cry…but it surprised her to no end that her sister who was very much in love with Ayan bhai was crying…everyone usually cried on their marriage…she decided she wouldn't…she blushed at the thought…did she actually think about her marriage? This nikaah was playing wonders on her mind…

The rukhsati was done…Imaan didn't drop a single tear this time, she was impatient to see Ayan…ofcourse everyone else cried…specially Zeenat because she shared everything with her older sister…she knew she would miss Imaan much more…perhaps more than anyone…

He had noticed her…she was wearing a heavily embroidered light green sari…her eyes were looking unusually pretty perhaps because she had adorned them with kohl. Throughout the wedding he constantly caught himself staring at her…it wasn't his fault…she had the most elegant ways…whether it was as simple as smiling and whispering into Kanwal's ear, her hair cascading over her bronze-toned face, or kneeling and tilting her face to kiss her little cousin ever so lightly, or even as simple as staring aimlessly and then sighing perhaps lost in some thought…He just couldn't help it, he would reason with himself that he would look at her just once and then turn away, but he couldn't anything and everything he did…amazed him…and the more he gazed at her the more he fell in love with her…she was perfect…perfect for him…he decided.

She had avoided him throughout the wedding or so he thought…she hadn't looked his way…even once…or maybe she had because he did catch her staring at him once…and when he did she quickly looked away…not giving him a chance to smile or even acknowledge her…it angered him…why was she so stubborn? Hadn't he apologized? He decided he didn't want anything to do with girls like her…Then his anger had melted when he saw her crying…maybe she had a lot on her mind, her sister was getting married and she seemed very attached to her…and…he reasoned 'why should she think about me?' Afterall they had only met once…she had better things to think about…for now…he promised himself that he would make sure she did think about him…he wanted a place in that heart…

The next month went by too slowly for both Zeenat and Zeeshan for completely different reasons…While Zeenat missed her sister in everything from choosing bangles to discussing her latest crush, Zeeshan's thoughts had continuously revolved around one face…it had been a month since he had last seen her and was desperately hoping for another glimpse of her…

Imaan had by-now taken full control over the Khan Kitchen, because she had soon realized that a kitchen under male control was not a pleasant site…food was rarely cooked, yet the sink was never empty! She had refused her husband's constant requests to bring take-out, because she wanted them to eat healthier, she wondered how long they had been eating this way…perhaps since her mother and father-in-law had passed away a few years back… she wanted to make sure that Ayan and Zeeshan got the most homely environment…she had known Ayaan's parents, she loved them and they loved her, they had known about her and Ayan for a long time…something which only Zeenat knew about in her house…they had approved the match…even though they were not talked about much…she knew how much they were missed…

Imaan had found a friend in Zeeshan as he would usually help her out in the kitchen…right down recipes...which amused her to no end…he would right down everything perfectly…infact he had cooked once or twice under her supervision…she was amazed at the ease and comfort with which he cooked...he was afterall a perfectionist…she mused.

"Hold on, so you add the corn starch before or after you have marinated the chicken?" he asked. Placing one hand on her hip and pointing her spatula at him with the other, Imaan said, "Zeeshan why do you bother? Aren't you bringing a wife soon…" she chuckled…"I will…but you never know…what if she doesn't cook well…women these days…you never know" he joked back. "You must be missing your home" he changed the topic…hoping she would talk a little more about Zeenat. "Hmm…mostly Zeenat". He smiled in triumph. "I have shared everything with her, from childhood, I never felt the age gap…" she smiled perhaps remembering some moments "Infact sometimes I wondered how she could be so mature at her age, like when I was in love with your brother, she was really young but I knew I could confide in her, she trusted that Ayan was the guy for me, sometimes even more than I did…and then when the time came, she told me exactly how to approach my parents, she asked me to speak with dad first…I would have done the opposite…I argued with her about it…and then I finally gave in…followed her plan…and it all worked out…Dad was much more calm about the situation" she sighed and returned back to stirring the chicken. He wanted her to speak more…so he didn't interrupt, afraid he would break her trail of thought. She chuckled "But, she's so childish at times, you know I mean in school if anyone wouldn't talk to her or was rude to her, she would make it such a big deal…as if her life had ended and she would cry" she chuckled, "She would cry on my shoulder…just infront of me, she would practically hold her tears until I would come and burst out…god!…I am missing her…"she chuckled to hide her feelings. "Why don't you call them over? The long weekend's coming up" He said. "Yea, and since the weather's cold, we could just stay at home watch a movie…I'll call her up!" she said beaming…"By the way don't get angry at her this time…or I'll have to endure her tears once again!" she winked back…

Finally, the wait was over… he stroked his chest and smiled.

CHAPTER 4

The icy wind roared silently…dispersing the virgin snow…hitting her face…flapping her long brown trench coat…she was shivering slightly despite her warm attire, she looked at her watch for the umpteenth time…impatience creeping in, she cursed him for being late…as it is she had been angry at Kanwal for ditching her at the last minute…which was very much like her…but she hadn't expected Kanwal to give anything precedence over meeting Imaan…then again Kanwal had always spent more time with her friends…she simply didn't know what agitated her more the fact that Kanwal didn't care to meet Imaan after so long…or the fact that Kanwal had ditched her leaving her all alone with him…

His silver Honda Accord smoothly halted, startling her out of her thoughts…she slipped into the front seat…her heart beat slightly raising, when she was about to say 'thanks for coming' but for some reason the words didn't come out. Her mouth was dry, she was extremely nervous now, because he hadn't acknowledged her yet or even looked her way, he was looking straight ahead, his eyes on the road…one hand casually on the gear, the other gripping the steering wheel. She was confident he was still angry at her, why else wouldn't he talk to her? And his face it seemed so serious, she kept glancing at him in the hopes of searching a flicker of smile on his face…but in vain. She felt a lump growing in her throat; she didn't know what her fault was, and why wouldn't he talk to her? Following these thoughts she decided she had to speak to him, she tried composing herself, but the pain in her throat wouldn't go, she had to speak out but she was scared of bursting into tears…and that's exactly what happened when she said "I am s-s-sorry…" and she burst into tears. He was startled by what she said and even more so on her tears…he had been thinking along the same lines…he wanted to start a conversation, and wished she would say something, but he had expected anything but this….His first reaction was "Sorry?? Zeenat?" he looked at her, extremely worried at her outburst…her nose was red, her eyes were shut tight, tears spilling out… "I am sorry about whatever I have done…I really don't know why you're mad at me? Just tell me what my fault is…I can endure anything but your silence …" she hiccupped "You scolded me on that day for something that I had no part in…you spoilt my dress" she hiccupped again, "I didn't say a word to you…You know how hard it was to find another dress, I ended up wearing a grey dress, which I had despised the day Mom bought it…but I had to wear it… I endured it all…" he noticed she was taking short breaths, it amused and surprised him to no end…that he had given so much pain to her…he felt his heart swell with happiness… she cared about his silence? He must meant something to her…why else would she want him to speak to her…this was definitely a good start…"And then on the wedding you seemed so stern, you never looked my way, didn't greet me, I mean we are part of a family now…and I…I just can't stand your silence, its eating me…and I…you know how much I have cried because of you…please if you hate me, its fine just tell me, and I won't show you my face ever again" she finished, breathing hard. "You done?" he asked. When she didn't reply he continued "Look, I am really sorry about spoiling your dress, believe me I know by now how much you cherished it" he chuckled. She looked sideways at him, he was looking straight ahead and was grinning. She felt herself going red…utterly embarrassed at herself, she was about to look away, when his next words stopped her senseless…"You were looking breath-taking…just plain perfect...I am glad you didn't catch me staring…" his strong voice unusually husky said, and then looking into her moist-eyes he said, "couldn't have stopped myself even if I wanted to", when he didn't look away…she did…and stammered a "thanks". "So, you don't mind me staring?" he asked raising his eyebrows, an amused expression playing on his lips…she looked at him once again and burst into laughter, her slender fingers adorned with a few silver rings…covering her mouth…he laughed along with her…he could see her dimples deepen, he had longed to see her laughter…unknown to her this sight stirred his heart.

"You did look really funny with the egg all over your face…your face…you were so angry and…" she chuckled "I'm sorry It's just that I can't get your face off my mind now." she continued laughing the same way she had a minute ago…her hands over her mouth. Her smile vanished when she saw him looking serious again. He turned to look at her confident she would be scared…and that's exactly what he saw she was looking at him slightly scared and worried if she had offended him. He chuckled at her, at which she hit him playfully and then took her hands back abruptly, trying to maintain her distance with him. He smiled thinking "tell me about it" referring to the fact that he literally couldn't get her face out of his thoughts, turning to her he said "I am glad you can't get my face out of your pretty head…It's a pleasure to invade your thoughts…Zenny" he winked… "Are you trying to flirt with me Mr. Zee" she said, slightly blushing.

It was perhaps in these few moments…as her dimples deepened…as his eyes twinkled…as their laughter entwined…that they set foot on the road of love…a little unaware…a little unsure…

CHAPTER 5

They stepped out of the car together, their feet crushing the snow silently.

She noticed the carefully planted white and rust calla lilies around the entrance, which contrasted perfectly with the black wrought iron stairs…it wasn't her sister's work, she could see they had grown over time…carefully tended for each day…

"Nice lilies" she said, not looking at him but at the lilies. He knew she wanted to know who had planted them. She was bending towards the flowers looking at them intently, smelling them…she realized they didn't smell much…so she moved away…holding back her tresses she examined the rust ones…he noticed she had applied no make-up…plain he liked her 'plain'…her eyes they were a little moist and slightly pink…perhaps because of the chilly wind…his gaze as if out of habit returned to her lips…they were moist with the gloss she constantly applied…God! he wanted her…

When he didn't reply for a while she looked at him, her eyes questioning why he hadn't…when she caught him looking dreamily at her, she raised one of her eyebrows thoroughly annoyed… "Glad, you are finally looking at the artist behind them…I thought it would take you forever to turn away from the lilies" he said grinning. She smiled. "They're so perfectly aligned and tended after…I'm surprised…somehow lilies and you don't click", oh! who was she kidding she knew that this was Zeeshan's work the moment she had seen them…'great personality…caring…with a little dash of temper…perfect' she thought 'just perfect' and sighed. "Don't let my macho image limit your ideas about my personality…I am a diverse man Zenny" he winked. "God! You're so full of yourself, I suggest you get a life Mr." and then chuckled after a while saying "macho?" He could see the dimples deepen…even after she had stopped laughing…perhaps because she was smiling again gazing once again at the lilies…lost…

"Are you guys planning on entering anytime soon?" an amused Imaan asked, startling the pair, out of their thoughts…she noticed Zeenat blushing slightly. Weird…and had she actually seen Zeeshan checking out Zeenat? The look in his eyes….definitely weird. She decided to ignore the matter for now.

"Imu Dii! I missed you" Zeenat hugged her so suddenly, that she stepped back a little and balanced herself in time. She noticed Zeenat's embrace was tight, she realized her little sister had missed her much more, "hmm…and I missed you lesser" "I know…" Zeenat replied. If there was one thing she loved about Imaan, it was her honesty, she was brutally honest. Zeeshan was right behind them, watching the sweet sisterly moments, but right now he was feeling anything but happy about their re-union. One…they had simply ignored him, infact he had just been given a coat to hang! And two…they had started chatting about what they had shopped till date…he soon realized, that they were going to discuss 'everything' they had shopped for the month they had stayed apart, not to mention any good deals that were in-stores! He was jealous…really jealous of Imaan bhabi…she had just ripped away Zeenat from him…he felt so because he had been talking solely with Zeenat for the past two hours…and now that Zeenat had found her sister, she had ditched him…anger threatened to bubble in him…but then he saw her coat in his hands, smiling slightly he slowly inhaled…letting her fragrance seep in, perhaps of some expensive perfume, he didn't care…what mattered was that he could feel her presence once more…he didn't feel guilty for what he was doing, because he loved her…he realized he had to stop…so he did…he stopped her from clouding his thoughts by hanging the coat in the coat closet…

The sisters spent the afternoon busy preparing lunch and chatting about mindless things. It was around 2:00 pm, when Imaan realized that Zeenat needed to freshen up, and so she asked her to feel free and use her room and washroom for now. There was another spare room, which she hadn't cleaned up yet, 'Zeenat and Kanwal can sleep in there' she thought. As Zeenat left upstairs to her sisters room, she saw Ayan bhai in an unusually happy mood, whistling the infamous 'tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam' tune, she rolled her eyes, smiling at him, he winked back and went downstairs.

"Stop it Ayan, what if someone sees!" Imaan demanded of her overly-romantic husband. He just couldn't keep his hands to himself, she sighed, he had been like that since that fateful day…a month ago. "I don't care jaan" he mumbled kissing the hollow of her neck, his hands wrapped around her waist, "You've been in the kitchen all day, remind me again why we ruined our perfect long-weekend together, with a bachelor and bachelorette, I had planned so much jaan…" "The bachelor is always here, and the bachelorette well I was missing her…" she replied grinning and bringing his hands to her lips…kissing them. "You know what would be cool, if they were married too, then we could all go for a nice romantic vacation, you wouldn't miss your sister, and we wouldn't have to you know…"and he giggled sweet nothings in her ear...his whispers tickled her, and she blushed…and the more she did that the more he couldn't stop himself…and so he turned her gently and kissed her…passionately…like he always did…they weren't aware how much time had elapsed until…

"Ahem Ahem" Zeeshan cleared his throat, he was a little used to this by now, he had walked up on them several times when they were making out, unknown to them… yes it was extremely gross looking at your brother and bhabi in this state, but apparently no one cared to use a room! What was worse was that Zeenat had come down to ask for a fresh-towel, and the poor thing seemed to be shocked and appalled at what she witnessed. He couldn't help but chuckle when she abruptly turned around and bumped into him…the colour rising on her cheeks to a ruby red, when the reality of the situation had sunk in… 'she had just witnessed her sister who for some reason she still considered innocent…do some really…really bad stuff…and he was standing right behind her…God! She decided she wanted to die right now…' so she turned and her face bumped right into his hard chest…'she could smell his cologne, which was perfectly intoxicating…' she stopped the last thought, and looked up to him. He was smiling sympathetically, or was it a suppressed grin? She decided he was looking 'mind-blowing' with that little trickle of water or sweat…frankly she didn't care…sliding down his neck…and down…wait did she just call him mind blowing? What had happened to her vocabulary, maybe it was because she had been listening to this weird song 'you're my mind-blowing maahiya', Great! Now it was playing in her head and to add to her misery the dance kept playing repeatedly…she shook her head a little to shake of her thoughts and the stupid song off…only to realize that he had noticed her doing the same. She saw him chuckling this time and felt her cheeks burn…the only thing that she could stammer was "I am s-s-sorry" and with that she ran upstairs, and into the washroom, she didn't care if the towel was used or not…all she knew was that she couldn't face anyone for a while…

"Ayan! Look what you did! I am so embarrassed and this is all because of you…you uh… you dumbo" she hit his chest with her fisted hands. "Guys you seriously have to stop this trust me…it's gross" Zeeshan chuckled and went into the dining room…leaving Imaan whining and cursing Ayan, while the latter tried to woo her back.

At the dining table, everyone was quiet…especially Zeenat, whose heart beat went faster everytime she remembered the not-so pleasant sight, but more so over the fact that she had felt him so close. She wasn't sure what was happening to her, all she could think about was…well she couldn't think right now, his scent was still clouding over her senses…she didn't know why she was feeling so? Maybe it was because she had never been in such close proximity with a man before. She was absently playing with the pasta, when "Zeenat, umm…" Imaan began uneasily, to start a conversation, "We've decided to go for a movie Naqaab… Kanwal will come with Vasim, the show starts around 6:00". Even though she hated watching movies in theatres, for obvious reasons…she couldn't forward the "bad scenes", and it made her insides squirmy and well…the point was she felt highly uneasy, but now was not the time to argue with Imaan, not when Ayan bhai and Zeeshan were sitting across her. After all what reason could she give for not coming? She tried this though "Why don't we watch Shrek? I heard it's a great movie" she said nervously. She noticed everyone went quiet, and to her utter embarrassment, Zeeshan choked on his coke because he couldn't control his laughter, ofcourse everyone started laughing at her request, and after a while with a note of finality Imaan said, "No, Zeenat we will watch Naqaab, and you're coming with us". Imaan had an inkling of what was going on in Zeenat's mind, but she thought her little sister had to grow up…she wasn't little anymore.

Zeenat hadn't thought about Kanwal yet, because she had been too busy with her own thoughts. But, towards the evening, as she was dressing up, she wondered how Kanwal knew Vasim? Afterall they were both coming together…she didn't know much about Kanwal and her personal life because Kanwal didn't share much with her. She made a mental note to ask Imaan about this later. As she put the final touches of mascara, she looked at herself…she was looking presentable she decided…she had chosen an ankle length white skirt with pink floral prints, a baby pink wrinkled top, and a long white coat, she had loosely clipped her hair a few strands falling over her face…and to add that little spark she marked a faint line of kaajal below her eyes…content with herself, she went downstairs…

Her sister and Ayan bhai were waiting for her…Zeeshan still hadn't come downstairs. "I'm ready…let's go" he said folding his sleeves as he came down. She saw how perfectly handsome he was looking, with his textured white shirt…sleeves folded, casually untucked from his crisp and ironed black pants…his hair gelled, a lock casually straying over his forehead and to top it all he looked fair…much fairer than her she mentally grunted…how did he manage to look so…so…casual yet so formal…so irresistible yet so innocent…he was too good for her, she decided. When he looked up, he smiled Zeenat had been looking at him…he raised an eyebrow at her at which she turned her glance at her watch…'I'm taking my own car…someone want to accompany me?' he asked looking at Zeenat. When she looked up she saw him looking expectantly at her, she didn't know why, but she said "I'll go with you Imu di" smiling at her sister avoiding his gaze. "Fine, I'll meet you guys there" he said curtly, and with that he marched out of the house, she was surprised when the door didn't bang shut, because she was sure she had seen a flicker of anger in his eyes…the stern voice she had heard a few days back had returned…she was sorry about whatever it was she had done to upset him, right now she knew she had to avoid him. Her problem was this …she couldn't think of him as a friend or an acquaintance…sure she had shared casual conversations with him…but the more she talked to him…the more she knew about him…the more she got attracted…and she knew it was wrong…she had to stop herself…and she was doing just that. Meanwhile Zeeshan who was feeling very rejected…banged his steering wheel, God! Why did she do this to him…one minute she would offer her hand, the next she would cut him with it…she was cruel he decided…He wanted to spend more time with her because he didn't meet her often. It was Friday night, and she would leave on the night of Sunday…Damn! He started the ignition and sped off…He resolved never to leave the question to her again…next time he would make the decision himself…

Zeenat was glad she had chosen, her brother-in-law's car, she was having fun with his amusing conversations, she was feeling much more comfortable which wouldn't have been the case with Zeeshan…she sighed…despite this she couldn't help but imagine what conversations they would have shared…

Kanwal and Vasim came up to the four of them, laughing their heads off, 'you're funny Vasim' Kanwal giggled…'what's so funny?' Zeenat asked amused at how friendly they were, she wondered how long they had known each other? They seemed to hate each other on the mehendi day…or did they? 'nothing, it's just another comment he passed, you'll hear me say that a lot around Vasim' Kanwal said eyeing Vasim…Zeenat noticed how her eyes were smiling…'Guys we need to go in, Ayan has bought the tickets' Imaan said and ordered 'Zeeshan you can get the drink and corn for us', 'I'm certainly not buying it alone this time' he demanded and before he could ask for Zeenat, Kanwal interrupted, 'me and Vasim will get the drinks, you can go ahead'. Inside the theatre, Ayan and Imaan sat together, Zeenat sat near her and conveniently placed her purse and coat on the seat nearby, 'May I?' Zeeshan asked eyeing the seat, 'Umm…actually this seat is Kanwal's' she smiled a little too nervous, 'Well, guess what? I'm here first, so I'm sitting right here' and with that he put her coat onto the next seat. She ignored his very rude behaviour, by looking straight ahead and not looking at him till later…

The movie started a while after Kanwal and Vasim had returned. Kanwal was slightly glad that she wasn't sitting near Zeenat, because Zeenat had an annoying habit of starting a conversation in the middle of the movie, whenever some 'dirty' scene came up.

The movie was going pretty good for Zeenat until a really intimate scene started, to put it simply she was in a dilemma, she turned to Imaan and tried to start a conversation, but Imaan simply said, 'Zeenat, shut up! Don't you dare disturb me' defeated she looked at Zeeshan, who was to her utter shock completely engrossed in the scene. Sick! She thought…she had to get his eyes away from the screen, 'So, how was the ride alone?' she asked, startling him… 'Huh?!' a bit surprised and amused that she was talking to him, he replied 'Great, it was great, music kept me company, what about yours?'… 'it was nice, ayan bhai and Imaan di were kidding around…you know how they are…and bhai's so cool, he told me all about the little fights you guys had as kids…you were a pretty violent kid…' she said wagging her index finger at him…he was loving this…for the first time in his life he was actually listening to someone other than the movie characters…the fact was he hated bollywood movies, he preferred Hollywood…right now chatting with her was way more interesting…as for her she had finally found someone who was ready to talk to her during a movie and pass those not-so-comfortable moments…ofcourse she hadn't guessed in her wildest dreams that the person would be Zeeshan…but she decided she didn't mind this one bit… he had never had so much fun watching an Indian movie, they joked throughout about the characters… 'you know what I hate Bobby Deol, I mean just look at his nose, it keeps dilating when he talks' she giggled 'he acts ok I guess…but for these actors I wouldn't want to spend my 12 bucks…the girl looks fine don't you think?' she asked… 'Yea, she's hot..' he said and regretted when she looked at him her eyes narrowing, 'uh…I mean beautiful' she giggled at him…they were warned several times by the audience and their siblings…but they continued whispering and giggling silently…

When the movie finally ended and the lights were on, she realized how close they had been…she had shared so much with him in the past moments…she couldn't help but feel sad that the movie had ended…they were soon scolded by all four about the disturbance they had caused 'what the hell were you guys chatting about?!' an annoyed Vasim asked…at which they just looked at each other and burst into laughter…he winked at her as he said 'our secret'…

'Zeenat, you can come along with me because I'm really sleepy, and I don't intend to doze off on the highway' he said, as everyone walked towards their car.

She slipped into his car for the second time...she inhaled the familiar smell…it brought back memories…memories that made her smile…she noticed the leather seats, out of habit she caressed them…feeling the softness, coldness…after a while she looked out the window. Unknown to her, he had noticed her little gestures…her expressions…he knew he liked her for that and much more…it made her different…different from the rest.

'So, do you want me to keep talking, so you don't fall asleep' she asked amused. 'Trust me, with you around I could never fall asleep' he muttered to himself, "Pardon me?" she asked, "Nothing, just mumbling in my sleep" he joked, "Shut up Zee! I know exactly how sleepy you are…" she said acting annoyed. 'Jerk' she thought couldn't he just tell her how glad he was that she sat in his car. "Ok, I admit it, I wanted you to ride with me because…" he paused, she smiled expectantly still looking out the window "because..I knew you would chat mindlessly and keep me awake, like you did in the theatre", extremely annoyed she said "Woah! Woah…don't even get me started about the theatre…you had your eyes glued on that stupid screen and that ugly girl, I mean honestly…I was surprised you weren't drooling…" Damn! had she just said drooling? "Uh…I mean you were anything but sleepy" she stammered. 'Jealous' he thought…nice…very nice…amused he repeated "Drooling?" and paused letting her embarrassment sink in… "Were you looking at me that closely cause I didn't realize…I guess…like everyone I was busy watching the movie, I mean that is what you do in a theatre afterall". "Fine…" she said calmly, her eyes looking out the window, masking her anger "Next time, I won't speak with you during a movie again", "Again?" he smiled running his hands through his hair "So, you're willing to watch a movie with me again Zenny?". "Yes, Mr. Zee if you're willing to shut up and concentrate on the road" she said, suppressing her smile but not her dimples. 'Mr. Zee' he mused…God! He was in love with her…

'Zenny' she thought as she curled in her bed clutching her blanket tightly over herself. 'Zenny' she repeated…it sounded so…so…she didn't have a word for it yet…but it sounded so…when it came from his mouth…so natural, so caring, so romantic, so…she sighed again…just the fact that he had named her so naturally…as if he had a right over her…she smiled in the darkness…she turned facing the ceiling…playing with her dark locks...she couldn't stop thinking about him…it wasn't about the way he looked…it was about the way he looked at her…it wasn't about how beautiful he thought she was…it was about how beautiful he made her feel…and the more she thought about him, the more she realized…she was in love with him…deeply in love with him…and that night she prayed silently and fervently…raising her hands, tears rolling down her cheeks…she prayed…she prayed and asked God to let her spend a lifetime with him…'a lifetime with him…and his love' she repeated slowly and silently as a dreamy sleep engulfed her…

Koi khwabon mein aake…meri jawaan tanhai ko mehka gaya…pyaase armaan jagake…jazbat ke ehsaas ko behka gaya…

CHAPTER 6

She saw him approaching towards her…his steps were slow and calculated…his casual…lazy gait a little too familiar…she couldn't make out his face from where she stood…because he was making his way through a shadowy path…while she was standing amongst a bed of white roses…the ambience unusually bright…impatience crept in…yet she waited patiently, her eyes closed silently, and even though her hands weren't raised, her heart was praying…she was silently whispering into the silence… 'A lifetime with you…' and as she felt something soft on her cheek, she opened her eyes and completed the phrase… '…my love'. A smile instantly lit her face, as she gazed into the crimson rose that had been caressing her face…as she took the rose, from those rough warm hands, his face came into view…the same unmade yet handsome face smiled back…those familiar light brown eyes, in whom she had gazed endless times before, looked back at her…thanking her…after what seemed like an eternity…she looked away from him onto the vibrant field of roses…turning she looked at him once again lovingly…smiling her dimpled smile…her cold hands took the blushing rose from his warm ones…and with one last look, she turned away…leaving a faint scarlet impression across the white field…

She woke up before dawn…for her routine morning prayers…yawning and stretching a little…she faintly remembered the dream and his face...

Smiling she went about the usual ablution and prayers…and then started waking Kanwal up, who had been sleeping beside her…waking her up was a challenge…she had been given this post since she was a kid… 'Kanwal! 'She shouted silently, pulling of her blanket, 'Get up for fajr!' she hissed, 'I've to go back to sleep, you moron, wake up!'…when she didn't budge, she tried something she hadn't before, 'wake up! Vasim's here!' and to her amazement, Kanwal woke up with a start blabbering "what? Where! When?" and blushed in embarrassment as she saw her sister laughing hysterically, kneeling beside her, her hands on her stomach…Kanwal threw an angry look at her, as she stepped down from the bed…'Jerk' she said as she walked into the washroom.

After praying, Kanwal slipped back into the bed, turning away from Zeenat, while the latter kept tossing and turning, and when she couldn't keep in her curiosity she said "Kanwal…" and paused…after a while she heard Kanwal whine back "What!"…"I was just wondering, how you know Vasim, I mean you seem to know him pretty well for a guy you just met a month ago…" , "No, I know him from high school, we go to the same one…" "Really, but you never mentioned him before…" "Well, I don't mention everything at home" she huffed and was about to turn away, when Zeenat said, "Kanwal, you know I'm just asking because I'm your sister…I'm sorry if I'm being inquisitive" she said sounding a bit hurt. "Okayy…I'm sorry I got pissed, I…uh…it's just that I kinda like him and he does too…just don't tell mom and dad yet…" she said quickly, "You know I won't" Zeenat replied… "coz we're still young, we haven't even started university yet, mom and dad would kill me if I said I'm in love and…well we wanna get married" she let out a dry laugh, and continued " but trust me we haven't so much as touched each other, we are really good friends, he understands me…actually we are so compatible…that we can't help but love each other…" she smiled, "Kanwal…I'm so happy for you…and even more that you trust me with your secret…you know to tell you the truth whenever I looked at the both of you…talking, teasing each other I would wish that there was something more there than just friendship there…" Zeenat said… "Your, really sweet Zeenat, I wish you would get a good man too, for starters Zeeshan bhai fits that profile" Kanwal teased, while Zeenat oblivious to her sister's jest replied back "Hmm…he's nice but I have my last year to finish, then I'll worry about marriage and stuff", when she heard nothing but giggles from Kanwal, she blushed and said "Shut up! Kanwal and go back to sleep"

Zeeshan noticed that she was in an unusually good mood today, she couldn't stop smiling…when he couldn't hold it in, he asked her "So, what's the good news, you've been all smiles, since morning". She eyed him for a while, as she pondered on her reply…he was wearing a red and white chequered apron, over a loose-fitted white tee-shirt, his long sleeves were folded around his elbows, revealing his slightly tanned and broad hands…dexterously flipping the omelette. He was lost in his omelette while she was lost in him… he looked adorable yet macho, a perfect husband she mused…after a while she replied back "Nothing…sweet dreams, I guess". "Did you put the cheese in the omelette?" Imaan asked, "Yes, I did bhabi, now can you please let me make this omelette" he said for the umpteenth time extremely annoyed, and looking at Zeenat he whispered, "She's been doing this since I entered the kitchen, I mean how do I cook, if you keep pestering me every minute …next thing you know she'll ask me if I remembered the eggs!". She simply chuckled back. Finally he laid the omelette on a plate garnished it with coriander and grated mozzarella cheese, toasted the breads, and laid them outside on the dining table, where everyone except Zeenat was ready to bite into what Zeeshan had prepared. "Zeenat, aren't you coming?", "No, I'll just have tea…" she began, when Zeeshan cut in "She'll have breakfast with me…" he said, as he went into the kitchen, she followed him and said "Zeeshan, I'm serious I don't eat breakfast", "Well, you are now" he said raising his eyebrows at her, a note of finality in his voice. Defeated she sat on the tall breakfast bar stool, her face in her hands, staring aimlessly. With his back towards her, he pursued his trail of thought "Sweet dreams? What kind of dreams, are we talking about exactly…", "Dreams are not meant to be shared" she said amused at his curiosity. He was the last person she would share this dream with…if she thought logically, this dream was perhaps just a re-creation of her subconscious thoughts, yet the timing of the dream…she'd been praying for him the night before….the rose...everything was so appropriate…No…she decided it wasn't a random dream…it was a sign. "How many breads would you like toasted?", "Don't bother toasting them, I'll eat one…" "You don't toast your bread?" he asked a little annoyed. "Yeah, I don't? So?" she asked mimicking his raised eyebrows, equally annoyed. "It's weird…you don't toast breads…they taste better, specially with omelettes…everyone toasts breads…eat them toasted" he insisted, "Thanks for the suggestion but I've my own habits, which I intend to maintain, and I'm going to eat them un-toasted, because that's how I like them" she finished…he silently smiled…he could see he had totally annoyed her. She was silent now eating, actually fiddling with her bread, "You don't eat much do you? Weight conscious?" he asked, appalled she looked up at him "No, I'm not weight conscious! I don't need to be, I have a very nice figure and I'm happy with it" she said looking up at him, he wasn't even looking at her; he was busy munching his damn omelette. "I refuse to agree with you there, I mean apart from the fact that you have a nice figure…You just make your appetite less, its what girls your age do, and I've even seen girls who don't eat much in front of people, just because it sounds better" he continued. She decided it was pointless arguing with him, so she stayed silent. 'Girls my age?' she thought, 'Jerk' he was just 5 years older to her, normally when she talked to him she never felt the age-difference, but right now he was sounding like an old man, showering her with advices and what not, God! He was so annoying, and thanks to him her happy mood was ruined, what's more she couldn't picture her dream, it was all fuzzy now…she couldn't even imagine his face properly, not that she needed to because he was sitting right across her! But, she didn't want to look into his face right now…his mouth gradually biting into the omelette…relishing the taste…letting the melted cheese soften in his mouth… "You want more?" he asked with his mouthful, "Huh?!" embarrassed she realized she had been staring at him, "No…just lost…" she muttered, "In your dream again?" he asked, when she blushed and stammered "No..No…." and laughed a little too nervously and said "hehe…nothing like that, just lost". He picked up the plates and put them in the sink, when he turned she had left. He said a silent and triumphant 'Yes!', he had got his answer…'so…' he mused 'he was part of her little 'sweet dream'…why else would she blush?

The weekend had passed by a little too quickly to almost everyone's dismay…leaving three hearts broken by the separation, while one heart thanked God…he would finally get the privacy he needed…it was Ayan's heart he would finally get some time again with his wife Imaan, who was at this moment hugging her sister, wishing her good luck for her final year exams and getting slightly emotional because it would be around 4 months when they would next meet…he felt a little pang of guilt for feeling this way. It would be false to say he wouldn't miss Zeenat and Kanwal…Zeenat especially…she was like the little sister he always wanted…but still he had to be slightly formal around Imaan, when Zeenat was present, and so he missed his privacy.

Vasim had also stayed for the weekend at the Khan's, he usually spent long weekends with his two favourite cousins, and this weekend was the same…except it was even more special because Kanwal was also present. With her around, everything was more fun…whether it was watching a goofy 'govinda' movie or cooking or cleaning or even sitting around with nothing to talk about. He joked often, but with her around he felt like his jokes were appreciated…even though she would just say a simple 'you're funny Vasim' but it never ceased to make his heart swell in happiness…the best part was that she knew he loved her…and loved him back…nothing was better than having the person you love, love you back…he wasn't sad though because they lived in the same area, and were in the same high school, he saw her everyday, infact he would drop her and Zeenat home today…so right now he was anything but sad…

Zeeshan felt his heart stir as he saw her coming up to him, and saying "I had a nice time… you drive well" she said abruptly and then shook her head, letting out a little laugh "I mean I enjoy long drives, and I am glad you took me for drives", he had taken her twice again for a drive…he had figured that way he could spend time with her, let her know more about him…"Yeah it was umm…my pleasure" he gave a tight smile, and ran his fingers through his hair, and then clearing his throat he stammered "we…we'll"…his throat was a little too dry…he cursed himself, why couldn't he speak properly today… "We'll see each other soon…InshaAllah (god-willing)" it was a statement but sounded more like a question to her, so she replied smiling "Yeah, yeah we will". She noticed he was stammering slightly, unsure of what to say, she had never seen him so unconfident, nervous…he hadn't smiled the way he usually did…she tried smiling again one last time…but all he gave her back was a stiff smile, a brief gaze and then turning away he walked into the house…she knew something was going on in that mind of his…she wondered what?....

It had now been a month since she had left…and it was Friday again…he walked to the nearby mosque for the night prayer, through the wet roads…the snow was silently melting as spring crept in…he realized how much he missed her…he wanted to speak to her, when she called Imaan…but what or rather how could he ask Imaan to let him speak with Zeenat…it would look odd…suspicions would arise…he hadn't shared his feelings for her with anyone yet…if anyone had the right to know about this, it was Zeenat…and she would be the first one to know. He entered the mosque that day, removing his shoes silently…stepping onto the plush red carpet…taking his position…praying behind the Imaam…engrossed completely…he finally finished the prayer with a salute to the two angels on his shoulders…and as he brought his hand upwards he remembered Zeenat…and that's when realization hit him hard…he realized how fast time was passing by…he realized he had to propose to Zeenat soon…she would graduate…there would be numerous proposals coming her way…he had to tell her that he loved her and ask her hand in marriage…or else it would be too late…it had all seemed so easy…yet now he was having doubts…was he right in thinking that she loved him back? If she didn't he wasn't sure how he would handle himself…he would never be able to love another…or marry another…he couldn't imagine his life with anyone other than her…he felt scared for the first time in his life…scared for what the future had kept in store for him…he realized he hadn't asked God for Zeenat yet…and so as soon as the thought struck him…he made a silent wish…a prayer… 'I'm not asking for anything but her love…please…' he whispered quietly… 'her love…just that…let her love me back…please' he whispered back into the silence, as a silent tear fell onto his hand…usually he was an impatient, hot-tempered guy…he always wanted his answers fast…but he realized this was life…only time would tell if his prayers were answered…only time would tell if she was destined for him…only time would tell…

CHAPTER 7

April 25^th: Friday…as she handed in her sheets to the examiner, she breathed a sigh of relief…she was finally done…she was looking forward to the summer…she needed a break badly…she had been working her ass off for her finals, it had paid off…because she felt the exams were a breeze…now all she was looking forward too were the results…and ofcourse the convocation…she had to shop…shop and shop some more!

Yet she couldn't help but feel sad…it was over! She sighed…she would miss hanging out with her friends at Tim Horton's, while skipping lectures…with not a worry in her mind…she would still be in touch with her friends…but it wouldn't be the same…all of them would be busy searching for jobs this summer…that was another huge tension…she had to get a job! This summer wouldn't be all fun and games like the previous ones…she would be busy looking for a full-time job…it was weird she felt relieved and tensed at the same time… She was startled out of her thoughts with the familiar ring tone of her cell….

"Hello…" "Hey! It's me" "Imaan di! I'm done!! Hopefully forever! God! It feels great!" Zeenat said smiling broadly… "Good sounds like your exams went good…guess what I'm on my way to our place…" "Yay! That's even better…you staying for the weekend?" "Duh?!" Imaan said…it was obvious she wouldn't come all the way just to spend an evening "Ok, fine stupid question, so yea I'm getting on the subway now, I'll see you in a bit then?" "Yeah…take care…chal bye"

"I'm home…" she announced, placing her black hand bag…accessorized with a variety of crystal charms…on her bed…she wondered why Imaan hadn't reached yet, the house was too quiet…and as she went out of her room… "Boo!" Imaan screamed into her…shocked, and terrified she screamed back "Aaahhh!" her hands still on her chest, breathing heavily she looked at Imaan who was laughing her head off, clutching her stomach…saying "Gotcha!" "Di!! Uff…your soooo childish!" she said annoyed, she was slightly embarrassed at herself for being scared to death, yet she couldn't help but chuckle at Imaan…she was glad her sister was back after over five months…she was still the same…scaring her whenever she got the chance…she remembered how she used to check every corner before walking, because Imaan would always stand at a corner, and just say 'boo!', scaring the hell out of her, she didn't know why Imaan enjoyed it so much…she was sadistic…"You know I had actually stopped checking corners…after your marriage…I seriously don't know why you think its so funny…" "Look, at yourself in the mirror…you'll know…it's this classic face, your face is shocked…your eyebrows shoot up…" Imaan chuckled… "It's hilarious, and now that I'm back…remember to look around the corner" she said the last part slowly…ominously…

She had planned a lot…she would go shopping with Imaan…only the two of them…with no Ayan bhai…it would be fun….and that's what they did…they shopped and shopped…they shopped for almost everything…from designer tops, to skirts, to handbags, to jewellery…everything…with their hands full with shopping bags, they sat in Imaan's car…Zeenat had this nagging feeling that Imaan wanted to share something with her…she sensed it a few times while they were shopping, it was as if she would stop to say something and would instead say 'nothing' and would divert her attention to another great deal…'buy one get 1 off' or something like that… Now, in the confines of the car, with a soft music playing in the background…Imaan finally decided to tell her sister what she had been itching to tell her for so long… "Zeenat, I'm pregnant!", Zeenat who was busy looking at her sister's CD collection said, "Huh! I mean that's great, Oh my God! Oh my God! I'll be a khala! This is so cool! Come here, give me a hug" and she hugged a smiling Imaan "why did you take so long in telling me!", "because…I don't know I was waiting for the right moment…I totally forgot about this when I met you, you had so much to talk about your exams and stuff…and then in the mall it kinda felt weird…you know what I mean" "No, I don't…but whatever…yay! Did you tell mum and dad" "Yeah…yea I did, it feels so good Zeenat, to have a life inside you, Ayan's been an absolute darling about this…I mean he cares for me even more now…and…" she giggled "he has this weird habit of caressing my stomach…nowadays he does that a lot…" she shook her head smiling, now caressing it as well… "Eww…didn't need to know that" Zeenat said, even though she found the gesture very romantic… "Shut up Zeenat!"

They arrived home, to find Ayan and Zeeshan sitting in the living room…Zeeshan had come to drop Ayan off, but was insisted by Imaan's parents to have dinner with them.

Zeenat hadn't expected Zeeshan's presence…and so when she saw him so suddenly…so unexpectedly…she didn't know what to feel…she felt slightly numb, she felt her heart stop for a moment…and as soon as it did, she felt it race back on track…faster than it had ever…he was here!! She wanted to scream in happiness…his sight, his face, his smile…yes he was smiling widely at her, his perfect teeth shining through…she had waited endlessly for this moment…she had thought of him every day…she had wished he would call her…talk to her…she had wanted to talk to him, about so much…yet, at this moment…all she could do was hush her racing heart…and smile back at him…

He smiled back at her, saying a polite greeting…

She changed from her jeans into something more comfortable…a maroon half-sleeved cotton salwar kameez, which was plain, except for the sleek silver lace running across her neck and arms, her hair were tied in a loose braid, a lone lock straying across her plain face…

He looked so formal today…she guessed he had come straight from work, he was wearing a navy blue shirt embellished with a few silver stripes, the sleeves she noted were not folded, so he was folding them now as he sat on the dinner table…revealing his huge silver Rolex watch, with a matching blue dial…he was slightly serious today, engrossed with her dad about the market, business and the world in general…he was looking even more handsome, with his serious expression, his hands moving occasionally as he spoke…she hadn't been staring at him, she had just caught glimpses of him from the corner of her eyes…

It was as if the table was divided into two groups, one consisting of her, Imaan, Ayan bhai and Kanwal, whereas the other was Zeeshan and her parents.

He noticed Zeenat giggling with Ayan bhai, while Imaan was looking slightly annoyed…he wasn't listening to them so he guessed it was probably a joke on Imaan…he noticed how beautiful she was looking, so plain yet so charming…she was hitting Ayan playfully, and hugging Imaan sympathetically...her hands masking her mouth occasionally as she giggled…a single silver ring with a garnet embedded in it, adorned her otherwise plain hands…he hadn't noticed her before because he had been busy talking with Uncle, he had never interacted much with Zeenat's dad and he knew it was time to spend some time with her parents…he wasn't bored at all…infact he was enjoying this…her dad had a wealth of information, he was a smart man…and Zeeshan liked him…he missed his father more than anything today…he remembered engaging in conversations similar to this with his Dad… "Aunty, you are an amazing cook! I mean Imaan's recipes are good, but you are excellent" Zeeshan said impressed, "I'm her mother afterall" she chuckled back. "I'm sure all your daughters will be excellent cooks, with your recipes…even Ayan bhai could cook something edible" he said dissing Ayan, "Hey! I heard my name, what's going on in that corner?" Ayan asked, "Bhai, I was just telling them how good you cook…" Zeeshan said, "Accha, so you were dissing me huh…" he said, "I don't know that's for you to decide…you know how you cook" he winked at him…and left Ayan fuming…

Smiling Zeenat's mom continued…"Imaan, was always interested in cooking, she cooked since she was in grade 8, some people just have the knack for it, but Zeenat…" she paused smiling, shaking her head "don't even get me started on her…I mean she doesn't take the initiative, she's always busy in her studies, or reading mindless books…and she's graduated now, I tell her everyday that she has to get married someday, she should start learning these things…you know…" pausing for awhile she continued "she actually cooked one day, because I wasn't home that day and what can I say…it was horrible! God! I didn't allow her in the kitchen after that, except to wash dishes…I don't know what I'll do with this girl", she wasn't sure why she was able to talk to Zeeshan so easily, but she realized he was actually listening to her, and responding back instead of just mumbling back 'hmm', like her husband or even Ayan did… "Well, Aunty, I guess the only thing to do is get her a husband who cooks" he winked, "Right! And where will I find one?" she chuckled, "Don't worry we'll find one for her" he winked back….he was adorable…she was a mother…so she couldn't help but think how perfect Zeeshan would be for her daughter…Zeenat…but she didn't dare share this with Zeenat…she knew what Zeenat would say 'Mom! You tell this about every guy, please just stop!' or she would probably threaten her 'If I'm a burden to you, then I can leave this house, I'll rent an apartment of my own, and you can send food to me…' she smiled inwardly…and silently said… 'But he's different Zeenat, I like this kid, and my heart says he's for you'

It was around 10:00 at night, Zeenat had retired to her room….Zeeshan was still in the living room she figured, busy with her parents…she was slightly angry with him, he was acting so aloof, as if he barely knew her, while she had waited the entire evening for him to speak to her, but no...he hadn't shared even one conversation with her. She was now busy reading her favourite book "The Broken Wings" by Kahlil Gibran. She had read it several times now, yet she never got bored of it…it was perhaps the excellent flow of language…or perhaps the story…she didn't know why but it moved her…it was about two lovers who could never be united, because of circumstances…faith, the girl eventually gets married to another man…a cruel man…and dies at the end giving birth to her dead son…it was a short story, unlike her usual taste for huge books. So, there she was lying on her bed, her hair untied now…swaying rhythmically with the curtains…when she heard a knock… 'come in…' she said, wondering who it was…no one ever knocked on her door.

He peeped in first, when she sat up on her bed, he entered. She said an uncertain 'hey', he didn't reply, instead he paced a little in her room. He noticed it was mostly black, the bed, the covers, quilts, computer desk, chair, everything…except ofcourse the carpet, thin curtains and one pillow which were pale pink. He sat on her comfy bed just because he wanted to. "Umm…I thought you left already" she said slightly moving closer to the bed frame, hugging her knees…it made her nervous, him sitting on the bed…with no one else around…she trusted him completely, but still it made her nervous. She wondered what brought him here? "No, I didn't leave, and even if I did, why didn't you come downstairs, I mean we were meeting after so long, you didn't talk to me, I was wondering where you were…how were your finals?" he asked. She was a little taken a back with what he said 'wasn't he the one who didn't talk to her? Wasn't he busy talking with her parents? Ignoring her…hadn't she tried to talk to him all this time, while he ignored her? And now he had the nerve to blame her about it!?', but to him she said "they were good", "Zenny…" he paused, God! She was crazy about his voice…she loved it when he took her name this way… "I've been meaning to tell you something, for sometime now, I'm not sure how you would react…uhh…don't get me wrong, I'm usually a strong person, 'daring' my friends call me…but not this time…I'm not…I don't have the guts to stay put and know your reaction…" he turned towards her, running his fingers through his hair, he noticed she had been looking at him all this time… "to what I want to say…so I figured, I would take the easy way out…" and with that he handed her an envelope, a crimson envelope…she was slightly confused with what he said…she wanted to believe what her heart was saying…did the envelope hold his love for her? She wanted to believe it so bad…but she didn't…she couldn't….not until she had read its contents…

He continued sitting for a while on her bed…looking at her, while she looked down at the envelope, occasionally looking up to check if he was still looking back at her, and when he was, she would look down again…he knew he was making her uncomfortable…but frankly he didn't care, he was seeing her after 4 months, hearing her voice after that long…he had the right he believed to look at her…her raven hair were cascading over her shoulders and below, hiding her face…her dark eyes had a hint of kohl under them, while her thick eyelashes enhanced the beauty of her face…her long, thin fingers beautified with that single garnet stoned ring were fidgeting with the crimson envelope, he could see she was nervous…and then he did something that he was sure had stopped her heart…he sat closer to her…with one hand on the bed towards her side, he brought his other hand and face forward…tucking the hair that fell over her face, behind her ear, he whispered "Glad, we have those out of the way" and then paused for a while…inhaling her scent…her hair tickling his face, because he realized she was shaking slightly…breathing hard…she could feel his warm breath on her neck, her ears…she wasn't sure why he had stopped talking…and how long he would stay this way…all she knew was that her heart was threatening to stop any minute, how did she know that? …because her heart was pumping blood faster than it normally did…she was feeling herself burn…and she was sure her heart would die any minute now due to exhaustion… "I'll wait for your reply…" he paused again, taking his time…because her scent captured his senses…pleading him to stay longer... "Zenny…" he finished…his voice unusually deep at the last word…and then as abruptly as he had come he left…leaving just a whiff of his presence…and the dark envelope around her fingers…

She rested her head on the pillow, closing her eyes, her hands over her heart, calming it…she needed to do this…before she opened the envelope…

Her hands shivered as she broke the seal of the crisp envelope, revealing a pale pink paper…and a silver solid-heart pendant and chain…engraved on the pendant was the letter 'Z'…she read what was written in red ink…and smiled…caressing the silver heart…

Dear Zenny…

I'm offering you my heart…I won't ask for yours in return, instead I ask for your love…

Yours Forever…Zee

CHAPTER 8

It was Sunday and he had been invited to the Syed house for the entire day…seeing as he was alone at home, they had called him as well…he wished that this much time was enough for her to decide…yes, he had heard lovers usually say they could wait until eternity…but that was bull shit…he couldn't wait that long! And he hoped Zeenat wouldn't make him wait…he had done his part as soon as he could…now it was her turn. He knew that Zeenat would say something as soon as he went…or so he thought…and so with these thoughts he entered her home…

He sat in the living room, Ali Uncle, was busy drinking his mid-morning tea, and reading the Toronto Star. Zeeshan greeted him, and sat silently for a while…unlike yesterday he wasn't interested in starting a conversation with him today, he tapped his foot impatiently, fidgeted a while with the cushions, ran his hands through his hair twice…and then when he couldn't wait anymore…he asked "Uh…uncle, where's Imaan bhabhi?" "Oh..." he said looking up from the newspaper "she's in her room upstairs, sorry I was so engrossed in the news here…" he smiled back, "you can go upstairs, Zeeshan beta, don't be so formal, it's your house too" "Thanks, Uncle…"

He went upstairs to find Imaan folding some of her clothes, he sat beside her on the bed. "Hey Zeeshan, when did you come" she said now folding a pink shawl. "Just now, umm…so how're you feeling?" he asked, "Fine, thank you, just the usual sickness, but nothing more", "Sickness? Did…did you tell aunty?" he asked concerned, smiling she pulled his cheeks and said "Thanks Zeeshan, I'm fine really…its all normal, you're so adorable…and there's my dumb husband, who's been missing since morning…" she joked. "Well, where is he?", "I don't know, off with his two salis (sister-in-laws), they didn't bother waking me up or telling me where they're going, and so I didn't bother to call them hmph!" she shook her head, and continued "You know what Zeeshan, we should ditch them and go someplace cool too", "Yeah…" he answered slightly lost, which went unnoticed by Imaan because she continued "Except I don't feel so good…I'm gonna spank him when he gets back…as for those two I'll give them a piece of my mind". When he was silent she looked at him…he seemed forlorn…"Zeeshan, is everything all right?", "Yeah, everything's cool…uhh…I'm just gonna go out for a stroll, ok?" "Yeah, sure…listen, if you have anything on your mind, you know you can share it with me, right?" she said concerned… "Yeah, I know bhabhi…"

"Beta, where are you going?" "Nowhere aunty," he smiled and continued "just going for a walk, what are you cooking" "Fried Rice and chicken chilli's on the menu, dear…" "Hmm, smells good…I'll take the recipe later on, that's if you want to share your secret recipe with me" he winked "…right now though I'm in the mood for a stroll", "Yeah, yeah do that…" she smiled, and pulled his cheek. He was a darling…and he knew how to cook…he would make a perfect husband…she thought…

He strolled around the house, waiting for her to come…but when she didn't…he walked ahead…his hands in his pockets…his hair waving slightly with the breeze…it was a cloudy day…he felt nice walking out…he wondered why she hadn't been at home and had gone with Ayan bhai… 'so, she goes out with him, even though she knows I'm coming…' he silently fumed…he walked on, and after a while realized he had been clutching his hand in fists…he took his hands out, ran his fingers through his hair…and cursed…he wanted her to be here…and she wasn't…God! Why did she make him wait…

It was around an hour later around 3:00…he returned to find uncle, aunty, and Imaan on the dining table, "Good you came beta, we were waiting for you", "Uncle aren't we waiting for everyone to come?" he asked, "Guess what…they are out watching a movie, Zeenat's favourite Shrek…can you believe it? Ayan just called, telling me that they were at the Fairview mall, and would come home later around 7:00, I can't believe they would ditch us!" Imaan said annoyed at the three…"Alright, so I guess we will eat then" he said picking up his spoon, giving a tight smile, and with that he silently sat down to eat lunch. Imaan was slightly surprised, at this…normally he would say something, it was weird she decided…but let it pass…because she wasn't sure what to ask him…

'Movie! Movie! You go to a freaking movie…to watch that that…green blob of ugliness…that that ogre!' he was screaming silently, but all anyone could see was him eating silently, smiling occasionally…because that's not the way his anger worked, he didn't shout or scream…it wasn't because he was around people…he would do the same even if he was alone…he didn't shout or scream because that wasn't how he let his anger out…he would get back at her…by letting her realize her mistake…letting her pine for him…oh! he was mad…angry at her…he felt like kicking himself for coming here…she had ditched him! That's what she was doing…he couldn't believe she would choose Shrek over him…

He was in no mood to stay here waiting for Zeenat to come, he felt desperate waiting for her…he hated her for making him feel this way…and so, he told everyone at home that some work had come up and he would be back around 8:00…in time for dinner…he didn't go home…he kept driving…it allowed him to forget his anger, calm down a bit…he sped onto the 401 highway…and continued driving until he reached lake shore…he sat there for a couple of hours, drinking away his coke…staring at the horizon…lost in…the lake…the bickering sea gulls…the occasional laughter and chatter of people. Around 7:00 he realized, it was getting late so he stood up…he still couldn't believe her…how dare she ditch him…that was all he could think of right now…he massaged his temples with his fingers, to ease his headache. Standing up, he looked into the horizon one last time…before turning away and walking towards his car…and as he sat in it he said "I love you Zenny…but I'll make you pay for this…"

Zeenat wondered where he had gone, she thought he would be home when she returned around 7. She sat in the living room, waiting for him…worried where he was…because it was close to 9:00 now…and he still hadn't come. It was 9:05; when she went into the kitchen because her throat felt parched, oh! She felt like crying right now, why wasn't he here? Did something happen…Ayan bhai had been trying his cell, but no one was picking up…God! She wished he was safe…and he would come soon…she drank water…but all it did was increase the pain in her throat…she was scared she would cry any minute…but she had to hide her feelings…she couldn't cry right now…not infront of everyone…

When she returned to the living room, she found he had returned…she stopped at the door and smiled looking at him, and with her hand on her heart she thanked God, closing her eyes for a brief moment…when she opened them she saw him looking at her…and then he turned away, talking to his brother, without a smile at her. She let it pass…maybe he was just busy talking to them…why would he be mad at her? She reasoned…she had thought countless times before that he was angry…yet he never was…she was sure he wasn't this time…it was just her brain jumping to conclusions…

At the dinner table, he didn't look at her, he kept to himself mostly…eating his food silently…occasionally talking to her dad…she realized he was avoiding her… "Do, you want juice?" she asked, "No, thanks" he said without looking at her, after a while she tried "Some more chilli?", "No"…but when her mother asked him after a while, "Beta, take some more", "Thanks aunty" he smiled at her mom and took it. She noticed everything about him seemed calm, his eyebrows, his eyes, his occasional smiles…yet if she looked into his eyes, she could see the anger they held…he had looked at her twice, his light eyes searing through her dark twinkling ones…twinkling because her eyes were moist…she knew he was mad…but didn't know why…she tried looking back into his eyes, telling him she was sorry…she wasn't sure for what she was sorry…she just wanted to apologize…yet she couldn't gaze back into them, they held so much rage, that it pierced her heart to see him looking at her with those eyes…

After the dinner, the three of them decided it was getting late and they would leave…Zeenat hugged Imaan, and bid adieu to Ayan…Zeeshan had already stepped out of the house…she excused herself, went to her room grabbed the pink gift bag, and stepped out of the house from the back door…her sister had already left, while he had been slightly late because of his shoe laces…he was tying them…she thanked God that he was wearing those shoes…or else he would have left...as soon as her parents shut the door…she ran up to him "Zee!" she called out. With his back towards her, he said coldly "Zeenat, make it quick, I don't have all the time in the world". 'Zeenat' she whispered…he had stopped calling her that…and his tone, it was so icy…it hurt…yet she fought back her tears, to keep a steady face, she couldn't cry and make a fool out of herself…yet her voice quivered "I wanted to give you something…" and when he didn't turn, she took his hands, and placed the bag in his hand…she thought he would say something but all he did was unlock the car…and placed the bag carelessly on the seat. He was about to close the door, when he looked up at her, she had been crying silently…clutching the dupatta on her neck…God! He wanted to make her sorry…not make her cry…why was she crying? He stepped out from his car…and walked up to her, "Hey…Zenny…Zenny…ssshhh, don't cry, I'm sorry ok…" he said holding her, wiping her tears…but all she did was hiccup…"Zenny….c'mon, you know I can't stay mad at you" he stroked her hair, but she kept sobbing…he held her for a while and finally kissed her hair…she broke away from him, yet the tears kept flowing "I…I...I wanted to talk to you…I didn't know why you were mad…I was out to get a gift for you…" she said, "Oh really so you were out getting a little present for me?!…aren't you forgetting something…the movie you planned on watching…Shrek…?!" he was calm yet his tone betrayed his frustration and anger… she started crying again "I like Shrek, and I knew no one would come with me to the theatre to watch it…so I…I…" she broke down again "I watched it…", "Zenny…I'm sorry stop crying, I'm just talking to you, I'm not mad ok, I was just asking that you forgot to mention Shrek", "No, you were not asking, you were angry…you didn't talk to me all day…today…ignored me completely…" , "Well excuse me for not talking…but let me point out that you weren't here 'all day'…Oh! No don't…don't cry again Zenny…see I'm talking…don't do this to me…I'm sorry ok, just forget everything ok, C'mon come here…" and saying that he held her again, tightly in his embrace…she fit perfectly, he noticed she was still crying so he stroked her hair occasionally to calm her…after a while she pulled back, and said "I'm …sorry" smiling sheepishly, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I…" she looked up at him to make sure he was looking back at her, "look…" she said slightly lowering the shimmering black dupatta from her neck…he saw the heart he had given her…it felt so perfect against her skin…and for the first time in these past days…he felt secure…that she loved him back…his heart against her…made him secure…"I should get going…umm…don't forget the bag…" she said smiling timidly …her dimples deepened as he said to her "I couldn't"…

Back in his room, he unbuttoned his shirt slowly…smiling as he remembered how she had lowered the thin dupatta…

He wasn't very curious about her gift anymore, because he knew her answer, so he took his time…showering and freshening up…he was glad he couldn't get her face off his mind…that faint blush, as she said 'don't forget the bag'…those eyes lowered as she slid her dark veil…those swaying tresses, her tearful eyes as she held onto the heart…he knew she had conquered him…hell! He had apologized to her twice, when she should have been doing that…he smiled thinking 'first she hurts me, by watching Shrek! When she should be declaring her love for me…and then cries, because I'm mad at her…and I apologize to her for making her cry...'…he knew he loved her too much to give her pain…he couldn't…and so for the first time in his life Zeeshan Khan let it pass…lost many would say…but then again, who wouldn't want to lose to Zeenat Syed?

He made himself a cup of strong coffee, and headed up to his room…sat on his bed…took the little pink bag…he smiled she had given him a heart shaped box of assorted chocolates…how sweet and…girly…he wasn't much into chocolates…but he knew he would relish these…was that it? But before his disappointment got the better of him…he saw something else…a small plain white card…he opened it to find a little dried red rose…he smelled the rose it was scented…and on the card she had written something that made him love her even more…it was written in her perfectly cursive handwriting…not to mention in red ink…

Zee…

I'm glad you asked for my love…because hearts die…

My love for you will never…

Only yours,

Zeenat…

CHAPTER 9

"Hello…" she said sleepily, it was 3:00 am… "Hi love…" said his husky voice, "Umm…", "It's me…Zeeshan…" he said, knowing well enough that she had recognized him…"Accha, Hi…how're you?", "You don't have to be so formal Zenny…I'm doing fine, you just saw me a few hours ago remember?", "Yeah right…hehe…umm…why did you call so late?", "Couldn't stop thinking about you…Love" he whispered. She felt herself blushing…even though he wasn't nearby…she could feel herself turning warm…she slipped back into her bed…closed her eyes…twirling her dark locks she said "Really…that's nice of you…but I was sleeping…" "Yeah I know…that's why I called, to remind you that it's time you start thinking about me…now that my works done…I'll let you go back to sleep…Sweet Dreams…oh speaking of dreams you better tell me about that dream of yours…", "I don't 'think' while sleeping, so thinking about you is out of question…" she giggled and continued "And my dreams are mine…just because you're my…" she blushed at what she was about to say…she thought it best to leave it unfinished…and said instead "I don't share certain things with anyone…and that includes you…and my dreams are one of those things…" , "finish it…You're my? I'm your what?" he asked mischeviously, "Nothing, you're my Zee" she said blushing…He laughed "Right, just that…your Zee…and yeah you'll share it with me…because you'll be sharing a lot more things with me…everything infact…"he winked over the phone, "I'll make sure of that" he chuckled. "Shut up Zee…I need to sleep, please…" she said getting a little nervous at what he was hinting, "Yea yea, fine…you can sleep, and don't forget to dream about me, cause I won't…" , "Hmm…bye", "Bye…love" he whispered again… "Click" she put the phone down…God! Why did he have to whisper…in that sensuous voice of his…now all she could do was think about him…she loved it when he said 'love'…and just thinking of it made her blush…

Zeeshan was finally able to sleep…content that he had invaded the sleep and the thoughts of the one who was bewitching his…and he was right…because that night Zeenat couldn't sleep…

As the spring of April gave way to the summer of July…the silent love of Zeenat and Zeeshan blossomed into an engagement…for it was in this month of July, that Zeeshan, along with Ayan and Imaan stepped into the Syed House to seek Zeenat's hand in his…for a lifetime…Zeenat's parents were delighted at the prospect, yet no one knew about their secret love for each other…ofcourse Zeenat's consent was a mere formality for Zeeshan…he knew her answer long back…yet they went through the process formally…silently enjoying as their lives conveniently played according to their will… for now….

"Zeenat Beta, I think you guys should talk to each other alone, is that alright?" her mom whispered into her ear, "Yes, mum, whatever you feel is right…" she said meekly. "Beta Zeeshan, Zeenat will take you to her room, and you both can talk with each other, understand each other, hmm…" Ali Uncle said smiling. "Jee Uncle" he said obediently.

The pair silently went upstairs…looking down…until they reached Zeenat's room…and that's when they burst out laughing… "Jee Uncle" she mimicked him, "Honestly, Zee…you were killing me…I was so scared I would laugh…" she chuckled, "What do you expect me to do? I have to make an impression on your parents…and you were not far behind…with your head bowed down, whispering to aunty, and yeah! You freakin' winked at me! You scared the hell out of me…I was so scared Uncle would catch you winking…" , "Oh Zee…you're such a scaredy cat…" she teased pouting her lips, "I'll show you, who's a scaredy cat" he said running after her with a pillow…"Zee, Mom!" she said suddenly, and chuckled, her hands over her mouth…at the shocked expression on his face, "I'm gonna kill you Zenny…I swear!" he said and ran after her, but stopped when Imaan entered suddenly, "C'mon guys! Spill…" Imaan said, her arms folded, her eyebrows raised… "Nothing Di…we were just scared of…umm…a mouse…it was under my bed" Zeenat said a little nervous, "And you expect me to believe that? Zeeshan of all people is running after you with a pillow, on the day he's proposing…c'mon give me something better than that…if you wanted to lie, you should have let Zeeshan do it, cause you simply can't…" Imaan said amused at the pair. "Ok, fine…umm…I love your sister, and she loves me back…" Zeeshan said quickly…silently hoping she wouldn't ask them anything more… "You know I won't leave you two, unless you don't tell me the details right?" Imaan said mischeviously… "Fine" they said at once… "Ok, so make yourselves comfortable, because I've a lot to ask and a lot more to listen…so how long have you two been doing this behind our back…" she asked chuckling… "Di!" "Bhabhi" they both groaned…and so they sat in Zeenat's room, for well over an hour…they shared their story with Imaan…yet Zeenat and Zeeshan didn't divulge any details about how they declared their love for each other…because as the saying goes 'some things are best left unsaid'….unshared…

"Zenny, I just left your house, how're your parents reacting" he asked, confident that their reaction would be positive. "Umm…Zee, I'm so sorry, they were unhappy…" "What?! But they seemed quiet happy…why? I mean how? I mean what?!" he said confused…he was panicking…"I don't know they said they had better grooms in mind for me…however," she paused rolling her tongue, "seeing your desperateness, they pitied you and have agreed…" she said giggling, "Zenny!! Wait till we get married, I'll show you who's desperate! You'll run around me…For a minute there you scared the hell out of me!" , "Dream on…I won't run after you, haan…" , "Hmm…love I'll make you…", "Whatever Zee, keep the phone I've to talk to mom and dad! You know…about some important matter, mom just came in the room, saying dad wants to talk to me, hehe…she said dad wants to know my 'opinion' about you…" she chuckled and rolled her eyes… "Good, make me proud Zenny…you better praise me there", "I'm not praising you…dream on…" , "What's up with this 'dream on' phrase? Did you just learn it, cause you keep using it" he chuckled, "Shut up Zee! Uhhh…you better not make me angry, you know I still have to give my opinion about you" she threatened… "I trust your heart, it won't let me down…" he said chuckling… "You know you're sounding really cheesy right?" , "Honey…" he said trying to annoy her, he knew she would hate being called honey, "I'm just expressing my love…", "Zee! Shut up…never ever call me honey…theek hai…" she tried sounding angry…but she finally giggled… "Chalo…bye I've to go, Dad's calling me…", "Hmm…I love you my love" , while she simply said "hmm…" and kept the phone…knowing exactly the extent to which this would annoy him…she chuckled and said "Mr. Zee, you won't hear the three magic words so soon…"

God! Couldn't she just say "I love you" how hard is that? He thought…but right now even this couldn't spoil his mood…because he was on top of the world…he would soon be marrying his love…

In a few weeks time the engagement was fixed…and it was decided that the marriage would take place in the month of December…

The lush green leaves of summer gradually changed into the hues of sunset…bringing with them the season of autumn…the season of rain…the season of love…yet romance was still not in the air…for this was the season when Zenny and Zeeshan's young love turned into friendship…into companionship…and as gradually as the summer leaves had changed colour, as rapidly did the fall leaves shed themselves…died…giving way to winter…the season of chill…the season of snow…the season of joy…the season of union…Zeenat and Zeeshan's…the season of romance…the season of their love…

enjoy! a.i.c😳

hey every1 😊
here's 'nother ff...i noe its prolly confusin coz the names r all different ...but here's a short list of the characters...
Zeenat Syed -Gauri Chatterjee
Zeeshan Khan -Shiv Kapoor
Imaan -Ipshita
Ayan -Anupam
Kanwal - Kaaya
Vasim - Vivaan
Incase u haven't noticed...except for Gauri and Shiv...all the other character names r easy to remember coz the first letter's the same...
o n Zaara and Zahir r just random characters...hopefully it all makes sense now...n im writing this fic jus for u guyz coz i had quiet a few ppl askin me to rite 'nother one...so i really hope u guyz enjoy it...if its confusin or nethin jus lemme noe...
tc
a.i.c 😳

confusing with the names but i liked it you should really continue this its very good 😊 👏

?...is it confusing😕 coz well i cud just switch the names...if a lot of u find it confusin just lemme noe...

& umm...im planning on continuin it only if i find ppl commentin coz i guess its different n every1's used to SG ff's...just thot i shud try sumthing new...🤔

tc

a.i.c

k long long FF😃

its nice ..... but got lot of new names
i cnt remember names😆
dnt worry will manage😃

You're back!🥳🥳 and with another masterpiece! I'm not sure if I had conveyed it or not, but I'm a fan of the ease with which you write... very beautiful, I really enjoyed your previous ff. 👏👏 Really looking forward to this, haven't read yet... but I'm sure its amazing! Please stay with us.

Cheers,

dc

OMG my angel~in~canada is back!!🤗

Cool lovin it... no worries about the names! 😉

Kat 😳

Yipee u back!!!!! 😃
jus love the way u write yaar....... 👏 👏 👏
outstanding work as always......
jus keep it up.....
no worries about the names and stuff......

Originally posted by: Suhaan

confusing with the names but i liked it you should really continue this its very good 😊 👏

thnx 4 commentin ...lol u read it arnd the same time i posted it...i noe its confusin but hopefully as the story goes u'll start imaginin them as KAA characters....

Originally posted by: ash9

k long long FF😃

its nice ..... but got lot of new names
i cnt remember names😆
dnt worry will manage😃

i noe lol the 2nd part's really long...din't realize😳...but i guess u don't mind long parts 😊

gud 2 noe u'll try 2 remember the names....