FF-Saving Grace!!! COMPLETED!! Ch 18 to20 PG 93-94 - Page 18

Ch1

Zoya was beautiful, a sight that had left many men, out of sorts. Her soft, sensual face, turned heads, her lips, seducing her spectator and her eyes..drowning them into the deepest pools of desire. Her form was petite and full, with each curve accentuating its existence and making her look completely angelic and other worldly.But she had more than just physical beauty, the effect of which she seemed completely unaware of. She had the purest and the softest of hearts, and her love and compassion for each and all was what set her apart. She was loved by every member of her house, and they all felt a strong pull towards her, making them want to protect this damsel from all the harm of the world. But they couldn't, they couldn't save her from the evil eye of Farhaan. They couldn't save Zoya from the many mental..and sometimes physical tortures Zoya had to endure, courtesy of Farhaan and his cruel plots.They stood their unaware, and gradually Zoya's strength faltered and all her wellbeing eclipsed into the darkness of scared solitude.Even the news of Farhaan's arrest didn't completely convience Zoya and she continued to lock herself in her room, praying all day long. Her only point of contact was his childhood friend Ayaan. Ayaan was the only person that was able to get through Zoya, talk to her, and know what was plaguing her heart. He was the mediator, who passed on her being to her sister and Jiju and vice versa. She listened to him,and had immense respect for him. He had always been there to save her, and had he been living in New York at the time, then nothing of such magnitude would have even come close to Zoya. But he wasn't there and the weight of that guilt stayed with him, and would stay with him forever. He had tried everything in his power to rid Zoya of her demons but he hadn't been successful,and Zoya kept sinking in her silence. He had to do something, he had to act fast if he wanted to protect his friend, from the clutches of Farhaan and his vile presence in Zoya's soul. So Ayaan with Zoya's aapi and Jiju spent weeks trying to find the best solution for Zoya. Nothing seemed to fall into place, nothing seemed to work, leaving the trio frustrated, sleepless and anxcious. Farhaan's court hearing was drawing close and they had to act fast. They dug in more, asked around but nothing worked out until the day they found an old article in one of their company files. An article stating the brewing war between Rashid Khan and the industrial titan Mr Asad Ahmed Khan, setting in motion a plan that would change the lives of everyone involved in it.

~~

Ayaan- So aapi did you talk to him ??

Zeenat appi- Yes we did, and he agreed...she said a little hesitant with the next set of questions..

Ayaan- Well that's a step in the right direction, so did you tell him about Zoya?? that he will have to convince her, before she agrees to marry him?

Zeenat-Erm...umm...she looked at Anwar for help, she didn't know how to look into Ayaan's eyes and lei to him

Anwar-Actually Ayaan, looking at the situation we were in, we had no other option but to lie to him and tell him that Zoya already knew about the marriage proposal, and that she had agreed upon this union.

Ayaan- WHAT...you said what...OMG...I've known Mr Asad Ahmed Khan since college and if there's one thing that I know about him well is that he hates lies. Damn it...he paced around..a little frustrated...remembering the old times when he was Asad' classmate, how he had beaten the crap out of his friend who had lied to him about a girl and asked him to pick her up on his behalf, telling him she was his girlfriend and he had planned a surprise outing for her.Even then he had never liked being taken for a fool and he made sure that he made the person pay.

Ayaan-Atleast tell me you didn't lie to him about anything else.. I can somehow manage this...

Anawar- Well...we even had to tell him that Zoya was aware of Ali, being his possible son and the heir to his empire... he said sheepishly...

Ayaan-W*F...Damn it Jiju...what have you done how will I deal with this... I mean Ali...he is the most crucial part of Asad's life and even though he is not sure if he is his son, cos the mother had a few flings around the time Ali was conceived, Asad being one of them, he still claims Ali to be his, no matter what...and if Zoya wont accept him than that's a deal breaker right there...O how am I going to sort this mess..Asad is going to eat me raw.

Zeenat-Ayaan please don't worry...things will be allright..Allah has worked thing out so far..he will make it work in the future as well...As of now, please focus on convincing Zoya..to atleast go meet him, cos he has already made up his mind, and told us that he wont take no for an answer.

Ayaan-Allah save me, what have I gotten myself in the middle of. On one side I have my long lost friend the moody and no nonsense Mr Asad Ahmed Khan, and on the other hand I have my stubborn, and inconvincible childhood friend.

Anwaar- Its all in your hands from here on Ayaan, and don't worry we both have faith in you that you will convince Zoya and handle Asad, and thigns will be good.

Ayaa-Well I'll try my best

Zeenat-O and one more thing Ayaan

Ayaan-What?

Zeenat-Asad wont take no for an answer, He will marry her...

~~

Zoya- I will not marry him, those were her first words after a week of silence.

Ayaan- Zoya try to understand, its for your own good.

Zoya- And how is that going to happen by marrying me off to a complete stranger huh??

Ayaan-He's a kind man Zoya... he will take care of you and protect you fro...he didn't complete the sentence..but Zoya understood..

Zoya-How do you know he's a kind man??

Ayaan-Umm I saw it in his eyes...he bluffed..

Zoya- And what color are his eyes...

Ayaan- Huh?? I don't know...why

Zoya- Cos you saw kindness in them..and you didn't notice the color???she challenged...

Ayaan- Men don't notice such things he answered, not meeting her eyes...now stop with u trying to twist things around...Zoya I know you well enough..and I have let you be, but trust me on this...and at least meet him..and I promise you nothing will happen without your consent.

Zoya took a few moments to think about it...looking into Ayaan's eyes and searching for assurance and strength, which he provide with ease...making her feel a little less apprehensive.

Zoya-Fine I will meet him, just meet him, doesn't mean I will agree upon marrying him. She conditioned.

Ayaan nodded...smiling a little...as he knew this was a huge step for Zoya to take, the rest laid upon god, to make things right.

~~

Ayaan had filled Zoya in with all the detail about Asad,how he was an only child,raised by a single mother, his father who had left them abandoned when he was very little. How he had grown up to be this power house of a man, successful, influential , and such a well known personality not just in the US but around the world. He also deliberately mentioned how Asad had stood up for so many employees that had been mistreated by Rashid Khan, and how he had bought over his company hence saving over 200 staff members jobs. Lastly very tactfully, Ayaan mentioned about Ali and was surprisingly pleased by Zoya's reaction, when she expressed nothing but love and compassion for that boy. Things seemed to be going smooth and Zoya seemed to be relaxed as they continued their journey to the airport in LA.

~~

Zoya's ease seemed to be short lived, as the moment they stepped out from the airport and were ushered into the car sent by Asad, Zoya started to loose her cool. Nervousness started to creep up her spine with each passing minute and as soon as the driver drove into the golf course where Asad was playing for a charitable trust, Zoya almost jumped off her seat in panic.

Ayaan-Zoya just relax...he patted her hand, in order to calm her down but that didn't help,Zoya continued to get more and more nervous.

Driver-Take one of the golf carts to the far end of the field, he is waiting for you there.

Ayaan- Sure, thanks. Zoya lets go.

Zoya sat besides Ayaan on the gold cart and squeezed his hands, holding on to the last threads of her sanity.

Ayaan- Zoya just calm down.

~~

Zoya-I wont have him Ayaan, you must be out of your mind if you think I might even consider being his wife.

Ayaan- Appearance are deceiving Zoya, give him a chance, Asad will treat you well he said as they got off the cart and started walking towards the crowd surrounding Asad, the tallest and the most prominent presence among the bunch.

She shook her head, her hands were shaking so violently that she almost dropped her purse. She held the leather strap even tighter and tried not the look at the towering man evolving in front of her eyes, the gaint dog loitering around him, making matters worse..

Damn it...cursed Ayaan under his breath as he saw Asad's dog, how could he have forgotten about him, about Midas, and how could he have forgotten that Zoya was hell scared of dogs, especially the kind that looked so ferocious and beastly.

They were nearing the lawn, where Asad stood with his entourage and colleagues. He didn't look particularly pleased with the sight of her.

She was sickened by the sight of him.She took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves, looking at Ayaan.

Zoya-Ayaan she whispered..you told me he was a gentle man with a quick smile ...he isn't smiling now is he Ayaan??

Ayaan-Now Zoya...

Zoya-You lied to me..

Ayaan- I didn't not lie to you, he is a man of honour and has been there for me through a lot of my trying times and he didn't even take my thank you,completely ignoring his helping me. He is a proud man, but honourable. You'll have to trust me on this.I wouldn't suggest of marriage if I didn't find this a sound union.

Zoya didn't answer back, Panic was taking over, her gaze going back and forth the gaint man and his ferocious dog.

Ayaan thought she was ready to faint and tried to come up with something clever to say, just to calm her down.

Ayaan- Asad's the one on the left Zoya.

Zoya wasn't amused by his attempt

Zoya- He a very big man, isn't he??

Ayaan patted her hand

Ayaan- He is no bigger than I am Zoya..

She pushed his hand away, she didn't want his comfort or for him to feel her trembling with cowardly fear.

Ayaan-Most girls would love to have a big strong man to protect them, his strength should be a comfort for you.

Zoya-Tsk, it's a mark against him. She announced..

She continued to stare at him.He seemed to be growing right in front of her eyes. The closer she got the larger he became.

Zoya-He's handsome.

She blurted out her opinion in a voice that sounded like an accusation.

Ayaan- If you think so, Ayaan decided to agree.

Zoya- Its another mark against him. I don't want to be married to a handsome man

Ayaan- You are making no sense Zoya

Zoya- I don't need to make any sense. I have decided. I won't have him. Take me home, Ayaan,Now.

Ayaan stopped in his tracks and made her look at him. The fear he saw in her eyes ache. Only he knew the purgatory she had endured due to Farhaan.And although she wouldn't speak of it he knew what her real terror was now. His voice was low and fervent when he said

Ayaan- Listen to me Zoya, Asad will never hurt you.

Zoya wasn't certain if she believed him or not

Zoya- I would never allow him to hurt me.

The vehemence in her voice made Ayaan smile with approval. Farhaan wasn't able to beat the spirit out of her. Ayaan counted that as a blessing.

Ayaan-Think of all the reasons why you should marry him. Farhaan or his men will never get to you. You'll be safe here.

Zoya- Well that's a consideration.

Ayaan - Asad hates Farhaan and his father.

She nibbled her lips and thought..

Zoya- Well that's another point in his favour.

Ayaan- And think about all the help you will provide to the people Asad is helping, with your money and your insight.

Zoya- Yes I would like to help and its good that I don't have to deal with the cold weather anymore.

Ayaan-Umm... hmm...he muttered not wanting to tell her how cool the evenings got here, especially living on a hilltop facing the Pacific. It was something she would have to figure out on her own.

Zoya- Will he leave me alone Ayaan

Ayaan- Yes ofcourse...

Zoya- And tell me you didn't tell him anything about Farhaan

Ayaan- No I kept my word.

Zoya- And he didn't care??? Why???

Ayaan- Cos he cares only about the business that you are bringing to him.

It was a cold honest truth.

Zoya- Fine I will meet him, but I won't promise I will marry him, so quit with your smiling.

~~

Asad was getting wary of waiting for his bride to come to him. So he started walking towards her, just as she turned and proceeded walking.

He still hadnt gotten a proper look at her as she was walking behind Ayaan, her face almost hiding under the hat and her big framed black shades.Her smallness however surprised him. He expected a much larger woman, given Zeenat aapi's appearance.

Her appearance didn't matter to him. This marriage was a practical arrangement and nothing more. But bearing in mind Zeenat aapi, he imagined her to be of the same dark coloring with dark auburn coloured hair.

He was mistaken. As Ayaan made his way towards him along with Zoya, he noticed how small she really was. Her head barely reached Ayaan's shoulders.Ayaan's hand held hers as they walked together.Zoya looking up and smiling at her.It was obvious he cared a great deal about her, but Asad thought this affection was a bit overdone.

As Zoya got closer, the crowd waiting in equal anticipation began to gather behind Asad, all very curious to meet Mr Asad Ahmed Khan's bride to be.

Very gracefull Zoya took off her hat and her shades...shaking her head gently to loosen up her long black tresses

Asad heard low grunts of obvious approval, a scant second after Zoya removed her hat and shades, handing it to Ayaan. Asad didn't think he made a sound but he wasn't certain.The sight of her took his breath away.

Nobody had mentioned anything about her appearance and Asad hadnt been interested enough to ask.Ayaan looked at Asad and quietly smirked.

Asad could see the laughter in his eyes. He knows I am rattled, he thought. Asad masked his astonishment and turned his full attention to the beautiful woman walking towards him.

Lord she was a bonny lass, with long waist length black hair,that swayed as she walked. The woman didn't seem to have any flaws.there was a very light sprinkle of freckles on her nose, but he like that. Her eyes were a vivd shade of brown, her complexion was pure and her mouth, dear God, her mouth could drive a saint to lustful thought. He liked that too.

Some of the men standing behind him were not as contained in their reactions as Asad was, letting out low whistles of appreciation. Asad took exception to their rude behavior, however. He halfturned, took them by the neck and send them flying back onto the ground.The others ducked on instinct.

Zoya stopped, and looked around the crowd and onto Asad. He didn't even seem winded.

Zoya- A gentleman huh, she mocked looking at Ayaan.

Ayaan- Give him a chance will you..he nudged, pushing her forward.

Asad stepped forward, his hellhound of a dog matching his step.

Zoya prayed to the lord as she took her final stpes towards him, stopping and giving him a courteous nod in greeting.

Her knees were shaking so hard that she was pleased that she didn't fall.

She heard a loud snort and a few low grunts, whether in approval of censor she didn't know.

Her eyes linger around his torso, unable to avoid the well toned muscle that were bulging out of his golf tee.

Zoya-Good morning Mr Khan.

Her voice trembled. She was afraid of him.Asad wasn't surprised. He seemed to have this effect on a lot of women and he didn't seem to care.He was caring now, however. He would never get this woman to marry him if he didn't do something to ease her fear. Her worried glances at his German shepherd didn't seem to make matters any better.Asad assumed she was afraid of the dog as well..

Asad- Hello Ayaan...How are you...he asked in hope for getting some help with approaching Zoya, but Ayaan didn't have any inputs to share.

Asad- So how was the flight???he asked looking at Zoya, who still wouldn't meet his eyes.

Ayaan- It was good, a little long,but good.

Asad- SO is it your first time In LA?? He nudged ZOya a little further..

Zoya- Yes...came a shrill reply.

Asad- I am sure you'll like it here.

Zoya-Umm I don't like the cold weather here..she blurted out...

Asad didn't laugh, but some one almost did, stopped only by the menacing glare of Asad.

Surely she was nervous.

Ayaan just couldn't figure out a way to help his friend,not understanding why she said she was cold when just an hour ago she was loving the weather here.

Asad decided then that he didn't want an audience when he talked to Zoya.

Asad- Ayaan you stay here...me and Zoya are going for a walk so we can talk.

Ayaan nodded.

With that Asad moved forward to take hold of Zoya's hand, but the dog came forward, making Zoya take a step back on instinct.Realising what she just did she step forward again, only to be growled at by the beast.

Asad snapped at the dog, and the dog walked off.

Zoya was almost looking like she would faint, and as Ayaan stepped forward to say something Asad stopped him.

Zoya still seemed to be filled with fear, looking back in the direction of the dog, making Asad almost wanting to grab her and toss her on his shoulders and walking away. The thought amused him but he didn't smile, he just patiently lend out his hand for her to take. He wanted to see what she would do.

From the look in his eyes Zoya knew that he was aware of her nervousness, hence taking in a deep breath she placed her hand in his. He was huge everywhere. His hand was atleast twice her size, and he must have certainly felt her trembling a little. But she pushed that thought away, trying to pull her hand out but he had her now. So without letting her go her closed his hand on hers and started walking towards one of the secluded ares of the ground.

Asad- Why are you shaking.

Zoya- Cos its too cold.

Asad- The truth. He said looking straight into her eyes, demanding the truth.

Zoya- it is the truth she lied.

Asad- No it isn't

Zoya- It isn't?? she stole a quick glance into his deep dark eyes.

Asad- You are afraid of me.

He waited for her to deny him but she didn't

Zoya- Yes she announced. I am afraid of you and your big scary dog.

ASad- Your answers pleases me.

Zoya- It pleases you to know that I am afraid of you??

Asad- No it pleases me that you are honest with me.I already knew that you were afraid of me.

Zoya- You would have known I was lying.

Asad- Yes I would.

He sounded teriblly arrogant but she wasn't offended. She expected such arrogance in a man of his power and stature and such strength. She stole another glimpse of him,catching bits and pieces of his being.

Just then she realized that she was still holding on to his hand, and let go of it abruptly. They had come to a halt, at the very end of the ground, facing the sea.

The breeze eased her anxiety, making her close her eyes and sigh.

Asad- So you seem to like the sea breeze he said, admiring her from the side, analyzing this enigma in front of him..

Zoya-Uh um...huh...uh..no no nothing like that she stuttered.

Asad- You are going to marry me Zoya he said.

Zoya looked everywhere but at him...gently nodding her head in a no..

Asad- Explain the reason behind your hesitation, he asked holding on to his perishing patience.

But she just shook her head again, frustrating Asad. He was not known for his smooth conversations with the opposite sex,making him feel helpless in this situation.

He didn't understand why was she given the choice, it would have made things so much easier had she not been given the choice..he thought over and over again..

Asad- I don't like timid women Zoya...he stated

Zoya's shoulders straightened.

Zoya- I am not timid she announced.I have learned to be cautious over time but I am not timid.

Asad- I see. He didn't believe her.

Zoya- I don't like big men, even handsome ones..

Asad- You think me handsome??

How had he managed to turn her words into a compliments? He seemed surprised too, as though he himself wasn't aware of his own appeal .

Zoya- You misunderstood me..she told him..Being handsome is a mark against you.she avoided his incredulous look and continued, and I especially dislike big men

She knew she sounded ridiculous but she didn't care.She wasn't going to back down now. She looked him straight in the eye and folded her hands in the middle frowning at him. Her neck was already getting a crick in to looking at him.

Zoya- So what do you think of my opinion huh??

The challenge was there in her stance and her tone of voice. She was bravely standing up to him now.HE had a sudden urge to laugh.

He sighed instead.

Asad- Those are stupid opinions.he told her being as blunt as possible.

Zoya- Perhaps, but it doesn't change how I feel.

Asad had enough of this playing around, and it was high time she understood what was going to happen.

Asad- It's a fact you are not leaving here. You are staying with me Zoya. We are getting married in 2 days.This isn't an opinion btw, it's a fact.

Zoya- You would marry me against my will??

Asad- Yes I would.

Hell,She looked terrified again. The reaction didn't sit well with Asad. He tried to let her know he wasn't a bad person, trying to reason with her.

Asad- Have you changed your mind recently??

Zoya-No

Asad- Do you want to go back to NY with Ayaan and back to your old life??

Zoya- No..she looked down not facing him

Asad- Then do you want to go back and face what Farhaan brings your way again?? And see your family getting destroyed??

Zoya just nodded a no...

Asad- Then what is it?? do you like someone else?? Some one small and ugly???

Zoya looked up...NO...she said...

Asad- Well even if that was the case it wouldn't matter, cos I am not letting you go back.

Zoya- I don't like any one else...she insited.. and I don't like small and ugly men...that would look gross...

Asad- I see...so you dislike both ...big and small men...handsome and ugly men huh...he mocked..

Zoya- You're making fun of me...

Asad- No I am making fun of your stupid statements..Ayaan is just as big as me...he reminded her..

Zoya- Yes but Ayaan would never hurt me..

The truth was out.She blurted out the words before she could stop herself.Asad raised his eyebrows in reaction to this telling statement.

Zoya turned her gaze onto the ground but not before he saw her blush.

Zoya- Please try to understand Mr Khan. If a pup bit me than I'd have affair chance of surviving, but if a wolf bit me that I don't think so I'd have a chance at all.

She was trying damn hard to be brave and failing miserably. Her terror was real, and Asad speculated, learned from his past experiences.

Long minutes passed,Asad stared at her and Zoya looked at the floor.

Asad- Did Farhaan ever beat..

Zoya- I will not talk about him.

Asad had his answer.He took a step towards her, she didn't back away. He put his hands on her shoulders, commanding her to look up at him. She took her time obeying. His voice was a low gruff whisper when he spoke.

Asad- Zoya

Zoya- Yes Mr Khan?

Asad- I don't bite.

Hope u like it peeps...this crazy long update n hope u didnt get bored...do leave ur likes n comments to reflect ur opinions...I would love to read them all...

Also...I am short on time these days so please pardon me from responding to all the comments...I'll try my best to reply back..but if I cant...I cant..but I do love reading them..n the comments are the only reason why I will continue this story..cos I need that push..cos this not being my story allows me to not wanna write it...if I dont get the audience...I cant say that for the stories that I write..cos I write them for me to start with .n then I wait for u guys to commentto get ur feedback...but..this one is purely for u guys..cos I want to share with u a story that I so loved wen I was in my teens...so ya...like n comment...as thats the mantra to keep me writing...so until laters...relax, enjoy..n be the beautiful u...😃