FF-Saving Grace!!! COMPLETED!! Ch 18 to20 PG 93-94 - Page 26

CH 2

They were married the day after. Asad agreed to wait that long so that Zoya's aapi and Jeeju could make it to LA in time and make the necessary arrangements for Zoya's move.

It was the only issue he was willing to bend on, however. Zoya wanted to return to the hotel where they were to stay to stay the night in her own room, near Ayaan and her sister and jeeju.Asad wouldn't hear of it.He ordered her to sleep in one of the newly constructed guest homes along the hill, a cozy 1 bedroom, kitchen house, with all the required amenities.

Zoya didn't see Asad again until the ceremony, nor did she see Ayaan again until he came to collect her along with her aapi and Jeeju. Asad had posted two gaurds to to keep an eye around the guest home. She was afraid to ask if the gurds were there to keep the outsiders from entering or to keep her from leaving.

She didn't get much sleep. Her mind raced from one worry to another.What if Asad turned out to be like Farhaan? Dear god would she able to survive the purgatory once again?The possibility that she would be marrying a monster made her weep with self pity.She was immediately ashamed of herself. Was she really such a coward after all?? Had Farhaan been right to ridicule her??

No, no, no, she was a strong woman. She could handle anything that came into her way. She would not give into the fear or allow herself to have such low thoughts about herself. She had value, damn it...Didn't she?

Zoya had believed her confidence in herself had returned after Farhaan's arrest. For the first time in 3 years she was starting to live without fear.Her days were filled with blissful peace. Even after hearing about his court hearing and his possible bail, she felt safe In her room, in the secluded garden attached to it, as everyone left her alone.No one bothered her and she spent her days in quiet oblivion in that very garden.

The peaceful interlude was over , however,and she was now being into a marriage.She was bount to disappoint him.And what would he do then???Would he try to make her feel ignorant and unworthy?By god she wouldn't let that happen.Farhaan's attacks had been cleverly disguised, and she had been so nave and trusting, that she hadn't realized its damage until it was too late.It was a slow insidious attack on her character, relentless too and it went on and on until she felt as though he had sucked the very light out of her.

She tried to fight back , but htat was when he started getting violent and physical.

Zoya forced herself to block those memories.She fell asleep praying for some miracle.

Ayaan came to her around noon.He took one look at her pale face and shook her head.

Ayaan- Have you so little faith on your friends judgement? I have told you that Asad is a honorable man. He reminded her. You have no reason to worry.

Zoya held his hand as they walked out.

Zoya-I have complete faith in your judgement. She whispered but her voice lacked conviction, but he wasn't insulted.The memory of seeing her completely broken and shattered, filled him with instant rage yet again.

Zoya- Please don't frown Ayaan I am conquering my fear. I will be alright.

Ayaan smiled...He couldn't believe Zoya was actually trying to comfort him now.

Ayaan- O ya...your marriage is going to be alright. If you just look around you, you'd catch a glimpse of your future husbands character.Remember the house you stayed in..he asked...Zoya nodded.

Ayaan- It is actually a prototype of the houses he plans to build for all the staff living on his property. He wants all his staff to have all the comforts he can provide. Infact he even funds the tuitions of their kids and employees their wives, so that the families can stay together. Now would a selfish man think so much for others..?

Zoya nodded a negative..

Ayaan-Zoya he hasn't taken a single day off ever since he took over Rashid's other company, and has invested each passing moment trying to arrange for the staff and taking care of all their needs. He even organized the charity golf tournament to raise money for providing a better accommodation for them to live in.Dont you think that tells a lot about his character??Infact Zoya, he wanted a muslim nikaah, but finding out that your mother was a Christian and you always wanted a Christian wedding, he changed his mind and arranged the wedding according to your requirements. Now tell me what does that tell you about his character?

Zoya's smile was all he needed to get his answer

The color came back to her face and Ayaan nodded with satisfaction.

They had almost reached the courtyard, where they stopped to watch the crowd of men and women gather up.A beautiful set up was erected, with an altar at the end, a beautiful pathway adorned with a lilac carpet and white rose petals leading up to the altar. Everything around the courtyard looked like a scene out of a fairy tale, with soft shades of pastels all around. Seats were set up on each sides and some sweet melodious music was seeping through the scenery.

Zoya couldn't believe the sight she saw. It seemed like he had sneaked into her dreams and stole the very image of her dream wedding..

A bunch of girls came rushing in, some being Zoya's friends along with her aapi and the staff members of Asad's mansion. They all took Zoya along to get ready in one of the many rooms.

Ayaan, waited to walk Zoya to Jeeju so he could walk her down the aisle.

After about an hour Zoya finally stepped out in a soft pink and white, wedding gown, made out of the softest materials of silk and lace. She looked phenomenal her long black hair let loose in waves, a soft viel covering her face. The only jewelry that she wore, were her mom's diamond teardrop dangling earrings, and her dad's gift to her, a sleek diamond bracelet.

All eyes were glued on her. Slowly she made her way towards her jeeju and started making her way to the wedding venue.

As they walked towards the aisle Ayaan nudged her to get her attention.

Ayaan-There's something more you need to know he bagan.

Zoya-Yes?

Ayaan- Do you see the child sitting by the swings over at the corner??

Zoya turned to look.A little boy surely no more than 4 or 5 set all alone by the swings.His elbows rested on his knees and his head was popped up by his hands. He was watching the preparation. He looked terribly unhappy.

Zoya-I seem him He looks forlorn doesn't he Ayaan?

Ayaan smiled-Yes he does.

Zoya-Who is he?

Ayaan- Asad's son

Zoya-His what? She almost toppled over her gown

Ayaan-Zoya calm down I don't want anyone to hear this conversation. Zoya, I told you about him,were you not listening??

Zoya- Huh..

Ayaan-His name is Ali, and he might be his son??

ZOya-What do you mean might be?

Ayaan-Well the mother before she passed away didn't know who the father was, but Asad considers him to be his no matter what.

Zoya's heart went out for the little one. She turned back to look at him again.He was an adorable kid with dark curly hair.From the distance separating them she couldn't see the color of his eyes but she wagered they were dark black like his fathers.

Ayaan-Zoya its important for you to know that Asad Acknowledges him to be his son.

She turned to her friend

Zoya-I heard you both the first and the second time you mentioned that fact.

Ayaan-And?

Zoya-And what Ayaan?

Ayaan-Will you accept him?

Zoya- O come on Ayaan how can you ask me such a thing. Ofcourse I will accept him.How could I not?

Ayaan let out a sigh. His friend didn't understand the ways of this harsh world. It's a major issue amongst the work place cos Asad's father never accepted him as his ow

Zoya-Then the man I am marrying is also illegitimate?

Ayaan- Yes

Zoya-And the company let him be the heir?

Ayaan- Yes, Its complicated. They wanted his intelligence and his shrewd business sense. They have conviently forgotten history, cos of the gain they get from him.He left the conversation there, allowing Zoya to do her own thinking from here on.

Zoya-Do you suppose the boy is upset due to the wedding?

Ayaan shrugged not knowing the answer to that.

Zeenat waved at them to get their attention, gesturing the duo to make their way to the wedding.

Ayaan took Zoya's elbow and started forward.She couldn't steal her glance away from the child. God he looked so pitiful and lost.

Ayaan-They are read, he announced. Here comes Asad

Mr Asad Ahmed Khan walked across the courtyard to take his place by the altar looking every bit handsome in his Black suit and a baby pink tie, hair combed back in a slick do, the features of his face looking profound and pronounced. His hands were by his side. The priest moved to stand beside him.

Zeenat once again gestured for them to keep moving.

Zoya-I cant do this,not without...

Ayaan-Its going to be alright,,

Zoya-You don't understand, she whispered, smiling. Wait here Ayaan and Jeeju I will be right back.

Zeenat waved at Zoya and she waved back smiling.Then she turned around and walked away.

Anwar and Ayaan in unison-Zoya,For the love of god.

But they were muttering in air.They watched as Zoya made her way around the crowd.When she headed for the swings they realized what her errand was

Ayaan turned to Asad.His expression revealed nothing of his thoughts.

The priest craned his neck to watch Zoya, then turned to Asad and nudged him with his elbow.

Zoya slowed her pace as she neared the swings, for she didn't want to scare the little boy before she got to him.

The news that Asad had a son had filled her with joy.She had something to look forward to now. And she felt relieved somehow.

Asad on the other end couldn't contain his frown.Damn he hadn't wanted her to find out about the boy until after they were married and she couldn't change her mind.Women were peculiar in their attitudes, he knew he was certain he was never going to understand exactly how their minds worked.They seemed to take exceptions to the oddest of things, and a child from another woman was a a big no no for most women. But no matter what she though Asad had full intention of making Zoya acknowledge his son, but he'd hoped to get her settled in first.

Ali spotted her coming his way and immediately buried his face in his hands. He looked skinny, but well dressed in his black tux and bow.When he pecked up to look at her, she saw his eyes.They weren't black like his fathers', they were hazel.

Zoya paused on the bottom step and spoke to the child. Asad started to go after his bride, then changed his mind.He folded his arms across his chest and simply waited to see what would happen.He wasn't the only one watching.Silence filled the courtyard as all the guests turned to look.

Zoya talked to Ali for several minutes finding out why he was sitting there all alone. His father had denied him a toy he wanted to get and so he was mad at him.

She talked some more to him and finally stood up, and reached out her hand to him.Ali jumped to his feet and tripped down the stairs, and put his hand in hers.She leaned down and brushed his hair out of his eyes, adjusted his tieand then pulled him along by her side.

Priest-He understands that.

Asad-What?

Priest-Acceptance.

Asad nodded.Zoya reached her Jeeju and held his hand

Zoya- I am ready now. Ali go stand by your father, she instructed. Its my duty to come to the 2 of you.

The little boy nodded and ran the length of the aisle and took his side by his father's left.Asad looked down at his son.His expression was contained.Zoya couldn't tell if he was pleased or annoyed.

His gaze stayed on her, but once she started to walk towards him, he unfolded his arms and reached down to touch the top of his son's head.

Anwar gave Zoya away in marriage. She didn't resist when he placed her hand in Asad's. He was damn proud of her sis in law.he knew she was nervous, but she didn't try to cling to his side. She was now postioned besides her future husband.Zoya stood straight, held her head high and looked straight ahead.

What she was wearing was vastly appealing to Asad, the scent of the flowers in her hand adding on to her aura,making him feel drawn to her..

Asad kept his gaze on his bride.She was an utterly feminine creatue, and god's truth, he didn't know what he was going to do with her.His main worry was that she was weak and not strong enough to stand by him and survive the kind of life he led.He forced the concern aside.It had become his responsibility to make certain that she stayed ok. He would make sure of that, and is she needed to be pampered , then god he would see to it that she was pampered.He didn't have the faintest idea how, but he was an intelligent man, he would figure it out. He'd make sure she didnt do any work and stayed at home relaxing.Taking careof her was the least he could do for the property and business she was bringing him, and surely that was the only reason, he thought trying to convince himself.

The wind blew a strand of hair in her face.she let go of his hand to brush the strand of hair back on her shoulder.It was dainty feminine action.The long mass of blackseemed to float down her back.

When she didn't take hold of his hand again, he was so bothered that he grabbed her hand and hauled her up close to his side. Ayaan saw the possessive gesture and smiled.the ceremony was going along nicely until the priest asked her to promise to love, honour and obey her husband.She considered his request for a long minute.The she shook her head and turned to the groom.

Zoya-I'll try to love you, and I'll certainly honor you because you'll be my husband, but I don't believe I'll obey you much.I've found that total submissiveness doesn't agree with me.

She was wringing the petals off the stems of her flowers while she explained her position.she couldn't look hin in the eye, but stared at his chin while he waited for his reaction.

Asad was too astonished by what she had said to notice how worried she was.he had to force himself not to laugh.

Asad-Are you kiddin me?

He hadn't whispered the question, cos he wasn't least bit worried bout the audience hearing on their conversation.She wasn't concerned either. Her answer was every bit as forceful as his when she replied back

Zoya-Kidding on my wedding, during my vows? Never. I am very serious.These are my conditions, do you accept.

He did laugh then.He simply couldn't control himself.Her burst of courage was short-lived.She felt embaressed and humiliated. But the issue was too important for her to let it go. So there was only one course of action left.She straightened up her shoulders, jerk her hand free from his and shoved the bouqet of flowers to him.Then she made a curtsy turned and started to walk away.

The message was clear. But still there were a few that were still catching up..

Is she leaving asked someone??

She's getting away Mr Khan, yelled some of his office staff.

Ayaan started to go after her, but Asad stopped her.He shoved the bouqet in his hands, muttered something under his breath and then went after his bride.

She had almost made to to the end of the asile, when Asad caught her by her elbow and turned her around.She wouldn't look at him.Asad had to force her chin up with his hand.

She braced herself for his anger He would surely yell at her, ut she was a strong woman she could take it, she could withstand his wrath.

Asad-Will you try to obey?

He sounded exaspareted.She was sosurprised by his attitudeshe smiled. She wasn't such a weakling after all, she thought to herself. She had just stood up to Mr Khan and forced him to negotiate. She wasn't sure if she had won...but she surely hadn't lost anything.

Zoya-Yes I will try...sometimes. She hastily added.

He rolled his eyes heavenwards. He had given too much time for this discussion he decided. He grabbed hold of her hand and dragged her back to the altar.She had to run to keep up with him.

Ayaan quit frowing when he saw his friend smiling. He was very curious to know what the argument was all about, but of course he'd have to wait until after the wedding .

But he didn't have to wait after all.Zoya accepted her bouquet from him and turned back to the priest.

Zoya-Sorry for the interruption. You may proceed , she said.

The priest nodded and asked her the same question. He added please this time.

Zoya-I will love, honor and try to obey my husband upon occasion.she answered.

Ayaan started laughing. He now understood what the argument had been apart.The guests were in shock.

Asad galred at the crowd and they instantly shut up

He turned his scowl to his bride.

Asad-Obedience and submissiveness aren't necessarily the same thing,he snapped

Zoya- Well I was taught otherwise, she countered.

Asad-You were taught wrong.

His look frightened her enough for her to start fretting.Dear god she couldt go through with all this.She didn't have the strength.

She once again shoved her bouquet to Asad and turned to leave.Asad slammed the bouquet into Ayaan and outstretched his hands and grabbed hold of her before she could get away.

Asad-O no you don't, we aren't going through this again. To prove his point, he threw his arm around her shoulders and anchored her into place.

Asad-We are going to get this done before nightfall, Zoya.

She felt like a fool. The priest was staring at her with the look that suggested he thought she had lost her mind.

Zoya-Sorry once again she said taking back her bouquet.

She decided to let it go, she was tired of worrying, but still she wished for a sign.

The priest asked them for their names..

Zoya Farooqi

Asad Ahmed Khan

No he is Gabriel, my arch angel...came a voice from below.

It was Ali.

Asad-Ali not now..he insited

Zoya-What did you just say..she asked..her eyes wide in surprise...

Ali-His name is Gabriel, well atleast for me..cos he is my archangel, my protector, my hero, he said hesitating a little.

Zoya was stumped. She had asked for a sign and god had given it to her. Gabriel? what were the odds that his son liked to call him Gabriel, gods most esteemed angel??the champion of the innocents and the avenger of evil.

She remembered the story her mother used to tell her of the arch angel Gabriel, of how he would watch out for her.He was her own special archangel and was to be called upon for aid in the dead of night when nightmares came creeping into her dreams. He was known to be the protector of women and children.

She shook her head.She was being overly romantic that was all.Ali might have just said it without thinking. She tried brushing the thought away, but she couldn't convince herself.Lack of sleep was making her think foolish thoughts. still, she had prayed for a miracle last night and just minutes she had wished for a sign to let her know that she was going to be alright.

And she had gotten her sign.Had god answered her prayers??

Copied and pasted to suit ur prefrences of Asad and Zoya..n that of modern times...hope u liked it...n dont forget to show ur love with ur likes n comments...until later...enjoy ur weekend😉