I am back with the next chapter. Hope you will like it. đ
This chapter is dedicated to Ani (-Anitha-), Sonia (sonia555) đđ¤
UNRECOGNIZED EMOTIONS
PART 11
That very special evening in the park, was marked as the beginning of trust in Asad and Zoya's life for each other. Asad started to have a belief that no matter what, he will always have Zoya by his side to lean on. He always stayed happy when he was around her.
They started spending a lot more time together. They always found out ways or made up excuses to be in each other's company. Even in the presence of Farhaan, Aafreen and Najma, the two of them always felt at ease. They talked about their likes, dislikes, hobbies, they often shared their views of a perfect future. It always amazed Asad that a girl like Zoya who had never had to be a part of any hardships in life, was so understanding and kind. If there were times when none of them had anything much to talk about, Asad simply became a teacher to Zoya and guided her in any subject in which she faced any difficulties.
Asad and Zoya were extremely sincere when it came to academics; hence their study time was never hampered in any way. But they always followed a routine of talking to each other before going to bed. Many times, Zoya would doze off while having a conversation with him.
Zoya had spent hours in making notes. She checked the time, it was half past one and Asad had not called her yet. She found restlessness taking over her, so she decided to call him, ignoring the time. She dialed his number and it was received by the person in the other end in just two rings.
"Hello!", said Asad receiving the call.
"That was quite fast Mr. Khan! I thought you had slept already!"
"How could I ? I was waiting for your call"
Zoya was delighted with his answer. From the day of their conversation that they had almost three weeks back, Asad had never slept before wishing her good night.
"So, have you finished making notes?", he asked again when he did not hear her voice for few seconds.
"Oh yeah, I mean no, it's still left, but I will finish it by tomorrow", she answered after coming out of her thoughts.
"Okay. But don't stay up for long tonight. Go and sleep now."
"...Y...ea...aaa...aaah...", she said, yawning. Asad chuckled at it and wished her a good night's sleep with the sweetest dreams.
He kept his phone back and turned around, a smile still adorning his face. He saw his mother, Dilshad standing at the door.
"Ammi, you? At this time? Why didn't you sleep yet?", he said while moving towards her.
"I just saw the lights on in your room and just came to remind you that you have morning classes tomorrow, so go and sleep.", she said, while placing her hand on his head.
"Yes Ammi, I was just about to go and sleep", he said, very much touched by his mother's gesture.
"Okay.. .Don't be late", she said while pressing her lips on her son's forehead.
Dilshad left the room after making sure that the lights of her son's room were finally off. She came out and her thoughts overtook her. Dilshad had knocked the room twice but it was gone unheard by Asad. So she finally opened the door and found him engrossed in a conversation with someone. His voice sounded happy and there was a smile on his face after he kept his phone. It was a rare smile. She had noticed changes in him, but had never talked to him about it. In these years. though Asad respected her and loved her the most, but he had kept himself in a shell which she could also not break through. But in the past few days, she had noticed changes in him, and she knew that they were for the good.
Next morning, Asad came down and sat to have his breakfast.
"Asad, beta, can you do me a favor today?", asked Dilshad while serving him another paratha.
"Sure Ammi! What is it?", he asked while indulging himself in the food.
"The driver has taken an off and I really don't feel like driving today. So I was thinking if my son could drop me to office today, only if he doesn't have any problem", said Dilshad in the most lovable way.
"C'mon Ammi!! Of course I will drop you. Get ready, fast", Asad replied, very much habituated with his mother's antics.
Dilshad did not take much time to come back from her room with her purse and laptop bag. Asad always admired his mother whenever she left for office. She was always properly dressed and looked confident.
Dilshad took the seat beside Asad in the car and he started the ignition. It was then when his thoughts went to Zoya. Apart from Aafreen and Farhaan, Zoya too accompanied them to college every day in his car, but her name was completely unknown to Dilshad.
"Your friends are also going to join you right? I will also meet them. It's been a long time since I have seen them", She said, affectionately.
"Ammi, woh...actually...",Asad fumbled with his words and then clutched the brakes of his car at the bus stop. Dilshad looked at him confusedly and suddenly saw a girl approaching towards their car. She noticed that the girl had stopped in her tracks when she saw an unknown lady sitting beside Asad.
Asad got down from the car and opened the back door of the back seat for her to get in. He came back and started the car again.
"Dilshad saw the unknown girl' fidgeting with her scarf that she has worn around her neck over a green top and jeans. She looked beautiful indeed.
"Ammi...umm... this is Zoya Farooqui, our junior in college. She stays nearby and travels with us only.. And Zoya, this is my Ammi, Dilshad Khan" Asad introduced both of them to each other while keeping his attention to driving.
"Hello... hello Aunty", Zoya said, keeping her voice low as she was already in shock to see Dilshad suddenly.
"Hello beta.. So you are a junior? In which year are you in?", she asked her.
"2nd year Aunty"
"So, for how long do you know Asad? I mean his whole group?"
Zoya was still feeling uncomfortable, so she looked at Asad through the back view mirror. He also gave her an assuring smile, which was not gone unnoticed by Dilshad.
"I met them during the practice sessions of our Fresher's Party.", said Zoya, a little less uncomfortable now. She let out a sigh of relief when the car stopped again and Aafreen and Farhaan hopped in. She saw them greeting Dilshad in the most lovable way. Aafreen almost hugged her from behind to which Dilshad sweetly kissed her on her cheeks. They looked so much at ease with her.
"This is not fair beta! Why aren't you both coming to our house to meet me since so many days? I told Asad too, but he said that you all are too busy. Is it so?", Dilshad asked them, faking her anger.
"Of course not Aunty. Asad is lying. We always have time for you. We will surely come soon", replied Aafreen while throwing an angry look at Asad.
"Okay then, it's final, you all are coming to our house on this weekend and I am not going to listen to anything! You too Zoya", she said, giving Zoya a warm smile.
"But... Aunty... how can I? I mean..." Dilshad stopped her even before she could continue.
"You are coming too and that is final. I want to see you three at my house on coming Saturday evening!" Dilshad's words showed kindness as well as finality, so Zoya gave in and agreed.
Asad was worried for a second, but then he remembered that Rashid was out of town and would not be back before Sunday. Dilshad too noticed Asad stealing glances at Zoya from time to time. From his face, she understood that Zoya was the only person whom her son was talking to last night. Asad dropped Dilshad to office and the rest of them proceeded towards their college.
Saturday evening, Zoya's room
Dear Diary,
Asad's mother has invited us to their house. I really don't know what to feel. I am feeling so awkward right now. I wish Najma would have also been going. Why did she go back home this weekend? I am feeling so scared right now. I haven't yet decided what to wear. Please help me Allah Miya!!
Wait, why am I behaving like this? Asad is my friend and I am going to my friend's house. So I will go the way I am. I don't need to change and I will also be confident. Dilshad Aunty will not eat me up!! But I am still so scared of her. I hope I don't behave like an idiot over there...
Bye...Wish me Good Luck... Will get back to you later.
Asad's House
Dilshad had an off that day and she spent the day cooking meals for her son and his friends. She was waiting for them when the bell rang. Wajid, their servant, opened the door. She saw Aafreen, Farhaan and Zoya standing at the doorstep. Aafreen and Farhaan, like anytime and every time just entered the house and jumped over to hug Dilshad. But Zoya felt shy as it was her first time in Asad's house and moreover, as much she admired Dilshad, she was afraid of her too. Dilshad saw her in plight and took her into a hug and welcomed her inside. In that very moment, Zoya felt a tug in her heart; she felt the love that others felt from her. All her fear was gone.
Zoya noticed the beautiful architecture of the house. The house was as beautiful as Asad's farmhouse. It was nicely decorated and not a thing was out of place. Asad's own room was as nicely arranged as the other rooms. Zoya had a quick look of his room. She looked at the study table where she imagined Asad doing his projects, she looked at the couch where Asad often sat and made calls to her, she saw his shelf where there were lots and lots of books arranged neatly. She put a brake to her thoughts when Dilshad entered the room with some snacks and cold drinks.
Dilshad always loved to have visitors. She loved talking to people, especially her son's friends as she wanted to make sure that he was in good company. Asad had stopped sharing things with her from a very early age, and he also remained detached from his father. So Dilshad always wanted to reassure that Asad had some good friends by his side with whom he could share his sorrows. After seeing Zoya, she understood that there was something special in her.
Zoya could not deny, but she really had a great time at Asad's place. His mother's tenderness and love towards them had touched her. Dilshad's love was again poured in the form of different kinds of food that she had prepared by herself.
Zoya sat beside Asad, coincidentally. They were busy having dinner when the doorbell rang again. Wajid opened the door and a tall man dressed up in an expensive three piece suit entered into the hallway. It was Rashid Ahmed Khan, who had returned a day earlier from his business trip.
Dilshad knew that Asad never talked to Rashid by himself. He hardly ever replied if Rashid questioned him. Aafreen and Farhaan had met him once and thus greeted him, but his eyes were stuck on the new girl sitting beside Asad. He gave her a smile and introduced himself as Asad's father. Zoya too reciprocated his smile and greeted him.
On the other hand, Dilshad could sense anger developing in Asad, like always. She noticed his fingers bending towards his palm and forming a fist, in order to control his anger. His eyes were turning red in vexation. Seeing the changes in Asad, Dilshad at once suggested Rashid to freshen up and then join them for dinner. Rashid understood what she meant and left the hall, after giving a smile to the diners.
Zoya who was observing all this, placed her hand over Asad's under the table when he was about to get up and leave. Asad looked at her with his red angered eyes. But her eyes only recommended him to stay back, and he did so without any argument.
Dilshad was gladly amused by this as she had always seen resentment and detestation in Asad's eyes for his father. In these years, it was the longest time for Asad to stay in presence of Rashid. Dilshad was standing just behind Asad and could clearly see Zoya's hand tightening her hold on his and slowly intertwining their fingers. She smiled inwardly and thanked Allah for bringing in Zoya into his life.
Asad, for the first time felt the need of having someone by his side during the time of crisis. In Zoya's presence, he could calm himself down and keep aside his rage for some time. The little touch of Zoya's hands conveyed a feeling of strength and courage in him. He understood that Zoya was slowly becoming his strength but he also knew that he would always be her weakness.
A/N: Hello friends... please click the like button if you have liked it even a bit..
Please drop your valuable comments too as they motivate me a lot. See you all again soon, with the next chapter.
Would love to hear from the silent readers too đ Edited by BeYourself - 11 years ago
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