In Love and War ll_Pt 17, Pg 115_Link to #3 (15/04/14) - Page 19

Part 13:

Zoya was beyond embarrassed at Shria's article. She had made it sound as though she and Asad had been ready to jump each other as soon as she left them. She put her head in her hands, wondering how she was to face her parents after this, not to mention Dilshad.

AND, she had made Zoya out to sound like a possessive, demented, jealous woman! Ha! As if! But that Shria would've been all over Asad if she hadn't stepped in. No, she couldn't allow that... Shaking her head she wondered why not. "Because he's going to be your husband, that is it!" she thought to herself.

But she knew better. She knew that Shria hadn't been too far gone in her description.

In any case, it seemed like their plan was successful. After all, if an outsider like Shria bought their act... then everyone would too. "It wasn't an act, Zoya, and you know it" her inner voice chided her.

She closed her eyes and remembered how handsome Asad looked last night. When she'd wrapped herself around him during the interview, she had imagined him kissing her again for a second.

Even thinking about it now got her all hot and bothered. "You need to stop thinking of him like that! He'll be your husband, sure. But none of THAT!" she spoke to herself as she made her way into the shower.

Asad's reaction to the article was utter disbelief. She made it sound like they were really in...NO. That was not part of the plan. This Shria was something else though. She had made it sound as if they'd been waiting for her to leave so they could...

He massaged his forehead. She wouldn't be half-wrong though...

And did Zoya really act that possessive over him? The thought made him smile.

He remembered how he wished all that Zoya said was the truth... how right it had felt having her lean into him.

He became taut with desire just thinking about it. And in just a few days, she would be his. Here in his home... his bedroom. He groaned.

He never thought at the time that he proposed that things would've gotten so complicated.

"I have to be honest, I always thought that he and Tanveer..." Razia said, shaking her head sadly. Dilshad patted her sister-in-law's arm. "I know, so did I... but Razia, you would be happy seeing him with Zoya. She... is a lovely girl" Dilshad said. Razia nodded.

"But she was engaged before?" she asked Dilshad. Dilshad went on to tell her what had happened with Ritesh Kapoor. "Goodness!" Razia exclaimed, shocked at the young man's gall, and highly impressed by Zoya's bravery in dealing with the situation.

"Where are all of them anyway?" Razia asked, looking around. "Asad needed to go to the office. Zoya is working with them too now. Najma... I'm not sure where she is" Dilshad said, looking around too.

An idea struck Dilshad. "We should invite the Sharma's over for supper tonight, so you can meet them. Now that you're here, you can help Anjali and I with the preparations. Do you know, they want both a Muslim and Hindu ceremony?" Dilshad informed Razia happily. Razia frowned.

"Why?" she asked. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Zoya was adopted by the Sharma's and has been brought up Hindu, but kept her mother's name" Dilshad said. Razia's frown got deeper.

"But surely she should convert... for Asad's sake and that of togetherness. I mean, what will their children be?" Razia inquired.

"I'm sure they know what they're doing. Asad is very happy with Zoya's decision, and her faith" Dilshad said firmly. Razia got up then. "I look forward to meeting the girl. I think I'm going to rest a bit. It's been a tiring journey" she said before going back to the guest room where she would stay, presumably until after the wedding.

"So it is true then?" he sneered. Zoya didn't look up. "What the f***? Is he bloody stalking me now?" she thought as she heard Ritesh's voice. She was waiting for the office lunch order at another place than last time. She'd avoided going to the place she went to previously, so as to avoid this exactly.

"Leave me alone, Ritesh!" she spat out, still not looking at him. He grabbed her hand. "Look at me, Zoya!" he said aggressively. "Let go of me!" she shrieked, getting the attention of most of the patrons and staff of the caf.

"I know you're only getting married to him to get back at me. I am saying sorry here. Stop this rubbish, Zoya" he said in a low voice.

Zoya's eyes widened. Had he completely lost the plot?!

"I've got some people together. I'm going to oppose the NC... Join me" he said imploringly.

"Let go of me!" she said in just as low a tone of voice. "You could never oppose the NC. Asad is a better leader and a better man than you could ever dream of being! And you're wrong. I'm not marrying Asad for the reason you think. I-I-..." she trailed off.

"Hmm. I see. So if Shria Naidu was right, you two have been going at it like bunnies and so that's why you're marrying him? Well, at least I know you're not frigid" Ritesh said sleazily, eyeing her up and down. She jerked her hand from his hold. "No. It was just you. I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole, you disgusting b*stard!" she said, grabbed her order and ran off from there.

She placed everyone's orders on her desk and ran to the bathroom. She felt sick. How was it that she was going to marry that man? Just talking to him made her feel sick to her stomach. She sank to the floor and burst into tears.

She thought about telling Asad, but no... she didn't want him to go after Ritesh. Not for Ritesh's sake, of course... but for Asad's sake himself.

Asad noticed Zoya run off; looking quite upset once she'd placed the bags of food on her desk. He couldn't stop himself and went to check if she was ok. He noticed her running in the direction of the bathrooms. Standing outside the ladies' for a few minutes, looking left and right and wondering what to do, he decided to knock.

"Ms Farooqui? Are you in there? Are you...ok?" he asked softly, his face pressed up against the door. Straining, he thought he heard a muffled sob. She was crying? It took all his self control to not burst in there and find out what happened.

"Ms Farooqui, let me in. What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with panic. "Nothing. It's nothing. Please leave me alone!" she sniffed. He hadn't wanted to, but he knew that she would only let him in in her own time... and even then she might not tell him what was bothering her. He was learning not to push her.

"I'll be in my office then. I hope you're ok..." he said softly before she heard the sound of footsteps get softer and softer, until she heard nothing. Another sob escaped her. But this time, there were only tears of happiness and relief. She suddenly knew that marrying Asad was the best decision she'd ever made.

Thinking of him and only him, she pulled herself together, washed her face and headed out to his office. He got up from behind his desk as soon as he spotted her at his door. He walked to her and held her by her shoulders. Looking at her intently, he asked if she was ok. "I am now" she whispered, and then sank into his arms. Asad was surprised, but held her close.

"Uhm, Ammi called me. She's invited you and the family over for dinner tonight. My aunt is here from London and apparently can't wait to meet you" he said softly. Zoya pulled away from him then. "Ok. If it's ok with you, can I please go home? I think... I'm not feeling well" she said. She hated lying, but that meeting with Ritesh had drained her and all she wanted now, was some time to herself, especially since she wouldn't be getting any tonight.

"Of course. Are you sure you're ok?" he asked, walking back to his desk. "Yes. Thanks" she said and turned to leave. "Ms Farooqui?" he called as she got to his door. She turned to him. "Hmm?" she replied. "Wear a saree tonight" he said, winking at her. Zoya blushed, looking down and nodded before leaving from there. Asad leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head, smiling to himself like an idiot.

"Why can't I control what I say around her...?" Asad wondered.

Zoya tapped her heated cheeks lightly with her cold hands as she made her way out of the office. She couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face.

Najma looked out of her window nervously. Karan was supposed to fetch her at 12h15. It was now 12h30. She wondered if he'd forgotten... or perhaps decided not to go out to lunch with her after all. She found herself in front of her mirror yet again and decided that he had probably decided he didn't want to go with her.

Oh well.

There was a knock on her door. "Come in!" she shouted. It was Dilshad. She stood there smiling at her daughter. "You look very nice. Going out?" Dilshad asked Najma. "I was... but I don't think so anymore" Najma said, sitting on her bed and looking down.

"Well, that's strange..." Dilshad said sneakily. Najma looked at her. "What do you mean, Ammi?" she asked. "Well, a lovely young man just turned up on our doorstep to take you out to lunch" Dilshad winked. Najma's eyes lit up.

"Really?" she asked and Dilshad nodded happily. "Come, don't keep him waiting. He already looks guilty. Says he's late" Dilshad said.

Karan waited nervously in the lounge, looking around. His entire face lit up as he saw Najma approach him. He stood up. "I'm sorry. Mom asked me to run some errands for her and I got late" he explained. Najma smiled. "It's ok, Karan. Ready to go?" she asked.

Karan looked to Dilshad and she nodded. "Go. Have fun" she said to them both. When she didn't think she'd feel happiness again anytime soon, both her children were showing her that they would bring her happiness. She couldn't help but notice the sparkle in both Karan and Najma's eyes when they'd seen each other.

She rubbed her hands in delight when she closed the door. Perhaps this was another love story in the making?

Perhaps another tie to bind the Khans and Sharmas together.

Najma laughed. "Why would you think that?" she asked Karan. He shrugged. "You were just too... innocent. I thought we couldn't be friends because I was so naughty" he said. Her eyes softened. "Hmmm, that you were, but I never thought you were bad" she said, looking up. He looked at her wistfully, and a bout of confidence hit him when she smiled and nodded at him.

He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "I always liked you, Najma..." he whispered. She frowned. He removed his hand, but she pulled it back. "I wish I'd known... I always liked you too" she whispered back. "Really?" he smiled. "Really" she confirmed.

He got off his chair and moved it next to her. She looked at him confused. He reached out to stroke her cheek. "I've always thought you were beautiful... sweet... intelligent..." he whispered. She put her hand over his and smiled gently. "And now?" she whispered back. "All that... and more" he whispered, leaning forward towards her closer and closer.

"Karan...not here" she whispered when his lips were just millimetres away from hers. He chuckled and rested his forehead against hers. "My sweet, innocent Najma..." he said tenderly.

"Tanveer, beta. Can we talk?" Dilshad asked when Tanveer came to her room with her tea. "Sure. Everything ok?" she asked. "Of course... I just... I need to discuss something important with you" Dilshad said, motioning for Tanveer to sit next to her.

"I think... it may be time to start looking for suitors for you" Dilshad said uncertainly. Tanveer's eyes widened. "No Aunty. I don't want to leave you" Tanveer cried and hugged Dilshad tightly. Dilshad cried with her. She had raised her as her own for many years, and she would feel similarly when it was Najma's time too.

She pulled away from her when she'd pulled herself together. "Every girl feels this way when this time in their life comes..." she said. Tanveer shook her head. "It wasn't supposed to happen to me like this, Aunty. I was supposed to stay here forever" she said before she could stop herself.

Dilshad stilled. "Tanveer, you know now that that isn't possible. And because of the way you feel right now... I don't think living under the same roof as Asad and Zoya is a good idea" Dilshad explained.

"I won't do anything to them, Aunty. I don't want to get married!" she cried again. "I understand Tanveer, and that's not what I meant, of course. I mean... I don't want to see you more hurt than you already are. Asad and Zoya are... very much in love" she said, thinking of how she'd caught them the other day, not to mention Shria's article.

Dilshad knew what it was like to be young, in love newlyweds. She wouldn't wish it upon Tanveer to ever walk in on the two of them if they were...

"Aunty, you know all of this is just a sham. They're not in love. I'm Asad's friend and I want to be part of things when he becomes PM. I'm going to head up the WL one day soon. Please don't make me go away" Tanveer begged.

Dilshad groaned internally. Another revelation she should make now to prevent further drama. "The WL...? Asad has shared with me that that is to become Zoya's sole responsibility after they are married" Dilshad said softly, patting Tanveer's hand. "What? He's giving her the WL?" Tanveer cried. Dilshad tried to comfort her to no avail. She wouldn't stop sobbing.

Dilshad looked at her as what else Tanveer said was remembered. "A sham? What makes you think that, Tanveer?" Dilshad asked. "I don't know... I don't believe... that they're in love" she answered quietly.

Dilshad asked Tanveer to look at her. This child needed a few hard truths to snap out of whatever she was fooling herself into believing.

"Tanveer. I don't know why you are doing this to yourself, beta. Their wedding is just a few days away. Asad isn't going to change his mind. You know that as well as I do. They are VERY much in love, and I hate to be the one to tell you that I've seen it for myself" Dilshad said.

She didn't know what Tanveer was hoping would happen if she stayed with them. Dilshad couldn't believe that she would try to come between Asad and his wife, but a woman scorned could become a wildly irrational creature.

Tanveer looked up at her. "What do you mean, Aunty?" she asked wide-eyed.

"The other morning, when Zoya came over... and they excused themselves? I walked into the lounge and found them... uhm... they were kissing" Dilshad let out, with her eyes closed. Not exactly the kind of thing any mother wants to walk in on.

But thank goodness she did, or she wouldn't be saying all of this with such confidence right now.

Tanveer got up abruptly. "I see" she said. "I still don't want to be married" she said quietly and left Dilshad's room. Dilshad slapped her forehead. How was she ever going to get through to this girl?

Tanveer fumed. Despite her good intentions towards Asad's decision and warnings, she couldn't help how she felt. That Zoya had just breezed in and taken everything that she'd always thought would be hers.

Zoya smiled as she looked at herself one last time in the mirror. This time she couldn't even deny the reason she was wearing a saree. She knew she did it only because Asad had asked her to. She wanted to please him. She'd come to realise just how much he was doing to please her, and so she wanted to reciprocate.

Dinner was a loud and noisy affair at the Khans. The ladies spoke of nothing else except the upcoming nuptials. Arjun had thankfully declined. He knew what the dinner would consist of, and frankly... was more than happy to not be a part of the arrangements.

Zoya and Asad had declined any other functions, as they were already having two ceremonies, one after the other. Both Dilshad and Anjali had been disappointed by that but did as they were asked. Razia got along well with everyone, and told Anjali and Dilshad that she was only too happy to help.

Her only concern being... would Zoya ever convert to Islam? Asad and Zoya caught the question posed to Anjali. Asad grabbed Zoya's hand under the table after seeing the panicked look on her face, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Aunty, that's not happening" Asad stated over the hush that had descended upon the table.

Tanveer rolled her eyes inwardly. This girl had really done a number on Asad. He was like a lovesick puppy and her cheerleader all wrapped up in one person.

"What do you mean, Asad?" Razia asked. He stood his ground. "Zoya's faith is her choice. It doesn't affect our relationship or our marriage" he said shrugging. Zoya looked at him in awe. Damn, he was... amazing.

"And children, beta? Have you ever thought about what will happen to your children?" she asked. Asad remained unaffected. "Zoya wanted to groan. What was it with everyone going on about these imaginary babies?!

Asad put his arm around Zoya then and brought her closer to him, stunning everyone at the table. "Our children will be just fine. It doesn't matter to me who they pray to. What matters is that they know how to be thankful for everything they will have" he said, looking down at Zoya and smiling.

"He sounds as though we're really going to have children someday..." Zoya thought, rolling her eyes, but so happy to have had him stand up for her. Everyone seemed very impressed with what he'd said though and that was the end of that conversation.

Tanveer nearly choked. Children?! And Asad looked damn enamoured by the whole idea too. She found herself wondering if everything in that Shria Naidu piece was true...

She stood up abruptly and excused herself. Dilshad looked on after her. Zoya did too. Asad noticed and pulled her closer for a second to alleviate whatever misplaced guilt she was feeling towards his childhood friend.

Zoya shifted uncomfortably at the display of affection in front of everyone. "Let's go for a walk, Ms Farooqui" he said, standing up and holding his hand out to her. She smiled at him and placed her hand in his.

They held hands as they walked out, so lost in each other that they weren't even aware of the indulgent looks being thrown their way by their families.

"Uhm, everything ok, Mr Khan?" Zoya asked as they walked around the garden. They were still holding hands. "Hmm... I just thought we could do with a few minutes to ourselves without everyone scrutinising our every move" he answered distractedly.

Suddenly, he stopped walking and pulled Zoya towards him. Before she had time to register what was happening, Asad's lips were against hers playfully.

But what started out as playful soon turned into something else. Zoya wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself flush against his body. She dragged her hands through his hair as his tongue clashed with hers.

Forgetting everything around them, Asad stroked her back, pulling her even closer. Finally, breaking for air, they pulled away and looked at each other self-consciously. "M-mr Khan..." Zoya whispered, looking down shyly.

Asad shrugged. "I thought I heard someone coming, and decided to use your bright idea" he said, a playful glint in his eye. Zoya's eyes widened.

"Well... ok..." she conceded, "...but we shouldn't make a habit of it" she said, moving to walk past him. "Why? Scared you'll want more, Zoya?" he asked huskily, making her stop in her tracks. She turns and gaped at him, her mouth open.

He walked to her, smiling. Using his index finger, he lifted her chin. "Close your mouth, Ms Farooqui. I was just joking" he said, and started walking away.

Zoya grabbed his wrist to stop him. Asad looked at their hands, then at her, raising his eyebrow quizzically.

"Maybe" she whispered, looking right at him, her blush from earlier still apparent on her face.

Asad face gave away his surprise at what she'd said. Zoya tilted his chin upward using her finger. "Close your mouth, Mr Khan" she whispered, a small smile playing on her still-swollen-from-his-kiss lips. "Really?" he managed to get out somehow, considering his mouth went dry at what she'd just said... what she had implied.

Zoya flashed him her dimples. "Maybe..." she said again, and then ran ahead of him into the house laughing softly at the look of bewilderment on his face.

Asad stood there and breathed in deeply. He raked his hand through his hair and smiled a genuine smile. She just said "maybe". That means that just maybe... this marriage could be the real thing?

He chuckled to himself softly, shaking his head, before he went back inside to join her.

Tanveer sank down on her bed hopelessly. She had seen for herself now... She had watched from her bedroom window as Asad and Zoya kissed and then laughed and joked with each other.

Dilshad was right. They were very much in love and she had also just realised she couldn't stick around and be witness to it. It would kill her. And so, she would have to leave before then.

"So, now the most important thing. You can't see each other from now until the wedding" Anjali said. Asad and Zoya looked at each other in panic. The mothers rolled their eyes. "You'll survive" Dilshad said to them. "But Ammi, I need Zoya at the office..." Asad said helplessly.

He was lying, of course. "Yes, sure you do, Asad" Razia teased. "A girl has many things to take care of before she gets married. She won't be coming into the office" Anjali said.

Zoya stuck her tongue out at Asad discreetly as the ladies started their wedding chatter again.

Asad pulled her slightly away from them. "Say it again?" he asked. She looked at him confused. He leaned down close to her and didn't miss her sharp intake of breath.

"What you said outside. Say it again" he almost begged. She smiled and blushed. "Maybe..." she whispered back, looking at him.

Zoya looked to where their parents were standing, and held Asad's hand. He looked down to her. Keeping her eye on them, she stood on her tip toes and kissed him quickly on the cheek and walked off, smiling to herself.

Asad smiled at her retreating figure and placed his palm on his cheek. His happiness could not be contained. "Best night ever" he whispered to himself as he made his way back to where everyone was congregated at the front door.

"Where is Karan now?" Anjali asked, looking around, when they were finally ready to leave. Asad grabbed Zoya's hand. "We'll go find him" he said, taking a surprised Zoya by the hand and leading her up the stairs.

Dilshad, Anjali and Razia laughed at them. "They're acting as if we're asking them to not see each other for a year!" Dilshad laughed.

As soon as they were out of sight, Asad pushed Zoya against the wall and wasted no time in kissing her. There wasn't time for playful tenderness. He wanted to convey how much he wanted her... how much what she'd said to him outside had meant to him... and how much he would miss her over the next three days.

Zoya gave in to him easily. She would miss him... she only just realised how much. She wanted... no, needed him to know how much too. She kissed him with as much passion as he kissed her with, moaning into his mouth as he ground against her, the passion building between them almost too much to bear.

"Ahem..." They heard clearing of throats and pulled apart, somewhat reluctantly.

A very dishevelled Asad and Zoya looked up to find Najma and Karan looking at them smirking. "Uhh... woh... actually..." Asad stuttered until Zoya noticed something and patted his arm, all her embarrassment gone in a second.

She tugged at Asad's shirt, pulling him down so she could whisper something in his ear. Najma and Karan looked at each other confusedly. Asad's eyes widened as Zoya said something to him and he looked at them again. He nodded at Zoya who was smiling by then.

"Bhaijaan...?" Najma called uncertainly. They had been caught kissing and now were acting like... they had something up their sleeve.

"Karan, uhm... you have some lipstick on your collar" Zoya said, stifling her giggle. Najma's eyes whipped to Karan's collar.

"And Zoya, it seems Najma was wearing that shade of lipstick earlier too... but not now?" Asad asked her. Zoya nodded vigorously and then couldn't hold her laugh anymore. She doubled over, clutching her tummy.

Asad held onto her as she laughed, smiling himself. Gosh, she was so mischievous!

"Zoya... Asad...It's not what it..." Karan started trying to explain, but Asad dismissed him with a flick of his hand. "Go downstairs, both of you" he said, trying to sound stern and failing miserably. As embarrassed as Najma was at being caught by her brother, she so badly wanted to ask him if he had a fever or something.

If this had happened even a month ago, Asad would've completely blown his top at her... at both of them. But now? Love had obviously turned him soft. Shaking her head, she ran down the stairs behind Karan.

Asad looked down at Zoya who was recovering from her laughing fit and still secure in his arms. "One last kiss, Ms Farooqui?" he asked softly. "You won't be able to call me that the next time you see me" she teased, before planting a soft kiss on his lips and turning away from him to start making her way downstairs.

"No, I'll call you Mrs Khan..." he said, making her turn back. She launched herself in his arms. "God, I never thought I'd say this to you... but I'm going to miss you" she whispered, holding him tightly. "I'll miss you too. Ms Farooqui" he whispered.