ASYA/KaBhi SS: Red, the colour of love Final Part/ Page 19 - Page 3

Red: The Colour Of Love

Chapter Two

"Sorry" He watched her lips move perfectly as her words came out, "and thank you" His heart burst inside of him seeing her lips curve into a smile. He watched her tuck her loose hair behind her ears picking up the boxes; he had the sudden urge to help tuck those reluctant strands that kept falling out.

An irritating sound brought him out of his reverie; he looked up removing his hand from her shoulders to find their driver standing over them. However, his eyes moved back to his hands that were burning with some sort of sensation.

"Let me take those inside" Their driver kneeled down and picked up the boxes while Zoya shook her head to stop him from going through the trouble. He blinked watching her hair fly over her head; her bright earrings glistened in his eyes going down her slender neck.

Zoya creased her eyebrows catching his eyes on her, she was about to speak when she heard her brother call out to her.

"Aapi, you're here. Finally" Aleem rushed towards them. Asad turned to find Aleem, his head snapped towards the woman in front of him who was now fixing her saree as the driver took all the boxes inside.

Aleem wrapped his arm over her shoulder; Zoya scrunched up her nose and pressed her eyes at her brother.

"I've forgotten my purse" Zoya frowned pointing towards the taxi boot, her voice finally registered in Asad's ears making his heart thud faster than ever. Her voice, so delicate yet overpowering. "Oh no. I forgot to pay" She hit her head and ran back towards the taxi. She grabbed her purse and was about to pay the taxi driver when Aleem pulled her away in his arms having already paid. Zoya tapped his cheek getting engrossed in a conversation with him walking past Asad, she looked back for a moment finding him stand there like a statue. She brushed all her thoughts away and walked inside Khan Villa.

Dilshad ran towards Zoya and embraced her with open arms.

"You're here, finally" She exclaimed breaking the hug. "How are you? Everything well?" Zoya nodded beaming at her, she could see her mother in Dilshad and always adored the way she took care of her.

"Aaliyah looks beautiful and so do you mashAllah" Dilshad blessed Zoya, Asad entered the house and stared at their interaction.

"Sorry Phoopie. I know these dresses were sent for Aaliyah but I had no choice. Emotion blackmail" Zoya nodded towards Aaliyah and laughed.

"No worries. They were for both of you. You look beautiful" Dilshad caressed her cheek taking her towards the guests. Asad followed behind them, his eyes refusing to move off her. He smiled hearing her laugh, he noticed her dimples every time she tucked her hair but they fell back out much to his dismay.

"Samiha, behave beta. Do you want a drink?" Zoya brushed Samiha's hair back. She looked to her side to find a young male with curly hair stand in front of the door, she watched Dilshad's eyes move onto him before pressing her eyes to give him permission to come inside.

"Ayaan, you're late" Asad scolded Ayaan hugging him tight.

"Sorry bhaijaan, I got stuck in traffic..." His voice trailed off as his eyes fell on a woman with a pink saree; she was here. He rubbed the nape of his neck while a grin played on his lips. He moved his eyes around the room turning a deaf ear to his brother's concerns and walked towards a woman in a red saree.

"Hello Bhabie, how are you? I'm your brother in law" Ayaan dazzled his million dollar smile moving his hand forward towards her. Zoya stared at it for a moment not knowing what to say. "Don't worry, I disinfected it before I came" He winked.

"But I'm..." Zoya's eyes moved towards the male who she bumped into just moments ago. She finally realised he seemed quite familiar.

"Come on bhabie, I won't hug you. Just a friendly handshake" Ayaan brushed his hair back and put it forward again,

"But I'm not your bha-"

"Yet but you will be soon" He smiled wider if he could. "Ouch bhaijaan, what happened?" Ayaan moved away as Asad hit his head.
"What was that for?" He pouted looking at Zoya who had pressed her lips to contain her laughter.

"That was for..." Asad's words refused to come out seeing her face,
"That was for being an idiot..." He managed to choke out. "I'm sorry" Asad looked at Zoya.

"It's okay, don't worry." Zoya placed her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh.

"Why are you saying sorry?" Ayaan asked confused.

"This isn't your bhabie to be" Asad told him, a hint of sadness was visible in his voice but no-one noticed.

"WHAT? But how can this be, she is so beautiful" Ayaan asked shocked. Zoya blushed looking the other way.
"But bhaijaan, who is your bride to be?" Asad wasn't too happy with the question; he didn't want to answer it.

"You're Asad, I mean Mr Khan?" Zoya pointed, he looked at her finger as if she was accusing him. She moved it instantly,

"Who is the bride to be?" Ayaan asked impatiently. He was praying it wasn't her, the woman behind him.

"My younger sister, Aaliyah. Over there" Zoya nodded, Ayaan held his breath not wanting to look back. He moved slowly but cautiously, he turned and almost fainted realising it was her. It was the girl in the pink; it was the girl that almost danced into his heart. His heart looked on sadly as everyone showered her with love; he moved his head back and stared at the ceiling.

"One prayer and it didn't get accepted?" He whispered walking towards her.

"Sorry about that" Asad coughed out his words trying to meet her eyes but failing. He had noticed the shock on her face when she realised he was the man her sister was getting married to. He wanted to question her further but words were refusing to come out.

"I can't believe I'm finally meeting you" Zoya smiled tilting her head forward,

"The honour is mine. It's good to see the woman whom I've heard so much about finally standing in front of me" Asad lied smoothly. Her presence was making him more anxious than ever. Yes, he wanted to meet this woman, but he didn't expect her to be... Well herself, if that makes any sense. "Zoya, I mean Miss Farooqui" Asad saluted her with an eager nod.

"I hope it's all good things" Zoya laughed. Asad watched mesmerised, those dimples looked more perfect so close.

"Yes" Asad rubbed his neck nervously, "Sorry about yesterday." Najma paused with the tray of snacks watching the interaction between the two. Was that her brother? The man who shied away from a conversation with anyone, was standing there talking to a woman with so much ease.

"No I just wanted to say- what happened beta?" Zoya looked at Samiha. "Please excuse me Mr Khan" Zoya held a napkin under Samiha's neck as she had spilled her drink and was panicking about her dress. Asad watched her walk away not being able to figure out what it was about her that was making him feel so lost. He looked back at Aaliyah and closed his eyes instantly; how was he going to do this?

Zoya's eyes fell on his back as she walked back from the washroom. He stood in one corner of the room like a statue watching everyone else yet in his own world. Something was bothering him. She didn't know much about him... Well this is the guy Zoya she told herself. This is the man who is going to swipe your sister off her feet and take her away. He is perfect, everything your father may have wanted in a groom for his daughter. For you. Zoya held her breath for a moment and re-arranged her thoughts.

"For Aaliyah" She whispered back to herself. She hesitantly walked towards him and stood beside him. "That flower pot looks interesting doesn't it?" Zoya spoke thoughtfully; Asad snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her. His heartbeats rose instantly making him want to run away from her.

"Sorry I just-"

"Why are you apologising? You've done that three times already. Are you- okay?" Zoya observed him. He faced her and caught himself in her deep eyes that were overtaking every sense in his body. He tore his gaze away,

"Yes. I'm fine" Asad spoke in a low voice.

"He's a man of a few words" Dilshad laughed passing her a drink and wandering off again. She looked at him again,

"I just wanted to say thank you" Zoya said in a soft whisper. He looked at her confused; he followed her gaze towards Aaliyah and understood what she meant. "They mean the world to me" She smiled watching Aleem joke with Aaliyah. "And you bringing that happiness into her life, is well... Something I should be thankful for."

"You have nothing to thank me for Miss Farooqui. This has come as a blessing.. For both of us" He met her eyes. Zoya smiled wider.

"The ring was beautiful" Zoya praised his choice. A small smile formed on his lips.

"Thank you for saving me" Asad brushed his hair back, "Ammi would've killed me."

"I saved you unknowingly." Zoya shrugged her shoulders innocently, "I er" Asad noticed her hesitation.

"Whatever it is, you can tell me. I can assure you I'm not that bad" Asad held his hands up.

"Are you happy with this marriage Mr Khan?" Zoya breathed out, her eyes went back to him and waited for his answer. Asad almost choked at her question. He stared at her face that was reflecting the worries of a parent and he couldn't blame her for questioning him. But what was he going to say to her? That he isn't sure about what he is doing with his life or that he agreed for his mother... and her sake because he didn't want her to fail as a parent. Should he tell her, he dreams of a woman he has never met every night, who slowly, day by day, through every night takes away a part of him? Should he tell her that he has been anxious from the moment he bumped into her outside and doesn't know what it was about her that wanted him to make this relationship work with Aaliyah but he would never be happy?

"Yes." Came his short reply. He looked at her and nodded to reassure her. "There's not many people like you" He watched her eyebrows crease in confusion, "Sacrifice."

"I thought I was looking at one of those people Mr Khan." Zoya's reply came instantly. She blinked her long eyelashes. "I know all you've done for your family. Let's just say I didn't need a picture to decide what kind of a man you were... you are."

"I have never acted as a parent Miss Farooqui." He looked over at his mother, Zoya held in her emotions.

"I'm not"

"You deserve a lot of happiness" Asad spoke over her.

"All that from one interaction?" Zoya brushed off his praises,

"All that for your sacrifices." Asad looked at her, "If I could give you the smallest bit of happiness, I would consider my life meaningful." Asad smiled walking away.

"You're giving me way more than that Mr Khan" Zoya whispered with tears in her eyes. She walked towards Aaliyah and sat down next to her.
"I forgot to do this" She touched her bottom eye and took a bit of the kohl and smeared it behind her ears.

"Love you aapi" Aaliyah rested her head on Zoya's shoulder.

"Love you too" Zoya moved away finding her move her top irritatingly,

"I'll just be right back" Zoya watched her get up and go upstairs. She was about follow when she heard Aleem's calls.

"Aapi" towards Aleem who was staring at her wide eyes touching all his pockets, "I left the rings at home."

"Allah Miyaan, what is wrong with you Aleem? How could you forget the rings?" Zoya hit her head dramatically before pouting, "Aleem, I told you to check" Zoya got up tensed.

"What happened beta?" Dilshad came to her, "Why do you look so tensed?"

"Aleem bhi na. He's forgotten the rings. I'll just send him to get them now."

"Is everything okay?" Asad stood in front of them with his hands behind his back.

"The rings. Don't worry I'll just-"

"Miss Farooqui, they're just rings it's fine. We'll just do-"

"No Mr Khan. It's my Aaliyah's engagement and it has to be done properly. Wait wait" Zoya grabbed her purse while everyone watched worriedly, "Aleem, I carry baba's ring with me, Mr Khan could complete the ceremony with that until we get him the ring we picked out for him" Zoya held a silver band in front of him.

"But aapi, baba left that for you" Aleem reminded her. Asad stared at her adamant expressions,

"Baba left this for us" Zoya smiled. "Mr Khan, could you just check if this fits you?" Asad knew this ring held sentimental value to her and wanted to refuse but Dilshad's nod cleared his thoughts. He removed his hand and brought it forward, Zoya unknowingly slipped the ring on his finger without realising what she was doing. Asad blinked at her, he thought she might pass the ring over to him to try on. She was too panicked to be able to think rationally.

"Look it fits." Zoya sighed a breath of relief. Asad stared at his finger, with her father's ring perfectly sat there like it was meant to be. Asad looked up at her; she really didn't understand what she just did. She took deep breaths, Aleem pulled her in a for a hug.

"When will you stop stressing yourself out?" Aleem brushed her hair. Zoya sighed clutching onto his shirt,

"I want everything to be perfect for her" Zoya looked up at Asad, her eyes glistening with tears. Asad felt guilty, he tore his gaze away immediately. "Where's Aaliyah, Aleem you left her ring as well? Phoopie I am so sorry, I just, it's all my fault. I was just so busy changing my clothes that I didn't give as much importance to the things that mattered."

"Stop it aapi. You took two minutes to get ready, you've been running around like a headless chicken all day. Please take deep breaths. Have you eaten anything? Ya Allah" He cupped her face. Asad watched concerned. "I am so so sorry. I am an idiot" Zoya caressed his face.

"Don't you dare call my brother an idiot. I'm fine." Zoya smiled. "What are we going to do about Aaliyah's ring?"

"You don't worry about a thing." Dilshad smiled removing her ring, "Asad could put this on her for the time being?" She passed it to Asad.

"Will it fit Aapi?" Samiha grabbed Asad's arm down to see the ring. Asad smiled seeing the excitement on her face.

"It should do" Aleem wondered. "Where is she?"

"Bathroom" Zoya answered.

"Aapi you try on the ring. It's very pretty" Samiha told her.

"Nahi beta, I can't. That is Aaliyah's right" Zoya caressed her face looking up at Asad. Asad winced.

"Aapi, you're the same size as her aren't you?" Aleem spoke from behind.

"Try it on and see, or else we'll have to get another ring" Najma scratched her head worriedly. She caught Aleem's calm eyes on her and looked away feeling her cheeks heat up in an instant.

"Aapi, try it and see. You and Aaliyah are literally the same size. Chalo" Aleem pushed her forward.

"Try it beta and see, one minute I'll just be right back. Someone is calling me" Dilshad walked away. Zoya put her hand out staring at Dilshad's back, her head shot towards her hand feeling the ring on her finger. She looked up at him with wide eyes shaking her head. Asad's eyes refused to move off her face. In the spur of the moment, he just slipped the ring on her finger as if it was the most normal thing to do.

"No Mr Khan, I you..." She shook her head, Asad looked at her confused before following her eyes to her hand, he stepped back realising what he had done. He pressed his forehead,

"I er I didn't mean to" Asad shook his head furiously. Zoya's eyes caught Aaliyah coming down the stairs. She pulled the ring out of her finger and gave it Aleem before rushing towards her. She placed both of her hands over her cheek feeling something weird inside of her; What just happened?

It wasn't long before the crowd gathered for the ring exchange ceremony, whilst Asad's eyes remained glued on Zoya and how she tried to keep everything together, her eyes never seemed to leave the silver band, her father's ring. She kept that ring close to her heart carrying it everywhere she went so that she could feel her father's presence around her. It was hard letting it go, but she did it for her sister. Asad didn't fail to notice those eyes, there were so many emotions hidden deep inside her heart. Asad sighed as his heart thumped inside of him. What do you want Asad? His heart asked him over and over again not being able understand what he was feeling. Why can't you take your eyes off her? Why does it seem like you've known her forever? He extended his hand towards Aaliyah; he tensed as she put the ring on him. Zoya leaned against Aleem as they both watched the exchange in tears remembering their parents. Asad put his hand out to put the ring on her, but the ring slipped out of his fingers and fell to the floor. Everyone's eyes followed it as it danced on the floor before rolling towards the crowd, stopping at Zoya's feet. She looked down at it confused; her eyes went up to meet his eyes. She picked it up and walked up to him placing it in his hand.

"Mr Khan?" Zoya whispered. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at his hand; she was holding the ring in his hand. He felt his senses run wild with her touch; he blinked feeling every hair on his hand stand upright. He took his hand away from her feeling electrocuted. Her touch seemed familiar.

Not having realised what happened, he put the ring on Aaliyah as Zoya stood beside him and watched. Zoya touched her cheeks and then observed her wet fingers; what kind of tears were these? She was happy for her sister but her heart felt empty for some reason, she felt like she was going to lose something so precious to her. Zoya sighed; it might be Aaliyah's engagement getting her all emotional.

-

"Zoya beta, leave all that. You've been doing so much since you've come. We are hosting this so we will do EVERYTHING" Dilshad said with wide eyes. Zoya had been busy cleaning up since the engagement ended; she had taken up the responsibility to see off both of their guests. "Sit down now, please. I'll get Najma to make us a cup of tea." Zoya smiled shaking her head. Dilshad couldn't even shout at her properly.

"Two minutes phoopie. You sit down, you've been working all day" Zoya moved her fringe of the way with the back of her hands stacking up the plastic plates. "Najma, could you just give me my phone, it's ringing" Najma ran forward and picked it up placing it against her ears. "Hey sweetheart. Kya hua? You can't sleep. Nahi baby aise nahi kehte" Zoya tried to calm Samiha down. "You've got school tomorrow, Aaliyah aapi is there na. Be my good bacha. Good girl, Allah Hafiz. Hey Aleem, everything okay? Listen don't worry about me. You've got work tomorrow, get some sleep. I'll see you soon. Thank you" Zoya whispered to Najma who smiled at her taking the plates off her. Zoya ordered the workers to sweep the floor and move the sofas back into place. Dilshad tried to stop her but gave up seeing her so adamant.

"She's THE superwoman" Najma sighed falling on the sofa feeling exhausted. Dilshad nodded her head in agreement staring at Zoya tidying the decorations.

"Zoya beta, I want to show you something. I'll just be right back!" Dilshad said going upstairs. Zoya nodded at her before going back to work. This girl Dilshad shook her head.

Asad stared at himself in the mirror. Today seemed like a blur, everything felt like a dream. He'll wake up anytime soon and he won't be so stressed. What was he so stressed about? Asad pressed his temples; his eyes went over Zoya's father's ring. He sighed heavily. What was he feeling? Why was he so anxious? Why can't he get rid of this feeling? He just got engaged to the girl... He did not love. And then it hit him. He didn't love her. He closed his eyes, Zoya's face flashed before him. Why was he seeing her everywhere, why was he feeling this, seeing her? He knew it was wrong, why it was wrong he didn't know. But this wrong feels so right... Asad opened his eyes feeling a headache take over his head. He walked towards the door and opened it; his eyes widened seeing her walk around his house. Stop thinking about her Asad; she's your fiance's sister.

He stared at the floor in front of him walking inside the kitchen so that he would stop hallucinating. He looked up and stared at her back, she had put her hair up into a loose bun revealing her bare back, she had wrapped the saree around her and tucked it on her waist. Asad admired her as she cleaned the dishes, occasionally rubbing her forehead to remove her irritating fringe. His eyes caught the end of the saree that was becoming loose, his hands went forward and tucked it back in. Zoya was startled by his touch; she turned quickly brushing her wet hands over his face. She registered his face and stumbled back falling backwards, Asad's hand wrapped around her waist and held her up. Zoya blinked at him trying to figure out what just happened, Asad stared into her eyes, Zoya shivered in his hold seeing the intensity of the emotions that were pouring out of them. Her heart beats were going frantic in his hold, a weird feeling ran through every vein in her body. She watched his hand come up to her face and brush her fringe out of the way.

"Mr Khan?" Zoya whispered. Asad picked her back up, Zoya looked away feeling slightly flustered.

"Thanks."

"Sorry."

They both looked at each other; Zoya turned around and placed the last dish in the basket.

"You're still here?" Asad stepped behind her trying to hide her back from the workers. He glared at the workers that were ogling at her naked back, his venomous eyes scared the daylights out of them.

"Why Mr Khan, am I not allowed to be here?" Zoya laughed trying to brush off whatever just happened. Asad's eyes mellowed down hearing her laugh.

"Thank you for your services. I think you've got your payment. You may leave" Asad spoke sternly. Zoya turned around confused before realising he was talking to the workers.

"No Mr Khan, I need to pay them" Zoya rushed towards the table where Dilshad kept an envelope. However, she slipped her envelope out of the bag and handed it over to the workers. "Thank you!" Zoya beamed at them. They nodded with their eyes on the floor before walking out. Zoya exhaled falling back onto the sofa. She looked up at Dilshad coming down the stairs, Asad joined them.

"Beta, you work too hard. I want you to take rest. Should I make you a cup of tea?" Dilshad asked caressing her head.

"Your hand over my head takes away all my tensions" Zoya smiled. "You tell me, do you want tea? I'll make you a cup"

"You are unbelievable... Ya Allah, what happened to your hand?" Dilshad's eyes caught the burnt mark. Asad looked at her alarmed.

"Nothing Phoopie, I burnt it this morning. I don't know what happened to me." Zoya shrugged her shoulders. "Aap kahiye, you wanted to show me something?"

"Yes, look at these" Dilshad brought some boxes and placed them on her lap. Everyone watched with eager eyes. Dilshad opened them one by one; Zoya's eyes sparkled seeing the beautiful jewellery in front of her. "In all the rush, I wasn't able to show you these. They are for you and Aaliyah" Zoya looked at her.

"For me? Phoopie, I don't need anything. Why are you unnecessarily-" Zoya bit her tongue watching Dilshad's hand go up. Asad smiled slightly.

"These are old jewellery I kept safe for my future daughter in law" Dilshad looked up at Asad who had his hands over his face. Zoya nodded at her listening carefully. "You are my daughter, I want to gift you something and before you say no need, there is a need. So bas end of conversation. You pick out whatever you like; Najma and Aaliyah can choose from the other ones." Zoya sighed in defeat.

"Come on Najma. You pick out whatever you like" Zoya looked at her. Najma laughed at her innocence, she was too sweet, always putting others before her.

"You pick whatever YOU like." Najma smiled. Zoya looked at everyone nervously. Her eyes went over a simple gold and white jodha set with white pearls hanging on the edges. Her fingers brushed over the set admiring its detail. She looked up into Dilshad's eyes who nodded at her.

"This would look good on Aaliyah" Zoya whispered softly. Asad tried not to show his disappointment.

"This set will look good on you beta. I can see it in your eyes. This set is for you, I knew you'd like it. And I think this set would look good on Aaliyah" She pointed to another box. Zoya stared at it before nodding. Asad sighed a breath of relief.

"Phoopie, it's very late. I must go. Thank you for everything. I'm sorry I couldn't help much. We're meeting up soon anyways, we'll discuss everything then" Zoya got up and hugged Dilshad.

"Pagal ladki. You did everything. You go home and rest properly. Asad will drop you off home" Dilshad looked at Asad who nodded.

"Jee nahin, I'll be fine" Zoya looked down instantly seeing Dilshad's eyes. She nodded meekly. Asad admired his mother; she was the best. Asad grabbed his jacket and his keys while Zoya picked her purse up with the boxes of gifts and headed for the door. Dilshad's eyes fell on the packet on the table; she instantly looked at Zoya's back.

"This girl!" Dilshad spoke disbelievingly. Asad looked at her confused; she picked up the packet and showed it to him. Asad pressed his eyes at her understanding why Zoya did what she did. He rushed out of the door. He stared at her back as he decreased the distance between them; he placed the jacket over her shoulder. Zoya looked at him surprised, she caught his eyes and found herself captive; Why did it feel like I was growing attached to something that I know is not in my destiny?

---

Sorta regret starting this, going blank! Was originally meant to be a ThreeShot but for now we'll call it a FiveShot, depending on how it goes, I may carry it on as an SS. Thank you for the wonderful comments and your support guys. They mean so so much to me. I honestly couldn't believe you guys accepted something I wrote listening to LAAL DUPPATA! There's the backstory, LAUGH AWAY! Hey SIMPLYSMILE, look I updated before the end of the month. Please don't hate me. I hope you guys enjoyed the second chapter, do leave your love behind! Ignore all mistakes, I'm too tired!

Much Loves <3

P.S. P_s05, sorry I don't know your name lovely, but that GIF made my day. I want to save it and look at it all day. I miss my Asad <3 <3