Hey guys! I am back with a new chapter..enjoy!
Chapter 4
Evening:
"Haan Asad bolo!"
"Ammi I will be late. Don't wait up for me!"
"Beta is there any problem?"
"No no Ammi just work! Don't take any tension please. I am fine...perfectly fine."
"...Okay then. But take your dinner at time, okay?"
"Jee Ammi. I will. Allah hafiz"
"Allah hafiz"
Turning to Zoya and Najma, Dilshad said:
"It was Asad. He has some work so he will come home late."
She didn't miss the disappointment flickering on Zoya's face and smiled. Asad was just working. It had happened before,countless times. Then why was she feeling so restless? Like something bad was coming? That he needed her?
"Ammi! Ammi!" "Hun?" "Kya hua?"
"Nothing! Chalo I will make kheer today."
"Bhaijaan will miss it then Ammi!"
"He won't. I would take it up there."
"Okay I would help."
"Phoophi I wanna help too!"
"Okay baba. Let me start first."
All of them set to make kheer together. Basically Dilshad cooked while the two girls fussed around her asking questions.
"Phoophi how did you pour it like that?"
"Ammi how did you know this is done?"
"Girls I am sure I have never worked so hard to make kheer any other time."
"Ammi this is unfair. Ek din kya bhaijaan nai aaye, you make him kheer and take it to him! Mere liye kabhi nahin kiya!"
Najma pouted.
"Aww i love all three of you equally my babies! Your bhaijaan never asks for anything he wants...so karna padta h you know!"
Kissing their temples lovingly, Dilshad left with a can of kheer for Asad.
.o.O.o.
"Salam walekkum Madam!"
"Assalam walekkum Prasad! How are you?"
"I am fine by Allah's grace."
Dilshad smiled.
"Is Asad in his cabin?"
"Jee aap baithiye...I will go tell him you are here."
"No need for that Prasad. I will go myself."
"Actually ma'am, Sir said to inform him before-"
"Prasad I am his mother."
"I know Madam but pardon me, I was strictly ordered to not allow anybody inside without telling him. It's-"
"Okay Prasad, I understand. You go and tell him then. But tell me something?"
"Jee?"
"Is he okay?"
"Mr Khan?"
"Yes"
"Madam...he is fine. I mean what would happen-?"
"Prasad he is my son. You know how much parents worry about their kids.*Prasad smiled thinking of his little son* And surely you want your boss happy and healthy, right?"
"Of course madam!" "Then please tell me what's wrong Prasad. Consider this a mother's request...please!"
After few moments of silence,
"Madam please don't tell him I told you anything. He...he has been pretty stressed today. And... *after a pause* I think he needs a day off."
"Prasad...Shukriya."
Prasad gave her a tight smile and went off to tell Asad.
*I am sorry madam but I can't tell you about what happened today. It is Mr Khan who has to tell you when he feels like.*
He felt bad at seeing his boss leaning on the sofa staring at the wall. This man had always been so strong and independent, and look what fate did to him! Prasad felt like hugging the boss he respected and loved like a son and angel.
"Sir..Dilshad Bi has come."
Asad sprang up from the sofa.
"Huh? Ammi?"
"Jee. I asked her to wait and-"
"Does she know? Did you tell her? Did-"
"No boss. I don't think she knows about...it . *Asad sighed with relief* Should I get her now?"
Asad ran a hand through his hair. "Yes wait...let me just-"
"Okay boss."
Asad went over to his chair and opened a file. Turning to Prasad, he nodded then. Prasad turned to leave.
"Prasad thanks for not telling her. For...everything. You have been a very good and loyal employee."
"Thank you Sir. I am very thankful for having the best man as my boss."
They smiled at each other and then Prasad abruptly left before the tears dropped out of their eyes. Asad got up as he saw Dilshad approaching. Rushing to her:
"Ammi is anything wrong? Aap-"
"I am fine. Najma and Zoya are fine too. I made kheer for you since you said you won't come for dinner and I knew my stubborn workaholic son would forget to eat his dinner. So kaam chhodo abhi and eat.You look so tired."
Asad felt tears filling his eyes. Why did his Ammi have to be so good? The best? Dilshad took out the kheer and motioned him to sit before her. Asad sat down. Dilshad then took a spoonful of kheer and fed him, like she used to do when he was a kid. Asad simply ate like the obedient child he had always been. Inside he felt like shouting and yelling at Allah for being so unfair to him and his family. What would happen to his family without him?
"How was it?"
Dilshad asked, wiping his mouth with a napkin lovingly. She was surprised that he didn't protest. Something was definitely very very wrong and the mother inside her begged to Allah to give him back his happiness.
"It was delicious like always Ammi. But-"
"You don't need to do it Ammi!*she said copying him* I know! Zoya and Najma helped me make this."
Dilshad didn't miss the way his eyes lighted up at the mention of her name. Nor did she miss it getting replaced by an emptiness after an instant. She had to find out about what was wrong. Her son needed her the most at the moment. She could feel it.
"Ya allah those two girls! It took me double time to cook this today and poora ghar ko zoo bana diya dono ne!"
"Ammi that's given when Miss Farooqui is involved."
Asad said rolling his eyes. Miss Farooqui! He wasn't annoyed though, these days he found her clumsiness quite amusing.
"Hmm...Asad she told me that you took her to meet her family today and-"
"Ammi it was nothing. I was just-"
Asad felt so embarrassed. He hoped Zoya didn't tell them everything because he knew his sister and Ammi would tease the hell outta him forever...that is if there was any forever given that--
"A very good thing that you did beta! I am so proud of you."
Dilshad hugged him and ruffled his hair affectionately...silently begging him to open up and tell her what was bothering him so much. Wiping her tears, she held his face and said:
"My son is working so hard. It's high time you got some rest you know. Mujhe toh humesha bolte rahte ho Ammi aap rest kijiye...Ammi you need to rest etc etc when I do nothing but sit at home!"
"Ammi this is my time. I mean I am young and-"
"Asad Ahmed Khan by any chance are you implying it that I...Dilshad Ahmed Khan,your ammi is old?"
Asad laughed at her threatening tone. His Ammi was always so cute. He felt like her father sometimes. Undoubtedly he had the best family.
"When did I say that Ammi? You are completing young now, younger than even...Miss Farooqui! *Dilshad's eyebrows rose up* I mean she is literally the most childish person one could ever become, so-"
"You know that you have started sounding like her only, right?"
"Me? No way Ammi!"
*Yes way Asad. You have fallen for the same most childish girl. And you have already mentioned her so many times beta. May be you would tell her what's wrong.*
"Accha chhodo when are you coming home? "
Suddenly all the smile and happiness disappeared from his face and Asad went stiff.
"Ammi I...I have some important work."
"So work is more important than Ammi?"
"I didn't mean that Ammi. You know that you are the most important person in my life."
*I know my bachha and I promise as long as your ammi is there, she isn't gonna let anything hurt you like this.*
"Okay then you are not working today. I need my son to myself for this night."
"Ammi I-"
"I am not listening to anything as i said. You are coming with me buss. Why don't you take me around the city? It's almost been a century since you last took us out. Kya bolte ho?"
"Ammi...okay. Let's go."
Asad smiled at her, finally warming up to the idea of spending some moments with his lovely Ammi alone. Who knew if he would ever get to do it again!
.o.O.o.
Dilshad asked to go to the lakeside first. While they sat there staring ahead at the water silently, Asad spoke up:
"Ammi do you remember how you used to say that this water has seen so many storms and bad things, yet it ultimately returns back to be calm and soothing? But have you noticed that it is always so alone?"
"It is never alone Asad. There are always people around..people who come here to get some peace, to clear theirr minds-"
"Ammi drug dealers come here to plan murders etc too and-"
"Asad you are missing my point. Without the water, no one would come here. The people here affect the water too-"
"By polluting it."
"Asad some people..people like us come here to meet our close-ones, to cheer up our friends, to make beautiful moments with our loved ones...this water is a witness to more of that than the evil things. And without the water, tell me would you come here? No, right? And who said the water is alone? It always has the breeze for company! They have each other always. Even if wind only causes most of the storms, still they are ultimately always together."
"Ammi but still-"
"Look at Zoya Asad! She has faced so much in her life,still have you ever seen her give up? In spite of everything, she still goes around everywhere like a ray of sunshine, spreading love and happiness. That's how she finds her peace. That's how this water finds its peace beta. If this water chose to raise a large boundary and not let anyone enter, do you think anyone would bother to come? It would be eternally alone and miserable no matter how much it denies that it affects you...I mean the water. And if you are alive, obstacles will be there. A brave person faces all obstacles with his head held high, never losing hope."
"Sometimes you have to give in Ammi, when you know you have no other way."
"There is always another way Asad. You would find it if you look for it with your body and soul."
"Ammi some things are not in your control and you have to give in."
"Letting go is a better term I guess?"
"Ammi ultimately it comes down to being defeated at the hands of fate. I don't understand why some people are always destined to survive a miserable life...till they die."
"That's because Allah takes the test of their strength and such people may pass the test, but they become bitter and choose to remember the terrible things only."
"Ammi so Allah was testing us when Janab Rashid Ahmed Khan destroyed pur life?"
"Yes he was. And even though you stand on your own feet today without any help from that "Janab Rashid Ahmed Khan", you still refuse to let go of the nightmare of those days. You still choose to be immersed in them and keep sulking your whole life in stead of enjoying the present. "
"Ammi it is not easy to forget some things."
"I know that but have you even tried? "
"Of course I have tried Ammi! Do you think I like having those things on my mind and being Akdu Ahmed Khan, emotionless Jahanpana or whatever Miss Farooqui says! Don't smile like that...I tried so much Ammi and when I was feeling like I could really do it, I have got another blow or rather we can call it a reality check."
"Asad are you going to tell me what's bothering you so much?"
"I...I can't tell you Ammi. I will always love you the most Ammi."
"I know that beta but please tell me when you feel like. You always have your Ammi with you, never forget that. I love you so much..."
Dilshad broke down. Asad gathered her in a hug.
"Ammi please...Please don't cry. I will never let you suffer again! I am not Rashid Ahmed Khan and I am going to fight and do everything possible to be with you and Tamatar...forever!"
"What about Zoya Asad?"
"Zo..Miss Farooqui? "
"I am your Ammi Asad. Did you think I won't know? I know that you love her Asad. Please Asad...don't push her away please! She is the one who completes you beta-"
Asad clenched his fists, looking away.
"Ammi I would do whatever is good for her."
"Asad please you have to try once...please!"
"Ammi I have tried, I have dreamed...but as I said, her happiness matters to me the most and if I have to be a jerk and push her away for that, I have no complaints."
"Asad try to understand, her happiness lies in you. She loves you as much as you love her. You can't do this to her. She would be devastated if you push her away Asad! It would break her permanently...Asad she loves you! She can't--"
"Ammi you loved someone too and what did he do? Had he left you before nikah, you wouldn't be living like this today! Zoya...she is a strong girl! She would get over it and go on being a ray of sunshine..."
His voice broke at the end.
"Asad why are you doing this? Hurting everyone?"
"Because I am hurting Ammi and I don't want you guys to be hurt because of me!"
Asad snapped back with angry tears punching his head.
"Well you are doing the exact opposite of that Asad! You are hurting us..."
"Not like it would hurt when you know the truth Ammi!*he looked into her eyes* Ammi please trust me I am not going to let Zoya go because I am his son...I don't want her hurt anymore Ammi. Her pain hurts me more than anything. I want her to have a nice life ahead, a life she deserves to have. I can't have her hurting her whole life. And she is going to be hurt if she stays with me. So pleaseee...trust me I know what I am doing! It is not easy for me to...let her go, but I will do whatever I can."
Dilshad knew he wasn't gonna change his mind. So she gave up for the moment.
"Fine! Whatever you wish Asad. If you think breaking Zoya's already- broken heart fully is a right decision, fine then go on!"
"Ammi she would be more-"
"It's late Asad. I think we should get back home now. The girls are alone. And yes if your ultimate mission is to throw her out of her life only, then don't raise her hopes and expectations by being so sweet and loving to her. Don't make it more difficult for her to get over you.. And I still need your valid reason before you go on with your mission to save her from getting hurt. Mind it."
.o.O.o.
A/N : Missed AsYa? Me too. I had actually planned to write this in a para but I miss the whole Khan family so much and the para just went on and became a whole chapter😆 Anyways Dillu Momma and Asad are the best mother-son jodi, and i am sure all of us love them and miss them loads, so this chapter is dedicated to them.
So perfect together!
Was this chapter okay?Honestly? I have been so busy with my classes and my exam starts on Monday, so I have kinda lost touch with writing and stuff. So please forgive the errors.😳
The next update is gonna take time. I promise to make it longer though.
For those wondering about what's wrong with Asad, you would come to know in the next two-three updates!
Take care guys!
Preeti🤗
Check out my new drabble if interested :
AsYa Drabble : Hai Dil Ye Mera *diary entry*
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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