Chapter 28
The family reached home and soon Asad and Zoya joined them. Humaira wanted to go back home but Zoya insisted that she stay for the night. "Lekin Bhaji, Ammi Abu," Humaira said. "Come on Humi, kitne din hogaye hume saath mein bait kar theek se baat kare huwe, ek raat ki toh baat hai," Zoya said. Humaira wanted to stay but she knew her mother wouldn't be too happy. "Rukna toh main chathi hoon Bhaji lekin aap toh jaanti hai keh Ammi kaisi hai," Humaira said sadly. Zoya too became upset hearing about Razia and jut nodded. "Tumare Ammi se main baat karlongi," Dilshad, who was sitting on the dining table listening to their conversation told them. "Saach? Thanks Ammi!" Zoya said happily. Dilshad smiled and left to talk to Razia. "Lekin Bhaji, kal college bhi toh hai," Humaira said. "Toh kya hua? Tum aur haider ek hi college mein toh ho toh tum uske saath chali jaana," Zoya said. Hearing haider's name, Humaira shyly smiled. Zoya noticed that. "Tum aise kyun muskura rahi ho?" she asked. "Kuch nahi Bhaji, bas aise hi," Humaira said. Later, Zoya had the guest room cleaned and setup so Humaira could stay comfortably as Razia had agreed to let her stay for the night on Dilshad's request. Everyone freshened up and changed and came downstairs for dinner. Zoya was really happy that Humaira was staying at her house. It's been a long time since they had talked with each other or did something fun. Being in touch on the phone wasn't the same as living in the same house. Humaira saw the family together at dinner. She smiled how Zoya had settled so well into her new family. She was extremely happy for Zoya. She never had a true family before but now seeing everyone love and pamper her, brought tears to her eyes. She quickly wiped them away but missed to see a pair of eyes looking at her. After dinner, everyone retrieved to their rooms as they were tired. Zoya changed into her blue pajamas and was emptying the suitcases when an idea came to her. "Mr. Khan!" she called out to Asad who was on the bed with his laptop. "Ha Zoya," he said. "Mr. Khan, kya main aaj raat Humaira keh saath soh sakthi hoon...woh ek din kehliye yaha hai aur bahut din hogaye hume ek saath waqt bitaye huwe," she explained. Asad at first didn't want to let her go. He was so used to having her around. Seeing her sleep in front of him made him feel peaceful inside. But, he knew that she has to miss her sister. "Zaroor Zoya, jaisa tum chaho," he said. "Thanks Mr. Khan!" she said joyfully. Zoya decided that she would empty the suitcase then go to Humaira's room.
Humaira had changed into a simple pink salwar kameez and was fixing her bed when she heard a knock on her door. She went ahead and opened it. "Haider tum?" she said surprised. "Actually woh dining table par kuch upset lagrahi thi toh maine soocha keh tumse pooch lo," he said. Humaira was surprised that he had noticed that she was upset. She smiled and let him in. "woh actually Bhaji koh yaha sabh keh saath dekha toh khushi mein aansoo aagaye. Ammi ne Bhaji koh hamesha pareshaan kiya hai. Lekin aaj tum sabh keh saath unne dekha toh aisa laaga keh woh unke sahi parivaar keh paas aagayi hai," Humaira said with a slight smile. "Can I ask you something?" Haider asked. Humaira nodded a yes and he continued, "Tumari Ammi bhabhi koh pasand kyun nahi karti? I mean woh itni acchi hai," he asked her. "Main saach mein nahi jaanti thi. Bachpan se hi Ammi ne Bhaji koh khabhi apni beti nahi maana. Aur waqt keh saath baat bigad thi gayi. Maine Bhaji koh ek ma keh pyaar kehliye hamesha intezaar karte dekha hai, I am so happy keh Allah ne unne Dilshad aunty jaise ek ma deh diya," she said. Haider smiled. "Allah joh bhi karta hai accha hi hota hai Humaira. You know jab se bhabhi aayi hai humare ghar ka rang hi jaise badal gaya hai, especially Bhai. I am so happy for them," he told her. "I know Bhaji and Bhaijaan make such a cute couple," Humaira squealed. Haider looked at her. She had a huge grin on her lips and the way she clapped her hands together in excitement. The glow in her eyes made him go weak on the knees. He has always taken Humaira as a friend but from the past 2 days, he felt this strange pull towards her. She was always on his mind, in his thoughts. They were both lost in each other's eyes when Zoya interrupted them. "Haider...tum yaha? Iss waqt?" Zoya asked curiously. "Woh actually main...bhabhi," Haider hesistated. Zoya giggled, "Yeh woh actually main family problem hai kya," she said. Humaira too let out a chuckle hearing that. "Woh Bhaji, Haider koh kuch poochna tha ek class keh baare mein," she said to Zoya. "Yeah. Kal baat karte hai, good night!" Haider said and left. "Guess what? Main aaj tumare saath yaha sohungi," Zoya said excitedly. "Saach?" Humaira said as she pulled Zoya into a hug. "Yup," Zoya said. "Are you sure Bhaijaan aapko miss nahi karengi?" Humaira teased. "Ek toh main tumare saath time bitane kehliye aayi hoon aur tum mujhe thaang karahi ho," Zoya said slapping Humaira's shoulder. "Accha baba...sorry," Humaira said holding her ears. Zoya smiled. The sisters got on the bed and talked about random things from college, work, Asad, and everything in between. "You know Bhaji, main Allah se sirf yeh dua karti hoon keh aap hamesha aise hi khush rahe," Humaira said, caressing her sister's cheek with love. Zoya grinned. "Thanks Humi. Tume paata hai yaha sabh hai phir bhi paata nahi kyun aisa lagtha hai keh kuch kami hai," she said. "Kyun Bhaji? Aapke aur Bhaijaan keh beech sabh theek toh haina?" Humaira said worried. "Ha ha Humi, sabh theek hai. Bas paata nahi kyun kuch hokar bhi na hai, aisa ehsaas hota hai," Zoya said. She couldn't describe what she felt. It was like something was missing though everything was fine. But what? Why did she feel this way? She thought. They had both missed doing this. Several hours later, they both were tired and hit the bed for the night.
The next morning everyone left to their respective destinations. Asad had to leave early for a meeting so he told Zoya to take her car. Zoya informed usman and naseem khala to give Dilshad only low sodium foods and to take care of her. She took her things and left for work. On her way to the school, Zoya texted Haider, Najma, and Humaira and told them to meet her at the school. They all agreed knowing her reason. She called Dilshad. "As-salamalaikum Ammi," Zoya greeted. "Walaikum salaam, ha Zoya bolo," Dilshad answered. "Ammi aapne dawayi leyli na?" she asked. "Ha Zoya, main bacchi thodi na hoon keh tum mujhe poochte rehti ho," Dilshad said. "Mujhe aapse baar baar pooch issliye padtha hai kyunki aap apna bilkul khayal nahi rakti," Zoya told her. "Ammi...maine kuch soocha hai," Zoya said and told her what her plan was for that night. "Yeh toh bahut hi acchi baat hai. Lekin tum usse ghar aane se kaise rukogi?" Dilshad asked. "Paata nahi Ammi, mujhe aapki help chahiye," Zoya said. Dilshad thought for couple minutes, "theek hai, main dekh longi, tum log tyaari karo," Dilshad said. "Thank you Ammi, you are the best!" Zoya said as Dilshad chuckled. "Ok Ammi, main school pauchgayi hoon, main aapse baad mein baat karti hoon. Allah-hafiz!" Zoya informed. "Theek hai beta, apna khayal rakna, Allah-hafiz," Dilshad said as she ended the call. Zoya couldn't wait for tonight. She was excited. It was Asad's first birthday after their nikaah. From what she has heard, he doesn't celebrate his birthdays. How typical Mr. Khan! She thought. But she had to change that now, didn't she! She thought as she giggled to herself as she headed inside to her classroom. After school, Zoya and her three musketeers (Najma, Humaira, and Haider) met her at the nearby coffee shop. Zoya told them about what needs to be done for Asad's party and they all split up the responsibilities. Haider and Humaira were in charge of the decorations. Najma was going to contact the caterers and Zoya told her all of Asad's favorites to order. Zoya was going to contact Dilshad and invite everyone as well as head to the mall to pick up a gift for her Mr. Khan. After talking to Dilshad, Zoya called and invited some close relatives and some of Asad's friends. She then told Shyam, her driver, to take her to the mall. After going through a couple stores, as she was walking through, her eyes fell on a watch on one of the windows. Zoya remembered how Asad's watch strap has broken just recently. She smiled, happy to have found his gift. Everyone did their part and returned home to decorate and setup. Dilshad informed them that he had told Asad to go get her reports from the hospital. She has called the doctor and told her to delay it. The doctor was a family friend and knew Dilshad well. When Dilshad had told her the reason, the doctor had gladly agreed. Soon, everyone reached home except Asad and started helping Zoya. It was 11:30 at night when Dilshad called Asad to check on his location. "Asad, kya ho beta, itni dher hogayi," Dilshad said. "Nikal gaya hoon Ammi, bas aade ghante mein pauch jaunga," he informed. "Theek hai beta," Dilshad said. "Accha, sabh hogaya hai, aabh chalo hum sabh ready hojate hai," Zoya told everyone and they all headed to their rooms.
Asad pulled into the driveway to see the house was completely dark. He was surprised. Even if they lost electricity, they had backup generators that should have turned on. He parked the car and grabbed his office bag and Dilshad's file and walked towards the house. He went to the door and tried to open it but it was locked. He was about to ring the bell when the door opened. It was extremely dark inside too. "Zoya...Ammi," he called out. In response, the lights turned on and "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" screamed everyone. His beautiful wife stood in the middle of the hall dressed in a black sari. Her hair was curled and pinned to one side and she was wearing her famous dimpled smile on her lips, which looked dazzling. Black stoned earrings adorned her ears and she was wearing the pendant from their jashan e bahaar. Zoya held a cupcake in her hand with one candle on it. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," she sang along with everyone as she walked towards him with a smile on her lips. "Happy birthday Mr. Khan!" she said as she reached him at the door. Asad was shocked. What was his family thinking? He didn't celebrate his birthdays but looking at Zoya, he knew that it had to be her idea. "I don't celebrate my birthday," he whispered leaning in close to her. "Main toh karsakthi hoon, mujhe birthdays celebrate karna bahut accha lagtha hai, come on blow the candle," Zoya said excitedly. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose, "Zoya," he said. "Mr. Khan!" she retorted in the same tone. "Aapne mujhe apna dost kaha tha Mr. Khan aur agar dosti ki hai toh nibhana toh padega," she said. "Yeh toh kohi film ka dialogue haina," Asad said. "Mere dialogues hamesha original hote hai, unn logo ne shayad mujhse choraya hoga," she said dramatically. He just chuckled at her words. "Oh come on yaar Asad, phook deh candle koh," one of Asad's friends yelled from the coward. His focus shifted from her towards the rest of the room. He was surprised to see his relatives and friends that he hardly talked to anymore. He sighed as he blew the candle. Everyone cheered. "Chaliye Mr. Khan, everyone's waiting," she told him. "Tumne kiya haina yeh sabh?" he asked. "Of course!" she beamed. He smirked, "unbelievable!" he muttered to himself. She just smiled and wrapped her arm around his as she pulled him toward the coward. Asad was amazed that Zoya has invited some of his old college friends. At first, he was apprehensive to meet them but once they started talking, Asad felt like life has just taken a drive back 5 years. Asad kept catching glimpse of Zoya as she moved from talking to family, relatives, and friends. Soon, it was time for Asad to cut the cake. He stood at the table and in front was his favorite black forest cake with "happy birthday Mr. Khan," inscribed on it. Zoya handed him a knife and motioned him to cut the cake. "Make a wish!" she whispered. He smiled at her and blew the candles wishing that his each day started with seeing her devotedly in prayer and it ended with her peacefully sleeping face. Everyone cheered as he cut the cake. He took the piece and offered it to Dilshad. "Isski pheli haqdar Zoya hai, usne hi kiya hai yeh sabh," she said to Asad. "Lekin Ammi, aap baadi hai," Zoya said. "Lekin joh main nahi kar paayi woh tumne kiya," Dilshad said as she lovingly caressed Zoya's cheek. Asad smiled at the two important ladies in his life. He offered the cake to Zoya and she took a small bite. Asad then fed the other family members starting with Dilshad. Zoya cut a small piece and fed it to him. Later, everyone enjoyed dinner. Asad was astonished the 3rd time that night when he saw the menu consisted of all his favorite dishes.
He was surprised that she had remembered everything about him, from his favorite cake to his favorite foods. He looked at her, lost in his own world. "Mr. Khan," Zoya said waving her hand in front of him. "Itna mat soochiye, khana khayiye, I promise yeh sabh bahut acche se aur saaf tarike se bana hai," she told him very seriously. He chuckled understanding her sarcasm. Everyone along with Asad enjoyed the food. After dinner, Zoya took Asad aside. She took out a small box covered in purple gift wrap, "aap kehliye," she said. Asad took the box and opened it seeing the anticipation in Zoya's eyes. He found a small box inside the wrapping. Unlocking the box revealed a lovely watch. It was silver color with a blue colored dial. "Aapko pasand aayi?" Zoya asked unsure. "Bahut acchi hai," he told her. "Saach? Shukur hai Allah ka. Paata hai mujhe bahut dar lagraha tha keh aapko yeh sabh accha lagega ya nahi par aabh main bahut khush hoon," she told him showing her dimpled smile. Just then, she heard Dilshad calling for her. "Ammi bhula rahi hai, main aati hoon," Zoya said. She turned around to leave when she felt his hand stopping her. "Tum joh bhi karo, paata nahi kyun mujhe accha lagtha hai," he thought to himself. He turned her around to face him, "mujhe aise sabh se baat karke aur sabh keh saath rehakar kitne saal hogaye, aaj tumari wajase main dil se hasa hoon, thank you Zoya. Thank you for everything," he told her. Zoya was happy to see him coming out of his shell. He was sharing his feeling with her which meant a lot to her. Asad pulled her closer tugging at her wrist which he still held. He leaned in and Zoya felt her breath stuck in her throat. She closed her eyes as his lips touched her skin. She closed her hands into a fist clutching his shirt in it, unknowingly. "Thanks," he whispered again. He moved back and realized that she was holding his shirt. He smirked seeing her reaction. "Agar tum chathi hoon toh hum aise hi reha sakthe hai," he teased. Zoya's eyes shot open and she let go off his shirt. "Mr. Khan kya aap sabh koh aise hi thanks kehte hai?" she asked composing herself, as she touched her cheek where his lips were just moments ago. "Sirf unne jisse main dil se aapna maanta hoon," he told her as he winked at her. Zoya's jaw dropped hearing his words. Was Mr. Khan teasing her? she thought. Asad placed his finger at the tip of chin, "makhi chale jayegi," he told her closing her mouth. He smirked and walked away leaving a stunned Zoya behind.
Asad's gift: http://www.fashionrely.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Vintage-Rolex-watches-UK-Collection-for-Men-FashionRely-9.jpg
The party had ended a bit ago and Dilshad and Rashid were in their room. Rashid walked out of the bathroom changed in a white kurta pajama and Dilshad was on the bed folding her clothes. "Aaj party bahut acchi thi na," Rashid said. "Ha Rashid, Asad koh itne dino baad itna khush dekha aur sabh se ghul milte huwe dekha, aabh meri saari fikar door hogayi hai," Dilshad said happily. Rashid sat next to her, "ha Dilshad, aaj ek badla hua Asad dekha mujhe," he said. "Yeh sabh Zoya ki wajase hai. Maine kaha tha na keh Asad keh zindagi mein ek acchi ladki aajayegi toh woh aage badh saktha hai," Dilshad said. "Aur usse Zoya se acchi biwi nahi mil sakthi," Rashid said. "Sahi kaha aapne, Allah ka lakh lakh shukur hai keh usne humari dua qubool karli," Dilshad said happily as Rashid pulled her into a side hug. "Rashid...main sooch rahi thi keh kyun na hum iss jhume koh quran khani rakhe? Kitne din hogaye," Dilshad said. "Yeh toh bahut accha khayal hai, hume zaroor rakna chahiye," Rashid said. "Theek hai toh main kal hi sabh koh baata dungi aur phone karke sabh koh baata dungi," Dilshad said. Rashid was glad that Dilshad was not worried about Asad anymore and that Zoya had bought a new version of his son back into their lives. Since the incident three years ago, Dilshad has really been depressed about the whole situation. She partly blamed herself for bringing tanveer into Asad's life. Yes, she was his friend but it has been Dilshad that had thought about getting the two of them married. After the incident, she had lost her son. She has tried so many times to tell him that he was not at fault but she knew that he blamed himself. He blamed himself for letting tanveer take advantage of his trust and emotions. He also blamed himself for the shame that had bought to the family. Today, she felt a huge burden come off her chest. She was extremely happy that Zoya has done what she hadn't been able to. Now, she just prayed that Asad confessed his feelings down and made Zoya truly apart of his life.
It was the day before the quran khani was supposed to be held. Zoya was finished with school and decided to buy some of the things needed for the quran khani. She told shyam to take her to the mall. On the other hand, Asad was in his office when something on the television caught his attention. "Breaking News!" it flashed. "Multiple vehicle crash on highway 32 in Bhopal," the lines underneath the flash stated. The only thing that Asad could hear was that a black 2014 Mercedes was involved in the crash. This was the route that Zoya took to school. He saw the time, it was probably now that she was heading back home. What if? No!!!!!!! he thought. Grabbing his phone and car keys, he rushed out of the office. Asad kept trying Zoya's phone but it was turned off. He drove to the school and was informed that Zoya had left. Asad felt his heart sink. Where was she? His forehead formed water droplets but he wasn't going to let scare take over him. she will be ok, he thought. He called the commissioner for information but nothing concrete could be obtained. All he knew was that there was a crash involving a semi-truck and four cars, one of which was a 2014 Mercedes. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment and there were even two deaths. "Wait...agar Zoya ghar chali gayi hogi toh. Dammit! Maine soocha kyun nahi," Asad said to himself. He dialed home but the phone was busy. He rushed home and barged inside, "Zoya! Zoya! Ammi!" he yelled. Dilshad walked out of the kitchen, "Asad tum itni jaldi ghar? Sabh theek toh haina?" she asked concerned. Nikhat too followed her and joined them. "Ammi, Zoya ghar aayi ka?" he asked. "Nahi abhi tak toh nahi, kya hua Asad? Itne pareshaan kyun ho?" Dilshad inquired. "Ammi, woh Zoya...uska phone bhi nahi lagraha hai. Aur highway pe accident. Sabh jaaka doond raha hoon usse," Asad said as Dilshad and Nikhat looked at him shocked. "Kya? Accident?" Dilshad said. "Ammi aap chinta mat kijiye, Zoya theek hogi," Nikhat said trying to comfort Dilshad. "Tum school pe dekha shayad woh wahi hai," Nikhat told him. "I did. Sabh jaaga dekha sirf hospital baaki hai. Main...main waha jaake dekhta hoon," Asad blurted out. "Main bhi tumare saath chalthi hoon," Dilshad said. "Nahi Ammi, aap yehi rahiye. Main jaata hoon," Asad said as he looked at Nikhat. "Ha Ammi, Asad theek kehraha hai. Main rukti hoon aap keh saath," Nikhat said telling Asad silently to leave. Asad ran his hand through his hair. He didn't know what to do. Every time he thought about what could possible happen, he felt his heart sinked in a deep dark hole. But he had to go find her. He just had to! He took a deep breath and started to leave.
As Asad was about to leave, his eyes fell on her. His heart breathed a sense of relief. She was alright, he thought. "Ammi...dekhiye na main...," Zoya said but stopped seeing everyone tensed. "Mr. Khan aap? Sabh theek toh haina?" she asked. Dilshad and Nikhat walked up to her and Dilshad pulled her into a hug. "Allah ka shukur hai keh tum theek ho," she said almost on the verge of tears. "Ammi, kya hua? Aap aise," Zoya said worried, as she pulled out of the hug. Zoya turned to Asad, "Mr. Khan kya hua? Sabh theek toh haina?" she asked on hearing no response from Dilshad. Asad felt anger boil through his veins. He had been going crazy from the past two hours searching for her and here she was asking him whats wrong. He wanted to yell, scream but he slammed his hand on the glass table. Zoya covered her ears to prevent the noise of breaking glass as the vases from the table fell to the floor. Zoya looked at him confused and scared. Asad left the living room and soared up the stairs. "Ammi," Zoya said questioning Dilshad about his actions. "Woh pareshaan hai beta, bas issliye aisa kargaya," Dilshad comforted her. "Tum yeh sabh mujhe dehdo aur tum andar jao, Asad bahut gussa hai," Nikhat told her as she took the shopping bags from the floor. "Par bhabhi, main...," Zoya tried when Dilshad intervened, "ha beta Nikhat theek kehrahi hai. Tum Asad se baat karlo uska gussa shant hojayega," she told Zoya. Zoya nodded and left from there. "Par Mr. Khan mujhse naraaz kyun hai? Maine kiya kya hai?" she mumbled to herself. As she walked up the stairs, "yeh Mr. Khan bhi na bina kohi waja keh gussa hojate hai. At least mujhe baata na toh hota na keh naraaz kyun hai. Ya Allah yeh Mr. Khan na akdu toh akdu hi rahenge," she thought. She stood at the door contemplating what to say. She didn't even know what she did wrong so what was she supposed to explain. "Allah miyan, please meri help kijiye," she prayed as she entered the room.
What will happen? Will Asad make Zoya mad again? Will Zoya forgive him this time? Keep reading to find out! Thanks for your patience and the awesome comments...love you all 🤗
Edited by asyasahil928 - 10 years ago
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