Chapter 3
After examining Zoya, the doctor told Najma that hypoglycemia and low blood pressure has been the cause of the fainting episode. He had given an injection and left, informing Najma that Zoya would sleep through the night and that she should be fine the next morning. Najma tucked Zoya in and left the room. She had to check the party and have the staff clean up. As much as she wanted to stay with her sister, she knew Zoya would want things to be done right.
On the other hand, Rajveer couldn't believe what had just transcribed between Asad and Tanveer. He was shocked, to say the least. He followed Asad out of the venue and stopped him in the road. "Just leave me alone," Asad barked. "Relax man...I just want to talk," Rajveer defended. Asad relaxed a bit, "what is it?" he asked. "You are asking me? What is it that you just did with Tanveer? I can't believe that you stood up to her like that," Rajveer stated. "I don't know," Asad said staring out in the dark night. "You don't know or you don't want to accept it?" Rajveeer questioned. "What are you talking about?" Asad said confused. "I am talking about what you are doing Asad. From where I stand, I see that you have this connection, this spark with Zoya. But on the other hand, you are marrying Tanveer," Rajveer said sincerely. Asad was taken aback at his friend's statement. "What? Why are you bringing Zoya into this?" Asad asked. "Because she has done something to you. You think I can't see the way you look at her. The way your face was pale with worry when she fainted. And the way, you just blasted Tanveer," Rajveer said. Asad just looked at his friend, unable to say anything. "Asad, I have known you for half our lives now. And I have been seeing you and Tanveer from the past year or so. You have not even spoken to her in a raised voice that I know of. And today, because of Zoya, you stood up for what you believe is right. Don't you think that means something? Look Asad, it's your life and only you can decide what you want. But, I will say this. Please think carefully before you commit yourself in a relationship for a lifetime. If you have something with Zoya, I wouldn't want you to let it go because of your gratefulness towards Mr. Siddiqui," Rajveer told him as he patted his shoulder in support and left.
Asad just stood there in the middle of the silent road processing what his friend had spoken. How was it that Rajveer could it and he couldn't. He recalled the moments with Zoya since their first meeting till tonight when she had fallen into his arms. But, he couldn't! He wasn't made for love. He had responsibilities to fulfill. He had a mother to take care of. He had obligations toward Mr. Siddiqui and his family. He couldn't just back off from them and follow his heart. He didn't even know what his heart wanted. Frustrated, he walked back to the palace. He saw that the party was over and the crew was cleaning up the setup. Seeing Najma, he recalled Zoya and how she had fainted. His steps automatically pushed him towards her room. Reaching the room, he slowly opened the door and walked in. The closer he went towards her, the faster his heart palpitated. He took a seat next to her on the bed. His hands reached out to touch her cheek. But, he stopped himself. This wasn't right. He shouldn't be here. He didn't have any right to be here, close to her. Why was he so worried? Why? He asked himself. He quickly moved back and went towards the door. Opening the door, he almost bumped into someone. "Asad?" Najma said surprised. "Hey," Asad said sheepishly. "What are you doing here?" she inquired. "I was just passing by, thought I should check on Zoya," he replied. The reason didn't even sound convincing for him. Najma said looked at him, knowing there was more than what he was telling her. "How is she?" he said, turning to glance at Zoya. "She should be fine. Doctor said a little bit of low blood sugars and low BP made her faint," Najma explained. Asad felt relief wash over him. "That's good, thanks. See you later," Asad said as he quickly walked out of the room. "Was he really concerned about Zoe and that's why he was here? Awww...how cute," she gushed to herself with a smile.
The next morning, Zoya felt the sun wash over her face. The warmth made her snuggle closer to her blanket. She opened her eyes and looked at the clock. "OMG...I am late," she said as she jerked up. "Ouch...that hurts," she said as she rubbed her temples. "Good...you deserve that," she heard her sister from behind her. "Tamatar, whats wrong with you? Why didn't you wake me up?" Zoya said turning to Najma who was coming out of the bathroom, wiping her wet hair. "I could say the same thing to you Missy! What were you thinking fainting like that?" Najma scolded. "I fainted?" Zoya asked surprised. "And you don't even remember it," Najma added. "Seriously Najma, tell me what happened? The last thing I remember is being in the party talking to you," Zoya told her sister. Najma took a seat on the bed as she started to tell her everything that happened. How she had fainted and Asad had caught her in time, and how he had carried her to the bed. She even included the part where he had returned later to check on her. "Oh...how embarrassing," Zoya said hiding her face in her hands. "Embarrassed? I was worried out of my wits. If something happened to you, then what will I tell Ammi Abu huh?" Najma said, getting angry. "I am fine Tamatar, plus I am the older one remember, I should be taking care of you," Zoya reminded. "Yeah right, like that has ever happened," Najma complained. Zoya just smiled as she pulled her sister into a tight bear hug. Even since they were kids, Najma has always been protective of her. Zoya used to be very gullible, quiet, and innocent as a kid and Najma, being the outspoken one, took it up to her to protect Zoya. As they grew up, the instinct to protect Zoya has only grown stronger. Being, about 15 months apart, they hardly remembered life without the other. "I love you, you know," Zoya said. "I love you too Zoe, please take care of yourself," Najma said as they broke part. "I will...I swear nothing like last night will ever happen," Zoya promised. "Good, because I am going to kill you if you pull something like that off again," Najma said, dead serious. "Got it" Zoya said with a giggle as she got off the bed. She quickly showered and changed into a pair of jeans and an orange kurti. Patting her hair dry with a towel, she added some kajal and lip gloss and left to get things done for the day.
As she was walking in the hallway, she saw Asad on the phone. She called out to him. He stopped and turned around to see her. He smiled seeing her up and walking again. Asad could see that she wanted to say something. He ended his call and walked closer to her. "How are you feeling now?" he asked. "I am fine, thanks!" Zoya said. "That's good," Asad said. "Asad, thank you for last night. Najma told me how much you helped," Zoya said gratefully. "You are welcome. I am glad to see you are alright," Asad said. Zoya just smiled. "I will see you later, I should go check on the preparations," she said and left from there. Asad could feel a sense of peace in his heart seeing her again. Why did he care so much? He has met her about 10 days ago and she was affecting him so much? Why couldn't he just answer his question? Asad felt morally wrong that he was having these unknown feelings harboring inside him for Zoya. He was supposed to get married to Tanveer. Then why didn't he feel anything with her. Asad didn't even feel like they were friends. It was more like Tanveer ordered him around and he followed whatever she said. When he had agreed to the marriage, he had only done so because of Gaffur and what he had done for him. Since the engagement 6 months ago, he had forced himself to do the best to make this relationship work. But, after meeting Zoya, it felt like his determination was slowly breaking. And he couldn't let that happen. He wasn't a guy who backed away from his word. If he has promised Gaffur that he would marry his daughter, then he would fulfill it, he told himself.
Zoya checked with her staff about how the preparations were coming along. She decided to take some time to create these light vases that was supposed to part of the decorations for the cocktail party. Zoya had some of the guys bring the boxes of lights and the wired stands that were supposed to act as vases. She took a seat on the floor as started her work. Tanveer was walking by when she saw Zoya intently working. She felt anger rush through her veins as the events of last night came back to her. Seeing what Zoya was doing, an idea came to her. She removed her heels and walked behind Zoya. She picked up one of the bulbs and sneaked out. Zoya's back was towards tanveer and she had headphones on listening to music so she didn't even realize when she had come and left. Minutes later, Tanveer came back, placed the bulb back and left again. Asad who was walking to his room, saw Tanveer come out of the room and pick up her heels. "What is she doing?" he thought. As he walked forward, he saw Zoya sitting in the room. Asad stood there thinking what was going on. If Zoya was in here, why would she take her shoes off, he wondered turning to Tanveer's retreating figure.
At that moment, he heard Zoya scream. He turned to see her left hand bleeding and Zoya in pain. He ran up to her and kneeled to the floor. "What happened?" he asked. "It hurts," she said showing him her injury, tears filling her eyes. Asad saw a broken light bulb stuck in her hand which was profusely bleeding. "I am going to pull it out," he told her. "What? No!" she said, taking her hand back. "Zoya, if you let in stay in there, it will only make it worse," Asad explained. "But, it will hurt," She said, scared. Asad almost smiled at her child like pout. "Just close your eyes and think of something nice," he suggested. "Like that's going to be help," Zoya said, unsure. "It will...try it!" he ordered. Zoya closed her eyes and tried to think of some nice moments of her life. Everything from childhood, the moments with Najma and her parents, the way she would cuddled in her mother's lap, the way her father would make her sit on his shoulders and walk around the Zoo ran through her mind. She broke out in a huge grin. Asad looked at her and smiled a little himself. He examined her hand carefully so he could pull the light bulb out. Suddenly, Zoya saw her first meeting with Asad, the moments she had spent with him through the past week. Ya Allah, why am I thinking about Asad, she thought. She broke out of her trance when she felt him pull out the glass and a jolt of pain radiate through her arm. Zoya opened her eyes to see Asad wrapping her hand with his handkerchief. He helped her stand up using her other hand. "Let's go to the doctor," Asad said. "No Asad, it's ok. I am fine. I have so much to do," Zoya said looking around. "You need to have that wound cleaned properly and cared for, let's go," he said as he took her arm and dragged her out of there, without listening to her pleas.
As they drove, Zoya was looking at him. The fact that she had thought about Asad when thinking about her life's best memories disturbed her. Why was I thinking about him? What is wrong with me? May be it was the blood loss, I am just losing it, she said trying to convince herself. "Really Zoya, blood loss?" she said out loud. Asad, on the other hand, was wondering why Tanveer had been there. The way she had her shoes off or the way she was quietly sneaking out of there seemed weird. But, what reason she has to hurt Zoya? He thought. When he heard her speak, he turned towards her, "I am sorry," he said. "Nothing," Zoya said as she turned to look out the window. Soon, they pulled into the hospital parking lot. The doctor checked her hand, cleaned it out with saline and antibiotics, and bandaged it. He told them the wound has not cut through any tissue or veins but it was still pretty deep. He had advised to return in two days to recheck the wound. On the way back, Asad saw Zoya sulking as she kept looking at her wound. "What's wrong?" he asked. "I have so much to do and now I only have one had, that's going to a great help. I should have been more careful," Zoya said, frustrated. "Zoya, it was an accident, it could happen anytime," Asad told her. "This is so not that time. Something is wrong with me. I faint in front of everyone yesterday and today, I cut myself," Zoya said. Listening to Zoya's words, Asad was becoming more suspicious about Tanveer being involved. The rest of the ride was just silent and they soon reached the venue. Zoya got off the car and thanked Asad for his help. Asad told her to take care. She just smiled and left from there.
At that time, Asad looked up to see Tanveer standing in one of the balconies looking at them. As soon as she saw him, she left from there. Asad shook his head and walked inside. As he reached his room, he felt someone pull his arm. He turned to see Tanveer. "What were you doing with her?" she asked. "With who?" he said as he walked inside the room. "Zoya, what was she doing with you?" Tanveer said angrily. "She was hurt so I took her to the doctor," Asad replied casually. "She is hurt," Tanveer said, with a glint of happiness in her voice. She quickly composed herself when Asad looked up at her. "Yes," Asad stated. "Is it bad?" Tanveer asked hopefully. Asad couldn't believe it! She has done it, he thought shocked. "Why Tanveer? Are you going to see how well your plan worked," Asad accused. "What? What are talking about?" Tanveer said, acting innocent. "Oh please! I saw you walk out of the room and I know you place the broken bulb there," Asad said. He was just pitching in the dark, with the last part. But, he was 99% sure it was Tanveer who was responsible for her. Tanveer felt trapped. She had checked before doing what she did. How had he seen her, she thought. "Actually Asad, I was just playing a prank. I thought Zoya will see it," Tanveer said with a nervous giggle. "Seriously Tanveer, you think I am stupid?" Asad questioned. "I am telling the truth Asad, stop being so serious," she said. "Jokes are only funny if no one gets hurt, I don't think causing someone pain is funny. Don't play any jokes with Zoya, not anymore," Asad stated firmly and walked out of the room. Tanveer was glad that Asad had bought her excuse. However, Asad knew there was something more. Tanveer wanted to hurt Zoya, but why? Wait...was it because he had yelled at her last night? That seemed childish. Then again, Tanveer was a spoilt, rich, childish brat, he contemplated. Asad decided to just keep a watch on Zoya, especially when Tanveer was around.
That night, Asad saw Zoya in the same room where she was making the vases. She was trying to move the vases that she had finished to one side. The staff was done for the night and they were eating dinner. Najma looked tired and Zoya didn't want to disturb her. As she was about to move the vase, she felt a hand grab the vase on top of hers. Zoya looked up to meet his coffee brown eyes. "Why can't you tell someone if you need help," he said. "I can do it!" Zoya said confidently. "Yeah right, with one hand," Asad said teasing her. "Please! I have already listened to a lecture from Najma all day about how clumsy I am, I don't need one from you," she told him. Asad chuckled. "You want help?" he said, changing the topic. "Yes please," she said. "What needs to be done?" he asked. "Can you please move these to the corner," she said, pointing to the finished vases. "Yes mam," he said with a mock salute which made her giggle. After he finished that, he looked at her. "Anything else?" Asad asked. "No, I will do these later," Zoya said. He didn't miss the hint of sadness in his voice. "Will you teach me how to do them, I will try," he stated. "Really?" she asked excitedly. "If you don't have a problem," he replied. "No, of course not, It's really fun. I will show you," she said, as she happily took a seat on the floor. Asad too followed her and sat down. He sat there admiring her as she taught him how to take each bulb and intertwine it with the wires so it hooked in its place. The way she would laugh if he didn't succeed, the sensation that ran through his body when her hand touched his, trying to fix one of the bulbs. He somehow felt free with her, like he could be himself without being judged. And, that felt satisfying. They didn't notice that hours had passed since they started working together. Seeing her yawn, "you should go to bed, it's late," he said checking his watch. "What time is it?" she asked, yawning again. "Fifteen past twelve," he replied. "Ya Allah, it is late. You should go too. Thank you so much for your help Asad, again," She said smilingly. "I think you should really stop thanking me for everything, you are always welcome," he replied mischievously. "Bye Asad," Zoya said as she left the room. Asad stood watching her receding figure as he happily ran his hand through his hair.
Thank you for all your wonderful feedback, really means a lot 🤗 I guess this is going to turn into a short story for now. I have the story pretty much planned, just dont know how long it is going to be 😊 Waiting to see your comments on this one 😃 Edited by asyasahil928 - 10 years ago
Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil
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