Chapter 4
The next morning, Asad waited at the entrance of the palace anxiously waiting. He saw the car pull into the driveway and broke out in a huge grin. The car opened and a middle aged lady stepped out. She was dressed in a simple, green chudidar. Her long brownish black hair lay on her shoulders. She was a beauty even in this age. Asad ran up to her and pulled her in a hug. "Oh Ammi, I have missed you so much," Asad said happily. The lady was his mother, Dilshad Ahmed Khan, the only family he had in this world. "I missed you too, How are you?" she asked breaking apart from the hug. "I am good Ammi," Asad said. Dilshad noticed a new ray of happiness of her son's face, something she hasn't seen before. "Come, let's go inside," Asad said as he took the suitcase from the driver. As they were walking inside, Tanveer walked up to them. "Phuphi, I am so glad that you are here. But what is this? You are wearing such a simple dress. How many times have I told you that now you are going to be associated with us, you should dress more our class," she said cockily. Asad felt his body stiffen up hearing her words. He could see the smile on his mother's face fall. But, she quickly composed her, "It was a long journey, I wanted something comfortable," Dilshad said. "We have to go shopping, I have to change your wardrobe ASAP," Tanveer ordered. Dilshad just nodded. "I have an appointment at the spa, all this wedding tension, I will catch you later," Tanveer said and left from there. "I am sorry Ammi," Asad said as Tanveer vanished from their eyes. "Asad, why are apologizing. Tanveer is soon going to be my daughter-in-law, well more like a daughter. She just has a way of over exaggerating things, I am fine," Dilshad said with a smile. Asad pulled his mother into a hug. She always knew how to make things better. "Come, I will show you to your room," he said. As they were walking, Asad saw Zoya bump into someone and apologize. He smiled looking at her, which didn't go unnoticed by Dilshad. "Who is that?" she asked. "Oh Ammi, come I want you to meet her," he said. Seeing Dilshad and Asad, Zoya smiled and greeted them with a cheerful good morning. "Zoya, this is my mother, Dilshad Ahmed Khan, and Ammi this is Zoya, the wedding planner," he introduced. "Salaam Aunty, it's great to meet you," she said. "It's good to see you too beta, Allah bless you," Dilshad said as she lovingly placed her hand on Zoya's head. Asad felt his heart swell up seeing the two women in front of him. "Aunty, you must be tired, you should rest, I will see you later," Zoya said. "Of course beta," Dilshad told her. "Bye Asad," Zoya said looking at him and left from there. Asad's eyes drifted towards her as he saw her walk away. Dilshad noticed that as well.
The next day, Zoya was looking for Tanveer to ask her something but she was nowhere to be found. She asked one of the staff and was informed that Tanveer has gone with her parents to meet some relatives. Zoya saw Asad and Dilshad sitting in the garden enjoying some coffee. "Hello Aunty, Hi Asad," she said walking up to them. "Zoya, come join us," Dilshad said. "Oh no Aunty, I have so much to do, so little time. Thank you though," she politely declined. "Come on Zoya, join us! Plus we don't want you passing out again," Asad teased. "Very funny," Zoya said. "Faint?" Dilshad asked worried. "I will tell you," Asad volunteered. He explained what had happened a few days ago: how Zoya had overworked herself and fainted at the party. "Oh that's not good," Dilshad said. "I am fine Aunty," Zoya said, glaring at Asad. "I am sure. At least sit with us for five minutes," Dilshad said. "Ok Aunty, just for you," Zoya said happily and took a seat. Dilshad offered her some cookies which Zoya took gladly. Asad ordered some coffee for her as well. Soon, Dilshad started asking Zoya about what made her interested in wedding planning. Zoya was telling her that she always liked wedding, the atmosphere, the happiness, the celebration, and the binding of two people in a lifelong relationship; it was all just too beautiful. "That's such a sweet way of looking at it. And you are there to make their day as best as possible, how nice," Dilshad agreed. "I wish Rashid, Asad's dad, was here to see all this," she said sadly, remembering her husband. Asad wrapped his arms around his mother, consoling her. "Where is your dad?" Zoya asked Asad. "He passed away when I was just 10," Asad replied. Zoya felt her heart break hearing his words. Dilshad's eyes filled with tears. "It been 15 years, but I still feel like it was just yesterday," she said sadly. Zoya moved towards Dilshad and kneeled in front of her. "I am so sorry aunty, I am sorry Asad," Zoya said. She felt tears stung her eyes but she wiped them away before they could spill onto her cheeks. "Aunty, my Ammi says that Allah has a plan for each one of us, and whatever happens it is because of his will. I understand that life was hard for you but I also believe that uncle is in a better place, and from there he is watching you. And I am sure he won't like to see tears in your beautiful eyes," Zoya explained wiping her tears. Dilshad actually smiled through her tears listening to Zoya. Asad was surprised at what had just happened. No one has ever understood the pain Dilshad and him shared. Losing Rashid had changed their lives forever. His mother had been more than wonderful, but he always missed having a father. He remembered how him and his father were like friends when he was little. He was young but not that young. The moments he spent with his Abbu will forever be engraved in his soul. Zoya was the first person that had understood their pain and even made Dilshad smile when thinking about Rashid. Even he has never been able to do that. Dilshad excused herself as the sun was getting too much for her.
After she left, Asad turned to Zoya, "thank you for what you did," he said. "I am sorry again. I shouldn't have asked about your father," she said feeling guilty. "It's ok," he said. "You must miss him," Zoya said, feeling bad. "Yes, every day. I just wish Ammi wasn't so alone," he told her. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "She is not. She has you and she will soon have Tanveer," Zoya comforted. Asad knew that Tanveer would never really share a daughterly bond with his mother. She was always too busy partying and grooming herself to understand what his mother was feeling. Then, why are you marrying her, his head retorted. Because I have to, his heart stated. Zoya saw him lost in thoughts. Of course, it must be hard to talk about his dead parent, she thought. "Asad, I need your help," she said, trying to divert his mind. "What do you need?" he asked. "Actually, I don't know if I should decorate the mehendi venue with white lights or gold lights, I would like to know what you think," Zoya explained. "Now, that's something I can't help you with," he said. "Why not?" Zoya said. "Because Tanveer should choose it, actually she would want to choose it," Asad told her. "She has already done so much, it's a simple thing, I am sure you can do it," she said as she wrapped his arm around his and started to drag him away. Zoya didn't realize what she was doing in the moment. Asad though felt his heart beat faster at her touch. Why is it that every time, he tried to assure himself that there was nothing between Zoya and him, she did something that pulled him closer to her. "This girl is going to drive me insane," he told himself as she stood in front of him, showing him the choices of lights he had to select from.
Najma walked back to her room with a huge smile on her face. She had wanted to check on Zoya to make sure she was ok and had eaten something. But, when she saw Asad doing that, she felt like there was someone else to take care of her sister. Someone else who cared. She had also seen Dilshad, Zoya, and Asad in a very emotional moment. Though she couldn't hear what they were talking about, she could see the lovely bond they shared. Asad comforting his mother, Zoya wiping Dilshad's tears, Asad looking at Zoya with this admiration, all this seemed perfect. "Allah, I hope what I am doing is right. I know that Tanveer and Asad are going to get married, but then why I do feel like there is something between Asad and Zoe," she thought. Someone in the other room was having similar thoughts. Zoya is such a sweet girl, if Asad had found someone like her, he would be happy, she was sure. But, he was getting married to Tanveer. She didn't even know if her son loved Tanveer. He had never spoken about her. One day, Gaffur had just come to their house and stated that Tanveer wishes to marry Asad. The next day Asad had just agreed to it. She never knew why and she never asked him because she thought that he had feelings for her which is why he agreed. But, seeing him with Tanveer and then Zoya, something felt wrong. Since she had been here, she has seen how Asad looked at Zoya. There was something in his eyes that sparkled every time he saw her. "I have to talk to Asad, I can't let him get into a loveless relationship," Dilshad thought.
That night, Asad stood under the moonlight watching Zoya play with the kids. She had her eyes tied with a black cloth and was playing hide and seek with them. He was pretty sure that she wasn't aware of his presence. He was going to his room when her laughter had interrupted his route. Hearing her laugh, he reached here to the backyard where she was having fun. Asad wished he was one of the little kids. That way, he could feel her hand brush against his skin or pull him into a hug to cuddle. Did he just say that? No...no no! This is wrong, he yelled at himself. It is better if he left, he thought. As he thought to turn around to leave, he felt her arm around him. "Caught you!" she screamed happily. But the next moment, he could see that she was confused. Zoya felt her arm travel around his waist. She instantly knew who it was. She opened the black band around her eyes and met his. "Asad, what are you doing here?" Zoya asked. "I...hmmm...uh...I was just passing by and saw you," He lied. "Oh," she said. She didn't know why she felt lost of words. Was it because of the feelings of passion and adoration that were visible in his eyes? Were they for her? No, they couldn't be. Actually, they shouldn't be. "Good night, I guess," she said breaking the silence. "Good night," he said as he stepped aside making way for her to go. She stepped forward and accidentally twisted her ankle, falling onto his chest. His arms banded around her waist. "I am so..." she was about to say but his eyes stopped her midway. There was a sense of worry mixed with something she didn't want to name. She abruptly pulled her away from him. Asad felt like he lost something precious when she moved away. "Thanks," she said and left from there as fast as her feet would allow her to. They both missed the pair of eyes that was watching them. Dilshad now knew she had to do something.
The next afternoon, Dilshad took Asad to her room so she could talk to him privately. "Asad, I have to talk to you and I want you to be honest," she said seriously as they sat on the bed, facing each other. "What is it Ammi?"Asad asked unsure. "Asad, why are you marrying Tanveer?" she asked directly. "Ammi, why are you asking me this?" he said confused. "Tell me Asad, I just want to know," Dilshad told him. "I...hmmm...actually...She is a good girl Ammi, she is Gaffur uncle's daughter," he explained uncertainly. "Asad, that shouldn't be a reason to marry someone," she stated. "Ammi, why are we talking about this?" Asad said becoming frustrated. He didn't want to talk about his feelings. Talking about it, meant he has to admit the truth, which he didn't even know what it was. "Asad, your Abu and I had a short time of our lives together but you know that was the best time of my life. Because we loved each other with all our heart and that is why we got married. Even today, the moments I spent with him make me smile. I want you to have the same kind of life Asad. The life that when you grow old and look back, should make you smile," She explained caressing his cheek. "Ammi, I am fine," Asad replied. "That is not the question Asad, the question was why you are marrying Tanveer? Do you love her?" Dilshad said again. He just sat silently as he stared out in space. Asad recalled how perfect his life used to be.
Being the only child, his parents were his world. But, that world shattered one day when he returned home from school to find his father's lifeless body in their living room. He had been hit by a drunk driver on one of Bhopal's highway when he was going to work. That day, Asad lost everything. Within the next few weeks, their business, their house, everything was gone. The loans that Rashid had taken had to be dealt with so Dilshad did what she had to. They were left with nothing but each other. That is when Dilshad had called Gaffur, her distant cousin brother. Gaffur had been kind enough to take them in. He had educated Asad and let Dilshad stay in his house. When Asad was 15, he left for a boarding school so he could have a better education. Then, he got a scholarship to London and did his MBA from there. After returning, Asad had been offered to work with Gaffur. He was hesitant but nevertheless took it up. In a year, he had saved up enough to buy a house for Dilshad and him. Six months ago, when Gaffur had showed up Asad's door telling him that his daughter wished to marry him, Asad had been shocked. Him? Why him? After thinking a lot, he had politely refused Gaffur telling him that he wasn't the right choice for his daughter. Gaffur had been furious! He had blasted Asad that he had helped his mother and him from being off the streets and here Asad was, refusing to marry his precious daughter. He threatened to ruin Asad and his mother if he broke her daughter's heart. That is when Asad had realized that his relationship with Gaffur was simply based on a pile of debts. Gaffur had helped him all these years so now he had to repay him by living his life in a loveless marriage with his daughter to whom he had no feelings for. Dilshad waited for him to speak but when he just sat there, "Asad, say something," she said tugging at her arm. "Ammi, you have known Tanveer she was little. I am sure I will be fine," he shrugged. "Fine? Seriously Asad? Marriage is not about being fine. Don't do this Asad, being in a loveless marriage will only cause you pain," Dilshad explained. "Ammi, I will ok just like I have been from the past 6 months," he said as he stood up and ran his hand through his hair. Talking about it was making it harder, way harder. He couldn't tell his mother the truth, and he couldn't lie to her either. "But, Zoya wasn't there then," he heard his mother say. Asad stood frozen. His mother knew? He thought. Of course, she knew. She always did without him saying anything. But, what did she know? He himself didn't know what was going on? "Why are you bringing Zoya into this Ammi? What does she have to do with anything? He said, turning to his mother after composing himself. Dilshad stood up and walked closer to him. "She has sneaked into this heart of yours that you try so hard to keep shut from the world," she said smilingly as she placed her hand on his chest. Asad closed his eyes, not able to face his mother. "Asad, please listen to your heart," Dilshad pleaded. Asad opened his eyes and was about to speak when Aisha interrupted them. "Sir, Ms. Siddiqui is waiting for you and Mrs. Khan outside," she informed. Asad just nodded. "Let's go Ammi, we will talk later," he said and they walked out.
That afternoon, they had planned to go shopping as per Tanveer's wishes. Dilshad and Asad have totally forgotten about it till Aisha had told them about Tanveer waiting. As they were walking out to the car, Dilshad and Asad saw Zoya walking towards them fumbling to catch a stack of files she held in her arms. Asad moved forward and took half of the files. Zoya straightened herself, "Thanks," she said looking at Asad. "Hello Aunty," she greeted Dilshad. "Hello Zoya, how are you?" Dilshad asked. "I am ok, just trying to hold onto these files," she explained, a little embarrassed. "It happens," the mother in Dilshad comforted as Zoya just smiled at her. "Why don't you join us for shopping?" Dilshad suggested as Asad looked at his mother, knowing very well what she was trying to do. "Thank you Aunty, but I have so much to do, there is still stuff to do," Zoya replied. "Oh come on Zoya, work can be done later. Come with us, it will be just a few hours," Dilshad insisted. Zoya looked at Dilshad then at Asad. She did want to go but..."Come on Zoya, just say yes," her heart screamed. "Ok, I guess," Zoya said. "Ok, we will meet you in a few minutes outside?" Dilshad questioned. "Yeah, let me just put these files in my room. Aunty, is it ok if Najma comes too?" Zoya said. "Of course," Dilshad said. Zoya thanked her and left from there. Dilshad chuckled at Asad who had a shy smile on his lips.
Tanveer was so not happy to know that Zoya was joining them for the shopping. This was supposed to be a family trip, which included her parents and Asad's mother along with her and Asad. Who was Zoya? Just a freaking wedding planner, which was nobody according to her. There were two cars and one already had the Siddiqui family in it. Tanveer dragged Asad with her so Dilshad, Zoya, and Najma were traveling in the second car. The more Dilshad came to know about Zoya, the fonder she grew of her. She now understood why her son was so smitten by this girl. Soon, they reached the mall and went to one the most famous store. Tanveer walked in and started throwing orders around about how she wants to the best collection of Indian wear for her and her to be mother-in-law. Asad's eyes travelled with Zoya as she was browsing through the lehengas. If she tipped her head to the side and grimaced, that meant the dress was terrible. If she actually took the dress from the holder and examined it, then it meant she was unsure about it. If she took the dress, held is against her and looked in the mirror, she would probably consider buying. He smiled at himself. He was so observant when it comes to her, it actually scared him. Suddenly, he saw Najma make eye contact with him and quickly turned away. Asad knew she had caught him red handed staring at her sister. Asad could see the sisters behind him through the mirror that was on the wall. On the other hand, Najma was happy for Zoya. She knew that Asad felt something for Zoya. She had seen the way his eyes followed her everywhere. And she had heard from her staff about the little argument between Asad and Tanveer. "Zoya, look at this lehenga, it's so pretty," she said showing her a baby blue and pink anarkarli lehenga with silver beaded design. "It is, do you want to buy it?" Zoya said "It's for you," Najma told her. "What? Tamatar! I don't need any new dresses, I already have so many," she said. "Oh come on Zoe, this color is perfect for you. How can you not buy it," Najma complained. Zoya just giggled at her sister. She has a hobby that consisted of shopping for others, especially your sister who didn't need any clothes. "Tamatar, why do you love to waste Abbu's and our hardworking money?" she teased. "Shut up! Try this," Najma said as she took the dupatta off the hanger and placed it around Zoya. "You look beautiful, MA (mashAllah)," Najam squealed. Asad felt his heart skip a beat. She did look gorgeous, he thought. A shy smile graced her lips and her cheeks turned a pinkish color. Asad felt his breath hitch at the sight of her. She looked beautiful when she blushed. At that moment, Zoya looked into the mirror in front of her and she could see Asad looking at her. She felt a warmth creep up her neck and her cheeks turned bright red. "Ya Allah, why he is looking at me like that? And why am I blushing? What is wrong with me?" she thought. "Asad baby, look at this na," Tanveer called out but Asad was too lost to pay attention. Tanveer walked up to him and saw the way Asad and Zoya were looking at her. "Asad," she said angrily. He turned towards her. "I am talking to you," she said. "Yeah, I am listening," he lied. Tanveer fumed inside. He was talking to her but his eyes were on Zoya. She grabbed Asad's arm and twisted him so that he was facing her. "How do I look?" she asked flirting. "Good," he said, not knowing what else to say. "Seriously Asad, that's all you can say," Tanveer said. "Tanveer, you will look good in whatever you buy, excuse me," he said and left from there. "He can burst his eyes out looking at her but he can't tell me how the hell I look," she thought furiously.
Zoya told Najma that she was in no need of new clothes and that she should put that dress back. She saw her sister standing, glancing around the store, sulking. "Oh come on Tamatar...stop moping, it's a dress," Zoya told her sister as they just stood waiting for Tanveer to finalize her collection of dresses. "It wasn't just a dress. It was perfectly made anakarli lehengi with dual colors and gorgeous sequencing, that will make you look awesome," Najma said, stressing on each word. "Now, you are just exaggerating, like always," Zoya said. "I exaggerate?" Najma said shocked. "Excuse me," someone interrupted them. The sisters turned to see one of the staff members from the store. "This is yours mam," the girl said handing Zoya a bag. "Mine? But I didn't buy anything," Zoya said. The next moment, she turned to her sister, "Najma, you bought the dress?" Zoya assumed. "What? No!" Najma defended. "No mam, he paid for it," the girl said pointing to Asad who was still at the counter. Najma smiled at her sister, wiggling her eyebrows. "Oh, thank you," Zoya said to the girl and she left. "Stop it Tamatar!" Zoya said. Asad finished the transaction at the counter and was walking back when he saw Zoya coming towards him. "Asad, what is this?" Zoya asked. "Just a small gift," he told her. "For me?" she said surprised. "You have done so much for m...well everything, so thank you," he said honestly. Zoya felt her insides melt. Something in his voice made her go all fluff. "You really didn't have to, but thanks again," she said smilingly. As she turned to leave, "Zoya," he called out. She stopped in her tracks. Before she could turn around, Zoya felt him behind her. "I am sure you will look beautiful in that dress," he whispered. She could feel his breath on her nape as a shiver ran through her body. Her breathing became rapid realizing how close he was. She felt something flutter in her stomach. Zoya just nodded with a blushing smile and ran away from there.
The next moment, Asad was twirled around to come to face his fianc. "What the hell was that Asad?" she yelled. "Tanveer, this isn't your house, lower your voice," Asad firmly stated. "Why were you with her? She asked, lowering her voice. "I was just giving her a gift, she has done so much for the wedding," Asad told her. "She is being paid for that," Tanveer retorted. "Come on Tanveer, it's just a dress," Asad said. "Is it?" Tanveer questioned, as she folded her hands across her chest. "What is that supposed to mean?" Asad said. "Seriously Asad, we are getting married in four days and you are doing this," Tanveer screamed. The insecurity of losing her fianc was getting to her. She has always been fond of Asad, not because of who he was, but because of his charming looks. When he had returned from London, Tanveer had fallen for him the moment she set her eyes on him. And six months ago, when had agreed for the wedding, everything was perfect. But, somewhere deep down, she knew that Asad didn't have feelings for her. Though, she didn't accept it. She thought that he will fall for her beauty sooner or later. But, as the wedding for getting closer, things only seemed to be getting worse. And, with Zoya here, and Asad constantly watching her, she felt worse. But, that wasn't going to stop her. She loved Asad and she will do whatever it takes to keep him with her, she thought. "Stop making a big deal out of everything," he said and left from there. "Arghhh," she yelled. Razia was going to stop Asad when Gaffur told her that it was better if they sorted things out between the two. Dilshad was downstairs with Zoya and Najma looking through dresses. Razia, Gaffur, Tanveer, and Asad were upstairs. Tanveer reached downstairs and was taking different dresses and almost shoving it to Dilshad telling her to buy it. "But Tanveer, I am not very fond of such heavy dresses beta," Dilshad said reluctantly. "Oh Come on phuphi, you can't wear your old, boring clothes to my wedding, they look like beggar's clothes" Tanveer blasted. Zoya and Asad looked at her shocked. "I mean, to Asad and mine's wedding," she corrected. "I don't need anything beta, I am fine," Dilshad said as she left from there. "How dare you Tanveer? She is my mother," Asad roared. Tanveer could see the anger in his eyes, something she had never seen. "Asad, I just wanted her to buy the dress," she whispered. "You can't always make people do what they don't want just because you want it, why don't you understand that," Asad screamed as he tightened his grip around her arm. "Ahhh Asad, what are you doing? It hurts," Tanveer said struggling but Asad was furious. Right and wrong didn't matter to him anymore. This girl has dared to hurt the most precious person in his life. Gaffur and Razia pulled Tanveer away from him. "Asad, leave!" Gaffur said firmly. "Don't you dare do this again," Asad told her and left. "How dare he dad? He hurt me," Tanveer shrieked. "Tanveer, this is not the place, let's leave," Gaffur told her. Outside, Zoya and Najma were trying to convince a teary Dilshad. "Aunty please, I am sure Tanveer didn't mean anything, she was probably upset over something," Zoya said. "No beta, she has always been like this. My son is making a mistake," she said as more tears rolled down her cheeks. Zoya looked at Najma not knowing what to say. Najma turned to Dilshad, "Aunty, do you want to be a pumpkin?" she asked. Dilshad stopped crying as she looked at the sisters confused. "You know Aunty when Najma was little, I nicknamed her Tamatar which means tomato. And when she would cry, I would tell her that if she cried too much, she will turn into a pumpkin from a tomato," Zoya explained. The next moment, Dilshad burst out laughing. Zoya and Najma smiled at each other. "Mission successful," they thought. Dilshad wiped her tears. "Allah bless you both," Dilshad said as she caressed their hair. "Please keep smiling Aunty," Zoya requested. Dilshad moved forward and pulled her into a hug. "Thank you beta," she said. Asad has walked in when Zoya was explaining to Dilshad about Najma, tears, and pumpkin. His fury instantly melted away. What had followed filled his heart with these new emotions. His lips broke into an unknowing smile. The shy and righteous Asad Ahmed Khan who has tried so hard to hold on his determination had deeply fallen in love with the girl who stood in his mother's arms at that precise moment.
Phew...that was long...I think more than 7 pages 😆 Next week is going to be a busy one so update might be a little late. Thanks for the lovely feedback 🤗...looking forward to your comments on this chapter 😃
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Edited by asyasahil928 - 10 years ago
CID
Kumkum Bhagya
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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