AT THE FARMHOUSE:
Asad laughed at Zoya's antics. She was running from here to there, scrutinizing every inch of the land while Asad followed her like a dutiful husband.
"Asad, we'll set the altar here. You tell them to clear those bushes. See, how beautiful the view is from here." She chirped.
"And here we'll make the entrance for the bride..."
"Yahan food stalls..."
"Marquee for the walima here..."
"Calm down Zoya, We've to see the places to renovate. Yeh sab toh decorators dekh lenge." He urged.
"Mr. Khan! You don't know anything. This is important...a girl wants everything perfect in her wedding. Abhi se decide karenge tabhi toh arrangements honge. Chaliye ab andar dekhte hain kya changes karne hain." She dragged a helpless Asad who followed her silently again.
"Zoya what are you saying? I can't understand. How can we hang lights over there?" Asad asked.
"Asad, aap ko na sab batana padta hai. You are a wrong person for all this. Ayaan ko lana chahiye tha...use sab pata hota hai." She lamented and Asad frowned.
"I know. Aap theek se samjha nahi rahi hain." He countered.
"Oh really?" she raised her eyebrow sarcastically. "Rukiye, main abhi batati hoon." She walked off and came back a minute later with a stool. She stood up on it and pointed at the place where she wanted the lights to be put on. But in hurry she didn't notice that the stool was old and weary, not enough even to bear Zoya's meagre weight. She staggered but Asad's vigilant eyes noticed and he was there before she could fall flat on the ground.
ZOYA'S POV:
I felt the earth shaking. No! It's this stupid stool. Allah Miyan, it's broken! I am surely going to fracture my bones today. I closed my eyes, ready to bear the pain of hitting the ground but few moments have passed but I am okay. I peep through my left eye and see Asad staring at me with concern. I open both my eyes and take in my surroundings. I am still in one piece with my body-builder husband holding me securely in his arms. He is saying something, I guess. But I didn't hear...his hands holding me, playing havoc with my senses.
"Zoya, are you alright? Why don't you take care of yourself? Abhi lag jati na aapko." He mildly scolded her.
"I am okay." She whispered shyly and he put her down. She tried pushing back the random strands of hairs flowing on her face but she was still in aftershock of what could have happened if she had fallen down. Her hands shivered.
Asad held her hand and drew her close, pushing her hairs back himself and assuring her, blinking at her. She pouted and he gestured with his hands on his lips for her to smile.
She giggled seeing him smile, his dents visible clearly. She touched hers and then poked his with her other hand. His smile widened and he cupped her cheek over her hand, both of them grinning foolishly at their similarity.
NIGHT:
Asad lied down peacefully after being tired by Zoya's ministrations. He promised to himself to never engage her in wedding arrangements, she was over-enthusiastic and dragged him everywhere with her, hence tiring him. He had closed his eyes for a second when he heard her screaming. He jolted up and ran out to her.
"Zoya, zoya...kya hua?" he asked as he saw her jumping up and down like a toddler.
"Asad, dekhiye! Baarish aane wali hai. How cool! Mujhe bin mausam ki barsaat mein bheegna accha lagta hai. Chaliye, bahar chaliye." She tugged at his hand while he glared at her.
"Zoya, I am tired and I know you are too. Please sleep and let me sleep too." He yawned.
"Boring hain aap! Chaliye na! See the weather is so good." She tried once more.
"Zoya, we'll fall ill. Aise barish mein nahi bheegte. Come with me, we're going in the bedroom this very instant." He carried her effortlessly to the bedroom, so that she can't protest, and placed her on the bed. He got besides her and closed his eyes but sighed in annoyance when he felt her sneaking out stealthily. He opened his eyes to see her at the open balcony, her hands dancing in air, playing with the raindrops. Cool breeze coming from outside made him shiver and he got up.
Zoya felt his footsteps behind her but she continued to be angry, "Aap yahan bhi aa gaye? Ab bahar nahi ja sakti par kam se kam yahan se dekh to sakti hoon! Aap please apna lecture mat shuru..." She quietened when she felt warmth surrounding her. Her hands reached her shoulder where Asad's hands rested after draping a shawl over her. Zoya felt touched when he showed this caring attitude towards her. She looked at Asad in gratitude and he smiled shyly.
"Dekhiye bahar! Maine kahan mana kiya? But I don't want you to fall ill." He stated and turned around to go but felt a tug at his hand.
"Stay...please!" she blinked her eyes cutely at him and he was a goner for sure. He let her hold his hand and for the first time shed his inhibitions and enjoyed the beautiful weather with her, looking at her liveliness.
He glared at her when she splashed a handful of water on him but seeing her giggling care-freely, he just let it go...afterall, neither it'll rain like this forever nor will this moment of coziness.
Asad's eyes snapped open and he looked around disoriented. Remembering where he was, he relaxed and let himself travel back to the night before to the fun moments he had spent with Zoya. A sweet smile played on his lips but his eyebrows soon frowned in confusion.
"Where is she? She never wakes up earlier than me." He got up lazily and strolled out to find her. He checked all the rooms and washrooms but didn't find her anywhere.
"Where did this girl go? Now where do I look for her?" he thought out aloud massaging his head. "Let me check the lawn." He walked out and on not seeing her anywhere, he panicked. As he was about to go inside, he heard some muffled voices coming from somewhere around. He followed the voice and was relieved to figure out that it was Zoya. But the next second itself, his heart hammered wildly when he heard her sob.
"ZOYA! Kahan hain aap?" he asked loudly and his voice was followed by a banging on the door of the outhouse. He rushed there and tried opening the door but to no avail. He pressed hard on the door, "Zoya, zoya, aap theek hain na? Aap yahan kaise?"
"Asad, bahar nikaliye mujhe. I am suffocating." Zoya said in a feeble voice, sniffing.
"Aap peeche hat jaiye. Main darwaza kholta hoon." He pushed the door with all his might. After few attempts the door rocked and two attempts later, the door swung wide open. A gust of musty smell and dust made him asphyxiated. He looked around and spotted Zoya standing in a corner. He guided her out but her steps being wobbly she started falling down. He gathered her in his arms and sat on the grass with her on his lap. He hugged her tightly and let her sob on his chest. He kept caressing her hairs and kissing the side of her head.
"Asad, wah...wahan bahut dark tha and I felt so scared. Main dekhne gayi andar ut pata nahi door apne aap band ho gaya. Itried opening but...but it was ja...am..ed." she hiccupped and buried herself more in him. He pulled her away and caressed her forehead, dropping a sloppy kiss.
"Don't worry Zoya. I am there, you are safe now. Alright?" he cooed to her. "Aap mujhe bata deti na Zoya, main aata aapke saath. Akele aise mat jana kahin. Aap nahi mili toh main kitna dar gaya tha pata hai?" he calmly said to her.
"Asad main bhi dar gayi thi." She clutched his kurta and looked into his eyes. The innocence in her orbs filled him with warmth like never before. He had never been so worried for anyone like this before, let alone a woman. But her absence had such a profound effect on him that he had to accept it to himself once more that she was something to him, much more than a friend.
She calmed down a little hearing his soothing words but was still skeptical to get up. Asad heped her up and holding her close he walked inside. To divert her mind, he thought of a brilliant idea.
"Zoya, you know, we... I mean, me, Ammi, Ayaan and Najma, have a secret place in a nearby park. Do you want to see that?" as expected her ears perked up hearing aout a secret. She looked at him excitedly and nodded a yes immediately.
"Okay, then get ready at 7 pm sharp. I'll take you there and yes, there's a little something for you in my suitcase." She looked at him surprised and then ran to his suitcase forgetting her worries. He cringed when he saw her messing around with his clothes but as long as she was smiling, he could keep his OCD an arm away, just for her.
He turned around to go to take a bath but stopped and turned around to see her bun geeing childishly, hugging his present close. Guess she liked it very much! He smiled and left.
EVENING, 6:50 PM:
Asad was already all set to go to the park. He was waiting for Zoya to come out so thatthey can leave.
"How am I looking?" she asked happily and he looked her up and down and gestured perfect with his fingers. She circled in glee showing off her red salwar kameez gifted by her while he smiled seeing her behaving so.
Zoya's dress"Chalein?" he extended his hand and she came along willfully.
Blindfolding Zoya, Asad cased her hand in between his and guided her towards his secret territory. Zoya felt fascinated realizing that Asad is sharing something with her that had been a family secret so far.
"Asad, aur kitni door?" Zoya jumped like a kid in excitement while Asad chuckled, which he had been doing more these days...Zoya's effect surely.
"We're there Zoya." Asad announced untying her blindfold while she clutched his hand seeing pitch black darkness surrounding them.
"Asad, it's too dark. Pata nahi kahin cockroach na ho. Hum wapis chalein?" she spoke widening her eyes while Asad burst into a full-fledged laugh.
"Seriously Zoya, you scared of cockroaches?" he grinned foolishly.
"So what? Aap bhi toh darte hain bhoot se!" she smirked while it was Asad's turn to be embarrassed. He quickly said changing the topic, "Look here it is!"
Zoya looked on as Asad pushed back a thick bunch of leaves that were blocking the view of that beautiful place. A ledge surrounded by bushes and lush green trees were hidden beyond. The patch of land extended further to meet the water from the serene lake which was sparkling by the lights of several candles floating by.
Zoya's eyes shone with the same sparkle. She was spell-bound by the sight in front of her. She only uttered his name in disbelief, "Asad..."
Asad's Shirt"Liked it?" he whispered.
"More than like. I loved it! This is really the most beautiful place in the world." She exclaimed.
Asad led her further, where she saw cushions laid out for two so as to have dinner. She turned to Asad and looked at him questioningly, "You did all this?"
"Umm...yes."
"Yeh candles, food, yeh arrangements?" she asked and he nodded at each.
"Allah Miyan! Why?" she asked puzzled.
"Just like that..." he said coming near her back, his hoarse tone bringing shudders to her body. She smiled in glee while Asad sat down.
"Zoya, come on. Will you stand there and keep us both starving?" he complained childishly.
"What's on the menu? Salad?" she teased and he smiled slyly.
"Vegetable Risotto, Kachoris and Margherita Pizza for you madam! And yes, your favorite Blueberry cheesecake." He bowed down and Zoya clapped seeing all her favourite dishes.
"You are a God Asad!! I love you!" she squealed while Asad looked at her wide-eyed. But Zoya being Zoya, had become busy in filling her plate while Asad calmed down his raging heartbeats, which those heedless three words of hers aggravated. Asad kept looking at her while she ate, moaning at the taste and praising the taste as well as him for doing all this. Her each smile soothed his soul and he lost himself in the moment, completely absorbed in her non-stop banter.
"Asad, I never ate so much. Thanks for the treat!" she smiled at him.
"You want to sit there?" Asad asked pointing towards the place near the lake and Zoya bobbed her head in a yes. They walked there and sat. Zoya immediately started rolling her salwar up so that she can dip her legs in the water. She tugged at Asad's pant to make him follow her too while he nodded a no.
"Asad!" she pleaded making a puppy-face and Asad denied. She turned around twisting her mouth in anger. Few seconds later her face was drenched by water and she turned back surprised.
"Gotcha!" Asad giggled seeing her face.
"Haww, kal ka badla liya aapne mujhse?" she smacked his hand and he winked at her.
"You are different today." She said to no one in particular.
"Because I feel different..." he said nonchalantly.
"Why so?" she asked, suddenly curious.
"Maybe because I am with someone who made my life colorful and so I am just enjoying those colors which she'd filled in my life." Asad said sincerely while Zoya looked ahead not knowing what to answer to those honest words. She knew he was implying her but didn't know what had changed between them to make him open his heart to her like that.
"Aap kuch kahengi nahi?" he asked hopeful.
"I am just overwhelmed. I don't know what to answer when someone tells you something so touching. First time hai na! Kisi ne kabhi aisa kuch kaha nahi." Her eyes shone with unshed tears. Asad shifted closer to her and side-hugged her, "I didn't mean to make you cry. You really brought so much happiness in our life. Ammi is regaining health, Ayaan has become naughtier and Najma self-dependant and bold. Itne saare changes itne short time mein...I never imagined my family to be so...I mean I just don't know what to say!" he explained while she put her head on his shoulder.
"Allah Miyaan! Aap mujhe chup kara rahe the ya aur rulana chahte hain." She said blinking back her tears. She didn't want his good mood to end...he was rarely so out-spoken and to have him like this felt like a blessing to her. She didn't understand that hidden voice beneath her beating heart that demanded those words which every girl wants to hear once in her life.
"Accha Asad, aapne sab ke bare mein bataya. But aap? Aap khush hain?" she asked scared of his reply. What if he denies?
Asad looked into her eyes, "Are you begging for compliments now?" he teased.
"No! I...I just..." she was flustered.
"Yes I am! Life is perfect this way. Everyone is content. We started off on a wrong note but see now we are at a place where when I look back I just see that as our childishness. I really think sometimes how Ayaan did what he did? He was right, our marriage really did wonders and I am sure we'll never regret this. Right?" he asked hopefully and she nodded.
"Asad, I am happy too!" she confessed and they smiled at each other, wishing silently that the other added something more too.
"Accha theek hai. Ab aapko pata hai ki aage date pe kya hota hai?" Zoya asked excited.
"Date?"
"Haan. Date hi toh hai!" she said nonchalantly, blushing at her stupidity.
"Nahi, aap hi bata dijiye." He said tightening his hold on her.
"Wo...woh... haan! Dance!" she shouted suddenly.
"No, Zoya. I don't like all that." He denied but seeing Zoya's fallen face he instantly continued, "But I can sing you a song, done?"
She smiled her approval and he untangled her from his hold and shifted slightly to come face to face with her.
Kitne dafe dil ne kahaDil ki suni kitne dafe
Zoya reveled in his soulful voice and closed her eyes.
Waise toh teri na mein bhimaine dhoond li apni khushiTu jo agar haan kahetoh baat hogi aur hi...
Both lost in their thoughts, reminisced their first meeting and how they denied accepting their marriage at their first night.
Waise toh teri na mein bhimaine dhoond li apni khushiTu jo agar haan kahetoh baat hogi aur hi...
Zoya looked at him intently, analyzing the words he sang. Was that his heart's desire? Did he bring her here to let her know that his walls have melted down...that as he has accepted her as a part of his family, he'll accept her as his wife one day? She lowered her gaze as he blinked his eyes open.
Dil hi rakhne ko kabhiUpar upar se sahi keh dena haanKeh dena haan yun hiKitne dafe dil ne kahaDil ki suni kitne dafe...
Asad didn't realize why he sang this. He surely wanted her to know that she had made her own special place in her heart and what could be more convenient than his melodious voice mixed with appropriate words.
Kitne dafe hairaan hua main yeh soch keUthti hai ibaadat ki khushbueinkyun mere ishq seJaise hi mere honth yehchhoo lete hain tere naam koLagey ke sajda kiyakeh ke tujhe shabad ke bol do...Asad remembered how he had promised himself not to let anyone enter in his life. But Zoya had creeped up like a ivy over his dormant heart, sucking out the negativity and amger. Calming him with her presence and liveliness, she had became the one who he can spend his life with, freely. Their relation had been a sham but now he felt as if it was a truth so far and he wondered whether he can tell her that he accept it whole-heartedly.
Yeh khudai chodh kePhir aaja tu zameen peAur jaa na kahinTu saath reh ja mereKitne dafe dil ne kahaDil ki suni kitne dafe...They snapped their heads towards each other and as their eyes locked, they felt a jolt run down through them. Asad remembered how she felt when he held her for the first time when she was falling. Her soft body molded into his felt perfect. Zoya's eyes fell on his lips and she suddenly remembered how they felt when he kissed her forehead every time her nightmare disturbed her.
Kitne dafe mujhko lagatere saath udte hueAasmaani dukaanon se dhoond kepighla doon main chaand yeh...
Asad shifted closer and caressed her right ear. She turned around, surprised and he slipped a ruby earring in her one ear and then the other one. She looked at him surprised. He was sending so many signals and she was left confused and flushed by his boldness. She wished for this phase of him to last forever. He shifted closer to her ears and she sucked in a breath. He sang sweetly in her ears...
Tumhaare in kaano mein
pehna bhi doon boonde banaa
Phir yeh main soch loon
samjhegi tu jo main na keh saka...
EarringsAsad stood up and extended his hand for her to hold. He drew her up and twisted her so as her back touched his chest. They swayed to the soft rhythm of his voice while Zoya kept pondering again and again over the message that he wanted to convey through this song. Did he? Or did he not?
Par darta hoon abhi na yeh tu pooche kahin
Kyun laaye ho yeh
Kyun laaye ho yeh yun hi...
Asad turned her around and hugged her tightly burying his head in her hairs. She sighed and slowly wrapped her arms around him too. She felt as if she finally belongs to someone and the desire to be loved suddenly burnt in her dormant heart, like a flame wavering in the subtle breeze.
As they walked back home, hand in hand, hearts beating in sync, Asad stole glances at a blushing Zoya. They had stepped up in their relationship and they basked in the glory of their new found happiness. They, engaged in their own sweet world didn't notice the jealous, prying eyes that burned with rage.
"ASAD AHMED KHAN! THIS HAPPINESS OF YOURS WON'T LAST LONG. I AM COMING BACK AND THIS TIME I'LL DESTROY YOU FOREVER!"
...THE END...
A/N: Well Well!! AsYalicious Scenes in a flood!!😃 Happy Guys?
Hope you will Click LIKE button and give your precious and sensible criticism and reviews in COMMENT!!
Thats All For this Update!!
Thank you So much For Reading the AsYalicious Update😳
~Aditi
Edited by -Aditi. - 10 years ago
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