Hi Everyone,
Apologies for not updating sooner. But you all know my limitations... Hope I will be forgiven for being the slowest writer on the forum. Have finished the next chapter and here it is for all you wonderful friends, Sisters and Brothers that I have here. Not keeping y'all waiting.
Happy Reading and I really hope you like it..
Chapter 14
As days turned into weeks the little army worked together to bring Zoya out of her shell. There wasn't one opportunity that they wasted to make Zoya spend extra time with Asad. If Mr. Kapoor had been making them work on one presentation after another, Shipra had been leaving no stone unturned in creating opportunities so that the two had to go out for little breaks together. She always excused herself citing too much work at hand. Every time that they were pushed together Asad would smile to no end and Zoya though would look upset on the outside, there would be no telling how happy she was on the inside.
With getting to spend so much time together Asad always made sure to make her feel special and looked after her making sure to keep up his charm but not going overboard with it.
No matter how hard she was trying Zoya could feel her resolve weakening with every passing day. All she noticed was how focused and professional Asad was while working on the project and how his attention would solely be on her when they were on their breaks. All his little gestures and his sweet words had started to crack the walls behind which she had hidden her feelings for him. She would often find herself smiling at how he was trying hard to get her to confess. Though she would say those words in her head a million times a day but was not ready to say them to him. Startled by Asad's voice, she turned around holding onto her heart that was beating faster than she could imagine.
"Allah miyaan what's wrong with you Asad? Couldn't you have knocked and come in?" Asad stood there shocked to hear her but then realizing that she was lost in her thoughts. Not wanting to waste the opportunity he said in a mischievous tone "Thinking about Me?" "No! The devil" "Uff! How lucky is he to be in your thoughts. Hume to vahan bhi jagah nahi milti" he said sighing dramatically. Zoya who had tiened back around smiled wide at another of his cute antics. Biting her lip to suppress the giggle that was bubbling within she shook her head and then straightening her face she turned around "Why were you here? Was it for this or is there anything important you want to talk about?" Asad too straightened and said "Oh! Completely forgot. Mr.Kapoor has arranged a party for some new clients..." He saw her narrow her eyes at him stopping him mid sentence "Oh no no no no. It's not me Zoya" "Then who is it?" "It's a firm we are working for Zoya. Remember the project Shipra was working on. Now that it's complete we are arranging this party for them".
"Hmm. OK." She said looking over his shoulder at Mr. Kapoor who had just come in too. "So we all are going to be a part of the celebrations for the completion of that project" "But you know I can't come Sir. I have to be home for Ammi" "Am sure she wouldn't say no Zoya. As it is she tells you to go out more" he said looking at Asad and winking at him. Zoya's eyes widened seeing the exchange between the two men. She looked from one to the other not understanding how exactly to express her shock. Asad giggled at her expression and then tried hard to cover it behind coughing which he failed at terribly. Mr. Kapoor too smiled wide seeing her reaction. "OK. So the party is after 2 days and everyone has to attend it, especially the senior management. So Zoya, no excuses and Asad you too have to come, I will call Rashid up personally". Saying so Mr. Kapoor left for his cabin. Zoya knew she couldn't avoid this party and no matter how much her mind denied it, she knew in her heart that she was excited about it.
The two days went by in a blink and before she could even think, it was time for Zoya to be getting ready for the party. She looked through her cupboard and picked out one dress after another, rejecting each one of them. Not able to make her mind up she finally called out to her Ammi for help. Benazeer entered the room and was shocked to see the condition that it was in. Shaking her head disapprovingly she walked towards the bed and started folding the clothes and putting them into stacks. In an annoyed tone she said "What are you doing Zoya? It's just a party, wear anything. As it is you hardly care about how you look. Grooming yourself and spending hours getting ready is something I haven't seen you doing in a long time" "Yes Ammi I haven't done it in a long time, but doesn't mean I can't do it again" Benazeer raised her eyebrow understanding exactly why Zoya was so concerned about her appearance tonight. Seeing her reaction Zoya tried to cover up "What? It's an important client we will be entertaining tonight Ammi. Am not doing it for anyone else" "I didn't say anything" Benazeer said chuckling a little "Yes you didn't, but I understand everything you say and that too which you don't. I know you well enough to understand what every gesture and expression means too. You needn't say everything aloud for me to understand what is going on up there" Zoya said pointing towards her head.
Benazeer shook her head and then walked towards the cupboard looking through whatever was still in it. "Where is that dress, we'd bought last summer, the one you haven't worn yet" "Which one Ammi?" "That orange and bronze shalwaar kameez Zoya". Her eyes widening with happiness and realization Zoya ran to her cupboard and looked into the lower shelfs pulling out the package she had dumped there, completely forgetting about it. Benazeer looked at her shocked and then smacked her at the top of her head "You didn't even open it Zoya?" "Sorry Ammi. But see now I can wear it today, he will..." she bit her tongue realizing what she's let slip out. Benazeer shook her head "Say it Zoya, don't hide it beta. It's a sin to hide your feelings like this. As far as I've understood he's not going to let go Zoya. The boy truly loves you. When you do too, then why not embrace what Allah has sent your way. Don't hide behind this wall Zoya" "Ammmii! Please can we not talk about this. I've already told you so many times that am not doing that. I have you to look after and am happy with this decision" "That's what you're saying Zoya and that's what you want to do, but think my bachcha, if that was the right decision why would Allah have brought him back into your life".
The look Zoya gave her, made her smile and then raising her hands as if in defeat she said "OK. OK. I will not say anything more on this. But will leave everything to HIM and will pray that he grants you with all the happiness you deserve for being the best daughter". Saying so she kissed her on the forehead and left Zoya to get ready and to think over what she had just said and that is exactly what Zoya did. All the while that she was getting ready Zoya kept thinking about all that had happened in the last few weeks in her life. How, out of the blue she found Asad standing before her and baring his heart to her. How he had known in an instant what she truly felt for him and had vowed to make her confess her feelings and how she could see that everyone was trying to get them together. As much as it all amused her and her heart would beat faster with everything happening around her, at the back of her mind she would always have the image of her Ammi. Finally getting ready for the night Zoya looked herself over in the mirror and smiled at her image that she knew was going to blow away anyone who she met tonight. Shaking her head she said to herself "You're not looking forward to impressing everyone, this, Zoya Farooqui, you have done today for just one man. Accept it Zoya... he's breaking in... slowly and steadily and that you are loving it all". Sighing she whispered to herself "Don't think I will be able to stand unaffected for a very long time. Am sure he can see it too, that I am getting affected. Hope whatever happens, happens for the best for everyone".
Occupied in the monologue she'd just had in her room, Zoya came out of her room not noticing her Ammi standing there looking at her with wide eyes. She looked up only when she heard her Ammi "MashAllah Zoya! You look spectacular. Nothing I have seen you look like before". Hearing her Ammi praise her made Zoya smile wide and she hugged her Ammi saying "Thank you Ammi. It's all because of you that I look beautiful. See that's why I tell you to shop for me. You always know what will look good on me and what's best for me". "Exactly! I know what's best for you, but you don't listen to me" Understanding what her Ammi meant, Zoya closed her eyes not knowing what to say to her. She stepped away breaking the hug "Now do you want to start that discussion again, or can I leave for the party? I don't want to be late" "Yes please leave. I don't want you to be late either. Have fun". Benazeer said winking at Zoya. Her eyes widened at how her Ammi was teasing her. She shook her head at her Ammi and then with one more hug she stepped out the house boarding the cab she had booked to take her to the venue.
Asad had been impatiently waiting for her arrival. Standing with his father and Shipra, every few minutes he would look at his watch and then towards the door not realizing that 2 sets of eyes looked at him in amusement and then would share knowing glances with each other. Not able to hold on anymore he said aloud what he had been thinking, "How much more time is she going to take?" He soon felt an arm around his shoulder and looked in the direction where his father had been standing. He saw Rashid smiling wide at his son "She will be here soon beta. Why are you being so impatient?" "Because its been ages am waiting for her Abbu". "We've been here only 15 minutes Asad, relax! Aa jayegi Zoya". Rashid had just about finished saying this sentence when Asad felt a wave of cool air wash over him. He looked towards the entrance and saw her enter. His breath got caught in his throat and he couldn't blink his eyes. His body refused to listen to his brain and all he did was stand there looking at the beauty that he called his life, his Zoya. Behind his back he heard both Rashid and Shipra whisper appraises in their own way where Rashid could only say MashAllah, Shipra couldn't stop herself and uttered a wow in praise of her friend.
Rushing past Asad, Shipra quickly walked toward Zoya bringing her attention in his direction. Locking her eyes with his she smiled faintly at him and her heart fluttered seeing his eyes roam over her from head to toe and then back up. He smiled back at her, his eyes full of appreciation for what he saw. Her heart felt content that the effort she had put in was worth it. Before she could think of anything else she found Shipra hugging her dearly and whispering words of appreciation in her ear. Zoya couldn't stop blushing at how Asad looked at her. Her insides fluttered uncontrollably and her heart beat faster and faster and she could feel her cheeks heating up. The way Shipra went on and on about how gorgeous she looked added to the way her body was reacting. Shipra pulled at her hand and led her back to where she was standing with Asad and his father. She made Zoya stand between the two men and immediately smacked herself "Oh! Mr. Kapoor had asked me to meet him in a few minutes, Zoya, you carry on with Asad here. I will join you in a bit". Saying that she turned around walking away where she knew Mr. Kapoor was with the clients.
As soon as Shipra left, Rashid too excused himself stating that he wanted to talk to Mr. Kapoor about the project. Suddenly left standing next to each other, both Asad and Zoya didn't know where to look and what to say. Feeling exremely awkward and taking in a deep breath Asad took a step away from her. As soon as Zoya saw that, she took a step closer to him. Asad stopped in his tracks realizing she was stepping closer to him. Holding onto his breath he looked at her and what he saw in her eyes made his heart beat race. He could read her eyes, looking for his approval and appreciation in his eyes. Asad faintly smiled at her and whispered "You look beautiful Zoya. Nothing like I've ever seen you as before... Not even in my dreams". Trying to control the blush that she knew he could see burning her cheeks, Zoya smiled and lowering her lashes breathed a thank you to him. As they stood there side by side, they saw everyone around them engrossed in their own little chit chat leaving them to indulge into their own conversation.
Making the most of the situation Asad started talking to her, cautiously avoiding any personal topics as he knew she would run away if he treaded there. So, to get rid of any awkwardness between them, he started talking to her about the project they were doing together. Once he was sure she was comfortable chatting with him, he moved closer to her, immediately she stopped talking and looked up at him and her heart stopped beating, seeing the amount of love in them.
"Zoya... I... I." But before he could complete what he had started saying they heard Mr. Kapoor addressing the party. "Good evening everyone. I would like to thank all of you to have come here and become a part of the celebrations for the success of our project with Mr. Sharma. The success for this project goes to our very talented employee Ms. Shipra Verma who has worked very hard to complete it in the short span of time that we had. A big round of applause for her". As he finished his small speech, the whole hall broke into a thundering applause for her as Shipra stood there smiling like never before. This was the first time she had handled a project all on her own and was very satisfied with the way she was able to close it. As the hall quietened Shipra thanked everyone for their love and support and then looking at Asad she said something that no one had expected.
"Asad... I hope I can call you that..." She saw him smile wide at her and then nodding his head. "Asad, now that we are friends too, can I ask you for something?" Asad looked at her a lil confused and then nodded his head not knowing what she would ask him. She looked at Zoya for a split second and then her eyes taking on a teasing expression she looked back at him "I know you sing very well... I'd read it somewhere. I request you to please take the mike and sing for us". As soon as she said that the hall erupted in another round of applause, but this time it was for him. He looked at Shipra wide eyed and then realizing that she would have heard this from Zoya he looked at Zoya who visibly looked conscious. He smiled to himself thinking that this was one more fact about him that he had never told Zoya, but she had come to know of it through his interviews. Zoya felt his eyes on her and looked up at him. As if no one else existed in that moment Asad's eyes seeked permission from her and she very gently nodded her head, telling him that she knew about this hidden talent and that she was as eager as anyone else to hear him sing. As he started walking towards the center stage he looked at Shipra who couldn't stop smiling at him. He looked over his shoulder at a smiling Zoya.
As he walked onto the center stage he saw Shipra walk towards the back and pull out a guitar she had arranged for him already. "You knew I would agree?" he asked her surprised. "Of course I knew! And with Zoya here, I knew you would be more than happy to sing your feelings to her" she said winking at him. "Make the most of this opportunity Asad" she said smiling at him. Asad shook his head at her and taking the guitar he strummed it a couple of times adjusting to the perfect notes that he wanted. Closing his eyes he looked up one time praying to his Allah to guide him in expressing his feelings to Zoya and for her to please see what he wants to say and to accept her own feelings too. Opening hia eyes and taking a deep breath, he looked right into her eyes and started strumming the guitar and what followed sent shivers down Zoya's body breaking her body into goosebumps.
Zara Si Dil Mein De Jagah Tu
Zara Sa Apna Le Bana
Zara Sa Khawbon Mein Saja Tu
Zara Sa Yaadhon Mein Basa
Mein Chahun Tujhko
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Fida Hoon Tujhpe
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Wooo Hhhooo Ooohhh Hooo...
Zara Si Dil Mein De Jagah Tu
Zara Sa Apna Le Bana
Zara Sa Khawbon Mein Saja Tu
Zara Sa Yaadhon Mein Basa
Mein Chahun Tujhko
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Fida Hoon Tujhpe
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Wooo Hhhooo Ooohhh Hooo...
Zara Si Dil Mein De Jagah Tu
Zara Sa Apna Le Bana
Zara Sa Khawbon Mein Saja Tu
Zara Sa Yaadhon Mein Basa
Mein Tere Mein Tere
Kadmoon Mein Rakh Du Yeh Jahan
Mera Ishq Deewangi
Ohhhoo..
Hai Nahi Hai Nahi
Aashiq Koi Mujhsa Tera
Tu Mere Liye Bandagi
Mein Chahun Tujhko
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Fida Hoon Tujhpe
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Zara Si Dil Mein De Jagah Tu
Zara Sa Apna Le Bana
Zara Sa Khawbon Mein Saja Tu
Zara Sa Yaadhon Mein Basa
Keh Bhi De Keh Bhi De
Dil Mein Tere Jo Hai Chupa
Kwahish Jo Hai Teri
Rakh Nahi Rakh Nahi
Parda Koi Mujhse Aye Jaan
Kar Le Tu Mera Yakeen
Mein Chahun Tujhko
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Fida Hoon Tujhpe
Meri Jaan Bepanah
Wooo Hhhooo Ooohhh Hooo...
With the last notes of the song still echoing in the hall, Asad stood up and took a step towards Zoya when she turned around and ran out. Almost shoving the guitar on the chair he had been using for support Asad ran out after her. As he came out to the balcony, He saw her standing by the railing and took in a deep breath relieved that at least this time she did not run away.
P.S. The drill guys... Please hit the like button and please do leave your feedback. I would love to know your views on the story and its progress.
P.S.S. Will start writing the next part after I get 85 likes.
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