Last chapter/Epilogue
Asad dragged himself towards her room. He wasn't sure if he could see her like this. But, he had to. He had to bring her back. They have reached here after so many struggles! She can't leave him alone now. He needed her more than ever, their kids needed her. Asad opened the door and stood there, praying for courage before stepping in. His heart sunk seeing her. His usual chirpy Zoya lay there, in silence. She looked pale, her face was covered with an oxygen mask. And her hands with needles that were infusing blood and glucose into her. He took a seat next to her on the bed. As he delicately took her hand in his, Asad could feel how cold she felt to touch. Tears filled his eyes but he composed himself. He had to be strong. He won't give up. "Tum mujhe hamesha bolti thi keh main kuch nahi bolta. Aur mujhe lagtha tha keh tum bahut bolti ho. Aaj, main chatha hoon keh tum bolo. Kuch bhi bolo but please wake up! Maine tume koh nahi saktha. Main apni zindagi haar nahi saktha. Tume haar nahi saktha Zoya...itni door aakar nahi! Tum chathi thi na keh humare baccho koh kabhi kohi kami na ho. Toh aaj unne apni Ammi ki kami mehsoos horahi hai Zoya, they need you. Tum hamesha apni Ammi koh miss karti hona, toh humare baccho keh saath tum aisa nahi karsakthi ho Zoya. Tume waapas aana hi padega. Tumare bina sabh adhura hai...main, humare bacche, our family. Please Zoya, fight! Apne dil ki suna joh tumse bol raha hai keh tumara pyaar tumara intezaar karaha hai. Please come back to me," he pleaded. Hours passed and he sat there looking for a reaction. But, she didn't move. Droplets of water fell from his cheek onto her hand as he whispered comforts to her. Asad kept telling her that everything was going to be alright. That they will fight through this too as they have through every trouble. He kept telling her that she had to fight. She had to fight with everything that was pulling her away from him and their kids. Asad silently kept reciting Quranic verses and blew on her forehead. After some time, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his mother. "Asad, tum kabh se yaha ho. Ghar jaakar fresh hojao beta, main yaha rahongi Zoya se paas," Dilshad said as tears brimmed in her orbs. "Nahi Ammi! Jab tak Zoya uth nahi jaati, main yaha se nahi jaunga," he said. "Theek hai. Lekin kya apne betiya koh bhi nahi dekoge?" Dilshad asked him. That's when Asad realized that he hasn't even seen his kids. "Kaha hai woh?" he wondered. "Unne neonatal ICU mein raka gaya hai. Premature hai toh issliye, doctor keha rahi thi keh kuch test karna padega," Dilshad replied. "Aap yehi rahiye, main aata hoon," Asad said and left the room. "Woh tumare bina jee nahi payega Zoya, Allah keh waaste theek hojao," Dilshad said turning to a sleeping Zoya and caressing her hair.
Asad stood at the glass window of the ICU admiring his newly born daughters. They were so tiny but beautiful. He wasn't allowed to go in as the babies were in isolation. Just seeing them, made him smile even in a situation like this. "Tumari Ammi hamesha chathi thi keh tum dono koh ma aur baap ka pyaar mile. Aaj tum dono koh Allah se dua karna hai keh tumari Ammi koh theek karde. I am sure keh tum dono ki baat, Allah zaroor sunyenge," Asad thought looking at his daughters. Later, he left from there and found a silent place to pray. Raising his hands towards the almighty, "aaj tak maine hamesha Zoya aur uski khushi maangi hai. Aur aaj bhi main yehi chatha hoon keh meri Zoya theek hojaye. Woh hamesha chathi thi keh humare baccho koh dono ka pyaar mile. Aap aisa nahi karsakthe Zoya keh saath. Usse khabhi ek ma ka pyaar nahi mila par usse ek ma banne ka haq hai. Humare bacche ek ma keh bina nahi reha sakthe. Please Allah, aap se yehi dua hai keh meri Zoya aur mere bacche sehath aur saalamati se (healthy) ghar aajaye," Asad prayed as tears glistened in his eyes. He just wanted his life back. He recalled how happy Zoya and him were waiting for the kids. Now they were here, she couldn't even see them. He returned to Zoya's room. Asad recited a silent prayer and blew on Zoya's head. The family waited outside while Asad was inside with Zoya. Hours passed, but there was no improvement. "Come on Zoya! Kuch karo...please. I can't see you like this, please wapaas aajao," Asad wished. That night, Dilshad and Rashid stayed at the hospital. They couldn't leave Zoya or the kids in that state and return home. Nikhat sent food for everyone. Dilshad had Farhan go back home so he could take care of everything else at home.
Zoya felt everything. She heard him cry, she heard his prayers but she didn't know why she couldn't come forward. Her life flashed in front of her. Everything seemed to play in her head. She saw moments of her childhood when gaffur would throw her up in the air and catch her. She would laugh, and the whole house would echo with her giggle. She recalled how Humaira and her would run around the house, teasing...playing. The day she first met Asad. How he became part of her life, every moment they spent together. Their thoughts about the future, being there for her kids. Asad had dozed off sitting next to the bed. Suddenly, he felt someone stroking his hair. Even in his sleep, he knew who it was. Asad shot up and felt his life drift back into him. "Zoya," he said happily, caressing her cheek. "Thank god...tum theek hoon. Meri toh jaan nikal gayi thi," Asad told her. Zoya wanted to say something but her throat felt dry. Her eyes searched for her kids. Where were they? Were they alright? "Unn dono koh observation kehliye dusre kamre mein raka hai," he said. "Humari doh pyaari betiya huwi hai," Asad said with a smile. Her eyes met his and glistened with tears. "Never do this to me ever again...I love you...I love you so much!" Asad said moving closer and pecking her forehead. Zoya closed her eyes in bliss. The moment she felt that she might never come back. The feeling of having everything that you ever wanted but not being able to feel it. She silently thanked her Allah miyan for returning her life back. Soon, Asad called the doctor and informed Rashid and Dilshad who were in the waiting room. The khan family and gaffur were also informed. Everyone was overjoyed. The happiness of having two little dolls added to their family seemed complete. The doctor checked Zoya, "you seem to be fine Zoya but tume apna khayal rakna padega. You are very weak," she explained. "Jee doctor," Zoya nodded. "Now rest ok, I will come back and check on in a few hours," the doctor said. "Doctor...kya main apne baccho koh dekh sakthi hoon?" Zoya asked. "Zoya, they are still in the ICU. We are still keeping them under observation," the doctor explained. "Please doctor...sirf ek baar. I just want to hold them for two minutes...please," Zoya requested. "Theek hai, I will check on them and let you know," the doctor said. "Bhabhi...so happy to see keh aap theek hai," Najma said pulling Zoya into a hug. Zoya just smiled. "Ha beta, tumari bina...humari khushi adhuri thi," Dilshad said caressing Zoya's head.
Just then, the nurse came and told Asad and Zoya that they could see their kids. Asad and Zoya had to wear a mask and gloves to prevent any infection to the newborns. Walking into the ICU, Zoya felt butterflies in her stomach. It was joy, nervousness, love...everything inside her. She has waited for this moment for nine long months. Zoya intertwined her hand with his. He looked at her and smiled reassuringly. As they walked up to the small cribs where there daughters were sleeping. Zoya gasped in astonishment. They were beautiful! They looked like angels. "Kya main unne uta sakthi hoon?" Zoya asked the nurse. "Jee zaroor," the nurse replied. Zoya moved closer and carefully picked up one of the girls. She felt something swell in her. What she felt wasn't something she could describe in words. Maybe this is what you called becoming a mother, she thought. She felt her husband wrap his arm around her. "Aabh bahut hogaya yeh rohna dhona...mujhe tumari chehare par sirf smile dekhni hai," he told her. "Nahi Asad, yeh toh bas woh ehsaas, aur kuch nahi," Zoya explained. "Tum humari dusri beti koh ignore karahi ho," he teased. Zoya chuckled. "Aisa kuch nahi hai...aap isse pakadiye...main dekhti hoon," she said. "What? Main kaise Zoya? Nahi nahi," Asad said. "Asad...aap dar rahe hai?" Zoya joked. "Aisa kuch nahi hai," he replied. "Come on, aapki bhi toh beti hai," she told him and he looked at her unsure. "But Zoya, yeh toh choti si hai," Asad said, a little nervous. "Kuch nahi hoga, chaliye," Zoya said as she carefully placed their daughter into his arms. Asad was terrified, to say the least. He was afaird that he might hurt her by not holding her right or something. "Aise haath rakiye aur yaha pakdiye...that's all," Zoya said as she fixed his arm around their daughter. But the moment he felt his daughter's warmth against his heart, all he felt was love. The amount of love that he had never felt before. Zoya picked up her other daughter from the crib. Asad and Zoya looked at each other and smiled. The moment was filled with joy and love...just pure love and its symbols.
Two days later, Zoya and the kids were discharged from the hospital. The family had decorated the whole house as a celebration of welcoming the two angels to their home. As Asad was driving with Zoya and the kids in the back seat, one of the babies was crying constantly. "Kya hua Zoya...should I stop?" Asad questioned. "Paata nahi Asad, chup hi nahi horahi hai. Theek toh lagrahi hai, I guess traveling accha nahi lagraha hai," Zoya assumed. "I am stopping the car," he decided and pulled onto the side of the road. Getting out, he came to the rear passenger side and took his daughter in his arms. The instant that he did, she became quiet and cuddled closer to her father. "Aree wah! Aapke paas aate hi chup hogayi," Zoya said surprised. "She is my little princess," Asad beamed. "Ek kaam kijiye, aap apni princess koh samaliye...main driver koh bhula kar ghar jarahi hoon," Zoya told him. "Stop teasing me Zoya," he said. They waited on the side of the road for their daughter to fall asleep. Once she was in deep slumber, Asad carefully placed her in the car seat, Asad started driving again. They reached home to see the whole family waiting for them at the entrance. Asad helped Zoya out and picked up their daughter. "Dher hogayi beta...sabh theek?" Dilshad asked concerned. "Ha Ammi, woh raaste mein rokna paada, yeh bahut roh rahi thi," Asad replied. Dilshad fed the couple kheer. "Allah, tum dono koh aur tumare baccho koh hamesha khush rake," she lovingly blessed them and invited them in. As everyone took a seat in the living room, "Waise Bhaji...abhi tak aap logo ne naam nahi raka hai," Humaira reminded. "Jaanti hoon humi...main bas yeh dono theek se ghar aajaye ussi ka wait karahi thi," Zoya explained. "Aabh toh ghar bhi aagaye hai, toh kyun na naam abhi rak diya jaaye?" Nikhat suggested. "Lekin Bhabhi...hum logo ne iss baare main kuch soocha nahi hai," Zoya said. "Aap dono ne names nahi sooche?" Najma said amazed. Everyone chuckled. "Aisa nahi hai Najma. Woh bas hum decide nahi kar parahe the phir soocha keh baccha hone khe baad soochenge par aabh toh doh doh naam soochne padenge," Zoya said. "Naam toh humne sooche hai," Asad announced. Zoya looked at him confused. "Humne decide kiya tha keh we each will think a boy and a girl name, so humare paas doh naam hai," he explained. Zoya smiled realizing what he was saying was true. "Theek hai, maine joh naam soocha tha woh Sanam tha...Sanam Ahmed Khan," she told him. "Seher...Seher Ahmed Khan," Asad declared. Everyone clapped and cheered as Asad and Zoya looked at each other happily.
Time started to pass and Asad Zoya were trying to learn how to be parents to two kids at the same time. Asad had taken a few weeks off of work so he could help Zoya with the kids. He just attended video coferences and helped Rashid, Farhan, and Haider whenever he could. Zoya too was recovering from the delivery. She still was a little weak but she loved being a mother. Sanam and Seher were a handful but every moment was worth it. One night, she put the girls to bed and returned to the room. Asad was finishing a phone call. He saw her take a sigh and sit on the bed. Resting her head against the pillow, she closed her eyes. A minute later, Zoya felt somewhere caress her hair. "Tired?" he asked. "Ha...main pair dukh rahe hai," she whined. "I wish I could help," Asad said taking a seat next to her. Zoya smiled. "Aapki kya galati hai keh humari betiya sirf mere paas sohti hai," she said. During the day, Asad was able to calm their daughters. But when it came to sleeping at night, both Sanam and Seher couldn't do it without their mother. That too, they only slept when Zoya wandered around the room singing a lullaby. "Main tumari uss mein toh help nahi karsaktha but I can surely help you with a massage," Asad said as he took her feet in hers and started to soothe her pain. "That feels so good," Zoya said relieved. Few minutes passed and she stopped him. "Agar aap aise hi karte rahenge toh abhi soh jaungi," she told him. "Bhook lagi hai?" Asad questioned. Zoya chuckled, "aapko har baar paata kaise chal jaata hai?" she wondered. "I just know...tumari aankhe tumare dil ki har baat bol dehti hai," he replied. Zoya grinned, moving closer and pecking his lips. "I love you," she told him. "I know...I love you too," Asad stated, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into another kiss.
Years passed, times changed...the kids were growing up. But one thing that remained constant, and only grew was their love. They cherished each moment...like the first time when their daughters started crawling, or their first word...or their first step. Each of these will be engraved in their memory forever. Zoya sat on the couch looking at her husband and her daughter. Every morning, Seher had this thing she did with Asad which was crazy. She should sit on his abdomen and Asad would pretend to sleep. Seher would then say boo, Asad would pretend to be startled and wake up. Seher thought this was hilarious...she would laugh so much just seeing her father become scared and wake up. Zoya didn't understand the whole thing but Asad did it just to see his daughter laugh. Zoya smiled. Her daughters were blessed. Asad was a great father. She sometimes couldn't believe how much he had changed. The Asad who was so OCD about everything, now didn't care if his daughters wiped their nose on his shirt and filled his face with chocolate. He did anything that made them happy. Zoya's eyes sometimes filled with tears thanking her Allah miyan for giving her daughters something she never had. They had a family...a family that loved them above anything else. In the past three years, things have improved between Gaffur and her. He visited often, to meet Sanam and Seher. He might not have been a good father to her but was a good grandfather at least. Zoya wouldn't say that she had forgiven gaffur but she has moved on from the past. She had a future to look forward. She was happy with Asad, the kids, and her family. And she knew that gaffur was truly remorseful. Though razia has finished serving her sentence in jail, gaffur didn't allow her back into his life. Razia stayed at one of their guest houses. Zoya sometimes felt bad about the whole situation. Was she the reason why gaffur and Humaira didn't speak to razia? She had tried to explain to Humaira but it didn't do anything. "Mama," she heard Seher call, breaking her thoughts.
Zoya walked up to the bed, "Seher...chalo neeche aao. And Asad, please wake up," Zoya said. "Paanch minute aur Zoya," he whined. "Asad, aap abhi bhi baccho ki taara behave karte hai. Remember, aapki meeting hai, utiye," Zoya said. Asad sat up on the bed and rubbed his eyes. "Good morning," he said to his wife with a smile. Turning to his daughter, "morning princess," Asad said. "Guud morning daddy," Seher said excitedly, pulling Asad into a hug. Zoya smiled. Just then, the door opened and Sanam walked in, rubbing her eyes. Coming up to Zoya, "mama," she said lifting her hands up in the air, telling Zoya she wanted to be in her arms. "Awww...mere baccha," Zoya said, taking Sanam in her arms. "Uski bukar kaisi hai?" Asad asked worried. Zoya checked Sanam's forehead. "Lagtha hai dawayi asar karahi hai," she replied. Sanam has been sick from the past 2 days and that has not been fun. She was crabby, moody and all she wanted was to be in Zoya's arm. "Accha...chalo, ready hote hai," she said to Sanam and Seher. "Asad, aap bhi ready hojayiye. Office jaana haina," Zoya told him. "Tum help nahi karogi?" he questioned. Zoya stopped walking and turned to see him. "Tum Sanam aur Seher koh help karogi aur mujhe nahi?" Asad teased. "Asad, stop it!" she said, turning red. "Mama, aap daddy toh help karo. Main aur Sanam ready hojayenge," Seher stated. Zoya giggled. "Yeh na bilkul tum par hi gayi hai," Asad said. "Stop it Asad," Zoya said and took her daughters, and left from there, leaving a smiling Asad behind.
Zoya freshened up Sanam and Seher and dressed them for the day. Walking out, Zoya saw Zain, Haider and Humaira's one year old son wobbling towards her. She then saw Humaiara chasing behind him with his milk like she did every morning since Zain has been walking. "Zain, ruko," Humaira called out. Zoya chuckled. She went forward and picked Zain up into her arms. "Humi...tum bhi na! Roz yehi karti rehti ho," Zoya said. "Kya karoon Bhaji...yeh ladka ek second bhi rukta hi nahi. Iss ke peeche baag the baag the hi mera saara din nikal jaata hai," Humaiara said, panting. "Tum mujhe do, main dekhti hoon," Zoya told her as she took the glass of milk from Humaiara. "Zain...tum chachi keh acche bete hona toh dood peelo please." Zoya requested. "No!" Zain replied, nodding his head. Humaiara laughed, "That's his favorite word now!" she said. "Theek hai. Neeche chalo, main kuch karti hoon," Zoya said and they all went downstairs. Zoya went into the kitchen and returned with three glasses of milk, two chocolate and one plain with sugar. "Seher...yeh lo chocolate," Zoya said giving Seher her chocolate milk. "Zain...aapko chocolate chahiye," Zoya offered. He became excited, clapping his hands. "Yeh lo," Zoya said to Humaira and gave her the chocolate milk. She then made Sanam drink her plain milk. After the kids finished their milk, they all ran out to play. "Wow Bhaji...aap great ho," Humaira said. "Seher bhi khabhi dood nahi peeti, issliye main usse yeh bol kar dood pila thi hoon keh woh chocolate hai," Zoya said. "Yeh accha idea hai," Humaira agreed. "Accha chalo...breakfast ready karte hai," Zoya said and the sisters left for the kitchen.
One night, Zoya was cuddled into her husband's arm. They have just finished making love, the passion the same as their first time. Zoya felt her husband's hand play with her hair. "Asad...kuch bolo?" she asked. "Ha Zoya bolo, tume kabh se kuch bolne kehliye permission chahiye?" Asad said. "Woh Asad...woh...let's have another baby," she told him. "What? Zoya, not again," Asad said. They have talked about this multiple times. Zoya wanted another baby but Asad was hesistant. What happened during Sanam and Seher's delivery still scared him. "Please Asad, aabh toh sabh theek haina. Humne doctor se bhi toh baat ki haina phir," she tried to explain. "Mujhe phir se risk nahi leyna hai Zoya, I just can't," Asad sternly stated. "Aap please Akdu mat baniye," she pleaded. "Aisa kuch nahi hai," he told her. "Mr. Khan...I know keh pichli baar joh bhi hua uske baad yeh sabh soochna aap kehliye mushkil hai. Par, Allah miyan ne sabh theek kardiya na," Zoya said. "Kya hum iss baare mein baat nahi kare, please?" Asad said, trying to ignore the topic. "Aap kab tak aise hi mujhe ignore karte rahenge," Zoya said, upset. "Please Zoya, don't get mad," Asad tried. "Nahi...aap samaj the hi nahi. Meri baat aap sun bhi nahi sakthe," she told him. Asad couldn't see her so upset about the whole situation. "Tum meri baat toh suno," he said. "Nahi...mujhe aapki kohi ba...," Zoya was speaking but her words were cut short. He sealed his lips with hers, shutting her up. She was surprised at what her husband had done. As they broke apart, "aap yeh...," Zoya said, turning red. "Tume chup karana bahut mushkil hai, toh main kya karta," Asad teased. Zoya blushed harder at his words. "Agar Allah ne hume baccha diya toh tabh ka tabh soochenge, aabh iss baare mein kohi discussion nahi," Asad stated, pulling her into another passionate kiss.
Few weeks later, Asad returned home from work to see his wife and daughters on the bed. They seemed angry. "Aabh maine kya kardiya?" he wondered as he placed his suit and laptop bag on the couch. Asad walked up to them, "kya hua?" he asked cautiously. "Aapki betiya...aapse naraaz hai," Zoya replied. "Accha...aisa kyun?" Asad said, taking a seat on the bed. "Aap hi poochiye," she told him. "Kya hua hai princesses...batao?" Asad said confused. "Daddy...aap hume pyaar nahi karte," Seher accused. "What? Aisa kuch nahi hai," Asad replied. "You don't spend time with us dad," Sanam stated. "Beta...dad busy hai iska matlab yeh thodi na keh woh aapse pyaar nahi karte," Asad said. "Saach Dad?" Sanam asked. "Of course beta," Asad said with a smile. "Nahi! Aap toh aise hi bol rahe ho," Seher said, dissatisfied. "Zoya...help me na please," Asad said to his wife. Zoya giggled. "Nahi Asad, mujhe kuch nahi maloom. Aap jaane aur aapki betiya, aakir aapne hi bigada hai inne," she said with a naughty smile. Asad sighed. "Teen ladkiya ek team mein aur main bichara akela," he muttered. "Kuch kaha aapne?" Zoya asked. "Nahi...kuch nahi!" he replied. Zoya grinned. She loved seeing her daughters fight with their husband...it was so adorable. Their daughters were like copies of them. Seher was like her...a handful to handle. She was a little crazy in the cute sense and she would blabber anything that came to mind without thinking and that has caused them to be embarrassed many times. Sanam, on the other hand, was very proper. She was soft spoken, very OCD like her dad, and was the opposite of Seher. Asad turned to his daughters, "Ok baba...bolo? Kya karna hai mujhe?" he asked. Seher clapped her hands and smiled. "Aapko hume beach lejana padega...abhi," she demanded. "Ha Daddy, mujhe bhi jaana hai," Sanam said, agreeing with her sister. "Theek hai princesses, hojayega. Daddy change karke aate hai. Khush?" Asad asked. Sanam and Seher became excited and kissed their father on either cheek. They got off the bed and ran out of the room to get ready. "Yeh sabh tum teeno plan tha na?" he said. "Shayad," she teased. He laughed, "It's not fair Zoya, tum teeno mujhe blackmail bahut karte ho," Asad said. "Kya kare Mr. Husband, aap aabh meri baat toh sunte nahi toh mujhe humari betiyo koh hi kehna padtha hai keh unke pyaar daddy koh samjaye," Zoya said, pinching his cheeks. "Abhi baata tha hoon," Asad said. He moved forward to catch her when she pushed him and jumped off the bed. She started running and he started chasing her. "Asad...mujhe ready hona...chodiye na," Zoya pleaded. "Galti ki hai toh saza bhi milegi," he said. "What? Maine kya kiya hai. Saach mein kuch nahi kiya hai," she told him. "Ruko...ek minute!" Asad said as he chased her and caught her wrist. "Asad...chodo. Darwaza khula hai," she told him. "Mrs. Zoya Ahmed Khan...galti ki hai toh saza bhi milegi," he flirted. Zoya turned cherry red hearing his words. "Asad...," she shuddered as his lips traced her cheek bone. He cupped her face and was about to press her lips with his when suddenly they heard Sanam call for Zoya. They broke apart and Zoya chuckled at her husband's gloomy face. "Better luck next time Mr. Khan," she teased and ran out of the room.
Later, Asad drove the whole family to the beach. On the way, the car blasted with music with Zoya and their daughters singing and dancing. Asad couldn't believe what his life has become. Five years ago, if someone would have told him that he would have fallen in love, he would have never believed it. On top of that, getting married and having kids was not part of his life's plan. But when he met her, everything changed. Today, his silent life was filled with colorful laughter, shining stars, and pink Barbie dolls. And, he wouldn't have it any other way. He would do anything to see the three ladies that were in his car smile. Zoya caught him staring at her and questioned him with his eyes. He nodded his head and continued to drive. Reaching the beach, the kids ran to the water. "Sanam...Seher...ruko," Zoya yelled, following closely behind. Asad took a seat on the sand near the water watching his wife and kids. Everytime he saw them, he thanked the almighty for blessing him. Zoya returned with Sanam and Seher and took a seat next to him. "Daddy...hume ice cream chahiye," Sanam said. "Nahi beta, bahar ki cheese acchi nahi hoti," Asad refused. "Please dad," Seher requested. "Maine bola na keh yeh sabh nahi khate. Hum ghar jaake ice cream khayenge," Asad stated. Zoya nodded his head, "some things never change," she thought. "Asad...jaane dona. Beach par aaye hai toh ice cream toh chalta hai," Zoya told him. Asad looked at his wife and then at his daughters' sad faces. "Theek hai, chalo," Asad said. "Yay!" Sanam and Seher cheered. Standing up and dusting the sand off his hands, Asad held Sanam and Seher's hands and took them to the ice cream stand nearby. Few minutes later, Asad arrived with Sanam, Seher, and a plate of pani puris for Zoya. "Pani puri aur aapne laaya hai?" Zoya said surprised. "I know keh tume pasand hai," he replied. "That's so sweet...I love you Asad," Zoya announced. The next moment, Zoya realized what she had said. Asad felt his cheeks fill with color. Sanam and Seher laughed at their parents. "Chup...tum dono hass kya rahe ho?" Zoya scolded. "We love you too daddy," Sanam and Seher yelled in unison causing Zoya and Asad to blush harder.
Few days later, Asad turned to his right and his arm immediately searched to engulf his wife against his chest. Finding the bed empty, his eyes opened and he sat up. "Zoya," he called out. There was no reponse. He checked the bathroom and the kids' room but she wasn't there either. Asad quietly checked the whole house since everyone was sleeping. However, he didn't find his wife anywhere. Now, he was becoming worried. Where has she gone so late at night? As he was walking through the kitchen, he saw someone outside in the back garden. She was here, his heart calmed a bit. He ran out the door, "Zoya...itni raat koh yaha kya karahi ho? Main kabh se tume doond raha hoon," Asad said as he came closer to her. Once he got close enough, Asad saw her tear stricken face. The next instant, he was next to her. Cupping her face, "Zoya, kya hua? Tum roh kyun rahi ho?" Asad asked worried. She nodded her head negatively but tears continued to flow down her cheeks. "Kuch nahi hai toh roh kyun rahi ho? Please Zoya, tell me what's wrong?" he questioned. She wrapped his arms around him and started to cry. Asad tried to remember what had happened during the evening. Was it something he did? Or did someone say something? Asad couldn't stand tears in her eyes. It felt he was dying thousand times for each droplet of water that her eyes shed. "Zoya...mujhe dar lagraha hai. Tum aise roh kyun rahi ho? Please jaan...tell me kya hua hai?" he pleaded. "I...am...pregnant," Zoya hiccupped in between her sobs. Asad felt the world stop! "What?" he said shocked. Zoya knew he would be upset. She didn't know how this has happened. Maybe she forget her pills or they...she didn't know. All knew was that she was pregnant. "Kaise?" Asad said, composing himself. "Paata nahi," she replied crying. He wiped her tears. "But, tum roh kyun rahi ho?" he said confused. "Kyun ki I know keh aap gussa honge. And I don't want you to regret this baby," Zoya told him. Asad almost smiled at her innocence. His Zoya...forever a kid, he thought. He took her hands in his and pulled her closer. "Zoya...main hamesha yehi manta hoon keh bacche Allah keh dain hai. Jaisi hi tum meri zindagi mein Allah keh dain hoon. I will never regret something Allah has given me. Par ha, mujhe tumari tabeyat ki fikar hai," Asad said. She smiled through her tears, "saach mein?" Zoya asked like a kid. "Saach mein. I love you!" Asad said wiping her cheeks and pecking her lips. "Thank Allah miyan keh aap naraaz nahi hai, main toh bahut dar gayi thi," she said happily. "Tume paata kabh chala?" he asked. "Aaj subha school mein tabeyat acchi nahi lagrahi thi toh main jaldi ghar wapaas aagayi. I felt dizzy and nauseous so I took a test," she explained. "No wonder tum dinner table par ajeeb harkate karahi thi," he mumbled. "Kya kaha aapne?" Zoya asked. "Kuch nahi...chalo andar chate hai," he told her.
Wrapping his arms around waist, he picked her up. "Asad!" Zoya gasped in surprise. "Tume kya lagtha hai keh main apni pyaari si pregnant biwi koh aise hi andar jaane dunga," he teased. Zoya giggled as she placed her hands around his neck. "Toh tum sabh koh baatana chathi ho?" Asad wondered as he started walking. "Ha...lekin kal subhe. Please sabh koh abhi utana mat," Zoya said, remembering how he had woken up the whole house when she had told him about being pregnant with Sanam and Seher. "Fine, I will wait," he said sulking. Zoya laughed, "Asad, aap mujhe hamesha kehte hai keh main impatient ho. Aur paata nahi jab aapko yeh paata chalta hai keh main pregnant hoon, aapko kya hojata hai," she said. He just smiled. Reaching their room, he carefully placed her on her feet. "Aapne yeh sooch hai keh hum Sanam and Seher koh kaise baatayenge?" Zoya questioned. "That will be a task," he replied, knowing his curious daughters. "I think I will leave that up to you," Zoya stated mischievously. Asad was about to say something but his eyes fell on the clock on their night stand. "By the way, Happy 5th Anniversary Mrs. Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan," Asad said, pulling her close to him. "Its midnight!" she realized then turned towards her husband. "Happy Anniversary Asad," Zoya said happily, pecking his lips. She was about to break apart when he wrapped his hands around her and pulled her flush against him. His lips covered hers into a passionate, fierce kiss. Her hands snaked around his neck and grabbed his velvety black hair. They broke apart and hugged each other. Just then, their room door sprung open and their daughters ran in. "Happy Anuverary Mama and Daddy," Sanam and Seher said excitedly. Asad and Zoya smiled, "aap dono ko kisne baataya?" they asked. "Humi Chachi ne," Sanam replied. Asad picked up Sanam in his arms and placed her on the bed. Zoya was about to get Seher when Asad stopped her. "Zoya...no! Iss halat mein don't lift her," Asad said concerned. "Mama, uthao na," Seher said popping her arms up. Asad was about to grab her when she moved back. "Nahi...Mama," Seher demanded. "Seher...Mama aapko utha nahi sakthi," Asad explained. "Why not?" she wondered. "Seher...aap bed par baito...Dad aapko baatayenge," Zoya told her. "Really?" Seher said excitedly. "Yup! Come on, get up here," Zoya said. Asad helped his daughter climb up and they all sat on the bed. Asad was contemplating how to tell Sanam and Seher. "Batao na Daddy," Sanam probed, getting impatient. "Ha Asad...batao," Zoya added. "You are enjoying this...aren't you?" he said. Zoya chuckled, "of course I am," she said. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose, "Princesses...how would you feel about having a baby sister or brother?" he hesistantly stated. "Sister? But I have Sanam," Seher said confused. "Ok...how about a brother?" Asad asked. "A baby brother would be cute," Sanam replied. "Par, mujhe kohi nahi chahiye. Sirf Sanam acchi hai," Seher contemplated. "This is going very well," Zoya mumbled. "Tume try karna chahiye," He told her. "Sanam...Seher, we are going to have a baby added to our family," Zoya said. "Baby? Woh kaha se aayega?" Seher questioned. Both Asad and Zoya turned tomato red. "Woh aapko Daddy baatayenge," Zoya quickly replied. "What?" Asad said shocked. "Sorry," Zoya mouthed to her husband. The next few minutes, Zoya sat there watching her husband trying to explain where babies come from. It was an amusing conversation. After a while, when she felt like this conversation was going no where. "Ok...stop it!" Zoya stated. "Sanam...Seher...raat hogayi hai. Aap dono jaake soh jao," She told her daughters. "Good night!" They said and left. As soon as they left, Zoya started laughing. "It's not funny Zoya," Asad said. "Of course it is, aapka chehra dekhne layak tha," she teased. He caught her arm and pinning it behind her, pushed her flush against him. She stopped laughing at his sudden move. Asad could see the blush creep up her cheeks. He loved it! He loved when his wife became all shy and quiet in front of him. She still was the most beautiful when she blushed, he thought. He moved forward and kissed her nose. Then he kissed her cheeks and trailed off down her neck. Soon, the clothes fell to the floor as they explored each other and intertwined to become on.
The next morning, everyone wished Asad and Zoya for their anniversary. They told the family about Zoya expecting and they were thrilled. Gaffur also visited with gifts for Asad and Zoya, he too was overjoyed with the news. "Allah, tum dono koh hamesha khush rake," he blessed. Asad and Zoya looked at each other and smiled. That afternoon, Dilshad told all the men to return from work early. The family enjoyed a lunch together in the garden. Dilshad and Rashid couldn't ask for anything more. They looked around to see all their children, laughing and talking. Allah has been extremely generous on them. Just then, someone pulled into driveway. Najma smiled as she ran upto the car. "Accha hai tum aagaye, I have been waiting for you forever," she exaggerated. "God Najma...stop being a drama queen, I am only 20 minutes late," the tall, handsome man with thick black hair, dressed in jeans and a black shirt replied. "Shut up Azaan," Najma scolded her fianc. "Now, if you are done with being mad at me, can we go in?" Azaan asked. "Yeah, sorry. Come," Najma said apologetically. She wrapped his arm around his and they started walking. Najma looked at the man walking beside her, she loved him! When she had started working in his office 4 months ago, she would have never expected to fall for him. First meeting, Najma had thought that he was a jerk! She thought that he was strict and gave her too much to do. But, when she got to know him, he was totally different. He was sweet, sensitive, and a total charmer. For Azaan, it was love at first sight! The moment she had walked into his office, he had lost his heart. But, he wasn't sure of his feelings. So, he tried to make her hate him but being a jerk. However, that didn't change things. It only made his feelings stronger for her. That's when he spoke to his mother and they had bought the rishta to the Khan household. They were engaged about a month and half ago and were excited for the wedding in a month. Najma and Azaan joined the family and enjoyed their afternoon together.
That night, the family had organized a party for Asad and Zoya's anniversary with close family and friends. Everyone was mingling with each other but Asad's eyes were only searching for his better half. Zoya sat in front of the dresser with all the Khan ladies gushing over her. "Please Bhabhi...mujhe yeh sabh nahi karna hai. I am fine with just this," Zoya told them. "Oh come on Bhaji...thoda sa aur make up," Humaira said. "No way! This is good enough," Zoya said adamantly. "You know Bhabhi, one thing hasn't changed," Najma teased. "Kya matlab?" Zoya said puzzled. "Aapki first anniversary par bhi aap aise hi maana karahi thi," Najma reminded. "Agar uske baat bhi tumare Bhaijaan ne mere saath paanch saal bhita diye toh I think we are fine," Zoya said as she stood up and everyone laughed. Sudddenly, Zoya felt a plunge like feeling in his stomach. She grabbed her stomach and suddenly everyone looked at her shocked. "Zoya...tum theek toh hona?" Nikhat asked worried. "Ha Bhabhi...its just a feeling," she explained. "Tum baito...Humaira, paani laana," Nikhat said, making Zoya sit on the bed. Before she could even drink the water that Humaira handed her, Zoya felt nauseous. She got up and ran inside the bathroom. Few minutes later, Zoya walked out feeling dizzy. "Bhabhi...are you ok?" Najma questioned concerned. "Main theek hoon! Just morning sickness," Zoya laughed at the irony of how everyone calls it morning sickness but it can technically hit you any time. "Thodi dher araam karlijiye, phir chalte hai," Humaira told her. Zoya just nodded and took a seat on the bed. After some time, Zoya felt a little better so she went downstairs. She didn't want everyone waiting for her any longer. As she walked down the stairs, Zoya saw her husband walk up to her. "Tum theek ho?" he asked troubled. "I am fine, just usual pregnancy sickness," she replied with a weak smile. Before he could say any further, family and friends started coming up to them and congratulating the couple. After some time, Asad could see Zoya turning pale. He made her sit down and got her food to eat. "Asad, mujhe nahi chahiye," she denied. "Zoya, you need to eat something. Please, kuch khalo," he told her. "Mujhe yeh sabh nahi chahiye. Kya aap mere liye plain paratha aur accha layenge," Zoya requested. "Theek hai," Asad said. Two minutes later, he returned with what she had asked along with a glass of lemonade. "Thank you," she said as she started to eat. He took a seat next to her. "Aap kuch nahi khayenge?" she wondered. "Not really hungry," he replied.
At that moment, Najma walked up to Asad to tell him that Rashid was looking for him. Asad told Zoya to take care and left from there. Rashid introduced Asad to some potential clients. Though Asad was speaking to them, his eys kept drifting towards his wife. She was tickling Sanam and giggling with her. Asad smiled! He wished that he would get to see her like this, till they were old and fragile with grey hair. Rashid caught Asad staring at his wife. When Mr. Mishra excused himself to get his daughter who has arrived, "Kaha kohye ho Asad?" Rashid asked amusingly. "Kuch nahi Abu, aap kuch bol rahe the," Asad said, turning his attention towards his father. "Asad...its been five years, at least now maan lo keh tum chup chup kar Zoya koh dekhte ho," Farhan said from behind them. Asad ran a hand through his hair, "Bhai...please," he said shyly. "So...what's bothering you?" Rashid asked. "Kya? Aisa kuch nahi hai Abu," Asad replied. "Asad...subhe se tumare chehre par kuch hai, kohi tension hai," Rashid said worried. "Abu is right, kya hua hai Asad? Is everything alright?" Farhan questioned. His eyes moved towards his beautiful wife. "Paata nahi," Asad told them. "Hum samje nahi?" Rashid said perplexed. "Zoya is pregnant," he whispered, almost making him believe that this was the truth. "Tum khush nahi ho?" Farhan said, placing a hand on his brother. "Mujhe dar lagraha hai," Asad stated honestly. Rashid and Farhan understood where Asad was coming from. "Asad, just because ek baar aisa kuch hua tha doesn't mean it will happen everytime," Farhan comforted. "You know mujhe laaga tha keh pheli baar keh baad thoda better hojayega but now, I am scared more," Asad said. "Tume kya lagtha hai keh pheli baar keh baad asaan hojata hai? jab tumari Ammi pregnant thi toh har baar mujhe utni tension, utni hi fikar, aur utni hi khushi aur excitement hoti thi," Rashid said, recalling old times. Asad just looked at his father. "Lekin ek baat bolo Asad... Tum aur Zoya ek dusre kehliye bane ho. Allah ka reham hai tum dono par. Itni saari problems keh baad bhi tum dono aaj ek saath ho toh shayad sabh ki duayein aur Allah ki marzi ki wajase. Toh main sirf yeh bolunga keh apne pyaar par baroosa rakna," Rashid advised his son. "Stop worrying Asad, sabh theek hoga, InshAllah," Farhan told him. Just then, the music started and all the couples were moving to the dance floor. "Aabh jao, Zoya tumara wait karahi hogi," Farhan teased making Asad grin. Rashid and Farhan left to invite their own partners for a dance.
As Farhan was going up to Nikhat, Nuzzhat ran up to him. "Daddy...dance!" she said excitedly. "Will you dance with me?" Farhan asked lovingly "Yes," Nuzzat replied. Farhan looked at Nikhat who was smiling at the father daughter duo. "Sorry Mrs. Khan, but I have to change partners for the night," Farhan stated. "That's totally fine, mere paas bhi mera partner hai. My handsome son, kyun Imran?" Nikhat asked her shy son who was turning pink with embarrassment. "Sure Ammi," he agreed. The family moved to the dance floor as the mother son and father daughter started dancing with each other. On the other hand, Humaira was in the kitchen, trying to handle Zain and feed him some food. Haider walked in to see Zain spitting the food out. "Zain...no! stop it!" Humaira scolded. Zain though was laughing at his mother as she was trying to wipe his chin and the white shirt of his tuxedo. Suddenly, she felt someone wrap their arms around her waist. "Having fun?" he teased. "Very funny Haider. Tumara beta na, bilkul tum par gaya hai, badmaash," she signed. "Accha? Tum toh bahut seedi ho," Haider said. "Of course I am. Bachpan mein bhi main bahut acchi bacchi thi," she told him. "So was I," he boasted. "Yeah right! Jhoot mat bolo. Ammi ne mujhe baataya hai keh tum aur Najma bahut masti karte the," Humaira said knowingly. "Ammi bhi na, sabh baata dehti hai," Haider said to himself. "Now, can you please feed this to him? I have to clean up," Humaira said, looking at her sari and the food stuck in her hair. "Theek hai, yaha doh," Haider said as she took the small bowl of food from her. Humaira went to the sink and tried to clean up as much as possible. She needs a hot shower to shrub all this off, she thought. But, this would have to do till the party was over. After she finished cleaning herself, she turned to see Haider feeding Zain so calmly. He was pretending to eat the morsel and that made Zain extremely interested in eating what his dad desired to eat. "And all done...yay!" Haider said to which Zain cheerfully clapped his hands. "Kya? Saara khaliya?" Humaira said surprised. "Ha, tum aise kyun pooch rahi ho?" he said confused. "Pichle haade gante se main itni mehnat karke sirf itna sa khana khila saki aur aapne toh bas paanch minute mein pura kardiya," Humaira said amazed. "Woh toh mera beta meri team mein hai issliye," Haider said and Zain gave him a high-5. Humaira smiled. She made Zain drink sips of water and put him down from the high chair. He ran off happily as he was free again, he hated sitting in that chair. As Humaira was about to leave, he caught her wrist. She looked at him with questioning eyes. "Main kuch sooch raha tha," he told her. "Kya?" she questioned. "Main sooch raha hoon keh jab Asad Bhai apni family mein additions karahe hai, toh hum kyun peeche rahe," Haider said. "Kya matlab?" Humaira said confused. He pulled her closer, "main sooch raha hoon keh kyun na hum bhi Zain kehliye ek chota sa Bhai ya behen," Haider teased. Humaira felt her cheeks fill with color. "Haider...kya karahe ho? Hum kitchen mein hai, kohi aajayega," she said. "Can we go upstairs...I don't think I can wait," he flirted. Humaira giggled as she pushed him away, "tum pagal hogaye ho," she said. "Par kyun? I want to have another kid," Haider said. "Haider...I don't think I can handle another baby right now. Zain hi mujhse bahut mushkil se samal tha hai," she told him. "Toh kya ho? Main samalunga," he said proudly. "Yeah right! Phele nau mahine toh mujhe hi samaal na padega na. Ek kaam karo...if you can get a uterus and become pregnant then you can have another baby, have fun!" She told him and walked off, leaving a shocked Haider behind.
Zoya was smiling looking at everyone dancing. Even Sanam and Seher were dancing with each other. "Adorable!" she thought. She was thrilled! Zoya felt her abdomen, she couldn't wait for her baby to get here. It will be a whole new experience becoming a mother all over again. "Kya paata tum kaise hoge," she said to herself. Zoya scanned the room for her husband. "Yeh Asad kaha...," Zoya stopped thinking when she saw Asad talking to some girl. She felt a burning sensation rise into her chest seeing her husband embrace some girl. Zoya kept the lemonade she was drinking on a nearby table and started walking towards Asad. As she neared them, "oh come on Asad...its just one dance," Zoya heard the girl say. "No Payal...I...," Asad was speaking when Zoya interrupted. "Sorry Payal...he already has a partner," Zoya firmly stated wrapping her arm around her husband. Payal seemed a little taken back. "Oh...you must be...," she said when Zoya intervened. "Yes, I am Mrs. Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan," Zoya told her. "Congratulations on your anniversary," Payal said with a smile and left. Asad was shocked at what Zoya had just done. She wasn't one of those people who pushed people away so rudely. "Zoya...I can't believe you just did that," Asad said thankfully. He has been trying to get away from Payal, who was Mr. Mishra's daughter for so long. She just wouldn't let him and Asad didn't want to be rude. "Kya karahe the aap uske saath?" Zoya asked. "What?" Asad asked confused. "Aap usse hug karahe the? How could you Asad?" she said hurt. "Zoya, main use nahi woh mujhe hug karahi thi," he explained. "It's the same thing!" Zoya said. "Zoya, tum yeh kya bol rahi ho? She is just Mr. Mishra's daughter," The next moment, Zoya felt tears stung her eyes. "Zoya, tum roh kyun rahi ho? What's wrong?" Asad said shocked. "Mujhe aapse kohi baat nahi karni," she said sobbing. "Bhabhi...," she heard Najma call. Zoya quickly wiped her tears away. "Bhabhi...Bhaijaan, aap dono ki anniversary hai aur aap dono hi dance floor par nahi hai. Chaliye...come," Najma said as she dragged them both towards the dance floor. As they swayed to the music, Asad saw how gloomy she looked. He stopped dancing and took her with him to the backyard. "Zoya, what's wrong? Tum aise reach karahi ho, kya hoga hai?" Asad said worried. "I don't know," she said, as more tears pooled in her eyes. He cupped her face lovingly, "I am sorry if I did something wrong, I really didn't mean to," Asad said puzzled. "No Asad...please. I don't even know why I reacted that way. I am sorry, I feel so stupid," Zoya told him guiltily. "You know I actually like you that way, all fierce," he teased causing her to chuckle. "I think it's just the pregnancy hormones," She assumed. "I love you being pregnant," Asad told her. "Though I am fat and moody," Zoya asked. "The bigger you are, the more I love you," Asad replied. Zoya laughed through her tears. "Aapko bina mere kuch kahe, sabh paata kaise chal jaata hai," she said lovingly. "Bas paata chal jaata hai, aakir tumari baatein mujhe nahi samaj aayengi toh kisse aayengi," Asad said. Zoya smiled, she was truly blessed. She wrapped her hands around him, "I love you Asad...I love you so much," Zoya declared. A huge grin crept up his lips. Her confessions always filled his heart with something that he could never name. "I love you more," Asad said, placing a kiss on her forhead. The nightly stars glittered like never before, blessing the couple.
Destiny worked in strange ways. It is said that everyone comes into our lives for a reason. Some might became a part of it and some might teach you something you need to learn and leave. Asad and Zoya...two people who had a painful past of their own and who really didn't have a hope for the future, found each other. Destiny bought them together. No one in this world is perfect. We all have a past, some of it might give us glorius memories while others cause a deep hole inside our heart. You might think that no one can heal you but the Almighty always has better plans for us than we do. There is someone out there who will fill that hole and heal you. They will accept you for who you are, along with what you bring from the past. People don't have to be perfect for relationships to work. Relationships worked on love, trust, understanding each other, and believing in the union that God has created. Every relationship has its struggles but you don't just give up. You fight for it! Love is not when you give up on it. True love is when you give yourself up in it. Love is a special bond that two people share...two people who don't need words to comprend what the other people is feeling.
Hey guys,
I know I like disappeared for like ever and I am really sorry for that. I have a lot going on personally, I have lost someone very close to me and that took me forever to overcome. In fact, I am still trying to come to terms with stuff. Anyways, sorry again for keeping you all waiting. This was the last chapter of this FF, I really truly thank each of you for your support and understanding, and the wonderful comments you all give me every time. 😃 I think your feedback is what keeps me motivated to write and has bought this FF so far, I hope you guys liked the ending. 😊Thank you so much and lots of love 🤗🤗🤗
Cricket
CID
126