New Asya Story: Dillon Ka Bandhan Link for New Thread on Page 1 - Page 88

Originally posted by: sasir

Nice

thanks 😊

Originally posted by: LoveSonu2408

Awsome.
Very beutiful.
Asya cudnt undrstnd thr changing feelings.
Oho!asad trying 2 manao biwi.
Waiting 4 nxt updt.cntu soon.thanks 4 pm.

thanks for the wonderful comments 😊

Originally posted by: velvetrose

nice update

thanks dear 😃

Originally posted by: KeyaHira2

lol Asad

thanks for reading 😊

Originally posted by: binuuu

beautiful chapter afreen...
loved confused zoya's stubbornness...
asad is really trying hard..haha...
both of the two attempts were failed...
waiting to know what will he do next..
plz update ASAP.. :)

thank you for the beautiful comments 😃

Originally posted by: cutie15

Re read today till the last chapter
Can't wait for the next chapter
Update sooon..:)

thanks for the lovely comments 😃

Originally posted by: jas91

I m late

btw updt was amazing😃

Asad miyan need 2 manao Zoya really soon

this is getting tough & draggy

continue soon Afreen😊

no worries, thanks for reading 😃

shardadevi, Ashna_Chand, ash12, lipika1, Bavini, munmun1, kirang6565740, sabeera, tinu_s, raveena09, Ms.Musibat, Rita14, honeylika, tr_eta, zehra07, allwaysasya, blueberry02, 9849565007, Mitamad, Nia12345, Mahnoorkhan, DarkBecoming, ak020203, parthpathak31, tingerbell, Ihopelove, Chocochip008, ajanshul, Amina..., ayat20, muskaan17rocks, KeyaHira2, cutie15, -SilverSparkle-, suganti, fatima30, rajsmi, -.-Mariam-.-, ksen, friendsall, jayasree.rao, velvetrose, SanKsgian, Chillichick, -ABI-, binuuu, suni_104, anopama, MayurChan, asifiqbalsh, Missvishtoofani, sasir, LoveSonu2408, kritz4ever, AMMY12, sweet_tehs, jas91, AkaiBara, MisHumptyDumpty, MysticRiver,


thanks for liking the chapter 😃

Chapter 15

The morning sun rose to the sky and she could hear the birds chirping. Too lazy to wake up, she pulled the blanket closer to her skin. Just then, her alarm started beeping. Groaning, she pushed the blanket off and sat up. She turned to see the empty space next to her. He was already gone, she thought sadly. Within the next few minutes, Zoya showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a red top. She dried her hair, threw the towel on the bed, and left the room. Walking out, she saw the living room was empty. She then heard someone in the kitchen. "Salamalaikum Ammi," Zoya said cheerily, walking into the kitchen. But, her feet halted and her heart skipped a beat seeing her husband on the other side of the counter. "Walaikum-salaam," he greeted. Seeing the smile disappear from her lips, "Kya hua? You are not happy to see me?" he asked. Zoya was surprised at his direct remark, "No! I mean aisa kuch nahi hai. I was just not expecting you here," she replied. "Kyun?" he said confused. "Nothing. Ammi kaha hai?" Zoya asked, changing the topic. "Woh hospital gayi hai," he said, as he picked up the spatula and flipped something on the pan. "Great...Ammi chali gayi. That means I am alone...well with him. Allah, please! Open this ground and make me disappear," Zoya prayed silently. "Here, breakfast," Asad said, breaking her thoughts. "Huh," she replied, with a lost look on her face. "Breakfast," he repeated. Zoya looked down at the plate that he pushed towards her, "pancakes!" she squealed with a grin. Asad smiled, glad he was able to do something to make her happy again. Feeling his gaze on her, she calmed down. "Thank you," she said. Zoya quickly grabbed a fork from the counter and dug into her favorite, chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup on top. Asad watched his beautiful wife savor the pancakes. She looked like an adorable kid, globing down the breakfast. "Aapko kaise paata chala keh mujhe yeh pasand hai," she wondered, her mouth half full. "I just know," Asad told her. Zoya felt the world around her go blank as she saw something glitter in his eyes. She felt her heart palpate against her rib cage and she forgot that she was supposed to be chewing the food in her mouth. Suddenly, she started to choke. Asad broke out of his trance and moved closer to her. "Are you ok?" he asked, worried as he rubbed her back. She nodded as she coughed more. "Just chew and swallow," he advised. Zoya tried to move away from him but his hand on her back prevented her from doing so. Within the next few minutes, she became normal. He poured some water and handed it to her. She took it and started to gulp it down. "Aap theek se nahi khasakthi? Aise kohi khata hai," he said, as his voice became a little louder. He saw her almond shaped eyes fill with a slight sadness as she moved away from him. "I am sorry. Tum khalo, mujhe late horaha hai," Asad said and left from there. Zoya turned to see her husband grab his things from the couch and walk out the front door. She then turned to see the breakfast he had made. A slight smiled crept up her lips as she took the spoon and dug into her favorite again.

Later, Dilshad returned to see a happy Zoya cooking lunch. "Salamalaikum Ammi, uncle kaise hai?" Zoya asked. "Aabh behtar hai. Lagtha hai aaj kal mein woh ghar chale jaye," Dilshad said, with a smile. "Yeh toh bahut accha hai," Zoya said. "Lagtha hai sabh theek hogaya hai," Dilshad observed. "Sabh theek hi tha Ammi," she replied. "Sabh theek tabh hota hai jab main tume haasta hua aur Asad koh shant dekhti hoon," Dilshad said, lovingly caressing her cheek. Zoya smiled. "Ammi, aap fikar kyun karti hai. Aap toh jaante haina keh main aur Asad hamesha ladte rehte hai toh issmein naya toh kuch nahi haina," she explained. "Zoya, shaadi keh phele aur shaadi keh baad mein farak hota haina," Dilshad told her. "Well, hum dono keh saath yeh thoda mushkil hai," Zoya joked. "Main jaanti hoon keh tum dono ki shaadi bahut jald baazi mein hogayi thi. Lekin, aabh yeh ek zindagi bhar ka safar hai aur iss mein pyaar, izzat aur understanding hi chahiye," Dilshad said. Zoya nodded, not knowing what to say. "Main Asad se bhi baat karti hoon, main jaanti hoon keh usse gussa bahut jaldi aata hai," Dilshad said, knowing how her son was. "Nahi nahi Ammi, aap aisa na kare," Zoya replied. "Kyun beta?" Dilshad wondered. "Ammi, main chathi hoon keh Asad aur main iss rishte koh apne tareeke se samje aur seeke, issliye," Zoya said, hesitantly. Dilshad smiled, "theek hai baba, main kuch nahi bolti," she said, pretend to zip her lips making Zoya laugh. "Thank you Ammi, you are the best!" Zoya said pulling her mother-in-law in a tight hug.

That night, Asad had returned from work complaining of a headache. Zoya prepared his black coffee as he liked and went into the study to see him yelling in the phone. She placed the cup on the table and debated if she should wait or leave. "Poocho keh kya problem hai? Ya nahi? Aur gussa hogaye toh?" she thought confused. As he finished the conversion, he threw the phone on the table. "All Ok Mr. Khan?" Zoya questioned unsure. "My staff is just so incompetent! Ek kaam theek se nahi karsakthe," he yelled. "Problem kya hai?" she said. "Humare company ka website system corrupt hogaya hai. My computer analyst quit and things are getting worse," Asad said angrily. "I can take a look at you if you want," she suggested. He was about to pick up the cup but stopped hearing her words. "Aap?" Asad said, surprised. "Asad, I know keh aapko paata nahi hai. But I have a Master's in computers. Main toh degree khatam karne keh baad yaha aayi thi cultural study karne kehliye," Zoya informed him. "Oh," he responded, still shocked. "Can I check?" she asked. Asad nodded and he moved away from the table giving her some space. Zoya took a seat and started checking the problem on the laptop. She asked him a few questions and within the next thirty minutes, his issue was solved. "Thank you," he said. "You are welcome," Zoya said with a smile. As she was about to leave, "Zoya," he called. Zoya stopped and turned to face him. "Have you ever considered working?" Asad asked. "Soocha toh tha keh degree keh baad kaam karongi. Par, usse phele break liya aur yaha aayi toh," Zoya said, not understanding how to tell him that her future plans were kind of halted when her marriage was suddenly arranged. "Dilshad Industries mein kaam karna chahogi?" He questioned and she looked at him shocked. "Aap? Main? Aap? I mean you are offering me a job?" Zoya shuddered. "Do you accept?" he said. Zoya looked at him, still in shock. She couldn't believe that he was offering her a job. The century old Asad Ahmed Khan was giving an opportunity to work? Was this really happening? More than that, did she want to work right now? And that too with him? "Mujhe soochne kehliye thoda waqt chahiye please," Zoya requested. "Yeah sure, soochlo," Asad told her. Zoya smiled at him thankfully and left from there.

Zoya walked out of there, puzzled. She didn't know what to tell him. Should she accept? Was that a good decision? But, what if he behaved the way he did with her at home? Would he do that? "Arghhh...I am going to go mad! Yaha aane se phele, maine khabhi itna nahi soocha hai but jab se yaha aayi hoon toh sabh complicated hogaya hai," she told herself as she sat on the bed. "Aap hi boliye Allah miyan, main kya karoon?" Zoya prayed, hoping to put an end to the tumult inside her. It was past midnight when Asad returned to his room. The room was dark and the silence told him that his wife was asleep. He walked closer to see her sprawled out on the bed. Asad went closer and kneeled to look at her. In the dim lighting of the moon, her already gorgeous face radiated. A smile crept up in his lips as his knuckles traced her cheek. He didnt know why every time he saw her like this, something happened inside him. He had no words to express what that was. It had upset him that she hadn't accepted the job proposal right away. But, he knew that somewhere deep down he was the reason for it. Since day one, he had kept her at a distance. He had constantly reminded her of her improper behavior in his house as a guest. He had hurt her! He had tried his best to separate his path from hers, and they had ended up here...as husband and wife. Asad didnt know how he was supposed to embrace this role. He was bad at it, in fact very bad and he knew that. He didn't know how to improve. And the fact that his wife was this complicated, stubborn but beautiful woman didn't help. As if sensing his touch in her sleep, she mumbled something and turned to the other side. Tired, he too hit the bed after a long day.

Few days passed and Asad noticed the changed behavior of his wife. The way she stayed away from him. She did everything, got his breakfast ready, cooked lunch and dinner, took care of his all needs but something didnt feel the same. It was as if she was trying to stay away from him on purpose. Has she not forgiven him fully? he wondered. He wanted to ask but didn't. Zoya, on the other hand, had decided that if she stayed away from him, things would get better. And by things, she meant the feelings she experienced every time he was close to her. She had promised herself that she will make this relationship work and that is what she was going to do. She was afraid that these feelings that she was developing will make things worse. They were still trying to understand each other, she didn't want to mess anything up. Zoya hoped that one day, she will have the courage to name her feelings. The courage to maybe even tell her husband but now wasn't the time. She had too many debates going on in her head and this wasn't one more she was adding to the list. Zoya was considering about the job offer but she didnt know what she should decide. Should she accept but put the fine print that conditions apply? she thought. One day, she had informed her mother that Asad had asked her to work with him and Zeenat had been overjoyed. "Yeh toh bahut acchi baat hai beta," she had exclaimed. "I don't know Ammi," Zoya replied. "Kyun? Tume toh job karni thi na toh Asad keh saath kyun nahi?" Zeenat said, confused. "I want to work Ammi, not sure if working with Asad is a good idea though," Zoya told her honestly. "Zoya, Asad ne khud tume job offer ki hai aur think about it, tume aur usse ek dusre keh saath waqt milega. You two can get to know each other better," Zeenat explained. "How wonderful! It is not enough that he is waiting to bite my head off at home, I should give him a chance at work too," Zoya thought to herself. "Give it a chance Zoya, agar tume pasand nahi hai toh you can always quit," Zeenat encouraged. She really wanted her daughter to agree. This was a wonderful opportunity for Zoya to realize her love for Asad, and for him to understand Zoya better. "Fine, I will think about it," Zoya promised as the conversation ended.

That night, Najma and Imran were visiting and Dilshad and Zoya were busy in the kitchen when Asad returned from work. He heard her pearl like laughter echoing down the hallway. Asad followed it and reached the kitchen to see his wife covered from head to toe with flour. "Samaal keh karna chahiye tha na beta," Dilshad said, with motherly concern. "I was careful Ammi, bas haath se slip...," her tongue felt stuck seeing him at the door. She suddenly became conscious about the way she looked at the moment. Seeing her gaze towards the door, Dilshad turned to see her son. "Aree Asad, tum aagaye. Coffee ya kuch chahiye?" she offered. "Nahi Ammi, I am fine," he stated, his eyes never leaving hers. Dilshad smiled looking at Zoya and Asad. "Zoya, tum jao aur change karlo," Dilshad suggested. Zoya nodded. As she walked towards the door, her husband stood blocking her path. "Kya hua?" she asked, as she knew he was probably staring at her because she looked like a clown at the moment. Asad's heart fluttered seeing her almond shaped eyes leap upward towards him. Even though she had flour all over her, she looked extremely cute with a pout on her lips and a glint of hope in her eyes. "Kuch nahi," he replied, unable to put his feeling into words. "Toh mera raasta chodiye na please," she requested. "Oh," he realized that he was in her way. Asad moved aside and Zoya left from there. Walking back to her room, Zoya placed her hand against her chest, hoping to calm her racing heart. Soon, she showered and changed into a green and blue anarkali. She dried her hair, added some earrings to match her dress, and placed her dupatta around her neck. As she stood up to leave, her dori slipped open. "Allah miyan, yeh phir se," she whined. The next few minutes, Zoya struggled with the string but she couldn't get them to stay tied. As her hands reached for the cloth the next time, a gasp escaped her lips. Zoya looked into the mirror to see his coffee brown eyes staring back at him. She removed her hands from underneath his. "Main help kardo?" he asked. She wanted to refuse but her throat felt dry and her tongue couldn't form any words. Seeing him wait, she just nodded. He stepped closer and Zoya felt her body light up on fire. As his hands grazed her bare back, he felt it tickle beneath. She closed her eyes trying to contain her emotions inside. The contact lasted only moments as he finished the task and moved back. "Hogaya," he said, breaking her thoughts. "Thank you," she mumbled. As she turned to leave, "Zoya," his voice stopped her. She turned back and faced him, "jee," Zoya replied. "Woh main tumse baat poochne wala tha keh tumne job...," Asad was talking when Dilshad's voice from the living room interrupted them. "Asad...Zoya, woh log aagaye beta," she informed. "Hume chalna chahiye," Zoya said. "Yeah, chalo," he told her and they both exited the room.

Reaching the living room, Asad and Zoya greeted Najma, Imran and Haseena, the latter of the three they weren't expecting. "Aao beta, andar aao," Dilshad said and they all sat down on the sofa. Zoya looked at a happy Imran and Najma and was glad that they have sought out their differences, whatever they were. As they were talking, "Najma beta, tumare ghar walon koh khush kabri toh doh," Haseena encouraged. "Khush kabri?" Zoya wondered. Najma felt her cheeks fill with color. "Woh...actually, woh Ammi," Najma said shyly. "Oh come on Najma, tume kabh se tumare bhaijaan ki aadat lagayi," Zoya teased making everyone to laugh and Asad to glare at her. "Najma yeh bolna chathi hai keh she is expecting," Imran told them. Everyone's faces lit up with joy hearing the news. Dilshad pulled her daughter in an embrace and placed a kiss on her head, praying for her and the child's well-being. "I am so happy for you," Zoya exclaimed pulling her best friend in a tight hug. "Tum khush toh hona, sabh theek hai right?" Zoya whispered, just so that Najma can hear her. "Main bahut khush hoon," Najma told her. They broke apart and smiled at each other. "Waise toh rishte mein tum baadi ho aur tum dono ki shaadi bhi ek hi din huwi thi, toh aabh khush kabri sunane ki baari tumari hai," Haseena announced. Asad saw the smile falter from her lips. Her eyes drifted towards him and he saw the pain and helplessness transcribe through them. Her eyes glinted with tears but she contained them inside. Dilshad stepped in as she wrapped a supporting arm around Zoya's shoulder, "yeh sabh Allah ki dain hai toh jab khushiya aani hongi toh aajayengi," she said. Zoya tried to compose herself, "main jaagar sabh kehliye meeta laati hoon," she said and walked out.

By the time she reached the kitchen, tears stream down her cheeks. "Kya Allah mujhe khabhi aisi rehmat denge? Meri toh shaadi bhi majboori mein huwi hai aur iss ek rishte koh main samaal ne ki kosish karahi hoon. Paata nahi main isse aage khabhi badh sakthi hoon," she cried. "Bacche toh unn logo keh hote hai joh ek dusre se pyaar karte hai, joh saach mein shohar biwi ki taara rehte hai but main itni lucky nahi hoon," Zoya said as more tears spooled in her eyes. "Agar tum chaho toh tum bhi lucky hosakthi ho," she heard someone say. Zoya quickly wiped her cheeks and turned around. "Mujhe paata tha tum yaha roh rahi hogi," Najma accused. "Nahi..aisa kuch nahi hai, main theek hoon," Zoya stated as she tried to smile. Najma walked closer and pulled Zoya into a much needed hug. "Zoya, main jaanti hoon keh aap bahut zyada problems se guzri hai. Par main bas yeh bolungi keh apne rishte koh itni asaani se haar ne mat dijiye. Just keep trying and I know keh ek din, bhai aapko wohi pyaar aur izzat denge joh aapko milna chahiye," Najma explained. Zoya smiled, "Tamatar, tum kabh se itni baadi hogi," she said caressing Najma's cheek. "Kya karoon? Mere Bhaijaan aur Bhabhi itne bhudu joh hai," Najma said making Zoya laugh. "Thank you Najma," she said. "Aabh baatayiye, mera meeta kaha hai?" Najma asked. "Main abhi laati hoon," Zoya said as she opened the fridge and grabbed the bowl of kheer.

Dinner was a pleasant affair and soon, the guests left. As Zoya gathered the dishes to put it away, she felt him behind her. Turning back, the plates almost slipped out of her hand. "Careful," Asad said as his hand wrapped around hers to catch the plate. Her heart picked up pace and her body temperature started flaring. "Thank you," Zoya said as she moved apart and left from there. Placing the dishes in the sink, Zoya closed her eyes trying to calm down. "Zoya, you need to stop reacting like this! This is not going to help," she mumbled to herself. "Can I help?" she heard his voice. Composing herself, "aap apna kaam karlijiye, main yeh sabh dekh lungi," Zoya said. "I rather be here," Asad said as he placed the rest of the dishes he had grabbed from the table into the sink. Silence prevailed as they started washing the utensils. She washed them and gave it to him, and he would dry. Asad saw her lost in her own world as she did her chore. Zoya was thinking about how to tell him what she wanted to. She had made her decision but she wasn't sure of the consequences. "Asad," Zoya called, breaking the silence. He looked up from the plate he was drying. "Aapne mujhse kuch din phele ek sawaal poocha tha, aur paata nahi kyun mujhe itne din lage. But, I have made my decision. I accept the job," she told him. His lips broke out in a huge grin. "Tum saach bol rahi ho?" Asad asked, for confirmation. She nodded in affirmation. The next moment, Asad put the plate on the counter, moved forward and pulled her into a hug. Zoya felt her body freeze at his closeness. "I am so happy Zoya, keh tumne ha kaha," he whispered. She wanted to reply, she wanted to say something but couldn't. As they broke apart, "I am looking forward to it," she said with a smile. Asad smiled at her and they finished the dishes.

The next morning, Asad woke up to find an empty bed. He searched the room but his wife was nowhere. Asad got dressed for work and walked out of the room to see his mother arranging breakfast on the table. Greeting her, "Ammi, Zoya kaha hai?" he questioned. "Aree poocho mat! Jab se uthi hai, tab se apne purane kamre mein jaakar kapde doond rahi hai," Dilshad stated, with a chuckle. "What? Par kyun?" Asad said. "Zoya baata rahi thi keh tumne usse office bhulaya hai. I mean usse job offer ki hai," Dilshad said. Asad nodded and Dilshad's smile widened. "Mujhe yeh sunkar bahut bahut khushi huwi hai Asad. Tum aur Zoya milkar kaam karoge toh ek dusre koh jaan paunga aur Zoya bichari bhi yaha ghar baite baite bore hojati hai," Dilshad told him. "Ammi, woh bichari nahi hai," Asad replied to which Dilshad giggled. "Accha accha, aabh baito aur nashta karlo," Dilshad said. "Phele jaakar main Zoya koh toh dekh loon. Late horaha hai office kehliye," Asad said and left from there. Dilshad smiled to herself as she arranged the breakfast. Asad reached the room door and as he was about to knock, many memories came flooding back. They have had many fights, many arguments in this room. Ever since she had stepped into his house as a guest, this room became a distaste for him because she lived here. But, here he was today. Shaking the thoughts away, Asad placed his hand around the handle to push. The next instant, the door swung open and she dashed into him. His arms encircled around her waist as she fell back in the air. Her beautiful hazel eyes shot up to his as her hands went around his neck. "Asad...aap," he heard her voice tremble. He straightened her and she stood up, fixing her clothes. That is when he noticed her black A-line skirt that came up to her knees and a light blue buttoned down shirt that she had tucked it. Her long slender legs were open to his eyes. She had curled her hair and let it loose on her shoulders, while her eyes held light kajal and her lips were adorned with pink gloss. "Kya thi aap? Main kabh se aapko doond raha tha?" Asad asked. Zoya felt her heart skip a beat, "Main ready hoon, office chale?" she asked. "Yeh pehen kar tum office jaogi?" he said. "Yeah," she replied. "Aisa kuch nahi horaha hai. Jao aur jaakar change karo," Asad ordered. "What? Par kyun?" she whined. How was he going to tell her that seeing her like that was causing his heart to beat a little faster, his mind to forget all the rules he had set for himself. Instead, "Zoya, this is not appropriate," he told her. "Are you serious Mr. Khan? Inn kapdo mein kya karaabi hai?" she said, getting angry. "Awaaz neeche rako Zoya, chilane ki zaroorat nahi hai," Asad replied. "Chilana hai toh chilaungi," Zoya said, in a louder voice. "Tum change karo, warna tum office nahi aarahi ho," Asad threatened. "Main change nahi karahi hoon aur main office bhi jaungi. Rule number one Mr. Khan, office mein na aap mere shohar hai na main aapki biwi. Aap mujhe waha order nahi karsakthe," Zoya said stubbornly as she left from there. "Par yaha toh main karsaktha hoon! Day one and mera yeh haal hai," Asad thought as he followed her into the dining room.

Seeing Zoya huff and puff and her son constantly glare at her daughter-in-law, "tum dono koh kya hua hai?" Dilshad wondered. "Kuch nahi Ammi," Asad said while at the same time, "Apne akdu bete se poochiye," Zoya stated as she ate her toast. She was having a lovely morning. She had woken up early, put in so much effort to get dressed for her first day at work. Even asked her Ammi Abu how she looked and received wonderful comments. But, him...he had to ruin it all. What was wrong with what she was wearing? Couldn't he have complimented her? Say something nice! Him and nice...it could never happen, she thought furious. "Asad, kya hua hai?" Dilshad questioned. "Kuch nahi Ammi, she is just being a child," he replied. "Child? Bacchi nahi hoon main, I know what I want to do and I will do just that," Zoya told him. "Dekho aap...," Asad spoke when Dilshad intervened. "Bas! Tum dono ek din bhi bina lade nahi reha sakthe? Yeh kya baccho ki taara hamesha choti choti baatoin par ladte rehte ho," she scolded them both. They just glared at each other but didn't say anything after that. The drive from home to the office was silent. And that was killing Asad. The glint he saw in her eyes that morning when she was in his arms was now lost. And he knew that his reaction to her skirt and shirt was the reason for that. "Tum nervous toh nahi hona?" he asked, trying to start a conversation. However, she was looking out the window pretending that he didn't exist in the same car. "Oh come on Zoya, say something," Asad said as they stopped at a red light. "Mujhe aapse kohi baat nahi karni. Just take me to the office and I won't bother you," she told him. Asad almost laughed at her child like behavior, "You do realize that you are going to be working in my office?" he asked. "Ha jaanti hoon, galti hogayi mujhse maine ha keha diya," she said, mumbling the second half to herself. He pulled the car on the side of the car and stopped. Asad turned her around to face him, "I am sorry," he said. "Aapko meri dress acchi kyun nahi lagi?" she pouted. Asad smiled at her adorable frown. "There is nothing wrong with the dress, I just think keh aap koh yeh dress office nahi pehana nahi chahiye. Aap chahe toh ghar par pehen le," he reasoned. "Mr. Khan, yeh dress ghar par kyon pehen tha hai," Zoya said, pointing out his illogical argument. "Ok fine, let's not argue. Can we just go to the office now?" Asad asked. "Yeah fine," she sulked. "With a happy face please," he added. Zoya felt her lips turn into a smile, just looking at him. "Better," Asad said and started the car towards the office again.

Reaching their destination, they both got out of the car. "Yeh aapka office toh nahi hai?" Zoya wondered. "The one you came to the other day is the main office, this is the branch from where we handle our technological aspect," Asad replied, locking the car. "So, there is no Sameera here?" Zoya questioned. Asad chuckled, "No," he said. Zoya was about to ask him something when they were reached the entrance and were interrupted by someone. "Hello sir," a man in his young 30s greeted them. "Good morning Prasad," Asad said and then he introduced Zoya to the man as they walked through the hallway. "Zoya, this is my personal assistant Prasad and Prasad, this is Zoya...my," Asad was speaking when Zoya intervened. "The company's new technology analyst," Zoya said. Asad looked at her questioningly and Zoya wanted to tell him but before that, they reached the main part of the office where all the other employees were. They all greeted Asad and he acknowledged them. "Everyone, I want to introduce you to our new Head Computer Analyst, Mrs. Zoya Ah...," Asad said when, "Mrs. Zoya Ahmed," she completed. Asad looked at her confused. "Prasad, introduce Zoya to everyone and take her to her cabin," Asad ordered. Prasad obediently nodded while Zoya felt her husband's eyes flare towards her before walking out. Day one, haven't even started working and I made him mad, great, she thought sadly. After being introduced to the other employees, Prasad took her to the cabin as instructed. Zoya's eyes skimmed over the room and it's interior. "Do you like it Mam?" Prasad inquired. "It's nice just a little boring," she told him. "I can ask sir to change it if you like," he offered. "No that's fine, thank you," Zoya said. "As you wish. I will take your leave now," Prasad said. As he started to walk away, "Prasad," she stopped him. "Yes Mam," he replied. "Do you know who I am?" she asked, unsure. "Yes Mam, Mr. Khan told me," Prasad said honestly. "Who else knows?" Zoya wondered. "No one as of yet," he told her. "Can you please do me a favor and not tell anyone in the office? please," she requested. Prasad nodded dutifully, Zoya thanked him and he left. "Asad bahut naraaz hai, mujhse unse baat karni chahiye," she said to herself as she headed towards his cabin. Asad was in his cabin talking to Prasad when he saw the door open and his wife barge in. The next moment, he saw the realization pass through her face that they were at work and she should have knocked. "I am sorry, main...," she said when he put his hand up telling her to stop. Asad then turned to Prasad and told him to leave. As the door closed, "I am sorry Asad," she said. "Kyun Mrs. Kh...oh no wait...Zoya Ahmed right?" he mocked. Zoya could see that he was angry, and somewhere he had the right to be. "Can I please explain?" she asked. Asad tried very hard to remain calm and nodded, telling her to proceed. "I didn't want to tell people that I am your wife. I mean keh agar office mein sabh koh paata chala keh main aapki biwi hoon toh sabh koh yehi lagega keh mujhe yeh job issliye mili hai. I just want to prove to everyone that yeh job mujhe meri qualifications keh wajase mili hai. I should have told you before but main aapko bahar parking lot mein baatane wali thi but Prasad came so I couldn't. I am really sorry," she explained. It took a minute for Asad to understand everything she had just told him. "Are you mad?" Zoya questioned, when he didn't say anything. "No, its fine. I understand," he replied. "You do? Thank you Asad," she said with a smile. "If we are doing this, then you need to call me Mr. Khan here or sir," Asad stated. "Oh yeah, main yaad rakongi," she told him and walked out of there.

The day passed in a flash for Zoya. She had to learn the rules and regulations of the company, what her job entitled and its details. By the time the work day was done, she felt exhausted. Everyone had already left the office when she picked up some papers that she wanted to read at home and her purse. Walking out, she saw her husband waiting for her. "Sorry, aap bahut dher se intezaar karahe the?" she said. "Not long! Chale?" Asad asked. "Yes please, main bahut tired hoon," Zoya replied, as a yawn escaped her lips. Asad smiled and they both proceeded to the parking lot. As they started driving, "tumara phela din kaisa tha?" he asked. "Accha tha par aaj paata chala keh aap kitna kaam karte hai," she told him. Asad chuckled, "tume aadat hojayegi, just give it time," he said. Later, Asad pulled into the parking lot. "Chalo, ghar aagaya," he said. When he received no reply, Asad turned to see his wife in deep slumber. His lips crept into a huge smile seeing her. He quietly got out and went to her side. Opening the door, Asad gathered his sleeping beauty in his arms. That night, Asad and Zoya slept with an unknown peace inside them. Was it the peace that their relationship has come this far? The relationship that had started as a forced compromise had come this far. They both knew deep inside they had no hope for this relationship to work but today, they had a coordinal relationship. They were not the two people who used to yell at each other for the silliest things. Yes, they still fought but now, those fights were now followed by apologies. That was something that didn't happen before. Where was this leading? Did they have feeling for each other? Will they ever have feelings as deep as love for each other? Would that day ever come? One time will tell!

Hello!

So it ends in a cliffy...lol. Not sure what your reaction will be but we shall see where this is headed. Thank you for always being understanding, you guys are the best 🤗 Have midterms coming up so will try to update in 2 weeks or so once they are done. Looking forward to your comments on this one 😃

Praying to god that day comes soon