Asya Story: Dillon Ka Bandhan Thread II Chapter 23 Page 50 9/1/17 - Page 20

Originally posted by: binuuu

Amazing update afreen...
loved it very much...
finally real culprit is out..
wow .. Asad confessed infront of everyone that Zoya is his wife...
Zoya is going to confess...interesting...
hope she will confess soon ..
update soon...

Originally posted by: KeyaHira2

Zoya was about to confess

And then the phone rang

Originally posted by: Amin21

Really love it

waiting for zoya's confession 😊

Originally posted by: suganti

nice chapter.

glad that asad is fine.

love the care of asya for each other.

zoya wanted to confess but couldn't.

wonder what happened.maybe najma's issue.

hope it won't create any misunderstanding between them.

Originally posted by: tr_eta

Awesome update.,hope that d call is not about something happening 2 najma

Chapter 20

Zoya felt his grip tighten on her wrist as he dragged her towards the car. "Asad, hua kya hai? Please tell me," she kept asking but he wouldn't tell her. Reaching the car, she took her hand out of his and stopped him. "You are scaring me, hua kya hai?" Zoya questioned, worried. "Najma," his voice shuddered as he leaned against the car. "Kya hua Najma koh? Is she alright?" she wondered. "She fainted. Hume hospital jaana padega," Asad said and they both got into the car. Zoya felt her heart ache, she silently prayed that Najma was fine. She glanced at her husband whose face was turning red with tension. She didn't know what to tell him, how to comfort him. Zoya took his hand in hers and caressed it, not knowing what to say. Asad felt like he was suffocating each minute he drove the car to the hospital. When Dilshad had called to inform that Najma had fainted and they were taking her to the hospital, he had felt his heart halt. His baby sister who he had cared for since she was crawling on all fours. Why didn't he take care of her now? What had he missed? As soon as they reached the emergency room, Asad and Zoya rushed into see Dilshad, Imran, and Haseena. "Ammi...najma," Zoya said. "Doctors uske saath hai par abhi kuch bol nahi rahe hai. Paata nahi meri bacchi kaisi hai," Dilshad said as her eyes glistened with tears. "Don't worry Ammi, kuch nahi hoga. Najma will be fine," Zoya said, as she enveloped Dilshad in a hug. As they waited, Zoya saw Asad stand with his head against the wall. He hadn't said a word. And, that scared her. She looked at Dilshad who was sitting next to her praying for Najma. Zoya walked up to him and contemplated how to comfort her husband. She moved closer, held his palm and stood in support. Asad turned to look at her and her beautiful orbs told him that everything will be ok. In that moment, somewhere he felt better. He felt confident that his sister will be better. Just then, they saw the doctor step out of the room. Everyone rushed up to her. "Doctor, Najma kaisi hai?" Asad asked. "Abhi kehliye toh humne Najma aur uske bacche koh stabilize karne ki kosish ki hai but she is critical Mr. Khan. Paata nahi kya hua hai but she is extremely dehydrated and weak. And I just checked the records that Najma hasn't been coming to her bi-weekly appointments. This kind of irresponsibility can really harm Najma and the baby's health," the doctor explained. "Najma was skipping appointments?" Asad said shocked. "Jee. I suggest you talk to Najma about this and tell her," the doctor said. Asad just nodded. "Can we meet her?" Zoya wondered. "Kuch dher mein," the doctor replied. As the doctor left, Asad turned to Imran. "Najma appointments kyun skip karahi thi Imran? Aur tum uska khayal nahi rak rahe ho? Why is she so weak?" he questioned. "Woh...woh bhaijaan, main toh Najma koh bolte rehta hoon but woh sunti kaha hai. She is just so stubborn you know," Imran replied. Zoya knew that he was lying, Najma would never cause the baby any harm. Asad too wasn't satisfied with Imran's response. "Aisa hi tha toh tumne ya Haseena aunty ne hume kyun nahi baataya. Itne din se Najma ki tabeyat," Asad said, upset. "Aabh kya bole hum Asad beta, aapki ghar ki bacchi ki baare mein hum aapse shikayat thodi karsakthe. Najma aapke ghar mein ladili hai toh thoda bachpana toh hoga na," Haseena said, coming to her son's rescue. Asad looked at his mother who quietly told him to let the matter go for now.

A little while later, Najma was shifted to her room and she slowly gained consciousness. "Najma, ankhe kholo beta. Tum theek toh hona?" Dilshad said, caressing her hair carefully. Najma felt her eyelids droop as she tried to open them. She could hear the voices trying to reach out to her but they seemed so distant. As her orbs opened, she saw the blurry silhouette of her family looking at her. "Najma, tum theek hona?" Asad said, stepping forward. She smiled meekly, "I am okay," Najma replied. "Tumne toh daara diya yaar," Zoya told her friend. "Najma, apna khayal rakna chahiye na. Iss halat mein aise kohi karta hai kya?" Dilshad scolded. "Main apna khayal rakti hoon Ammi," she said, as she tried to sit up. "Stay! Dikh raha hai keh tum apna kitna khayal rak rahiyi ho," Asad said, upset. "Main theek hoon," Najma stated. "Tum rest karo, iss baare mein hum baad mein baat karte hai," Zoya said trying to diffuse the situation. She didn't want to stress Najma at that moment so she thought it was better that they spoke about the situation later. Zoya saw Asad's eyes meet hers and she knew that he was angry. He just left the room without saying anything and Zoya excused herself to follow him. "Asad, meri baat suniye. Listen to me," she kept calling out but he wouldn't. They reached the parking lot but she wouldn't stop following so he did. "Kuch dher tum mujhe akela chodsakthi ho?" he asked, as he stopped and turned around to face her. "Nahi chodsakthi. Aapki fikar hai mujhe. Kab tak aap cheezo se door bhaag the rahenge. Talk to me," Zoya requested. "I don't know," he said. "Matlab?" she said confused. "Najma keh aisi halat mujhse dekha nahi jaata. Bachpan se maine yeh kosish ki hai keh Najma koh kohi takleef na ho. Aur aaj woh aise," Asad said, as he felt his eyes become moist. Zoya placed a hand on his shoulder. "Asad, I know this is hard but Najma theek hojayegi. Aajse hum uska pura khayal rakenge, usse kohi takleef nahi hogi," she comforted. "I don't understand woh uska khayal kyun nahi rak rahi hai. I have never seen her so careless," Asad said, puzzled. "Woh abhi theek huwi hai. Main thodi dher mein usse baat karongi and I will try to make her understand," Zoya told him. "Please talk to her, mujhe uski fikar horahi hai," Asad said, concerned. "I will, aabh please shant hojayiye. Aur ha, Imran aur Haseena aunty se thoda theek se baat karna," she replied. "What is that supposed to mean?" he questioned. Zoya shook her head, her akdu husband and bowing down to someone, she thought. "Asad, Najma ki shaadi hogayi hai and you need to be careful how you speak to her in-laws. It is important," Zoya explained. "Agar kohi galat hai toh galat hai Zoya," he replied. "I know Mr. Khan! But,...ok yeh soochiye keh agar mere parents aap se ya Ammi se batameezi kare toh mujhe accha lagega?" she asked. "No," he said, not understanding where this conversation was headed. "Toh you think Najma koh accha lagega keh aap uske husband aur saas se aise baat kare?" Zoya said, trying to make him understand. Asad was silent for a minute trying to comprehend what his wife had explained. He just silently nodded and she smiled, at least he had listened to her, she thought. "Aabh please, mujhe ghar ley chaliye na. I want to get out of this sari," Zoya whined, making him chuckle. "Tum car mein baito, main Ammi koh bolkar aata hoon," he said. Zoya nodded as she took the car keys from him.

Asad and Zoya reached home in the wee hours of the morning. Asad wanted her to sleep but Zoya refused. "Mujhe bas change karke hospital wapaas jaana hai. Aur waise bhi Ammi kal raat se waha hai, hum waha jaakar Ammi koh ghar bhejte hai," she suggested. "Theek hai, fresh hokar, can you please get me some coffee," Asad said. "Sure Mr. Khan! Give me fifteen minutes," Zoya said, as she grabbed her clothes and went into the bathroom. After showering, Zoya made coffee and a few slices of bread, butter and jam. "Yeh lijiye Asad," she said as she walked inside the room and placed the cup on the table. Zoya then took a seat next to him on the sofa. "Aapko chahiye?" she said, offering him the plate. "No, I am good," Asad said, still in thoughts about Najma. Zoya took a bite and relished the taste of the food. He turned to see his wife moan in pleasure. Zoya turned to see her husband staring at her. "Mr. Khan, joh bhi tension ho, it can be solved with bread, butter, and jam," she told him. Asad just shook his head in disbelief. "Saach mein Asad, try it," she encouraged. "I am ok with coffee," he replied. "Oh come on Asad, take a bite," Zoya said, bringing the slice of bread to his lips. Asad looked at her unsure and she moved the bread closer to his mouth. He took a bite and she smiled. Zoya forced him, to take a few more bites. He hasn't eaten since last night and she was worried about his health. Zoya was glad that he had eaten something. "Tum khalo, phir hospital chalte hai," he said and Zoya nodded.

About two hours later, Asad and Zoya reached the hospital. They told Dilshad to go home and rest. "Nahi beta, main Najma keh saath rehna chathi hoon," she argued. "Ammi, main yaha hona. Aap fikar mat kijiye, I will take care of her. Aap thodi dher ghar jayiye aur rest karlijiye," Zoya told her. "Ha Ammi, chaliye mere saath. Main aapko ghar lekar chalta hoon," Asad stated. Dilshad just nodded. Before leaving, Dilshad walked up to Najma, kissed her on the forehead and told her to take care. As Asad and Dilshad left along with Imran, Zoya sat on the bed next to Najma. "Najma, tum yeh kya karahi ho? This is so wrong," she said. "Kya matlab?" Najma said, bewildered. "Najma, tume Ammi aur Asad koh baatana padega keh Imran aur Haseena aunty tumare saath galat behave karahe hai. Unki wajase tumari tabeyat itni karaab huwi hai and you fainted," Zoya said. "Main theek ho Zoya. Aur tum toh jaanti ho keh Asad bhai kitna gussa karenge. Main kosish karahi hoon keh Imran aur mere beech," Najma said, unsure of the future. "Najma, you really need to think about things. Imran aur uski family jab se shaadi huwi hai tab se tumare saath galat behave karahe hai, they are blackmailing you for money and things. Aur aabh tum pregnant ho and they are not even taking care of you. I have had enough Najma. Main aur jhoot nahi bol sakthi, main Ammi aur Asad se aur kitne din yeh sabh chupa sakthi hoon," Zoya said, sadly. "Kuch din aur," Najma requested. "Two more days Najma, if not I am telling them, already bahut dher hochuki hai," Zoya told her. "Dher toh kardi aapne," someone said. Zoya and Najma looked at the door, stunned to see Asad. He took three big steps and stood in front of her. "Kabh se paata hai yeh tume?" Asad asked, his eyes turning red and his nostrils flaring in fury. "Asad, woh main...main," Zoya hesitated. "Maine poocha kabh se?" he yelled. Zoya actually was scared for a second. "Bhai...maine hi Zoya se...," Najma intervened. "Shut up Najma! Main tumse baad mein baat karonga," Asad firmly stated. "Asad, Najma ne mujhe yeh tab baataya tha jab woh honeymoon se wapaas aayi thi. I wanted to tell you but usne...," Zoya tried to explain as he looked at her shocked. "Tume itne meino se paata tha and you didn't bother to tell me," he questioned. "Let me explain Asad," Zoya said. "Mujhe kuch nahi sunna hai. In fact, mujhe tumse kohi baat nahi karni," Asad screamed and left the room. Zoya felt terrible at that moment, she shouldn't have hidden this from me. She looked at Najma then followed him out.

"Asad...Asad please listen to me!" Zoya kept calling out to him but he wouldn't even bother. Everyone in the hospital stared at them but she didn't care. Following him out, she stopped in at the stairs that lead to the exit. "Please Asad, give me a chance to explain," she pleaded. "Chance? Chance hi toh diya tha maine tume. But I was wrong! Najma meri behen hai Zoya, how could you not tell me?" he blaster her. Zoya felt her eyes fill with tears. "Najma chathi thi keh woh problems khud solve kare. Mujhe laaga sabh theek hojayega. I didn't know keh baat itni bigad jayegi. I swear Asad, please believe me," she said, as her cheeks became wet. "Aapko kya lagtha hai keh I don't care for Najma. She is like my sister Asad," Zoya added. "Woh meri zimedaari hai," Asad said, hurt. He had taken care of her since she was crawling on all fours. And now, he had failed. How could he not see what a con Imran and his family were. How could he have been so blind, as not to see his sister's problems. "I know! But Asad, Najma aabh bacchi nahi hai. I just wanted to give her a chance to solve everything. Mujhe kya paata tha keh Imran aur uski family abhi bhi nahi badlenge," Zoya said, disgusted. Before Asad could reply, his eyes fell on someone. Asad felt his blood rage! He leaped forward and grabbed the person by his collar. "How dare you? Tumari himmat kaise huwi Najma koh hurt karne ki," Asad yelled. Zoya rushed towards the two men. "Asad, aap yeh kya karahe hai? Let him go," she said. "Ainda khabhi meri behen koh takleef dehna ka soocha bhi toh main tume jaan se maar dunga," he said. "Aap yeh kya karahe hai? Allah keh waaste chodiye," Zoya requested. She pulled her husband away with great difficulty. "Tum jao yaha se Imran, just go," she instructed. Imran was shocked at the way Asad has reacted, it took him a minute to realize everything and leave from there. The next minute, Zoya saw Asad disappear down the steps and in the cars. She sighed, "Allah miyan, hamesha accha karne jaakar main mess up kyun karti hoon," Zoya thought as she returned to Najma's room.

Later that evening, Najma was being discharged. Asad had came back to the hospital with Dilshad and he had firmly stated that Najma will go back to Khan mansion. "But Bhaijaan, main apne ghar kyun nahi jasakthi," Najma asked. "Tumari zid tum kar chuki ho, aabh tume meri baat sunni padegi," Asad firmly stated. "Ammi, aap," Najma tried to reason when Dilshad stopped her. "Najma please, Asad ne mujhe sabh baataya. Jab tak hum Imran aur uski family se baat na karle aur sabh solve na ho, tum ghar chalo," she stated. Dilshad has been really upset when Asad had told her about what was going on with Najma at her in-laws. She has also been informed that Zoya had known all along which bothered Dilshad more, that Zoya had hidden all this from them. "Par Ammi, Imran...," Najma said. "Najma, woh yaha subhe se aaya tak nahi aur tume uski fikar hai?" Asad said, angry. Najma sulked. Zoya wanted to say something but she knew that she shouldn't. She just walked up to Najma and stood next to her, in support. She felt her husband's eyes pierce through her skin. Of course, he was probably boiling from within, she assumed. Zoya felt torn! She believed that every person should have the right to choose how they live their life, and even Najma had the right to do that. At the same time, she knew that Asad and Dilshad are concerned about Najma and they had every right to be. She didn't know what to do. As the mother and son left the room to speak to the doctor, Zoya took a seat next to a teary Najma. "Please tamatar, don't cry. Dekho, abhi sabh naraaz haina lekin kuch dino mein sabh theek hojayega," Zoya told her. "I am so confused Zoya. Kya karoon? Imran se pyaar karti hoon, but uska behavior. Aur yeh baccha," Najma said helplessly as she placed a hand on her bulging abdomen. "Najma, tumari tabeyat abhi theek nahi huwi hai, don't stress. Hum kuch na kuch figure out karlenge," Zoya comforted as she pulled Najma in a tight hug. Some time later, Najma went with her family to the Khan house. She tried calling Imran but there was no response. Najma even tried calling the house phone but no one answered.

Days passed, Zoya tried to apologize to her husband but he wouldn't budge. The first day after Najma returned, Asad woke up to find a teddy bear on his night table with a post it that read sorry. "What am I a kid?" he thought in fury. But then realized his wife was as he placed the soft toy on the table and left the room. The next day, he found a card on his office table. He didn't even bother to read it and kept it inside his desk. Zoya was losing hope with each passing day. Each day, she woke up thinking about an idea on how to say sorry to her husband. She hated when he didn't talk to her. She felt incomplete in his silence. That night, when Asad returned to his room, he saw his wife waiting for him. Zoya saw him walk in, he placed his office bag in its place and hung his coat in the closet. As she saw him going for the door, Zoya stepped in front of him. "Asad please, listen to me," she requested. "Mera raasta chodo, mujhe tumse kohi baat nahi karni," he firmly stated. "Nahi! I have to explain and you have to listen to me," Zoya said stubbornly. "Zoya...," he started when Zoya intervened, "I know I messed up okay. I know keh mujhe aapko baatana chahiye aur main aapko already explain kar chuki hoon keh maine kyun nahi baataya. Kabh tak aap aise hi mujhse naraaz rahenge? I don't know what to else to say Asad. I am not perfect and I will probably never be. So all I can say is that I am sorry," she said. "Really really sorry," Zoya said as she held her ears in an apology. Asad's heart melted in a puddle of mush, watching his wife's adorable pout and sorry eyes. They just stood in silence and Zoya was getting impatient. "Kuch boliye na, mere haath dukh rahe hai," she complained making him chuckle. "You laughed! Does that mean I am forgiven?" Zoya wondered, hopefully. Asad shook his head at her antics. "Yes, you are. And this is the last time," he warned. Zoya jumped in joy as she threw her arms around him in an embrace. "Thank you Mr. Khan. I will be careful next time," she told him. Asad felt the incompleteness inside him fill again. This girl was slowing become an integral part of his life. Sometimes, he feels happy about that but at others, his fears confuse him. What if she breaks his trust too? What if she takes advantage of him? His mind questioned. But it's Zoya, she would never do that, his heart comforted. But in today's world, can you trust anyone? Asad didn't know when he will find a solution to this constant battle, of heart and mind.

Time passed, Dilshad and Zoya took care of Najma and she was getting better. As much as she was happy being pampered by her family, Najma was worried about her future. Imran hasn't even called to check how she was doing? Did he not care about her? Did he not love her even a bit? She wondered. One night, Najma wanted to try her luck once again as she dialed her husband's number. She felt someone pick up the phone. "Hello Imran," she said hopefully. "Kya chahiye tume? Mera peecha kyun nahi chodti?" Najma heard his slurred voice. "Imran, are you drunk?" she asked shocked. "Ha...pee hai maine, kya karlogi? Jaagar apne Asad Bhai se complain karogi? Karlo," he mocked. "Imran, why are you doing this? Tum toh kitne acche the. I fell in love with you because you were a good person. Tum kabh itna badal gaye keh tume meri thodi si bhi fikar nahi hai. Don't you care about our baby?" Najma said as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Of course, I love you Najma! But, tum meri baat nahi sunti ho. Maine tumse kya bola tha keh apne bhaijaan se thode paise maanglo lekin tumne maana kardiya," he replied, angrily. "Hume bhai keh paiso ki zaroorat nahi hai Imran. Allah ne itna sabh kuch toh diya hai," she reasoned. "Mujhe zaroorat hai. I need the money, dammit!" Imran yelled. "Dekho Imran, agar tume paise chahiye toh main job karlongi. We can share the expenses," Najma suggested. "Tum mujhe kya bewakoof samaj thi ho? Tumare bhai keh paas itne paise hai, agar thode hume deh dega toh uska kuch nahi jaane wala. Tum job karke kitna kama sakthi ho? Ten thousand? Twenty thousand?" Imran said with sarcasm. Najma closed her eyes trying to contain her pain as she heard the line go dead on the other end. In the Qureshi house, Imran felt the phone snatched away from his hand. "Pagal hogaya hai tu?" he heard his mother yell. "Kya Ammi? Phele woh Najma, aabh aap? Sabh chila kyun rahe hai," Imran said, as he felt dizzy. "Tum samaj kyun nahi rahe ho? Najma humari lottery ticket hai! Tum Asad se baat karo, aur usse aisi kahani suna na keh woh khud tumse bole keh paise ley lo," Haseena explained wickedly. "I don't want to talk to anyone. Especially uss Asad se, usne mujhe maara tha, I hate him!," Imran screamed, as he collapsed on the bed. "Yeh bewakoof ladka! Mujhe hi kuch karna padega," Haseena thought and left the room.

The next day, Zoya returned earlier from work and she was with Najma in her room. As they were laughing about something, Najma suddenly stopped as she placed a protective arm around her belly. "Kya hua? Are you okay?" Zoya asked. "The baby kicked," Najma replied with joy. Zoya smiled. "Can I feel it?" she wondered. Najma nodded as she took Zoya's hand and placed it on the correct spot on her abdomen. Zoya felt the moment under her arms and it felt magical. "Wow najma, this is so cool," she said happily. "This is the best feeling ever," Najma told her. "Accha batao, tume beta chahiye ya beti?" Zoya said, curiously. "Paata nahi! I mean I guess beti chahiye but as long as baby healthy ho toh its fine with me," Najma replied. "Yeh sabh kitna exciting hota hoga na," Zoya wondered. "Honestly Zoya, kabhi kabhi bahut dar lagtha hai but jab baby move hota hai ya kick karta hai toh sirf excitement aur khushi hoti hai," Najma said with a huge grin. "I am sure jab aap ka time aayega na, toh you will love the experience," she added. Hearing her words, Zoya's cheeks turned red and the next instant, the smile on her lips fell. "Paata nahi meri zindagi mein woh din kabh aayega? Ya aayega bhi ya nahi? Main toh apni feelings tak apne husband se share nahi karsakthi toh," she thought sadly. "Zoya, kya hua? Aap aur bhai abhi bhi ladrahe hai?" Najma said, worried. "Nahi Najma, everything is sorted. Sabh theek hai," Zoya said, which sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than Najma. A little bit later, Zoya returned to her room to see that Asad was back. "Aap kabh aaye Asad?" she said. "Bas thodi dher phele. Ammi kaha hai?" he asked. "Woh kahi bahar gayi hai, aati hi hongi. Aap kehliye khana laaga doon?" Zoya said. "Nahi, bhook nahi hai. I will wait," he replied. Zoya nodded and walked to the closet to get her night clothes and the towel. As she was about to enter the bathroom, Zoya heard him say her name. "Jee Asad?" she replied. When she turned, Zoya was surprised to see him right behind her. "Kuch poocho?" he said, unsure. "Ha, boliye," she probed. Asad gathered his thoughts for a minute, "tume bacche chahiye?" he asked. Zoya's throat went dry and she felt her stomach tumult. "Aap yeh achanak..." she stopped. "Aapne meri aur Najma ki baatein suni?" Zoya asked. She saw her husband flush as he nodded, running a hand through his hair. "You can't spy on someone," she told him. "Main aise hi upar aaya tha aur phir," he explained. "Sure Mr. Khan," Zoya teased, trying to make him feel guilty. As he became flustered, a giggle escaped her lips. Zoya stepped back to open the door when she felt him hold her elbow. "Mujhe jawaab chahiye," he stated. Now, it was her turn to blush. "I don't know," Zoya told him honestly. "I mean mujhe hamesha se ek choti si beti chahiye thi aur maybe ek beta. Allah joh bhi deh, mujhe qubool hoga," she said with a slight smile. Asad felt his lips curve in a grin as he let her go. Zoya quickly ran into the bathroom, "Asad, baccho keh baare mein kyun pooch rahe the. Kya woh...," she thought as she smiled to herself.

That night, the family was at the dinner table when the doorbell disturbed them. Zoya excused herself and walked up to the door. As she opened the door, Zoya felt the fear creep into the heart seeing the person in front of her. "Tum?" she said, the disappointment evident in her voice. "Kya Zoya, apne shohar keh dost koh kohi aise welcome karta hai," Tanveer mocked. Zoya closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. She wasn't worth it, she told herself. "Kyon hai Zoya?" she heard Asad ask. "Main hoon," Tanveer yelled as she rushed inside, pushing Zoya aside. "Allah miyan, abhi meri zindagi mein sabh theek ho raha hai, yeh kyun waapas aagayi hai," she mumbled, looking up. As Tanveer came in view, everyone was happy to see her. When Zoya returned to the dining table, Tanveer was at her seat. She felt disgusted seeing Asad next to that wicked woman. "Tanveer, aapne Zoya ki jaaga ley li," Najma said, as she realized. "Sorry Zoya, aap waha bait jayengi, if you don't mind. Mujhe jammy se bahut baatein karni hai. Itne din hogaye," Tanveer said, acting sweet. "No problem Tanveer! Waise bhi, I am not hungry anymore. But please be careful, mera jhoota na khalo," Zoya said, and left from there. Asad could tell from her flaming face that she was burning from within. He knew that Zoya and Tanveer have had issues in the past but he was hoping things would get better between the two. Asad tried to eat but was unable to. He stood up and told his mother that he was full, and left, leaving a disappointed Tanveer behind. When Asad walked into his room, it was pitch black. As he turned the lights on, Asad saw her sitting on the bed with her head buried into her knees. "Zoya," he called out. As she moved up, Asad saw her bloodshot eyes with tears rolling down her face. He rushed towards her, "kya hua? Did Tanveer say something?" Asad asked shocked. The next instant, she dashed into his arms and started crying. Asad kept asking her what happened but she just kept sobbing. Was she so upset about Tanveer coming? He guessed. "Zoya, tell me kya hua hai? Agar tum chathi ho keh Tanveer yaha nahi rahe then I will speak to her," Asad offered. Zoya broke apart and nodded negatively. "It's not Tanveer. It's Ammi," she replied. "Ammi...unone tumse kuch bola?" he said, puzzled. "Meri Ammi," she clarified. "Woh ghar par behosh hogayi thi, jab Abu job se wapaas aaye toh Ammi neeche giri huwi thi," Zoya added, as a new set of tears filled her orbs. Zoya had been upset with the way Tanveer had behaved at the table. She came to her room and decided to talk to her parents so she can feel better. But, when her mom didn't answer her skype or her phone, Zoya tried calling her dad and that is when she had found out what happened. "Woh theek toh hai?" Asad questioned, worried. "She is stable. Abu unke saath hospital mein hai," she replied. "Tum Ammi se milne jaana chahogi?" he asked. Zoya looked at him as the words from her dad replayed in her mind, "Tume yaha aane ki zaroorat nahi hai Zoya. Tumari Ammi yeh chathi hai keh tum waha raho aur tumari family ka khayal rako. She wants you to completely settle down in life with Asad, and nothing would make her happier. Agar tum usse theek aur khush dekhna chathi ho toh apna ghar banana aur uss mein khush rehna beta. Main Zeenat ka pura khayal rakonga, aur uske uth the hi tumari usse baat karwaunga," he promised. "Nahi, I am ok, just worried," Zoya told him. Asad moved to the night table, poured a glass of water, and handed it to her. Zoya took a few gulps of water and placed the glass on the table. "Mujhe kuch dher garden mein bait na hai, main aati hoon," she said. "Main saath aao?" Asad said, unsure. "Nahi Mr. Khan, mujhe akele mein Allah miyan se baat karni hai," Zoya said with a slight smile and walked out. A troubled Asad sat there recalling how vulnerable she had looked just few minutes ago.

As Zoya was about to exit the house to go into the backyard, she heard someone's voice which made her frown. "Mujhe laaga keh main itne din chali gayi thi toh tum Asad koh apne paas la chuki hogi. Par lagtha hai keh aaj bhi halaat kuch behtar nahi hai. Jammy phele bhi tumse nafrat karta tha aur aabh bhi karta hai," she mocked. When Tanveer had seen Zoya crying, she assumed that it was due to a argument with Asad. Zoya sighed, she really didn't want to do this right now. "You know what Tanveer? Tume apni imaginary duniya mubarak ho. Mujhe tumse kohi baat nahi karni, just leave me alone okay," Zoya said, annoyed as she walked out. "Yeh Zoya koh kya hua hai? What did she mean?" Tanveer thought confused. As Zoya sat on the garden chair, she admired the bright full moon and the glittering stars. "Aap aisa kaise karsakthe hai Allah miyan? Jab main bilkul akeli thi, tabh aapne mujhe sabh kuch diya aur aaj mere paas itna sabh kuch hai, lekin Ammi keh bina main phir akeli hojaungi. You can't do this to me! Main aapko aisa karni ki ijazat nahi dehti. Please, mere Ammi koh theek kardijiye. Aur mere Abu koh himmat dijiye keh woh Ammi ka khayal rake. I know keh woh mere saamne bahut brave hone ka act karte hai but I know that he is really scared about her too. We need her Allah miyan, please take care of my Ammi," she silently prayed with moist eyes. That night, Zoya couldn't even blink her eyes closed. Every time, her lids closed, all she saw was her mother's bright, joyful face. She slowly got up without disturbing her husband and decided to pray. All night, Zoya prayed for her mother. Each second passed by with her reading namaz, reciting the quran, or praying to her Almighty. As the sun rose at the horizon, Zoya heard her phone vibrate on the night table. She quickly picked it up and ran into the bathroom. "Abu...Ammi kaisi hai? Woh theek haina?" Zoya asked, without even giving the other person a chance to speak. "Zoya," she heard her mother say her name. "Ammi," Zoya said happily as tears of joy welled up in her eyes. "Aap theek haina?" she said concerned. "Ha beta, bas tumare Abu toh bina waja pareshaan hogaye the. Bas thoda pressure low hogaya tha toh I fainted," Zeenat explained. Zoya knew that her mother was making it sound better just so she wouldn't freak out. "Please take care of yourself Ammi," Zoya requested. " I will," Zeenat said. "Main Abu se baat karsakthi?" she questioned. "Ha, ek minute," Zeenat said. As she handed the phone to her husband, Zeenat motioned him not to say anything. Anwar helplessly nodded. Taking the phone, he answered Zoya's questions as truthfully as possible. After the conversation ended, Anwar looked at his wife. "We should tell her," he said. "We will, when the time is right," Zeenat said, as she took his hand in hers and lovingly caressed it.

That morning, Asad woke up to a cheery Zoya with the breakfast in her hand. "Tum theek ho?" he asked, concerned. "Jee Mr. Khan. Sabh theek hai! Ammi ka phone aaya tha, maine unse baat bhi ki. She sounded weak but she said she is fine," Zoya stated, happily. She placed the breakfast tray on the night table and turned to leave when he stopped her. Asad felt at peace seeing her smile. "Aise hi raha karo, accha hai," he said, in a daze. Zoya looked at him surprised but smiled. "I mean, tum upset hoti ho toh woh woh...," Asad tried to explain. "Toh kya Asad?" she said, wanting to know. "Kuch nahi!" he said, brushing the topic aside and Zoya frowned. "Kabhi apni feelings share nahi karsakthe," she thought upset. "Can I ask you something?" he said, breaking her thoughts. Zoya nodded telling him to proceed. "Kal Tanveer keh aane se tum upset thi?" Asad asked. Zoya frowned, "subhe subhe kiska naam sun liya...ewww," she told herself. Asad noticed the change of emotions of her face. She looked up at him, "Honestly Mr. Khan, mujhe tanveer keh yaha aane se kohi problem nahi hai. Bas dar lagtha hai keh woh phir se kohi misunderstanding karne ki kosish na kare. Just a little insecure I guess," Zoya said as she shrugged her shoulders. Asad stood in silence not knowing how to reply to her honest confession. He didn't have the guts to tell her that there would no misunderstanding between them, no matter what. He couldn't bring him to accept that he trusted her, just yet. Everytime he reached that shore, he felt like something tipped him back into the deep waters of mistrust and doubt. Zoya stepped back trying to accept his silence. She knew that he wasn't ready then why did she always hope that something would change. Her heart ached as she turned to leave. Asad saw the glimpse of pain in her eyes and that bothered him deeply. "Wait!" Asad said and stepped closer to her again. Zoya stopped and swung around to come face to face with her husband. "Zoya, I know keh humara relationship waha nahi hai jaha shayad hona chahiye but please know that I am trying okay, I really am," he stated. Her heart filled with hope, him saying that was more than enough for her. Zoya smiled, "mere liye yehi bahut hai Asad, thanks," she said. Silence filled the room as they stood there absorbing the moment in their hearts and souls. A simple promise of him trying was enough for her. They have come this far, she knew they will get there one day. "Aap breakfast karlijiye, main Najma aur Ammi koh breakfast dehkar aati hoon. Phir office chalenge?" Zoya suggested. "Sounds like a plan!" Asad replied and left to get ready for the day.

A bit later, Tanveer was shocked to learn that Asad and Zoya were working together. "Main yaha se chali ka gayi, Zoya ne sabh par apna jadoo hi kardiya hai. Par kohi baat nahi. Jab Tanveer ka jadoo chalega toh sabh log Zoya koh ek pal mein bhul jayenge. Aabh aisa kuch karna padega jisse Asad bhi mera hojaye aur kisiko mujhpar shak na ho," she thought with a wicked smile. As they drove to work, Asad noticed how quiet his wife was. She had her head rested again the car window as her eyes searched something in the morning traffic. Was she still upset from this morning? He wondered. Zoya was in her own world when she felt the car come to a halt. "Kya hua Asad?" she asked, turning to face him. "Yehi toh mujhe jaan na hai. Tum theek ho? Itni chup kyun?" Asad questioned. Zoya's mind wandered to few hours ago when she had taken breakfast to Najma's room. The door was partially open so Zoya stepped in without knocking. And that is when she saw Najma silently crying on the bed. Zoya tried to console her friend but she understood what Najma was feeling. She felt betrayed, abandoned by the person she loved. Zoya didn't know what to tell Asad, or how to tell him. "Mr. Khan, main sooch rahi thi keh hum Najma kehliye ek chota sa celebration plan karte hai. I mean, bas uske kuch friends and shayad Ayaan, Nikhat," she said. "Idea toh accha hai," he considered. "Toh kal kare? Aaj shaam koh hum shopping jasakthe hai. Aur main Ammi koh bol dungi keh woh Najma koh kahi lekar chali jaye, so we can surprise her!" Zoya said excitedly. He smiled at her enthusiasm and nodded in agreement. She clapped her hands in joy as Asad started the car again to get back on the road.

After work that evening, Asad and Zoya went to the mall to buy a few things for Najma's baby. Asad observed his wife as she became more and more excited every time she saw a new toy for the baby. If it were up to her, she would probably buy the whole store, he thought. Though they didn't know whether Najma was having a boy or girl, Zoya found lots of clothes, toys, and other things that the baby might need. After two hours, she filled the whole cart and was partially satisfied to leave. "Paata nahi jab humare bacche honge toh yeh kya karegi," he thought and that made him smile to himself. As they walked towards the exit of the building, "Zoya, tum bags lekar yehi raho, I will go get the car," Asad said. "Theek hai," she agreed as she took the rest of the bags from him and moved to the side to wait. As Zoya waited, someone tapped on her shoulder. She turned around and felt the ground slip below her feet. "Hi Zoya, kaisi ho?" the person asked. "Tum?" Zoya said shocked. As the person moved forward to embrace her, Zoya stepped back slightly pushing him away from her. "Come on Zoya, for old time's sake," the person teased. "Shut up Akram! Tum yaha kya karahe ho? Aur tumari himmat kaisi huwi mujhse baat karni ki," Zoya said, angrily. Akram smiled and Zoya felt a shiver run down her spine seeing the hatred on his face. "Bahut dino se doond raha hoon main. Mushkil se mili ho tum," he whispered. "Don't you dare Akram. Agar tumne kuch bhi karne ki kosish ki toh mere shohar tumari jaan ley lenge," she threatened. Akram laughed, "Agar main apne mein utar aao na toh tume mujhse kohi nahi bacha saktha. Aur tumara shohar, dekha maine. He went to get his car right? Kya paata waapas na aaye," he said. Zoya was shocked at his words. "Next time you even try to meet me, I will complain to the police and you will rot in jail. Go to hell!" she yelled at him. "Asad...Asad koh kuch karto nahi diya isne," she thought scared. Running down the stairs of the mall, she almost came in front of a car whose tires came to a screeching halt. "Zoya, tum theek toh ho?" Asad said, as he opened the car door and ran up to her. She had come out of nowhere and Asad had barely escaped hitting her. Zoya was terrified. Just thinking about what Akram was capable of, scared her. Will he hurt her? What about Asad? Or maybe their family? She worried. "Zoya," he called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Ha, chaliye," Zoya said, as she quickly went to the passenger side and got in. Asad too went to his seat. "Kya hua Zoya? Tum itni pareshaan kyun ho?" he questioned. "Kuch nahi, bas kuch yaad aagaya. Ghar chaliye, Ammi intezaar karahi hongi," Zoya told him, putting on a fake smile on her lips. "I am sorry Asad but aap nahi jaante keh Akram aur uska khandaan kitna gatiya hai. Agar usne kisiko hurt kiya toh main apne aapko khabhi maaf nahi karpaungi. Kya karoon, Asad koh baatao ya nahi?" she debated. "Shayad Akram mujhe coincidentally milgaya and he was just trying to scare me. Phir se kuch ho, toh phir Asad koh baata dungi. Allah miyan, sabh par apni reham banaye rakiye," Zoya silently prayed as her eyes wandered towards her husband, scared about the future.