Hi dear readers, I don't know if some of you are still following this story but I want to thank those who pushed me to update. I am so sorry for the long gap and for this short update. I will try to update regulary but maybe not long chapter as usual to maintain my stories alive. Love you all 😃
Chap 7
Both walked silently along the beach, their eyes travelled on the numerous tourist laying and swimming in the sea. It was indeed a wonderful day, she was in amazing place under a wonderful weather and furthermore, she was with him. Her eyes met his and she dive into his eyes searching for him. Her soul was calling him desperately asking him to wake up from his deep sleep. But all she could see, it's a darkness and questioning. She felt herself caged in glass screaming at him, and in the other side he was there, standing clueless about her calls or her figure. She looked away, her eyes brimmed with tears suddenly. It was so hard for her to be so close to him but feeling his heart far away from hers. She tried to compose with her morose mood, at least, he was alive, here by her side, and no matter how long is going to take, he will be back to her.
-Would you like to sit for a moment? He suggested pointing to the beach restaurant.
-Yeah, it's a good idea, she smiled back.
Amir entered first and Zoya saw him searching to someone. She frowned and followed his eyes. A man, at his 50 came to welcome them and Amir talked discreetly to him. The man nodded and he gave them a table outside to be able to watch the sea, but in the same time, the table was far enough from the crowd to give them privacy. Zoya smiled and shook her head, which was noticed by Amir.
-Why are you smiling? He asked curious
-You own this restaurant, she said as statement but not as a question and he nodded timidly.
-How do you know?
-Because I know. She replied proudly, and he heart finished the sentence. You.
-What do you want to drink?
-Chose for me, she tested him
-For you? He asked surprised, Mrs Khan, this restaurant asked to compose your own juice, what if you don't like my composition?
-I am sure, I am going to like it
-Mrs Khan, I don't think...
-You know what let be fair, I will choose for you and you will choose for me, in this case, both of us can blame the other or recognize the talent.
-Mmmh, he smirked, it sounds funny, he smiled widely and went in the menu, searching for something for her. Zoya didn't need to search, she knows better what he likes.
The waiter came to them after sometimes and asked for the order but to his surprise both of them whispered their wishes in his ears. He finally wrote their order while his face was clearly making weird grimace, he couldn't hide his reaction to their weird ones. When he left them, Zoya and Amir couldn't stop their grin, and both burst out loud, his face was priceless. Zoya laughed so freely and her heart felt so content with this moment, that for the first time, since she lost Asad, she could finally let it go. Amir removed his shades and wiped his tears and when he lifted his eyes, he found her staring at him deeply and dreamily, strangely, he couldn't look away, there is something about her eyes that captivated him since he met her. A deep sadness mingled with hope and love that her eyes always held intriguing him even more about her.
-Can I ask you a question? He could stop himself
-Of course, she asked expected, maybe he felt something, she wondered
-I...He scratched his forehead, I don't know how to ask, I don't want to sound intrusive, you know what...Let it be, it's not that important, he distracted his mind by moving his shade a bit away from him, lost in his feeling.
-No, please, go ahead and if it's intrusive and you are crossing limit, I will tell you. We are friend now. She encouraged him.
-Why did you faint that day...You know when you saw me, if you don't feel to respond I can understand, I ...He sighed, I am sorry, I didn't...He stopped when she held his hand and pressed him in affection. He looked at her grip and wished he could hold her back, but he didn't feel it right.
-It's ok, I am fine, don't worry. She moved her thumb up and down trying to feel him again and to create a familiar sensation on his skin. She tried to hold his hand as long as possible, it felt home for her and to add to her hope, he didn't stop her or retreat back, his eyes were totally glued to her touch.
-your order, the waiter interrupted them and both jerked from each other.
-Thank you, replied Amir clearing his throat while Zoya swallowed hard her tears. Let's see what you chose for me, but I have to tell you I am hard to get satisfied. He tried to light the atmosphere that he found all of sudden tensed between him. Zoya stared at him and her eyes tinkled arrogantly. Without word, she pointed to his cup and smirked. You looked really confident? He asked annoyed by her audacity.
-All you have to do is to drink it. She took hers and drink it, her eyes didn't leave his once. He sighed and took a sip of his beverage, his eyes grew up widely in shock and he searched for her eyes. As she expected, she touched her target.
-How did you know? He asked intriguing and to add to his frustration, she only replied by rising her shoulders nonchalantly. Are you medium or something?
-Maybe, she took another sip and smiled. Maybe I am just lucky
-Mrs Khan, finding the perfect combination of my juice, banana, kiwi and orange can't be only based on luck, there is something else for sure.
-Ok, let's say that I know you but what about you? How did you find mine? You too chose for me the perfect one, strawberry and mint. She lifted her glass of juice and waited for his answer.
-I...I...He couldn't find his words, his mouth opened and closed searching for something rational to say. I don't know I just feel it this way, he finally replied sincerely.
-It was the same for me, I felt it this way for you. There is no other explanation and you don't need to search for more.
-Ok, he retorted convinced. He decided to stop here, after all, he couldn't explain himself how he found the strange combination of her drink, maybe she lied to him to sound polite or maybe, it was her favorite drink. He shook his head and went back to his drink.
Both drunk their beverage silently, watching and enjoying the sound of the sea. Everything was relaxing here,
-you didn't answer to my question? He came back to the point before they were interrupted. Zoya smiled, what was she going to say? Without being exposed? She can feel how he tried to read in her and how he was defensive sometimes with her. She had to choose carefully her words, she can't risk losing his trust or him again. This Asad was different than her husband, she can feel that he built a wall around him. Two years separated them and she had no clue what he went through, that's why all her steps should be thought twice before any moves.
-You remind me someone,
-Who?
-Someone that I lost and with the lack of light I thought it was him when you appeared.
-Asad, he asked and she gulped nervously, before you faint you call me, Asad, who is he?
-He...He is my husband, my lost husband, she cleared her throat to control her emotion. All her hope crashed, she thought he remembered something, but it wasn't. How frustration this situation was for her, she was talking about her husband to her husband but he was totally oblivious that it was him.
-I am sorry, I didn't know about him, how did he...I am sorry, it's not my business, I shouldn't have asked this kind of question.
-No, it's ok, he disappeared two years ago, in car accident.
-Car accident? He hissed suddenly and pressed on his temple. Zoya watched him changing suddenly.
-Are you ok? She asked concerned but he didn't answer, his hand started to shiver and his forehead sweated, As...Amir are you ok? Talk to me, she griped his hand in concern and his eyes shoot opened, she could see fears inside of them and her heart constricted. What's wrong? She straightened from her chair to reach him and caressed his forehead.
-Nothing, nothing, he tried to smile but it only came as grimace, I am fine, it's just...I don't like talking about ...accident, it made me feel...He spread even more his collar, searching for air to breath.
-restless? She suggested and he nodded, why? She couldn't stop herself from asking him, even if she was aware about his pain, she hoped that maybe it will trigger his memory.
Amir closed his eyes firmly and his shaking increased even more, he groaned in pain. He looked in pain and she regretted pushing him. She came to his side and tried to calm him.
-It's ok, calm down, you are fine, look at me, look at me, she took his face between her palms forcing him to open his eyes. You are fine, you are fine, you are not anymore in this car, you are here with me, you are safe, nothing will happen to you, you are here with me, look around you, look, she pointed to the sea. And his breath decreased slowly and his fears fade slowly, conscious about his surroundings. You ok? She asked again trying to gauge his reaction.
He nodded frantically trying to adjust his crazy breath. She released a long sigh and kissed his forehead staying longer, but shorter to her needs. She then looked down and stared at his lips briefly, if only, she could. Then her eyes searched for his.
-you are ok, she smiled at him giving him all the strength that he needed. He glanced at her and looked down, embarrassed, he realized how weak he looked in front of her and how close she was. He pushed softly her hand from his face, he didn't want to sound rude. She was really kind with him, but he felt stupid all of sudden with his panic attack.
-Thank you, he mumbled.
Zoya felt pain being rejected suddenly but she controlled again her frustration and went to sit on her chair.
-I...am so...
-you don't need, I can understand, we all have our fears.
-can we talk about something else please? He almost begged her, he didn't want to go through again.
-you said that I looked familiar to you, can you tell me why? Zoya will not let any doors in his memory that she won't knock to bring him back. He let out a soft chuckle.
-Well, maybe I will sound crazy to you but I feel like...Hmm, he searched for his words
-Like ? She asked impatiently.
-You know when you had a dream and you woke up trying to remember it, you know that you dream about this person or this place or this emotion, but it's all blurt, but you are sure about it but in the same time, it's not clear in your mind. I don't know if I make sense to you.
-Absolutely, I understand, so...You mean you saw me in your dream? Like a dj vu?
-Kind of, but in the respect way, I swear. It was Zoya's turn to smile, Asad dreaming about her in respect way, she had a doubt about his truth.
-Tell me more about your dream
-It was like I already hear your laugh, hear your voice, hear you cry, in my dream you looked so real, that I can almost touch you but it's strange because I don't know you and I never see you before. I mean before that night. Sometimes, I thought have lived a previous life where I was someone else. He laughed at himself and her heart skipped a bit.
You did, her heart yelled at him.
-Maybe you did and all you see it's flashback of your past. She couldn't stop herself.
-Don't believe what they said about me, I know perfectly my past Miss Farooqui, he said curtly.
-How did you call me?
-Mrs Khan
-No, you call me Miss Farooqui, her mouth spread in huge smile. Asad used to call her like this when he was annoyed or when he was angry.
-Oh? My mistake, I have one of my partner his name is Farooqui, my mind just mixed both of your name. I guess, he didn't sound very convinced.
-I understand, but what a coincidence my maiden name is Farooqui,
-Pure coincidence as you said. Amir's face tensed and he looked annoyed by the way the discussion was turning. I need to go.
-Wait, I am sorry, I didn't want to be rude to you, most of the time, I don't use any filter. I am sorry if I crossed my limits with you but don't go angry or sad, please.
-No, I am not, Mrs Khan, it's just that I have so many things to do here and you know...It's stressful and I am not use to take a rest. Since my father has left, I have many things to do.
-I am sorry for you loss, how did you lost him?
-Heart attack, he simply said.
-I am so sorry, he nodded, his lips pressed together to contain his sadness. He took away his hand from her grip and she sighed again on the distance that he tried to maintain between them.
-So...You are workaholic guy, she tried to change the topic,
-Yes, I am, he smiled tiredly.
-Then I am happy that I force you to relax a bit
-I don't know how to relax, Mrs Khan
-Don't worry, you will have me as your personal coach and be prepared, you are going to suffer from excess of rest.
-you will not be able to handle me, Mrs Khan, he posed his temple on his closed fist
-let me try, and she took the same pose, her eyes glued on him.
-for this, you will have to follow me 24hours, 7/7
-I will and I won't leave your side no matter what, just to realize my promise.
-you are the craziest and the weirdest person I've ever met, did someone already told you this?
-Yes, she smiled genuinely, how can she tell him, this is the way he used to love her. He shook his head and his eyes rolled playfully, but before he could say something his phone rang.
He excused himself and took the call.
-Yes, his tone changed brusquely, moving from warming voice to a rude and cold one. Now? He asked frustrated, ok, he sighed looking at her, ok, ok, fine, I am coming, be prepared. He cut the call and he looked at her annoyed. Work? He showed his phone.
Zoya's heart constricted, he will leave now and only God knows when they will meet again and if she was going to have another occasion like this. Amir watched her and noticed how lost she looked. He stood up when she didn't say anything and he started to walk reluctantly away from her when she stopped him grabbing his wrist. He couldn't hide his smile.
-When can I meet you again? She asked restless.
-I don't know...I
-Tonight? He opened his mouth to say something, but she didn't let him, for dinner? At 8? And I will not accept no as an answer. I see you tonight and I will wait for you.
-Mrs Khan, I have many things to do, don't wait for me.
-You will, I know you will come
-How can you be so sure that I will come?
She left his wrist and sat comfortably on her chair, fully confident. He expected from her to say something, but she didn't, increasing his frustration and questioning. He didn't know if he had to feel insult by her arrogance, no one had ever treated him this way, it was always him who was in control but with her, he was losing battle after battle. He wears his shades and walked away.
-Say you tonight, she shouted on his back making him posed for a second, before he walked away. She watched his silhouette disappearing slowly in the crowd and finally, she can release her tears. Asad, you will come, you have to.
Zoya walked along the beach searching for peace and strength for her battle. Bringing back won't be an easy task, but what gave her hope, was all those signs that didn't stop to show off from his gesture, his words and his eyes. It was so frustrated that she could see Asad, she could almost touch him but still he looked caged behind a huge wall, hard to climb. Zoya finally reached her hotel, took the elevator, and throw herself on the bed carelessly, watching the ceiling. She was so exhausted by everything, the jet lag, this meeting, her frustration to be so close but yet so far. Her eyelids blinked repeatedly until sleep took her to the back memory of their past.
She rubbed her burning eyes and stirred hardly from her sleep. She spent a short night and his kisses didn't let her going back to her sleep, instead, it triggered her desire to have him.
-Good morning sweetheart, she heard him say and she blinked slowly giving him a biggest and laziest smile ever.
-morning Asad, she moaned, what's the time?
-Two pm
-Two??? Oh, too late, but I need to sleep, she turned giving him her back and covered her naked body with the blanket.
-my lazy lazy wife, he kissed her shoulder, already one week for our marriage
-yeah, and one week that you didn't let me leave this room.
-I didn't stop you to go out, he teased.
-Asad you and you audacity, she turned to face him, each time I tried to pose a foot on the floor, you bring be back to the bed.
-I didn't force at anything, sweetheart, you can say no
-whatever, she rolled her eyes. He chuckled and kissed her cheek, he then posed his hand on his closed fist and watched her silently. She held his gaze and they both looked at each other silently.
-What's wrong? She asked
-Nothing, he protested
-You looked gloomy so suddenly, she caressed his cheek with the back of her hand
-How did you know? He asked surprised
-You didn't throw yourself on me, I wondered what's wrong?
-Come on, I am not like this
-Yes, you are
-What to do when I have succulent meal by my side, my hunger never quenched, he was about to capture her lips when she stopped him.
-Don't change the topic, what's wrong?
-Nothing important
-Then why are you looking sad? You know sadness doesn't suit you my love, she cupped his face. Asad kissed both of her palm and sighed deeply.
-I wished I could offer you a proper honeymoon, but you know. I wanted to take you far, to travel the world just you and me.
-What was the need if you caged me in the room? She joked
-Zoya, I am talking seriously
-Asad, seriously, it was never money between us, and I didn't choose you for that. I love you and I don't care where we are, until we are together. We have all our life to travel, to enjoy. Time will come for us and I am confident about our future. So don't spoil your mind with those ideas. She poked his forehead. I am happy right now with you and after one week together.
-Sometimes, I asked myself what did I do to have you? His eyes moistened suddenly, feeling blessed.
-you kidnapped me, she cracked a joke when she saw his wet eyes. She can't bare seeing his tears.
-you are crazy and weird woman, did I told you that?
-Hundred time, she rolled her eyes and both laughed.
-I love you more, and more and more and more, he said matching his "more" with a kiss on her face.
-Tell me, where would you have taken me for honeymoon?
-Let's see, Paris? No, Greece? Oh, oh no wait, Italy, what do you think?
-I would love to go to Italy with you. And tell me what you would have done to satisfy your crazy and weird wife?
-Well, we would have walked along the beach hand in hand, never stop kissing you, enjoying the sun, the food, do some shopping with my beautiful wife. I would have order for you the best food, the best ice-cream, the best cocktail, all the best for the perfect one.
-Sound really really good, she moaned, but tell me do you just know my favorite food, ice-cream and cocktail?
-Of course, your favorite food is cookies, she smiled, your favorite ice-cream is vanilla chocolate
-for sure you remembered I threw it on your face that day.
-Indeed but I was mean that day
-exactly, and I am glad that I did it, you are still remembering my favorite flavor. And what about my favorite cocktail?
-For sure, it will be mango
-Wrong, it's strawberry with mint
-Eww, it looks weird, he spat in disgust
-No, it's not, it's really refreshing and if you want to remember I can throw it on your face. It seems to work for you.
-No, baby, it's fine, I will print it in my mind, strawberry and mint, strawberry and mint, strawberry and mint, he knocked three times his head to print it.
-You will forget it, I am sure, she puffed annoyed
-Don't underestimate me darling, I will never forget something so weird about you. If I forget it, it's like I forget you and your love, and this I will never ever forget about it. He pecked her lips.
-You better not forget about me, I have many way to remind you, to whom you are married.
-Oh God, I will never be able to use the card of lost memory with you.
-No, you can't
-I can forget the world but not you.
-you are just good at talking, she raised her eyebrows teasingly.
-I will prove you one day.
-Whatever, so this is all you have for me for our honeymoon?
-Of course NOT, I would have invited you to a dinner, buying you a red dress, you know I love to see you in red dress, I will have taken you in my arms, pulling the chair for you to sit, asking again for the best food and the best meal for my love, I would privatize the restaurant just for us. I would have also asked you to dance with me.
-You? You don't like to dance
-It's true, but until I don't need to make big movement, and I don't need to move far away from the small square where my feet are, I am fine, I can dance. And by the way, you will be here in my arms to conduct me.
-Men lead the women in dance
-do you really want me to take the lead?
-No, forget it, I will take the lead.
-for a change, I won't debate with you on this point,
-you are impossible, you know that, Asad,
-I know and this is how you love me, he covered her face with plenty of kisses making her groaned in protest.
-Stop it, just stop it, ASAD, STOP IT
-Zoya, I am hungry, he said mischievously
-me too, she tapped her tummy
-I am not talking about this one for the moment, he waggled his eyebrows
-you are really insatiable man, her eyes widened in shock
-Ok, let's eat something and after...He pointed at her
-Finally, I will get free, she said dramatically, I will finally be able to run away from you. She stood up and covered herself with the blanket, but it resisted. She turned and found Asad taking the other side of the sheet between his hands.
-Mrs Khan, let me tell you, you can run as far as you can, your road will always lead to me.
-Arrogant, for the moment, I will run to the bathroom, she snatched the sheet from him and he laughed at her.
-Would you mind if I join you?
-Yes,
-Mrs Khan? He called her again
-What? She asked annoyed
-Be prepared, tonight I take you out, Zoya posed for a second and stared at him. We are not in Italy for sure, but I can take my wife for a dinner, and by the way, don't forget to wear a red dress. I loved to see my desert packed in red.
-Pervert, she took a pillow and threw it on his face. She ran to the bathroom and shook her head hearing his laugh echoed in the room.
Zoya opened her eyes, her face adored with a huge smile. How did she forget about this moment? And what a coincidence, today for her to be in Italy with him. Indeed, many points were missing in his past scenario, but how come, she can fulfill his wish. She straightened and looked at the watch.
-Of sh**, it's already 7, she had slept for 3 hours. She jumped from her bed in hurry, she had only one hour to get prepared. She ran to her baggage and prayed to have a red dress for tonight.
-Be prepared Asad Ahmed Khan, tonight, I am taking you out for dinner, she said proudly once she found her red dress. I will fulfill this promise of you, Asad, I will my love.
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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