i believe that Zoya is very mature, and she understands Asad very well. she knows that if Asad believs Rashid killed someone, Asad it the type of guy who would do the right thing and inform the police, she knows that Asad is a straite and Arrow guy. and believes in the system. he will not cover for anyone if he thinks that person has commited a crime.
Zoya may hope that Rashid is innocent for Dilshads sake. but all evidence points that Rashid is guilty. and till there is some proof that says otherwise, i feel Zoya will stand by Asad, while trying to make him see beyond what is visiable. zoya may act like the voice of his heart, making him think there is another side to the story.
i also believe if there is more communication between Ayaan and Asad it would help Asad believe his father is innocent. if Ayaan tells Asad that dadi has been saying from the start that razia is the real person behing the attack on Dilshad. may be this will force Asad to think that his father was set up as the fall guy.
i dont mind a friendship forming between Ayaan and Zoya. if it triggers Asad to accept his feelings for Zoya. but with Zoya becoming Asad strength and the only person he starts depending on, the thought of him loosing her support will make Asad accept that what he feels for her is something more.