Asad's residence:
Asad came out of his room in his bridal wear-- a white sherwani and golden pajamas with a pair of golden jootis to go with it!
Najma was immensely excited to see her bhaijaan in this attire.
Najma: Bhaijaan, you simply look awesome! I am so sure Tanveer would love it and hopefully she would give you an equal competition!!
Najma gave a wide smile to Asad!
When Najma was talking of Tanveer, Asad could not stop imagining Zoya in the bridal wear.He already knew how pretty Zoya looked in traditional stuff, thanks to their first meeting at the dargah and also the green suit she wore in Mangalpur.
Thinking about how good Zoya would be looking in the bridal dress, a smile escaped Asad's lips and he unknowingly uttered the words--
"I know, my Zoya would be looking immensely pretty as a bride! Afterall she is so pretty, just like an angel.."
Asad suddenly became conscious about what he had just said. Afterall he had spoken the words of his heart!
Meanwhile, Dilshaad came out of her room and enquired whether everyone wwas ready to leave. Asad nodded and so did Najma!
While in the car, thoughts of Zoya continued to haunt Asad. The times they had spent together, the times they shared quarelling and then making up, the times when she saved his life, the times when his life came crashing down seeing her being buried alive by the goons of Mangalpur--all those moments lay infront of him like a piece of vivid imagery..!
Asad was so lost in Zoya's world that for once he even had a hallucination that Zoya was sitting right next to him in the backseat but then Najma's sudden talking broke the trance!
"Zoya is not here! And how could she even be here?? She is going away today.From this country--from me."
Again, a sense of deep rooted pain he could feel within him as if someone had just stabbed him with a knife..
Finally, they reached the wedding venue. Tanveer was already waiting for Asad and his family! The maulvi had already come and he ordered for the wedding ceremony to start as soon as possible!
Tanveer and Asad sat on either sides of a makeshift barrier made with a piece of cloth. The maulvi first asked Tanveer whether she agreed to her marriage with Mr.Asad Ahmed Khan and she replied saying "QUBOOL HAIN".
It was Asad's turn now. Asad was however still lost in the memories of Zoya. For him it was Zoya everwhere! He wanted to go and stop her, he wanted to go and hold her hands and tell her how much he loved her. But then why wasn't he doing that? Was he being a coward? Was he that weak a person that he did not have the guts to accept his feelings for the woman he loved madly and unconditionally??
While Asad was thinking all these, the maulvi had already asked for his confirmation in the marriage three times.
Everyone at the venue was staring at Asad since he was behaving ignorant all this while!
When the words of the maulvi finally reached his ears and he had regained his consciousness, all he said was"MUJHE YEH NIKAAH QUBOOL NAHIN HAIN"..
Having said these words he felt an unexplainable happiness within him.
"My heart won the battle today ammi", he said it loud pointing towards Dilshaad. Tears escaped Dilshaad's eyes. Afterall her son was being a MAN today- a MAN she can be proud of!
Asad, then went upto Tanveer and apologized to her!
Asad:I know Tannu, this is not something I should be doing at this point. But I can't cheat you by marrying you cause I can never ever love you! Zoya holds that place in my heart!She is my love-- my life! All this while I was just living but today I feel ALIVE.How can I give up on my life Tannu? How?
Tanveer however looked pretty calm and composed as if it wasn't that big a deal!
Tanveer: I am happy Jammy, that you finally listened to your heart. This marriage would just have been a compromise as there wouldn't have been any love! You would have been with me but not out of choice but out of sheer compulsion and that wouldn't have been acceptable to me!
I am glad you listened to your heart!
Tanveer then put her hands on Asad's shoulders and said
"Stop her Asad! Stop her! Zoya's flight would be taking off in an hour. Stop your life from going away from you!!"
Asad was in a state of shock as he was not able to understand that how did Tanveer know of Zoya's departure.
Asad: Tanveer, how did you know all these?
Tanveer: (smiling) Remember when you met Zoya today at the park? I was there then. I had gone out for some work, was returning that way when I had seen you and Zoya there. When I went closer to you both, I had heard your conversation. Everything became crystal clear to me then! I realized how much you people love each other but somehow you two weren't being able to be vocal about your feelings!
Asad: Then why did you not confront me earlier?
Tanveer: Because I wanted you to realize your feelings yourself. I knew you would never say a "YES" to me.
Asad was dumstruck. He felt like a stupid man. Everyone else except him was aware of his feelings! He smiled at himself!
Asad: I am still very sorry Tannu. I know I am your culprit and I promise you that I would find a way better person for you!
Tanveer: Yes Jammy you better do that. But for now, dont waste time and stop Zoya..GOOO..
Asad rushed towards his car. He looked at his watch!
50 MINUTES WERE LEFT!!!!
P.s: I know Tanveer is portrayed as a positive character in my story and not the chudail that she is in reality! But its all for the sake of the story! And moreover, as long as she proves to be a catalyst in the AsYa reunion we all really dont mind her being there😛😉
P.p.s: The FINAL PART-- THE AsYa confession is still left..So a lot coming up for you guys..Till then, HAPPY READING!!😉😆
P.p.p.s: Thank you Ankie for the correction at certain places!!😃
---$OH!NI<3
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