
Hello fellas! I'm back with the last part *sniff*. Ankie Di, you were right, they are moving to India. So were the other people who guessed. I'm so sorry I don't get time to reply to comments but I read everyone of them.
Please forgive all my mistakes, I hate proofreading.
"I'm sorry to interrupt uncle but where exactly are we moving? Abu didn't tell me. You are saying that my grandparents live there, is it India?" asked Asad, he wished and wished that Zaid would say no. His other grandparents lived in Scotland, so even that was an option.
"Yes, you are moving to India." Everyone was shattered. Zoya was just numb, she couldn't even cry.
When realisation dawned her, she started bawling and screaming.
"I'm so sorry Zoe, but this time even I can't do anything." said Zaid, he couldn't see his little princess in tears.
"Of course you can! You are Rashid uncles best friend, I'm sure he'll listen to you or I'm going to talk to him. When is he coming home Phuphi?" Zoya was adamant to stop Asad.
"In half an hour I suppose." Dilshad replied.
*Asads house - after half an hour*
"Assalamualaikum everyone!" Rashid was pretending to be all cheerful.
"Rashid uncle, why did you choose to leave us? Don't you like living here anymore? Am I not your daughter anymore? I am very upset and hurt, I don't want my family to be taken away from me. I also wouldn't say that leave Asad and go, it's not just about him. It's about all of you. Let me tell you uncle, I have no other friends. I never wanted any, because I knew, that Asad is always there." Zoya let it all out.
"Z-Zoe, I too don't want to leave you guys, my house, my buisness, my everything. Even I have no choice. You know Asad's grandmum, Dadi, has cancer. It is her wish that we live in India before she dies. You also know that even grown ups have to obey their elders." explained Rashid.
Asad was shocked, his grandmum had cancer!
"Dadi has cancer? Abu, why didn't you tell me earlier? What kind of cancer does she have?" questioned Asad.
"Bone marrow. I didn't want to scare you that's why I never told you." replied Rashid.
"Uncle I understand, but will you ever come back?" Rashids explanation had brought about mixed emotions in her. She felt bad about Dadi but was also sad as Asad was leaving.
"I don't know if we will ever come back Zoya, but we probably will. Here's a deal, Asad will come here atleast once in two years to meet you." Rashid didn't want Zoya to be upset further.
"To compensate, even I will allow Zoya to go to India during holidays." Zaid was standing at the door.
"Oh really? Yippeee! I'll get to travel alone!" Zoya wanted to travel alone ever since her classmate, Martha, had travelled alone to the US.
Zoya was yet sad though. She decided to go to her aunts house until Asad left. That would make it easier for them. They had said their goodbyes a week earlier. Zoya saw him in school for three days but then no more.
Now, Zoya spent most of her day in the loft, her haven, looking at old albums, gifts that Asad's family had given her and Dilshads secret trifle recipe, which she had left for Zoya. Zoya didn't cry as there were no tears left. Zaid and Zainab were worried about her health. They couldn't let her mope around for the rest of her life.
"Zoe? Here eat this. Phuphi cooked this and asked me to heat it up and give it to you." said Zainab.
"I don't want to eat mum. I regret my decision of going away to Hamida Aunty's. I miss Asad so much." Zoya now started crying. Zainab rocked her like a baby.
"Zoe, you will meet him in two months when you have your midterm break. You will get to travel alone! I can't imagine being away from my baby for two weeks." Zainab consoled her.
Asad was in the same condition. His bags were yet packed. All he did was sit in a corner of his room and state at the poem Zoya had written him.
So many memories we've made together
As the years slowly passed.
Tears may have been cried
But our laughter drowned them all out.
Sharing my deepest-most secrets
Until one in the morning at your house. Talking forever about things
Until our words just ran out.
But now you must leave,
And I stay behind.
Who will I call
When I just need to talk?
Who will you lean on
When your problems weigh you down?Who will laught at my jokes?
Who will make you smile?
I can't tell you the answers
To the questions I have.
But I want you to know
That I will always love you.
And when your heart is troubled,
I want you to think of me.
Remember the times of joy
We have shared
And maybe it will make you smile.
And since you can't take me with you, Take the memories we have made
And cherish them
As I always will.
-Zoya Faruqi
This was not home, these were just four walls giving him shelter. His home was miles away, so was a part of him.
13 Years Later...
It had been six years since Asad and Zoya had met last. They were going on with their own lives.
All the boys were behind Zoya in her university, but she had never dated anyone. Deep down in her heart she had a little ember of hope that one day her Prince Charming AKA Asad will come and whisk her away to happily ever after land. After Asad had left, she had gone for therepy for three years. She did go to visit him and he came too but that only worked for a few years. Now, there were only random e-mails and phone calls on birthdays or special occasions.
Asad too never dated anyone. He was now The Asad Ahmed Khan, a buisness tycoon. Rashid had had an accident and passed away when Asad was 17. Dilshad and him worked hard to keep their stomachs full and for Najma's education. There was no fun for them until Asad's company became a success.
It was Zoya's birthday. She was turning 21. Asad had not called yet. She kept her iPhone in her hand all through her party.
Asad was busy all day. He had four really important meetings that day. He had completely forgotten to call Zoya. He had sent a gift and card a few days ago. It would be reaching her any moment.
The bell rang. Zoya, for some reason, felt that it was Asad or had something to do with him.
"I'll get the door mum. I don't know why but I have a feeling that it's Asad." Zoya had tears in her eyes. When she opened the door, the welled up tears cascaded down her cheeks.
No, it wasn't Asad but it was something from Asad. She took the parcel, signed and ran up to her room careful not to trip on her lovely pink gown. She had to see the gift now.
It was time for Zoya to cut her cake. It was a four tier cake with pink roses. Everyone was looking for Zoya.
She was found in her room, crying. Asad had sent her the most beautiful music ball ever. It played a soothing tune that reminded her of the past. At the end of the tune, it said in Asad's voice,"Happy birthday, I love you my Zoya." He had not called but this filled up for it. She knew he was really busy being Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan.
"Zoya, it's time to cut your cake." said Zainab.
Zoya nodded, wiped her tears and took the music ball along with her. She asked the butler for the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I please have your attention? I have a request to make. While I cut the cake, please do not sing for me. I would like this music ball to be played instead as it is very very special." announced Zoya.
She opens the music ball and placed the microphone next to it so that everyone could hear.
Asad's voice was heard. Zoya's confused parents now understood.
After feeding her loved ones cake, Zoya again took the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sorry I did not give you a proper explanation. This musical ball is from my best friend. He has been my best friend since I was four years old. He had to move to India when I was eight. That broke my heart. I moped, I yet do, but I have a feeling, that one day he will come back home. I am ready to wait all eternity for him. What he has achieved there is brilliant. His father passed away when he was just seventeen, and now being only twenty five he is one of the worlds biggest buisness tycoon. He is none other than, The Asad Ahmed Khan. I am so proud of him. Sorry if I bored you out. Thank you." she ended.
Asad finally reached home after an exhausting day. He glanced at his phone to check the time, that's when he noticed the date, 8 June, Zoya's birthday. He. Had. Forgotten. To. Call. He felt like killing himself.
He dialled Zoya's number as quickly as he could. No answer. Tears filled Asad's eyes. He sank down on the sofa.
Dilshad had heard the door. She saw Asad's tears.
"Asad beta? Why are you crying?" she asked concernedly. She came and sat next to Asad. Asad hugged her.
"Mum, I have conquered them all, but I am standing among graves." Asad told her.
"Why do you say that beta?" asked Dilshad, it had been years since she had seen him cry.
"Mum, I finalised four deals today but I forgot to call one of the most important person in my life. Mum, it's Zoya's 21st birthday and I forgot to call her," Asad confessed," I did send her that musical ball but I had to call her. Now she isn't even answering my call."
"She must be at her party. She had emailed me a few days ago that Zaid Bhaijaan has organised a huge birthday bash at their new mansion. So it's fine. By the way, today Mrs. Munshi called. She has a really pretty daughter named Saleha. Why don't we go see her tomorrow?" Dilshad wanted to his reaction.
"Mum, it's 12:30 am and you are telling me about a girl? You know I have no interest in marriage." Asad was irritated.
"Asad, you don't have no interest in marriage. You have no interest in any other girl. What I recommend is, go Asad. I think you know what I mean. Go get me my perfect Bahu." Dilshad motivated him. That was the push he needed.
"No mum. I'm not going home alone. I am taking my family with me. It was Dadi's wish that we only live her until she dies, not forever. We have to go home mum, we have to go together." Asad was determined to go. He didn't want to live in those four walls. It was decided that they would go. He would do all the formalities this week, and next week was the day he had been waiting since he was eleven.
He bought an office and house right next to Zoya's. No one was supposed to tell the Faruqi's about their new neighbours.
The big day came. Zoya's day was as per her daily routine. She left for her university, Oxford. She had always wanted to go there. She adored writing and wanted to be an author.
The Khan family soon reached Manchester airport. They had a two hour drive awaiting them. They would reach when Zoya would come home. None were aware of this.
Asad was taking the bags inside when Zoya drove into her driveway.
"Oh! Our new neighbours! Let me go meet them and introduce myself." she said to herself.
She got out of her car and walked up to them. She could only see Dilshad's back.
"Her hair is just like Phuphi's. Although no one can replace her, I hope this Aunty is kind too." she thought.
"Assalamualaikum Aunty! I am Zoya Faruqi your-" she stopped when Dilshad turned.
"OMG!! PHUPHI!!" Zoya hugged Dilshad with all her might. Najma joined them too.
"Aww Tamater! Asad?" Zoya whispered has name.
"I am sure he'll come. You just screamed so loudly!" Dilshad whispered back.
Asad had heard the scream indeed. He ran out to see his family hugging.
"Hey! What about my hug? Not fair!" he pouted. Zoya instantly broke the hug. She gave him an angry look, ran and pushed him. She started pounding him.
"You will never get a hug! How dare you forget to call me? I hate you!" she screamed.
Asad got up and took Zoya into a hug. Dilshad nudged Najma, the couple needed to be alone.
"I'm so so sorry Zoe! I didn't deliberately forget. I had four long meetings that day. To compensate, we came back home. I love you Zoya." Asad said into her hair.
"You should've forgotten earlier. I love you too Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan." she confessed.
They broke the hug and stared into each others eyes. Zoya could wait no longer. She put her arms around his neck and crashed her lips with his.
He too had waited too long. He slid his arm around her waist and kissed her back.
They were not aware of the audience surrounding them. Their families applauded and they broke their kiss, embarrassed. Crimson streaks ran down Zoya's cheeks.
"Well, Asad you are my daughters first boyfriend, so I hate you." Zaid joked while the other adults chuckled.
"I am sorry uncle, but you will have to bear me for the rest of your life. Choice is yours, hate me or like me." said Asad, looking at a blushing Zoya.
"You will be my boyfriend only forever?" Zoya teased.
Asad got down on one knee.
"Miss Zoya Faruqi, will you be my soulmate for the rest if our lives? Will you stick by me through thick and thin? Will you marry me?" Proposed Asad.
"Yes!" Zoya exclaimed.
Asad slipped the diamond ring in her finger. He had bought it for her at the airport.
"They call it Qubool Hai in india right?" asked Zoya.
"Even if you say yes in Russian I don't mind." Replied Asad, hugging her.
"Mr. Khan, your nikaah is in ten days. Is that okay Dilshad Aapi?" Zaid asked.
Dilshad nodded and went off with Najma and Zainab to start the preparation. Zaid too went in. Asad and Zoya were left alone.
"So Mr. Khan, you aren't emotionally challenged after all." joked Zoya.
"When was I emotionally challenged to-be-Mrs. Khan?"
"Thirteen years ago. I love you Asad." said Zoya. Asad crashed his lips with hers, startling her.
Ten days later their nikaah took place. Everyone was happy and guess what? Asad and Zoya too lived happily ever after.
ooo
A/N: I'm so sad this is over! I enjoyed writing it and it is very close to my heart. I know I said I will update next week but I spent my entire morning typing instead of studying. I will post an epilogue tomorrow or tonight.
Please leave comments cause they're like cookies to me as well.
Afu