AsYa FF ~ Mere Jazbaat ~ T#2 ~ NOTE PG. 123 - Page 8

Originally posted by: rutu83

no problem- real life before IF life always
we're not going anywhere- will be waiting (sounds like threat no?😆) really though, take your time 😃

Originally posted by: Linsie

waiting

Originally posted by: nisha150

kal nahi kiya ton atleastt aaj kar dena plzzz
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Hey guys! I'm back!!! Sorry sorry sorry and a thousand times sorry! But what to do, yaaron, like rutu said, real life before IF life.

Any way, I hope you like it!

This update is specially dedicated to nisha150 and -Honey-Bunch- who have been constantly bugging me to update 😆.

Enjoy!

Chapter 23: "The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible." - Oscar Wilde

Asad shook his head at her antics. She looked so cute when she blushed. How did he keep himself in check before? It felt so good to not have to restrain himself in front of her. He took a clean shirt and slipped it on. As he buttoned it, a thought crossed his mind.

Speaking of clothes, I'm still curious as to how Zoya never got influenced to wear clothes like the girls here do? He knew now that there wasn't anything really wrong with them. He still didn't particularly like the idea of them showing their legs to that extent. However, it was ultimately their choice. But Zoya could've worn short sleeves. That wasn't so bad. Yet the whole time she was in Bhopal, he hadn't once seen her with anything that had sleeves going above her elbow.

He wanted to get to know her better. To understand the woman whom he was in love with. And the more he got to know about her, the more she might see that he does in fact trust her. That he wants to hear it from her, before passing judgement.

He freshened up and went downstairs, as he was sure everyone would be gathering for dinner. He further pondered this on his way to the dining table, and failed to notice a pensive Zoya staring at an envelope.

* * * * * * *

Zoya read the return address on the letter mentally.

Indian High Commission

Bhopal, India.

She'd completely forgotten about her visa. And low and behold, here it was, as promised by Mr. Kaide + Kanoon. She sighed heavily, and looked around. As soon as she noticed Mr. Khan, she panicked. The last thing she wanted, was for him to see it. She had made up her mind. She wouldn't go back. It was nice while it lasted, but if he didn't trust her, she couldn't live in that house. She couldn't risk another altercation like this one. It was the best thing for everyone, she thought. Or so she tried to convince herself.

She turned around, so her back was facing the dining table, ensuring he couldn't see her opening the envelope. She tore open the seal, and hurriedly pulled the contents out.

Out of the envelope came a single paper, folded in thirds. She opened the letter, and read it carefully:

Dear Applicant,

Your request for a visa extension for the Republic of India, for the time period of six months, has been granted.

Due to the extenuating circumstances, you have been allowed special permission to bring your passport to the nearest embassy, in order to provide you with the required entry visa stamp.

Please complete this process within 48 hours of the date you receive this notice.

Sincerely,

Indian High Commission

Bhopal, India

Zoya sighed. She now could go back if she wanted. But why would she? She didn't feel like she could stay at Mr. Khan's house, and she already uncovered her past. What else was there for her in India?

You want to go back, her heart replied. And once again, her hesitation and confusion manifested themselves.

She closed her eyes, and held the letter to her chest, hoping she would get some sort of epiphany. She took a few deep breathes, willing her mind to give her an answer. To show her the way. She prayed to Allah to guide her.

* * * * * * *

Asad sat on the dining table, and looked around. No one had come down for dinner yet. No one, that is, but Zoya. He saw her sitting on the sofa, her back to him. What is she doing?

He got up and slowly walked over. As he came closer he noticed her clutching something in her hands, her eyes closed, as if she was waiting for something. He smiled. She looked ethereal. The moonlight, mixed with the lights in the apartment made her skin glow. She was a small piece of the moon, that Allah had sent down, just for him. Her eyes lids, even closed were exquisite. Her hair resting on her shoulders, her bangs moving to the symphony of the wind blowing through the open window near the living room.

He walked a little closer, and kneeled in front of her. He noticed a single tears stream down her left cheek. Why is she crying? He looked at her intently.

"Ms. Farooqui?" he tried.

Zoya's eyes shot open, and grew wide, as she saw who it was in front of her. Shit!

"M- Mr. Khan... woh, mein, I have to go!" she mumbled. Saying this she stood up in a haste and tried to move away. But being the clumsy girl she was, Zoya ended up falling. Asad reached out to steady her but lost his balance as well. They caught hold of each other, and twirled in the air until they both ended up horizontal on the sofa, Asad on top of Zoya, and the letter Zoya was clutching slowly reaching the ground.

Zoya had her eyes shut tight, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding. Asad gulped. He was fully aware of the position they were in, and yet couldn't will himself to move. Once again he was mesmerized by her beauty. Her pink plump lips quivering, her eyes scrunched up, her chest heaving, and a lock of her hair strewn across her face.

His arms were around her waist, and one of Zoya's hands was around his neck, while the other gripped his right bicep. Asad groaned, almost inaudibly. He slowly moved one of hands from her waist, to her face. Gently, he moved the lock of hair bothering her face, tucking it behind her ear, and let his hand linger on her cheek, a little longer than necessary. Zoya's breathing hitched, as she felt his fingers on her skin. She felt his thumb tracing circles on her cheek, and unconsciously leaned into his touch.

He smiled a little, relishing the feel of her soft, milky skin.

"Zoya..." whispered Asad, his voice husky and low. Zoya once again felt her insides melt. She slowly opened her eyes, and gasped a little, seeing his eyes darkened with desire. She let her hand travel from his neck to his chest, and gasped, a little more audibly this time, as she felt his heart. It was beating just as wildly as hers.

The sound someone clearing their throat made them both blink. Suddenly Zoya was very aware of the position they were in. She scrambled to get up, as she pushed Asad off her. He just smiled, still replaying the last moments in his head, but obliged and moved aside to let her go.

Looking up, they both saw a smiling and amused Dilshad, her hand under her chin. She giggled as she watched them straighten themselves out.

"Phupi, woh, mein uth rahi thi, aur Mr. Khan se takra gayi to hun dono sofe pe gir gaye," Zoya explained in one breath.

Dilshad smiled even bigger. "Zoya meine kuch nahin pucha. Mujhe tum dono par pura bharosa. To phir tum mujhe itni besabari se explanation kyun de rahi ho?"

Zoya's cheeks turned crimson. Asad blushed a little, too, while a small smirk played on his lips. Zoya noticed this, and once again felt her knees would give out at any second. What is it about this man that makes me feel like a pile of goo!?

"Acha yeh sab choro. Khana kha lein? Chalo, bohot dair ho rahi hai," said Dilshad, as she dragged them both to the dining table. Soon after, Anwar, Zeenat and Najma joined in as well. The sheet of paper that was earlier in Zoya's hand, remained on the floor. Remembering this, Zoya excused herself to grab it, and ran to her room. Asad noticed her desperation. Aisa kya hai uss kagas par, that she's so secretive about it, he wondered. But shrugged it off. He'd wrongly accused her and assumed things too many times in the past. He wouldn't make that same mistake again.

Zoya came back down and was back to her chirpy and bubbly self. She recited her shayari's and Asad relaxed, noticing that this time, her smile did in fact reach her eyes.

It was time, Asad decided. He couldn't keep it to himself any longer. And now that they back on good terms, there no better time to let Ms. New York know what her Jahapana Six Packs felt for her.

* * * * * * *

Meanwhile back in Bhopal...

Ayaan paced his room endlessly. It had been three days since he's heard from his Bhaijaan about Mona darling. What happened? Did she leave? Did Bhaijaan stop her? But if he did, or if he didn't, why isn't he home? Ugh. Bhaijaan aap kahan hai!

"Ek toh khud mujhe irresponsible keh the hain, aur jab mujhe unse baat karni hai, toh mein unse mil bhi nahin paa raha hoon. Woh phone bhi nahin utha rahe hain. Ghar par bhi nahin hai. Office mein bhi nahin hai." Ayaah sighed, exasperated with his brother.

"Mujhe Bhaijaan ko batana hai ki meine unke ghar mein kya kya suna. I knew it. I knew there was someone else behind this whole mithai fiasco. Nahin Mona aisa kabhi nahin karengi. Lekin Bhaijaan hai kahan?" wondered Ayaan, as he paced some more.

Yes. The stranger at the Khan Villa had been none other than Ayaan. He couldn't believe it. One of the few people that his Bhaijaan trusted blindly is now plotting against Mona? But why? Why would Tanveer do this? What could she possibly get out of this?

Should I confront her? No... that might make her do something. Ok think, Ayaan. Hmm... Idea!

* * * * * * *

The doorbell at the Khan Villa rang and confused Tanveer walked over to see who it was. Her face drained of all color as she opened the door.

"Salaam Walikum, Tanveer," greeted Ayaan.

"W-Walikum Salaam. Tum, tum Ayaan ho na? Jammy ke bhai?" she managed.

"Jammy? Oh! Haan, aap bhaijaan ko Jammy keh thi hain?" Ayaan tried his hardest to suppress his laughter. What the hell kind of a nick name is Jammy? He straightened himself out. Focus Ayaan.

"Tanveer, aap jaanti hai ki bhaijaan kahan hai?," he asked. "Mein unse bohot dair se baat karne ki koshish kar raha hoon. Lekin teen din se unka pata hi nahin hai. Woh ghar par hai kya?" Ayaan looked her, and noticed her eyes grow wide as he mentioned talking to his bhaijaan. What does that mean? Does she know where he is?

"Woh, woh iss vaqt Bhopal mein nahin hai," she replied, grudgingly. "Unne ek zaroori kaam se jaana para," answered. "Agar mera bas chalta to woh zaroori kaam aaj hamesha ke liye dhafa hoti," she muttered under her breath.

"Jee?"

"Uh, woh, kuch nahin," she replied nervously.

"Theek hai, woh bhaijaan gaye kahaan? Aur unone hemin bataya kyun nahin? That's very unlike him. Aap jaan thi hain woh kahan gaye hain?" he asked earnestly.

"New York," she replied, instantly, gritting her teeth. "Mera matlab, woh, USA gaye hai," she continued, in attempt to cover up her slip of tongue.

New York? Kahin Bhaijaan Mona ke paas to nahin gaye? Iska matlab, woh unne nahin rok paye? Ya Allah yeh kya ho raha hai!

"Theek hai. Shukriya, Tanveer. Dilshad Ammi hai kya? Mujhe unse bhi kuch baat karni thi. Shayad woh janti hongi ki bhaijaan kiss hotel mein hain?" he tried.

Tanveer gritted her teeth even more, and rubbed her forehead, moving her fringes aside. "Nahin," she bit out, as sweetly as she could manage, "woh, bhi unke saath gayi hain. Aur Najma bhi."

"Dono? Kahin vacation pe toh nahin gaye?" he asked, amused at how they left her behind. I guess Allah really does have a sense of humour. "Acha koi baat nahin. Mein kissi bhi tara Bhaijaan se baat karloonga. Shukriya. Chalta hoon. Allah Hafiz." And with that, Ayaan left.

"Sab Zoya ke piche parein hai. Kambakhat," Tanveer cursed, fuming. "Yahan na ho kar bhi mere liye musibat pe musibat palti jaa rahi hai." She continued her incessant cursing as she closed the front door and made her way to her own room.

But Ayaan had lingered, and he heard her. HI doubts were clear. His Bhaijaan must have gone to try to convince Zoya to come back. But then why was the immigration officer involved? He had many questions. And only one person could answer them. Mona.

* * * * * * *

Meanwhile back in New York...

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room. There was a lighter air, happier. And it was quite obvious from the glances Asad and Zoya stole at each other, Zoya biting her lip, remembering their earlier position.

Asad was still thinking about Zoya growing up in New York. He wasn't sure how to bring it up without offending her, or it seeming suspicious. What would she think if he suddenly asked about how that. He cringed at the thought. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was misunderstanding her again.

Zeenat noticed Asad's pensive state, and made a mental note to talk to him.

"To kal ka kya plan hai? Asad? Zoya? Iss baar Najma ko bhi leke jao. Bohot shopping ho gayi." Dilshad winked at Najma who blushed furiously. Everyone laughed.

"Ammi," she whined. "Lekin Ammi, aapne theek hi kaha. Kal mujhe sightseeing ke liye jaana. Lekin sirf Zoya ke saath nahin, Bhaijaan ke saath bhi. Kyun, Bhaijaan, aap chalenge na?" she asked hopefully.

Asad smiled at his Tamatar. "Bilkul, Tamatar, agar Ms. Farooqui ko koi aitraaz na ho, toh. Akhir wahi to jaanti hai, apne New York ko." Asad looked at Zoya and winked.

Zoya's eyes grew wide. Jahapana is winking at me!? Allah miya! Who is this man, and what have you done with Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan?

"Um.. nahin Tamatar, mujhe kya aitraaz hoga," she said, getting back to reality. "Of course chalungi!" Suddenly Zoya was really excited. Finally I can show my Tamatar ki New York ki khaasiat kya hai. "Akhir sirf Zoya Farooqui tumhe asli New York dikha sakti hai! Issi baat pe ek sher aarz hai!"

"Irshaad irshaad!" encouraged everyone, but Asad, who rubbed his temples. Her silly excuse of shayari is one thing he'd have to get her to stop doing. He smiled, despite himself, thinking of how their future life would be together.

"Psychic nahin hoon, crystal ball bhi nahin hai mere paas,

Psychic nahin hoon, crystal ball bhi nahin hai mere paas,

Lekin Zoya Farooqui dikhai gi, New York mein hai kya itna khaas!

"Wah wah, wah wah!" everyone cheered, while clapping. Asad just smirked. Not bad, Ms. New York, he thought, thoroughly amused.

The group laughed some more, talking animated about their day. Zoya chose to keep mum about their encounter with Deepak, and Asad and her shared a knowing look. He wanted to hug her, to tell her it's history. But, some things won't change. And his distaste of PDA was one of them. But they looked at each other reassuringly. Asad still couldn't believe she'd forgiven him. But he'd make sure she didn't regret it, he promised himself, for the umpteenth time.

After about an hour, Anwar, Dilshad and Najma retired to their rooms. Zoya went to the kitchen to get a can of coke. Asad shook his head at her habits. Who drinks Coke at this hour? Only Zoya Farooqui, he thought to himself, smirking once again.

Zeenat noticed this. She would never understand her sister's odd eating habits. But it's was too late now. She gave Zoya a disapproving look, to which Zoya smiled childishly and held ears. Zeenat laughed and hugged her. They said goodnight and Zoya retired to her room. She took one look at Asad before going up the stairs, and looked down, blushing, thinking back to the incident a couple hours ago, while bitting her lower lip. Asad noticed this, and looked down as well, smiling like a fool.

After making sure Zoya was in her room, Zeenat looked back at Asad, who was busying himself with his laptop. This boy will never change. Dilshad is right. Anything awkward, and he'll bury himself in work. Sigh.

"Asad?"

Asad's ears perked up. He saw Zeenat sitting across from him, on an arm chair.

"Jee, kahiye?"

"Khane ke baad tum kuch pareshaan se lag rahe the. Sab theek hai na? Agar tum chaho, to mujhse baat kar sakh the ho," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder, reassuringly.

Asad sighed. Am I that transparent? "Aapi, woh, actually..." He stopped. When would this stupid habit of his stop? He sighed audibly again.

"Aaj meine Zoya ki friends ko mila. Aur, woh, woh sab, jis tarah ki libaz pehen thi hai- Mujhe bas thoda sa ajeeb laga, ki Zoya- Zoya yahan reh the hue, aise kapde- matlab Bhopal mein bhi unno ne kabhi bhi, aise... nahin pehen the... toh mujhe bas- bas yeh jaan na tha, ki kya iske peeche koi aur waje hai? Kya woh kabhi bhi influence nahin thi?" He sighed again, frustrated at himself. But at least he managed to get it out.

Zeenat was thoroughly amused. "Asad, tumhe iski itni chinta kyun hai?" she teased.

"Nahin! Woh, mein, actually- bas unne jaan ke- matlab Ms. Fa- matlab Zoya ko thoda sa aur jaane ki koshish kar raha tha, aur kuch nahin," he finished, mumbling the last bit.

Zeenat bit her lip, feeling bad for him. How Zoya fell for this challenged man, she'd never understand.

"Woh kiya hai, Asad, Zoya ko bachpan se inn sab ka shauk nahin tha. Woh to bachpan main bohot jailiui aur tom boy types ki ladkian this. Usse ladkian ki kapde pehen se chir hota tha. Aur bachpan se long sleeve aur pant pehen thi ayi hai." She saw Asad smile a a little. Aww so cute!, she thought to herself. "Lekin," she continued, and Asad's eyes shot up to meet hers, "uske liye ek aur waje hai."

"Konsi wajah, Aapi?" asked Asad, even more curious now.

"Dekho Asad, yeh to Zoya ka personal mamla hai. Haan, mein jaanti hoon. Lekin yeh baat agar tum Zoya se khudi pooch the, to acha rehega. Woh iss baat ko lekar thodi si insecure hai." Asad understood. Akhir unse hi baat karni padegi, he realized.

"Theek hai, Aapi. Shukriya. Aapne mujhe itna to bataya." He smiled at her. She smiled back at him, and retired to bed.

"Ms. Farooqui, yeh baat mein aapke hi zubaan se nikal wahunga. Lekin aapse pooch ke nahin. Brace yourself, Zoya. Ab mein aapko puri ki puri jaan na chaha ta hoon. Aur with a little help, I will." Telling himself this, he retired to his room, and started planning.

Mission: Get to Know Ms. New York.

More and more like his kaneez everyday, thought Asad laughingly. And he knew exactly who could help him with this mission. As it wouldn't be easy, he knew.

* * * * * * *

Sunlight streamed into Zoya's room, waking her up, the next morning. She'd had tossed and turned all night, unsure of what to do. She'd only slept the last hour of the morning. Of course she had to get the visa. After all the trouble she went through, all the drama, everything that Mr. Dhurander did, she couldn't just ignore it and reject it. She sighed heavily. But what would she do after? What if Mr. Khan found out she could go back?

The events from yesterday flashed before her eyes. He'd changed so much in the last few days, that she was a hard time digesting it. Gone was the egoistic man who judged her, the man who shouted at her. The man who grimaced at the thought of spending time with her. The man who never listened to a word she said. Hell, he'd even apologized twice for the same mistake. Was this really Asad Ahmed Khan?

The sound of a door creaking brought her out of her revere. She looked towards her bedroom door, and noticed a package had been left on her dresser, with an envelope. What is this?

She got out of bed, and strolled to the dresser. The box was beautifully wrapped in shiny, purple gift wrap. But the box had a lid that came off. She lifted the lid, glad she didn't have to ruin the lovely packing job, and found a note and some sort of clothing inside.

Here's to new beginnings.

Aap humse dosti karengi?

Agar apka jawab haan hai, toh isse pehen kar aiyega.

Central Park. Bow Bridge. 8 pm.

Zoya instantly recognized the handwriting. But was still dumbfounded. Jahapana mujhe gift deh rahe hain? Allah miyan! Aapne mere Akdu Ahmed Khan ke saath kiya jadoo kiya hai? Wait a minute, Zoya. Jahapana tere kabse bane!?

She shook her head furiously, clearing her mind. What was he planning? She put the note down and turned her attention to the clothing. She slowly pulled it out and laid it on the bed. When she deciphered what it was, her eyes grew wide.

"Allah miya! Ab mein yeh kaise pehenungi!?"

Next Chapter

A/N:

Sooo what did he give her? Any guesses? Well I'll tell you this much. The next to next chapter will be the one in which the Sneak Peek is 😛

Hope this made up for the late update of the week!

Originally posted by: -Jazzy-

Res.


Yet again, I stole someone's thunder. Mission accomplished. Eff you all. I'm the reserving queen.

Originally posted by: mochhug

Well you had an unfair advantage😆

Originally posted by: -Jazzy-

I was here before the warning. I swear!