AsYa FF: Destiny Comes Calling *CH 20* 11/11/13 Pg 134 - Page 40

Some things are for me to keep to myself...too personal...😆

Now I am sure you got it wrong...haha...😆 acha chalo let me get back to writing...I am already late for an update...plus is week se time hi nahi milne wala...

loved it😃

oh no no i thought it in a very sweet and innocent way and nothing else😳

Edit - Added place names for the blanks

Announcements:

1. Looking for 2 beta readers. As the story progresses, I am afraid I will start manipulating characters in the name of creative freedom (yes muqaddar did affect me bad...hahah😆) and want someone to keep a check a on me and also tell me when the story starts going wrong...If you are interested PM me.

2. Updates will be random for the next month. A lot is happening in the family front and then we take a vacation Oct 12-20.

3. If you are comfortable reading multilingual narrative, please ignore the Blue/Bold notes. These are only for those who need translation.

4.The blanks are places I don't know what to name. Suggestions welcome...

Now without futher delay, here is the update -

XXX

Chapter 12: Sangeet ki raat, layi kya saugaat?

Breakfast was uneventful. Zoya stayed true to her promise, but seemed more drawn in than usual. Asad almost asked her what the matter was, when she poured him a cup of coffee, but then thought better of it. It was best if he kept his interactions with her minimal, better for his sanity.

"Yes Prasad, I understand. But we have a wedding in the family in a couple days' time." Asad was already on the phone while other's were finishing with the breakfast. "I understand soon, but how soon? Can they wait till the end of the week? Can they atleast wait for a half hour till I figure something out about tomorrow?" Asad was frustrated as he spoke to his secretary.

Dilshaad looked up at Asad as he finished his call with Prasad. She was used to this by now, last minute site visits, important clients, big projects, all of it. Everyone else had already left the dining table by this time and Dilshaad waited for Asad to give his excuse. It was always one thing or the other and he never made it to the family events.

"Bolo Asad [Say it Asad]" Dilshaad asked.

"Ammi, ek bahot hi important site visit ke liye clients push kar rahe hai. Kal ka koi program hai Asif chachu ke wahan? [Ammi, a client is pushing for a very important site visit. Is there any program at Asif Uncle's place for tomorrow?] " he asked hesitatingly. He knew how much his mom hated when he missed family events, especially since they did not have a lot of close family in the area.

"Aise to koi program nahi hai. [No there is no such program.] But why can't you wait for once the wedding is over? Nikaah ke kaam mein ghar ke bete haath nahi batayenge to kaun karega? [It's a wedding in their house and if the sons in the family do not help out with the preps, who else will?]" she reprimanded him.

"I tried Ammi. You heard me. You know I always wanted to branch out from the residential market and this is my opportunity. It's a river front resort project and it will be a good chance to explore the hospitality market. Plus I will be gone only for tomorrow." he pleaded knowing fully well that she will give in. She believed in his dreams and supported them whole heartedly.

"Thik hai. As long as you promise that you will be there for the Nikaah and Walima, the entire time, you can go. I am sure your chachu will understand." Dilshaad patted his hand and stood up to clear the table.

"Ji Ammi." he smiled as he made his way out of the house.

----

Zoya was getting bored in her room. This behaving like a mehmaan was not easy for her, but she figured that while she was here, it would not do to upset Mr. Akdu a whole lot. She stepped out of her room, later in the day, to find the house empty. Only Dilshaad was in the living room, enjoying her tea as she skimmed through the newspaper.

"Phoopi, what are you doing? Can I help with something? Prepare lunch maybe?" Zoya asked as she approached Dilshaad.

"Thanks, but I was all done in the morning. Only the roti's are remainging."

"Acha, okay." she plopped herself on the sofa besides Dilshaad. Jaan also climbed up on the sofa, the one thing he was not allowed to do while Asad was at home.

"Phoopi, have you heard of Kubda Khedi?" Zoya asked, staring intently at her I-Pad in hand.

"I don't think so. Why?" Dilshaad looked up at her.

"I was just talking to Jeeju, a while ago, and he suggested that I begin there. He remembers Khala saying that my mother was originally from there and that's where we had boarded that bus to Bhopal. I am looking it up online and it seems to be close to Itarsi." Dilshaad noticed Zoya flinch at the mention of the bus. Poor child, will she ever be able to talk about that event without being affected.

"Yeah, Itarsi is not too far from here. You can go there and be back in a day actually."

"Yeah really? I'll go tomorrow itself. Can I? I really hope I can get all my answers there, who knows, my extended family is still there? I am kind of excited now."

"Allah kare tumhe apne har sawaal ka jawab mile. Haan tum ja to sakti ho, magar akele kaise jaogi? [May God help you find answers to all your questions. You can go tomorrow but how will you go alone.] I would have come with you myself, but I need to be there at Salma's tomorrow to help with the preparations. Asad ka bhi important site visit hai,to usse bhi nahi bhej sakti.[Even Asad is busy, else I could have sent him] I'll ask him to arrange for a car and driver for you."

"Car nahi to mein Taxi le loongi. Don't bother about involving Mr Akdu Ahmed Khan, Phoopi. I am sure there is some form of public transport to get there too. I'll manage. I have already lost a whole week of my time, I really don't want to delay this anymore. Jeeju is also getting anxious now about my return." Zoya emphasized.

"No I cannot let you take public transport, that for sure. Its not reliable or safe. And did the two of you argue again? I don't know when you guys will grow up and behave like the adults you are. Let me check with Asad when he is back in the evening. And if it does not work out, Taxi book karlenge."

"Thanks Phoopi. Did I tell you that you are the bestest?" Zoya cheerfully hugged Dilshaad and went back to her room.

"Jaan...let's go. We have to prepare for the Sangeet now...else when Tamatar is back she will be mad at me..."

----

At the Sangeet venue -

Najma was nervously twitching her hands, as soon it would be her turn for the performance. She was feeling only slightly better that Zoya will be accompanying her.

Dilshaad and Rukhsaar were migling with the guests, Jaan stayed in Dilshaad's company but still on a leash.

{Meri Banno ki Aayegi Baraat - movie Aaina}

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Aaj nachungi main saari raat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

The music started and Najma and Zoya started to move rhythmically to it. Asad had been delayed at work and hence was late to the venue too. He was pleasantly surprised to hear the song and see the dance. He had reluctantly agreed, but when Ms. Farooqui had volunteered to help out, he had regretted it. There was no telling what she would do.

Sajna ke ghar tu jaayegi, yaad hame teri aayegi - (2)

Jaake piya ke des mein na hamko bhulaana

Aankh baabul teri kyon bar aayee, betiya toh hoti hai parayi - (2)

Abb rahegi yeh saiyaan ji ke saath, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Najma and Zoya brought the groom and the bride's father during the relevant steps and danced around them. Seeing Najma with his uncle, Asad's eyes teared up, but he tried to suppress the feeling as best as he could. There was hardly ever a time he did not miss his father, but occasions like this, made it harder for him.

Gajra kila hai baalo mein, surki lagi hai gaalo pe - (2)

Bindiya chamakati maathe pe, naino mein kajra

Saja hai tan pe gehana, lagi kya khub tu behna

Khili hoton pe laali, saji kaano mein baali

Lagi mehandi dulhania ke haath, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

For the next stanza, the girls started describing themselves to the words of the song. A tall, dapper looking man had just entered the venue and came to stand besides Asad.

"Subhan Allah!!! Jeetni khoobsurat deekhti hain, utna hi khoobsurat unka dance hai!. Nahi Asad Miyan?? [Her dance is just as pretty as her, isn't it?]" he spoke as he nudged Asad out of his stupor.

"What?" Asad asked, suddenly realizing that he had been staring at Ms. Farooqui this whole time.

"Nothing. I was just saying, that she is indeed beautiful. Good choice Brother." he winked.

"Tum kya bakwaas kar rahe hon. If you are done spouting your nonsense, let me enjoy my evening." Asad was getting irritated.

"Well, considering the way were enjoying your evening, what is anyone to think? Any idiot can guess where your interests lay."

"Aisa kuch nahi hai. Woh... actually, I was looking at Najma. This is the first time I have ever seen her dance and so was watching it."

"Najma was it? To mera raasta saaf hain?[So my way is clear?] Thanks buddy. But try convincing this to your Tannu darling, who is currently shooting daggers at your Zoya." He pointing to Tanveer Siddique who was standing to a side and intently glaring at Zoya.

Le lu balaye teri sabi, dedu tujhe main apni khushi - (2)

Maangu duwa main rab se yahi, tu khush rahe

Koyi chaahat rahe na adhuri, teri saari tamanna ho puri

Maine keh di mere dil ki baat

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Aaj nachungi main saari raat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri banno ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

Meri laaddo ki aayegi baraat, ke dhol bajaao ji

"Keep out of her way Azam. She is not your types. And I am sure Tannu is upset since you are staring at Ms. Farooqui." Asad hissed.

"You think so? So maybe I should try my luck with both of them and see what leads where?"

"Shut up. Just keep out of her way, will you?. And now if you don't mind, I need to go talk to my sister." Asad said noticing that the dance performance was almost over.

"Whatever dude. I was just making sure.. you know... but please be my guest." He started whistling. Tum kabhi nahi balodge Asad, still so uptight and proper.I miss our good old days.

Asad saw Tanveer making her way towards them and made his way to where Najma and Zoya were now standing, their performance complete.

----

The sauve man talking to Asad had not gone unnoticed by the girls.

"Tomato...who is that handsome talking to your brother." Zoya asked, discreetly checking him out.

"Azam...Azam Mohammed Iftikhar...the Nawab of Jaora. Don't tell me you don't recognize him."

"Are you kidding me? He is a royal? Like real royalty? And how am I to recognize him? But now, I am sure I would recognize him anywhere, who can forget that smiling face and that body it sits on. Ab chalo, introduce me to him."

"Psuedo royalty Zoya...just in name. And later. Bhaijaan is coming." Najma was now looking to where Asad approached.

----

Asad waited only for a couple minutes, complimenting the girls on their performance and asking if they would like to join him in finding their mother and Rukhsaar. Once Asad left Zoya pulled Najma along with her. "This way, I saw him go this way. Let's go find him. You know I had always wanted to meet royalty. It was on my bucket list I had told you about. And look at my luck, you know him." she said as she dragged a reluctant Najma behind her.

"Acha tell me this Tamatar, how do you know him?" Zoya's excitement was clearly visible.

The girl's made their way upstairs in the direction Zoya had seen Azam going, but once upstairs, they found themselves at a loss. There were many small alcoves that opened up to the terrace outside. The started poking their heads around random corners only to find their query in the furthest corner of the terrace.

He stood there alone smoking a cigar. Just as Zoya decided to step out, she noticed another form, coming hurriedly from the other direction. She hid herself behind the curtains and peaked out to see what was going on.

This second person, a female, approached Azam and placed her hand on his arm to gain his attention. With a swift moment, Azam moved both their bodies such that his back faced Zoya and the female was completely hidden in front of him.

They stood there like that for a few minutes, chatting and laughing about something. Just as the girls were about to leave, Zoya noticed the woman's hand come up above his shoulders and snaking around his neck. She slowly pulled his head down towards hers in what looked like a kiss.

"She is kissing him... let's go. We'll catch him later." she whispered, giggling slightly, as she pulled Najma's hand again to make their way out of there. But Najma stood there rooted to the spot, confusion etched on her face.

XXX

Picture of Azam in the next post.

Give me your thoughts about him, the story, future tracks, foreshadowing you may have noticed, anything else you find interesting/uninteresting. I love reading the comments and responding to them.

Rivs