Hi All...
This is my second OS on this forum... the plot is based on the current track but takes off from when Ayaan had come to ask Asad to sacrifice Zoya for Nikhat. This is purely my imagination based on what I would have loved to see happening... where Asad Ahmed Khan, true to his name, gets going to set things right!
Setting things Right!!!
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"Mujhe apni Dulhan de dijiye Bhaijan" the words rang in his ears like molten lava being poured right through it agonizing him. In a flash of a moment everything was destroyed... everything had changed. The sanctity and innocence of a relationship they had cherished so much was robbed off in a jiffy. How could fate be so cruel? "Mr. Khan please mera yakeen kijiye. Mujhe maaf kar dijiye... mujhe nahi pata tha wahan kya ho raha hai?" her desperate words pulled him out of the mental battle that was tearing him apart and he turned to look at her once again. Thousand emotions coursed through him as he took in her presence. The incessant tears had washed away the bridal glow off her face. Her soulful orbs that were twinkling with mischief just a couple of hours back were now tearful and puffy red as the quirky happiness was now replaced by grief and panic. She was begging him to forgive her for her stupidity and how he wished to take her in his arms and soothe her. Never in his wildest nightmares he had ever thought of seeing his Zoya in this pitiable form... begging him to not push her away... when all he ever wanted was to cherish her and fulfill every wish rolled off of her tongue. Her pain was scorching him but the dilemma in his heart was ripping him as he found himself trapped in this fix of choosing one amongst his two loved ones.
Momentarily, he turned away from her unable to see her wretched state anymore. It was disorienting him and making it difficult for him to think straight. Yes, he was angry at her... angry at her for putting herself and him in this situation in the first place. He was angry at her for being so reckless with herself and defying him when he had clearly asked her not to venture anywhere without his knowledge. They were so close to live their happiness and make their dreams of togetherness come true when the most unexpected twist of faith was threatening to take it all from them. Could he allow that? He was angry at his fate for playing this cruel game with him. He was angry at himself for even letting her out of his sight earlier in the evening knowing how she acted on impulses all the time. He was angry at Ayan for even suggesting something so preposterous. But what should he do now? Should he neglect Nikhat's state? He needed answers too... he wanted to know what exactly was so pressing that she had to sneak out of the house without letting anyone know... but he knew that would have to wait coz first he needed to sort this all-consuming mess.
"Please Mr. Khan. Woh ek Nikah nahi tha. It was an accident" she appealed to him yet again trying to draw his attention to herself. His silence was killing her magnifying her guilt and fears as she saw him turning away from her. Had she lost him? The thought made her so weak that she fell to the ground, unable to support her own weight, crying as she fervently wished for him to give her just one chance to explain.
"Kya hua tha wahan?" she heard him ask and at once looked up at him expectantly. "Boliye Ms. Farooqui! Exactly kya hua tha wahan?" he asked rather impatiently pressing his forehead with his index finger and thumb in an attempt to regain some semblance over himself and the situation. Taking her chance, Zoya fumbled and struggled to her feet but slipped and was about to fall back to the ground back again when Asad grabbed her shoulder and pulled her up, balancing her on her feet before shaking her hard as he implored through gritted teeth, "Bolo Zoya... speak up!"
The intensity in his puffed-red eyes scared her. She had never seen him so wild ever before. He wasn't this wild when he thought she was responsible for the attack on his Ammi when Dilshad was shot. She knew his eyes were reflecting the inner battle of his heart and the pain and fear that was manifesting in them were only too familiar as she felt them too. And so she shook in his hold - one out of fright and two as the fresh bout of tears rocked her. Shutting her eyes tight, she gained some control over herself as her incoherent words tried to present a coherent picture narrating the sequence of events that occurred at the Masjid, however she carefully avoided the mention of Tanveer for now lest the matter grew worse. And Asad was quick to realize how a mistake that was being blown into epic proportions. It had put their lives, their happiness and their dreams at stake... More so it had put Zoya at stake. In that split second all the moments that he had spent with Zoya flashed across his eyes. She was his life... his to be wife... his love... she was the reason he needed to live this otherwise miserable life. And then Nikhat crossed his mind. Can he just turn a blind eye towards his own sister? It wasn't like he could choose one and let the other go... but the decision had to be made. It wasn't going to be easy but life was never a smooth ride and who knew it better than him. Taking a deep breath, he distanced himself from her all aware of her expectant gaze on him. But right now he couldn't act weak... he had to make responsible choices now and stand tough to face whatever came their way. Determined, he pulled out his phone and stepped away from her as he made some quick conversation that would determine their fate in the hours to follow.
Zoya looked at him, unable to ascertain what he was about to do. She didn't know whom he was speaking to but that didn't matter. At this point of time if at all anything mattered, it was him and what he felt and thought about the whole situation they were in. She couldn't help but think of all those times when they were together... All those times when he was by her side even when he was nothing more than a host... all the times when she would argue with him for his stubborn attitude and unbending ways... and all those times when he had asked her to act more accountable. When did she fell for him, she had no clue but before she knew it, he had become everything that she had ever aspired for in her life. She didn't have any regrets or complains from her life. She didn't ever complain Allah for the absence of her parents instead always thanked him for sending her Aapi and Jeeju her way. She didn't regret not having a perfect childhood, instead was grateful for the strength that helped her to stay put even when she walked on adverse paths. In all her ways, in her decisions, she had only asked for the support and guidance from the almighty gladly accepting all that came her way. She came here in search of her identity and then unbeknown to her, Asad entered her world and became the sole reason for her existence. Running away from her own wedding, she didn't know she was gonna collide right into her fate. And at this moment, when she was facing the biggest scare of her life, the probability of losing him did she realize that nothing else except him mattered more to her. Her quest for her Abu seemed didn't seem as important now as all she wished was to adapt a new identity where he would bind her to him forever. She regretted defying him and vowed to never disregard his concerns if at all he gave her this one chance. "Please Allah Miyan... please" she prayed frantically as she gauged his expressions and waited for him to mark her destiny by announcing his judgment.
Putting his cell in his pocket, he turned to her, his heart constricting yet again looking at her withering state. He couldn't help but recall their conversation from just a day before when she had admitted that she feared that he would desert her one day for all the goof-ups she made followed by his promise to never to let go. And then there was Ayan, his little brother to whom he had never denied a thing. And this time he was begging with him to save their sister's life. He cursed his twisted fate that didn't leave a chance to bring them to such crossroads. Gulping the lump in his throat, he went near her, anger and hurt clearly visible in his eyes as he extended his hand in her direction and said, "Chaliye Ms. Farooqui!"
Panic struck her as he saw a strange determination in his eyes. Was he going to shun her now? Abandon her? Sacrifice her for Nikhat? "Please Mr. Khan mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Woh ek nikah nahi tha. It was an accident. Mujhe aapko chod ke, is ghar ko chod ke kahin nahi jaana hai Mr.Khan. Please mujhe maaf kar dijiye" she begged joining her hands in sheer desperation. "Aapko humari mohhabat par bharosa hai?" he whispered softly seeking an earnest reply from her and with a small nod she reaffirmed the faith she had put in him. And even though he hated to put her through the slightest of pains he held her hand by her wrist in a vice like grip as he began to drag her with him ignoring her protests and her pleadings. He knew his actions were hurting her - both physically as well as emotionally but he also knew if at all he let his guards down now, he would never be able to live with himself. After all he was the man of morals and deeds and if a mistake was made, he was going to face it head-on and set things right, no matter what price he would have to pay.
Her heart beat frantically as he helped her in the car-seat without so much as giving her a glance. His firm jaw-lines and vacant features refused to let her in, erecting barriers that she feared were casted between them forever. But one look at his eyes, and she knew every passing moment was chewing his insides tormenting him just like her. As he drove, he tried his best to not look at her but the fear of losing her that was etched in his eyes was only too plain for her to see. She cursed herself for becoming the reason behind the agony that was burning him. Oh how she wished that Tanveer would have been successful in her attempt to wipe her off instead of causing so much pain to the man whose love for her knew no bounds. She cried in her seat wondering what was in store for her this time round.
Asad pushed the brakes hard as he reached the gates of the house he despised the most. He had once vowed to never step into this house. He hated people of this house, including his father but that oath had to be broken today as he would have to lead her in. Had it been to him, he wouldn't have ever allowed her in this house. He hadn't forgotten how these people had blamed her and accused her of trying to hurt Humera when she had come to wish Ayaan and Humera for their engagement. He didn't trust them... and he couldn't trust them with Zoya at all. Getting out of his seat, Asad walked over to Zoya's side.
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Siddique Mansion was buzzing with the presence of committee members and Qazi Sahab as Gaffur tried to explain the situation to them. But it all fell on deaf ears as the determined Qazi Sahab reinstated that the sanctity of marriage ceremony needs to prevail and they could not disregard the marriage that had taken place in the community hall. Shireen and Rashid stood in a corner debating over the marriage as Rashid strictly opposed Ayan's proposal about getting Zoya to their house for the sake of Nikhat whereas Shireen unabashedly supported her son not once sparing a thought for Zoya as she spewed venom against Asad once again. Haseena Bi stood with Chand Bi to the other side cheering each other silently as they calculated their rewards over the drama that Haseena Bi had successfully managed to draw. Amidst all, Qazi Sahab's voice roared as he demanded to bring forth Zoya and its exactly then that Asad entered the Siddique mansion with Zoya in tow announcingtheir arrival.
Zoya hid herself behind Asad willing herself to somehow disappear from the scene. She has always been terrified of her nightmares where she found herself surrounded by fire that threatened to engulf her but the nightmare she was living now was choking in on her. Like a terrified child she shifted behind Asad wanting to shield herself from the strange eyes that were boring in on her. Every step she took forward intimidated her. She wished she could run away from here and hide herself at a place where no one will be able to reach her. With coveted eyes, she looked up at Asad once again urging with her eyes to take her away but she knew it was a vain attempt.
"Thank you Bhai jaan" Ayaan came forward and hugged Asad to convey his gratitude towards Asad. However, Asad who was still holding Zoya's hand in his refrained himself from hugging Ayaan back. Stepping away, Ayaan wiped his tears and said how he knew Asad would get Zoya here to save Nikhat's life. Ayaan promised Asad that he'll set everything right soon, but Asad's eyes shot past him to absorb the atmosphere in the house. "Nikhat kahan hai?" he asked still a little detached from the happenings. "Apne Kamre main bhaijaan. Usse hosh nahi aaya ab tak" Ayaan replied as his gaze drifted towards the staircase.
Shireen joined Ayan and looked at Asad and Zoya in expectation. Asad peered over his shoulder to peek at Zoya who stood behind her, holding his hand seeking support and protection. Asad remembered how she had once come to console him when his Ammi was shot and he was literally shaken from the incident. He remembered how she had voiced out about her faith in him even when he didn't mean much to her. With a heavy heart, Asad loosened his grip on her hand and took a step away from her, avoiding the temptation to look at her even though he could clearly feel her eyes on him.
Zoya looked on as Asad stepped away from her and then went up the stairs to see Nikhat, she supposed. The situation and people around her were boggling her and she didn't know what sense she was to make from it. She looked at Ayaan in trepidation and rage coursed through her at his audacity to even ask Asad to sacrifice his love and loan her to him for a stipulated time until Nikhat got married. How could he ask something so blatantly outrageous? Didn't he laugh with her at the absurd wedding ceremony just a couple of hours back asking her to forget it all and carry on with her life with Asad? Didn't he himself say it was an accident? How could he then even suggest something that was so inconceivable? How could he mock her feelings and beliefs? Didn't he even once think what would happen to her if she was to be separated from Asad? Wouldn't she die? Forget her... didn't he think about Asad, who he claimed to know so well... did he not think what would he go through? Asad who wouldn't even bear it when she joked about running away from him... how would he survive? Zoya's gaze shifted to Humera who was peering at Ayaan and her from behind the pillar and her heart went out to her. Who would understand what the poor girl was going through right now, if not her? She could clearly see her own reflection in the girl who was holding on to the edge of the pillar. Didn't Ayaan think once about the girl he claimed to love? Zoya's mind was full of questions. Her thoughts drifted to the countless pictures of a probable tomorrow that she and Asad had painted amidst all their sweet talks and irritating banter. Won't her dreams manifest to reality? Didn't they have a right to stay happily with each other? Why was this happening to them? As numerous thoughts rushed through her mind, Zoya shut her eyes tight in an attempt to block everything that was happening around her. She stood rooted to her place, not realizing how much time elapsed until she heard Qazi Sahab calling out for Ayan.
Panic coursed through her when she heard Qazi Sahab sternly asking Ayan if he accepted Zoya as her lawfully wedded wife or not. She willed for a miracle... anything... anything that could stop this catastrophe from hitting her. Her heart called out to Asad even though she could feel her voice failing her as her throat constricted at the thought of what was about to come. And just as she felt Ayan moving by her side and opening his mouth to give his reluctant consent, a loud and clear voice thundered across the room, "Qubool Nahi hai!" Zoya's eyes flew open and she snapped her head to look at the bearer of the voice and relief coursed through her when she saw Asad's assuring gaze fixated on her as he descended the stairs two at a time and walked towards her with a resolve.
Walking down the stairs, Asad swiftly moved towards Zoya and took her hand in his while he shifted her away from Ayan standing between the two and collective gasps went around the room. The enormity of the situation hitting him hard and he looked at everyone in the room with pure loathing as Zoya cried into his chest. "Aap jaante hai aap kya kar rahe hai janab? In dono ka nikah hua hai aur aap is tarah in dono ke beech nahi aa sakte" Maulvi Sahab said angrily. "Bhai jaan... aap... Bhai jaan... please Nikhat..." Ayaan tried to intervene desperately as standing at a distance Haseena sniggered. "Aap bohut galat kar rahe hain janab. Iska nateeja acha nahi hoga" another committee member threatened as Shireen rushed towards Ayaan, "Dekha aapne Ayaan... inhone humesha humari khushiyan cheeni hai... inhe Nikhat ki koi parwah nahi hai" she said in an instigating manner accusing Asad who just shot her a furious glance while he tried to calm Zoya whose body rocked as she wept in his arms. "Nikah jaise paak rasam ka aap yun mazak nahi bana sakte. Yeh Mohtarma ab Ayan Ahmed Khan ki Begum hain" Qazi sahab roared again and its then that Asad lost his cool.
"Nahi hai!" Asad hollered with equal fervor as that of Qazi Sahab, "Zoya, Ayan ki biwi nahi hai", he conceded again much to the exasperation of Qazi Sahab and the council present in the house. "Bhaijaan please. Main jaanta hoon ki yeh aapke liye mushkil hai lekin Nikhat ke liye hume yeh karna hoga Bhaijan" Ayan begged again but Asad put his hand forward clearly stating his stand on the matter. He wasn't going to budge now... not this time. "Humne khud in dono ka Nikah padvaya hai... aap humme jhootha thera rahe hain?" Qazi Sahab challenged and Asad gently pulled Zoya away from him and stepped in front to tackle the matter. "Ji nahi Qazi Sahab, bas jo galatfehmi hui hai, usse door kar raha hoon" he spoke in reverence but firmly. "Siddique sahib, yeh kya tamasha ho raha hai? Jo Nikah sabke saamne hua use jhutla rahe hain aap?" the revered man was clearly offended.
"Par woh Nikah Jayaz nahi hai" another voice cut through the centre of the mansion and every eye turned around to see another revered and well known Imam Sahab standing on the door step of the Siddiqui mansion. After a formal greeting, the Iman sahab questioned the council that was assembled in the mansion, "Janab aapne kaha ki aapne Zoya aur Ayaan ka Nikah padvaya, kya main aapse pooch sakta hoon ki bina Mohtarma ke Walid ki mojudgi ke aapne inka Nikah kaise padva diya?" the question came as a blow to all the people present as they exchanged thoughtful glances with each other. "In Mohtarma ke saath unka koi apna nahi tha?" Qazi Sahab asked perplexed and looked on worriedly. "Ji nahi janab.In Mohatarma ke Abbu nahi hai aur inki Aapi aur Jeeju is waqt is shehar main toh kya is desh main hi nahi hai. Aur unki gair mojudgi main, inki zimmedari inki phoophi yani Dilshaad begum ki hai aur ve apne ghar per thi. Kyunki inka apna koi inke Nikah main nahi tha toh inke Walid ki jagah inke nikah main lene ki zimmedari meri thi. Aur main wahan kahin nahi tha, inke Nikah ko manjoori dene ke liye. Haan inka Nikah aaj zarur hone wala tha magar Ayaan se nahi balki in janab se... Asad Ahmed Khan hain inke hone wale shouhar" Imam Sahab who had come here on Asad's request attested. "Lekin aisa kaise ho sakta hai. Agar inka Nikah in janab ke saath hone wala hai toh yeh wahan kya kar rahi thi?" one of the members of the council asked.
"Mere peeche kuch gunde pade the, main bas apni jaan bachane ke liye wahan anjane main aake baith gayi thi. Mujhe nahi pata tha wahan kya ho raha hai." Zoya sobbed. "Aisa kaise ho sakta hai? Toh inka naam wahan maujuda dulhano main aaya kaise?" another committee member asked. "Ye mumkin nahi hai. Yeh ek bohut badi galatfehmi hai" Asad reiterated and Qazi Sahab looked on in contemplation. Browsing through his bag, Qazi Sahab removed a few documents and asked in a stern voice, "Aap Zoya Fareedi hain na?"
Zoya and Asad exchanged surprised glances as Asad put his arm and Zoya vigorously shook her head in denial, "Nahi Qazi Sahab... Main Zoya Fareedi nahi... Zoya Farooqui hoon". Imam Sahab quickly presented Zoya's identification documents that he was carrying with her. "Janab, yeh Zoya Farooqui hai aur in dono ka Nikah aaj janab Asad Ahmed Khan ke ghar per hone wala tha".
Deep in thoughts, the committee members excused themselves as they discussed what was to be done. There was no denying now that the entire ceremony was a huge misunderstanding.
"Aapne yeh acha nahi kiya Asad. Aapki wajah se meri beti..." Shireen begin to cry and Ayaan went over to his mother to soothe her as he shot an accusatory glance towards Asad. But this time, Ayan's accusatory glance was countered by a silent fury that startled even him. Never before had he seen Asad's eyes so filled with rage at him. He was trying to save his sister and had asked Asad's help in the process... where was he wrong? Ayan wondered.
"Janab, humse bohut badi galti ho gayi... acha kiya jo sahi waqt par aakar aapne humme yeh gunah karne se rok liya, warna Khuda bhi humme kabhi maaf nahi karta" Qazi Sahab said to Imam Sahab and apologized to everyone present in the house before taking his leave with the other committee members.
Haseena sniggered in the background, "Lo yeh toh masla hi kuch aur ho gaya. Galati se hi sahi, Zoya, Ayaan ki bhabhi se Ayaan ki biwi bante bante reh gayi. Itna tamasha hone ke baad Ayaan ki behan se rishta jodna..." she trailed off while Shireen begged with her to not do this to her daughter. She then turned to Asad, "Ab mil gayi tumhe khushi. Meri beti ki zindagi barbaad kar di tumne aur is ladki ne milke. Nikhat ko tum apni behan kehte the na aur itna nahi kar sake uske liye. Ab kaise jeeyegi meri bachi? Aur yeh ladki... Arre jis ladki ki apni koi pehchaan na ho... koi parivar na ho... woh kisi ka dard kya samjhegi. Lekin yaad rakhna tum dono ek maa ki bad dua lagegi tum dono..." Shireen rattled but before she could complete her sentence, Asad cut her off, "Bas! Ek aur lafz nahi! Warna..." Ayan stepped forward by his mother's side, "Warna kya bhaijaan? Sabit kar diya na aapne ki najma aur nikhat ke beech ka farak kya hai!" Ayan accused but Asad remained immune to the allegations as he turned his attention to Haseena Bi who was enjoying the drama unfolding in front of her eyes. Walking over to her, Asad took a deep breath before he began, "Haseena Bi... Ayaan aur Zoya ka nikah nahi hua aur yeh baat yahan sabit ho chuki hai. Zoya woh ladki nahi hai jiska naam wahan liya gaya tha... yeh ek galatfehmi thi, jo ab door ho chuki hai. Nikhat ka Nikah Farhaan ke saath hota hai toh is baat se mujhe khushi hogi ki meri dono behne ek saath ek hi ghar main rahengi. Lekin agar aap Nikhat ka Nikah Farhan se nahi karvana chahti toh koi baat nahi... isme nuksaan aapka hi hai. Woh ghar jisse maine Nikhat ke Nikah main dene ka vaada kiya tha woh aaj bhi Nikhat ke hi naam par hai. Yaad hai na aapko?" Asad carefully played his cards as everyone looked in amazement seeing Haseena Bi losing her grounds.
"Par Asad Beta, is Ayaan ne itni badi galti ki. Yeh toh shukar hai Khuda ka tumne yahan aakar saari baaten saaf kar di. Warna tumhari hone wali dulhan, galti se hi sahi Ayaan ki biwi ban jaati" Haseena Bi tried to manipulate Asad by instigating him. "Haseena Bi... Nikah galti se nahi hua karte. Do zindigiyan judi hoti hai isme. Aur mere khayal se kya galat hai aur kya sahi, ek Nikah ke mukammal hone ki kaunsi sharten hoti hai, is baat ki jaankari toh hogi aapko? Aur agar is baat ki jaankari hai toh aap yeh bhi jaan gayi hogi ki isme na Ayaan ki koi galti thi na Zoya ki" Asad replied decisively and Haseena Bi knew she had no grounds left for arguments. This blackmail was not going to work, she realized, "Sahi kaha tumne beta. Acha hua sab theek ho gaya. Ab hum Nikhat aur Farhan ka Nikah jald se jald karva denge" Haseena bi conceded and nudged Chand Bi as they both turned to leave when Asad called her from behind, "Haseena Bi... Nazma aur Nikhat dono meri behne hain aur meri zimmedari bhi. Unki khushi ke liye agar main jhuk sakta hoon toh unhe jo takleef de unhe jhukana bhi mujhe aata hai" he warned her subtly and then added, "aap ghar ja rahi hain toh ammi se kahiyega ki main Zoya ko leke kuch hi der main ghar aa raha hoon. Humara Nikah aaj hi hoga", he said as he looked at Zoya who gave him a teary smile and blinked her consent.
While Haseena Bi and Chand Bi exited the Siddiqui mansion, Asad turned back to the people who stood rooted in their place in perfect silence not knowing how to react to the turn of events. Shireen pressed her lips tight and fidgeted with her hands, Ayaan looked guilty while the rest of the people in the house looked relived for one reason or the other.
"Ab kisi ko kuch kehna hai?" Asad asked as he looked at everyone surrounding him repulsively. This house, Siddique mansion, housing one of the most revered and respected family of Bhopal was ironically nothing more than a sham. It was their ego, their status for which they would do anything - moral or immoral and ironically these were the people who never failed to pass judgments on other's life. Till date, he had taken it on him to fulfill all the responsibilities of an elder brother for his half-siblings. Of course he was worried about Nikhat too but this time around, the price he was asked to pay to prove his affections for them was neither in his ability nor did he have the right to make Zoya a scapegoat in this bargain. Oh how he hated the people of this house who have never missed an opportunity to hurt him, break him and snatch everything that has ever held any importance for him. And today when he had finally found his happiness, finally when Allah was showing his compassion towards him, these same people rose once again from the dungeons to snatch away that one person from him who had become the sole centre of his universe... his Zoya! And what hurt more was that the same brother whom he cared for more like a parent than a guardian was standing in the forefront of this destructive brigade. "Asad beta, tumne aaj sach much bohut acha kaam kiya hai" Rashid praised him but Asad steered away from him, "And I wish yeh aapne kiya hota" he remarked.
When no one spoke anything further, Asad moved towards Ayaan and asked, "No more accusations Ayaan?" his voice was cold and his posture distant. "Bhaijaan... main... Bhaijaan, woh Nikhat ke liye... I didn't know what to do Bhaijaan... Nikhat ki halat dekh ke main dar gaya tha " Ayaan justified himself but Asad cut him off, "Aur isliye tum mujhse Zoya ko maangne aa gaye?" his tone turned acidic and Ayaan snapped his head to look him in the eye, "Bhaijaan... main..." Ayaan tried to continue but Asad snapped at him, "Kya main Ayaan? Did you even once realize the implications and meaning behind your words?" Asad's voice rose and Shireen stepped in to bail her son out, "Asad... Ayaan sirf Nikhat ki bhalai ke bare main soch rahe the. Kya ek bhai ka apni behan ke bare main sochna galat hai?" she countered and Asad narrowed his eyes at her, "Aur Zoya? Uska kya? Maaf kijiye ga main aapse behas nahi karna chahta lekin ek sawaal ka jawab zaroor chahunga, ki agar Zoya ki jagah Nikhat ya Nuzat hote aur koi aur yeh qurbani aapse maangta toh kya aap de deti?" Asad hit the chord and at once Shireen snapped at him in offence, "Asad! Nikhat aur Nuzat humari betiyan hai... Rashid dekha aapne kya keh raha hai Asad... kuch nahi bolenge aap?" she turned towards Rashid only to turn back towards Asad as he countered back, "Aur Zoya, kya woh kisi ki beti nahi? Uski apni koi marzi nahi? Just because she's not related to you... you thought she'll be a convenient bait? Isn't it? (tunring back to Ayaan) How could you Ayaan? How did you even dare pitch for Zoya?" he roared. Ashamed at himself, Ayaan dared not looked at Asad as he tried to apologize. "Don't!" Asad bellowed, "Sage aur sautele ka farak dikhakar mujhe kamzor banana tumhe achi tarah se aata hai na Ayaan... lekin aaj tumne kya kiya? Tumhe achi tarah se pata hai ki Ms. Farooqui mere liye kya hain... you know I can't live without her and yet you barged into my room today demanding me to handover Zoya to you. Zoya isn't a lifeless mural kept somewhere in the corner Ayaan that you could just ask for her... she isn't a thing that I could loan it to you or sacrifice to save another life! Aur meri chodo, Zoya tumhari bhi toh dost hai... kaise tum usse itni badi chot dene aa gaye? Did you not think about her pride and her self-respect? Us par kya beetegi?... usse kaisa lagega?... woh kaise jeeyegi?... yeh baaten sochi tumne?" Asad was beyond himself.
"Afsos hota hai mujhe ki maine tumhe apna maana Ayaan. Kyunki tumne apne Bhaijaan ko samajhne ki kabhi koshish hi nahi ki. When you make a mistake, it is supposed to be rectified and not commit a full-fledged crime to cover it up. Maanta hoon ki galti Zoya se bhi hui... ke nikah ke waqt ghar se bahar nikal kar usne galat kiya lekin tumne yeh kaise soch liya ki uski ek galti ki main usse itni badi saza bhugatne dunga? Shaadi koi mazak nahi hoti Ayaan. A relationship cannot be traded... it's a commitment to keep not a temporary arrangement that can be adhered to or broken as per one's convenient. And as much I love Nikhat and have been concerned about her, it was preposterous to even think that I would do this to Zoya! Aur Humera ka kya? Uske baare main socha tha tumne?Aaj tumne sabit kar diya Ayaan ki after all tum ho toh issi ghar ke bete!" Asad turned away from Ayaan not being able to hold on to himself anymore. Ayaan was his baby brother after all but this time he was really offended and let down.
Ayaan cried as he realized his folly and silently took all the allegations. He knew what Asad meant and he knew what he said was true. He should have trusted his brother a little more. As usual acting on his impulses, he had suggested something that was no less than a sin. How could he do that? And even after all that... even after they have all accused Asad, he had after all set things right for Nikhat too. He cursed his irresponsible actions and lurched forward to seek forgiveness from Asad. "Bhaijaan... please... main Nikhat ki halat dekh ke dar gaya tha Bhaijaan... I didn't know what to do. (turning to Zoya) please Zoya, I'm sorry, I didn't realize what I was going to do. Jab Haseena Bi ne Nikhat ka rishta toda and Nikhat ne apni jaan lene ki koshish ki toh mujhe laga tumhe yahan laane se shayad sab theek ho jayega" Ayaan cried but another voice broke his tirade, "Aur agar aisa ho jaata toh aapko kya lagta hai Bhaijaan, kya main khud ko kabhi maaf kar paati?" Nikhat was coming down the stairs with Nuzhat's help. "Nikhat bete... aap kyun aaye yahan?" Shireen asked closing the distance between them in quick stride. "Mujhe maaf kar dijiye Ami... I didn't know my one decision would affect so many lives." Nikhat moved towards Asad who quickly made upto her and held her firmly, preventing her fall, "Thank you Bhaijaan... I wouldn't have realized my mistake if you weren't here. And sorry... mujhe nahi pata tha ki meri wajah se aapko aur Zoya Baaji ko itna kuch sun na aur sehna padega" Nikhat cried in Asad's arm as he tried to pacify her, "Don't be sorry Nikhat... ab sab theek hai. Aur yaad rakhna tumhare yeh bhaijaan humesha tumhare saath hain" Asad assured her and helped her to settle on the couch in the room.
Turning one last time towards Shireen, he added, "Bad dua dena bohut asaan hota hai magar yeh bhi yaad rakhna chahiye ki hum kuch aisa na kare ki kisi aur ki bad duaon ka hisaa ban jaye" he said gesturing towards Zoya who sobbed wordlessly standing in one forlorn corner of the room. Walking over to her he grabbed her hand and restated his promise, "Maine aapse kaha tha na Ms. Farooqui ki main aapko kabhi akela nahi hone dunga" said that he gently tugged on her hand leading her out of the Siddiqui mansion. Ayaan ran behind them, "Bhaijaan please ek mauka... yakeen maniye dobara aisi koi galti nahi hogi" he almost begged. Asad's heart went out for his brother but at this moment he himself was too hurt to let go. He sighed as he placed a hand on Ayaan's shoulder and replied, "May be one day I'll be able to look past this mistake of yours and forgive you, Ayaan. Lekin aaj nahi. Not just yet! I need sometime" said that he walked past Ayaan and drove away from there without a backward glance.
Zoya, looked at the man who sat beside her in awe as he drove them home. Yes, she felt terrible for putting herself and him in this awful spot in the first place but then today her love for him had grown manifold. Her trust in him and their love was reinstated and she respected him a lot more after all that she had witnessed today. As they reached home and he was about to step out of the car, she held his hand, "I'm so sorry Mr. Khan for everything. And thank you for all that you did today" she said earnestly. Asad leaned towards her and wiped the tear that had just escaped from the corner of her eyes and in a comforting manner placed his own hand over hers, "Ms. Farooqui, aapko thanks kehne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Sach yehi hai ki jitni zaroorat aapko meri hai utni hi zaroorat mujhe aapki hai. Maine wohi kiya jo mujhe karna chahiye tha but that doesn't mean you are off the hook. You still have a lot of explanation to do. Lekin usse pehle humme andar chalna chahiye, sab humara intezaar kar rahe honge. Aur isse pehle ki aap phir se koi bewakoofi kare, behtar hoga ki humara nikah ho jaye. Is baar main aapko bhaagne ka koi mauka nahi dena chahta" he said to lighten the atmosphere around them and was instantly rewarded by a faint smile that begin to form on her lips after what seemed like ages. Zoya hugged Asad and he embraced her back thanking Allah for helping them out once again through this test of fate.
Asad held Zoya's hand firmly and together they walked in to embrace the life they deserved and yearned for. When finally the Qazi Sahab seeked their approval to bind them in holy matrimony forever, there was no doubt, no misunderstandings as each accepted the other whole-heartedly, eagerly looking forward to the life of togetherness as they gave their consent saying, "Qubool Hai!"
The End
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