SS: Mausam (AsYa) Part 2A(pg6) Up

********************************************************

Zoya opened her iPad and checked the time. She still had thirty minutes before he would call. She decided that there was plenty of time to pay a few bills before the call came. She silently crept back into the house being careful not to make too much noise as she sat down in the living room. Her Aapi and Jiju were sleeping in the downstairs guest room, the room that once belonged to her.

Zoya opened the laptop sitting on the coffee table and started to check the household budget. She recalled how Asad and her had spent an entire Saturday afternoon arguing over the spreadsheet. Asad was adamant that they create a budget now that they were married. She had to learn the finances and how to run the family household. Needless to say she was irritated that he thought she had never balanced a check book in her life. She argued with him that just because she did not organize things the way he liked them that she was going to somehow misappropriate funds. Dilshaad eventually intervened stating that creating a budget would help everyone especially since Najma was going to continue her schooling to get her graduate degree and they needed to start saving for her grandchildren. The very mention of grandchildren left Asad and her speechless. Dilshaad as usual gave a sly smile and kissed her and Asad's foreheads blessing them both before running out to complete some errands. Once alone Asad mumbled nervously that he needed to call the office and went to their room. She sat in front of the laptop and decided to create a spreadsheet to track the household budget. The budget she made had impressed Asad immensely. There were categories and links you could click on that would take you to other pages within the spreadsheet. It was so dynamic that it worked like some professional software program. In the end Asad apologized for being so harsh with her and she agreed that having a budget wouldn't be such a bad idea. She was no longer dealing with her own personal finances but the entire family's finances.

After the bills were paid Zoya checked the clock and then quickly opened her iPad waiting for the FaceTime call. She shut down the laptop and walked back out to the backyard to enjoy the night breeze while she chatted with her husband. When five minutes passed she started to fidget and began cleaning up the coffee table putting the photo albums away. She checked the clock again and sighed. He was now officially twenty minutes late. "Where is he?" she fumed silently to herself. Eventually, she retired to their bedroom and changed into her pajamas and got ready for bed.

As she exited the bathroom wiping her face with a towel her iPad started ringing. She rushed towards the bed and answered the call. Asad appeared before her and bowed his head in apology. "Sorry Zoya."

She opened her mouth to complain but when she saw the fatigued look on his face she stopped. He was still wearing his suit and tie. "Why are you still wearing your suit? Did you have a dinner meeting Asad?" she asked in concern. "Why didn't you tell me? We didn't have to talk tonight. It's midnight there isn't it?"

"A little after," Asad said rubbing his forehead. "Don't worry about me. And I still wanted to talk to you. You know how much I enjoy our talks at night. I miss you," giving a faint smile. Zoya felt her cheeks grow warm and wondered how he could still make her heart giddy after all these years. Asad's grin widen at her sudden shyness. How he wished he could reach across and caress her cheek. "How is everyone? You guys have a good dinner? Ammi wanted to try that new chicken recipe...was it a success? Did everyone enjoy it?"

"Yes, everyone enjoyed it. It was sooo good. We'll cook it again when you come home."

"I really wish I could be there," Asad sighed. "Atif must be very excited. I know when I spoke to him earlier today he was ecstatic. Was he able to sleep?"

"He knows you really wanted to be here. This deal is very important to the firm and it was something unexpected. He understands. There are other birthdays, Asad." She gave an encouraging look to him trying to make him think on the positive side. "And he's tucked back up in bed. He came down earlier for a few minutes before Najma took him back up."

"Really?" he chuckled with amusement. "He gets excited like you do."

"He is my son after all," smiling proudly. Asad stared into his wife's eyes and thoughtfully grinned.

Their eyelock moment was interrupted when the bedroom door opened and two small feet ran towards the bed. "Ammi!" yelled a little four year old girl. She was wearing a pink Superman shirt and long pink pajama pants.

"Zaara, what's wrong?" Zoya answered with concern as she picked up her daughter and placed her on the bed.

"There's a monster in my closet," she answered with full force. Her eyes displayed an intense emotion as she tried her hardest to convince her mother of this fact. Her eyebrows knitted when she spotted the iPad but then quickly relaxed, "Abbu! Why aren't you here? The monster is in my closet again. When can you come back and take care of it?" she demanded.

"Abbu is in Hong Kong. He won't be coming back tonight," Zoya sweetly explained.

"Kyon?"

"I'm here because I have a very big and important meeting with Mr. Chen," Asad replied.

"Why can't Mr. Chen come here?" Zaara pouted.

"Because he lives here in Hong Kong."

"But Abbu you had to leave home to go see Mr. Chen. You left me, Ammi, and Bhaijaan," Zaara pointed out.

Asad softly chuckled that his four year old daughter had stumped him. He knew no matter what reasons he gave she would find a befitting reply. She was very much like her mother at times. "Next time I'll tell Mr. Chen he has to come to India." Zaara beamed a bright dimply smile making Asad's heart melt at the sight.

"Okay," she replied happily, satisfied that she had gotten her way. "But when will you come home?"

"Ah yes, there is the matter regarding the monster in your closet. Do you remember what I told you?"

"Uh-huh," little Zaara nodded. "I told him to go away but he came back," giving an angry scowl. She turned towards her mother and innocently asked, "Ammi can I sleep here tonight?"

"Sure of course," Zoya agreed with a warm smile. She caught the look her husband was giving her and reassured him with a simple nod. "But on one condition." Zaara raised her big brown eyes with anticipation of what her mother had to say. "Tomorrow we are going to get rid of this monster once and for all." Ever since Zaara had overheard her brother and his friends telling ghost stories she had trouble sleeping at night. Asad and Zoya had been going on monster hunting expeditions for two weeks; checking underneath the bed and the closet. They would sit at Zaara's bedside waiting for her to fell asleep before leaving the room. If she woke up in the middle of the night she would sneak into their bedroom and wedge herself between them on the bed. This usually resulted in Asad waking up at some odd hour with a tiny hand slapped across his face.

"Okay Ammi," she nodded and then yawned. "I'm sleepy." Asad looked at his daughter expectantly, reminding Zaara what she needed to do. "Good night Abbu!" she said as she hugged the iPad as if she was hugging him for real. She then gave a flying kiss, "Love you."

"Love you too beta," Asad beamed giving her a flying kiss back.

Zaara snuggled underneath the covers and then suddenly instructed, "Ammi, don't forget to give Abbu a kiss." Zoya immediately blushed at her daughter's words while a sly smile spread across Asad's lips. "You love Abbu, nah?"

"Of course I do," shifting her eyes towards Asad's direction, "I love your Abbu very much."

Asad beamed a huge grin at her words. Zoya brought two fingers up to her lips pressing lightly before placing them on the screen where her husband's lips were. Asad pursed his lips puckering them slightly giving a kiss in return. "Good night. Sweet dreams," giving a wink, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Good night," Zoya replied and then turned the iPad off. She then got comfortable underneath the covers. Zaara curled towards her making Zoya smile. She kissed the top of her head and then gently patted her back until they both fell asleep.

********************************************************

It was noon and Atif's birthday party was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying themselves in the backyard. They had rented a bouncing castle and slide for the children; and needless to say it was a super hit. They also had three other activity stations set up to entertain those who could not get into the bouncing castle. Laughter echoed through the air and smiles where permanently etched on all the guests' faces. All the worries and responsibilities of the world were forgotten by the adults as merriment and joy filled their hearts watching an eight year old boy celebrate his birthday.

"We need more Pepsi!" a voice shouted from the backyard. "Okay," Zoya yelled from the kitchen as she took a large bottle from the fridge.

"Oh, we need more plates..."

Zoya placed the Pepsi bottle on the counter and swiftly turned around to grab some more plates.

"And napkins...I forgot about the napkins."

Zoya sighed and made a face. She started searching through the various bags around the kitchen wondering where the napkins had disappeared to. She was getting flustered that they were not where she had left them.

"We are running low on kebabs..."

Zoya spun around as she heard footsteps and glared at the person walking in from the patio. "Bhabhi," Ayaan meekly said as he held his hands up trying to defend himself, "What did I do?" looking confusedly at her.

"Tell that wife of yours to stop shouting like I'm her servant and come into the kitchen and take these things herself."

"She's your sister first," Ayaan smartly answered.

"Is there any more ice?" came another shout from the backyard. "What's taking so long? People are waiting."

Zoya pressed her lips firmly together and gestured with her hands towards the patio door expressing her point of annoyance. "Raaabert!"

"Monaaa!" Ayaan shouted back. He gave a smirk then realized that wasn't the smartest expression to make. He saw Zoya reach for the knife block and heard her muttering, "Kebabs..." He wasn't sure what she was going to do with the knife. Her head turned and he saw her death glare. Ayaan quickly grabbed the plates, napkins, and Pepsi bottle and disappeared back into the back yard. He had seen that look one too many times from his own wife to know the consequences. "I wish Bhaijaan were here...he'd handle his wife," then shaking his head in second thought, "No, he'd be made into minced meat too."

Zoya furrowed her brow at Ayaan's hasty exit and then returned her attention to getting the kebabs out of the oven. She placed the knife on the counter and put an oven mitt on to pull out the warm tray of food. She heard footsteps again and turned angrily, "Allah Miya, what is wrong with you Humeira? I can only do one thing at a time!" Her mouth fell open as her eyes widen in surprise. The person on the receiving end of her words was staring at her in complete awe. Zoya shifted her eyes to her right hand which was holding onto the kitchen knife again in a threatening manner.

"What did I do now to deserve this Mrs. Khan?"

"Asad..." Zoya's eyes became teary as she started to run towards her husband.

"The knife Zoya," he commanded in worry. She bit her lip in embarrassment and dropped it on the dining room table before crashing into his warm embrace. Asad grinned widely as his lung filled with the scent of his Zoya. "You smell like kebabs." He pulled away to see the pout on her face making him chuckle.

"They were running low outside...and I had to get some more..."

"Humeira told you?" Asad inquired.

Zoya's eyebrows furrowed. "She's been asking for this and that all day... where are the plates...we need more napkins...we need more ice...we need more kebabs. She can come inside and help me too. I'm the mother of the child that is having his birthday and I've been stuck in the kitchen for most of the day. I want to see what is going on out there. Don't I have a right?"

"Of course you do," Asad replied. "So, you want to go out and play?"

"Asad!" Zoya fumed.

He just playfully smiled. "I'll help you take whatever it is that they need. And then we will both go out and play."

"Thank you." Zoya started to turn around when she suddenly stopped and hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. "Allah Miya, what is wrong with me?" Asad's forehead crinkled at her outburst wondering what was wrong now. "Here I am complaining and I didn't even ask you what you are doing here. How did you come? Didn't you have a meeting this morning?"

"No, we didn't have to have it. Last night's dinner meeting took care of everything. Mr. Chen told me to come home and attend Atif's birthday party. We can finish the rest of the formalities on Monday through a video call. So I took a morning flight out as a surprise. I'm glad I made it in time for the party," Asad answered.

Zoya grinned, "Atif is going to be so happy seeing you," pushing him towards their bedroom, "You must be tired. Go and freshen up. I'll take care of all of this."

"You need help," Asad replied.

"Go freshen up first. Go...quick before someone comes in and sees and ruins the surprise," Zoya said. "I still have to cut the kebabs into smaller pieces. While I do that you go and clean up and then come back here and help me take the ice out."

"Okay Mrs. Khan," Asad nodded. He slipped his arm around her waist before she could leave him again and pulled her in close so he could give her a quick but tender kiss. He watched as Zoya's face beamed. "Oh, don't forget your suitcase over there," directing her eyes towards the doorway." Asad nodded and reluctantly let her go so he could fetch his suitcase.

********************************************************

Never in his life did he think that he would feel this much joy. He glanced around him seeing the faces of his family members. His mother, a woman who had cried many nights alone was now brimming over with smiles and tears of happiness. Nuzrat and her husband Aamir were busy chasing the children, rounding them up and shooing them towards the table where the birthday cake was waiting to be cut. The shrieks of laughter that echoed through the air brought a smile across his lips. His eyes spied Nikhat carrying the newest member of the family, Nabila, a beautiful baby girl only four months old. Proud father Kabir followed behind doting on both of them. Ayaan was in the corner clasping his hands in front of him in pleading agony as he received another lecture from Humeira. Asad shook his head; his little brother would never learn to stop while he was still ahead. Najma had the iPad out filming everything for her husband Irfan, who had been called away at the last minute for an emergency at the hospital. Zeenat and Anwar were helping Badi Bi move from the lounge chair to the patio table. Badi Bi's health was never quite the same after "the incident". Asad clenched his fist at the memory of that Eid when he and Zoya found her tucked away in a corner of the convention center; sitting alone in a wheelchair hidden underneath a burka. Her body visibly frail from the torture she had received. A tiny tug on his slacks brought him back to the present. He looked down and was greeted by his angel. Dark tresses, expressive eyes, and a dimply smile just like her mother. One of the most precious gifts Zoya had ever given him. "Abbu!" She commanded with authority as she lifted her arms up. He chuckled and picked her up into his arms and nuzzled her cheek igniting a fit of laughter from her tiny frame. "Did you miss me?" he inquired.

"Bahuta..." she replied expressively with her arms out wide measuring how much she had missed him. "Abbu, did you miss me?"

"Of course I did. I missed my little angel," Asad replied. "You know what I missed the most?"

"What?"

"Your hugs..." pausing with a smile as he received a tight hug, "and your kisses..." Zaara puckered her tiny mouth and gave a sloppy kiss to his cheek causing him to break out into a low chuckle. He glanced to his left and caught the eyes of Rashid. Father gave a gentle nod while son acknowledge the gesture in silent understanding. Asad mused how much his relationship with his father had changed over the last few years. They still didn't have the typical father-son relationship but they were closer now. The revelations of the past still needed time to heal for him. He was the slowest of the bunch. His mother, of course forgave Rashid instantaneously and it didn't take Najma long either to forge a new relationship with him. What struck Asad the most was how Zoya so effortlessly forgave and was ready to start afresh when she had suffered the most in the end. It was one of the many things that simply amazed him about her. Her ability to forgive and see the positivity in every situation was admirable. She was a strong woman and he felt proud that she was his wife.

"Abbu..." Asad turned to his left and saw the beaming face of his son, Atif. The other precious gift Zoya had given him.

"Bhaijaan is ready to cut his cake," Zaara informed.

Asad nodded and swiftly strode over to Atif. Zoya stood behind their son and clapped merrily as friends and family sang a rowdy rendition of Happy Birthday. Atif closed his eyes and made a wish before blowing out his chocolate cake. Zoya then took his hands into hers and assisted him in cutting slices. Everyone then took turns feeding each other.

Asad bent down and opened his mouth as Atif stuffed a tiny piece of cake in. "Abbu, thank you for coming back early."

"I'm glad I could make it back in time. Happy Birthday Atif," feeding his son the other half of a slice.

"Happy Birthday Bhaijaan!" Zaara yelled making Atif cringe at the decibel level of her words. But he managed to flash her a wide dimply smile in reply as she hugged him, "Thank you Zaara."

Asad shifted to his right as he sensed the presence of his wife. His forehead crinkled when he saw her chuckling at him. He arched his eyebrow in question, while Zoya answered by pointing to the right of her mouth indicating he had some icing on that side. Asad tried to wipe it away but it only spread more. She stepped closer and their eyes locked. Her hand lifted poised to wipe the corner of his mouth when they heard little Zaara's voice, "Ammi, can I have a napkin?"

Her hands were caked with icing from feeding her cousin Farah, who had run off to find her father Ayaan to spread icing on him for fun. Zaara grimaced at her hands and looked pleadingly at her mother. Zoya glanced from her husband to her daughter shaking her head along the way in gentle mirth. They were so much alike. "Here you go sweetie."

Zaara worked diligently with her mother to clean her sticky fingers. After a few minutes, "Ask your Abbu to take you inside and wash your hands," Zoya commanded as she stood up and wiped Asad's face with a clean napkin.

"Abbu..."

"Haan, Zaara let's go wash our hands," Asad continued for her and picked her up walking back towards the house.

********************************************************

As the party came to a close the guest were bidding their farewells and the remaining family members went to help Zoya clean the kitchen and tidy up the Khan household again. It didn't take long for everything to be back in order and to a particular liking of a certain Mr. Khan.

"Nikhat, thank you so much but you should really go home and rest. You must be exhausted."

"It's fine Bhabhi. Nabila is taking her nap. We haven't had much time to go anywhere since her birth. Fatima has missed spending time with her cousins and Kabir and I have missed interacting with adults. At least a few more minutes?"

"Okay, but only if you take a seat," pointing to the sofa, "Kabir, make sure she sits there and doesn't get up."

"Aye aye captain," Kabir said saluting to his sister-in-law's words and then scooted his wife towards the living room.

Dilshaad laughed along with everyone else and then noticed Najma out of the corner of her eye standing a few feet back with a bittersweet smile. She quietly strode over and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulder. "I'm okay Ammi," she said trying to swallow back the tears. She turned and quickly wiped her eyes. "Zoya Bhabhi, let me help you dry the serving spoons." Najma hurriedly moved away leaving Dilshaad with a sad expression.

Asad watched his son and his two best friends Farhan and Rahim playing video games in the living room. The proud smile on Asad's face was hard to ignore. Ayaan would have joined the boys but he had gotten roped into playing tea time with his daughter Farah and his nieces Zaara and Fatima. Eventually Ayaan promised (bribed) that he would take them out for ice cream and let them eat the super ice cream parfait that their more reasonable parents had always opposed. The foursome was soon sitting in the living room cheering as the cricket video game battle played out.

After an hour the game ended with team Atif and Rahim winning a close game with team Asad and Farhan. "I think it's time to go home," Kabir announced much to Fatima's disappointment.

"Nabila needs another feeding," Nikhat agreed as she patted the littlest cousin who was starting to get fussy. "We only took enough formula for one feeding."

"Awww, Ammi Abbu do we have to go?" Fatima pleaded.

"Why don't you let Fatima stay tonight? Atif is already having a sleepover with Rahim and Farhan." Zoya smiled seeing the way her niece's face lit up. Rahim had a perplexed look wondering why Fatima was suddenly staring at him. He turned around and dragged Atif and Farhan with him to go play in the backyard. "And Zaara will have a playmate for the night."

"Ammi can I stay too!" Farah begged now that she knew there was a possibility that her other cousin would be staying the night. "Abbu?"

Humeira gave a questioning look at her sister. "Won't this be too much for you? Jiju just came home. He must be tired."

"I'll be here to help," Dilshaad interjected.

"And you have us as well," Zeenat and Anwar added.

With reassurances from Asad and Zoya that it was fine with them, Nikhat and Kabir allowed Fatima to stay for the night. Humeira and Ayaan did the same as well much to Farah's joy. The three girl cousins then ran upstairs to play doll house.

********************************************************

Asad was walking through the kitchen on his way to pick up an apple from the fruit basket when he heard a cell phone ring. He realized it was Najma's and quickly attended the call. "Irfan, I'll go get Najma for you."

"Bhaijaan? You're back?"

"Yes. I took a morning flight and got here a little after 1:00pm."

"That's great. You were able to attend Atif's birthday party. I'm sorry I wasn't able to stay there longer," Irfan replied.

"I heard that there was an emergency."

"It was a ten car pileup...there was a family of six...the children survived...the father died upon impact and the mother is intensive care...the next few hours will determine if she will live or not. It's quiet sad. We've been trying to contact the immediate family members but so far no luck," Irfan sighed.

Asad's heart tightened at the news. "That is very sad to hear."

"I was calling to inform Najma that I will have to stay late. I wanted her to stay at your house tonight. My parents are still out of town. I don't want her to stay at the house alone."

Asad understood the underlying concern in his brother-in-law's voice. "She'll stay here tonight."

"Thank you Bhaijaan. Oh, they just paged me. I have to go. Khuda Hafiz."

"Khuda Hafiz," Asad replied and hung up the phone. He glanced over where the trash bin was and noticed two filled trash bags sitting next to it. He picked them up and walked out the door to put them in the larger garbage bin outside. As he tuned to head back into the house he spotted his mother talking to his father on the far end of the driveway. It was quiet evident from their body language that it was a very intimate conversation they were having. His eyes narrowed when he saw Rashid hold both of Dilshaad's hands into his. They stood there for sometime as if lost in each other eyes before Rashid turned and got into his car to leave. Dilshaad stood still and watched until his black car turned the corner out of sight. Asad quickly turned around when he sensed his mother turning back towards the house and entered through the front door filled with various emotions inside.

********************************************************

Thanks for reading 😃

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think 😳