AsYa FF ~ Mere Jazbaat ~ T#2 ~ NOTE PG. 123 - Page 23

Originally posted by: mochhug

NOTE

I'm really sorry guys! I know I promised an update last weekend, and then a couple days ago. But what to do! I got back home and then school started again! But I've already written more than half of it and will post it ASAP!

Hang in there guys! Believe me it'll be worth the wait! But baadmein update ke liye mera dimaag mat khana

🤣

Love you all!

🤗

tarikh pe tarikh...wait sorry --note pe note milti ja rahi hai judge sahab. koi update nahi...😡

😉😆

its better if i dnt ask for an update and a note ...🤣

HEY GUYS!!!

Okay. *ducks an egg*

Guys! *dodges a couple tomatoes*

*waves white flag*

Peace! Peace! I surrender! Look there's an update below! 😃

😆

Okay I'm sorry. Just a couple things before we get down and dirty 😉

SO this update is especially dedicated to two people.

#1: nisha150: My most dedicated PM'er and spammer for this FF. I still can't believe how much you love this FF. I'm truly touched hun!

🤗

#2: -Jazzy-: This FF's biggest, and oldest fan. Seriously your monster PM's and comments bring me such joy and make me blush Tamatar red. And since I was a lazy ass (much like yourself 😆) and took so long to wish you for your birthday, consider this your belated 20th Birthday present

🤗

OK! Now that we have that out of the way! On to the update! Bear with me guys! The date is in the next update! I promise 😉

Enjoy! 😃

Chapter 24: "Bewilderment increases in the presence of mirrors"

Zoya paced endlessly in her room. She'd been staring at that dress for an hour and was now on to coming up with an excuse not to wear it. In fact, she was trying to convince herself that it was all in her imagination. Mr. Khan would never give her something like this. He couldn't.

Could he?

Tired of pacing, Zoya plopped herself back on the bed. She looked at the dress one more time. She sighed, and smiled a little. She had to admit. It was a gorgeous dress. In fact, it was exactly the kind of dress she always dreamed of wearing someday. How in the world did Akdu Ahmed Khan know her taste so well? She blushed. The thought of him buying her a beautiful dress, made her feel special. She didn't quite know why, but it felt, nice.

Shrugging her shoulders, she decided to worry about this later. After all, she had to go to the embassy to get her visa stamped onto her passport. She jumped off the bed, and went to shower and freshen up. She took a peek at the time as she brushed her hair and gasped.

"Allah miya! It's already noon! Ugh! I have to go!" she screeched. Hurriedly putting on her jewelry, she grabbed her bag, the envelope from last night and her passport. She took one last look in the mirror and rushed out the door. She quickly made her way down the stairs, but the sight before her caused her to lose her balance and fall forward.

* * * * * * *

Asad had just come back from a run. He had been up for hours. He already been too amped up to sleep properly. He'd finally decided to tell Zoya how he felt, and that thought alone was causing his nerves to get the best of him. Exercise always did the trick. Everything had to be perfect tonight, and with his little helpers' advice, he was sure it would be.

He got up from the living room sofa, putting down his steaming cup of bitter coffee on the coffee table, and walked towards the kitchen, his face buried the Wall Street Journal. He took a few steps, as he turned the page, when he suddenly felt the paper pressed against his lips, and something behind it, pressing his lips with more force.

He noticed a pair of flailing hands on each side of the paper, and realized that someone was falling onto him. He frantically grabbed the person's hands, and held them in one of his, while his other hand tried to get the newspaper off his face to see who it was.

As soon as the paper was out of sight, Asad froze. It was none other, than the woman plaguing his every thoughts. Zoya. Seeing her eyes widen, realization dawned on him as well. The paper, on my lips, and the pressure on the other side, that was... Zoya!?

* * * * * * *

Zoya noticed a sweaty Asad Ahmed Khan dressed in sweats, and a fitted wife beater, walking towards the kitchen, looking like Hercules. She gulped. Her gaze followed his every move. She was grateful that he was too engrossed in whatever article he was reading in the Journal, to notice her ogling him unabashedly. She could picture him doing bench presses with her, and still not being affected by her weight. Zoya blushed.

Lost in a world of sexy workouts and muscles, she absentmindedly took a step down the stairs. But her foot landed in mid-air, causing her entire body to pivot forward, and land directly into Asad's path.

When she'd recovered, and gotten in a standing position, with Asad's help of course, she realized what had just happened.

Zoya had inadvertently just kissed Mr. Khan. The paper was between their lips. But still. Her lips, had landed on his lips. Of all places. She mentally smacked herself, and marveling at her luck, mentally cursed herself for getting so lost in his physique.

Realizing the implications of what had just happened, Zoya looked down, her eyes darting left and right, as she fidgeted with her purse. She muttered something incoherent, hoping against hope, that he wouldn't put two and two together. She took a peek at him through her lashes, and found herself melting into a pile a goo, yet again.

Asad couldn't help but smirk at her. Clearly something had distracted her. And clearly, she was embarrassed by this. But he couldn't help think of one thing. They kissed. Sure there was a paper between them, so some would say it doesn't count. But others, others would argue it was a kiss. He couldn't stop smiling, and his smile grew more and more smug when he noticed a blush creeping up Zoya's cheeks. But as he looked down to hide his smile, he noticed the same envelope she'd been clutching last night, was now lying on the floor.

Zoya followed his gaze down to where he was looking and gasped. The letter! She quickly bent down to grab it, but felt a thud against her head.

"Ow!" they yelled in unison. Asad and Zoya looked at each other sheepishly, and shyly butted heads again. Asad smiled inwardly at how they didn't even need words to know what the other was thinking. But when Zoya bent down again to grab the letter, he became more curious. What's so special about that letter, that she doesn't want anyone to read it?

Zoya noticed him scrutinizing her, and panicked.

"Woh, actually Mr. Khan meri sehli ki chithi hai. Woh London mein rethi hai. Toh hum dono ek dusre ko chithian likh the hain. Mein usse jawab dene wali hoon, toh meine uski chithi uthali. So I know what to write back," a flustered Zoya let out in breath.

Asad looked at her curiously, an eyebrow raised. She never mentioned this friend back in Bhopal. He pondered this thought, but decided he'd ask her later. He had more important things to worry about. Bigger things to worry about.

"Ms. Farooqui, aap, kahan jaa rahi hain, itni jaldi mein? Sirf letter likhne?" he asked inquisitively. He noticed Zoya's eyes widen a little, but quickly compose herself.

"N-nahin Mr. Khan, mujhe kuch logon se milna hain. You know, I've been gone so long. I have a lot of friends you know. Mein aapki tarah hoon. Jiske paas sirf ek dost hai," she teased him smugly. Phew! Good job, Zoya! She thought to herself, mentally giving herself a pat on the back.

"What nonsense! Aapko kaisa pata meri khali ek friend hai?" Asad retorted, rubbing his temples. Can she never put the bat down?

Zoya chuckled. "Mr. Khan, aap bhul rahe hain ki main aapke saath kai meino tak thi. Aapke ghar mein, aapki Tannu ke alawa mujhe to koi nahin dikha. Kyun? Aapke dusre friends hain kya? Agar hoonge bhi to aap hi ki tara boring honge." she asked mischievously, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. She turned her head, looking slightly away from him, challenging him. Oh how she loved pressing his buttons.

Boring? Really?, thought Asad. He looked at her, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Before she knew what was happening, Zoya's arm was yanked in his direction, and she ended up with her back to him, the same arm wound behind her, her wrist in his firm yet gentle grip. Zoya gulped again, feeling his warm breathe fanning her neck, his chest pressed up against her back.

"Acha?" he whispered huskily into her ear. Asad raked his free hand through her silky tresses, pushing them to the opposite side of her neck. Zoya's breath hitched, his lips just centimeters from her ear, from her neck.

"Mein aapko boring lagta hoon? Hm. Aaj raat ko pata chalega, ki mein kitna boring hoon," he whispered again, while burying his nose in her hair, intoxicating himself with her strawberry scent. He smirked inwardly, feeling her go rigid against him, her heart pounding.

Zoya's eyes fluttered closed, as she melted into his rock hard body. Her knees were giving out on her, and her heart beat wildly. The musky scent of sweat and his own unique smell made her eyes roll back into their sockets. She had completely forgotten about that night, and as images of the dress he gave her flashed before her, she felt herself blush.

Seeing the blush creep up her cheeks, Asad smiled. He gently let her go, taking one more whiff of her scent, and took a step back. A little disoriented with his sudden withdrawal, Zoya almost fell backwards.

Asad smirked again, as he made his way to the kitchen, replaying what had just happened in his head, on a loop. How he ached to have her in his arms. But he knew he had to wait. He sighed, counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds down to that night.

Zoya caught herself, and blinked furiously, replaying his words in her head. Did he really just say that? Jahapana itne playful kabse hone lage?? She smiled involuntarily, unable to understand what had gotten into him. Ever since she had forgiven him, he'd been a completely different person. Actually even before that, she thought, as his serenade came to mind.

She blushed again, looking down, and bit her lip. Shaking her head playfully, Zoya finally made her way out of the apartment. After all, she still had something very important to get done.

* * * * * * *

Two hours, a cab ride and two iced cafes later Zoya finally had finished getting the visa. Despite the extenuating circumstances and the special permission she was granted, she had to wait an hour for her turn. And to top it off, the officer she met was asking her all sorts of questions, causing her to get very irritable. But all in all, it was worth it. Now it was entirely up to her. To go or not to go, that is the question.

Glad to be done with it, she decided to pay a visit to her friends. She needed some serious girl talk, and Neeru and Kareena were the only ones who knew the most about Mr. Khan.

As she walked towards Neeru's apartment, she thought back to the dress. Allah miya, aap hi bataiye, mein kya karoon? Mein aise libaaz nahin pehen sakhti. Aur aap jaante hain kyun. Aur yeh Mr. Khan ko kya ho gaya? Bar bar tahmeez aur tezheeb ki baatein kar the reh the hain. Aaj woh sab kaha gaya? Woh Akdu Ahmed Khan kahan chala gaya? Vaise, yeh Mr. Khan bhi itne bure nahin hain. Thinking that, she smiled for the umpteenth time that morning.

Her mind wandered back to the events of the last few days, from her leaving India, to Mr. Khan stopping her, to Bhatawdekhar extending her visa, to Mr. Khan and Phoopie and Najma coming all the way to New York and finally, her forgiving him.

Suddenly, Zoya thought of something. The whole reason for her coming to New York. The reason she was humiliated, the reason she was slapped, the reason she was verbally berated. The reason she almost got herself deported, voluntarily.

The poison in the sweets.

Zoya mentally smacked herself. She'd been so distracted with everything else that happened since Ayaan's sagai, that she never gave a moment's thought to how in the world poison got into the sweets! But who would do that? As far as she knew, no one in the Khan Villa had any ill will towards Ayaan or Humeira. So why?

She had to get to the bottom of this, and the only person she could think of to help, was Rabaart. After all, he was the one who's engagement was ruined. There had to be a reason behind that. And whoever did it, made it seem like it was her fault. But why?

Zoya realized she needed answers, and fast. She checked her watch. Three o'clock in New York. That meant it was half past midnight in India. Damn. But she couldn't wait until tonight. Ya Allah! Aaj raat to mein Mr. Khan se milne wali hoon! Hmm. Haan, toh kya hua. Think, Zoya. You can talk to Rabaart after meeting Mr. Khan. The later the better, with the time difference, right? Right! She smiled at her flawless planning.

Tonight. Tonight she would figure out who was behind this. Who it was that causing her, and the Khan family she'd come to love as her own, so much trouble. Whoever was hell bent on embarrassing, humiliating and hurting her new found family, who regret it. Zoya would make sure of it.

* * * * * * *

Three o'clock. Asad sighed. Zoya had been gone almost three hours. He ached to see her. He had to get ready for tonight, but he wanted to catch one last glimpse of her before then. He decided he'd busy himself with going over his list. Or rather, his minions' list of demands for him. He shook his head. He'd gone to Neeru and Kareena for help, and ended with the longest list of errands known to any man. The things they told him to do seemed impossible. But for his Zoya, he was prepared to create jannat it self on Earth.

Music? Check. Location? Check. Flowers? Check. Decorations? Check. Dress? He smiled. Big check.

Everything seemed to be in place. The only thing he still hadn't figured out was, food. He knew she loved pizza. But pizza wasn't exactly romantic food. He'd asked Neeru and Kareena, but they also insisted on pizza. Suddenly, he had an idea. But where can I find those in New York City of all places? He'd have to call his minions once again. Though if you think about it, Asad Ahmed Khan had become a minion himself.

After calling three different places, a long talk with Neeru with suggestions, and a fight on the phone with the only place that had them, Asad finally got the little tasty surprises for Zoya and his big night. He smiled again. Who knew he could be excited, that's right, excited, about a dinner. Well, now anything involving Zoya would cease being a dull affair. Then again, when was it dull with her around? He chuckled at his thoughts, and decided he'd had to give up on the notion of seeing his Zoya before their romantic dinner.

Sighing dejectedly, he went about fulfilling the last little details on his list.

* * * * * * *

Finally reaching Neeru's apartment, Zoya rang the buzzer to get in. An elevator ride and two doorbells later, Zoya was finally in front of a suspiciously happy Neeru.

"Hi!" Neeru squealed at her, as she took her in for a hug. A startled Zoya stiffened, but eventually returned the hug, laughing. Her friends were almost as crazy as her.

"Whoa! Whats with the iron hug? We just met yesterday!" laughed Zoya, smiling at her friend's antics.

Neeru realized she was a little too excited, considering Zoya hadn't even told her anything. But she already knew. Oh boy did she know what Zoya was coming to talk to her about.

She pulled away from the hug, and smiled at her sheepishly, running a hand through her open hair.

She smirked inwardly, as she remembered Asad coming to her and Kareena.

Flashback

"So does she know?" Neeru probed.

Asad looked down blushing. Neeru and Kareena burst into laughter. How did Zoya fall for such an emotionally challenged man, they wondered.

"Well then you have to tell her!" squealed Kareena. Her eyes sparkled as she pictured the confession, all romantic.

Asad looked at both of them, confused, and a little afraid of what they had in mind.

"But, how? " he asked them, genuinely curious. "She hardly lets me get a word in edge wise," he added, muttering under his breath. But Kareena had heard him.

"She's always been like that. Quite the chatter box. Except, when she's around you, I noticed. Or was that cause she's mad?" she wondered. But bit her lip as soon as she said it, noticing Asad's hands balling into fists at the question. Damn, he really feels bad, she thought.

"Okay enough about that. Lets focus on how you'll tell her. She'll forgive you. She can't hold a grudge. Trust me," Neeru assured him with a small smile. He smiled weakly at that, and wondered what these girls had in mind.

"Well first of all, you have to take her away from Aapi and Jeeju's house. This is one thing, you DO NOT want to be interrupted doing," chimed in Kareena. Asad looked at them both curiously. How was he supposed to pull this off? At least back in Bhopal they had a place of their own. The backyard, the bench. He smiled, as he recalled those times they sat there and shared each other's pain. But he didn't know her that well. He didn't know anything about her life here.

"Where can you take her? That's what you're wondering, right?" Neeru probed, jolting him out of his train of thoughts. He blinked and looked up at her. Both girls were looking at him curiously. Wait a minute. Girls. Friends. A small by noticeable grin spread across his face as a sudden realization dawned on him.

The two people who knew Zoya's tastes best, and knew her inside out, were standing before him. He smiled at them both, as he realized, he already had all the help he would need. And the girls returned the smile, knowing full well, that he had caught on to what they were planning.

Flashback ends

"So? Whats up??" asked Neeru, curious as to why Zoya had come without so much as a phone call. She was sure she had a hunch, but her friend was so unpredictable, and she didn't want to ruin Asad's surprise, she decided asking was the safer course of action.

"Well, several things actually. But remember, Mr. Khan?" answered Zoya, her cheeks burning at the mere mention of Asad. She looked down, biting her lip, bracing herself for her friend's outburst.

"Oh my god! Yes! What about him? There IS something going on! Isn't there!?" she asked a little too excited. She looked at her friend sheepishly, before apologizing and calmly continued. "I mean, yeah I remember him. What's up?" she added, smirking.

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Well, he kinda asked me to meet him tonight." She rolled her eyes again as Neeru's widened. "And he, um, he gave me a dress to wear."

Neeru smirked. She was very well aware of the dress he'd chosen. She was skeptical at first, but when he explained why, she was touched and realized it was the perfect choice. It was a dress Zoya had always admired, but wouldn't dare wear. She noticed Zoya fidgeting with the strap of her purse. She smiled sadly.

"Zoya whats wrong, is it not a nice dress?" she asked her, already knowing the answer.

"Neeru, it's, that dress... you know? The one-" she sighed. "The one I always stare at on Fifth Avenue. How the hell did he know I like that dress? But I can't wear that. You know why. Especially in public!" She stopped, realizing what she'd just implied.

"Wait, are you saying that he asked you, to meet him somewhere else? But he doesn't know the city, does he?" she asked with fake curiosity. She gave herself a pat on the back for keeping her cool and not giving anything away.

"I don't know how... but somehow he's managed to-" she stopped. What exactly had he managed? He knew he favourite spot, he knew her choice in clothes, and now was trying to be friends with her. Why? And why was her heart beating wildly at the implication?

"Fulfill your fantasy?" Neeru chimed in. Zoya's eyes widened. "Zoya, you love him."

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Not you too. I got enough of this from Jeeju. Me? Love him? It's impossible! All we do is fight! He shouts at me every chance he gets! And I'm so sure he came to New York because Phoopi asked him too. He hates traveling. And he never would have let them come alone."

"Phoopi? That's his mother right?" asked Neeru, as Zoya nodded in response. "But Zoya then why would he agree to go out with us, and then not even taunt you when you made him suffer so much yesterday? Come on. Admit it. You like pushing his buttons."

"It's not like that, I just- And he- I mean..." Zoya stuttered nervously.

"Zoya, what was so bad? He did something didn't he? Thats why he's here. To apologize," tried Neeru. She needed to know where Zoya stood on Asad. She was sure Zoya loved him, but had she forgiven him?

She noticed Zoya look down, her eyes fixed on a tile on the floor. Zoya sighed deeply. "He, he doesn't trust me Neeru," she let out finally, peering at her best friend through her lashes.

"Tell me the whole story."

* * * * * * *

"Wow," Neeru managed.

Zoya chuckled. "Yeah," she said, while giving her, an I told you so' look.

Zoya had spent the last half hour explaining it all to Neeru. The incident at Ayaan's engagement, the Asad's bitter words to her after, how she left and he tried to stop her. His sudden appearance in New York, and how he took care of her after the incident with Deepak. She conveniently left out the bit about her visa, knowing full well that Neeru would insist she tell her Aapi and Jeeju. She still needed to make a decision. And besides, she already had the visa, so why open up a can of worms?

"Okay, I won't tell you you love him, started Neeru. "I still think you do. But it's something you have figure out for yourself." Zoya, you'll never change will you? Stubborn as ever, she thought to herself, mentally shaking her head at her best friend.

Zoya rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time, waiting for her to move on.

"But, I'm confused about something," she continued, "why did that girl, what was her name..."

"Humeira?" tried Zoya.

"Yes! Why did Humeira faint? I mean was she sick?" wondered Neeru.

"Actually, Neeru, I was thinking about that, too. Someone seems to have put some poison in the sweets I took to Ayaan's house," explained Zoya. "But I don't get who would be after her, or him. I mean no one in that house even knows me, besides Ayaan."

"Poison!? Oh my god!" screeched Neeru.

"Yeah. Look don't worry about it. I'm gonna talk to Ayaan tonight and see if he knows anything. We didn't get a chance to talk properly before I left Bhopal," Zoya assured her. Neeru nodded.

"Neeru." Zoya looked her in the eyes, suddenly very serious.

"Yeah?" she asked, confused and curious.

"What do I do about the dress? I can't, I can't wear that," Zoya confided in her.

"Zoya, maybe, after everything he's doing, give him the benefit of the doubt?" Neeru tried. Zoya looked down, her hand immediately flying to her right upper arm. "I mean he didn't judge us, when were wearing shorter clothes, did he? You said he was very judgmental. Maybe he's trying to change?"

Zoya looked back at Neeru. He had been acting different lately. Very unlike himself. He was, letting go. Maybe he wouldn't judge her. Zoya recalled his soothing words, when he cradled her, comforting her after the incident with Deepak.

"...tum, tum, perfect ho. Tum jaisi ho, mujhe bohot pasand aati ho..."

She blushed. Could Jahapana really, like her?

Next Chapter

A/N:

So? What do you think? Will she wear it? Or will she not?

WIll Zoya and Ayaan talk? Or will the CAT intervene?

Stay tuned! 😃

Res

"Mein aapko boring lagta hoon? Hm. Aaj raat ko pata chalega, ki mein kitna boring hoon," he whispered again, while burying his nose in her hair, intoxicating himself with her strawberry scent. He smirked inwardly, feeling her go rigid against him, her heart pounding.

Phew, is it really cool Fall time in NY? Why did it just get warm in here?!

Cut to Visa office: She finally got the Visa! Now, nothing to prevent her from returning to Bhopal with the Khans!! Can you get them married and then send back to India? I'd love to see the smirk wipe off from the cat's face seeing them married!!

Zoya is finally questioning the poison incident! Hope Ayaan gets to tell her about Tanveer!

Zoya's friends are awesome. They are helping Asad with his date plans!! How sweet!!

Can't wait to see what he has arranged! What's the pizza alternative?! Pizza Canapes? I'll wait (cough cough I need some water 😉) and watch!!

Great job yet again!! 👍🏼 Update soon!! 🤗

omg awesome
cant wait for the date upload a pic of the dress.

Originally posted by: anopama

omg awesome
cant wait for the date upload a pic of the dress.

omg amazing update. i really hope she wears the dress. and omg someone kill the cat off alreaddyy. i can't wait for the next update.

Kar hi diya update, after so many months 😊

very nice hope to read the date soon thanx for the pm and update soon😃