Setting: This story takes places after Dilshad's shooting but before Tanveer enters the show. This is the sequel to WEB OF LIES, which can be found here:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/qubool-hai/3610367/ff-web-of-lies-completed-on-p80
Summary: Zoya must unravel cricket star Rohan Saxena's secrets before he and Asad go head-to-head to determine which one of them really has ALL THE RIGHT MOVES.
CHAPTER ONE
Asad pulls his SUV into the Khan Villa garden and turns off the ignition. Zoya, seated beside him, remains unmoving, eyes unseeing, lost in her own thoughts. Asad looks over at her.
"We're home," he announces.
Zoya jerks, as if coming out of a trance. She looks around and nods but makes no move to leave the car. Asad sighs and unbuckles both of their seatbelts.
"Ms. Farooqui, you know Malak had to go back to New York." Asad opens his door.
Zoya nods and opens her door, too. "I know, Mr. Khan. It's still sad to see him go."
"He'll be more comfortable receiving treatment in American than he would be here," Asad points out. "The doctors say he'll have a full recovery but his kidney functions need to be monitored for the next few months to be sure."
"I just hope he'll be okay travelling with his knee brace." She gets out of the car and turns for the house.
"He'll be fine." Asad's longer legs make it easy for him to catch up with her. "I made all the arrangements for medical staff to be waiting for him when he gets off the plane."
She waits for him to unlatch the front door. "Thank you for that. And thank you for taking him to the airport with me today."
Asad opens the door but steps aside to let her enter first. "Believe me, I was thrilled to watch him board the plane."
Zoya rolls her eyes. "I bet you were. Anyway, it's only temporary. Malak says he and Mr. Nair are both going to take it easy for while then they fully plan to restart their company." She walks into the house and misses Asad's grimace.
"Hello, Bhaijaan, Zoya!" Najma comes up, a bright, welcoming smile on her face. "Did Malak board his flight?"
Zoya nods sadly. "Yes, he did."
"Don't worry, Zoya." Najma hugs her. "He'll be back once his treatment is complete, I'm sure of it."
"Do you really think so?" Zoya perks up.
"I do." Najma nods enthusiastically. "Also, Mr. Nair called after you left. He and his family are settled into their bungalow in Shimla. He says it's very restful and he feels just fine."
Zoya nods, her sadness forgotten. "I'm so happy to hear that. It's too bad we didn't get to see him before he left on his retreat."
Najma giggles. "When would we have fit him into our schedule? We've been so busy the last few days with helping Malak prepare to return to New York, all the visitors inquiring about Rohan Saxena and hosting daily afternoon tea. Mr. Nair would have had to take a number and wait in line."
Both girls laugh at that.
"Well, at least the daily visitors will stop," Zoya says. "Rohan is finally in town and his schedule is settled."
"Not yet." Asad sees the fine china and freshly polished silverware laid out on the side table and sighs. "More visitors?"
"Yes. Ammi said that someone very important is coming over this afternoon." Najma smoothes down the front of her purple and blue silk kameez salwar. She turns to Zoya. "Is this okay? Does it make me look fat?"
"You look gorgeous," Zoya says firmly. "The color is perfect for you." She tugs on the hem of her own deep pink kurti. "Who's coming over this time? Haven't we already entertained every important hostess in town?"
"And when will they stop bothering us?" Asad crosses his arms and glares at the neatly made-up coffee table.
"Not until Rohan Saxena leaves Bhopal," Zoya responds cheerfully. "Everyone's trying to see him and get tickets for his events. They know Phupee has direct access to him."
"But even Ammi can't do anything now." Najma studies the tea service and shifts a cup slightly to the left. "Every single event is booked solid. Even seats at his practice sessions at the Cricket Club are sold out."
"He only arrived last night and already his hotel is completely mobbed." Zoya brings over a platter of sweets. "I watched it on the news this morning. So many people surrounded his car he couldn't even get it out of the driveway. His bodyguards finally had to take him back inside and smuggle him out with the dirty laundry!"
Najma giggles. "That trick won't work again. His fans will be watching every door and every vehicle that comes and goes from his hotel. And they scream all the time. How will he get any rest?"
"Never mind him, what about us?" Asad snaps. "He chose his own career and lifestyle. We didn't choose to have every society-hungry, star-struck person in Bhopal show up on our doorstep trying to get a chance at him."
"Regardless, they keep coming." Zoya nips a pastry from the tray. "We can't turn them away."
"Why not?" Asad demands.
"It's not polite, Mr. Khan." She breaks the pastry in half and offers it to Najma. "Phupee says we should always treat people with kindness and generosity not because they deserve it but because we do."
Najma reaches for the pastry then makes a face and declines. "I can't. I started my new diet today."
Asad plucks the pastry piece from Zoya and pops it into his mouth.
"Hey!" she protests. "That was mine."
"What were you saying about being kind and generous?" He deliberately takes the other half and eats it, too.
"Since when did you start eating sweets?" she demands.
"Since I started supporting all of Bhopal's afternoon tea habit." He glares at the tea service again. "It's bad enough that we have to tolerate their false friendships. Why do I have to pay for the torture, too?"
"Phupee is a generous and gracious person." Zoya sniffs. "Too bad that good nature only appears on the female side of the family."
Asad stands very close to her. "I haven't kicked you out yet, have I?"
She gasps and puts her hands on her hips but the front door unlatching distracts her. She and Najma turn towards the door, plastering welcoming smiles on their faces. Asad hurries to his room.
"Tell me when they leave," he mutters from his door.
"Hello, Ammi," Najma calls out. "How was --- ahh."
Zoya, who is standing between Najma and Asad, also gasps.
"Allah miya," she breaths. "I...I..."
She breaks off, unable to say more. Her mouth stays open and her eyes glaze over. Asad frowns and comes back into the living area.
"Who's here?" he asks.
Zoya and Najma ignore him, both transfixed by the handsome hunk standing beside Dilshad. He's tall and well-built, his face and body lean and perfectly proportioned, like an ancient Greek statue come to life. His eyes are such a light blue they're almost grey and his skin has the color and glow of honey melting in the sun.
"Hello." He smiles, revealing perfect, even, sparkling white teeth.
Zoya and Najma suck in their breaths on audible gasps, still dumbstruck.
"Asad, this is Rohan Saxena." Dilshad wave him closer. "Rohan, this is my son, Asad."
Both men move in the middle of the living room, arms outstretched.
"I'm very pleased to meet you." Rohan shakes Asad's hand with a firm but comfortable grip. "I've heard so many good things about you."
"Welcome to Bhopal." Asad returns the handshake in kind.
"Welcome back," Dilshad corrects. "Rohan used to live here as a child."
Rohan nods and steps back, closer to Dilshad. "I was raised at the orphanage Dilshad-ji supports. Im so pleased she invited me to host the annual charity dinner."
"Rohan actually helps out a great deal," Dilshad says, smiling fondly at him. "He sends the children clothes and sports equipment, mails them birthday cards and does a monthly video chat. He even listens to our regular meetings to keep up with events at the orphanage."
Rohan colors slightly, highlighting his already perfect high cheekbones and sparkling eyes. "I remember what it was like when I was growing up, how much I appreciated those things. I'm grateful to be in a position where I can give back to the home that sheltered and raised me."
Zoya and Najma sigh deeply but otherwise remain mute.
Dilshad nods. "And here are Najma and Zoya. I told you all about them."
Rohan smiles at them. Thoughtfully, his keeps the wattage of his smile turned down low so he doesn't blind them with its brilliance.
"H...hello," Zoya manages to stutter.
Najma can only nod. Asad looks at them, mouth tight, and rubs his forehead. Dilshad also looks at them with concern. Finally she turns back to Asad.
"Asad, Rohan can't return to his hotel," she says. "The mob scene there is so bad the police recommend he make alternative arrangements."
Asad pulls out his cell phone. "Do you want me to book him a room at another hotel, Ammi?"
"No, that won't work." Dilshad shakes her head. "The same situation will happen at the next hotel. Rohan has to stay somewhere secret."
Asad puts his cell phone away very slowly. "And what secret place do you have in mind?"
Dilshad gives him a brilliant smile. "Here, of course!"
"Here?" Asad repeats, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "With us?"
"Of course, with us." Dilshad's tone is gently chiding. "Rohan will be our guest for the next week."
Again, Zoya and Najma suck in their breaths but remain otherwise mute. Asad glares at them then turns back to Dilshad.
"Ammi, he'll have to share with me. We still haven't finished the renovations to the guest room," he reminds her.
"No, that won't be necessary. Rohan can stay in Zoya's room." Dilshad waves her hand in that direction.
"What?" Asad thunders. "Her room?"
"M...my room?" Zoya squeaks.
Najma's mouth falls open but no words emerge.
Rohan looks from Dilshad's serene smile to Zoya's shocked confusion then finally to Asad's darkening fury.
"It's okay," he says quickly. "It doesn't matter when I stay. I can just sleep on the floor, if necessary. I'm used to it."
"Of course not. " Dilshad shakes her head. "You don't need to share a room or sleep on the floor. Zoya's room is free as she and Najma will both be upstairs." Her voice sharpens as she looks at the girls. "With me."
Asad's shoulders sag with relief while Zoya can barely hide her disappointment.
"But Phupee..." she begins.
Dilshad gives her a quelling look. "Zoya, why don't you and Najma prepare Rohan's room while I pour tea?"
"Please, Dilshad-ji," Rohan pleads. "I don't want to put Zoya out. I'll be happy to share."
"What?" Asad turns on him, hands clenched into fists.
Rohan's eyes widen. "With Asad," he adds quickly. "I'll be happy to share a room with Asad."
"You don't have to." Dilshad sits down on the sofa and reaches for the teapot. "You need freedom to come and go as necessary. It'll be less disruptive for everyone to have you down here. And Asad's room is across from yours, if you need anything. I know he'll enjoy having another man in the house."
She smiles at Asad but he looks less than overjoyed. He stands with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. Dilshad frowns at him. Immediately, he drops his arms and relaxes his features into polite interest.
Rohan looks at Zoya, his pale blue eyes shimmering like diamonds. "Thank you for allowing me to have your room. I promise to take very good care of it."
"Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine," Zoya sighs. "I'm so happy to share my bed with you."
Najma gasps so hard she chokes on her own breath. Asad turns on them, his face flushed. Zoya eyes widen and her face reddens as she realizes what she just said.
"My room," she corrects herself. "I'm happy to have you share my room. No, not share. I'm not in it. It's your room. We're not sharing."
Zoya slaps her hands over her mouth to stop herself from talking. Dilshad looks at her with concern while Asad turns to her, his hands curled into tight fists.
"Ms. Farooqui, you and Najma should go prepare Rohan's room." He speaks through clenched teeth. "I'll bring in his suitcase."
"No, no. I'll get my bags," Rohan offers. "It's no problem."
He hurries out of the house. Zoya and Najma, still flushed and embarrassed, stand statue still. Asad glares at them then turns to his mother.
"Ammi, is this a good idea?"
Dilshad returns his frown. "Do you have a better one? Where else can we put Rohan that will remain secret?"
"Isn't there anyone else from the orphanage board who can take him?" Asad suggests. He glares at Zoya and Najma again. "Someone who doesn't have silly, star-struck girls living in his home?"
Zoya puts her hands on her hips. "We are not star-struck. We're just very pleased to have Rohan stay with us, that's all."
Najma nods vigorously. "Yes, Bhaijaan, we're very pleased."
Asad narrows his eyes but Rohan comes back before he can do more.
"Where should I put this, Dilshad-ji?" He wheels in a large rolling suitcase and matching shoulder bag.
Asad takes them from him. "I'll take these in for you while you have tea." He turns to see the girls still standing in place. "Do you plan to prepare Rohan's room anytime today?"
Zoya and Najma, who are again smiling at Rohan, both startle and look at each other.
"I'll empty the wardrobe while you get fresh sheets," Zoya offers.
Najma nods in agreement. They step forward to begin their tasks but nearly run into each other. They both step to one side then the other, still in each other's way. Asad sighs audibly.
"Najma!"
"Yes, Bhaijaan?"
Najma turns to him, allowing Zoya to go around her and hurry into her room. Najma looks from Asad to Rohan then blushes deeply and heads upstairs. Asad glances heavenwards then sighs and wheels Rohan's cases into Zoya's room. She has her own suitcase open and throws in clothes in a messy heap, hangers and all.
"This isn't a race, Ms. Farooqui," Asad chides. "You can take a moment and pack neatly."
Zoya throws another pile into her bag. "What's the point, Mr. Khan? They're only going upstairs. They won't have time to wrinkle. Also, will you please bring extra hangers? I've taken up all these."
Asad nods and turns for the door, almost running into Najma who carries a high pile of linens.
"Why do you have so much?" Asad take the linens from her and deposits them on the bed.
"I couldn't decide on which set to use." Najma is slightly breathless. "The cream set is new but it has flowers on it. I was afraid it was too feminine. The red and green set is masculine but it doesn't match the room. I also brought one of your plain white sets but it's not new."
"Why don't we put Rohan in my room and I'll sleep here if you're so concerned about offending his masculinity," Asad growls.
"How can you sleep knowing someone else is in your room?" Zoya asks. "Rohan might put one of your books back to the wrong place or turn the hangers in the opposite direction."
Asad pales slightly. Zoya and Najma break into giggles.
"I'll put on Bhaijaan's set," Najma decides. "We received a very nice blue coverlet and pillow shams from Mrs. Reddy. That should be enough to make this room less feminine."
"Which one is Mrs. Reddy?" Zoya asks. "We've had so many people over for tea that I can't keep track of them."
Najma laughs. "You'll remember this one. She's the police commissioner's wife, the one with the four grandsons who are huge Rohan Saxena fans?"
"It seems that everybody or their kids are huge Rohan Saxena fans," Asad grumbles.
"True," Zoya agrees. "That doesn't help me remember her."
"She's the one who kept telling Ammi how lucky she is that her children are so lovely and fair-skinned," Najma adds.
"What nonsense," Asad snorts. "As if only people with fair skin can be attractive."
Najma shrugs. "That's what Mrs. Reddy believes. She wouldn't stop talking about how beautiful Ammi's grandchildren will be."
Asad snorts again. "Just because we're light-skinned doesn't mean our children will be. It also depends on our partners."
"You'll be fine." Najma laughs again. "According to Mrs. Reddy, your children will be exceptionally attractive since you have Zoya as your beautiful wife."
"Wife!" Asad's eyes widen. He turns on Zoya. "You told her we were married?"
"Allah miya, what's wrong with you, Mr. Khan?" Zoya snaps. "Of course I didn't. I'm not an idiot. Phupee tried to explain that I'm not your wife but Mrs. Reddy refused to believe it."
Asad crosses his arms. "So you're suggesting only an idiot would marry me?"
Zoya matches his stance. "I'm not suggesting anything. I'm only stating the obvious."
Asad steps closer to her. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, really." Zoya steps closer, too, so they are nearly nose-to-nose.
"We're almost done in here," Najma interrupts quickly. "We just need to take out all of Zoya's things."
Zoya turns to Najma but not before making a face and rolling her eyes at Asad. He drops his arms and glares at her.
"I saw that, Ms. Farooqui."
"My clothes are ready." Zoya ignores him to sets her suitcase upright. "I just need to pack my toiletries and empty the dressing table."
"I'll take your suitcase up." Asad takes the handle and turns for the door.
"Will you take these, too?" Najma puts the extra sheets on top of the case. "And please bring the blue set out of the storeroom? It's in the trunk by the door."
"Why don't we avoid all this nonsense and just put Rohan in the storeroom?" Asad gives Zoya a meaningful glare. "After all, we've done that before."
Najma gasps. "Ammi would never allow us to put a guest in the storeroom. It's dusty and dark and full of clutter."
"So what?' Asad mutters. "It was good enough for the last unwanted guest."
He leaves Zoya's room, taking her suitcase and the linens with him. Najma puckers her brows with confusion. She turns to Zoya.
"When did we ever have a guest stay in the storeroom?"
"Ignore him," Zoya advises. "He's still upset about Mariam."
"But what does..." Najma begins but is distracted when Zoya sweeps the contents of her dressing table into her carry-on bag with a long, smooth motion. "Zoya! All of those bottles will break."
"No, they won't. I packed my towels at the bottom." Zoya tips the case to show her. "I think that's everything."
"Your bathroom supplies," Najma reminds her.
"I did that first." Zoya zips up the case and turns to the bed.
She and Najma strip off the fluffy white throw pillows, matching white coverlet and the flower-printed cream sheets and pillowcases. Asad comes back with the requested blue bedding and takes Zoya's case upstairs. Najma makes up the bed while Zoya gathers the used sheets and changes pillow covers.
"Najma, you don't have to do the pretty double-pleats. Rohan is just going to pull them out when he gets in bed," Zoya points out.
Still Najma folds the sheets in the center then pleats them, making a pretty fan design that flares out at the hem.
"It doesn't matter," Najma insists. "It still looks nice."
"Yes, it does," Zoya agrees, helping her lay the blue coverlet so that it doesn't hide her clever folding design.
They finish the bed with a mix of plain white pillows and the dark blue pillow shams. Both step back to admire they handiwork.
"I think Rohan will like this room," Najma decides.
Zoya's eyes brighten. "Maybe he'll like it so much he won't ever want to leave. Maybe Rohan will move in permanently!"
"Oh no, he won't." Asad's voice is hard and decisive. "Rohan Saxena is leaving next Sunday whether he wants to or not. This house is insane enough with one troublemaker. We don't need another."
They turn to see Asad standing the doorway. Zoya puts her hands on her hips.
"I am not a troublemaker!" she protests. "And neither is Rohan."
"What about all those stories of Rohan getting into fights and being dragged out of clubs, high on every drug imaginable?"
"No, Bhaijaan, that's not true," Najma insists. "Rohan has never done drugs. He's very against them. He even did that public service program where he submitted to random drug tests to show he's always clean. He used to drink too much but he stopped doing even that a few years ago."
"And started working his way up the professional cricket ranks," Zoya adds. "He's at the top of his game. The worst thing he takes now is that SportsMaxxx energy drink." She makes a face. "I tried it once and will never drink it again. It made me too hyper."
"Really? How did you tell the difference between the drink's influence and your usual lack of common sense and good judgment?" Asad asks with fake sincerity.
"Lack of common sense and good judgment?" Zoya glares at him. "Are you suggesting I'm an idiot?"
"I'm not suggesting anything." Asad coolly repeats her own words. "I'm just stating the obvious."
Zoya's mouth drops open. Asad turns his back on her, a small, tight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Dilshad appears in the doorway.
"Is the room ready?" she asks. "Rohan should rest before dinner. The screaming outside his hotel was so loud he didn't get any sleep."
"How is that our problem?" Asad mutters.
"Asad Ahmed Khan, how is this to act?" Dilshad scolds him. "Did I raise you to be so unwelcoming to our guests?"
"No, but that's how he is anyway," Zoya snaps.
Asad turns on her but Dilshad speaks before he can.
"Asad, show Rohan his room," she orders. "Zoya, take the dirty linens out. Najma, please put away the tea service."
"I'll take care of the tea, Phupee," Zoya offers. "Najma hasn't started her studies for this evening."
"Of course." Dilshad puts her hand to her forehead. "How could I forget exams are only two weeks away? Najma, go to my room where we won't disturb you. I'll help Zoya settle into your room while Asad helps Rohan."
Zoya bounces up in her tip-toes, eyes bright, mouth stretched into a wide smile. "Or, Phupee, maybe I could ---"
"No," Asad interrupts her, his voice cold and hard. "You are not helping Rohan settle in. I'll do it."
Zoya's feet flatten onto the ground her and eyes dim. "I don't mind, really!"
"I do," Asad snaps. "Go upstairs and unpack. Your bags are beside the bed."
"You're not the boss of me." Zoya puts her hands on her hips. "You can't tell me what to do."
Asad crosses his arms. "Given that your last boss got you arrested, held at gunpoint and nearly kidnapped, maybe you should listen to me."
"That wasn't Malak's fault!" Zoya protests. "He couldn't help the things that happened."
"Just like he couldn't help you after he got you into that trouble!" Asad shoots back.
"Asad, Zoya. That's enough," Dilshad scolds them. "We have a guest staying with us. I expect you to behave and do everything necessary to make him feel welcome." Her eyes focus on Asad. "Both of you."
"Ammi, you should be less worried about me being welcoming enough and more worried about them being too welcoming," Asad advises, nodding towards Zoya and Najma.
"I'm sure they'll stay within proper boundaries." Dilshad looks at them. "Won't you?"
"Yes, Ammi." Najma nods vigorously.
Zoya ducks her head. "Yes, Phupee."
Dilshad turns to Asad with a reassuring smile. "See? All will be well."
Asad bites back his response. He steps aside to let the ladies precede him out of the room. Rohan jumps up from the sofa when they join him. Almost instantly, Zoya begins to bounce on her tip-toes while Najma blushes deeply. Asad observes them with a deep frown pulling down the corners of his mouth.
"How can all be well?" he mutters. "We live with Zoya Farooqui, the musibat magnet. I'll have to be extra vigilant to keep her out of more trouble than usual now that Rohan's here."
Rohan says something that makes all three ladies laugh. Zoya's face glows with pleasure and excitement as he ducks his head closer to her. Asad moves to join them. Rohan gives him a welcoming smile. Asad freezes.
Rohan and Zoya have matching mischievous smiles and glints in their eyes. Asad looks from one to the other, his jaw hardening.
"Damn," he whispers to himself. "It's already too late."
Author's Notes: Here we go again with a new Zoya & Asad adventure! As always, all mistakes are mine and made accidentally. This story is not intended to hurt anyone's feelings, culture or beliefs. It features Zoya and Asad but is not a romance. If I've written this correctly, it will be a straight adventure that SHOULD read like a plotline from the early months of the show.
Much thanks to my wonderful betas for bearing with me and all their help.
This story will be twelve to fifteen chapters, depending on where the characters take it. I'll post on Monday mornings, New York time. Feedback is nourishment to a writer's soul. Thank you to everyone who joined my friends list, clicked the LIKE button or posted replies. Please join my friends list if you would like weekly reminders of updates.
Also, some of you are following the development of my original character novel. I've posted the character outlines, setting details and chapter one here:
https://palygirl.livejournal.com/
I'm eagerly waiting for your feedback!
Paly
Chapter 2: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/95642594
Chapter 3: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/96153320
Chapter 4: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/96601208
Chapter 5: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/97413111
Chapter 6: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/97828871
Chapter 7: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/98244762
Chapter 8: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/99032877
Chapter 9: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/99473952
Chapter 10: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/99879833
Chapter 11: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/100338352
Chapter 12: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/100639633
Chapter 13: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/101156413
Fan Fictions
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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