A/n: Hi guys!
I have been crazy busy over the past few days! Here, I have the next part! *woohoo*.😆
It's not a good longgg update, though.🤔
Chapter 4: Anna Molly
Zoya had been in India for eight days now and she was loving single every second of her stay. Contrary to her apprehensive ideas about the country, she actually did not feel out of place at all. She had thought that she would feel displaced in a place she had never ever been before but to Zoya, it felt as she had returned home after a long time, which was strange since she had never visited India all her life.
The Khan family was God sent. She had been so hesitant about her stay with unknown people for an undecided time period, but they had made her feel so welcomed and cared for her as if she was a part of the family. Dilshad Khan had taken her under her wing and along with Najma; Zoya was also pampered just as if she was also the daughter of the family. Najma was a little ball of energy. Her presence lifted the mood of the house. As for Ayaan, after the initial flirting, Zoya realized it as a part of who Ayaan was and now they had also formed a strange bond - over their skillful shayaris.
When Rashid Khan had come over to her and put his hand on her head to bless her, Zoya could not control her tears. All her life she had yearned for the loving touch of her father. Although Aashif Farooqui never hit her, only verbally attacked her, he also never gave Zoya the fatherly love every child deserved. No one questioned her emotional outburst, although she was sure everyone was curious.
And then there was Asad Ahmed Khan. Zoya could not deny the unmistakable attraction she felt towards the man and who wouldn't feel that way? He was a fine man to look at. Zoya had been seriously disappointed when he introduced his son to her. The good ones are always taken, she had thought.
Aadil. He was such a sweet little boy. And also very intelligent. He had taken to Zoya immediately and had not wasted even a single second before telling Zoya all about what he was learning in school and how he loved animals and that he knew all the details about his favorite, lions.
"I love lions, Ms.Zoya!" he had told her enthusiastically. "Do you know why? Because they are mighty and strong, and can road like GRRR" he yelled, and then softly said, "Just like my Abbu."
Awww. Swoon. A responsible and caring father - hotness just multiplied.
He had also very cheekily mentioned to Zoya how he was smarter than his Ayaan Chachu - that caused some hearty laughs and scowling on Ayaan's part. Only after one day, he had informed everyone in the house that Ms. Zoya was his new best friend.
Zoya had been extremely curious about Aadil's mother. There was no trace of any other person living in the house and she was sure that Asad had to be married to have a son. The family was traditional after all. Zoya had thought she had hid her curiosity well but alas, it was not the case. Asad had called her out on her act.
*flashback*
"Ms. Farooqui?" Asad called as he sat next to her on the living room couch. She had been watching Aadil play on the PlayStation and was cheering him. Upon Asad's voice, she turned to face him.
"Yes, Mr. Khan?" she asked him.
"I know that you are wondering about Aadil's mom. You are going to live with us and I think you have the right to know. I don't want any misunderstandings." He bluntly put out his thoughts.
"Oh. I don't mean to intrude, Mr. Khan. It's your personal matter." She had tried to cover her obvious curiosity over the matter.
"No. I want you to know. I don't want you to think something that is not true. I know that a curious mind is capable of coming up with bizarre scenarios." He chuckled slightly.
"Um, okay." She had been dying to know the reality.
Asad sighed and told her, "Her name was Tanveer, Tanveer Malik. She was my best friend.I met her during the first year of college. We shared many thoughts and opinions and it was very simple for us to become friends. I..." he paused and took a deep breath. "Her pregnancy was very complicated. She went into labor prematurely, but Aadil was thankfully delivered without any harm. Unfortunately for her, the pressure of his birth was too much on her body. Sh-she did no-not make it."
Zoya gasped silently and covered her mouth. She looked from Asad to Aadil.
"I am so sorry, Mr. Khan. That must have been very hard. Losing your wife like that."
Asad looked at her with an expression Zoya could not define, "We, uh, we were not married."
Zoya's mouth formed a perfect O' at his revelation. This was news. But not trying to sound judgmental or insensitive, she added, "Still does not lessen the pain, does it, Mr.Khan?"
Asad looked her and nodded, "It gets somewhat better with time. But reminders will always remain, Ms. Farooqui."
They both looked ahead at Aadil.
*end of flashback*
Zoya knew that he did not tell her the full story but she did not ask. Of course he did not tell her. It was a shock for her to know that he was not married to his son's mother. Wow. She was not a prude, and nor was she judgmental, she was only surprised. Still, it must be so hard for him. And Aadil. That sweet baby. Her heart went out to him. But she could tell that he was loved very much by his father and his entire family. And Zoya. That little boy had wormed his way into her heart as well.
***
Asad was sitting in his office, looking over the latest clientele. He loved his work. His profession was also his passion. The fact that even though he worked under his father, he was not given any preferential treatment and he had climbed up the ladder of Dilshad Constructions on his own, was something that he took great pride in. He was quite an example of dedication and focus.
His focus, however, had shifted some major angles ever since their house guest had arrived from New York, over a week ago. As much as he tried to reign in his mind, it was very hard to not let his thoughts go away and wander.
Asad found himself thinking over Zoya Farooqui. He loved how her laugh echoed around the house; how she had conversations with her Allah Miyan. He marveled the fact that how she had won over everyone in the house and he especially loved the way she interacted with Aadil. She was such a natural and Aadil had confessed to Asad that he loved his Ms. Zoya.
His musings were interrupted by the ringing of his office phone. He picked up the call and his face turned sour the moment he heard the voice on the other side.
"You do not understand easily, do you? Listen, I have warned you time and again. I do want to hear your negotiations or any deals that you may have. I do not kid around such things. DO NOT CALL ME AGAIN. Do you get it? I'll have a restraining order filed against you, Mr. Qureshi. I am serious." Asad roared and slammed the phone down.
How dare that man call him again? How hard can it be to understand the lack of interest from the person on the other side?
Asad scrubbed his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache coming. He knew that the rest of the day was going to blow.
Damn incessant people.
A cloud hangs over and mutes my happiness
A thousand ships couldn't sail me back from distress
Wish you were here, I'm a wounded satellite
I need you now, put me back together, make me right
-Anna Molly by Incubus
A/N: So, that was that. Not a lot happened. Yeah, a filler kinda. I hope it answered some questions! 😆
I am not sure how frequently I'll be able to update, so bear with me!😔
Leave me lots of love,
Simi
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
124