Posted:
Hi
First of all I would like to wish you all a Happy Diwali.
Secondly, I wrote this OS a few days ago, it is quite lengthy, I did think about making it a Two Shot, but refrained as I know what I am like, once I start writing I can't stop.
Am not sure if the title fits but hope you like it all the same. Please do leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Saima
Until We Meet Again
Dilshad sat with her son, she had never seen him so distraught. For the best part of Asad's adult life she had prayed for her son to find someone he could hold hands with and walk the rest of his life with. What she didn't know that finding love was going to cause him so much confusion and pain.
Asad met Zoya a few months ago, they both were attending a business conference, Asad who was known for his reserved nature made quite a few heads turn when he hit it of straight away with her. But then again how could anyone possibly not, Zoya was a loud out and out personality, she always adorned a million dollar smile and had absolutely everything to be happy about, the best thing about her was her ability to draw out anyone who stood hiding away within themselves.
Asad had never had the opportunity to sit back and really talk to anyone so openly, and if he ever did then he happily passed it. But there was something about Zoya that drew him to her, he just couldn't say no to her. 'It was nice meeting you...good luck with your project, am sure you will find success' he said holding his hand out. Zoya shook his hand 'likewise Mr Khan' 'so, I guess this is goodbye' Zoya shook her head 'no goodbyes Mr Khan, you never know what tomorrow may bring and we may find ourselves meeting again...so how about we say...until we meet again as opposed to goodbye' impressed with her Asad smiled and nodded in agreement 'until we meet again'.
Little did they know that they were going to meet again, and then keep on meeting until their hearts united them as one. The company Zoya worked for was in the middle of finalising a million dollar deal with Asad's, heading the project Zoya and Asad started to spend a lot of time together, not only in work but outside too. Dilshad had noticed a pleasant change in her son, Asad had not kept his association with Zoya a secret 'Asad, why don't you invite her home for dinner, I would love to meet her' Asad smiled, almost blushing 'sure Ammi, I'll ask her to come over on Saturday night'.
As Dilshad and Najma set the table Asad walked the length of the living room constantly looking at his watch. 'Asad sit down, she will here soon' Dilshad said smiling in awe if her son. Asad nodded and then went to sit down, even he knew that by looking at his watch every two seconds wasn't going to make come any faster. As Asad took his seat the door bell rang, he quickly jumped up and ran to the door. Asad opened the door to have his senses totally blown away, he was totally mesmerised. Zoya stood the wearing a beautiful black a turquoise saree, he had never seen her in Asian attire before. Zoya waved her hand in front of his face again 'Mr Khan...' Asad shook his head and smiled at her 'sorry...please come in' Zoya followed him in where she found two women standing by the sofa 'Miss Farooqui, this is my Ammi and my sister Najma 'Assalam O Alaikum' Zoya greeted them both. Both Najma and Dilshad stepped forward, they too were blown away at her simple beauty. Dilshad hugged Zoya 'welcome to our home beta' 'thank you' Zoya replied a little nervously.
Dinner was a joyous affair, they all sat not only enjoying the good but each other's company, Asad couldn't remember the last he saw his Ammi and sister laugh so much, he couldn't help staring at her, there was nothing he could think of that could come close to describing how beautiful Zoya was, she truly was angelic. After dinner they all sat in the living room continuing their laughter filled conversation. 'Where do you live Zoya?' Dilshad asked 'at the moment I am staying at the inter continental, it just until I am here...I mean until this deal finalises and then I will go back to America' 'is that where your parents live?' Zoya's smile faded, she shuffled in her seat 'ummm...my parents, they passed away when I was very young, I don't really remember them' Dilshad took in a breath, her heart went out to Zoya 'I'm so sorry beta, if I had know I would never have asked' Zoya smiled meekly 'it's ok, you were not to know...' 'Zoya, who do you live with?' Dilshad asked truly concerned for her 'I was adopted by my Ammi's cousins family...I live with my Aapi Zeenat and brother in law Anwar, they are as close to me as my real parents' Dilshad placed her hand over Zoya's 'sometimes life seems unfair, but Zoya never give up, Allah always has something better planned for us, after all He is the best of planners' Zoya smiled at Dilshad as she held her hand back 'thank you'. In all the talking Asad sat listening silently, in all the time he had known Zoya she had never mentioned anything about her personal life, for the first time he saw a softer more emotional side to her, seeing her look sad made him sad too.
'Asad, drop Zoya back' Dilshad said 'no...it's ok, I don't want to be any bother' Zoya replied before Asad could say anything his mum answered for him 'Zoya, it's no trouble it's the least we can do, thank you so much for coming it was lovely meeting you' Zoya hugged Dilshad and Najma and then followed an all too ready Asad to the car.
'I had a really nice time, thank you for inviting me, you have a beautiful family' Asad smiled. He parked the car outside the hotel's entrance 'I guess I'll see you on Monday' Zoya said as she unbuckled her seat belt 'Zoya...' Asad stopped as looked deep into her beautiful brown eyes 'you wanted to say something?' She questioned 'umm...just to say thank you...and that you...you really do look beautiful in a saree' Zoya smiled as she shook her head 'take care' she simply said and then left.
Asad switched on his engine and turned his car around and realised Zoya had left her mobile in the car, quickly parking the car Asad went after her. 'Excuse me, could you tell me what room Miss Zoya Farooqui is staying in?' 'One moment sir' the lady at the reception said 'room 206, the lift just across the lobby will take you straight up' Asad thanked the lady and took the lift to the second floor. Asad knocked on the door and waited, after a short while Asad knocked again, this time the door opened as if it hadn't latched on properly. Pushing the door ajar Asad stepped in, as he did he heard loud voices coming from the other side of the suite, he could recognise the female voice as Zoya's but not the male voice. Hearing her scream and shout Asad hurried his step towards her.
Asad stood still, his whole frame tensed, his eyes narrowed in anger and his hands fisted in rage at what he saw before him. Some guy had Zoya held by her shoulders, he was shouting at her, making her wince in pain under his tight hold 'Zoya' Asad called out, Zoya and this guy quickly turned towards him, Zoya eyes widened in shock 'Ya Allah, what is he doing here'. Asad looked at the tears that ran down Zoya's cheeks then looked towards the guy that stood between them 'who the hell are you, and what are you doing here?' He asked glaring at Asad in sheer anger. Asad looked to Zoya, who quickly raised her finger to her lips and started shaking her head, she looked like she was pleading with her eyes as if to say please don't say anything. Asad took in a deep breath, he wasn't quite sure how he was managing to hold back and not break this man standing before him. Asad turned to look at him 'Miss Farooqui...your phone, you dropped it downstairs...I did knock...but the door was open' Asad kept his deathly glare on the guy as he spoke to Zoya. Zoya wiped her tears and stepped forward 'thank you...' She whispered as she took the phone from him, Asad looked at her as she gave him a faint smile, her eyes were swollen, he felt a pang in the pit of his stomach, if it wasn't for her asking him not to say anything he would have made this man pay for what he had done to her. 'She has her phone, you may leave now' the guy said gruffly Asad looked at Zoya, how could he leave her knowing this man whoever he was is causing her harm. Zoya stepped back and as she did she waved her phone indicating that she will call him, Asad nodded and then without saying anything turned on his feet and walked out.
Asad managed to get home, he couldn't help feeling like he had made the wrong decision, he shouldn't have left her there like that, in his room he waited patiently for Zoya go call. It had almost been three hours and there was still no news from Zoya, not being able to wait any longer, Asad grabbed his phone and keys and walked out, he was going to go back to her, he needed to know what was going on, that she was ok.
Asad opened the front door and froze, he stood rooted not quite believing what he was seeing. Before him stood Zoya, her whole body shaking like she was scared 'Zoya...' Zoya looked at him with her tear filled eyes and as soon as she did she ran to him crashing her petite figure against him. Asad quickly put his arms around her, Zoya tightened her hold as she cried out loud, Asad didn't know what to say to her, he didn't know how to deal with it, he had always seen a strong, bubbly, vivacious Zoya, full of love, life and positive energy, he could barely recognise the girl who clung onto him so tightly. 'Shhh, Zoya please don't cry...come inside' Zoya couldn't bring herself to move, her legs felt like jelly, being able to read her body language Asad lifted Zoya up into his arms and carried her to his room. He lay her on the bed with her head leaned up against the stack of pillows. Zoya looked at him the lowered her eyes, her lips were quivering as she tried to speak 'I...I'm so sorry...but I didn't know where else to go' Asad placed his hand over hers 'please don't apologise, I am glad you did come...calm down, I'll get you some water'. Asad quickly ran up to Dilshad, Dilshad jumped out of her bed and looked on in astonishment as Asad told her what had happened. Dilshad quickly went downstairs to Zoya whilst Asad went to the kitchen to get her some water.
Zoya hugged Dilshad 'it's ok Zoya, you're safe now...it's ok beta...shhh no more crying' Dilshad cupped Zoya's face and kissed her forehead, taking the glass from Asad's hands Dilshad helped Zoya take a few sips. Both Asad and Dilshad wanted to know what was going on but felt it was not appropriate to probe for any information at present. 'Asad, you sleep in the guest room, let Zoya stay here' Asad nodded 'Zoya, I'll be just across the landing, if you need anything just call out' Zoya looked at him and gave him a slight nod. Asad walked out feeling extremely heavy, on the one hand he was glad that she was here, in front of him but on the other he was worried for her, he didn't know what was going on and until he did he wouldn't be and to rest in peace. Dilshad was about to get up when Zoya stopped her 'would you mind...staying with me...please' Dilshad saw something that affected her, in that one little sentence, in that one little request Zoya had just made Dilshad saw how vulnerable this girl was, there was something behind her happy go lucky exterior that had torn this girl apart. 'Of course I will Zoya, here beta lie down...try and sleep, I'll be right here next to you when you wake up'.
Zoya woke up a little disorientated, it took her a few moments to figure out where she was. As soon as the memories of last night came flooding back she clutched at her heart. Zoya got out of bed and stood up looking around, seeing pictures of Asad mounted on the walls she guessed she was in his room. She took slow steps towards the door and opened it, as she did she saw Asad and Dilshad sitting at the breakfast table, both looking concerned as they continued talking. 'As...Assalam O Alaikum' she said as she stepped closer to them. Upon seeing her Asad and Dilshad stood up and approached her, Dilshad gave her a reassuring hug 'how are you feeling beta?' 'I'm ok...I'm sorry for having come last night the way I did...and thank you for...' Dilshad didn't let her finish 'Zoya, please don't say sorry, you can come here whenever you like, think of it as your own home...and if this is your home that makes you a part of this family so there is no need to say thank you...ever'.
Najma had kindly lent Zoya an outfit, which she wore after a much needed shower. Zoya came out of the bathroom to find Asad sitting in front of his laptop. 'I seemed yo have taken over your room' Asad closed his laptop and walked around the table 'it's fine, how are you feeling?' 'A lot better as compared to last night' 'Zoya, wh...who was that guy, what happened?' Zoya looked down as she let out a pain filled sigh 'it's ok...I mean if you don't want to talk about it' Asad quickly said wondering if he was right to ask her. Zoya looked up at him and gave him a faint smile 'it's fine, I can tell you'
Asad and Zoya sat on the couch in his room, he waited for Zoya to start and she did. 'The guy...in my room was Sohail Malik, my brother in laws younger brother. My sister Zeenat...her family adopted me a few months after my parents passed away, they took care of me as if I was truly one of their own, Zeenat is not much older than me but became like a second mother to me, even after she got married she was adamant that I stayed with her. Sohail and I have been together for as long as I can remember, we went to the same school and college...it was after college that Sohail's behaviour towards me started to change, he became very over protective and extremely possessive...so much that it used to suffocate me, where I went, who I went with, what I wore everything started to become a major issue. I may not be overly religious or practicing but I do know who and what I am, my religion, my cultural values are embedded within me, I may be modern but I am still very much a Muslim...an Indian at heart. I still remember, it was just before I was going to move away to start uni, when my sister and brother in law came to me, they asked me...' Zoya who was really trying hard not to cry as she spoke started to break down, Asad quickly placed his hand over hers 'Zoya...you don't need to do this now...' 'No Mr Khan, I want to...I have never shared this with anyone...something tells me that I should with you' Asad squeezed her hand a little letting her know that he was here for her. Zoya continued.
'Zeenat and Anwar Bhai came to me to speak to me about my future, and it wasn't my choice of degree it career path they wanted to discuss, they had come to me with Sohail's proposal of marriage, I responded in the only way I knew how and that was to go totally mental, I didn't and couldn't think of Sohail in such a way. I could see that my out right refusal had hurt my sister, so much that it had started to create tension between her and Bhai. After so many weeks of emotional...torture...it's the only word that I can use to describe it...I finally gave in. I said yes...'
As soon as Asad heard that he retracted his hand as if he had been hit by a bolt of electricity, he felt his body turn ice cold, his mind felt like it was about to explode 'you're...engaged?' Was all he managed to get out Zoya looked at him, his face reflected something more than concern and upset, but she could figure out what it was. 'No...not officially, if this is what they wanted then it is what I would give them, after all they did for me how could I not...I couldn't be so ungrateful or selfish...I told them that I wanted to be able to live my life on my terms before anything happened. And they agreed, of course Sohail was far from happy because it meant I would be away from him. I went to university during which I was offered a job...as part of my work I came here. Sohail has been trailing me ever since I left home, I had been avoiding him for the last few months, as he was becoming more and more aggressive, so he took it upon himself to turn up. That's when you saw him, he was angry with me for avoiding him, he was demanding that I return back to America with him. You know it's not like I haven't tried, Allah knows I have but I can't get him to change nor can I bring myself round to accepting him. Last night after you left...Sohail started losing it, he threw what ever he could lay his hands on and smashed it to pieces, during which...'
Zoya pulled up her sleeve to show a shocked Asad cuts that he had caused. Asad could feel his blood boil, he fisted his hand and his face hardened, Zoya didn't miss how Asad's eyes darkened 'I'm ok...it shook me up...in all his craziness I managed to grab my handbag and run out...I didn't know where to so I came here'
Asad let out the breath he was holding in, he looked at Zoya and really couldn't bring himself to say anything, what could he possibly say to her, all he could think of was how he wanted to break every bone in Sohail's body.
Asad stood up, he took in as much oxygen as he could to calm himself down. 'I understand that you owe your family a lot Zoya, but you don't owe them your life, your freedom, your happiness. How can you give up so much just because you feel you have an obligation towards them, they are your family, I am sure if they knew the truth of the matter they would never expect you to sacrifice everything you have for their one decision. I know what I am saying is not as simple as it sounds, I can only advise you, and even that may not be objective...because to me your happiness, your wellbeing takes precedence over everything else. But just to be fair I will say this to you...It's probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make, you either chose to walk away from him and the decisions that your family has made for you or try harder, harder to try and accept what they want for you...but just remember whatever you do chose to do you never regret your decision. The last thing I would ever want for you is to wake up one morning to live the rest of your life in regret. The cost of not following your heart Zoya is spending the rest of your life wishing you had, decisions cannot be made in haste please think it through properly.
Zoya looked at Asad in awe, she felt comfort on hearing his words of advice, for the first time she felt that someone had spoken to her in all sincerity. Asad was talking to her and all the while his heart was sinking, he didn't want her to try harder, he wanted her to walk away. He himself needed to take a bit of his own advise, as much as he would never admit it as much as he fought it Asad knew that he was in love with Zoya, but he also knew that this love was very much one sided, or was it?
Dilshad had convinced Zoya to move in with them for the rest of her stay in India, which she happily agreed to, having spoken to Zeenat, Sohail was asked to return to America immediately, which he did but only after creating another scene. Zoya really started enjoying her time with the Khan family, Asad started to see the Zoya he first met and instantly took a liking too, they continued with their work and took time out to enjoy each other's company. Zoya joined Asad outside in the garden 'What are you thinking about so seriously?' She said mimicking Asad's facial expression. Asad smiled at her 'you' Zoya sat down next to him 'me...what about me?' 'I was just admiring you for your courage and strength, in all of this not once have you let on what is really going on with you. I really don't know how you do it, but pretending to be happy when you are in pain is just an example of how strong a person you are'. Zoya shook her head 'I know you think I am strong and I suppose I am, life has taught me so much, I have seen so much that my only survival mechanism became my strength to cope, to fall and rise again without breaking down, but every once in a while I wish someone would come and reach out, hold out their arms and take me in just to say are you ok'.
Asad had been going through his own inner turmoil, he once told Zoya to make a decision, one that she wouldn't wake up to regret, he had been fighting himself on the very same thing. He didn't know what the future held, all he knew was that a few months ago he met a young woman who had the ability to change him and his life in an instant. He recalled his mother's words that she spoke after he had finally confessed to her how much he felt for Zoya.
Dilshad held onto Asad's face and kissed his forehead 'Sometimes it's better not to focus on the person that hurt you or broke you, but rather on the person that had the ability to make you smile again, and I know I am not wrong when I say the person that gave you back your smile, brought back that sparkle is none other than Zoya, Asad you lived your whole life living in pain, in anger over something you had no control over, you stopped living...you almost became robotic...but that is no longer the case, because that girl there has given you a new lease of life'. Asad wanted to tell her how he felt, he didn't want to be the guy that woke up ten years later kicking himself for not taking the step. The only thing was how, how was he going to tell her, and most importantly what if she turned away from him, rejected him, how would he cope.
'Asad, is something wrong, you seem a little too distant' Zoya asked, she stood up and walked to him. Asad always broke out into a smile when she called him by his name, finally she had started to call him Asad as opposed to Mr Khan.
For Asad it was now or never, he had to tell her, he closed his eyes up and sent a silent prayer up asking for the strength to declare his love to her. Asad looked at Zoya 'I have been wanting to tell you something for some time now...but I just never managed to find the right time...the right moment' Asad turned himself around so he was facing her, he took one step closer, he saw her eyes search his, questioning him about what he wanted to say. 'Asad, please just tell me what it is...you are beginning to worry me' she said placing her hand on his forearm. Asad took her hand and held it in his 'I don't how to say this other than in its most simple form...I love you' Zoya looked at him wide eyed 'wh...what did you just say?' Asad held on to her hand even tighter, in fear that she was going to walk away, looking straight into her eyes he repeated those very words 'I love you Zoya...I have done for a very long time...I was hesitant in telling you, and after you told me about Sohail...I stepped back completely but now...I'm sorry if this complicates things for you...I had to tell you...if nothing else then for my own sanity. I am not asking you for anything in return...but what I don't want is to lose you all together'.
Zoya stood stil, it didn't take long for little droplets of tears form in her eyes, she looked down at her hand being held securely in his and swallowed the lump that started to block her airway. Where Zoya felt her airway block up Asad was also holding his breath waiting for her to say something, anything. After a long silence Asad withdrew his hand, still looking at her he smiled and started to take a few step back, as he did Zoya felt her heart sink into the depths of her stomach, like all of a sudden there was a void, as if she was stranded alone, letting out a gasp she closed her eyes letting the tears roll down her face. Feeling dejected Asad turned around not quite sure how he felt, he took a step forward toward the house when he felt a pull on his arm. His sore eyes met her teary ones 'you...tell me something so big...and then just walk away from me...no Mr Asad Ahmed Khan, this conversation is not over' Asad lowered his head waiting for her to tell him that he had made a mistake and that it was all over. Zoya took his hand in his and waited for him to look back up at her 'if you had been wanting to tell me this for so long...then I had been waiting to hear of just as long...I know what you feel and what you are thinking, but what matters is the here and now, my family and all my issues related can wait until another day...' Zoya stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, Asad who didn't catch on to what she was trying to say stood rooted, Zoya understood his reservation when he didn't hug her back. Moving away from him she inched her face closer to his, brushing her cheek against his she whispered in his ear 'I love you too'.
