Dark Passion T2! Note on Pg 158 - Page 61

CHAPTER 20

Precap - Zoya pretends to be Sakim's girlfriend.

Zoya

Now it was Sakim's turn to stare open mouthed at me. I turned and gave him a slight wink. He shut his mouth abruptly and gave me a huge grin. I looped my arm through his and then turned to a dumbfounded Sonia.

"So that effectively answers your question. Now we have to go as we have a movie to watch. Buh - bye!" I waved and steered Sakim and me towards the movie hall.

"So what's the story?" I asked Sakim.

He sighed and spoke "She was in my college. I was her senior to her by one year. We met through club activities.'

"You fell for her?"

"What? No! Do you think my taste is that bad?" he looked horrified.

"I meant no offense to the girl but she is too..."

"Overbearing?"

"And clingy. And VERY irritating. She just doesn't get it in her head that I'm not interested in her."

"You see I was popular in my college." He made a show of turning up his collar with an audacious toss of his head and then winked at me.

"OH NO! Do not tell me that you are one of those types of men who use and throw women like a piece of tissue." I glared at him.

"Woah! Calm down Ms. Lioness. I am not that type. I am hurt that you think of me that way." He pouted but I could see that he was saying the truth. And after all he was my friend and I knew from instinct that he could never knowing hurt anyone. He was not Mr. Khadoos.

Now why did I think of him?

Before my thoughts took me further away Sakim's voice interrupted my thoughts "I know this will sound pretty weird..." he looked nervous and rubbed his neck with his hand "But you see...I am a one woman man. Don't tell others okay!" He looked around to see if there was any familiar face in the vicinity.

I stared at him for a long minute. "So?"

He stared back at me with a blank expression "Well aren't men expected to play the field a bit?"

I stared again this time amazed and then burst out laughing. Between my giggles I managed to ask him who told him that crap.

He scratched his head again and said "That's what these guys tell me..."

"Well news flash -that is utter crap! You don't have to be a playboy." An image of Asad popped in my head. The difference between the two men was as large as chalk and cheese.

I shook my head. Who was I comparing?

"Oh...kay... so like I said I was popular but I seldom dated because I never felt any connection with anyone. So I was sort of a challenge to her I guess and she made a bet with her friends that she would make me fall for her charms. Of course I did not know of her intentions but one of my friends overheard her and warned me beforehand. So I kept her at bay with all sorts of antics."

"Could you not tell her that you knew about her plan?"

"She was the principal's best friend's daughter."

I gasped in surprise.

"So you see telling her off was easier said than done. I made up some stupid story that I would only consider dating after my graduation. She backed off after that and I was pretty sure the chapter was closed till she cornered me on graduation day and raised the issue once again. God knows how I evaded her." he said wincing at the memory.

"And now she's back again."

"Yes, but you saved my a$$ out there and thanks for that" he said embarrassed.

"No problemo."

"But you know I won't mind if you are actually my girlfriend" he said cheekily.

I laughed. "You know I could easily kick your a$$ which I saved out there."

"Okay, I got the hint. Now let's enjoy the movie we paid for."

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

I flopped on the bed tired as I congratulated myself. Sneaking out of Appi's house to go watch the movie all the while avoiding the guards stationed outside her house and then sneak back had not exactly been a piece of cake.

Though I felt guilty that I did not let Asad know the complete truth yet enjoying the easy camaraderie of my friends had revived me as well as relieved my mind of the tension that crackled like hot fire between me and Asad.

I got up dragging my feet, determined to soak myself in hot water before entering dreamland. The house was very silent with the remaining servants retired for the day and only Wasim Chacha and guards were there. Romana was winding up some work related to her previous employment and so was out of town.

As I crossed the room towards my wardrobe I couldn't help but recall the bloodcurdling scenes of the movie. My senses were hyperactive and I began to imagine all sorts of spooky ghosts and spirits lurking in the unlit corners of the room. Still determined not to let my mind play games I opened the huge wardrobe but I had the frightening sensation that something was behind me. The hairs on my neck stood up and my skin pricked with unfounded fear.

I quickly skipped to the bathroom and slid into the Jacuzzi. The hot water soothed my nerves and I reluctantly got up after an hour and half. I was in the middle of toweling myself dry when the lights suddenly blew out and I was left in pitch darkness. I panicked and quickly draped a huge towel around me as I left the warmth of the bathroom when I felt something brush my back. My mind instantly replayed the scary scenes from the movie and I couldn't help but scream out loud.

I frantically tried to feel my way through the room all the while expecting some grotesque and horrific ghost to pop out and strangle me. I found the door and ran into something hard and white and I began screaming again.

Suddenly my scream was cut short when a large hand clamped on my mouth and an arm curled around my waist to hold my flailing torso in place.

It was then I realized that a warm, tantalizing smell had enveloped me and instantly I was calm.

It was him.

I shook my head in an effort to dislodge his hand and he chuckled and removed it.

Then a Wasim Chacha's voice sounded in the darkness and I could see a spot of light as he came up the stairs.

"Asad" he called out. "Is everything okay? I think I heard someone screaming."

I could hear the smile in Asad's voice as he answered and I lowered my head, embarrassed.

"No everything is fine. Why is the electricity out?"

"Maintenance work is going on. It's routine. It will take a few hours though. I thought it was the best time since you were going to arrive tomorrow. Even the generator is out for repair. Will you be alright? "

"I am fine."

"Can you check if Zoya is alright? I forgot to inform her."

"I think she is alright." He looked down and I was very glad that he couldn't see my flaming face.

His fingers brushed across my hot cheeks. "She is alright now."

"Well then I am off to bed for the night."

"Yes goodnight.'"

As the sound of Wasim Chacha's footsteps receded, I became acutely aware of my face close up to Asad's chest and his hand wrapped snugly around my towel draped body.

OH MY GOD! TOWEL!

I swiftly moved away from him taking him by surprise and spun around wanting to get to the safe haven of my room. I proceeded to close the door quickly but Asad was quicker. He jammed his shoe between the door and its frame and try as I might I could not fight him. I gave it up and went to light a candle that was kept in the room for emergency purpose.

The door opened as I lit the candle and I looked up to see Asad leaning against the doorframe, a boyish grin on his face.

I think I my heart stopped beating for a moment.

"I never thought Little Ms. Lioness would be afraid of the dark." He said as he stepped inside the room and closed the door gently.

"I am surprised that you can even think." I muttered darkly as I inched towards the bathroom door.

"Oh I can think of a lot of things especially when you are in that attire."

"Well not anymore." I said as I quickly flew the few steps to the bathroom and banged the door shut. I was safe!

"Really Zoya." I heard from the other side. "You are going to remain in the bathroom in a damp towel all night?"

I cursed my fate. Drat! I had forgotten to take my usual nightdress! But he needn't know that.

"I have it here." I shot at him.

"Liar." He answered back softly.

I remained silent. Then I heard my wardrobe opening and rustle of clothes and a few minutes later a knock at the bathroom door.

"Wear this."

"I am not opening the door."

I heard him sigh heavily.

"Zoya just take it and put it on. I don't want my secretary to catch a cold. My office would fall you know. And I won't try anything stupid. Just take it."

I could hear the sincerity in his voice but it was hard to trust him. But I needed dry clothes and I had to risk it.

"Fine, keep the clothes by the door and move away."

Assuming it was safe once I heard his footsteps move away, I cracked open the bathroom door and after making sure that the coast was clear of the devil, snatched my clothes up. I put it on hurriedly and stepped outside relieved.

Asad's tall frame greeted me as I stepped out and he looked as if he was hungry. Not the food hungry.

"You look beautiful." He breathed.

It was then I noticed what he had given me. It was a far cry from my usual pajamas or the ankle length night gown.

This one came up to the middle of my thighs and was of royal blue colour. It had a sweetheart neckline and was held up by two lacy strips of silk. It hugged all the supposed right places, but absolutely wrong ones for me.

At that moment I wished I had the power of Zeus, the Greek God to produce thunderbolts and rain it on the beast who was smirking broadly at me at that moment.

As I turned to bolt to the washroom again his arms captured me and held me prisoner against his solid, hard chest. He shifted my hair to one side and leant his face against the junction of my neck and shoulder and inhaled deeply.

"Oh Zoya, I was so tired and worn but why does it happen that when you are in my arms all my fatigue disappears?"

It struck me then that he was supposed to return tomorrow. Instead of giving him hell for having tricked me, I was wondering what made him come back quickly.

"Why are you here?" I asked him softly shuddering at the sensations his lips wandering on my neck was creating.

"Why you don't like the fact that I am here earlier?"

"No!" I denied immediately and felt his lips curl upwards at the curve of my shoulder. I breathed in and tried to speak evenly. "Just curious."

"Hmm..." he nuzzled against my neck making my toes curl. His hands travelled the length of my arms infusing me with heated desire. He reached my hands and intertwined them with his and laid them intimately against my belly.

"Remember you asked me to come back soon over the phone? I just wanted to keep my word. But have you kept yours?" he asked as he turned me and held me close to him.

"Have you stayed out of trouble?"

Images of the movie and Sonia flashed before me. Technically I did not land into trouble so I did not feel so guilty when I said yes.

He just cocked his head to one side and regarded me intently.

"I don't find that very convincing."

I laughed nervously. He shook his head and then kissed the top of my head.

"Goodnight." He turned to go and I felt the absence of his warm body. Suddenly the darkness around me seemed much more formidable and I involuntarily reached out and clutched the sleeve of Asad's shirt.

He looked back surprised.

"Zoya?"

I looked at him with widened eyes. I realized then how tired he looked. There were dark circles under his eyes and he had a weary appearance. I gulped when I realized how much he had sacrificed to come home fast. I had to be strong. Strong for him.

I released his shirt from my grip and gave him a small smile. "Sleep tight."

He looked at me strangely, nodded and then left the room shutting the door after him.

I looked around me and felt my unfounded fears rise to the surface again. I had always hated darkness. Though it was alright when my Ammi was still alive, the fear of darkness increased when she died. Maybe it was because of the fact that Ammi died at night. I always had this irrational thought that darkness always took something from me. Left me alone.

And the movie just amplified my fear by adding supernatural elements to it.

I dropped to the floor on my knees and wrapped my arms around myself trying to get a grip. I tried to remember my mother's warmth and her words to me "You will never be alone."

I muttered these words to myself as I rocked back and forth.

"Calm down Zoya. Remember, remember you are not alone."

"And you will never be." His voice and arms wrapped around me like a comfortable blanket that seeped all coldness and fright out of me.

"Asad." His name fell like a litany from my lips. And then shame washed over me. Was I so fragile that I couldn't handle myself without needing him? Will I always be like this? A burden?

"I am so sorry, Asad. So, So sorry." I covered my face with my hands and choked back a sob.

"Zoya? What happened? Why are you crying?" His voice was alarmed as I felt him move from behind me and come and in front. He crouched down and gently forced my hands apart. But I couldn't meet his eyes so I closed mine. I felt his arms slip around me and haul me up. He carried me like a child and placed me gently on the bed.

He forced me to look at him in the eyes. His expression asked me to tell him what was wrong or he wasn't going to let me go.

I sighed. I was in a jumble of emotions and most of it didn't make sense. So I said what made sense to me.

"I hate the dark you know. It scares me not because it is scary but ...but because it makes me feel so lonely. As if I am lost. I hate feeling scared. I tried...tried so hard to be brave but always, always I fail. I feel as if I...I am a burden. On you. On everyone else." Appi's face flashed in my mind as I said everyone else. Haven't I been a burden on her since Ammi died?

He looked at me for moment, reached for my nose and pulled it. Hard.

"Ouch! Ouch ouch ouch! Stop it! Leave my nose you idiot." I said as I pushed him off. I rubbed my nose and glared at him.

"Did that hurt?" he asked, stupidly.

"OF COURSE IT DID!"

"Well good. It would have hurt the ones who loved you; much more than it did to you now if they heard what you said a moment ago." He said seriously looking me deep into the eyes.

"And you lied." He said and I sensed that he wanted to change the topic. And his words perplexed me so he was successful in his attempt.

"Lied? About what?"

"You are in trouble." He said and then his eyes twinkled with mirth. "With unseen ghosts apparently."

I flushed as I looked down to my hands and said defensively "Well I am not usually so scared but I saw a movie today. A ghost movie."

"And now you think those ghosts are after you."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah go on make as much fun as you want. Go away!" I said belligerent as I shoved him.

But he caught my hands and slid me on the bed in a sleeping position and got in with me, wrapping his hands from behind me. Needless to say I was stunned.

"What are you DOING?" I shrieked as I tried to get rid of his arms around me.

"You are so forgetful Zoya. Did I not tell you that whenever you get in trouble, I'll be your Knight in Shining Armour?" He draped the sheet around us as he held me close, all my apprehension, worries and jumbled emotion evaporated to let peace drift over me.

"How can I leave you when you are troubled by ghosts?" He said cheekily as I elbowed him.

His even breathing lulled me to sleep and even though I knew nothing of what he did to me; what he did for me, made sense; I still had to thank him.

"Thank you." I whispered and he pulled me closer.

"I'll always be there." He said as he kissed my cheek. The warmth of his kiss gave me solace and hope that I would not be alone in future.

MY SOB STORY -

The day I decided to type the next part, I suddenly found myself buried under projects. After that I had a horrific realization that my exam were marching merrily around the corner and my teacher suddenly decided we were old enough to make our own notes. Then Qubool Hai decided to make me cry with each episode so much so that I lost all my inspiration and I forgot a wonderful scene which I wanted to type (actually I dreamt it and I could not remember the teansy but utterly cute details the nxt morning). Then I read the works of some other people and I had an inferiority complex. Oh and around this time I stopped watching QH because seriously there was no way I was going to watch Tanveer all the time or I'd actually get inside the screen and kill her myself.

Oh and then SHERLOCK saved me and I have been obsessed with Benedict Cumberbatch for the last week and I am not in my element coz I have been writing this particular update for the last 2 weeks and I am so not happy with what I have written.

Another Bad news - I won't be able to get another chapter up till Dec 5 due to examz.

I can't decide a chapter name for this one...any help? I'll dedicate a chapter if I like a title.

If you guys want I'll rewrite this chapter after Dec 5...I think it is too cheesy. Give me your opinions please!!!!!

Kaya