FF: All the Right Moves - Chapter 14, page 129 - COMPLETE - Page 24

Please update soon. Am waiting to read ur story. its sooo sooo sooo sooo good.

It was very nice update and i like Asad possessiveness towards Zoya.

I LOVED IT SOOO MUCH I WONDER WHAT ROHAN IS UP TO THANX FOR THE PM AND UPDATE SOON😃

Chapter 5...

Nice team... feel bad when najma is upset... we have zoya nothing to worry ...how she move a theory...

New suspect... to follow... his manager ..

Now ayaan is getting in the picture... for help..

i..like it asad and zoya convo...
how suddenly changes... from asad deep thoughts...

"I have complete faith in you, Ms. Farooqui." He speaks through gritted teeth.😡 "It's the rest of the world I don't trust. There's always somebody trying to take you away from me!"

little bit restless moment... they can avoid... but dilshad ... voice help zoya.to run

so sweet and worried about dilshad... but there is some info..
about the charity and rohan's presence..

and the liitle convo between rohan and zoya...

awww so sweet... when asya went so close...

the little discussion with dilshad more info about rohan...

The whole kitchen fiasco... wow

CHAPTER SIX

"Zoya, what do you mean Rohan admitted to searching our house?" Najma asks in a hushed whisper under the cover of the clattering dishes.

Zoya and Najma are in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner. Zoya looks over to Asad, Rohan and Dilshad in the living room. Asad is focused on his laptop while Dilshad and Rohan sort through photos.

"He asked to borrow Mr. Khan's boxing set," Zoya whispers back. "You know your Bhaijaan. He doesn't leave his things out. His boxing equipment wasn't set up. The only way Rohan would have known about it was if he'd already searched Mr. Khan's room."

Najma watches as Zoya brings over the last of the dishes. "This is terrible, Zoya. What are we going to do? We can't let him get away with this."

"He won't." Zoya puts her mouth close to Najma's ear. "But we have to act naturally. Remember, we have to convince both Rohan and Mr. Khan. Neither of them can know what we know."

Najma looks troubled. "I'm not sure I can do this, Zoya."

"We have no choice, Najma. For Phupee's sake, we can't allow Rohan to leave. The only control we have over this situation is by having him here." Zoya glances over at him but he and Dilshad are still deep in conversation.

"Why is he doing this?" Najma's voice is a tight, tense whisper. "I could barely eat with worrying about everything. We need to do something, Zoya."

"We will." Zoya reassures her. "I'm going to check out his phone tonight, no matter what it takes."

"How can I help?" Najma tries to assist with the dishes.

Zoya gently pushes her away. "By doing what you're supposed to be doing. You're only two weeks away from your exams. You have to study."

"What are you two whispering about?"

Both girls jump when Asad appears over their shoulders.

"Us?" Zoya smiles innocently. "Nothing. Nothing at all. Najma was trying to help me with the dishes."

"Najma, you should be preparing for your exams," Asad says severely. "You only have two weeks remaining. I'll help Ms. Farooqui if she needs it."

The girls stare at him. Zoya's mouth drops open in comical shock while Najma bites into her lower lip and looks away.

"You'll help with the dishes?" Zoya repeats. "Since when do you do household chores?"

Asad looks annoyed. "I can do them. There's just been no need until now. Usually we have the household staff but Ammi asked them not to come in for the rest of the week."

"That's so we can keep Rohan a secret. The fewer people who know he's here, the better we can keep him hidden. And I can do dishes just fine on my own." Zoya turns Najma towards the living room. "Go study. Make us proud."

Najma looks troubled but dutifully goes to her books. "All I do is study. I've been in school since I was three years old and now--"

She stops speaking abruptly. Everyone looks at her, making her redden. She sits down and hides her head behind her book.

"Najma?" Dilshad frowns at her. "Is something wrong?"

Najma peeks up and looks at her mother with huge, worried eyes. "Nothing, Ammi. Nothing at all."

Her gaze shifts to Asad and she pales a bit. Dilshad looks between Najma and Asad, a frown marring her normally serene face. Asad frowns back. Zoya stiffens and stares at Najma. Dilshad moves to sit beside her and takes her hand.

"Najma, are you keeping something from us?" she probes.

Najma bites into her lower lip and looks away. Zoya hurries to her side, Asad following closely behind. Zoya looks between Najma and Dilshad, and shakes her head slightly, silently urging Najma to stay quiet.

"What is it?" Asad demands. "I've seen you two whispering all day. I know something is going on."

"It's nothing, is it, Najma?" Zoya gives her a level look. "Everything's just fine."

Najma follows suit and nods her head. "Everything's fine."

"No, it's not," Asad snaps. "What is it, Najma?"

Najma jerks at his sharp tone. Her face flushes even more and she ducks down, as though trying to make herself as small as possible.

"Asad, you're scaring her," Dilshad admonishes. "Let me talk to her."

Asad crosses his arms behind his back and looks away, fists tightly clenched. Zoya looks from him to Rohan. Rohan sits very still, as though he's afraid to say or do anything to attract attention to himself.

"Najma, you know you can tell us anything," Dilshad says gently. "We only want your happiness. If something is troubling you, you must tell us."

Najma turns to Dilshad and opens her mouth to speak but no words emerge. She looks at Asad standing behind Dilshad's shoulder and her eyes fill with tears.

Zoya looks from Asad's stiff expression to Najma's hunched shoulders.

"Najma, I'm sorry." Zoya sits down on her other side. "I forget how much stress you're under while preparing for your exams. I shouldn't have put extra pressure on you."

"What extra pressure?" Asad growls. "What's wrong?"

Najma curls into Dilshad, as though seeking her mother's protection.

"Mr. Khan, stay calm." Zoya jumps up and move in front of Asad, partially shielding Najma from him. He glares at her but doesn't move away. She puts her hand on his arm, as though to restrain him, and nods to Najma.

"Najma, it's okay," she assures her. "You can tell them."

Najma looks at Zoya's hand on Asad's arm then up at her mother. Dilshad smoothes her hand over her daughter's hair and smiles encouragingly. Najma takes a deep breath.

"I'm useful too, Ammi," she blurts out.

Dilshad and Asad exchange puzzled glances then both look back at Najma. Zoya stares, her brows also pulled together in confusion.

"Yes, beta, I know." Dilshad strokes Najma's hair again. "But what's wrong?"

"Me." Najma pats her chest with her open hand. "I'm what's wrong! I'm a part of this family. I'm smart and I can contribute, too. Why does everyone think I'm so incapable that helping with the chores will affect my studies?"

Zoya looks from Najma to Rohan then back again. She shakes her head as if to clear it. "That's what you're upset about? Najma, no one thinks you're incapable. It's just that there's no need for you to worry about chores when you have your exams coming up."

Najma mouth trembles, her eyes wet with unshed tears. "That's the point, Zoya. I am worried. Why does everyone think I can't do more?"

Zoya looks to Dilshad but Dilshad is equally mystified. Her hand stills on Najma's hair.

"Beta, I don't understand. There's nothing for you to do."

"Exactly, Ammi. I do nothing." The tears overflow and drip down Najma's cheeks. "I lift a dirty glass and I'm told to put it down. I go to the washing machine and my clothes are taken from me. I offer to make a cup of tea and am told not to. And, now that Zoya and I share a room, I don't even make my own bed. Why doesn't anyone let me do anything? I'm not stupid."

Asad's mouth drops open and he uncrosses his arms as he, Dilshad and Zoya exchange glances. Rohan remains perfectly still, barely even breathing. Asad shifts closer to Najma and Zoya releases his arm.

"Of course no one thinks you're stupid." Zoya sits down beside Najma. "We know how intelligent and focused you are. That's why we're all pushing you to study. We want you to do well in your education."

"But I can do more." Najma wipes at her tears. "Everybody else works so hard. You've taken over all the cooking and household chores while also working in Bhaijaan's office. Ammi organized and is managing all of the charity events this week plus all the people still making demands on her. Bhaijaan works into the wee hours of the morning to keep his business successful. I try to help and everyone tells me to go away. Why can't I contribute, too?"

"Najma, you are contributing." Dilshad takes her hand. "Your education is the foundation for your future. That must be your focus. We don't ask you to do other things because there's no need for it. Do you think we're less proud of you because you don't have to struggle for your accomplishments?"

Najma looks up at Asad, shame heavy in her eyes. "I don't want to be a burden, to add another responsibility to what you already have to do."

"You aren't, Najma." Asad tugs Najma up from her seat. "Is that what's been troubling you, Tamatar?" His voice gentles noticeably. "You were worried that we don't allow you to do things because we don't have faith in you abilities?"

Najma nods, more tears spilling down her cheeks. "No one lets me do anything around the house. I feel awful being useless when everyone else is doing so much..." She breaks into heavy sobs.

"What nonsense." Asad wraps her in his arms and tucks her head under his chin. "You're a smart, capable girl. We all know that. All we want is for you to be happy." He leans back to look directly into her eyes. "We won't let you suffer or struggle because we love you, not because we think you lack ability or talent."

"Really, Bhaijaan?" Najma looks hopefully through her tears. "It doesn't bother you that I only focus on my studies while you've worked so hard all these years?"

Asad shakes his head and smiles gently. "I want you to only focus on your studies. I want you to be stress-free and happy. In fact, I insist on it."

Dilshad comes to join them. "Najma, you are an integral part of our family." She cups Najma's chin to make sure she has her daughter's full attention. "You're more than my child. You are my pride."

Najma's brow wrinkles as she stares intently at her mother.

Dilshad smiles warmly. "Every mother dreams for her children to be successful, to live their lives in comfort and happiness, to have good hearts and honest understanding. Every day I look at you and see my little girl growing into an intelligent, beautiful, compassionate, and loving young woman. My dream is coming true." Dilshad's eyes also fill with tears. "You are my pride and joy."

"Really, Ammi?" Najma's eyes glisten with hope and unshed tears.

"Of course, beta. You have given me so much happiness from the first moment you came into my life. That will never change." Dilshad wraps both her children in a tight hug.

Najma sags as if a heavy weight has fallen off her shoulders. She snuggles into their arms, soaking in their warmth and security. Dilshad kisses Najma's head lovingly and closes her eyes, a gentle, maternal smile gracing her face. Asad looks over at Zoya. She smiles at him, unshed tears brighten her eyes. He smiles back, his eyes glowing with the love and pride he has for his family.

Zoya bounces up and blinks back her tears. "I don't know, Phupee. Najma hasn't taken her exams yet. She might disappoint you."

"Zoya!" Dilshad scolds but laughs at the same time.

She holds out her arm, beckoning Zoya to join them. Zoya throws her arms around the trio and hugs them tightly. Najma, in the center of their embrace, giggles as she brushes away her tears. Zoya grins widely as they break apart. Her smile freezes when she sees Rohan.

Rohan looks at them with such deep longing, the pain and loneliness in his pale blue eyes so poignant, it weighs down his entire being. His body is stooped and even his gorgeous face is drawn, his mouth turned down at the corners, his polished glow dimming to a barely discernible light.

Zoya recoils from the force of that pain and stumbles into Asad. He puts out his arm to steady her. He follows her gaze towards Rohan. Asad's face tightens and he clears his throat.

"Rohan, do you want to go through the storeroom now?" Asad's voice is gruffer than usual.

Rohan drags his gaze away from Dilshad and Najma, who are still close together, to look at Asad. He opens his mouth but is unable to speak. Finally he nods and gets up from the sofa. Silently, Asad leads him out of the living room and down the hall.

Zoya watches Rohan with troubled eyes, sympathy welling up inside her. But even as she watches, Rohan shrugs his shoulders and relaxes his torso. She can almost see him slip back into his persona of the carefree superstar, like it's a heavy coat he puts on to protect himself from the bitter cold of life. He disappears into the storeroom with Asad.

Zoya sighs then turns to Najma. "Tamatar, I'm so sorry for all the pressure I put on you. I honestly thought I was helping when I kept you away from housework."

Najma squeezes her hand. "I know, Zoya, and I appreciate it. But I felt so guilty with only my studies to worry about and everyone else doing so much."

"Najma, how could you think that we didn't value you?" Dilshad asks. "When have we ever made you feel like you weren't an integral part of our family?"

"I'm sorry, Ammi." Najma brushes away the last of her tears. "Everything has been so crazy lately with all the charity preparation, your health and Malak's recovery, your shooting and Zoya's office shooting, Rohan coming to town and...and--"

Dilshad hugs her again. "And we've been putting you aside, trying to shield you from it, forgetting that you've gone through everything we have. Of course it built up, of course you worried we didn't think you could handle the pressure. We didn't doubt you, we just wanted to protect you, keep you safe." Dilshad holds Najma at arm's length. "I love you more than life itself, Najma. I would die to protect you."

A tremendous clatter makes the ladies jump and turn. Rohan stands behind them, so still he could be carved from stone. Free weights roll around on the floor at his feet but he isn't aware of them. His pale eyes are grey and cloudy, full of such deep agony, it appears that the pain is drowning him from the inside out. Then, in the blink of those fathomless eyes, it's gone and the charming, easy-going cricketer returns.

"Sorry." He reaches down to grab the weights that have fallen off the bar. "I should have takes off some of the weights."

Asad rushes around the corner. "What was that noise?"

"Rohan dropped these." Zoya reaches down to pick up a dumbbell and staggers under the weight. "Allah miya, these are heavy!"

"Yes, they are." Asad takes it from her and hefts it easily. "They're to build up muscle strength."

"Sorry about that." Rohan lifts some of the free weights, his movements now relaxed and easy. "I guess I grabbed too many at once."

Asad deposits the equipment inside Rohan's bedroom door. "I'll bring you my boxing set while you gather the rest of the free weights. Then we'll move the bench into your room."

"Thanks for doing this, Asad." Rohan grins, his blue eyes clear, all signs of vulnerability erased from his expression.

Asad nods briefly and heads for his own room.

"I'm going to finish up the dishes," Zoya announces.

"May I help?" Najma asks.

"No, Tamatar, you study--" Zoya begins automatically then stops herself. "I'm sorry. You know best how to prepare for your exams. Yes, I'd love for you to help me."

Najma's smile lights up the whole room. "I'll go back to my books after we clean up, I promise."

Dilshad sweeps them both into her arms. "I'm so blessed to have such wonderful girls."

"That's what Mrs. Reddy keeps saying, too." Najma giggles, fully back to her usual happy self.

"Mrs. Reddy?" Asad crosses to Rohan's room, his arms full of his boxing equipment. "The only-fair-skin-is-beautiful lady?"

"Yes, Bhaijaan. We met her at the cricket stadium today." Najma's eyes dance with delighted mischief. "You'll be happy to know she gave Zoya strict instructions on how to raise your children."

"Children?" Asad stops so abruptly his boxing gloves tumble to the floor. His gaze slams into Zoya's. "And what did you say?"

"I don't remember." Zoya refuses to meet his eyes. "We were only with her for a few minutes."

"She told Zoya it wasn't enough that your children will be beautiful. You must teach them Ammi's compassion and generosity." Najma's grin widens. "Zoya assured her you would."

"My compassion and generosity." Dilshad smiles serenely. "That was very kind of her to say."

"Ammi, did you miss the part where she thinks Ms. Farooqui and I are having children together?" Asad demands. "We are not married!"

Dilshad pats his arm. "Asad, you have to make allowances for the older generation. They have more rigid ideas of relationships."

"Ms. Farooqui and I don't have a relationship!"

Asad looks at Zoya. She blushes deeply and busies herself by washing the dishes. Najma giggles again and Dilshad ducks her head to hide her smile.

"That reminds me, I must call Mrs. Reddy. Every off-duty police officer in Bhopal has offered to provide security for Rohan's events. I need to tell the police commissioner we don't need that much help." Dilshad looks around. "Where is my phone?"

"I think your phone is in your room, Ammi," Najma answers. "Didn't you place it on your bedside table when I took your blood pressure?"

"That's right." Dilshad puts her hand to her forehead. "I forgot all about it while we were enjoying the wonderful dinner Zoya and Rohan made. I'm sure I've missed many calls."

She hurries upstairs. Zoya keeps her back to Najma and Asad as she washes the dishes with more energy than needed. Rohan comes out of his room and scoops up the fallen boxing gloves.

"Asad, these are great." Rohan punches one of the gloves. "I'm going to use them right away, if you don't mind."

"That's fine," Asad says. "We can bring out the rest of the equipment tomorrow. I need to make some phone calls before bed."

He and Rohan go to their bedrooms, Rohan still molding the gloves and Asad pulling his cell phone out of his vest pocket.

"So that's where he has it," Zoya murmurs.

"Has what?" Najma sorts through the just-washed dishes.

"His cell phone." Zoya turns off the water. "Mr. Khan just won the bidding for the Center Park project. He must be keeping his cell phone with him so he can immediately address any problems during the final approval process."

"Wow, Zoya. You know almost as much about Bhaijaan's business as he does." Najma grins at her. "What's up with that? Are you planning to take over?"

"Allah miya, of course not, Najma. You know I've sorted and read almost every piece of paper generated in Mr. Khan's office." Zoya switches on the coffee pot. "It was such a mess with all the duplicate and triplicate copies they had of everything. I've been working from home to clean up the databases. That'll remove data redundancy and ensure that all data elements are uploaded. Soon I'll be able to use my analytics tool and perform a Profit & Loss analysis to calculate the Return on Investment."

Najma's mouth drops open and she stares at Zoya in befuddled confusion. Finally she shakes her head. "I didn't understand what you said. I can't speak computer geek."

Zoya laughs. "Basically, I'll be able to see how much time, labor and effort Mr. Khan's staff spent on projects. I'll compare that to how much money they made on each development site and determine if it was money well-spent."

"Bhaijaan must be so happy to have your help." Najma puts out coffee cups. "Very few people can do the work you can."

Zoya's smile fades and she focuses on the counter she's cleaning. "No, Najma. Mostly he thinks I'm a nuisance creating extra work for him." She sighs dejectedly. "He calls me a musibat magnet."

"Zoya, that's not true. You're not trouble. You're wonderful." Najma hugs her. "Think of everything you do for us. You're computerizing Bhaijaan's office, you're managing the household so Ammi can focus on the orphanage and I can prepare for exams, you feed us, care for us and love us. Then, on top of it, look at what you're doing now to protect us."

Zoya hugs her back. "Will you remind Mr. Khan? He doesn't see the good things, only the bad. He makes me so angry when he yells at me for no reason. Sometimes I just want to hit him--" She breaks off abruptly, staring at the coffee cups Najma just put out.

Najma giggles and hugs her tighter. "Don't hit Bhaijaan. He's very strong. You saw how easily he carried those weights. Even Rohan had to carry them piece by piece."

"Which is why Rohan prefers the boxing set." Zoya continues to stare at the cups. "Mr. Khan likes the weights to build muscle while Rohan needs to focus on speed and flexibility."

Najma also looks at the coffee cups. "I don't understand what you're trying to say."

"Rohan is using the boxing set right now, isn't he?"

Najma nods. "Yes, that's why Bhaijaan didn't bring out more equipment. Rohan said he wanted to box this evening."

Zoya snatches up a coffee cup. "I know how we're going to get to Rohan's phone."

"How?" Najma demands.

"I'm going to take him a cup of coffee and you're going to call him to put away the meat platter on the shelf above the refrigerator. He'll have to take off his gloves to do it, which will give me enough time to check out his phone."

"But what if he has his phone on him?"

"He won't." Zoya takes the heavy platter out of the dish drainer. "It might be damaged if it falls out of his pocket. He'll put it on the dressing table or at his bedside. Either way, once he's out of the room, I can get to it."

"Okay, let's do it." Najma grabs the coffee pot. "How did Rohan take his coffee?"

"Just enough milk to take off the bitter edge and two spoonfuls of sugar." Zoya brings the milk and prepares Rohan's cup.

Najma watches her. "It's amazing how you remember everything we like, just the way we like it."

Zoya winks at her. "Remember, knowledge is power."

Najma pushes a chair against the refrigerator door while Zoya places the coffee cup on a tray. She walks over to Rohan's closed bedroom door and looks back at Najma. Najma climbs the chair and opens the cabinet above the refrigerator. Even with the chair, she cannot reach the top shelf. Zoya knocks on Rohan's closed door.

"Come in!" Rohan calls.

Zoya opens the door. Rohan, wearing a blindingly white t-shirt and black sweat pants, bounces lightly on his toes as he spars with the boxing speed bag. His body gleams with a thin sheen of sweat and his natural polished glow.

"What's up?" He grins at Zoya.

She smiles back at him and holds up the tray. "I brought you coffee."

Rohan stops sparring and crosses to meet her at the door. He holds up his hands, covered in the boxing gloves and laughs. "Thank you. Would you please put it down on the dressing table?"

Zoya's smile widens when she sees his cell phone on the dressing tabletop. "Of course."

She steps into the room and Najma immediately calls out.

"Rohan, would you help me for a moment?" she asks sweetly. "Neither Zoya nor I can reach this top shelf."

"I'm coming, Najma!" Rohan fumbles to remove his gloves as he rushes out of the room.

Zoya puts down the coffee tray and takes out her own cell phone. She turns on the video recorder and focuses it on Rohan's phone. She quickly flips through the various screens and records the information. Then she puts her phone away and returns his to its original location.

She hurries back to the kitchen. Rohan has put away the meat platter and is now helping Najma store the rest of the dishes.

"You don't have to do that," Zoya protests. "I'll help Najma."

"I don't mind," Rohan insists.

"We're finished anyway," Najma announces. "Thank you for your help."

"Anytime." Rohan gives them his little-boy grin. "You two have a good night."

Zoya and Najma return his good wishes. Najma goes back to her books while Zoya goes to Asad's door. She presses her ear against the glass panel and listens carefully.

"Zoya, what are you doing?" Najma demands.

"Shhh. I'm waiting for Mr. Khan to go into his washroom." She presses against the panel again. "It'll be easier to check his cell phone when he's not in the room."

Najma looks apprehensive. Zoya goes back to the kitchen to fill another mug with plain black coffee. She carries the mug to Asad's bedroom door and listens again. This time she hears running water.

"Okay, it's now or never," she murmurs and opens his door.

She looks around carefully before she enters. Asad's room is neat and orderly. She sees his cell phone on the desk beside his sofa. Moving fast, she puts down the mug and pulls out her own cell phone. It takes her only seconds to find Ayaan's phone number and snap a picture of it. She puts Asad's phone back and slips her cell into her jeans' pocket as she hurries out.

"What are you doing in my room?" Asad demands.

Zoya stops cold, her hand on the doorknob. She looks over to see Asad in the washroom doorway, arms crossed over his chest. He's already changed into his crisp white sleepwear and his short dark hair frames his face in damp spikes.

She nods to the sofa table and smiles brightly. "I brought you coffee."

Asad glances at it. "Did you knock?"

She straightens. "Of course I did."

He crosses to her in two large strides. "I didn't hear it."

"The water was running, Mr. Khan. How could you have heard me?"

"So you admit you didn't knock!"

She turns to leave. "You're being silly."

He catches her wrist. "And you're being disrespectful. Just because the whole world already has us married and with children doesn't mean you have the right to invade my privacy."

"It wasn't the whole world. It was just one old lady with regressive views." Zoya puts her hands on her hips. "I know we're not married."

"Did you tell her that?" Asad stands so close he traps her in his body heat.

"Allah miya, what's wrong with you, Mr. Khan?" She throws up her hands in frustration. "Of course I did! I told her, Phupee told her and even Najma tried to tell her. She just doesn't understand."

"It's not that difficult of a concept, Ms. Farooqui." He leans in even closer, so close that his breath flutters her hair. "Either we're married or we're not."

She puts her hands on her hips and refuses to back down. "It's not a difficult concept for me, but it is for her. What do you think, Mr. Khan? Do you think I encouraged her to believe it? That I don't have my own life, my own problems, my own reasons for being in India? That I came here for the sole purpose of snagging Bhopal's most eligible bachelor, the great Asad Ahmed Khan?"

Her voice rises so high that she is nearly shrieking by the end of her tirade. Her face is very red and her breathing is so heavy that she's gasping audibly. Asad is equally agitated. He opens his mouth to reply but a loud clatter, followed by a cry, distracts them.

"Najma!" Zoya's eyes widen and she rushes out of the room.

Asad is faster than her. He leaps across the living room to reach Najma. She's sprawled on the floor, books fallen all around her, a dazed expression on her pretty face.

"Najma?" Rohan throws open his door, his boxing glove half-off as he also hurries to her aid.

"What is it?" Dilshad appears at the top of the stairs. "What happened?"

"I...I'm okay, Ammi." Najma's voice is shaky as Asad lifts her to her feet. "I slipped and dropped my books."

"Are you hurt?" Dilshad hurries down to join them.

"Only my pride." Najma smiles at Asad. "Thank you, Bhaijaan."

"Are you sure you're okay?" His voice is a low, concerned rumble.

Zoya runs her hands along Najma's arms. "Do you have any pain?"

Najma shakes her head. "No, I'm fine."

"Sometimes you don't know you're hurt until later, when the muscles stiffen." Rohan has removed his gloves and gathers up Najma's books. "You should go to bed to keep the muscles relaxed."

"That's a good idea." Dilshad takes Najma from Asad. "Zoya, help me, please."

Zoya nods and supports Najma's other side.

"Ammi, I'm fine, truly," Najma protests. "I'm not hurt at all."

"I'm happy to hear it," Dilshad soothes as they guide her upstairs. "But there's no need to take chances. It's time for bed anyway." She looks back to Asad and Rohan. "Good night, boys. We'll see you in the morning."

They all exchange good wishes. In the girls' room, Dilshad turns down their bed. Najma continues to protest as Zoya guides her to settle against the pillows.

"Honestly, Zoya, I'm completely fine."

Zoya fluffs up her pillows. "It's bedtime anyway." She straightens and turns to Dilshad. "You should go to bed, too, Phupee. You have a very long, busy day ahead of you as well."

Dilshad bends down to press her lips to Najma's forehead. "Sleep well, beta." Then she brushes a kiss along Zoya's cheek. "Good night."

"Good night," both girls repeat.

Zoya waits for Dilshad to go to her own room before she sits down beside Najma. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Najma rolls her eyes. "Zoya, I dropped my books on purpose."

Zoya blinks. "Why?"

"I could hear you and Bhaijaan fighting." Najma squeeze Zoya's hand. "You always protect me when he's yelling so it was my turn to protect you."

"Protect me?" Zoya blinks again, this time to hold back the tears that suddenly fill her eyes. "I was okay, Najma, but thank you."

Najma leans forward to hug her. "I'm just sorry you didn't have a chance to get Ayaan Bhaijaan's phone number."

Zoya reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone. "Yes, I did."

"Really?" Najma hugs her again. "Are you going to call him now? What about Rohan's phone? Did you get anything from him?"

"Let's check." Zoya shifts to the pillows beside Najma. "I recorded everything I found on Rohan's phone. As I suspected, it was clean. No outgoing phone calls before two days ago, no calendar entries and no browser history."

"What about the numbers he did call? Can we get anything from them?"

Zoya opens up Najma's laptop. "Do you recognize any of them?"

Najma studies the list on Zoya's cell phone. "Yes, this is Ammi's number and this one is the main number for the orphanage. There are only two other numbers in here."

"Read off the first one."

Najma recites it and Zoya types it into her search engine.

"That number belongs to Kabir Khanna, here in Bhopal." She looks up at Najma. "Do you know who he is?"

"Yes, he's the orphanage director." Najma reads off the last number in the list. "Those are the only phone numbers called from Rohan's phone."

Zoya plugs in the number. "It's unlisted. I can hack the phone company's records to find the owner."

"Or we can do it the easy way."

Najma takes out her cell phone and dials the unlisted number. She waits for it to connect. Zoya presses closer to listen to the call.

"This is Arun," a gruff male voice answers.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Najma says. "I must have dialed the wrong number. I'm looking for my friend Seema."

"You have the wrong number," Arun confirms.

"Sorry again." Najma disconnects the call and smiles at Zoya. "My call went well. Now it's your turn."

Zoya grins back at her and dials Ayaan's number on her cell phone.

"Hello?" a lazy male voice answers.

"Were you asleep?" Zoya makes her voice deliberately light and ditzy. "Allah miya, this can't be the famous Ayaan Ahmed Khan, can it?"

"Who is this?" Ayaan's voice is suddenly sharp and clear.

Zoya laughs. "I heard so much about the Ayaan Ahmed Khan. He knows everyone and everything that goes on in Bhopal. But how can that be if he spends all his time sleeping?"

"I wasn't sleeping," Ayaan assures her. His voice becomes huskier. "I was daydreaming that a beautiful girl like you would call me." His voice drops another notch. "My dream came true."

Zoya and Najma exchange amused smiles.

"Oh, really?" Zoya rolls her eyes. "How do you know I'm beautiful?"

"With that angelic voice, you have to be the most beautiful girl in Bhopal." Ayaan's voice oozes sticky-sweet charm. "So, where have we met?"

"We haven't met," Zoya explains. She allows her voice to deepen, and winks at Najma. "Not yet. But I've heard all about you."

"Really?" Ayaan's voice rises back to his normal pitch. "From whom?"

"From your Bhaijaan."

There is a moment of complete silence before Ayaan speaks. "Who is this?"

"I'm the guest staying in your Bhaijaan's house."

"How did you get my number?" Suspicion fills Ayaan's voice, replacing the false charm.

Zoya and Najma exchange wide-eyed 'oh, no' glances then Najma's face brightens. She presses her hands together and flutters her lashes, gazing at Zoya with worshipful admiration. Zoya stares at her blankly and taps her chest in a 'me?' gesture. Najma shakes her head and points to the phone. She flutters her lashes again and sighs dramatically. She rolls her hand in a 'go on' gesture. Zoya's face clears and she nods in comprehension.

Zoya allows her voice to lighten. "I snuck a peek at your Bhaijaan's phone. I had to talk to you after all I've heard about you."

She looks at Najma who nods in approval.

"All the ladies do. It was smart of you to look in Bhaijaan's phone." Ayaan goes back to his husky voice. "I admire girls who are smart and quick-witted."

"Oh, really?" Zoya shakes her head. "And you can tell I'm smart and quick-witted just by listening to my voice?"

"Bhaijaan also says it," Ayaan reveals.

"He does?" Zoya sits up straight. "Allah miya, he really said that?"

"Well...he might have said you're too smart for your own good."

"Oh, really?" Her voice sharpens. "What else did he say about me?"

"He says you're a musibat magnet."

"What?" Zoya jumps up from the bed. "He called me that? When?"

Najma shakes her head frantically and mouths "no, no". Zoya is too agitated to pay attention to her.

"Always." Now Ayaan sounds amused. "He said he could leave you in a deserted lot and you'd find trouble."

Zoya begins pacing. "First off, that lot wasn't deserted. There were people living behind the factory. Second, I don't look for trouble. It finds me. Third, I'm only trying to help--"

Najma grabs her hand and stops her pacing. Zoya turns to her. Najma shakes her head again.

Zoya calms down. "Wait. Why am I telling you this?"

"I don't know." Ayaan sounds as confused as she does. "You called me."

Zoya stares at Najma, her mouth dropping open. Najma mouths "I need your help" and makes her 'go on' motion again.

"Right." Zoya nods. She lightens her voice again. "I called because I need your help."

"My help? What kind of trouble are you in that you need my help?"

Ayaan sounds suspicious again. Najma's eyes widen and she shakes her head. Zoya pats her shoulder soothingly.

"I'm not in any trouble." Zoya plops down on the bed again. "I'm just trying to be a good citizen. Did you know that Rohan Saxena is in town?"

"Don't even say that name to me," Ayaan growls. "Of course I know he's in town. My whole life, in fact this whole city, has been turned upside down because of him."

"I know," Zoya sympathizes. "First he shows up and makes everyone crazy. Then he disappears and makes everyone crazier."

"He's gone?" Ayaan sounds delighted. "When did he leave?"

"When was the last time anyone saw him today?"

"I don't know. All the girls at college were crying over seeing him at the cricket club or over not seeing him."

Zoya and Najma both roll their eyes listening to his disgruntled voice.

"And after the cricket club?" Zoya prods.

"I haven't heard anything about him after the show at the stadium. Did he really leave town?" Ayaan asks excitedly.

"No, he's still here. He has events scheduled for tomorrow. But I think he's up to something." Zoya lowers her voice as though she's sharing a secret. "Why else would such an important and famous guy drop off the face of the Earth?"

Ayaan groans. "You're another one of those desperate girls who are chasing after Rohan, aren't you? You think I can get you access to him. Well, don't bother. Dilshad-Bi has more access to him than anyone. If she can't help you, then no one can."

Zoya looks at Najma and holds her hand out in a 'now what' gesture? Najma turns up her nose and puts her hand up in front of her face. Zoya's mouth twists in confusion. Najma sighs and imitates at batsman swinging a bat then turns her nose up again. Zoya's face clears and she nods in understanding.

"I've already met Rohan," Zoya say. "He's extremely conceited. I think he's up to no good."

Ayaan sighs. "I could have told you that and I've never met Rohan."

Najma makes a circle with her thumb and index finger, gesturing 'okay'. Zoya nods.

She allows her voice to lighten again. "How did you know that?"

"Just look at him." Disgust is thick in Ayaan's voice. "Do you really think that pretty-boy cares about the girls in Bhopal? He'll just use them and then break their hearts."

Zoya gasps dramatically. "Are you saying he's a player? His nice reputation is just a front?"

"His reputation isn't that nice. He was a drunk and a loser until a few years ago. He had talent but no drive. Then he started to do charity work to reform his image. Now everyone thinks he's a good guy but he's not."

"So what do we do?" Zoya prods. "How do we protect the girls in Bhopal from him?"

"I don't know. I've been thinking about it, too, but I don't know what to do."

"I tried to follow him, to see where he goes and who he's with." Zoya sighs dramatically. "But I don't know the city that well and it's hard to get around in a taxi."

Zoya winks at Najma. Najma presses her hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter.

"You need a motorcycle," Ayaan explains. "They never get caught in traffic. Plus, there are parts of town where the roads are very narrow. It's easier to travel them on a motorcycle."

"I didn't even think about narrow streets." Zoya allows admiration to thicken her voice. "You have a much better understanding of these things than I do."

Najma's mouth drops open and she shakes her head at Zoya's audacity.

"It's okay," Ayaan consoles her, unable to see the grins Zoya and Najma exchange. "This is something a man should do anyway."

"Really? A man?" Zoya lightens her voice again. "Won't it be dangerous?"

"I'm used to danger," Ayaan boasts. "I laugh in the face of danger."

Zoya slaps her hand over her mouth to suppress her laughter. Najma covers her face and shakes her head. Zoya's face is very red but her voice is still clear.

"Are you sure you can do this?" she asks innocently.

"Of course I can," Ayaan assures her. "I always say..." he clears his throat dramatically.

A lion's heart is strong and true

A lion's heart is strong and true

Fear not, beautiful, for this sher will protect you

Zoya pulls the phone away from her face and stares at it. She covers the mouth piece with her hand.

"That's the best he can do?" she whispers to Najma. "I can come up with better couplets in my sleep."

"Zoya!" Najma hisses. "Play along!"

Zoya's mouth rounds into a circle and she nods quickly. She puts the phone back to her ear.

"I'm so worried," Zoya says in her light, ditzy voice. "What if your Bhaijaan objects? We know we're doing this to protect the girls of Bhopal but he may not understand."

"Then we won't tell him," Ayaan assures her. "Bhaijaan is too rigid and straight-laced to understand Mission Khiladi."

"Mission Khiladi?"

"Well, Rohan is a player, in many ways," Ayaan explains. "We should use code names if we're going to do this in secret, right?"

"Right," Zoya agrees. Then she shifts back to her normal voice."Are you sure about this? Something might go wrong."

"Ahh, don't you worry, Mona darling," Ayaan drawls. "I am with you."

"But Raabert, if you're with me, then who's taking care of the boss?" Zoya shoots back.

There is silence for a moment.

"You're a fan of Lo-in, too?" Ayaan whispers

Zoya laughs. "Who isn't? He was one of the best villains ever. Ajit portrayed him so well in the movie Kalicharan! And he was a pretty good dresser, too."

"That's my favorite Ajit movie, too." Ayaan laughs. "And my Abbu says those plaid sport suits were very fashionable in their day."

Zoya laughs again. Najma suddenly grabs her arm but Zoya is too focused on her call to pay attention.

"Well, every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed man." She goes back to her light voice.

Ayaan laughs with her. "You should tell that to Bhaijaan. Maybe it's time for him to change his style."

Zoya imagines Asad dressed in one of Ajit's loud checked suits, with Ajit's bushy mustache and trademark thick black glasses. The image is so funny she falls back on the bed, laughing uncontrollably. Najma shakes her arm again. Zoya sits up and tries to compose herself.

"Okay, I'll call you tomorrow and we'll arrange something." She takes a deep breath and her voice evens. "Thank you so much, Raabert. I knew I could count on you."

She disconnects the call and looks at Najma. But Najma isn't looking at her. Her face is very pale as she stares past Zoya to their bedroom door. Zoya's eyes widen and her mouth drops open. Slowly, she turns. Asad is standing in the doorway, arms crossed behind his back, his jaw locked and his eyes flashing fire.

"Oh, no," Zoya whispers. "Busted."

Author's Notes: As always, all mistakes are mine and made accidentally. This story is not intended to hurt anyone's feelings, culture or beliefs. Much thanks to my wonderful beta readers for their support, assistance and endless patience!

Also, thank you to everyone who posts replies, send me friend requests and write private messages. Please send me a buddy request if you would like me to let you know when new chapters are posted.

Please remember I post a new chapter every Monday morning, New York time. I cannot post any more often because of how long my chapters are. Plus this is the holiday season so my betas and I all have many more demands on our time and energy.

I hope you're enjoying my work. Thank you for reading.

Paly

Chapter 7: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/98244762

superb!! i just felt najma's emotion...
why are asad n zoya always fighting!???
ayaan-zoya convo was hilarious...ayaan is really a fool!!!
so i am ready to see my lion back in action!!
continue soon

You are brilliant Paly...just plain genius👏

Wonderful as ever...u r d best...