Zoya's Day Out
"Ammi ! Help!" Zoya almost shouted, out of sheer exasperation. Where on earth was Dilshaad Khan when she needed her? Her patient and her smart words would come in so useful right now!
It had been a hot day in Bhopal and the house was exhausted of all the groceries. Out of sheer boredom, Zoya had therefore volunteered to walk to the market herself, since the house car was under some maintenance, and get the necessities. Oh and some extras, she remembered as her eyes gleamed in the direction of the bag of chocolates that temptingly stood out amongst the other ones held in her hands.
But put all that aside, she was still wishing she'd opted to stay at home, in the comfort and luxury of her mother-in law's pampering. Well, how was she to know that of all days, it was in her luck, or lack of it thereof, that she ran into the two most annoying people she'd ever had the courtesy to meet! She'd noticed their blibbering, blundering, selves standing by the onion stall, almost forcing the reduced price down the poor salesman's throat as he stood his ground, frightened but adamant.
Why would you fight for an extra twenty five rupees, Zoya could never figure out. Actually, on behalf of the salesman, she could. But one woman, with all her riches and glitter, not to mention that - excuse the language, Zoya was from New York after all. Plus, there was only so much innocence and battering eyelashes she could do. - Fugly flower on her head, she couldn't! Hell, forget why she couldn't figure the reason for the stinginess, the woman's character was as much a mystery to Zoya as existence of extra-terrestrial creatures to the rest of the world. Big mystery.
Once they had won the battle with the poor salesman, who gave them the bag of onions for twenty five rupees less than he'd normally sell them for, they moved on, dragging poor Zoya along with them!
Yeah, she was stuck with Haseena and her damned sister right now who, half an hour after running into them, were pulling her brains apart, piece by piece and adorning each snippet on the wall to gloat about and cherish!
Save me from Najma's future Mother in law. Please! - Z
Stupid guy had not replied! What sort of a husband was he? Leaving his wife in distress while he had a drama free afternoon at work, without the likes of Haseena Bi popping her pretentious, not to mention sugar coated biting opinions into everything he did. Much like she was doing right now to Zoya!
Why did you buy carrots from this man? Why did you not get your cauliflower from the other bhaisaab? He sells it so much cheaper. These small people always tried to rob you off money. Why do you not shop from the supermarket? Did you not shop in the supermarket in New York? We should all make a trip to New York, once Najma And Imran get married! Your treat. Giggle giggle, just joking! Yeah right joking!
"We'll show you the best stuff here, for the best prices." They both chanted, using their dupattas to wipe the sweat that had filled over their make-up coated faces. Zoya gulped, to hide the disgust that immediately formed on her face! How on earth Najma would be able to tolerate them when she got married, Allah Miyan only knew.
Haseena suddenly took an interested look at Zoya's colourful bag.
"So many chocolates?"
"They're for home." Zoya answered, with an uncomfortable smile. No they weren't! They were for her! Solely her!
"I see. But don't you have them. Your skin is already spoiling from the sun. Chocolates will spoil it even more."
What?!! Frowning, Zoya put a hand up to her face trying to feel the difference between her skin before Bhopal and now. Highly offended, and pretty gutted, she looked at the goodies she'd been eyeing ever since she got here! Screw Haseena! Who was she to dictate what Zoya should eat and what she shouldn't? That was so unfair. She loved her chocolates. Damn Haseena Bi and her habit of forcing her opinions down people's throat. Now she probably won't enjoy them as much as she had hoped for!
Haseena bi told me to not buy chocolates! They insulted my chocolates! You need to save me, NOW! Or I'll personally make sure life is living hell for you when you get back home from work. Or you can meet me in prison where I'll be charged for their murder! I'll only be hanged once for both their murders right?*evil smirk* - Z
Zoya, stop the childishness - A
The quick curt reply from her husband formed a small frown. Well, maybe he was really busy.
Can you send the driver? At least that way I won't be forced to go home with them and I can get away ASAP. Pretty pleassseee ;'( - Z
She hoped the crying face would do the trick. Even a whimper from her would have Asad by her side, doing everything in the world he could, to make her feel better. In that way, she thought to herself, she was really, really lucky. She'd found herself a family most girls could only dream about; a loving mother in law, a sister in law who was more of a friend and a husband who adored her. Even if he wasn't too quick to express it, it was always there in his eyes. His unsaid gestures, his shy, stolen glances at her every now and then, all pulled and tugged at her heart strings. Yes, they'd seen their ups and downs in their roller coaster of a relationship. But finally, when they did get married, and got to claim their right on each other a month back, everything had sailed smoothly. And they would've probably gone on a honeymoon, if Najma's wedding wasn't happening the next month. So the whole Khan family grit their teeth and put up with the nuisance of future in-laws they had been destined with!
"Zoya..!" Haseena called from behind. Feeling steam build up inside her, and gritting her teeth, Zoya turned around with a fake smile plastered onto her face. A gush of her strong and almost sickening perfume wafted through to Zoya as she did everything she could to stop scrunching up her nose in disgust. "Where had you disappeared off to?"
"I was just talking to Mr.. Asad." She replied, quickly changing the way she addressed him.
"I see." A teasing grin formed on the elder woman's face that Zoya wanted to wipe away dearly. Maybe with a sledge hammer, knock it out completely! Knock Haseena out completely as well. In any case, she doubted people would miss her. "Can't stay away from your husband can you? It's the first month. I wouldn't be able to stay away.." Haseena trailed off as Zoya raised her eyebrows.
"No matter, no matter!" her sister butted in with an equally saintly, high pitched voice. "By the way, how does your shauhar take your wearing jeans after marriage?"
What on earth..?!
"Excuse me?" She replied, highly insulted. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"No, don't feel bad!" Haseena interrupted quickly, "She just meant, that in some areas, it's considered disrespectful to wear jeans after marriage."
Oh, brilliant! She'd taken the insult against her skin and chocolates, but she would not sit quietly when they pointed fingers at her jeans and her husband! Oh no way! Putting on a sarcastic smile, she shot the first words that came out of her mouth directly at them,
"I don't always wear jeans, but when I go outside to places I know I'll get dirty at, they're the most comfortable piece of clothing I've ever worn. I'm not like you all, I find it difficult to carry off such suits. I really admire you for wearing your dupatta in such style wherever you go, even if it's the market."
Haseena and her sister smiled proudly. But Zoya had just about started.
"Many people say that the dupatta, gets easily dirty if not tied properly, but so what. I still like the way you've worn it. It might fall to the ground, who knows which dog just urinated over there? Or it might brush a few stalls and attracts germs from someone who has just sneezed on the stall, or maybe that dupatta itself."
The two elder women's faces contorted into horror at the thought. Smiling to herself, Zoya continued to let them have it, sarcasm dripping from her voice, but coated in the sweetest of all sugars you can lay your hands, no, tongues on.
"It doesn't matter does it? What do all these hygiene people know about anything? And I mean, I know I use my clean handkerchief that's been inside my jeans pocket, protected from all the germs to wipe my face with. But it still doesn't even begin to imitate the style of the scarf that you carry off so well. It's two in one isn't it? It can be used as a handkerchief and a clothing accessory!"
A hesitant smile took over on their faces, as they tried to brush off everything that was thrown at them.
"Oh, but what are we talking about? Don't we have more shopping to do? Come on! " Wearing her smile, no more a sarcastic one, the tigress moved forward, pretending to admire the apples that were being sold in a stall near them. One nil to Zoya! Hah, take that you arrogant, presumptuous ladies! The fire is back!
"Uhmm.. Zoya?" Haseena called timidly. With a large grin, Zoya turned around.
"Yes? By the way, that flower on your head-" But she was quickly interrupted by a quick,
"We have to go home now. Our shopping is done," from Haseena's sister.
Hah! Of course they would. They couldn't stand someone else overpowering them. Victory dance, victory dance! Okay maybe when she got home. Right now, she still had to put on her best acting skills.
"So soon? But we had just begun hadn't we?" Fake concern and innocence was clearly hidden by the extra surprised tone of her voice.
"Yes, but our shopping is finished." They forced a smile through. How she managed to hide those erupting giggles, she would never know. After a lot of persuasion, she managed to let them allow her to accompany them to their car. It wasn't always you saw the evil step sisters tongue tied. She had to make the most of it! Thankfully, they would be gone, and she could go home in peace as well. However, much to her astonishment and their shock, when they got to the car, there was something else awaiting them!
"How did the tyre get punctured?!" Haseena bellowed to their driver, Ratan. The unfortunate guy was cowering against the edge of the car, as he explained how it was impossible for him to see what a couple of kids may have sneakily done to back tyres while he was sitting inside the car.
Laughter bubbling inside her, and afraid she'd cause a scene in front of all those people, Zoya went to the back to inspect the tyres. Sure enough, they were punctured. And a good job too, considering they'd only spent about an hour in the market! The hole on each was definitely big enough.
"Haseena bi, you'll have to get new tyres. I'm sure Ratan can't drive like this." Zoya announced as she stood up. Once the poor driver had been sent to sort out the issue, she rounded on the two ladies and questioned them.
"What will you do now? I mean, you could come with me, but I'm going to spend some more time here. And I've got to meet up with my friend right after this. Plus the house car has gone for maintenance, so I can't call for it. My shauharwill pick me up wherever I am when I'm done."
"Should we take a taxi?" They asked each other quietly. But Zoya had already formed a different plan in her head.
"Don't! Not a wise idea." She shook her head, quite seriously. "You're the one who told me, these small people always try and rob you off money. And who knows if the taxi driver will take you to your house. I mean, two women, all alone. He might try and take everything off you. Including that amazing jewellery set you're wearing," she pointed at Haseena's set, who immediately put her hand to cover it. Fright filled both their faces. "What can you do now?" Zoya asked, her voice portraying confusion and thoughtfulness. In reality, the monstrous illusion of Taxi drivers she created in their heads was so comical, it took everything inside her to just not burst out into laughter!
"I guess we could wait."
"Yeah. But it could take hours for your driver to get the tyres. And then at least another hour or two to fix it." Wow, the lies were tumbling from her mouth without any break! Anymore and Zoya could swear she was eligible to be the next queen of Bollywood! Changing her expression to a serious, solemn one, she added, "I guess there's only one other thing you can do. Walk home."
"What? In this heat?" The outraged faces of the women hit home as Zoya turned to disguise the laughter which was sure to erupt from within her.
"Well, you either walk home in this heat, and you'll get home quicker. Or wait around in this heat for a longer time. She sighed dramatically. "If only you had given the twenty five extra rupees to the man selling onions. Maybe such bad luck wouldn't have fallen upon you. Allah always helps those who help others, after all. Isn't it?"
"Don't say such things." Haseena almost begged Zoya, who made a show of looking at her watch for the time.
"Oh is this the time? I need to go and finish my shopping. Else I'll really be late for that meeting with my friend. Khuda hafiz. And whatever you decide, I hope you get home before dark! Either way, you have your two in one dupattas don't you if it gets too hot on the way."
With a final wink and cheeky grin, Zoya ran off laughing into the market before they could stop, or hear her! Their horrified expressions at the thought of what the taxi driver may do with their stuff was like icing on a cake! Furthermore, they deserved everything they got. Why did they have to be such leeches when it came to money and gold? How would twenty five rupees hurt anyone? Hah, Allah Miyan had given them what they deserved. Well, for today at least!
Who would have thought her day, so boring, would become so entertaining? She was sure that Ammi and Najma would have a good laugh over whatever had transpired today between Zoya and the wicked step sisters! Yes, it wasn't the best of names for that gruesome twosome pair, but it had stuck ever since she thought up of it! She, Najma and Dilshaad always referred to them as such in private. Asad, as far as she knew him, was way too mature to indulge in such silly antics.
Beep Beep
Her phone rang, indicating there was a message.
I'm waiting at the back entrance of the market - A
He had come for her! With a wide smile on her face, and heated fuzzy feeling making its way through her organs from the centre of her heart, she rushed to the back of the market. He was waiting for her. She couldn't believe how the thought of him just brightened up her day immensely. Yeah, she was so in love with her husband. Zoya Farooqi, was someone who shuddered at the idea of marriage and commitment. But Zoya Khan, she didn't have anything to be scared about. Her family was complete. And the feeling only intensified when she saw her Asad's handsome form leaning against the driver side's door, waiting for her. Their eyes locked, and warmth immediately gushed from him to her, creating an invisible bond that would always be there till eternity.
They slowly walked towards each other, and before they could even start their greetings, he put his arms around her, pulling her closer in hug. She let the bags drop the few centimetres to the floor, and enclosed her arms around him too. It had barely been a few hours since they had seen each other, so why did she miss him so much? Maybe the presence of the evil step sisters had made time pass that much more slowly. Or she was just madly in love with her husband. Or both. Yeah, that sounded about right.
Asad on the other hand couldn't get enough of her. His mother had been right. She was the light of his day and the reason he looked forward to coming home every night. He marvelled at the littlest things he did for her and the stupidest things he did to make her smile. Anything to bring those dimples in her cheeks, to make her eyes shine in glee! Finally, he pulled apart and planted a kiss on her forehead, to which she closed her eyes contentedly.
Just as Zoya settled herself in the car, and Asad was walking around to get to the driver's side, he heard his phone buzz. Eyes twinkling, he answered it,
"Yes Ratan... Tomorrow noon at my office, you'll get your money... I'm the one who sent you to them in the first place. I can easily get you a job anywhere.. And remember, not a word to anyone!"
Asad couldn't help but give way to a small smile. For everything Haseena and her sister put Zoya through for the day, bribing their driver to put them in a difficult position was really worth it. It was not really Asad's fault, that just as he had been making his way home, deciding to take the afternoon off, he'd seen Zoya walking to the market and followed her there, knowing she'd probably need a car to come back in. It wasn't even his fault that just as he was about to call her, she bumped into the two evil step sisters' as she called them, and got stuck with them. He didn't want to talk to them, so he preferred keeping distance. And neither was it his fault that Haseena's driver hated her and was looking for an opportunity to get back at her! And he would not, in the slightest, take responsibility for whatever those sisters decided to do; whether to bravely walk home or wait for the driver till they realized he wouldn't come back!
And in all honesty, seeing his wife's charming, naughty and heart-warming smile at the end of it all was totally worth it. No arguments there.
Shiv Shakti
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