AsYa FF Something Changed Thread#1 (Updated Chp 23 Pg 107) - Page 11

Chapter 10

'Phupi, what are your plans for today?' Zoya asked as she uninterestedly flipped through a magazine.

'Plans? I have so much to do home. I have to make lunch, and do the cleaning and'

'Bas Phupi! That's all you do all day? You need a break. In fact, I have an idea. Let's go shopping'

'Zoya, I have so much work to do. When Najma gets back home from college, you take her shopping na.'

'Nahi, you have to go with me. You should get out a bit. It will lots of fun. Instead of staying at home all the time and all this housework!'

'But who would make lunch and dinner? Who would do all these things? You see, its my job. Just now, you will have to do all this'

'Kyaa?'

'I mean when you get married na. Anyways, I have lots to do'

'Oh Phupi! Why are you worried when I am here? I will help you! If we do it together, we can finish faster and then we can do loads of shopping! I actually want to help. Your son always says I do nothing at home so this would be an opportunity to prove him wrong too !' Zoya exclaimed excitedly.

Seeing, Dilshad's expression, she added in a childlike voice, 'Pleaseee' as though she were a little girl begging her mom to get her a toy. To this Dilshad could not refuse.

'Acha theek hai. I will go with you'

'Yayy!' Zoya exclaimed and hugged Dilshad. Dilshad hugged her back and smiled.

The rest of the time spent at home was quite fun. Zoya helped Dilshad in cooking. Sounds messy and crazy. Well it was. But slowly Zoya learned and did everything Dilshad said to do better than she expected. At the end, Zoya was covered in flour after trying to fry puris. They were oddly shaped, but at least they were cooked right? Dilshad praised her none the less for her efforts and the fact that she successfully helped her in making paneer. 'You know, Najma is usually busy at schooland not interested in these housewife like things, so I don't get to teach her all these. Every mother dreams of teaching her daughter these housewife things and today you made me fulfill that wish. Thank you beta'

'Aww your very very welcome phupi. But still, Najma and your charming son are both going to laugh at my puris!' she frowned.

'But they taste good. Sachh. They won't make fun of you. In any case they can't even make these things and it's just your first time. Cook with me more often and you will be perfect!!' Dilshad reassured. I could just imagine the bahu ' saas duo cooking together, cleaning together' ya Allah , fulfill my wish soon!

'Thank you Phupi. App toh jaante hain na, that my Ammi is not with me. I always think of you as the Ammi I never had and today especially I really felt that you are like my Ammi. I'm sure she would have been just like you. So sweet and caring. And also teach me to cook without burning down the kitchen' she joked.

'Aw. She would have been very happy to have a daughter like you, too. Acha enough of this flattering. Let's go shopping.' Dilshad remembered her conversation with Najma before she left for college. They both decided to take it into their hands to spark up Asad and Zoya's love life since neither of them would take the first step. Maybe now will be a good time to start our plan. She thought to herself.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Asad was busy at work in his office. He had taken the pieces of paper he had torn that contained very important information. That is, the address of a building that might have some link to Zoya's Abu. He had his assistant help him put it together and finally they got it right. But one piece was still missing. Frustrated as hell he was. But he could not give up. This was something very crucial for Zoya and he promised to figure the whole thing out. He had decided to take the search a bit into his hands and to let Zoya relax a bit. After all, the search would be difficult for her as well as emotionally challenging. Asad also felt guilty for ruining her chance and saw to it that he would work out the rest. Of course, Zoya knew nothing about this. She had taken a break after the recent events, much to Asad's appreciation. He did not feel comfortable seeing Zoya frustrated and nervous yet in fear while completing her search. He sighed and drank his coffee. He was in for a long day.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Both women were having fun. Dilshad especially enjoyed a lot. She liked Zoya's company. She felt happy and carefree. They went into different shops and bought things for the house as well as a few things Najma had asked Dilshad to get for her for a project. Zoya, was on the look out for clothes. But not just any clothes, she wanted a salwar-kameez. She was comfortable in her jeans and kurta but something about salwar kameez attracted. Of course, this had nothing to do with impressing Asad. Dilshad herself wanted to buy Zoya a salwar. Who knew if that might be what it takes to get Asad all shaken up? Observing Zoya's interest, she helped her to look for some nice suits.

'Nahi Phupi, I just wanted one.'

'Beta, you wanted one but I also want to gift you something. Iss liye choose how many you want I'll buy them.'

'But..'

'No buts, no ifs. You said earlier today na, that I am like a mother. Then listen and obey. Choose some suits for yourself. I will help you choose too.' Dilshad said sternly.

Zoya couldn't refuse at all. So she looked and eventually came up with a few suits. She lastly spotted a lovely blue suit. She went all crazy and wild eyed over it. Dilshad however kept insisting to get a red suit.

'But I like this blue one!' Zoya whined.

'No. Arrey do you have any of this suit in red?'

'Haan.' One of the clerks said handing her the red suit. Zoya had to admit it was gorgeous.

Dilshad noticed Zoya's smile and gave her a questioning look. Zoya nodded in approval, though she knew, even if she hadn't her phupi would have still bought it.

Now, let's see Asad beta. How long you can remain quiet. Zoya.. in salwar kameez' that too in your favourite colour.. hmmm now the fun starts. This is just the beginning.

Soon after they retired for the day and headed back home.

______________________________________________________________________________

'Sir, I figured it out. I've got it!' Asad's assistant exclaimed and broke him out of his reverie.

'Look, the address is for that old building on the road near the mall. That's the only thing it could be.'

'You mean that home for the mentally unstable ?'

'Haan, that. It is very old but still open. You can visit there to find out everything, sir.'

Home for the mentally unstable? Asad did not like where this was going.

'Thanks. Have my meetings postponed. I have to finish this important work.' And with that Asad left. Finally, he had gotten a clue about Zoya's past. He was about to inform her but stopped. This would be very hard for Zoya, especially if it was a lost cause so he decided to check it out before revealing anything to her. He did not want her to get her hopes up and for the wounds of her past to open unnecessarily.

On arriving at the address of the building, he really hoped and prayed he would get a hint or something to assist Zoya in her search. Hopefully, he would get some news about her dad. After all this was the location she was supposed to consider. He came out of his car and approached the entrance. He spoke with the receptionist who informed him that he could not visit anyone at that time. He argued that he had come to get information on a certain Mr. Faruqui. But she replied that their head was out of town and she could not give out information that easily until their head returns. Asad grew furious. His anticipation and expectations all transformed into frustration and infuriation.

'Maam, if this was a life and death situation then the person would have already died. What the hell is wrong with you people? This is very important?'

'Listen, Mr Khan, I can't go against our policy. There is no one in our home named Mr Faruqui and even if there was, you would have to come back during visiting hours. Other than this I can give you no information. I shall inform you when our head gets back. Then you can speak to him and get more information.'

And with that she went to attend to other matters leaving a boiling Asad.

He stormed off back to his car and slammed the door.

How could Zoya put up with this? Getting all the loose facts and getting her hopes up all the time. He had now truly started to help Zoya in her investigation and he was already fed up and had enough. Now he would have to wait for them to call when their stupid Head returns! And he must sit and wait? He couldn't tell Zoya anything yet. He would have to wait patiently to find out. He was disappointed. He remembered the slight feeling of victory on obtaining the full address of the location and his new found expectations to find Zoya's family. All was drained out of him now. He just hoped the wait would be worth it and he would find out something useful. His agitation coursed through him as he drove back home.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

At home, Dilshad and Zoya were busy in the kitchen. They both set the table for dinner. Najma came to the table. They spoke about the day's events as well as Zoya's cooking. 'Bhaijan will be here just now. We'll wait for him to have dinner right?'

'Haan , Najma. Zoya while we wait go freshen up and change na. And wear one of the new suits. The red one, perhaps.' Najma winked at Dilshad in approval.

'Theek hai Phupi' She headed toward her room.

Dilshad and Najma gossiped about Zoya and Asad. How would Asad react to seeing Zoya in a suit. They grinned excitedly and expressed their wish for Zoya and Asad to be together. Meanwhile Asad returned home. They immediately got quiet, expecting some suspicious looks from Asad but he seemed too preoccupied to care and in a bad mood.

Never the less, he joined them at the table. Najma served him while Dilshad called Zoya.

'Zoyaa! Come nah. Asad is home and we are going to have dinner'

'Haan Phupi, you guys go ahead. I'm coming just now.'

Zoya was pacing in her room nervously.

Uff! Which suit should I wear? And now Mr Khan is here too. Would he like it? Hmm He always complains about me not being traditional. Hopefully this would have an effect on him. Allah miyan! Since when are you concerned with how you look and what you wear so much Miss Zoya Faruqui! Ugh Mr Khan is changing you so much. Let's just wear this white one. Yes.

She entered the dining room. Asad was seated at the head of the table and on the side were Najma and Phupi. 'Arrey, yeh Zoya bhi na. Why didn't she wear the red suit!' Dilshad mumbled to Najma. ' Shhh' Najma shushed her. Asad still hadn't seen what all the action was about. He was busy being horrified at the puris. Dilshad cleared her throat, causing Asad to look up.

He blinked. What in the world was he seeing? Was Zoya wearing a salwar- kameez suit? His eyes were full of astonishment yet admiration as he drank in the sight.

His previous mood started to lessen as he saw Zoya looking this elegant and beautiful. The white suit made her look so angelic and brought out the darkness of her hair. IT complimented her milky skin. How he wished he could set her dupatta right which was slightly falling off her shoulder. She shyly tilted her head downwards upon receiving Asad's gaze. Najma and Phupi were beaming. Their soft snickers snapped Asad out of it. His irritation and exasperation returned. Zoya sat quietly and began serving herself.

'Zoya is looking so cute na? Isn't she?'

Haan , Ammi. She looks so traditional too. Zoya you should wear these more often.' Najma replied.

'Haan, bilkul. What do you say Asad?'

'Whatever. It doesn't matter. Clothes can't change one's lifestyle. Looking traditional means nothing if the person herself is untraditional. Like they say, looks can fool people' He bitterly answered, his anger and irritability quickly building up.

'Asad!' Dilshad exclaimed.

But Zoya cut her off. 'Never mind Phupi. Leave him. Anyways I am accustomed to his hurtful comments. Seems like your son has never heard the phrase if you don't have something good to say, then don't say anything at all. But what can we do? Let's have dinner.' Zoya controlled her emotions and with all her courage and fierceness delivered those lines with great satisfaction. She did all this and was expecting much better reaction from Asad but no. He had to be this mean? That's the limit. Now we are so called friends na. Ill match up to him. I'll show him.Hmphh.

'Ouch' Najma mumbled, much to Asad's annoyance and sat down with Dilshad to eat.

Zoya's words made Asad even more aggravated. He was in a bad mood because he was trying to help her and here she was verbally abusing him? He wanted to do anything to assist her and now he was in this state because of his helplessness. Yes he comment was a bit uncalled for but couldn't she see how distressed he was? He could feel himself boiling over, the heat becoming unbearable.

'Asad how is the food?'

'It's great, Ammi.' Asad noticed the irregular shaped puris and the slightly salty paneer but decided not to say anything to upset his mother.

'That's GREAT! Zoya helped with the paneer and made puris all by herself!'

'Or that's why.' He stood up. 'You call this cooking? This paneer is way too salty and this? You call this puris? I can't eat this. What is wrong with you today? What have I done to deserve this?' he caught himself midway before he could continue along those lines. 'First this salwar kameez, then cooking? Are you mad? Did you hit your head? Stop trying to be something you are not and will never be.There is no need for all this. You are just wasting time. It's just pointless and infuriating, just like you.' He spat out and oh how he wished he could let the earth swallow him for saying such nasty things to her. Zoya could no longer bear his words. She had given up the fight.. After all it was only Asad who had the power to make her break. Especially now.

'Allah miyan! If I am modern , you have a problem. If I try to be more like Najma and Phupi you have a problem. If I help you have a problem but if I do nothing you have a problem? After all what is YOUR problem? Why does the way I live bother you? You know what Asad , my friend, you are right. Doing all this is not normal for me. But sometimes, for those you consider your own you can do things beyond what you normally do. It's not your fault though. I didn't expect someone like you to understand and appreciate all this.' Her voice broke and she hurriedly made her exit, not wanting to lose her face in front of him.

Asad could feel the utter sarcasm of the words 'my friend' piercing through him.' Why do I keep doing this?. No matter what I do I keep hurting her' This time he did not care that Najma and his Ammi were right there and heard his words. He slammed his hand down on the table before storming off to his room. Najma and Dilshad, as upset as they were over this, had to admit something good came out of it. Asad clearly was afflicted seeing Zoya hurt and Zoya, who is always carefree and never lets what people think about her let her down, was suddenly trying to change herself for Asad, whether she admitted it or not. She had expected a reaction, probably even praises from Asad for her efforts. It may have seemed far fetched but these two really did feel something for each other. Hoping that they would work it out themselves, Dilshad and her daughter continued their dinner. Oh Allah help these two, or else there would be a World War III.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Next Part : Chapter 11