AsYa FF Something Changed Thread#1 (Updated Chp 23 Pg 107) - Page 17

Chapter 12

The next morning, both Asad and Zoya were early for breakfast. Dilshad and Najma picked up on the more frequent stolen glances but said nothing, just smiled and gave each other a knowing look.

For once, there were no fights or awkwardness at the breakfast table at the Khan's residence. Everyone sat together happily. Zoya recited her shers and Asad tried his utmost best to tolerate them and her non-stop blabbering, forcing a smile from time to time. Not as though Zoya was any less. She took her seat only after ensuring everything was set and in place the freaky way her Akdu Ahmed Khan liked it.

'Ammi, is it just me or do you think someone has abducted the real bhaijan and Zoya?' Najma whispered to Dilshad, half horrified, half amused.

This caused Zoya to laugh her loud scandalous laugh and Asad to spill some of the coffee while refilling his mug, from the mug Zoya made. Seeing this Zoya wasted no time. 'Allah miyan! What's wrong with you Mr Khan? So much mess! Ya allah. I can't stand to see the sight of this spilt coffee. It just irritates me. Please please do clean it up quickly!' she taunted playfully.

Receiving a taut glance from him, she wondered if she would be scolded once more but somehow she felt as though now she could get away with anything with him. She held her daring and carefree look as she thought about this. Dilshad and Najma looked up thinking this would be another test to find out about what was brewing between Asad and Zoya, if they were completely oblivious to it or not. The mother and daughter both held their breath wondering whether this stunt would earn Zoya a typical 'Asad Style' scolding or if their renewed relationship would surface in his reaction. All were pleasantly surprised.

Asad peered at Zoya and came face to face with her righteous smile and crazy expression and let out a tiny laugh, it you would even call it a laugh. 'Allah miyan! Dekho Jahanpana six packs is laughing!!!!' Zoya yelled excitedly to Dilshad and Najma who giggled. Asad rolled his eyes and smirked at Zoya.

'If you are all done with the nonsense, would you people care to continue eating?' he said.

Najma teased Asad.

'I'm done. Uh Zoya'' He continued.

Zoya was stuffing her face with pancakes when she noticed the silence. She looked up only to find Dilshad and Tamatar looking at her in expectation, and then to Asad. She turned towards him, her mouth completely stuffed, much to Asad's dismay, yet he had to admit she was completely adorable in that state. He got a hold of himself, though, before he could enter another staring session at the beauty in front of him.

'When you're done stuffing your guts like a little pig, can you come to my room?' he said curtly and was slightly aggravated at the daunting and wide grins he received from his mother and little sister.

He sighed exasperately. ' I need to talk to you' and left towards his room.

Zoya shoved down another mouthful and rushed off to his room, wondering what could be the reason for this change of mood. She knew he was not mad at her , then why did he get all serious all of a sudden? She shrugged and continued walking.

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In his room, Asad was pacing up and down. How was he going to ask her? She seemed so happy. Her smile was so radiant and with what he was about to do, he was sure he would take it away. But what else could he do? He knew she was as anxious as him to find out the truth. He would have to risk it. Just then Zoya came into his room.

'Yes, Asad?' she said, sensing the tension floating about them.

'I'.'

'Say na..' she coaxed him.

'Actually, the receptionist at the mental home called to inform that if we still needed information, their head is back and we can visit. This morning you looked so happy . I do not wish to spoil this for you. I know this is very emotional and quite a difficult challenge for you so if you're not ready, I'm sorry for bringing it up. In fact, if you would like me to go over alone, I would.'

Zoya couldn't help but feel touched that Asad was nervous about this matter.

'It's okay Mr Khan. I am ready. It is hard for me but this is what I came here for. What time do we go?'

'Now'.'

'Theek hai. I'll just change and come' she replied, trying to avoid her shaky voice, before making her way to her room.

Before leaving, they both bade Dilshad and Najma goodbye, who were both happy to see them off together.

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Zoya's palms were clammy on the way. They drove in silence, Asad turning to check on her ever so often. Her heart was racing and she was nervous. This was closer than she thought it was, maybe the puzzle pieces of her past and her Abbu would be put together. She had no idea what to expect or think. They pulled up into the parking lot.

Asad came out and opened the door for her. He knew that she was tensed but had no idea how to console her. After all, how often did you come across this sort of situation. Their silence was not completely uncomfortable, though. Once they were together, in such a situation, both knew that at least they had each other. He held out his hand, which Zoya took with no hesitation, almost as if she would fall if she didn't. He tried his utmost best to give her a reassuring gesture with his soft eyes, to which she faked a smile.

Hand in hand, they walked towards the entrance. Zoya nudged Asad to speak with the receptionist, to which he complied.

Soon after, they were guided to the Head's office to speak with Mrs Singh. Zoya held her breath for the entire session, and held back her tears. She spoke only when she had to clarify and give any details she knew or remembered. Her soul felt cold and shivering on the inside, her eyes hard as ice. When they had been through the truth and an exchange of sympathy too many times, she got up and walked out, much to Asad's horror.

He spoke to Mrs Singh one last time before dashing out to find Zoya.

'Zoyaaa!!!!' he screamed when he could not land his eyes on her.

He was flabbergasted. How could she run out on him like that? In this condition especially? WHAT THE HELLL.

He dialed her number in a fit of rage, fear and concern, trying his best not to break it into pieces.

Upon failing to reach her, he asked the guards if they saw where she went, which proved to be no help. He slammed the door when he got into his car and sped off. He called home, praying she had returned, but that was not the case. He informed his mother about the latest happenings and told her to call if Zoya had returned.

'Zoya walked aimlessly along a road she did not even know, not caring about her tears spilling down her cheeks,. She did not know how to feel, how to react. It was just too much.'

Frantically he drove from place to place, making stops wherever he thought she might possibly be.

Screaming her name, he felt tears in his eyes well up. What they had just found out was probabaly the worst truth of Zoya's life and now she was missing.

Her mother and Zoya were stuck in a burning building. There was havoc everywhere as people tried to get out of the doll factory. Rehan Khan had left his two most precious things in the doll factory to finish their tour while he went to get something form their car. Upon catching ablaze, screams together with the crackling of the fir filled the air much to his terror. He raced back to save his wife Zainab and daughter Zoya but was too late. The guards and firemen would not let him in. Still he struggled and got past them and succeeded in getting his daughter halfway out, though both suffered quite some burns and he was admitted to the hospital. His wife however, he could not find. He learnt after that she was burnt to ashes . There was no reported news about his daughter and she was believed to be dead, due to being too long in the building and when she was rescued was too late and was left for the fire to consume her and more attention was paid to Rehan since she was already knocked out.. After this, he went crazy and blamed himself for her death, since he was the one whom had organized this trip to the factory. He refused to seek help for his insane and erratic behavior and when was finally submitted to a mental home, he committed suicide. Zoya was sent to an orphanage at the tender age of three and a half years old by people from the town.

What if she does something stupid? Allah miyan this girl is crazy! How can she do this? She needs someone to be with her in this hard time and now she chooses to run away? Ughhh I need to find her. I need to know she's okay. He tried to push the morbid thoughts out of his mind. Crazily, he drove off again until he saw a dargah. He stopped off. When there was no other way to solve a problem, his God was always with him. He hoped that Zoya would be in that dargah but he had his hopes up. None the less he entered and prayed his most sincere prayer for Zoya to be fine.

Even if I can't reach her ,please let her be okay. I need her to be okay. I need to know she's safe and not going to do something reckless because of what we've just learnt.

He prayed, begged even to the brink of tears. Afterwards he returned home, as much as he didn't want to, to wait. To wait for his Zoya to return. His mother and sister consoled him and heard the full story. Both were increasingly becoming worried for Zoya. Dilshad and Najma prayed for her safe return and for her to be able to cope with the bitter truth. Asad got into his room and sat down He had never felt so helpless. He dialed her number a few times, only to receive voicemail on the other end. He could feel the tears burning. His heart clenched at the thought of her pain and if she would do something senseless. He prayed and hoped to see Zoya as soon as possible.

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Next Part : Chapter 13