FF - Pehla Pyaar (Epilogue Page 51) COMPLETED - Page 19

Part 9

Zoya was floating. She decided no more hiding her scars. She put on a 3/4 sleeved kurti and walked down to breakfast. "Good morning Tanveer, Tamatar and ammi" said Zoya giving each one a huge hug. Asad who was having an inner world war between his brain and heart, still figuring our WTH just happened in his, sorry their bedroom ' noticed that Zoya was smiling and was not hiding her scars any more. Asad couldn't help but break out into a smile. His heart swelled with pride, he had done that. He encouraged her and made her believe that she can wear her scars proudly. When his eyes met Zoya's, he gave a faint smile and picked up his news paper hoping to cover his huge idiotic grin. And his back, thought Zoya. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde syndrome has kicked in. Oh well. Thought Zoya tucking away into her fruit salad. Off course, all this did not go unnoticed by Tanveer. "Ya Allah, Zoya, what is that on your arm" Shrieked Tanveer. Dilshaad knew of Zoya's scars. And touched her hand under the table to reassure her. Asad was furious. He looked at Tanveer with such rage. This was the first time you could see Tanveer visibly afraid of Jammy dear. Asad glared at Tanveer. A lone tear slid down Zoya's cheeks. Najma passed Zoya a tissue quickly and held onto her hand for a little longer. Tanveer could see that she had no back up on the table. So she quickly tried to make amends. "What happened Zoya, those scars look painful" said Tanveer sympatically. Zoya tried to pull her sleeves down. Asad's heart ached watching Zoya struggle to cover up her scars. Asad took a deep breath and said "Tanveer, those are the war marks of a lioness" said Asad slowly. Tanveer noticed Asad called her Tanveer and not Tannu. Oho, thought Tanveer. She has to stop this now. Dilshaad was so proud of her at that moment. She gently touched Asad's hand as if to say she is proud of him. Zoya looked at her Jahapanah with so much love she just wanted to run up to him and bury herself in his arms. But she restrained herself and mouthed a THANK YOU to Asad and smiled. Asad the realised he could do anything for that smile. Nothing when unnoticed to Tanveer even with her one eye working only. She got up and hugged Zoya. "I am sorry Zoya if I brought back any memories" said Tanveer almost sincerely. Tanveer smiled at Asad. Is she consoling me or Asad thought Zoya? "It's okay, my scars tell the tale of what I have survived. I am quite proud of them" smiled Zoya and Asad ' those were his words. Breakfast continued quietly. Zoya was waiting for Asad to leave patiently so he could go meet Ayaan.

Zoya watched Asad drive off and hurried to Dilshaad. "Ammi, I have to out for a little bit. I will be back soon" explained Zoya. Dilshaad could see Zoya was hiding something. "Beta is everything okay?" asked Dilshaad "Yes ammi. I just wanted to get some air so I am going to the jogger's park" explained Zoya. She really didn't want ammi to worry unnecessarily and if Zoya did tell ammi what she was going to do. Ammi will worry. "Okay beta, but be quick. What if Mr Watavdhekar comes when you are not here" replied Dilshaad. "Okay ammi, I will be quick" Zoya kissed Dilshaad and ran out the house. Hmm, thought Tanveer. What could be so urgent? "Khala, I am going to the market for some samples" Said Tanveer to Dilshaad as walked out the house. "Okay, Tannu ' see you later" Said Dilshaad. Tanveer hurried to catch up to Zoya. Finally she spotted Zoya and maintained her distance and followed Zoya into the park. Zoya was engulfed in a hug. Tanveer was shocked; she had to get a picture of this. She snapped a picture of this strange man hugging Zoya, she quickly changed her sim card and sent the picture to Asad, and it was her duty as Asad's friend to inform him of what his "wife" was doing behind his back. Tanveer was show that this will shock their love boat a little. Little did Tanveer know that that strange man was none other than Ayaan. Ayaan had his back to Tanveer so she couldn't see him.

"Woah, Raabert" giggled Zoya. "What was that for" asked Zoya as Ayaan put her down. "What I just hugged my bhabhi-jaan" smiled Ayaan sincerely. "You know in all the drama, I forgot to congratulate you. I am so happy for you and bhai-jaan. I always knew you were his special "Meri-wali" I am so glad that bhai-jaan finally found love and that you with someone like you 'exactly his opposite" smiled Ayaan. Zoya was elated that Asad referred to her as his meri-wali, and they she returned to earth when Ayaan mentioned love. "So bhabhi-jaan.."said Ayaan. "Kya, Raabert, bhabhi-jaan makes me feel as old as Mr Khan" giggled Zoya. "Okay the Mona darling" continued Ayaan. "Here is your camera, I hope it still works. I found in the garden" explained Ayyaan. Tanveer had just then came a little closer and heard Mona darling. Tanveer was on 7^th heaven ' she thought , she didn't have to do anything to separate Asad and Zoya. Zoya is doing everything herself. Zoya hugged the camera. "Thank you Raabert. You have no idea how much you have helped me today" Zoya hugged Ayaan once more. Zoya pulled back. "Raabert, how is Humera?" asked Zoya. At that point Tanveer had left, she had enough evidence to make sure Asad throws her our tonight. "Mona, she is doing much better. In fact she will be coming home today." Ayaan said sadly. Zoya held his hand. "Look Ayaan, she loves you so much. And she has stood by your side through your worst times. Her love for you in so evident in her eyes. I know you do feel that way for her. But Ayaan, stand by her side. Don't let her feel that she is alone. Be her best friend. It's better to love the person that loves you for you, scars and all" drifted Zoya. Zoya held his hand and said thank you and left for home. Eager to see what was on the camera.

Asad had just returned to his office after meeting with the junior architect's. He loved brain storming with them. Asad was in quite a happy mood. He picked up his cell phone. 1 text received. He opened that text and was shocked at the picture that saw. There was his Zoya hugging on to a man. And she was smiling. Asad was furious who this man was. Did she have no shame, in a public place. He had just yesterday only publically excepted that she was his wife and her she is hugging another man in public especially after everything that transpired between them this meaning. Did that kiss mean nothing to her. Asad was furious. He picked up the first thing he saw and flung it against the wall. The vase shattered to pieces. That mirrored the same feeling his heart was in. Why did it hurt so much to see Zoya with someone else. Asad was having a battle within himself. HE didn't love her yet why are these feelings so intense. Why does it hurt so much? Why does she have this effect on him? Asad needed answers. He grabbed his keys and rushed out his office.

Zoya run into the house. "Ammi I am home, just in my room" shouted Zoya as she rushed into the room. Zoya quickly switched on her laptop and connected the camera and started the recording on the CCTV footage she put in the Siddiqi mansion. She sat crossed leg on the bed forgetting her still had her shoes on. She started the footage and saw all the places she went too. Just as she saw herself leave Humera's room. Asad stormed into the room and banged the door. Zoya didn't even look up ' she was now so use to him banging things. Asad was even more furious that she ignored him. She had shoes on the bed. "Miss Farooqi get off the bed now" roared Asad. Oh Thought Zoya this again. I am back to Miss Farooqi. Zoya ignored him. Asad was now beyond upset. And his state of mind he did what he always did he threw the first thing he could get his hands on ' which just happened to the camera. The camera was flung across the room. Zoya stood up. "How dare you Mr Khan" roared Zoya right back. "Do you even know what you did" tears were streaming down her face. "what I did?"shouted Asad. "And let's talk about what you were doing"? WTH is he talking about thought Zoya. At that point Dilshaad and Tanveer rushed into the room. "No ammi, today you will not interfere. This is between me and my wife" Asad said wife in sneer. "Now what did I do Mr Khan" asked Zoya. No she was not going to break down today. Dilshaad always knew her son had a temper but today was the limit. "Asad, enough!" Said Dilshaad. "Zoya deserves an explanation for your behaviour" said Dilshaad. Asad showed Dilshaad his cell phone. Dilshaad was shocked to see the picture. Asad then showed the picture to Zoya. Zoya looked at the image and started to smile. It finally sunk in for Zoya Mr Khan was jealous. Somewhere deep down Zoya glowed that she could make Mr Khan jealous. Asad was shocked to see Zoya smile. "Have no shame" asked Asad. "You are smiling. Have you no decency? Have you no conscience? Is this what you have been thought" roared Asad. At the last statement Zoya looked him straight in the eye. Zoya was hurt but she had done nothing wrong. "I have done nothing wrong, so stop treating me like a criminal or better still like a wh**e" Shouted Zoya. Asad winced at the last term. He held Zoya by her arms as if to shake her. "Leave me Mr Khan, I will not tolerate your man handling when I have done nothing wrong" continued Zoya. Zoya removed herself from his grip. "Why does this affect you so much Mr Khan?" asked Zoya. Asad stared at Zoya ' he really had no answer to her question. It was a simple question but he had no answer. Dilshaad shook her head, when will her son get the idea that he is hopelessly in love with his wife. Dilshaad walked out the room. "answer my question Miss Farooqi who is this" said Asad showing her the picture. "He is a friend a very close friend" said Zoya. Tanveer who was enjoying this silently said "Jammy, I also saw Zoya in the park hugging this guy. But I didn't say anything as I didn't want to cause problems" said Tanveer innocently. Great thought Zoya, Tanveer will add to this. "this seems like everyone is privy to your activities Miss Farooqi except me off cos. You think you will make a fool of me" said Asad softly but in menacing tone. Zoya was beyond pissed off now. "What else did you hear and see Tanveer" asked Zoya to Tanveer. "Keep Tannu out of this Miss Farooqi" said Asad. "No Mr Khan, Tannu, said she saw me. Obviously she must have heard what we were saying as well." Continued Zoya. Tanveer was getting a little uncomfortable. It was not suppose to go this way. Asad and Zoya were both looking at her now. "err, that guy called Zoya darling" said Tanveer. Asad looked with such pain at Zoya. Zoya couldn't handle it. "Tanveer, please don't leave anything out please continue" urged Zoya. "He called Zoya Mona darling and she called him Raabert" said Tanveer all in one breath waiting for the explosion. She closed her eyes and braced herself. There was silence. Asad looked at the picture again. That did look like Ayyaan, who else would have such messy hair. Zoya was looking at Asad with tears in her eyes. He doubted her. He doubted her love for him. That hurt Zoya more. Tanveer opened her eyes to see Asad staring at Zoya. "That is Ayaan" said Asad softly to Tanveer. Not able to handle the feelings Zoya was conveying in her eyes. Asad left the room.

Zoya went to pick up the camera pieces. And cried. Once again he destroyed the one hope she had to find her abbu. Tanveer looked at Zoya ' she had to say something quickly she didn't want Zoya or anyone to doubt her and sat digging. "I am sorry Zoya I didn't mean to get involved. It's just that I didn't want to see Jammy get hurt and find out from anyone else" explained Tanveer putting her hand on Zoya's shoulder. Zoya shrugged her hand off and went to the bed to try and put the camera back together. Tanveer then walked out the room. Damn! Thought Tanveer ' she needs to plan something bigger. Zoya cried some more, who was she kidding. This man will never lover her no matter what she did. She just has to get through these 3 months and leave. No she will not leave India but she will leave his house. Meanwhile Asad was berating his self for over reacting. How could he say all those things without thinking? It will all be over in 3 months he will be back to his old self not second guessing everything he does. In 3 months ' she will be gone. That dull ache in his chest got worse. He must thinking about her. Zoya was in a state. She couldn't get the camera to work. She put in the SD card and watching the screen as it tried to read the card. 30 minutes later is was still trying. Zoya got off the bed and picked up her music box. "ammi, I have this feeling that abbu is still alive. I don't know why ammi. And this footage was a clue for me. But once again Mr Khan ' didn't listen to me. Ammi, despite everything he does why can't I hate him. "sobbed Zoya. Dilshaad opened the door and saw Zoya holding her music box crying. Dilshaad went to Zoya and Zoya placed her head on Dilshaad's lap. Dilshaad slowly stroked her hair to comfort Zoya. "Ammi that was Ayaan" said Zoya softly. "I know beta, you love my hard headed son too much to betray him" said Dilshaad. "But ammi, he doesn't trust me, he believed the worse of me. He will never grow to love me ammi" cried Zoya. "Oh beta, give him some time" he already loves you so much thought Dilshaad. Dilshaad couldn't put her finger on it but something didn't seem right. "Zoya, did he tell you where or who sent him the picture?" asked Dilshaad. Zoya sat up. "No ammi, I didn't exactly ask" said Zoya wiping her tears away. "Zoya, who would send Asad a picture of you" asked Dilshaad. Zoya was stumped. "It would have to someone that knows of the relationship you two share and that is only family" said Dilshaad. "I was at home and Tanveer went to the market" continued Dilshaad. Tanveer market ? Thought Zoya, she just said was at the park. And the market and park is in two separate directions. Something was not right. Dilshaad touched Zoya's hand. "Be careful Zoya, someone is trying to create problems between you and Asad. Be strong and not let those problems come between your'll. You trust and love Asad, just believe in him" said Dilshaad and kissed Zoya on her forehead and left the room.

Ammi had given Zoya a lot to think of. Did Tanveer send that picture to Asad? Why? What is she trying to prove? Zoya them remembered her conversation with badi bi ' when badi bi asked her if she left the sweetmeat try with anyone. Yes, she left it with Tanveer. What is Tanveer up to? Zoya was never comfortable around her but this was now nagging at her mind. Zoya also decided she is going to follow her ammi's advice. Despite all the hurt and ugly words, Asad was jealous. Zoya smiled. You are only jealous and protective of the people you care for and love. Could Asad love her? Zoya smiled for the rest of the evening. She worked real hard to get the silly SD card to ready. She needed answers. She looked at clock. It was time for Mr Khan to come home. Zoya decided that she will let their problems and other people come between then. She could see in Asad's eyes when he left he was hurting just as much as she was. She was not going to sweat the small stuff. She had a lifetime of memories to make before these 3 months are up ' so she could live with them for the rest of her life come what may, she will always have these memories.

Asad was on his way home. He braked at the traffic light ' it was red. A Little boy came up to his window with flowers. "bhaiya, please buy some flowers" said the little boy. Asad looked at the pink roses and thought of Zoya's ridiculous description of their "supposed" proposal. Asad smiled a little. Wait, Asad Ahmed Khan does not buy flowers, said his brain ' he does when he has upset his wife said his heart. Asad switched off his brain and heart and bought a dozen pink roses. Asad paid double the price to the little boy and the little boy smiled "Bhabhi will be so happy" said the little boy. I hope so ' smiled Asad. Asad drove into his driveway switched off his 4x4 and sat inside thinking what was he going to say. He should say sorry. He should say something. Should he give her the flowers immediately or later when they are alone. ARGH! Thought Asad. ENOUGH ' Be a man. And with that he got out his 4 x4 and walked up to the door. He rang the door bell. Najma opened the door and almost died of shock. He bhai-jaan was holding flowers. "Salaam Tamatar" said Asad almost amused at his sister's comic expression still on her face. "Najma" said Asad with his voice a little higher. "Salaam bhai-jaan" Najma did not say anything about the flowers but signalled her ammi with her eyes. Dilshaad almost dropped the spoon she was holding. Dilshaad elbowed Zoya. They both had the same comic shocked expression on their face when they Asad holding a bunch of pink roses in his hands. Dilshaad decided to have some fun with her son, after all he was an idiot earlier today. "Aww, Asad that is so sweet, you brought me flowers" said Dilshaad coming forward to hug Asad. "Voh actually ammi.." stuttered Asad looking at Zoya for some help. "Voh actually" continued Asad. "My son is so sweet ' isn't it Zoya he brought his mother flowers" cooed Dilshaad. Zoya and Najma now started giggling at Asad's comic expression. Dilshaad took the flowers and started arranging it in a vase. Asad just stood there. Did he just get ambushed by his mother and that to for flowers. Woman! He will never understand them. Asad rubbed his forehead and walked to his room. All 3 ladies started laughing out loud. "Zoya, he brought these for you" smiled Dilshaad. "He is trying Zoya, meet him halfway. This is all so new to him. Make him see that it is okay to love and care, that it doesn't ridicule him or make him a lesser man, only you can show him that beta" Dilshaad handed Zoya her flowers that was already in the vase.

Zoya carried her flowers and a cup of coffee into their room. Asad was staring at the broken camera pieces on the bed. His pain was evident in his face. You could see the regret in his face. Zoya smiled and said "Coffee". Asad turned around and face a smiling Zoya. How does she do that, smile through all the pain. Asad saw he had placed the flowers on the side table. "thank you for the flowers Mr Khan, they are beautiful" said Zoya. Asad sat on the lounger and walked her move to the bed to remove her things on the bed. He winced when her saw pick up the broken camera. "so Mr Khan, how was your day? Mine was quite eventful." She went on rambling never looking at him directly in the eye. She put the laptop next to the vase. Asad could not take it anymore. He stopped her by pulling her arm and gathered her in his arms "I am sorry Zoya" he whispered into her hair. Zoya broke down. Not because she wanted to hear those words or that she was upset with him. She was home and she felt relieved. She felt safe. Asad held onto her more tightly and rested his chin on her head. Just then they both head her music box. Asad recalled that Zoya had closed that and put it away in her suitcase. Zoya remembered putting it away too. Just then Asad opened his eyes and looked at the laptop screen, Zoya felt Asad's hug get stronger to the point where it actually began to hurt. She looked up at Asad's face and he had a hateful look on his face, she turned she what he was looking at. The both stared at the video on the laptop screen. Siddiqi sahib just handed Humera the exact same music box that Zoya had...