Winding down with Zoya - pt23 updt pg 60 - Page 20

Part 18 The Shaadhi

The women at the table had a deluge of questions for him ranging from what his name meant to his personal status. "I'm yet to meet the girl of my dreams he said..."only have nightmares about that actually". He went on to add that his profession was his passion. His mother and mentor were convinced he had magic in his hands. "I agree" added the normally reticent Asad. So he had to find someone who loved him and his profession that was a tall ask he felt. Especially because he had was not loaded with money! Mr.Khan can you please pass me the salt he asked..."Asad call me Asad" "Arif to you too then" he smiled back. The women gasped in surprise and 3 pairs of eyes filled with laughter looked at Asad. Asad rolled his eyes skywards in response!

"And Arif don't worry about finding someone " mill jana he hai koi...6 packs jo hai!" Was that Asad joking...Najma almost fell off her chair while Zoya winked in agreement Dilshaad looked lost. " Ab lagthi hai umar bad gayi hamari" she complained..."samajh me he nahi atha aap log kya keh rahe ho." What are you saying aunty... you are the most beautiful woman here" he said "..infact it feels like I know you well" Arif said. He had wormed his way into Asad's Ammi's heart. He then drew pictures on his paper napkin about how the baby would look right now. Asked Zoya to track movements mindfully but continue to walk carefully. Injuries can sometimes happen from awfully silly things - broken slippers, wet toilets etc..."so no running he said. "I would have loved to stay on but I have an early start tomorrow so I will get going" he said and left everyone at the Khan mansion with a smile. He remembered to hi5 his Birghtspot and this time Asad was actually smiling.

The following morning was frantic for all the four. Asad took on packing for himself and Zoya. He was done in 5 minutes while Zoya was agonizing over what and how many outfits to take even after they had made a checklist previous night. She held up every salwar suit against herself preened in the facing the mirror, showing her back to it, looking sideways, then was jewelry to pack too she said. Najma came by pulled every single outfit from the wardrobe and insisted that this sari with that blouse was perfect but the sleeve was too long. Then she headed back to the room clutching a bunch of blouses and picked 3 saris. Asad had had enough of it and asked her to wear all three at different times. He only wanted Najma out. He shut the door turned to Zoya and told her she should wear whatever was comfortable for her...forget the sari's and the salwar suits. " Aur phir main hoon na apke pass apke eye candy...aur kiss cheez ki zaroorath hai apko..apki eye candy ko toh bas apki zarrorath hai " he said kissing her through his declaration. Zoya made space to look at him..looked into his flirty eyes.." something has changed here" she said touching his chest were his heart was..."but i just love this Asad" she said taking his hands to her bottoms!. He would have loved to scoop her up like he used to but it wasn't safe now he decided and carried her over to the bed. "Asad pack karna hai we will be late!!" she said. Harish called Asad and asked him if he could co-ordinate their driving out time with Dr.Chaaya and his sister Ipshita...driver naya hai bhaijaan" he said. Asad assured him that he would take take and they all headed for the "shaadi."

Asad was surprised to the luggage that was to be loaded in the SUV. " Ammi Do din ke liye ja rahe hain aur itna sara luggage??" he said. " Han beta bhaki gifts yahan ane ke bad apne friends ko de dhungi" she replied. Asad lost his voice with that. The stop at Dr.Chaaya's residence left him left his stunned. They had another 6 bags and no one pregnant ...there was no way that his car would be enough. Harish was an experienced traveller he chuckled. After the hugs and hellos it was decided that the luggage would travel in Dr.Chaaya's car and all the rest with Asad.

They got ready for the hour long ride. The shrieks and giggles and the conversation and whooo's about Virat Kholi, Dhoni, Ranbir Kapoor and the entire world was testing Asad's patience.It did not help that Zoya chose to sit with the girls. Asad wondered what he had got himself into.."girls in a group...tough!" he told himself. Then they had all those in-numerable breaks - first it was Zoya - that he could understand, then Ipshita because she wanted "Naj" to have a teddy bear that she was looking for " centuries" to buy for her..."that had cute chocolate brown eyes". Then the customary coffee break. The hour long ride turned out to be a long trip. Asad shook his head thinking that it was all worth it ...afterall there was so much laughter in the car. And he did like the hugs he got as a reward for being "nice." Asad never thought anyone in the world would say that to him. He was desperate for his dose of Zoya and was happy when they settled into their room at the villa that their hosts had organised for them. Nice place the noted Architect Asad.

The most awaited meeting with Harish happened that evening. As promised Harish was on top of it all. Asad had a lot of empathy for him when he was busy buffing off guys that dared to stare at Ipshita. Najma and Ipshita's security was now outsourced to Asad so that he could focus on casting the net. Dr.Chaaya and Dilshaad had a fabulous time meeting long lost friends and rewinding their life in general. Asad was surprised to see Mrs. Kumar. Asad learnt that Dr,Chaaya and she went to school together. And her life felt so much like Dilshaad - raising a single child all by herself after a terrible tragedy that wiped out the rest of her family and the man she married Dr. Anil Kumar Dr. Chaaya's cousin.

Zoya's day went in a blip. She was happy to meet so many new friends, enjoyed dancing at the Shaadi the lovely food and relaxed Asad. Asad her eye candy had eyes only for her and to keep Ipshita and Najma cottoned. They were pretty girls he noted, but the guys not one of them was worthy. A sentiment that Harish shared. Later in the day, Harish took Asad aside and showed him a picture on his phone. The girl he wanted to marry - a cop- who did not know that Harish was in love with her. " Bol do Harish unhe" Asad advised and thought " Sab to Zoya jaise thodi hi aake khudd propose karenge..he had to find her hug her and carry her back to the room he decided. The rest of the family was now Harish's responsibility that he gladly took on.

Zoya was on the cot massaging her tired feet when Asad joined her in bed. He took over massaging her feet for her. The day had worn her out...she slept even before he looked up to kiss her. He could sense how hard these last few weeks must be for her. That must be a good deal of weight to carry around all day. He kissed his tyke and looked at her pale purple skin...it felt like crackle glaze on her porcelain skin. " Asad please rub my lower back Zoya mumbled in her sleep. He kissed her and held in a warm hug..as she smiled into his chest. This is most beautiful he had ever seen Zoya, naked,smiling and pregnant with his almost out now tyke!

Harish had organised for a sight seeing trip for his mother,Dilshaad Mrs Kumar, Najma and Ipshita with a guide and some officers for security to the famous caves of Bhimbetta. Harish had sleep to catch up with and he had seen the caves many times with state guests; Zoya could not take the walk so she had to stay back and Asad to keep her company. They waved a goodbye to the happy group and got cracking on their respective computers. Harish called his officer asked to keep a tight leash on the girls and never to let anyone out of sight. Asad knew his mom and sister were in safe hands. On the way to the caves there was another addition to the party - Dr. Arif. A welcome one thought Najma.

By the time we reach Bhopal on monday Bhaijaan everything will be done promised Harish. " I"m sure" said Asad hugging Harish.

By the time the group got back the were all scrambling to get ready for the "baarath". Asad was surprised to see Mrs Kumar engulfed in a huge hug by the ponytailed Arif; quite a lady's man thought Asad. Najma walked to the bride in a bright red sari. Asad was shocked to see her in a sari..his little sister was a lady!! Asad's eyes misted as they were seeking Zoya he walked to his sister gave her tight hug. kissed her forehead and told her " tamattar bohot acchi lag rahi ho". Zoya watched this from her chair holding phoophi's hand. Funny things about other people's weddings they make everything and everyone in your family sensitive and gives you heart warming memories.

"Zo bhaijaan ne kaha ki I'm looking good...what do you think" Najma twirled on her toes. "Mashallah you are the most beautiful girl here" Zo added. Dilshaad blew Najma a kiss. There was someone else at an arm's length who was mesmerized by Najma. "Bunny - was bright, cheerful, pure and cuddly" thought Arif as he made a beeline to the Khan ladies with the sole idea of getting to know more of Najma after they had spent the entire afternoon on the bus next to each other talking non-stop. Dilshaad and Zoya did not miss that, they looked on with a smile.

Unnoticed by all with the - exception of Harish because he made the arrangements- Mrs.Shabnam Kumar made a quiet exit. Arif hugged her and made an exception that evening, he would have disappeared too otherwise from the place.