Hmmm I wish they showed his expression when she suddenly said no. Would have helped figure out his mind set. But considering Asad's character would he really agree to be engaged to her just as an act even if she said yes? He considers it to be a paak rasam which he doesn't want to disrespect.
Ah yes I agree I always felt his fear came mostly from the fact he might hurt her because he is his fathers son.
But if you remember in that same inner monolouge he also said that him and her are very different and they wouldn't be able to be together so im wondering if the differences dont bother him anymore or do they?
But they are different...in terms of the way they have viewed life and lived it. It doesn't necessarily mean he thought of her as a misfit then. He knows better now especially considering how much his sister and mother have cried and pleaded for Zoya to stay.
With regards to the engagement. If she had said yes...the engagement would have been real with a definite nikaah in site. The act that was put up up for someone's benefit would have ceased to be one.