AsYa ff: Moments in Time: Last Chapter Pg 55 - Page 9

It was an impulse action from Asad's point as he boarded the next available flight as soon as he heard Zoya crying over phone. He couldn't think of anything else than the fact that he needed to be there for Zoya. He was nervous a little as he worried about her reaction seeing him in her doorsteps. But all those nervousness went away as soon as he set his eyes own the beautiful baby brown eyes brimming with tears. He couldn't help but to call out to her. He was able to see an initial shock in her face, but it soon turned out to be relief. As her body crashed into his, he felt relieved, relieved that Zoya is going to be okay. All these while he was perfectly aware of the audience watching them. But he didn't care a damn, because for him all those mattered was the girl in his arms.

As Zoya introduced Asad to her friends he didn't fail to notice the unbelievable look in Kevin's face. Asad didn't forget to give Kevin a glare and a hard squeeze while handshaking. Kevin was handsome but what is the use of that when he doesn't stand up for the one who you love, thought Asad. After the pleasantries were exchanged, Zoya lead him to her room forcing him to take rest after all he came there after a tiring journey. But Asad was Asad. He refused to rest as he knows Zoya may need him any moment. After taking a quick shower in her bathroom he came out only to be greeted by a smiling Zoya with a plate full of pancakes in her hand. This time he had to agree in defeat as he sat down in her bed eating the pancakes occasionally feeding her knowing very well that she hadn't eaten anything from the previous night.

Zoya couldn't believe what was going on. She never expected Asad to appear at her doorstep out of nowhere. She was in cloud nine realizing that Asad came all the way just to make sure that she was okay. She was really touched by this caring gesture. She was overwhelmed by emotions as he started feeding her. Tears again started forming in her eyes. He slowly wiped it with his free hand. Then slowly he pulled her towards him till her head was resting in his shoulder. They sat there for like ages feeling soo contended.

It was how Kevin found him as he walked into her room. He was burning in jealousy seeing the close proximity between Asad and Zoya. Wasn't it that he wanted? Zoya to be away from his life so that he can fulfill his responsibilities as a son? But he couldn't digest the fact that someone else is there in her life. He knew Asad and Zoya were not in love, but the bond they shared with each other was much stronger than that. That irked him the most. And he was definitely not liking the way Asad held Zoya close. He cleared his throat to break their trance.

They pulled apart as they heard someone clearing the throat. Once gain color drained out of Zoya's face as she stared at Kevin. Sensing her pain, Asad caught hold of her hand and squeezed it and pulled her towards him. She taking the cue smiled at Asad. A bewildered Kevin looked at Zoya and Asad as he watched Zoya's pain stricken face broke into a smile with a mere touch of Asad.

Kevin: "I am sorry for interrupting you guys… but… Erm… Zoya, everyone is calling you. They are planning for some vacations."

Asad: "Tell them that we will be there in a minute Kevin"

Kevin looked at Zoya expectedly thinking that she will atleast reply to him. But she didn't. Sighing he walked out of the door leaving Asad and Zoya behind. As Zoya started to say something, Asad cut her across.

Asad: "Zoya, I know what you want to say. I know you don't want to face him. But by doing that you are giving him the pleasure of watching you crumble down when he is enjoying with his fianc. Don't let this happen to yourself Zoya… I want that Zoya back who fill happiness in my life, not that Zoya who forgot what happiness is all about. Don't let one reckless human destroy your life. This is not my words. It's yours…"

She knew he was right. Why would she give Kevin the pleasure of seeing her broke? She needs to show him that she can live without him. With the new found confidence and vigor she went to join her friends with a victorious Asad walking behind her.

As Zoya walked into the living room, she gasped seeing the mess her friends have created. She couldn't help but to smile at her friends' antics. It's been soo long that they had come together. They were a gang of 7 while in college. She, Najma, Kevin, Aditya, Vedika, Yug and Varun. She loved those days. Staying away from the home land is one of those sacrifices her job required. It has been her luck that amidst everything, Najma, Aditya and Vedika was with her in the new city, new job.

A small danced in her lips as she witnessed the ever famous pillow fight between Najma and Yug. Something never changes. She dodged a pillow which came towards her as Najma missed her target. She rolled her eyes towards Asad who was busy suppressing his laughter.

Asad found the scene amused. He tried hard to suppress the laughter which was trying to found its way through his mouth. It was soo funny and hilarious. He missed being a part of such a friendship gang. That was one of the sacrifices as a celebrity you have to make. You never get to lead a normal life as hundreds of paparazzi will be there to capture your each private moment. Moreover you cannot trust someone to be your friend as most of them turned to be gold-diggers.

The scene became normal slowly as Aditya and Vedika pulled Najma and Yug apart. Laughing hard everyone sat down except Zoya and Asad. Zoya motioned Asad towards the chair as she sat down on the floor. Shocking Zoya, Asad slid down on the floor next to Zoya and occupied his place. She blinked her eyes seeing his action. The same was with everyone else in the room. They were shocked to see The AAK sitting on the floor. Asad was baffled by everyone's looks.

Asad: "What?"

Zoya: "Allah Miyaan, What's wrong with you Asad? Why are you sitting down here? There is chair…"

Asad: "Why are you sitting down here Zoya?"

Zoya: "That's because I like to sit down on the floor…"

Asad: "That's because I like to sit with you. I feel rooted when I am with you…"

Once again Zoya was speechless. How could someone care for someone like this… While Asad and Zoya were lost in each other, her friends were lost in them too. They were happy to see their chirpy Zoya back who had lost herself the day Kevin left her. They could see the genuine care and concern in Asad's eyes for Zoya. They knew, their Zoya will probably the target of next gossip with AAK, but that doesn't bother them because for them all that mattered was Zoya's happiness… And Zoya's happiness lies in Asad's friendship… Eventhough everyone were shocked finding Asad at the doorstep they were glad to welcome him, especially Najma. She knew being around with Kevin will be hell lot of a difficult task for Zoya. She needs to forget her past. But seeing the man she loved, with other woman infront of her eyes for almost of a week cannot go well with any girl who was madly in love once. She needs a support, a support only a friend like Asad can provide her.

The scene which was unfolding in front of their eyes didn't go well with two people in the room. One was Kevin and the other one was Kate. Both were jealous. One was jealous to see the girl whom he loved (perhaps still loves?) move forward with another man who was much more accomplished in life than he is. The other one was jealous to see the girl who is the apple of everyone's eyes now has the attention of the superstar himself.

Asad and Zoya were oblivious to the 2 pair of eyes watching them burning in jealousy. The silence in the room was broken as a jealous Kevin stood up abruptly to make an announcement.

"Listen up everyone… It's been a quite a long time we all went for a vacation. Let's discuss about it now…"

Asad smirked as he could see the irritation in Kevin's face. Zoya didn't wanted to go for a vacation in which Kevin and his Kate will be a part of, so she decided to not to talk and shift closer to Asad who had his arm around her.

Najma: "Shall we go to Goa? "

Varun: "Kya yaar…. Every time Goa only… No doubt Goa is awesome, but not this time. Pleasee…."

Yug: "Fine… shall we go for trekking?"

Aditya: "Arrey, we are not here for some adventure. We are here for some fun…"

Yug: "Then why don't you suggest something?"

Aditya: "Let's go for camping?"

Najma: "That's a good idea…"

Vedika: "But where will we go?"

Aditya: "I know one place. Its 5 hour drive from here. But trust me it's awesome. It's a hilly area and it has nice scenic beauty. I bet you'll love it…"

Kevin: "Then let's go there. It will be fun… like old times…"

Kate: "Ha baby.. you are right… it will be fun…"

Najma: "I am in…"

Vedika: "Me too…"

Yug: "Count me in…"

Aditya: "let's rock…"

Varun: "Yippee…"

Zoya slowly realized that everyone's gaze was on hers as they were expecting an answer from her. Najma knew what her answer would be. She felt helpless. She prayed to God. On the other hadn Kevin wanted Zoya to come with them. He needed to talk to her. Ask her sorry and talk her out of the friendship she has with Asad. He was not certainly good for her. So he also prayed to God.

Zoya wanted to protest but she couldn't say 'no' as she saw the crestfallen look in everyone's face. How can she punish all her friends for the mistake that one man made. Moreover what Asad said is also correct. She needs to move on. Keeping this mind she nodded her head in yes and the little crowd erupted in joy. Soon everyone dispersed from the room to pack their belongings leaving Asad and Zoya behind.

Asad: "Zoya… You did great… I was worried that you would say no…"

Zoya: "I really wanted to say no… but thinking about others and what you told, I said yes…"

Asad: "That's my girl… now lets' go and pack your bag… I will help you…"

Packing was a quite affair as both found it difficult to tell each other's what they wanted to tell. Zoya doesn't want to leave Asad as he came all the way down to meet Zoya. She was scared to ask him to come with her as she felt it will be too much to ask from him. On the other hand Asad didn't want Zoya to leave alone for three days as he knew she will need his support. But he was embarrassed to ask her would she mind if he tags along. Here both were thinking the same thing yet scared to confess that.

Taking a deep breath Asad closed the bag and turned to Zoya. She was looking at the floor. He slowly walked towards her. Keeping his thumb under, he pulled her chin up. He could see her beautiful brown orbs filled with water. Worried, he cupped her face in his hand. She closed her eyes savoring the touch and said something which he wanted to hear.

"Please come with us Asad… Please…"

Asad's joy knew no boundaries. He crashed her frame into his and embraced her tightly. She clutched onto his t-shirt and buried herself deeper into his chest. It was a blissful moment for them. They broke apart as they heard someone clearing throat. It was none other than Najma.

Najma didn't think that she will witness such a sweet scene when she entered her best friend's room. She wanted to make sure that Zoya was ok and what greeted her was the passionate hug between Asad and Zoya. She was not irked by the sight, infact she was really happy. Because deep down she also wished Asad to be with Zoya in that journey…

Najma: "Zoya, everyone is ready. They are waiting for us…"

Zoya: "Najma… woh… I want to tell you… Is it…Erm…"

Najma was enjoying Zoya's stammering session. She very well knew what Zoya want to ask.

Najma: "Zoya… What happened to you? Well… the answer to the question which you were trying to ask will be definitely yes…"

Zoya eyes widen hearing that. Najma turned to Asad.

Najma: "Asad, please come with us for the camping. It would be really great if you could join us. Erm… Zoya needs you and we need you… Only you can give our Zoya strength… I can't do anything to keep her away from this pain… I couldn't do anything other than to watch her wither away in pain… this time also I am helpless…but you can help her overcome this pain… Would you come with us? Please Asad… Please…"

As Njama finished saying this, tears started flowing from her eyes. All pent up guilt resurfaced in her heart. Watching this Zoya went and hugged her best friend trying to console her and console own heart. Flicking away a lone tear, Asad hugged the two ladies as they held onto each other…