AasYa OS: Interrupted!

Early morning rays of the sun streamed through the slight cracks between the heavy silk draperies. Millions of tiny dust particles were suspended in mid air highlighting the path of light as it hit the white marble floor before traveling to reflect the pearl white walls. Cracks of sunrays rushed to brighten the room's lush interior dcor. A huge king size bed perched on an intricately carved bed stand was set in the center while two small similar looking side tables stood on each side of the bed. Elaborately designed chaise was diagonally positioned near the sliding doors that led to balcony. A huge dressing table mirror stood directly facing the bed housing all different types of cosmetics as well as a variety of colognes and perfumes were neatly lined on the dressing table. Life-size canvas marriage photo of a couple hung high above the bed stand covered the major chunk of wall. Both man and wife stood dressed heavily in their marriage attire while posing for the photo. The serene smile emanating from him not only warmed onlooker's heart but also brightened up the room. On the other hand her dimpled smile gave a whole new meaning to definition of beauty.

Faint music of birds chirping away, happily singing songs of joy hit her ears. She stirred slightly clutching her quilt only to snuggle further deep into her pillow. A small smile played on her lips while her eyes remained shut. "Main kal aajaunga Zoya." Her smile widened while she recalled him saying last night as she sat amongst many pillows and cushions with her mobile glued to her ear. Finally! She thought with a deep sigh before turning to lay on her back. Shielding her eyes from sudden bright morning light, she fluttered her eyes open. "Asad aaj aajayenge!" she exclaimed to herself gleefully before turning around to look at his photo by the bed side-table. She pushed away her blanket and hopped out of the bed grabbing a sharpie marker on the table end. She came to stand in front of a calendar hung on the wall and cross-marked the last available square in it. Giggling like a schoolgirl, she replaced the cap and ran to the bathroom to freshen up.

"Ayiye Zoya bhabhijaan, ek call karti main aapke liye bed coffee leke aati." Zoya heard a lady's sarcastic remark as she walked down the stairs before entering the kitchen.

"Main call karti magar I couldn't find my phone," Zoya replied coolly folding her hands on her chest.

"Shuru ho gayi dono," another woman standing beside the first lady said shaking her head. "Kyun bhabhi ko tang kar rahi ho Najma?"

"Haan tamatar tum kyun mujhe tang kar rahi ho?" Zoya asked stressing on 'tamatar' while giving her a challenging look.

"Nikhat bhaaji," Najma whined slumping her shoulders in defeat.

"You called for it darling," Nikhat said shrugging her shoulders before resuming to stir the contents of the stockpot.

"Zoya ki bacchi. Tujhe na main dekh lungi. Let Asad bhaijaan come back babe," she threatened pointing the knife she was using to cut red pepper.

"Voh bechara karega kya? One look from Zoya and he runs behind her like a hypnotized puppy," Nikhat giggled looking up to wink at Zoya.

"Haan bhaaji. Pata nahi yeh Zoya ne kya chaal chalayi hai, humara bhaijaan bechara phas gaya," Najma added shaking her head ruefully.

Zoya's eyes widened in embarrassment at Nikhat's comment and she hurriedly looked away to escape from her teasing gaze. Before she could completely recover she heard Najma's disapproval bringing her back to her fiery mode. Stomping her foot in anger she dashed across the kitchen to catch hold of Najma.

This had come to become a regular routine since the day Zoya had stepped into Khan Mansion as Asad's bride.

Zoya Farooqi was the freshly appointed neuroscience lecturer at Jai Hind University appointed by the Dean for her brilliance and intelligence in her field in spite of her young age. Zoya had recently finished her Masters in neurobiology and had begun her PhD research when she was offered the job. She really had no need to provide bread and butter to her family, which ran multi-national textile industry, but her passion to teach what she loved allured her to take up the job. Although she had the potential to teach, she was still quite new to the profession. She was struggling with balancing lectures and her PhD research when she met Dishaad Ahmed Khan, head of the same department. Dilshaad had graciously taken her into her wings and helped her efficiently manage both research and lecturing. Zoya came to respect and admire her professionally while their relation grew immensely on a personal level. Dilshaad had considered Zoya just like her own daughter came to become quite peeved when Zoya addressed and treated her like a senior. Their relation on personal front grew very close with Zoya being considered as part of Khan family and before anyone knew it Zoya officially became a Khan family member.

Family functions, get-togethers, parties were a mere excuse for Zoya to visit Dilshaad and her family and same applied for Dilshaad. Zoya was the only child of Salim and Mehrunnisa Farooqi and had mostly grown up alone with just her parents so the lively Khan family had been more than welcoming for her.

Nadira Khan headed the family followed by her only son Rashid Ahmed Khan. She had bravely taken Khan Industries started by her husband after his sudden demise before giving it away to her son. Rashid Ahmed Khan married his love, Dilshaad and was blessed with four children, two girls and two boys.

Asad Ahmed Khan was the oldest of the brood followed by Ayaan, Nikhat and Najma. Asad came to assist his father and Daadi in the family business. And Ayaan had rightfully followed his bhaijaan in family business while marrying his love, Humeira whom he met in office. Nikhat on the other hand pursued her dream of becoming a doctor and married a fellow cardiologist Farhan Qureshi. And Najma's love for designing fully blossomed when she chose fashion technology. Of all the four children only Najma had an arranged marriage with Aamir Ali. While Ayaan and Nikhat had fallen in love in their respective work places, Najma had never taken interest in men or marriage. Daadi had encouraged her to find a match for herself, but Najma had asked her find a guy for her. Thus, she had an arranged marriage with Aamir but that didn't stop her from falling in love with him after marriage.

While Ayaan and Nikhat had a much easier time marrying their love Asad had a much tougher time writing his own love saga. Being the oldest, he was always the quiet and mature one. His childhood was filled with taking care of his younger siblings and helping his ammi around whenever possible. This led him to grow into a promising and bright young adult shining in both sports and studies. Completing his MBA in London along with a degree in architecture, he came back to assist his Daadi and Abbu.

Surrounded by the best women, he never felt the need to marry until he met Zoya. He had seen her frequently visit his home along with his ammi and acknowledged her presence during family functions and get-togethers. But one particular incident had him seeing her under new light. His Daadi had a sudden heart attack putting the whole Khan household under pressure and frenzy. Along with his family, Zoya too had accompanied him caring and helping his Daadi recover back her health. In spite of being born with a silver spoon, she came personally every day after college to take care of Daadi like she was her own family. Other than his family, he had never seen anybody go out of their way to help and take care of his loved ones voluntarily. Her humility along with her selflessness had led Asad to become a prisoner of love. But the only problem was his fear of rejection and reluctance to spoil her relation with his family. He always kept away from her but the longing in his eyes had caught the attention of his sisters.

Najma was the first to notice his sudden withdrawal and the distant looks he constantly had when Zoya was around. She had immediately confronted him but he was reluctant to confess anything shrugging it off as her mere imagination. But Najma knew the right person to get him talking was Ammi. Since he was a child he always preferred to open up with his mother, Dilshaad. Be it sharing his achievements in school or his darkest fears in life he always ran to his Ammi. She was his friend, philosopher, and guide. Nobody could get him to get him to agree to something other than her. And even this time too he spilled the beans about his love for Zoya when his Ammi came to talk to him realizing something wrong with her favorite son's behavior.

From then on there was no stopping. All the family members were informed of Asad finally falling in love. Rejoicing that finally Asad had agreed to settle down, elders of the family went to talk about alliance with the Farooqis. On the other hand, Nikhat and Najma helped their bhaijaan confess his love to Zoya who accepted she did grow fond of him recently. Both families were extremely happy for the new ties that had brought them closer and immediately had their kids married.

Affection and care had multiplied towards Zoya with her entry into Khan mansion as Asad's wife. Both sisters, in spite of being married, couldn't stay apart from their family and thus had come to live in penthouses built right beside the mansion. But most of the day everyone lived in the mansion and returned to their respective homes just to retire for the night. And like any other day Nikhat and Najma had come to Khan mansion. But today was very special because their bhaijaan was to arrive soon after his first official independent and successful project in London.

"Ammi! Dekho Zoya is trying to kill me!" Najma screamed dramatically before hiding behind her mother who had just walked into the kitchen. Zoya stood defeated with her hands on her hips panting heavily due to all the running.

"Nahi phuphi, I wasn't' I didn't' voh," Zoya blabbered shaking her head furiously in denial. Zoya held utmost respect and a hint of fear towards Dilshaad. Of course she did love her but she always maintained a formal relationship with her. Just like Asad, she always looked forward for Dilshaad's approval and advices. Zoya always saw a motherly figure in calm and serene Dilshaad and thus always made sure Zoya was in control in her presence, afraid that Dilshaad might feel disappointed with her.

Seeing Zoya falter, Dilshaad smiled indulgently, "Idhar aao," she motioned forwarding her hands. Zoya walked hesitatingly taking calculated steps towards Dilshaad before coming to stand in front of her with her head hung low. Dilshaad took one step towards her and engulfed her in a hug causing Najma to lose hope.

"Ammi, et tu Brute?" Najma asked slumping her shoulders.

"Kyun meri bacchi ko tang kar rahi ho?" Dilshaad chided jocularly, stepping out of the hug and placing a kiss on Zoya's forehead.

"Yeh kiss angle se bacchi lag rahi hai Ammi?" Najma asked squinting her eyes.

"Tu iski baat pe dhyaan mat do Zoya," Dilshaad assured with a smile. "Let's go see if everything is ready for Asad's arrival," she added taking Zoya along to the kitchen.

Zoya felt overwhelmed by Dilshaad's gesture and amazed even Dilshaad considered her like her own child. Thanking her Allah Miya for bestowing upon her such a lovely and warm family she proceeded to walk with her to the kitchen. But just before she could leave she turned to stick her tongue out at Najma taunting her at her loss before running to catch up with Dilshaad. Najma huffed in anger and promised to get back at her later.

"Sab ready haina Nikhat?" Dilshaad asked walking in.

"Haan Ammi, some Indian dishes for us and lasagna along with eggplant rollatini and some spaghetti in case he doesn't like lasagna. Aur of course Asad's favorite mango souffl," she finished.

"Perfect Nikhat," Dilshaad smiled satisfactorily. "Abhi Rashid called. He said flight has landed and Asad is out of customs. So I think they all shall be back soon."

"Nikhat tu mujhe utha sakti thi na. Main bhi help karti," Zoya whined feeling guilty for letting her sister-in-laws do all the cooking while she happily slept.

"Well my dear bhabhijaan, Asad has given us specific instructions not to let you anywhere near the kitchen except to get food. Aur ab tumse kaam karwake hume marwaaoge kya?" Nikhat questioned incredulously.

"Nikhat," Zoya whined, "Mujhe pata hai I don't even know the C of cooking magar I need to learn na?"

"When we are all here tumhe takleef uthane ki kya zaroorat?" Dilshaad asked cupping her cheek.

"Par phuphi," Zoya began trying to convince.

"Come on now, Asad should be here soon. Go and see if everything is set," Dilshaad urged.

"Ji," she replied half-heartedly and went to the living room to see the arrangement.

***

Tires screeching into the driveway alerted everyone in the house of Asad's arrival. Zoya along with her little nieces and nephews rushed to the main entrance before calling out for Dilshaad, Nikhat, Najma, and Humeira. The kids crowded near the entrance jumping in excitement for their mama's arrival while Zoya craned her neck to catch a glimpse of him after one whole month. She saw Rashid along with Ayaan get down from front seats while the back door opened allowing Aamir and Farhan to step out. Finally Asad stepped out from the same side as Aamir. With the men blocking her view as they walked forth towards her, she couldn't get a glimpse of her Asad. Disappointed she stood on her toes and craned her neck side to side.

Dilshaad rushed along with Najma, Humeira and Nikhat and stood waiting at the door. The men stepped aside once they reached the entrance to give way for Asad to stand in the center.

Asad came to stand in the center with his laptop bag hanging on his shoulder. Zoya noticed his black jacket was slightly crumpled owing to the long journey. His eyes looked a bit tired yet he stood beaming with a huge smile on his face as he saw his family especially Dilshaad welcoming him with a proud smile.

Dilshaad waved her hand around his head and cracked her knuckles as if removing any evil eyes of her baby when she felt him bend to take her blessing. She instantly stopped him midway and brought him in for a hug. Asad tightly hugged her back content that he was finally back to his family. Slightly breaking off the she went to kiss his forehead, "Aaj Daadi and your Abbu are really proud of you baby," she said addressing him fondly.

"Aur aap Ammi," he stated firmly. "Are you not proud of me?" he asked sincerely looking into her eyes.

"I am always proud of you baby." Dilshaad's eyes glistened with unshed tears at his immediate reply. Others looked on proudly at Dilshaad and Asad's love for each other.

"Oh ho Ammi, abhi abhi aaya hoon aur aap sabhaash dene ke bajai ro rahi hain?" Asad joked hoping to clear the thick air of emotions. "Aur yeh kya mujhe door step mein hi khade kar rahe ho sab."

Everyone including Dilshaad chuckled at his attempt to lighten the situation. Only Asad had the ability to change their foul moods into a smile with his presence. He had always brought a smile to everyone around him with his charm.

"Chalo Asad, if you don't force your way through this crowd here, you'll never make it in," Rashid added jocularly, causing everyone to move in allowing the men outside to come in.

All the tiny tots hugged Asad's legs and squealed in delight; happy their mamujaan had finally arrived. Equally enthusiastic Asad bent down to pick up his nephew Rounaq and perching him above his shoulders while carrying his niece Zainab in his hand. He hugged his other sisters, Nikhat and Najma, before chattering away with them.

"Vaise where is Daadi?" Asad wondered seeing her missing.

"She is visiting Ajmer bhaijaan, she'll be back tomorrow," Nikhat said shifting her little boy from right to left hand.

Zoya, who had been watching the spectacle unfold before her, stood in awe at the love and care the whole family possessed. Feeling pride and honor for coming into such a lovely family she saw him walk around to greet his sisters, nephews, and nieces. Wiping off her own tears, she excused herself to get something to drink for everyone. She walked into the kitchen alone and set up a glasses on a tray. She opened the fridge and bent down to get the juice box when she felt someone slide their fingers around her waist and forcefully pulling her back. She shrieked shuddering at the sudden grip and was about to scream for help when she felt the person shut her mouth. The feel of the person's hand did feel familiar but her panic-stricken mind refused to acknowledge fearing the worst. She struggled against the person's strong hold as she was being lifted off the ground and carried to a hidden corner in the kitchen. Before she knew it the person placed her feet on the ground and pressed his huge frame onto her back, squeezing her tiny frame.

"Main vahaan taras raha hoon, and you darling have come here to eat. You food monster!" he chided his voice husky with desire. "Now do I need to teach you how to welcome your shauhar?"

Zoya, who had her eyes shut tightly, jerked her eyes open instantly recognizing his voice. It was Asad! Her mind screamed. But what was the need to scare her like that? She pouted for unnecessarily putting her through tension and on top of that he even blamed her for selfishly coming to get food. "Asad," she whined, "main aap logon ke liye juice leke aa rahi thi."

"Oh playing the good host huh?" he shot back sarcastically. "Pehle pati seva karo then samaaj seva," he ordered winding his hands around her petite waist. His hot breath fell on her nape making her shiver while he bent down to kiss her earlobe. She inhaled sharply at the sudden feel of his cold lips on her sensitive spot causing her to completely leaning her whole weight on him. He sensuously slipped his long and slender fingers into her kurti and drew random patterns around her belly button. Unable to take his sensual torture she threw her head back, her eyes partially closed.

"Asad," her voice came out as a mere whisper. "Koi aajayega," she managed to say in spite of her highly aroused state.

"See if I care my love," he replied nonchalantly nipping her ear earning a sharp gasp from her. Pulling her back against his chest, he kissed her neck before travelling down to place a firm kiss on her shoulder. Each kiss of his aroused a new point of pleasure. Encouraged by her response he nipped her earlobe earning a deep sigh from her. He turned her around in one quick motion and pressed himself onto her making her aware of his need. He caught her arms and pinned them above her head and was about to capture her luscious lips when he heard someone cough loudly. He loosened his grip and stepped away hurriedly fearing he it could be his Maa.

"There is something called as room for all your hanky panky stuff, bhaijaan," Najma teased stifling a laugh. She wanted to check on Zoya to see if she needed help bringing juice and lo she found Asad busily hovering over his wife.

Asad groaned rubbing his temple seeing Najma. He could manage anyone in the house but Najma. Now that he had been caught, she would not leave a chance to tease him in front of everyone. "Ugh tamatar couldn't you spare me a minute alone with my wife?" he barked.

"Tsk tsk tsk. Gussa is not good for health bhaijaan," she said faking concern.

"Accha?" he shot back. "But spanking is good for you," he said lunging to catch hold of her. Najma slipped away just in time and ran away with Asad hot in pursuit. She reached the hall and ran around the couch throwing a few love seats on him. He deftly dodged them while warning her to surrender.

The men shook their heads at the usual scene while Nikhat and Dilshaad called them to settle their scores peacefully.

"Dekho bacche log are peacefully playing, aur yeh dono are running around and behaving worse than little kids," Aamir commented slapping his forehead seeing his wife's immaturity.

Feeling tired from being chased all over the living room, Najma stopped and leaned on one of the couch's armrest panting for air. Asad soon caught up with her and was about to smack her when she managed to call truce asking to be forgiven. Having no choice he let her go and warned to not repeat it again.

Nobody bothered to ask the reason for their cat and mouse chase for it always turned out to be silly. Dilshaad breathed a sigh of relief seeing they didn't kill each other and asked Asad to freshen up as lunch would be served shortly. Just then Zoya walked in with the juice tray in hand. Although her eyes still reflected her frazzled state, she seemed to have gotten herself together after the little preview of what was waiting for her tonight. She saw him leave hurriedly towards their room. She placed the tray asking Najma to serve juice to everyone while she went to check if Asad needed anything.

Zoya rushed past the huge marble hallways knowing he always needed her around to help him. Right from setting his clothes to getting his towel as soon as he showered, she needed to keep tab of his every activity. He was worse than a little kid when it came to getting ready. He would literally take the whole house by storm if he things didn't run accordingly. She entered the room and was about to call him when she felt herself being forcefully pulled into their room.

Asad heard her hurry behind him and smirked at his next set of action. He stood waiting behind the door wanting to take her by surprise. He heard her tingling anklets grow louder as she walked into the room. He instantly caught her wrist and hurled her into his embrace while his legs shut the door. Locking her securely in his embrace, he locked the door to be sure of non-disturbance. He then turned her around so she faced him.