TheKaBhiFactor-OS Contest *Voting Round* - Page 2

A Night To Remember

She walked out of her room wearing a red silk nightie that reached her ankles and a making transparent robe covered her bare hands and shoulders.

Making her way into the kitchen she opened the refrigerator and sighed looking at the bowl full of strawberries nahh not just strawberries but a bowl full of chocolate dipped and evenly coated juicy strawberries..

In the process of taking the bowl out she notice the heavy classy diamond ring that adorned her ring finger...it was exquisite! precisely cut with accuracy and care at all bends.

But every passing day it only seemed to weigh heavier on her finger and looking at it only angered her...

She walked towards her room still wondering about him as it was all she could think now a days.

After that fateful day Asad had stopped her from being dragged away from India by "Kaanoon and kaayede ka pakka insaan" or so he called himself Mr bhatavdekar, by all glory and grace engaging her in front of hundreds of people...his eyes looking sincere...marking her as his possession. Making her heart skip beats multiple times, warming her heart in the ways she could have never imagined...and at the very next moment reaching home and declaring it to be an drama for stopping her, giving an plausible reason that he did what he did because Ammi and told him to. Then going through a proper engagement that was also without his consent and only for his Ammi's health as he never failed to mention...going through all the rituals...only for his Ammi. Gifting her saare?...because Ammi wanted it to.

She loved Phuphi too but making her a excuse for everything!..God!! it was frustrating!

She had tried and confronted him multiple times, sometimes seriously...sometimes furiously and sometimes pulling his leg but to no vain.. and then after few days he just LEFT!!! left for an entire week! for some Stupid conference that had supposedly came up in Europe.

Seriously!! the names she give him describes him completely..

"Stupid Akdu Ahmed Khan" She mumbled grumbling and sitting in his room on his recliner with her stress reliever strawberries...

"Valentines day my foot!! if he even knew what it meant then it would be 8^th wonder of the world!!

issi baat par

arz kiya hai

"Jo har baat par gusse se gurraah ye..

Jo har baat par gusse se gurraah ye..

every time and

in every possible way.

Jahapanha six packs ko kya khaak yaad rahega valentines day"

This had become a routine for her, not able to sleep properly now a days she quietly walks into his empty room and curse him all she wants with all her instant shayari's before getting tired and drifting off to few hours of sleep that she manages to get.

"This akdu has given me insomnia" she wakes up cursing him every morning accusing him to be the reason for her pounding head and the dark circles.

Currently she sat folded legs grumpily "doesn't this emotionally challenged man know how badly his behavior hurts her?"

keeping the bowl on front of her...leaning back she started savoring the taste of chocolate and strawberries her taste buds on fire.

---ooo---

Four days!! four freaking days he was running away from the emotion that finally dragged him down back...The conference he had to visit was just an excuse, even his junior manager could have solved out the issue raised there..but he decided to go himself to put some distance between them and think rationally. And her constant questioning was not helping his state of mind much too. There was no doubt now that he was attracted towards her but there was something else between them that he couldn't pin point on. He felt loosing control over himself around her and this fact was not acceptable.. he was scared of this feeling.

But now he realized that getting away was also one of his mistakes as these 4 days has been nothing but pure torture for him.

"Thinking rationally?? you bet...he did everything except that"...he snorted.

Dragging his suitcase he slowly walked through the living room, careful not no make any noise it was already half past 2 in the morning and no one knew he flew back soon.

He checked on his Ammi and tamatar and found them soundly sleeping and a smile crept up his face, these two were his life.

He thought on checking on Zoya too but then held himself back...'tomorrow morning' he decided.

He walked towards his room only to stop at the door on hearing slight moaning sound...bewildered he pushed the door open barely making any noise to be once again stop dead in his tracks...in front of him was one was the most alluring sight he has ever seen.

Zoya was sitting on his recliner, in his room...her one hand held the half emptied bowl of strawberries..and other had the the strawberry she was chewing sensually moaning at its taste. Leaning backwards her eyes closed, one leg stretched and one propped up causing her nightie to raise up her curvy calves, her see through robe gave hint of her bare shoulders and arms...for him it was a sight to behold...the moon light making the sight more appealing. Asad knew ravishing a girl like that even with eyes was down right immoral but with her everything felt so damn right!! he could not understand why.

Sensing someone in the room Zoya opened her eyes in panic mentally ready to jump in the karate pose to beat up the intruder... and saw the object of her thoughts standing in front of her...she blinked once...twice to make sure it wasn't just a figment of her imagination. But no! He was still there, her eyes took in his appearance he was standing reaching his full 6 ft tall height, looking absolutely powerful and dashing in his three piece black suit which gave his personality a darker shade...his jaws set light stubble could be seen making him look dangerous and not to mention appealing too.

She glanced into his eyes and the intensity she saw there made shiver run down her spine.

"What are you doing here Miss Farooqui?" he said effectively breaking the spell between them. And stood there with his hands behind on his back as his trade mark style.

It took her few seconds to find her tongue before she tried to speak something and chocked on the half strawberry which had left unnoticed to her in her mouth.

She started coughing badly her eyes started to tear, when she saw Asad in front of her bending on his knees holding glass of water in front of her mouth, erging her to drink it with his eyes.

She drank the water thanking him "out of many things you need to learn Miss Farooqui, not choking yourself to death while eating is one of them" and that did it! She saw red, 'the nerve of this man! Out of the things he need to explain he is still busy pointing out my mistakes'

And the dam of impatience fury...insecurity... hurt.. that was gradually building up broke loose

"don't to dare start on me again Mr Asad Ahmed Khan" she said getting up as well and pointing a finger on his chest with rage rising in her.

"You have got a lot of answering to do and today I am not leaving without getting my answers"

"tonight you mean...not today..." he said correcting her

"Just stop it okay!!! stop removing my mistakes when you are not a saint and you know that pretty well!.. atleast I don't run away I have the guts to face the reality."

His face started clouding with anger, such tone was not acceptable "you need to leave...its late and you should be in your room, infact I don't even knew what are you doing here at the first place"

"noo...i am not backing off today" she said effectively avoiding the last part and stepping forward...enveloping him in her fragrance distracting him. She looked bewitching...anger made her lower lip tremble and his eyes drew towards it like a moth to flame... nose in the air in determination.

Needless to say Asad was lost in the sensual image she portrayed unknowingly.

Her eyes widened noticing the electricity buzzing in the atmosphere at their closeness...his eyes growing darker.

She tried to put some distance between them

But this time he could not control himself and before he could stop or think twice he held her prisoner in his arms and scooped down capturing her lips liked a man possessed.

To say Zoya was shocked was a high rated understatement.. she was stunned, the more she tried to push him away the more his arms tightened around her.
Finally she submitted realizing this was what she wanted from so far...him with her...her in his arms.

The kisses turned from sweet to passionate then demanding to urgent.. he kissed her like a starving man she tasted like strawberries and chocolates and something unique which could only describe Zoya...he bit her bottom lips gaining entry in her mouth which had her toes curling in pleasure and happiness..she ran her fingers from the nape of his neck to his silky hairs, raking through it...if at first her taste buds were on fire then now it was a erupting volcano.

It was as if he was gifting himself to her on the valentines day.

By the time they stopped they both were gasping for air...

He kissed her forehead softly

She blushed beet red her cheeks flushed and he had to kiss them too.

and murmured in her ears "i hope that gives you your answers" his eyes shinning with love.

she nodded her head "for now it is" 'but I will be waiting for the day when you would actually say those words' she thought to herself.

"wait a second I got you something" he said pulling away from her and getting something out of his luggage.

"This, I got for you..." he said holding out a small beautifully designed box "happy valentines day"

She raised her eyes in wonderment looking at him and the gift then again at him... "Allah Miya!! aaj toh ajooba hi ho gaya!! jahaapanah six packs you actually knew when is valentines day?" and laughed taking the wooden box in her hands

He groaned in annoyance at the funny names she always subjected him with

"no I did not actually, saw a store in Europe with big banners on Valentines day celebration, I realized it then" he said sheepishly.

"and you got a gift for me??" she asked and his heart warmed at the love he saw in her eyes.. he had purchased it impulsively not knowing whether he would actually gift her or not.

"what is it?..." saying she opened the antique looking beautiful carved black wooden box carefully, her face filled with excitement as of a child seeking his gift... as she did opened, the sweetest melody bounced in the room and the dim light glittered as spread everywhere..the music was enticing, soothing..

A small model of a ballet dancer and risen from the bottom dancing and the mirror on the three sides reflecting the dance and the light..

It reminded her of the music box she already had..it was same yet very different.

"I wanted you to have something that will not hurt you...I know you love your music box dearly and I also know I can't bring one to compete with that... but this one will be a sign of happiness not hurt. Like it brought this beautiful smile on your face right now I hope it will continue to do always" he said tenderly and rubbed his nose with hers...

Zoya could not see clearly, her eyes were clouded with tears of happiness...no one had cared so much for her, no one had been this thoughtful... yes her Aapi and Jiju loved her but she always carved for love that was just for her a love beyond words.

And getting it from him was like a unseen dream come true.

She leaned towards him and they kissed like no tomorrow... promising...sealing their love. The kiss continued for minutes or hours she didn't knew but what she knew was whatever the future bring she would be by his side no matter what.

And was positively confident that he would do the same.!!

"EID ka chand nazar agaya hai zoya!!", zeenat appi exclaimed sighing for the 1000^th time by seeing zoya sitting by the window staring into the darkness. Her fiery spirited zoya was lost; she wasn't the same since she returned from India 3 months back. She had tired asking zoya but zoya never opened her mouth, and made zeenat vow that she would never call dilshad again or she would walk out.

"jee" was the only thing zoya could utter before memories choked her mind. And her eyes brimmed with tears.

* Flashback*

It was a year ago, when Zoya had gone to India in search of her father and had met life or life in death. She had the best time of her life beginning she set foot in the Khan household. The most amazing mother figure on planet earth dilshad phoophi and her best friend forever Najma, and the bane and boon of her life the royal ass Asad Ahmed Khan. They didn't get along well initially; they were at each other's neck by just a glare. If zoya was the bright morning, Asad was a dark night. They didn't have anything to share, no hobbies, no matching interests, nothing. Asad accused her of being tehzeebless and badtamez who was spoiling the atmosphere of his house relentlessly, and zoya paid him back in the same coin, although she never meant exact revenge, she always managed to piss off Asad by just opening her mouth.

Although she was just a guest, soon she began to find home there. She loved the feeling of being wanted. She felt home after the long hours she spent pursuing her father's trail, that caring welcome of dilshad giving her water, najma's queries about the lead and Asad's disapproving looks for she was always late and he already had given her enough lectures to remember for a life time. She had started considering him as part of her home, because without Asad life would be so uninteresting; his presence was enough to electrify everything for her. She tried to stay away but one way or other they crossed path and left each other with more bitter words. The time flew away in frenzy of fights and the intense disapproving looks, until Asad got a call from hospital that his wife was critical.

"Your name was the last thing she said before losing consciousness, so we assumed it was you Mr Khan", the doctor said as he briefed Asad on zoya's condition. "She was hit by a car, although the injuries are not life threatening, it seems as if she is in deep emotional shock. The desire to live is fading with every moment she spends by being unconscious".

Asad staggered up on his feet and rushed to zoya's side. Seeing her so lifeless broke something inside him, his breath stopped for he couldn't imagine that a person so lively so energetic, a person like the first morning light could be so cold and pale. He called out her name, shook her up, it bothered him that she had no desire to live. What happened to her that she went into a shock? He swore he would kill the person responsible and screamed zoyaa as he hugged her tears rolling down his face. It was evident no matter how much he disliked zoya, he still cared for her, and he wanted her back to be her bratty self. He promised never to accuse her of anything again, he sobbed into her hair, he looked up when he heard something, "you promise never to fight again", zoya has whispered in his ear. This girl was mad, here he was so worried and she….. She was UP and conscious he realized and smiled, he thanked the Lord, for hearing his pleas.

After that incident, Asad and Zoya's relation took a 360 degree turnover, the ugly fights turned into soft scowls and growls by Asad who insisted Zoya stayed in bed until she was perfectly fine. He bought in STRAWBERRY milkshake for her every morning, and teased zoya that "she was just like strawberry sweet and sour" and zoya threw a pillow at him every time he said that. Zoya was happy to see the new side of Asad, the caring concerned friend with whom she could share everything, well not Everything, some things were better left unsaid.

Dilshad couldn't help notice this evident difference with the passing days, Asad and ZOya spent in each other's company, the coffees they shared on terrace and the silent star gazing at night. Asad was developing a soft corner for her; he was beginning to like her. They could be poles apart but they clicked on the right note, they both complimented each other, one filled the void which other lacked. Dilshad smiled and was pleased with her son, that after all these years of being in a nutshell Asad had broken free and had started living again.

Dilshad bought up the issue of marriage while they all sat and watched a documentary on Discovery. She teased Asad and Zoya to get their reactions and put forth the proposal of their marriage, Asad and Zoya looked dumbstruck towards her, as the message sank in zoya's shining eyes gave way to gloominess. She was not meant to be with Asad.

Dilshad talked Zoya and Asad into considering the proposal at least. Asad wanted to talk to Zoya about it, but she looked confused, one moment she could be the happiest woman and the very next her eyes gave away the pain she tried to hide. Asad had tried to pry information about her accident again n again but she avoided answering by putting forward numerous excuses. Asad noticed she was no longer hunting for her father and she was adamantly quiet on the accident issue, she had agreed for the engagement but she was reluctant as if she wanted to say something but the words died on her lips every time . He waited for her to come out clean with him and confess. But every morning he found her eyes swollen and hurt inside, smiling out of pretense of being happy. He had kept out of it long enough; now he would look into the matter himself.

The day of their engagement dawned and zoya was running wildly behind dilshad trying to say something, but dilshad was too busy to give her a proper ear. Guests began to arrive, ZOya resolved to confess everything to Asad tonight after the engagement.

Zoya stood adorned in a beautiful lehnga and ethnic jewelry, Asad was nowhere to be seen, he was late today, late on one of the most important day of their life. She was turned around and found him standing on the doorway, his eyes blood shot and hair ruffled, She ran up to him asking what happened to him, when he jerked her hand away and said "Don't" with death finality. Had the dreaded been unveiled already, thought Zoya, but now she couldn't cower, she had to face it.

"What happened Asad?" DIlshad inquired.

"ammi ye sagaai nahi ho sakti", Asad replied mechanically.

Everyone held their breath waiting for more information to be rolled out for their gossiping ears, when Asad requested everyone to leave. Asad, dilshad, Najma and ZOya stood alone in the hall, when dilshad shook Asad out of his trance asking him the reason for all this, "agar shadi nahi karni thi tou pehle batana tha na, aaj tamasha kyun kya?"

"mazak tou humara bana hai ammi, app janti hai zoya ko, zoya ek jhooti aur makaar larki hai, iss ne hum sb k emotions k sath khela hai. She broke our damn trust ammi. I told you from day one she has no respect or value for relations, just like her Father Mr Ghaffur Siddique. The same man who broke our house 17 years ago. Aaj unki beti ne ek baar phr humara gahr tor dia ammi".

-------

Zoya left home that very night. She had seen pain, hurt and betrayal in their eyes. They could never forgive her for hiding such a big truth from them; she herself was shocked Mr Siddique as her father, he wh tried to kill zoya and her mother when she was an infant, she registered no complaint against him, because she feared Asad might get to know about her connection. Asad had revived her spirit of living, and all she gave them back was betrayal, no matter how many time she thought of saying the truth she couldn't, it was her fault. She rolled away into a troubled sleep, she had prayed Asad's happiness every day and forgiveness for herself. She had lied, hurt him and run away without even explaining herself.

Zoya woke up from the sound of the doorbell being harassed, "who the crazy heck is there?" she said while opening the door, and froze at the sight. Asad stood in the door way, he looked as heavenly as ever. Getting no response from her compelled him to say "eid Mubarak ZOya". Zoya shook out of her trance, she wasn't dreaming Asad was here in New York standing on her door way. She turned away and said "app yahan?"

"jab app bina bataye jaa sakti hain tou mey bina bataye kyn nahi aa sakta", his words hinted anger that was foaming beneath the surface.

"Asad", Zoya replied meekly as if pleading him not to make her feel guiltier.

"kyun kia app ne aisa Zoya kyn?" he walked in and jerked her arms making her look at him.

"main… main batana chahti thi… but merii….." zoya was cut mid sentence by Asad who growled "mey app k abu ki baat nahi kar raha hoon zoya"..

She looked at him confused but replied" because.. because I hurt you all, everyone showered love on me and all I could manage was betrayal and pain.. I hurt the person whom I love more than my life".

"the pain of betrayal that you left me, my home, you emptied my life was more than anything else Zoya" Asad countered in a commanding yet hurt voice. Zoya looked at him as he continued " you became my life and you left me all alone, you made me promise not to fight with you but did I have no right to question you? What you saw was temporary pain; you have no idea what living hell these three months have been for me"

Tears rolling down her cheeks she slammed herself into his chest hugging him and crying, "I am sorry". He couldn't resist and melted up with her, tears of relief slid down. After ages they broke apart and Asad took Zoya's hand in his and said "I love you zoya, I have come to take you back home" and with it he slipped a diamond ring on her finger, sealing their bond forever.

It is peaceful. Yes the atmosphere at Khan's residence is peaceful after the soul of this house heard a confession due long ago. Heard some heart to heart talks, saw some tears… of happiness, saw the ghost of past vanishing away, saw something impossible going possible. After all Asad Ahmed Khan confessing his feeling is not something you foresee on regular basis.

----------------

It was on the auspicious day of Eid-Ul-Fitr, that destiny decided to play some games with the people of the house. Asad was waiting for all the ladies in his home to come so that they all can leave for mosque to do their prayers. Tanveer, as usual, came first and tried her level best to gain Asad's attention by talking diabetic sweetly to him and clinging to him like moth to fire. But to her dismay Asad was not even noticing her and was trying to maintain distance from her. In all this process Asad failed to notice the fairy descending down the stairs. When he heard sounds of giggling he turned towards the source and did the same mistake again, of looking at Zoya's innocent face. No matter how hard he tries but he just can't help himself from drowning in her innocence. There he saw Zoya descending the stairs along with his Ammi and sister indulged in some animated talks.

Zoya wore a white anarkali suit of silk and chiffon with work of Kora and touch of Dakka and Resham. It had a high back neck collar and a chiffon duppata with golden border all around. Even though she wasn't looking at Asad she could feel his penetrating gaze on her, like always. She always wondered of what must be going on her Mr. Khan's mind when he stared at her. Maybe something like 'Miss Farooqui is such an ill mannered girl. She doesn't have a proper dressing sense' or 'She is such a trouble magnet, ya Allah please keep her away from me' or something in that line only. After all how can she expect Mr. Khan to ever praise her for what she did! She sighed, mentally, and went ahead so that they all can leave for Mosque as she didn't want another lecture from Mr. Khan on punctuality.

The car ride was a silent affair. All, Dilshad, Najma and even Asad wondered why Zoya is all silent while Zoya had hard time keeping her mouth shut as she didn't want another verbal fight with Asad on their way to Mosque, once she will be done with her prayer she will fight with Asad to her heart's content but not now.

When they reached the mosque, Asad dropped all the ladies and asked them to go ahead while he went to parking lot to park his SUV. By the time he returned he found Zoya nowhere around. On asking his Ammi he got to know that she went to a shop to get some edibles and also buy some clothes. Hearing this Asad did his trademark signature, shutting his eyes in sheer irritation and scratching the bridge of his nose. 'How can she stay away from troubles? Now what was so important that she went all alone? Couldn't she wait for prayers to get over?' self thought Asad and excused himself for buying something for fitr (Charity to the needy on the occasion of Eid. It can be either money, edibles or clothes. It's given on the behalf of family) and left. As if on instinct Tanveer went behind him saying that even she needs to buy something for fitr.

After few minutes of searching Asad finally found Zoya near a garment stall trying to select something, which surprisingly was not even her size. 'Why is she buying those clothes when it's clear that she can't wear those?' thinking that Asad went to Zoya and tapped her shoulders from behind. Shocked, Zoya turned to see a confused Asad, who according to her looked very cute at that moment just like a 5 year who had been asked about his future. She snapped back to reality and asked Asad what was bothering him. "Mr. Khan, why are you so confused? You even get confused? I thought you only know to get angry and shout at me?"said Zoya cheekily earning a glare from Asad. He curtly replied, "Miss Farooqui what is all this? Why are you buying these clothes which you won't wear?" only to see Zoya looking at him as if he had committed a murder, she replied, "Mr. Khan incase you are forgetting but aren't we supposed to give fitr? And for that rather than giving money to children I prefer buying some new clothes and edibles for them." Hearing this Asad irritation knew no bounds, he gritted through his teeth, "Miss Farooqui incase you are forgetting that you are part of this family so you don't have to buy anything SEPARATELY. I was going to do that for you." Zoya gasped hearing this and then her nose flared and her eyes seething with rage, "Mr. Khan how would I know that I am part of this family? It's you who goes around saying that this all is fake, the engagement and everything is fake." to which Asad replied "Miss Farooqui no one needs to be told about their family, they already know who is their family." In all this drama they didn't cared to see that with each verbal throw they both were coming a step closer. Intruding the perfect moment, Tanveer stepped in and asked them the reason of their fight to which both of them replied that it was nothing. Asad then asked her that why is she here to which Tanveer cheekily reply that she is here to give fitr, in hope that Asad would stop her from doing that but to her utter dismay Asad nodded and went away from there leaving Tanveer fuming in both, anger and jealousy, yet again.

After they all were done with prayers, they embraced each other and wished them 'Eid Mubaarak!' When Asad and Zoya come face to face, they at first were going to hug and wish each other but stopped themselves and just exchanged there wished verbally much to Tanveer's delight.

----------------

The whole family reached at the house of Dilshad's relative who held a Jashn to celebrate Eid. As usual Najma and Zoya went away to indulge in some talks with the girls around and Asad kept accompanying his Ammi and Tanveer followed the suit.

After sometime, when Asad was unable to find Zoya, he went to Najma to ask about Zoya's whereabouts hearing which Najma shrugged her shoulders stating that she didn't know and once again Asad hand came flying to his nose bridge. He then went around looking for Zoya and hoping that she hadn't invite another trouble. At last he found her near the area where buffet was arranged. Her back was towards him and she seemed to be engrossed in some activity. On reaching near her, Asad heard moans emanating from her vocal chord. He was beyond shock hearing her and his mind started to work at rocket speed to find the most possible reason behind this. He was amazed at the audacity of Zoya to ignore her surroundings completely. He went to her and tapped her shoulder. For a moment her felt her stiffened and then she turned around swiftly keeping both her hands behind.

"Allah Miyaan what's wrong with you Mr. Khan! Why are you hell bent in making me die out of shocks?"exclaimed Zoya to which she received a spontaneous reply, "ZOYA! Don't you dare talk rubbish! By the way it should be me who should question you. What are you doing here and what is it that you are hiding?"said Asad first angrily than irritatingly only to hear Zoya fumbling with what she had to say, "Mr. Khan can't I go wherever I want? Do I have to tell you everything? And I am not hiding anything." Asad narrowed his eyes and then his hands reached out towards hers and brought them forward only to see strawberry dipped in chocolate syrup, in her hand. He moved his gaze towards her and questioned her about it to which Zoya smiled sheepishly and said, "Actually Mr. Khan I was just wandering off here and then my eyes caught those strawberries and it seemed as if they were calling me. How could I say no to such delicious strawberries Mr. Khan and the chocolate syrup acted as cherry on top. You know Mr. Khan Strawberries with chocolate syrup is just heaven. Even you should try them, they will take you to another world." With that Zoya took off the strawberries from Asad and started relishing them much to Asad irritation as he was unable to cope up with his desire to taste to ravishing lips of hers moving over those strawberries. In all this a drop of chocolate syrup at the end of Zoya's lips caught Asad eyes.

"What's wrong Mr. Khan? Why are you staring at me?" asked Zoya to which Asad hesitantly replied, "There is something Miss Farooqui.". "What and where Mr. Khan? Can you for once stop talking in riddles?" To which Asad replied, "The chocolate syrup there." And Asad pointed towards Zoya lips but she couldn't decipher it so irritating she asked, "there where Mr. Khan? I am not getting you. Can you for once behave like normal human being?". "There Miss Farooqui!" Asad said much to Zoya's irritation and then she said,"Mr. Khan I am unable to see your there. You do one thing remove the chocolate syrup by yourself if you know where is your 'there'." Zoya thought she saw something glinting in Asad's eye but dismissed the thought and heard Asad saying, "Are you sure Miss Farooqui that you won't regret it." Much to Zoya surprise and she replied confusedly, "Why would I regret?" Zoya couldn't say anything more as she saw Asad coming closer to her. She was confused as to what was Asad up to with that naughty smirk adorned his face. Her thought process had been stopped by Asad's breath fanning her face. She could not even dare to look up when suddenly she felt Asad lips touch the end of her lips and then lick off the area. Shocked, she looked up only see Asad smirking and then he said, "You were right Miss Farooqui, they are heavenly." and left the place leaving a stunned and speechless Zoya behind.

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Asad was trying hard to work on his laptop but the evening scene was replaying in his mind all the time. Frustrated he shut the laptop and looked out of his window only to see Zoya there sitting on the bench in garden, her arms crosses and palms rubbing her upper arms to gain some warmth. Asad shook his head seeing her stubbornness and went outside along with a blanket. He covered her shoulders with blanket and came forward to sit beside a shocked and irritated Zoya. Shocked to see his caring side and irritated at his habit to scare her wits. "Mr. Khan you don't know how to behave like normal human being right? Every time you come and shock me to no end. Do you have any problem in coming and talking to me without startling me?" to which Asad replied back, "I am behaving like normal human being but you aren't that is why you were sitting outside in this cold. What is wrong that you are here at this odd hour?" "Even you are here Mr. Khan and thank you for the blanket." Said Zoya trying to dismiss the topic but to her misfortune Asad said,"Don't try to divert the topic Miss Farooqui. What is the matter?" seeing Asad so serious, Zoya fumbled and then replied, "Nothing is right Mr. Khan. Everything is wrong, it is so confusing." said Zoya absentmindedly and then continued, "I mean look at today's event Mr. Khan. At the mosque you said that I am part of the family while you are the only one to say that whatever happened at the airport was just a drama. You even claimed that I am a misfit for every family. Then the evening at the jashn, you behaved so much unlike yourself that for a moment I thought that I need to get a psychiatrist for you. And now so much care and concern for me when I am sitting out in cold. What is wrong with you Mr. Khan? Why you keep on switching your roles." sighed Zoya only to see an amused Asad. "Don't you think you read too much of my action?" "Mr. Khan now you are diverting the topic. Please tell me and clear all this confusion." said Zoya defeated.

"Everything is fake! That is the thing I said to you, right? Yes everything is fake but… but what I said at that day when Mr. Dhurindar Bhatavdekar came to deport you. Whatever I said to him about our first meet is absolutely real, that day when I saw you at Dargah I felt your pain and tears. I had an image of you as the most innocent soul although you proved me wrong later but that is completely true." Hearing the last part Zoya scowled but nevertheless was waiting for Asad to continue. Seeing the childlike expression on Zoya's face Asad chuckled and continued, "Later we fought like Tom and Jerry and it was impossible for us to breathe in the same room but then the ride at Mangalpur changed it all. That day when I saw your body like corpse I felt my soul was snatched away from me and when Aartiji told me that you were breathing I felt as if I am breathing. After coming home when I thought about this than I found out that I fell in love with you in all this bickering."

On this Zoya's hands flew to her mouth and she gasped. Asad looked at her amusedly and said cheekily, "Miss Farooqui were you like this since the start or you have just started giving comical reaction to whatever I say. Anyways you must be wondering that if I love you than why I stated it all as fake." Seeing Zoya nod in affirmation Asad continued, "You know very well what happened with Ammi, don't you? Same thing is with me, I was afraid that what if I hurt you like the way Mr. Rashid Ahmed Khan had hurt my Ammi? I was just scared that is why I kept pushing you away, which is why I said the entire thing was fake."

"And now you are no more scared?" to which Asad nodded his head sideways seeing which Zoya continued, "Why?""What do you mean by why?" asked a perplexed Asad. "I mean what happened that you are no more scared?" to which Asad chuckled and started off, "You happened." seeing a confused Zoya he continued further, "Well I came to realize in last two- three days that there is no way I can hurt you as you are the one person to stand against me. Even if I try to hurt you than you would come barging in my room, question me and would be hell bent in making me change my decision, like always." to which Zoya replied, "That's so bad of you Mr. Khan. It's just that I hate your wrong allegations against me." "Leave it!"said Asad, "Anyways Miss Farooqui since I confessed my feelings for you, even you should confess yours."

"Why should I confess Mr. Khan? In fact I have nothing to confess. And even if I had something to confess that I would do that whenever it suits me since you did the same." said Zoya crossing her arms. 'Great! So much for confessing my feelings.' Self thought Asad and then out of blue he went down on his knees, held Zoya's palms on her lap and said, "Zoya since day one you have drawn me towards yourself. Be it by your pain, tears or our constant bickering. You were the only one to be on my side when I needed support. You always go an extra mile to help my family. I once said that you are a misfit but the truth is I am a misfit. I couldn't even let go my past while you move on from it with a smile. You spread happiness all around you, and the biggest of all you made me want to live my life, you changed me. Now I want to live my life, want to enjoy every single moment of it. So Miss Zoya Farooqui would you like to be my support in all my thick and thin and be my companion in taking pleasure of every moment of our life… together?" Asad looked towards a teary eyed Zoya with hopeful eyes only to see her nod in affirmation and with that he took out the diamond ring out of his pocket and slipped in through her finger. The ring had a huge solitaire encase in a metallic rose. On seeing the ring on her fingers, Zoya slid down on her knees just an inch away from Asad and then hugged him with full force resting her head just above his heart hearing his heartbeats.

For a moment Asad was shocked as to what happened but later he recovered and took Zoya in his embrace. After a few minutes Zoya lifted her head disrupting their perfect moment and asked, "Mr. Khan did you carry the ring the whole time with you?" hearing which Asad chuckled and said, "And you say I'm unromantic!"

"Mashallah you look so pretty Zoya, kisi ki nazar na lag jaye", said dilshad making Zoya reply, "kya phoophi aap bhi, mehndi hi tou lagai hai".

"app humare ghar ki hone wali bahu hain, eid jaise moke hi tou hote hain sajne sawarne k" dilshad replied " dekhna Asad mehndi dekh kar ek dum latoo ho jaye ga" which made zoya blush like a bride, but her reverie was broken with a loud "OMG" from Najma " ammi dekha app ne Zoya bhabhi sharmati bhi hain, and you know mere hath mey kya hai?"

Zoya looked at her hands and screamed "tamatar kal mey tmhara soup bana doon gi if you open that album".

"thore se pic dekhne do na bhabhi please, ye app k bachpan ki pics hai na" Najma made up her best puppy face, and zoya gave in.

They flipped over the pictures, zoya narrating their dates and history with each. When najma asked "ye Strawberry kaun hai? Kitni funny picture hai".

"Tamatar wohh STRAWBERRY mey bani Hui hoon, it was a fancy dress competition and mey fruit bani thi ", zoya replied a bit embarrassed.

"acha isiliye whenever you blush you turn red like Strawberry, bachpan ka asar," Najma piqued in which made all the ladies laugh like crazies , and that's when the door opened and a ruffled up mechanical Asad entered and looked more than irritated to find everyone laughing, that nobody gave a look at him.

Zoya laughing the loudest, was last to see Asad standing with a frown on his face. She turned away to look at najma, the traitor, who was consciously smirking at zoya, for najma hadn't told her about Asad's arrival. Dilshad noticed the tensed air and prompted Asad to join them, "ye dekho Asad kitni zabardast pics hai". But Asad moved towards his room mouthing a frowned "later". They were looking at his retreating figure, when Zoya announced she would see why Asad was upset and assured Dilshad not to be worried. And she followed him to his room.

She walked into the room and found Asad standing at the window; he knew she had come in, because he could feel her around him. "What happened Asad, why are you upset?" she inquired.

"Why do you care and who gave you the right to ask me?" he countered

"this gave me the right to ask questions, not only ask questions but also get the answers too", she said pointing towards a twisted wire, a makeshift ring in her ring finger.

"And how many time have I told you to remove this shit wire from your finger?" he asked angrily, "it spoils the look of your beautiful mehndi rache hand".

Oh so he had noticed my mehndi, thought zoya and replied "I have already told you I m not removing this, you made me wear it by your own hand" and held it protectively in her other hand.

"You are hopeless Zoya", although content that she wore a thing which he gave her.

"Yes I am hopelessly in Love Mr Akdu Ahmed Khan", she piqued

"How long will you keep the mehndi" he asked out of the blue.

"ummm I have no idea, maybe an hour or so would be good.. wasie bhi its late now I should sleep, I have to be up early tomorrow phoophi said.. but app ne kyn poocha" she gave her full information about her schedule to Asad.

"nahi who bs aise hi… good night" said Asad and Zoya left his room.

…

Her alarm was ringing; she tired finding it to shut it down with her eyes closed, when she felt someone was sitting on her bed. She opened her shocked eyes and found Asad looking at her bemused. "What are you doing here?" she asked pulling up the sheet to her chin.

"I was waiting for you to get up" he replied.

"But you are in my room at freaking 6am" she screeched

"Because I wanted to be the first to see the color of your mehndi" he said looking into her eyes.

She was shocked, was this really Asad, was he really madly in love with her… that even the mehndi was important for him, phoopi was right Asad would love it.. She blushed lowering her eyes.

Asad noticed the red hue creeping up her cheek and smiled at her jhalli, that one moment she could be a ferocious lioness and next blush like a bobbing. He tipped up her chin and made her look into his eyes. She slowly spread her hands open for him, the color was amazingly red.

"You know the deep color shows how much the husband loves his wife" Asad said innocently.

Did he just say that he loved her indirectly? She was ecstatic but decided to play innocent "really mujhe nahi pata tha", holding her hands in front of her to examine them more closely.

He took hold of her hand and started pulling out the hideous twisted wire, she protested wildly "please Asad noo" and he shushed her into silence with his finger on her mouth. He pulled out a diamond ring from the pocket of his kurta and slipped it on her finger. "Now see how beautifully your hand compliments this ring and you can keep the wire in your cupboard too" he said.

But she was busy gaping at the ring and him in turns. Asad sensing her confusion said "I LOVE YOU ZOYA, would you do me the honor of being my wife".

"Allah miyah, I thought you wouldn't ever ask me this", she pushed him flat on his back hugging him and said "I Love You to ASAD"!!!!

"Well, since this would be our first industrial…" Asad sat at the meeting and listened to the presentation of one of his employees. Hearing a buzz coming from his phone, he ignored it at first because this was a very important client, but it seemed that the person who called him was undeterred. He looked down at the phone and on seeing the words "Ammi" flash across the screen he excused himself and went to answer the call.

"What happened Ammi?" he asked as soon as he picked up the phone.

"Asad, it's Zoya, she's in hospital,"Dilshaad's voice sounded panicked as she rushed to get the words out of her mouth.

"What? What do you mean she's in hospital! Wait, I'm on my way". Asad rushed out of the office and into the parking lot, looking for his car. Then he remembered that he sent the driver out with the car to go and pick up something for one of his clients. Cursing loudly, he threw his hands up in despair before rushing outside and hailing a taxi, giving the driver instructions to go to the hospital as soon as he got in. Rushing into the hospital, Asad looked around frantically before he spotted the reception area and asked the receptionist which room Zoya was in. Grimacing slightly the receptionist pointed him in the right direction and wished him good luck. As he was walking down the corridorhe saw Najma and Dilshaad seated on the chairs looking quite horrified. "Where is she?", Asad asked as he crouched next to DIlshaad. Giving Asad a pointed look she gestured towards the door. Asad approached slowly… glancing at the door with disdain as he heard a scream emanate from inside the room. Gulping loudly he slowly turned the handle and went in.

"You... You did this to me," screamed Zoya as she lay on the hospital bed with her legs up and sweat covering her face. Even with the sweat covering her and her angry expression, her beauty still shone through to Asad.

"Excuse me," said a nurse, "who are you?" Giving her a sheepish smile he said, "Actually…I'm the husband".

He walked past the nurse and neared Zoya's hospital bed."Hey Jaan," Asad stuttered as he walked towards her slowly, "look, I brought your favourite strawberries."

"Strawberries?! I'm lying here in excruciating pain giving birth to YOUR child and you decided to bring me STRAWBERRIES?" Zoya shouted glaring at him in anger.

Asad didn't know what to do with himself, one can never really say the right thing to a women in labour. He turned back to the nurse, "is she okay?" he asked.

The nurse looked at him with amusement, "she is…I don't think the doctor is so lucky though."

"No, I will not push," screamed Zoya as she tried to whack the doctor. Quickly thrusting the strawberries in the nurse's hand and rushing to Zoya's side, Asad held her hand and tried to sooth her down before she did any more damage to the hospital staff.

"Zoya, pleaselisten to the Doctor, he's just trying to help…" Asad said while stroking her hand, the strawberries lying forgotten in the hands of the nurse.

"Help? HELP? Pichle paanch minutes se all he has been saying is push, he looks more scared than anyone in this room and all he has been doing is drinking coffee so forgive me if I don't have any faith in him for birthing our first child…" Zoya had gone off on a rant with his simple sentence.

"Jaan don't you think he's scared because of the violence you keep threatening on him? And its valentine's day today I think he's just missing his wife by his side,"Asad said softly scared of how she would react at the moment.

"Main aur violent? Mr. Asad ahmed Khan how dare you suggest that I'm violent…" she was about to go on another rampage again when a shocked expression crossed her face and she clutched her tummy and began breathing hard and fast again.

"Mrs. Khan there's no time for this, you are going to have to start pushing now," the doctor said frantically as he came up in front of her and began a quick check of her vitals and everything, and that's exactly what she did, she pushed.

After the grueling labour period and giving Zoya her time to rest Asad poked his head into Zoya's room, he had gone to complete some formalities with the doctors leaving Ammi and Najma to watch over Zoya lest she wake up before he was back. The scene in the hospital room warmed his heart. Zoya laid on the hospital bed a beautiful smile lighting up her features, her entire focus was on her new born son lying in her arms as she cooed at him and gave delightful giggles whenever she managed to stir a reaction from the her tiny bundle of joy. Najma and Dilshaad stood on either side of Zoya's bed as focused on little Aadil as much as his mother was. They too cooed at him and vied for his attention. Asad stood at the door admiring the scene his family presented before moving into the room, also wanting a chance to hold his little boy and give his wife a hug. As Dilshaad and Najma noticed Asad enter the room they gave him a warm smile and went out with the excuse of getting something to eat knowing that Asad, Zoya needed some alone time together and with their little baby. Asad slowly sat on the side of Zoya's bed and gave a 1000 watt smile. His joy knew no bounds in that moment. Zoya smiled back at him and held out Aadil towards Asad knowing he wanted to hold his son as well. Overwhelmed Asad gently took Aadil, his fingers grazing over Zoyas hand and the glittering diamond ring on her ring finger that he had gifted her on their first anniversary while doing so. He gazed down at his son whose facial features resembled him a lot but still had Zoya's mischievous charm. He had a feeling his son was going to be a total momma's boy but it didn't matter because he was their son, his and Zoya's symbol of their love. His eyes welled up with tears thinking about how much he had been given when he finally opened up his heart to love.

He looked up at Zoya to see the same love shining in her eyes that he was sure was in his as well. Leaning down he placed a soft kiss on his son's forehead before leaning across and placing one on Zoya forehead as well.

Zoya reached up and cupped his face with her hand, wiping away the few tears that escaped his eye with her thumb. He leaned his face into her touch and closed his eyes. "Thank you…," he whispered, opening his eyes again and raising his eyes to lock with his beautiful wife's gaze.

"For…?" she asked equally as softly.

Asad glanced down at his son again before looking back up at Zoya, "for making me the happiest man on this planet…Have I ever told you that I love you?"

Zoya gave a soft laugh, "Every day."