NEW FF: Memories- A Tug of War (Chapter7, Page35) - Page 23

you have stopped updating at a very emotional stage, plz update soon

Updaaate pwease <3 Pretty pwease? Look I'm being so cute LOOOL.

UPDATE UPDATE UDPATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

I guess you just don't like my cute face :/ -sigh- PLEASEEE <3

Heyyheyy beautiesss! I know I know, I'm so sorry for putting this on hold for so long. I broke my promise tooo, sorry @teddyyy! I've been unwell for sometime now, my plan was to update all three stories regularly but plan flopped! I've got these headaches too, I can't sit down for too long and stare at my phone or laptop. And i've been upset with the recent settings on IF ruining my updates, does anyone know how to sort that out? Anyhoo, good news is that I've sat down to write today so I shall be updating, only this one tomorrow depending on how quick I finish. I've totally forgotten how the plot was meant to unravel so I don't blame anyone for forgetting/sacking this story. Anyhooo, try to stay with meee loveliesss! Teenkkksss! Much lovesss xoxo

Aww it's ok hun. We just really wanna know what happens next. But health comes first. So take your time my lovely! 😃

Awww no problemo babes <3 I hope you're feeling better! Headaches can be a real pain. I'm a victim too- constant headaches are honestly the worst! No worries, we're still here, with the story and with you! (: Can't wait! Tomorrow school starts, so I actually have something nice to look forward too- your update yay!

So here I am, after two months *silence* LOOOL! I'm so so sorry guys for leaving this on hold for so long, the last few months have been complicated, from falling ill to uni starting! I've been mad busy so literally had no time. I had this week off, but spent it procrastinating, you know uni student's best friend. I have literally forgotten everything I planned for most of my FF's, and I've lost my touch, so please don't kill me. I had the first half written up just the second part I've managed to write today. Hope you guys enjoy this!

Chapter 7

'Aapi please' pleaded Zoya, her heart pounding at her sister's request. Zeenat wanted Zoya to move on, forget her past and settle down.

'Zoya, how long will you stay alone? Khabie na khabie toh tumhe nikaah karna hoga...' Explained Zeenat,

'Lekin abhi? Aapi sab kuch...' Zoya tensed, her fingers clawing at her bed. How does she tell her sister that she doesn't want to move on, how does she tell her that she's already lost her heart to one person from whom she could never get it back. How does she give someone else that special place in her life? She might have received only pain from that love but it has also given her a sense of belonging; such belonging that had left her stranded nowhere. Zoya sighed, 'Aapi mein nahi...' She looked up with teary eyes, 'Ray...' She placed her phone in his waiting hands,

'Aapi? Kaise ho?' Rayhan spoke all cheery as he wiped Zoya's tears. 'Jee aapi... right.' Zoya listened as Rayhan's voice drowned in the back ground. Zoya got up and walked towards the window, tears strolled down her eyes. She leaned her face against the window stroking the glass with her fingers trailing the rain drops that were racing down the other side.

'Zoya, stop it now' scolded Rayhan throwing a towel over her head. Zoya turned around sniffing; Rayhan shook his head in disbelief, 'why are you crying?' Zoya pulled the towel off her head and walked into the bathroom. She walked out minutes later changed into warmer clothes.

'Don't look at me like that' Zoya strolled towards the bed; Rayhan grabbed her hand and made her sit down as he dried her hair with the towel.

'You big baby' Rayhan teased, 'woh aapi' He started,

'Shut up Ray, Aapi has gone crazy!' Zoya rolled her eyes.

'I know but...' You are such a dope Ray, weren't you the one that said you'll support her no matter what.
'Suno na, I have a plan. Why don't you meet him and then reject?' He raised his eyebrow. Zoya stared at his face, curious yet adamant.

'What's the point Ray, I dont wanna...' Zoya crawled towards her pillow and struggled to get under her duvet, Rayhan watched amused. He crawled to her side and helped her under before passing her the glass of water and medicine.

'I'm not asking you to marry him; I'm saying meet him and then reject him. That way you'll get what you want and Aapi will be happy that you tried' He smiled, 'so that means you'll be coming to the office tomorrow!' Zoya's eyes widened as she picked her head up only to have Rayhan push her back down and switch the lamps off. Rayhan smiled mischievously,

'I'll sing you a lullaby...'

'Get out of my room before I smack you!' Zoya pushed him off the bed. You've lost it you know, how could you ever think...' She spoke whilst he walked round; she reached for his hand and pulled him to sit next to her. Don't ever leave me Ray...' She whispered closing her eyes.

You're all I've got Zo' Rayhan smiled.

-----

Zoya rubbed her sleepy eyes as she walked out of her room with her messy hair and creased clothes. She smiled at a gawking Rayhan before making herself comfortable on the kitchen stool. She wrapped her hands around the steaming hot cup of coffee and sipped it cautiously. She sighed before staring at Rayhan with blank expressions. Rayhan played with his eyebrows with a sheepish grin on his face,

'What?'

'Aren't you coming to work?' He asked curiously; Zoya brought her face forward as he tucked her hair behind the ears and placed a kiss on top of her head.

'Why are you behaving so weird?' Zoya made a grossed out face, her face lightened as she heard a beeping noise, 'hawww! What did you bake?' She watched as Rayhan took out a baking tray full of muffins. Zoya reached for one only to have him smack her hands, 'ouch!'

'They're hot you foool!'

Zoya grinned widely as she rested her chin on her hands.

'I think we should look for a groom for you!' She suggested, Rayhan removed the tray and walked towards the door picking up his briefcase along the way. Zoya ran behind him,

'Wait, where are you taking my muffins?' Zoya hugged him from the back pulling him backwards,

'Take one!' He slowly turned,

Zoya jumped up and winced as she placed her injured ankle on the floor.

'Zoeee!' Grumbled Rayhan, 'I told you...'

'Yeahyeah' She shrugged her shoulders as she grabbed for a muffin, 'thanks wifey' she hit his cheek and walked towards her coffee, 'listen I need a lif'

'I'll see you at the office' Rayhan ran out of the apartment with the hot baking tray in his hands.

'Wait... I need a lift' She breathed out heavily before biting on her muffin, sadly. She took her coffee and walked back inside her room like a zombie.

'Hmmm' Zoya stared at her wardrobe with a mouthful, she looked down at the carpet, 'If it was Mr Khan, he wouldn't be too happy' She giggled kicking the crumbles to one side. She picked out a white dress and slipped into it. She wore her tights and longingly stared towards her heels as she slipped into her flats. She stood in front of her mirror, letting her hair loose to her sides; she played with her bouncy curls before adjusting her make up. She picked her red lipstick and held it in front of her watching it closely before applying it. She pressed her lips together before walking towards her bed, picking up her bag and phone. She made her way out of the room with one last glance at the mirror; she closed the apartment door and walked into the lift. Zoya tensed when she felt her phone ring,

'Hello... Believe me, mein sach mein bemaar thi... Trust me I was ill. Asif? Hello?' Zoya peeked with one eye,

'Will you shut up? Are you okay? Are you coming to the office? Ray's avoiding me... What's going on?' Asif asked,

'Avoiding you?'

'Yes, I'm in India... And I find out you're ill? Are you okaay now? Will you be coming or should I come down? Do you need anything? Is Ray taking care of you?'

'Hahaha, I'm fine Asif. Don't worry I'm just on my way now, I shall be there sooon. And don't worry, Ray is a sweetheart, we all know that' Zoya laughed, 'Okay, bye' Zoya placed her phone inside her bag before pulling her umbrella open, 'what is my life?' She grumbled at the rain making as she made her way towards the nearest bakery shop. She walked out moments later with a huge box in her hand, clutched against her chest tightly.

'Taxi!' She called out, 'Oh hello? Taxi?' She yelled but it was futile, no one was willing to stop. She sulked as she walked towards the bus stand at the end of the road. She struggled to keep her umbrella upright as the wind blew against her. She stood there trying to keep herself intact as a group of men gathered under the bus stand, she held her umbrella tightly moving away from the shelter. She gazed towards the busy road, anxiously waiting for the bus to arrive. The beaming stares were making her feel uncomfortable; she stared down at the puddle below her. She felt something huge stop in front of her, she looked up to find a black car in front of her; black SUV to be precise. She prayed the familiarity of this car brought the familiar owner with it. Seconds later, her prayers were heard as the windows were down. He looked into her helpless eyes before stepping out of the car. He ran towards her and stood in front of her, her umbrella lifted upwards to shelter him from the rain. She gazed into his loving eyes, his brown orbs speaking a million words of comfort. His hands grasped the box, her clutching hand let go of it, she blinked a few times watching him place the box inside the car. He came back, he led her eyes towards the umbrella, she looked at him and then the umbrella. He placed his hand on top of hers; she shivered for a moment before slipping her hand under his and placing it against her chest. She stepped forward towards him seeking comfort with the closing distance; she peeked towards the gawking strangers. She looked up at him, surprised how remaining close to him wipes away all her pain and worries: without physically touching him, hugging him. Asad watched her soothing expressions, a part of him wanting to hug her tight, 'It doesn't matter if I can't touch you, hug you, I will always be here for you Zoya... Always' He smiled inwardly.

He stepped to the side as Zoya made her way towards the car. He opened the door for her, he accidently removed the umbrella.

'I'm sor' He watched as the gush of wind blew her curls behind her, her glowing face and her hot red lips gleamed back at him. He looked down when she caught him gazing at her; she quietly sat inside the car. He closed the door and walked towards the other side. Zoya's eyes awkwardly followed him around. He sat inside the car and looked straight in front of him as the bus drove past his car.

'Erm I'm sorry you got wet because of me... And thank you for the lift I was er' Zoya played with her fingers,

'You don't have to thank me Zoya' He looked at her; it's my duty he wanted to add. Zoya met his eyes; she turned the other way not being able to answer to his pleading eyes. She remained silent as he started the car and drove away.

'How is your foot?' He asked as the car came to a halt.

'Much better thanks' She replied as she tried opening the door.

'Allow me...' He rushed outside and helped her out avoiding eye contact. He was hurting seeing the rejection in her eyes. His heart was doing injustice to him; he was unable to identify the mixtures of emotions in her eyes before it turns to rejection. How much he yearned to see acceptance in those. He watched her take the box out of the back and come stand next to him. They walked into the office side by side, all eyes moved onto them. Asad stopped as he watched her walk towards the reception,

'Happy diwali Rosie' Zoya beamed handing the box over to her. She hugged Rosie, 'wow, the decorations look beautiful' Zoya looked around. She turned around to find Asad standing there watching her, she stepped towards him,

'Zoeee, you're here' Rayhan wrapped one arm around her handing a file over to Rosie.

'Yeah no thanks to you' She elbowed his stomach. She smiled at Asad and then noticed Asif who was walking towards him. They both joined him, 'Asif, ahem sir, how are you?' She laughed.

'Zoyaaa darling, how are you? You look great...' He side hugged her, 'Have you settled here, not coming back to New York?'

'I'm great thanks... And no, I love India' She grinned widely, 'Oh ho tareef?'

'Haan tareeef, you look great... But Zoee...' He paused as he noticed her eyes flicker, 'Okay, so did Ray tell you about the diwali party tonight?' He laughed it off.

'Party tonight?' Zoya asked confused,

'Raayy!!' Asif punched Rayhan, ' Yes tonight, you're coming, no discussions. And thanks for helping with the decorations.' Zoya looked at him confused. He drew circles in the air before pointing towards the hall; you're an ass of a boss thought Zoya. Asif; I know doll. He tapped her cheek before turning around and walking off.

'Me, Asif wait... I can't' Rayhan dragged Zoya away from there as she tried convincing Asif to let her go.

'Why do you have that creepy look on your face Ray?' Zoya spoke irritated, Rayhan has been acting all weird. I can't believe you left me, Aapi called again'

'You can't run away from this Zoya... you remember the plan?' He turned around with his hands behind his neck.

'Plan, what plan? And see that look, what are you up to? Raayyy... The last time you had that look we nearly got married!' Zoya complained pushing him away.

'Kya planning tha!' Rayhan joked brushing his hair proudly, I saved you okay, you would've had to marry googly eyes if it was up to aapi. Jeeju thought it was a great idea to save your trouble making a**' He shrugged his shoulders as he rummaged through Zoya's bag for food. She smacked him as she pulled her bag off him, Rayhan's smile widened.

Asad tensed hearing the two talk, the thought of them almost getting married stabbed a part of him inside not being able to rule out any future possibilities. He closed his eyes; help mee Almighty. Zoya looked back for a moment before walking towards the hall. She paused as she looked at the messy hall, she sighed before getting to work.

'Excuse me madam?' Zoya turned around to see three men dressed in unusual clothing holding huge, heavy bags.

'Yes?'

'We're here for the demonstrations, we've come early to practice if that's okaay, we needed to see how big the hall is' One of them spoke. Zoya nodded her head unsure of what she was agreeing to. She picked up the phone on the wall,

'Rosie, can I get a coffee? Listen, is Asif still there? Oh damn, thanks' Zoya put the phone down and sighed.

'No, not there... We need to put the diyas there, haaan...'Zoya instructed the workers. She stood there and admired the little diya's before turning around and gasping. She stumbled back a few steps, she hit her back against someone, she instantly turned around and hugged the person before her. She held him tight, placing all her weight onto him, with each pull wanting the other person to hold her tighter. She clung onto him like a magnet, still as if she had stopped breathing. Everyone stared at her frightened state, Rayhan came rushing inside hearing all the commotion.

'Who called you here?' He shouted, 'CAN YOU NOT SEEE?'

'They're here for the party' Explained Rosie, scared seeing his frustrated state.

Rayhan brushed the back of Zoya's head and asked Asad to take her away seeing her embrace him.

'How can you be careless?' Rayhan walked out of there taking Zoya's coffee cup off Rosie.

He stepped inside their office, he watched Asad comfort her. He placed the cup on the table before pouring her a glass of water. He kneeled in front of her and placed the glass in between her hands. She took a sip with the support of Asad's hands. Rayhan placed his hand on hers and pressed it, she lifted her gaze, her teary eyes glistening into his.

'Hey listen, it was nothing. See look at you, you're fine. The fire won't be able to do anything to you. They're fire eaters; it was just a demonstration act. They weren't on fire, it was intentional. Hey, tum sun rahe ho na? It was nothing; you don't have to be scared. You have to be brave... What if I'm on fire, how will you save me?' He laughed nervously... 'no no I meant ermm... tum teek ho?' He whispered softly, pressing his eyes to reassure her. Zoya shut her eyes and let her head fall onto Asad's waiting shoulders. Asad stared wide eyed, unable to blink away his sudden shock. His tensed shoulders slowly comforted Zoya's seeking body. Rayhan got up and walked out of the room mentally scolding himself and trying to put himself together; he cannot see her in this state, and that too because of him. Zoya is scared of fire and he used this against her, for her own good. Rayhan was unable to see the "good" it was doing to her.

Zoya's shivering body slowly crumbled into Asad's hold. His arms rubbed the side of her waist whilst his other hand continuously caressed her face to stop her from crying. Zoya's face dug further into his chest, her hand clawed at his shirt as she brought them back to her lips, painting his crisp white shirt with her red lipstick. Her trembling lips stopped as they touched the bare skin on his neck, Asad flinched as his senses ran wildly through him, electrocuting every inch of his body.

'Shhh' Asad's hand brushed her hair, Zoya's eyes shot open making her jump up from his grip. She stumbled back a few steps, her gaze fixed on his shirt. 'Aap please yahan se jaaye' She managed turning around only to feel faint and fall backwards. She instantly found him by her sides. She pushed his hands off her arm stepping backwards and falling into Rayhan's arms. She stared him with wide eyes; Asad smiled sadly. He grabbed his jacket and headed towards the door as Rayhan placed her on the chair. Asad turned around to meet her peeking eyes; the emotions he witnessed in those brown orbs brought him back to life. He slowly took steps backwards, not tearing his eyes from hers.

'Zoya, main' Started Rayan, his voice faint in the ears of the lovers. 'We've been friends forever now; we've been through highs and lows together, laughed and cried together. Fell in love and out of love. We are both in need of a fresh start...' Rayhan got on one knee, Zoya blinked a few times seeing him down there. She shot Asad a confused look before looking down. Asad's heart thudded faster and faster as he anxiously stared at Rayhan's back.

'You know how your aapi wants you to get married... Yes, that... Please nodd... Haan woh that... Willyoumarryme?' He spoke so fast.

'Huh?' Zoya creased her eyebrows not liking what she didn't hear.

'Ahem' he coughed, Zoya peeked from the corner of her eyes at a horrified Asad, 'will you marry me Zoya? Main jaanta hoon mein tumhare ishq wala pyar nahin hoon, lekin mein tumhare dost wala pyaar to ho sakta hoon' He laughed at his failed attempt to try and make it sound filmy, I know we could keep each other happy. You know you're all I have after ammi and abbu passed away' Rayhan paused as he watched a lone a tear drop from the side of her eyes. 'Would you stay with me forever, as my best friend, my mentor, my life, my wife?' He brought out a ring and held it in front of her. Zoya brought her shaky hands and clasped the box in-between her hands. 'You're all I have' was ringing over and over again in her ears. Her head found itself nodding at the hopeful face in front of her knowing that there was another soul in the room whose heart she was tearing into pieces. Her heart and mind collided as a mixture of emotions took over; Rayhan had played his games right. An emotionally weak Zoya meant that it was easier to manipulate her mind; it was perfect for Rayhan to make her agree to anything, especially marrying him.

Asad's hands grabbed the closest thing to him, they pressed hard against the diyas, taking out the brightly lit candles, smashing the small cups with the oil making it smear all over his hands. His body found itself giving up as he tensed and fell side wards against the pillar for support. He closed his eyes; his ears still a part of their celebration.

'Omg Zoya, yeah? Yeah? Did you say yesss?' Asad listened to a cheery Rayhan,

'Hhhaan' replied a shaky Zoya. Asad pressed his eyes harder in the hope of him going deaf. He lifted his heavy eye lids, watching her slowly lift herself up allowing Rayhan to hug her and spin around with her delicate figure. Rayan's laughs echoed into the walls of the department, overpowering the thudding of Asad's heart.

'Come on... Let's goo' Rayhan tugged her arm,

'Erm you go. I'll come down in a minute' she replied, 'I need to do something first' Zoya turned around, whispering the words weakly.

'Okay, come soon!' Rayhan turned around and smiled seeing Zoya's reflection in Asad. He watched him turn around and fix the diya's, roughly wiping the tears from his face. He coughed awkwardly walking past Asad and into the lift. Asad felt someone's hand on his shoulder; he turned slowly to see her face lovingly staring at him. Asad's tears flowed once again wilfully, drenching every inch of his face as he pressed his forehead against hers and sobbed. Her hands wiped his cheeks continuously, caressing him softly to soothe him. Asad gazed into her eyes, Zoya's hands remained on his cheeks, and he tilted side wards feeling the warmth of her touch. Asad brought his hands around her to hug her when he went stumbling forward as he broke out of his comforting dream into the harsh reality. Zoya come running forward to catch him.

'You okaay?' She spoke softly avoiding his eyes.

'I'm sorry Zoya' He stared at her face which was only a few centimetres away. Look at me Zoya he pleaded. She turned her face slightly, their noses almost touching as they both felt the warmth of each other's breath. She looked up into his eyes; why did you hurt me so much Asad? Why?

'Would you have believed me If I told you?' The lack of faith in those empty eyes pierced his heart; maybe, maybe in those circumstances he wouldn't have.

'Zindagi mein kudh ko itna dard mat dena ki kuch mehsoos hona baand hojaye' She stared at his hand.

'Then why are you doing this?' He asked, hurt visible in his voice. His gaze remained on her face.

'Sometimes life puts us in certain situations, only way ahead is to accept it'

'What about your happiness?'

'What matters is that the person who has always supported me needs me by his side, and I am'

'Sacrifice?'

'Samjhotha... Zindagi ke saath' She replied walking past him.

'Nikaah koi mazaak nahi hain' He spoke behind her.

'Phir bhi aapne ek maazak banaya' She said sternly looking over her shoulder. Asad shuddered,

'You love...'

'Ahh love, I'm sure there's someone else in Bhopal waiting for your love and affection.' Zoya's heart cried at the tone of her own voice, please go Asad. I cannot move on in your presence, your eyes, they always pull me back. 'Jiss par mera haq nahin, usse galti se mujhe maath de dena. Uss ehsaan mujhe nahin chahiye...' A lone tear escaped her eyes.

'Ehsaan? Mere pyaar koi ehsaan nahin hain, uss paar sirf tumhara-'

'Tha, aab nahin hai. Jhoota haq hi sahi, lekin mera tha. It's lost now... I've understood that home, that place, right to being your fiance, right to being my phoopie's daughter in law. That right was never mine. I'm so stupid na Mr Khan?' She laughed as she turned to face him. 'I forcefully tried to make it mine when I was just a mere guest, temporary guest. I knew what we had was a lie, but I lived it as the truth. How could a girl like me ever think about belonging when her own father refused to give her a name to belong to? You were right, I have no character, I'm shameless because my parents weren't there to bring me up. But you had your mother's upbringing, the engagement might have been a lie, but we promised to carry it out truthfully. Aap jhoote kab ban gaye?' Asad flinched, as his body stiffened. Zoya what are you doing, she mentally screamed as the words flowed out of her mouth effortlessly. Her lips twitched as she fought herself from crying. 'I lllo- Asif must be looking for us' She walked off,
'Zakhm pe malam laga dena, jitne der khola rakoghi, utna dard badega.' She faced him as she entered the lift. Asad tilted his head as he read her face; You never healed did you Zoya, because I was your medicine...

How did I do? Please feel free to throw whatever you want to kill me with!

Please ignore the mistakes, and do leave your comments beautifuls!

MWAH!

P.S. I've missed youseee <3

Think I need to write happy stuff from now on, whaddya thinkkk? Depressing... I KNOW!

WOW that was amazing so sad for asad
continue soon and pm plz

Awesum..finly u update...bt sad prt...thnks...