Posted:
[/B]
Part 2
6 years later
—————————
She got out of the car and then walked down the street looking for the right place.
Then, as she was walking, the heavens opened up and the rain poured down.
"Shit!" The young womanexclaimed. "Why did it have to rain now?"
She ran through the rain and tried to avoid getting as much as she could.
After dashing around like a mad woman for a few minutes,she finally made her destination.
She looked around, searching for two certain people. Where were they?
That's not them.
Nope.
Nada.
Wait, yes! There they are!
She ran over and stood by them. "There you are!" She said, panting. "Didn't you see me looking for you guys?"
"I mean you could have given me some kind of sign or something, you know."
She slowly knelt down by them. "After all these years, I've finally come to meet you. Don't you recognize me? I'm your daughter, Aisha. "
Aisha looked at the two headstones, that were side by side.
The one on the right read: Asad Ahmed Khan, A dutiful son, loving husband and caring father.
Next to it, the other one read: Zoya Ahmed Khan, a beloved daughter, gracious wife, and doting mother.
" I know," Aisha said regretfully, " I should have come and met you before, but I could never bring myself to do it."
"But I'm here now." She said, her voice full of emotions.
"After many years, not only have I met you, but I've also found out the truth."
Yes. It was true, that she was no longer in the dark about what happened.
About how her parents died.
As a child, Dadi hadn't talked about them at all.
Slowly, she had opened up, and soon they both freely talked about her ammi abbu at home.
But one thing never was never discussed.
They never talked about how they died.
Every time she would ask Dadi, she would just say, ''It was an accident, that's all," And she would clam up, right after.
Aisha would try to pry further, but Dadi was adamant, and wouldn't say anything more.
Soon, she stopped asking her overall. Aisha firgured that maybe Dadi still hadn't gotten over the loss of her son and daughter-in-law.
But she still was always curious as to what kind of accident it was, that made Dadi, so upset.
The day before, everything finally came out.
*Day before*
Aisha was in Dilshad's room, helping her get rid of old junk that had piled up.
"Dadi! What is this clutter?" Aisha said, with horror.
"It's not clutter," Dilshad insisted. "It's memories."
"What it's going to be is trash," Aisha stated.
Despite Dilshad's protests, Aisha was firm on getting rid of the mess in her room. If their was one thing she couldn't stand, it was messes!
Dilshad finally accepted that maybe she was right and started throwing out old items around the room.
"Dear, can you give me those pile of dresses in the cupboard?" Dilshad asked, while sorting through her jewelry.
Aisha grabbed the stack of clothes, and in the process dropped a pile of stray papers all over the floor.
"Oh no!" Aisha exclaimed. "Now there's an even bigger mess!"
Dilshad just smiled at her OCD.
She leaned over to pick up all the papers and arranged them in a pile again.
Aisha suddenly stopped when she saw something that shocked her.
She picked up an old newspaper, with shaking hands.
The title stood out, glaringly bold, at her.
"Aisha how long are you going to take? Where are the clothes?" Dilshad asked her.
Instead of answering her question she asked one of her own.
"What is this?" Aisha asked, holding the newspaper.
Dilshad was speechless. "Aisha…this…I…"
"You always said my parents died in an accident! Is this an accident?" Aisha yelled.
"Aisha I-"
"You lied to me! Why would you do that? Didn't you think that I deserved to know the truth?"
"Listen-"
"Listen to what? More lies? You purposely kept the truth from me and hurt me!" She all but screamed.
Dilshad was silent, as tears pooled in her eyes.
Aisha felt terrible now. She didn't mean to hurt her. She knew shouldn't have spoken so rudely like that.
She walked over to Dilshad and knelt in front of her.
"Please don't cry. You know I hate seeing tears in your eyes." She wiped Dilshad's tears away. " I know I overreacted and was completely out of line with you."
Aisha sighed. "The thing is Dadi, that I lived my whole life without my parents. I never had them with me. I remember as I child I would see all my friends with their parents." She paused, all the pain and confusion coming back. "I remember wondering…why couldn't I have that too?" Aisha looked away, trying to control her emotions.
She bit her lip and tried to blink back tears.
Dilshad put a hand underneath her chin and turned her face to face. With her usual loving smile, she brushed away her tears. "Please don't cry. You know I-"
"-hate seeing tears in my eyes." Aisha finished for her. "I know, Dadi. And I also know that no matter what, you always forgive me."
Dilshad pulled the younger girl into a tight hug, and they both clung to each other for a few minutes, letting out their pain and sorrows.
After breaking away, Aisha looked Dilshad in the eye.
"Dadi…what this newspaper says…is it true?"
Dilshad slowly nodded her head. "Yes it's true."
Aisha waited quietly for her to continue.
"But what some article a reporter had written can't explain the emotions I felt. They can't comprehend the tragedy that occured. To them it was just news. For me it was much more." Dilshad said bitterly.
Aisha put a comforting hand on Dilshad's, which Dilshad held as she went on.
"I was there when it happened and I remember every single detail as if it happened yesterday."
Aisha pulled in a sharp breath. "You were there?"
"Yes, and not only me others from our family was there."
"Dadi, I know it might be hard, but please, please tell me what happened. I need to know."
Dilshad nodded. "Yes, you do deserve to know the truth."
And with that, the story began, taking them to another time.[/I][/B
It was an important day for them, as it was their anniversary. They had been getting ready for the party in the evening.
"Are you ready yet?" An impatient Asad asked.
"It's the same answer as five seconds ago."Zoya replied. "No!"
"How long do you take, to put some clothes and make-up on?"
"Can't you see it's clearly more than two minutes?"
Asad groaned.
Zoya gave him a pointed look. "And before I got ready, I had to get Aisha ready too." She nodded to where a two-year-old Aisha was sitting on the bed, playing with her toys.
She turned to Asad again."Might I ask what you were doing all this time?"
Asad stammered, since he really hadn't been doing anything. "You know…doing stuff…around…the house..and all.."
"Hmm-mmm." Zoya said, obviously not convinced.
"Okay, I'm not the one who should be questioned here."Asad complained.
A minute later.
"So…are you done now?"
Zoya groaned and shot him a death glare.
"If you ask me that question one more time, I swear you won't make it to the party alive!"
Asad stepped back meekly. "Sorry."
Zoya simply threw him a look and went back to putting her eyeliner on.
"Come on Zoya, you know I hate being late."
Zoya rolled her eyes. "I'm well aware." She turned to him. "And I thought you also have to look perfect when you go out, so what happened?"
Asad looked confused. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Am I not looking good?"
Zoya bit her lip to keep her smile in. She circled him giving him a look up and down. "Well…you look…okay."
"Just okay?" Asad asked, looking slightly hurt now.
Zoya laughed out loud. "I'm kidding Asad! Of course you're looking handsome. Except for your tie."
Asad looked down to see his tie messed up.
Zoya shook her head as she leaned forward to fix it for him."For someone who seems to live in suits, I'm surprised you can't wear a tie properly."
Asad took her hand and pulled her close to him, ignoring the tie. "I don't have to worry, since I have you." He gave her a dimpled smile.
"Asad let go of me!" Zoya said smiling, showing that she really didn't mind it.
"Why should I? Nobody's here and you're my wife after all."
Zoya loved when he said ' my wife'. It made her feel like, finally, she belonged to someone.
"Asad you were the one complaining that we're getting late."
"So? I changed my mind. I'd rather romance my wife." He said cheekily. "How about a kiss?" Asad bent forward.
Zoya smirked. She kissed her hand then put her hand on his lips. "There you go."
Asad stood straight. "That's not a proper kiss!" He said disappointed.
Zoya ignored him and fixed his tie. "There you go. What if you had gone to the party like that?"
"That's why I have you. Otherwise who would do stuff for me?" Asad stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"That's right- wait what?" It was Zoya's turn to be confused.
"Of course." Asad said, trying to look as serious as possible. "I mean you do everything for me. From making dinner for me, to putting away my clothes, to fixing my tie. How can I let you get away?"
"I see!" Zoya put her hands on her hips. "You only keep me around because I do things for you!"
"No, not at all." Asad insisted, walking over to where Aisha was sitting in the bed." You're also the mother of my sweet little princess." He gave Aisha a kiss on the cheek, causing the little girl to giggle. "Since you also make such good babies, I decided to not let you go."
Zoya pouted. "That's it?" She sat on the bed to, turning her back to them.
"Fine!" She shrugged her shoulder. "And to think I was going to give you that kiss!"" She added slyly.
Asad perked up. "Wait, you know I didn't mean all that, right?"
"No, no its fine." Zoya said, grinning. "I know you don't even care."
She waited for his response, and smiled when she felt him wrap his arms around her from behind.
Asad pressed his lips on her neck. "Come on, you know I love you. I was only kidding. You mean everything to me. You and Aisha. You both are my life."
Zoya nestled into his arms, feeling safe and secure. "I know. I know that you love me a lot. But promise me one thing."
"What?"
Zoya turned and looked him in the eye. "Promise that you'll never leave me."
Asad lovingly held her face. "I promise. I'll never leave you. Never."
They both kissed, a sweet and tender kiss, that showed their deep love.
However unbeknownst to them, there was a certain person standing outside, watching the happy couple. She pulled her hand into a fist. "Enjoy!" She snarled. "Enjoy as long as you can, because soon your happiness will be snatched away! Just like mine was!
She walked away from the window and made a call. "Yes, it's me. Be ready because tonight at the party, we'll make our move. You remember what you have to do right? Well be there and do exactly what I told you.
The woman ended the phone call and turned back to the look the happy family. "Soon, I'll have my revenge." She said, her voice full of venom. "Very soon!"
With that said, she slipped away into the darkness, leaving just as quietly as she had entered.
————————————————————————
"Congratulations on your anniversary!"
"Thank you!"
People had been continuously coming up to wish them and to gift them.
Asad and Zoya were talking to a group of people in the middle of the room.
Zoya decided to go give a sleeping Aisha to Dilshad for sometime.
She was walking when someone bumped into her, spilling soda all over her sari.
"I'm so sorry," a young woman said apologetically.
Zoya tried to wring her wet sari and get the liquid out. "No, it's fine."
She tried to shift Aisha so she clean her sari, but wasn't able to do so.
"Here, let me hold her," the young woman said, putting her hands out.
"No, it's okay, I'll just go give her to Asad."
"What's the need? I'll just hold her while you clean your dress. It won't be that long."
Zoya hesitated. "Well.."
"Don't worry about her. Just fix your sari. I'll be right here."
Zoya handed Aisha to her and hurriedly went to the bathroom.
The young woman waited for Zoya to leave and then took Aisha outside the hall where another woman was waiting for her.
"Ma'am, here's the girl you asked for me to take."
The other woman smiled evily. "Good job." She took Aisha from her.
"Ma'am, my money." The younger woman said, putting her hand out.
"Yes. Wait one minute." She pulled out a stack of bills and handed them over. "There you go."
The younger woman counted the money. "Ma'am, this is less than what you said."
"You'll get the rest of the money only after my plan works." She waved the younger woman away.
"Now you will see the consequences of messing with me Zoya!" She seethed in anger.
————————————————————————
Zoya came out of the bathroom and went to the spot where she had left Aisha with that woman.
They were gone.
Zoya looked around. Where did they go?
She went to the guests and asked them if they had seen Aisha.
"Uncle have you seen Aisha? She was with a young woman who was wearing a red sari."
"I'm sorry dear, no I didn't."
And from one person to another, she went.
Zoya was panicking now. She ran to where Asad was talking to his friends.
"Asad, can I talk to you for a moment?" Without waiting for his reply, she pulled him away.
"Zoya, what's wrong?" Asad confused.
"Asad," Zoya said, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I..I"
"What? What happened?" Asad asked, worryingly.
"Asad-Aisha-she's-"
"What happened to Aisha?" Asad asked visibly showing fear now.
"Asad I lost her!" Zoya wailed into his chest. "I went to the bathroom and that woman said she would wait for me with Aisha. But when I came back they were gone! I knew I shouldn't have trusted her, but I left Aisha with her anyways. It's all my fault, Asad! All my fault! "
Asad tried to comfort her. "Shh. It's not your fault. It was an honest mistake. Please don't cry, just calm down." But Asad himself was losing calm. Where was Aisha?
Dilshad came over, noticing something was wrong.
"Zoya! Why are you crying? Asad what happened?"
Zoya, through her tears, told her what happened.
"Allah! What are we going to do now?" Dilshad asked.
Asad had just finished talking on the phone. "I just called the police. They're going to be on the search here and around this area." He was about to put his phone away when he got another call.
"Who is it now?" He said as he answered the call. "Hello?"
"Well, well Asad. Looks like you lost your daughter." She made a tsking sound. "Not good. Not good at all."
"Who is this?" Asad demanded.
Dilshad and Zoya looked confusingly at each other and then at Asad.
Asad put the phone on speaker.
"Who are you and where is Aisha?"
"Asad, Asad. Control your temper. Anger isn't good for your health you know."
"Stop playing games and tell me where my daughter is!" Asad yelled.
"Don't worry, your daughter is safe…for now."
Zoya grabbed the phone from Asad's hand.
"Why did you take Aisha? She's just a child! Give my daughter back to me!" She screamed. "Give her back!" Zoya sobbed, grief engulfing her.
Asad and Dilshad tried to comfort her and calm her down, but she was inconsolable.
Zoya tried to stop crying and continued yelling at the phone
"I want her back! Now! What did she ever do to you? What was her fault?"
"Her fault was that she is your daughter! Her fault was that her mother is a despicable woman like you!"
Zoya was stunned at the absolute loathe in her voice. Who was she, and why did she sound so familiar?
Asad took the phone back. "What do you have against Zoya? More importantly, who are you? You still haven't told us who you are and why you're doing this."
"Come meet me at the place near the mosque. You will get all your answers then."
"But-"
She hung up.
Zoya slowly fell to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. "Aisha…where are you?" She whispered. This was her fault, she kept telling herself. She shouldn't have trusted a stranger with her daughter. "All my fault," she muttered.
Asad knelt by her side and held her close to him. "Zoya. Please don't blame yourself. I know you didn't mean for this to happen." He smoothed her hair and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
"But it is my fault. Because of me, Aisha is in danger." She couldn't look Asad in the eye. Not after what she did.
Asad forced her to look at him."I said it isn't your fault." He said, sternly. "Now if we want to get Aisha we have to muster courage and go get her back. We have to be brave."
Zoya looked back at Asad. "You're right. We have to be brave. For Aisha."
"For Aisha." Asad repeated.
He helped her stand back up. Dilshad looked at them."We should go now. Who knows how long that woman will wait. Let's leave now."
Asad nodded. "Let's go."
—————————————————————————
They all had arrived at the area near the mosque. Ayan, Rashid, and Najma came too, when informed.
Asad still wasn't friendly with Rashid, but considering the situation, he allowed him to come.
The tension was thick in the air as they all waited for the woman to come.
Zoya clung to Asad's arm tightly, fearful of wait was to come.
They all turned when they heard footsteps coming closer and closer.
She slowly stepped through the shadows that covered her.
Zoya gasped when she saw who it was.
"Tanveer? You?"
"Surprised?" Tanveer grinned.
Asad gritted his teeth. "What are you doing here, Tanveer?"
"Why being so formal Jammy? Call me Tannu."
Asad ignored her talks. "Where is Aisha?"
Tanveer rolled her eyes. "Aisha, Aisha, Aisha! Why is that all you ask for?"
"Tanveer where is she?" Dilshad asked, angrily. "We found out your true colors, but you still haven't learned your lesson, have you? How could you stoop so low?"
"Khala it's so nice to see you too!" Tanveer said, giving her a fake smile. "Come on Khala, of course I didn't want to hurt an innocent child. But what can I say? I was left without any choice."
Zoya ran up to her and shook her. "Where is she, Tanveer? Please give her back!" Zoya folded her hands. "Look Tanveer, as a mother I'm begging you, please give her back!"
Tanveer only smirked. "Not so tough as you were before, are you Zoya? Before, I begged you not to send me away, but here you are now! Begging and pleading before me!"
Asad angrily walked up to them. "Tanveer bring Aisha now! Otherwise I'll forget that you're a woman! Don't make me lose my patience!"
Tanveer gave Asad and icy glare. "Why Asad! Threatening me isn't going to get you anywhere!" Then she smiled again. "But for you Asad, fine." She turned around.
"Bring the girl!" She called.
Out came a man who was holding a still sleeping, Aisha.
"Aisha!" Zoya cried out, happily.
Asad and Zoya both moved forward to he direction but Tanveer stopped them.
"Where do you both think you going?"
"Tanveer get out of our way."Asad snapped.
"I brought your daughter out for you, and this is how you thank me?"
"Tanveer, please let me see her." Zoya pleaded.
"Not so fast! Do you remember how you both kicked me out of your house? You sent me to some shelter! And there-" Tanveer actually broke down a little. "My baby died. I lost my baby!"
Everybody was shocked.
"Tanveer…I didn't know." Zoya said softly.
"Well now you do!" Tanveer screeched again. "And it's all because of you! You ruined my plans and overall my life!" She smiled viciously. "And now your daughter will pay for your mistakes!"
"No!" Zoya screamed.
"Tanveer what do you want?" Ayan spoke up.
"Nothing much, just revenge!"
Asad signaled Ayan and on a count of one.
Two.
Three.
Ayan ran and tackled the man from behind, while Asad grabbed Aisha.
"You fool."Tanveer screeched. "You had one job and you couldn't even do that properly!"
Asad held Aisha close and kissed her on the forehead. Every second she had been missing, he hadn't been able to think clearly.
Zoya started going toward them, stretching her arms out to hold her.
But Tanveer pulled her back.
"Tanveer, let go of me!"
"Nobody gets the best of me!" She snarled.
Tanveer pulled out a knife and held it to Zoya"s neck. "Let's see what your darling Asad does now!"
"Zoya!" Asad screamed. "Tanveer are you crazy? What are you doing? Let go of her!"
"Yes, I'm crazy! Ever since this wretch ruined my life, I have gone crazy! Now if you want your wife back, hand me Aisha, now!"
Dilshad was crying, not knowing what to do.
Najma was hugging and sobbing on Ayan, who tried to calm her down.
Rashid was stunned at the turn of events. Zoya didn't deserve this. What was going to happen?
Asad was confused now. What should he do?
"I'll kill her, I swear!"
"No! Don't do anything!" Asad shouted.
"Then give me your daughter."
"Asad, don't do it!" Zoya yelled.
Asad was feeling helpless. On one hand was Aisha and on the other hand was Zoya.
Ayan secretly took out his phone and speed dialed the police. Please make it in time, he prayed.
"Asad if you give her Aisha, I swear, I'll kill myself anyways! Take Aisha from here!"
Asad's heart was breaking. He couldn't watch Zoya die like this. But he had no other choice.
"Zoya, how can I leave you to die?" He asked tearfully.
Zoya gave him a sad smile. "Asad, my life isn't as important as Aisha' s." She took a deep breath. "I want my daughter to have a proper childhood and to become a better person than I ever was."
Asad was openly crying now. They all were.
"As a wife I would hate to see you living alone. But as a mother I can give up my life for my daughter."
"Zoya please don't this!" Najma cried.
"I don't have a choice, Tamatar, I'm sorry.
"Are you all done with your drama?" Tanveer interrupted them. "So Asad, what will it be?"
Asad looked at Zoya.
She motioned him to go.
With a heavy heart, Asad walked to his family and gave Aisha to Dilshad.
"You made the wrong choice, Asad!" Tanveer yelled. She slid the knife across Zoya's throat and stepped back.
Dilshad and Najma screamed. Ayan closed his eyes. Rashid stood, with tears streaming down his face.
Asad ran to Zoya, catching her as she fell.
"Zoya!" Asad shouted. "Stay with me! Please don't leave me."
Zoya struggled to talk. "Asad-I'm so sorry-for-for everything."
"Shhh. Don't say anything. You'll be fine." Asad said trying to tell himself that more than her.
The police had come now. Tanveer tried to escape, but Rashid caught her.
"Inspector, arrest her! She is the criminal!"
Everybody let the police take care of their job and crowded around Asad and Zoya.
"Inspector, we need to take her to the hospital. She's badly injured."
The inspector nodded. "Let's take her in the ambulance."
Asad started to pick her up, but Zoya protested. "No I don't want to die in the hospital. I'd rather die here with my family surrounding me."
"What are you saying, Zoya? You need to go to the hospital."
"Yes Zoya, Asad is right."Ayan said his voice shaky.
"No. I'll die here and say my good-byes here." Zoya insisted.
Asad tried to convince her otherwise but Zoya didn't listen.
She looked at Rashid. "You were a great friend, always there for me. I considered you as my abbu."
Rashid bent down and smoothed her forehead. "No it was you, that was a good friend. You showed me how to be a better person." He knew that he would never forget this special girl.
"Robert you better treat Humaira properly, okay? Otherwise I'll come and haunt you."
Ayan tried to smile and nodded. "Anything for you Mona."
"Phoopi, you were like my own ammi. You treated me as a daughter, never as a daughter-in-law. Make sure to take care of Aisha too, just like you took care of me. Okay?"
Dilshad could only nod yes, as she took Zoya's hand and kissed it.
"Tamatar, you were the best friend I ever had. Keep being your sweet self, and I hope you find a good husband for yourself."
Najma only cried more as she whispered a soft, 'yes'.
"And Asad, "Zoya whispered putting a hand on his cheek. "I love you a lot. Always remember that."
Asad held her hand in his cheek. "I love you too." He let his tears stream down her hand.
"I know I made you promise to never leave me, but now I have to leave you. Don't worry though, we'll be together one day."
Zoya looked for Aisha. "Asad-let me see Aisha one last time. Please."
Asad nodded and took Aisha from Dilshad and brought her by Zoya. She had woken up and was looking confusingly at everybody.
Zoya lovingly strokes her hair. "Take care, dear. Your ammi has to go today."
Zoya struggled to get up. Asad helped her to move. Zoya gave Aisha one last kiss, before collapsing to the ground.
"Zoya!" Asad yelled. He tried to shake her awake.
But she was gone.
Forever.
Asad looked at the lifeless body which once held they spirit of the woman he loved.
And suddenly he realized that he couldn't live without Zoya. Not at all.
He couldn't wait for one day, for them to be together.
He carefully made Zoya lie on the ground and got up.
He looked at Aisha and hugged her tightly. 'I'm sorry Aisha,' he thought. 'But I have to do this. Your abbu has to go too'.
"Ammi, please take Aisha for me."
Dilshad was confused, but did what he asked.
Asad found the knife which Tanveer had used on Zoya and held it carefully in his hand.
"Asad! What are you doing?" Dilshad asked.
"Please ammi! Don't stop me. I couldn't stop Zoya and now nobody please stop me."
And none of them could.
He went to Najma Dilshad, and Ayan, and hugged each of them.
Then he went to Rashid. "I never forgave you all these years."
Rashid looked sadly at him.
"But today, finally after so many years, I forgive you," Asad hesitated for a moment and then added, "Abbu,"
Rashid was shocked for a moment and then pulled Asad into a tight hug, which Asad returned.
Then he walked over to Zoya's dead body and kissed her one last time on this earth.
Asad closed his eyes. He pressed the knife against his wrist and slid it.
He fell next to Zoya and looked at her beautiful face, ignoring all the screams around him. He could feel his family around him, but became oblivious to them as he slipped away.[I]
[B]
Dilshad stared off into space for a moment. Remembering that tragic day, when she lost both her son and daughter-in-law.
Aisha was stunned. She had no words to say.
So much had happened! And that to all because of her.
'They were together even in face of death.'
Aisha recalled Dilshad telling her that a long time ago. So this was what she meant.
She looked at the paper again.
On the article it read, 'Woman murdered, Husband kills himself.
Underneath was a picture of her parents, smiling. Taken from a more happier time.
*Present time*
Aisha looked sadly at her parents graves.
"Ammi, you gave up your life for me. And abbu, I know you couldn't live without ammi, and that's why you took your life." Aisha let the tears flow down for a moment..
She placed a rose on each grave and looked up. The rain had stopped.
She wiped her tears away and smiled once more.
Her parents were up there together. There love story hadn't ended.
In fact it was just the beginning.
———————————————————————-
That was really long! I actually felt sad, while writing this. If anything happened like this in the show, I would be sobbing!
I know that Dilshad would have no idea about the scene in the bedroom or how Asad and Zoya would have felt, but I really wanted a cute Asya scene and to be able to see their emotions.
Hope you liked it! I know it kind of got worse at it went and that the ending wasn't that great, but I just wanted to finish this story finally, so I made it end like that.
Tell me how you thought it was!
-?Ashley
[B]
Part 2
6 years later
—————————
She got out of the car and then walked down the street looking for the right place.
Then, as she was walking, the heavens opened up and the rain poured down.
"Shit!" The young womanexclaimed. "Why did it have to rain now?"
She ran through the rain and tried to avoid getting as much as she could.
After dashing around like a mad woman for a few minutes,she finally made her destination.
She looked around, searching for two certain people. Where were they?
That's not them.
Nope.
Nada.
Wait, yes! There they are!
She ran over and stood by them. "There you are!" She said, panting. "Didn't you see me looking for you guys?"
"I mean you could have given me some kind of sign or something, you know."
She slowly knelt down by them. "After all these years, I've finally come to meet you. Don't you recognize me? I'm your daughter, Aisha. "
Aisha looked at the two headstones, that were side by side.
The one on the right read: Asad Ahmed Khan, A dutiful son, loving husband and caring father.
Next to it, the other one read: Zoya Ahmed Khan, a beloved daughter, gracious wife, and doting mother.
" I know," Aisha said regretfully, " I should have come and met you before, but I could never bring myself to do it."
"But I'm here now." She said, her voice full of emotions.
"After many years, not only have I met you, but I've also found out the truth."
Yes. It was true, that she was no longer in the dark about what happened.
About how her parents died.
As a child, Dadi hadn't talked about them at all.
Slowly, she had opened up, and soon they both freely talked about her ammi abbu at home.
But one thing never was never discussed.
They never talked about how they died.
Every time she would ask Dadi, she would just say, ''It was an accident, that's all," And she would clam up, right after.
Aisha would try to pry further, but Dadi was adamant, and wouldn't say anything more.
Soon, she stopped asking her overall. Aisha firgured that maybe Dadi still hadn't gotten over the loss of her son and daughter-in-law.
But she still was always curious as to what kind of accident it was, that made Dadi, so upset.
The day before, everything finally came out.
*Day before*
Aisha was in Dilshad's room, helping her get rid of old junk that had piled up.
"Dadi! What is this clutter?" Aisha said, with horror.
"It's not clutter," Dilshad insisted. "It's memories."
"What it's going to be is trash," Aisha stated.
Despite Dilshad's protests, Aisha was firm on getting rid of the mess in her room. If their was one thing she couldn't stand, it was messes!
Dilshad finally accepted that maybe she was right and started throwing out old items around the room.
"Dear, can you give me those pile of dresses in the cupboard?" Dilshad asked, while sorting through her jewelry.
Aisha grabbed the stack of clothes, and in the process dropped a pile of stray papers all over the floor.
"Oh no!" Aisha exclaimed. "Now there's an even bigger mess!"
Dilshad just smiled at her OCD.
She leaned over to pick up all the papers and arranged them in a pile again.
Aisha suddenly stopped when she saw something that shocked her.
She picked up an old newspaper, with shaking hands.
The title stood out, glaringly bold, at her.
"Aisha how long are you going to take? Where are the clothes?" Dilshad asked her.
Instead of answering her question she asked one of her own.
"What is this?" Aisha asked, holding the newspaper.
Dilshad was speechless. "Aisha…this…I…"
"You always said my parents died in an accident! Is this an accident?" Aisha yelled.
"Aisha I-"
"You lied to me! Why would you do that? Didn't you think that I deserved to know the truth?"
"Listen-"
"Listen to what? More lies? You purposely kept the truth from me and hurt me!" She all but screamed.
Dilshad was silent, as tears pooled in her eyes.
Aisha felt terrible now. She didn't mean to hurt her. She knew shouldn't have spoken so rudely like that.
She walked over to Dilshad and knelt in front of her.
"Please don't cry. You know I hate seeing tears in your eyes." She wiped Dilshad's tears away. " I know I overreacted and was completely out of line with you."
Aisha sighed. "The thing is Dadi, that I lived my whole life without my parents. I never had them with me. I remember as I child I would see all my friends with their parents." She paused, all the pain and confusion coming back. "I remember wondering…why couldn't I have that too?" Aisha looked away, trying to control her emotions.
She bit her lip and tried to blink back tears.
Dilshad put a hand underneath her chin and turned her face to face. With her usual loving smile, she brushed away her tears. "Please don't cry. You know I-"
"-hate seeing tears in my eyes." Aisha finished for her. "I know, Dadi. And I also know that no matter what, you always forgive me."
Dilshad pulled the younger girl into a tight hug, and they both clung to each other for a few minutes, letting out their pain and sorrows.
After breaking away, Aisha looked Dilshad in the eye.
"Dadi…what this newspaper says…is it true?"
Dilshad slowly nodded her head. "Yes it's true."
Aisha waited quietly for her to continue.
"But what some article a reporter had written can't explain the emotions I felt. They can't comprehend the tragedy that occured. To them it was just news. For me it was much more." Dilshad said bitterly.
Aisha put a comforting hand on Dilshad's, which Dilshad held as she went on.
"I was there when it happened and I remember every single detail as if it happened yesterday."
Aisha pulled in a sharp breath. "You were there?"
"Yes, and not only me others from our family was there."
"Dadi, I know it might be hard, but please, please tell me what happened. I need to know."
Dilshad nodded. "Yes, you do deserve to know the truth."
And with that, the story began, taking them to another time.[/I][/B
It was an important day for them, as it was their anniversary. They had been getting ready for the party in the evening.
"Are you ready yet?" An impatient Asad asked.
"It's the same answer as five seconds ago."Zoya replied. "No!"
"How long do you take, to put some clothes and make-up on?"
"Can't you see it's clearly more than two minutes?"
Asad groaned.
Zoya gave him a pointed look. "And before I got ready, I had to get Aisha ready too." She nodded to where a two-year-old Aisha was sitting on the bed, playing with her toys.
She turned to Asad again."Might I ask what you were doing all this time?"
Asad stammered, since he really hadn't been doing anything. "You know…doing stuff…around…the house..and all.."
"Hmm-mmm." Zoya said, obviously not convinced.
"Okay, I'm not the one who should be questioned here."Asad complained.
A minute later.
"So…are you done now?"
Zoya groaned and shot him a death glare.
"If you ask me that question one more time, I swear you won't make it to the party alive!"
Asad stepped back meekly. "Sorry."
Zoya simply threw him a look and went back to putting her eyeliner on.
"Come on Zoya, you know I hate being late."
Zoya rolled her eyes. "I'm well aware." She turned to him. "And I thought you also have to look perfect when you go out, so what happened?"
Asad looked confused. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Am I not looking good?"
Zoya bit her lip to keep her smile in. She circled him giving him a look up and down. "Well…you look…okay."
"Just okay?" Asad asked, looking slightly hurt now.
Zoya laughed out loud. "I'm kidding Asad! Of course you're looking handsome. Except for your tie."
Asad looked down to see his tie messed up.
Zoya shook her head as she leaned forward to fix it for him."For someone who seems to live in suits, I'm surprised you can't wear a tie properly."
Asad took her hand and pulled her close to him, ignoring the tie. "I don't have to worry, since I have you." He gave her a dimpled smile.
"Asad let go of me!" Zoya said smiling, showing that she really didn't mind it.
"Why should I? Nobody's here and you're my wife after all."
Zoya loved when he said ' my wife'. It made her feel like, finally, she belonged to someone.
"Asad you were the one complaining that we're getting late."
"So? I changed my mind. I'd rather romance my wife." He said cheekily. "How about a kiss?" Asad bent forward.
Zoya smirked. She kissed her hand then put her hand on his lips. "There you go."
Asad stood straight. "That's not a proper kiss!" He said disappointed.
Zoya ignored him and fixed his tie. "There you go. What if you had gone to the party like that?"
"That's why I have you. Otherwise who would do stuff for me?" Asad stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"That's right- wait what?" It was Zoya's turn to be confused.
"Of course." Asad said, trying to look as serious as possible. "I mean you do everything for me. From making dinner for me, to putting away my clothes, to fixing my tie. How can I let you get away?"
"I see!" Zoya put her hands on her hips. "You only keep me around because I do things for you!"
"No, not at all." Asad insisted, walking over to where Aisha was sitting in the bed." You're also the mother of my sweet little princess." He gave Aisha a kiss on the cheek, causing the little girl to giggle. "Since you also make such good babies, I decided to not let you go."
Zoya pouted. "That's it?" She sat on the bed to, turning her back to them.
"Fine!" She shrugged her shoulder. "And to think I was going to give you that kiss!"" She added slyly.
Asad perked up. "Wait, you know I didn't mean all that, right?"
"No, no its fine." Zoya said, grinning. "I know you don't even care."
She waited for his response, and smiled when she felt him wrap his arms around her from behind.
Asad pressed his lips on her neck. "Come on, you know I love you. I was only kidding. You mean everything to me. You and Aisha. You both are my life."
Zoya nestled into his arms, feeling safe and secure. "I know. I know that you love me a lot. But promise me one thing."
"What?"
Zoya turned and looked him in the eye. "Promise that you'll never leave me."
Asad lovingly held her face. "I promise. I'll never leave you. Never."
They both kissed, a sweet and tender kiss, that showed their deep love.
However unbeknownst to them, there was a certain person standing outside, watching the happy couple. She pulled her hand into a fist. "Enjoy!" She snarled. "Enjoy as long as you can, because soon your happiness will be snatched away! Just like mine was!
She walked away from the window and made a call. "Yes, it's me. Be ready because tonight at the party, we'll make our move. You remember what you have to do right? Well be there and do exactly what I told you.
The woman ended the phone call and turned back to the look the happy family. "Soon, I'll have my revenge." She said, her voice full of venom. "Very soon!"
With that said, she slipped away into the darkness, leaving just as quietly as she had entered.
————————————————————————
"Congratulations on your anniversary!"
"Thank you!"
People had been continuously coming up to wish them and to gift them.
Asad and Zoya were talking to a group of people in the middle of the room.
Zoya decided to go give a sleeping Aisha to Dilshad for sometime.
She was walking when someone bumped into her, spilling soda all over her sari.
"I'm so sorry," a young woman said apologetically.
Zoya tried to wring her wet sari and get the liquid out. "No, it's fine."
She tried to shift Aisha so she clean her sari, but wasn't able to do so.
"Here, let me hold her," the young woman said, putting her hands out.
"No, it's okay, I'll just go give her to Asad."
"What's the need? I'll just hold her while you clean your dress. It won't be that long."
Zoya hesitated. "Well.."
"Don't worry about her. Just fix your sari. I'll be right here."
Zoya handed Aisha to her and hurriedly went to the bathroom.
The young woman waited for Zoya to leave and then took Aisha outside the hall where another woman was waiting for her.
"Ma'am, here's the girl you asked for me to take."
The other woman smiled evily. "Good job." She took Aisha from her.
"Ma'am, my money." The younger woman said, putting her hand out.
"Yes. Wait one minute." She pulled out a stack of bills and handed them over. "There you go."
The younger woman counted the money. "Ma'am, this is less than what you said."
"You'll get the rest of the money only after my plan works." She waved the younger woman away.
"Now you will see the consequences of messing with me Zoya!" She seethed in anger.
————————————————————————
Zoya came out of the bathroom and went to the spot where she had left Aisha with that woman.
They were gone.
Zoya looked around. Where did they go?
She went to the guests and asked them if they had seen Aisha.
"Uncle have you seen Aisha? She was with a young woman who was wearing a red sari."
"I'm sorry dear, no I didn't."
And from one person to another, she went.
Zoya was panicking now. She ran to where Asad was talking to his friends.
"Asad, can I talk to you for a moment?" Without waiting for his reply, she pulled him away.
"Zoya, what's wrong?" Asad confused.
"Asad," Zoya said, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I..I"
"What? What happened?" Asad asked, worryingly.
"Asad-Aisha-she's-"
"What happened to Aisha?" Asad asked visibly showing fear now.
"Asad I lost her!" Zoya wailed into his chest. "I went to the bathroom and that woman said she would wait for me with Aisha. But when I came back they were gone! I knew I shouldn't have trusted her, but I left Aisha with her anyways. It's all my fault, Asad! All my fault! "
Asad tried to comfort her. "Shh. It's not your fault. It was an honest mistake. Please don't cry, just calm down." But Asad himself was losing calm. Where was Aisha?
Dilshad came over, noticing something was wrong.
"Zoya! Why are you crying? Asad what happened?"
Zoya, through her tears, told her what happened.
"Allah! What are we going to do now?" Dilshad asked.
Asad had just finished talking on the phone. "I just called the police. They're going to be on the search here and around this area." He was about to put his phone away when he got another call.
"Who is it now?" He said as he answered the call. "Hello?"
"Well, well Asad. Looks like you lost your daughter." She made a tsking sound. "Not good. Not good at all."
"Who is this?" Asad demanded.
Dilshad and Zoya looked confusingly at each other and then at Asad.
Asad put the phone on speaker.
"Who are you and where is Aisha?"
"Asad, Asad. Control your temper. Anger isn't good for your health you know."
"Stop playing games and tell me where my daughter is!" Asad yelled.
"Don't worry, your daughter is safe…for now."
Zoya grabbed the phone from Asad's hand.
"Why did you take Aisha? She's just a child! Give my daughter back to me!" She screamed. "Give her back!" Zoya sobbed, grief engulfing her.
Asad and Dilshad tried to comfort her and calm her down, but she was inconsolable.
Zoya tried to stop crying and continued yelling at the phone
"I want her back! Now! What did she ever do to you? What was her fault?"
"Her fault was that she is your daughter! Her fault was that her mother is a despicable woman like you!"
Zoya was stunned at the absolute loathe in her voice. Who was she, and why did she sound so familiar?
Asad took the phone back. "What do you have against Zoya? More importantly, who are you? You still haven't told us who you are and why you're doing this."
"Come meet me at the place near the mosque. You will get all your answers then."
"But-"
She hung up.
Zoya slowly fell to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. "Aisha…where are you?" She whispered. This was her fault, she kept telling herself. She shouldn't have trusted a stranger with her daughter. "All my fault," she muttered.
Asad knelt by her side and held her close to him. "Zoya. Please don't blame yourself. I know you didn't mean for this to happen." He smoothed her hair and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
"But it is my fault. Because of me, Aisha is in danger." She couldn't look Asad in the eye. Not after what she did.
Asad forced her to look at him."I said it isn't your fault." He said, sternly. "Now if we want to get Aisha we have to muster courage and go get her back. We have to be brave."
Zoya looked back at Asad. "You're right. We have to be brave. For Aisha."
"For Aisha." Asad repeated.
He helped her stand back up. Dilshad looked at them."We should go now. Who knows how long that woman will wait. Let's leave now."
Asad nodded. "Let's go."
—————————————————————————
They all had arrived at the area near the mosque. Ayan, Rashid, and Najma came too, when informed.
Asad still wasn't friendly with Rashid, but considering the situation, he allowed him to come.
The tension was thick in the air as they all waited for the woman to come.
Zoya clung to Asad's arm tightly, fearful of wait was to come.
They all turned when they heard footsteps coming closer and closer.
She slowly stepped through the shadows that covered her.
Zoya gasped when she saw who it was.
"Tanveer? You?"
"Surprised?" Tanveer grinned.
Asad gritted his teeth. "What are you doing here, Tanveer?"
"Why being so formal Jammy? Call me Tannu."
Asad ignored her talks. "Where is Aisha?"
Tanveer rolled her eyes. "Aisha, Aisha, Aisha! Why is that all you ask for?"
"Tanveer where is she?" Dilshad asked, angrily. "We found out your true colors, but you still haven't learned your lesson, have you? How could you stoop so low?"
"Khala it's so nice to see you too!" Tanveer said, giving her a fake smile. "Come on Khala, of course I didn't want to hurt an innocent child. But what can I say? I was left without any choice."
Zoya ran up to her and shook her. "Where is she, Tanveer? Please give her back!" Zoya folded her hands. "Look Tanveer, as a mother I'm begging you, please give her back!"
Tanveer only smirked. "Not so tough as you were before, are you Zoya? Before, I begged you not to send me away, but here you are now! Begging and pleading before me!"
Asad angrily walked up to them. "Tanveer bring Aisha now! Otherwise I'll forget that you're a woman! Don't make me lose my patience!"
Tanveer gave Asad and icy glare. "Why Asad! Threatening me isn't going to get you anywhere!" Then she smiled again. "But for you Asad, fine." She turned around.
"Bring the girl!" She called.
Out came a man who was holding a still sleeping, Aisha.
"Aisha!" Zoya cried out, happily.
Asad and Zoya both moved forward to he direction but Tanveer stopped them.
"Where do you both think you going?"
"Tanveer get out of our way."Asad snapped.
"I brought your daughter out for you, and this is how you thank me?"
"Tanveer, please let me see her." Zoya pleaded.
"Not so fast! Do you remember how you both kicked me out of your house? You sent me to some shelter! And there-" Tanveer actually broke down a little. "My baby died. I lost my baby!"
Everybody was shocked.
"Tanveer…I didn't know." Zoya said softly.
"Well now you do!" Tanveer screeched again. "And it's all because of you! You ruined my plans and overall my life!" She smiled viciously. "And now your daughter will pay for your mistakes!"
"No!" Zoya screamed.
"Tanveer what do you want?" Ayan spoke up.
"Nothing much, just revenge!"
Asad signaled Ayan and on a count of one.
Two.
Three.
Ayan ran and tackled the man from behind, while Asad grabbed Aisha.
"You fool."Tanveer screeched. "You had one job and you couldn't even do that properly!"
Asad held Aisha close and kissed her on the forehead. Every second she had been missing, he hadn't been able to think clearly.
Zoya started going toward them, stretching her arms out to hold her.
But Tanveer pulled her back.
"Tanveer, let go of me!"
"Nobody gets the best of me!" She snarled.
Tanveer pulled out a knife and held it to Zoya"s neck. "Let's see what your darling Asad does now!"
"Zoya!" Asad screamed. "Tanveer are you crazy? What are you doing? Let go of her!"
"Yes, I'm crazy! Ever since this wretch ruined my life, I have gone crazy! Now if you want your wife back, hand me Aisha, now!"
Dilshad was crying, not knowing what to do.
Najma was hugging and sobbing on Ayan, who tried to calm her down.
Rashid was stunned at the turn of events. Zoya didn't deserve this. What was going to happen?
Asad was confused now. What should he do?
"I'll kill her, I swear!"
"No! Don't do anything!" Asad shouted.
"Then give me your daughter."
"Asad, don't do it!" Zoya yelled.
Asad was feeling helpless. On one hand was Aisha and on the other hand was Zoya.
Ayan secretly took out his phone and speed dialed the police. Please make it in time, he prayed.
"Asad if you give her Aisha, I swear, I'll kill myself anyways! Take Aisha from here!"
Asad's heart was breaking. He couldn't watch Zoya die like this. But he had no other choice.
"Zoya, how can I leave you to die?" He asked tearfully.
Zoya gave him a sad smile. "Asad, my life isn't as important as Aisha' s." She took a deep breath. "I want my daughter to have a proper childhood and to become a better person than I ever was."
Asad was openly crying now. They all were.
"As a wife I would hate to see you living alone. But as a mother I can give up my life for my daughter."
"Zoya please don't this!" Najma cried.
"I don't have a choice, Tamatar, I'm sorry.
"Are you all done with your drama?" Tanveer interrupted them. "So Asad, what will it be?"
Asad looked at Zoya.
She motioned him to go.
With a heavy heart, Asad walked to his family and gave Aisha to Dilshad.
"You made the wrong choice, Asad!" Tanveer yelled. She slid the knife across Zoya's throat and stepped back.
Dilshad and Najma screamed. Ayan closed his eyes. Rashid stood, with tears streaming down his face.
Asad ran to Zoya, catching her as she fell.
"Zoya!" Asad shouted. "Stay with me! Please don't leave me."
Zoya struggled to talk. "Asad-I'm so sorry-for-for everything."
"Shhh. Don't say anything. You'll be fine." Asad said trying to tell himself that more than her.
The police had come now. Tanveer tried to escape, but Rashid caught her.
"Inspector, arrest her! She is the criminal!"
Everybody let the police take care of their job and crowded around Asad and Zoya.
"Inspector, we need to take her to the hospital. She's badly injured."
The inspector nodded. "Let's take her in the ambulance."
Asad started to pick her up, but Zoya protested. "No I don't want to die in the hospital. I'd rather die here with my family surrounding me."
"What are you saying, Zoya? You need to go to the hospital."
"Yes Zoya, Asad is right."Ayan said his voice shaky.
"No. I'll die here and say my good-byes here." Zoya insisted.
Asad tried to convince her otherwise but Zoya didn't listen.
She looked at Rashid. "You were a great friend, always there for me. I considered you as my abbu."
Rashid bent down and smoothed her forehead. "No it was you, that was a good friend. You showed me how to be a better person." He knew that he would never forget this special girl.
"Robert you better treat Humaira properly, okay? Otherwise I'll come and haunt you."
Ayan tried to smile and nodded. "Anything for you Mona."
"Phoopi, you were like my own ammi. You treated me as a daughter, never as a daughter-in-law. Make sure to take care of Aisha too, just like you took care of me. Okay?"
Dilshad could only nod yes, as she took Zoya's hand and kissed it.
"Tamatar, you were the best friend I ever had. Keep being your sweet self, and I hope you find a good husband for yourself."
Najma only cried more as she whispered a soft, 'yes'.
"And Asad, "Zoya whispered putting a hand on his cheek. "I love you a lot. Always remember that."
Asad held her hand in his cheek. "I love you too." He let his tears stream down her hand.
"I know I made you promise to never leave me, but now I have to leave you. Don't worry though, we'll be together one day."
Zoya looked for Aisha. "Asad-let me see Aisha one last time. Please."
Asad nodded and took Aisha from Dilshad and brought her by Zoya. She had woken up and was looking confusingly at everybody.
Zoya lovingly strokes her hair. "Take care, dear. Your ammi has to go today."
Zoya struggled to get up. Asad helped her to move. Zoya gave Aisha one last kiss, before collapsing to the ground.
"Zoya!" Asad yelled. He tried to shake her awake.
But she was gone.
Forever.
Asad looked at the lifeless body which once held they spirit of the woman he loved.
And suddenly he realized that he couldn't live without Zoya. Not at all.
He couldn't wait for one day, for them to be together.
He carefully made Zoya lie on the ground and got up.
He looked at Aisha and hugged her tightly. 'I'm sorry Aisha,' he thought. 'But I have to do this. Your abbu has to go too'.
"Ammi, please take Aisha for me."
Dilshad was confused, but did what he asked.
Asad found the knife which Tanveer had used on Zoya and held it carefully in his hand.
"Asad! What are you doing?" Dilshad asked.
"Please ammi! Don't stop me. I couldn't stop Zoya and now nobody please stop me."
And none of them could.
He went to Najma Dilshad, and Ayan, and hugged each of them.
Then he went to Rashid. "I never forgave you all these years."
Rashid looked sadly at him.
"But today, finally after so many years, I forgive you," Asad hesitated for a moment and then added, "Abbu,"
Rashid was shocked for a moment and then pulled Asad into a tight hug, which Asad returned.
Then he walked over to Zoya's dead body and kissed her one last time on this earth.
Asad closed his eyes. He pressed the knife against his wrist and slid it.
He fell next to Zoya and looked at her beautiful face, ignoring all the screams around him. He could feel his family around him, but became oblivious to them as he slipped away.[I]
[B]
Dilshad stared off into space for a moment. Remembering that tragic day, when she lost both her son and daughter-in-law.
Aisha was stunned. She had no words to say.
So much had happened! And that to all because of her.
'They were together even in face of death.'
Aisha recalled Dilshad telling her that a long time ago. So this was what she meant.
She looked at the paper again.
On the article it read, 'Woman murdered, Husband kills himself.
Underneath was a picture of her parents, smiling. Taken from a more happier time.
*Present time*
Aisha looked sadly at her parents graves.
"Ammi, you gave up your life for me. And abbu, I know you couldn't live without ammi, and that's why you took your life." Aisha let the tears flow down for a moment..
She placed a rose on each grave and looked up. The rain had stopped.
She wiped her tears away and smiled once more.
Her parents were up there together. There love story hadn't ended.
In fact it was just the beginning.
———————————————————————-
That was really long! I actually felt sad, while writing this. If anything happened like this in the show, I would be sobbing!
I know that Dilshad would have no idea about the scene in the bedroom or how Asad and Zoya would have felt, but I really wanted a cute Asya scene and to be able to see their emotions.
Hope you liked it! I know it kind of got worse at it went and that the ending wasn't that great, but I just wanted to finish this story finally, so I made it end like that.
Tell me how you thought it was!
-?Ashley
[B]
CID
Hindi TV Shows
Anupamaa
126