Chapter 1
Asad's Apartment in Bhopal
It was 2 a.m on Monday morning when Asad got a call. Although calls are frequent, the ones that Asad got were always of great importance. When Asad Ahmed Khan gets a call someone's life is in danger, life and death kind of danger. And when someone was in this position, Asad Ahmed Khan was called to protect them. Why? Well, he was a secret agent. The CIA and FBI type, but more private, more secluded so no one really knew where these agents came from.
The agency made sure that no one really knows who these secret agents are, where they live and what they do. They are given a fake identity to satisfy all those that know them, sometimes they choose their profession to be a "professor" or a "business man" or a "doctor." After all, they can't really tell their families who they are and what they do.
Asad Ahmed Khan was one such agent. In the eyes of the public and his family, he was a successful business man centered in Bhopal with franchises all over the world explaining his constant disappearances. And to some extent, Asad made this true. He was a successful business man, but he didn't run his company. He merely controlled what happened and left the work to his trusted business associates. Rather, he focused on his real job. A secret agent.
He sweeps into people's lives, sometimes to kill and sometimes to save. These two things are second nature to him, this is what he does. He never fails when he sets out to accomplish something and he never hesitates to take a job. Never until now...
The call he got that Monday night was from Anwar Farooqui, to the public eye he was a successful business man too, but the business he ran in real life was that of the secret agency. He was at the top of the agency, he ran it along with his colleagues. Asad had always respected the man for his courage, dedication and hard work, he was like an older brother to him. No one would ever look at him and see him as a man who controlled lives, he looked more like a poet not an agent. But that was where his strength lay, he was calm and collected, all the time. Except now. Never, ever had Asad heard Anwar be this shaken, this vulnerable.
Of course as the call continued, Asad understood the reason. The person's whose life was in danger was that of his adopted daughter Zoya. Zoya Farooqui, whose face was plastered on the front cover of the newest edition of "Geniuses" lying on his bed side table.
The woman behind the biggest technological innovation. Under the line was a picture of this beautiful girl in red, holding a globe in her hand. Asad referred to her as the beautiful face of the devil because her very existence threatened his own. The first time he had seen her was at a convention in New York two years ago. He was on a job then too with his partner, to protect the CEO of Nyco Tech, the man who had the first prototype for holographic communication. She was a part of the team and everyone raved about her, she had graduated top of the class with a Masters in Computer Science. If Asad wasn't impressed by her brain already, he was definitely mesmerized by her beauty.
She was the type of girl Asad was afraid of, the one that could trap him in her love and make him weak. The girls he had met until now were all beauty and no brains, or vice versa. Some were too assertive, others too quiet.
But she was the perfect mix, she had a brain along with a face of an angel. He eyed her across the room, she was a petite girl but had a huge aura about her. Standing in the middle of a group of old men, she seemed more like a model in her red chiffon dress than an inventor. Her laugh was absolutely mesmerizing and he could hear it across the room, like bell chimes, not only that but her whole face lit up when she laughed. For the first time in his life, Asad had problems concentrating on his job. He could not keep his eyes off her. If it wasn't for his partner his lack of concentration would have cost them a life that day.
That was the first and last time he saw her. All the other times he saw her face was on covers of magazines, the girl had the whole world wrapped around her fingers.
He was shocked that her life was in danger and took the job without even thinking. Zoya had been contacted by Gafur Siddiqui, one of the most famous inventors and businessmen in all of India. Although the world saw him as a noble man, he was a manipulative bas***d. He was involved in every shady business one could think of, and had only one aim in life: to become the most powerful man in the world. He had lured Zoya in, talking about innovating some new communication technology, but was now out to get her due to her refusal to work with him. Anwar hadn't told Asad all the details yet, but from what he gathered, Zoya had refused to work with him, witnessed things she wasn't supposed to witness and then ran away.
Simple job right? Protect her, get her back home to Manhattan, New York. If it were any other person, this would have been an easy job. All he had to do was get his team on board, make a plan and BAM, he was done.
But now sitting on his bed Asad realized that this may be the hardest job he has taken to date. The hardest part wasn't the whole saving her life part, but trying not to fall in love with her, for she is, without a doubt, the most perfect woman alive. In fact, the only reason Asad was awake at the moment was because every time he tried to sleep, he envisioned her face, the face that had plagued him for two years, ever since he had seen her that first time.
A cabin in the middle of the woods
"Allah Miaaa! What is wrong with this world?" Zoya yelled. She was already tired of this constant running away from these goons. What about "No, I will not help you in your evil plan of robbing the world" don't people understand! she thought in her head.
Being a "genius" wasn't as easy as one would think. People were always looking for ways to use her. At first, Gafur Siddiqui had seemed like a normal successful man, he was genuinely interested in creating new innovative devices to enhance communication. But of course, all that glitters is not gold. Within a week, Zoya had witnessed horrible things happening. From drug deals, to heists and murders. To say Zoya was petrified of the situation she had managed to land herself into was putting it lightly.
Of course, Zoya being Zoya had confronted the man about his evil doings, claiming that she wanted nothing to do with him. He had then enlightened her on what he really planned to do with her help. The man wanted Zoya to be a part of his team, a personal hacker, to hack the Swiss Bank accounts to get him money, hack security systems and the whole deal. What did he want to do with the money? Mr. Sicko wants to be the richest man in the world so he could rule the world. Power hungry much?
Obviously, Zoya said no and told him to shove his idea up his...you get the point. Now, you would think he would leave her alone at that, but nooo. Apparently Zoya knew too much and couldn't leave now. He threatened to kill her if she didn't listen to him. So, Zoya being the smart woman she is, told him that she would contact the authorities, pepper sprayed him and ran away quietly acting as if she was going to work.
Okay, maybe that was a dumb thing to do. Zoya's inner voice screamed, her inner voice sounded a lot like her best friend.
Damn it. Zoya thought roaming the cottage in the middle of the woods.
Her jiju had sent her here, and was supposedly sending her a "bodyguard". Zoya was of course appalled at the idea and forbade it, until her house was attacked. Of course, her jiju, who was against her coming to India in the first place, was all 'I told you so' and blah blah blah. He still treated Zoya like a little girl, she was 23 for goodness sake!
But she couldn't deny him even though the bodyguard thing was a tad too much! She was used to it, the success of Anwar Farooqui had come with many body guards and such. A bit more than all her other rich friends though...her soul sister, her best friend and partner-in-crime, Khushi Gupta was so sure that her jiju was part of the FBI or something. She'd probably say that her bodyguard was from the FBI too.
It'd be kind of cool if he was! she thought. He'd be like a spy, a secret agent. What if he walks in and says "the name is Bond, James Bond". She laughed out loud but stopped short when she heard a creak, the type you hear in horror movies followed by the death of the stupid girl who runs towards the bad guy. So Zoya hid, behind the door... and took out her pepper spray.
"Ms. Farooqui?" said a husky voice.
Damnnn, the man's voice sounds like velvet. I bet he's really hot. thought Zoya.
Hey Devi Maiyaa, what's wrong with you Zoya? What if he is some psycho killer?! A thought bubble appeared to the right of Zoya's head, and she saw her best friend glaring at her while yelling.
But Khushiii! Aren't the bad guys in new movies totally hot, with sexy deep voices like this one? Like Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2. He was hot. So so hot. Zoya said to her inner voice.
Concentrate Zoya! Khushi yelled back.
A man walked into the living room when Zoya jumped in front of him and tried to pepper spray his eyes. Only, the pepper spray was now in his hand after a little movement on his end. He stood their smirking at the woman in front of him.
"HOW DID YOU DO THAT? I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE MISTER. BUT YOU BETTER LEAVE ME ALONE, I KNOW KARATE." she said striking a karate pose while noticing that this man was sex on legs, like Adonis himself.
Of course, with her luck she fell backwards trying to kick him. She closed her eyes and waited for her body to hit the floor, but it didn't occur. Instead, she felt a very hard warm arm holding her up. She opened her eyes and was speechless due to the intensity of this Adonis' eyes, the way he was looking at her was setting her body on fire. She could feel her heart accelerate due to his touch. His eyes were a molten brown and deep, framed by a set of perfect eyelashes, she was lost in their intensity.
"I see I have my work cut out for me." he sighed breaking his intense stare and helping her stand upright.. "Ms. Farooqui I was sent here to help you, by your jiju, Anwar."
"How do I know that?" Zoya questioned coming out of her trance. "For all I know, you could be here to take me to that weirdo." She said looking at him skeptically. Okay, maybe she was staring at his chiseled jaw. I bet it could cut diamond. she thought. It is just begging to be licked, and caressed and licked. Mhmmm, the stubble. Damn it, Allah Miyah, why are you plotting against me? You know stubble is my weakness!
"Mhmmm." the man cleared his throat bringing Zoya out of her thoughts. "Your jiju told me to give you this." He said handing her a box.
"I AM NOT OPENING THAT!" she screamed. "Next thing you know, some clown pops up and knocks me unconscious"
Good Zoya! Her inner Khushi said.
The sexy man smirked. Ahhh, that smirk. Half his mouth pulled up at one side, dear lord. Why is he so good looking? GAH.
Damn it Zoya! Concentrate, he may be an assassin. The inner Khushi struck again.
Khushi! Can you please shut up and let me observe this fine piece of specimen? Zoya said tilting her head towards the right to her imaginary thought cloud where an angry Khushi looked back at her.
"What are you looking at?" he said looking at Zoya weirdly. She was looking to the right making weird faces, as if she was having a conversation with someone.
"Uh...nothing." Zoya said looking back at him.
He took the box and opened it, out came her precious iPad, which was of course nothing like a real iPad, it was tampered with to the max, making it more powerful and useful than a $2000 Desktop. The sexy man took out her passport, papers and handed it to her.
"Oh, wait how'd you get my passport? The creep had them..." Zoya said.
"The creep still has it, but your passport has been reported missing, and this is your new one, along with all the documentation you may need."
"Wait...what if she somehow got your hands on my iPad and are really working for the bas***d?" Zoya questioned while her inner Khushi cheered her on. You tell him gurlll!
The sexy man rolled his eyes and took out his iPhone, he touched the screen a few times and put it on speaker phone.
"Hello?" Answered Anwar's voice from the other side.
"JIJU!" Zoya smiled.
"Zoya, tum theek ho naa?"
"Yeah Jiju. Your bodyguard is here, I think."
"Mr. Farooqui." Asad said. "I've got Zoya. She just wanted to confirm that I wasn't some deranged assassin hired by the, ah what did she call him, yes, that bas***d."
Anwar laughed and shook his head on the other side of the world. "Zoya, stick with him like glue. You must listen to everything he says."
"Woot! Another jiju..." Zoya mumbled sarcastically as Asad wrapped up the phone call.
"We good now?" He asked.
"Fine. Hi, I am Zoya." she said holding out her hand, which he did not take...
"I swear I don't have cooties" she laughed, he was about to say something when he abruptly turned to look out the window.
"Looks like your hiding spot has been found." he whispered.
"WHA-" Zoya started to stay but the sexy man covered her mouth with his hand and pushed her against the wall behind the door. Zoya started hyperventilating, her breathing got shallower, her heart faster. His touch produced some kind of...spark? Like a current running through her body. Her body was burning, he was pressed up against her, so pressed up against her that she could feel his muscled body against her. His abs, his pectorals, damn, he worked out, big time. Zoya stifled the urge to run her hands all over the sexy man.
He slowly took his hands off her mouth, warning her to keep quiet with his eyes.
"It sounds like there are about 5 people outside. I need you to hide somewhere, somewhere where no one can find you. Since, you should know this place inside and out, where is the safest place?" He said whispering to her, he was so close to her face that she could feel his breath on her neck, and it sent tingles up her spine.
"Th-the bookcase." Zoya stuttered.
"The bookcase?"
"It rotates, there is a small room on the other side of it...at least that is what jiju said." She whispered.
He picked her up and swiftly moved towards the bookcase. Zoya couldn't comprehend how a man this...built and tall could move without making any sound. He placed her in front of the bookcase and told her to open it. They both stepped in.
"Do not leave this room until I come to get you. Do you understand me?" he said.
Zoya nodded as he stepped out and closed the bookcase.
Allah Miyah, what if something happens to the sexy man? I don't even know his name and he is locking me up inside a wall. What am I, Anarkali? Hahaha, if I am Anarkali he is Jahapana, Jahapana Bond. Zoya thought.
Zoya! This is no time for laughing. Her inner voice struck again
Right! I should go help him. Zoya thought back.
Uh, no. He said you must not move from here. Inner Khushi said.
Yeah, but...he also said there is like five people out there. He is going to need help. Right? You wouldn't want me to not help a man in trouble right Khushi?
True...take out that pepper spray and ATTACK! The inner voice, for once, agreed with Zoya.
Zoya heard sounds, like people were getting beat up. It kind of did sound like indian movies, without all the unnecessary "dishkows" and "pows". She prayed that Jahapana Bond was not in trouble. As built as he was, she doubted that he could fight five men at once.
Zoya wiggled the knob and the bookcase rotated, she didn't expect to see a pile of four men on the floor with a fifth one running towards her with a knife. Zoya cringed and closed her eyes waiting for him to stab her. But instead she heard a croak and a big thud, she opened her eyes to see the man fall in front of her.
"I thought I told you not to come out woman! Are you crazy? Do you not know how to follow instructions? For someone so smart you are pretty dumb." he seethed.
"Excuse me, arrogant much? I thought you needed help, so I came out, don't be so rude!"
"I certainly don't need your help to save me, trust me Ms. Farooqui"
"My name is Zoya, Z-O-Y-A, Zoya! Stop treating me like a child, I can handle myself just fine, thank you."
"You obviously can't, you wouldn't be out here if you had a brain"
"WOWWW. Now you are insulting me? What's wrong with you? Why are you so hostile? Chill out."
"This is a job for me, I need to protect you. And for that to work, you need to listen to me! So from now on what I say goes, if I tell you to stay you better stay, if I tell you to run, you run, got it?"
"I am not your dog, what do you think you are? Jahapana Bond?"
"What?" he said confused.
Zoya just blushed. Oops, she thought.
"Anyway, we need to get moving, they know where you are now." He said grabbing her and running out the house.
"Can you stop picking me up? I can walk you know." She grumbled.
"Could have fooled me." He mumbled.
"What did you say?" Zoya asked.
"Nothing." He said opening the door to the sexiest car she had ever seen.
"IS THAT THE ASTON MARTIN V12? OH MY GOD! IT'S SO SEXY. CAN I DRIVE PLEASEEE?" she pleaded.
Jahapana Bond hit his head. "Why don't you shout louder, so everyone in the world knows where you are!?" He hissed. "No, you cannot drive, now get in and shut up."
Zoya sighed and got into the car. For someone so hot, he is really rude. He got in and started the car, it purred. Zoya couldn't wait to drive it, she would convince him...eventually.
"Where are we going?" Zoya asked but got no reply.
"Helllo? Mr... wait, I don't even know your name!" She said, but he offered no reply. "Allah Miyaaah, what's wrong with you? I think you can tell me your name, unless it's a secret and you would have to kill me after I find out." She laughed and noticed the side of his mouth lift up slightly. Ahhh, so he does have a sense of humor.
"Asad, Asad Ahmed Khan." he replied. Man his voice is sexy.
"Nice to meet you Asad, kind of. It suits you, Asad, lion right? My name is Zoya, my aapi named me, it means alive and joyous, which I am! So are you going to tell me where we are going?... Do you not talk? Like ever? What's wrong with you?"
"Do you always talk so much or are you being especially annoying today?" He asked.
"You are so mean, you know being so good looking doesn't give you the right to be an a-hole." She said. Whooops! I just admitted that I think he is good looking, what's wrong with me?
He smirked.
Okay then. I won't talk to you either... He has a sexy smirk though, there is like this cute little dimple that appears. He probably looks like an angel when he smiles. And his arms, they are so sexy. They would feel amazing wrapped around me. She observed, as the sleeves to his shirt were now rolled up to his elbows.
Of course, her inner voice wouldn't let her have an internal monologue without putting in her two cents. Damn it! Stop thinking like a horny teenager, you can resist him. You are a strong woman Zoya!
Zoya looked to the right and her imaginary thought bubble popped up depicting Khushi in a cheerleader uniform with pom poms.
Let's go Zoya! Let's go! Woot Woot! Khushi cheered causing Zoya to let out a little giggle. She immediately put her hand on her mouth and turned around to see a questioning Asad. He gave her one look and just shook his head, turning his eyes back to the road.
"You know, talking makes trips more enjoyable." she said. He did not say anything but pulled up to a hotel. A huge hotel.
"What are we doing here?" Zoya asked.
"Well, you need a place to hide, and checking into a hotel with a fake name is a good way to hide until we can get out back to New York." Alas, he spoke.
"I want a room with a nice view, you can get the one beside me." Zoya said getting out of the car but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"You do not step out of the car until I open the door for you Ms. Farooqui. Secondly, we are getting one room."
"I AM NOT STAYING WITH YOU. What kind of girl do you think I am?" Zoya yelled.
"One that needs protection. It would be suspicious for Mr. and Mrs. Khan to get two rooms." He smirked.
"Mrs. Khan? I am Mrs. Khan? What is wrong with you?"
"You can't be Zoya Farooqui. So Mrs. Khan it is." Hearing the way he said Zoya sent tingles up her spine. "And you can't check into a room with a guy who is not your husband without causing suspicion, this is India, not New York." He said.
"Fine, but I get the bed." Zoya yelled.
He did not say anything, and got out of the car. Zoya observed his sexy body as he moved to her door, he was built, well built. He probably has a killer body, he should walk around with his shirt off. He opened the door for her and she got out, he was so paranoid looking around everywhere.
"Relax...Hubby." she laughed and he just looked at her weirdly.
Chapter Two is right below this one my lovelies!
Edited by astonm - 12 years ago
Mangal Lakshmi
4