Unpredictable Lives: Link to T2 Page 152 - Page 81

Zoya slowly followed Asad into his apartment as she stepped in she was hit by a fresh crisp smell, the place was immaculate, it was simple but beautiful, just perfect. Zoya stood by the opening into the living room, noticing that she had stopped in her tracks Asad turned around 'come in...I'll show you to your room' Zoya took baby steps behind him, she didn't know what she felt, it was like it was a dream and she would be waking up any minute. Asad opened the door to the guest room 'please make yourself comfortable, you have an en suite bathroom...the kitchen is over the other side, Kaki...my maid comes in most mornings, she will be here tomorrow, so if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask her'. Asad was about to turn around and walk out when Zoya stopped him 'thank you Mr Khan...you really didn't have to do this for me but you did...I really appreciate it' Asad just smiled and nodded closing the door behind him.

Asad stood in the balcony watching over the city that he both loved and hated, his love was for the city that he grew up in, that he admired for its uniqueness and beauty, its people that he called his own. But then he hated what it for what it was becoming, the levels of crime, the violence, the underworld were creating a monster out of the place he called home. Lost in thought he soon sensed a presence behind him; he turned around to see Zoya standing by the door, she looked nervous, like she was still scared. Asad held out his hand 'come' Zoya didn't hesitate in extending hers out to him she held onto his fingers and stepped out onto the balcony 'it really is beautiful...the lights...everything looks amazing...' she said nervously, Asad gave her a faint smile 'Did you find everything you need?' 'Yes, thank you' 'Coffee?' 'That would be great'.

Settling in new surroundings was always difficult for Zoya, she was more than happy when Humera called her to ask her if she was ok '...Zoya, you know I would never let you stay anywhere else, but Ayaan insisted that the safest place for you to be was with Bhaijaan' 'I know Humera, thank you' 'it's quite late, you should get some rest, I will ask Ayaan to bring you round tomorrow' 'Allah Hafiz'.

Zoya looked at her watch it was only half one 'come on sleep...hurry up' she said as she hit her head against the pillow and closed her eyes. Zoya was woken up by a loud crashing sound outside she jumped out of her bed clutching at her pacing heart 'h...hello...Mr Khan' she called out but there was no response. She pressed the light switch but it didn't come on 'Mr...Kh...Khan is that you?' she called out again, she took slow measured steps towards the door but before she could move she saw the door handle turn and before she knew it Dev Raaj stood before her. Zoya gasped as she jumped back to get out of his reach 'you think you can get away from me...even at this height and hiding behind Asad Ahmed Khan can't save you Miss Zoya Farooqui...you see what I like I make mine...and you my dear are mine' Dev Raaj leapt forward to grab Zoya and at the very same time she screamed out. 'Asad' Zoya opened her eyes and sat up, she was surrounded by darkness her heart started to beat out of sync she tried to breathe but couldn't.

Asad came running into her room he switched on the light and ran to her side 'Zoya...are you ok...what happened?' Zoya didn't respond she just looked ahead in a frightful daze, her face was covered with sweat and her lips were quivering. Asad took her by the top of her arms and shook her gently 'Zoya...look at me...its ok it was a dream' Zoya turned to him her eyes brimming with tears of fear, seeing Asad made her let out the cry that she had held in she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on to him. Asad stroked the back of her head 'its ok...there is no one here it was just a dream, you don't need to be scared' as Asad tried to pull away Zoya held on tighter 'no...please don't go ...don't leave me...I'm...sca...please stay'. Asad let her hold him as long as she needed to 'I am not going anywhere Zoya...just lie down, I am here right by your side'. Asad sat with his back leaned against the headboard as Zoya lay on her side facing him; he gently stroked her hair waiting for her to fall asleep.

The next morning Zoya woke up to the sun shining across her room, remembering what had happened last night she shot up 'Mr Khan' she whispered before she came out of her room. She walked around but couldn't see him 'Mr Khan' she called out 'ma'am he is not here' a small voice came from behind the kitchen unit. Zoya walked closer to see a middle aged woman 'Salaam, I am Kaki, Mr Khan told me that you were here, he left that note for you...it's on the table. Can I get you some breakfast?' Zoya shook her head 'no, thank you' Zoya picked up the note and went to stand by the balcony.

Zoya stroked the paper that had Asad's writing on, for a guy it was exceptionally neat, but then considering what he was like and how he lived she wouldn't have expected anything less from someone with OCD.

After having showered and changed Zoya asked Kaki to make her some coffee, as she waited she took out her phone, the least she could do was respond to his polite letter.

Asad smiled at her message, she wasn't wrong it had been a battle but it didn't seem like that now, it was obvious that the dynamics of their relationship had changed, if you could call it a relationship. And as far as he leaving soon went Asad wasn't ready for that 'soon' to come anytime soon.