Inferno-A FF by Arabflower. Chapter 19 page 36 - Page 21

Originally posted by: akaswan

Why don't you create an account special just for story like this if it's delated you can anyway keep your personal acccount 😃

You should try this if it's not bother too have two accounts 😃

Originally posted by: ArabFlower

I will consider this, but since my sister Az3003 and I both have accounts and we share an IP address, it has caused problems in the past with bandwith and Data usage so multiple accounts between us haven't always been very efficient. But enough with my Babbling...Stand by for Chapter 18!!!!

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😆

Okay 😉

I wait impatiently😃

Wow...I know that Xarina and I have left you guys at a cliffy so i hope this makes up for it... Spread the Word...the Inferno' has been rekindled!!! Enjoy Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

Asad stared at Zoya, her uneasiness and tensed face making him uncomfortable, Everything had worked itself out, their families were happy and there was no problems in sight so Zoya's uneasiness really unsettled Asad. So he looked into his wife's deep brown orbs, laden with unshed tears, cupped her face in his hands and spoke

Asad: "What's the matter love? Whatever it is Zoya...You can tell me, I'm here for you...You know that right?"

Zoya: "I know... Asad... I know, I love you and I want to be with you both religiously and legally...but I can't I can't be yours completely because...because I can't be unfair to Arbaaz. I want to give Arbaaz his right... I want the world to know that he has a child that this baby is his...after all he has done for me, it is my duty to do at least this much for him. I owe him my life, my entire existence because without him Zoya Faarouqui would've died a long time back."

It was at this time that the tears had began to flow and her voice cracked, her sobs filled the air and she sought solace in Asad's arms, his grip tightening around her, his embrace comforting her and assuring her that he would be there for her. So buried against his chest and through her sobs, Zoya spoke

Zoya: "So I want to have this baby while I can still be regarded as Arbaaz's, even if it is as his widow... because... the child is Arbaaz's and I want to take that right away from him, I know that legally I am your wife Asad... but I cannot accept you as my husband until our Nikaah is over."

Asad: "So... When should we schedule the Nikaah?"

Zoya: "I know it will be a while...but I want the Nikaah to take place after the child is born... I know it's crazy but I can only be comfortable being your wife after I give birth to my deceased husband's child..."

Asad:"No matter what happens Zoya, I accept Maahir and the new baby, they will have my name and I promise you that I will be the best father ever but I will make sure that they will know who their real parents are..."

Zoya buries herself deeper into Asad's embrace his arms the only place where she had ever found solace, she knew that he will be the best father ever...

Asad:"Zoya...can I ask you for something? ...please don't refuse..."

Zoya: "Sure love, what's on your mind?"

Asad: "Can I help pick out baby names? I want to be more involved with the baby..."

Zoya looked up at him and exclaimed

Zoya: "Allah Miyan! What's wrong with you! You want to be more involved? Love, you planned, designed and painted the nursery, you've been to every OB/GYN appointment, given in to every pregnancy craving, read every book available on childcare and even started picking out schools... You are more involved with this baby than I am... And I'm carrying it!"

Asad Chuckled at his wife's outburst and spoke

Asad:" but can I help?"

Zoya: "Of course you can..."

Asad: "I was thinking...how about 'Asya' the perfect combination of our names...if we have a girl..."

Zoya smiled and him, she was so happy that Asad had become so involved with her child. He had changed for the better, and Zoya could vouch for this because, there was a time when he threw her out of his home because he thought she was pregnant with another man's child but now, here he was, knowing that she is carrying another man's baby and accepting her as his wife, his love and his life. So since he obviously gave much thought into the names of their children, she prodded him to continue

Zoya: "And what if it's a boy? What then?"

Asad:"Well I was hoping to name the baby Arbaaz...if it is a boy..."

At the suggestion of the name 'Arbaaz' Zoya began to tear up, she hugged him knowing fully well that she was the luckiest woman in the world.

+++++++++++++++

It has been a few months since Asad and Zoya had picked out baby names, the only indication that time has passed being the change in Zoya's baby bump from being barely noticeable to noticeable.

The society of Bhopal waited with bated breath for the birth of the new baby and they applauded Asad for being such a doting father to Maahir and the unborn. It was an open secret that Asad Ahmed Khan was excited for the birth of the child the proof being him producing the various sonogram pictures to whomever asked about the baby. It was evident from his behaviour that he is both a loving husband and a proud father and although some had reservations about the arrangement that Asad and Zoya were in (I.e. Having a baby under a civil marriage without a Nikaah) their reservations had no merit in the face of the happiness of the Ahmed Khan family. Whenever any outsider had tried to bring out this particular topic they had earned a threatening glare from both Asad and Siddiqui, a menacing scowl from Dilshad and a thinly veiled insult from Rashid (and occasionally from Humaira or Najma) Being notified by her son, Dilshad was the first to know about Asad and Zoya's arrangement and although she was not completely happy with the couple's decision, she did understand Zoya's request for time to grieve and her need for closure so with the fear that Zoya might leave again, Dilshad accepted her request with a heavy heart.

Humaira, Najma, Nikhat and Nuzat were over the moon, If they were not spending every moment gushing over their nephew Maahir they met for coffee and debated over the new arrival, whether it will be a girl or a boy and who (amongst the 4 of them) was the best aunt. Najma had an unfair advantage, having known Maahir longer but Humaira was really giving her a run for her money with Maahir being squished and cuddled by Humaira at all times of the day. The Ahmed Khan sisters and their cousin/ Soon to be sister in law Humaira became really close and each one was glad that their family was united once again. There was something that everyone had to agree on though, and that was watching Rashid Ahmed Khan and Gaffoor Ahmed Siddiqui heatedly debate whether the new arrival was going to be a boy or a girl was absolutely hilarious. You see, Rashid was convinced that it was going to be a boy while Siddiqui was adamant that he was going to have a granddaughter, it was only when Dilshad refused to cast the tie breaking/deciding vote did the real chaos ensue.

*Flashback to a the lounge, the previous night at Khan Villa*

Rashid: "we are already outnumbered by all these females Gaffoor and now you want them to have more power against us?"

Ayaan: "Yeah Mamu... Dude Power! We need another boy around, what you say Maahir?"

Maahir, who was seated on Asad's lap, did not understand what was really going on but responded with a positive cheer because he liked the way Ayaan's hair bounced whenever he was excited. Ayaan took his nephew's cheer as a confirmation that the little guy was on his side, but Asad knew the real reason for his son's cheer and smiled down at the little boy. While the debate continued around them Maahir had placed his arms around Asad's neck and snuggled himself closer to Asad and it was then that Asad knew why Arbaaz knew what was going to happen the day that Asad had first tried to feed Maahir, a father always knows what's on his son's mind.

Asad: "I think a little girl will be perfect"

Siddiqui: "Finally! See Ayaan I'm not the only one who wants a little girl..."

Asad: "A mini Zoya will be perfect..."

Ayaan: "or disastrous...face it, we can't handle one how in Allah's name are we going to handle two?"

Ayaan, Siddiqui, Rashid and Asad pondered for a few seconds and when the full implication of having a mini Zoya dawned upon them, they all shuddered at the thought.

Rashid: "So Gaffoor, still want a girl?"

Siddiqui:" You better believe it..."

Once again those two had broken out into another heated debate, and at that moment Dilshad, Badi Bi and Shireen had entered the lounge. The moment they saw Dilshad both rushed over to her.

Rashid: "Dilshad settle this...please tell this deluded man that I am having another grandson..."

Siddiqui: "Deluded? Deluded? Dilshad please tell Rashid Miyan that I'm having a granddaughter!"

Rashid: "grandson."

Siddiqui: "granddaughter."

Rashid: "grand-SON"

Siddiqui: "grand-DAUGHTER"

Rashid: "GRANDSON!"

Siddiqui: "GRANDDAUGHTER!"

Both Siddiqui and Rashid: "DILSHAD!"

Dilshad, Shireen and Badi Bi just laughed at their childish fight but stifled their laughter when they saw how serious they were.

Badi Bi: "It does not matter you two... Whether it is a grandson or a granddaughter, we will all love the child no matter what."

Dilshad: "besides if you really want to know why don't you just ask Zoya to go for the gender determination test?"

Asad: "No Ammi, Zoya and I want to be surprised..."

Rashid: "Dilshad your son takes the fun out of everything... Now I have to wait until the baby is born to rub it in Siddiqui's face..."

Siddiqui:" there will be nothing of the sort, since I'll be the one gloating..."

Rashid: "Oh yeah?"

Siddiqui had given him his smuggest look and replied

Siddiqui: "yeah"

Their stare contest ended when Shireen spoke.

Shireen: "I don't understand... How can Bhaijaan have a granddaughter and Rashid have a grandson? Is Zoya having twins? That'll be great! Then we can have one of each!"

All had stared at Shireen, her words had totally thrown them for a loop so Dilshad had opened her mouth to correct her but Badi Bi stopped her and gave her a look which said 'Don't bother' and with Shireen's words, the 'fight' ended with everyone breaking into side splitting laughter. Once the laughter subsided and the ladies had taken Maahir away to feed him. Asad wanted to have a word with his father and Father in Law.

Asad: "Abbu, Will I be a good father?"

Rashid and Siddiqui exchanged a knowing look, a small chuckle and said in unison

Rashid & Siddiqui: "Don't follow our example and you'll be the best father ever!"

Asad can't help but laugh at their words and the three share a hug, burying Asad's fears in the process.

*End Flashback*

Zoya was seated on the couch, after Dilshad gave a stern talking to about not working in her condition. She turned to her right and looked over to the kitchen watching as her wonderful mother in law fussed over her lunch; she turned to her left and caught her darling father in law pacing in the foyer. He was on an overseas call to New York and Zoya knew very well who was on the other end of the line. Isabella had taken the reins at Faarouqui Industries' New York Office once Dilshad constructions had merged with the Big Apple Giant to form an economic super house. Forbes magazine was already billing Asad and Zoya as the 'world's most powerful couple' while the Upper East Siders had taken to calling them the King and Queen of Commerce. With their empires successfully merged, it was safe to say that if they spent recklessly during their lifetime by blowing millions on parties, lavish gifts, expensive holidays etc, there will still be enough for the next Seven generations to live like royalty and the best part was that they were making more money every day. But despite being Filthy rich, they were humble people and that's what everyone loved about them. So right now, Zoya watched her mother in law in the kitchen, her father in law in the foyer and began regretting her decision to allow the Zingo Hotties to take her first source of sanity (Maahir) to the park, while the other source (I.e. Her unbelievably sexy 'husband' Asad) was busy at a board meeting. Since the merger Asad, Najma, Dilshad and Zoya became the only members of the new company's Board of directors so while Dilshad was taking care of Zoya, Najma had joined Asad in the office.

Najma had really grown into a strong confident young woman, she had the Ahmed Khan tenacity when it came to business and the Faarouqui optimistic outlook on life so she put her degree in interior design to good use so while her bigger brother worked on making the outside of the building perfect, she worked to beautify the inside. Zoya's job was the security, electronics and sorting out other technological requirements while all Dilshad had to was sit back and supervise. It was the perfect arrangement and now Zoya was bored. She loved going to work but since she was in her last trimester the other board members insisted that she go on maternity leave while they handle everything. The day that Zoya left her office she caught sight of Dilshad hurrying behind her, catching her breath when she finally caught up to Zoya and all her mother in law did was say

Dilshad: "I'm coming to look after you..."

Zoya: "But Ammi...aren't you needed here?"

To this Dilshad replied, her voice taking on an executive tone while dripping with Narcissism

Dilshad: "I'm Dilshad Ahmed Khan... I can do whatever I want..."

And ever since because of her over protective Husband, doting in laws and excited sibling Zoya had been ordered to rest and having done nothing else BUT rest for the past month, Zoya was bored. She was 8 months pregnant and her life had changed so drastically in the last few months, that she was having a hard time believing that it was real.

*Flash Back 3 days ago*

The Ahmed Khan Sisters and Humaira had joined hands with Dilshad, Shireen and Badi Bi and together they had a baby shower for Zoya. Well technically it wasn't a baby shower in the traditional sense, but the best way to describe it will be to call it a party, with lots of food, good company, plenty of laughs and smiles all round. These family gatherings were becoming increasingly often, obviously to allow everyone to make up for all the lost time spent hating each other because of the family 'feud'. Zoya had found herself engaging in a conversation with Shireen and even though they had gotten off on the wrong foot, both had forgiven and forgotten and now since Dilshad was Zoya's 'Ammi' Shireen became her "Phuphi". Zoya looked over to the garden, the lone bench which played an integral part in hers and Asad's love story was occupied by her husband and her son, Maahir.

Out of curiosity, she moved closer...It was such a private moment but she wanted to hear what Asad was saying to her baby boy so she leaned in closer...

Asad: "You're going to have a sibling soon baby... You're gonna be a big brother, and I know it'll be tough but you are gonna love having a sibling. A who sibling will be your best friends and sure they will trouble you but they will do everything to make you smile and they will love you just as much as you will love them..."

Maahir Faarouqui had stared into his eyes, trespassing the barrier the retina had created and looked deep into the soul of Asad Ahmed Khan, Maahir did not understand what was being said, but a baby will see and respond to goodness better than anyone, so without understanding the words, he...in his own way, had understood the message that the once 'strange man' had told him. He was not a 'strange man' anymore. So Maahir placed his tiny palm against Asad's cheek and brought his tiny lips against Asad's nose, giving him a kiss of approval. This one act had caused Asad to tear up and he brought the boy closer to him, enveloping him in a protective hug. Asad heard a sniffling sound behind him so he turned around and locked gazes with his 'wife'. Balancing Maahir against him he extended his hand, which Zoya took, and pulled her into the hug as well. He held his wife and son against him with such passion, protecting them from all the evils around them. The small family stayed in embrace for quite some time, destiny having done its job, the Universe happy that everything is as it should be.

*End Flashback*

Dilshad: "Rashid, Zoya lunch is ready..."

Her Ammi's voice had brought her out of her memories so Zoya wiped the tear that trickled down her cheek and was about to get up to join her amazing Mother in law, when she felt a sharp pain coursing through her abdomen. She still had a month left till her due date and such pain worried her. She tried to move herself off the couch, but crumbled in pain on the floor, and in a very strained, painful whisper she called out

Zoya: "Ammi..."

Dilshad had seen Zoya crumble to the floor and her heart leapt into her throat, She rushed dropped the serving bowl in her hands and rushed past the crystal as it shattered on the floor. Dilshad knew the signs...it was labour pains, Zoya had gone into an early labour. Rashid had heard the shattering of glass and rushed inside to see Zoya writhing in pain. Acting on instinct and pure adrenalin, he pulled out his phone and called Bhopal's City hospital, barking orders for them to get ready for their arrival. After cutting the call he picked Zoya up in his arms and rushed to his car, Dilshad hot on his heels calling Asad and Najma, beginning the race to the hospital.

++++++++++++++

Najma dropped her phone in shock, her brother and the rest of the staff in the meeting had turned and faced her once they had heard the clattering sound. Asad had seen Najma's worried expression and immediately knew that something was wrong
Asad: "Najma..."
Najma: "She's gone into labour..."
Najma's whisper carried throughout the boardroom and Asad's face fell, Zoya was a month early so this couldn't be good...
Without saying anything to anyone, the Ahmed Khan siblings picked up their coats and rushed out the door, sprinting towards their car failing to see Asad's trusted advisor Prasad, step up and complete the meeting on their behalf. While in the car, Najma called Nikhat and was about to relay the news to her when Nikhat responded
Nikhat: "We're on our way...Abbu called... Zoya... Labour ... Early...Maahir with us don't worry..."
Nikhat was speaking extremely fast, something she did whenever she was panicked, but the string of words that Najma had caught assured her that so far all hell didn't break loose...yet.
Asad's driving could have rivalled that of a formula one race car driver, resulting in Najma rushed to the nearest restroom to overcome the resulted nausea. When Asad had rushed into the corridor where the delivery room was situated he saw Ayaan talking to a doctor, his father on the phone with someone, his sisters playing with Maahir and his mother and sister in law pacing the length of the corridor. Rashid spoke to Ayaan for a few moments pulled out his car keys then left, leaving Ayaan free to walk over to Asad.

Ayaan: "Abbu's gone to pick up Mamu, Dadi and Ammi...they were on their way and their car broke down..."
Asad: "How is she?"
Ayaan: "the Doctors said that it's a little more complicated than they are comfortable with, but the success rate his high and they will be prepping for a stand by caesarean if anything untoward happens..."
Asad: "stand by?? Why is a caesarean not their first choice!?????"
Ayaan: "Bhaijaan...Zoya insisted on a delivering the baby naturally..."
Asad: "does she know the risk involved??? She is impossible; she's going to drive me crazy..."
Asad's eyes had reflected those of a man, desperate and borderline insane with worry, his life was in jeopardy because without his Zoya, his entire existence was meaningless... He could not lose her again, so defeated he sunk into a nearby chair, and began to pray for his beloved. A small set of hands, rested against his knees, causing him to break away from his silent prayer, finding himself looking into the eyes of his son, Maahir had the odd effect of calming those around him, something he definitely picked up from his biological father Anwar. So Asad scooped him up and held him against his chest, drawing whatever comfort he could from the arms of the little boy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The nearby clock was ticking away, Five hundred and forty minutes passed, time mocking the well wishers of Zoya Faarouqui, playing tricks on their minds causing them to wonder..."Did she survive? Or is she dead?" They were left in suspense for nine hours since there was no news or even a hint from the delivery room as to what Zoya's condition was. It was only when the delivery room door opened and a doctor emerged did everybody seemed to breathe again. All had looked at him expectantly and when he smiled, Asad was the first to push past him and rush in to see his wife.
What he saw was one of the most beautiful things he could have ever laid his eyes upon. He watched his beloved Zoya, coo over a bundle in her arms, he stood at the door way transfixed at the sight before him his trance breaking with the sound of his wife's voice
Zoya: "Asad..."
He looked deep into her eyes and responded not with words but a smile, telling her that he had heard her...
Zoya: "Come say hello to our baby...come say hello to Asya Zainub Khan..."
His feet moved of their own accord towards his wife and child, and once he reached her bedside, he wrapped his arms around his wife and peered over her shoulder at the little angel in her arms. Asya Zainub Khan was a dead ringer for her mother Zoya Faarouqui and Asad could tell that she would grow up becoming her mother's Doppelganger if not for her eyes. While Zoya's orbs were a warm chocolate, his daughter's resembled the emerald green of her father, Arbaaz. The rest of the family had been waiting at the door for quite some time and finally their patience wore thin and their desire to meet the little one broke through, so they stormed across the thresh-hold and rushed to congratulate the new parents, while congratulating each other.
Rashid Ahmed Khan's face fell the moment he stared into the little girls eyes as now he would be subjected to the life-long gloating of Siddiqui, Siddiqui on the other hand saw the little girl and teared up, right after he told Rashid in a very audible whisper..."Gaffoor Ahmed Siddiqui 1, Rashid Ahmed Khan Zero..."
Rashid: "Oh yeah...bet you the next one's gonna be a boy..."
Siddiqui: "You're on..."
Everyone turned and gave the two their sternest looks resulting in the two blushing sheepishly at their behaviour. Maahir, who was being carried by his uncle Ayaan, was fascinated by the tiny creature in the blanket. He reached his tiny arm out and caressed his baby sister's cheek. In an instant, Asad had scooped him up and held him closer to his little sister. Humaira signalled everyone with her eyes to give the family some privacy so one by one they all quietly left the room.
Zoya: "Najma..."
Najma turned around and faced her sister in law
Zoya: "Did you bring it?"
Najma:" I have kept in on my person for weeks...just in case..."
Zoya: "you truly are amazing..."
Najma: "Now go and make some memories..."
Najma leaves the family alone after handing over a small bag to Zoya. Asad ignores the exchange as he is now cradling his daughter in his arms, while Maahir was seated on the bed between him and Zoya.
Asad: "Thank you...Thank you Zoya..."
Zoya looked into his eyes and even though she knew that he had already thanked her, she knew that he needed to get this off his chest.
Zoya reached over into the small bag and pulled out a small video camera. She placed the camera on the bed tray before her, set it to record and spoke to the viewer
Zoya: "Baby girl...My darling daughter Asya Zainub Khan...welcome to the world... I'm your Ammi...Zoya and this...this is your Abbu"
Asad moved into the frame and placed his arms around his wife's waist.
Zoya: "And this is your Big brother Maahir..."
The moment the little guy heard his name, he bounced into the frame and said "Elloo" his baby language version of "Hello"
Zoya: "And we...my little angel, we are your family... We love you little one...forever and always..."

Rashid: "Dilshad settle this...please tell this deluded man that I am having another grandson..."😆

Siddiqui: "Deluded? Deluded? Dilshad please tell Rashid Miyan that I'm having a granddaughter!"🤣