SS: Mausam (AsYa) Part 2A(pg6) Up - Page 4

Part Two - Summer (Part A)

Asad breathed steadily feeling at peace as he curled on his side sleeping comfortably close to the one person who meant the world to him. The early morning rays peeked through the white curtains gently awakening his senses but his eyes remained dormant. Still in a hazy state his body inched forward to seek warmth; his fingers sliding into place curling against the supple flesh of Zoya's hand instinctively. His lips curled upward in content and he tightened his embrace feeling her back against his chest.

Zoya's eyelids lazily fluttered open as a sly grin spread across her face. She could feel the gentle nipping on her earlobe and the oh so sensual pressure of her husband's lips on the back of her neck. "Mmm..."

"You sound so sexy in the morning you know that?" Asad whispered against her ear.

"I thought I sounded sexy at night," letting out a soft chortle.

"You sound sexy all the time to me." The low husky growl in his voice sent shivers down her spine.

"I'll hold you to that the next time we fight," Zoya replied. Asad arched his eyebrows and looked incredulously at her. Noticing the pause in his affections she tugged his arm and pouted, "I never told you to stop."

He smiled instantly at her words and bent downward again to tantalize her some more. Zoya tightened her hold and brought his hand closer to her chest. She sighed in pleasure feeling his fingers delicately tuck her loose hair back so he could gain better access to her slender neck. "You're irresistible," purring against her skin, "Lazy mornings in bed...hmmm..." Zoya grinned as she felt him shift his body weight so he could hover over her. "I love summer vacation..." Asad murmured as he kissed her chin. Suddenly without warning, he found himself being pushed back. "Zoya?" her hands were on his chest creating an uncomfortable distance between them. "What's wrong?"

"You have to go to work!" she replied in a panic.

"It's Sunday."

"You have to go to work." Asad just stared at her for a few seconds before he bent downward again in the attempt to pick up where he had left off. "Allah miya, what is wrong with you Mr. Khan?!"

"Allah miya, what is wrong with you Mrs. Khan?" Asad pouted as he was pushed to the side. "It's Sunday. Why would I go to work on Sunday? And my vacation starts tomorrow."

"Because you said you had to go to work. Don't you remember the phone call with Soham last night?"

"No," Asad replied as he lunged after her.

Zoya titled her head back hoping to dissuade him from kissing her lips but all it did was grant him access to other areas of her body. "There were some very important things...you had to take care of to-day otherwise you would...wouldn't...be able to ssstart your vacation," Zoya managed to sputter out as she tussled with him.

"I have important things to take care of," Asad smirked.

"Not that," Zoya huffed as she managed to detangled herself and stumble out of bed.

"Zoya..."

"I need to make sure you eat your almonds...you're already losing your memory," she pondered out loud. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Zoya..." She looked up to see his arms crossed in front of his chest and an unamused looked in his eyes. "I do not have a memory problem. Come back to bed."

Her eyes narrowed at his commanding tone, "Look here Mr. Khan...not that I wouldn't enjoy a morning romp with you but you have to go to work. Don't you remember the phone call last night?"

"What phone call last night?"

"The one...I woke you up for...you don't remember me waking you up to take the call? It was around 10:30pm. You were talking on the phone and after you hung up you told me that you would have to go to the office in the morning to get some last minute work done."

"What are you talking about? I spoke to Soham last night?" Asad replied with confusion.

"Haan." Their conversation was soon interrupted by the ringing of Asad's cell phone. "Look, it's Soham," giving the phone to her husband.

"Hello?" Asad greeted.

"Hello sir. I took the liberty to buy some breakfast and hot coffee for you. I was hoping I caught you before you had breakfast. The conference call isn't until 3pm...thank goodness for the time difference, right sir?"

"Um-uh...yes, Soham. I'll be there soon. Thank you for picking up breakfast." Asad looked at his wife and saw her giving him a I told you so look. "I'll see you soon. Bye." Zoya crossed her arms and turned to the side. "Sorry," he apologized. "I was so tired last night...I could barely make it through dinner," rubbing his forehead, "I must have talked in my sleep. I can't believe I don't remember the call."

"Apology accepted," Zoya replied. "Now, you need to get ready," pushing him towards the bathroom. "I'll go check and see if the kids are up." Asad sighed as he closed the door. He was looking forward to his vacation and had hoped it would start today. He wanted to spend time with his family but it seemed he would have to wait one more day.

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He felt the ground mold against his heels as he solemnly walked along the grass to his destination. Even in this hour of the morning he could feel the heat slowly rising in the air. He felt a dampness start to spread across his back and his hands becoming calmly as he held onto the white scarf. He shifted his tie and tugged his collar trying to settle it back into a comfortable position before placing the white cloth around his head. He tied it securely and raised his fatigued eyes to meet the fence that marked the entrance to the cemetery. "Abbu..." He turned to see his son and two daughters behind him. He scanned their faces amazed at how much they had grown. They were no longer the little two, five, and seven year olds running around the house. They were adults; parents with families of their own. In this one moment, life seemed to have flashed before Rashid Ahmed Khan's eyes.

"Abbu..." Nikhat softly said as she slipped her arm around his bringing him out of his reverie. She accompanied him for the walk to the gravesite.

The family of four quietly stood in front of the grave and paid their respects. Rashid felt his eyes well and a deep sadness fill his heart. Despite everything and the circumstances that had befallen. He was still thankful to Shireen. He may not have loved her the way she deserved as a wife but he acknowledged their relationship. She had given him three wonderful children that he adored deeply. They had their moments of joy and laughter and their days of regret, guilt, and sorrow. He knew she was insecure about her position in the family. She was his second wife and he did nothing to ease her mind because the truth was he was never really hers. He was put into a position where he had no other choice. But the reality was that he had choices. The choices were never easy and he did what he thought at the time was best. However, he was wrong. The sin of a coerced act guilted him into making decisions that took him further away from where he wanted to be. He became so tangled in the web of lies and deceit that he had lost his way back to the truth. The guilt in his heart was heavy and the burden on his shoulders broke him. He had become a weak man and had lost all respect to the ones he held the closest to his heart. His life and his family had become a big game to someone. Her vested interests spurred the need to control everything. But in the end even the mighty had to fall. Evil could not always win. Shireen's sacrifice to protect her children that day redeemed her for all the selfish and misled deeds she had committed. The revelation of the true occurrences 22 years ago brought clarity to her mind. She was not going to allow anyone to manipulate her mind anymore. She was going to take a stand even if it meant turning her back on the only family she knew; even if it meant certain death. Her act saved everyone and freed him from his duties. It was a bittersweet victory to be had and everyone knew it.

Rashid gently wiped the wetness underneath his eyes and sniffled. He turned when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Ayaan. He nodded and the group slowly made their way back to the car. The drive to the restaurant was a silent affair. Ayaan and Humeira passed quiet glances towards one another noticing the pensive mood Rashid was in. They weren't sure what to say or do as it would just feel out of place.

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Nuzrat pushed her glasses back letting them sit securely on her nose again before she openly declared what had been brewing on everyone's mind since lunch had started. "Doesn't Abbu seem very down today? More so than normal when we visit Ammi's grave."

"Nuzrat, ssshhh...not so loud," Humeira chided.

"Abbu is walking to the restroom. He can't hear us," she replied in her defense.

"No, she 's right," Ayaan sighed. "I've noticed it too. Something is bothering him."

"I think Abbu is lonely," Nikhat simply stated. "He's always been lonely. I had my doubts before...with everything happened...and today...this confirms it even more."

"You really think Abbu is lonely?" Nuzrat inquired innocently. She knew recently his behavior had been strange but she never imaged that her father could possibly be depressed. "But he lives with Ayaan Bhaijaan and Humeira Baji. Dadi is also there. Do you think he misses the old house?"

"No, I don't think he misses the old house," Humeira replied. "There are a lot of fond memories there, but...the negative ones," shaking her head, "I don't think anyone wants to go back there."

"So is Abbu depressed?"

"Maybe?" Humeira meekly said as she glanced between Ayaan and Nikhat trying to gauge their reactions.

"Dilshaad Ammi." Everyone turned towards Ayaan and waited for him to finish his thought. "He's still in love with her. I know it may be hurtful to say this, but it is the truth. He's always loved her more."

"I've been thinking the same thing Bhaijaan," Nikhat added. "They've been apart for so long but the feelings are still there."

"If that's the case why hasn't Abbu tried o talk to Dilshaad Ammi about this?" Nuzrat inquired. "Asad Bhaijaan has forgiven Abbu."

"It's more complicated than that," shaking his head sadly, "The amount of pain that Asad Bhaijaan, Najama, and Dilshaad Ammi had to go through when Abbu wasn't there for them...it takes time to heal such large wounds. Bhaijaan has told him he's forgiven him but I don't know if he has truly forgiven him in his heart. That's why Abbu is very careful and patience around him. He restrains himself when he's around them."

"You're right. He never initiates a hug unless someone from the family does it first," Humeira said recalling the past family events.

"Why don't we talk to Asad Bhaijaan then?" Nuzrat requested. "It's been eight years. Can he really hold a grudge for that long? The entire truth is out. They are in jail paying for their crimes."

"Zoya Bhabhi..."

"What about Zoya Bhabhi, Nikhat Di?"

"Maybe he still feels guilty with what happened to Zoya Bhabhi. She has been hurt just as much if not more because of everything."

Humeira's eyes started to well at her comment. It was true her half sister had been put through so many tests in life. A part of her wished she could have taken a fraction of the pain that she had to endure. She saw the concern look on her husband's face and forced a smile. "I'm okay." He quietly held her hand underneath the table and squeezed it letting her know he was there for her.

"Dilshaad Ammi is such a nice person. She deserves happiness too," Nuzrat sighed. "Isn't there anything we can do?" All the girls looked at Ayaan who gave a confused expression at first but then nodded in understanding. "I'll talk to Bhaijaan about it."

"Mission Abbu and Dilshaad Ammi?" Nuzrat squealed.

"Haan, Zingo Hottie's mission," Humeira agreed.

Ayaan extended his hand out across the table inviting everyone to place their hands on top of each other in agreement to this project. "Zingo Hottie's..." they all said in unison with mirth in their eyes.

The Zingo Hottie's Club meeting was soon interrupted as Nikhat noticed Rashid walking back to the table. His head was bent down as he was busy adjusting the sleeve of his dress shirt. "Abbu..." she whispered fiercely notifying everyone. They all quickly removed their hands and started playing with their napkins.

"Shall we go?" Rashid asked when he reached the table. Everyone smiled and stood up ready to leave.

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Asad closed his laptop and looked over at Soham. The two men broke out into huge grins. "That was a successful and productive meeting wouldn't you say?"

"Yes sir. Most productive. I'm sure you can rest easy now and take that well deserve vacation break. One full month?' Soham replied.

"One full month," Asad nodded. He got up from his chair and started gathering all the documents that had been laying across his desk. "Soham, take these files here. You will need them later. Also, Shefali has the keys to my cabin so if there is a file that you need in here she can get them for you."

"Okay. I'll take these files and lock them up at my desk."

Once Soham left his cabin Asad let out an exhausted sigh and leaned back into his leather chair. He swiveled it around to face the window and closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose letting the tension in his body leave him. He was finally done. He hoped he still had enough of the day left to spend some time with his family. He spun the chair around as he heard footsteps entering into his office again. "Soham, did you forget something?"

"Soham I am not, Mrs. Asad Ahmed Khan I am," Zoya answered as she bounded over to him and plopped herself onto his lap. She settled her hands behind his neck and arched her eyebrows at him waiting for him to respond.

"What are you doing here?"

"Allah miya! Is that how to greet your loving wife?" Zoya pouted.

Asad's lips curled into a mischievous grin making Zoya pouted harder. He leaned his forehead against hers and teased, "That's for this morning."

She frowned, "Oh Really? Well..." trying to get up from her lap. "Eee, let me go..." Asad just continued to grin and firmly held onto her waist with his arms. "Asad..."

"Sshh..." he hushed effectively silencing her. He inched his nose forward and brushed the tip against the bridge of her nose. He could hear her breathing quicken and sense her erratic heartbeat. His own heart was racing as he felt the undeniable surge of what he could only describe as electricity passing between them. It was amazing how the sheer proximity of each other's bodies could do this. His lips parted grazing softly against the skin of her cheek before it made contact with her luscious mouth.

Zoya curled her fingers into his silky hair and relaxed into his embrace. She could feel his left hand rubbing against her thigh. "Jeans..." he mumbled against her lips. "Why does my wife have to wear jeans all the time?"

"Because I'm a fashionable Ammi," Zoya defended as she nipped his lower lip.

"Why not that mini skirt?" gripping her thigh. He groaned as he felt Zoya pull away. His eyebrows furrowed when he received a thump to his chest.

"Don't give me that look. You know exactly why," she warned. "I'll make it up to you later. Now stop."

Asad let out a low chuckle. "As you wish Mrs. Khan," letting his hand drop from her thigh.

"Where do you think you are going?" Zoya asked as she clutched his collar forcing him to stay still.

"You said to stop."

"That, yes, but kissing no," she replied and descended on his lips again. Asad just smirked enjoying the make-out session he was having with his wife. They were soon interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Soham and their children. They could hear little Zaara's voice complaining to her brother. "Bhaijaan why can't we go inside? Abbu and Ammi are there."

"Because it's not nice manners. You have to knock on the door."

"Is that why Abbu and Ammi have been telling me to knock before I came into their room?"

"Yes, you are knocking to ask if you can come inside."

"Okay. Abbu and Ammi can we come in?!"

Asad and Zoya both broke out into amused laughter at their daughter's words. They did a quick spot check on their appearance making sure they looked presentable. Zoya fixed her hair and then extend on her tip toes to adjust Asad's hair.

"Ammi? Abbu?"

"You may come in," Asad commanded.

"Yay!" Zaara shouted as the door opened. She ran straight into her father's leg hugging him tightly. "Can we go to the park now?" Her head was titled back so she could properly plead with her cute brown eyes.

"Park?"

"Haan, I thought it would be nice to go to the park. Humeira and Ayaan will also be there with Farah," Zoya informed.

"Okay," Asad nodded and grabbed his suitcase. "Let's go then."

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Ayaan gave his wife a quizzical look unsure of himself. He was beginning to sweat despite trying to keep himself calm. He glanced over to the swing set where his older brother was gently swinging the girls in their swings and swallowed hard. He felt slender fingers curl around his pinky squeezing gently in support. Humeira give him a reassuring nod. What they were doing was right. Ayaan smiled uneasily and then made his way towards the swings. "Um...Bhaijaan do you want to sit down?"

"No, I'm fine." Rubbing his eyebrows he tittered around on his feet not sure what to say next. "Something wrong, Ayaan?"

"No, no..." coughing uncomfortably, "nothing. I just thought maybe you wanted to sit down and relax a bit that's all..."

"Jiju, here let me do this," Humeira interrupted coming to the aid of her husband. She politely led him to the side. "Baji, did you read that article about Ranbir Kapoor in Filmfare?"

"What article?" Zoya inquired excitedly. She had gone back to the car to get the snacks.

Asad rolled his eyes knowing how this conversation was going to go. "I think I need to sit. Zoya why don't you help Humeira? Let Ayaan and I take care of the snacks." His wife flashed a dimpled smile and quickly made her way over to her sister so they could gossip about Bollywood stars. Ayaan smiled and followed his brother to the picnic table. He observed how Asad was arranging all the water bottles and snacks in a well organized manner. No matter how many times he had seen his brother's OCD tendencies he was still amazed. Zoya was the complete opposite. How could they share a room together? He could image the types of fights that must have broken out between the two. Ayaan smirked in amusement; there must be a reason for the phrase opposites attract.

"Water?"

Ayaan took the bottle in front him with a thankful nod. "Thanks Bhaijaan."

The two quietly sat looking out towards the large green field watching Atif played ball with a neighbor's grandson and his dog. "It's amazing isn't Bhaijaan how fast they grow up? Farah grew another two inches! We've been marking the inside of the closet door in her room. She's already talking about going into kindergarten. I mean it feels like just yesterday I had brought her home from the hospital. She was so tiny in my arms."

Asad smiled nodding his head, "It is amazing. I cannot believe Atif is now eight years old. Zaara's fifth birthday is coming up soon."

"I know. And they have all this life ahead of them to live. I just hope they don't have to experience any pain. I don't want them to get hurt and struggle like we did. I hope whatever good karma we did protects them. There were a lot of sacrifices made to get to this day." Asad stared at his little brother speechless. "What Bhaijaan? Do I have something on my face?" Ayaan asked as he started to wipe his mouth and face.

Laughing in complete amusement, "I never thought I would hear such grown up words from Mr. Ayaan Ahmed Khan. You've finally matured!"

"Bhaijaan! I can be mature," Ayaan defended. "I'm a father now."

"I know. Little Farah has only...made you worse you've regressed."

"Bhaijaan..."

Asad smirked and wrapped his arm around his neck bringing him close so he could give him a noggie. "Aaa, Bhaijaan," Ayaan thrashed. Eventually he broke free and rubbed his sore head and then fixed his curly hair.

"Anything else you like to add?"

"Yes, we went to visit Ammi's grave today..."

"I know we swung by there before coming to the park," Asad replied.

"Abbu has been acting a bit strange. Maybe it's the memories...I'm not sure. I-I...Bhaijaan, I'm going to say something and I just want you to hear me out before you say anything. Let me finish what I have to say, okay?" Asad looked into his brother's eyes and saw the glimmer of fear and concern. He kept silent and slowly blinked in agreement. "Abbu's lonely Bhaijaan. A part of it is because of Ammi...a small part. But we all know...even I admit it because I've seen it...it's in his eyes...he still loves Dilshaad Ammi a lot. He's paid his time of three years...pleading guilty for the arson charges. And for the past five years he's doing all this commendable charitable work. But Dilshaad Ammi and him...he's never pushed his relation with her...and time is moving fast...don't you think we should help them?"

"What if they don't want to be?" Asad inquired.

"What if something is holding them back?" Ayaan swallowed uncomfortably at the way his brother was looking at him. "I know you've forgiven him, but have you truly? Maybe they need your blessing..."

"Mine?" Asad replied with a baffled expression. "They are both adults."

"But they are not together are they?" Asad remained mute and tightened his jaw. "Look Bhaijaan, I understand...what happened to Dilshaad Ammi, Najam and you...the struggles you had to go through because of Abbu...and Zoya Bhabhi's loss...I know you must feel guilty...but hasn't everyone been punished enough?"

"Ayaan..." Asad hissed. "I don't want to talk about this," getting up from his seat, "We promised not to talk about the past."

"Bhaijaan...I'm sorry...Bhaijaan..." Ayaan sighed as he watched his brother walk away and distract himself with a game of ball with Atif.

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Irfan sighed as he exited the car and went to the other side and grabbed his messenger bag. His white dress shirt and khaki slacks fitted nicely against his tall slender frame. His black hair was short and trimmed tidily. It however, didn't match the thick stubble growing on his face. He checked his watch and gave a faint smile, 9:00pm. He was actually early today. Upon entering the house he expected to see his parents and wife sitting in the living room watching TV but no one was there. He walked into the kitchen to find it empty as well. He started calling his family, "Ammi? Abbu? Najma?" He walked his way to the back porch thinking they were having tea, but he found it deserted as well. His eyebrows knitted and he quickly climbed the stairs calling again, "Ammi? Abbu? Najma? Anyone home? Hello? Anyone?" He opened his bedroom door and saw his wife sitting on the edge of the bed. "Najma?

She had been startled by the force her husband had used to enter their bedroom and it took her a few seconds to compose herself. "Irfan, you're home?"

"Najma, what's wrong?" he asked as he noticed the dried tear stains on her cheeks. He let his bag slip from his shoulders, "Is everything okay?" and sat beside her worried that something had occurred.

"No, nothing...I was just reminiscing that's all," forcing a smile.

"You've been crying," Irfan firmly stated.

"I don't know what you are talking about." She got up and turned her body away from him so she could quickly wipe her cheeks.

"Don't lie to me. It's obvious. Are you going to tell me what's wrong? Or am I going to have to pry it out of you?"

"Let me heat up your dinner." She felt a firm tug on her arm and was pulled back away from the door.

"Don't change the subject," he said sternly. "You've been acting extremely strange lately. What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me?" She sharply replied. Realizing her words came out a lot harsher than she had intended she bit her lower lip and looked to the side.

His left eyebrow arched at her tone. "It's been a long day at work. I really don't want to fight with you."

"I am not the one fighting. You're the one who won't let me go heat up your food."

"You're the one who won't talk to me. In fact you haven't been talking to me for weeks," Irfan said in exasperation.

"I won't talk to you? How am I suppose to talk to someone who comes home late every night?"

"You know my hours and you know why. Couple of the doctors went on vacation and one of them had a family emergency," he rubbed his eyes as the sudden fatigue of the night hit him. "I don't have time with cryptic games."

"Games? This is a game to you? Our life is a game?"

"That's not what I meant," shaking his head, "Don't put words in my mouth."

Najma closed her eyes to keep her emotions in check. Tears were threatening to come pouring out any minute. "Let me go heat your food," she softly said.

"Najma," Irfan sighed as he pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry. You know I love you. It's just been really hard at work. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I'm sorry." His eyes widen as he suddenly heard her sob against his shoulder. Guilt washed over his face as he was ashamed of being the root cause of her current emotional state. "I'm sorry Najma. I'm really sorry. Please stop crying. Just a few more days and then the schedule will be back to normal again."

"Ir-ffan..." crying harder as her fingers tightened against his shirt.

"What's wrong?" he asked with great concern as it dawned on him that there was something else bothering her.

"I...I..." He pulled back and cupped her face wiping away her tears with the pads of his thumbs. "Shhh...it's okay," he comforted his brown eyes softening. "Will you please tell me what's wrong? You're making me extremely worried."

"I'mm...I...it's...it didn't work."

"It didn't work? What do you mean? Irfan replied in confusion.

"I've been doing my best to follow the diet and...I thought...but it's in the bathroom..."

Irfan looked at her and followed her hand with his eyes to see her pointing towards the bathroom. He took her hand into his and walked inside the room. His shoulders slumped immediately understanding what the real cause of the situation at hand was. The pregnancy test was sitting on the counter. The applicator indicated that they were not going to become parents. "I'm sorry." Irfan turned towards her and shook his head, "Why are you sorry?"

"I wanted to so badly tell you some good news but it never came..." Najam sniffled. "I'm such a bad wife."

"Why are you a bad wife? Having a child doesn't define whether you are good wife or not. I married you because I loved you. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. And the doctor said it wasn't impossible. It will just take us a little longer that's all."

"But how much longer?" Najama painfully asked.

Irfan pulled her in close. "When it's time for us it will happen."

"And if it doesn't come soon, then what?"

"Then we have other options. We can always adopt Najma," Irfan answered hugging her tightly. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

"You have that much faith?"

"I have that much faith," looking into her teary eyes. Najma collapsed into him hugging him tightly while he soothingly supported her head. Irfan closed his eyes letting his own tears fall down.

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Zoya walked out of the bathroom happily humming to herself. Now that it was summer vacation her mind was busy planning things for the family to do before they left for New York. She was so excited that she would be going back to the States to visit. Her eyes caught sight of her husband standing in front of the window staring out into the patio garden. The white kurta stretched beautifully along his broad shoulders his back silhouette looking so alluring that her lips immediately curled upward into a mischievous smirk. "Payback time Mr. Khan," Zoya thought as she strode over to her husband. She wrapped her arms around his waist and tipped toed up to kiss the back of his ear.

Asad's eyes widen at the sudden intrusion. "Enjoying the scenery?" Zoya whispered softly.

"Hmmm...it's quite nice."

Noticing the slight sigh in his voice she craned her neck to look at him, "What's wrong Asad?"

"Nothing..." diverting his eyes away from hers.

"Don't say nothing when you mean something." Zoya removed her arms from around his waist. "Bol..." She had been with him long enough to know when something was bothering him. And something was on his mind tonight. She gently placed her hand on his arm and waited patiently.

"Am I selfish?"

Zoya raised her eyebrows confused as to why he would even say such a thing. She knew she had made comments before to him about such things but that was a long time ago and very early on in their relationship. "No, of course not Asad." She continued to look at him wondering where all this was suddenly coming from. "You're the most caring husband, loving father, and dutiful son...I know I've teased you in the past but that was before when we were both immature and our relationship status was still up in the air...and comments said in anger don't really count...why are you thinking of such things now?"

"I try really hard to do the right things..."

"Yes," Zoya replied gripping his bicep tightly. "I know you do."

"Maybe I made the wrong decision..." She controlled her breath when Asad finally turned to her. She could see the unshed tears in his eyes. As much as she poked fun at him being emotionally challenged he had quite the sensitive and emotional heart. It was one of the many things she loved about him. She stood silent offering her support so he could continue his explanation. He closed his eyes briefly and took a small breath in the attempts to wash away his anger and steady himself before speaking, "Ammi...and I have a good relationship. We could sit down and talk over a cup of coffee...discuss things...debate..." glancing away and then back, "Am I being unreasonable? Am I acting so stern that she cannot talk to me? If..if she wants to be with A-Abbu...if they want to be together why won't they say something?"

Zoya's eyes widen, "Ammi and Dost-Abbu?"

"Would you be okay with it?" He watched her mutely blink in response. Taking it the wrong way he continued, "If this is too uncomfortable for you...then it does not need to happen. I want you to be comfortable," placing his hands on her shoulders. "Right now things are good, right? This is a workable relationship..."

"For whom? You or Ammi?" Zoya directly inquired.

"Everyone?"

"I told you that I have forgiven him. Don't do this for my sake," Zoya said. "The past was the past and we need to move forward."

Asad nodded his head. "It hurts. Forgiveness may have been giving but I cannot forget what...he..." taking a deep breath, "what he did. And you know I tried really hard..."

"I know," Zoya replied softly. "But time stops for no one Asad...Ammi is getting older and so is your Abbu...what little time they have left shouldn't they spend it together?" She stared at him waiting for his response but all he did was turn his head away to stare out the window again. Zoya was about to say something again when she heard Dilshaad calling for her. "One minute Ammi, I'm coming." Before leaving the room she gave a warm squeeze on his shoulder and said, "I will stand by whatever decision you make."

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