PART 41:
NEXT MORNING: ASAD'S HOUSE
"Asad, kaam par jaa rahe ho?" Dilshaad stopped him as a clean-shaven Asad walked towards the front door.
"Jee ammi."
"Kya baat hai, bahut dino baad razor ki yaad kaise aa gayi?" She teased him.
"Wo-wo-actually," he stuttered, "just thought a change would be good."
"Good timing." Dilshaad smiled.
"Main aapka matlab samjha nahin." Asad raised an eyebrow.
"Let's sit down for breakfast. Phir batati hoon."
"Ammi," he shuffled nervously on his feet, " I have an important appointment this morning," he checked his watch once again. Even though it was still early, he couldn't wait to get to the art house on time. It was a big day for his mission but a difficult one for a son. It could turn out to be a day of justice or the day when a son avenged the sins of his father.
"Theek hai, tho surprise bhi baad mein hi bataaungi." She teased him.
"Achcha bataaiye, kya surprise hai?" Asad folded his arms and confronted his mother.
"Aaj shaam ko hum sab Zoya ke ghar chalenge."
"Zoya ke ghar?" He unfolded his arms and gave her an incredulous look.
"Haan, main chaahti hoon tum dono ki aaj sagai kar doon."
Asad turned red at Dilshaad's suggestion, "wo-wo ammi, kuch din wait kar lein?"
"Nahin! I don't want to delay it any more." Dilshaad was firm. Her conversation with Ayaan the previous night had made her just a bit jittery. Even though she had liked Ayaan and had felt sorry for him, she couldn't bear that remote possibility of Rashid's second wife stealing her son's love from them.
Asad tried to hide his smile but couldn't fool Dilshaad.
"Achcha janaab ke mann mein laddoo phoot rahe hain. Kam se kam apni ammi se tho jhooth mat bolo Asad."
"Oh wo," Asad blushed, "jaisa aap theek samjhein."
"Good. I am glad you got rid of that beard too. Photos achchi aayengi ab." Dilshaad chuckled and picked her bag.
Asad smiled, caressing his cheek as he recalled Zoya's kiss from last night.
"Chalo, ab muskuraana chhodo aur mujhey raaste mein chhod dena." Dilshaad elbowed her son.
"Sure ammi. Where do you need to go?"
"I need to go shopping and also," she paused, "to Lilavati hospital."
"Lilavati hospital? Sab theek tho hai na? Aapki tabiyat?"
"I am fine. Just a routine follow up." Dilshaad averted here eyes. She wanted to meet Rashid before heading out to the mall.
BOMBAY ART HOUSE:
An anxious Zoya paced in her office. Although, she had talked Ayaan to help her access Rashid's office, a part of her wanted to remain oblivious of the truth. Even though, she had been upset after Rashid uncle's visit the other evening, she wanted to preserve his image of a father figure, a helper, her support during the most critical phase of her life.
"Kaun?" She was startled by the knock on her door.
"Main," Asad opened the door gently and walked in quietly.
"Ya Allah!" She sighed with relief, "I thought it would be Ayaan."
"I am a little early. Don't worry," he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes, "main aa gaya hoon, sab theek ho jaayega. Dekho tumhare kehne par shave bhi kar li." He teased her to ease her tension.
"Thanks," She squeezed his hand on her cheek, "I know aap sab theek kar denge."
"Now, I need to make my self invisible." He patted her cheek and scanned her office, "I will hide behind that large statue in the corner. Once Ayaan is here, just go ahead. I will follow you guys."
"Lekin Ayaan ko shaq ho gaya tho?"
"Zoya, trust me. I know I might be a rookie in the field of love but this is my profession. I know what I am doing. Just keep your phone handy so we can communicate via text."
Before she could answer, Asad had managed to hide behind the large statue.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Oh Ayaan?" Zoya was startled as he walked into her office.
"Kya hua? Why are you startled? I though we were planning to meet at 10, right?"
"Yes, of course Ayaan. Chalo, I am ready."
"Okay, let me get the master keys from my office and then I will see you near the elevator."
"I can walk with you. That's okay." Zoya wanted to make sure she knew where he hid the master keys.
"Oh," Ayaan hesitated but then relented, "okay." Dilshaad's advise echoed in his head- trust Zoya
Zoya made mental notes, observing him carefully. He pulled the keys out from a drawer in his desk.
"Let's go down to the basement."
"Rashid uncle ka office basement mein hai?"
"Haan Zoya." They walked towards the elevator. Like an astute sleuth, Asad followed them cautiously.
"Lekin kyun? Why doesn't Rashid uncle want to be on the top floor? After all, our art house has such a great reputation. We have so many visitors every year."
"Wo-bas abbu aise hi hain." Ayaan evaded her question, "he hates the limelight."
Once in the basement, they walked through various corridors, almost like a maze till they arrived at a nondescript looking door. It looked more like a janitor's storage room door than an office.
To her surprise, the shaggy door opened into small hallway that lead to a heavy metallic door with a keypad. Ayaan unlocked the heavy door with his master keys and then swiftly entered a seven-digit code.
Zoya bit her lip. Even though she had a photographic memory for details, she could only catch three letters from the code: D__ ___ E __ O __
"Oh wow! Lot of security." She commented.
"Yeah, abbu has a lot of old paintings and antiques in here. Without the correct security code, no one can get in. Aur agar code galat dabaa diya tho it alerts our internal security system."
"Oh," Zoya's heart sank.
Once inside the office, she was shocked by the worn out and frayed look of the office. Dust piles and musty odor meant that Rashid uncle had probably not entered the office in a long time or just didn't care about the upkeep of his office.
"Rashid uncle kahan hain?" She asked.
"Maine kaha na bahar gaye hain."
"Does he really work here regularly?"
"Zoya, tumhein jo chaahiye, please use file cabinet se le lo. Abbu has all the files of the art house in there." Ayaan pointed to a corner, "they're arranged alphabetically."
"Okay," she nodded, "it will take me some time. Tum chaaho tho apna kaam kar sakte ho oopar. I will call you once I am done." She knew that Asad was probably anxious to get in but there was no way he could walk in without being noticed. She had to figure out a way to get Ayaan out of there.
"No, that's okay. I have to tally some accounts anyways," Ayaan sat down at the desk and logged into Rashid's computer.
As she stooped over the files in the corner, Zoya received a text from Asad.
ASAD: I AM OUTSIDE THE DOOR. IS IT SAFE TO COME IN?
ZOYA: NOT YET. LET ME TRY. WAIT
"Ayaan, I just received a message from Humeira." Zoya lied.
He turned around, "Humeira?" He searched his pockets, "oh, I left my phone in the office. Kya hua? Sab khairiyat tho hai?"
"Farhan-I think Farhan fell down from the stairs." Zoya squirmed as she lied to Ayaan. That was the only way she could create a fear and flight reaction in Ayaan.
"WHAT?" Ayaan jumped up. He didn't bother to log off either, "main abhi ghar jaata hoon. Zoya tum yahin raho. I will send Imran to take care of you."
"Imran?" Zoya shuddered at the thought of another person in the room.
"Yes, he knows how to lock up everything," Ayaan dashed out in a panic. Asad ducked behind an old carton on the floor and promptly entered the office as soon as Ayaan left the corridor.
Zoya was relieved to see Asad, "we have to be quick Mr. Khan. He has asked Imran to meet me here."
"Imran?" Asad smirked.
"Aap khush kyun ho rahe hain? Yahan meri jaan par aayi huyi hai." She was visibly furious.
"Jab shikaar khud chal kar aa raha ho mere paas, tho shikari khush tho hoga hi na?" Zoya just rolled her eyes. She was in no mood to argue with him. Asad sat down at the desk and scrolled down the computer screen, "yeh Mr. Rashid Ahmed Khan ka chota beta zyaada samajhdaar nahin hai. He left this station logged on for me." With the speed of lightening, Asad managed to access various financial spreadsheets and transactions on Rashid's personal computer. Quickly, he transferred the data on a USB stick.
Zoya walked over and stood behind him. She placed her palm on his shoulder, "Mr. Khan, are you sure we will not be caught? I am really afraid."
"Don't worry Zoya. Tum ek kaam karo. Can you take pictures of the office, various files, those old paintings and antiques in that corner with my phone? Jaldi, we don't have much time."
Just as they collected data, they heard footsteps approaching the office.
"Mr. Khan!" She whispered and returned his phone back to him, "lagta hai Imran aa raha hai."
"Yeah, I heard that." He ducked under the large wooden table as Imran walked in.
"Zoya, aapka kaam ho gaya tho chalein?"
Asad recognized the shoes- he was indeed the same Imran that had bribed Maya the other night. Even though they had narrowed down on his name, Imran had managed to go underground since Maya's arrest. Asad sent a secret signal to his office. Hopefully, they would nab him at one of the exit doors at the art house.
"J-jee Imran. L-let's go." Zoya picked some files. Through the corner of her eyes, she glanced at Asad. He gestured her to leave but she was reluctant.
GO
He texted her. She stared at his message; how could she leave him locked up in the office?
"Kya hua Zoya?" Imran turned around. He noticed the open laptop, "yeh Ayaan computer on kyun chhod gaya?" He shut the laptop. "Let's go."
"J-jee," she shuffled nervously. Asad sent her another text: JUST GO! DON'T WORRY!
Imran noticed her eyes glued to her phone.
"Sab khairiyat tho hai? Aap badhi nervous lag rahi hain?"
"Kuch nahin. Wo-wo-Farhaan-he-he fell down. I am just a bit worried."
"I am sure he will be fine. Ayaan sahib chale gaye hain ghar." Imran held the door open for her, "chaliye Zoya. We need to leave."
"Shukriya." Zoya walked out hesitantly. Her heart galloped against her chest wall. She was worried about Asad. How would she convince them to come back to the office again? What if someone caught Asad there? If they were real
Criminals, they would not hesitate to hurt Asad.
Asad didn't panic at all. Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity and scanned the office out thoroughly. He was confident that Zoya would find a way to get him out of there. If not, he was used to being a captive and would figure out a way to escape one way or another.
Imran dropped Zoya to her office, "okay Zoya. I need to leave. I hope you have found what you needed."
"Thanks Imran," she forced a smile, "what if I need more files?"
"Wait for Ayaan. I have to go." Imran was in a rush to leave. Since Maya's arrest, he had gone underground. If Ayaan had not called him, he would have stayed away from the arthouse. Ayaan had no idea about Maya or Imran's connections with Razia. Imran was Razia's main ally in Mumbai. Since his association with the arthouse, he had played a two faced game with Rashid and Razia. Each considered him to be their confidant but in reality, he extracted tons of money from both for his own benefit. Maya was his associate and had been instrumental in seducing Farhan's driver and placing the bomb in that car.
Imran was still in the dark about how and who had arrested Maya but he knew that meant he needed to be vigilant and stay underground for sometime.
Imran walked out with his long coat, hat and dark glasses, collar up- his best attempt to conceal his identity.
"YOU ARE UNDER ARREST!" Imran was stunned to see two uniform clad officers with a gun and handcuff near his car. He tried to run away but police cars surrounded the whole parking lot. He jerked him self forcefully and swallowed a pill placed in his ring. Within a few minutes, he had turned blue, with froth erupting from his mouth. He was dead!
The disappointed officers kicked themselves but notified Asad of the mishap.
"Just empty all his pockets. We need his phone, keys, watch, any contact information that he has on his body or in his car." Asad gave instructions from the basement office.
"Sir aap kahan hain?"
"Meri fikr mat karo abhi. I will call you if I need help. Just take the body and evidence. I don't want any ruckus in the parking lot. The arthouse opens to the public at 11. Just clear up everything before the doors open."
"Yes sir!"
In the meantime, Zoya ran towards Ayaan's office in search of the master keys. Hopefully, he had replaced it in the drawer and not walked away with it. "Mr. Khan, aap chaahe jo bhi kahein, I am not leaving the premises without you. Agar hum pakde gaye tho saath pakde jaayenge, maare jaayenge tho bhi saath maare jaayenge."
She was resolute in her mission.
"Ya Allah! Shukr hai," she was relieved to see the keys. He must have come for his phone and replaced the keys but forgot to lock the drawer. Ayaan was definitely very distracted that morning, but that worked in their favor.
"Now, if I can get that code working."
She recalled the letters and wrote them down on her cast with her left hand.
D__ ___ E __ O __
As far as she recalled, he had punched in letters only. There were no numbers or other characters.
She walked down to the basement and stood in front of the heavy door with her puzzle.
Her white cast came in handy as she tried various combinations.
"D-D-D...hmm- Dilshaad?"
"E and O...hmm...LOVE? Spelt backwards?"
"YA ALLAH! DILSHAAD ASAD NAJMA?"
"DANEVOL!" Her fingers trembled as she punched in the code. If the code were accurate, it would reiterate the fact that for Rashid uncle, his first family would always hold a special place in his life.
As soon as she punched in the last letter L' she was prepared for the alarms or sirens to go off. If someone caught her, she was prepared to sacrifice and surrender herself for Mr. Khan.
To her pleasant surprise, the door sprung open.
Asad ducked under the table when he saw the door open.
"Mr. Khan. Main hoon. Let's get out of here. Kahan hai aap?"
Asad came out of hiding and gazed at her with pride, "ek sher ko sirf sherni hi bacha sakti hai. I am proud of you Zoya. How did you manage that?"
"Can we talk outside? I am afraid Ayaan ya Imran wapas na aa jaayein."
"Imran kabhie wapas nahin aayega aur Ayaan ka main kuch keh nahin sakta." He held her hand and walked out of the room, "let's go partner."
They ran as fast as they could.
Breathless, they reached the exit door, "looks like the arthouse is open now. Chalo, let's just walk out casually. I don't want anyone to get suspicious." Asad dusted his clothes and walked out with a smile.
The museum staff gave him curious looks but when they saw Zoya follow him, they realized he was someone important or a client.
Zoya was still shaken up by the whole incident. She stood out in the parking lot, frazzled and nervous.
"Chalo tumhein ghar chhod deta hoon." He placed his arm around her.
"I have my car. Driver aata hi hoga."
"Nervous ho?"
She nodded.
He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead, "I am very proud of you Zoya. Aaj pehli baar main museebat mein tha aur tumney mujhey bachaya hai. Imagine that?"
"Mr. Khan. I hope no one will try to avenge this intrusion. Agar yeh log sach much gunaahgaar hain tho jaise meri car mein bomb lagaya tha, waise aapko kahin..."
He placed his fingers on her lips, "aisa kuch nahin hoga. Ek na ek din sab gunaahgaar pakde jaate hain. It's our time now Zoya. We have suffered for a long time. Trust me."
Zoya placed her head on his chest and sobbed softly, "I trust you Mr. Khan. Agar trust nahin karti tho yeh sab kyun karti? I am tired of all this. Ab main bas aapke saath apni zindagi guzaarna chaahti hoon."
"Be ready then."
"Matlab?" She glanced at his face.
"We have a surprise for you this evening. Ab jao, ghar jaakar rest karo. We will see you in the evening."
"We?"
He nodded his head, "yes, we... let it be a surprise."
She smiled back at him and touched his face, "okay, I am ready Mr. Khan."
As Asad and Zoya romanced and reluctantly parted ways, they didn't notice a pair of angry eyes glued at them.
EVENING:
For this section, enjoy memories of the real ASYA engagement on the show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY42VKWSDpM
Dishaad, Najma and Asad all surprised Zoya that evening.
"Phoophi aap? Najma? Yeh sab kya hai?" Zoya was ecstatic to see them at the door. She was surprised to see their hands loaded with gifts and shopping bags.
Asad, dressed in a black suit followed his ammi and sister with a wicked smile. Zoya gave him a thumbs up, appreciating how handsome he looked that evening. Asad nodded gently, tickled by her approval.
"Bhaijaan ne aapko bataaya nahin?" Najma asked.
"He just said it's a surprise." She was dressed in her pajamas, unaware of the nature of the surprise.
"Kya main apne bte ki sagai tum se kar sakti hoon? Tumhare abbu yahan nahin hain tho is liye tum se hi permission leni padhegi. Waise bhi tum apne saare decisions khud hi leti ho." Dilshaad teased her.
Zoya lowered her eyes. Blushing, she nodded gently.
"Okay, chalo Zoya. Let's go up and get you ready."
Najma dragged Zoya to her room. She helped her into a beautiful red salwaar suit and hid her cast under the heavy dupatta.
"MashAllah!" Najma kissed Zoya's cheek, "aaj tho bhaijaan sach much ghayal hone waale hain."
Zoya gave her a dirty look, "tamatar ki bachchi! Jab tumhari engagement hogi, tab poochungi. I haven't even met your Mr. Wahi yet. Is he real or just a figment of your imagination?"
Najma blushed as she applied make up on Zoya, "wo kya hai Zoya, mere Wahi sahib thode sharmile hain. I asked him to join us today but he wants to meet you first."
"Kyun?"
"I think he is scared of you."
"Scared of me?" Zoya laughed, "I don't think anyone can be scared of me."
"Oh no sweetheart. There is a long list."
"Achcha jaise?"
"Dr. Ali, Karan, and of course bhaijaan."
"Bhaijaan? Yeah right!"
"Dekhna Zoya. Nikaah ke baad he will be at your service 24/7. Wo aapki bahut fikr karte hain aur aapko apni palkon par bithaa kar rakhenge. He is crazy about you. He gets so upset when I get late. He won't let me go to work till I have come here and helped you in the morning."
Yeh tho waqt hi bataayega tamatar." Zoya chuckled.
"Lagi shart?"
Both women burst out laughing. They hugged each other. It had been a while since they had bonded like this.
"Yaad hai Najma, hum pehle kaise raat raat bhar pagalon ki tarah baatein karte the?"
"Yes, I remember. Wo sleepover waali baat bhooli tho nahin ho na abhi?"
"What if you get married? Phir sleepover kaise karenge?"
"I am going to wait a year before I get married. Lekin bhaijaan itna intezaar nahin karenge. So, don't worry, we will have lots of opportunities."
Both women walked down after Najma had dressed Zoya up in the beautiful red outfit with simple jewelry that Dilshaad had gifted her.
Asad couldn't take his eyes off his fiance. Mesmerized, his eyes stayed glued to the woman descending the stairway. She looked like a princess in red.
Dilshaad elbowed her son, "ehem ehem...meri hone waali bahu ko nazar mat lagao. Apno ki nazar sab se pehle lagti hai."
"Oh-wo-ammi-wo," he lowered his eyes guiltily and shuffled his feet.
Dilshaad welcomed Zoya. She gave her a hug and placed a black kohl mark behind her ear, "mashAllah! Kitni khubsoorat hai meri hone waali bahu. Sabr ka phal sach much meetha hota hai. I am so happy for both of you. Allah tum dono ki Jodi hamesha salaamat rakhe."
Asad and Zoya stood facing each other. Dilshaad handed their respective rings to both of them.
Without any delay, both of them lost in each other's eyes, slipped the rings on and held each other for sometime. Najma and Dislhaad clicked photographs and congratulated both of them.
The four of them hugged each other; it was one of the best days of their lives.
DING! DONG!
"Arre yeh door bell kisne bajayi?" Zoya asked.
"It must be the caterer," Najma quipped, "I had ordered food on the way in. We need to celebrate in style."
"Let me get the door," Asad walked over to the door.
As soon as he opened the door, he was stunned to see a gun pointing at him.
"TRAITOR! I WILL KILL YOU!"
...to be contd...
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
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