FAASLE IV: END/EPILOGUE Pg 130 Nov 30 - Page 63

Originally posted by: Annu..

Thanks Annu. I guess Ghafoor's friend (Zoya's original guardian in Mumbai) could have been there as witness...

were they even invited??

Chlao maine bhi Gul style mein nikaah karwaa diya

Gul ne phir bhi valid/invalid ka chakkar rakha.. Aapne ye naubat aaney hi naa di.. 😆

Originally posted by: bheegi

Na...they were not invited😆

Gul Khan ne toh chauka lagaya tha Zoyaan nikaah mein.. Aapne toh yahan 6er maara, wo bhi seedha mid wicket boundary pe.. 😆

Love your Tendulkar siggie...u r a fan of SRT too?

Thanks.. no, Dravid's.. The Great Wall of India!! 😳

Originally posted by: rachnaraju

OMG OMG OMG awesome update , chalo serial mein nikaah nahi hui toh kya aapki ff mein toh nikaah hogaya🤣 . SOoo happy . U are such a good writer 😊.

There are many good writers on this forum,but very few of them give such long updates,and u are one of them👏. U have such good grip on this story.

Your story is a really long one and sometimes i have seen writers forget certain minute but essential details .But i have never ever seen u making any mistakes like that. suddenly from nowhere u fill the previous gaps and then i remember "oh yeah ,this also had to be cleared".

U have potrayed all kinds of emotions and situations in this story.Anger ,love ,betrayal,passion,care,.well the list is endless...overall i have nothing to say but just this...👏...

Btw when is the next update...cant wait for it.

PART 48:

(Dedicated to a loyal reader, Anushree who wanted a naughty Asad)

DISCLAIMER: The next two chapters are rated PG 13. If you are 13 or younger, please take guidance from your parents before you read them. I don't want your parents getting upset with me J

Also, please note that I have stopped sending any PMs as my buddy list is way too long and frankly, it's hard for me to remember who all read this ff regularly.

A meal without an appetizer...

A raag without an alaap...

Is like sex without foreplay...

(By yours truly)

NEXT DAY:

"Here are all her discharge instructions. We will send a nurse in daily for the dressing changes. Make sure she gets plenty of rest and nutritious home cooked meals. Her right hip is badly bruised so she won't be able to walk for a couple of weeks or so," The doctor shook hands with Asad as he prepared Zoya's discharge paperwork.

"Mr. Khan, we can take Mrs. Khan in this wheelchair to your car." A nurse walked in with the wheelchair.

"That's okay sister. I will manage."

"Sir, Mrs. Khan is not able to walk yet. Aap kaise?"

"Mrs. Khan doesn't need to walk nor use that wheelchair."

Zoya was surprised by his reply, "Mr. Khan? Aapne suna nahin abhi doctor ne kya bola hai? Main car mein kaise jaaungi?"

"Waise hi jaise ek dulhan ko jaana chaahiye." He lifted her from the bed, in both arms and walked out of the hospital room, discharge instructions in his pocket.

"MR. KHAN! YEH AAP KYA KAR RAHE HAIN?" Zoya yelled.

"Ssshhh!" he glared at her, "jo bahut pehle karna chaahiye tha."

The hospital staff cheered and applauded the newly weds as Asad carried his bride through the corridors. An embarrassed Zoya hid her face in his chest and mumbled, "Mr. Khan, aap kya tamasha khada kar rahe hain yahan?"

"Mrs. Khan, aapko kab se tamashe se sharam aane lagi? Aap tho khud tamasha khada karne mein maahir hain." He whispered back and unabashed, carried her out to his car.

Zoya was bemused by Mr. Khan's newfound attitude.

"Mr. Khan, aap bahut change ho gaye hain."

"Aksar nikaah ke baad har aadmi ko bojha uthaane ki aadat ho jaati hai. I am just practicing." He grinned and tucked her into the passenger seat carefully.

"I HEARD THAT!" She clenched her teeth but he had shut the door.

ASAD'S HOME:

Dilshaad and Najma welcomed the bride and the groom at the front door but didn't let them enter right away.

"Wait! Wait bhaijaan! Ammi ko kuch rasam karni hain."

"Rasam?" Asad asked. Najma glanced at Zoya in his arms and couldn't help teasing them.

"Wah bhaijaan! How romantic! Nayi dulhan ko ghar mein aise hi andar aana chaahiye."

"Karan ko bhi sikha doonga main! Okay, can we come in now?" Asad asked impatiently.

"Pehle dulha dulhan ki nazar tho utaar doon." Dilshaad smiled and chanted some lines from the holy Quran. She prayed for their wellbeing and graced them with her blessings.

"Chalo, ab Zoya ko andar le aao."

"Shukr hai Allah ka, warna aaj meri back toot jaati." Asad chided.

"KYA KAHA AAPNE? MAIN BHAARI HO GAYI HOON? PEHLE THO KABHIE COMPLAIN NAHIN KIYA AAPNE!" Zoya glared at him and then bit her lip, embarrassed by her own statement.

"Nikaah ke baad phool bhi patthar jaisa bhari ho jaata hai Zoya. Sab aadmiyon ki yahi fitrat hoti hai." Dilshaad chuckled and kissed Zoya's forehead, "main soch ti thi mera Asad alag hoga sabse."

"Wo-ammi-actually," Asad stuttered, "I didn't mean it that way."

"Jaanti hoon. Chalo ab Zoya ko mere room mein settle karwaa do. Main kheer laati hoon tum dono ke liye." Dilshaad smiled back.

"Your room?" Asad's face fell, "I have no problem carrying Zoya upstairs to my-I mean our room."

"Come on bhaijaan! That won't be practical. Bechari Zoya bhabhi," Najma grinned, "baarbar oopar neeche kaise jaati rahengi. Let her stay with ammi or in my room till she is all well."

"Haan Najma theek keh rahi hai." Dilshaad agreed.

Asad glanced at Zoya, hoping she would overrule that decision. With a sly smile on her face, Zoya nodded, "doctor ne bhi yahi kaha hai phoophi. I need complete rest. I don't want to trouble Mr. Khan. Waise bhi unki back kamzor ho gayi hai. We don't need another patient on bed rest, do we?"

She glanced at Asad mischievously and shrugged her shoulders, "haina Mr. Khan? Phoophi, did I say anything wrong?" Asad gave her a sharp but silent look.

"Phoophi?" Dilshaad frowned, "yahan koi phoophi nahin hain. Sirf ammi hain."

"Oh! I am so sorry," Zoya blushed a little, "of course phoo----I mean ammi." Since her own ammi's demise, Zoya had always longed for a mother, today as she stepped into Asad's house, in his arms, her long quest to have a mother had finally been fulfilled.

DILSHAAD'S BEDROOM:

It had been years since she had entered her beloved phoophi's room. There had been no change whatsoever. The painting she had gifted her on Eid was still on the wall. Old memories brought a faint smile on her face.

"Why are you smiling Mrs. Khan?"

"Kyun smile karne par tax lagta hai aapke yahan, Mr. Khan?"

"Tax yahan har cheez par lagta hai Mrs. Khan. Khaas taur se apne shauhar ko tadpaane ka tax bahut bhaari hota hai."

"Tho aap bhaar utha tho tahe hain," she teased him again, "didn't you say I was getting heavy?" He gave her a silent glare and then placed her gently on Dilshaad's bed.

"AHHH!" Zoya squirmed.

"Oh! Are you okay?" Asad asked her worriedly.

"Yes, Mr. Khan. Doctor ne kaha tha na---be gentle with me. You are very rough Mr. Khan." She pouted.

He noticed that little twinkle in her eyes-----she was tormenting him on purpose.

"Ab kya karoon Mrs. Khan, I am a soldier. The word gentle doesn't exist in my dictionary. Agar aap mujhey apni seva karne ka mauka deti tho I would have learnt how to be gentle lekin aapne tho wo mauka mujh se cheen liya. Saza aap mujhey nahin apne aap ko de rahi hain."

"Dekhte hain Mr. Khan. Sazaa aakhir kise mil rahi hai aur kaun de raha hai---yeh tho waqt hi bataayega."

"Mrs. Khan, you will definitely lose." Asad scoffed.

" Mr. Khan, the word loss doesn't exist in my dictionary." She raised an eyebrow flirtatiously, "filhaal mujhey ek glass paani mil sakta hai. And make sure you put ice in it. I am very thirsty. I am sure you would understand how frustrating it is to remain thirsty."

Asad stood up with a faint smile, "jee nahin Mrs. Khan. I don't strain my senses that much. Mujhey jab jo cheez chaahiye hoti hai main le leta hoon. The word thirsty doesn't exist in my dictionary."

"Arre kya hua?" Dilshaad walked in with a tray, "aate hi ladhai jhagda shuru?"

"Ammi, Zoya ko pyaas lagi hai. Is liye pareshan ho rahi hai." Asad took the tray from Dilshaad and set it on the bedside table. With the corner of his eye, he glanced to check her reaction. Zoya clenched her teeth and gave him a dirty look.

"Tho tum yahan kya khade khade dekh rahe ho? Shauhar ka kaam hai apni biwi ki har zaroorat ko poora karna. Jao us bechari ke liye paani le aao."

Jee ammi. Main wo hi karne ko koshish kar rahai hoon." With a little glimmer in his eyes, he glanced at Zoya and walked out to the kitchen.

Dilshaad served the kheer in a beautiful silver bowl.

"Zoya, yeh kheer tum dono ek doosre ko khilaana. Waise kheer chatai mein dulhan ke haath par kheer rakhte hain aur dulha uske haath se kheer khaane ki koshish karta hai."

"Ammi, we can do it that way." Asad walked in with the glass of ice water, glancing at Zoya, mischievously, "a-after all it's a tradition."

"Wo ammi, I'd prefer to use a spoon. My hands are still bruised you see." Zoya retorted, "I don't want to trouble Mr. Khan."

Dilshaad pretended to ignore the undercurrents of playful banter between the two. She smiled inwardly and was overjoyed to see how much they loved and enjoyed each other's company.

Asad just gave her a look- I will get back to you for tormenting me so much.

A few minutes later, as per tradition, they fed kheer to each other. Their spoons lingered just a tad longer on their lips; their eyes locked in a lively but passionate silent exchange.

Later, Dilshaad and Najma offered their mooh dikhai' gifts to Zoya. Ornate jewelry sets, new clothes and lots of best wishes were showered on their new bahu.'

"Bhaijaan, aapne bhabhi ko mooh dikhai mein kya gift diya?"

"Mooh dikhai?" Asad was surprised, "am I supposed to give her a mooh dikhai too? Main tho Zoya ka mooh pichle 5 saal se dekh raha hoon. Isn't it a bit late?" He chided.

They all laughed out aloud. Dilshaad asked Najma to place all the gifts in Asad's room and she walked back to the kitchen with the tray.

"Mr. Khan, aap bahut kanjoos hain." Zoya held Asad's wrist, "apni begum ke liye mooh dikhai bhi nahin laaye? Kaise shauhar hain aap?"

"Theek hai Mrs. Khan. Ab aapko mooh dikhai tab hi milegi jab aap apne shauhar ke saath rehna shuru karengi. Ho sakta isi bahaane aap mere gharib khaane mein tashreef laane ki taqleef karengi."

"Bahut saude baaz hain aap Mr. Khan."

"Aap se hi seekh raha hoon Mrs. Khan. Dil ka sauda tho pehle aapne kiya tha." Asad bent down gently, his lips inches away from hers.

"Mr. Khan---aap kya kar rahe hain? Yeh aapki ammi ka bedroom hai." Zoya lowered here eyes in anticipation of a kiss. He traced her lips with his finger, gently wiping the remnants of the kheer. At that moment she didn't care if anyone walked into the room. The lingering memories of their night in the hospital bed sent a shiver down her spine. Heaving, she opened her eyes but was stunned to see him step away, " I didn't want ammi's pillow to get soiled with that kheer on your face. Hope you get some rest Mrs. Khan. I think you need to follow the doctor's orders. Zyaada excitement aapki sehet ke liye theek nahin hai."

He walked away with big grin on his face as Zoya cursed him behind his back, "I will get back Mr. Khan. Kya sirf aap mujhey aise tease kar sakte hain? Ab dekhiyega main kya karti hoon."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jLTP9Fzi1U

Seedhe Saadhe Sara Sauda

Seedha Seedha Hona Jee

Main Ne To Ko Pana Hai

Ya Tu Ne Main Ko Khona Jee

Aaaja Dil Ki Kar Saude Bazzi Kya Narazi

Aa Re Aaa Re Are Aaa

NEXT FOUR WEEKS: SNIPPETS

Asad was able to get a two-month leave from work. He had invested enough time and risked his life for the country. In anticipation of a promotion and hopefully a local assignment, he was a very satisfied man on his professional front.

However, his patience was running thin on his marital life. Despite being legally married to the woman of his dreams, he was being starved of her company and intimacy. Even a private conversation was sporadic and often marred with innumerable interruptions- family, nurses, phone calls, medications etc etc.

Zoya had almost become a celebrity. Scores of people visited her, congratulating her on her wedding and commending her heroic feat in one of the biggest victories against a terrorist gang.

Her family had also grown in numbers now. Everyday, someone from her family dropped by- Ghafoor, Humeira, Farhan, Zeenat or Anwar. Yes, Anwar had reconciled with Zeenat after a lot of groveling. His redemption came in the form of forgiveness by Ghafoor and the revelation on how he helped them by changing their tickets to India. Everyone had played their part in busting Razia. Zeenat finally relented on one condition- they were to move back to India permanently.

Life came around a full circle. Ghafoor, whose pride and sense of authority stemmed from his financial status, had now moved into Zoya's house with Humeira and Farhaan. Zoya had transferred the papers in her abbu's name on one condition- her Taj Mahal stayed, would remain off limits to others and she could visit her studio as and when she desired. Only Farhan had visiting rights to the sudio, that too when she was present. Ghafoor felt remorse for the days when he had snapped his financial ties with his beloved daughter for her defiance. Zoya had not hesitated one bit while signing off the house in his name.

Zeenat and Anwar moved into a place near Ghafoor's new home.

Zeenat, a trained special education teacher took it upon herself to take care of Farhan's therapies. Farhan was much calmer now. His nana, two khaalas and Mr. Khan showered him with lots of love and attention. Humeira's schizophrenia was under control too. The day Farhan addressed her as ammi,' had been the happiest day of her life.

Zoya had made good progress and most of her injuries had started healing. She still waddled while walking as her hip took a bit longer to heal.

Asad realized that the only way he could get some quality time with Zoya was by becoming the chef du jour. To everyone's surprise, he learnt how to cook her favorite dishes. He indulged her cravings and she enjoyed all the attention showered on her through his newly acquired culinary skills. Of course, he messed up a lot but Zoya never criticized nor expressed disgust if there was too much salt or the dish was burnt or undercooked.

"Mr. Khan this is the best dish I have ever had!" Her compliments made his day, inspiring him to experiment more. Zoya would download recipes on her iPad and hand them over to him.

"SubhanAllah Mr. Khan! Are you sure you don't want to quit the Navy and open a restaurant?" She licked her fingers, as she tasted the new chicken dish he had just prepared.

"Mrs. Khan, hope you don't make this a habit. Yeh seva sirf kuch dino ki aur hai. I am just following the doctor's orders you see."

"Did the doctor say I should stop eating good food once I am well? Somehow, I don't recall that conversation."

"Okay, ek shart par main apni cooking skills zaari rakhoonga."

"Ismein bhi shart? Aapko tho khush hona chaahiye ki aapki cooking koi tho zindagi bhar khaane ko tayyar hai."

"Mrs. Khan, aapne hi kaha tha na ki main ek saudebaaz hoon?"

"Okay, kya shart hai?"

He caressed her face, gently removed the strands of her hair from her forehead and then whispered something in her ear. Her ears turned red as she realized what he had just whispered (Censored- let your imaginations loose here.)

"MR. KHAN! I NEVER REALIZED YOU COULD BE SO-SO-NAUGHTY! KAHAN SEEKHA APNE YEH SAB? KAHAN GAYI WO TEHZEEB AUR TAMEEZ?" She was red as a beetroot, blushing profusely.

"Jab itna intezaar karna padhe, tho aadmi besharam ho hi jaata hai. Tehzeeb aur tameez gayi bhaad mein Mrs. Khan." He grinned and licked the remnants of the chicken curry off her finger, "actually, it's quite tasty!" He winked at her as Zoya's face turned a deeper shade of red.

"ZOYA! DEKHO KAUN MILNE AAYA HAI?" Dilshaad's voice floated from the living room, interrupting their mini seduction act prematurely. A frustrated Asad picked the dishes and smirked," ammi, Zoya aapke guests ka hi intezaar kar rahi thi. I will go back to the kitchen. Kya aapke guests ke liye chai banaa laaun?"

"Arre Asad, kitna achcha lagta hai jab ghar ke ladke kaam mein haath bantaa te hain. Of course, please bring tea for all of us." Dilshaad teased her son.

A few minutes later, Asad walked in with the teapot and cups. A group of three women were gathered around the dining table. They were discussing details of an event with Dilshaad and Zoya.

"Ammi, aap log kya planning kar rahe hain?" He poured the tea into the cups and passed them around. Zoya smiled at him; her Navy Commander looked so adorable with the kitchen towel on his shoulder and teapot in hand. Resisting his charm was getting harder by the day. Each passing day was a realization of how hard and hopelessly she had fallen in love with her Mr. Khan. Her eyes tracked him relentlessly; every moment without him weighed her down.

"Kya hua Mrs. Khan, aap smile kyun kar rahi hain?" Asad gave her a quizzical look as he caught her staring at him.

"Kuch nahin Mr. Khan, I was just listening to ammi and the event planner's discussions."

"Haan Asad. We are planning the Valima for you. Ab Zoya kuch din mein bilkul theek ho jaayegi. Even her cast is coming off soon. I think it's the right time to introduce you both to all our family and friends. Kitne saal ho gaye hain mujhey apni family se miley huye. Is se zyaada khushaal mauka kab milega humein?"

"Valima?" Asad was stunned. It was a reception given by the groom's side after a wedding- usually after the couple had consummated their relationship. He glanced at Zoya, "wo-wo Ammi---abhi itni jaldi kya hai?"

"Arre, ek mahina hone ko aaya tumhare nikaah ko! Ab aur intezaar nahin hota mujhse." Dilshaad admonished him.

"Jee," he lowered his eyes but mumbled to himself, "intezaar----yes----intezaar karne waala hi jaanta hai intezaar kya hota hai."

"Aapne kuch kaha Mr. Khan?" Zoya sipped her tea and glanced upwards from her cup.

"Jee nahin Mrs. Khan. Please enjoy your tea. Hope you have the right amount of sugar in your cup."

"Mr. Khan, ab tho aadat ho gayi hai aapke haath ki chai peene ki."

The event planners got a chuckle from their banter. They were amused by the way the couple addressed each other as Mr. and Mrs. Khan,' but there was no doubt about how in sync and in love they were. They couldn't help noticing how the couple kept their glances glued to each other, oblivious of everyone else in the room.

A few days later, Zoya's cast came off with a clean bill of health by her doctor.

An excited Asad wanted to welcome his bride to his chambers in a grandiose manner. It was the day of the Valima. He decorated the whole room with flowers and candles. Asad purchased expensive designer silk bedding for their special night for after the function. Bedecked with rose petals, their sej' was at last ready for Mr. and Mrs. Khan.

He kept a box with his mooh-dikhai' gift on the nightstand. It was a beautiful bracelet watch with their initials AZ inscribed on the dial.

"I want it to be perfect for you, Zoya." He admired the dcor of his room and patted his own back.

Downstairs, in Dilshaad's room, Zoya prepared herself to get ready for the all-important function that evening. Dilshaad had gifted her a green lehnga for the special occasion. She laid the jewelry and lehnga on the bed and decided to take a shower before the event.

As she walked into the bathroom, humming a romantic song- sajna hai mujhey sajnaa ke liye-------she got the shock of her life when she saw Asad standing in the bathroom with a gift box in his hand.

"Aap? Aap yahan bathroom mein kaise aaye?"

He pointed at the window. "Desperate times lead to desperate measures."

"Lekin aise choron ki tarah kyun aaye? Ammi ke room mein aane se kisi ne roka thode hi hai aapko?"

Asad placed the box down and pulled her closer with an arm around her waist, "I know kisi ne nahin roka hai, but I wanted this uninterrupted time with my wife."

"Mr. Khan. It's just a matter of a few hours. Kya itna bhi sabr nahin hai aapko?"

"Sabr hi tho nahin hai." He replied in a low husky voice.

She placed her finger on his neck and traced it down his chest, "sabr ka phal meetha hota hai Mr. Khan."

"Mujhey sirf meetha nahin---teekha----khatta----kadva-----garam----thanda sab chaahiye."

"Like your mirchi ice cream?" She chuckled, her fingers continued to trace circles on his chest, driving him into a vortex of frenzied roused emotions.

"Mrs. Khan-----at this rate, even mirchi ice cream wouldn't be enough." He pulled her even closer; the warmth of their breaths stroked their senses, "don't tempt me Mrs. Khan."

"Mr. Khan----aap mujhey Mrs. Khan bolna kab bandh karenge? Bahut formal lagta hai."

"Jab aap sach maayne mein Mrs. Khan ban jaayengi." He bent down and kissed the curve of her neck, "aaj raat aapki mooh dikhai ke baad."

She let out a groan and circled her arms around him. They stood silently in a passionate and comforting embrace.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"ZOYA! TUM TAYYAR NAHIN HUYI BETA? WE NEED TO LEAVE IN 20 MINUTES!" Dilshaad's voice outside the bathroom jolted them both into their senses.

Reluctantly, Asad pulled back and handed her the box, "I want you to wear this tonight."

"Kya hai yeh?"

"A red saree. I had always imagined you as a bride in a red saree."

"Lekin ammi ne tho lehnga tayyar kiya hai mere liye."

"Aaj raat meri hai Mrs. Khan-----ammi ki nahin." He gave her a quick peck on her cheek and walked backwards towards the window. Quietly, he pulled the window up and slithered out gently.

Zoya opened the box and caressed the beautiful saree, "Mr. Khan-----I know it's going to be a perfect night------ab aur intezaar mujhse bhi nahin hota."

...to be contd...Next: Valima and yes, that special but not so perfect night...especially for Narges