NINE
Zoya reached the office before everyone and managed to complete all her pending work on time. She kept herself to herself hardly engaging with anyone. She saw Asad come into the office but decided to keep out of his way. She ensured that Aman and Ayaan were given the remaining designs and the finished presentation.
Asad came out of the board room and saw Zoya with her head down. 'May be I was too harsh, I should give her some slack' he said to himself. He continued looking at her, Zoya got up from her chair and started walking towards the photocopier he was totally awestruck by what he saw she looked so heavenly, she was wearing a long black dress with a short black jacket her hair was part tied up with curls falling down on her face she never failed to take his breath away with her looks. 'Bhaijaan, how did the presentation go?' Ayaan asked breaking his concentration, Asad quickly turned to him 'Yes, it went well - good job' Ayaan laughed 'you mean Zoya did a good job' he said gesturing his hand in her direction.
'Why don't you go home, I can finish here, I am sure you can do with the afternoon off' Ayaan said 'hmmm. Yeah I suppose I could, I'll see you later'. Asad went into his office picked up his jacket and laptop and headed out. Zoya saw Asad come down the stairs and stopped, she turned around slowly not to make it look obvious or to draw any attention to herself and waited for him to leave before she went back to her work station. Asad noticed Zoya stall in her tracks he contemplated going up to her but felt it would be better if he just left.
Asad paced his room agitated he tried to rid of her image but he couldn't every encounter every word exchanged played back in his mind damn it Asad, why does this girl bother you so much, 'what's wrong with you' he chided himself. He sat down on his recliner and took a deep breath before he started working again.
'Come on Aman pick up the damn phone' he said in frustration. Asad needed a few documents and was unable to get through to Aman. He looked at the time and realized that Aman may have left for the day. He called up the main reception 'its Asad is Ayaan in the office?' 'No sir, only Miss Zoya and a few of the admin staff' the voice on the other side said. 'Damn' Asad cursed said clenching his fists he didn't want to have to talk to her but he had no choice 'ok, put me through to Zoya', Yes sir, one minute'.
'It's me Asad, I need the Singhania files to work on for tomorrow's meeting, there isn't anyone else in the office, so I need you to bring them to me here at home' he said in one breath Zoya was silent for a few moments not quite sure what to say 'hello...Zoya' he said in a raised voice 'yes' Zoya let out a whisper 'well answer me then. I need you to bring the files over now' 'ok, I'll bring them over' she quickly disconnected the phone and ran up to his office to pick up the files he had requested. 'I've become his personal delivery person now, why couldn't he get Ayaan to bring them after all they bloody live together' she said to herself in frustration.
The taxi pulled up outside large metal gate Zoya got out the car and pushed the gate open she walked down a small path that led to the Khan Mansion - it was like nothing she had seen before almost fairytale like. A beautiful white building the front was covered in pristine white marble the front door towered over her she could smell the sweet fragrance of the roses that covered both sides of the entrance. If the outside looked this amazing she could only wonder what it would look like on the inside. Zoya rang the bell and waited a few moments A middle aged man answered the door 'yes ma'am can I help you' he asked giving her a warm smile. 'Yes my name is Zoya I have come to drop these files to Mr Asad Ahmed Khan' Zoya replied holding out the files, she was hoping he would just take them and she could leave but the nice man opened the door further and with his hand gestured for her to come in. 'Please follow me ma'am'. Zoya took slow step following this man into what could only be described as heaven the small entrance opened up into a grand reception room full of light the dcor was second to none Zoya could not believe her eyes everything was absolutely breath taking.
The nice man asked Zoya to take a seat. Zoya sat down nervously after a few minutes an elderly lady dressed in a beautiful embroidered saree came up to her Zoya stood up and gave her a nervous smile 'Assalam O Alaikum beta, how can I help you' she said in the softest of voices 'Wa Alaikum Assalam, my name is Zoya, I work with Asad I have come to give these files' 'I am Asad's Naani, he is in his room, Ram will take you' Zoya approached Asad's Naani and lowered her head out of respect and took her blessing, Asad's Naani held her by her shoulders and brought her close to kiss her forehead 'MashAllah, you are a beautiful young girl, would you like anything to drink?' 'No thank you' Zoya smiled I just want to get these to Asad, I think he needed them urgently' Naani nodded and asked Ram to take Zoya to Asad's room. Zoya followed Ram before she knew she was standing outside his door. Ram immediately turned around and walked away, leaving Zoya dry mouthed and gulping, closed her eyes 'Ya Allah, please let this be quick' she said to herself. taking in a deep breath she managed to lift her hand and knock on the door.
'Yes' she heard the all too familiar voice she opened the door and stuck her head in she couldn't see anyone she opened the door further and stepped inside. The room was immaculate, the walls were painted cream and beige it was very art deco and very Asad Ahmed Khan. She slowly stepped forward looking around but she couldn't see him she carried on walking and half way across the room she came across a large patio door which was slightly open she peaked through the chiffon curtains to see Asad standing by a pool 'wow, the man has a swimming pool next to his room' she thought to herself. She had never seen him out of a three piece suit before, he was wearing blue denim jeans and a tee shirt he looked so normal quite human and not to forget so good looking, despite his inner monster the man certainly was blessed with good looks. Zoya slowly moved back the curtain and stepped forward to the pool area and cleared her throat to get his attention.
Asad looked up to see Zoya standing there his eyes fixated on her beautiful face, it didn't take long for his heart pick up an extra beat, he tried to speak and for the first time his lips failed him he was so attracted to her, she made him feel like he had never felt before all he wanted to do was go up to her and hold her tight taking in every bit of her scent. Zoya looked back at him with similar emotion her heart skipped a beat every time she tried to say something. She nervously pushed back the hairs that loosely fell on her face and looked down not being able to hold his gaze any longer. Asad immediately broke out of his trance he cleared his throat 'what took you so long, I have been waiting ages' he said in his signature voice Zoya looked up she was about to answer him when Asad stopped her with his hand 'never mind, just give me the files' he said extending his hand out to her. Zoya walked up to him and placed the files in his hand.
As she turned around her foot slipped on the wet marble tile and she fell backwards. Asad jumped forward and managed to grab hold of her before she went diving into the pool. Zoya let out a little scream she had one hand firmly gripping his tee shirt and the other around his neck she held on to him as though her life depended on it. She opened her eyes to see Asad inches away from her face his body leaning over hers. Zoya genuinely looked scared and Asad looked at her as he was holding back from laughing.
'Asad are you ok' a voice came from his room, Zoya and Asad both looked towards the patio door. Asad quickly pulled Zoya up who started to compose herself sorting out her dress and hair. 'umm Baji this is Zoya she is one of our new designer' Asad said. Zoya looked up and as soon as she did both her and Najma started screaming in delight and ran up embracing each other in a tight hug. 'Ya Allah, Najma what are you doing here' Zoya shrieked 'what am I doing here? What the hell are YOU doing here?' Najma asked back reciprocating the excitement. 'Um...I came to give Asad some files he need' 'Zoya you work for Asad, you work for my brother and I didn't even know' Zoya's eyes widened and her mouth dropped she looked at Asad in total disbelief 'you're Asad's sister, oh my gosh Najma' Asad looked on to his sister and his crazy employee is total disarray 'what the hell is going on?' he said 'Baji how do you know her' his eyes were jumping between the two asking a million questions. 'Asad, I met Zoya at an art exhibition, I fell in love with her work instantly and when I was introduced to her I fell in love with her, we became friends, she is such a talented artist, I still can't believe she is working for you' Najma took Zoya by the hand 'come Zoya, we have so much to catch up on' Zoya looked up to at Asad whose eyes had begun to narrow. 'Najma, I promise another time it is getting really late, I need to get home before Humera sends out a search party' Zoya said holding Najma's hand. 'Humera?, you mean Ayaan's Humera?' Najma asked, with her smile getting wider 'yes Baji, Ayaan's Humera' Asad said in a low but steady voice. 'This is all too good to be true' Najma exclaimed in excitement 'Zoya please won't you stay for just a little while' Najma asked 'Seriously Najma, I need to go but I will come to see you soon' She gave Zoya a big hug and exited the room.
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