~ The Sunshine of My life ~ AsYa FF||Part 14 Page 129 NOTE PG 140 - Page 6

Najma walked in to a silent house later that afternoon, to find her Ammi in the kitchen and her Bhaijaan reading his files sitting on the couch. Normally she would always enter a house full of gurgles and squeals because Aahana would be playing around at that hour. But the eerie silence scared her. One look at Asad and she knew that something was wrong and it had to do with Aahana.

Dilshad - Arey Najma tum aa gayi.' Asad heard his Ammi say and looked up at his sister walking in. He kept his book aside and smiled at her. Najma went and sat next to her Bhaijaan with a thump, sighing tiredly she kept her head on his shoulder.

Asad - Kya hua Tamatar ko, itni tired lag rahi ho.

Najma - It was a long day Bhaijaan, bahut thak gayi hun, aur kuch khaya bhi nahi hai.

Asad - Arey how careless is that, subaah se kuch nahi khaya? Go freshen up aur kuch kha lo.

Dilshad - Haan jaise bhai hai waise hi behen hai, tumne kaha kuch khaya hai subah se.

Asad - Ammi !! Asad exclaimed, tired of her pushing him to eat.

Dilshad - Bas I don't want to hear a word from the both of you, both of you come quickly and eat something.

Najma - Bhaijaan ne kuch kyun nahi khaya, aur aaj itni jaldi aa gaye office se? Aahana toh theek hai na?

Najma was instantly worried when Dilshad informed her about Aahana's ill health. Najma was about to run to check on her when Asad stopped her in between.

Asad - Najma you haven't freshened up yet, don't go like this to her. You go I'll check on her till then.

Najma nodded without an argument knowing how protective her brother was about everyone. In the meanwhile Dilshad pushed Asad on a chair and forced him to eat something while she promised to go and check on Aahana. She saw her sleeping, but she was sniffing repeatedly. When she picked her up she felt her body warmer than before. Dilshad was worried, her fever had risen even after taking her medicines. But she knew if she went out right away Asad would leave his meal. In the meanwhile she made a call to the doctor booking an appointment at the hospital later in the evening.

Asad - Ammi kaha reh gayi aap!!

Asad walked in a few minutes later, after having gulped down his food and saw his Ammi rocking Aahana in her arms, who was whimpering. Asad dashed towards the both of them quickly extremely concerned. Seeing her Abbu standing next to her she raised her arms to him, and Asad obliged right away, taking her in his arms.

Asad - Ssshh Aanu, no crying. Abbu can't see you cry baby, you know that, sshh

Asad touched her forehead and realised her fever had risen.

Dilshad - Asad I've taken an appointment in the hospital with her specialist, it's in an hour. Give her to me I'll get her ready, tum bhi tayyar ho jao.

Asad nodded and bend down to kiss Aahana's head before he handed her to his mother. But Aahana didn't want to lose the comfort in her Abbu's arms and wriggled back to him refusing to leave his arms. Dilshad chuckled at her granddaughter and patted her head.

Dilshad - Theek hai baba, raho apne Abbu ke paas.

Asad - Mai Aanu ko tayyar kar deta hun, aap bhi tayyar ho jaiye.

Dilshad and Najma walked over to the waiting room since there was still sometime to their appointment. They had both just settled down when Dilshad looked to the right and saw a couple who seemed very familiar to her.

Dilshad - Zeenat, Anwar? Tum dono yaha. Allah, itne saalon baad dekh rahi hun tum dono ko, New York se yaha aaye aur bataya bhi nahi..

Zeenat - Dilshad Aapa, As-salam alaykum

Zeenat and Anwar beamed at Dilshad, the only relative they had in Bhopal. They had known each other from years and Dilshad was Anwars brothers extremely close friend, even if not related by blood but they both had always treated the other as family. They all greeted each other happily while a sulking Aahana and a confused Najma looked over.

Dilshad - Mai bahut naaraz hun, tum dono yaha ho, aur mujhe bataya bhi nahi ..

Zeenat - Arey Appa, aisa nahi hai, hum do din pehle hi Bhopal aaye hai, Anwar ko kuch kaam tha, par meri tabiyat zara bigad gayi toh batane ka mauka hi nahi mila, bas check up ke liye aaye the.

Dilshad - Chalo ab toh hum mil liye, ab toh ghar aana hi hoga. Zeenat jaise hi theek ho, tum dono mere ghar aa rahe ho.

Anwar - Zaroor aate Aapa, lekin iss baar humare saath ek toofan mail bhi aayi hai, aur uske liye hum yaha rehne ka intezam kar rahe hai, because she does not want to come back to NY with us. Ussi ke intezaam mai lage hai, kuch fursat mile toh zaroor aayenge.

Dilshad - Toofan mail? Kiski baat kar rahe ho?

Zeenat - Meri choti behen Zoya ki. Zidd pakad ke bethi hai ki yahi rehna hai. She is really young Aapa, how can I leave her here alone in this city. Par woh itni ziddi hai ki maanti hi nahi.

Dilshad - Yu hi zidd kar rahi hai? Does she want to study here?

Zeenat - Nahi Aapa, uski padai toh poori ho gayi hai, in fact NY mai job bhi kar rahi thi, she is a computer engineer. Yaha uska kuch kaam hai, maan lijiye jaise khud hi ko talaash karne aayi hai.. wohh.. uhm..

Dilshad realised the conversation was treading to sensitive issues and didn't want to intrude on anything personal. But she was close to Zeenat and wanted to be of help.

Dilshad - Jab tak uska kaam nahi ho jaata, why doesn't she come and stay with us Zeenat?

Zeenat - Arey nahi Aapa, aap kyun takleef leh rahi hai. I am anyway trying to convince her out of it. Sometimes ignorance is the best option and I don't want her to come across anything that hurts her.

Dilshad - Zeenat mai ye toh nahi jaanti ki Zoya yaha kyun aayi hai, I know ki woh ek personal mamla hai, aur mai tumse poochungi bhi nahi. Par mera toh ye kehna hai ki agar woh yaha rehna chahti hai, toh rehne do. Agar tumne usse waapis le jaane ke liye convince kar bhi liya, you'll only be able to take her back physically, mentally she'll be left thinking about her unattended work. Ignorance is not always the best option.

Anwar - Zeenat, I think Aapa theek hai keh rahi hai, hume Zoya ko yaha rehne ki ijazat de deni chahiye. She's never asked anything from us, this is the first time she desperately wants something for herself, I think we shouldn't stop her. After all ab woh badi ho gayi hai, how long can we protect her, she should be allowed to decide for herself, and do what her heart tells her to, warna zindagi ke sahi maine kabhi seekh nahi payegi.

Zeenat thought over what Dilshad and Anwar explained. As much as she wanted to protect Zoya like she always had, she couldn't keep her in front of her eyes for life. She would have to allow Zoya to take decisions for herself. Even if she faced a few problems or made mistakes she would only learn the right lessons in life. Dilshad Aapa was the closest relative they had, and she was an extremely endearing and dignified woman, and so was her family, Zoya would always be safe here. Zeenat slightly held Dilshads hands and squeezed them in affirmation.

Zeenat - Theek hai Aapa, agar Zoya aapke paas rahegi toh mujhe koi chinta nahi hai, mujhe pata hai ki aap uska mujhse bhi zyaada khayal rakhengi.

Dilshad smiled nodding , " Waise ye Miss Zoya hai kaha, itni baatein ho rahi uski, par kahi dikhayi nahi de rahi.

Zeenat - Waise warning de dun Aapa, ye Miss Zoya, kisi toofan se kam nahi hai, pata nai ab bhi kaha toofan macha rahi hogi.

Dilshad giggled at Zeenat's warning.

Dilshad - Shayad mere shaant se ghar ko ek toofan ki zaroorat bhi hai.

Zoya had been finding a place to park her Jiju's car, she wanted to find a place to park as soon as possible. She was driving a car without a license, and though she was known of having her way whenever and however she wanted it, she didn't want to end up in trouble when her Aapi and Jiju needed her more. After a good twenty minutes of struggling she had found a place to park the car and raced her car as she saw another car stopping to reverse and park there too. She drove fast and hadn't calculated a collision. But she had damaged the car, and she was guilty as charged, she felt sorry for having been so rough and though hesitant and really scared, she got down the car to apologise to the owner of the car who was inspecting his car intently. Biting her upper lip in fear and twisting her fingers she walked towards the owner, just as she was about to pat his shoulder to get his attention, he moved back unaware of her presence, making her stumble. She squeezed her eyes, waiting to fall and hurt herself. But before she could land down, she felt a pair of strong arms holding her tightly.

She clenched her eyes tighter, her heart beat racing at his touch around her, but his voice dipped with concern bought her out of her reverie. She slightly opened her eyes to drown into a pair of dark brown eyes peering at her, so hypnotising, so deep, expressing a million unsaid words, pain and concern, the same concern that she heard in his voice.

Asad - I am so sorry, I didn't realize you were behind me, aap theek hai?

Zoya couldn't look beyond anything but the eyes she was staring at, she could hear him talking to her, but couldn't decipher a word he said.

Asad - Miss! Are you okay? I hope I didn't hurt you.

Zoya jerked out of her trance when he raised his volume to question her again. She felt horrible, he was concerned for her unknown to the fact that she had damaged his car. She could get away without telling him if she wanted, but even as she thought of that.. guilt took over. She had made a mistake and she would own up for it. She held on to his shoulder, leaning ahead to gain her balance, Asad helped her stand straight, now awkward on realising how close they were. She looked up at him and mumbled, "Thank you so much, and I am so sorry.."

Asad - No in fact I am sorry, I didn't know you were behind me, I should have taken care, I hope you're not hurt.

Zoya nodded in the negative, thinking that the guy seemed extremely soft spoken and kind. If she would own up to her mistake and explain herself he would probably excuse her for the damage.

Asad went towards the car that had caused his car the dent and looked around frowning.

Asad - How irresponsible and convenient to run away after committing a mistake! Iss car ka owner kaha chala gaya..such a coward.

Zoya - Excuse me I am not a coward.

Zoya had been gathering the right words and the courage to speak up when she had seen him walk across her to her car and mumble angrily.

Asad - Pardon me? Maine aapkse kaha kuch kaha.. I was talking about the owner of the car. Aap khud hi dekhiye, my car has been damaged so severely, because the person was so brash and irresponsible. Unki iss harkat se hi lagta hai jaise woh ek bahut hi gair zimeddar, careless aur badtameez insaan hai.

Zoya - Excuse me, aap kisi ke bhi character ko aise judge kaise kar sakte hai, even without knowing or meeting the person.

Asad - I don't need to meet the person to know the persons character. Isn't it already obvious by the actions? Galti kar ke bhaag jaana, kisi ache insaan ki pehchaan nahi hoti.

Zoya - And what if the person hasn't run away?

Asad - Excuse me?

Zoya - I am the culprit, I was the one who banged into your car. And I am extremely sorry for it.

Zoya said a little less apologetic after hearing him rant accusations even without knowing her. Her tone was detached and almost as if she didn't care now if he forgave her or not, which irked him even more.

Asad - Sorry? You just damaged my car, and say a simple sorry to get away with it?

Zoya - Hang on. I said a sorry because I AM SORRY for causing the damage. I thought I should start by apologising because that would be more ethical than offering to pay you for the repairs before even expressing how regretful I am.

Asad - It's really easy isn't it? Commit a mistake, say a sorry, throw a ward of cash and walk off, a sign of a spoilt brat.

Zoya - Excuse me Mr Judgmental, bahut bol liya aapne, aur bahut sun liya maine. You don't know me, so you have no right to pass these statements about me. I know I was wrong, but that gives you no right to talk to me in that tone and use those words without knowing me.

Asad - I DO NOT WANT TO KNOW YOU either. Koi shauk nahi hai mujhe aapse koi taluk rakhne ka, ya aapko jaane ka. I hope I don't have to come across you again.

Zoya was fuming with anger, she was taken aback at his judgments about her character, and his temper, contrary to the concern she had seen in his eyes a while ago, shattering the image she had of him. She had been extremely sorry for her mistake, but now she cared two hoots about it. His attitude had irked her to no end. She was an independent woman and her respect mattered the most to her.

While they were arguing a few people had surrounded them, and much later, a traffic cop walked towards them, which caught Asad's attention immediately.

Asad - Inspector, iss ladki ne meri car ko damage kiya hai, I had my indicator on and was reversing, even while I honked twice to avoid any collision, but she was rashly driving and hit my car, and now seems to think saying a sorry can help correct it.

Zoya was appalled at his behaviour. He had been lecturing her over the last few minutes and not even given a chance to explain, and had gone ahead and reported her to the inspector. She didn't even have a license for driving in the country.

Asad looked on as the inspector started talking to Zoya, who was suddenly talking in the most sugary sweet tone to get her way out of the mess. Asad was irked at the careless attitude and unapologetic behaviour. He was about to intrude when he got a call from Dilshad.

Dilshad - Asad tum ho kaha? Aanu kitni der se ro rahi hai, she's asking for you.

Aahana was crying restlessly in Dilshad's arms, while Najma, Zeenat and Anwar looked on.

Dilshad - Asad kabhi aisa nahi karta, pata nahi kaha reh gaya. Usually he doesn't leave Aahana alone for a minute if she is ill.

Dilshad continued to cradle her granddaughter while Zeenat tried being of help by patting the baby's head trying to sooth her.

Zeenat - Asad kaisa hai.. Ayesha ke jaane ke baad, it must have been difficult?

Dilshad nodded, and was about to reply to her concern, when Asad rushed in the waiting room. Aahana immediately looked up as if feeling his presence around and flared her arms demanding to be taken in his arms. Asad took her in his arms instantly, cuddling her to himself murmuring to her softly, to calm her down. Aahana's cries subsided instantly and she hiccupped twice tired after all the crying and her eyes drooped shut. Asad continued to caress her back, trying to comfort his ill baby, extremely worried for her, unmindful of who was around him.

Zeenat and Anwar looked at him tend to his daughter in awe. When they had heard about Ayesha's untimely death right after giving birth to their ray of sunshine, they had felt extremely sorry for Asad. They had been concerned as to how he would manage the infant with his work, and had thought that Aahana would have been entirely dependent on Dilshad for her every need. But they were pleasantly surprised to see what an amazingly responsible and caring father Asad was.

Dilshad - Asad ye Zeenat aur Anwar hai, Anwar tumhare Mamu ke sabse khaas dost hai. Kuch saalon pehle New York shift ho gaye the, yaha kisi kaam se aaye hai.

Asad looked up at the couple and smiled, and greeting them , which they returned with a whisper not wanting to wake the baby again.

Dilshad - Zeenat ki choti behen bhi aayi hai uske saath, aur woh kuch waqt India mai hi rehne wali hai, par rehne ki koi sahi jagah bhi nahi hai, aur woh usse yaha akela bhi nahi chod sakte. Toh maine unhe keh diya ki jab tak woh India mai hai, woh humare saath reh sakti hai. Theek kiya na Asad?

Zeenat and Anwar admired how Dilshad took Asad's opinion on this matter, even though she was the elder one and had every right to do what she liked she wanted Asad to make the last call. Asad was not only the bread earner of the house but he had shouldered the responsibilities like a father even to his own Ammi.

Asad nodded gently in confirmation - Aapko poochne ki zaroorat bhi nahi hai Ammi, woh aapka ghar hai, woh zaroor aa sakti hai.

Dilshad and Asad looked towards Anwar and Zeenat who nodded thankfully.

Zeenat - Thank you so much Asad, Aapa. Aap dono ka ye ehsaan mai kabhi nahi bhoolungi. Meri Zoya yaha aapke paas rahegi toh mujhe bhi tension nahi hogi.

Dilshad - Please Zeenat, isse ehsaan mat kaho. Anwar aur tum, meri family ho, it is my honour to be of any help to the both of you and to Zoya as well. Par Zoya hai kaha, usse mil leti, apne aap invite kar leti, she would feel awkward coming over since she hasn't even met me once.

Zeenat - Pata nahi Aapa, kabse car park karne gayi hai abhi tak nahi aayi, pata nahi phir se kaunsi nai museebat khadi ki hogi ab.

Asad would have guessed who the Miss Zoya was had he not been so involved in his now awake daughter who was whimpering in his arms. There was an announcement in the waiting room asking for Mr Khan to report to the child specialist in room no 9 on the same floor, and the Khan family got up to make a move.

Dilshad - Hum chalte hai Zeenat, tum Zoya se baat kar lena, and if she's uncomfortable or uncertain make sure to make her talk to me.

Zeenat - Zaroor Aapa, aap apna khayal rakhiyega.

Zeenat moved towards Asad and caressed Aahana softly blessing her, looking at Asad she smiled and thanked him again. Asad nodded back and then the Khan family moved out of the room to the doctor. As soon as The Khans had left , Zoya came in running towards Zeenat and Anwar.

Zoya - Oh thank God Api, aap log yahi ho, mujhe toh laga tha ab tak doctor ke yaha se free ho gaye hoge. Ab tak number nahi laga.

Zeenat - Oh God Zoya kaha thi tum itni der, kabse rah dekh rahe the hum. Doctor ke yaha bheed bahut hai, kuch waqt aur lag jaye shayad. Tum batao na kaha lagi itni der?

Zoya - Poocho mat Api, ek sar fire ghamandi ladke se paala pad gaya, jo mujhe itni badi museebat mai daal ke pata nahi khud kaha bhaag gaya.

She rambled on and on telling them about the accident, sheepishly looking at her Jiju, waiting for him to blast at her for denting his car, but he just gave her a knowing look you won't ever change' and she sighed with relief, at least he wasn't going to lecture her like the stranger.

Zoya - Woh toh acha hua, that people just get away with bribing in this country, otherwise mai abhi jail mai sad rahi hoti.

Zeenat - Allah! badtameez ladki.. galti tumhari thi uss ladke ki nahi, aur tum bribe dekar aayi ho? Is that what I have taught you?

Zoya - Mai maanti hun ki meri galti thi Api, par woh ladka, he was so rude and judgmental, how can he question my character like this? Mujhe bina jaane woh mera character sketch kaise bana sakta hai? Aise logon se mujhe sakht nafrat hai Aapi, Allah kare mujhe usse phir kabhi nahi milna pade.

Aahana had been inspected with a Viral infection and prescribed some light medicines since a lot of them didn't suit her since her birth. She had to be injected for a speedy recovery and was now cranky. Asad was trying to strap her in her pushchair but she was only wailing louder, making it clear that she wouldn't budge out of his arms. Asad was a goner when it came to her tears and easily fell for her demands as soon as a tear drop marked a presence in her eyes. He cuddled her back to his arms and kissed her head. All of them walked out to see Asad leading them to a cool cab, rather than his car.

Dilshad - Arey Asad humari gaadi kaha gayi, hum cab mai kyun ja rahe hai.

Asad narrated the incident that had taken place in the morning and cribbed over how an irresponsible girl had damaged his car and then behaved so unapologetic.

Dilshad - Allah, tumhara gussa, woh ladki maafi maang rahi thi na, is tarah usse police ke hawale chod aaye, pata nahi kya kiya hoga uss bechari ne.

Asad - Ammi! Woh bechari nahi hai ! Woh ek gair zimedar aur badtameez ladki hai, aur mai umeed karunga ki meri usse phir kabhi mulaqat na ho. Ab chale, Aanu needs to get home, it's getting darker.

Aahana was sitting in front of Asad on the table top, while Asad tried feeding her the Khicdi Dilshad had made for her. After having a few bites each with a sip of water, she had begun spitting half the food in her mouth, which had first dirtied her bib and had now started to droop down and dirty Asad's pants. Asad squirmed seeing the state of his pants and the OCD in him kicked in, making it harder for him to choose what needed more attention, his stubborn daughter or his dirty pants. Aahana demanded attention by banging her fists on the table making Asad give up and choose her over his OCD. He prepared another morsel and forwarded the spoon to her mouth, but she pushed his hand and directed the spoon to his mouth.

Asad - No Aanu, this food is for you, Abbu will have his food with Dadi later, come on be a good girl and finish it off.

He moved the spoon to her again, but she repeated her action and forcefully pushed the spoon to Asad's mouth again. Asad realized she wouldn't relent until he played on.

Asad - Aanu wants Abu to share her meal?

Aahana just gurgled and said "Bu" agreeing to whatever he had asked. Asad smiled and took the tip of the spoon to his mouth and tasting a bit of her food, pretending to enjoy it. But it was really tasteless, no doubt she was making such a fuss, the taste of her mouth would be weird anyways.

He picked his messy daughter and perched her on his arm, wiping her dirty face before he lovingly kissed them.

Asad - Smart girl! Wanted Abbu to taste the mush she has to eat so that he stops feeding you? Not going to work sunshine, you have to get better soon ok? Abu can't see you so sick, eat your food and have your medicines and get better hmm?

He made her sit on his lap and tried feeding her again, luckily for him she had suddenly found interest in the white T shirt he was wearing, and the different designs she could make on them with her dirty hands. While she was enjoying her work of art, he feed her the food which she gulped down unknowingly. Asad didn't know whether to smile at his daughter or grimace at the state of his clothes.

Asad - Someone needs a bath right? Let's go get you cleaned up little monster.

Dilshad walked in to see their dirty state and could only giggle at realizing what must have happened, an extremely daily scene that occurred there.

Dilshad - Mai Aahana ko nehla deti hun, tum jao change kar lo tumhare khaana thanda ho raha hai, jaldi aao khane.

Asad nodded at his Ammi and handled the messy baby to her mother. She had only begun walking towards the room when the bell rang.

Dilshad - Asad darwaze par kaun hai dekho toh zara, I'll get Aanu cleaned up in the meanwhile.

Asad - Ji Ammi.

Asad took a tissue from the table and tried cleaning the mess on his T shirt while he walked towards the door. He was yet wiping his shirt when he opened the door not looking to see who it was when he heard a loud "AAP".. He looked up only to scream the same "AAP? "

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