Due to assignments, this part is shorter than the other ones! This part is split into two and I swear it doesn't make sense at all. Sighs, I gave up towards the end.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, I know I never reply, but I do read them, over and over again and smile away! So thank you thank you thank you for leaving such amazing long feedbacks! I love you guys so much, and it's because of your wonderful comments I manage to write this stuff! I really do appreciate it my loves! The next part is full of mistakes, so please ignore! And do leave your beautiful comments behind, they make my day! Don't kill me, the quality is bad and I think it might be the worst update lool! Much lovesss <3
Chapter Eight (Part One)
'Why don't you understand Humeira, why have you become so blind?' Razia taunted her daughter flicking through the TV channels.
'Ammi, what are you saying?' Humeira overlooked her mother's craziness as she continued cutting the vegetables.
'Why don't you ask Ayaan to transfer the shares to his name? He has been working there for the past 19 years, it's his right' She threw some peanuts into her mouth and chewed whilst playing with the rest of them in her hand.
'It's his right; no-one will take it away from him Ammi. Why are you so tensed?'
'Why am I so tensed? Buddhoo ladki. Tell me, have you saved any money for Sofia's marriage? Have you?' She questioned her daughter,
'No but-'
'There you go. You know how much trouble you would have to face getting her married. She's had problems due to her complexion all her life, her marriage like Nikhat would-'
'Ammi! What are you saying? My daughter is still young, times are different, she's still beauti-'
'You're her mother that's why you're saying that. Do something before it's too late. Now that Zoya and her daughter are here, Rashid will hand everything over to his first son, their first heir, Asad's child. Kuch kar ladki, jaldi, before everything slips right through your fingers. Ask for your right, how long will Ayaan work under Asad and not get what he rightfully deserves? If not for yourself, at least for Sofia' She turned hearing something drop. Sofia stood with teary eyes as her grandmother taunted her mother about her complexion and her future. She looked at Humeira who shook her head asking her not to cry.
'Sofia, beta rukho' Humeira ran behind her as she stormed out of the house. 'Ammi what is wrong with you. You have no right to say anything about my daughter. No-one cares about the colour of skin, she has a heart of gold. There is someone out there for her, who will see her inner beauty and accept her for who she is. As for your dowry, that's haraam in Islam. I will not give my daughter away wrongfully' She wiped her tears with the back of her hands before going into the kitchen.
'You will regret it. Sun le na. You will agree with me later' Razia leaned against the sofa pressing buttons on the remote control.
She wiped her red eyes not being able to keep them open, it was very early morning, she had forced herself out of bed to go for a morning jog to think things over as if the night was too short. She tied her hair up in a ponytail and stepped out of the room dressed in a black top and leggings. She froze seeing her mother and father watching TV in each other's arms. She looked at the clock; it was only 7.30 a.m. She shook her head tiptoeing behind them not wanting to disturb them as she tried reaching for the doors. She played with her headphones taking slow steps; she froze with her arms mid-way in the air seeing Zain come down the stairs. Seeing her brought a smile to his face, he was about to speak, Ayaat shook her head in a no, moving her pony tail furiously. He took another step down; Ayaat ran for the door,
'Have you had breakfast?' Zoya's voice came from behind. Ayaat breathed out heavily turning around in defeat; she shook her head frowning towards the back of her mother's head. She heard Asad laugh to himself pretending to concentrate on the programme. Ayaat looked at Zain who had his arms crossed leaning against the railings on the staircase. She creased her eyebrows praying for him to fall off the stairs, Zain jerked forward off one of the stairs, her hands shot out towards him. She pressed her forehead seeing his mocking expressions; she showed him her fists. He put his hands up defensively opening his mouth wide trying to avoid smirking back at her. She swiftly turned on her feet and walked towards the door,
'Juice bottle and sandwich is on the ledge near the door' Zoya shouted,
'Love you' Ayaat shouted back, Asad grumbled. 'And you too' She laughed closing the door behind her. She placed her headphones in her ears biting into the sandwich sitting on top of the car. She swung her feet kicking hard every time her shoes hit the bottom of the car, she shook her head side to side humming to her favourite song,
'3, 2, 1... BOOM!' She watched him rush out of the house in his white vest top and grey joggers. She smirked at his popping biceps as he walked towards her with his hands in his pocket. She carried on eating her sandwich, dropping the crumbs onto his car. He watched her with one eye holding his hand over his eyes to block the sunlight,
'What are you doing?' He asked,
'Eating' She replied hitting the car,
'Ouch, who's anger are you taking out on my beautiful car?' He smiled seeing something different in her. She ignored him; he went on his toes and took one of her headphones out pulling her slightly forward. She placed her hand on his shoulder to stop herself from falling; she rolled her eyes looking the other way seeing his lips form a crooked smile. She brought her other hand and smacked an envelope flat on his face. She contained her laughter seeing his surprised expressions; he removed the envelope looking at her with a blank face. He opened the envelope to find their picture hand in hand from the fashion show night, a small smile played his lips seeing fake moustaches drawn on his face.
'So childish' He retorted,
'I know' She drank from her juice bottle and threw the bottle towards him, he caught it on reflex.
'I'm showing you the difference between our ages' She walked off breaking into a jog,
HA HA HA. You're so funny' He spoke with sarcasm, 'Ayaat, forget jogging... You need to-' He put his hand forward, she turned around with a look of disappointment on her face,
'I'm fine Zain. I can take care of myself' She stepped back putting her hand forward to stop him, 'don't worry about me'
'I don't think you heard me last night, I-' He paused seeing her place her headphones back in and look him in the eye; she shook her head and ran off shrugging her shoulders.
'That I love you' He laughed shaking his hair, 'you have a funny way of hiding your feelings Ayaat. You have no idea how much I care about you. You have no option but to accept my stubborn love' He threw the picture inside the car and ran behind her.
'Zoya, what are you doing?' Asad called her from the sofa,
'Shhh' She demonstrated her hand behind her to shut him up while looking out of the window,
'What? Who's there?' Asad got up; Zoya turned around and wrapped her hands around his neck.
'Nothing' She pushed forward, falling onto the sofa with him.
'Hmmm la la' Ayaat hummed shaking her ponytail as she jogged through her favourite park.
'Tu cheez bhari hai mast mast' Ayaat heard two young males singing badly, she didn't look at them to see who it was dedicated to as she passed them. 'TU CHEEZ BHARI HAI MAST MAST' Their voices got louder behind her. She stopped in her tracks and turned towards them, they both looked at each other giving her a goofy look. She took slow strides towards them, 'tu cheez bhari hai mast mast, tu cheez bhari hai mast mast' They sang faster shaking their heads to emphasise each high and low point. They looked up as she stepped in front of them,
'Jee aap aage badhenge?' Ayaat fluttered her eyelashes in her sweetest tone,
'Tu cheez bhari hai mast mast' They hit their chests, Ayaat pressed her lips.
'Uss line se aage' She nodded her head,
'Tu cheez-'
'Mein cheese?'
'Mast ho' They replied,
'Acha, aur tum?'
'Main hooo-' They both held each other as Ayaat showed them her fists.
'You sing one more song; I'll put you in such a condition where you won't be able to utter another word. Romeo banne ka bohut shok hai na? Do you know what happened to Romeo?' She asked them, they both shook their head in a no.
'Let me tell you' She placed one foot on the bench; she took her hand and demonstrated it around her neck. They both gulped, she hit her foot on the bench, they both jumped. She stepped back, 'bloody verbal diarrhoeas. Kaan kharab kar diya. Because of you perverted guys, girls can't roam around freely. If I see you harassing another girl, yaad rakhna, Romeo tho kya, kisi ka ashique banne ki halath mein nahin rahoge' She placed her headphones back in and walked away when she heard someone's loud laugh. She turned around to find Sofia and Zain standing there hi-fiving each other. She gave them a look,
'That was priceless bhaji' Sofia hugged her.
'Oh brothers, is she bothering you?' Zain sat down next to them, 'don't worry I'm here now, I'll protect you from this chudail' He placed his heavy arm on the poor guy's shoulder.
'Chud- Chudail, who are you calling chudail?' Ayaat snapped,
'Aapko' One of the guy replied. She glared at him before taking Sofia's hand and walking off.
'What are you doing here? You look hot by the way' Ayaat winked at her making her shake her head, 'Come on seriously, you should wear jogging clothes more often. Yes, modesty comes from simplicity but that doesn't mean you cannot wear anything other than Asian clothes' She wrapped her arm around her neck and kissed her cheek.
'You always make my day you know that?'
'What did I do? I'm just stating the obvious' She shrugged her shoulders. 'You're beautiful, everyone but you knows that'
'Yeah well I guess my colour-'
'CHUPPP' Ayaat gave her warning eyes, 'Bas karna, khoobsurati andaar se aata hai. If you have a clean heart, bahar se diktha hai. Look from my eyes right this moment, I see the world's most beautiful-EST girl standing in front of me. Sachi' She cupped her face, 'Stand in the mirror and look at your heart's reflection, you'll start seeing it. Bhaar me jaye duniya log. There are people in this world born to spread negativity. They're jealous because they don't have a heart like yours.' Sofia hugged her instantly as Zain watched both of them bonding. He fell in love with this big hearted girl all over again.
'Acha, stop crying and give me a smile. You taking her home?' She looked at Zain,
'Where are you going?' Asked Zain,
'Ermm to meet Asim' She lied.
'We'll come with you' Zain joined Sofia's side.
'Noo-' She closed her eyes as he started walking pulling her arm behind him.
'Guess what's in here?' She entered the room with a package covering her face.
'Ayaat' Asim's face lit up.
'NOO' She put the package down frowning, 'I said what's in here?' She threw it at him.
'Food, what else. Life saver' He ripped the packet open and paused seeing Sofia and Zain enter. He looked at them confused,
'Sofia, my cousin. And that's Zain, he picked your heavy looking body up and brought you here' She joked. Asim nodded at them before taking out his food and started eating,
'Thanks mate. And Ayaat, they have been starving me' He ate while talking; Ayaat looked at the time on her phone. Zain followed her eyes,
'Going somewhere?' He raised his eyebrow,
'Asim, I have an appointment with the doctor. Should be done in an hour, these lot will keep your company' He nodded at her,
'Bhaji where are you going, I-'
'Noo, you stay here. Bechara Asim, all alone' She dramatized the situation; he shrugged his shoulders innocently knowing she needed to go. He tried stopping Zain but he rushed out with her. He smiled being able to see the rising tension between them, there was definitely something cooking between them and going by his eyes; there was overflowing love and care for her. He was happy for his "sibling"; she deserves all the happiness. He gazed over towards his phone before realising Sofia's presence; he decided to break the awkward tension between them,
'Hey gorgeous, I'm Asim' He brushed his hair back and put his hand out grinning, Sofia laughed.
'I'm Sofia' She took his hand blushing, 'no, not one more word. Eat first' She ordered sitting down next to him,
'You all are very dominating' He spoke innocently biting his burger.
'No no Zain, you can't!' He grabbed her arm,
'I will not let you go through this alone. Do you hear me, I don't know any promises, any oaths, I will bring your Ammi into this if you carry on acting like you are.' He spoke protectively,
'Zain, I'll be fine. I should've never told you-'
'You didn't. You were speaking to yourself, but you forgot that I'm your shadow; I'm not apart from you in any way. You can never hide anything from me.'
'I don't want-'
'Please Ayaat. You don't want to stand by me, but please let me stand by you' He pleaded looking into her eyes, 'no no, I'm not sympathising with you' He caressed her cheeks, 'I don't want to leave you alone, not even for a moment. I know you don't consider me family, or a friend, but I -'
'Ayaat?' They both looked towards the voice,
'Nikita aunty' Ayaat smiled hugging her,
'Zain, good thing you have come along. I was going to call you, have you woh'
'Yes.' He winked,
'How?'
'How what?' Ayaat was confused,
'Juice' He replied before pushing her inside the room.
'Ab tum hi ho, zindagi ab tum hi ho, chen hi bhi, mere ashiqui tum ho' Asad sang horridly along with the music playing in the background. He grabbed Zoya by the hand and spun her around making her squeal. Innayah and Sofia clapped away watching them dance. He held the tip of her fingers spinning her round and round,
'Mera dard bhi' Asad continued, Zoya came to a halt panting, Ayaat stretched forward and jumped in between them taking his hand and waltzed around the room. Asad grinned taking his daughter around the room, dressed in a plain red churidar. He watched with proud eyes as his daughter spread beauty into the room, her face glowing more than ever. Zoya watched with teary eyes as her daughter's dress spun round and round effortlessly, her giggles echoing back into the ears of the audience, she looked into Asad's proud eyes as he guided his bundle of life around the room.
'Abbu, please don't sing ever again' She brushed his arm outwards holding onto his fingers before he lifted her up in the air, he dropped her back onto the floor frowning,
'Kyunnn?'
'Because you're deafening our ears, let the experts do the singing' She pointed towards the stereo. She grabbed her mother's hand and placed onto her father's before whizzing towards her sisters.
'You look beautiful in red' Asad looked back,
'Thank you Abbu, I'll see you girls tonight yeah?' They both nodded at her. She jumped behind her father and kissed him on the cheek.
'Yes all the love for your Abbu now' Zoya crossed her arms. Ayaat stood in front of her mother with a baby face nodding her head,
'Double love for my Ammi' She placed a kiss on one cheek and then the other. She looked her mother in the eye; Zoya smiled not being able to see pain in her eyes. The pain, the anger, the hurt was filled thankfulness, Zoya kissed her forehead.
'I'm going'
'Rukho' They both stopped her,
'You don't say I'm going' Zoya looked at Asad,
'You say I'll be coming right back' Asad completed. Ayaat looked at both of her parents putting her hands out, they both pressed their heads against Ayaat's, she wrapped both of them in her petite arms.
'Picture timeee' Innayah jumped up, she brought her phone out and clicked a picture of the small family moment.
'I'll be right back; I have a meeting in an hour. Ayaan Chachu must be waiting for me. Allah Hafiz. Love you both' She tapped her father's nose before running out of the house, she ran back inside holding the door,
'Abbu, you have something on your cheek' She spoke teasingly,
'You kissed me that's why' He made a face at her, rubbing the spot,
'Nope, not that one, the other' She pressed her lips making Dilshad burst out laughing on the stairs. Asad came after her, Ayaat ran for her life while Zoya zoomed into the kitchen blushing.
'Mission Birthday Surprise' Innayah and Sofia looked at each other, 'PJ party' They both hi-fived each other.
'Alainaaa' Ayaat hugged Alaina, embracing her tight.
'You look happy' Ayaat looked at her shaking her head at her comment, 'I mean it's a good thing but any reason?' She kissed her cheek, 'Beta, you look beautiful in red, turn' She rolled her finger,
'No way, pagal ho kya?' Ayaat blushed, Alaina's stubborn looks forced her to spin around for her. Everyone around the reception area stopped to view her epic spin, Ayaat froze seeing Zain come down the stairs. She held her hands mid-air as the dress continued wrapping her. He smirked at her; she looked at her arms in the air before pulling them to her side instantly.
'Don't you all have work to do?' Zain looked at the gawking workers.
'Alaina, yeh lo mithao khao' She broke a piece of the barfi and placed it into her mouth.
'Good news?'
'Let's just say tomorrow is a special day, someone very special came into this world. Rather than sulking, I want to spend it smiling this year. Hmmm talking about tomorrow, do I have it off? Please tell me it's been accepted, please? I know it was lateee but-'
'NOPE!' Zain popped his head in between the two women, Ayaat glared at him. 'Since when do you need permission, you have your way with everything nowadays' He picked up the mithai box and started eating, Ayaat took the box off him and placed it on the desk.
'It's not for you, it's for everyone else that works here' She told him,
'But I work here. Ayaaat' He called suddenly going boss mode. She turned around and looked at him, his eyes went over her delicate figure, her kohl lined eyes blinking back at him. He went all dreamy almost falling against Alaina. He coughed bringing himself out of the trance,
'My office now please' He walked up to her pushing her inside the lift with him,
'Immy' She waved seeing come towards her, Zain chuckled seeing the lift doors close him. He grabbed her fidgeting hand as he started whistling. 'What the, what are you doing?' She spoke fiddling; she tried pulling her hand off by walking away from him. He let her pull his hand, on reflex he fell against her; he placed his hand over her shoulder against the wall of the lift. He stopped the lift before looking at her, his finger trailed on her face. She closed her eyes not being able to breathe.
'Kaho mere choone se tumhe koi fadak nahin parta' He whispered, she shook her head slightly.
'Kaho mere paas aane se tumhare dil ko koi asar nahin hota' He brought his lips to ears, Ayaat glided her body upwards against the elevator feeling goosebumbs appear all over her body.
'Kaho agar mere baathon se tumhe kuch nahin hota' He held her scarf against her other arm. He brushed it upwards onto her shoulder.
'I'm so confused' She opened her eyes slowly and looked at him from the corner of her eyes,
'Agar kuch nahin hota, toh yeh tumhare dil itna tez kyun dor ta hai? I can feel it jumping out of your body. Tumhare yeh gal aise tamater ke tara laal kyun ho jata hai?' He stepped back watching her touch her cheeks.
'Yeh pyaar ka rang tum pe bohot acha lagta hai' He walked out of the elevator leaving a flushed Ayaat behind trying to catch up with her speeding heart. She looked at the mirror in front of her; she looked down at her red dress,
'Red, the colour of love' She whispered to herself.
'Ayaat?' Immy called behind her,
'Haaan?' Ayaat pulled her scarf over her chest, 'Please send those off Mr Ghai. Yes Immy?' Ayaat faced him,
'Haan, please help me with these designs' He held a few drawings of his in front of her,
'Since when did you start designing/drawing?' Ayaat asked,
'Drabble, you free na?' He asked, she looked around unsure, 'please?' She nodded following his lead. They both sat in the canteen with colours and papers dispersed everywhere.
'You don't have any work today?' Ayaat asked picking up his designs,
'Just finished an hour ago, thought I'll sit here and complete these' He smiled at her, he watched as she pinned her hair up in a loose messy bun. His eyes lingered on her bare neck, then towards her biting lips as she concentrated on the designs. She looked up at him and smiled widely before starting on the drawings.
'This table is very discreet right?' She looked up, 'I mean very quiet and peaceful' She nodded,
'Canteen is empty today. Where's Mallik gone? He was meant to bring our coffees' Ayaat looked around. Immy shrugged his shoulders placing his hand on top of hers, she removed it brushing off any weird thoughts. She tucked her loose strands of hair behind her ears but the reluctant ones came back out. He put his hand out and tucked it, he pretended there was something on her forehead and threw it away. She faked him a smile before realising he let her hair loose, she instantly shot up.
'What are you doing?' She said hiding her chest as the scarf kept falling.
'You look better with your hair out' He said getting up. She forced herself to smile before tying her hair back up, he held her hand and pulled it back down.
'Immy!' She brushed his hand off, she backed up against the wall, he stepped closer caressing her cheek with the back of his hands. She pushed him away feeling disgusted. She ran past him, he held her by the waist and turned her, pulling her back against the wall,
'Why are you denying your feelings? I know I'm irresistible, I knew you'd fall for me eventually'
'Huhhh? Are you crazy Immy? Get your hands offf meee' She pushed his chest,
'Fiesty, I likeee. Hard to get? I loveee...' His eyes glistened with lust, Ayaat watched scared. She put her hand up to stop him from moving closer, she moved side wards against the wall,
'Immy stay away from me, what the hell is wrong with you?'
'You know you want me' Ayaat shot him a shocked look, 'who doesn't though. No need to hide it baby. I'm better than Zain...'
'You've gone crazy. I don't feel anything for you. Stay away from me before I do something I'll regret'
'Like kiss meee' He purred, she shot him a disgusted look.
'Hey, Mallik what's wrong with the kitchen upstairs. Nothing is in its place man' Zain paid him, 'Pass me that coffee, I really need it' He tapped his hand on the counter,
'Sorry, I'll try sorting that out today. Wait lemme get it for you' Mallik went behind the doors.
'Hey handsome!' Soumya turned up, she placed her hands on his shoulder. 'You've changed' She leaned against the counter facing him. He shot her a look for her to remove her hand,
'I've told you before, I don't like people touching me' He wriggled his shoulder, she removed her hand, 'and what do you mean?'
'Well for the past 8 months, you were a right egoistic little boss; you seem to be smiling a lot more at everyone now. A little too friendly. What's happened?'
'Am I not allowed to smile now? What's my age? I'm still young; I have my whole life ahead of me. You're getting old though, 45? Next month? I think you should change too aunty jee' Soumya's jaw dropped to the ground, a small grin played on his face as he tried to keep serious. 'Get married and live happily' He turned on his feet, the coffee fell out of his hands.
'Stay away from me Immy' Her voice came from behind. He turned slowly; he looked behind the wooden stands to find two people arguing, the red dress flashed back at him. He paced forward, taking long strides. His hands fisted instantly being able to see her scrunched up face, he felt a sense of satisfaction seeing her slap him. Immy fell back holding his cheeks,
'Stay away from me-' Her eyes fell on Zain's angry face coming closer towards them, before she could say anything, Zain grabbed Immy's hand from behind and twisted it making him turn and grunt. He twisted it even further,
'I told you to keep your perverted hands off her' He spoke in a powerful tone, Immy fell to his knees trying to free his hand. Zain let go as he faced Ayaat,
'You-' Zain turned around and punched him, Immy fell back dazed holding his nose. A crowd gathered hearing all the commotion, Zain's breathing sharpened as Ayaat watched with wide eyes. Immy looked at his hands, his nose was bleeding. He got up looking around him,
'YOUUU- boss ho, that's why I'm not going to do anything' Zain rolled his eyes, 'Come out of your boss mode, I'll show you, if this job wasn't at risk, would have finished you right here'
'Comeee' Zain spoke calmly, Immy laughed. 'Fineee, let's take this outside' He rolled his sleeves up,
'Are you crazy Zain?' Ayaat held his shoulder,
'So that you could null my contract afterwards by framing me?'
'There won't be any need for that after I break your neck' Zain gritted his teeth, he was shivering with rage.
'Meet me at Bhopal leisure club today at 7. I'll show you there, come to my place, we'll fight in the ring. If I win, you can't do anything to my contract. If I lose, I'll walk out of here' He put forward a deal,
'I'll kick you out myself. I'll see you there!' He stamped his feet, Immy jumped back. 'Get back to work!' He roared, the crowd dispersed instantly.
'Are you crazy? Why will you fight him? I can handle this; this is not your problem. What are you two even fighting over?'
'What am I fighting over? Are you even serious?' He turned around, he laughed, 'this is my problem Ayaat, it was your problem when he came near you and you slapped him, it's my problem that he looked at you and I want rip his eyeballs out' He walked away.
'Mrs Khan?' Asad came out of the room looking for Zoya, in a giddy mood.
'Kya hai Asad?' Zoya replied, she turned the timer on the oven and looked back. He held a button in front of her with a slight frown adorning his face. She twisted her mouth; she removed her oven gloves and walked towards him.
'Kya hai Zoya, pehle Mr Khan pe atak gaye the, Asad bulaane ke liye kya kya nahin kiya. Ab Asad hi Asad, spoiling all the fun' He rolled his eyes.
'There was formality before, ab nahin hai' She took the button off him and walked towards their room.
'Liar' He spoke behind her, she turned around and glared at him,
'Did you just call me a liar?'
'Yes' He closed the door behind him, 'you said there's no more formality between us, then why have you never jumped me?' He looked at her shocked expressions; her mouth remained wide blinking at his explanation. He held her waist and pushed her upwards, brushing his nose against hers.
'Mr Khan, aapko sharaam nahin aata? Buddhe ho gaye ho aap' She smacked his chest and walked towards the wardrobe. She took out a different jumper for him and brought it towards the bed.
'Haan haan, there's always formality when it comes to romancing. But none for when it comes to beat Asad up, none for starving Asad, none for blaming everything that happens is Asad's fault' He complained. Zoya shook her head, 'where's the thread and needle?' He creased his forehead.
'Ahhh more of your bollywood romantic moments Asad. Save it for another day. I don't like that shirt today' she pulled his collar making him stand up sulking. His eyes lit up finding Zoya unbuttoning him. Zoya was consumed in her own thoughts trying to decide how to execute their surprise plan at midnight. Ayaat wore red today; a good sign perhaps wondered Zoya. Asad was grinning seeing Zoya's eyes on his chest; he started buttoning his shirt again while she did the opposite. Realising what was happening, Zoya smacked his hand. He looked down at her innocently while she removed the shirt from a fussy Asad. 'Honestly Asad, Ayaat didn't stress me as much as you do' She sighed. She poked his stomach, 'you're turning fat, very flabby' She gave him a look of disappointment, 'you're not like what you used to be' She smiled,
'Oh really' He spoke mischievously, 'you'll see what these can actually do tonight' Zoya smacked his chest again. She pinched his biceps before ordering him to put his hands into the black jumper. She shook his hair and turned around to leave, he held her hand to stop her.
'Should I help you get dressed?' He asked with hope,
'Maybe tomorrow' she kissed his nose. He grinned to himself before walking out behind her.
She fidgeted with the scarf, twisting and pulling the ends at her side. She entered the room to find Zain practicing on a red punching bag. He was dressed in his black vest and three quarter pants. She looked over at the patient bed with his clothes all over it; she walked over and started folding his clothes. He watched her movement around the room from the corner of his eyes; he held the moving bag and turned around. Feeling his gaze on her,
'Please don't fight' she finally spoke, 'You'll get hurt' She pleaded looking at him,
'Why do you care if I get hurt?' He replied tightening the straps of his bandages.
'Zain, why are you even fighting?' She asked him, 'for me-'
'No, for my myself' he replied looking her in the eyes. 'I promised myself that I would do anything to protect my love's respect...'
'But-'
'He misbehaved with you Ayaat' Zain's eyes burned with rage, 'He chose to go like this!'
'Fighting does not solve anything. You have nothing to prove. Just leave it'
'I can't just leave it' He held her arms and shook her, 'I have a lot to prove, to the girl I love, to get her to admit that she loves me too. That she cares about me just as much as I do about her. That either today, I'll get hurt and go away from her or win and come closer to her heart' He let her go,
'All this just so I say I care about you?'
'No all this because I'm possessive about my love' He walked off,
'Wait, you say you love me na. Tumhe tumhari uss pyar ka kasm, don't fight' She whispered the last words. He remained silent before laughing; she looked at his back, watching him turn around.
'Aaj dekh liya ki pyaar ka kasm dena kitna ahsaan hai lekin nibhana kitna mushkil. Pehle pyaar to karlo Ayaat' He looked at her teary expressions, 'acha teek hai, tumhari khatir yeh kasm bhi nibhaunga, I will go into that ring today but I won't fight' He walked out of the door.
'What?' Ayaat shivered hearing his words, tears strolled down her face; what have I done? 'Ya Allah, what do I do now?' She panicked, her voice all broken. She didn't want him to fight because she didn't want any harm coming his way. Unknowingly, she had taken his defence down inviting his death for him. She placed her hand over her heart and ran out of the room; she entered the hall to find a huge crowd gathered to watch their fight. Immy was a regular participant in this club; her heartbeats rose faster seeing Zain stand in the ring as she pushed passed the crowd. She stood outside the ring, he stood on the opposite side moving his feet. He paused staring at her shaking head, teary eyes pleading for him to stop. He looked at his hands and dropped them to his side; the crowd roared hearing the bell ring. Her heart jumped out of her as Immy leaped forward towards her Zain. She watched him dodge all the attacks before being punched on his cheek. She held the edge of the rope screaming amongst the crowd. He took the oncoming punches without a noise; his hands remained by his side as he watched her. Her thudding heart registered his piercing grunts as he fell and picked himself up again and again.
'ZAINNN' She ran forward towards the side of the ring as he fell back from the final punch. She dropped to her knees seeing blood splurge everywhere, the world around her stopped slowing everything down,
'Zain, utho! Get up please, get up and fight' She screamed over and over again, 'Zain, Zain, Zain, you listening to me? Get up and fight, tumhe meri kasm. Please just get up, I take everything back' She fisted her hands and held it to her chest. He opened his eyes slowly, his eyes landed on Ayaat crying, pleading for him to get up and fight. A small smile formed on his lips, her quivering lips evidence of her love. He picked himself up and looked at a laughing Immy, his legs dancing around him. Zain threw a couple of punches, only a few touched Immy not doing so much damage. He controlled his balance trying to dodge his attacks, before throwing a few more jabs. Immy started shaking, his balance was uncontrolled. He tried keeping his bleeding eyes open, his sharp breathing trying to keep him up. Immy threw another punch towards Zain who blocked it before throwing an upper cut, Immy faced upwards; Zain threw another hook twisting his body to support his hit which touched his chin throwing him back. Immy stumbled back dazed before falling to the ground. The crowd cheered, Zain turned around holding his hand up at her. She jumped up onto her feet and ran forward seeing him close his eyes and fall back onto the ground.
'ZAINNN!'
'Asad it's not that one' She smacked his hand. 'I think that's my other pregnancy video.' She said thoughtfully.
'Why can't we watch that?' Asad grumbled,
'Because we need to find her 1st birthday one. She'll be home soon, everything needs to be set up' She explained rummaging through the box. 'What this?' She looked at one of the tape with a red mark on it, 'have never seen this before, oh I think I've bought Naeem Bhaijaan's stuff' She placed it back in the box,
'Let's see what it is' He crawled towards the DVD player,
'Mamuuu' Innayah ran out of Ayaat's room, 'please help me with this' She held some wrapping paper and other decorating stuff. Asad placed the DVD on top of the table and walked towards her.
'I found it Asad' Zoya jumped up excitedly.
'Chachi, Chalo, I'll help you decorate the cake now. When is she coming home?' Sofia walked into the kitchen.
'I don't know. But you have to keep her busy until 12' Zoya said putting her apron back on. 'What have you girls got planned?'
'Surprise' Sofia spoke with wide eyes, Zoya laughed at her, 'PJ party! By the way, have you invited her friends for the party tomorrow?'
'Yes her close ones for now. We'll have to see whether she wants a small family one or a big one' Zoya spoke excitedly decorating the cake,
'Chachi ek minute' Zoya stopped and looked at her, 'A Y, you've put A H' She pointed, Zoya smacked herself and started removing it. She looked up to find Asad standing there quietly,
'Can I have the scissors?' He asked, Sofia took it out of the draw and placed it onto his hand waiting hand. Zoya ignored him and concentrated on writing Ayaat's name.
'Chachi, what's in this box?' Sofia moved the trays in the fridge and pulled out the white box.
'That is Ayaat's beta, she warned us not to touch it' Zoya spoke without looking. Sofia was way ahead of Zoya having already opened the box.
'Ooops!' Sofia placed her hands over her eyes,
'What?' Zoya turned to face her and gasped, 'What have you done?' She came closer to the box,
'Sorry Chachi, don't tell her. She'll kill me' She moped, 'Who's Ahsaan?' Zoya looked at the cake in front of her with Ahsaan written over it.
'Someone very special to her' Zoya replied closing the box and placing it back into the fridge. 'This secret remains with us' Sofia nodded zipping her lips, 'That's like my bacha' She pressed her head against the side of Sofia's. 'By the way, Humeira phoned' Zoya cupped her face, 'You stay here as long as you want, Ayaat and I love your company!'
'Really?' Her eyes lit up,
'Buddhoo ladki, you don't need anyone's permission. This is your house. You're my other daughter. I remember telling Humeira before I left that I will have more rights on you than her. Ab haq se keh raha hoon, you will stay with us. Your mother can handle her 3 sons.' She kissed her forehead. Sofia laughed before jumping onto the work top; she started nibbling on the pastries.
'Oiii, tum bhi. You totally go after Ayaat. Just one okay? It's her day so a little bias' Zoya joked,
'A little eh?' Asad joined Sofia, they both started eating the pastries.
'Omg you two' She grabbed the tray and placed it back inside the oven. 'Ammi, you seeing this?' She complained as Dilshad entered the kitchen.
'Don't worry beta, what I'm making these lot won't be able to touch' Dilshad winked,
'What are you making Naani?' Innayah asked,
'My Ayaat's favourite.' Zoya showed her tongue towards them,
Zain Bhaijaan ki lottery lag gayi, they both have the same favourites!' Innayah sighed,
'So childish' Asad rolled his eyes before walking out of the kitchen taking Sofia and Innayah with him.
Ayaat slowly stepped into the room clutching onto a first aid box against her chest, she closed the door behind her and slowly walked towards him. He had his hand relaxing over his forehead, his other hand holding an icepack against his left shoulder. She looked around the dimly lit room, there were candles lit behind him, originally put to relax its contestants. He slowly opened his eyes to find her walking towards him; her face was slightly pale from all the crying. His forehead creased seeing her tears still flowing, drop after drop against her not so rosy cheeks with the back of her hand brushing off the same spot. She sat down on the bed on his right near his stomach; she placed the box on the stand next to his bed. She removed his hand off his forehead and placed it on her lap. She pulled a bit of wool and soaked a bit of antiseptic onto it; she looked at him as he sat up properly. She leaned in and patted the edge of his lips, he winced slightly, her hand shot off his face. She blinked a few times before bringing her face closer to his and blowing. Her hair brushed his face, he watched her. She pressed her tears away, they fell on his shoulder making him move slightly.
'Maine kaha tha na, maath laro, lag jayega' She whispered, her lips trembled. She wiped the blood off his face with her thumb stoking each spot to take away the pain, his free hand caressed her face. She tilted her head to his touch; the back of his fingers wiped her tears.
'Ab toh kehdo' He stared at her, she placed her hand over his on her cheek; she moved his hand over her cheek, brushing it softly. She closed her eyes, he watched her tilting his head side wards.
'Why are you so stubborn?'
'Are you any less?' He retorted, laughing before wincing.
'What's wrong?' She asked quickly, furiously looking over his body leaning on his stomach. She looked up at him,
'I care about you. A lot. Are you happy now?' She held his vest half pulling him towards her, he shook his head in a no. She placed her forehead against his in defeat, 'I lovee youuu' She said finally crying on his face. He smiled finally having her say those words his heart was yearning for. Her cheeks brushed down his cheek before finally resting on his neck; his hands went over her petite frame and lifted her up on top of him. He rubbed her back, placing kisses on her neck. She lifted her head up and forced herself to smile,
'Don't you ever do this to me, ever.again.' He nodded at her, 'and don't ever listen to me' He shook his head. Her hands caressed his face before placing a kiss on his cheek, 'You're hurt. Because of me' She cried again,
'Heyy shhh. Don't ever blame yourself for anything. I'm not hurt, look at me, Ayaat, look at me, I have won the world today. And together' He pulled her in for a hug, 'we'll win life' He whispered, 'Just promise, you won't ever push me away, promise me?' She nodded against his chest, 'actually I am slightly hurt' She looked at him blinking away her tears,
'Here' He pointed to his heart, 'here' he pointed to his forehead and then his cheeks, 'and here' He pointed to his lips. She watched carefully, she put her hand out before realising what he was indicating, she blushed a deep crimson and jumped off him. He pulled her scarf, she turned around slowly,
'Oh ho, my sherni knows how to blush' He teased, she pulled her scarf. He kissed her scarf making Ayaat look away, 'Finally, mere pyaar mein rang gaye ho' He wiped his face with her scarf.
'Mr Khadhoos, will you let go of my scarf or do you want me to use my Abbu's self defence moves on you' She smirked,
'Mrs Khadhoos' She raised her eyebrow, 'Sherni saheba, tumhare khatir yeh bhi seh lunga' He dramatized his words,
'Oh ho, Mr Bollywood, how can I ever repay you?' She spoke with overflowing sarcasm,
'There is a way' He pulled her scarf, she stepped forward bit by bit, he threw his feet down the side of the bed. She stood holding her stomach against his knees; he placed her scarf over her chest. He tucked her hair behind her ears, he held both of her hands in front of him slowly pecking them without taking his eyes off her. 'Don't ever leave me' He said tearfully. She shook her head softly taking his hands and placing them around her waist. She brushed his hair back before placing his head against her chest, hugging him, comforting him; she had gotten the biggest gift of her life, him. She tried staying away from him knowing her father would never accept him; she wanted to stay away because she didn't know when life would deceive her. His love defeated the reasons she was staying away from, it gave her hope that with him by her side, she could win her father over and life itself.
Love doesn't come with any conditions Asad. There's no scriptures, rule book or any such guidelines as to what love should be. Love is such an emotion that strengthens you; it's not that you weakened me in any way or that I don't love you unconditionally enough to overlook your mistakes. It's just that something died in me the day I found out you dedicated the moments that belonged to me to someone else. I do not doubt your love Asad, I love you so much that I didn't want you to lose yourself along with me.' Zoya read resting her head on his chest, holding the letter in front of them both. I was possessive about you, but I don't how I handed you, my life over to someone else?' She asked herself, Asad held her tight. This was the first letter right? Why do you still have this? Do you have the last one?'
Yes. And to remind myself, and you that we are both lost without each other. We will only win if we stand by each other, because our love is conditioned on the basis that, we can only love each other' He smiled; Zoya was confused at his explanation. It made sense in my head, that's all that matters' He kissed her head.
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