SS: Abbu EPILOGUE/Page 72 - Page 18

Originally posted by: lovephilic

plz

First of all, I'm sorry guys. I've had the roughest two weeks ever hence why I couldn't update. I've never been so busy with assignments before and on top of that, random illnesses. I do apologise, and thank you to those who haven't forgotten this story. If it wasn't for your constant reminders to update, I wouldn't have been able to write, thanks for the motivation! Secondly, wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful comments they leave behind for me, I absolutely love reading them! Thank you so so much. My hands are shaky for some odd reason, this update was written with hesitation, hope I don't let anyone down! Do leave your feedbacks behind! Ignore the mistakes; I'm half asleep right now! Once again, I love you so much guysss! <3

Chapter Eight (2)

'Hands up, haan, careful' Ayaat helped Zain put his shirt back on, he winced as he bended his arm slightly, 'Sorry, does it hurt?' She held his arm and tried to adjust his shirt. She bent forward and buttoned his shirt, he watched her, admiring the change in her. She had finally put her guard down, she had accepted him. She pressed her eyes at him before picking up his waistcoat; he shook his head in a no. 'Fine, Chalo. Let's get out of here' She grabbed his stuff and held his arm; he removed it from her grip. She looked at him confused; she watched his hand go around her waist protectively. She smiled at him before walking out leaning against his side.

She placed the stuff inside the back of the car and turned around to make sure he got inside safely. He placed his hand on her left cheek, she tilt her head to his touch. 'I think I have enough strength left in me to drive my lady home' He spoke in a low whisper; she brushed her lips against his palm before holding it with both of her hands against her cheek. He blinked a few times watching her hair blow crazily around her petite head; her eyes glistened back at him as the moonlight highlighted her features. He stepped back watching her dress blow effortlessly, the red colour sparkled back in his eyes. She looked heavenly; her gaze lowered feeling the intensity in his eyes, her cheeks tinted with a touch of pink. He turned around,

'If someone is running towards you with open arms, you should do the same' He repeated his words once again, he paused waiting for her to speak.

'You never know when you might end up in their place chasing someone who may never turn around to hug you back...' She spoke softly. Her hands went over her mouth as a lone tear strolled down the side of her face. He turned around slowly to face her, he shook his head slightly. She tilted her head realising he was the same guy from that night.

For the first time in my life, I feel content. You've accepted my love, you accepted me. The acceptance that I have been seeking all my life feels like it was never there, there was a big void in my life that you have filled. I don't know whether I should celebrate or cry knowing that my life had no purpose before you came into my life. Other than this wish of death overcoming me...' He spoke emotionally; she put her finger up to stop him from talking. He sighed heavily with tears strolling down her cheek, his eyes red. She stepped forward, his hands slowly opened up towards her. She broke into a run and crashed against him, he held her tight taking her into a bone crushing hug. Her erratic heartbeats thumped against his chest, her breathing tickled his neck. He cupped her face before placing his nose against hers; she rested her hands on his chest.

Let's go' She smiled at him. He nodded at her before helping her inside the car, making sure her seatbelt was on. He paused for moment and stroked the back of his fingers on her cheek, trailing them up to her ears and then down her neck. She let out a soft giggle feeling his ticklish touches, he pressed her scrunched up nose and then her faint dimples. She smiled widely at him; he shook his hair and closed the door. He walked around slowly and stepped inside the SUV.

'We have to make one stop, near the long bridge road!' He said starting the car,

'Why? That road is deserted' She had found a box of chocolates in the car and started stuffing herself. Zain grinned to himself as she forgot to question him further having occupied the chocolate box. She looked to her side to find him laughing to himself silently, 'WHAAT?' She asked innocently,

'You have OCD right?' She nodded, 'at least eat like a human' She smacked him making him hold his hands up defensively,

'ZAIN!' She screamed deafening his ears, he gripped the steering wheel in fear of her squeal. 'You dare let go of the steering wheel again, I will kill you' She warned him,

'That you have already done' He rested his head against the headrest staring ahead of him. She rolled her eyes before sitting back silently, blushing.

'Where is she Zoya?' Asad sat back against the sofa uncomfortably, he looked at the clock and then the front door, it was past half 8 and his baby wasn't home. He just wanted to cuddle up on the sofa with his little angel, hold her in his arms just like he would've the day she was born. He sighed into his hands,

'Sofia said Zain text her saying they would be home around half nine. Her best friend Sanaya wanted to surprise her.'

'Couldn't she have done that here?' Asad asked her restlessly, Zoya sat down next to him, wrapping herself in his arms. She pulled the blanket over them both,

'These girls have a different way of wishing birthdays' Zoya giggled to herself, 'Relax Asad, she'll be home soon anyways!'

'Okay' He frowned, resting his head over hers in defeat.

'Mamu Mamu' Innayah ran towards them, Zoya looked over at her. She jumped in between them and hid in his arms.

'Innayah' Dilshad chased behind her, 'yeh ladki bhi na, she has become so naughty'

'What happened Ammi?' Asad laughed hiding Innayah,

'She cut my saree' Dilshad spoke sadly holding a torn saree up at her.

'I needed it to decorate Maamu' She spoke innocently, 'I found it lying around...'

'In my cupboard' Dilshad puffed. Asad laughed,

'Let it go Ammi, saree hai' He shoeed Innayah away to save her.

'She reminds me so much of Tamater' Zoya awww'd,

'Shaitaan version' Dilshad went back upstairs.

Asad and Zoya shook their head at each other before looking at the phone ringing. Zoya hid under the blanket forcing Asad to get up.

'Hello? Jee nurse kahiye? Is Asim okay? On Saturday? Okaay that's great, I'll let her know. Oh by the way, has his mother come by? Out of town? That's weird' He paused looking at Zoya. 'No that's fine; we'll pick him up on Saturday. Would've been nice if he could've gotten discharged tomorrow. No No, I understand, I'll let Ayaat know. Thank you'

'What?' She looked at his credulous face, 'what what?' She pulled his shoulder but he didn't look at her. 'Why have you stopped the car?'

'We broke down' He slowly faced her,

'No way Zain, please' She leaned against the headrest.

'Yes way. Don't worry, I'll see if I can find a mechanic'

'No no wait lemme call Abbu...' She tried stopping him but he closed the door and wondered off. She removed her seatbelt and followed his back until he disappeared. She sat back feeling slightly scared seeing the forests and dark figures lurking outside.

'If she cries, I will kill you both' Zain warned down the phone as he ran forward and hid behind a tree.

Ayaat looked outside the window having spent 10 whole minutes in silence fiddling with her phone; she had dressed the barbie doll on her phone with all the possible clothes available. She prayed before stepping out of the car,

'Zain? Hello? Zain, where have you gone?' She shivered feeling slightly cold, she heard some howling in the background, she jumped and stumbled a few steps back. Connor stopped Zain from showing himself. 'Zain, honestly come out now or else I'll strangle you' She held the back of the car for support, 'Arghhh' She screamed seeing couple of shady looking things running towards her, she ran around the car and tried pulling the door open, Ayaat panicked, her eyes opened wide.

'Ya Allah, Connor let go of me' He yanked his hand of seeing her so scared, he ran forward to help her. Ayaat ran for her life, she bumped into a hard rock solid wall and fell back with her eyes closed.

She shot her eyes open not feeling the hard floor and looked at him, her eyes relaxed,

'Zainnn! Where did you go? There's something there' She pointed back; she grabbed his shirt and hid in his chest. Her scarf had flown away amidst all the panic. She half turned her body and looked around, his grip tightened around her; she jumped forward, pushing against his body seeing the shadows come closer towards her. 'Zainnn, helppp' She hid her face clawing at his chest. He brushed his hand over her head before letting go and jumping back.

'Ahhh Zainnn whaa' She yelled holding her ears, screaming her lungs out. She felt something rain on her, her eyes opened slowly seeing Zain stand there with an apologetic face, she turned towards the squeaking teenage girls. They both waved cans at her taking off their Halloween masks, Ayaat made a face,

'Why did you take it off, it looked good!' She spoke sarcastically feeling faint. They carried on spraying colour on her along with confetti, covering her head to toe in glitter.

'Haaa that was class-' Zain pressed his lips together,

'SHUT ITTT!' She gave him warning looks,

'Happy birthday beautiful' Connor came from behind the girls holding something, before she could make sense of anything; he smashed the plastic plate against her face. Ayaat shrieked hitting his hand trying to stop him from pressing against the plastic plate, she coughed and spat trying to regain composure.

'It's not my birthday' She puffed trying to wipe the cream off her face.

'Yet' The girls shrieked before pulling her hand towards the car, Jameela passed her some napkins whilst Sanaya went and got her cake. She lit the candles and brought the cake and placed it on the car bonnet. Everyone sang her their own versions of the birthday song; she cringed at their cracking voices.

'You guys sing horridly' She joked, before blowing the cake. They threw confetti over her, clapping and asking her to cut the cake. 'Thank you so much guys'
Feeling Zain's presence behind her, she stepped back against him, she took a bit of the cake and turned quickly, painting it over his nose and cheek. She opened her mouth teasingly, before fluttering her eyelashes. 'Sorry, accident' She fed him the cake, he nodded in agreement; deserved it.

'Sanaya, Jameela, and Connor!!' She fed them one by one, Connor hugged her tight,

'Happy birthday beautiful, wish you all the happiness and success' Zain watched with a smile on his face, he placed his hand over Connor's shoulder. Connor let go slowly, Ayaat hugged both of the girls thanking them for the surprise.

'I know you're busy, but we shall meet up soon and celebrate properly!' Sanaya understood what she was going through, and right now the best thing for her was to spend some time with her family.

'Love you both'

'We love us tooo!' Sanaya and Jameela giggled, hugging her.

'Acha, there are hampers in the boot. Dekh lena' Jameela hugged her again. 'You take care and we'll see you soon and Zain, thank you so much' They looked at Ayaat, JEEE' They laughed as they ran towards their car, Ayaat showed them her fists before waving at them. She looked back at Zain, they both stood there quietly staring at one another. Zain didn't know whether to smile or be scared, he watched before she burst. She came forward and smacked him,

'How could you? You know how scared I was?' She punched him, 'does it hurt? You want more, what if something happened to mee, what if-' She wriggled in his hold, his firm hand stopped her from squirming, he placed her hand over his chest.

'I would never let anything happen to you' He wiped cream off the side of her lips with his thumb. She smiled before running towards the cake, he followed behind her wondering how quickly her mood changes. He shook his head at her,

'Those girls have the weirdest surprise plans...' He stepped inside the car,

'Not as good as me' She spoke deviously,

'Why what did you do?' He asked confused,

'Let's just say I deserved whatever happened today' She laughed to herself. He watched his happy go lucky girl; she had changed so much in the past few hours. His heart ached thinking of the reasons that might have forced her to keep herself closed off. She seemed free, from any conditions or any oaths, she was in love as much as he was. For a moment, he forgot about her illnesses, he forgot about her father and focused on the smile plastered on her face. He watched her text away on her phone, the smile refusing to leave her face. He had never seen her so happy, he sent a prayer above to the Almighty to keep her like this always, to protect her, to give him all her grief. He prayed that the burden of their past should always rebound off him, he prayed for strength to keep strong, for her sake.

'Slowly' She whispered entering the house. They both looked around to find the dark space around them filled with candles. There was no-one in sight, 'I think everyone has gone to sleep' She played with the switches but the lights did not turn on. She sighed, 'The light's had to go today?'

'It doesn't matter, careful' He guided her around the room.

'You go freshen up' She turned towards him, she saw him nod. He placed her gift hampers on the table and headed upstairs. Her eyes followed his back before finally landing back on her door. Her forehead creased being able to see light shining out of her room, she turned the doorknob and entered, her eyes lit up seeing Innayah and Sofia waiting for her impatiently. They had laid their beds on the floor, with all sorts of games scattered all over the floor.
'Hey girls' She greeted them, they both turned around and ran towards her. They both hugged her before jumping back,

'Bhaji, you're all sticky' Sofia made a face,

'Come on hug time' Ayaat teased opening her arms and chasing them. 'I'll freshen up' She grabbed her PJ's and went inside the bathroom. She walked out of the bathroom moments later and joined their sides. 'What's the plan?' She asked Sofia as she started to plait Innayah's hair.

'I don't know. You tell me, gossip hai kya? Or even better, spin the bottle!'

'Spin the bottle is good with a large crowd Sofia' Ayaat spoke thoughtfully,

'Zain bhaijaan ko bhulao?'

'NO' she shot up, 'he's tired, let him rest' She sat back down. 'Let's play'

'OH HOOO' Both girls spoke in unison in a teasing tone, 'Zain bhaijaan ka bohut fikar ho raha hai?' Sofia winked,

'You two girls! That's all you love to do, play link ups! CHUP KAR and sit yo ass down!' She changed her tone of voice making the girls burst out laughing. They made a face at her before sitting down.

They all sat in a triangular shape, they spun Ayaat's perfume bottle, laughing and giggling while anticipating who it would point at. The bottle stopped in front of Innayah,

'Meri bachuuu first' Ayaat smiled. 'Truth or dare?' She asked,

'DARE' Innayah replied instantly,

'My brave brave brave soldier' Sofia laughed,

'So okay. Ermmm, yaar can't think of anything Sofia.' Ayaat frowned,

'Don't worry Bhaji, hey golu, dance for us, some sexy, masala type dance!'

'Pagal ho kya, I can't dance to save myself. You guys have no shame thu thu thu' Innayah shook her head playfully, 'Okay fine' She took their glares and stood in the middle, Ayaat played 'Chikni Chameli' Innayah started shaking trying to move her hips, she jumped up and down touching her body making faces, both of the girls were in a laughing fit at her hideous attempt.

'Oi, you dancing or choking?' Ayaat finally managed to speak, 'you sure you're not having some kinda epileptic fit?' She burst out laughing; Innayah paused and glared at the two hi-fiving each other. She sat down flicking her hair back,

'Continue' She grumbled, they both shook their head before spinning it again with it landing on Sofia. Ayaat looked at the time, it was 11.40, she looked at Sofia and smiled,

'Truth or dare?

'Truth'

'BORING' Innayah yawned,

'Chup kar! Sofia my darling, your face every time your phone beeps, don't think we haven't noticed.' Sofia's eyes widened seeing her teasing expressions. What are you hiding? Is there someone special in your life? How long have you known him?' She asked excitedly.

'One question only' Sofia face palmed herself feeling slightly flushed. She didn't think anyone would notice, she looked at her sister gawking at her waiting for her to answer.

'Okay, who is the guy that keeps texting you, that makes you smile and blush like a teenager in love?' She smirked,

'AHA, you seem to know a lot about teenage love' Ayaat gave her big eyes for her to stop diverting the topic, Cheater' Sofia opened her mouth seeing the two girls clap.

'Good one bhaji' Innayah touched down,

'Okaay, promise you won't tell anyone. Promise?' They both nodded, Sofia was shaking. She took a deep breath in before letting it out slowly, 'I met him, not met him, we started talking on the net 8 months ago. I was doing a campaign for college, we offer one to one mentoring for any problems student's face, you know like a student union? The idea was to connect different colleges and get them to recognise our student problems' She shook her head seeing Innayah and Ayaat listening carefully holding their pillows against their chest. She smiled seeing their restless eyes asking her to hurry up with the stupid details and get to the main point, 'He joined our site, at first it was all college stuff, I thought it was just another student. But it was so different, we didn't know how but we started getting used to each other, talking day and night on the chat website. And then we took each other's numbers at first, but he respected my hesitation, we exchanged email addresses instead, we email each other every day. As you know technology nowadays, emails are like text messages. We have grown close to each other, he understands me and I him. We solve each other's problems. He makes me smile no matter how I upset I am. I don't if what I'm doing is wrong, I just know that whoever this person is, respects and understands me like no other' She sighed,

'What's the problem then?' Ayaat asked,

'He wants to meet me. He came to Bhopal a few weeks back. He's going to stay here permanently I think. He says one of the reason he is here... is me!' Sofia went into deep thought, he had indirectly mentioned a lot of other things.

'Sooo, go meet him Sofia. What? do you not like him?'

'I er.. I don't know but, I'm so dark and ugly...' She brushed her face with her hands.

'CHUPPP, how many times do I have to lecture you? You are beautiful, and this guy would be lucky to have met you. Honestly, meet him as a friend, see how he is. I know that he must be yearning to meet you as much as you want to meet him. You fell in love with him without seeing what he looks like, YES SOFIA, you are in LOVE! Don't deny it now, anyways what I'm trying to say is that, there won't be any expectations because you fell in love with each other's hearts. Looks Looks Looks, you are so beautiful Sofia, I can't explain to you. You are not dark at all' She shook her head,

'What, what makes you think he's in love with me?' Sofia asked,

'Well if you're blushing and smiling, I'm guessing he's flirting with you or just making you smile. Either way, when you fall in love, you make constant attempts to bring a smile on the face of the other person.' She paused thinking about the times Zain made her cry, she opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, 'or you know he'll be violent with you and you'll still fall in love with him' She sighed hitting her forehead on the pillow.

'Huhh?'

'Nothinggg' She spoke quickly, 'I'll be right back, you two put a movie on!'

'But wait, what about this game?'

'We'll play it later' She got up and walked out of the room with both of the girls staring blankly at each other, there was only 5 minutes left till 12.

Ayaat opened the fridge and took out the box of cake; she rummaged through the draws for matches and candles. She then walked up the stairs; she stared towards Zain's door before going outside on to the terrace. She closed the door behind her and walked towards the edge, she leaned against the wall placing the cake next to her. She looked up into the glistening sky; the stars sparkled back in her eyes. She let the cool breeze stroke her cheeks, before opening the cake box. She placed the candles on top of the cake and lit it; she looked at the time on her phone.

'10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1! Happy 18th birthday Ahsaan' She whispered blowing out the candles. 'And happy birthday to me' She smiled, she watched her phone ring. She picked it up,

'Hello?' She spoke quietly,

'Ayaat, heyy!' Asim spoke on the other side.

'Hey, you okay? What's up?' She asked worried,

'Nothing, I turned 18 only a few moments ago, I couldn't think of any other person to celebrate it with than you. You were on my mind so thought I'd talk to you.' He explained,

'I turned 18 too. We have the same birthdays? So cool.' She smiled, 'Happy birthday Twin' She chuckled,

'Same to you' He laughed, We are siblings by blood and now same birthdays'

'Ahhh yes. Anyways, you have any plans? Where's your Ammi?'

'She's out of town for a week or so. Emergency. I'm being discharged on Saturday though' He told her,

'What really? Finally. Wait, that means you'll be alone?' Asim listened to Ayaat, a small smile playing on his lips, 'Okay, you'll come stay with us. No arguments. Until your Ammi comes back. Anyway you take care and I shall see you soon!'

'Byee' Asim hung up before throwing the flower pot across the room. He shivered with rage, the nurse ran into the room,

'What happened?'

'Nothing, accident!' He spoke without turning around and facing the wall. He heard the nurse murmur something before leaving the room. He fisted his hands and shivered on the spot, 'WHY Ayaat, WHYYY?!' He screamed, 'You are just a liar like your father! I cannot believe I hid all this from Ammi to protect you; you didn't give me your blood! WHY DID YOU LIEEE?! Acha hua, good bloody thing I heard your doctor speaking, your family and secrets' He mocked, 'I cannot believe I forgot about my mother's revenge for you, FOR YOU! All you care about is taking your share of the credit; you made it out as if I owed my life to you! Such a big lie.' He wiped his tears, 'I will carry out this plan, but with my own twist' He gritted his teeth, 'ASAD AHMED KHAN, I WILL RUIN YOU, THAT IS MY PROMISE! Your daughter just made this a whole lot easier, what better way to enter YOUR house through YOUR OWN daughter! Ammi would be so proud right now!' He walked over towards the window, he sighed heavily against the glass, 'You'll never forgive me Soap.' He whispered.

'Where is she?' Zoya whisper yelled at Sofia who shrugged her shoulders back at her.

'She went for a drink' She replied, Zoya ran towards the fridge,

'Zain beta. I think she's on the terrace. Give her a call, pretend okay that you don't know she's up there, tell her to come outside of her room for some important work' Zoya smiled. 'Asad, hide the cake. Come around here' they all scurried into their own corners. 'Sofia, put that tape in, make sure the volume is up. Ammi, you hide next to Asad.'

'Which one, there's two here Chachi' Sofia looked back confused; she picked up the tape with a red mark and put it inside. She paused it before running and hiding with the remote.

'Are you coming?' He whispered into the phone, Zoya smirked hiding next to him.

'Zain, I'm kind of oc-okaay, I'm coming' Ayaat placed her phone back inside the pocket of her bathrobe. She put the cake back inside the box and headed downstairs. 'Why is everyone so lazy, only one light, could've fixed it. ABBU' She sighed looking at all the candles taking over the whole living room. The TV was fuzzing, her eyes searched for Zain, 'this guy honestly' She reached the bottom of the stairs. She placed the cake on the table before kneeling in front of the TV. Before she could switch it off, Helena's face appeared on the screen making her jump up onto her feet. She looked around her before focusing on the screen,

'Are you not excited Jee?' Naeem asked his wife whilst filming her; the camera followed her as she marched side to side. She glared at him,

'Can you not see how excited I am?' She spoke with wide eyes, 'Zoya has been in there, alone, for so long and there is nothing I could do to speed things up for her. I er, chaddo, tum na chup hi raho' She chided, her husband laughed,

'Come on, yeh dekho' Ayaat's focus moved from the TV to the rest of the room as the lights came on and her family members jumped out of nowhere screaming happy birthday.' Innayah scolded Sofia for putting the wrong DVD on, Ayaat held her ears before looking back at the TV. Everyone went silent, 'Dekho our Zoya's baby. Kya hai, boy. Kaha tha na, It would be a boy' He excitedly teased his wife, the camera focused on Helena taking the baby off the nurse. Her face was glowing with joy,

'I think you're forgetting that she's having twins' Helena laughed cradling the little one in tears, 'He's so beautiful, just like our Zoya. She wanted to call you Ahsaan, baba, yes, you are my Zoya's little angel!'

'Hey there cutieee' Naeem cooed zooming into his face, Ayaat fell on her knees, her fingers stroked his face. She paused the DVD on the little one's face and stroked her fingers on the screen in an attempt to caress his face. She fell back from her knees and turned to face her father who's gaze was stuck on Zoya. Zoya smiled seeing his face,

'Ayaat, I didn't know we had this video. I was still in labour; I had only managed to see a glimpse of him. Oh my beautiful baby, he looks exactly like you Ayaat' She said smiling stepping towards the TV, Ayaat slowly got to her feet and hugged her mother. Zoya's hand brushed her side continuously, they both cried silently together, half laughing.

'Ammi, he's adorable' Ayaat spoke in between her sobs, Zoya nodded placing kisses on her head. Sofia and Innayah walked back inside Ayaat's room on Dilshad's insistence. She held Asad's arm shaking him out of his shock, he looked at his mother with teary eyes. He stepped forward towards them both, Zain held Dilshad. Asad opened his arms and held the two of them tightly, Zoya let go of Ayaat and half turned her body towards Asad,

'Asad, that's my baby. Asad look at him, there he is. Look how beautiful he is, my baby' She spoke sobbing; Asad watched her eyes yearn for her child; he pushed her head against his chest. She shook in his hold; she slid down his side and fell onto the floor holding onto his leg. 'Why did she take him away from me? Why? Look at him, an innocent baby, mere bacha. My Ahsaan.' She cried.

Ayaat wiped her tears with the back of her hands; she got onto her knees and cupped her mother's face, wiping her tears away. She placed a soft kiss on her forehead,

'Double pyaar for me' She winked, Zoya showed her hand before tapping her forehead pretending to hit her. 'Ouch Ammi, all this bias?' She rolled her eyes before staring at Asad who sat on the floor. They both leaned against him, his arms comforted them both. Ayaat looked up at her father,

'Happy Birthday baby!' He whispered kissing her eyes and her forehead,

'Thank you Abbu' She mouthed before burying her face in his neck. Dilshad started playing the DVD, she and Zain held each other watching the trio sit there in each other's arms watching Ahsaan.

'Ammi, could you bring the cake?' Asad spoke over his shoulder. Dilshad lit the candles and brought the cake towards Ayaat. Ayaat smiled seeing the cake in front of her,

'Ammi, I'm 18, not 8. Pink Cindrella cake, really?' She spoke sarcastically,

'Oii, you're our little baby, for us, you'll never grow out of pink' Zoya smirked looking at Asad who nodded in agreement. Asad reached for the tiara that was under the table and held it in front of Ayaat, he played his eyebrows up and down,

'WOWW, I've always wanted a tiara' She retorted, her voice overflowing with sarcasm. 'When I was SIXXX!' Asad tapped her cheeks before putting it on her head.
'Thank God I buy my own clothes' She looked up with the knife in the air, Zain's face appeared looking down at her. She looked down instantly avoiding his eyes, Zoya watched shaking her head.

'Innayah, Sofia? Beta, come here' Everyone called the girls to join them.

They both opened the door slowly before running out towards them. They all sat down on the floor whilst Ayaat blew out the candles. They all clapped and sang for her, she fed the cake to her father first and then to her mother. She stopped when it came to Zain; he sat next to her grinning. She brought her hand towards him before pretending to fall forward and smeared it over his cheeks, again.

'Ooops' She placed her other hand over her mouth. 'I don't know why that happens' She spoke innocently fluttering her eyelashes.

'The same reason why this will happen' Sofia and Zain held her shoulder and pushed her back against the floor. Innayah jumped in front and wiped cake all over face.

'Abbu, help, Abbu dekho na' She kicked forward screaming,

'Oii, let her go' Asad scolded, they all shot off her. All three of them watched her silently, satisfied as she coughed on the floor trying to regain her composure. She grabbed her father's hand and got back onto her feet. 'Look, look what they did?' She pretended to cry,

'Aww mere bacha.' Asad sympathised before smearing more cake on her face, 'they missed that spot!'

'ABBU?!!! YOU TOOO' She grumbled chasing him. He ran out of the house, she followed behind him as everyone else burst out laughing.

'Let's get this cleaned up. Bed time, let the two spend some time together!' Dilshad shooed everyone. Zain stared towards the door for a moment before staring at the screen in front of him, he stepped closer towards it. He sighed heavily, his mind and heart were twisting inside of him; a part of him prayed his heart was wrong, not because he wanted to protect anyone but he would never be able to meet Ayaat's eyes.

Ayaat ran out screaming behind him, he jumped over the flower bed and around the cars, Ayaat did the same. Asad went round and round the same car before stopping, she caught up behind him and jumped on top of him from the back. She tangled her hands around his neck leaning forward over his right shoulder.

'I'm so tired, I don't even remember why I was chasing you baba' She breathed out. Asad laughed looking at the side of her face. His smile grew wider seeing her eyes grow as wide as saucers seeing something in front of her. 'What? When? Why? Wow' She looked at him, 'For me?' She asked seeing it wrapped in a big pink bow. She jumped off her father's old back and walked around him,

'IS THIS FOR ME?' She gasped before turning around with excitement clearly pouring out of her eyes. He nodded at her before taking out the keys and shaking it in front of her,

'This is your first gift baby! NO, don't even think about it' He brushed the lone tear escaping her eyes, 'you passed your driving test a few months back right?' She nodded at him. He took her in for a bone crushing hug, 'I love you so much, so so much.' He kissed her head,

'Look who's crying now' She looked up resting her chin on his chest, he tilted his head and pecked her nose.

'Let's go for a test drive' He asked her, she nodded her head smiling widely at him. 'Acha teek hain, stop showing me your teeth and let's go' He rushed to the other side of the car,

'I'm in my PJ's Abbu'

'Who cares, you look beautiful! Let's go' He spoke impatiently,

'By the way, thank god the car isn't PINK!' She laughed getting inside the car,

'Don't worry I'll change it if you want' He joked,

'NO WAYS! Thank you so much Abbu!' She looked at him,

'Chup! And drive' He watched as she started the engine and drove off, he prayed to the Almighty for his safety,

'Oh please Drama Queen, nothing will happen to you' Ayaat speeded up; she laughed seeing him hold onto the car for his dear life. 'Have faith in your daughter!' Asad laughed nervously,

'Don't use our relationship to blackmail me into trusting you to keep me alive' Asad teased,

'HAWWW! I'll remember this' she swerved into one of the smaller roads,

'Ya Allah, Mazak tha. Slow down meri naani, please?' Asad begged, the car came to a halt.

'Are you angry Abbu?' She tilted her head towards him, Asad looked at her 'Ammi loves us too much; she is willing to take all our share of pain. I er I er Ahsaan, means so much to her. Only I know how much it hurts her to talk about him, she wanted to protect you from-' Her voice cracked, she pressed out her tears,

'I know I had a right to know, but I have no complaints beta. I am not angry nor am I upset, Ahsaan's heart is still beating inside of you, your love for your brother is mirrored by your eyes. The only thing that has changed today is my yearning, to meet your other half, to meet my son. I know it's not possible, but I am happy today to see that you have very much kept your brother alive.' He grabbed her hand and held it in between his hands. 'It is my punishment, I am sorry baby, I am so sorry you both have suffered because of me. Kash, Kash Allah took me instead of Ah-' Ayaat placed her hand over his mouth shaking her head,

'NEVER EVER, do you hear me, don't ever say that. Ever.' Her eyes shot wide, her eyes burning red. He placed her hand over his cheek,

'Promise me, Promise me you'll never turn away from your old Abbu? Promise me' He looked her in the eyes. She nodded,

'Promise, where will I go leaving you? Kaha tha na, my destination is with you. Doesn't matter where I end up in life, I will never be away from you.' She smiled.

'Thank you' He whispered, he breathed out heavily before looking out of the window, 'As for the person creating havoc in our lives, I will not spare them. Today I've realised the real extent to which she has broken my world.' He shook his head side to side disbelievingly, 'I was so blind' He punched the side of the car making Ayaat jump in her seat,

'Why are you hurting yourself? It's them that deserve this pain; I have made an oath Abbu, not to spare the person who stole him from me. Today again, your daughter is promising you that she will go to any extent to punish the person that has done this to us. You are with me na Abbu? Aap mere saath ho na?' She looked at him with hope,

'I am with you beta' He took her hand and held it to his chest, 'But let me do this, I owe this to myself and your Ammi. I don't have the strength to lose anyone else.' He breathed out, his chest was tightening. This pain was unbearable, how on earth did Zoya hold it inside of her for so long. 'Woh kon thi beta?' He asked finally. He knew who it was; he just wanted to confirm his doubts.

'Tanveer' Her forehead creased, she gritted her teeth looking ahead of herself. Asad looked at her shivering state, 'Tanveer did this!' She hit the steering wheel again and again, Asad held her fisted hands. 'WHY, Abbu, WHY? Why did she have to do this to us? Did her hands not shake taking away a baby's life?' She looked at her father who mirrored her rage. She rested her head on the tip of his shoulder, her body slowly stopped shaking.

'Come on, cheer up!' He held her chin and lifted it up to face him, 'It's your birthday today. Let's not spoil our mood. Give me a smile, come on show me them dimples, come on' He tickled her, she shrieked to his ticklish touches literally squirming on her seat. He poked her dimples, 'Let's go' He pressed his eyes at her,

'Chalo' She started the engine and set off again.

'How are your kickboxing classes going?' He asked her,

'I need more practice Abbu. I agree with your one metre rule!' Asad smiled deviously, satisfied that his daughter had finally learnt what he was trying to teach her all these days.

------

Zain marched from one side of the room to the other. His heart was screaming at him, he didn't quite understand the inner turmoil inside of him. He kicked the beanie in front of him before falling back against the bed. He placed both of his hands on his forehead feeling a headache coming on; tears strolled down the side of his face.

'Ya Allah. Where have you placed me? I have come to a place where I no longer understand what is going on around me? What is my heart so restless about? Why is my mother's name ringing in my head?' He sat upright, 'Did she... Ahsaan...' He whispered to himself. He closed his eyes again and fell back against his pillow. He felt at peace as the motherly touches brushed his face, he slowly opened his eyes to find Zoya sat next to him, massaging his forehead. 'No I' He tried getting up but she held him in place.

'Kya hua beta?' She whispered bringing his head onto her lap.

'I am so lucky aunty, despite everything, despite my mother wronging you; you still never fail to show motherly affection towards me. The boy you should hate is the boy you are showering with so much love. Why?' He asked her,

'Don't be silly. Stop it with all these big talks. First Ayaat, now you! You are one of my children, and I love you as much as I love Ayaat, Sofia, Innayah. Nothing is your fault, don't ever think that. From this day onwards, I don't want you bringing up this topic, even by mistake, ever again. Promise me?' She looked into his eyes,

'Promise' He nodded closing his eyes. Zoya smiled seeing him finally relax on her lap. She mentally scolded herself for breaking Ayaan's promise of protecting Zain. Whatever happened today would only aggravate Asad, her heart refused to even think about the affect it would have if Ayaat found out Zain is Tanveer's child. She shook her head before looking at herself in the mirror, she stared at her reflection with Zain sleeping on her lap, her hands went over his head, she stroked his hair back. I won't let anything happen to you beta, you or anyone else will not pay for your mother's mistakes.

'Zoya, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me it was a mistake. I don't even remember... The next morning, these pictures' Asad sat on his knees pleading for her to speak to him. She sat still on their bed feeling like she had been shot, in the heart, thousand times over. Her mind froze not being able to think. 'Zoe, look at me. I swear, I love you. I didn't know how but these... Tanveer is just a childhood friend. She attended that business meeting in Mumbai, and this. I honestly don't remember how, I couldn't tell you before... I couldn't look myself in the eye. I didn't want to lose you...'

He cried helplessly, he held her hands and shook her. He cupped her face and brought it close to himself, 'Zoya...' He whispered, whilst his tears overflowed from his eyes.

'You've lost me Asad...' She spoke, getting up. She spoke like a robot without any emotions. Asad broke out into a cry falling back from his knees.

'3 months Asad, you waited till I got these pictures? Why couldn't you tell me before? I- I... I would've rather heard it from you, not by some third person. We only just got married, after everything... All those promises...' She ran towards her cupboard and grabbed her purse before running towards the door. Asad got up and looked at her,

'I'm leaving Asad...' Her hands flew over her mouth as she ran out of the house ignoring his broken calls. Asad ran after her, but she caught the taxi and was long gone.

'Hey you two! Back finally?' Zoya smiled as she came down the stairs. Asad and Ayaat entered the house hand in hand, with smiles plastered on their faces. Ayaat came running towards her and hugged her,

'I love it, thank you thank you!' She kissed her on the cheek,

'Oi, I didn't get one of those' Asad complained, Ayaat hugged her mother from the back and rolled her tongue out towards her father,

'Those are reserved for Ammi' She laughed.

'Unfair ha, Abbu does everything, Ammi gets the credit' He crossed his arms.

'Allah Miyaan, What's wrong with you two?' Zoya questioned, both of them looked at her. 'Go to bed now, Sofia and Innayah is waiting for you. Happy Birthday again my angel, I love you so so much' She kissed her forehead.

'Thank youuu!' She smiled widely, she ran up to Asad and kissed his cheek before running towards her room, 'Goodnight!'

'Sambhalke, pagal ladki. Goodnight' Asad wished her before placing his hand over Zoya's shoulder and walking towards their room.

'I am so tired' He yawned; Zoya turned around and looked at him.

'You won't ask me anything?' She spoke softly, he shook his head in a no.

'I have you and Ayaat, here with me. Right now, that's all that matters.' He pecked her lips before embracing her.

'Bhabie, Asad bhaijaan has come' Ayaan entered the room to find her standing in front of the window staring out in to the distant. The room was silent, Ayaan could hear himself breathing.

'Tell him I am sleeping!' She answered softly,

'How long are you going to punish him bhabie? He has come a hundred times in the last month, please at least hear him out' Ayaan pleaded, Zoya turned around slowly,

'If you want me to leave, just say so' A lone tear strolled down her cheek,

'No No, what are you saying? I didn't mean that' He sighed, she turned towards the window again. Ayaan's heart ached seeing her so dull, her face was so pale it felt like all life had been drained out of her. What had his brother done to this angel? She stood silently against the window, without a word, in her own sorrows. She refused to come out of her shattered world, and she refused to let anyone in. He and Humeira felt helpless, they had tried everything to bring her out of her grief. Her heart was broken, shattered into a million pieces, he understood that but the only person that could have healed it is the person she has blocked out permanently.
He was about to close the door when Zuhair crawled inside the room,

'Zuhai-' He bent down to pick him up when he saw her turn around hearing his baby talks. Ayaan stood straight and watched as Zoya smiled seeing Zuhair come closer towards her, his hands occasionally ordering her to pick him up.

'Hey there baby. Chachi ke paas aana hai?' She cooed picking him. Ayaan smiled to himself leaving the room...

'Hey girls' Ayaat entered the room; Sofia turned around and hushed her. She placed her hands over her mouth and slowly walked over towards her king size bed. She laughed to herself realising the beds that were made on the floor were useless. Sofia sat down on the floor and played the movie she had paused to go and cover Innayah with the duvet. Ayaat sat down on the bed sighing, she placed the keys under her pillow.

'Huh?' She made a face feeling something else under pillow; she lifted it up to find a rose and dark blue velvet squared box. She blushed as she caressed the rose over her cheeks, she slowly opened the box, her eyes sparkled seeing the diamond necklace inside. Her heart burst with weird feelings, her stomach tingled with butterflies,

'You have got to be joking' She whispered to herself. Her thumb lifted the small note stuck on the side, 'With Love' was all it said. She shook her head, 'There was no need for this Zain' She sighed, 'Thank you so much' She touched her warm cheeks, she had turned red. She walked up to the window and pushed the shutters open. She held her cheek against her left shoulder as the cold gush of air caressed her face. Her fingers trailed on her face, she reminisced the spots he had touched her and blushed to herself. She held the note in front of her; she turned it around and kissed the other side. She pressed her lips together seeing her lipstick mark on the note. She placed it on the window ledge with her perfume bottle over it. She closed the windows and walked towards Sofia; she looked at it and smiled.

'Asim, Happy Birthdayyy!' Tanveer wished over the phone.

'Thanks mama, I wish you were here this year.' He spoke sadly,

'Don't worry beta, soon we will be together. I am so proud of you, you finally put our plan to action. I am so happy today. Have a wonderful day beta, wish I could be with you, but don't worry, we will be in the years to come. Forever beta.'

'Don't worry mama, no more distractions. I will make this happen. For you!' He promised.

'Good good, anyways I'll talk to you later. Byee' Tanveer disconnected the call. She placed the cards on the table, 'I WIN' She smirked to the ladies in front of her.

'Not fair Tanveer, you always win this game!' One of them told her,

'I always win every game I play. Give up already' She picked up the glass of champagne and gulped it down. 'Give give give' She grinned taking all the money. She laughed to herself before making another phone call, 'Hello, is it possible to make an appointment with Soha- No Zain Khan?' She asked sweetly over the phone. The ladies stared before shrugging the shoulders and continuing with the game. 'Next week? Nothing earlier? No No it's fine, yeah please. My name?' She smirked, 'It's Ms Ahmed. Yes, thank you!' She put the phone down and smiled. 'Money Money Money and kids' She rolled her eyes.

-----

Ayaat jumped out of bed realising she overslept.

'Damn' She got out of bed, 'Sofia?' She looked around her room to find it empty. She grabbed her alarm clock only to find that it stopped working. I am such an idiot' She hit her head before running into the washroom.

Her hands flapped outside of the shower for her towel, she popped her head out from behind the curtains and mentally scolded herself.

'Where the hell is my towel?' Her eyes searched the whole bathroom. She realised she forgot her clothes as well. She ran for her wash basket and found her oversized top still in it. She quickly put it on and opened the door; she ran towards her room door and locked it. She turned around sighing a breath of relief; she gasped seeing him leaning against the window with his arms crossed, a small smirk playing on his lips. She turned pink, red, fiery red in seconds, she felt flushed as her knees wobbled in embarrassment. Her eyes travelled towards her bathroom door, she slowly stepped towards it before running, before she could reach the bathroom, Zain flew in front of her. She tried stalling herself; her chest collided against his making her rebound and fall back. His hands slipped under her waist and held her half dangling body. She blinked a few times meeting his mischievous eyes.