Hey guys, back again! Sorry sorry! From a stressful birthday to losing my voice before my oral exam to heavy workload every night! I AM DEAD! Finally got a break, was meant to update last weekend but my besties surprised me with a birthday outing. Ahh, what can I say, was really surprised!
Lost track of time, so I tried to write a bit every day and finally written enough. I had so much more to write but thought I shouldn't delay it any longer. Think it's time I stop writing such long updates so that I could update quicker. It's becoming a habit. Hope you enjoy this chapter, some bits don't make sense. Was half asleep at times. Ignore mistakes and shower me with your comments and love! MWAH!
Chapter Nine
His mischievous eyes sparkled in hers, his hand glided around her waist holding her securely to stop her feet from sliding any further. Her half dangling body held his shirt in her fists twisting it trying to keep herself balanced. Her eyes went over his crooked smile; her heart skipped a beat feeling her legs waiver for a moment. He felt her shiver in his hold; they both looked towards his arm supporting her waist. A shot of goose bumps ran over their bodies, every inch of hair shot upright as they felt electrocuted by each other. His other hand slowly lifted towards her face, it slowly removed the sticky bits of hair stuck on her face. His thumb brushed over the wet patch of her skin, her eyes closed taking in his comforting touches. He nudged her slightly seeing her tightly shut her eyes closed, she slowly lifted them to look into his eyes blushing a deep crimson, he placed his hand over her burning cheek making her tilt her head to his touch.
'Happy B-' He leaned towards her and lost his balance, he fell forward over her with his hands brushing up her body to quickly support her head before hitting the ground. She closed her eyes instantly seeing him crash forward against her. She didn't feel the impact of her hit as much as she should have, feeling his heavy body over hers; she slowly opened her eyes to find his pained face, his grunts were in a low whisper. She placed her hand over his cheek to comfort him; she removed his other hand from under her head and held it in front of him. He gazed towards her lovingly feeling her hand over his cheek, he shook his head seeing her quivering lips; he wiped the lone tear escaping her eyes. She held his palm to her lips showering it with kisses before placing it over her cheek. He smiled at her rubbing the spot her dimple usually appears,
'Happy Birthday' His fingers trailed on her forehead, removing her hair that had spread all over her face before placing a kiss on her cheek, her eyes lowered. He reached forward and kissed her forehead, his lips lingered on her skin making her shiver, her head tilted further back making her lips brush his chin momentarily. Her breathing went short and uneven; their close proximity made her heart beat faster than it ever did. He felt her chest rising up and down below him, her warm breath tingled his neck as he took in the scent of her shampoo; mixed berries. He slowly tried to get up by tilting his body sideways. His head shot towards her wincing face, she shivered fisting her hands against her chest. He suddenly became alarmed jumping to the side and sitting upright lifting her head up.
'What's wrong?' Her body shook further, he watched her stretch her legs outwards in pain. He pulled her top down and picked her up rushing towards the bed. He cradled her rubbing her arm continuously to ease her pain, his other hand tangled in her hair keeping her cheek against his forehead as he rocked back and forth tears escaping his eyes. 'Shhh, everything will be fine.' He comforted her placing the phone to his ears,
'Dr Sengupta' He spoke worriedly explaining the situation. He threw the phone over the bed and took some tablets out of his pocket; he tried reaching for the water glass. Her hands stretched over his chest, clawing it in pain before finding her way under his top, yanking his tank top. Holding her tighter, the tips of his fingers reached for the glass making it twist and turn on the table just out of his hold. He moved on the bed, she let out a small whimper making him freeze and look down. He grabbed the glass and brought it his chest; he made her sip a bit of it before placing the tablet onto her tongue. He pressed her lips together making her gulp it down, he placed the water glass on the floor and took her hands to his chest rubbing them to ease her pain. Both of her hands went around his neck pulling him towards her as she rested her face on his neck. Her lips moved over his neck before snuggling into his chest. Her body stopped shaking slowly before relaxing in his hold; he hadn't stopped rocking back and forth,
'Sorry' She whispered finally calming her racing heart, 'Did I scare you?' He looked at her wiping the beads of sweat from her forehead,
'When have you not?' He faked a laugh pulling the duvet over her bare legs; he wrapped it around her before holding her against him. 'I think we need to start your Chemotherapy as soon as possible' His voice cracked, he coughed trying to bring back his normal voice. He looked the other way pressing away his tears; she placed her hand on the other side of his cheek pulling his chin to look her way.
'Ouch!' His head shot towards her instantly, he breathed out a sigh of relief seeing her playing her eyebrows up and down. He held his hand up at her, she twisted her mouth.
'You're crazy' He kissed her forehead, she pressed her eyes with a wide smile,
'I know.' She replied.
'I should go' He rubbed her arm,
'I am fine' She reassured him, she played her indent finger asking him to come closer towards her,
'Thank you' She placed a kiss on his cheek before blushing and looking away. He held the duvet securely over her legs and moved them off his lap. He slowly got up and brushed his hair back smiling, he walked towards the window, 'When will you learn to use the door?' He turned around placing his hand in his back pocket,
'The day I have permission to' He replied, she creased her forehead; he brought a piece of paper and kissed it where her lipstick marks appeared. He winked at her before jumping out of the window,
'Careful' She jumped off the bed and ran towards the window with the duvet around her,
'Don't worry, I am no Romeo. I think you've forgotten it's on the ground floor' He smirked, 'I think if it was up there, I wouldn't be visiting you so much' He looked up seeing her mouth open wide, 'Close your mouth before a fly decides to set up his home in there' She shut her mouth instantly making Zain burst with laughter, 'Waise bhi, you remember the park incident? I don't want to become no Romeo after that' He rubbed his neck. She reached forward with her fist making him run off; she tilted her head out of the window staring at his retreating back. She leaned against her elbows and sighed, he looked back and grinned at her walking backwards. He almost fell back hitting something, he turned his body to find Asad standing there.
'What are you doing here?' Asad raised his eyebrow, looking around making Zain burst into a coughing fit. Ayaat popped her head back inside,
'Erm that, this, that' He stuttered pointing in all directions, 'Jogging' He stretched his arms outwards, tensing his muscles and hitting it to show him how far he has come. Asad threw him a weird look sipping the last bit of his coffee,
'Zoya is looking for you' Asad told him before walking around him. Zain sighed a breath of relief;
'Go then' Asad turned to find him standing there with his shoulders slouched. Zain nodded his head seeing him walk away, he winked towards Ayaat's peeking head before rushing back into the house. Asad carried on walking casually with his hands fixed towards his back. He stopped standing outside Ayaat's window; he fixed the blinds before walking towards the back garden.
Ayaat stepped out of the bathroom dressed in her casual boyfriend jeans and a white blouse; she glanced towards the floor where they both fell. She shook her head seeing a red rose on the floor, she picked it up and took it to her nose taking in the scent, she smiled to herself like a drunk teenager and placed the rose under her pillow.
She closed the door behind her and grinned towards her father who was walking towards her,
'Good morning Abbu' She hugged him, he kissed her forehead and looked at her,
'Good morning baby' He pressed her nose and passed Zoya a knowing glance; she resembled Zoya 18 years ago from head to toe.
'Ammi, I'm hungr-'
'STOPP!' Zoya shouted from the kitchen as she rushed towards her with the broom, there's broken glass on the floor' She kneeled on the floor and cleaned it up quickly, Asad looked at her bare feet and picked her up,
'Don't worry' Asad pressed his eyes at her making her giggle. Zoya shook her head at the father daughter antics; he placed her on the chair next to him before settling on his own. He winked at Zoya as she walked past him. She mumbled something before giving Ayaat breakfast. She looked up seeing Zain come towards the dining table, she took a bite out of her sandwich, Asad filled her plate with his plain jam bread.
'Where are you going?' Ayaat asked as he took the orange juice carton out of the fridge, she shot him a look as he was about to drink from it. He sighed and grabbed a glass,
'Office' He replied calmly looking at Asad from the corner of his eyes who seemed to be intrigued with the bowl of porridge in front of him,
'What is this Zoya? Why are you torturing me? What have I done now?' He spoke sadly,
'Ammi thinks you should eat healthy. And Zain, wait for me. I'm just done' She sipped her cup of coffee.
'I'll manage don't worry you-' He tried persuading her,
'No it's fine. I prepared for the Mozzaam deal so I might as well finish it. I'll be done quicker, it'll be better if we both go in and get it done' She explained taking a sip of her juice. Zain nodded thinking about it,
'Okay. That's fine. Come back quickly' Zoya wiped the side of Ayaat's mouth. She looked up towards her mother,
'Family only' she whispered indicating what kind of celebration she wanted. She got up and walked towards her room,
'We need to meet As- Ouch, ow ow' She placed her hand on the wall lifting her left foot, Asad dropped the pastry he was stealing from Ayaat's plate and ran towards her, Zain moved out of the way seeing Asad storm towards them. He looked on as Asad held her shoulder for support,
'Careful beta, watch where you're going! Are you okay?' Zoya ran towards her with the first aid box,
'Zoya what sort of recklessness is this? Look what's happened' Asad scolded. Zoya tried speaking, 'look it's bleeding!'
'Owww' Ayaat winced as he removed the glass,
'Sorry beta. Teek hai? Does it hurt' She shook her head in a no. Zain cringed with helplessness as he stared towards Asad bandaging her foot.
'No Abbu. It's fine. You go eat, I'm fine' She told him seeing Zain's expressions, she remembered Nikita's advice to take care of herself, stop herself getting into situations where she would be wounded.
'Ammi, it's okaay. It's not your fault, I wasn't wearing sandals like an idiot. Come here' She opened her arms towards her mother, Zoya sat down hugging her daughter.
'Sorry beta' She cupped her chin, 'I'm such an idiot. I should've cleaned it up properly' Zoya spoke sadly,
'Ammi, it's fine. It's not your fault. Please jaaye, give Abbu breakfast. I'll just be right back' She pressed her eyes and then looked at her father standing over them both, she shook her head to go over to the table with warning eyes, 'Apologise' she mouthed to him. Asad looked at her helplessly before walking to the dining table. Zoya followed behind him,
'Romi, please could you hoover the whole of this room and mop it as well? Please, I think the glass pieces might have spread' Zoya told the maid who was about to leave.
Zain removed his shoes and kneeled on the floor in front of her. He slipped his shoes onto her feet,
'It's okay. I'm fine' She told him trying to stop him. He removed her hand and tied the laces. She watched him get up and walk towards the front door putting on another pair of shoes; she went into her room and grabbed her folders slipping into her own shoes.
'Zain' She called behind him,
'I'm driving' She swung her keys in the air,
'I don't think so' He grabbed the keys off her and placed them into his pocket. He opened the passenger door of his car and waited for her to enter. Ayaat stood rooted to her spot with a determined face. She crossed her arms as he looked at her,
'Ayaat, are you going to get insi- WHY THE HELL ARE YOU CRYING?' He opened his eyes wide, Ayaat sniffed looking towards her new car.
'You have an injured foot for goodness sake' He snapped. He looked away from her teary eyes and pressed his forehead in annoyance. He placed his hand over his eyes and looked towards her, he pointed towards the seat,
'Get inside now' He spoke sternly. Ayaat smirked before running towards him; she pulled the keys out of his pocket and got inside her car.
'Oiii! Ayaat' He hit his car at her stubborn nature,
'Are you coming?' She revved the engine with her eyes focused on the side mirror, 'I'm leaving alone then' She went forward and stopped, he stormed towards the car. He pulled the door open with force,
'Oh my God, my new car. Aaraam se.' She warned, he sat inside the car.
'Do I have to put the seatbelt on for you now?' She remarked,
'Please look at yourself before commenting on others' He retorted.
'I' She coughed before placing her seatbelt on, 'I have now. I was waiting for you to come inside and then I was goin-' She started explaining.
'Ayaat' She looked at him, 'Shut up and drive' He grumbled.
'Yes of course' She smiled to herself as she drove off.
Ayaat sat in her office, tapping her fingers on the table leaning back against her seat. So much had changed in one night; they had become so unbelievably close that she was wondering whether they had known each other their whole lives. He knew her better than she knew herself; her hand went over her stomach. She would never get tired of these butterflies, his proximity, his touch, his smile, his words. She smiled, it arose new sparks every time, she cannot remember how many times in the last 24 hours she felt electrocuted. She was behaving all normal, acting like they were always together. But they had just confessed, last night. She mentally squealed, how was she to talk to him now? This morning was so sudden, her mind hadn't registered it was their first day, first moment together. She blushed, how would she approach him now that her mind is full alert of the situation? Should she talk? Blush? Laugh?
'I'm in love' Her eyes opened wide, she shook her hair and swung on the chair. She held the edge of the table and came to a halt; she looked up to find the door swing open. Her eyes opened wider to find him entering,
'Could you-' He froze with the letter in his hand. Ayaat straightened up; she fixed her hair in place and looked at him.
'What's the matter?' She coughed trying to steady her breath and her beating heart.
He took further steps inside the room casually flicking the door close with the back of his foot. She stood up slowly seeing him come inside the room,
'Is everything okay? You've been in here since we arrived...' She was about to reply, anyways' He diverted the conversation, her eyebrows creased; back to Akdu mode. 'Could you please get HR Logo's to send the new prints and logos? You're not busy right?'
'When am I ever busy?' She shook her head, her voice overflowing with sarcasm tapping the stack of folders on her desk. She looked at him, 'Ofcourse sir' She nodded sitting back down with a grumpy look on her face,
'One more thing. Can I get a cup of coffee?' He pressed his forehead, 'some big problem has been following me since this morning' He sulked looking at her innocently. He pressed his lips together seeing her nose flare outwards.
'Do you want a massage as well sir? Maybe around the neck?' She looked at him with wide eyes; he rubbed the back of his neck.
'No, coffee would do for now thanks' He turned around; he brushed the side of his shoulder, 'Smooth Zain' He chuckled closing the door behind him. Ayaat grumbled loudly, she picked up the folder next to her and threw it towards the closing door. He popped his head back inside,
'Clean environment Miss Khan' He looked at the floor. 'Coffee quickly, please' He closed it again.
'Arghhh' She hit the table, 'I'll show you.' She pulled her draw open; her eyes went wide with surprise. She found two roses sitting idly on top of her notepad. She picked it up and held it against her chest, she took a deep breath in and then let it out,
'I'm still angry' She spoke to the flowers, 'no don't look at me like that' She placed the roses inside the bag twisting her lips as she got up.
Asad fussed with the tie as Zoya sat against the windowsill with a cup of coffee and her ipad.
'Sofia and Innayah are still shopping since morning. You two come over as soon as you're free. Haan, teek hain. Tamater is not well, yes, he's not back yet. I don't know why he is keeping away. Is everything okay? When was the last time you were in touch with Ali? He's grown up now right?' She asked Humeira, '20 this year? I know I know. Okay see you later bye' Zoya hung up. She glanced a look towards her husband and then carried on working on her ipad.
Asad grunted not being able to fix his tie, he looked helplessly towards her.
'All women are the same' He started, Zoya rolled her eyes. 'They all forget their husbands after-'
'That's not my problem' She looked up.
'Helping their husbands with their tie is a responsibility a dutiful wife should neve-'
'Oiii old man. How old are you? You've become a granddad now and you still don't know how to tie your own tie? What did you do in the last 18years?' She raised her eyebrow,
'Buddhi hoge tum. I'm fit and fine. Zoya, you have spoilt me, you got me so used to you doing it every morning... old habits die hard. It's my daughter's birthday, I wanted to wear one after so long' He spoke emotionally. Zoya breathed out before stomping towards him. She hit both of his hands outwards to stop him from fiddling with the tie. Asad's eyes opened wide at her martial arts moves; dangerous woman.
'Zoya woh' She nudged her shoulder to remove his hand. Her eyes remained focused on the tie. 'Sorry' He moved her fringe to the side, she hit his hand away. 'Zoya, listen to me' She looked up at him with wide eyes, his lips turned into a frown before pulling her against him into a hug. She fought him to let go trying to pull away, she squirmed in his hold before stopping feeling his hold go tighter. She exhaled sharply on his shoulder before hugging him back tightly.
Ayaat stood outside his office, she was about to knock on but she decided to enter anyways. She watched from the corner of her eyes as he fixed himself on his seat without looking up to see who entered. She placed the cup on the marble table; original plan was to hit it with force. Drops of coffee fell from the side; she mentally scolded herself wiping the table and glaring at him. Zain laughed to himself not being able to keep it in any longer,
'Stupid idiot' He put the newspaper down and looked at her red face, 'What's wrong with you? Is it that hot? I'm sure the AC is on, should I open a window?' He tapped the remote continuously,
'Listen you-' She pointed at him,
'Ahhh coffee' He grabbed it and looked at it, 'what are these bubbles?' He pointed making a face,
'I poisoned it' She gave him a blank look, he took a sip shrugging his shoulders, she brought a black bottle out of her pocket, his eyes widened as he spat out whatever he sipped. He wiped his mouth,
'What is this Ayaat? You want to poison your boss?' He gave her a look of disbelief, she threw the bottle at him, he caught it with his other hand. She grabbed the newspaper,
'Bechara, you know what would've been the headline of tomorrow's paper?' She raised her eyebrow, 'Boss of DZ Connect committed suicide due to his rising stress levels.' She blinked at him with a wide smile. He looked at the bottle,
'Migraine pills?' He read off the bottle,
'Overdose' She replied. Zain coughed rubbing his neck.
'Are you crazy' He retorted,
'Didn't you know?' She smirked, 'You sure you don't want that neck massage?'
'Ayaat Ahmed Khan' He stood up,
'Ayaat Zoya Ahmed Khan' She shot him a look, 'What?'
'Can we get back to work, plan to kill your boss another time' He spoke sternly,
'Can I have that Mozzam finances folder?' He pointed towards the cabinet before sitting down; she turned around and creased her forehead,
'That one up there?' She asked, 'Zain?!' She turned around, 'It's high up that. Can you-' He gave her a look,
'Okay, I'll get it.' She mumbled a few curses walking up to the cabinet. She jumped for it and landed on her hurt foot and winced. Zain got up with his hands in the air; he looked here and there in panic before sitting down. She turned her head frowning,
'Akdu'
'File!' He shouted from behind,
'I'm getting it' She grumbled back moving the table towards the cabinet. Zain pressed his forehead, he watched her remove her sandals before jumping onto the table. He cringed; this girl cannot do anything without moving around like a storm is about to hit. He watched her struggle to reach for the folder; she almost fell as she pulled it out of the slot. He shot up and ran halfway, he turned the other way holding his head as she held the edges and balanced herself. He turned to face her again,
'What have you done, look it's on the floor now' He coughed seeing her face; she opened her tightly shut eyes and stared at him in disbelief. She followed his eyes towards the folder; her eyes fell on three roses that fell out of it. She slowly got down, he came forward to help but she put her hand up. She slipped into her sandals and picked up the folder along with the roses. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes,
'Who keeps putting these roses in stupid places? I wonder who they are for?' She pretended to be intrigued by them, handing the file over to him.
'Ahem, maybe that was for you. It was your project file' He nodded,
'I don't know. Maybe it is. So sweet, seem to be very popular in this company. Flattery, I seem to get new secret admirers every day.' She shrugged her shoulders in her appraisal. He facepalmed himself before trying to speak to her,
'Those roses-'
'I think I should give him some gifts in return' She spoke in between. She rolled up a piece of paper and stormed towards him. His eyes opened wide stepping backwards almost stumbling.
'The gift is for him, why are you coming towards me?' He gulped, 'Ayaat, what the hell' He ran around his desk, 'You've gone crazy, stay away from me' He burst out laughing, 'Ayaat listen-'
'Annoying me on purpose aren't you?' She screamed at him, 'Don't you want your return gift?' She spoke mockingly,
'Ayaat, you give gifts with love right? I don't see no love here' He made circles in the air,
'This is a different sort of gift. Come here, I'll show you how much love there is' She treaded towards him, he held his hand up in defence before taking her hits. He held her wrists; she wriggled in his hold before watching him snatch her weapon. She opened her mouth wide, her eyes suddenly alarmed.
'What, you will hit a delicate girl like me?' She pouted blinking innocently,
'We'll find out how delicate you really are' He let her go before swinging her weapon in his hands. She squealed as he stepped towards her, she ran around the desk as he followed her laughing.
'ZAIN BAS NA. Sorry, I was joking' She held her ears running, he reached for her waist. She pulled his hand off her and leaped forward, he wrapped his hand around her stomach yanking her back with force.
'ZAINNN!' She yelped as he lifted her up with hand, she kicked forward with her legs. Her hands wrapped over his hand as her head rested back over his shoulder, 'SORRYYY' She nudged her head against his chin. His other hand wrapped over chest to secure her, he blew her hair from the side, she turned the other way feeling her hair dance over her face.
'I'm sorry. I thought it'd be fun to tease you and let your nose-' He chuckled,
'What's wrong with my nose?' Her nose scrunched up.
'You want to see your reflection right now?' She tried protesting in his hold but he held her tighter in the air resting his chin on her shoulder. 'Didn't you like the necklace?' He asked her,
'I did, but I'll wear it in the evening' She whispered to him.
'What happened to your voice now?' He teased, she looked the other way blushing, 'Blushinggg' He let her down. He tapped her shoulder, she shrugged it away. He pulled it again; she refused to turn making him pull her harder to turn towards him. She looked down towards the floor, her hair swung below her. Look at me' She looked at him momentarily before turning towards the door; he held her hand and pulled her into a tight hug. He squeezed her as she rested her hand on his chest; she moved her head backwards and looked at him,
'Thank you' She whispered,
'For what?' He spoke confused,
'For this morning' He tried speaking, I know I know, but still, and for the roses' She pressed her eyes at him. He kissed her nose,
'By the way one question' He looked at her, she nodded, 'Did you really add the pills?' He spoke nervously; she hit his chest 'OWW'
'SHUT UP!' She pouted with innocence,
'Come let's get some-' His eyes opened wide, he pushed her arm making her fall side sideways before holding her in that position, 'You keep falling?' He spoke with wide eyes making her look at him weirdly with shock feeling the fall backwards 'So careless, why do you keep falling?' He looked down at her, she stared at him confused.
'Have you lost it?' She answered back, 'Why would I-'
'ZAINNN' Ayaan entered with a smile on his face. 'So strong' He hit his arms in praise of his muscles. He grinned at the two,
'Will you let me up?' She snapped seeing him stare at Ayaan as he held her in the typical Bollywood pose.
'HUH?' He looked at her; she slapped his cheeks before leading his eyes to his hands. He rubbed his cheek pulling her up, they both coughed straightening themselves up. 'There was no need to hit me. Charlie, see this. No appreciation, women nowadays' He hugged him. Ayaat quickly picked up the roses and placed them inside the folder,
'What's up?' Zain led him to sit down.
'I came to see Ayaat actually.' Ayaan replied. Zain shot Ayaat a look as she sat down next to him.
'What is with this girl stealing everyone I love' He spoke sadly walking around and sitting on his chair. She rolled her eyes,
'Thank you for coming. Have you got the gifts?'
'Openly asking for gifts are we?' Zain poked,
'SHUT UP!' Both of them glared at him, 'Yes I have.' Ayaan replied, 'But I think you should go' He recommended,
'I would have. But Ammi phoned with strict orders, she wants me home. I promised her I would.' She shrugged her shoulders.
'So you're heading home now?' He asked,
'Just a few bits and bobs to tidy up and then we're off' She nodded,
'Okay then, I'll see you at home' He kissed her forehead, Happy Birthday beautiful, love you' He pressed his eyes at her before running towards the door,
'Love you too Chachuuu' She smiled towards his back. She swiftly turned towards Zain,
'Do you really want those logos?' He nodded innocently, 'Coffee?' He shook his head in a no. 'I'll just call them, you finish up' She removed the roses and walked out of the room humming to herself; he leaned against his elbow and sighed; he was so madly in love with this girl.
'This Ayaat na, what has he gotten me into?' Ayaan mumbled to himself. He passed the gifts to the nurse to take them inside Asim's room while he went back to grab the flowers. He came back up moments later; he paused halfway down the corridor hearing someone's name.
'Dr Zhen, we'll have to wait to tell Zoya. I've asked Ayaat to tell her but I don't think she has. I don't really know how to do this being so closely related to her.' She played with her stethoscope,
'But we need to start the tests soon. She's started having aches and pains; we have a long road ahead of us.' Dr Zhen spoke anxiously, 'She's turned 18, we can't do anything without her consent either' He closed the folder in front of him.
'But doctor, it won't go that far. I mean we have time right? We can test her family members after, I mean last resort... I think' Her voice went quieter and quieter,
'You are a doctor yourself' He sighed, 'We can't be taking any such risks. It's for her benefit'
Ayaan creased his forehead trying to hear her faint words. He stepped closer,
'We need to speak to Zoya but Ayaa-' Her eyes fell on the male in the corridor, she stepped towards the door. She smiled at him before closing the door.
'Zoya bhabie?' He questioned himself, 'Why do they need to talk to Zoya bhabie?' He brushed his hair back, Need to talk to bhaijaan, hope everything is okay!' He knocked onto Asim's door, he heard a faint voice.
'HEYYY!' He entered with the bouquet, Asim looked at the gifts and then him; confused.
'I'm Ayaat's chachu. She's had to head home so she's asked me to leave these with you. Happy Birthday mateee' He put his hand out for Asim to shake. Asim took it reluctantly before brushing his hair back. Ayaan stared at his light brown eyes glistening back at him as he stared at Ayaat's gifts. There was something so familiar about him, something that reminded him of someone. He saw those eyes somewhere, the way he smiled. Ayaan rubbed the back of his neck; maybe he was thinking about it too hard. He shrugged his shoulders, 'Ayaat asked me to make sure you cut this cake' He opened one of the boxes and brought out a white cake. He placed it on the table beside him and lit some candles.
'Ayaat is too much! She didn't need to do this' He forced him a smile,
'She cares about you' Ayaan replied, 'She wanted you to celebrate with her, but couldn't. She's special; she loves everyone a bit too much. She definitely goes after her parents' He grinned, Asim cringed. He unfisted his hands and blew out the candles as Ayaan clapped away. Ayaan fed him a bit of the cake before stuffing his own mouth; he shook his head side to side with delight.
'This is actually tasty.' Asim praised the choice of cake.
'Yeah, my daughter Sofia brought it.' Ayaan licked his fingers,
'Sofia? Your daughter? Tell her I said thank you. And Ayaat, I'll give her a call tonight' He wiped his mouth.
'Do you mind?' Ayaan pointed to the cake, Asim laughed in a no. Ayaan cut himself a huge slice, 'I'll be off. Take care and happy birthday. AND you CAN smile you know, it's not the end of the world' He joked,
'Maybe it is' He looked towards his phone,
'You wanna share?' Ayaan walked back in,
'Maybe another time' Asim laughed. Ayaan shrugged his shoulders before walking out,
'BYEEE Romeo!'
'Byeee' He punched down on the cake, he brought it to his mouth and ate the bit of cake that was smeared on his fist.
'AHHH' Ayaan halted in his tracks, 'He reminds me of Bhaijaan when he was younger, and wow that rare smile we were blessed to see' He spoke sarcastically. He filled his mouth with the last bit of the cake, wiping his hands on his pants and headed for the car.
Ayaan pinched his nose, 'What the hell is wrong with me?' He turned on his feet. He looked around the car park thinking he saw someone familiar again. He shook his head before getting inside the car, 'What the hell would Tanveer be doing in Bhopal?' He questioned himself. He started the engine and drove off.
Zoya flapped her hands outside the shower curtains; she popped her head out of the shower and squealed in frustration. She had forgotten her clothes, the only thing that was there was a midi size towel.
'This is all his fault. Everything is always his fault!' She huffed and puffed, using sweet words to praise her husband. He has been driving her crazy since morning, she had no idea why she has been grumpy towards him though. She had woken up on the wrong side of the bed today, she sighed heavily. She wasn't angry because he shouted at her regarding Ayaat, she was angry at herself. She didn't know why. 'Smile Zoya, smile!' She looked at herself in the mirror wrapping the towel around her. She wiped her cheek stepping closer to the mirror; she brushed her hands over the mirror to clear the steamy glass. She stroked her cheeks again, her sudden puffy eyes stared back at her, 'What's wrong Zoya?' She questioned herself tilting her head, 'What is bothering you so much? What is your heart screaming at you? Why is there a storm building inside of you?' She asked her reflection.
'You have taught yourself to hide your pain, but why have you forgotten your oath? Asad has a right to your every feeling, every tear, every smile, every emotion Zoya. Whether it is anger or love, it should be for him, with him.' Her fingers went over her lips. She smiled at her reflection, 'You deserve to be happy Zoya, you deserve every happiness coming your way!' She blinked at herself chanting the words she had promised her daughter she would say to herself once every day.
She went to the door and opened it slightly, everything seemed unusually quiet. She stuck her head out and looked around the room. Her lips twitched; he's not there, phew, she could get dressed in peace. She picked her head up, she tightened her towel confidently and catwalk'ed out of the bathroom in style. She started humming her favourite song, Jaane kyun log pyar karte hain and mentally laughed to herself remembering her first six packs encounter. This was her favourite memory, she had fallen in love with Jahapana's six packs right that very moment, she blushed shaking her head. She was surprised how such an old memory can still have her flaming up like fire every time she thinks about it.
Asad smirked; this was HIS bathroom song which he hadn't sung in years. He stepped out of the closet and halted with his back foot in the air. He swallowed hard even though he's throat suddenly went dry; he somehow put his foot down and breathed out almost in disbelief. Zoya stood half naked wrapped in a small towel, his wife was still as sexy as she ever was. Her half naked self wasn't something his eyes hadn't witnessed before but suddenly it felt like something he was seeing for the first time. Those familiar legs seemed longer, his eyes went up and up and then back down watching the drops of water trail down her legs and form a puddle below her. Zoya's eyes widened, her lips pressed together seeing him stand there with his shirt unbuttoned, her hands continuously brushing past her chest to cover whatever she could and failing badly. She felt flustered as if she was seeing his abs for the first time like in the bathroom many years ago; why does this man never button his shirt? She mentally asked herself not realising how loud she actually said it. He raised his eyebrow turning his lips into a crooked smile; says you in the smallest tall ever.
'Woh, I erm forgot my clothes' She touched her red hot cheeks before rubbing the back of her neck looking here and there, 'Let me just' She tried stepping forward but froze feeling the towel come loose. She coughed trying regain composure, 'You erm I thought you already changed? Are you done?' She looked at his grinning face. She knew he would never leave this opportunity to harass her; why are you fighting this urge Zoya, just let it go. He watched her tensed shoulders relax, 'Could you just pass me that-' She took a step back, 'What are you doing Asad? Stop right there' She ordered,
'Make me' He spoke mockingly; this guy, Zoya mentally screamed. He followed her eyes to his chest and then his eyes fell on her biting lips. He shook his head stepping closer to her knowing she wouldn't be able to step back. Her hands desperately held the towel for dear life as her legs wobbled, she brushed the side of her scarred arm. Her eyes suddenly darted to her imperfections; she looked up at him sadly and forced him a smile. He stopped in front of her, his hands brushed over her arms delicately in an attempt to get her to familiarise his touch over her beautiful body. The back of his fingers stroked her cheek; she closed her eyes and warmed up to his touch feeling her body suddenly burning with his proximity. She knowingly took a step forward and pressed herself against his skin, his hands wrapped around her waist pushing her upwards, his thumb went over her lips before he brushed it with his, his light feathery pecks had her earning for more. Her eyes opened as she locked her fingers around his neck pushing up against his lips with force making him fall back with her on top. He looked at her shocked,
'I thought you were angry at me' He joked,
'Yes I still am, that's why the sudden passion' She kissed his lips. She trailed her fingers down his chest, 'I love you Asad' She placed her head on his chest finding solace in his arms. His legs wrapped over her bare ones as both of his arms tightened around her body to give her warmth. He kissed her head,
'I love you so much' He whispered back before smiling to himself hearing her mumble that the kids were going to come into the room as she snuggled further into his chest.
-
Ayaat fussed with the notes on her desk looking for her office phone diary. She hit her head,
'Where is this diary?' She grunted loudly, she stamped her feet and grunted again. She held her hips and looked around the whole office; she cringed seeing the pile of papers stacked on the floor. The whole room was a mess but her mind was set somewhere else. She blew her fringe out of the way and sat on the floor with her mobile, she crossed her legs leaning against the sofa. She searched the company on google before dialling the number; she bit the side of her lips waiting for it to ring.
'Hi, It's Ayaat Khan. Yes, From DZ Connect. How are you? That's great, Yes Mr Khan is expecting the designs this evening, I just wanted an update. Will they be done?' She spoke unsure, she was sure they were aware of Zain's temper. 'Right Fantastic, no, not the company email. Mr Khan wants them to his email, I'm sure you already have it. It's urgent and he- okay, one sec' She paused, before mouthing Mr Khan'. She chuckled finding it weird referring to him so formally. 'zainkhan@gmail.com, Zulu, Alpha-' She paused hearing the girl zone out, 'Zain, Z-Zesty, A-Amazing, I-Irresistible' She coughed turning bright red, N-Nau- Normal' She LOL'd at her mind. 'Khan, King, Handsome, Affectionate, N- HUH?' She was snapped out of her reverie hearing the PA tell her she got the email address. '@gmail.com yeah' She spoke embarrassed. T'hanks Bye!' She dropped her phone onto her lap and placed both of her hands on her burning cheeks. She breathed heavily staring down at her lap trying to calm herself down, she blew her hair that was covering her face. She almost choked hearing someone cough at the door. She closed her eyes chanting prayers to the Almighty to save her from this embarrassment. She opened her eyes lifting her head up slowly to find him leaning against the door, arms crossed, and an annoying grin playing his lips. Her hands went over her chest,
'That-' She started, he raised his eyebrow in anticipation.
'Yes go on.' He smirked.
'Yes, that I mean I've asked them. Yeah' He nodded along with her, 'They will send it to you, the designs' She nodded.
'Right, Right, my email? Did you give them my email again?' He asked knowingly,
'Email' She choked, 'Yeah, I did' She blinked nodding her head, trying to get up but falling back.
'Right. You know Ayaat, I'm very impressed with your alphabet phonetics' He walked inside. She bit her lips turning into a deeper shade of red. 'What changed now?'
'What?' She stuttered, he put his hand out for her to take; she hesitated for a moment before placing her hand onto his. He pulled her up close to him, his other hand tucked her hair back,
'You blush a lot' He grinned; she moved his hand shying away. He grabbed her bag and walked her out, 'so what were you saying, Z for what? Come on, repeat' He laughed,
'Shut up Zain, Z for Zombie!' She walked off,
'Come on Ayaat, don't be a spoilsport' He ran behind her.
'Why have you stolen the only daughter I have Bhabie?' Ayaan faked a cry jumping onto the sofa. 'The house feels empty without Sofia' Asad hit his legs making him reluctantly take his feet of the sofa. Zoya laughed preparing the table with Humeira. 'You should've taken one of the boys, I don't want them' He picked up the remote, 'I only have two kids, Zuhair and Sofia.' Ayaan announced looking at Hassan and Hussain fighting over the decorations.
'You must be the only father that disowns half of his children' Humeira grumbled,
'Of course you would say that. Love your sons a bit too much. Look at him,' He pointed towards Hassan,
'Ayaan why are you talking as if you were an angel when you were young?' Zoya interfered, she was glad no one took Humeira's words too seriously. Asad looked at Zoya, she smiled at him.
'Where is Ayaat?' Asked Asad, Zoya shrugged her shoulders. 'Where are the girls?'
'Pampering themselves'
'For what?'
'For the party' Zoya replied.
'It's a family get together, not a party. You heard her. And shouldn't she be doing all that?' He looked confused making circles on his face indicating facemasks and etc.
'Yes she should, she just never has time for it' Zoya sighed moving back into the kitchen. Asad frowned for a moment before glowing like a tube light; they need a father daughter pampering day. Her workplace can run without her for a day, he regretted sending her to that place as she never seems to have time to breathe; poor baby. He buried himself into the sofa and stared at the TV.
'Bhaijaan, is bhabie okay?' Ayaan asked suddenly,
'Yeah. Why you asking? Does she seem crazier than usual?' Asad closed his eyes for a moment trying to rest.
'No I went to the hospital. I swear I heard some doctor talking about Zoya bhabie.' He said confused,
'I'm sure there's other people called Zoya in Bhopal, although there's really one musibat tufan and she lives in my home. Don't worry her reports came fine as well, it must be someone else.' He smiled,
'But they mentioned Ay- Nahh, yeah you're right. It's nothing!' Ayaan brushed the thought off and relaxed next to his brother, Oi Hassan, come here' He called his son. Hassan dropped the balloons and ran towards his father. He sat down next to him, Give me a head massage' Hassan blinked at him, what, when else will you earn rewards and blessings for taking care of your old fragile father?' He spoke sarcastically,
'Hassan, beta. You finish off the decorations, Ayaan, mere sweet devar, go and fix the lights outside; the wires have gone all twisted' Zoya pressed her lips together. Ayaan turned around shocked, 'Jao, Ayaat will be home soon, go' She clapped her hands to hurry him. Ayaan got up sulking while Humeira hi-fived Zoya under the table. Asad tried containing his laughter,
'Oh mister, you too! There's some stuff in the back garden, could you move them into the shed, now?' Zoya ordered. Asad rolled his eyes before glaring at Ayaan,
'This is all your fault' He punched his arm before walking out, Ayaan stood there rubbing his arm. He got on his knees in front of Zoya pleading with his hands,
'I have learnt my lesson, I will never take advantage of my children and of me being a father!' He cried, 'Mona Darling, please spare us!'
'Go, now' She pointed towards the door,
'Ayaan, wait' Humeira ran up to him, 'Have you spoken to Zuhair, why isn't he coming home?' She spoke upset,
'I don't know Humeira, it's the end of his semester. I hope he does come back for a few days at least. He wants to bring Ali back with him, if he wasn't so upset with his father, he would've come back by now' Ayaan brushed his hair back before taking her hands to his chest, 'don't be upset Humeira begum. He is our son; he will come back to us. Where else will he go from his loving mother?' He placed a kiss on her forehead before caressing her cheek, 'I'll just be back before bhabie tortures me further' He moaned like a little baby running out of the door. She smiled at Zoya who pressed her eyes towards her.
-----
'Why are you sat here, all alone?' Zain asked standing behind her, she faced sideways.
'I am not alone' She smiled, You are with me' She looked back. He walked around the bench and sat down next to her. He passed her the cup of steaming coffee he had brought out for her and placed his own on the bench next to him. He lifted her hand from her lap and placed it onto his before staring ahead of him,
'What's wrong?' He whispered softly rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.
'Nothing! I just wanted a moment to breathe. It's quite overwhelming inside' She tilted her head and looked at him, 'And I miss him' She smiled.
'I'm glad to see you're smiling instead of crying. He will always be a part of you Ayaat. Twins are special like that.' He comforted her. She nodded,
'But...' She paused breathing out heavily, he pressed her hand,
'But I can't stop the storm building inside of me. I can't stop hating her, her name, knowing that she's out there, living happily when she stole everything from us. I don't know what enmity she had with Ammi. If only Abbu was there.' She wiped the lone tear escaping her eyes.
'Hey hey, shhh' He wiped her cheeks, Whoever she is, don't worry. She'll get what she deserves but don't ruin your today by remembering her yesterday. Don't give yourself pain, she deserves it. Do you know who she is?' He asked hoping it wasn't his mother. He wanted to tell her his mother was the reason her parents separated but something stopped him; fear, fear of losing her.
'No, just a name. I just want it to end; I want her name out of my heart, mind and soul. I don't know why I feel so anxious; you know I still don't know how Ammi and Abbu separated.' Zain closed his eyes momentarily. He wanted to tell her what he knew, whatever he was aware of.
'Ayaat, forget that. What matters is that they're together now. Nothing can ever separate them' His heart ached, 'Remove her name, forget who she is. If fate gives you a chance, you'll be able to get your justice. But for now, you're doing injustice to your present. You deserve to be happy Ayaat, you deserve all the happiness coming your way. Open your arms and embrace it Ayaat before it turns its back on you' He spoke knowingly, she looked at him smiling placing her other hand over his; he will not turn away from you Zain, not while I am here.
'Ta-'
'Ayaat, come inside beta. You need to cut the cake' Dilshad called from the back door.
'I'm coming Daadi' She shouted behind her. 'Shall we head inside?' She asked him,
'No' He shook his head in a no.
'Why?' She whispered, he brushed the side of her lips with his thumb,
'Something is missing' He cupped her face, 'your smile' He pressed his forehead against hers. Her lips curved into a smile. 'There you go, you look good like this' He got up before pulling her up. She grabbed the cup of coffee,
'Thank you for the 19 roses that you hid in awkward places' She laughed taking a sip of her coffee, 'Bitter' She made a face,
'What? I put so much sugar in that' He took it off her and sipped it, This is drained with sugar, what are you talking about?' He hit her head. She rubbed her head taking the cup back off him and sipped it sighing,
'Hmmm' She grinned walking ahead of him, he stood there shaking his head.
'TYPICAL!' He laughed, 'BOLLYWOOD MOVES EHH?' He teased,
'I watched Abbu do it to Ammi all the time, it's ROMANTIC!' She turned around and wriggled her eyebrows,
'Acha, romantic?'
'Yes, like hiding gifts for example. Don't think I haven't seen the gifts you've hidden in every corner of my room. You have gone crazy!'
'That I have' He sighed, brushing his hair back.
'You still owe me a date!' She blinked turning around and heading inside. He stood there and stared at her,
'After everything?' He spoke in disbelief, What was that at lunch?' He asked behind her.
-----
'Hey Asim, I'm just coming to pick you up. You're ready right?' Ayaat held her phone against her shoulder while she rummaged through her handbag. She turned around feeling a tap on her other shoulder, she turned around with wide eyes.
Asim placed his phone back into his pocket and waited. He packed the remaining bit of clothes and stared out of the window.
'Hello? Mr Khan, Ayaat was meant to be here an hour ago. Where is she?'
'WHAT? An hour? She left the house two hours ago. What do you mean she's not there? Have you tried her phone?' Asad panicked. He looked at Zoya with horror, she clawed his hand,
'What's wrong Asad? My daughter, Ayaat, what's wrong tell me?' She repeated...
SORRY FOR DRAGGING! I'll get back to the actual plot now! :)
Edited by MrMrsAsyaKhan - 11 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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