The Colour of Love - FF #2 Link to Thread 3 Pg 124 - Page 10

THIRTY TWO

As Asad reached home he walked in to find his whole family waiting in anticipation all smiling like there was no tomorrow. Najma ran up to him 'well what did she say...come on tell us we have been dying for you to come and tell us the good news' Asad looked at his sister 'there is nothing to tell Baji' as he said that he started to walk away from her he saw how everyone's face dropped Najma walked up to him quickly and placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him 'Asad did she say no' she asked nervously 'No, I didn't ask her' everyone sighed a sigh of relief. 'What happened, did you two not meet..' Asad didn't let Najma finish her sentence 'Baji, please I am really tired and I really can't talk about this right now'. Asad ran up to his room leaving his family concerned and confused by what he had just said.

Back at Zoya's apartment Razia and Ghaffur had retired to bed. Zoya lay in bed ploughing through her jumbled thoughts and emotions. When she had said yes to the exchange programme she had failed to stop and think about Asad but then again she thought that he would be happy support her in fulfilling her dream. She needed to do this and it was only for three months, she had to make Asad understand and be ok with her decision.

Asad sat on his bed looking down at the ring he had bought for Zoya he was finding it hard to keep himself calm in any manner 'this girl is going to drive me insane' he thought to himself he gripped the little box in his hand and threw himself back on his bed 'I can't let her go, there is no way I can be ok with this, I will have to talk her out of this somehow'.

The Youth Festival was running its course for a week, Zoya and her friends were there playing every part. She hadn't heard from Asad since last night even after having left numerous messages. She went over to where Sahil and Sara were but he had not come. Zoya was getting worried she didn't realise or fully understand why this was effecting him so much. During the course of the day Zoya excused herself and made her way to AAK Designs. As she entered she greeted some old faces and asked the receptionist if Asad was in his office. Zoya slowly made her way up and knocked on his door when she didn't hear anything she pushed the door open to find Asad sitting on his chair with his eyes closed. The click of the door closing behind Zoya was loud enough to wake Asad up. Asad was more than surprised to see Zoya, he quickly sat up 'Hi...what...I mean you here, is everything ok' he managed to blurt out. Zoya walked up to him and leant on the table next to his chair. 'Asad what is wrong? I have been trying to get hold of you all day, do you know how worried I have been, if this is all about the exchange programme then please talk to me I need to know you are ok' as Zoya said her last words Asad jolted his chair back making Zoya jump, he walked around the table and went and stood facing the glass window.

Zoya went and stood behind him, she didn't really know what to say 'Asad please, I am finding this really hard, please talk to me' Asad closed his eyes and lowered his head 'I can't Zoya, I can't be ok with this I can't let you just go and be so far away from me' he turned to face her 'I don't think I would survive, I know you think it's only for three months but...I don't know how to explain to you...when I thought I had lost you before it was as if I could see my life ending, I could feel my breath fading the light vanishing, I don't think I can do it Zoya' Zoya felt overwhelmed by what she was hearing small tears escaped her eyes. The love she could see emanating from Asad was beyond anything 'Asad you will never lose me I will never leave you, I am yours and only yours, how can I prove that to you, it is for three months I will never get another opportunity like this. I...if you want you can come to see me and I will come back in between and I...' Zoya's tears had started to over flow, she didn't know how to reassure him, Asad was not blind to the pain he could see in her face the torment he could hear in her voice. He hated seeing her cry but most of all he hated being the reason for her tears. Asad steeped closer and took Zoya into his arms. 'I'm sorry Zoya I didn't mean to make you cry...I...' Zoya lifted her head off his chest and looked up at him Asad gently placed a kiss on her forehead and wiped her tears away 'I love you Zoya' he said with sincerity and I love you Asad, and nothing in the world can ever change that...I promise'.

Asad stood back and took a deep breath 'fine you want to go, you can but only after you have answered this question' Zoya looked at him confused after all that he was going to be ok with her going Zoya smiled 'sounds easy enough ask away'. Asad walked to his desk and took out the little box, this was not how he had imagined to do this but it was now or never. He walk back around to stand in front of Zoya 'last night when I took you to the hill side it was to ask you the same question, but obviously things didn't go to plan, and this is the not how I had planned to do this...' 'Asad what is it' Zoya asked anxiously. Asad took Zoya's hand and bent down on one knee 'Zoya Farooqui...will you marry me' as he said that he opened the little box that shone a beautiful white gold ring with a solitaire.

To say Zoya was in shock would be an understatement she had her mouth covered with both hands and if her eyes opened any further she was sure to lose them. 'Ya Allah...Asad are you serious' she managed to finally say. Asad stood up and cupped her face 'I have never been more serious about anything else in my entire life Zoya...Zoya will you be mine forever' Zoya really didn't know what to say it should be as easy as saying yes or no, of course she wanted to marry him and of course she wanted to be his forever but she just never thought it would be so soon so quickly. 'Zoya...are you trying to kill me at least answer' Asad was becoming more and more nervous he felt like every organ was going to explode. Zoya stepped back and wiped away the stray tears that ran down her face she looked into Asad's eyes 'Yes...Yes I will marry you Mr Asad Ahmed Khan' Zoya was hardly able to contain her happiness she was screaming, crying, shaking all at the same time, Asad hugged her he couldn't be happier. He pulled Zoya back holding her face tightly he placed his lips over hers and held her in the passionate embrace for as long as he could. 'Thank you Zoya...thank you so much' he took put the ring and placed it on her finger.

Zoya and Asad had to break their news to the rest of their family and friends. Asad arranged for the whole family - Zoya's parents and the Khan's to be present at fashion show in the evening. Zoya made her way back to the Festival not believing what had just happened and not being able to wait for this evening to tell her family. It couldn't be more perfect she was engaged to the man that she loved and she was going to Italy to do what she loved.

As everyone prepared for the show to kick off Zoya and Asad waited for their families to arrive. 'Zoya...what's going on' Sahil asked giving her a curious look 'wh..what do you mean ..nothing am just excited for Asad...and you of course and plus our families are coming today' Sahil was not convinced he knew there was more to it, he had never seen Zoya smiling nonstop 'hmmm..if you say so' Zoya playfully punched his arm as they continued with their playful fighting Zoya heard Asad call out to her. 'Zoya they are here, and the show is about to start we should take our seats' Zoya nodded and took Asad's hand in hers. Before Asad turned to lead Zoya he looked to Sahil 'Oh Sahil make sure Sara and Aman have sorted out the change of music for the end credits' 'Sure will do'.

Zoya met her parents then the Khan family. Ayaan and Humera had also returned from their honeymoon. Zoya was over the moon to see Humera! she couldn't stop hugging and kissing her. Once their sisterly show of affection was over Zoya looked back, she was surprised to see Imran he never had time to attend anything. Najma didn't miss the look Zoya gave and started laughing 'We had to hold him hostage and drag him out' she said holding onto Imran's arm who rolled his eyes in response, everyone shared their little joke. Zoya held Asad's hand tightly she couldn't believe she was going to become part of this beautiful family.

As the show came to an end Asad asked Zoya to call Sara and Sahil whilst he called for Aman and the families to assemble together. Once everyone had gathered Asad stood next to Zoya holding her hand tightly in his he could sense her nerves taking over and her heart beating out of pace, Zoya looked at him and as soon as their eyes connected she felt a certain calm take over Asad gave her a reassuring smile and then turned to face everyone.

Asad cleared his throat 'um...you must be wondering why we have called you here...well there is something I...I mean we wanted to share with you. Earlier today...umm...I' 'I what Asad, not like you to lose your words' Ayaan cut him off mid-sentence laughing, Humera elbowed him to shut him up and Asad gave him a scowling look before he went back to what he was saying 'as I was saying, earlier today I asked Zoya to marry me and she said yes' he let out in one breath. There was total silence Zoya and Asad looked at each other and before they knew it everyone was up screaming with joy. They were crushed between hugs they couldn't keep up with the number of embraces or kisses 'I can't believe it Asad, you finally did it...and you...thank you so much Zoya' Najma could not stop the tears of joy, Asad hugged his sister as he wiped away her tears, he knew what this meant to her, ever since their parents had passed away there was never any occasion that Asad or Najma ever celebrated with true happiness. News of Najma's pregnancy was the best news Asad had ever had and for Najma the fact that her brother had fallen in love and was going to get married was the best news she had ever had. Sahil and Sara grabbed Zoya 'I knew it...I knew something was up with this girl, she was smiling nonstop' Sahil exclaimed. Zoya embraced both her friend in a tight hug and showed off her beautiful ring.

As everyone settled down Asad began to address them again 'there are a few things I need to discuss' Asad looked at Aman and Ayaan guys I need you to call a meeting with PR and..' 'we got it covered... don't worry we will make sure everything is in place before morning' Ayaan said he didn't let Asad finish his sentence as he knew exactly what he was going to say. Aman nodded in agreement and walked off to take care of things. Asad was one of India's youngest and richest eligible bachelors news of his engagement was sure to create a media frenzy he needed to make sure that the media did not get wind of this. His main concern was for Zoya he knew she would be bombarded where ever she went, her safety and the privacy of his family was paramount. He also needed to inform them of Zoya's exchange programme to Italy and that any official engagement ceremony would have to take place after her return. He knew that his sister and Naani would want him to get married as soon as possible but he was not prepared to put that pressure on Zoya he needed them to understand that he would not marry her until she had finished her Masters. Zoya was oblivious to what was going on in Asad's head; he had not discussed any of these plans or decisions with her.

When he approached the subject of Zoya moving away he could see that Naani and Razia were not happy. They also objected to the idea of the marriage taking place after Zoya finished her Masters. 'Zoya can continue her studies once she is married, there will be no restrictions imposed so why wait so long and three months or now what difference will it make for the engagement ceremony to take place, there is no need for all this delay' Naani was not in agreement with anything Asad was saying, she was not against Zoya studying, she didn't like the idea of her going abroad and living on her own for three months but was willing to accept that as Asad assured her that he would personally see to arranging Zoya's living arrangements and ensure that one member of the family would always visit her in rotation. As the debate continued between Naani and Asad, Najma was trying to mediate between the two. Zoya was visibly becoming distressed, Razia could see that Zoya was on edge she quickly walked up to her and without drawing too much attention pulled her to the side.

'Zoya beta are you ok...it seems like a lot has happened and is going to happen in a short spate of time. Zoya why didn't you tell me about the programme in Italy' Zoya turned to her mother 'Ammi I only found out yesterday I was introduced to a number of associates by my lecturer and if was too good an offer to turn down, I didn't know Asad was going to propose. But Ammi all this...it just seems too much, I mean to have someone with me all the time, I don't need baby-sitting I know Asad cares and it has taken him a lot to agree to this but...I don't know' Zoya couldn't finish her sentence she couldn't think straight and wasn't sure if what she was saying made any sense. Razia hugged Zoya to comfort her, as she did Humera came to join them. Zoya was better able to talk to Humera and tried to explain what she was feeling and thinking. As the sisters were engrossed in conversation Asad walked up to them asking to talk to Zoya in private. Zoya gave Asad a smile; he knew instantly that she was upset as her smile never reached her eyes.

'I'm sorry Zoya I never got to talk to you about any of this...Naani is as stubborn as I am I have managed to uphold most of what I said but she would like an official engagement before you leave for Italy...is that ok with you?' Zoya wasn't able to think straight too much was going on at the same time. 'Asad I haven't been given a date to leave for Italy yet, I don't understand what is happening, this was supposed to be a simple announcement right? If Naani wants an official engagement ceremony to take place then of course I am ok with that. But...Asad what I am not ok with is what you said earlier...' Zoya lowered her head she couldn't hold on to Asad's gaze any longer. 'Zoya tell me what did I say' 'Ab...About my living arrangements and family being with me in Italy, it's not how I want to do this Asad...Please you need to understand I want to do this for myself I don't want to have everyone worry about me and have to keep watch over me, didn't we agree that we would stay in touch every day, a hundred times a day and in between you would visit then why the need for all this' Zoya's heart was beating fast she was just about managing to speak coherently Asad could see the distress and tension building up on her face. He understood what she was saying and to a point agreed with her this was her opportunity to independently do something that she loved to do. Asad moved forward and held Zoya close to him 'Zoya everything will happen as you want it to...I promise, let's just get this ceremony over and done with and then we can take everything else one step at a time' Zoya hid her face in Asad's chest and held him as tight as she could.