THIRTY THREE
For the rest of the week Zoya kept herself engrossed with the Festival, she knew that both families were on cloud nine meeting and calling each other every minute to sort out arrangements for the engagement. Zoya was happy but couldn't help feeling a little detached. She kept her interactions with Asad short not wanting him to pick up on her anxieties; little did she know that Asad was a step ahead of her.
As everyone gathered for the closing ceremony Mr Mohan approached Zoya radiating a smile which Zoya responded to knowing it was about her trip to Italy. 'Zoya...I have fantastic news, I have just had a conversation with Emilia she has confirmed that you are to go to Italy and start your programme on the 10th of next month, which means you will need to be there to settle in by the 8th' Zoya was ecstatic 'Thank you so much Mr Mohan you don't understand what this means to me...' As Zoya spoke it dawned on her that she only had two weeks left. 'What's wrong Zoya?' Mr Mohan asked seeing her expression change 'Oh...nothing sir just working out what I need to get done before I go, it's just under two weeks away' Mr Mohan smiled 'I am sure you will have everything ready Zoya and if you require any further help just ask, Emilia will be in touch with you to sort out flight details and accommodation' Zoya smiled and nodded, she turned her attention back to the key speakers who were congratulating the Art Academy, sponsors, and everyone who made the festival an enormous success, if anything this place definitely knew how to appreciate and encourage its youth and their talents.
There was a party held to celebrate everyone's achievement back at the Academy the main hall was decorated and lite with beautiful golden lights. Everyone was asked to dress to represent their favourite artist or area of work. Zoya dressed in a beautiful floral dress her hair was curled and adorned by a band with small lilies, she represented one of her favourite artists - Monet.
The party was in full swing, Zoya kept looking to the main door waiting for Asad to come, she had a chance to talk to him throughout the day but had been informed by Sara that he was going to attend. Zoya and Sara were taking time out and casually enjoying a drink by the makeshift bar, she hadn't noticed Asad enter the hall. Asad purposely stood back to admire her she looked so elegant her beauty was radiating from every part he couldn't help the smile that started to form he was totally besotted, the best part of it all was that she was his and only his.
As Asad started to walk up to them Sara saw him but soon was motioned to carry on as if she hadn't seen him. Asad was now standing right behind Zoya he wrapped his hand around her little waist and pulled her back against him. From his first touch Zoya knew it was him, she closed her eyes as he pulled her towards him and sighed in relief that he was here. Asad placed a gentle kiss in her hair 'you look absolutely stunning Mrs Zoya Ahmed Khan' Zoya giggled and blushed at hearing her name with his, he made it sound so sensual. Zoya and Asad stood in the same position for the longest time watching everyone enjoying the party but most of all enjoying their close proximity the heat from his body was slowly overtaking her senses all she wanted to do was turn around and claim his lips.
Finally breaking apart Asad sat down with Zoya, he wanted to talk to her about what was bothering her so much, Zoya could sense that Asad wanted to say something but before he said anything she quickly told him about her departure plans for Italy. Asad looked at Zoya she could see his pupils darkening but his expression didn't show anger, Asad was taken aback with her sudden announcement he knew she would be going soon but having a date made it so final. 'Asad, say something' Zoya said squeezing his hand. Asad cleared his 'wow..um I didn't realize it would be so soon...no that's great at least we have time frame to work with of course we need to let the others know so they can make sure any ceremony takes place before you leave' Zoya smiled but she knew that Asad was disheartened by the news.
Asad insisted on dropping Zoya home, the drive was uneventful they both sat in an awkward silence, Zoya fidgeted with her bag wanting to talk to him but she was lost for words. As Asad parked up outside he turned to her reaching out to stroke her cheek 'I'll see you tomorrow' he said with a half-smile Zoya reciprocated the smile and nodded as she was about to jump out she quickly turned around and pecked him on the cheek.
By the afternoon both households came to know of Zoya's departure and were going crazy trying to get things organised they decided amongst themselves that the engagement was going to take place on Sunday giving them five days to put everything together.
Ayaan and Humera were in charge of the decorations whilst Najma and Imran were given instructions to buy Zoya and Asad's outfits. Naani and Shireen put together the guest list along with Razia. Naani called Asad to update him with what was going on 'Asad can you please inform Zoya and tell her to come straight here, Humera has been trying to call her but has had no luck' 'Yes of course Naani, I will pick her up myself' Asad took in a deep sigh - what was going on? he didn't understand, this was going to be the happiest moment of his life something he wanted more than anything, but then why all of a sudden did everything become so lifeless. He knew it was because Zoya was leaving, but hadn't he accepted that or maybe he had but only on the face of it. Even now the thought of her being away so far felt like a thousand bolts hitting the pit of his stomach.
Zoya was putting together her work sorting out her various portfolios that she needed to pack up and have sent to Italy. She had spoken to Emilia who gave her all the details she needed with regards to her travel and accommodation as well as a list of things she would need to bring with her. Zoya made sure she was provided with some kind of work/study schedule so she could prepare anything she needed to beforehand. Zoya was extremely happy after a very long time she felt like she was accomplishing something and that on her own merit too. The little overcast that shadowed her happiness was the stress of the engagement and knowing that Asad wasn't really happy with the whole situation.
Zoya had not realised that Humera had been trying to call her, when she saw her missed calls she was about to call back when her phone started to ring it was Asad. 'Hi' she said purposefully pitching her voice 'hey, you ok?' 'Yeah just trying to sort out my stuff before I go...' Zoya closed her eyes as if to kick herself she didn't want to talk about her trip, not now and definitely not over the phone, as Zoya cut her sentence off mid-way there was a short pause before Asad started to speak again, he told her what was going on at home and how Naani wanted her to go straight to KM. 'I'll pick you up at around half five' he said 'yeah sure, see you then' 'ok...um I guess that's it for now' as Asad was about to disconnect the call he heard Zoya call out his name 'Asad...' 'Yeah, you ok? Did you forget something?' he asked casually 'n..no just wanted to..say I love you' Asad smiled 'I love you too Zoya, more than you will ever know'.
The evening at the Khan's went pleasantly well, Zoya enjoyed being with the whole family, she sat back and thought about how much she was going to miss this crazy bunch. As everyone finished dinner they gathered back in to the conservatory Asad came up behind Zoya and whispered in her ear asking her to come up to his room. Zoya excused herself and went up she found Asad standing by the poolside as she walked up to him Asad turned around and gave her a heartwarming smile. Zoya's eyes lit up immediately she quickened her pace and ran into him hugging him as hard as she could. Asad pulled her back and held her face as he brought his face closer to hers Zoya's lips started to quiver in anticipation and she was not disappointed Asad kissed her gently and then slowly deepened the kiss.
It was the first time she had felt Asad kiss her with so much passion, Zoya didn't hold back she kissed him back with equal vigor. As they broke for catch their breaths Asad in one motion picked Zoya up into his arms and took her inside he gently laid her on the bed and then sat beside her. Zoya's heart was beating hard against her ribcage the intensity, the desire she could see in Asad's eyes was causing havoc within her she was becoming nervous. As Arnav leaned over her and lowered his face towards hers Zoya turned her face to the side making Asad stop, he gently pulled her face back 'what's wrong Zoya?' Zoya didn't respond, she just looked deeper into his eyes. Asad started to get up and Zoya followed as she sat up she combed her fingers through her hair. 'Hey you ok?' he asked again 'I'm fine...it's just that...I mean' Zoya looked at him finding it hard to express what she wanted to say, she leant into him placing her head in the crook of his neck Asad put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder as some kind of reassurance. 'Asad I have never been with anyone...I mean you are the first person ever...and...I don't know how anything works' Asad pushed her back so he could see her face she gave him a nervous glance before she continued 'I don't know what your expectations are of me and what it is I would do or need to do to meet those expectations...what I am trying to say is that a lot of things scare me and one of them is this...I mean getting physically close' Zoya closed her eyes and lowered her head, she couldn't believe what she was saying, she felt embarrassed and very stupid.
Asad turned Zoya towards him and lifted her face 'Zoya please look at me' Zoya looked up and met his gaze. 'Zoya I have no expectations other than wanting to spend the rest of my life with the only girl the only woman I have ever loved. And as for this Zoya I would never do anything you felt uncomfortable with or objected to, you also need to let me know at any point that you are not ok with this and I will stop. Nothing means more to me than your happiness Zoya I love you...I love you more than I will ever be able to let you know, no words could ever justify my feelings for you..' Zoya didn't let him finish every word overwhelmed her she hugged him crying with happiness 'hey..shhh Zoya please don't cry' Zoya pulled back and wiped her face 'I am not crying' she said letting out a tear filled giggle, she held his face and kissed him 'Thank you Asad...thank you for being the best thing to ever happen to me I love you so much'. Asad inched forward to complete her uncompleted kiss it was only when they heard a knock on the door that they realised how long they had been in that position for.
As Zoya lay in bed she felt a sense of relief something she had not felt for a long time, even though she had a heart to heart with Asad she still had not addressed her trip but for now she was content and looking forward to Sunday the day she would officially be his.
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