The Colour of Love - FF #2 Link to Thread 3 Pg 124 - Page 20

THIRTY FOUR

The day had finally arrived as the car pulled up outside KM, Zoya took in a deep breath she was more nervous than she thought she would be. Ghaffur opened the door and held out his hand smiling at his beautiful daughter. Zoya walked in between her parents holding on to both their arms it was the only way to make sure she didn't trip over her saree or pass out due to being so nervous.

As they walked in they were greeted by a shower of rose petals and a lot of cheering Zoya started to blush but at the same time her heart began to jump she was excited, happy, nervous, a mixture of emotions that were all spiralling out of control. One by one the whole family came to give her a welcoming hug and kiss as she walked in further her eyes began to search for him. Humera who was right behind her leaned in to whisper he is by the stairs Zoya' within no time at all Zoya's eyes centered on the stair case where she finally was able to connect with him. Zoya and Asad started to walk towards each other as everyone gathered around them in excitement wanting the ceremony to begin.

Asad and Zoya were too lost in each other to notice the small crowd around them and their non-stop chatter. Humera who was tugging at Zoya's arm was finding it hard to pull her out of her trance, Najma couldn't help herself from laughing I know what to do' she thought to herself she walked up to them and then physically stood in between them so they couldn't see each other. Asad and Zoya both jumped a little and then realised what was going on 'if you two have done staring at each other can we start' Najma said teasing her brother and sister in law to be. Asad held out his hand to take Zoya's and lead her to the front, Razia and Naani stood on either side of them holding the rings.

Asad took the ring and placed it on Zoya's finger as he did he squeezed her hand gently making her blush. As Zoya took his hand she paused and looked into his eyes she may not have said a word but Asad heard everything she was saying her eyes spoke volumes, when he smiled in response it was an indication she knew that he had understood every word. The ring finally slipped on, it was done Asad and Zoya were finally engaged and it couldn't have been more beautiful. As the families congratulated each other guest and all Asad longed to drag Zoya away but every attempt failed she was surrounded by too many people?

Zoya could sense Asad's frustration she looked at him winking making him laugh, it was a rare sight Asad never really laughed out loud it was only in recent times he had learnt to smile so much. To think about it Asad really had transformed as a person from a ruthless business tycoon that believed in nothing but money and power someone who thought love was a useless emotion was standing here laughing enjoying himself at his own engagement party with the woman he loved more than life itself - who would have ever thought?

As the night fall surrounded them the families and remaining guests moved outside onto the lawn where they casually sat enjoying each other's company. The moonlight and shining stars gave enough light to create an ambience that was tranquil and full of love. Zoya who was talking to Humera and Shireen was distracted by a waving hand that came from across the garden, it didn't take her long to figure out who it was, saying she needed to speak to Najma, Zoya excused herself and walked in his direction. As she approached him Asad grabbed her arm and pulled her out of everyone's view. Zoya let out a gasp 'Asad...what are you doing' she exclaimed 'what am I doing?...what are you doing he retorted back' Zoya looked at him confused 'what do you mean I was talking to Najma and Shireen aunty' 'exactly you were there talking to them when you should be here talking to me' he said narrowing the distance between them, Zoya started laughing. Asad stopped and looked a little annoyed 'what's so funny?' 'You...you're funny' Asad turned around folding his arms giving a I am not impressed look. Zoya smiled, he was so cute when he threw a tantrum. Zoya pulled at his arm to turn him around and before he knew it she had captured his lips with the sweetest kiss, Asad put his arms around her deepening the kiss further he had waited all evening to do this.

Asad and Zoya walked around the garden hand in hand engrossed in deep conversation so much that they didn't hear Ayaan calling out to them. 'Those two may as well be living on a different planet' he thought to himself as he ran up to the 'you two are seriously need to start paying more attention around you' 'Is everything ok Ayaan?' Zoya asked a little worried 'yes...I just came to say that uncle Ghaffur is calling for you I think they are ready to leave' the disappointment on both their faces was evident but they knew that she had to leave at some point. As Razia and Ghaffur sat in the car Zoya turned to Asad 'there was so much more I wanted to say, but never got a chance to. If its ok can call you later, it may be a little late' Asad smiled at her innocent request 'of course Zoya, you don't need to ask no matter how late it is it is never too late for you'.

By the time Zoya said good night to her parents and went to bed it was half two in the morning, she picked up her phone but was in two minds of whether to call him or not. 'Let me text him first, just in case he has fallen asleep' she thought to herself

Are you awake?

Within twenty seconds she received a reply

Zoya's heart skipped a beat she smiled like there was no tomorrow and without any further delay called him. Thirty minutes into the conversation Asad realised that Zoya still hadn't told him what she wanted to. 'Zoya, what was it that you wanted to say?' Zoya inhaled as much oxygen as she could; she knew that this next conversation had the potential to go either very well or very bad. 'Um I just really wanted to talk about...well it's just that' 'Zoya you can tell me what's wrong?' Asad asked his voice expressed concern 'n..no nothing is wrong, Asad, I leave for Italy next week and it's just that since the initial announcement to our families and especially since I got my departing details confirmed we haven't really spoken about it and...I feel like we need to the whole thing has been playing on my mind, somewhere deep down I feel like you are not ok with this no matter how much you say you are and it is really bothering me'. Zoya finally let out the air she had inhaled and held on to.

Asad didn't respond immediately the pause started to panic Zoya she was about to call out to him when she heard him take a deep sigh and then his voice, which was calm but distinctly AAK, this wasn't her Asad talking. She quietly listened to everything he said without interrupting him as he continued to talk she could feel her Asad returning 'Zoya I know I sound like a man possessed but something doesn't feel right, like something is going to happen something bad' Zoya understood his reservations and anxieties but she had she not already helped him overcome them by reassuring him time and time again? Zoya took another deep breath before she began to talk 'Asad, I am ready to accept every condition, even move into an apartment you chose for me opposed to the one being given to be by them, nothing bad will happen...you need to stop worrying...' 'I know...I know but I can't help it Zoya, I can't get rid of this feeling'. Zoya and Asad talked into the early hours of the morning 'hey...the sun is nearly up catch a moments sleep we both have a busy day ahead of us' he said, Zoya smiled 'I love you' and with that closed her eyes.

Zoya's parents had prolonged their stay; they wanted to make sure they were present when Zoya left. Najma and Humera decided to have a small get together before she left so that everyone could say their goodbyes.

Zoya had managed to finish everything she needed to at the Academy. Mr Mohan, Sara and Sahil all gathered around her 'This is an opportunity that not many people are lucky to get Zoya, I know you will do us proud' Mr Mohan said 'thank you sir'. Sara and Sahil patiently waited they were in charge of bring Zoya back to KM for her farewell party. 'I can't believe you are going tomorrow, I am going to miss you so much' Sahil said giving Zoya a big hug 'me too me too' Sara pouted like a child the three of them hugged each other, Zoya trying hard not to let the little drops of tears to escape.

Entering KM Zoya was greeted by everyone 'Humera, you should have let me go home and change, I don't think jeans and a tank top is exactly appropriate' Zoya said with a little annoyance, Humera laughed 'Zoya relax, you think we hadn't thought of that. Go upstairs we have laid out your outfit for you to change into' Zoya was pleasantly surprised 'thanks Humera, which room is it in I'll go and change' its in Asad's room, he is going to be a little late so gives you enough time to change'. Zoya nodded and went to his room.

On the bed lay a beautiful turquoise and black dress with delicate bead work around the neck, Humera had laid out matching shoes and jewelry to go with it. Zoya quickly went to the bathroom to freshen up and then change. As she put the dress on she struggled to pull the zip up, she huffed and puffed as she twisted her body in every angle but she couldn't reach it after a few minutes she gave up and was about to scream out for Humera when all of a sudden she froze. She felt him behind her, coming closer and closer, Asad slowly moved Zoya's hair to the side resting it on her left shoulder? Zoya closed her eyes,Asad moved his hand down gently stroking her bare back making Zoya gasp, his touch made her feel like her whole body was on fire, her breathing started to become a little erratic. Asad had never felt skin so soft, he gently moved his hand lower and lower until her reached the zip and then slowly pulled it up.

As soon as he did he leaned and gently laid his lips on Zoya's shoulder making her shiver. He slowly moved his lips kissing the crook of her neck he continued to motion upwards until he reached her ear. Zoya felt like her legs were going to give way she couldn't bear the to handle the sensation of his proximity and warm breath that was giving her goose pimples. Zoya quickly turned around and hid her face in his chest. Asad held her tightly and stroked her hair, 'Zoya' he whispered 'hmmm' was all she could manage to say Asad pulled her back so he could see her face, she looked so angelic Arnav found himself lost for words so he did what he did best he leaned in and gently planted a kiss on her soft lips. Zoya was about to kiss him back when they heard a knock on the door 'Zoya are you ready yet, hurry up' Humera shouted. Zoya and Asad both jumped back 'coming Humera, two more minutes'

'What are you doing here?' she said looking at Asad 'the last time I checked this was my room, so I should be asking you what are you doing here' Zoya started to laugh making him smile, 'I came to get changed, and you are not supposed to be here' correction this is exactly where I am supposed to be' as he said that he started to shorten the gap between them before he could make his move Zoya made a run for the door before she left she turned to him 'I love you'.

Dinner was a joyous affair Zoya was sitting amongst her loved ones, she sat back and took in everything she was going to miss this. She hadn't really lived alone the short period after Humera's wedding didn't really count 'pull yourself together Zoya..it's only three months' she said to herself and then joined back into the craziness that was going on around her. As everyone moved into the lounge Ram served tea and coffee 'what time is your flight again' Ayaan asked 'eleven thirty' Zoya replied 'Zoya, why don't you stay with us tonight, Asad can take you straight to the airport from here' Naani suggested, everyone started cheering in agreement. Zoya was a little surprised, her staying in her future in laws house that too before marriage. Zoya looked at Asad who nodded, his eyes screaming for her to say yes umm Naani, I wouldn't mind it's just that I still have a few things to pack and all my luggage is still there' Zoya started to feel a little nervous, Asad noticed the sudden change in her and went to sit beside her. Zoya when Ayaan goes to drop aunty and uncle off her can pick up your things, its your last night here please stay' how could Zoya say no now, his voice, his eyes everything about him screamed pure love and perfection, Asad had no idea the effect her had on this girl. Zoya smiled, taking his hand in hers she said ok'.

Zoya bid a tearful farewell to her parents, Razia gave her the longest lecture about being careful, looking after herself, eating properly, not working too hard and calling every five minutes, whereas Ghaffur simply took his daughter in his arms and held her tight I'm so proud of you beta, be safe and see you soon' with that he kissed his daughters forehead and walked out before she could see his tears.

After Ayaan had returned with Zoya's luggage the whole family sat around talking for hours as the night passed by Najma started to hurry everyone to their rooms 'it's nearly two in the morning, you lot need to rest and let Zoya rest too, she has a long day tomorrow'. Najma hugged Zoya and retired to her room as she did Ayaan and Humera also made their escape leaving Asad and Zoya alone'. Asad moved closer to Zoya and rested his head on her shoulder as he was about to speak Ram came in 'sir I have set up the guest room for Zoya ma'am' Asad stood up 'if there is nothing else may I go' Ram asked, Asad nodded, he looked down at Zoya and put out his hand 'let's go' he said in a whisper, Zoya took his hand and followed him upstairs.

Asad opened the door to the guest room she walked in to see all her belongings had been placed, she turned around to Asad 'let me quickly get changed and then we can...' as Zoya was speaking Arnav walked towards her making her stop, with every move he made towards her she took a step back until she hit the base of the bed and couldn't go any further 'As...Asad' she whispered. Asad moved the strand of her hair and placed it behind her ear as he did he held the side of her face and with the other hand he grabbed Zoya by her waist and pulled her in towards him. Zoya was totally lost in his eyes the intensity, the passion, the desire she saw in him for her was making her heart race. Asad moved her a little closer and as he did she felt his hand travel up her back she hitched a breath and with her eyes widened she looked up at Asad, he was pulling her zip down Zoya felt like she couldn't breathe as he got to the bottom she pushed him back. Asad looked at her with his eyebrow raised 'just so you don't start fighting with your dress in the most complicated yoga positions' Asad winked at Zoya and walked out laughing. Zoya looked at his retreating back with her mouth open as he closed the door she slumped herself on the bed holding on to her chest, she couldn't help smiling so much that she started to laugh.

After getting changed, Zoya walked into his room and found his standing by the pool she walked up to him and held him from behind Asad moved his hands over hers before he turned around. Zoya tiptoed up and kissed his cheek before Zoya could land her feet back down Arnav had lifted her up into his arms, holding onto his neck Zoya leant into him as he walked into his room. Asad placed Zoya on the bed and lay besides her gently stroking her hair and then her cheek. 'I can't believe you are going...do you know how hard...Zoya please...' Arnav was finding it hard to say anything, not wanting him to be upset Zoya pushed herself up a little and kissed him as she was about to move back Asad held the back of her head and pulled her in again, with the way that Asad kissed her she was sure to wake up with bruised lips but she didn't stop him she kissed him back with the same intensity.