FORTY TWO
Zoya had to make a decision whether to go to India or not, at this point in time there was still no way she was willing to let Asad or her families know where she was. She had the perfect opportunity the perfect excuse reading was coming up and it was Najma's baby shower.
As the day came to an end Zoya made her way back to her room 'Zoya..wait up' she heard Logan shout out to her 'hi...just wanted to let you know that your stuff has arrived. Mrs Perry has arranged for it to be picked up tomorrow' 'that's great Logan, thank you I can finally start finishing my work' Zoya said she was falling behind in her work all this time moving around and gallivanting across the world hadn't really helped. As Logan was about to walk off Zoya called after him 'Logan do you think it would be ok if I went home for reading week?' Logan smiled 'yeah sure...shouldn't be a problem..I mean as long as you are up to date with your work' 'thanks'.
Zoya had made up her mind as difficult as it was she was going to home for Najma's baby shower she was going to face Asad. Zoya had three days to catch up with what was needed to bring her up to speed, The Freedom of Art exhibition was one of its kind and with only a month and a half left of the exchange programme she needed to ensure that her work was completed. Students from Italy, Australia and parts of Asia were going to come together it was going to be an extravagant affair one that she was extremely lucky to be part. Zoya had a lot to deal with she was more than overwhelmed with the amount she needed to do and sort out both in her personal and professional life. One thing she was sure about she was not going to jeopardize her work she had worked too hard and for too long to reach where she was if nothing she owed this to her parents who helped her and supported her every inch of the way.
Zoya sent an email to Humera totally ignoring The one Asad had sent.
'Hi I hope you are all ok. I assume Ammi and Abu are with you, please tell them I am ok, and I am sorry once again. I have reading week next week, if Najma's baby shower is still on then I will come for a couple of days. Hope to hear from you soon'
It couldn't have been more than ten minutes before she received a response
'Ya Allah...Zoya are you really coming...Ammi, Abu and Najma are all sitting here with me they are over the moon. Ammi said all is forgiven and forgotten just come back, and Najma said without you there is no baby shower. Let me know your flight details I will get Ayaan to pick you up'
Zoya smiled 'good try Humera...but not happening'.
Zoya knew it was her sisters way of trying to find out where she was
'no need I will make my own way. See you soon'
As everyone at KM got news of Zoya coming home there were tears of happiness. Asad had just walked in with Ayaan, Najma ran up to him 'she is coming Asad...Zoya is coming home' Asad closed his eyes and sighed a sigh of relief, Ayaan held his brother's shoulder 'that's fantastic news Baji...when is she coming, where is she?' Ayaan asked, Najma started to laugh 'um she didn't tell us where she was just that she would be coming for the baby shower' there was no way of explaining how Asad was feeling, as much as he was happy and relieved he also knew that he needed to come clean about what had happened and why.
'Aman I need you to leave for New York, I will ask Ayaan to join you straight after Baji's function, I need this sorted out now, get whoever needs to be involved' Asad disconnected the call and paced his room, there was so much that needed to be done and said, he had told Aman and now he needed to tell Ayaan the truth especially as he wanted him to fly out and take charge until he sorted out everything with Zoya.
'Asad, did you call for me' 'yes, Ayaan I need to tell you something important, but I need you to keep this to yourself until I am ready to disclose this to everyone' Asad had never looked so serious Ayaan felt a little panicked what was his brother going to tell him. Ayaan was totally gob smacked he couldn't believe what his brother was telling him, before now he himself didn't understand why Zoya did what she did but now that he knew the whole story he didn't blame her.
'Asad...as much as I love you and as much as I know you would never do anything wrong intentionally...you were damn out of order...what if she never contacted us again what if she had just disappeared and we had lost her...you had lost her. did you not for one second think...you could have at least made one attempt to call her to explain to her what was going on' Ayaan was angry he had never spoken to his brother like this. Asad never responded he knew what Ayaan was saying was right 'Ayaan please just for now drop it, once she is here I am sure she will see reason and understand the predicament I was in, you just make sure that you are ready and also not a word' Ayaan nodded he went up to his brother and hugged him reassuring him that all would be ok.
KM had come to life everyone was in full swing preparing for the baby shower, Imran had made it in time he sat with Najma who filled him in with what had happened. As the decorations went up everyone started to get ready except for Asad who had his eyes glued to the front entrance, if Zoya was coming he wanted to be the first one to see her. Ghaffur had been sitting back observing Asad he could see he was on edge, he called out to him as Asad turned around to walk towards him he stopped, he recognised that feeling anywhere, she was here, Zoya was here he could sense her feel her almost like a second heart beat.
He quickly turned around and there she was, almost unrecognisable she looked so weak so frail her hair was pulled back into a pony she was wearing her signature jeans and a hooded top her eyes looked like she just had two rounds with Mike Tyson. Asad's heart beat against his chest as did Zoya's she couldn't move, he eyes were locked with his and n matter how much she tried she couldn't bring herself to look away. 'Zoya' he whispered but it was a whisper loud enough for everyone around him to hear Ghaffur and Razia ran towards her and pulled her into a hug.
Razia sobbed at the sight of her daughter 'Zoya what happened to you...look at you...Ghaffur look at my baby' Ghaffur held Razia as well as holding his daughter close to him. Zoya finally managed to look down at her crying mother 'Ammi, Abu...I am ok' hearing all the commotion Humera and Najma came running and were soon were joined by Naani, Shireen and Ayaan. Everyone gathered round hugging and kissing Zoya, in all the noise in all the chaos that had begun her eyes drifted to him who was still standing in the same position he had his head lowered his eyes closed tight and his fist clenched. 'Zoya...' Humera could not let go of her sister 'do you have any idea what the hell we have been through...' Razia placed her hand on Humera's shoulder and squeezed it indicating for her to stop. Humera wiped her tears away and took Zoya by the hand 'come we need to get you ready' Zoya who till now had not said anything further let Humera lead her to her room.
Zoya sat down Humera had never seen her sister like this she looked like someone had sucked the life out of her and left an empty shell, she wasn't wrong that's exactly how Zoya was feeling. Humera knelt in front of her 'Zo..Zoya what happened, where did you go?' her voice was trembling she was on the verge of breaking down. Zoya cupped her sisters face 'Humera all you need to know is that I am fine, I will explain everything I just need some time' Humera wasn't satisfied but knew that for now that was the best answer she was going to get. 'Zoya I got this for you, you can use my bathroom to shower and change, I'll get Ram to bring you up something to eat and drink' Zoya took the bag from Humera and nodded.
Zoya showered and changed into the saree that Humera had given her it was light blue with delicate silver embroidery she had left out matching jewelry and shoes by the side for her to wear. As she struggled to put her necklace on she heard the door open without turning around she called out 'Ram you can leave the tray on the table, and please tell Humera to come'. uggh stupid thing...just close' she huffed not being able to close her necklace it was just then she felt him his warm breath prickle the back of her neck, he was standing right behind her. Asad lifted his hands to take the necklace from her, his touch made her let out a gasp she turned around and jumped back dropping the necklace. Asad looked at her then bent down to pick up the necklace 'wh...what are you doing here' Asad didn't reply he held out the necklace but instead of taking it Zoya took another step back and turned away from him. Asad moved a step closer, Zoya grabbed the sides of her saree as she looked at him from the corner of her eye, he stood there with his hand extended out. Zoya turned around and looked at him she lowered her gaze to his hand he was still holding the necklace trying to not to shake she moved her hand up and snatched the necklace out of his hand and before he knew it Zoya ran past him exiting the room. 'There are only so many times you can run Zoya, you will listen to me' Asad said as he followed her.
FORTY THREE
Guests had started to arrive the men had been asked to stay away so they set up their own little party in the garden. 'Zoya' Sara screamed as she ran towards her and hugged her 'Sara I can't breathe...Sara' Sara moved back wiping her tears she was so happy to see her 'you have a hell a lot of explaining to do woman' Zoya pulled her back into a light hug 'I know I know...where is Sahil?' 'Ram took him to where all the men are he is dying to see you...you have no idea how much we need to catch up on Sahil got engaged' Zoya screamed with excitement 'Ya Allah...He finally did it...I have to see him right now' Zoya said as she grabbed Sara's hand and made her way to the garden. There she saw Sahil talking to Imran 'Sahil' Zoya shouted out Sahil turned around and ran towards her embracing her in a loving hug 'man it's so good to see you, I can't believe you Zoya...you just left...' Zoya cupped his face 'I'm sorry...but forget all that Sara just told...Sahil I am so happy for you' Sahil smiled 'thanks Zoya...you know we need to have a catch up session, how long are you here for?' 'I am leaving the day after tomorrow my flight is first thing in the morning' 'what ...so soon' Sara pouted 'I know I am sorry but I will meet you guys tomorrow how about we meet at the Academy it would be nice to catch up with Mr Mohan too'.
Asad stood a few feet away from Zoya, his body was shaking he was becoming more and more irritated firstly, Zoya would not talk to him, secondly she was going to spend a good part of her only day in India with her friends, how could she be returning so soon. Asad knew that he needed to get Zoya by herself and fast he could not wait for this party to be over.
Zoya went and sat by Najma as people came to congratulate her and present her with their gifts. Najma took Zoya by the hand and squeezed it, she didn't have to say anything Zoya was able to read exactly what she wanted to say just by looking at her, Zoya put her hand on top of hers 'I know Najma, but I don't have all the answers...maybe you should speak to your brother'.
'Zoya can you please help me with the glasses' Humera said as she struggled to keep hold of the tray she was carrying. Zoya nodded and followed her to the kitchen to bring out more glasses 'I am taking these inside you bring out the other tray' Zoya picked up the tray and turned around to find Asad blocking her way, seeing him in front of her almost made her lose her balance, her heart picked up pace instantly. Zoya moved to the side to walk around him only for Asad to move in the same direction to stop her 'ge...get out of my way Asd...let let me go...Humera is waiting for me' she stuttered Asad extended his arm to take hold of hers as soon as Zoya realised what he was about to do she flinched and moved back please let me pass' she said avoiding any eye contact. Asad could see her eyes moisten, he clenched his jaw and moved to the side giving her way as she walked past she heard him call out to her 'Zoya, there is only so many times you can walk away or avoid me you will talk to me' Zoya looked at him his eyes had narrowed and darkened his face looked hard Zoya didn't reply she left him standing in the kitchen seething with anger and frustration.
As everyone left Zoya and Humera took Najma to her room so she could get changed the weight of her heavily embroidered dress was becoming too much. At the same time Humera and Zoya changed into something more comfortable. As the three ladies made their way back down they saw everyone had gathered in the dining room Zoya went and snuggled up next to her mum she lay down with her head in her lap as Razia stroked her hair Zoya felt like she was in the safest place in the world.
The families started talking about the party and then started to open the presents as Imran looked at Zoya he realised that she had fallen asleep so he immediately hushed everyone, from then everyone spoke in soft whispers. Asad saw everyone gathered around as he walked towards Razia he realized that Zoya had fallen asleep in her lap she looked so peaceful 'I wanted to talk to her' he said 'we all do Asad, but it is better to leave her to rest she looked exhausted' Naani said.
Asad sighed everyone could see his frustration 'Asad, we all want to know what has been going on and like you we are desperate for answers, when Zoya sat with me earlier she said the answers we are looking for are with you. Asad I think it is time you told us we deserve an explanation' Najma said, Asad knew she was right they did deserve an explanation. 'Baji I can't...I mean I can but I need to speak to Zoya first. I suppose where I have waited so long another night won't do any harm' Asad was about to walk off when Razia stopped him Asad, would you mind carrying Zoya to her room...I mean the guest room, I don't want to wake her up' Asad smiled this was the first time he was going to touch her to hold her after so many weeks he bent down and with one swift movement he lifted Zoya up and walked towards her room. As he lay her on the bed he moved back a stray strand of hair he gently placed his hand on her cheek 'I am so sorry Zoya the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you...please come back to me' Asad bent down and placed a soft kiss on her check as he got up a tear dropped he hadn't realised he was crying he quickly got up and left.
'Nooo' Zoya screamed leaping out of her bed in a cold sweat, panic took over as she looked around forgetting where she was her legs felt like jelly not being able to stand any longer she fell to the ground. As soon as she did she heard her door bang open making her almost scream, it was Asad he quickly ran to her side 'Zoya...Zoya are you ok...what happened' Zoya couldn't speak she looked at him his face almost mirrored what she was feeling a sense of fear not being able to control herself she leant into his arm and placed her head on his shoulder Asad tightened his grip, she started to shake her whole body trembled as she continued to cry, she held on to her stomach and kept screaming out in between her sobs.
Asad felt like his heart had stopped he couldn't stop her from crying out loud it could calm her down 'Zoya please...Zoya...Humera' he screamed out, all of a sudden the whole family had gathered round. Humera had taken over from Asad who stood there in anguish his eyes were red he couldn't bear to see her like this 'what did you do to her Asad' Humera looked up her brother in law in anger 'no...nothing I heard her scream and when I came in she was on the floor...I didn't do anything' Asad looked at his sister 'Baji, please believe me I didn't do anything' Razia and Humera helped Zoya up and lay her on her bed 'its ok Zoya we are here nothing will happen to you, just calm down sweetheart' Razia caressed Zoya's hair as she tried to get her to stop crying. I think we should let Humera and Aunty to stay with Zoya tonight... we should let her rest' Imran said trying to get everyone to leave.
Everyone agreed and started to leave the room except for Asad, he turned towards her 'Zoy...' 'No Asad not now...please just leave her alone' Humera said not letting come any closer, as she was about to get up to usher him out the room Zoya grabbed hold of her arm and looked straight at Asad she said 'no Humera its ok...I can't keep running away I need to talk to him' she turned to look at Humera 'you guys go ahead I will be ok...I need to do this' Humera reluctantly nodded she looked at Razia who also nodded in agreement "if you need us ...' 'I will thank you' Zoya smiled at her sister before they left closing the door behind them.
Asad stood still his eyes were locked with hers what followed was a long silence a silence that was filled with emotions that neither one of them could decipher. Zoya pulled back the blanket and stood up she walked towards him 'you wanted to talk...so talk I'm listening' Asad drew deep breath he lifted his hand to reach out for but Zoya stopped him and flinched her body away 'no Asad' she looked up at him I need to know what I did so wrong so bad that deserved this punishment, where did I go wrong Asad? I gave you everything I gave you every ounce of love every bit of trust everything and what did you do you tossed it like it was nothing...I went crazy trying to call you to get hold of you I was ready to give up everything ...everything just for you...how could you' Zoya couldn't control her anger filled voice nor her tears, she couldn't carry on she felt like her insides were going to erupt. Asad's chest heaved as he tried to breathe what had his actions reduced her to, he knew in his heart that he had a perfectly good reason his methods may have been wrong but he wasn't.
He went up to Zoya and held her it didn't matter how much she protested he didn't let go not until she relaxed and stopped crying. Once Zoya had calmed down he made her sit next to him on the bed he knelt down in front of her and took her hands it was now or never he took in a deep breath 'Zoya I need you to listen to me carefully I will answer all your questions just let me say what I have to..' Zoya raised her head a little so she could see his face 'I'm listening' she whispered.
'Zoya, Tanveer and I studied together she was a close friend and when I say friend I mean just a friend. A few years back I bumped into her it was when I had just opened our office in New York at the time she told me was struggling so I offered her a job to manage the branch. I worked with her for a couple of months before I came back to India during that time she told me that she had feelings for me and saw me more than just a friend. I made it quite clear to her there and then that she was just a friend and now in a professional capacity a work colleague. At the time I thought she understood and accepted this...but I couldn't have been more wrong. Last year actually a few months before you...I mean before we met we had an internal audit all our finances and stock. We found a number of discrepancies and they started of small but the amount of money we were losing and the number of products that started going missing was becoming ridiculous. At the time I wasn't sure who was responsible of where the root of the problem was. I hired a private investigator who after a long three months found out that the problem was within our office in New York. It took a further six weeks to pin point the person that was Tanveer. She wasn't only fiddling with the figures and stealing money, she was stealing stock and selling it privately she was also passing on project ideas and tender details to rival companies for cash. Even though I knew it was her I needed to catch her red handed...when I went to New York I thought the only way I could do this was if I played along with her pretending to like her too. Zoya I know my method was wrong but my intention wasn't...that day when you turned up I was in total shock I didn't know how to react especially when she held my hand and called herself my girlfriend...Zoya I died a thousand deaths seeing you in that state I ran after you looking for you so I could just explain that what you saw was not real' Asad took a deep breath Zoya had not said a word, her eyes were wide open she was in total shock, she was finding it hard to comprehend what Asad had just told her.
'if...if it was all an act then why didn't you call me Asad, all you had to do was call...anything a blank text message a missed call anything...just once...all you had to do was respond just once. Do you have any idea of what I went through' Asad looked at Zoya and moved up to sit beside her he held her by the shoulders and moved her to face him 'Zoya if I hurt you I hurt myself a thousand times more. Zoya since Tanveer took position in AAK we lost over 1.5 million dollars, I was so close to nailing her but then when you came everything fell apart. I have told Ayaan he and Aman are flying out to New York on Saturday...Zoya I will need to go back to' Asad cleared his throat that had become extremely dry 'Zoya please won't you forgive me...I can't take seeing you like this, when I realised you were missing I felt like I had lost everything...Zoya I love you and only you please just once tell me you believe me...I need you to trust me.
Zoya stood up and walked across the room so much had happened in such a short spate of time since she has been with Asad her life has been nothing short of a crazy rollercoaster ride that refused to end. She didn't have the energy she was physically, emotionally and psychologically worn out she knew Aasad was not wrong what he had done was for a good reason but that didn't make her pain any less. She knew as much as anyone that she loved him like crazy that her life without him may as well be death.
She turned around to meet his gaze she could see the anticipation on his face he was waiting for her to say yes and for everything to be ok. 'When you go back...to her you will as her boyf...' Asad walked up to 'Zoya you have to trust me...believe me that nothing has happened between us. To answer your question yes I will go back on the pretense that I am her...Zoya it's not long before we can catch her red handed fashion week is starting I have everything set...just give me a few more days' Zoya didn't need him to say anymore she did believed him and she was going to support him.
Zoya took a step closer to and slowly moved her hand to take his into hers as she looked up a few tears that she had been holding back escaped, Asad wiped them away with his thumb and then leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Asad led Zoya back to the bed as he pulled the blanket over he turned around to walk off only to be stopped by Zoya who held on to his hand. He looked up at her she shook her head and tugged him towards her Asad smiled and lay down next to her she rested her head on his chest, they had missed each other so much.
'Can I ask you something' 'hmmm' Zoya answered snuggling up closer to him 'where were you, where have you been Zoya' Zoya tilted her head back so she could see his face, she placed a small kiss on his chin before returning to her cozy position. Zoya and Asad the rest of the night talking, she told him everything from being found by nuns to transferring to Australia she told him about Farhan and his family. 'Asad, I want to finish the rest of the programme in Australia I only have six weeks left' Asad kissed her hair 'of course, you do what you feel is right for you, but after your six weeks are over I am not letting you out of my sight' Zoya smiled and fell asleep in his arms.
Hindi TV Shows
Bindi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
4