The Colour of Love - FF #2 Link to Thread 3 Pg 124 - Page 86

FORTY EIGHT

The next week flew by pleasantly Asad kept in touch with Zoya on a regular basis. Zoya had never worked so hard she would constantly stay back and put in extra hours Mrs Perry admired her enthusiasm for her work and her determination.

In the days that passed Zoya was also playing cupid creating scenarios and opportunities for Farhan and Jina to be together some of her ideas were nothing short of an over exaggerated Indian drama. By the end of the week Farhan had more than clocked on to what she was doing, subtly and Zoya did not always go hand in hand.

He had decided to confront her; he had the perfect opportunity she was standing there on her own. 'come on Farhan man up' he said to himself as he slowly approached her 'hi' he said a little more nervously then he had intended to 'do you have a minute...I wanted to ask you something...' 'Yeah sure...what's up?' 'would you like to go out tonight' 'Farhan we already are, remember we had planned to go to the student bar' Farhan smiled and mentally kicked himself 'let try this again' he said to himself 'no I mean go out as in just me and you...you know like a date kind of a thing' if Jina wasn't seeing things Farhan was definitely blushing she looked at him smiling in disbelief and then started blushing too. She first nodded her head then said 'yes..yes I would love to' Farhan smiled and started walking backwards looking like he had just won first prize 'oh and Jina you can tell Zoya she didn't need to work so hard...but thank her anyway' he said as he winked at her then jogged back to campus leaving Jina on cloud nine.

'Humera, I really wanted him to come but he just doesn't have the time...I mean fashion week finished yesterday...' Zoya sulked. Humera knew the one thing that Zoya hated was being on her own especially on her birthday. 'If I had known I would have just come home or made you, Ammi and Abu to come to see me...some birthday this is going to be...you do know it's my 21st' Humera was straining to keep her laughter at bay but couldn't hold back any longer 'Zoya you should hear yourself you sound like a five year old...I know how you feel and I am sorry for not being there with you. I can't speak on Asad's behalf...Zoya does he even know it's your birthday, I for sure haven't mentioned it'. This got Zoya thinking she had never told him when her birthday was nor had he ever asked but what kind of an excuse was that she was his fianc he should know these things already she huffed down the phone and said goodbye.

As soon as the she disconnected the phone the phone started to ring again making her jump as she answered it she heard the highest pitched screech ever 'Bajiii...its Suhana' Zoya held the phone three inches away trying to save her ear drums, she looked at the phone and started to laugh 'hi Suhana how are you?' I am ok...mum wants to talk to you' boy that girl had a good set of lungs after a short silence she heard Esha's voice, Zoya was never sure whether to say Salaam or Namaste to her so always greeted her with a hello. 'Zoya we would like you to come round for dinner tomorrow and I am not going to take no for an answer' Zoya spoke with hesitation, she appreciated the invitation as she was about to carry on speaking Esha cut in 'Zoya I know on a day as special as tomorrow you would want to be with your family but are we not your family?' Zoya let out a gasp 'aunty how did..' Farhan told me it is your birthday tomorrow...there is no way we will allow you to be on your own so we are going to celebrate it together as a family...and also Farhan is bringing Jina home to introduce her to us' Zoya laughed and at the same time sniffed, she had tears running down her face, these tears she didn't mind as they were filled with happiness.

Zoya looked at her phone with a blank expression, could he really not know it was her birthday, damn if that was the case she couldn't even hold a grudge. No actually she could Humera knew and if she did so did Ayaan and Najma so how was it possible that he wouldn't know. 'ugggh stop being so childish Zoya...it's just another day' before she went to bed she tried calling Asad but it went straight to voice mail 'typical' she pouted.

Zoya stirred in her sleep she felt the warm rays of the sun hit her face as she opened her eyes she felt as presence, as her eyes came into focus she saw not one not two but four faces looking down on her. Zoya screamed and jumped out of bed to see Farhan, Jina, Logan and Bethany standing with silly hats on and balloons in their hands 'Happy Birthday Zoya they said in unison. Zoya who had her hand on her chest clutching her pacing heart was too shocked to respond her eyes moved from left to right at the smiling faces which she could so easily could kill right this minute 'what the...are you guys trying to kill me I almost had a heart attack' they stood there laughing at her and then one by one went to hug her. After the initial shock Zoya got up to get ready it was way too early to start celebrating even by her standards but what the hell she was going to make the most of it.

Everyone went out to start the day with a big birthday breakfast. They had planned out the whole day for Zoya with the day coming to an end at Farhan's house. Zoya looked at her small group of friends they reminded her so much of Ayla, Soniyah, Feroze and Leo how she wished everyone could be together. 'Thank you so much guys I really appreciate this' and she really did but what would have made it all that much more perfect was for Asad to be here with her.

As the day passed and the rest of the world started to wake up she was flooded with birthday wishes from her parents, Najma, Naani, Sara, her little gang back in Rome even Aman had text her. Hang on if Aman knew then Asad definitely knew the more she thought about it the more she was became annoyed and upset. She decided to call him even though he should be the one calling first 'damn...stupid...bloody thing' she said irritated and then threw the phone into her bag 'hey what's wrong?' Farhan asked, he noticed her upset and ran up to her immediately 'oh nothing I'm just being silly...it's just that everyone has called or text to wish me happy birthday except Asad' Farhan put his arm around her 'don't worry Zoya I am sure he has just got caught up with something...come let's get you back to home you are not wearing that tonight' he pointed at her jeans and tank top teasingly, only to be punched in the arm by her.

Zoya went through her limited wardrobe she didn't have anything Asian to wear so she pulled out a maxi dress, it never took Zoya long to get dresses with flawless skin like hers all she ever needed was a little eyeliner to enhance her eyes and a little lip gloss. Zoya and Jina left together, Jina was nervous she had only been with Farhan for a few days and she was going to meet his parents already. Zoya could understand 'just think of it as being invited to my party to meet my family Jina...it will be ok'. Zoya rang the doorbell and braced herself for Suhana to attack her and she did in true Suhana style. She walked in and met both Abdul and Esha who hugged her wished her a very happy birthday, they had tastefully decorated the main room they did everything that any real parents would do for their own child. Zoya introduced a very nervous and shy Jina who was welcomed with the same amount of love. 'Where is Farhan?' Zoya asked looking around he had to go and pick something up for me, he should be back soon' Abdul replied smiling at Zoya.

Zoya busied herself with Suhana as Jina started to relax and engage in conversation with Farhan's parents. After a good half hour everyone heard the door close Farhan had arrived 'hey everyone, sorry I took so long' Zoya looked at him with a raised eyebrow 'what took you so long...you know how rude it is to be late at your own sisters birthday party?' she said pretending to be annoyed he walked up to her 'well my dear sister it is because of you I am late' Zoya looked at him confused she stood up to face him 'and how is that exactly' she pouted. Farhan moved around her so he was standing behind her he put his hand on her shoulders and moved her forwards close your eyes Zoya' he whispered in her ear Zoya looked at Esha who smiled and nodded indicating to do as she was being told 'w...what's going on' she said becoming a little nervous 'Zoya please...trust me just close your eyes' Zoya did as she was told she was made to take a few more steps forward, she felt Farhan pull back his hands off her shoulders and come round to stand next to her, he leaned closer 'you can open them now' Zoya opened her eyes to see Farhan smiling like there was no tomorrow 'what' she exclaimed Farhan rolled his eyes 'Ya Allah' 'oye, that's my line' Zoya shot back at him with a smile 'Zoya, just look ahead will you' he said as he pointed towards the door and when Zoya turned she got the biggest shock of her life.

Happy Birthday Zoya' it was Asad, Zoya was speechless she shook her head just to make sure she wasn't seeing things 'Ya Allah, As..Asad you're here...you are really here' without thinking Zoya ran enveloping him in a hug, Asad hugged her back holding on to her as tightly as he could 'y...you knew you remembered...I thought...' 'that I had forgotten or didn't know, how would that even be possible Zoya...I had planned this with Farhan a few days ago' Zoya looked back at Farhan and his family 'thank you so much...this is perfect' Abdul walked towards Asad to introduce himself and welcomed him to their home. As conversations started Zoya kept looking at him still not really believing he was here. Asad couldn't help smiling as he tried to concentrate on the conversation he was having with Abdul.

Zoya cut the cake with Asad standing by her side everyone gave her a hug Asad put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer placing a kiss on her forehead, Zoya started to blush as she felt all eyes on her. After dinner Asad sat with Esha talking about India, Zoya walked up to Jina and Farhan 'thank you so much for doing this for me' Zoya said taking his hand in her 'anything for you sis'. 'Zoya he is so amazing...I still can't believe you are getting married and that to Asad Ahmed Khan, I didn't realise who he was until I saw him, his pictures have been in every single fashion magazine you can think of' Jina was in awe of him and was really happy for Zoya. Zoya looked at Asad with such fondness she couldn't wait to be alone with him to hold him close to her.

Zoya could hear Asad discuss wedding plans with Esha so casually went and joined in 'Zoya don't forget to invite us' Esha said 'how could I possibly not, my family wouldn't be complete without you' she said with sincerity. Asad looked up at her 'we should get going' Zoya smiled and nodded in agreement. Farhan insisted that Zoya went with Asad as he was more than willing to to take Jina back. Zoya and Asad thanked the family and left by taxi 'have you booked into a hotel or you...' Asad gave her a smile that made the butterflies in her stomach set off 'you have room for one more' she leaned against his chest as he put his arm around her taking in her scent more than enough' was all she said.

Zoya had changed and waited for Asad to freshen up as he came out of the bathroom Zoya sat up 'you must be tired you take the bed I'll take the floor' as she got up Asad pulled her arm 'Zoya the bed may be a little small but I think it will fit us both' Zoya lowered her eyes as the colour of her cheeks turned the deepest shade of red. Asad lifted her face so eyes met his he moved forward and kissed her, she had missed the warmth of his soft lips against hers it wasn't just her lips that had responded to his touch her whole body edged forward making him deepen the kiss.

'Four more weeks Mrs Khan and then you are mine' he said his low seductive voice sending a tingle down her spine 'I already am yours or have you forgotten Mr Khan?' Asad pulled her closer 'I mean mine in every sense Zoya, from top to bottom' he said stroking her hair and then moving his hand down her back. Zoya looked away shy as she knew what he was referring to, bringing her lips back to meet his she gently ushered him towards the bed as he sat down she pushed him back 'Zoy...' 'shhh' she hushed him. Asad had never seen Zoya respond to him so boldly, his eyes widened with anticipation of what she was going to do next. Zoya lowered herself on to him, she then angled her body so that she lay on her side with her head rested comfortably across his chest. Asad wasn't sure what she was trying to do 'Zoya are you ok?' he asked in vague 'hmmm just wanted to lie close to you to feel every part of you...I just missed you so much and I know that I still have another four weeks to get through without you'.

Asad kissed the top of her head, pulling her back a little he turned on his side so he was facing her, he stroked her face and kissed her nose and then her lips, he pushed back her hair exposing her neck he placed kisses along her jawlines and moved down into the crook of her neck, Zoya who was holding on to his top held it that much tighter she arched her back tilting her head upwards giving him more access.

Arnav stroked her back he slowly ran down his hand to her waist, finding a small opening he slipped his hand under it Zoya gasped his hand came into contact with her bare skin, she felt her whole body erupt, her heart started to accelerate almost instantaneously as his hand continued to travel upwards caressing her soft skin. Zoya closed her eyes as his hand reached the sides of her breast, Asad stopped as he saw Zoya's face, her lips were quivering and her eyes tightly closed realising what he was doing he slowly pulled his hand back and placed it on her cheek. Zoya's face relaxed but she kept her eyes closed 'Zoya...look at me' he whispered Zoya gradually opened her eyes to meet his 'I...I'm sorry Asad' 'hey don't...its ok...I should be the one saying sorry I always seem to...I don't mean to make you nervous or feel awkward I...' Zoya felt his discomfort trying to express what he was feeling she put his hand on his lips stopping him from continuing and with that kissed him. 'Thank you for coming and making my day perfect Asad...you don't know how much I love you' she said before she placed her head back on his chest and closed her eyes letting sleep take over.