I apologize profusely for the HUGE gap between updates. I have been out of it and unable to write and I was recently unwell and unable to update anything.
This update is a short one and the story will wrap up in the next update by combining chapters 9 and 10 to bring this story to it's conclusion.
Hope you enjoy š
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CHAPTER 8
PRESENT DAY
Zoya stood in the changing room of the large bridal boutique in New York and stared at herself in the wedding gown. Was this her dress? Was this the dress she'd marry Asad in? "You look beautiful," Asad's mother Dilshad said as she stood behind Zoya looking at her in the mirror. Zoya smiled. Asad's mother was singly the sweetest and most loving person she'd ever met and she was so overwhelmed at the looming time whens he would become a part of Asad's family and his life for ever. "I'm not sure it's the dress for me." Zoya said looking at the white intricately designed and embroidered bridal dress. "I want to go back to India. I told Asad the wedding should be there only but he insists since we got together in New York, our wedding should be here only."
Dilshad smiled at her indulgently and said in her most motherly of tones, "We will choose your dress in India and have the wedding here. Compromise is necessary in every relationship Zoya and I think this will make you both happy. Bringing the two together." Zoya nodded, "You're right Am-"
Zoya rarely spoke much of her native tongue being involved in an international firm, the magnitude of Asad's company but she'd just stopped short of calling Dilshad Ammi. She didn't know if she should or if it was appropriate since she and Asad weren't yet married so she held back. Dilshad took her face between her palms, "You can most definitely call me Ammi." Zoya's eyes went wide that Dilshad knew what she was about to say. "You're going to be my daughter and I would love nothing more." She pulled Zoya's face closer and pressed a small kiss on her head. "Thank you Ammi." Zoya whispered and Dilshad smiled.
Zoya heard her phone ring and she knew immediately that it was Asad. She hadn't even looked at the screen yet, she just had that feeling inside. "Hello." she answered. "How is the future Mrs. Asad ahmed Khan doing?" He replied. Her heart skipped a beat. "J-just fine." she breathed as she saw Dilshad beam at her and motion that she would wait outside.
"Good." He whispered. "I miss you." she breathed into the line and she heard his harsh intake of breath. "I miss you too." She heard him clear his throat. "Did you find a dress?" he asked and she sulked that her wedding wasn't far off and she hadn't gotten her dress yet. It was the last thing to be done in preparation for the wedding. Asad had vetoed on the destination remaining New York, he had hired planners to organize the decorators and fix up the venue and everything. Everything was ready except the bride still didn't have a dress and time was cutting close.
"Still nothing." she muttered petulantly and she heard him release a short laugh. "It's not funny!" she said mock angry knowing her wasn't really making fun of her. "Ammi and I are flying back to India tomorrow to get me a dress."
"India? Okay. I'll clear my schedule and come with you." He said immediately and she smiled but reminded him, "You can't see my dress and remember you have that court date to give your testimony at Mark's trial."
She could almost see his regret, "Right. I forgot. I'll miss you even more now."
She smiled even harder at his affection, "I'll miss you more." She saw Dilshad motioning to her through the large boutique window and she said, "Ammi is waiting for me. I love you Asad." She just knew he was smiling. "I love you more Ms. Zoya farooqui soon to be Mrs. Asad Ahmed Khan." She laughed out loud at that and they ended their call. She took a deep breath and went to meet Dilshad ammi.
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FLASHBACK
Two months earlier...
"This has to end Zoya." Asad said pacing the length of his apartment. " I know." Zoya said keeping pace beside him and rubbing her hand over his tense shoulders. "Mark will get what he deserves Asad, don't worry." He stopped pacing and looked at her, "How can I not worry when to hurt me, he uses the one thing I can't live without. he hurt you terribly to get back at me and you've lost so much because of me.
Zoya put her palm to his cheek, her eyes softening. "It's not your fault and before you say you're not, I know you're blaming my leg on yourself." She looked into his eyes, "I don't blame you and I'm okay. I love you Asad and I just want us to move forward now and be happy." She leaned forward ad kissed his cheek.
When she leaned away, he took her hands in his, "I don't know what I did to deserve you but I love you so much and I promise I'll do everything to keep you happy always." And he lifted one finger and touched her dimple and she smiled making it stand out more in her left cheek. She stepped closer and hugged him and he hugged her back just as fiercely.
Over the next few days that followed, Asad got a lead on Mark at the same old warehouse they'd seen him it a while back. Zoya didn't take no for an answer voicing her opinion though that Mark had to be as dumb as a post to come back there. They hid away from sight as they watched Mark. He was all along waiting for someone it seemed and for Asad it seemed to be the best opportunity to get him alone. Zoya called the police from her mobile as Asad steeped out from the shadows and in view of Mark. Mark tried running but Asad caught him easily, anticipating the move.
"You're not getting off easily." Asad said disgusted at the man in front of him. Zoya came up behind them and told Asad that the police were on their way. Zoya saw the fear light in Mark's eyes as he started pleading. He looked to Zoya for sympathy and the act had her incensed! "How DARE you ask me for help? Me?" She poked a hand into his chest. "After what you did to me, I more than anyone else can't wait to see you carted off to prison where you belong!"
Distracted, Mark tried to get away, his fist smacking into Asad's cheek but Asad caught him and paid him back with a blow to the gut. Several blows were traded and Zoya had to restrain Asad as he got so angry he kept beating on Mark. In the scuffle, Zoya fell and knocked her head on the concrete, the blow making her pass out.
The next thing Zoya remembered was being in the hospital, a remorseful Asad at her bedside, his eyes wet. "I'm so sorry Zoya. That fall was my fault. I got carried away." He started rambling but she shook her head, wincing at the slight tug of pain. "It's okay. I'm fine. Did the police get Mark?" Asad nodded and said, "We have enough evidence to send him to trial."
"And the person he was supposed to meet?" She asked. "We don't know but the police think they'll get it out of him."
"It's over." she whispered. He shook his head. "Not until he's completely behind bars it's not.
"He will be." she said sure. "Now we have to focus on our wedding Mr. Khan." she teased.
"Yes we do." He smiled.
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END of UPDATE
Next update will be the last and should be up by the weekend! š³
Don't forget to drop a comment. š
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