An AsYa FS - Wounds Heal - Note Page 22 (16/1/14) - Page 11

Originally posted by: treasure11

ITS OK BUDDY

TAKE UR TIME😊FOCUS ON YR TEST AND ALL D BEST!👍🏼

Originally posted by: SBanoMalik

Loved it!!!! 😃
Poor Asad now that Arif called him BAD MAN, he will again try to do something to himself 😭
Wondering who r "THEM"??? 😕

Hey everyone! I'm back from the dead!

This part is dedicated to my friend Shruti, who kept reminding me about updating this long lost FS! 😳

So here it is ~

Part - 3

"HE'S THE BAD MAN!"

Arif couldn't believe that he had come across the same tall man he had an unpleasent encounter with.

He furiously ran towards Asad and started punching him as badly as he could. Asad's kneeswent numb, ofcourse!

"Hey, Little man! Arif! Stop!" Zoya panicked as she tried her might to pull the monster away from the big man. Rocky start, eh?

"Par Khaala! Don't you remember him? He's.."

"The bad man from the park, right? Yes I do!" Zoya completed his sentence as he continued to struggle in her grip, angrily eyeing Asad in the process.

"Is that the way you behave with elders? Do you want me to tell Ammi?" Zoya threatened him and watched his face fall. A wave of guilt washed over him.

"Buddy, apologise. Now." She ordered.

"I'm sorry, Bad.."

Zoya cleared her throat and pretend coughed.

"I'm sorry Sir!" He quickly corrected himself and pulled his signature puppy dog face.

That could've been a deadly slip!

While Zoya's heart melted, the man stood still in a trance.

"Sir? I'm sorry!" Arif half cried. Technically, the man should be apologising, not him. He was the one who hurt his Khaala.

Zoya gestured Arif to shush.

"Asad? Is everything okay? I'm sorry about Arif. He's just... he gets overprotective when it comes to me. My little bodygaurd, he is." She spoke with pride and affection as she looked at a relatively calm Arif, still in her grip.

"It's not about Arif. Don't worry. I'll be fine." Asad headed towards the little balcony, completely ignoring the amusing looks that Arif was shooting him.

"He's so strange. Haina?" He queried.

"Mmhm" Zoya nodded in agreement.

"Okay, so..how about some hot chocolate?" Zoya asked Arif.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Exclaimed an overly hyper Arif. That's when Zoya realized that it was probably a bad suggestion. Another sleepless night for Zeenat and Anwar!

Managing two kids at a time is so not easy!

Nonetheless, she made her way to the kitchen after instructing Arif to sit and watch TV, like a very good boy. And to not disturb the strange' guest at all.

One hot chocolate, and 2 steaming cups of coffee. Sounds rejuvenating!

Well, the little man was anything far from a good boy.

He leaped from the couch and headed for the balcony as well.

"Can I call you Asad, Sir? Khaala calls you Asad!"

Asad let out a soft chuckle and nodded. He was guilty. He had completely ignored Arif, not even acknowledged his apology. Trying to make amends, he carried the conversation further.

"You are Arif? I'm so glad to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you from your Khaala. You know, she loves you a lot." Although he hadn't participated in their conversations, he had gathered just enough information for small talk.

Arif's eyes lit up as soon as Asad mentioned his Khaala.

"And I love her a lot too! She's the best in the whole wide world!" He replied with glee, spreading his hands as wide as he could, to show the amount of his love.

"I know. She is." Asad genuinly smiled, as he recalled his time spent with the adorable woman. She did so much for him. And what did he give her in return? A trip to the hospital?

His shoulders slumped as he self loathed, clearly disappointed in himself. He was hopeless. Just, hopeless.

Arif noticed the visible changes in his aura. He decided to lighten up his new friend's mood, just like Abbu did when he felt a little low.

"Do you like playing cricket? I always win when I and Abbu play!"

"You do? I like cricket too and I'm sure you'll be an amazing cricketer when you grow up." Asad said. His eyes became moist as he reminisced his childhood days. He was glad that Arif decided to accompany him in the Balcony. He really needed someone to uplift his spirits. And this liitle guy was managing it well. Surely, he was smart, and extremely dramatic.

"Khaala bhi mujhse yahi kehti hai!" Arif replied, completely amazed at the fact that Zoya and Asad were so alike!

"Accha, Arif? Ab aap aur mein friends hain na?" Asad said, finally finding a way to broach the subject he had been struggling to voice.

"Haan" he replied like it was the most obvious answer.

"Great! So buddy, can we keep a secret?" Asad cautiosly asked, receiving rapid nods in response. He might dislocate his skull for God's sake!

"Erm, so..er, tell me. What does your Khaala like? I mean.." This had to be the most embarrassing moment. Ya Allah! What would he comprehend of it? Heck, what would anyone comprehend of it?!

The question was followed by Arif's meditation. He thought so hard, that Asad had a micro panic attack. What was he thinking in that little head? What if the smart guy asks his Khaala about herlikes and dislikes?!

No! He could not let that happen!

Before he could disturb the concentrated efforts, he was interrupted by a satisfied voice.

"Haan! I know! Khaala ko Pizza bohot pasand hai!" His eyes gleamed and his smile widened, showing the little milk teeth of his.

So Pizza it is.

"But why is it a secret?"

"Why is what a secret?" Zoya chimed in with a cup of hot chocolate and sizzling coffee in her hands as she invaded a very confidential club meeting. She handed over the respective cups and was pleasantly surprised to find Asad happy.

She unabashedly admired his smile, till her trance was broken by Arif, who had brought her cup of coffee all the way from the kitchen. She took it gratefully and cheered with him before sipping, sincerely hoping that Asad hadn't noticed her checking him out.

Meanwhile, Asad heaved a sigh of relief. Had Zoya reached there a second earlier...

Ya Allah! That was close!

It was nearly 7:30 and the sun had set. While Arif found his new best friend in Asad, Zoya found a new person in him. She couldn't have even thought that he could be so good with kids. She was glad that he had bonded so well with Arif in mere hours.

"Aapi and Ammi must be on their way!" Zoya's statement fell on deaf ears. Actually, the duo was so busy among themselves that they chose to plainly ignore her!

"Arif? Listen to me very, very carefully. Okay?" she said, gaining both Asad's and Arif's attention. Asad motioned her to continue.

"Look, if Ammi and Naani ask you anything about your time here, you will, under no circumstances, mention Asad. Am I making myself clear? They are not to be told." Zoya instructed.

"Is that how you instruct kids Zoya? What is this? A Military Camp?" Asad mocked her to which Arif couldn't agree more.

Teaming up, are we?

"Oh really? Why don't you try?" She challenged.

"Well, you asked for it!" He and Arif went towards the balcony, their new Headquarter, where Zoya was strictly prohibited.

Zoya rolled her eyes in an excessively dramatic fashion as she waited for the discussion to end. It came to a momentary halt when Asad strode towards the refrigerator, scrutinized the contents and finally pulled out a brand new Toblerone. He strode back and handed it over to Arif which was followed by a high five.

Anyway, she was happy to know that Asad had grown comfortable to her presence and her dwelling. There was a remarkable change in his behaviour since Arif's arrival. This was a whole new side of his. And she couldn't deny the fact that he looked even more charming when he smiled. His smile was infectious!

They returned back and joined the falsely exasperated lady. They settled on the couch, with Zoya sitting in between Asad and Arif.

The remote control had been taken over, which meant nothing was to be watched other than Cartoon Network.

As Arif glued his eyes on the TV screen, Asad smirked. Zoya looked at him suspiciously. "Instruction dena ise kehte hai Ms. Farooqui" Asad whispered in her ear, tickling it with his feather like breaths.

This was totally uncalled for. Great! She now had goosebumps all over her body!

She turned her head to retort back, but as their noses touched, she was muted by his proximity. She tried hiding the blush creeping up her cheeks by turning her head towards the TV screen as well.

"Aur ek aur baat. Judging by the excessive amount of eye-rolling you do, I'm sure they'll get stuck in your sockets someday." He added nonchalantly, earning a grunting sound.

"Haw! How dare you?! I.." The revenge taking session of hers was interrupted by the doorbell, which was enough to shift Zoya in her infamous frantic modes.

An amused Asad shook his head and placed his warm hand on her shoulder, giving reassurance.

Asad gave a final bear hug to Arif and strode towards Zoya's room. Zoya hurriedly tidied up the place and rushed towards the door. Arif followed suit.

*****

Asad had managed to sneak away Zoya's phone with him. To his relief, it was a smartphone with Internet access!

He could hear the non stop chatting of the ladies, but chose to ignore it and concentrated on the phone instead.

He quickly looked up for Pizza Hut's menu card and decided to order one for Zoya. But the question was, how was he going to pay for it?

So stupid! How did he not think of it before!

He saw Zoya's wallet lying near the dressing table. As he started reaching for the money, his inner voice kicked.

That's called STEALING balloon head!

But I'm buying something for her with her money. Technically, that's not stealing!

Oh really? Then what is it? Poor girl, she doesn't even know you're using her money.

If she knows, then how will it be a surprise smart ass?

Okay, fine! You got off the hook easily this time. But I won't spare you again. Huh!

He quickly took the needed amount and tip toed towards the bathroom with her phone. A victorious smile adored his face as he quietly opened it and went inside, taking extra care while closing the door.

He suddenly realized that he had no clue about the address.

Good gracious! Why is he so smart?

He repeated the much dreaded opening-and-closing-the-door act. He strode back into the room and searched for any piece of information he could find. He sweared under his breath when his eyes fell on Zoya's wallet yet again, but this time on the Driver's Licence.

Taking the money and the Driver's Licence, he went inside the bathroom,

"Hello, Pizza Hut? Yes, a Medium Sized Double Cheese Pizza Please. The address is Flat No. 13, Aakriti Apartments, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal. Half an hour? Erm, how about 45 minutes? Perfect! Thank you." He spoke in hushed whispers.

As he finished the call, he could hear the voices fading and finally the shutting of the main door.

He ran with wind speed and stuffed the Licence back in the wallet, and the money in his pocket.

The room's door clicked open as soon as he finished his task, with a relieved Zoya smiling at him.

"They're gone. Hey, have you, by any chance seen my phone? I left it on the couch, but it seems to have disappeared."

"Oh! The phone! Here it is. I took it with me. I..woh.. I wanted to make a call. Sorry for the trouble." He handed over her phone.

"Let's go to the Balcony?" Asad suggested to which Zoya agreed.

*****

They went to the little place and took in the breathtaking view. There danced the lake with the waters reflecting the beautiful city lights. The cool breeze carressed their faces and a peaceful silence gripped them.

"What went wrong Asad?" asked Zoya, breaking the silence."You wanna talk about it?"

"No" he answered. "But you deserve to know. I won't keep you in the dark" he added with sincerity evident in his voice and eyes.

"Go on then." Zoya smiled.

"We are, were, a happy family of four. Abbu and Ammi loved both of us, me and my younger brother Ayaan equally. It was just that, he was, is, the prodigal son. I...I could never make my parents proud, no matter how hard I tried." He sighed. Zoya kept her hand over his and urged him to continue, giving as much silent support as she could.

"Abbu gave me equal partnership in his business as soon as I graduated. But, it started getting more loses than profits. The condition became worse and we became short of money. Abbu started blaming me for the downfall, but Ammi never supported him. She always took my side. That's how Ammis are." His eyes had started moistening and he wore a sad smile.

"The misery halted as soon as Ayaan graduated. He took over the business and brought it to new heights. Everyone was very happy, especially Abbu. Our financial conditions improved, but our relationships started straining. Abbu banished me from his business and handed over all of it to Ayaan. I did not take it to heart and decided to do something new, all on my own. Ammi gave me the required credit and I set off. I tried investing it in many ventures but ended up being in debt. I became neck deep in interests and it was then that I realised that there was no way out."

"I started getting threats from moneylenders. They even threatened to harm my family, who were unaware of the deep waters I was in. One day, Abbu came to know about my issues. And the very same day, a thug invaded our house and beat me up in front of everyone. I could hear Ammi's screaming and sobbing, and Abbu's pleas to the man. Ayaan was in his room, sealing an important deal. He came out as soon as he heard the commotion and quickly dialed 100. The man beat me black and blue and drove off, giving a final warning. As Ammi rushed to soothe my pains, Abbu held pure rage. He started screaming his head off, blaming me for every problem he could think of."

" I was no genius, I had never been. It had always been Ayaan, and I never minded that. Like a good big brother, I always supported and praised him."

"Ammi protested when Abbu stopped screaming, but everything fell on deaf ears. He wasn't ready to listen. Ayaan stood motionless too. I wanted his assurance, his comfort, but got none. Ammi took me to the hospital and got me bandaged. A week passed in silence, which I spent secluded in my room, not even bothering to have meals. Little did I know that the weekend would bring nothing but heartbreak. Later in the night, I was called in the Living Room. Ammi's eyes were red and puffy and Ayaan was controlling back his tears. Bemused, I stood in front of everyone. That's when Abbu announced that I was banished from home as well. I looked at Ammi for help, but she did nothing. I broke to such an extent that I left the house then and there, not even bothering to take my belongings - my clothes, my phone or money. I had nowhere to go, so decided to spent the night at the Railway Station. I slept on the cold bench of the waiting rooms. The next day, I went in search of any kind of work I could find. But much to my disappointment, no one employed me. Once, I went to this Garage to find some work, but found one of the moneylenders instead. I was scared, hurt, defeated and hopeless."

He was crying openly now, and the tears ceased to stop. Zoya regretted asking what she did, she had no intentions of hurting him. Without thinking twice, she enveloped him in a tight hug, and he hugged back with equal vigour.

Zoya's sleeve was soaked in tears and so were her eyes.

"Where did I go wrong Zoya? Why am I so useless? Why can't I make them proud? Why can't I make anyone proud?" He asked with a clogged throat and broken voice.

"Who says that you're useless? No you aren't. Not at all. Arif found an amazing friend in you. Not many people have that ability, you know? Even I found company. You are not the broken Asad you pretend to be. The real Asad is happy, he's different and has a smile that's so infectious that I can't stop drooling!" Zoya replied to which she got a damped laugh, as his face lay buried in her neck.

They pulled apart, but none of them was embarrassed of their actions. It just felt right. No one needed any justification.

"Hmm.. Aha! I was wondering why you're smelling so bad. Haven't taken a shower in days, I presume." Zoya teased to which Asad chuckled.

"I thought you won't mind, considering the fact that you aren't a very tidy person anyway." He teased back to which Zoya huffed.

Their eyes locked and they moved closer to each other. Interwining their hands, they looked over at the breathtaking view once again. Much to their surprise, the waters seemed to dance more merrily and so did the winds.

Suddenly, the doorbell buzzed.

*****

"Let me get that". Asad went to open the door as Zoya stood in the balcony, still admiring the view. It had been months since she purchased this apartment, but the view had never seemed this mesmerizing.

"Zoya! Jaldi aao!" Asad called out. Zoya, startled by Asad's urgency, excitedly half-walked-half-ran but stopped midway. She took in the delicious aroma of spices ans seasonings - basil and oregano. She closed her eyes and felt the aroma growing stronger and stronger.

She slowly opened her eyed and saw Asad standing in front of her, with a Double Cheese Pizza in his hand. Wait, what? A Pizza?!

She couldn't control her excitement and screamed, making him close his eyes to the pitch. It had been ages since she last had Pizza.

Allah Miyah! Did Asad just order a Pizza for her?!

"Did you..?"

"Mmhm."

"So, that's the secret you and Arif were talking about! Oh my God Asad, thank you so much!" She didn't care about how he managed to pay for it or even do the planning. All she cared about was the efforts Asad was making to make her happy, to express his gratitude and to apologise for his tantrums.

Asad headed over to the kitchen and brought a knife. He then finely cut them into pieces. Zoya could've gobbled up all of it alone but then she realised that he hadn't eaten properly in days. She kept 4 pieces for him and 2 for herself, a gesture than made Asad smile inwardly and then openly.

"I'm not hungry Zoya! Especially after you made that steaming cup of coffee for me. Eat as much as you want."

But she denied. And being the stubborn self she was, she made him eat all the 4 of them.

After having their 'supposed' dinner, they cleaned up.

"You should probably take a bath now. The smell's becoming intolerable!" Zoya suggested.

"Very funny Zoya. I do want to, but I don't have any fresh pair of clothes. What am I gonna wear?"

"I bet you'll do pretty good without a shirt." She winked as Asad blushed.

"Crazy!" He managed to answer back.

"Haha! Look at your face! You look like a beetroot! Anyway, don't worry about the clothes. I'll arrange some. I guess you know where the bathroom is.. so yeah, hurry up!"

Asad smiled and headed towards the bathroom. He shut the door and Zoya started her search.

Aapi had given some of Jeeju's old clothed to her. According to her, he was becoming obsessed with them and was refusing to wear anything else. So she had decided to keep them over at Zoya's till he gets over them, so that Zoya could donate them or something.

She took out a white Kurta Pajama and kept it neatly on the bed. She came out and closed the room door.

A few minutes later, Asad got out and saw a pair of neatly folded clothes.

Seems like Woman took the 'untidy' remark seriously!

As he donned the clothes, his eyes fell over an old photo, framed delicately and kept beside one of her side tables. He picked it up to find an extremely happy family, with a healthy man, a beautiful woman, and two adorable girls laughing away. It took him seconds to guess whom they were.

So that's where Zoya got her enchanting looks!

As he continued staring at the photo, the door opened and he heard a gasp. Realisation dawned upon him as he stood their kurta-less. He hastily kept down the photo-frame and turned around to grab his piece of clothing.

"Allah Miyah! Six pack!" Zoya spoke out loud and regretted it immediately.

Asad pulled over the kurta as Zoya closed her eyes, keeping her hand over them as an extra precautionary measure.

"You can open your eyes now!" he said in an amused manner.

"Sorry! Mujhe pata nahi tha.."

"Arey! Koi baat nahi!"

Zoya gave a sheepish smile and headed inside.

"That seems like a happy family." Asad said as he saw Zoya's eyes darting towards the family photo.

"Yes we were! But Abbu passed away when I was 3 and Aapi was 8. Ammi took over all his responsibilities and made us the persons we are today. Which is why she's my idol. Never let the world intimidate you. That's what she kept on saying and that's what kept us going." A lone tear made its way out of her eyes as the past haunted.

"This is the only family photo we have - with all the 4 of us together. It's very special." She continued further. Suddenly, she felt soft fingers brush her cheek, wiping the stubborn tear.

Asad felt for her. So what his Abbu hated him now, he had received his love when he was young. Atleast they never had to live without a Father, nor Ammi had to live without a Husband.

"Aap bhi na! Khaamakha rula diya mujhe! Now tell me, do you need anything else?" She finally blinked back her tears and changed the topic of discussion.

"Nope. Not a thing." Asad replied and then glanced at the table clock. "It's just 10:30. Do you sleep early?" He asked.

"I don't. But its been a tiring day and you should get some rest too. Wait! I almost forgot! Stay here, let me get the medicines." Zoya went towards the kitchen and took out some Iron Tablets from a small, brown paperbag. She then brought the drug with a glass of water and gave it to Asad.

After having the required dosage, he asked about the kurta pajama he was wearing to which Zoya narrated the whole Jeeju-obsessed-with-old-clothes saga.

It was 11:00 pm and both were hell tired. It had been a tough, but surprising day. Finally, it was the time to discuss the sleeping arrangements.

"So... I'm gonna sleep here, in my room. And the room with the bed..right there.. it's yours." She directed his gaze with her hand towards a cozy little guest room'.

"I hope there's no problem."

"No. It's perfect."

The day had started wearing off on them as they bid each other goodbye and called it a night. They both headed towards their respective rooms and slumped against their beds.

Zoya attached her earphones to her phone and listened to the Radio, as she did every night before going to sleep. Putting the earphones in her ear, she snuggled in the duvet and fell asleep in no time.

Asad fell asleep as soon as he got under the covers. But his slumber was broken by his old friend, Mr. Sleep Twitch. He woke up with a sense of sudden falling. He was now wide awake, and sleep evaded him.

He got out of the duvet and headed towards the Balcony, his most lovable thing about the house, except the owner, of course.

After filling up his lungs with the much needed fog filled fresh air, he decided to check on Zoya.

He quietly opened the door and found the beauty in a deep sleep. He went over to the bedside and sat on his knees, admiring the intelligently crafted face. He then realised that she still had her earphones on. Carefully plucking them out, he decided to listen to music as well. It was his companion in joys and sorrows.

He heard the a melodious lady voice singing. As he allowed the music to soothe him, his eyes started feeling heavy and he called it in yet again. Keeping Zoya's phone and earphone on the side table, he headed towards the door of his room and went straight to bed.

*****

"Good morning!" Zoya greeted Asad who had just woken up.

Gosh! He looked hotter in unkept hair!

Stop drooling Zoya! You have more important works to attend to!

But works can wait!

You think so?

Zoya sighed in frustration as she lost the inner battle again. Damn you Brain!

"Good morning?" Asad wished and questioned at the same time, his voice heavy with all the sleeping.

"The breakfast's in the kitchen. I've written down my number for you, do check out the fridge magnets. Call me if you need anything. Also, do not answer any call unless the Caller ID mentions this number. I'm headed to work. But don't worry, I'll be back before 5. Is there any confusion?" Zoya instructed away as she adjusted her hair and wore her footwear.

"But why didn't you wake me up? I could've helped with the breakfast.." said Asad, still half asleep.

"That's because you seemed quite deep in sleep and I didn't want to disturb you. Like now! Wake up Asad Ahmed Khan!" Zoya teased as she headed towards the door.

"Take care of yourself Asad, and remember.. you're amazing the way you are and will always be." Zoya added as she finally left the apartment with a smile. She was in no mood of working today. But it was a Monday, which meant that a lot of work needed to be sorted out.

As Zoya left, Asad headed towards the kitchen and made a steaming cup of coffee for himself, just the way Zoya did.

After finishing with the routine chores, he decided to watch TV. Time passed as he tried various methods to escape boredom. Little did he know when he fell asleep on the couch. His nap was broken by the ringing of the cordless.

He quickly matched the ID with Zoya's no. and picked up the phone enthusiastically.

After little talks about eating food and medicines on time, they both hung up.

Asad went out in the Balcony and this time, looked down the apartment, instead of admiring the Lake in the front.

*****

It was 4:20 p.m. when Zoya ringed the bell of her apartment. On getting no response, she opened it with the key she had kept with her. She closed the door, balancing a polythene of snacks in her hand. But, as soon as she entered, an eerie silence surrounded her..

Where's Asad?

"Where are you Asad? Look what I got for us! Chicken Kebabs! You're gonna love them!" Her voice echoed.

On getting no response, she convinced herself that he must be using the loo.

She waited and waited but he never came out. With her patience wearing off, she checked her room and the bathroom again.

A sudden feeling of emptiness and betrayal washed over her.

Where did he go? And why?

X-X-X

A/N - What do you think made Asad leave so abruptly?

Did he find out something about Zoya? 😲

Did you like this update?

I would love your feedbacks! 😃

P.S. Only 1 more part to go! 😆

AS PROMISED U UPDATED ON SUNDAY!! THANK YOU!

Beautiful!! 😳
I'm loving it!!! 😃

Such a great and long update.. I loved Asad and Arif's bond... Super sweet... He is finally coming out of his shell.. :)

Gr8 part
thanx for pm
do pm me for next part
continue soon

Oh this was just wonderful. I loved the interactions between Asad & Arif. So sad to hear about Asad's past. His father has been really harsh on him. Its nice to see Asad getting open & sincere about everything with Zoya. She like him already, doesn't she?

Fabulously written..!!👏👍🏼