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As Zoya completed the final paper snowflake and stuck it on the conservatory window of her childhood home in New York, she noticed her two little angels, Mahek and Mehtab, staring towards the winter wonderland of the back garden in awe and excitement. The lingering aroma of a delicious Christmas Eve dinner they had just devoured was spread in the house. Her Aapi had pulled out all the stops, inviting all of Zoya's acquaintances and friends whom she hadn't seen in years.
The entire evening had been marvelous and she had enjoyed flaunting her sexy husband to her friends and was filled with pride while introducing her little munchkins. Mahek and Mehtab had basked in the attention that Zeenat and Anwar, along with their other relatives in New York, had showered them with.
And now, as her Aapi, Jeeju and Asad sat in the living room by the fireplace and sipped their coffees and munched on festive cookies, Zoya felt a wave of immense happiness wash over her. Bringing her hands together in a quick prayer, she thanked her Allah Miyan and then Zoya went over to where her children sat on the couch by the big window with their faces pressed against the glass and gazing outside.
Kneeling down in the middle of her little boy and girl, she wrapped her arms around them very softly and whispered, "My Ammi senses are tingling and they tell me that some little Khans want to go out. Hmm, now, can those be these two," she squeezed their sides, "Do you want to go out there?" Zoya smiled.
Mehtab's brown eyes, identical to his father's, lit up at once - almost rivaling the shining Christmas tree in the room. He jumped up and down with obvious delight and hugged his mother.
"YES! Ammi, yes, yes, yes! Come on! Let's go now. Now!" he squealed and turned to face his elder sister Mahek and for once, the two siblings seemed to want the same thing. She was as excited as her little brother.
Zoya stood straight and said, "Well, kiddos! First we have a big task ahead of us. Getting Abbu ready with us! Shall we go and get him from the living room?" she questioned them. Before she had even finished her sentence, her sugar-high kids broke free from her embrace and were chasing down the hallway towards the living room.
"Abbu! Abbu! Abbu!" their excited calls preceded them as they reached the front room, and it caused Zoya to smile to herself.
She felt as if she couldn't be any happier. This was the life she had dreamed of when she was a little girl and had written that silly wish list of hers. Being married to the love of her life and having the loveliest children with him. After so many troubles and bad experiences, everything had finally slotted into place for the pair of them and now, they were here! In New York, celebrating the holidays and being a family.
Christmas had always been her favorite time of the year. The atmosphere is always so festive and people are so happy. Zoya used to stroll in the market places and see the twinkling lights in all the stores and the snow on the ground. Given that the cold used to be biting but she loved the warmth of her favorite coffee! Her Jeeju used to take her out for hot chocolate when she was in school. Sharing all these memories with her husband had settled a sense of calmness over her. It didn't hurt that Asad had also fulfilled her little fantasies of being kissed in Time Square and under the mistletoe. She giggled at the memory. Asad could be romantic when he wanted to be.
And now, seeing her children here and enjoying themselves filled her with so much joy, happiness and pride.
Zoya stood at the sitting rooms entrance, grinning as she noticed both Mahek and Mehtab cuddled into Asad's side giggling, kicking and squealing as he tickled them to death, just as he usually did when they bombarded him.
"Does Abbu want to come out as well then?" Zoya questioned them in the midst of laughing, twisting her wedding ring slowly and passing her husband a soft smile as he looked at her.
"Although it's cold outside, I can't say no. They should have the complete experience, right?" Asad responded as he planted a kiss upon both Mahek and Mehtab's foreheads as they got themselves up breathlessly alongside him.
"Can we build a snowman?!" Mehtab asked as he peered up towards Asad in complete admiration. A definite Abbu's boy, that's for sure.
"Of course little man!" Asad told him and bent down to ruffled a grinning Mehtab's brown mop of hair before letting him free as he rushed towards the hooks in the hallway to try and reach for his coat, boots and winter attire.
Zoya felt a small hand slot into hers and noticed Mahek peering up towards her with a sweet smile.
"And snow angels too?" She wondered, lulling her head to the side as she nuzzled herself into Zoya's arm as she gripped tightly onto her hand.
"And snow angels," Zoya repeated with a solemn nod of confirmation.
As Asad brushed past her following Mehtab's lead, he planted a soft peck upon Zoya's lips and rubbed soothingly down her arm with his hand as some form of affection before grasping hold of Mehtab's coat and winter clothing and began helping him put them on. Mehtab seated himself upon the bottom step of the stairs, humming a Christmas song as the excited look remained on his face. At the same time Zoya helped Mahek slip on her winter clothing, covered from head to toe in pink, just like a pretty little princess which is what they always called her. Their little princess Mahek.
"Right! We've got about an hour out there and we shall make the most of it!" Asad began as he noticed himself and Zoya were both ready to go outside. Rubbing his hands together as the excitement was apparent in his voice as if he was a little kid himself. He noticed Mahek and Mehtab rush ahead of him cheering as they made their way to the conservatory doors.
"I love you," Zoya whispered into his ear softly whilst rubbing his arm gently before giving him a smile.
"I love you too. This was a great idea, Zoya - coming to New York, I mean." he responded, stroking the side of her face with his gloved hand before opening the back door to allow the kids free.
They walked towards the backyard with their gloved hands intertwined. He gave her a quick kiss before joining their rambunctious kids.
The hour spent outside was definitely made the most of, that's for sure. A large snowman had been made under a well practiced Zoya's instructions and guidance. The kids learned quickly the art of nicely rolling the snow and piled up the head and the body of the snowman while Asad helped them make the largest part for the bottom of the structure. One carrot had been kindly donated by their Zeenat Khala from the kitchen and an old hat and scarf from Anwar's wardrobe too. As Mahek had wished, there had been several snow angels made in most of the snow which was left leaving just enough for Mehtab to scoop up a bundle and throw in the direction of Asad.
With a gasp, Asad turned to face Mehtab with a shocked expression on his face.
"That's it... I'm going to get you," he teased grasping a tiny amount of snow causing Mehtab to squeal and run around the garden trying to hide away from Asad who slowly chased him around so he had the chance to get free'.
"Help me get Abbu so Mehtab can win," Zoya whispered into Mahek's ear causing a devil-like smirk to emerge upon her lips as Mahek herself bent down and scooped up as much snow as she could in her arms and lobbed it towards Asad.
Asad let out a shriek and his eyes widened towards Mahek as if that hit was completely unexpected.
"Not you too, baby girl!" Asad whined, pouting sadly as he continued to follow Mehtab around the large garden he himself used to run around when he was little.
"Ammi told meee tooo!" Mahek sung happily, skipping along as she collected more and more snow and threw it towards him, hitting him on the back of his jacket and on his trouser leg.
"You!" Asad gasped as he pointed towards Zoya pretending to be shocked as if she was a traitor.
With a delicate shrug, Zoya lifted up some snow herself and rushed towards him.
"We need to win, of course!" Zoya smirked causing him to shake his head over and over and stop himself from running' as snowballs were thrown at him continuously, left, right and centre. Asad took fast strides and grabbed Zoya around her waist and swung her around. Their kids laughed and cheered their father as he "wrestled" with Zoya. They sure wrestled, while sneaking kisses in between.
"I give up I give up!" Zoya shouted, falling dramatically and pleaded Asad to stop tickling her. Mehtab and Mahek looked towards each other before giggling as they rushed towards Asad and dived on him causing him to shriek out again and wrap his arms around them and effectively got his off their Ammi.
"Help I'm trapped help!" Asad pretended to panic, squirming underneath them as he pretended to fight them off whilst failing'. Zoya giggled, clutching onto her stomach as she couldn't help but laugh at the sight in front of her.
She really did have the best family ever. Hopefully, this would be one of many holidays they would share together as a family and in New York and enjoy themselves completely.
For Asad and Zoya was so nice to just relax and not have to worry about kids jumping in their bed in with the crack of dawn. While parenthood was very rewarding, it left very little alone time for the couple. The morning of Christmas, Zoya woke up feeling fresh and relaxed. She realized that it was past eight thirty in the morning and her little devils had not come barging in their room.
"They are out." Asad muttered in a hoarse voice against her neck and gave her a soft kiss, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer; knowing where her thoughts were. "It snowed more over the night and they could hardly wait. Aapi and Jeeju are there with them. I guess snow has its charm?"
"Mmm hmm" Zoya hummed and snuggled with her husband. "Snow has its novelty. I used to spend hours and hours outside when I was their age."
"This is nice," Asad whispered against her chest, winding his arms under Zoya and pulling her on top of him. "And enough talking, make the most of this silence, shall we?"
He cupped her cheeks and brought Zoya close and kissed her. The kiss was soft and warm and full of love. His hands squeezed her cheeks them let them wander the length of her body. They kept kissing and touching for a while and settled back against each other.
"Zoya?"
"Hmm?"
"Where is my present?"
Zoya laughed at her husband's childish behavior. He had been bugging her to tell him what she had gotten him for weeks. It had started when they had gone shopping and Zoya had declined to shop for Asad, saying that she already had her present for him. Surprises were hardly Asad Ahmed Khan's forte.
"You are being such a baby, love!" Zoya exclaimed but got out of the bed and walked over to the closet. She walked to the very back of the closet and dug out a well hidden little box. Hopping back on the bed, she handed the neatly wrapped box to Asad and shook her head at his eager expression.
Considering how eager he was, he sure did take his sweet time to open the gift. Carefully peeling off the sticky tapes, he unfolded the wrapping paper and kept it aside - after folding it properly. Zoya rolled her eyes at him - some things never change.
Asad looked at the plain looking wooden box in his hand and gave his wife a dubious look. After her encouragement, he opened the box and peered inside. Nestled in the box, lay a single white stick, proudly. He did not need time to decipher what it meant. He had been privy to this moment twice in his life before, and each one had been special and dear to him.
He looked at wife, who had tears streaming down her face. He grinned at her and teased her.
"Nine months of your crying and emotional outbursts, love?" he smirked.
Zoya swatted his arm but cuddled up to him, "You ready for another one, Jahanpanah?"
"With you by my side? Always. I love you and thank you so much for this gift." He kissed her temple.
"I love you too. You are thanking me as if you had nothing to do with this. You were there remember?" she snickered at him.
"Oh I was. And I recall it was a great night. Your birthday, right?" he gave her a devilish smile and waggled his eyebrows. "Merry Christmas, Zoya. I am so happy to be here with you. It really is beautiful this time of the year, here."
Zoya only smiled and kissed him again, "Merry Christmas, Asad. Haven't you heard? It's always Christmas in New York!"
Zoya had tried to keep the smile on her face as her Aapi and Jiju bombarded her with questions, keeping her answers as simple as possible. She had even announced about how happy she was to be able to return to her old room, but Asad could hear the catch in her voice. He knew that it wasn't that she was unhappy with her Aapi and Jiju. She was unhappy with him, for snatching away from her any chance of finding her Abbu. But she didn't say anything to him, choosing instead to support his decision quietly.
And it was this forced happiness of Zoya's that made Asad feel worse everyday. To top it all off, tonight was Christmas eve, so quite naturally, Zoya was trying to be extra cheerful. Asad found himself unable to deal with it, so he walked off to his room without having dinner. Now he lay here on his bed, hungry and alone. He opened his eyes and continued staring at the snow as it fell, that being the only thing he had left to do since he'd just thrown the responsibilities of Dilshaad Constructions on the vice president without so much of an explanation.
A frown grew on Asad's face as he noticed an unusual movement at the corner of his window, someone... or maybe something red seemed to be creeping upwards slowly. His eyes widened as realization dawned upon him, when the top half of the face of the creeper came into view. Zoya! What in the world was she doing outside his window in the middle of the night?! He rushed over to the window and swung it open, reaching out to grab hold of Zoya's upper arms as he hauled her up.
"What do you think you're doing Miss Farooqui?! Climbing a building in the cold of the night in a flimsy cardigan?? Are you crazy?!" Asad yelled as he settled a shivering Zoya on her feet next to him. He began rubbing her arms over her red cardigan sleeves, trying to bring some warmth to her form. But the cardigan was wet, cold and unhelpful, so he peeled it off her skin and resumed rubbing her arms, this time directly on her skin. Zoya inhaled sharply as Asad shifted one hand to her face, pushing her wet locks away from it.
"Woh main... you didn't have dinner. And when I knocked on your door you didn't respond. So I thought of climbing through your window with coffee... just like old times. But it was difficult to climb with a frumpy jacket and a bag in hand, so I dumped the jacket downstairs. Didn't realize it was just going to get colder and colder with each step up the fire escape," Zoya tried to explain, pouting prettily as she gripped the bag in her hand a little tighter, just as Asad finally noticed it, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Zoya..." Asad whispered, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and gathered her body close to his, resting his chin on top of her head as she pressed her cheek on his chest, clutching his collar with her free hand. A small tear began to form at the corner of his eye despite the smile on his face. He laced his fingers in her hair as Zoya pulled her head backwards slightly, and gently placed a soft kiss on her forehead, earning a low but audible sigh of content from Zoya as she closed her eyes.
"Chalo, let's have that coffee," Asad decided, as he guided Zoya to the bed, sitting her down and taking the bag from her hand before settling down next to her. He took out a thermos and his favourite black mug from the bag, the one Zoya made sure to pack before they left India. As he began pouring the hot coffee into the mug, Zoya reached into the bag, pulling out a packet of butter cookies. She tore the packet open, making a few cookies fly onto the ground and bed. She smiled at Asad sheepishly before hastily picking them up, as soon as she heard his sad sigh.
The both of them sat there silently for a while, Asad taking slow sips from the mug before offering some to Zoya, and Zoya taking bites of the cookies before passing them on to Asad. Both the coffee and cookies finished that way, and Asad placed everything on the bedside table, pulling Zoya towards him as he engulfed her in a side hug. Zoya rested her head against his shoulder, drawing small circles on his thigh as he stroked her hair, tucking the loose bits behind her ear.
"Aap jaante hai Mr Khan, main New York mein har saal Christmas manaati hoon. Sometimes it's a quiet affair, just Aapi, Jiju and I, drinking hot chocolate, all curled up on the sofa, watching Christmas movies. Sometimes I get invited to Christmas parties. I remember there was one year, I'd had a fight with my high school best friend right before Christmas. She kept trying to contact me after that, but I bluntly refused to speak to her. So on Christmas Eve, she sent me an invitation to her Christmas party through Aapi. I told Aapi I wouldn't go, but Aapi explained to me that since my friend was being the bigger person and extending a hand first, I shouldn't be childish about it and just give her another chance. So I finally did, albeit reluctantly. It was only when she spoke to me at the party that I understood where she was coming from, and we could finally start over. I realized all this happened only because I didn't give her a chance to speak to me, only because I had chosen to escape instead of face the problem," Zoya explained, her voice breaking a little towards the end of her story.
Asad pulled away, letting go of Zoya completely as he turned away and covered his face with both his hands, resting his elbows on his knees. He knew exactly what Zoya was trying to say, and it was a little surprising that she had even bothered. Since the time they had arrived in New York, both he and Zoya had not spoken about India at all. Dilshaad had tried to contact him by calling Zeenat numerous times, but Asad had never taken the call. Heck, even his vice president kept trying to contact him to ask him when he was going to come back, but he didn't even attend to those calls. It's true, he was shirking his responsibilities. Actually, Zoya had put it more aptly. He was escaping. Not only was he escaping his responsibilities, he was trying really hard to escape all of his problems, with Ammi, with Zoya, with... Mr Rashid Ahmed Khan, by hiding out in this small room in New York. And it wasn't going to work for much longer.
He turned back to Zoya when he heard the obvious swallowing of a sob, just to see Zoya stand up from the bed and begin walking to the door, wordlessly. Asad quickly got up and followed after her, grabbing her hand and stopping her just before she could open the door.
"Let's go back Zoya. Ghar chalte hai," Asad whispered, earning a loud gasp of shock from Zoya as she turned around. She took a large step towards him before throwing her arms around his neck, gripping him in a tight hug. Asad trailed his hands around her waist, gliding one upwards in a circular motion as he stroked her back.
"This is the best Christmas gift ever," Zoya exclaimed through her tears, before lifting her head from his shoulder and planting her lips on Asad's without further thought. She immediately pulled back, and looked away as she opened her mouth slowly, trying to explain herself. She cringed a little when she couldn't figure out what to say, pretty sure that Asad was going to give her an earful now for her lack of tehzeeb. But when she finally trailed her eyes back to his, she didn't find them full of anger like she had expected. They were twinkling in amusement and... something else she couldn't place.
Asad brought his hand close to Zoya's face, using the pad of his thumb to wipe away a tear still finding its way down her face. She leaned into his touch as he cupped her face lightly, pushing her chin upwards as he lowered his face, capturing her lower lip between his just as she closed her upper one on his, kissing her softly. Zoya's hands gripped the back of his shirt as Asad weaved his finger through her hair, angling her head as he increased the intensity of their kiss.
"I take it back. That... that was the best Christmas gift ever," Zoya whispered after they finally broke the kiss, resting her ear against his chest as she soaked in the sound of his heartbeats. Asad chuckled softly, his arm still securely around her waist, pinning her to his body.
"Chalo, now it's time for my Christmas gift!" Zoya announced after a while, pulling away from Asad and grabbing his hand as she led him out of the room. They walked across the hall in silence, as Zoya pointed to Zeenat and Anwar's room door before pressing her index finger against her lips, indicating to Asad that they'd gone to sleep. They arrived at the kitchen, and Zoya guided Asad to the table, seating him there before taking a plate out of the fridge and putting it in the microwave.
"Your gift is dinner?" Asad asked incredulously, as Zoya brought the plate out of the microwave and set it down in front of him. She nodded and laughed, as she pulled the plastic microwave lid off of the plate.
"I wasn't going to let you sleep on an empty stomach, so I put your special Christmas dinner in the fridge. Now quickly have it so we can go to sleep!" Zoya explained happily, as she pushed the plate towards him. A small smile curled up her lips as she watched Asad stare at the plate in shock.
"Kya karoon Mr Khan, Christmas is a happy occasion, and Jiju loves this so it's what we have every Christmas, as well as any other happy occasion. Merry Christmas Mr Khan!" Zoya wished Asad, just as he tore off a piece of his roti and dipped it in the baigan bharta that Zeenat had prepared for the Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas indeed!THIS STORY IS ABOUT ASAD, AND ZOYA.
HUMEIRA IS REINCARNATED INTO ZOYA WHILE ANURAG IS REINCARNATED INTO ASAD.
ASAD: LIVES IN MUMBAI. HE HAS 1 LITTLE BROTHER, AYAAN. ASAD IS A BIG BUSINESS MAN AND HE IS THE SAME AS IN THE SHOW.
ZOYA: DAUGHTER OF SIDDIQUE BOSE. HAS 1 BROTHER, HAIDER. LIVES IN LONDON. SHE HAS THE SAME CHARACTER AS IN THE SHOW BUT HER DRESSING STYLE IS DIFFERENT.
HAIDER: MARRIED TO NAJMA AND HAS A BABY 2 MONTHS OLD. HE LOVES HER SISTER AND MISSES HIS MUM HER DREAM IS HALF COMPLETED AND THE REST DEPENDS ON ZOYA.
AYAAN: HE HIS BROTHER. HE MOSTLY TAKES CARE OF THE BUSINESS.
THIS STORY BEGINS WITH HAIDER AND HIS MUM GOING TO THE KHAN RESIDENCE FOR THE ENGAGEMENT, BUT ZOYA ISN'T THERE. HER FLIGHT IS ABOUT TO REACH INDIA BUT NO ONE CAN GO PICK HER UP SO THEY SEND OUR DARLING ASAD TO PICK HER UP. SO HE GOES THERE AND THEN HE FINDS OUT THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN HER. WHILE THINKING WHAT TO DO NEXT, USKE TAKKAR HO JATTI HAI.
Z: TUM DEKH NAHAIN SAKTE. (WE DON'T SEE THE FACE)
A: TUM DEKH KAR NAHIN CHAL SAKHTE.
A: EXCUSE ME, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO.
THEN WE SEE THE GIRLS FACE IT IS NO OTHER THAN ZOYA
Z: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR SELF IT IS YOUR FAULT AND YOU ARE NOT EVEN SAYING SORRY
A: MY FAULT OU COULD HAVE SAID EXCUSE ME
Z: OH REALLY WHY DON'T YOU SAY EXCUSE ME OR YOU WERE DAY DREAMING OF GIRLS LIKE ME
Z: WHEW THESE INDIAN BOYS THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ELSE
A: FOR YOUR KIND INFO. ASAD KHAN DOSEN'T THINK OF GIRLS, GIRLS THINK OF HIM
Z: OH OVERCONFIDENCE TUM JAISE LADKE MERE EK ISHARE PAR MARTE HAIN
A: TUMHARE SAPNO MEIN NA
JUST THEN ASAD'S CELL RINGS, IT'S AYAAN
AYAAN: TUM LOG KAHA HO
ZOYA IS ABOUT TO LEAVE WHEN SHE HEARS HER NAME
A: AYAAN MAINE KABHI BHI ZOYA KA CHERA NAHIN DEKHA AB ME USE KAISE PECHANO
AYAAN: OH HA ME USKA PHOTO TUMHE BEHJ TE HOON BYE
A: ITNA GHOOROR ACHA NAHIN HAI YA MEIN YEH SAMJHO KI TUMHARA MERE UPAAR DIL AGAYA
JUST THEN ASAD RECEIVES THE PICTURE AND IS SHOCKED
Z: AB MEIN BATAOON MEIN YAHA KYON RUKI
A: OH TO TUM HO KRIPA CHALE
Z: NO JAB TAK TUM SORRY NAHIN BOLTE MEIN YAHA SE NAHIN JAOONGE AUR AGAR MEIN WAHA LATE POOCHE TO MEIN AALIYAH DI SE KAHOONGI KI TUM YAHA MUJHE LENE LATE POOCHE. AUR TUM AALIYAH DI KO PHELE SE NAARAZ NAHIN KARNA CHATE
A: (SACASTICALLY) SORRY MERE MA CHALE
A: AB NAHIN CHALNA
Z: MERA SAMAN
A: OTHAO DON'T TELL ME YOU WANT ME TO CARRY YOUR BAGGAGE
Z: PLEASE ANGAD (GIVES HIM A SAD PUPPY LOOK)
A: OK
PICKED THE BAGGAGE
A: KYA TUM PORE COSMETIC KI DUKAN KHARID KE LAYE HO
Z: PATANE DI NE KAISE DRIVERS RAKH LIYE HAI
A: DRIVER
PUTS YHE BAGGAGE DOWN
A: KHUD OTHALO
Z: SORRY PLEASE (YAH SE NIKAAL PHIR BATATIEN HOON LOOK ON HER FACE)
Asad drove down the shadowy, tree lined street leading to his house. The head lights of the car pierced through the darkness ahead. The car swerved right and came to a screeching halt, as the glaring light unveiled something so unexpected that his breath caught in his throat for a moment.
A young couple was kissing fervently, leaning against the wall. HIS arms were wrapped around HER waist, squeezing her tightly to his chest. She cradled his neck and responded with a raw intensity equally matching his fierce passion. She'd been lifted off her feet with the impact of the kiss as both consumed each other's lips in an uninhibited display of love.
Asad's heart abruptly started pounding in his chest. A strange emotion coiled inside him; something that was buried so deep in his heart that he'd forgotten its existence. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, but his senses were on fire.
"Hey mate, sorry!" the guy blurted out and shifted a little from his place, carrying the girl in his arms. He had tousled blonde hair and a cute, boyish charm. The girl was a brunette and she kept her face buried in his neck.
"It's all right!" the corner of Asad's mouth twisted in a half smirk. *Raging teenage hormones...what else!* he chuckled inwardly and drove away.
***********************************************************************
After changing to a pair of comfy cotton trousers and a black t-shirt, Asad stepped outside for some fresh air. He leaned against the fence and looked up in the sky, his mind still struggling to brush off the strong, desirous sensations he felt not so long ago.
"Hello, A-zad." It was his neighbor, Tamara. She carried the trash bag to her front gate and dumped it there. Then she turned to Asad and gifted him a dazzling smile. Clad in a pretty white linen top and bedtime pink pajamas, she looked like a porcelain doll.
"It's Asad. A-S-A-D..." Asad smiled fondly. "but you already know that, right?"
"Forget it. Both sounds hot, by the way." She winked. Asad's face reddened and he dropped his gaze to ground.
"So, what's the plan? Got yourself a date yet for the new year's bash?" Tamara had a naughty twinkle in her eyes.
"Ah...err...not yet. Didn't give it a thought, actually." Asad admitted coyly.
"Well, you should keep your eyes open... remember, charity begins...in the neighborhood." Tamara's face broke into a smile as she lightly traced his jaw line with her finger.
Asad squirmed a little from her touch. He stepped back from the fence and pretended to be busy in checking the mailbox. His hands touched something inside and he pulled it out.
It was a red pouch with a message on it. Asad took his mobile phone out of his trouser pocket and tried to read the message with the screen light. It read:
The one thing you want to do before you die
Inside the pouch, there was a card with the words MY WISH:...' printed on it. Asad stared at the card, confusion writ large on his face.
"It's the latest Christmas surprise." Tamara's voice startled him. "You have to pen down the one great wish in your life...and who knows, it may come true." She said.
"Sounds a little cheesy to me." Asad looked skeptical. He was not comfortable with the idea of opening his heart out to some unknown community member who'd clearly got an over-imaginative mind.
"You bet it is!... but everyone in the block has got one of this. They are gonna collect it tomorrow and play some kind of lucky draw', and the winner walk away with the greatest wish of his/her life fulfilled." Tamara shrugged.
"Are you kidding me? Like, seriously?" Asad crinkled his nose.
"Be careful what you wish for, honey! Best of luck." Tamara flashed that glorious smile one more time and walked off.
************************************************************************
Asad rested his head on the table, with the wish-card' in his hand. For the past half an hour, his mind had been frantically searching for something to put down on that piece of paper, but coherent thoughts seemed to elude his foggy, fatigued mind.
He'd set up a cozy fire in the fireplace. The reflection of orange flames flickered on a photo frame kept on the table; partially illuminating the poised and graceful face of a woman. Asad slowly looked up and stared at the picture. His lips quivered with pent up emotions. His eyes were shining brightly with unshed tears.
"Ammi, it's been almost a year since I saw you. Trust me, I have no regret that you chose abbu over me. Agaar aap ki jagah aur koi hota toh shayad yehi karta. If your happiness is with him, then so be it. Par aap ki bahut yaad aati hai, ammi. Mujhe pata hai Allah unke bandon ka imtihan lete hain, lekin ab main bahut thak gaya hoon, ammi. Mujhe bass kuch der apke godh mein sar rakhke sona hai. Please." Asad's voice faltered. A drop of tear escaped from the corner of his eye.
It was snowing outside. Asad's eyes followed the snowflakes as they spiraled down from the sky. They mirrored the aimless journey of a man who grew up without a father, was separated from his brother in his childhood...and finally abandoned by his mother, who was like a pillar of strength in his life. What could a man like him wish for, except not to love ever? Even the idea of holding someone close to his heart scared him
The silence and loneliness surrounding him grew intense with each passing moment. He yearned for a comforting touch, an assuring smile, a healing word...someone to call his own. He remembered his brief encounter with the highly infatuated couple outside. They looked completely besotted with each other. The way they were drinking in each other's happiness! The touching of hands, the brushing of lips, the entwined breaths, the unabashed celebration of physical love...
He stared at the wish-card for a few moments, and then scribbled down:
MY WISH: is to make love to a woman before I die.
His immediate instinct was to scratch it out and burn the paper. However, going by his luck, winning was not exactly his thing. His wish would probably end up at the bottom of the wishing well. Asad let out a soft sigh and shoved the card inside the pouch.
*****************************************************************************************
"Aapi! No. Just NO!" Zoya yelled at the top of her voice, but Zeenat didn't even flinch. She had adopted the familiar authoritative look and looked determined not to get bogged down in her younger sister's arguments.
"Zoya, tu mujhe batayegi ke aakhir teri problem kya hai? Akram is such a nice boy. He is smart, educated and belongs to a reputed family...aur kya chahiye tujhe? Please don't tell me now that you're never going to get married. Let's have a mature discussion once, for a change." She said with a snap.
"Aapi, what's wrong with you? Jiju, please aap hi samjhaiye na aapi ko, ke mujhe abhi nikah nahi karni hai. I came all the way from Brooklyn just to spend some quality time with you guys. I need to focus on my career, my studies right now."Zoya shook her head stubbornly. "So far, all my encounters with those prospective grooms have been a disaster. Instead of playing match-maker, can you please help me with my project, Aapi. At least that'll fetch me higher grades in graduation."She pleaded.
"Arre meri bachchi, tu aapni aapi ko chhod, aur mujhe bata ke tujhe project main kya help chahiye? After all, Zoya Farooqui's jiju can do anything...for his little kiddo." Anwar ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Yeh hui na baat! High five, jeezs!" Zoya bumped fists with her jiju. "Actually, I am doing a project on community service. It gives me an opportunity to interact with the less privileged, the senior citizens, differently able children...basically anyone who needs support and companionship. I am looking forward to interact with such people. Please suggest a few names if you think my project can help them."
"Wah! Zoya, you are my Florence Nightingale! Dekha Zeenat, humari Zoya kitni badi aur zimmedar ho gayi hai. She wants to make the world happy. Kitne nek khayalat hai iski!" Anwar was brimming with pride.
"Aap khamosh rahiye, jee. Aap ke laad pyaar ne hi to isse bigad ke rakhkha hai." Zeenat glowered at Anwar. "Aur aise kissi ko aap jaante bhi hai, jo Zoya Farooqui ke madad ke bina mare ja rahe hai?"
"Well, what about Mrs. Evans? She is quite old and living all by herself. Surely, she wouldn't mind a little help in the chilling winter." Anwar suggested.
"Jiju, Mrs. Evans' niece Katie is my classmate. She and her family are visiting her this winter. Offering help to her will be inappropriate in the presence of her relatives." Zoya frowned.
"Then you can get in touch with Mrs. Dolly Punjabi, the elderly woman living across the street with her young grandson. She may need help with babysitting." Anwar said thoughtfully.
"Jeez! Isn't she the loud-mouthed, nitpicking old lady who takes too much interest in others', especially young girls' love lives?" Zoya pouted. "Thanks, but No, thanks!" she dismissed her jiju with a gesture of her hand.
"Have you guys ever met the fellow who's residing at house no. 17?" Zeenat asked suddenly, taking the other two by surprise.
"No. Why? Is he hot?" Zoya bit her lower lip and flashed her dimples.
"Shut up, Zoya. I didn't mean that. Actually, one day I was passing by the house. The window of the drawing room was open. I saw a guy, clad in a black kurta and dhoti, talking to a picture. He looked somber and I caught him wiping his eyes while whispering to the photo frame. A ruggedly good looking guy in his late twenties...aisa laga kisi shareef khandaan se hain." Zeenat recollected with sadness
"There was something so pure about the scene, it broke my heart. I wanted to go and ask him if something was troubling him. It didn't even occur to me that he was a total stranger. Aisa laga main usse barson se jaanti hoon. Somehow he sensed my gaze on him and hurried pulled the curtains down. Since then, I've never seen him. The window is always closed now." Zeenat concluded with a sigh. Both Zoya and Anwar stared at her with slightly awed expression.
"Zoya, I think we've found our guy. But there's only one problem. He's not a senior citizen." Anwar looked a little disappointed.
"Oh ho, Jiju! It can be anyone who is in dire need of help. Age is not the only criteria here." Zoya smiled triumphantly "I've decided. I'm gonna give a surprise visit to our mystery man. Now let's pray he doesn't turn out to be a loony nutcase or worse, a stoner."
***********************************************************************************************
Asad washed the pill down with a gulp of coffee and rubbed his temples gently. He was feeling feverish and the pounding headache had reached a stage of blinding dizziness. *Great! I'm gonna spend my Christmas day lying down on the couch and writhing in pain. Beat that.* He thought bitterly.
Ding dong! Ding dong!
The door bell rang, sending a shock wave through his already hurting head. "Whoever you are, you just won the ultimate award for ill-timing" Asad muttered under his breath as he headed for the door.
As soon as he opened the door, a high pitched voice let out a happy scream "Merry Christmas". Asad winced and covered his ears reflexively. As the initial surprise settled in, he took a good look at the person standing in front of him.
It was a girl in her late teens, or early twenties. The first thing that caught Asad's attention was the red clown nose balland the santa hat she was wearing. A pair of fitted jeans and a coral top adorned her slender frame. Her luscious, long, side parted hair cascaded down her back.
"Excuse me, Sir. Do you mind me offering my service to you?" The girl flashed a beautiful dimpled smile at him.
*Ya Allah! These guys are pretty fast! Looks like they got to know my wish and had already sent someone! I can't believe my weirdest wish is about to come true. This is a nightmare!* Asad stared helplessly at her.
*Allah Miyaan! This fellow already looks stoned. Mantaal' banda hai kya?* Zoya's smile faded.
"You're looking very pale, Sir. May I come in and have a look at you?" Zoya probed again.
"Oh yeah...yeah, sure. Please come in." Asad stepped aside and invited her in.
"Thank you, Sir. I'm Zoya Farooqui, by the way." She stretched her hand. Asad shook it lightly and immediately let go of it."I'm Asad...Asad Ahmed Khan." He mumbled.
"Mr.Khan, nice to meet you." Zoya put her bag down on the table and made herself comfortable on the sofa.
"Erm...same to you, Miss Farooqui. Now, if you don't mind, can you please take that clown nose off your face? I'm not much into costumes and role-playing." Asad blushed deeply.
"Huh...oh, yeah. Sorry. My bad, Mr.Khan." Zoya bit her tongue apologetically and removed the clown nose. *What a rude man! He looks like the human version of the grumpy cat'.* she thought bitterly.
"...and that hat, too, please." Asad pointed at the santa hat on her head. *making love to a girl dressed as Santa is definitely my cup of coffee.* he grumbled.
"As you wish." Zoya took off the hat too. "Happy now, Mr.Khan?" she asked gingerly. Asad nodded in reply.
"Okay. Now, can you please take your shirt off and lie down on the bed? I want to have a closer look at you." Zoya unzipped her bag and fumbled inside.
"We are going to start just like that?" Asad was shocked, to say the least. "Don't you think we're going too fast?"
"No, I don't. This is the most important thing, and it just can't wait." Zoya took out a stethoscope from her bag. "It's my health kit plus first aid box. Really useful." She smiled as she caught Asad staring at the bag.
"What's that for? I can assure you that I don't have AIDS...or any kind of transmitted disease for that matter." Asad gaped at the instrument with bewilderment.
"Who said you have AIDS?" It was Zoya's turn to get shocked now. "Don't panic. This is a regular check up." She touched his hand reassuringly. She immediately felt his skin was burning with fever. His breath was hot and heavy too.
"Ya Allah, aap ko toh kaafi tez bukhar hai. Aap please yahaan chup chap so jaiye. Let me get some food for you, so that you can take the medicine afterwards." Zoya arranged the cushions on the sofa and made him lie down on it.
"So, do I have to pay you some extra bucks if you cook for me, or is it for free?" Asad's voice was weak and weary.
"Off course it's free. I'm here to help you, remember? Please feel free to share anything with me, okay." Zoya caressed his forehead briefly before heading for the kitchen.
Within half an hour, she returned to the bedroom with a cup of steaming hot coffee and plate full of pancakes. She was surprised to find him wide awake and looking a bit nervous.
"We can't do it. I don't have any protection at home. I'm sorry." He blabbered out before she could ask anything.
"What are you talking about? My coffee and pancakes are not so bad that you need protection against them!" Zoya pulled a chair and sat beside the sofa. She helped Asad to straighten up on the sofa and fed him those pancakes with great care. Her innocent, almond shaped orbs were filled with concern. Asad's eyes lingered on her beautiful face. He sipped his coffee silently and took the medicine offered by her.
"Ab aap thodi der ke liye araam kar lijiye. Thik hai?" Zoya squeezed his hands lightly. Asad clutched his fingers with her and whispered "Could you please stay here till I fall asleep?"
"Yes, I will. Now go back to sleep, Mr.Khan." Zoya ran her fingers through his hair. Asad slowly drifted to sleep.
Zoya caressed his forehead till she could hear the soft snoring sound of his breath. She let out a soft sigh and stood up. It was time for her to leave. Just when she was about to leave, she heard a rustling noise. The pages of a diary, kept half open on the table, were fluttering in wind. Zoya hesitated for a few moments, then picked it up and started reading.
Soon she was completely engrossed in the inner world of Asad Ahmed Khan, exploring little details from his everyday life; his pains, his sorrows, his loneliness and his joys. When she finally finished reading in the advent of dawn, her eyes were moist. She smiled through her tears while reading the last entry in the diary, where Asad had revealed his greatest wish and what he wrote on the wish-card. Suddenly everything started making sense to her.
She stared at him, trying to comprehend how much this man had suffered in his life. He was looking serene and peaceful in his sleep. Zoya clutched his hands and let out a soft sigh.
********************************************************************************
The next morning, Asad woke up to the aroma of fresh coffee and fresh bread. Zoya was standing beside him, holding a large tray in her hand. "Wanna have breakfast in bed?" she gave him a heart-warming smile.
"Miss Farooqui, you are still here! I thought you are..." Asad was still unsure if he was dreaming.
"I promised you to stay. Remember?" she looked deeply into his eyes.
"Miss Farooqui, I guess I should tell you something. There seems to be a misunderstanding!" Asad swallowed hard "woh, actually...I took you to be someone else, who I think you are not, because you are who you are...and you are so beautiful. Ummm...I'm sorry for not making any sense whatsoever." He pressed his lips together and stole a guilty glance at her face.
"Hush...it's okay!" Zoya covered his mouth. "I know what you thought. In fact, I probably know a lot more about you than I should." She chuckled. "Agaar humara milna ek ittefaq hai, toh mujhe yeh ittefaq qubool hai." She leaned forward and planted a light kiss on his cheek.
Asad touched the spot where she kissed. His face lit up with a beautiful smile. "Miss Farooqui, do you believe in love at first sight?" he wrapped his hands around her shoulders and pulled her closer.
Zoya rested her head on his chest and whispered "I guess I do now."
Mere bina main rehne laga hoon
Teri hawa mein behne laga hoon
Jaane main kaise, tera hua hoon
Mujhe toh lagta hai main shayad tere dil ki dua hoon haan
Tujhko jo paaya
Toh jeena aaya
Ab yeh lamha thehar jaaye tham jaaye bas jaaye hum dono ke darmiyaan
Tujhko jo paaya
Toh jeena aaya
Ab yeh lamha thehar jaaye tham jaaye bas jaaye hum dono ke darmiyaan
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