Holaaa folks...here is Zoe's Bday chapter...u all have high hopes for it even thou they are not suppose to be celebrate...this is how Zoe's Bday was planned all along so hopefully u folks enjoy it. This is a long one, probably one of the longest I have given in this story...so I want equally long comments..lol
This one goes out to my silent readers' who take the time to read my work. Thank you for your appreciation.
And Mrina...there is something i added just for you...let me know if you pick it up 😉
Enjoy
~~
WINTER
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."- Albert Camus
Chapter 7
Asad stretched leisurely as he saw the morning sunrays creep up over the horizon, feeling oddly refreshed despite the only handful hours of sleep he had managed to catch early morning. He liked to sleep with his curtains open so he could feel the sunshine, as the sun would come up. Asad smiled, feeling positive. Today is going to be a good day; he just had a feeling. It was Zoya's birthday and he had spent most of the night working on her birthday present.
It was eight in the morning and he had to be at work in an hour but his gift still needed some work. He wouldn't have time after work because after four hours at work, he had to rush to campus for afternoon classes. Making up his mind, he dialed his boss's number.
"Good Morning, Mr. Jackson. I am so sorry to disturb you this early in the morning."
Allen chuckled inwardly; Asad Ahmed Khan is as formal as his name despite Allen's efforts to make their working relationship more causal. "No worries Asad. So what can I help you with?"
"Woh, Actually", he trailed off. Way to go Asad, like your boss will understand what Woh' means. "Actually Sir"
"Everything alright, Asad ?" Allen genuinely came to care for this young man over time and saw more as a friend rather than a mere employee, even when Asad was a strict professional.
"Yes, everything's okay. Is it all right if I come in an hour late for work today? I know I am only working four hours but I just need some time to get something done. I know it's short notice but I wouldn't have asked if---"
Allen chucked cutting Asad off, "Relax Asad. You had worried for as if it was something serious. Look, just take the day off."
"No Mr.Jackson, a day off is not required. And plus we need to discuss the Watson villa designs today."
"Just email the designs and we will discuss them on Monday. Asad, you have never asked for a day off, even when you have been sick. I am ordering you to take this day off."
"I..Thank you Allen."
"Hey, you used my first name.", he chuckled. "We are making progress."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
It was still early to call Zoya because she had afternoon classes, she wouldn't be awake before ten. But he still wanted to hear her voice, her voice sounded the most beautiful when it was still had remnants of sleep in it. It was one the reasons he loved sleepovers with Zoya. He loved the sight of her walking into the kitchen in her PJs with her tussled hair, her eyes still half closed with sleep. And then she would lean in and rest her head on his shoulder. and mumble a Good Morning, Asad' in her sleep drugged voice. That was by far his most favourite start to the day.
Taking a chance, he rang, deciding to hang up after two bells in case she was still sleeping but she picked up on the first ring. "Good Morning, Asad." Her voice was raspy but not with sleep but it seemed like she had been crying.
"Are you crying ?" He asked. He closed in surrender, of course she was crying. She was missing her Appi and Jijju. And he couldn't stand it when she cried, her tears ached his heart painfully.
She sniffled, "I am sorry, I tried."
"Oh Zoe baby, please don't cry. Wait, I am coming over."
"Asad, you can't come over, you have work this morning."
"Allen gave me the day off, I will come over, Zoe." He rose from the bed, going to his wardrobe to pick clothes.
"Asad, I am okay. And Stac is spending the morning with me. I promise you I am going to stop crying." She picked up a tissue from her side table and wiped her cheeks dry and blew her nose.
"Don't lie to me, Zoya. I am coming over."
" I am not lying !", she whined a little childishly and Asad smiled. Yeah, she wasn't crying anymore.
"Prove it. Get up, shower and get ready. And then, I want a picture of your beautiful face, and, and I want a picture of your breakfast too."
"Oh, you are insufferable !"
"Too bad, that's the deal. Take it or leave it. I want my pictures or I am coming over right now."
"You will get your pictures.", she gritted out.
Asad smiled, "Good girl. I will see you in the afternoon."
Asad hang up without wishing her for her birthday afraid she would start crying again. Deal or no deal, he would have rushed over to her apartment right this second.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Asad spent the morning at the square, finishing Zoya's birthday gift and then a miserable afternoon of classes. He hadn't been able to focus though. Zoya had kept her deal and sent him pictures and they had texted throughout the day but he was anxious to see her, to hug her, to see if she is truly alright. Packing up after his class, he took care carrying the large bag that contained Zoya's gift. He decided to make a Starbucks pit-stop before going to the square, Zoya loved coffee and hopefully it would cheer her up.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Zoya sat on the bench next to Oldie Mr.Tree Tunk. Asad refused to let her sit on the snow, because he didn't want her getting sick. Asad, she smiled thinking of him, Asad Ahmed Khan, the man was a blessing in disguise from Allah Miya.
Stacie claimed that they were both head over heels in love each other yet so oblivious each other's love but she couldn't ever spoil the special bond they had.. All evening yesterday Zoya had thought about Stacie's words: "Just get together and end each other's misery" and Asad's responding chuckle. That proved he didn't take Stacie's words seriously nor did he believe that they could possibly be in love.
I should just let it be then, Zoya thought. They shared a special bond, a friendship that like no other. She didn't want to complicate it by thinking of love. She loved him as a friend but she couldn't possibly be in love with him.
It was fate that they had locked eyes on that September morning. Her life had been changed since she met him. In him, she had a companion, a friend, one she could trust, one she could share her sorrows with. She relied on his strength, he gave her the comfort of his arms when she needed to let her tears out, and then he would wipe her tears tenderly.
He couldn't stand her tears, she was aware of that and she was determined not to repeat what had happened this morning. She wasn't going to shed a tear today ! She would reminisce of her birthday memories with her Appi and Jijju but she wouldn't cry over them. She could actually remember her tenth birthday, one of the birthdays the entire apartment had been decorated with baby pink balloons and streamers. Baby pink had been her favourite colour that year so she had woken to the singing voices of her Appi and Jijju and saw only baby pick everywhere.
"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Zoe baby. Happy birthday to you."
The sound of their off-key voices was still echoed in her ears and she relished it. A precious memory. She had been loved, they had loved her all they could when they were alive and she still felt loved by them.
He saw Asad approaching from the afar. Allah Miya, he was a handsome man. Today, he was clad in khaki slacks paired with a navy blue sweater under his jacket. His hair set neatly in place as it always is. He was so handsome that Zoya felt her heart skip a beat. He was holding a Starbucks tray and a large bag along with his leather schoolbag. She wondered if he had gone shopping in his free time. He had his headphones plugged in one ear so she waved with a smile as he caught her eyes. Zoya rose just as he stopped in front of her.
"It's Ammi", he mouthed to her putting the tray on the bench. She nodded, and decided to walk a few steps away, giving him space so he could talk to her comfortably.
He halted her reaching for her hand and raised his questioning eyes to her, "Jee Ammi, the money order should be there by today."
He continued to talk on his Ammi whilst pulling her into his arms and still managed to peck her forehead as he always did midst listening to his mother. She had talked to Dilshad Aunty last night and instantly loved her. She radiated a maternal warmth that Zoya craved all her life. Though her Appi had loved her like a mother, sometimes she wished she could have known her Ammi, have a woman to call Ammi'.
He suddenly let out a rich laugh in response to something his Ammi said and Zoya felt the rumble of it against her ear and it filled her with warmth bringing a smile to her face.
"I might let you talk to her.', he chuckled again. "Okay, okay, you can talk to her before you have to disown me."
He unplugged his headphones, handing them to her, "It's Ammi and she wants to wish you for your birthday."
Zoya smiled softly, placing one of the headphone plugs in her ear. Asad let her out of his arms and reached for his Starbucks cup.
"As-salamu alaykum, Dilshad Aunty."
"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Zoya. Happy birthday to you." Dilshad and Namja sang softly whilst clapping their hands and Zoya's eyes filled. Asad's family accepted her already and gave her so much love, she felt she wasn't worth of it.
She wiped her tears before Asad started worrying and smiled, "Thank you so much."
"Happy birthday, Zoya beta. May Allah bless you with a life filled with happiness and love.", Dilshad had loved Zoya since she had first heard her son speak of Zoya. His voice had been filled with respect and love and Dilshad knew, Asad was already in love with the girl referred to fondly as his stranger.
"Thank you, Aunty.", she smiled and reached for the coffee Asad held out for her. They began to stroll with their hands entwined as Zoya conversed with Dilshad.
"Zoya beta, you have to go shopping with Asad and pick a gift of your choice from me."
"Oh no, Aunty. I don't need a gift from you. Your love and blessings are all I need."
Dilshad smiled softly, "Then in that case, I want a gift from you. I want you to call me Ammi from now on. I love you like a daughter already, Zoya beta."
Zoya gasped softly at her request, her eyes filling with tears. She stopped walking and sunk down onto a bench. Asad looked at with worry, wondering what had upset her so.
"Zoya, what's wrong ?", he asked, wiping her tears.
"Ammi...Ammi" ,she whispered ever so softly, as if testing how the word she had never used would sound from her lips "I..I love you, Ammi." She found that she loved the word Ammi', she loved the wonderful woman who gave her the honour to call her Ammi.
Asad smiled, having understood the reasons for her tears. They were happy tears. Saying their goodbyes, they hang up. Zoya handed him his phone, "Thank you, you gave me a mother today too." She smiled ever so softly and Asad pulled her into his arms. "Asad, I have a Ammi now." She looked up from her position on his chest to see him smiling down at her. He brushed her hair out of her eyes and hugged her close again.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
They had sat in each other's embrace for a long while in content silence. Words were never a need for them to communicate. They communicated even with silence back when they were strangers, and now as their relationship had strengthened and they meant much more to each other, they found they understood each other better.
"So, since you already got a birthday present from Ammi, do I have to not give you one ?", he asked.
She leaned back to look at his infectious grin, "What ? You got me a present ?"
He nodded, "I know you said no celebrating your birthday' but I wanted to give a gift since it's your first birthday with me." And probably the only one they could be together on, but he didn't voice that. No reason to upset her.
"Oh goody, I love presents." Zoya went through extreme mood changes in a blink of an eye that at times Asad found it hard to keep up. She clapped her hands in excitement like a little girl and her eyes took on a rare sparkle he came to love, and Asad adored the childish Zoya. That was the Zoya that smiled the most and was the happiest.
Asad reached for the big bag he had placed next to leather school bag, pulling out a huge wrapped gift as Zoya waited with bated breath. He placed the gift in her lap and Zoya had no idea what it could be. She started ripping away the paper to reveal her gift and she gasped at the sight of it.
It was a frame, an 11 x 17 frame that held a expertly beautiful sketch. It was a sketch of the place that bound had them for life. There was a beautiful spring day drawn with Oldie Mr.Tree Tunck drawn with his lush green curtains of leaves, and below the tree was her. Asad had drawn the picture according to how he saw her most mornings. She sat with her back against the tree, her knees pulled to her chest...and she was smiling, she wasn't just smiling, she was smiling with her dimples.
"Asad...This is", she felt at a loss of words, unable to express her feelings. His gift was so beautiful, made with so thought. "This is so beautiful" She ran her fingers over the glass, smiling even when her eyes were tearing up with happiness.
"This is beautiful.", he took her finger and pointed to her dimpled smile in the picture. "I remember I once saw you smiling like this, a real smile with your dimples. That's a smile I hope to see more often. I want you to be happy, Zoya."
Zoya smiled in response, stretching it so her dimples would flash. She took hold of his index finger , bringing it to her cheek so he could feel the groove of her dimple. Asad grinned, "Yeah, that's the smile I love.", he whispered, leaning in to touch their foreheads together.
"You make me happy." Zoya wrung her arms around his neck so they could be closer, their foreheads and noses in contact. She relished the warmth only he could provide. Zoya leaned back first, still staying in the circle of his strong arms. "Asad, I changed my mind. I want to celebrate this birthday, celebrate it with you."
"Seriously ? You mean it ?"
She nodded, "You already made this day so special with two beautiful gifts, I want us to celebrate the rest of the day."
Asad rose and started pacing, "Okay, okay. But how are we going to get reservations at a decent restaurant now ? And your birthday cake, there will be no bakery that will make a special order cake in a few hours."
Zoya halted Asad's pacing and muttering by stopping in his path, "We don't need to make it grand. I just want you and Stac by my side. And volia, we have a celebration."
Asad mentally planned out the evening and was satisfied with his plan. "Okay, you don't worry. You go home now, relax and then get ready and be at my place by seven."
"What ?"
Asad took her by the hand to find a cab, "Go home, and relax. Dress warm for tonight." He whistled shrilly and a yellow cab halted. He leaned in to brush her forehead with his lips and hugged her quickly.
Asad dialled a number as the cab drove away, "McAdams, at my place in ten."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
By six-thirty, Asad's living room looked like a birthday party venue for a young birthday girl. McAdams and Asad teamed up together to get the place decorated with baby pink balloons and streamers. They had had gotten all the junk food Zoya loved, anywhere from chips, candies, pizza to diet coke. Asad had also managed to get Zoya's favourite blueberry cheesecake ordered.
At seven sharp, there was a knock at Asad's door. "Right on time, that's unlike our Zoe.", Stacie said with a chuckle. Asad gave a final glance around and everything looked perfect. He just hoped Zoya would like it.
Grinning, he opened the door. Dressed in denim jeans and a red wool sweater under her jacket and her hair left open, Asad thought she looked breathtakingly beautiful. "Happy birthday, beautiful.", he wished her, wrapping his muscular arms around her and she settled her head in the crook of his neck.
Snaking her arms around his waist, she leaned on his shoulder hugging him close. Going on her tip toes, she looked over his shoulder at the sight of Asad's living room. Decorated much like her tenth birthday party, she saw clutters of balloons and streamers, the table set up with all of her favourite junk food. "Thank you, Asad. Thank you.", she whispered, trying to voice her gratitude for all he had done since she met him. He responded with a kiss to the top of her head.
"Hey, stop hogging my best friend.", Stacie came over giving Zoya a big tight hug, swaying them both right to left "Happy Birthday, Sexy Zoey."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Zoya couldn't remember a day she had enjoyed this much since the death of Appi and Jijju. She had made up her mind not to celebrate this birthday but she was glad that she had changed her mind. Her best friends had made so much effort just to make her feel special, to make her happy, she was glad she had changed her mind.
Asad had gotten her favourite blueberry cheesecake and obviously Asad and Stacie had bickered over who Zoya should feed first. To be fair, she had both fed them a bite each at the same time. Though, Asad wasn't a sweets person, he had still ate a small slice and he even had the pizza she had fed him. She knew he did everything to make her happy, to make her smile. At times, she felt like it's his life goal to make her happy.
After they had ate all they could, Zoya relaxed on the sofa while she heard Stacie and Asad bicker over the clean-up in the kitchen. Allah Miya, these two just can't stop their fights, Zoya thought with a smile.
"Come on, Zoya. Let's go.", Asad said coming out of the kitchen and going over to closet to pull their jackets out.
"Go where ?", she asked lazily still lounging on the sofa, her eyes drooping shut. She was perfectly content relaxing the rest of the evening with a movie and popcorn.
"It's a surprise.", Asad replied with a grin. He pulled her to her feet putting her jacket on and zipping it up. He then donned her red wool hat and mittens on.
"Oh, another surprise ! What is it ? Tell me, tell me.", She bounced up and down in excitement and Asad halted her by the hold of her shoulders.
"It's a surprise for a reason, Beautiful."
Her head found her favourite spot on his chest, right where his heart was and she tilted her head up, batting her eyelashes at him, trying to be cute. "But it's my birthday, Asad. And you said I could have anything I want, and I want to know what my surprise is."
Stifling a chuckle at her childish antics. He reached out to ruffle her hair under the wool hat making them a gorgeous mess. "Fine then, you can't have everything you want." He leaned down brushing her nose in a Eskimo kiss.
"Oh lord, have mercy on my eyes.", Stacie's trademark one liner pulled Asad and Zoya from each other and Zoya realized how close they were to each other, their bodies touching and their faces just inches from each other.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The taxi pulled the car to a stop, "Here is your destination folks, Rockefeller center."
Asad paid and thanked the driver and they filed out. The weather was decent today, cold but not windy.
"And what are we doing at Rockefeller center? " Zoya asked, still miffed at being kept in the dark. After all, it was her birthday and she deserved to know her surprise.
" Skating !", Asad said with a wink.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Asad sat next to Zoya and McAdams as they sat lacing up their skates. Skating was one of Zoya's favourite hobbies and he had seen photographs of competitions she had participated in her younger days. But it was one activity they never did together, Asad wasn't very skilled with skates and he avoided it to save himself from breaking his bones. But he knew his Zoe loved it so he had decided to bring them here on her birthday and endure the torture. He stared helplessly at the skates that he had tightly tied on his feet, willing for them to disappear.
"Let's go, Asad." Zoya stood, holding out her hand to take. "I won't let you fall. We can skate together." They hobbled to the edge of the rink and Asad watched as people effortlessly transitioned from the pavement to the ice and started skating.
"Why don't you go skate with McAdams for a bit ?I will join you in a bit."
"But Asad --"
"Please Zoe Baby, I brought you here because I know how much you love ice skating. With me, you won't be able to skate freely."
"But I want to skate with you.", she said with a pout. So they were back to Zoya's wants, Asad thought, chucking inwardly.
"And I want to watch you skate. I know you are great at it and I never knew seen it." Asad smiled because he sensed that he was going to win easily enough by the pout that graced Zoya's lips. With a kiss to her forehead, he sent her off. Asad sat on the bench of the outskirts of the skating rink so he could watch Zoya. He watched as Zoya glided across the ice and then the magic began.She was literally dancing across the ice like a figure skater ,throwing herself into the air, and gracefully landing back on the ice, zipping across the ring with speed. She swirled and twirled so beautifully that Asad was in awe of it.
"Look at me, Asad. I am flying ! ", she called out, laughing richly as she skated and his eyes followed her. Asad smiled tenderly at her. Yeah, she was smiling, she was laughing and Asad wished he could freeze in this moment forever.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Asad had grabbed hot chocolates for the girls while they were still skating. He held up a cup and gestured for them to come off and warm up for a bit. Hand and hand, Zoya and Stacie skated off and joined him at the bench. They were talking a mile a minute as they stopped at the bench."Allah Miya, it's gotten cold." They had been on the ice for a half an hour but Zoya hadn't noticed the time passing while she was on the ice. The ice was her home turf, she had learned to ice skate even before she could walk properly and had fond memories of holding hands with her Appi and Jijju as they taught her to skate and save her from falling. Now off the ice Zoya was beginning to feel the chill of the night and the prolonged amount of the time she had spent on the ice.
Asad handed her a Styrofoam cup. He reached out and pulled the zipper of her jacket higher and smoothed the collar closer to her chin. The simple sweet gesture made her smile.
"Did you have fun ?", he asked though he already knew by the dazzling dimpled smile of hers. Drawing her nearer and pulling her into his arms simply because he wanted to and to also warm her. Zoya smiled up at him and held her cup to his lips. They sat in each other's warmth sharing a cup of hot chocolate.
"OMG,Zoe. it's Ian !" Stacie stood, staring in shock at the young blonde man walking towards them. Taking off on a run, Stacie launched herself into the man's open arms, hooking her legs around his waist before they locked lips, kissing passionately.
"That's Stacie's boyfriend.", Zoya informed Asad with a chuckle, closing his jaw that was hang open in shock. "Ian McDonald, he travels a lot for business and Stac doesn't get to see him often. And when she does, he usually surprises her like this."
"Oh lord, have mercy on my eyes.", Asad teased with a chuckle as Stacie and Ian finally managed to stop kissing and came over to the bench.
Stacie laughed, "Fine Khan, anything you want to kiss Zoe like that, I won't say a thing from now on."
Zoya blushed but before she knew it, she was swept up in Ian's arms and he spun her around making her laugh. "Zoey, you got yourself another boyfriend ? And here I thought I was the love of your life.", Ian teased once he set Zoya back on the ground.
"How is that even possible ? You know, you are the only love of my life.", Zoya said with a laugh and Asad saw red. How dare that blondie...touch his Zoya ? An unexpected pang of unfamiliar jealousy burnt him and it left him confused.
"And I thought McAdams was your girlfriend.", Asad said tightly, his expression grim as he settled a hand on Zoya's waist and drew her nearer to his side.
Stacie had to bite the inside of her cheek to hold in her laughter, finding the entire situation amusing. She saw Asad's hand settled possessively on Zoya's waist. Looks like someone got bit by the green-eyed monster, Stacie thought. Had she known Asad was the jealous kind, she would have found a guy to flirt with Zoya earlier. Then, maybe the idiot would realize his love, she mused with a smirk.
"A guy like me can handle two girls.", Ian teased with a wink and Asad had the urge to plow his fist right through his face, breaking his shining white teeth.
"Relax Asad, Ian is just joking." Zoya cajoled him softly with a touch to his arm, she had a eerie feeling that Asad's temper was rising and she didn't want to get Ian's face bruised.
After introductions were made, the foursome chatted for a few minutes, though Asad mostly glared at Ian and kept Zoya glued to his side. Eventually, Ian and Stacie left to spend of the evening together, and Asad hoped the night too so Zoya could have a sleepover at his place.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Soon after Ian and Stacie left, Zoya dragged Asad onto the ice with him. Asad hobbled and dragged his feet awkwardly. He held Zoya's hands in a firm hold as she skated with ease backwards, pulling him along. She began instructing him on how to move his feet and keep balance. After a few minutes, Asad seemed a little more at ease. So, he settled his arms on both side of her waist, bringing her arms to wrap them around his neck. They skated slowly with their faces close, their breaths almost mingling and they were perfectly content.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
After the skating trip, Asad and Zoya came back to Asad's apartment and Zoya wanted another slice of cake and a movie before bed. Since it was Friday night and they could afford to stay up late, Asad let Zoya pick a movie out while he got a big helping of blueberry cheesecake for her.
"Do you enjoy your birthday?" He couldn't help but ask as he settled next to her on the couch. His arm draped around her shoulder, Zoya leaned comfortably against his side while she ate.
"Yes," She whispered tenderly and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "Thank you for making it so special." And with a blink of her eyelids, the tears tumbled down her cheeks.
Not surprised by the moisture of sudden tears, he leaned in already brushing them away. "Happy tears?", Asad asked, cradling her face.
She clutched his hands and shook her head negatively. "Asad, how am I going to live without you when you are gone?
And I ended there...not a good point ? But I am hoping you all enjoyed Zoe's Bday. So this brings an end to winter and spring is around the corner..what do you wanna see ?
Leave your feedback for moi
Much love,
Reya <3
next ch: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/111559538
Edited by maankigeet4ever - 10 years ago
Indian Idol 15
46