Hey all..the next instalment of 4 seasons is here...this chapter is longer than I usually aim for, but I am looking to wrap up the autumn season. And a longer chapter should mean longer comments...lol😆. I joke, well sorta, kind of. 😆😳
This chapter is for Zanutix, for her incredibly sweet comment. As writers on IF, we all write simply because we enjoy it and IF is a place of sharing. But once in a while, a reader will leave a comment that will just make your day and make you realize that there are people who appreciate your work and look forward to more. So thank you to all those who read, comment and appreciate🤗. IT is all a writer needs.
And one more thing, please read a note about PMs at the end of the chapter..okay now I am done.😆
AUTUMN
Chapter 3
Autumn: "it so strange that autumn is so beautiful but everything is really dying"- unknown
~~
With a pencil twirling around his finger ,Asad sat at his desk thinking about none other than Miss.Zoya Farooqui. Two months later, they had finally managed to exchange names. And that locket, his mind kept wandering to it. The heart pendent had opened when she had made a grab for it but she had fisted her hand close before he could even thinking of glancing at the photos. Asad chuckled, she didn't know him very well. Granted he was curious, but he still wouldn't dare to invade her privacy.
"Hey Asad, how the drawings coming along ?", Allen Jackson popped his head in Asad's cabin. Caught drifting, Asad jumped slightly at his senior's voice. Promptly straightening up, Asad mumbled a apology and turned his attention to the drawing set out in front of him.
Chuckling, Allen stepped into the cabin and sat comfortably opposite Asad. "Sorry about that, buddy. I didn't realize you were so deep in thought."
Asad was given a small room as a cabin, but the man was a neat freak, who Allen thought had a mild case of OCD. His desk had to be organized and tidy, Allen had even seen him position his papers into precisely aligned piles. And his file cabinet if opened would be alphabetical organized with any file Allen could ever ask for. Even with the slightly OCD organizational tendencies Asad had, the man's work ethics were condemnable.
"I apologize, Mr.Jackson. I am working on the changes you had asked for. The drawings should be on your desk before five."
"Asad, how many have I told you ? It's Allen. I am hardy five years old than you.", At thirty, Allen felt younger than Asad on most days, his junior architect was a mature man, not in age but in attitude.
Asad Ahmed Khan was a man who worked far too hard, Allen mused, this young man had something to prove to the world. At CEO and senior architect position of the small scale firm his father had passed onto him five years ago, Allen had hired Asad on pure instinct six months ago. Asad had both a degree in architecture and business, and could have applied at a much more established firm but Asad had chosen his firm.
Allen was aware that the man balanced both his part-time junior architect position at J&F architecture firm and his taxing education. Though, Asad wasn't one to delve into his personal life, Allen knew that Asad was a ace student in the MBA program at the Stern School of Business of NYU and had a nonexistent social life. Over the six months, Asad had proved that he would one day thrive in the world of architecture/construction business, his drawings ( by hand or computed generated) were enough to display his skill, and combine that with his sharp business sense and hardcore workaholic ways, you have got a gem.
"Yes Sir..I mean..Allen.", Asad couldn't bring himself to be so causal with his boss as he insisted. Allen Jackson at thirty with his family heritance was a man who could look relaxed even in a three-piece suit and tie, but a man with skills both in the field of architecture and business was a role model he came to idolize over the months. Allen may seem like a laid back causal person, but Asad knew, he would take his father's architecture firm to new heights one day.
"Asad, we have until Friday for the Montgomery meeting. You can take until Wednesday to finish them, you have two days, there is hardly a rush."
"I will still try to have them to you before I leave today." And Allen knew he would.
Allen stood up, "Granted that the thoughts of a certain someone leave you alone today." he said with a chuckle and Allen could have swore he saw a hint of a foreign blush on Asad's face before he walked out. So there is a girl !
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Next week of November brought a new change. Of course, New York turned colder and colder day by day. Leaves with their new brighter colours died and left most trees bare. Asad Ahmed Khan on the other hand smiled like spring was around the corner. On a typical Monday morning, Asad entered the square and zeroed in on Zoya at her tree. Today, she didn't seem to be crying but rather staring off into empty space, whilst clutching her cherished locket, the one he had found last week.
As he approached her, she was yet to notice him. He was much earlier today than he had ever been, it was only eight. Truth be told, he needed to spend some time with her, her thoughts hadn't left him in peace all week. Zoya only noticed him when he once sat down on the cold ground and held out a red Starbucks cup in the line of her vision. Startled at his close proximity, Zoya let out a small yelp.
Undismayed, Asad smiled , "Coffee ?" He held out her cup, waiting for her to grasp it with both hands before he settled next to her. "I wasn't sure how you take it so I brought along the milk and sugar."
Zoya wasn't sure how they had closed the distance but today, they sat in contented silence, sipping their coffees. Zoya wondered about the handsome man that sat next to her, their shoulders barely brushing. Other than his name, she knew absolutely nothing about him, as Asad didn't know much about her either. His eyes, since the first day were full of questions but even today, he didn't voice them. Zoya found her respect grow for him. And his silent support she was beginning to rely on.
"No tears today ?", he asked softly.
Zoya silently shook her head and fought the tears that now burnt her eyes. Asad watched her eyes water up but she held her tears at bay. He prayed for telepathy to work wonders as he stared at her: Please, please don't cry. He inched closer to her until their shoulders touched. Zoya understood: he was offering his shoulder, his silent support.
Zoya huddled closer and settled her head on his sturdy shoulder. The sturdiness of his well contoured shoulder reminded her of Oldie Mr.Tree Trunk, she had always relied on his aged tree trunk for support but today, she had Asad.
"Thank you", she whispered so softly she was sure he hadn't caught it but when his hand found her cold hand and intertwined their fingers, enveloping her in his warmth. Zoya knew: he had heard.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
"Zoe !", At a sudden sound of her name, Zoya startled awake. Blinking her eyes slowly, she disorientedly woke up only to see that she had fallen asleep on Asad's shoulder.
"You seemed really tired, I didn't have the heart to wake you.", He smiled down at her and resisted the temptation to brush the hair out of her eyes.
"Miss. Zoya Farqooui !" Zoya finally glanced up to see her best friend, Stacie McAdams marching towards her with a vexed expression. Uh oh, somebody is mad.
Both Asad and Zoya rose just as Stacie stopped in front of them, "Where in the world have you been, Zoe ? You were suppose to be at the library by nine."
Zoya glanced down at her watch to see that it was now 9:30 and she had easily fallen asleep for a hour.
"You looked so peaceful sleeping, I couldn't wake you." He whispered softly.
Zoya had a feeling Asad's presence had a alluring effect on her, because frankly sleep wasn't something that came by often these days.
"But you got late for your class."
"I know, now Professor Johnson will probably kill me.", he groaned, maybe he could skip the entire class today, it seemed better than facing the wrath of Professor Johnson.
"I am sorry, Asad."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it.", he reached for her hand and gave a gentle squeeze.
"Hi, hello. I am still here.", at the sound of Stacie's voice, Asad and Zoya realized they weren't alone. "I am Stacie McAdams.", she held out a hand. "And you are probably going to have to let go of my best friend's hand."
Embarrassed, Asad's face flushed. Asad glanced down to see their hands intertwined, "My apologies, I am Asad Ahmed Khan, Zoya's friend."
"One she failed to mention.", she directed a glare in Zoya's direction.
"Stacie !"
Asad chuckled lowly, he realized he kind of liked Zoya's outspoken best friend. "Maybe I was too special to mention." And at that, Zoya surprisingly blushed and boy did that rosy colour suit her cheeks.
"Or maybe you weren't special enough to mention."
"I do beg to differ ,Miss.McAdams."
"Oh, there is no need to beg, Mr.Khan.", she waved a hand carelessly, matching his formal tone.
"Okay children, break it up." Zoya felt like she was watching a tennis match with the way Asad and Stacie were going at it with each other.
"Now, I hate to break up the lovely date you two were having but Zoe we are going to be late."
Zoya nodded choosing to ignore Stacie gab about their date'. Yeah, so she hadn't told her best of ten years a single thing about her stranger. But that was the thing, he is her stranger and she hadn't wanted to share him, even with Stacie. "let me grab my stuff."
"Well, it was nice to meet you ,Miss.McAdams." He held out a hand.
"Sorry I can't say the same Mr.Khan." Asad chuckled at her response. He definitely liked this girl.
"Let's go, Stacie." Zoya pulled her away before the two could get started again .When they were a few metres away, Zoya realized she hadn't said bye to Asad. Turning back, he saw him leaning comfortably against Oldie Mr.Tree Trunk, as if waiting for her.
She smiled sheepishly and ran back but when she stopped in front of him, she wasn't sure what to say.
Asad stepped up, leaving the tree. "Goodbye, Miss.Farqooui. "
"Yeah, bye. See you next week." And on sheer impulse, she leaned in to peck his cheek and ran.
"Well, well, what was that ?" Stacie asked.
Zoya turned back to see Asad smiling with his hand on the cheek she had just kissed. "Nothing." She said smiling, fighting a blush.
"Yeah okay sister, it was nothing." She said making Zoya laugh.
Hearing Zoya's laugh, Stacie sobered up, "You know, I haven't seen you laugh in such a long while. ", she looped an arm around Zoya's. "Maybe he is not so bad after all but I am still mad at you for not telling me about him."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Asad felt as if he still carried the warmth that had radiated against his cheek Zoya had barely brushed her lips. He had to refrain for smiling for no damn reason, had to fight the urge to stop her when she walked in Bobst Library with Spunky Stacie. They had a connection, Asad had felt it the moment he had seen her for the first time. He hadn't been able to understand it that point, much less explain it to himself. But now, Asad was scared to take a step forward, to explore the connection. All he knew was that he wanted to make Zoya happy, he wanted to see her beautiful smiled she showed so rarely .He wanted to chase her sorrows again, to steal the sorrowful pain from her eyes.
After his lectures, he needed to spend his time prepping for his December exams. He had been distracted lately and concentration was hard to come by so he decided to venture out of his usual studying area: Nyman Reading Room. Maybe, he needed to be around people. Too often, his thoughts wandered to his stranger, Zoya.
Picking a secluded corner of computers on the second floor on Bobst Library he set to work on opening up the drawings Allen had emailed him that needed some adjustments. Allen had generously given him a day off on a scheduled day of work, maybe the pressures of his heavy load were beginning to show. That wouldn't do, Asad knew he had to balance both his exams and work. Asad figured he could work on his drawings before he hit the textbooks.
A smile came naturally to his face as he opened his inbox, a email from Ayaan.
Hello my favourite Bhaijaan ( wait, you are the only bhai I have but still you can be my favourite :P)
How are you ? Bet you are acing all your courses and breaking hearts in New York. You better be working on finding a bhabhi for me, or let me know. I can find one for you. And I myself have been very busy, with my own share of achievements. Haha. You know the usual, just been the Salman Khan of Bhopal. I miss you, Bhaijaan. Come home soon.
Take care Bhaijaan, Love you.
Your Ayaan.
The email from Ayaan had cheered him up, in a way only his baby brother could. He didn't care what the world said about the brother duo, gave them the distasteful title of stepbrothers'. Asad knew in his heart that Ayaan Ahmed Khan was his brother, someone who he had fallen in love at first sight years ago. From the moment, a curly haired three year old Ayaan had reached out to grasp out the index finger Asad held out. Sending him back a email with small talk and a promise to call later in the week, Asad set his focus to his blueprints.
An hour into work, the computer froze on him, just as his drawings were near complete. He tried to save his drawings, so the changes he made wouldn't be wasted but alas, no luck. Frustrated, he was half tempted to smack the keyboard but that would attract unnecessary attention he could do without. Giving up, he pressed a button next to his computer, that automatically signalled the IT department of the library and they would send a IT specialist to his computer.
Asad drummed his fingers against the table while he waited rather impatiently. "Can I help you ?", at the sound of a familiar voice, Asad turned to face his stranger.
"Zoya ?"
She seemed equally surprised to see him. Oddly, they had never met anywhere else on campus. " Asad ? Hi"
"You are my tech support ?"
"Yes, I am a computer science major and I work part-time in the Bobst IT department. Now let's see what's wrong with your computer."
Asad stood up to offer his chair but she was already wheeling one next to his. He sat. "Please tell me you can redeem my drawings."
She smiled "Of course I can, Zoya Farooqui can do anything.", but by the end of the words, the smile dimmed. Focusing her attention to the computer, she begun to type.
"Are you a architect ?", she asked as she worked.
"Hoping to be one. I am in the MBA program at Stern. I did my double major in architecture and business respectively in India."
"Well, you will be talented one, that's for sure if your drawings are anything to go by.", Zoya noticed the fine detail work his computer generated drawings had. The man had such finesse, she noted, as she eyed the drawings of what would become a beautiful villa.
"You will make someone a house of their dreams, Asad. The layouts are beautiful.", she complimented. She had saved his drawings into a saving device for him and held out for him to take.
"My firm is making someone the house of their dreams. One day, I will make a dream house, but for only one woman in my life."
"And such lucky woman she will be.", she had booted the computer up and let it restart, rising from the chair.
"Thank you, I really appreciate---"
Asad cut off when Zoya's cellphone rang shrilly. Zoya checked it and picked up with a apologetic look towards him.
Asad watched as the blood drained out from her face as she listened.
Without a word, she hang up. She stood motionlessly as if numb. Asad reached for her shoulders, "Zoya, are you okay ?" He was tempted to shake her to bring her back to reality but his touch seemed to work.
Zoya snapped back to life, "I...I have to..go. My Appi needs me." With those words, she ran.
~~
Oops and I left you hanging..lol.
More insight into the life of Asad. And much left up to guessing in terms of Zoya, so any guesses ?
Let moi know what you think of this chapter. And yes, please add ReyaPM' for PMs...please don't add my maankigeet4ever' ID..thank u
Much love,
Reya <3
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