LOVE-MAKING KE SIDE EFFECTS: SS (ASYA)
part 1: pg 1
part 2: pg 15
For readers who thought I ended my Faasle abruptly, here is an OS dedicated to an important event in the life of our married AsYa (this is based on the current show and not my ff.) I would also like to wish Anushree a very Happy Birthday as I had promised to write an OS for her.
As a bonus, I have written a two-part short story in the side effects' series
Part 1: HONEYMOON KE SIDE EFFECTS
Part 2: PREGNANCY KE SIDE EFFECTS
PROLOGUE:
1. Dilshaad, Asad and Zoya have returned from the Siddiqui Mansion once Rashid recovered from his illness.
2. The relationship between the two households is a little more amicable now but Dilshaad refused to stay back with Rashid.
3. Abbu reveal or ammi raaz was not revealed during that stay
4. Ayaan has returned to the SM. There is a conflict going on between Haider and Ayaan for Humeira at the SM
5. Asad and Zoya got married in a simple nikaah ceremony after the three month wait was over. Rashid and his family, aapi & jeeju all attended the nikaah.
PART 1: HONEYMOON KE SIDE EFFECTS
LOCATION: KHAN VILLA
Dilshaad welcomed Asad and Zoya at the door. The newly weds had just returned after their weeklong honeymoon in Paris.
"Aa gaye mere bachche?" Dilshaad embraced and kissed her son and daughter in law at the door, "ek hafta kahan gaya, pata hi nahin chala."
"Haan-phoophi-wo-I mean ammi," Zoya smiled. She was still getting used to addressing Dilshaad as ammi' "one week was too short."
Asad coughed awkwardly and elbowed Zoya. "N-nahin ammi---I think one week is enough for Paris. Wahan dekhne ko itna hai nahin jitna sab shor machaate hain."
"Mr. Khan! Aapke liye nahin hoga! Trust me ammi, Mr. Khan had no interest in seeing anything in Paris." Zoya blurt out absentmindedly, "inka bas chalta tho hum yahin Bhopal mein hi honeymoon kar lete."
Dilshaad tried her best to suppress her smile while Asad turned red as a beetroot.
Clearing her throat, Dilshaad chuckled, "chalo iska matlab mera beta ek bahut achcha shauhar hai. Honeymoon par apni biwi ke alaawa kuch dikhna bhi nahin chaahiye---and specially," she caressed Zoya's face gently, "when he has such a beautiful wife."
Embarrassed to the core, Asad wheeled the bags to their bedroom as fast as he could.
Zoya bit her lower lip and shut her eyes. "Ya Allah!" She kicked herself for being a bit too forthright in her revelations. "Ammi-wo-main-change karke aati hoon." She bolted and ran into their bedroom. Even though her relationship with Dilshaad was more like a mother and daughter but there were a few things that only a couple should share.
Bent over his suitcase to unpack, Asad didn't notice Zoya barge into the room. She ran over and hugged him from behind, burying her face in his back.
"I am sorry Mr. Khan. Main kuch zyaada hi bol gayi ammi ke saamne. I hope you are not angry with me."
"Ismein kaun si nayi baat hai?" Asad straightened his back and pulled her into his arms, "you have that foot in mouth disease. Bina soche samjhe kuch bhi bol deti hain aap."
Nestled in the curve of his strong arm, she gazed up in his eyes, "lekin maine kuch jhooth tho nahin kaha na? Paris se zyaada hotel room ka nazaara zyaada dikhaya aapne. You still owe me another trip to Paris." She whined.
"Promise!" He smiled and touched his forehead with hers gently, "next time we will just do sight seeing. I need to check out their architecture too."
Blushing, she hid her face in his chest, "thank you Mr. Khan. Filhaal tho aapko hotel room ka architecture bakhoobi yaad hoga."
"Galti aapki hai Mrs. Khan." He frowned
She glared back, "meri galti? Aapko tho har cheez mein sirf meri hi galti nazar aati hai!"
With a faint smile on his face, he touched her lip with his finger, "agar aap itni khubsoorat na hoti tho shayad Paris ke nazaaron mein zyaada dilchaspi rehti."
Zoya blushed and lowered her eyes. Her Mr. Khan had definitely developed the knack of saying the right things. Even if he was just flattering her, like any woman, she could never get tired of his compliments.
"Those were the most beautiful seven days of my life. I will never forget them." She murmured.
"Sach? Then we don't need to go to Paris again?" His eyes twinkled mischievously.
Frowning, she pushed back and retorted, "of course we will go back Mr. Khan. Agar aap na jaana chaahe tho koi baat nahin. I will manage."
"How will you manage?" He pulled her back in his arms again.
"I am sure I will find someone more interesting to accompany me." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"How childish! Waise aapko tolerate karne waala is duniya mein na paida hua hai aur na kabhie hoga. You are stuck with me Mrs. Khan!" He cleared the strand of hair from her forehead and planted a soft kiss, "you have no choice."
Smiling, she touched his face and replied, "don't underestimate me Mr. Khan. Nikaah ho gaya tho kya hua? I can still runaway with someone more romantic and less boring."
He placed his finger on her lips and growled, "khwab mein bhi aisi baat mat karna mujhse. You know I don't like that. Ab jaisa hoon, poora package aapko accept karna hi padhega."
She circled her arms around his neck, "accept kar liya hai tabhi tho aap se hi guzaarish kar rahi hoon. Promise we will go to Paris again."
"No promises!" He pulled away from her and started unpacking his bag again, "aisa behooda mazaak mujhey pasand nahin hai."
"Ya Allah! Naaraaz hona tho koi aap se seekhe. Naak par makkhi kya poori makkhiyon ki family -dada, dadi, behen, bhai baithe rehte hain!"
"Jee----abhi tho unki ammi abbu reh gaye hain." He retorted, "next time I will invite them also."
She grabbed him from behind, resting her head on his back, "lekin makkhiyon ko udaana mujhey bhi aata hai. Aakhir Mrs. Zoya Khan naam hai mera. Aap jaante hain aapke liye main Paris tho kya, apni saari zindagi qurbaan kar sakti hoon."
He shook his head and turned around, "Mrs. Khan, filhaal mere liye please ek cup coffee la sakti hain? Aapke sacrifice se zyaada is waqt mujhey coffee ki talab ho rahi hai."
"Allah mian! How unromantic!" She pushed him away, "that's why I told phoophi"I mean ammi---that the honeymoon was too short. Bhopal aate hi Akdu Ahmed Khan is back!" She stomped out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Asad grinned and mumbled, "Mrs. Khan, kya aapne socha hai agar aap apni zindagi qurbaan kar dengi tho mera kya haal hoga? Bina soche samjhe na jaane kya kya keh deti hain aap."
A FEW WEEKS LATER: ASAD & ZOYA'S BEDROOM
"YA ALLAAAHHH!" A scream from the bathroom startled Asad. It was almost bedtime. Dressed in his white kurta pajama, he was trying to get the last of the emails out before retiring for the night with Zoya. Zoya had just stepped into the bathroom to change.
"ZOYAA!!!!" He threw his laptop on the couch and rushed towards the bathroom. Memories of an almost electrocution in Zoya's bathroom hounded him. How could he ever forget that day? Had it not been a split second decision by him, he could have lost her forever. Asad forced the door open.
She stood frozen near the toilet bowl with a strip in hand and jaws agape. Adrenaline rush had numbed his grey cells; he rushed and grabbed her in his arms, "ZOYA!!! ARE YOU OKAY?"
"WHAT OKAY?" She pushed him away and held the strip near his face, "YEH DEKH RAHE HAIN AAP MR. KHAN? THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!"
With a disgusted expression, he stepped away from the strip, "WHAT NONSENSE? Yeh kya hai? Don't hold it that close to my face. Have no idea where it's been. What are you are talking about. Meri galti? Ab maine kya kiya hai?"
Clenching her teeth, she dumped the strip in the trashcan and headed towards the sink to wash her hands. Perplexed by her behavior, he followed her to the sink and placed his hand on her shoulder, "kya hua Zoya? Kya galti huyi hai mujhse?"
Zoya stared at her reflection in the mirror. He was standing right behind her, a concerned expression on his face.
"Mr. Khan!" She shrugged her shoulder and turned around angrily, "don't even bother to come near me. Aapne jo kiya hai, wo aaj tak mere saath kisi ne nahin kiya. Main aapse bahut khafaa hoon."
"I-I-am really sorry Zoya," he was baffled, "lekin mera gunaah kya hai? Main tho aaj kal office se bhi time par aa jaata hoon. I don't spend the evening doing work. Jo aapko pasand hai, wo hi karta hoon. Tho yeh naaraazgi kaisi?"
Tears rolled down her eyes; soon she was sobbing with her face buried in her palms.
"ZOYAA!" He was really worried now, "kya hua? Please tell me what did I do? Aaap jaanti hain main aapki aankhon mein aansoo nahin dekh sakta." Gently, he touched her wrists and parted her palms. With a soft touch of his thumb, he wiped her tears, "please look at me Zoya. Aakhir aisa kya hua hai?" He was genuinely worried that he had committed some grave mistake and inadvertently hurt her feelings.
She lifted her misty eyelids with a grief-struck expression. As the color drained from his face, she broke into a wide grin and pinched his nose, "gotcha Mr. Khan!" Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her face in his neck, planting a soft kiss there. "Thank you Asad." His heart fluttered whenever she addressed him by his name. Relieved, he knew she must be ecstatic about something - Asad was her way of expressing her heartfelt feelings for him.
"I am the happiest woman in the world today. Hum dono ne gunaah kiya hai tho ab sazaa bhi saath saath hi milegi."
"Gunaah? Sazaa?" Her words had entangled him in a web of confusion, "do I need to take you to a doctor Mrs. Khan? Aap bahut hi ajeeb act kar rahi hain. I am worried kahin aapko kisi tarah ka daura tho nahin padh raha hai?"
"MR. KHAN! YOU ARE REALLY DENSE! Buddhu ke buddhu rahenge aap." She recoiled and gazed at him lovingly, "didn't you recognize that strip in my hand?"
"Of course not!" He looked confused, "I am an architect. Not a strip reader!"
She smacked his forehead playfully, "Buddhu Ahmed Khan---that was a pregnancy test! IT WAS POSITIVE!"
"Preg? What? You mean Pregnancy test? Matlab----matlab----main-----aur aap...matlab we," his face lit up, "WE ARE GOING TOE BE PARENTS?"
With an ear-to-ear smile, she nodded and buried her face in his chest, "yes Mr. Khan. Can you believe it? Aap abbu aur main ammi ban ne waale hain? Hamari zindagi ka wo sabse haseen din hoga na?"
He shut his eyes in prayer and crushed her slender frame with his strong arms, "I love you Zoya. Aaj aapne mujhey meri zindagi ka sabse haseen tohfa diya hai. Main jaanta hoon main is jahan ka sabse achcha abbu banoonga aur aap sabse achchi ammi banengi. Our child will always have his parents with him/her. Usey wo akelapan jo aapne aur maine bachpan mein dekha hai, kabhie mehsoos nahin hoga. Hum hamesha uske saath rahenge Zoya." He showered her with kisses; tears of joy swamped his eyelids.
"Tohfa tho 9 mahine baad milega Mr. Khan. First, we need to see the doctor to confirm," she cupped his face, "of course we will be the best parents in this world. Hum dono se zyaada yeh koi nahin jaanta ki bina abbu ya ammi ke zindagi kitni gumnaam hoti hai. We will always be there for our child." She cried with him.
He placed his palm on her hand and kissed it softly, "we will always be there for each other"and for our child."
"InshaAllah!"
With a faint smile on his face, he teased her, "Allah kare hum se yeh galti baar baar ho. Main aisi sazaa zindagi bhar bhugatne ko tayyar hoon."
"ALLAH MIAN!" She pushed him away and scoffed, "let it be clear Mr. Khan, yeh galti baar baar nahin hogi. After all I am not a machine. Aapke ke liye kehna kitna aasaan hai. Typical man!"
"Don't worry Mrs. Khan." He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her in, "aapka shauhar aapki khidmat mein hamesha haazir rahega. I will take very good care of you Mrs. Khan. I will make sure this nine month journey is painless and effortless for you."
"Achcha?" Fluttering her eyelids, she encircled his neck with her arms, "zara elaborate karenge Mr. Khan? I would love to hear how you will make this a painless and effortless journey for me?"
"First of all I will make a time table."
"Time table?"
"Jee. Aapki sabse zyaada problem hai lack of self discipline and main nahin chaahta ki hamara bachcha bhi aapki tarah unpredictable and undisciplined ho."
"WHAT?" She glared at him, "hargiz nahin! I will not follow any time table and that too made by you."
Why not? I am very good at making time tables."
"Exactly Mr. Khan!" She sneered, "main nahin chaahti hamara bachcha aapki tarah boring and predictable ho. Our child will be bindaas like me. Jo dil ne chaaha, wo kiya, not follow check lists and to do lists."
"Exactly Mrs. Khan!" He retorted, "that's what I don't want- a child who behaves erratically and doesn't follow rules. Self-discipline is the key to success in life. I can only handle one of your kind. Abhi aadha pagal hua hoon, poora pagal nahin hona chaahta."
"YA ALLAH!" She stomped out of the bathroom, slamming the door behind her, "maine hi galti ki Mr. Khan ko bataakar. I should have remained silent and just told him that I was gaining weight. Unhein pregnancy ka shaq bhi nahin hota. Ab yeh meri life mein na jaane kya kya restrictions khadi karenge? Pizza mat khao"soft drink mat piyo---chips na khao----itne baje utho----itne baje so jao----exercise karo-----NO-NO-NO!" She placed her palms on her ears and yelled.
Asad followed her to the bedroom, "YES-YES-YES Mrs. Khan- no pizza---no diet coke--- no chips----time par sona, time par uthna----and yes regular exercise----good thoughts-----read good books-----no chatting with online friends-----no toffee crush----just games like crosswords and scrabble----listen to classical music-----no Yo Yo -----kya naam hai uska-----sugar singh?"
"YO YO HONEY SINGH! NOT SUGAR SINGH!" She was livid. In her anger, she turned the CD player on and started playing a new pop number by her favorite singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbyHNASFi6U
Asad clogged his ears with his fingers and cringed at the music.
He walked over and turned the music off, "this man shouldn't call himself honey. Hamara bachcha sunega tho yeh," he replaced the CD with another one, "Ustad Anjad Ali Khan ka sarod----ya phir Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali khan---ya Ravi Shankar. I have a whole collection of these wonderful CDs. Aapke chakkar mein inpar dhool lagne lagi hai. From now on, I will decide the music in this room."
"Theek hai. Aapko aapka room---aapke CDS----aapke rules----aapka time table Mubarak ho." She grabbed a pillow and headed towards the door.
"Kahan jaa rahi hain aap?" He enquired irately.
"Apne room mein. At least I can be my own boss there. Nikaah se pehle jaise rehti thi wahan."
"Theek hai. Chale jaaiye. No one is stopping you. Aapko jahan sona hai so jaaiye." He held the door open for her. Disheartened that he didn't stop her from leaving, she gave him a dirty look, "main jaa rahi hoon Mr. Khan."
"Jee. Shauk se jaaiye. Aapka hi ghar hai. Aapka haq hai jahan sona chaahe, wahan so sakti hain."
"Typical man! Ab meri zaroorat kya hai aapko? Aapka tho kaam ho gaya na? Abbu ban ne ki khwaish tho poori ho hi jaayegi aapki. Biwi se kya lena dena?"
"I can't argue with that." He yawned and stretched his arms, "good night Mrs Khan. I would like to fall asleep listening to the sarod. For a change I don't have to listen to noise."
She threw the pillow at his face and huffed out of his room. He grabbed the pillow and threw it on the bed, "how incredibly foolish. Yeh ammi ban na chaahti hai? Looks like I will end up having two kids!"
As soon as she walked into her old room, she threw herself on the bed and buried her face in the pillow. Sobbing, she cursed the heartlessness of her husband, "socha tha aaj ki khush khabri ke baad mujhey pamper karenge, pyaar se do baatein bolenge, give me a nice back rub---lekin Akdu Ahmed Khan se umeed karna hi gunaah hai."
She pounded her fists on the bed and confessed her grievances to the pillow. A few minutes later, she felt a warm and firm hand crawl on her back
"Where would you like your back rub Mrs. Khan? Lower or upper back?" He whispered softly.
Stunned, she lifted her head and saw him lying next to her with a smile on her face.
"Aap yahan kyun aaye hain? Mujhey aapki zaroorat nahin hai." She griped.
"Lekin mujhey hai."
"I need some rest."
"I need rest too."
"Aap jaaiye apne room mein, mujhey neend aa rahi hai,"
"Lekin mujhey neend nahin aa rahi Mrs. Khan," gently, he massaged her shoulders, "aapke bina ab neend nahin aati. You have spoilt me."
"Jab main room chhod rahi thi tab tho bahut shauq se mujhey alvida kiya tha aapne." She growled but he could sense her muscles relax beneath his fingers.
"Ab zindagi bhar ka saath nibhaana hai Mrs. Khan tho room chhodne se kya main aapka saath chhod doonga? Agar aap khafaa hokar hamare bedroom ko chhod sakti hain tho main aapko manaane aapke bedroom mein tho aa sakta hoon na? Tho aaj raat hum dono yahin soyenge," he tucked her under his arm and turned the night light off, "Mr. and Mrs. Khan shall celebrate their good news together in this room for a change."
"Yeh mera room hain. Yahan sirf meri marzi chalegi."
"Aur hamare bedroom mein bhi sirf aapki marzi chalegi Mrs. Khan." He held his ear as if asking for forgiveness.
"Promise," she chuckled with groggy eyes, "promise aap mujhey phir pareshan nahin karenge?"
"Of course not! After all a happy mother is more important than a disciplined mother. Agar aap khush rahengi tho hamara bachcha bhi khush rahega. Aur main nahin chaahta hamara bachcha meri tarah akdu ya sadoo ban jaaye."
She touched his cheek softly and smiled, "nahin aapki tarah hard working and responsible zaroor hoga"
"Aur aapki tarah khush mijaaz."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Soon, they were both fast asleep with their arms around each other. In their short time as a married couple, they had learnt to bury their differences before hitting the sack. Inevitably, one of them would take the initiative and never let an argument disturb their relationship after shutting their eyes.
NEXT MORNING: AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE
"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Khan, you are about 6 weeks pregnant," the obstetrician, Dr. Rama Pathak, an experienced and highly reputable doctor in her field, threw the disposable gloves in the trashcan and sat down at her desk, across from Asad. Zoya alighted from the exam table. Asad helped her to a seat next to him. Zoya sensed his nervousness by the dampness of his palms. To reassure him, she pressed his hand and gave him a silent smile. Then with a serious face, sat down next to him.
"Are you not excited by this news?" The doctor was surprised by the couple's silence.
"OF COURSE WE ARE DR. PATHAK!" Zoya finally spoke, "it's just that we are still in shock. Itni jaldi yeh sab kaise ho gaya-you know we just got married recently."
Asad averted his eyes sheepishly.
The doctor chuckled, "well, as you know it doesn't take much-once is enough-but there is always a morning after pill available- we can discuss other means too if you want."
Asad cringed and glared at Zoya with a why-did-you-have-to-ask-such-a-dumb-question look.
"Thanks Dr. Pathak. We are genuinely happy about this news. I think Mrs. Khan is still in a state of shock"and actually, so am I. Please tell us what we need to do now. I mean when will she be due and how do we take care of the pregnancy. Can you recommend some books?" He asked calmly.
Zoya was pleasantly surprised by Asad's composure but her smile vanished with his next statement.
"Good to see such an involved husband." The doctor nodded as she scribbled notes on her pad.
"I have to stay involved because Mrs. Khan is very careless." Asad replied.
"MR. KHAN!" Zoya stomped her foot, "please take that statement back. Aap mujhey careless keh rahe hain? Aur aap kya hain? Agar aapne thodi precaution barti hoti tho itni jaldi main pregnant nahin ho jaati!"
Asad's jaw fell to his knees as he shut his eyes with embarrassment. The doctor smiled at both of them, "you are the cutest couple I have ever met. Never saw a couple address each other so formally but argue so informally in front of a stranger."
"Wo-wo-doctor-she-I-mean Mrs. Khan has a foot in mouth disease. Inki zubaan par koi control nahin hai."
"That's good for the baby then. Mothers who talk a lot with their baby during pregnancy develop a deeper connection with them. Zoya, keep up with your blabber all throughout pregnancy."
Zoya elbowed him with a teasing expression.
"Doctor, kam se kam mujh par tho rehem kee jiye." Asad pleaded.
"Mr. Khan, now the next nine months belong to your wife. Aapki bhalai isi mein hai ki aap Zoya ki har farmaish poori kariye. A happy and healthy mother makes a happy and healthy baby."
"Thank you doctor," Zoya flashed a big smile, "that means I can eat or do whatever I want?"
"Yeh maine nahin kaha. You can't be careless about nutrition."
"Good!" Asad gloated, "doctor she basically survives on a staple diet of pizza, chips and coke!"
"Really?" the doctor was surprised, "you are in pretty good shape despite a diet like that."
"Doctor, bol bol kar saari calories burn kar leti hain yeh." Asad snarled, "and don't go by her looks. I am sure all her internal organs are reeking with poor health."
"Well Mr. Khan, age is on her side. Don't worry, most women start eating healthy once they get pregnant."
"Doctor, please samjhaiye inhein. She can be very stubborn."
Zoya tried to put her word forward but Dr. Pathak and Asad never gave her a chance.
"Well Zoya, I agree with your husband. Looks like he takes good care of his health. Just follow his instructions. Lots of protein, fruits and vegetables dear."
"Vegetables?" Zoya made a disgusting face, "doctor I hate anything that is green or yellow."
"Apne bachon ke liye tho log badhi badhi qurbaani de dete hain Mrs. Khan. I am sure a little green will go a long way." The doctor handed a prescription to Asad, "here Mr. Khan, "these are some vitamins and instructions I have written. Start these prenatal vitamins right away. I will see you both back in a month or so."
"Thanks doctor." Asad stood up and shook her hand.
He offered a hand to Zoya but she was too incensed to accept his offer.
After Zoya thanked the doctor, she stormed out of the doctor's office all alone. As Asad leapt towards the door, Dr Pathak stopped him, "take good care of her Mr. Khan. She is precious and so is your child."
"Jee," he nodded, smiling, "yes she is precious----I will make sure she has an effortless nine month journey."
"You are a good man Mr. Khan."
"Thanks."
"You are welcome---and yes, mood swings will get worse."
"Worse than this?" Asad pointed at the ajar door.
"This is just the beginning. Good luck Mr. Khan!"
"Thanks for the warning."
BACK AT THE KHAN VILLA
Asad and Zoya walked in, hand in hand, excited and nervous after the doctor's visit. While Asad had managed to calm her down in the car, they were not sure how to reveal the big news to Dilshaad.
"I think we should wait." He declared as they stepped in.
"Kab tak Mr. Khan?"
"Maybe a few weeks. They say one should not reveal till 12 weeks. Maybe it's an old wives tale or maybe because most miscarriages happen before 12 weeks. Main nahin chaahta ammi ko kisi bhi tarah ka koi aur gham pahunche. She has suffered a lot recently (referring to their stay at the SM) and I don't want to give her false hopes."
"Mr. Khan," Zoya rolled her eyes, "aap itna negative kyun soch rahe hain? Aisa kuch bhi nahin hoga. Main ammi ko aaj hi bataa doongi."
"Nahin Zoya!" He tightened his grip on her hand, "trust me on this one."
"Aur aapko lagta hai unhein kuch shaq nahin hoga?" She asked.
"Unhein shaq sirf tab hoga agar aap apna mooh bandh nahin rakehngi."
"Shaq? Kaisa shaq? Mujh se kya chupa rahe ho tum dono?" A suspicious Dilshaad walked out of the kitchen and confronted them at the door.
"Wo-wo-ammi," Asad's face fell, "kuch nahin"wo"bas aise hi."
"Ammi---wo aapki birthday aane waali hai na," Zoya stuttered, "usi silsilay mein hum baat kar rahe the."
Asad gave her an incredulous look. Dilshaad's birthday was at least three months away.
"Mera birthday? Achcha?" Dilshad folded her arms and smirked, "ab tak Asad mujh se koi baat chupa nahin paata tha, lekin Zoya ab tumhare jhooth bhi pakad leti hoon main."
"Oh---sorry ammi," Zoya bit her lip and lowered her eyes.
Asad let go of Zoya's hand and headed towards the bedroom.
"ASAD!" Dilshaad stopped him, "Dr. Rama Pathak ke office se abhi abhi phone aaya tha. Looks like you left your wallet there."
"Jee---wo---main---haan check up ke liye gaya tha main doctor ke yahan," Asad cringed, turning around.
"Gynecologist ke paas check up?" Dilshaad chuckled.
"Wo-wo"wo," he glanced at Zoya with pleading eyes.
"Ammi----wo---actually Dr. Pathak ke nursing home mein aur doctors bhi hain na---Mr. Khan ke gale mein dard ho raha tha."
Feigning anger, Dilshaad pulled both of them to the side with her fingers on their earlobes, "Rama meri school class friend hai. We have been best friends forever. Even though she honored her doctor patient confidentiality, the moment she called to tell me that you were both there this morning, mujhey pata chal gaya tum log kya chupa rahe ho mujh se. Ab kaho sorry apni ammi se!"
"SORRY! SORRY" They apologized simultaneously with a sorrowful expression.
Dilshaad placed her arms around both and pulled them both into a hug. Kissing their foreheads, she smiled tearfully, "bewkoof bachche. Itni badhi khush khabri kya apni ammi se chupaate hain? You both have made me so happy today. Allah kare tum dono ki Jodi hamesha salaamat rahe. Mujhey yakeen nahin ho raha ki main dadi ban ne waali hoon. I am the happiest mother in the world today."
Zoya blushed as Asad lowered his eyes bashfully, "ammi---we just wanted to wait for the right time."
"Bachche Allah ki sab se badi nemat hote hain Asad." She caressed his face, "aur main jaanti hoon Allah ne tum dono se jo bachpan cheena tha, usey sood samet waapas dega. Tumhara bachcha bahut khush naseeb hoga. I know you both will be the best parents in this world. Aur Zoya," Dilshaad caressed her daughter in law's face, "main jaanti hoon tum se achchi koi aur maa nahin ho sakti hai is duniya mein."
"Wrong!" Zoya hugged Dilshaad, "aapse zyaada nahin. I will always be second best."
"I second that." Asad held both the women in a warm embrace.
"Ab chalo, Zoya ke liye main tayyari karti hoon." Dilshaad pulled back and made a mental list, "badaam-----adrak-----munnakka-----palak----uffo----bahut lambi list banani hai mujhey. Chalo main chali bazaar."
"Ammi, yeh sab kis liye?" Zoya asked, "I don't like all those things."
"CHUP! NO ARGUMENTS THERE!" Dilshaad glared, "aaj se jo main kahoongi tum wo hi khaaogi. Aakhir mera pota ya poti ki health ka sawaal hai."
"Aur mera?" Zoya protested.
"Tum bahu ho! Bahu jaise raho. Main saas hoon---meri koi baat taal nahin sakti"samjhi?" Dilshaad admonished her playfully.
"YA ALLAH!" Zoya cried. Asad cleared his throat and raised his chin triumphantly, "shauhar ki baat beshaq na maaniyega, lekin saas ki baat aap kaise taalengi Mrs Khan?"
"Paalak?" Zoya was repulsed, "aap dono mujhey bilkul change kar denge."
Asad pulled her into his arms and placed his palm on her tummy, "not us-----but this little one."
Zoya lowered her chin, glancing at his hand on her tummy. Something about his hand on their tiny baby inside her womb gave her goose bumps; a warm and fuzzy feeling throughout her body. An unbreakable connection, a lifelong bond, a link between the three of them had been established. The three of them were as if a unit now. Years ago, did her ammi, Zainab also feel the same after she was conceived? She placed her hand on Asad's and then gazed into his eyes, "promise me Mr. Khan, yeh hum teeno ke beech jo ek naya rishta ban gaya hai, hamesha aise hi rahega na? Aapka saaya humse kabhie door tho nahin hoga na?"
Stunned by her question, he sensed fear in her eyes- a fear of abandonment, of losing that rock solid support in life- a loss she had incurred twice as much as he had in his childhood. It was but natural for her to have that subconscious fear in her mind.
"Zoya---agar door hi jaana hota tho itne paas kyun aata?"
She smiled tearfully, "aren't you glad you were a little careless that night?"
"Maybe it's good to be careless at times." He smiled back
"Ab pyaar kiya hai tho uske kuch tho side effects honge hi Mr. Khan." She hid her face in his chest.
"Yeh side effects mujhey qubool hain!" He wrapped his arms around her, silently thanking the almighty for blessing them with the best news of their lives.
"Mujhey bhi..."
...to be contd...Part 2- Pregnancy Ke Side Effects
I will try to post the part within a day or two.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Anupamaa
