Thread #2 Asya FF: ||Married To Darkness || Link to next thread PG-1 - Page 24

Originally posted by: -Vaishnavi-

ur FF has hooked me up since starting 👏

please do update soon😳

Juz saw ur note...! nd trust me indian education truly sucks... even i juz passed boards... will be eagerly w8in fr updates... nd hope ur entrance exams go well...!

Originally posted by: A.Kh_20

❤️

👏

Originally posted by: McdreamyKSG

Hey I am sorry for not updating...I will most probably update today in the evening...I was kind of sick in the last 2 days...sorry :( Will post the chapter today😊

Do read<3

UPDATE SOON 😊

UPDATE SOON 😊

UPDATE SOON 😊

UPDATE SOON 😊

Hey Guys! Finally I am here with an update😃 Thanks a lot for your wishes...Two of my entrances are over now and today I took a break time and completed the chapter! Phew! Also thanks a lottt for leaving your wonderful comments...I am really sorry that I have not been replying to anybody personally...So sorry...but I read and appreciate them all, thanks! Keep the love coming!

Married To Darkness

CH-11

Zoya's Diary

Dear Diary,

I remember Jiju always teaching me that the one, who stands tall in spite of his problems, is the real winner of the game called life. I think that was my life's biggest lesson. He taught me to be strong, to always have hope, and to never give up.

As you know, life as Mrs. Zoya Khan so far has been tricky. There were times when I Got so caught up in my problems that I almost decided to quit. But a feeble voice inside my head kept repeating, "Never give up Zoya"

And that's exactly what I did. I held on to the last shred of hope, the very end of my faith and believed in the tiniest bit of possibility that miracles do happen.

Whenever I think about miracles', that eventful night comes back to me. And now I am smiling (very typical of me these days).

I can still see us clearly, a week ago in time, when Mr. Khan and I reached a mutual understanding that both of us will be respectful towards each other and the relationship we happen to share. And you know what the best thing is?

It is the fact that, since that night to this very day, Mr. Khan has kept his promise.

He has been quiet mature about it and I can note the changes he is bringing to his personality. Like for instance, I am now greeted by a warm good-morning' every day instead of his usual cold and unwelcoming stares. And yes...he does cook! Every NIGHT!

And I still can't believe it.

But he does and every single time my body decides to do crazy things and I end up looking like a fool in front of Mr. Khan. Whenever we accidently get close, closer than we ought to be, my face goes tomato red. I am not even kidding, every time; I can feel blood rushing to my cheeks and not to mention my heart, which conveniently does summersaults in my chest. What is happening to me?

Okay I admit. I have this slightest bit of infatuation developing...but mind you its just that, nothing more. The only thing that I can't understand is why?

Am I not supposed to hate him? Am I not supposed to be as far from him as possible and only focus on my goal? But No. That is exactly what is NOT Happening.

It's true that the equation between us has changed phenomenally in the last few days but we are still far away from being what you can call Up Close and personal'. Surely we have started exchanging pleasantries and I am getting to see this new side of him but that doesn't mean that he is ready to pour his heart out to me just yet. And that is what's bugging me right now apart from the irritating feelings sprouting inside me for this crazy husband of mine!

Days are passing so fast and still I am nowhere remotely near the truth. My knowledge of Asad's past is as empty as it was before. I haven't come across a single clue that could lead me to some clarity. And I am obviously not in a position to be outright frank with Mr. Khan either. So that leaves only my ever-clueless brain, still battling over a possible move.

The thing is that nothing makes sense. Nothing at all.

Why? I mean why would Asad blame himself for Najma's death? And why would Dilshad ammi too? What could have possibly happened? No legible scenarios come to my mind, it is just so utterly bewildering.

But I have decided that it is high time and I have to make a move. And even though Mr. Khan is being normal, he isn't exactly cheery or happy. And I want to see him happy. I want to see him smile for once, exactly the way I had imagined. Obviously not in a similar situation (Duh!) but yeah, I would like to see some life and joy in his existence.

Apart from that, life has been jolly good in the past week. I have effortlessly gelled amongst my colleagues at work and enjoying myself thoroughly. That reminds me that today my first ever solo article under Random Ramblings by Zoya Farooqui' is going to come out! I am so pumped up for that...let's hope for the best!

It is exactly seven'o clock in the morning and I have been writing for the past half an hour. I woke up early today, surprisingly, but it could also be because I have the whole day to myself. It's Monday but I have taken a one-day leave to sort myself out a bit. Also I need to go to the grocery as well. So its going to be entirely a Zoya day for me...Oh wait...what's that sound?

Eeep! I think its Mr. Khan at the door! How long has he been there???

-----------------------------------------------

"Good Morning Zoya...I had been knocking for quiet a while, you weren't opening the door. Is something wrong?"

See. That's what I am saying. Look how polite Mr. Monster has become.

"Not to worry Mr. Khan...I had my earphones on so couldn't hear you" Zoya said flashing her hot pink earphones before him. He seemed quiet bemused. But it was only a little later when she realized that the thing that caught his attention was in fact what she was wearing. And he was making it quiet obvious that her choice of clothes wasn't going down well with him exactly. He probably thought that it was too...kiddish.

So what? So what that I being a 25 year old grown up still prefers to sleep in smiley-face pajamas and a Winnie The Pooh' T-Shirt that says Kiss Me'?! Anybody got a problem?

"Err...Zoya...woh actually I have something important to inform you about. Are you free right now?" He said uncomfortably as he rolled up his eyes from the disturbing' sight of her apparel.

"Oh yes yes Mr. Khan, I am completely free. Come in" said Zoya as she led him inside the room.

"So tell me..." She adjusted herself on the bed, with a pillow on her lap as Asad made his way to sit just in front of her.

"Zoya, the thing is, my Mamu and Mumani are coming to Bhopal from London and like every year they are going to be staying here. And even though we are not related by blood, ammi and I, we've always been very close to them. Every year they come to India to visit their charity organizations and health care centers in Bhopal. They were to come before actually...you know...when ammi... died" his voice cracked as he spoke the last bit, "but couldn't come due to some unavoidable reasons. I Just talked to them yesterday night and they will be arriving today itself and will be staying till the next day..."

"That's absolutely all right Mr. Khan. In fact I have a day off from work today and I will make sure to set up the house perfectly. Don't worry..."

"Thanks Zoya, but that's not the problem. They are aware that you...I mean...we are married and you are my wife so...ermm...I don't know how to put it..."

Zoya looked at his nervous face. Ya, that's right. Mr. Always Akdu Ahmed Khan looked nervous!

"Don't hesitate Mr. Khan what is it?"

"Zoya I think for the time being, you will have to shift to my room.", he said out in one single breath, carefully noticing Zoya's expressions change.

WHAT?????

Oh. Okay. Now I get it. He is my husband and I am his wife, so technically we should be sharing a room.

OH DEAR LORD.

"Err...Mr. Khan...that's fine, I mean yes, I will move to your room. Otherwise they might get the wrong idea. Okay...ermm...I am perfectly fine with it!" but that's not how she appeared to Asad who by now had realized that Zoya was clearly petrified by the very notion.

"I know it's not a very comfortable situation for either of us but there is nothing else we can do about it. I apologize for this Zoya...it's just a matter one day...they will leave by evening tomorrow...so I hope you understand"

How can she not fall for that?

It was him, Mr. Akdu Ahmed khan using apologize' and understand' in the same sentence. Coupled with a ridiculously cute face, unintentionally sexy voice and those oh- so- deep dark brown eyes! All of which, Zoya obviously did not consider while making her decision. (Whom are we kidding really?)

"You don't need to apologize Mr. Khan. I am perfectly capable of handling everything maturely. Don't worry at all!" she passed him a big broad smile, "So, should I move today, all bag and baggage?"

Oh shoot Zoya. You sounded a little bit over excited there.

"No, No Zoya, I don't think you need to shift everything. Just a couple of items you would require for a days, that's all"

"That's what I meant. I would arrange everything by afternoon", she said meekly, mentally kicking her-self for getting carried away in front of him.

"You can take your time, anyways they will reach by seven in the evening. I will also try to be early today so that I can help you with the cooking.

That decided, I think I should leave for office now, I have an early meeting", he stood up to leave but turned around the other second, "Have a good day Zoya"

And as you must have guessed by now, she flushed to a lighter shade of crimson and flashed her gorgeous smile towards him, "You too Mr. Khan!"

---------------------------------------------

Zoya's Diary Continued...

List of things I do not, I repeat, I DO NOT Have to do while I stay with Mr. Khan in his room:

(1) I do not have to blush and look like a tomato when he accidently comes near to me. Even if I just can't help it. I will have to try.

(2) I do not have to always keep talking like a blabbermouth and have to control my verbal vomit'.

(3) I do not have to check him out like a CREEP!

(4) I do not have to escape into my fantasyland every now and then and stay focused.

(5) Most Importantly, I do not have to waste time and look for clues that could help me while I am there.

***

-----------------------------------------------------

"Sir, may I come in?"

"Yes, Prasad." Asad was in his cabin, busy analyzing last week's product reports, when Prasad knocked at his door.

"Sir, here is the newspaper advertisement we gave in Sunrise Daily's supplementary issue, the one you asked for" He said, extending the newspaper towards Asad, "The advertisers have done a good job I must say, the ad looks very appropriate for the mall project"

"Leave it here Prasad, I will see it in a moment. And Thanks."

Prasad was amused to see his boss respond to him in a humble manner. He, in fact the whole office was never used to this new and polite Asad Ahmed Khan. And since the past week, it has been the only topic of the office gossip session. All of the staff were pondering over the possible reasons that could have softened the devil.

Once Asad was done with the file work he took the newspaper, Prasad has left on the table and took a quick look at the advert. Indeed, the job has been done perfectly, he agreed after looking at it. It was exactly how he wanted his biggest project, a high-end mall in Bhopal City, to come in the public eye.

But that wasn't the only thing that caught his attention. Adjacent to his company's endorsement, was a column titled, Random Ramblings by Zoya Farooqui'.

He checked the name of the newspaper again. It was the same publication Zoya worked for. Curiosity took the better of him and he decided to give it a read.

xxx

Random Ramblings by Zoya Farooqui.

Life's greatest joy is often captured in a moment. A moment of love, of faith, of happiness, of pain. Most of us are waiting for that one moment to occur. For it to change the way we look at life and decide to live it. It has the power to uplift our spirits or simply make us smile. But in most cases, isn't it just a smile that makes your day?

Find happiness in the right place. Where god has hidden it for you, in a small pocket full of sunshine, and you will find yourself smiling on a cloudy day.

You feel happy when someone gives you a rose, when you make a friend, when your husband cooks for you, when someone understands. When someone keeps his promise and gives you hope. Then that's your moment.

Don't just let it go away. Live it while you can.

And most importantly hold on to the person you shared your 'moment' with. Because no matter what, if someday you fall short of happiness, then he will give you the reason to smile. And together you will make 'moments' into 'memories' that'll last forever.

So here's to that person you shared it with. Who sat besides you and told you that he'll be there and he understands. That he would give you time and will keep his promises. Here's to that moment' when your heart skipped a beat and you found yourself falling in love.

Are there any moments that added a spark to your life? Or made you go weak in the knees? Do write in to me,

P.O. Box no. 321231

Email me: Zoyarambles@sunrisedaily.co.in

xxx

Asad looked up at the ceiling as he tried to see the meaning behind Zoya's words. Of course he didn't miss the references she had made to their life. He was sure now that his every gesture highly affected Zoya. It didn't feel wrong but it was. It definitely was. Is she falling for him?

He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let her into his dark life.

I have to talk to Zoya.

-------------------------------------------------

Allah Miyan! Mr. Khan is such a clean freak! How does he keep his room like THIS?

Zoya entered Asad's room with her bag full of necessities and glanced across the space to find it absolutely ordered and clean. She was quiet amused to see that in spite of all his twisted ways, Asad still managed an organized lifestyle whereas she herself was starkly opposite to that.

She kept her bag on the Bed and sat at the corner of the settee near the wall to decide over the possible things she could do while she was there. Keeping aside the awkwardness in the whole concept of them sharing a room, she couldn't deny the fact that it was the closest she could get to her mission now. And this was probably the best way to know Asad and, if luck would favor, also discover the cause of his misery.

She was really hoping to find something substantial in the coming days she would stay with him and was in a way happy that things were finally falling in to place. Not everything seemed entirely impossible' now, thankfully.

After spending a good fifteen minutes analyzing the welcome opportunity that has come her way, she got back to what she had actually got to do at the moment. And that was shifting her stuff and finishing the arrangements before the guests arrived. She had already wasted the entire morning at the supermarket and roughly had about four hours in hand to do all the pending work.

She walked over to the closet area and suddenly realized that it's gonna be way awkward than she had perpetuated. She opened the sliding doors as she brought her clothing items to be hung over the rail but all this while the feeling of being an outsider was nudging her constantly. Although she had not discussed this with Asad in great detail but it was pretty obvious that if they would share a room, all of Zoya's things would go where Asad kept his, right?

Despite of the discomfort, she had to go ahead with it, as she had no other option. On second thoughts, she also reprimanded herself for being this reluctant because if she continued feeling uneasy, she would never be able to succeed in what she had set for. For knowing Asad and understanding him, she would regrettably have to play the role of an intruder for a while.

As she was shifting through the rack of clothes, something fell down and she bent over to pick it up in her hands to find that it was actually a card.

Her heart thudded inside her chest as she opened the beautiful handmade piece of paper in her hand.

There was a photograph attached in the front with the caption, Happy Bestest Bhaijan Day!'. There was Dilshad and Asad sitting in the lawn with a cute young girl in between them. She was the same person Zoya had seen another photograph of the day when she arrived but now she was sure that the girl was in fact, Najma.

Her eyes filled up as she looked at it, at a family that no longer is together. She found it extremely difficult to believe that a young girl likeNajma, who was smiling joyfully in the photograph, could end her life. It was tragic.

It took a lot of determination for Zoya to read the letter but alas, she just had to.

xxx

Dear Bhaijan, Date: 21/March/2007

Before you tell me that there is nothing called Bestest Bhaijan Day' and the word bestest does not exist in the English dictionary, like you do every year, I would like to tell you once and for all that it does! It does for me! And you keep telling me that I am your world so technically Bestest Bhaijan Day' is a real thing!

Anyways, wishing you a very HAPPY BESTEST BHAIJAAN DAY! I will always remember you taking me to The Lake View- Park and swinging me for the whole day! You are such a sweetie sometimes! No, not sometimes, you are a sweetie always. And I know that this year we won't be able to go to the park because I am at the college camp, but not to worry, this is the last time I am away. Promise. For every other year I am going to be right besides you, to trouble my favorite and only brother.

Also I didn't know what to gift you this year. So I am giving you the photograph we clicked last Sunday. It's because you are always like, "Najma, you and Ammi are the only and the best gifts in the world for me." Gah! Bhaijaan, you seriously need to want something in life! And you need to smile more often. I mean look at the picture; you aren't smiling there too! Honestly, it's not that hard. On top of that you have a beautiful smile. Remember my High-School best friend Maha who was so head over heels for your smile! Silly she was!

Bye for now Bhaijaan. I will be back soon. And stop worrying about me even if boys are here on the camp too. They are humans for god sakes! You fret too much. And if you are wondering, yes I have told everyone that if something happens to me, "My Bhaijaan will come and beat you black and blue!" Happy?

Loads of Love.

Your fabulous sister, Najma.

xxx

By now Zoya was crying, not just crying but was almost on the verge of loosing her sanity again and wanted to rush and take Asad in the warmth of her embrace. She felt sad for him, very very sad. It just broke her heart to know that something so special was snatched from him and so cruelly.

It now made sense why Asad was at the park that night. It was his special day. Something that he celebrated in the past but now has become an aching memory reminding him of a bond that exists no more.

Zoya kept back the card carefully and wiped her tears, the only thing she couldn't wipe out however was the pain she was feeling for Asad in her heart. It was as if she could experience his battle internally, and that wasn't a pleasant feeling.

Another way to look at this, it could be said that the new revelation made her stronger and even more determined to help Asad emerge victorious in this war.

The shrill ringing of her cell phone brought her out of her thoughts and she picked it up to receive the call. It was her Aapi.

"Kya baat hai Zoya? Aaj kal tho tumhe apne Aapi aur Jiju ki yaad nahin ati hai! Bhopal has really charmed you, hasn't it", Zeenat spoke in her usual chirpy and playful voice. It had been a very long time since they had last talked and hence she called Zoya to catch up.

"Aisa kuch nahin hai Api. Its just that, everything has been so new here, I got so engaged, I am so sorry...You have no idea how much I miss you both!" Zoya tried her best to mask the sadness as she spoke, she did not want to worry her Aapi unnecessarily.

"Accha chal jhoot mat bol Zoya, I know how much you miss me!" she said teasingly, "And I also know that these days a certain Mr. Khan is the only person you think about! Tell me if I am not right, haan?!"

"Aapi..."Zoya whined annoyingly in the phone.

"Okay baba, don't get angry, I was just kidding. Anyways, How is my gorgeous little girl? And why do you sound so low? Something's wrong?"

Zoya knew that Aapi wouldn't miss what she was trying to hide away but she still had to maintain her secrecy so she lied to her instead. "It's nothing Aapi, I am feeling a bit feverish since morning but I have taken the medicines...I'll be fine! And everything's going great here. How are you and where is Jiju?"

"We are both well Zoya, we just miss you a lot. Your Jiju has gone to Connecticut for work and here I am alone! I miss you baby girl!"

"Aww Aapi, I miss you too! I so wish that you were here."

"So do I Zoya. Accha, ek baat yaad ayi...yesterday Muskaan came over. You won't believe how angry she was! Oh God! Usne tho pura sar ghar par utha liya tha. Only a week before she got to know that you had gotten married as she was in Boston all this time and Boy! She was furious! And by the way Zoya, I thought you had talked with her. She was so shocked that her best friend didn't call her in so many days. Maine use bahut samjhaya ki halat hi kuch aise the ki sab jaldi hogaya magar who phir bhi bahut naraz thi ki shaadi ke itne dino baad bhi tune use baat nahin ki"

Oh Shoot. I had Totally forgotten about Muskaan.

"Oh My god Aapi! I totally forgot! And I understand that she must be very angry, I will call her. In fact I will call her tonight only, mooh phula ke baithi hogi Muski!"

"Yes you talk to her. Accha main phone rakhti hoon, someone's at the door. Khuda Hafis Zoya and Take care. Call karti rehna..."

"Bye Api"

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mr. Khan is this fine? "

Zoya showed Asad her plate full of chopped vegetables while Asad finished with his Biryani after a good one hour of cooking.

Asad had reached home around six and for the last hour and half, he was in the kitchen with Zoya, preparing dinner for the guests. For the first time in the last week, he was feeling highly uncomfortable around her presence. Mostly because, the article she wrote kind of stuck with him and he had no idea what to make out of it. He wasn't at all agreeable over the possibility of Zoya developing any kind of feelings towards him. That could complicate things and is the last thing he would wish for.

"Y..Yes Zoya..It's all right", he said not even lifting his face to look at her, "Can you set the table please...Mamu and Mumani will be arriving any minute." There was something odd about his tone, Zoya noticed. The uneasiness in his form was quiet visible but she couldn't figure out the reason behind this sudden anomaly.

This is not how she had pictured the evening to go. Why is he behaving so awkwardly? She just wanted to be around him but for the last couple of hours he kept sending her away to finish some stupid errand or fetch something entirely unimportant. Is it because the room thing? Is he not happy that I moved my things there? Zoya was just confused. All afternoon she was hoping that she could talk to him, not about the letter of course, but just get to know him a little bit more. Hoping that he would share but strangely he was shutting her out completely. Zoya had not yet overcome the despair she had faced in the morning and psychologically she would have felt better being near to him. But he wasn't allowing her too. Allah Miyan, I hope there is nothing to worry about.

Nonetheless she occupied herself in the dining area while Asad worked in the kitchen. The air around them was silent again.

A moment later the doorbell rang and both Asad and Zoya approached the door.

"Salaam Wailaikum Asad Beta"

"Walaikum Assalam ", Asad greeted his Mamu and Mumani and led them inside the house.

"So you are Asad's wife..." Mumani walked closer to Zoya and blessed her heartily, "I am Noreen, Asad's Mumani..."

"Ji Salaam, I hope you had a pleasant flight." Zoya mentioned politely.

"Haan Bete, the journey was comfortable. Accha Idhar Aao", Noreen extended Zoya's hand towards her and slipped in an exquisite bangle in her wrist. "This is for you Zoya. Last year, Dilshad gave this to me. She asked me to keep it until Asad brings his wife home. Unhe pata tha ki who is waqt shayad maujud nahin rahengi..."

Zoya looked at Asad who was looking pained at the mention of his mother's name and so she decided to divert the conversation.

"Shukriya, I am really grateful. Both of you must have had an arduous travel...I think it would be the best that you freshen up for now...Also, the dinner is ready." Zoya guided them to the guest room and Asad took their luggage inside.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Asad beta, please forgive us." Mamu spoke up at the dining table where all of them were sitting for dinner. "Beta, I Know that we should have come before. I regret that I couldn't. We didn't even have the chance to meet Dilshaad Aapa for the last time. I can't tell you how deeply saddened we are "

Zoya didn't like where the conversation was going. She didn't want Asad to be always reminded of what he had lost. But before she could say anything, Asad responded briefly, " I know Mamu, There is nothing to feel sorry for, Jo hona tha woh ho gaya...And I understand that you couldn't come"

"Still Asad..." but before Mamu could continue, Noreen stopped him as she got the cue, "Leave it Khalid, our son understands. And anyways, it's better that we don't talk about the past now. All it does is bring pain along with it, Let's see the present. And I think everything will be fine now that Zoya has come into Asad's life. I mean look at them, they seem so happy "

"You are right Noreen, Allah has blessed our child", Khalid agreed.

"The food is delicious and especially the Biryani, Mashallah! Zoya, you made this?", Noreen asked with a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Zoya was in a fix. She hadn't done anything except chopped silly vegetables but if she confessed it to them, she would appear like a perfect dominating' and airhead' wife.

"Yes Mumani, Zoya made It.", Asad answered for Zoya making her stomach flip inside her body. Did Asad just save her from humiliation?

Zoya smiled at Asad and thanked Mumani, "It's a special recipe I was taught in cooking school. I was the best student there!" And there goes Drama Queen Zoya, typically over exaggerating a perfect lie.

Asad rolled his eyes upon hearing this. Cooking School? The only school she had gone to is the 2-minutes Maggi School!

" I am impressed. Accha tho is this Cooking School' in the Khan Villa?", Noreen asked, giggling softly.

"Matlab?" Zoya asked.

"Matlab, I know you haven't made this my darling. I have been eating Asad's Biryani for years now...I think I know the taste! But your husband here wanted you to get the credit, so be it...", Mumani laughed heartily.

Zoya was red with embarrassment. She wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole! Cooking School???? Aur bolo jhoot Zoya...And it's all Mr. Khan's fault anyways, who asked him to lie??? Arghhh...

"This is the first lesson you learn Asad...good good...", Mamu butted in playfully, "You should always let your wife take the credit. If they are happy, trust me, world's a better place to live in!"

Asad was embarrassed at himself for putting them in a spot like this. God knows why he did what he did. Obviously Mumani knew how he made his special Biryani.

After another hour of chitchat, they all decided to call it a night. Mamu and Mumani got back to rest and Asad and Zoya proceeded to their' room.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"Mr. Khan what was that??" Zoya shut the door behind as she entered Asad's room after him.

"What was what?"

"Don't try to be innocent!"

"I didn't do anything. Mumani asked you about the Biryani, I thought it would be embarrassing for you if you refused so I helped you."

"You helped me? That is help' in an alternative universe. On planet earth, this is called mocking' someone's cooking disability!"

Cooking disability? That's the best you could come up with Zoya? Really?

By now Asad had sat on the settee, opened his laptop but Zoya was leaning against the door, still trying to prove her point.

"Anyways, it's not me who said, I was taught this in cooking school' " Asad quoted her words.

"Mr. Khan..."

"Zoya, let's leave it at that", he said finally, "Forget it now"

Zoya huffed furiously and sat on the bed, not happy with the abrupt end to her raging argument.

Silence filled the air afterwards for them to realize where they were. They were in the same room, together. And it was A. W. K .W. A. R .D.

"Mr. Khan..." Zoya spoke softly.

"Yes?"

"a..a...this bangle...I mean...I will leave it here okay" she said taking it out from her wrist.

"No...don't do that, Mumani will notice it tomorrow. "

"Okay then, I will take it out only when I leave from here" she said absentmindedly.

"So you will leave?"

"Haan?"

"That means you have decided that you will leave one day" Asad started testing her to know what she feels about him. This was the only way he could clear is confusion.

"And that day is not coming soon, so relax!" she said laughing.

"At least it is coming someday," he mumbled while typing into his laptop.

She was hurt to hear that, "Mr. Khan, Kya main itni buri hoon?" she asked earnestly.

He turned to look at her, her eyes brimming up with unshed tears, "I did not mean that Zoya."

"So you mean you like me?" she asked, her doe-like eyes popping out cutely.

"No I don't. You are strange." This was kind of true considering that she did appear half crazy to him.

"Not even as a friend?"

"I don't have friends."

"You can if you want to...I can be your friend"

"It's quiet late Zoya, I think you should sleep. I will work here on my laptop"

She knew that prodding him further wouldn't be the best thing to do so she left it at that and instead asked the question that has been bugging her for a while, "Where should I sleep Mr. Khan?"

"On the Bed"

"And you?"

"Well...", he hadn't given this a thought, "Ermm...you sleep on the bed...I will lay down here on the couch."

"That's not required Mr. Khan. And we both have to go to work tomorrow, we should get good sleep. You can sleep here with me on the bed."

"No, I mean, it's okay here on the couch. You sleep comfortably on the bed"

"Arrey! Maine kaha naa....you can sleep here!" she almost shouted.

"But won't that be uncomfortable for you?"

"Oh C'mon Mr. Khan! This is not some Bollywood movie and I am no filmy heroine. We are sleeping' on the same bed for god's sakes! Only sleeping!'

"All...right...I mean...okay...Anyways I will work for sometime, you go ahead" he shook her head in disbelief. This girl is so stubborn!

"I also have work...I have to Skype my best friend Muskaan. We haven't talked in ages, you won't mind do you? I will talk softly"

"That's okay," he said finally ending their long and meaningless talk. He has come to realize that conversations with Zoya can be a lot tricky at times.

Zoya logged in to Skype on her laptop, wore her earphones and called Muski. She knew that Muskaan being the pigheaded girl she is wouldn't take her call. After numerous tries Muskaan finally decided to pick up.

Zoya's eyes filled up as she saw Muskaan's face on the screen. It had really been months! She was so beyond ecstatic to talk to her best friend that she was almost jumping out of joy. Asad, whose eyes were frequently darting back to her, wasn't surprised when he saw her launching into hysterical antics. He also noted her smile. More than that actually, he found it to be breathtaking. So much so that it became exceedingly difficult for him to take his eyes off her childlike innocent face. It took him back to their mall trip. And yes, he was enamored. Once again.

"Hi! Muski" Zoya tried to control her outburst but she was failing miserably, "Oh My god it is so so so good to see you!"

"But it's not good to see you at all" Muskaan pouted in a pretend-hate tone.

"Aww don't say that Muski -Fuski, I know that you are happy too! I missed you so much"

"It doesn't look like that Zoe! You know that you are contacting me after almost two months, don't you?"

"I know Muski, I am sorry. Aapi told you right? Life has been such a roller coaster ride for me, I got caught up."

"You don't forget your friends during your hard times. You don't forget to call or message your friend in two freaking months! And you don't forget to tell your friends that you got MARRIED! Especially the one friend who was supposed to be your bridesmaid since forever, it was decided, since KINDERGARDEN!" Zoya had guessed it right, Muskan was really very angry.

"I am sorry Muskaan. I had no idea that I would get married when I came here. I really had no clue. It was so sudden for me too...you know me...you can understand." Zoya had tears in her eyes. She didn't like doing this one bit. She hated to fight with Muskaan.

Zoya's moist eyes calmed Muskaan down a bit, "Okay fine, now stop crying. I get it how strange it must have been for you but you should at least have informed me. Anyways, let bygones be bygones and be friends again? And for the love of god stop calling me Fuski! It irks me!!"

Zoya smiled happily, "Okay Fuski, I will never call you that. And thanks for understanding me, you have no idea how dramatic my life has become!"

"So what? You love drama Zoya Farooqui! Oops Sorry, Zoya Khan!" Muskaan giggled childishly, "So tell me Drama Queen is he just like your Prince Charming?"

Zoya was aware that this question would pop up eventually, "He...I mean...he is nice"

"Just nice? Whatever, I want to see for myself. Call him"

"What? I can't call him!"

"Why? Isn't he there beside you wifey? Call him fast"

Zoya looked at Asad coming out of the washroom wearing a crisp white Kurta. Should I call him? If I don't then Muskaan again become upset...

"Wait up Muskaan, I'll just call him here" Zoya stood up from the bed and walked up to Asad.

"Mr. Khan, will you please do me a favor?"

"What is it Zoya?"

"Mr. Khan, my friend really wants to meet you. Please will you just come to say Hi. She is already very angry with me, please. Please" she pleaded with him desperately.

"All right."

Asad sat on the bed next to Zoya in front of the laptop. She removed her earphones from the laptop to activate the speaker so that Asad could hear as well.

Muskaan on seeing him, was really pleased. "Hi, Mr. Khan. I am Muskaan, Zoya's best friend"

"Hello Muskaan" he said curtly.

"Congratulations to both of you. You guys really make a gorgeous couple" Muskaan sighed.

Both Zoya and Asad looked at each other awkwardly.

"Thank you Muskaan. If you don't mind, I have some pending work; I will have to take your leave. It was a pleasure talking to you" he stood up to leave.

Zoya smiled at him but before she could plug the earphones back into the jack, Muskaan's loud voice blurted out in the speaker, "OH MY GOD Zoe!!! He is HOT like a teapot! Freaking beautiful you guys look together! Man, his voice and face is so like your Prince Charming! I am so happy for you Zoe, you found your Prince!"

Zoya stared at Asad's equally horror stricken face. And let's just say the air got thick from there.

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After yelling at Muskaan for letting all that out, Zoya finally decided to sleep. Asad was still working on his project on the couch.

Allah Miyan! Why was I not named, Miss. Embarrassing???? WHY? God knows what Mr. Khan must be thinking?

But I have so had enough of this! From tomorrow, my motto is, Focus Focus Focus'

No silly, stupid incidents, accidents, no blushing NOTHING! Only work.

As Zoya slept mumbling to herself, Asad watched her sleep for a while. There was just something about her. Something magnetic that he always found himself drowning in her big brown eyes. He has noticed the different energy she brought along with herself to his house. But he couldn't let himself get used to it. Or even let her.

He knew that one day of sunshine wouldn't be able stand against the life of darkness he was consumed within.

They were never meant to happen.

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I know what you guys must be thinking. This chapter added nothing to the plot and was disappointing. The thing is, I am writing after 2 months...so I was a little off key but no excuses, criticism is welcome!

Do comment and tell me how you felt about it.