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Chapter 10
*banging on the door*
"Mr. Khan! Mr. Khan! Mr. Khan will you open the door please? Are you okay? Why-"
*door opens*
"I am alright."
"Why did you lock the door? And why weren't you answering? You know I was so worried and what if-"
Asad put a hand on her mouth and pulled her to his room. Closing the door and leaning her against it, he said:
"Zoya I am okay. Will you calm down please?"
Zoya nodded. He removed his hand from her mouth.
Zoya: Allah miyaan! What's wrong with you? Why would you do that all of a sudden?
Asad pinched the bridge if his nose. Shaking his head,
"Nothing. Sorry it was my fault."
Zoya went and flopped down on his bed.
Zoya: It's okay. What were you doing anyways?
Asad: I was...changing. So I had to lock it.
Zoya: But you shouldn't do- I mean yeah...okay okay.
Asad smirked at the blush creeping up her face.
Asad: Miss Farooqui, are you okay?
Zoya: Ya...why?
Asad: There is something on your face.
Zoya got up scared.
Zoya: Really...what?
Asad: I don't know...something very red.
Zoya: Allah miyaan! Is it some insect Mr. Khan? It's your fault you know! I have been telling you for so long that you need to get a HIT spray, but-
Asad: But you got back only four days back, how-
Zoya: Don't change the topic and take it out, whatever it is! I can't feel it. Allah miyaan, we need to get a mirror put up in this room after nikah.
She mived towards his bathroom. He followed after her.
Asad: I can't do that.
She stopped in front if the bathroom door and turned to him.
Zoya: Why can't you? You will-
Asad: The red thing is gone. It's not there anymore.
Zoya: Gone? Good. Did it leave any mark?
Asad: *trying to hide his smile* No.
Zoya: I wonder what damn insect it was!
Asad burst out laughing. Zoya looked at him confused, and that only made him double up in laughter. He pulled her into a hug.
"Why are you so adorable?"
She smiled.
"Because I am Zoya Farooqui"
Asad laughed a bit more.
"Anyways Miss Zoya Farooqui, why did you come? I mean, do you need anything?"
"Yes I "need" something. Phupi is back. Go talk to her."
"Yes I know."
"Wait were you preparing for what you were gonna tell her, and hence locked the door?"
"What? No! Why would I do that? She is my Ammi."
Zoya: (pulling his cheeks and messing up his hair) Aww...you are so adorable Jahanpana!
Asad: (pushing her hands off) Don't do that again!
Zoy laughed, messed up his hair even more and ran away befire he could catch her, saying:
"Go tell her now pretty boy!"
Asad: Pretty boy...seriously? Impossible.
He arranged his hair, smiling and left to see his Ammi.
Dilshad's room:
Asad: Ammi?
Dilshad: Aao Asad...beitho. Kya baat h?
Asad: Ammi woh...woh actually...
Dilshad: Asad kya woh actually?
Asad: Woh...aa...Ammi Zoya New York jaane se pehle mujhse nikah karna chahti h.
He said all of it in one breathe and looked away, fidgeting with his hair. Dilshad stared at him and smiled.
Dilshad: (pulling his cheeks) Aww...mera beta kitna cute lag rha h!
Asad: Ammi what's wrong with you two? Don't do that!
Dilshad laughed heartily. Then she turned serious.
Dilshad: Asad did you tell her-
Asad: I told her everything Ammi, she just doesn't listen to me. And it's your fault as well. You always support her.
Dilshad: And I will support her in this as well! I will talk to Anwar & Zeenat, then we will have the nikah tomorrow.
Asad: Ammi, don't invite too many people. Just call the ones we are close to. And you can call...Abbu if you want.
Dilshad was surprised beyond measure. Asad had not called Rashid Abbu for a long time. What had Rashid told him yesterday? She had to know it. She was glad nonetheless.
Dilshad: You have to call the people Asad. Tumhara nikah h, okay? And tum jao, rest karo. Kitna saara kaam h, mere bete ka nikah h.
Asad: Ammi both of us want to keep it simple, so aap jyada tension mat lijiye.
Dilshad: Both of us, kya baat h! Mera beta bada ho gya!
Asad: Ammi please!
Dilshad: (laughing) It's so much fun teasing you Asad. Tum aaj bhi kitna sharmate ho.
Asad: I am not going to say anything. No, don't even think of that!
He turned his face away, so she couldn't pull his cheeks again.
Dishad: (hugging him close) I am so proud of you Asad. And I am so happy for you.
Asad: Ammi main-
Dilshad: Don't even think of that Asad. Jab taq tumhari Ammi jinda h, woh tunhara kuch nai hone degi.
Asad: Aisa mat boliye Ammi.
Dilshad: Maut ke munh se bi wapaas le aaungi main Asad tumhe, ye waada hai mera. Mere bete ne is se kitni badi problems ka saamna kia h, kuch nai hoga tumhe. Like I have always told you Asad, keep fighting. Do your best. Don't think of the result. Just don't give up and keep giving your best. Phir dekhna success will be all yours.
Asad buried his face in her chest and started crying like a baby.
Asad: Ammi...aaj Abbu ne kaha...*then in between sobbing, he told her everything Rashid had told him* Ammi do you think he was telling the truth? Ammi kya woh sachmein mujhse muhabatt karte hain? Unhone humain paise ke lie nai chhoda tha kya Ammi? And Zoya...Ammi Zoya...
Dilshad was shell-shocked. She stood like a statue thinking back to everything her life had been after Rashid came to her life. That love...she had believed that nobody had ever loved anyone like he loved her...then the painful betrayal...the day Najma became one year old...Everything came back to her.
"I will tell you a story Asad."
---
The next day after Najma's birthday:
Rashid had left for office already. She did the daily chores, then left for the orphanage. There, she saw a little girl lying on the entrance gate, crunched up and sleeping. The girl had severe burns all over her hands, her frock was half burnt and she was mumbling something. Dikshad bent down and heard her saying: "Mere Ammi ko bachao! Help her!" Her heart broke to see the little kid like that. Dilshad called the ambulance immediately and picked her up, carefully. In five minutes, the ambulance was there and they took her to hospital, Dilshad and the other staff of the orphanage. There she was admitted in the emergency ward, and when they asked for family signature something, Dilshad had said that she was her daughter & she paid all the fees while the treatment was done. In the meantime, she informed Rashid that she won't be able to go home that day because she had to stay with the kid. They also got a call from the gurl's family saying that they had been informed about her by an anonymous caller, and that they were on the way to get Zoya. Her name was Zoya, yes. They would be reaching there the next day. That night, Dilshad fed her and took care of her like her baby. She held her close while the girl cried out in sleep. The next morning, when Dilshad woke up she saw the girl staring at her. Dilshad smiled at her. Then the girl mumbled: "Ammi?" Dilshad's heart went out to that little one.
"Don't worry beta...Ammi is here."
The girl hugged her and cried.
In few hours, her family arrived and were shocked to see her condition. The doctor said they needed to keep her in the hospital for few more days, but the family looked scared and said they would take her and get her treated in New York. When Dilshad protested, they told her that the girl's life might be in danger here as her Ammi was nowhere to be found. Dilshad saw the fear, pain and genuine concern in her eyes and she agreed reluctantly. Meanwhile, the little girl Zoya won't let go of Dilshad and held her tight the whole time. Then the family told her that may be she though of Dilshad as her Ammi because she looked a lot like her Ammi when she smiled.
Asad came to the hospital to take Dilshad home because Rashid wanted to talk to her. He was 9 then.
Meanwhile, all the papaers were signed and Zoya was discharged from the hospital. Asad felt weird seeing the little girl holding onto his Ammi so strongly. And the bandages on her were scary. Plus she didn't let him get anywhere near his Ammi. So yes, Asad was very jealous and angry.
When the girl called Dilshad Ammi, Asad told her straight that Dikshad was his Ammi. The little girl glared at him and said:
"She is my Ammi."
Asad said in a louder voice:
"My Ammi."
Dilshad rebuked him.
"Asad stop it. Main tum dono ki Ammi hoon, okay?"
When Dilshad turned to sign some papers, Asad whispered to Zoya :
"I hate you Miss New York."
He felt a bit guilty seeing tears in her eyes, then she said in her bittermost voice:
"I hate you Akdu."
In a few minutes, Zoya was yelling and shouting at the top of her voice that she won't go anywhere without her Ammi, which she meant as Dilshad. Everyone failed trying to pacify her. Dilshad and the family had tears in their eyes. And Asad was irritated beyond measure. Then ultimately, the doctor had to inject drugs to induce sleeping in her and when the girl dozed off, the family took her. Dilshad gave them her home number and asked them to keep in touch about Zoya. Then wiping her tears, she made way home with Asad. Asad tried talking to her, but she was silent the whole way. And then, when they reached home Rashid dropped the bomb on then declaring that he was gonna marry Shireen and he wanted to take away Asad and Ayan...and you know how the story proceeds after that.
----
"Then you know we shifted to the orphanage and I got so busy picking up the broken pieces of my heart that I...I can't believe it that I forgot about her Asad! How could I be so self-centred? How-"
Asad: Ammi it wasn't your fault. You were going-
Dilshad: Nonsense. It was my fault Asad. That little girl thought of me as her Ammi and I abandoned her because I jad some problems in my life. I...I...
Asad: Ammi it was not your fault. If it is the fault of anyone, it is Gaffur Siddiqui and Razia Siddiqui. And I swear Ammi...they will pay for it. I don't know whether I will live or die, but I promise I will make them pay for everything they have done to Zoya, you and us. Please Ammi, you had nothing to do-
Dilshad: That's why I have always felt this connection with her. How could I not recall her the first tine I saw her? The same name, the same voice, the same smile, the same nightmares she had...how could I not recognise her Asad, how!!
Asad: Ammi what's gone is gone. And people often forget about things or people they rarely knew after ten years. It's a scientific fact. Aap...*he coughs violently*
Dilshad: ASAD!!
She gets him water to drink. He calms down.
Asad: I am fine Ammi. Relax.
Dilshad: You are paying for my sins. I forgot my daughter. Ya Allah give me all the punishment for my mistakes, please don't make my son suffer!
Asad: (holding her hands and choking) Ammi please listen to me! Your daughter is here now...don't lament over what's gone! Please Ammi...I beg you please don't boame yourself anymore!
Dilshad: (staring at him) They need to pay for this Asad. And they will. Don't tell her anything okay. She won't be able to take it. I am sorry if I was being...like that...I just find it hard to believe, that's it.
Asad: I get it Ammi.
Dilshad: (wiping her tears and his) Do you see the okay of fate? That little girl...that little Zoya is officially going to be my daughter. I will go talk to Anwar and Zeenat. They need to know this, and we need to start preparing as well. Meanwhile, go get ready and tell Zoya ti get ready as well. Are you feeling okay to go shop for your wedding dress?
Asad: Yes. I mean I am okay.
Dilshad: Okay then tell Zoya to get ready. Let me inform Anwar and Zeenat, then you two can go get your wedding dress. Okay?
Asad: Okay Ammi.
Dilshad: Alright then.
She placed a kiss on his forehead.
Asad: (turning at the door) Ammi you are the best person in the world.
Dilshad smiled. Asad left for Zoya's room. He entered her room without knocking. And there sat Zoya, in a sleevless kurti. She had burn marks all over her hands. it brought tears to his eyes. When she saw him, she covered herself quickly and stood up, fiddling with her fingers nervously hoping he hadn't seen her burns. She could tolerate anything but pity. Asad placed his hands on her shoulders and made her sit down. Then he kneeeled on the floor before her, and removed the shawl covering her scars. When she protested mildly, he hushed her by putting a finger on her lips. When the shawl was down, she hund her head low and helpless tears rolled down her eyes.
*Allah miyaan, why? Why me?*
Then she felt his hand softly but firmly holding her chin up. His fingers wiped her tears away, but the tears refused to stop. He continued wiping them away. Then oh-so-softly he said:
"Zoya look at me."
She couldn't dare look up. She didn't want to see his expression. She didn't want to see the pity, anger and revulsion on his face. She couldn't. She just couldn't.
"Zoya please."
The love and pain in his voice made her look at him...slowly. When she met his eyes, she saw the tears flowing down his eyes, unchecked. Her fingers automatically went up to wipe them away.
Asad held her hands and took them to rest near his heart. Then he ran his fingers on her scars.
Asad: Zoya you don't need to be ashamed of them. They are not to be ashamed of, they are marks of the battles you have fought...and won. And you are beautiful with them Zoya. Zoya I love you. I love the whole of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of, okay? You are beautiful. And I love you, scars or no scars. With the scars, I love you more...much more.
Zoya: You pity me.
Asad: Look at me. Do I look like I pity you? I am proud of you Zoya. And I love you. *he kissed her scars* You are my life, my inspiration. And I can't see tears in your eyes Princess, so stop the flood. Or else, poore ghar mein flood aa jaega abhi.
He laighed gently and she whacked him, hard. Then she hugged him.
Zoya: I love you Mr. Khan. You are my most favourite person in the whole world...after Phupi.
Asad: Ouch! I want to be the most favourite person.
Zoya: You are the second most person toh...no! Appi, Jeeju, you, Phupi, Tamatar and my Ammi and Allah Miyaan you all are my most favourite persons!!
Asad: Okay, then do your most favourite person a favour, will you?
Zoya: Jo hukum Jahanpana.
Asad: Stop calling me with those silly nam-
Zoya: You dare call those names silly?
Asad: -names and call me Asad.
Zoya: Well...it's my choice.
Asad: Actually it's my condition. For nikah. Warna main aapse nikah nai karunga.
Zoya: Oh really?
Asad: Yes really Miss New York.
Zoya: You just need some excuse to stop this nikah, don't you!
Asad: May be.
Zoya: Arghh...you are so rude! Fine. I agree. Whenever I will call you next, I won't call you with any more silly names but Asad.
Asad: What did you say just now?
Zoya: Well I don't have time to repeat it, so stop acting stupid and get out. By the way, why did you come here?
*he stared at the mirror and didn't reply* I am asking you! This man! Mr. Kh-*sighing loudly*Asad!
Asad: (smirking) Yep? Did you ask me something?
Zoya: Yes Jahanp-I mean yes I asked you why you came here.
Asad: Oh ya, Ammi asked me to tell you to get ready. We have to go pick our wedding dresses.
Zoya: Oh okay! Did she talk to Appi and Jeeju?
Asad: She must have by now. You told them, right?
*A/N : I would love to give the convo b/w Appi, Jeeju & Zoya but it would get too long. Just imagine it guys, alright?*
Zoya: Yep, they said they already knew I was gonna say that. They know me so well!
Asad: (muttering) Then I definitely need to talk to them.
Zoya: I heard that.
Asad: Okayyy.
Zoya pushed him out and shut the dorr after him
Zoya: Get out of here and get ready fast.
Asad: (laughing against the door) Yes Your Highness.
Zoya: Shut up Jahanpana.
*outside the door*
Asad: Just want to remind you that I take my contracts seriously.
Zoya: Alright alright. Now go. I have to get ready as well.
Asad: Zoya...that top looks good on you. You are coming in that, okay?
Zoya: Mr. Kh-I mean, are you sure? I mean there will be people--
Asad: I don't care. I will be ready in five minutes. You can come out now. And stop crying lady!
Zoya laughed through her tears, and then smiled.
"I love you Asad."
Asad: I heard that.
Zoya: YOU!!! What are you still doing out there?
Outside, Dilshad's voice came.
Dilshad: Asad kya kar rhe ho?
Asad: Ammi woh...
Zoya: (shouting from inside) Phupi see Mr. Khan mujhe tang karr rhe hain.
Asad: Ammi like you said, main unhe batane aaya tha to get ready.
Zoya: No Phupi he is lying. And aur to aur, mujhe stupid conditions sunake bol rhe ki agar main na manu toh mujhse nikah nai karenge. Jaise maine nikah ke lie kaha tha!
Dilshad: Asad!
Asad: Ammi jhoot bol rhi h woh.
Zoya: No Phupi...He is lying.
Dilshad: Zoya don't worry. Uske kaan khichke uska nikah karaungi. Asad jao yahaan se and bechari ko tang karna band karo.
Asad: Ammi for the last time, woh bechari nai h. Shaitan ki nani h woh!!
Zoya: Phupi!!!
Dilshad: Asad go get ready.
Asad: Yes Ammi.
----
In the car:
Zoya: How do I look Mr. Khan?
Mr. Khan!
Asad: (grudgingly) Nice.
Zoya: Mr. Khan I am really in trouble now. Will you please help me Mr. Khan?
Asad: What's wrong?
Zoya: My memory is not working very well Mr. Khan.
Asad: You seem to remember my name very well. *emphasising on name*
Zoya: Ya woh yaad h! But there are other things...ssd only sometime back, you said something about contracts na! I can't seem to recall it. Could you please tell me again? Pretty please?
Asad pinched the bridge of his nose.
*This girl is going to be the death of me.*
Asad: Remind me Miss Farooqui, why did I agree to marry you again?
Zoya: That I remember Mr. Khan. It's because you love me, and I proposed you. So Mr. Khan, you couldn't say no to Zoya Farooqui.
Asad: That happens to be my biggest mistake, isn't it?
Zoya: (hurt expression) Mr. Khan!
She became silent. After a few moments, Asad realised that she might have taken it to heart and said:
"Zoya you know that I was only joking, right?"
*No reply from her. She sat straight staring ahead. Asad stopped the car.*
"Zoya! Zoya please...I was joking alright. Zoya will you stop being a statue and say something for God's sake?"
Zoya: What's wrong with you Mr. Khan? Can't you bear to let me sit silently for some time? Arghh!
Asad: What?
Zoya: I got dared today to sit silently for as much time as I could. And thanks to you, I couldn't do it for more than a minute. Allah miyaan, kiske saath phasa dia!
She shook her head dramatically, all serious. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose and started the car again.
Zoya: (messing up his hair and pulling one cheek and laughing like crazy) Oh God you are so so adorable when you do that!
Asad: Miss Farooqui seriously you need to stop doing that. Warna I really won't marry you. Call me whatever you want, just don't do that. What's wrong with you and Ammi seriously!
Zoya: YES YES YESSS!! Mission accomplished. Yayyy!!!
Asad shook his head at her antics.
.o.O.o.
The next update will be up tomorrow, or in the evening today. I wanted to write the Nikah thingy, but these things needed to happen too. So wait a bit more, alright guys?
And I know there must be many spelling errors, I wrote this thing on my phone around 2 AM, so yeah please ignore them.
"Mr. Khan! Mr. Khan! Mr. Khan will you open the door please? Are you okay? Why-"
*door opens*
"I am alright."
"Why did you lock the door? And why weren't you answering? You know I was so worried and what if-"
Asad put a hand on her mouth and pulled her to his room. Closing the door and leaning her against it, he said:
"Zoya I am okay. Will you calm down please?"
Zoya nodded. He removed his hand from her mouth.
Zoya: Allah miyaan! What's wrong with you? Why would you do that all of a sudden?
Asad pinched the bridge if his nose. Shaking his head,
"Nothing. Sorry it was my fault."
Zoya went and flopped down on his bed.
Zoya: It's okay. What were you doing anyways?
Asad: I was...changing. So I had to lock it.
Zoya: But you shouldn't do- I mean yeah...okay okay.
Asad smirked at the blush creeping up her face.
Asad: Miss Farooqui, are you okay?
Zoya: Ya...why?
Asad: There is something on your face.
Zoya got up scared.
Zoya: Really...what?
Asad: I don't know...something very red.
Zoya: Allah miyaan! Is it some insect Mr. Khan? It's your fault you know! I have been telling you for so long that you need to get a HIT spray, but-
Asad: But you got back only four days back, how-
Zoya: Don't change the topic and take it out, whatever it is! I can't feel it. Allah miyaan, we need to get a mirror put up in this room after nikah.
She mived towards his bathroom. He followed after her.
Asad: I can't do that.
She stopped in front if the bathroom door and turned to him.
Zoya: Why can't you? You will-
Asad: The red thing is gone. It's not there anymore.
Zoya: Gone? Good. Did it leave any mark?
Asad: *trying to hide his smile* No.
Zoya: I wonder what damn insect it was!
Asad burst out laughing. Zoya looked at him confused, and that only made him double up in laughter. He pulled her into a hug.
"Why are you so adorable?"
She smiled.
"Because I am Zoya Farooqui"
Asad laughed a bit more.
"Anyways Miss Zoya Farooqui, why did you come? I mean, do you need anything?"
"Yes I "need" something. Phupi is back. Go talk to her."
"Yes I know."
"Wait were you preparing for what you were gonna tell her, and hence locked the door?"
"What? No! Why would I do that? She is my Ammi."
Zoya: (pulling his cheeks and messing up his hair) Aww...you are so adorable Jahanpana!
Asad: (pushing her hands off) Don't do that again!
Zoy laughed, messed up his hair even more and ran away befire he could catch her, saying:
"Go tell her now pretty boy!"
Asad: Pretty boy...seriously? Impossible.
He arranged his hair, smiling and left to see his Ammi.
Dilshad's room:
Asad: Ammi?
Dilshad: Aao Asad...beitho. Kya baat h?
Asad: Ammi woh...woh actually...
Dilshad: Asad kya woh actually?
Asad: Woh...aa...Ammi Zoya New York jaane se pehle mujhse nikah karna chahti h.
He said all of it in one breathe and looked away, fidgeting with his hair. Dilshad stared at him and smiled.
Dilshad: (pulling his cheeks) Aww...mera beta kitna cute lag rha h!
Asad: Ammi what's wrong with you two? Don't do that!
Dilshad laughed heartily. Then she turned serious.
Dilshad: Asad did you tell her-
Asad: I told her everything Ammi, she just doesn't listen to me. And it's your fault as well. You always support her.
Dilshad: And I will support her in this as well! I will talk to Anwar & Zeenat, then we will have the nikah tomorrow.
Asad: Ammi, don't invite too many people. Just call the ones we are close to. And you can call...Abbu if you want.
Dilshad was surprised beyond measure. Asad had not called Rashid Abbu for a long time. What had Rashid told him yesterday? She had to know it. She was glad nonetheless.
Dilshad: You have to call the people Asad. Tumhara nikah h, okay? And tum jao, rest karo. Kitna saara kaam h, mere bete ka nikah h.
Asad: Ammi both of us want to keep it simple, so aap jyada tension mat lijiye.
Dilshad: Both of us, kya baat h! Mera beta bada ho gya!
Asad: Ammi please!
Dilshad: (laughing) It's so much fun teasing you Asad. Tum aaj bhi kitna sharmate ho.
Asad: I am not going to say anything. No, don't even think of that!
He turned his face away, so she couldn't pull his cheeks again.
Dishad: (hugging him close) I am so proud of you Asad. And I am so happy for you.
Asad: Ammi main-
Dilshad: Don't even think of that Asad. Jab taq tumhari Ammi jinda h, woh tunhara kuch nai hone degi.
Asad: Aisa mat boliye Ammi.
Dilshad: Maut ke munh se bi wapaas le aaungi main Asad tumhe, ye waada hai mera. Mere bete ne is se kitni badi problems ka saamna kia h, kuch nai hoga tumhe. Like I have always told you Asad, keep fighting. Do your best. Don't think of the result. Just don't give up and keep giving your best. Phir dekhna success will be all yours.
Asad buried his face in her chest and started crying like a baby.
Asad: Ammi...aaj Abbu ne kaha...*then in between sobbing, he told her everything Rashid had told him* Ammi do you think he was telling the truth? Ammi kya woh sachmein mujhse muhabatt karte hain? Unhone humain paise ke lie nai chhoda tha kya Ammi? And Zoya...Ammi Zoya...
Dilshad was shell-shocked. She stood like a statue thinking back to everything her life had been after Rashid came to her life. That love...she had believed that nobody had ever loved anyone like he loved her...then the painful betrayal...the day Najma became one year old...Everything came back to her.
"I will tell you a story Asad."
---
The next day after Najma's birthday:
Rashid had left for office already. She did the daily chores, then left for the orphanage. There, she saw a little girl lying on the entrance gate, crunched up and sleeping. The girl had severe burns all over her hands, her frock was half burnt and she was mumbling something. Dikshad bent down and heard her saying: "Mere Ammi ko bachao! Help her!" Her heart broke to see the little kid like that. Dilshad called the ambulance immediately and picked her up, carefully. In five minutes, the ambulance was there and they took her to hospital, Dilshad and the other staff of the orphanage. There she was admitted in the emergency ward, and when they asked for family signature something, Dilshad had said that she was her daughter & she paid all the fees while the treatment was done. In the meantime, she informed Rashid that she won't be able to go home that day because she had to stay with the kid. They also got a call from the gurl's family saying that they had been informed about her by an anonymous caller, and that they were on the way to get Zoya. Her name was Zoya, yes. They would be reaching there the next day. That night, Dilshad fed her and took care of her like her baby. She held her close while the girl cried out in sleep. The next morning, when Dilshad woke up she saw the girl staring at her. Dilshad smiled at her. Then the girl mumbled: "Ammi?" Dilshad's heart went out to that little one.
"Don't worry beta...Ammi is here."
The girl hugged her and cried.
In few hours, her family arrived and were shocked to see her condition. The doctor said they needed to keep her in the hospital for few more days, but the family looked scared and said they would take her and get her treated in New York. When Dilshad protested, they told her that the girl's life might be in danger here as her Ammi was nowhere to be found. Dilshad saw the fear, pain and genuine concern in her eyes and she agreed reluctantly. Meanwhile, the little girl Zoya won't let go of Dilshad and held her tight the whole time. Then the family told her that may be she though of Dilshad as her Ammi because she looked a lot like her Ammi when she smiled.
Asad came to the hospital to take Dilshad home because Rashid wanted to talk to her. He was 9 then.
Meanwhile, all the papaers were signed and Zoya was discharged from the hospital. Asad felt weird seeing the little girl holding onto his Ammi so strongly. And the bandages on her were scary. Plus she didn't let him get anywhere near his Ammi. So yes, Asad was very jealous and angry.
When the girl called Dilshad Ammi, Asad told her straight that Dikshad was his Ammi. The little girl glared at him and said:
"She is my Ammi."
Asad said in a louder voice:
"My Ammi."
Dilshad rebuked him.
"Asad stop it. Main tum dono ki Ammi hoon, okay?"
When Dilshad turned to sign some papers, Asad whispered to Zoya :
"I hate you Miss New York."
He felt a bit guilty seeing tears in her eyes, then she said in her bittermost voice:
"I hate you Akdu."
In a few minutes, Zoya was yelling and shouting at the top of her voice that she won't go anywhere without her Ammi, which she meant as Dilshad. Everyone failed trying to pacify her. Dilshad and the family had tears in their eyes. And Asad was irritated beyond measure. Then ultimately, the doctor had to inject drugs to induce sleeping in her and when the girl dozed off, the family took her. Dilshad gave them her home number and asked them to keep in touch about Zoya. Then wiping her tears, she made way home with Asad. Asad tried talking to her, but she was silent the whole way. And then, when they reached home Rashid dropped the bomb on then declaring that he was gonna marry Shireen and he wanted to take away Asad and Ayan...and you know how the story proceeds after that.
----
"Then you know we shifted to the orphanage and I got so busy picking up the broken pieces of my heart that I...I can't believe it that I forgot about her Asad! How could I be so self-centred? How-"
Asad: Ammi it wasn't your fault. You were going-
Dilshad: Nonsense. It was my fault Asad. That little girl thought of me as her Ammi and I abandoned her because I jad some problems in my life. I...I...
Asad: Ammi it was not your fault. If it is the fault of anyone, it is Gaffur Siddiqui and Razia Siddiqui. And I swear Ammi...they will pay for it. I don't know whether I will live or die, but I promise I will make them pay for everything they have done to Zoya, you and us. Please Ammi, you had nothing to do-
Dilshad: That's why I have always felt this connection with her. How could I not recall her the first tine I saw her? The same name, the same voice, the same smile, the same nightmares she had...how could I not recognise her Asad, how!!
Asad: Ammi what's gone is gone. And people often forget about things or people they rarely knew after ten years. It's a scientific fact. Aap...*he coughs violently*
Dilshad: ASAD!!
She gets him water to drink. He calms down.
Asad: I am fine Ammi. Relax.
Dilshad: You are paying for my sins. I forgot my daughter. Ya Allah give me all the punishment for my mistakes, please don't make my son suffer!
Asad: (holding her hands and choking) Ammi please listen to me! Your daughter is here now...don't lament over what's gone! Please Ammi...I beg you please don't boame yourself anymore!
Dilshad: (staring at him) They need to pay for this Asad. And they will. Don't tell her anything okay. She won't be able to take it. I am sorry if I was being...like that...I just find it hard to believe, that's it.
Asad: I get it Ammi.
Dilshad: (wiping her tears and his) Do you see the okay of fate? That little girl...that little Zoya is officially going to be my daughter. I will go talk to Anwar and Zeenat. They need to know this, and we need to start preparing as well. Meanwhile, go get ready and tell Zoya ti get ready as well. Are you feeling okay to go shop for your wedding dress?
Asad: Yes. I mean I am okay.
Dilshad: Okay then tell Zoya to get ready. Let me inform Anwar and Zeenat, then you two can go get your wedding dress. Okay?
Asad: Okay Ammi.
Dilshad: Alright then.
She placed a kiss on his forehead.
Asad: (turning at the door) Ammi you are the best person in the world.
Dilshad smiled. Asad left for Zoya's room. He entered her room without knocking. And there sat Zoya, in a sleevless kurti. She had burn marks all over her hands. it brought tears to his eyes. When she saw him, she covered herself quickly and stood up, fiddling with her fingers nervously hoping he hadn't seen her burns. She could tolerate anything but pity. Asad placed his hands on her shoulders and made her sit down. Then he kneeeled on the floor before her, and removed the shawl covering her scars. When she protested mildly, he hushed her by putting a finger on her lips. When the shawl was down, she hund her head low and helpless tears rolled down her eyes.
*Allah miyaan, why? Why me?*
Then she felt his hand softly but firmly holding her chin up. His fingers wiped her tears away, but the tears refused to stop. He continued wiping them away. Then oh-so-softly he said:
"Zoya look at me."
She couldn't dare look up. She didn't want to see his expression. She didn't want to see the pity, anger and revulsion on his face. She couldn't. She just couldn't.
"Zoya please."
The love and pain in his voice made her look at him...slowly. When she met his eyes, she saw the tears flowing down his eyes, unchecked. Her fingers automatically went up to wipe them away.
Asad held her hands and took them to rest near his heart. Then he ran his fingers on her scars.
Asad: Zoya you don't need to be ashamed of them. They are not to be ashamed of, they are marks of the battles you have fought...and won. And you are beautiful with them Zoya. Zoya I love you. I love the whole of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of, okay? You are beautiful. And I love you, scars or no scars. With the scars, I love you more...much more.
Zoya: You pity me.
Asad: Look at me. Do I look like I pity you? I am proud of you Zoya. And I love you. *he kissed her scars* You are my life, my inspiration. And I can't see tears in your eyes Princess, so stop the flood. Or else, poore ghar mein flood aa jaega abhi.
He laighed gently and she whacked him, hard. Then she hugged him.
Zoya: I love you Mr. Khan. You are my most favourite person in the whole world...after Phupi.
Asad: Ouch! I want to be the most favourite person.
Zoya: You are the second most person toh...no! Appi, Jeeju, you, Phupi, Tamatar and my Ammi and Allah Miyaan you all are my most favourite persons!!
Asad: Okay, then do your most favourite person a favour, will you?
Zoya: Jo hukum Jahanpana.
Asad: Stop calling me with those silly nam-
Zoya: You dare call those names silly?
Asad: -names and call me Asad.
Zoya: Well...it's my choice.
Asad: Actually it's my condition. For nikah. Warna main aapse nikah nai karunga.
Zoya: Oh really?
Asad: Yes really Miss New York.
Zoya: You just need some excuse to stop this nikah, don't you!
Asad: May be.
Zoya: Arghh...you are so rude! Fine. I agree. Whenever I will call you next, I won't call you with any more silly names but Asad.
Asad: What did you say just now?
Zoya: Well I don't have time to repeat it, so stop acting stupid and get out. By the way, why did you come here?
*he stared at the mirror and didn't reply* I am asking you! This man! Mr. Kh-*sighing loudly*Asad!
Asad: (smirking) Yep? Did you ask me something?
Zoya: Yes Jahanp-I mean yes I asked you why you came here.
Asad: Oh ya, Ammi asked me to tell you to get ready. We have to go pick our wedding dresses.
Zoya: Oh okay! Did she talk to Appi and Jeeju?
Asad: She must have by now. You told them, right?
*A/N : I would love to give the convo b/w Appi, Jeeju & Zoya but it would get too long. Just imagine it guys, alright?*
Zoya: Yep, they said they already knew I was gonna say that. They know me so well!
Asad: (muttering) Then I definitely need to talk to them.
Zoya: I heard that.
Asad: Okayyy.
Zoya pushed him out and shut the dorr after him
Zoya: Get out of here and get ready fast.
Asad: (laughing against the door) Yes Your Highness.
Zoya: Shut up Jahanpana.
*outside the door*
Asad: Just want to remind you that I take my contracts seriously.
Zoya: Alright alright. Now go. I have to get ready as well.
Asad: Zoya...that top looks good on you. You are coming in that, okay?
Zoya: Mr. Kh-I mean, are you sure? I mean there will be people--
Asad: I don't care. I will be ready in five minutes. You can come out now. And stop crying lady!
Zoya laughed through her tears, and then smiled.
"I love you Asad."
Asad: I heard that.
Zoya: YOU!!! What are you still doing out there?
Outside, Dilshad's voice came.
Dilshad: Asad kya kar rhe ho?
Asad: Ammi woh...
Zoya: (shouting from inside) Phupi see Mr. Khan mujhe tang karr rhe hain.
Asad: Ammi like you said, main unhe batane aaya tha to get ready.
Zoya: No Phupi he is lying. And aur to aur, mujhe stupid conditions sunake bol rhe ki agar main na manu toh mujhse nikah nai karenge. Jaise maine nikah ke lie kaha tha!
Dilshad: Asad!
Asad: Ammi jhoot bol rhi h woh.
Zoya: No Phupi...He is lying.
Dilshad: Zoya don't worry. Uske kaan khichke uska nikah karaungi. Asad jao yahaan se and bechari ko tang karna band karo.
Asad: Ammi for the last time, woh bechari nai h. Shaitan ki nani h woh!!
Zoya: Phupi!!!
Dilshad: Asad go get ready.
Asad: Yes Ammi.
----
In the car:
Zoya: How do I look Mr. Khan?
Mr. Khan!
Asad: (grudgingly) Nice.
Zoya: Mr. Khan I am really in trouble now. Will you please help me Mr. Khan?
Asad: What's wrong?
Zoya: My memory is not working very well Mr. Khan.
Asad: You seem to remember my name very well. *emphasising on name*
Zoya: Ya woh yaad h! But there are other things...ssd only sometime back, you said something about contracts na! I can't seem to recall it. Could you please tell me again? Pretty please?
Asad pinched the bridge of his nose.
*This girl is going to be the death of me.*
Asad: Remind me Miss Farooqui, why did I agree to marry you again?
Zoya: That I remember Mr. Khan. It's because you love me, and I proposed you. So Mr. Khan, you couldn't say no to Zoya Farooqui.
Asad: That happens to be my biggest mistake, isn't it?
Zoya: (hurt expression) Mr. Khan!
She became silent. After a few moments, Asad realised that she might have taken it to heart and said:
"Zoya you know that I was only joking, right?"
*No reply from her. She sat straight staring ahead. Asad stopped the car.*
"Zoya! Zoya please...I was joking alright. Zoya will you stop being a statue and say something for God's sake?"
Zoya: What's wrong with you Mr. Khan? Can't you bear to let me sit silently for some time? Arghh!
Asad: What?
Zoya: I got dared today to sit silently for as much time as I could. And thanks to you, I couldn't do it for more than a minute. Allah miyaan, kiske saath phasa dia!
She shook her head dramatically, all serious. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose and started the car again.
Zoya: (messing up his hair and pulling one cheek and laughing like crazy) Oh God you are so so adorable when you do that!
Asad: Miss Farooqui seriously you need to stop doing that. Warna I really won't marry you. Call me whatever you want, just don't do that. What's wrong with you and Ammi seriously!
Zoya: YES YES YESSS!! Mission accomplished. Yayyy!!!
Asad shook his head at her antics.
.o.O.o.
The next update will be up tomorrow, or in the evening today. I wanted to write the Nikah thingy, but these things needed to happen too. So wait a bit more, alright guys?
And I know there must be many spelling errors, I wrote this thing on my phone around 2 AM, so yeah please ignore them.
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