A Love Compromised: #3 Link to T4 Page 121 - Page 4

cant wait for the next update...

Please find below your Double Update as promised. I hope you like them. Apologies if i cant get back to your comments straight away but promise to as soon as I can.

Please let me know what you think.

Lots of Love

Saima

SIXTEEN

After being pampered to no end for a week Zoya finally was allowed to return to work. She called Neha in and went over everything she had missed and also to see if she had carried out the work she had been set. 'Neha, what's going on?' Zoya asked Neha looked at Zoya confused going on...nothing...why?' 'oh I don't know...you seem to be glowing a little more than usual and I am sure I have caught you blushing a few times' Zoya said teasingly making her cheeks break out in a rosy pink. 'What's his name?' Neha looked up at Zoya wide eyed is it really that obvious' Zoya started laughing 'just a little...how about we go out for lunch tomorrow and you can tell me all about it' 'deal'.

'Asad, you can stop checking up on me, I am fine' Zoya said as he poked his head around her door for the tenth time. Asad opened the door and walked in 'just making sure...am under strict instructions by Ammi' he said making Zoya roll her eyes at him. 'You want to go to lunch?' Zoya looked at the time and then back at him 'it's only half eleven...' 'I know...what you never heard of an early lunch?' 'Yes, but I have so much to catch up on...how about a late lunch?' 'Ok, fine a late lunch it is, I'll pop in at twelve' Asad left the room leaving Zoya laughing out loud.

Asad and Zoya spent their lunch time walking around the grand park 'I think we should get back, I have a meeting with Abu at one' Zoya said trying to convince Asad to go back, who clearly was in no mood of going anywhere. 'I am part of that meeting too you know...and we still have time before we meet with him. Zoya stopped, she walked around and stood in front of Asad 'ok, what have you done with him, where is he?' she asked with her hands on her hips. Asad raised his eyebrow 'excuse me...where is who?' 'Where is Asad...The Asad Ahmed Khan...the slave driver, the mean boss, Mr Akdu...where is he?' Asad looked at her as she rambled on 'Akdu...where the hell did that come from...and since when have I ever been mean...and Akdu...seriously...' Zoya started laughing seeing his perplexed expressions she grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her 'come on Mr Farooqui there is no need to look so confused...I was only teasing'.

As they reached the gates to exit the park a few young children on their bikes rushed pass them one of them hitting Zoya making her fall forward. Asad quickly grabbed her hand and managed to pull her back making her fall in his arms. Zoya still had her eyes closed thinking she was going to hit the concrete floor, Asad smiled at her scrunched up nose, she looked like a little child 'are you ok?' he asked in a low whisper. Zoya shot her eyes open and nodded as her racing heart didn't allow her to speak, Asad kept his eyes locked with hers letting them do their own talking 'Asad, I am ok' she said 'hmmm I know you just told me...' Zoya looked at him and narrowed her eyes 'well if you are convinced enough you can let go of me...we can't stand here with you holding me all day' she said putting on a fake smile 'huh' was all that came out of his mouth 'Ya Allah...what is wrong with you' Zoya said pulling herself up with a little force 'Asad, I think you need to take a few days off...I don't think you're feeling too good...now come on'.

Asad followed Zoya back into the building and in to Rashid's office, he couldn't keep his heart at bay nor stop staring at her. Asad knew what he felt for her was more than what was defined as friends and there was no doubt that Zoya liked him too, but neither one had come forth and told one another how they really felt. Asad had his reservations as till now Zoya still acted as she always did when she was around him, making him think that she only maybe loved him as a friend and nothing more.

'Asad, what is wrong with you, I need you to be concentrating not day dreaming' Rashid reprimanded him in front of everyone. Zoya looked at Asad and try to suppress her giggles 'Abu, I think you need to give Asad the day off, he is not feeling too good' she sad teasingly making Asad look at her wide eyed as if to say 'stop it'. Rashid looked towards Asad 'actually Abu, maybe Zoya is right, I should go home' Asad stood up and walked out leaving Zoya feeling a bad, thinking maybe her little joke went too far. Zoya quickly excused herself and went after him 'Asad, I am sorry I was only joking...are you ok?' Asad looked back at her 'yeah...actually no not really' letting out a big sigh he looked down to be honest I am not sure'.

Zoya walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder 'is it something I have said or done...I'm sor...' Asad quickly looked up and took her hand in his 'no Zoya it's not you...so stop saying sorry...it's me...just a few things going on that I can make head nor tail off...don't worry I'll figure it out...you go back I will see you at home' 'you sure?' 'Yes'.

'What are you doing home so early?' Dilshad asked Asad as he walked in 'I didn't have much to do, so thought I would work from home...and before you ask, yes she is fine and will come home with Abu' Asad said making Dilshad laugh 'ok...you get changed I'll get you some coffee'.

Asad sat down with his laptop and continued to stare at a blank screen, his mind and heart were in deep conversation, he really didn't know what to think or do, his mind was being logical and telling him to stay clear and let their friendship continue to flourish as it has been, why ruin what they had. And then there was his heart that was asking him to talk to her to tell her what he was feeling, even if at this very moment he didn't fully understand exactly what it was, the was the best thing was to come out and be open.

Dilshad stood by the door observing the strange faces her son was making Asad, what are you thinking about?' she asked as she brought his coffee to him 'oh...nothing Ammi just...work related stuff' Dilshad raised her eyebrows at him 'really...work...Asad you forget I am your mother...there is very little you can hide from me...now you going to tell me what is really going on in that head of yours?'

Asad shuffled along the sofa giving Dilshad way to sit down 'is it really that obvious?' he said looking down at his hands that were rubbing against one another out of nervousness 'maybe not to everyone but like I said I am you mother, you are a part of me Asad, how can I not know...'. Asad looked up to meet his mother's loving eyes 'I really don't know what it is that I am thinking or feeling to give anything words to...I mean I may not make sense' 'can I make a guess?' Asad nodded 'yeah sure'.

'A marriage of convenience, a relationship that started off with two strangers that were forced to bind in one of the purest relationships in the world because of unforeseen circumstances...two people who despite being alien to one another, who came together compromising on everything they believed in an lived for...found common ground to build a friendship upon, one that has strengthened as each day passed...and now Zoya is not only your best friend but she is also someone you love more than a friend but are too scared to admit it yourself yet alone her...am I right?'

Asad looked at his mother in astonishment 'Ammi, this isn't the first time you are playing this guessing game is it?' Dilshad started laughing as well as shedding tears of happiness, she embraced Asad in a hug and held on to him tightly 'what are you waiting for Asad, tell her...'

Asad pulled back 'I can't Ammi...what if she doesn't...' Dislahd cupped his face and what if she does Asad and at this very moment is feeling exactly like you...Asad time is precious, you have to live in the moment beta, no one is promised tomorrow...Asad do you love Zoya?' Dilshad asked wanting to hear her son say those three precious words 'Yes Ammi, I love her' 'then Beta tell her...what are you waiting for?' Asad fought hard to hold back any moisture that tried to escape his eyes 'I will Ammi, I promise'.

SEVENTEEN

Rashid and Zoya came home to finds Asad and Najma fighting over the remote control Bhaijaan I am not watching another one of your boring documentaries' and I am not watching one of your waste of time, energy and everything Bollywood films...now give it back to me' he said as he tried to wriggle the control out of her hand.

Zoya and Rashid stood laughing at them 'looks like someone is feeling a lot better' Zoya joked making Asad stop and look up at her. 'Ha it's mine now...so there' Najma said taking advantage of the situation, she poked her tongue out at Asad and ran off with the control.

Asad threw his hand up in the air 'fantastic...now we all have to endure another film that she has probable seen a million times before...perfect timing guys' Rashid shook his head at Asad and walked towards his room 'Mr Farroqui are you throwing a tantrum' 'Yes...no...I mean...whatever' he said as he walked towards his room sulking leaving Zoya smiling in awe of his new childlike avatar.

Zoya had just about convinced Asad to come out and join in with everyone as he took his seat he walked past Najma and hit her across the head 'ouch...what was that for?' For making me do this' he said as he slumped himself on the sofa 'Bhaijaan since when have you ever resorted to violence...I swear you are becoming just like Ayaan...' Najma stopped as soon as she realised what she had said, it had been months since anyone had mentioned his name out loud. As everyone looked on in seriousness Najma turned around kicking herself mentally for her slip of the tongue.

Dilshad patted Najma on the head 'come on Najma...put your movie on...everyone is here' Najma smiled and turned on the TV. Zoya and Asad started to feel uneasy in their seats something that didn't go unnoticed by Dilshad 'Zoya, would you like some coffee?' she asked trying to divert her attention 'its ok Ammi I will get everyone some, you sit' she quickly said as she saw Dilshad get up.

'Asad go and talk to her' Dilshad whispered to him, Najma heard and turned around 'I am so sorry Bhaijaan, I didn't mean to...' she said looking sad 'it's ok Tamatar, he is your brother too and no matter what that won't ever change, you never have to be sorry...Ammi I'll be back in a minute'.

Asad went and stood next to Zoya, his back leaning against the work top 'you ok?' he asked Zoya looked up at him and smiled 'yeah...why wouldn't I be' she said as she resumed with filling the cups. Zoya put down the kettle and was about to walk towards the fridge when Asad held her by her arm and stopped her 'let's try that again...are you ok?' Zoya took in a deep breath and turned towards him 'Asad, if you had asked me that question a few months ago I would have said no I am not...but today, seeing how far we have come I promise you when I say I am ok I actually mean it. As impossible as it may have seemed I am happy Asad, I have Ammi, Abu, Najma and you, my best friend...I don't think I could imagine my life without you all...and when it comes to Ay...Ay...your brother then yes if I think about it still upsets me and hurts me but not as much as it used to because I have so much more, so much love that I get from all of you that takes away all the pain all the hurt...he is your brother I can't change that...he will always be a part of your life, I think I can accept that...so now Mr Farroqui if you are content can I please get the milk out'

Asad's heart couldn't possibly expand any more, the love he had for the woman who stood before him filled his entire being. Asad cupped Zoya's face and brought her close to him, Zoya hitched a breath as the distance between them shortened 'Ya Allah, what is he doing?' she said to herself as she continued to look at him. Asad lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead as he pulled back Zoya let out the breath she had been holding in 'and that was in aid of? She said trying to keep her heart from pouncing out of her throat 'for being the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you Zoya' Zoya gave smiled at him 'I think you need a few more days off...seriously' she said laughing out loud, she finished making the coffee's and then returned inside with Asad following behind thinking that there was no way he could lose what he had with Zoya by telling her that he loved her, for now this is how it was going to be and he had to be happy with it.

Dilshad had witnessed their little interaction and couldn't help feeling overwhelmed, she looked at Asad, who understood what she was silently asking, he shook his head as if to say 'no I haven't told her' and then gave her a wink. As everyone retired to their rooms Dilshad held Asad back 'Asad, you didn't tell her...why beta?' 'because I am scared of losing what I already have with her Ammi, Zoya sees me as her friend and honestly at this moment in time I am more than happy to have her as just that...please let it just be for now' Dilshad smiled and let him go but deep inside she was a little upset, she didn't want him to just be content she wanted him to truly have the happiness that he deserved, the happiness that Zoya deserved 'you may not want to do anything about it Asad, but I will...I will make Zoya realise no matter what'.