Asad-Zoya FF: Zoya Proposes, Asad Disposes I:Thread II Link on Pg 146 - Page 49

Akram suggested guffer name for portraits thinking she denies him and takes his name 🤣..🤔ohhw akram, zoya only clicks asad photos so better luck next time😆

Coat scene was so cute😳

Here Asad is a person with intellectual taste ...that i loved it 😳and how he guessed akram name right away was WoW😲😎

Asad angry towards zoya was absolutely justified 😉...but still poor zoya🤔

"Zoya, tum ek nihayati bewakoof ladki ho. Jis tarah se tum apne dimag ka istemaal karti ho, isse to achha hota ki Khuda ne tumhe akal di hi nahi hoti." ...BECHARIII ZOYA🤔😆

Update soon

Originally posted by: Noe123

All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 5*

After 2 days

Encouraged by Asad's compliment, Zoya made few changes to the decor of the dining area; that is the walls were graced by some of the photographs clicked by her. Gafoor, Dilshaad, Tanveer - all approved of Zoya's talent. When Akram visited Gafoor the next time, he was all praises for her work.

"Zoya, I had no idea that you are such a talented photographer."

"Tum bhi kya, Akram. Aise hi...kuchh tasveerein kheench leti hoon." Zoya waved him off, but had straightened up in her seat, upping her chin. she was flattered.

Akram got an idea looking at the photo frames. "These are all landscapes. Do you do portraits, Zoya?" He thought it would be good to be photographed by young Miss Farooqui.

"Not much. Yh...sometimes I take random casual photos." She was not going to tell him about her collection of Asad's photographs.

"I say you must venture in new direction. Hmm...how about Gafoor uncle, when he is pouring over his business files? Or, better when he is signing some important document. What a powerful figure he makes!" Akram thought it was better to start with her father before suggesting his own name.

"You know what, you are right." Zoya got up clapping her hands. Akram gave an enthusiastic nod.

"But, not Abbu, Tanveer is going to be my subject."Akram's idea had taken a form of a full-blown plan in Zoya's mind. "What a great way to present Tanveer dressed in fineries before him! He won't be able to control himself after seeing Tanveer at her best and would surely say what is in his heart instead of dropping indirect hints." Zoya inwardly smiled at her thoughts. "Let me call Tanveer. Let's do it today evening. You will come, right? To encourage me..." She batted her eyelashes at him. How could he say no! Zoya also had another thought in a corner of her mind which she readily did not admit. She wanted to take a better photograph of Tanveer than Imran. Not only that would driver him completely out of her mind, it would also prove her own skills. So many birds were to be killed by this one stone. Oh...she could hug Akram for giving this idea! She didn't though.

In the evening, Zoya, Tanveer and Akram were present in the Farooqui House garden which was decided as the venue for the photo shoot. Tanveer was dressed in one of Zoya's designer anarkali suit, adorned with fine jewellery and her makeup was done by none other than her friend Miss Farooqui. Zoya didn't have to work much to convince Tanveer. "Akram wants you to be photographed. Oh...the man is so much in love!" Zoya clicked photographs from different angles; garden flowers, fountain, bench providing necessary props. It seemed she was preparing a portfolio for her.

"Akram, tumhe shayad pata hoga ki jab ladkioyon ki shaadi ki umar ho jaati hain, tab unki khaas photos li jaati hain. Potential grooms ko dikhane ke liye...Aisa nahi lagta ki hum Tanveer ke rishte ke liye taiyaariyan kar rahe hain?" Zoya cheekily asked Akram. Tanveer blushed. Akram was confused one more time, but he agreed with Zoya.

"Don't you think she looks beautiful?"

"Yes, she does." There he was being truthful. When he had seen Tanveer the first time that day, man in him had really admired her beauty. Zoya winked at Tanveer after hearing his answer.

Akram was quite eager to give ideas during the whole shoot. He adjusted Tanveer's face so that light fell correctly, covered her head with her dupatta; always after asking her permission like a thorough gentleman. After every click, he wanted to see how the picture was. "He is so impatient to see her beloved's photographs. Aah...love!"Zoya was having hard time hiding her smiles. She was sensing success in the air. Night had fallen and cold breeze of winter could be felt. Soft lights of the garden, heady fragrance of jasmine, gurgling sound of the water fountain - whole atmosphere was Oh so...romantic'! Zoya got thinking that she needed to leave them alone.

"Tanveer...Akram...I will get another lens and also my laptop. Let's see the results of our work on the big screen." She quickly left for the house. She dillydallied in her room for several minutes before going back. She found both of them talking but to her disappointment Akram was talking about food that he had in one of his London parties.

"Ajeeb banda hain...pata chalta hain ki puri tarah se Tanveer ke pyaar main hain, per batata nahi. Ab itna bhi kya sharmana? Itne chances diye..." She thought as she changed camera lens.

After few more clicks they gathered around a garden table and looked at the photographs on laptop. After few moments, Zoya head Akram greeting Asad. She turned in her seat to look at Asad who had just arrived.

"What's going on?" He stood behind Zoya's chair with both hands in pockets.

"Zoya ne hamari tasveerein li." Tanveer replied happily. Asad got a small smile on his face. Zoya was taking his words seriously.

"Show me your work." Zoya showed the photos. Akram praised each one of them. Earlier Zoya wanted to watch Tanveer's face, but now her heart was set on knowing Asad's thoughts. The position they were in - her sitting, him standing behind her, it was difficult for her to see his face and as usual he was not speaking a word. She kept craning her neck to get a glimpse of his expressions to know what was going on in his mind.

"You should have used the bench on the west side of the garden. Light would have been better."

Finally he spoke. "Those ones with the setting Sun. Don't you think angle could have been better?"

"I think they are perfect...look very professional. Asad, tum bhi naa...Zoya has such a talent." Akram declared.

"They are good, but I wouldn't declare them anywhere close to a professional's work. She needs to work more." Asad nonchalantly added but gave a look to Akram.

"Asad baba, sahib aa gaye." Wajid had come to call him. Asad had come to meet Gafoor about a problem with Anwar's business suppliers. Anwar's business was now based in Mumbai, but many of his suppliers were still in and around Bhopal. Few of them were giving trouble. Anwar didn't want to leave Zeenat in her condition, so he had asked Asad to go and talk with them. Asad had come to discuss the issue with Gafoor. Asad had more important things on his mind, so he left. Other two also left after a while, Akram dropping Tanveer home on Zoya's request.

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After a week - at a wedding party of a business acquaintance

Gafoor, Rashid, Dilshaad, Asad, Zoya - all were present in the party. Akram and his family were present as well. Tanveer had to be there, as Zoya wouldn't have it otherwise. Few people asked Raashid about his son and they were told that he was coming to Bhopal over his winter break in university - in about a month and half's time.

It was a chilly night and Zoya's fancy suit provided no protection against the cool breeze. She looked around the lawn to find Asad. He was seen talking with few people in Anwar's business circle. Zoya made a beeline towards him with Tanveer tagging along. On feeling a tap on his shoulder, Asad turned around. Seeing Zoya he involuntarily looked at night time sky shaking his head and then silently removed his coat and gave it to her. Zoya smiled and Asad turned back towards his companions. At the same time, Akram also reached there, as he had seen Zoya shivering. He had his coat in his hands, but given that Zoya had already worn Asad's coat, he hastily gave it to Tanveer who was standing few feet away to not look like an idiot. Feeling the warmth of Asad's coat and also the warmth of the scene that had transpired before her, Zoya contently smiled. She turned around to look at Asad. She wanted to share with him how close she was to success, but decided against it. He was busy in the conversation. "No Zoya...jab tak sab baatein pakki nahi ho jaati, tab tak kuchh nahi."

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After few days

"Zoya, usne mujhe propose kiya...," Tanveer shouted on the phone.

"Really? Finally..." Zoya let out a sigh.

"Oh...Tanveer, I am so happy for you. When? How? I want all the details."

"Woh Sunday ko chacha-chachi se milne aaya tha. Woh dono use milke bahot khush hue." Tanveer started.

"Meeting with elders. Not bad." Zoya thought.

"Phir main, woh aur Ijju nukkad pe icecream khane gaye the." Ijju was Tanveer's 12 year old cousin - Ijaz.

"Aww...elders approve. Wait...Akram aur nukkad pe icecream?" Zoya got thinking.

"Tab usne bataya ki woh to mujhe Kanpur main hi propose karnewala tha, per himmat nahi juta paya tha."

"Kanpur? Tanveer tum kiski baat kar rahi ho?" Zoya held her phone close to her ears.

"Imraan ki..."

"Oh..."

"Zoya please batao, mujhe kya kehna chahiye." Tanveer suddenly got nervous.

"Main kaise keh sakti hoon? It has to be your decision, Tanveer."

"Usne kaha woh mujhe bahot pasand karta hain..."

"Uh...oh...something needs to be done." Zoya thought.

"Dekho, Tanveer. I think a woman should play by a very simple rule."

"What is it?"

"Agar tum doubtful ho, you should say no straight away. Such an important decision of life should not be based on doubts. If you really felt for him, you would have no doubts."

"Achha...," Tanveer said in a small voice.

"Haan...Tanveer, that is what I think and that's the only thing I can say. Rest is up to you."

"Tab to mujhe use naa kehna chahiye."

"If you think you should, then waste no time. Aisi baton main saamnewale ko wait karwana achhhi baat nahi. And, one should do what is right. Call him and tell him no immediately after this call. That is if you want to say no. I am just saying."

There was silence at the other end of the line. Zoya waited with baited breath.

"Main use call karke mana kar rahi hoon, Zoya."

"That's my girl. Do it now. I will talk to you later, okay?" Zoya cut the call. She paced around the room counting seconds. Ten minutes passed and she called Tanveer again. She had refused Imraan. Zoya was relieved and decided to take Tanveer out for a movie.

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After two more days

"Zoya beta, aaj sham ko Asad ko dinner pe bula lena. Woh suppliers ka problem kuchh jyada hi badh gaya hain. Woh bahot stressed hoga. Hamare saath waqt beetayega to relax ho jaayega." Gafoor told his daughter during breakfast.

"Sure, Abbu."

Zoya got Asad's favourite dishes prepared and waited for him to arrive. When he arrived, he did look stressed. Zoya started fussing over him, giving him a bowl of kheer before dinner. He ate kheer, listened to Zoya as she talked about her upcoming Mumbai visit and felt himself relaxing. When Zoya felt that it was okay to ask him questions, she asked. "Suppliers still giving hard time, haan?"

"Some of them. I really did not want Anwarbhai to be disturbed, but now the situation is such that he will have to come himself. I talked with him before coming here. He will be here day after tomorrow."

"I am sure you did everything that you could, but this is not your line of work. It is okay."

"But, bhabhi's due date is just two weeks away. Baby could be born early, too."

"Hey there!" Zoya talked looking at the ceiling. "Hey, Anwar Jr. Or Zeenat Jr. Listen, you are supposed to come here after two weeks. So, stick to the timeline, okay? Jaldi mat aa jaana. Specifically saying, agle teen-chaar dino main to bilkul mat aana. Verna tumhare chachu aur jyada stressed ho jaayenge. Haan...per late bhi mat hona. Tumhare chachu ko late-comers bilkul pasand nahi." Zoya said jerking her head towards Asad. He silently chuckled at her last line. "Can I get some more kheer?" He asked smiling. "Abhi laayi...And, don't worry about Aapi. Phuphi to already wahan hain." Zoya got him another bowl of kheer.

"In last two days, there has been some trouble on my site as well." He held the kheer bowl in his hands. "That photographer - Imran - you met him, when you visited me. He has been absent for last two days. Now, we have clubhouse and garden ready and I wanted those photographs to be done. I specifically asked for Imraan. The guy has talent, quickly gets how I want the photographs to be and gives useful inputs. His technique needs work, but he is a sharp guy. I liked his work last time he was with us and wanted to him to continue working with us. I had booked last two days in my calendar to spend on site and he doesn't show up."

"Was he sick?" Zoya herself was feeling sick in stomach.

"No, would you believe that there is a girl involved? Some girl refused his marriage proposal and it seems he is depressed." Asad's face had gone stern.

"My assistant provided with this unnecessary information." On any other day, Zoya would have been curious about how come Asad knew such gossip. He wasn't that kind of guy.

"The worst thing is that he didn't even bother to inform. He has always been very professional every time he worked with us, but last two days...such irresponsibility!" Asad was irritated.

Zoya wanted him to cool down. "Forget about him. Woh theek ho jaayega aur aa jayega."

"Mere to do din barbaad ho gaye naa."

"Mujhe pata hota to main Tanveer ko do din baad refuse karne ko bolti." She mumbled to herself.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. Kheer khao. Tumhara dimag thanda ho jaayega."

"Did you say Tanveer?" Asad slowly asked. Cogwheels of his brain were working. He had come to know about Tanveer and Imraan's background on the day of their visit. He correctly guessed that the girl that he proposed to was Tanveer. He silently processed the information.

"Did he propose Tanveer?" He asked in a quiet voice.

"Haan..." Zoya was jittery.

"Hmm...Tanveer is a lot more idiot than I thought her to be." He dryly remarked.

Zoya raised her eyebrows at his remark.

"I really don't approve of Imran's actions in last two days, but otherwise I have found him to be a sincere and hardworking man. I don't know him much to make an accurate assessment, but my first impression is that of a good man. Their families know each other and it seemed that day that they even approve. It is clear that the guy really cares for her. He is neglecting work for God's sake! And, she refuses that man. Interesting! The world is filled with strange people."

Zoya didn't like at all what she heard. She had to defend her friend. "I think she was very right in refusing him. A girl like him deserves a better man - more educated, more successful, from a better family."

"Is it? She is a silly girl with an on paper college degree. Don't you think more educated, more successful men would want a woman their equal?"

"She is beautiful, caring and loving. She would make an excellent homemaker. And, that is what a man wants. I say that if you decide to marry, she would make an excellent wife to you, too." Zoya said with a confident smile.

"Whoa...stop...just stop there. Don't even go there." Asad put the kheer bowl on table and gave her a calculated look. "This is your doing, isn't it? She didn't refuse him. You got her to refuse him." He said in a dangerously low voice.

Zoya got up from sofa and started arranging cushions on other sofa. "You are wrong. I didn't ask her to refuse him. She decided herself."

"And, you played no part in her reaching that decision?" Asad had folded his hands. Zoya was arranging newspaper and books on the table now.

"I refuse to answer such accusatory questions." Zoya busied herself in collecting books on the side table. Asad kept quiet for few seconds before speaking.

"Akram. You have decided to match her with Akram, right?" He connected the dots.

"So what if I have?" Zoya looked at him defiantly.

"You know what I thought that this friendship would be harmful to you, but now I have reached the conclusion that it is Tanveer who is being harmed." He spoke in same low but seething voice.

"How dare you say so? She is my friend. I want the best for her." Zoya was angry.

"By showing her unreachable dreams. By building castles in the air. By encouraging her to refuse good men that come her way. Some friend you are!" Asad was standing now.

"Akram is a good man and for your kind information he likes her. I would even declare that he loves her. Mark my words, soon we will hear about his proposal. Just wait and watch." Zoya was angry but very confident.

Asad was suddenly sad instead of angry. "Zoya, you don't know that man at all. He is the man of the real world. He knows what he is worth. Good family, money, good looks - he knows he is a catch and he would marry well."

"And, by marrying Tanveer, he will marry well." Zoya opposed him.

"You are still not getting it. Tanveer is from small town. Her father is a small man in worldly sense. His uncle is in a good position in your father's company, but that's it. She is not his daughter. Even if she was, Akram would still not look at a manager's daughter." Asad patiently tried to explain.

"You are wrong. Hum koi 17^th century main nahi reh rahe. In today's world, love conquers all.

Tanveer is a good girl and she deserves all happiness." Zoya vehemently answered.

"What imaginary love that you talking about? We live in a real world and we need to keep our feet on Earth. I would be happy if Akram really loved Tanveer. But, listen to me carefully. A man like him doesn't throw himself away."

"You are wrong. Just plain wrong. I have seen it with my own eyes how much he cares for her. I know you will not believe me till something concrete happens. But, it will happen. Soon you will hear about their wedding. It will happen."

Asad again got angry listening to her stubborn statements. "Zoya, Tanveer is a real person with feelings. You are going to hurt her bad. Maine pehle bhi kaha hain aur aaj phirse kehta hoon. Nikaah koi khel nahi hota, jo tum apni marji se khelo. You will regret. You will regret bad." He had grabbed his car keys and started leaving.

"Dinner?"

"I am not hungry anymore." He answered without looking back. He suddenly turned around and said fuming, "Zoya, tum ek nihayati bewakoof ladki ho. Jis tarah se tum apne dimag ka istemaal karti ho, isse to achha hota ki Khuda ne tumhe akal di hi nahi hoti." He left with those words.

His words stung. Zoya was highly upset after their argument. Asad was angry. Them having disagreements was normal, but he was very angry today. Very angry.

"He was already stressed. That's why..."

She was angry as well. She was also unnerved by his opinion of Akram.

"He is just wrong. That's it. He is wrong. I know what I am doing..." She had unconsciously grabbed his bowl of kheer and was shoveling kheer in her mouth as she tried to convince herself of her shaken beliefs.

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Enjoy!

* This story is based on Jane Austen's Emma. If it reminds of you of Aisha that is because Aisha is also based on Emma.