Chapter 7
After Asad had left the whole house came to a standstill, Rashid and Dilshad were extremely disappointed in their son and his actions. They understood that they were still young and maybe getting them married was not the best idea but circumstances were such that they themselves felt like they had little choice.
With the Summer coming to an end Rashid insisted that Zoya returned to college and finished her studies, she aspired to achieve so much, an A* student who not only did well in her studies but also helped Rashid out at work.
Zoya returned to college as Rashid had wanted her too, Haider was in his last year and was going to go on to study at University as well as continue working with Rashid part time. Asad's contact was minimal, the only person that talked to him properly was Najma. Days became weeks, weeks became months and months years.
It had been five years, Zoya had graduated from university with a first class degree in Business Management and Economics. Today Zoya at the age of 21 emerged as a confident young woman, a beautiful young woman who left everyone in awe of her. Although Zoya never forgot the pain she learnt how to ignore it, she had developed a personality that was hard hitting. For her family, her brother and best friend Zoya was still Zoya a kind hearted person with an amazing soul but for the world outside, the world she worked in and took charge of she was a force to reckon with. They say the time is the best healer, for Zoya it not only healed her but made her stronger, he whole demeanour, her whole persona had changed, she was nave no more.
'Zoya, beta hurry up...do you really want to be late for your own brother's wedding?' Dilshad called out. Zoya came down the stairs and left everyone awestruck 'Ya Allah...Zoya' Dilshad walked up to her and kissed her forehead 'Meri bachi ko kabhi bhi kisi ki nazar na lage...Zoya you look stunning beta' Zoya wore a baby pink saree covered with silver embroidery and diamante's, she wore her hair out the showed off her sparkling earrings every time a breeze made her hair fly.
'Sorry Ammi, I had a few things to do' Najma started to laugh 'Api...do you ever stop working?' 'Nope...but I have now so come on lets go before my Prince starts throwing a hissy fit'.
Zoya hugged Haider, as she pulled back he cupped her face 'Princess you promised' 'I know...sorry but it can't be helped, every sister has a right to shed a few tears of happiness' Zoya turned towards Humera and gave her a loving hug too 'Thank you for coming in to my life and into Prince's...I love you so much, you really are the best friend anyone can have'.
Zoya sat with Rashid and Najma as they watched Haider and Humera take to the dance floor for their first dance 'Api, don't they look beautiful together...the perfect couple' 'Yes they most certainly do' 'I wish Bhai...' Najma stopped as she realised what she was about to say, she looked up at Zoya apologetically 'Sorry Api...I ..' Zoya put her hand over hers 'its ok Najma...please don't apologise...look why don't you go and get Ammi, let's see if we can drag her on to the dance floor too'.
Zoya turned around as she felt a hand over her head, it was Rashid 'Abu...don't you start' 'I am not Zoya...I would never...are you ok?' 'I am more than ok, Abu, with you and Ammi by my side I will always be ok. You tow have made me the person I am today and as for him...he means nothing to me. Unfortunately my name is joined to his but that's as far as it goes' 'I understand beta...may Allah bless you...how about a dance with your old man'. Zoya smiled at him and took his hand and walked on to the dance floor.
Zoya couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun, the whole evening was filled with laughter until the time came for Humera to say goodbye to her parents and friends. 'I know I don't have to say this...after all you are my Prince...but you look after her, she is your Queen now' Haider started smiling 'does that mean I get promoted to King' 'you wish...when you get there you text me to let me know you are ok...and I will see you two back in two weeks'.
Haider and Humera had booked to go on a trip around Europe for their honeymoon a gift from Zoya and her family.
Zoya walked into her room and got changed, in the comfort of her night suit Zoya did what she always did, as if it had become a ritual. She would walk to the East Wing and open the door to the room she first stepped in as Asad's wife. Every time she stepped foot inside she would feel a cold wash over her, she would close her eyes and remember the last time she was in here, the way he treated her, the venom he spat at her and the pain he caused her.
The Zoya that loved him so much died that day, the love she had for him buried itself so deep that even if she wanted she wouldn't be able to reprise it. Coming here had become a necessity as it would always remind her of the man who changed her, the man who left her, the man she now had no respect, no love for, Asad Ahmed Khan meant nothing to her, he was a part of her past that she wanted to keep buried for as long as she could.
Humera and Haider were truly having the time of their life, they had been to Switzerland and Austria, and still had Italy France and London left to travel through before they went back home. Haider and Humera sat outside the Eiffel Tower truly enjoying the view and the atmosphere, like them so many other couples sat around looking at one another as if they were madly and deeply in love 'we so have to come back here...it's beautiful' Humera sat as she wrapped her arm around his 'we will...next time we can drag Princess out with us, the girl doesn't know what it means to take a break, she has become such a workaholic' 'she has...I can't believe how much she has gone through...the way she keeps herself locked up scares me' 'me too...but I have faith...I know Allah will create some miracle and she will come out of it'.
'Where are you guys now' Zoya asked moving around her office trying to get a good spot for reception 'on the London Eye' 'you having fun?' 'Too much, I really don't want this to end, I can't believe we are coming back tomorrow' 'I promise you I will get Prince to take you back soon...I will come to pick you up from the airport' 'No Zoya, don't worry...just send the driver we will see you at home, can't wait to see you all...love you' 'love you too, give Prince a big hug from me'.
'Last night in London, what do you want to do?' Haider asked 'how about a theatre show...' 'really...' Haider said raising an eyebrow not liking the idea much 'yes really...Mama Mia is on at Leicester Square...come one lets go' she said dragging him by his hand.
'We still have around forty minutes before it starts, how about some ice cream' 'sounds good to me' she said smiling 'you go and queue up I just need to go to the cash point' As Haider ran towards the cash point Humera made her way to the restaurant. As she started walking her phone rang, rummaging through her bag Humera wasn't paying attention to where she was walking, after a few more steps she we crashing into someone 'Ya Allah I am so sor...' Humera looked up at the man who looked down at her wide eyed 'Asad' she whispered 'Humera' he whispered back.
'I am so sorry, I wasn't paying attention and...' 'Its ok...what are you doing here?' Humera looked at him and had to almost pinch herself, she couldn't believe after all theses years she not only bumped into him but he was actually talking to her. 'I...I am her with my husband...on my honeymoon' 'congratulations...well enjoy the rest of your stay' Asad started to walk off 'wait' she called out, Asad turned around to face her 'are...are you not going to ask about Zoya?' Asad's face hardened a little 'no...I have no reason to' 'but she is your wife'.
Asad held his breath as he continued to look at Humera who now had tears brimming in her eyes 'I think you should carry on with your husband...bye' 'his name is Haider' Asad stopped as he heard his name, he turned around 'what did you just say?' 'I said his name is Haider...me and Haider have been together since high school...and...well not that I need to but I will...as it will give me the satisfaction of throwing this in your face' Asad carried on looking at her as she stood taller and looked at him with fierceness 'me and Zoya met Haider on the same day, he was a year above us...all three of us formed a bond that was unbreakable, we loved each it her and still do, the only difference is that Haider loves his Princess, his Zoya as his little sister, and always has done'.
Asad felt a sharp pain in the pit of his stomach 'sister?' 'Yes Asad his sister, everyone knew, your family, all our friends everyone but you...you never let her explain, you never saw beyond your own disgusting thoughts...you never once tried to get to know her, understand her...I pity you...you turned away from a person who had nothing but love, sincerity, compassion and loyalty for you and your family. You ego, your callousness, your foolishness has not only separated you from your family but you have turned my best friend into a perfect carbon copy of yourself...you know what you leaving her, breaking her was the best thing you could ever have done...so I guess I should thank you...I pray that you never come face to face with her...because I promise you Asad Ahmed Khan she will rip you apart, and the best part of it all is that she won't even care enough to turn around to see you fall'
Humera turned around and then stopped as she saw Haider standing there glaring at Asad 'Haider...let's just go...please' Haider put his arm around Humera and walked off leaving Asad shellshocked.
Haider felt her whole body shake with rage as he held her, he was shocked to see Asad but more so to see his little firecracker explode line that 'don't you think you got a little carried away...I mean those last few lines, you made my princess sound like a demonic monster' Humera hit his arm and tried to suppress a laugh 'of all the people we had to bump into him...you think we should tell Zoya?' Haider stopped and turned to face her 'as much as it might upset her I can't hide anything from her...she needs to know and hear it from us and not anyone else' 'I guess you are right...you still want to go?' She said pointing to the theatre 'why should we let that Akdu mess with our Mama Mia'.
They may have smiled for each other but only they knew what was going on in their minds and hearts. They both worried for Zoya, they loved her so much that the slightest thought of her being hurt pained them. Their anger towards Asad knew no bounds as much as Haider would have loved to lash out at him he refrained as he was still his sisters husband.
Edited by Saima-Syed - 11 years ago
Udne Ki Aasha
Anupamaa
127