~The Sunshine of My Life#2 AsYa FF~||Link to third thread PG 125 - Page 14

"Ammi!" Asad spoke from the door to Dilshad's room.

"Haan Asad aao na beta, kya baat hai?"

"Ammi I don't think we can go for the Bhopal carnival, ye dekhiye parso Polio vaccination scheduled hai, the doctor just messaged me they have a camp in their hospital. I'll have to take Aahana there." Asad pointed out and handed over his phone to his Ammi.

Dilshad looked at the phone and back at him wondering what to do. She knew Aahana came before anything for him but she really wanted Asad and Zoya to spend some time alone so that they would get to know each other better. Whether Aahana would go or not, she would make sure Asad and Zoya did.

"Toh kya hua Asad Aahana ko mai sambhal lungi. I'll take her for the vaccination, what is the big deal in it."Dilshad inquired.

"Ammi maine kabhi Aahana ko aaj tak aise akele nahi choda hai, and especially not when she needs me, toh mai kaise?" Asad said uncertain how to explain his point to Ammi.

"Asad Aahana ab badi ho rahi hai, and you'll have to give her some space. You cannot be with her every moment of her life. Let her understand she cannot be dependent on only one person. You're going to make it harder for her by being around for her every moment."

"Ammi woh abhi sirf ek saal ki hai, how can I think of giving her space at this age. She doesn't even understand the meaning of all that yet." Asad asked surprised at his Ammi's suggestion.

"By space I meant not allowing her to be so dependent on you for everything Asad. She'll get used to it and when she grows a little older it'll be hard for her to do anything by her own. Aur kya tumhe mujpe yakeen nahi hai Asad? I'll take care of her." Dilshad explained.

"Ammi you know how much I trust you when it comes to Aahana, I trust you more than myself. All I am saying is, ki kya uss carnival mai jaana itna zaroori hai?"

"Asad! Zoya jaana chahti hai toh le jao na. Woh bechari jabse aayi hai bas ya toh ghar mai hoti hai ya apne kaam se yaha waha bhatakti rehti hai. She is our responsibility Asad and if she's so interested in seeing a new place it's our duty to take her."

"Ammi maine sirf isliye haan kaha tha because I thought Aahana deserved an outing and you were right that I hardly ever let her enjoy the kind of time a kid her age does. Zoya koi bachi thodi na hai that I have to baby sit her. Ab Aahana nahi aa sakti toh hum dono akele..."

"Theek hai mat jao, meri kabhi mat mana karo. Jab dekho apni zidd karte rehte ho. Itna bhi kya kaam hai tumhe Asad ki tum ghar se bahar tak nahi nikal sakte. I never ask you for anything, you ask for space I give it to you willingly, but you're just shutting yourself in a shell, and you're taking everyone there along with you. Zoya ko do din uski marzi ki jagah nahi leke ja sakte? Can't you do this for your Ammi. Zoya is my responsibility Asad and you're going to let me down if you can't co-operate with her even a little. Is this the upbringing I have given you?" Dilshad interrupted him angrily and moved away from where she had been seated next to him.

Asad was taken aback at his Ammi's tone and anger and instantly felt guilty,"Aisa nahi hai Ammi, aap jaanti hai mai aapke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hun. It's just that I am not used to staying without Aahana.."Asad said softly.

"I understand Asad, par sirf do teen dino ki toh baat hai and don't worry I won't let her out of my sight even for a minute." Dilshad assured him placing her palms on his cheek. Asad turned his face in her hold and tenderly kissed her palm,"Ji Ammi."

Dilshad sighed to herself as he left the room. She sent a prayer to the almighty wishing that Zoya would become part of her family. She had a feeling that Zoya was the only one who could fill the void in Asad's life and who would love Aahana like her own, like Ayesha would have.

*******

Next morning Dilshad, Zoya and Najma were standing by Asad's car, waiting for him to come out.

"Phupi ! I don't think it's a good idea for me and Mr Khan to go alone. I had suggested a picnic so that the family could spend fun time together. Aahana aa rahi thi isliye Mr Khan jaane ke liye tayyar hue the, woh usse yaha chod kar enjoy nahi kar payenge." Zoya said wistfully. Although she didn't mind the prospect of being alone with Asad, but she was sure he would.

"Come on Zoya, tum yaha aane ke baad pehli baar kahi ghoomne jaana chahti thi. So you WILL go and you shall even have a good time. " Dilshad said sweetly.

"Phupi lekin..." Zoya said uncertain about even having a good time when all Asad would be doing was grumbling.

"Zoya!" Dilshad exclaimed and glared at her making Zoya nod at her in defeat.

"Asad jaldi karo beta.." Dilshad called out to Asad. Asad walked outside the house with Aahana in his arms. They both seemed to be involved in a very serious discussion with Asad explaining something to her while she babbled in her own baby lingo.

"Allay Miyaan Mr Khan kya aap ye pehenkar aayenge picnic par." Zoya said shocked at seeing him in his formals.

"Kyun iss mai kya problem hai?" Asad questioned grumpily.

"Mr Khan aap meeting par nahi ja rahe hai, ek vacation par ja rahe hai, aise kapdo mai jayenge?" Zoya said looking at his clothes with a disapproving look.

"But that's my choice to make, I like these clothes and I'll be wearing these Miss Farooqui." Asad said bluntly.

"Asad! Zoya theek keh rahi hai, you can't wear this for a holiday. Chalo go and change, do Aahana ko mujhe do.."Dilshad said in a tone she knew Asad would never refuse and took Aahana in her arms. Asad fumed at his family and walked in leaving them giggling at his state.

**

"Bye baby take care okay," Zoya whispered in Aahana's ears, kissing her cheeks while Asad boarded their luggage in the car. He had changed into a white t-shirt and blue denims and was looking dapper with his glares on almost making her drool over him.

"Can I have her for a minute?" Asad asked in a clipped tone. Zoya nodded and passed Aahana over who clung to her father with her arms around his neck and her feet flying in excitement.

"Bu!" She exclaimed as she patted his cheeks with her tiny palms.

"Yes baby? What does Aanu want Abu to get for her?" Asad asked her as he kissed her fervently, he was going to miss her so much.

He hugged her close and dug his face in her neck, smelling her fragrance that drove him towards the right path so far at any moment that he felt lost or helpless.

"Abu's going to miss you Aanu," he spoke in a muffled tone and Aahana who understood nothing but the affection in his voice, licked his cheek making it messy with her drool.

Zoya looked at the both of them and smiled, she hoped they didn't have to go. She could see how hard it was for Asad to leave Aahana behind. But she had been the one to make the plan and since Dilshad was so adamant she couldn't even refuse.

**

Zoya glanced at Asad every few seconds to gauge his mood. His face was stiff and he was glaring at the road ahead of him as he drove. She wasn't used to being so quiet and this silence was beginning to eat her.

She remembered all the time they had spent when he drove her home after his work and all the conversations they had. She had gotten to know him so much better.She missed those times and wondered what she could to make him talk to her.

"Mr Khan aapne kabhi bataya nahi ki aapka ek farm house hai? I am so excited to see it, and I am even more excited to attend that carnival, I have read so much about it. Aap excited nahi hai?" Zoya probed him hoping to get a reaction.

"I am not some 5 year old to get excited about attending a fair Miss Farooqui, you don't seem to have grown up after you were 5 so you'll definitely be enjoying it. " Asad taunted her without sparing her a glance.

"That's true Mr Khan I am definitely going to enjoy myself. Aur sahi kaha aapne mai kabhi badi hui hi nahi and that's how I'll hope to be all my life. Even when I am 50 na Mr Khan I'll want to feel like a 5 year old." Zoya said smiling widely making Asad scowl and look away.

Zoya was fidgety and couldn't contain her enthusiasm for the day ahead. She looked around for some entertainment and moved ahead to switch on the radio. The loud music thawed the silence and blared in the car making Asad jerk a bit and lose control over the car. He swerved the car back and glared at Zoya who looked at him sheepishly and reduced the volume. She punched on the buttons and changed the songs but sadly found nothing to her liking. Asad was annoyed at how she was fiddling with the radio of his darling car. And when he was unable to see the assault on it he pushed her hand away and shut the radio off.

"Akdu!" Zoya grumbled.

"Will you just stop calling me that?"

"If you stop frowning like an old hag I will." She replied haughtily.

Asad was going to retort back to her jibe when suddenly ran started pelting down furiously making Zoya squeal and jump in her seat.

"Baarish!" She exclaimed and rolled down her window, letting the water droplets in the car, wetting her and the car along with it. She leaned outside, stretching her arms to feel the cool droplets on her skin and excitedly sprayed a handful of water on Asad.

"Miss Farooqui kya kar rahi hai aap?" Asad snapped in rage. He immediately pulled her by the left hand and rolled her window up from the controls on his right.

"Meri gaadi gandi ho rahi hai, can't you sit still for some time?" Asad bellowed at her.

"How can you sit so still all the time Mr Khan. Bahar mausam itna acha hai, baarish ho rahi hai aur aap hai ki na khud enjoy kar rahe hai na mujhe karne de rahe hai."

"Mai aisa hi hun Miss Farooqui and you clearly know that, agar aapko iss kisam ki enjoyment chahiye thi toh aap mere saath aati hi nahi." Asad pointed out.

"Aur aapko lagta hai mai aapko poora trip aise hi muh banaye baithe rehne dungi?" Zoya raised her eyebrow at him questioningly.

"Aur aapko lagta hai mai aapke saath aisi koi bhi bachkani harkat karunga?" Asad replied.

"This is called enjoying life Mr Khan, which is anyway very short to keep frowning all the time. Aur kya bachpana bachpana laga rakha hai, aap khud 60 saal ke buddhe hai kya?" Zoya questioned him condescendingly.

They kept arguing endlessly which somehow Zoya kept enjoying but Asad was on his wits end. When Zoya saw Asad was red in rage and unable to control it, she picked the bottle of water lying in her lap and opening the cap offered it to him.

"Have some water Mr Khan, relax and just swallow all that anger." Zoya spoke naughtily.

"I don't need the water. I just need you to keep silent for a while." Asad grumbled.

"It's easier to have the water than make me go quiet Mr Khan." Zoya replied and leaned over to pass the bottle to him.

The car jumped over a speed breaker making them jerk and the bottle in Zoya's hand tilt towards Asad as the waters spilt out all over him, wetting his clothes. Asad's hold over the steering got rigid as he pulled the car over and hit the breaks in anger.

"Aapki problem kya hai Miss Farooqui, aap mujhe pareshan kyun kar rahi hai. Kya aap kuch der mujhe chain se nahi bhetne de sakti?" Asad said leaning towards her totally livid.

"Mai toh aana hi nahi chahta tha, lekin aapki zid ki wajah se, aapke bachpane ki wajah se aana pada and instead of co-operating with me aap mujhe pareshan kar rahi hai?"

"Excuse me? Mujhe bhi aapke saath akele aane ka koi shauk nahi hai Mr Khan, maine ye plan poori family ke liye banaya tha, kya ye meri galti hai ki baki sab nahi aa sake?"

"Agar aap chahti toh mana kar sakti thi, par aap khud raazi hui mere saath jaane ke liye. Aapko pata bhi hai ki mai Aahana ko akele nahi chodna chahta tha phir bhi, usse meri zaroorat hai aur mai wahan hone ki bajaye yaha aapke saath apna time waste kar raha hun. Please stop being so childish Miss Farooqui its time you grow up."

"Just because aap 28 saal ki body ke andar ek 82 saal ke insaan ko lekar jeete hai, iska matlab ye nahi hai ki baaki sab bhi aap hi ki tarah rahe Mr Khan. You don't get to tell me how to live my life. You can spend all your time wallowing in pain over your past, doesn't mean you expect others to be stifled as well. " Zoya answered in anger not realising what she had uttered and how it would affect Asad.

"Enough Miss Farooqui ab aap apni limits cross kar rahi hai. And for your kind information sab aapki tarah itne lucky nahi hote, to have a wonderful carefree life and to live without any pain, any trouble or any nightmare. Someone who hasn't got any wound all life will never understand anyone else's pain." Asad thrashed back equally, not realising how his words would mar her.

Asad's words hit her like a boulder and all the pain she had pushed back came rushing back to her in the form of tears that dribbled down her cheeks furiously.

Asad was taken aback seeing those tears and immediately regretted speaking those words, he moved ahead to comfort her but she jerked back and put her hand out to stop him.

"Look Miss Farooqui, I am .."

"Save it Mr Khan, save that sorry, I don't need it. And why are you even taking these tears seriously? I am a child Mr Khan, bache toh aise hi be wajah rote hi rehte hai na?" Zoya taunted him angrily.

She was in half a mind to tell him to turn the car back and drive them home. But then she thought of Phupi and stopped. She thought of the pledge she had taken to make him smile, to make him see a better life. But his words had wounded her and even though she yet understood his anger towards his own life, she was in no mood to forgive his insensitivity to her feelings.

Zoya leaned on the left, resting her head on the cool pane and shut her eyes. Asad stared at her as she sat in silence and his heart urged to hear her voice again. Seeing her so crumpled make him realise how insensitive he had been. Maybe he had touched a raw nerve and hadn't realised it. But he didn't know how to take back those words or undo the damage already done. He sighed to himself and started driving again, hoping he could trade the silence with her arguing with him on the top of her voice.

****

"Ms Farooqui kuch der aagey ek landslide hua hai, raasta bandh rahega. The police has asked us to move to a shelter, baaki sab log bhi wahi ja rahe hai, itni baarish mai yaha rukna theek nahi." Asad told Zoya as he sat back in the car.

There had been a huge jam and had kept Asad and Zoya waiting in the car for ages. When the police had arrived they had asked the car owners to park their cars across the road and get to a safer place.

Zoya nodded and covering herself well picked her bag and moved out of the car. Asad locked the car and ran to her. "Miss Farooqui please let me hold your hand, it's a very slippery road ahead, aap gir jayengi." Asad offered gently.

"It's okay Mr Khan I can handle myself." Zoya said shortly and began walking ahead of Asad who sighed to himself and walked closely behind. They hiked through the forest engulfed in darkness. The area was eerie and smelt of wet mud. Zoya held onto the tree barks supporting herself unable to see ahead of her. Asad removed his phone and put on the flash light to guide them forward. Suddenly Zoya's foot twisted making her lose her balance and almost trip. Asad dashed ahead and held her immediately saving the fall.

"Miss Farooqui are you okay?" Asad asked genuinely concerned.

"Yes I am fine, leave my hand Mr Khan I can manage." Zoya asked getting out of his hold and limped ahead.

"Yeah I can see that" Asad commented and moving next to her held her around her waist with one hand and clasped her left hand with the other.

"Mr Khan chodiye mujhe," Zoya yelled and tried to move away.

"Miss Farooqui enough of your tantrum, I am holding you and I'd like to see what you can do about it." Asad said sternly gripping her tighter as he led the way.

Zoya looked at him angrily but stopped struggling when she met his gaze that unarmed her to struggle anymore.

They reached an old, almost demolished building where many travellers were already resting. Asad led Zoya carefully and made her sit down. He noticed she was almost shivering with cold. They had walked through the rain for almost half an hour and were completely soaked. He looked into his bag and pulled out a shawl that Ammi had packed.

"Miss Farooqui here, wear this, you're completely cold." Asad said gently.

"No thanks I am okay.." Zoya spoke through her clattering teeth.

Asad shut his eyes in exasperation," Miss Farooqui now you're taking this way beyond my tolerance"

"I didn't ask you to tolerate me Mr Khan. I can manage myself all alone anyway as I have all my life." Zoya said gruffly, staring at him with the same emptiness that he had seen in her eyes twice before.

Asad shut his eyes and sighed, "Miss Farooqui all I am asking you to do is to wear something warm. You're completely soaked, you'll fall ill, you might get pneumonia. We're already in too much of a mess, do you think we afford another problem?" Asad pointed out logically.

Zoya nodded in understanding and took the shawl and covered herself. Asad smiled to himself and removed a packet of biscuit from his bag.

"Here have some, we don't know how long we'll have to be here." Asad said softly handing the packet to her.

Zoya looked at the packet hungrily, but looked away remembering she was angry with Asad. He held her hands and placed it in them." Fine don't have them, just keep it with you anyway." Zoya scowled and kept the packet away.

Asad saw a few people getting some waste to the middle of the foyer to light a fire and instantly remembered a night few days ago when Zoya had been trapped in fire. He didn't know if she was scared of it or had the accident that day shaken her to that extent, but he knew she would be uncomfortable. But even before he could do anything he saw that Zoya's heart had won over her mind and she had picked up the packet of biscuits and opening it carelessly began to munch on it.

On any other day he would have grimaced seeing crumbles of biscuits messing her face and clothes. But today he was thankful she was distracted. He smiled at her, amused at the way she ate and removed his handkerchief to wipe the mess on her face.

Zoya stopped eating when she felt Asad wiping her face suddenly getting conscious. She looked up at him, his eyes concentrating on her face as he cleaned it attentively. She felt warm and fuzzy and drew in her breath when she felt his hand on her lip. She broke out of her reverie and moved apart making her shawl fall back. She turned immediately wanting to look away from Asad, and only then realised that a fire had been lit behind her. Her eyes widened in fear and she jolted back. The rising flames send chills down her spine, almost warning to gulp her within them. Blood drained from her face when she saw the end of the shawl had caught fire.

She was numb, not moving a step away. She felt Asad scream her name and pull her back, taking the shawl off and kicking it to put off the fire. Asad looked behind at Zoya only to find her run away into the woods again.."ZOYA!" he yelled after her.

Asad ran behind her," Zoya wait! Please ruko Zoya,"he shouted for her. But Zoya didn't seem to have heard anything. All she could hear were screams, memories of the day she had been caught in those fierce flames flashed in front of her eyes speeding her run. Asad picked his pace to match hers, worried out of his mind about her state. He screamed when he saw her foot twist and she fell down almost hitting herself to a rock ahead of her.

"Zoya! Are you okay? "Asad exclaimed when he saw a small gash on her head that was swollen and bleeding. He held her and made her sit down on the rock, cleaning the mud from her face and wound making her wince.

"Zoya tum theek ho? Please talk to me, what happened? Tum aise bhaag kyun gayi? Dekho kitni baarish ho rahi hai.." Asad said softly not wanting to scare her, when he saw the terror raging in her eyes.

"Come on let me help you, let's go back.." Asad said.

"NO I don't want go back there Mr Khan, there's fire, it's going to burn everything, it's going to take me, it's going to take me." Zoya spoke through her tears, her throat burning after all the yelling.

"Miss Farooqui kuch nahi hoga, mai hoon na aapke saath. Aap bas mujhe dekhiyega, I won't let you look at anything else, par yaha rehna theek nahi." Asad explained tenderly smoothening her hair and wiping the blood that was being washed down her wound by the pouring rain.

Zoya stared at him and shook her head frantically," No Mr Khan not there, take me anywhere, just leave me here if you wish to but not there Mr Khan. "Zoya cried.

Asad's heart constricted to see her so broken and he realised he hadn't gauged the extent of fear that thrived inside her even at the mention of fire, let alone having to see it. Questions could come later, but he knew she needed to get away and he would take her anywhere, but back there.

"Miss Farooqui you can't walk, please let me hold you?"Asad implored. Zoya didn't respond but winced as the water drops hit her wound making it burn.

Asad bend down and picked her in his arms knowing she wouldn't be able to walk. Zoya didn't argue, and just held his collar tightly as he walked towards the road where he had parked his car.

They reached the car after a few minutes. Asad gently put her down and opened the back seat for her so that she could lie down and take some rest. After placing her gently he moved behind proceeding to get into the driving seat. But Zoya held his arm and pulled him back.

"Mr Khan please mujhe chod kar mat jaiye.." Zoya panicked.

"Calm down I am not going anywhere Miss Farooqui, I am right here. I was just going to sit in the front." Asad said calmly.

Zoya nodded her head in refusal, holding his arm with a deathly grip and pulled him in, on the back seat. She sat up clutching his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Don't go.." she whispered. Asad inhaled painfully, moved by her state and rested his cheek on her head and whispered back." I am here, for as long as you want."

Zoya leaned on him sideways exhausted with all the activity in the last hour. Asad saw Zoya's head yet bleeding and taking a tissue he began dabbing it on her head to wipe the blood. She winced but didn't move away or argue. Asad realised how traumatised she was and just let her rest on his arm. He moved his hand around her and patted her head gently. He looked down at her to see if she was better and found her asleep. He was relieved, but felt ashamed him when he saw the frown on her forehead, knowing he was in a way responsible for her condition today. He tried to remove his hand out of her hold but she had it tight in her grip, as if her life depended on it. Asad moved back leaning on the backrest not realising when sleep took over him.

******

Asad groaned, his sleep disturbed when he felt some rapid movements next to him. He opened his eyes with great effort and turned to Zoya who was crying in her sleep.

"Aag bachao, Ammi bachao!" Zoya was screaming, thrashing her hands as if struggling to escape the nightmare she thought she was living. Asad scooted closer and shook her shoulders to wake her up, he tapped her cheeks and caressed her back soothingly, "Zoya wake up."

Zoya woke up with a start and bolted upright. She was lost for a few minutes and was breathing heavily. Asad gently moved her wet hair away from her face and caressed her back to calm her down.

"It was just a nightmare Zoya, don't worry I am here, you're not alone." Asad said soothingly.

Zoya heard his calming voice and looked up into his eyes. She stared at him for a while before her eyes blurred with tears again. She broke out into sobs and looked away, not wanting Asad to see her weak state. But Asad didn't relent, he moved closer to her and pulled her shaking self nearer and took her in a hug.

"It's okay to cry Zoya, you don't have to carry on with a facade of being happy when you're not." He said knowing she had a lot hidden within her which she forcefully suppressed.

Zoya looked up at him in a daze shocked to have been understood by him. Was she so transparent?'

"I may be an Akdu, I may fight and hurt you, but it doesn't mean I am not human enough to not see the obvious." Asad explained as if he were talking to a child. He pulled her in a hug again and ran his arm down her back softly.

A surge of guilt hit Asad as he remembered his words to her earlier that day. He had accused her of being childish, of taking life easily and of having been lucky to have spent a life where she didn't have to struggle or go through pain. But now as a frail and vulnerable Zoya lay in his arms he realised how wrong he had been. Zoya had definitely not had an easy life. Her deep, empty eyes were a proof of a scathed life that had been left unattended.

He looked down to see Zoya still awake and staring endlessly. He knew she was scared to get the nightmares again and remembered what he had done the last time she had been in this condition. He removed his phone and scrolled to the video section and opened a video.

Aahana's baby jargon filled the car, distracting Zoya as she looked into the phone Asad was holding. Asad had taken the video when Aahana had refused to eat the food he was feeding her and had been insistent on eating by herself. She tried picking the spoon, but her tiny hands couldn't hold it and it would fall down dirtying her clothes. Aahana who had no idea what she was doing enjoyed it like a game. And when she failed to eat her food by the spoon she put her palms into the bowl and fed herself with more than half the food falling down her cheeks and neck. The video had Asad struggling to control his laughter while he wanted to reprimand her for dirtying herself so much.

Asad smiled seeing his baby and from the corner of his eyes he saw a tiny smile tugging at Zoya's lips too. He sighed glad that he had managed to wean her mind off her worries. He handed his phone to Zoya who unconsciously took it and scrolled down to watch some more videos.

She saw one video where Asad had taken a video of a sleeping Aahan who looked so peaceful and adorable that Zoya and Asad couldn't help but smile affectionately.

"I wanted to record her soft snores. She always snores a little in the night when she is not so deeply sleeping. I am so used to hearing that sound when I sleep that I wanted to have a memory of it with me. Zoya nodded, smiling wider as she heard the soft snores from the phone as he spoke about it and they both chuckled.

Zoya scrolled down to another video that had been taken by Najma in the clinic when they had taken Aahana for their first vaccination. Asad was sitting besides Aahana on the little bed in the clinic and was holding her tightly. When the doctor pricked her, she had just yelled once and not cried much because the doctor had handed her a toy to play with. But her daddy who was sitting next to her holding her tight was almost crying seeing the swollen spot on her little bum as if he had been pricked and not her.

Asad smiled sheepishly as Zoya chuckled at the video and turned to look at him," So Asad Ahmed Khan is scared of injections? Hmmm interesting!" Zoya said slyly.

They saw more videos, Asad explaining what had happened making Zoya laugh at some, smile affectionately at the others. They never even realised when sleep engulfed them as they lay with Zoya's head rested on his shoulder and Asad's on hers.

*****

Zoya woke up early next morning and found herself leaning on Asad, while he was squashed on one corner in the car. She felt bad seeing how uncomfortably he was sleeping. His forehead was creased with his usual frown as the sunlight hit him disturbing his sleep. Zoya bent forward and holding his head gently tilted it to make it rest on the car seat instead of the handle. Asad groaned feeling the movement and woke up feeling Zoya's hand under his head. She saw him staring at her sleepily and immediately moved her hand away. Asad moved apart too and stretching himself looked around.

"The traffic seems to have cleared up, and the day is sunny too. Acha hai baarish band ho gayi hum farm house jaldi pahunch jayenge."

"Uh Mr Khan its okay, we should go back home. Aahana ka vaccination hoga aaj, you should be with her. Meri bachkani zid ki wajah se aapko bhi mere saath yaha aana pada. You've had to go through a lot of trouble for me, you haven't even slept well. We'll just go back, I am sorry.." Zoya said softly not looking at Asad.

Even after all he had said to her she was being considerate and more concerned for him and his family. He saw her swollen eyes, pale face and her characteristic smile missing and shut his eyes in guilt again. His anger, attitude and his restraint on himself had affected her too. What right did he have to make her suffer because he couldn't smile? Who had given him the authority to snatch away her childlike innocence if he couldn't find time or interest to enjoy every little happiness life offered to him. He wasn't going to let her suffer, and if he did he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

"Zoya mai toh carnival jo raha hun, ab agar aap meri wajah se ghar waapis jaana chahti hai toh theek hai shauk se jaye, par phir soch lijiyega ki aap Ammi se kya kahengi. You see you can't even blame me for it since I won't be going back with you." Asad pointed out making Zoya scowl at him.

Asad waited for Zoya to argue back which she almost unintentionally and naturally was going to. But she restrained herself and sat back nodding her head," Fine as you say, we'll go to the carnival then." Zoya said dryly disappointing Asad who had expected a different reaction.

"By the way mohatarma mai aapka driver nahi hun, toh agar aap back seat se uthkar aagey aakar bethengi toh acha hoga." Asad jibed wanting to make her react, but she simply nodded and came and sat in the front.

Asad frowned but tightening his seat belt inserted the key to start the car. The car jerked but didn't start. Asad tried over and over but it remained unresponsive. He got out of the car and lifted the bonnet surveying it.

"Shit!" he exclaimed.

He walked to Zoya's side of the car and peeped through the window," The battery is dead, gaadi nahi chalegi."

Zoya nodded, "Lagta hai aapki tarah ye gaadi bhi carnival par nahi jaana chahti," Zoya said coldly.

"Gaadi jaye na jaye hum toh zaroor jayenge Miss Farooqui." Asad retorted feigning an arrogant look.

NEXT PART