In Love and War ll_Pt 17, Pg 115_Link to #3 (15/04/14) - Page 4

Part 11:

Zoya sat at her dressing table, as Humeira pinned her hair away from her face. She had a solemn look on her face, and it prevented Humeira from teasing her. Zoya was lost in thoughts of the last time she had gone through this. The atmosphere had been different then.

She had similar reasons for getting engaged previously, but this time... It just seemed "more". She had no other way of describing it. Even though she knew that they were going into this for reasons other than love, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Asad and her.

Humeira was alert to her pensive state and started worrying. Ayaan had told her what Asad had said, and she worried that this wasn't the reason her friend should be getting married. "Zoya, are you ok? Are you... having second thoughts?" she asked softly. Zoya raised her eyes to face Humeira's reflection in the mirror. "Of course not. I mean, why would you ask me something like that?" she asked her.

"I don't know... you don't seem happy" Humeira said uncertainly. Zoya turned around to face her friend. "I'm... not unhappy. It's just that getting ready like this... reminds me of doing the same thing not so long ago" Zoya said, then shook her head and smiled as she thought of Asad. "But this time, it's different" she said.

"How so? You... love him?" Humeira asked, taking Zoya's hand in hers. "No... I don't. But he's a good man. He will take care of me...Perhaps in future..." she trailed off. She didn't want to make Humeira worry any more than she already was. "And you're sure?" Humeira asked her. Zoya put on a smile. "Positive"

"OK, then you are ready" Humeira said. "Can you call Mom please?" Zoya asked. "Sure, I'll go get her" Humeira said, smiling. She hoped her friend knew what she was doing. She knew that Ayaan sang Asad's praises and had told her that he was nothing like that Ritesh Kapoor. A thought struck Humeira as she started leaving the room, and turned to Zoya again. "Uhm... so now do you think you're marrying the hottest man in politics?" she asked teasingly.

Zoya stilled. And then blushed profusely. Hmmm... was he? Zoya nodded shyly with a small smile on her lips. Humeira giggled and walked out. It seemed that these two would be just fine.

Zoya thought of Asad slipping that ring on her finger and her heart melted. Why was she feeling like this? They had agreed to keep the real reason for the fake marriage to themselves, so why now was she suddenly feeling like she wished it was real after all? "Asad..." she thought and allowed herself a small smile. He was really such a kind soul. And he was proving every day that he would indeed, do whatever it took to keep her happy.

"You called for me Baby" Anjali said as she walked into Zoya's room. "Yes, Mom. Come sit" Zoya beckoned her forward, as she broke out of her thoughts. "What is it?" Anjali asked, looking worried all of a sudden. "Nothing is wrong, Mom. In fact, I called you here so we could redo our conversation from... the last time" Zoya said softly.

"And?" Anjali prompted her. "You asked me that night if I was happy and I said I was. But tonight, I want to tell you that I am more than happy. And that's the truth. There will be no revelations after this... I know Asad isn't like that. And so I am happy" she finished.

"Do you love him, Zoya?" Anjali asked. Zoya shook her head. "It's not why..." she said and then trailed off. "We're friends first" she said finally, putting a smile on Anjali's face. It's not like she didn't know the reason behind the marriage. But she could tell her daughter was happy, and for now, that's all that mattered. More than that, she trusted Asad Ahmed Khan to never do to her daughter what Ritesh Kapoor had done.

"Let's go then, shall we?" Anjali asked, getting up and taking Zoya's hand to lead her downstairs.

"So you really think this is just a business proposal?" Humeira asked Ayaan downstairs in the hall. "I don't buy that for a second, but it seems the less you push these two, the better it will be" Ayaan said. "What do you mean?" she asked. He smiled. "I mean, you haven't seen them together... They push each others' buttons... they rile each other up. It's almost as if they enjoy their bickering" he chuckled. "But what does that mean?" she asked, confused.

"It means... they like each other much more than they're willing to admit, even to each other, and definitely not to the rest of us. I know my Bhaijaan... He may say this is a business proposal, but it's not what he really believes" Ayaan said. "I'm so confused... I just don't want Zoya hurt" Humeira said, leaning against Ayaan. "Baby, Asad is the last man on Earth that would hurt Zoya. He cares about her more than he even knows" Ayaan said, rubbing her back soothingly.

"Right, Asad. This is it..." Asad pep-talked himself as he flipped open the ring box and looked at it again. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Things would be different if they had stuck to telling everyone what their marriage really was. Now with the new development of lying to everyone, possibly for the rest of their lives... he wasn't exactly sure how things would work. He knew one thing though; he was truly happy he'd made the decision to propose to Zoya.

He knew he would never hurt her, he knew he'd keep her happy, and most of all, he knew that she was the partner and friend that he wanted in his life. He didn't dare think of the "L" word. If he did... there would be very little stopping him from gathering her up in his arms once he'd slipped that ring on her finger, and kissing the life out of her. He sank to his bed. He was still not able to get the kiss out of his mind. It was such an innocent action; but it had had the potential to become a very dangerous drug. He already felt addicted...

"Asad, everything ok?" Dilshad asked as she, Tanveer and Najma appeared at his door. "Of course, Ammi" he smiled. "Shall we go?" he asked when his mother looked at him uncertainly. She turned back to Tanveer and Najma. "You go ahead and wait in the lounge, girls. I want to speak to Asad alone for a minute" she said and then went to sit on Asad's couch.

"Everything alright, Ammi?" Asad asked as he took a seat next to her. "I'm not sure, Asad. Is it?" she asked. "I'm not sure what you mean?" he said, looking confused. "Asad... I know you and Zoya are... attracted to one another, but I feel like it is my duty to ask one more time if you're both sure about this?" she asked. He remained silent, looking down nervously. "I trust my son to make sound judgements... but I wish you would think with your heart sometimes. I don't believe that you're both going into this marriage for the right reasons. You see, I've come to really like Zoya and I wouldn't want to see either of you hurt" she said.

Asad took her hand. "Ammi... it's complicated, I'll admit. But our reasons aren't wrong. We will be happy together" he stated simply. "And love, Asad?" she asked. "Ammi..." he sighed. How could he tell her what he truly felt, when he didn't understand his own feelings? And now with the lie? "Ammi, there is time for all that. Think about this. If you had made me marry someone I didn't even know, we'd be going into a marriage with less than what Zoya and I have right now" he said. He patted her hand. "Everything will be alright, Ammi" he said and pulled her in for a hug. "If you're sure then... We should go" she said, getting up. They walked out silently to go to the hall where the engagement party would take place.

"Really? Oh my GOD!" Zoya squealed when Humeira and Ayaan had told her about them. She hugged them fiercely. "I'm so happy! I can't believe this!" she said to them. "But shush now, no one else knows. We're going to break the news soon, so keep your lips zipped" Humeira said, trying to quieten down an exuberant Zoya. She laughed. "Ok, ok..." she said, looking around the hall that thronged with people. "Looking for someone?" Ayaan asked, wagging his eyebrows. Zoya glared at him. "I will get your future wife to give you a really hard time if you don't stop teasing me" Zoya huffed. Ayaan and Humeira laughed, and then Ayaan pointed to the exit. "There he is, Ms Impatience" he said and chuckled as Zoya paid him no attention once she'd caught sight of Asad entering the hall with Dilshad, followed by Najma and Tanveer.

He looked through the crowd and his gaze snagged at Zoya. He took in a sharp breath. God, she looked beautiful. He couldn't wait to take her hand in his and slip that ring on her finger... ensuring that she would always be "his"

Zoya smiled at him shyly and he smiled back through his hazy thoughts. She noticed Tanveer behind him, looking down and blinking. Zoya's heart went out to her. She felt guilty, as though she was snatching something precious that belonged to someone else. The thought sent a stab of pain through her heart. Was she doing that? Snatching someone else's dream for her own selfish reasons? "But what are those reasons, Zoya?" she asked herself.

She shook her head as her parents and Karan came to stand by her side. Asad and his family walked forward to join them and everyone congratulated each other. "I just wish Rashid had been here to see his only son get married" Dilshad whispered. Anjali hugged her. "He is looking down on them, believe me Dilshad" she said soothingly.

Asad and Zoya ignored all the hustle and bustle around them. The crowd of people might as well have not been there at all. They had eyes only for each other. He stepped forward to her. "Ready?" he mouthed. She smiled at him and nodded her head minutely. He smiled shyly at her. "Need to talk" she mouthed. "Afterwards" he mouthed back, before they were tapped on the shoulders. "Uhm... do you want to carry on your silent conversation, or do you think we could get on with the engagement ceremony?" Arjun chuckled. Asad and Zoya looked down, embarrassed at having been caught.

""Of course. Let's go" Asad answered as he was the first to recover. He walked away amidst a burst of giggles.

"Actually... can Asad and I have a few minutes?" Zoya spoke up. Anjali and Dilshad exchanged worried glances, but Zoya caught that. She placed her hands on each of their arms. "It's nothing serious. I just want to have a moment alone with him before we exchange rings" she reassured them. Getting their permission, she went over to Asad and told him she needed to speak to him.. He silently followed her until they were outside in the garden courtyard of the hall.

"What's the matter, Zoya?" Asad asked as soon as they'd stepped outside. She turned to face him... there were tears in her eyes. Asad suddenly panicked. Did she want out? He stepped to her and held her by her shoulders firmly. "Tell me, Zoya?" he pleaded. Nothing. "You... don't want to go ahead with this, do you?" he asked. She shook her head and a few tears escaped her eyes. Asad let go off her. "Wait here. I will tell everyone" he said and started turning away, but Zoya grabbed his hand. "Wait, what are you... that's not it" she managed to stammer out.

"Then what is it? Please, Ms Farooqui. I hate seeing you like this" he said softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... but I have a confession" she whispered. Asad waited for her to say what she wanted to, even though his patience was being put to the test. "You don't know everything about me... and I think you should. Before we do this" she said. He was unconsciously massaging her hand in his now. "Go ahead, Ms Farooqui" he whispered, not sure what she wanted to confess. He wondered for a second if it had anything to do with Kapoor and then just as quickly, dismissed the thought.

"I hated you... your father... the party... All because I blamed you all for my mother's death..." she breathed out. Asad tensed. He wasn't expecting that. "Why are you telling me this now?" he asked, suddenly suspicious of her motives. "I'm telling you now, because I thought you deserved to know. And to also know... that I don't feel that way anymore" she said softly.

"I'm really sorry... That you had to go through that, Ms Farooqui" he whispered, pulling her in for a hug. "I just needed you to know that..." she whispered back and then removed herself from him.

"There's something else" she said, looking at him. "Now what?" he had almost wanted to growl out. "Tanveer" she answered as if she'd read his mind. He looked at her incredulously. "After everything, please do not tell me you still think...?" he trailed off, not even able to finish his sentence.

"No no, that's not what I mean. Not at all. I just... looking at her, I feel so guilty. I feel like I'm... taking something from her. Something that... is precious to her... belongs to her" Zoya whispered desperately. Asad groaned inwardly.

He moved closer to her again, staring at her intently. "You're doing no such thing, Zoya. Please don't feel that way. I... Tanveer and I are just friends, and whatever she thought could've happened between us... could never happen. I don't belong to her..." he said imploringly. He nearly said he belonged to her and only her but stopped himself in time. "How do I face her every day? The pain in her eyes... It's unbearable, Mr Khan" Zoya said.

"Ms Farooqui, I don't know how to make this better for you" he said helplessly. "The fact is, Tanveer could never be in your place today. It would never have been her" he whispered. Zoya, slightly dazed at Asad's closeness and the persuasive tone of voice he was using on her, nodded slightly. "You ok?" he asked. "I have to sort this issue out..." he thought to himself when she said she was.

"We should go back now. I am sure they want to get started" she said. "And you? Are you ready?" he asked. "As I'll ever be" she smiled at him, wiping away the last of her tears. He held her hand and led her back into the hall.

"If you're done with your alone time', can we please get started? Ayaan hissed to them as they walked in. Asad and Zoya both glared at him. He led them to the centre of the hall, their families on opposite sides, standing just behind them.

Asad held his breath as he remembered watching that damn Ritesh Kapoor slip a ring on Zoya's finger. Instinctively, he clenched his fists at his side. No, this was different. After he did this... he wouldn't be sneaking off with some other woman to get his fix. No, he was nothing like Ritesh and Zoya was getting what she deserved; better than him. Thinking so, he looked at her, keeping his gaze on her as he slid the ring onto her finger slowly, unconsciously brushing his other fingers across her hand, making her hand tingle. The ring was beautiful, and the moment even more so. Despite herself, Zoya found herself smiling and blushing.

Asad put his hand out into hers when she gestured for him to do so and they stared at each other unblinkingly as she mirrored his earlier action with the ring. He smiled his shy smile that Zoya loved when Ayaan patted him on the back. "Ok, so you're probably going to get stuck with everyone coming to wish you and congratulate you and stuff. When we're done with all that, I've arranged a room where you can have your interview" Ayaan coached them. "Hold hands and at least try to look like you mean it!" he hissed, before walking away frustrated at these two. He'd never thought that his job as Asad's right hand man would extend to wedding planner and romance coach. Hell, with these two, he would even be able to put "referee" on his CV soon! He looked back at them and smiled. They didn't need the coaching. They already looked so in love... They were only fooling themselves.

"So... How have you been?" Karan walked up to Najma when he caught her alone. "Uhm, I'm fine. You?" she asked, surprised. Karan and her had been in high school together, but he was part of the "cool kids" group and Najma had been a nerd. They definitely didn't move in the same circles. "I was very sorry to hear about your father..." he said, very sincerely. "Thank you. I suppose, it will always be difficult, but it's nice to have a distraction" she said. "What have you been up to, I mean, after we finished school?" he asked, stepping a bit closer to her. "I have been away this year. I've been studying at The London Institute of Design. How about you?" she asked. She felt only slightly flustered. Had this been a year ago and Karan Sharma walked up to her, she may have fainted. But time away from home, independence and finding a sense of self and confidence enabled her to stand here, having a normal conversation with her high school crush.

"Wow Najma, really? That's so cool. Design hey? I'm studying Business Management..." he said, rolling his eyes. Clearly, it's not what he wanted to do. "Tell me more, what kind of design?" he asked. They had walked to a corner of the room now, and he pulled a chair out for her to sit on. "Thanks. It's graphic design, nothing major" she said shyly. "Nothing major? It sounds amazing! And studying in London must be really nice, huh?" he asked. All through school, he'd had the biggest crush on her. But while she kept her nose in her books, he was always in some kind of trouble. Nothing major, but still... he had always thought her much too intelligent for him, and so he'd never even tried to be her friend. That could change now. No, that WOULD change now. "Uhm, actually, I've decided to finish my course from here now. It is just another year, and I think I'm needed at home" she said. That made Karan very happy. He smiled at her. "Hmm, that means we'll be seeing much more of each other" he said conspiratorially. "How so?" Najma asked, tilting her head to one side as she looked at him. "We're family now. Well, not you and I, but our siblings... I guess we'll have lots of run-ins" he chuckled. "I guess so!" Najma giggled. That sound warmed his heart. "Not guess so, Najma. Definitely" he thought to himself.

"Zoya, baby!"

Zoya groaned and Asad turned to see where that voice came from. Almost skipping to them in the tiniest, shortest, slinkiest dress, was the now infamous Shria Naidu. She air kissed Zoya's cheeks, and Asad had wanted to laugh at Zoya rolling her eyes. "Shria..." she said coldly. She smiled at her then moved her attention to Asad. "Oh Mr Khan, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you. I must say... the pictures... they do not do the real thing justice..." she purred and reached out to touch his arm. That move was thwarted by Zoya as she almost stepped in front of him. "Shria, are you ready for the interview?" Zoya asked sweetly, holding onto Asad's arm tightly. Asad patted her arm and smiled at Shria. Well, this behaviour of hers was amusing to him.

"Of course, Zoya baby. Lead the way" she said, shrugging. "Jealous?" he whispered to her as they walked into the interview room that Ayaan had set up. "Jealous, my foot!" she whispered back. "Hold me!" she ordered. Asad was only too happy to comply and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side. "I hope we don't screw this up" she whispered. "We won't" he assured her. When they sat down in the room, Zoya leaned into him, making him put his arm around her again. She looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. She had no idea that her little act for Shria was wreaking havoc in Asad's mind. Just a little more and he could kiss her.

"Ok... shall we get started, or do the lovebirds need a moment alone?" Shria asked, breaking into their thoughts. "No, we're ready, Shria" Zoya answered, but didn't let go of Asad. She rested her head on his shoulder and smiled at Shria as she got out her tablet.

"Shoot" Asad reiterated, leaning back in his chair as Zoya snuggled against him. He had half a mind to tell her to get off him, knowing very well that he could barely concentrate on the interview with her wrapped around his body like that.

"So, first question... how did this come about?" she asked them. "Uhm, we met a couple of times, y'know, due to our families both coming from the same background..." Asad started. "...It took a while, but then we realised..." Zoya finished.

"Was this while you were engaged to Ritesh Kapoor?" Shria asked, typing away furiously on her tablet. Asad and Zoya looked to each other. "Afterwards, of course" Zoya answered.

"Well, that was quick then? I mean, it's only just been a while?" Shria inquired. "Yes, that's true, but when you know, I guess you know..." Zoya said, looking up at Asad smilingly. Asad's heart knocked in his chest. How he wished what she was saying was true.

"Wonderful! Asad, do you feel this is a good move for your newly joined party?" she asked.

He held Zoya tighter against him. "Of course. Zoya is not just good for me, but she will be for the NC as well" he smiled.

"What about Ritesh Kapoor? I have heard rumbles of him forming his own party?" Shria asked.

"To be honest, he doesn't matter in our lives... political or otherwise" Asad piped up. "That's true" Zoya smiled.

"I must say though, Zoya... that was a nice move you pulled with the media when those pictures were leaked. Do you ever think about how that happened?"

Zoya laughed but Asad tensed. "This is off the record, Shria. That wasn't true, obviously!" Zoya said laughing again, this time along with Shria. "And I have no idea how that happened... It was a horrible time, but I still think at least I found out before I made the biggest mistake of my life. That, you can put in your piece!" Zoya said.

"Ok, enough about him then. These are the last few questions. Zoya, you first. Tell me what attracted you to Asad in the first place... I mean, besides the obvious" Shria asked, sweeping her hand across Asad's frame. Zoya scowled at her.

"Hmmm, there's so much... his sincerity, his integrity... his concern for what I want, his willingness to do whatever it takes to make me happy... and his eyes. His eyes are beautiful. Oh, and his smile when he's shy... it's so endearing..." she noted until Shria giggled. "I'm impressed! That's quite a list!" she said. Zoya blushed, embarrassed at having been caught out dreamily complimenting her fianc.

Asad was confused. His heart sang with joy, but his mind told him this was just Zoya's act to convince the public that were, indeed, in love. And now, the spotlight would be on him.

"Your turn, Asad. What is it that attracted Zoya to you?" Shria asked.

He pulled her tighter for a second and then closed his eyes. He didn't know Zoya was staring up at him, her heart in her mouth, waiting for him to answer. "She's fiercely loyal, and very honest. She's strong and independent. A bit crazy at times, but I've learned to deal with that" he chuckled, earning him a glare from Zoya. "I like that actually, it's a refreshing change for me. She challenges me, so I know I can always count on her to tell me when I'm going wrong. And most of all, I think she's the most beautiful woman... Inside and out" he finished, looking down at Zoya lovingly.

"Wow..." Shria whispered, obviously just as impressed with Asad's description as she was with Zoya's. "Last questions... Your mother shared with me that the wedding is to be held next week already" Shria said. Asad and Zoya's eyes widened at this revelation, but they recovered quickly. "Any chance of a little Asad or little Zoya running around anytime soon?" Shria asked.

They almost spluttered over that question. Asad could've died. Children? With Zoya? That would mean they would have to... He massaged his temples to stop his dangerous train of thought. Zoya was at a loss. Children would mean doing... She closed her eyes. If they could have children just by her dream alone, they'd have had one by now! "Uhm... not anytime soon" she managed to get out. "Yes, what she said" Asad stuttered.

Shria smiled at their shyness. "Such a cute couple! Can I get some pictures for the article?" she asked. Zoya had half a mind to tell her she never asked their permission before, but Asad caught onto her and shook his head at her. She sulked. "Of course, Shria" he said smoothly.

They posed for a couple of pictures out in the hall, slowly losing themselves to the sensation of being so close to each other, and finally... Shria Naidu was happy, done and gone - for now.