Salaam All
I know I seemed to have gone AWOL and I can only apologise for being absent. Thank you so so much for all you beautiful comments. Your feedback means so much even though I have been rubbish and not got back to you.
To make up for it please find below a double update. I hope you like the chapters, please do let me know what you think.
Lots of love always
Saima
Thirty Nine
Tuesday could not have come fast enough, as soon as Zoya finished at the studio she ran out towards where the driver was waiting for her 'Zoya, wait up' she heard a loud voice come from behind 'hey Raj, you ok...I was just about to go home' 'no that's fine, I just wanted to say that RJ is off site tomorrow so you are teaming up with me, it's going to be a long one so just wanted you to be pre warned' Zoya smiled at him 'that's fine, thank you Raj, I'll see you tomorrow'.
Zoya ran inside calling out for Asad, Dilshad came out of the kitchen upon hearing her voice 'Aunty where is Asad?' 'Zoya, did you not get his message, he came home but left to go to the recording studio, they are having a party to celebrate the success of their trip...Asad asked if you could get changed and be ready by 7.30 the driver will take you' Zoya took in a deep breath 'thank you Aunty...I'll go and get ready' oh Zoya, I think Asad left something on the bed for you'.
Zoya ran to her room, she walked in to see a beautiful dress and next to it was a parcel. She opened the parcel and found another dress, it was a deep red full length maxi dress, she had never seen anything like it. She picked up both the dresses 'hmmm Mr Asad Ahmed Khan...not bad, but I guess you wanted me in the red...hence you wrapped it up so beautifully'.
Zoya came downstairs looking absolutely stunning, so much so that even Rashid complimented her. The driver took Zoya to the Hyatt Hotel, which was a five star hotel well known for catering parties for the rich and famous. As the car pulled up the driver came round and opened the door for Zoya. Zoya stepped out to be met with large crowds, people form the music industry and media were gathered outside. Not being able to see Asad, Zoya called him 'hey where you are...I am outside' 'I am on my way, be there in two minutes'.
Zoya saw Asad walking towards her, she couldn't be happier, the relief she felt wash over her was something that only she knew. Zoya ran a few steps ahead and without a care of who was there she wrapped her arms around him 'you don't know how happy I am to see you back Asad, I missed you so much' Asad held her for a few moments before he pulled her back 'hey...why you crying, its ok Zoya, look I am here now...come on lets go' Zoya, wiped her tears and followed him in to the main hall where the party was taking place. Asad held Zoya's hand firmly in his as he took her around and introduced her to a few of his colleagues.
Asad and Zoya stood by the bar where he ordered them a couple of soft drinks, as Zoya looked out on to the dance floor Asad wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him, he closed in and placed a soft kiss on her ear 'you look beautiful...this colour really suits you' Zoya tightened her grip on his hand that held her 'how could I not look beautiful...after all you have impeccable taste' Asad turned Zoya around 'sir, your drink' the bar tender interrupted 'thank you'.
'Asad, you want to join us on the dance floor?' Asad looked at Vishal, who was his team leader 'sure...why not...Zoya' he said holding his hand out to her, which she lovingly took 'Asad before you go you need to pick up some masks...this one's is a masquerade' Zoya and Asad picked up to beautifully decorated eye masked and put them on before they joined everyone else.
Zoya had never had so much fun dancing, the music was fast and full of energy, everyone was going around in a circle so after every turn they would end up with a new partner. As the music changed to something softer Zoya managed to miss Asad and ended up with another guy. She reluctantly placed her hands in his and let him take the lead. After a few moments she felt his hands tighten around her she tried to wriggle out of his hold but it was no use, Zoya found herself flushed against his body 'can you please let me go' she said. The guy smiled at her 'Zoya, you look like a goddess...like you need to be put in a temple and worshipped' Zoya froze as she recalled similar words she read in the note.
She looked up to see him smirking 'Zoya...never did I think you would wear my dress and what makes it perfect is that I am holding you in my arms wearing what I chose for you' the minute Zoya heard what he said she pushed him and stepped back. The fear, the confusion that she expressed through her eyes made him laugh out loud. As soon as Zoya was about to say something the music picked up pace and everyone started twirling around the dance floor. In all the people Zoya lost him, she looked everywhere but couldn't see him anywhere.
Asad came up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist making her jump 'hey, it's me...Asad, you ok?' Zoya pulled her mask off, when Asad saw her face he grabbed her hand 'Zoya...what happened' he said in a more serious tone of voice 'th...this dress...it's the one you put on my bed...you chose this...for me to wear?' Asad shook his head 'no, I put a black one there...I just thought you didn't like it and chose to wear this one...why?' Zoya felt her heart accelerate; she couldn't breathe, her eyes turned red as she tears streamed down her face. Asad stepped forward and held her 'Zoya you are scaring me what is wrong?' Asad kept hold of her and led her to the side.
Zoya stood there crying uncontrollably, it didn't matter how much Asad tried he couldn't get her to calm down or tell him what was wrong. Asad called for the driver and asked him to take them home, as soon as they entered Dilshad and Rashid stood up seeing Zoya's state, she looked at them and then ran upstairs 'Asad...what happened beta?' 'I don't know Ammi, one minute she was fine the next she was shaking, crying, she wouldn't talk to me...Ammi please give us a few minutes' Asad ran up the stairs when he walked in he saw Zoya standing there ripping the dress as she cried, but her cries where not filled with fear as before this time they were filled with rage and total fury.
'Zoya' he shouted out as he ran to her to stop her 'Zoya what the hell is wrong with you...what are you doing?' Zoya pulled away from him 'he sent me this...I wore his dress...I thought it was what you had left out for me but it wasn't...I wore this and then he touched me, he held me against him and I couldn't do anything...' Zoya cried out as she fell to the floor. Asad looked at her confused, she wasn't making any sense.
Asad knelt down next to her; he stretched out his hand to place on her shoulder only for her to flinch back. Not caring that she did Asad went ahead anyway 'Zoya look at me...please baby...you need to tell me what is going on...who gave you this dress, who touched you...' Zoya looked up at him with her sore eyes that seeped tears that stung her face "I...I don't know'. Asad sat closer to her and put his arm around her shoulder 'Zoya...what is going on?' Zoya told Asad everything from the phone calls the never ending flowers and then what had happened today.
Asad's whole body had tensed, he stood up making Zoya stand up with him 'Zoya...I promise who ever this sick bas***d is I am going to find him and I am going to make him pay for what he has done...I won't let anyone near you' Asad picked up a small blanket that lay on her bed and covered her, in all of this when Zoya pulled her dress off all she had on was a slip that she wore underneath. 'Zoya looked up at him, he kissed her forehead 'you get dressed I am going to ask Ramu who brought that package in'.
Forty
'Asad, why are you shouting at Ramu for' Rashid said, he had never seen his son so angry before. Asad explained what had happened, both Rashid and Dilshad stood there in shock, Rashid looked at Ramu 'Ramu, who gave you that package, and why were we not informed about it?' 'Sir, it came by courier and when I received it no one was around, I saw Zoya beti's name on it and then left it in her room' Dilshad felt bad for Ramu, none of this was his fault 'it's ok Ramu, you did nothing wrong...in future anything that comes by courier please let one of us know...you can go now'.
'We need to contact the police, this is not a matter to be taken lightly Asad, this person, he knows where she lives, where she works...he even knew that she would be attending the party...it has to be someone we know...you and Zoya know' Rashid said 'Asad, I agree with your Abu beta, you need to call the police and let them investigate'.
As Dilshad continued to talk Rashid looked to the stair case and saw Zoya coming down, he walked towards her and then embraced her shaking body 'don't worry Zoya, we are with you, this person won't get away with it, he has no idea that he has just started to dig his own grave'. Dilshad took over from Rashid, she took Zoya and sat down on the sofa with her 'Asad, please get her a glass of water'.
Zoya fell asleep with her head still in Dilshad's lap 'Asad, please take her upstairs' Rashid whispered. Asad gently lifted Zoya in his arms and took her upstairs, he laid her down and covered her with her blanket, she looked so pale and her face still wore the stains of her teasr. Asad let out a deep sigh as he stroked her hair.
The next morning Asad called RJ to let him know that Zoya was not feeling well and would be absent from work, he also called Ayaan and Humera to come round thinking that seeing everyone together would cheer Zoya up.
Zoya came down to find Ayaan, Priya and Humera sitting at the table, as soon as they saw her they came running to her 'Zoya, how are you feeling?' Priya asked Zoya gave her a faint smile 'a lot better...thank you for coming guys, it means a lot'.
'It has to be Farhan, who else could it be?' Priya said 'Zoya, I know you couldn't see his face properly but you must have recognised his voice' Zoya looked towards Humera 'it happened so fast I honestly can't remember...Asad what if it is him, after what he said and done at Atlas Park...' Asad entwined his fingers with Zoya's 'Zoya, if it is him I promise you I am going to cause him some serious damage...but what I don't want is to confront him...or let him know we are on to him, we have to catch him in the act'.
Zoya returned back to the studio the following day with just a few days left before the show on Saturday everyone was on top form making sure that the performances were perfect. Zoya took time out to speak to RJ about what was going on 'Zoya, you should have told me earlier, I will speak to management and security, not just for you but everyone, your personal safety is paramount' 'thanks RJ...I really appreciate it'.
Over the next few weeks everything went back to normal, Zoya had not heard anything, no calls, no flowers, nothing but that didn't mean she wasn't cautious, she remained vigilant at all times.
It was soon coming up to Christmas and the New Year, a time when everyone would enjoy the festivities and naturally be in high spirits. Zoya's show that was receiving rave reviews was also going to be coming to an end with the grand finale the Saturday after Christmas and before the New Year.
'Zoya after the show finishes, we would like you to stay on and work with us on the other project that we have been contracted to' 'Thanks RJ, that would be great...actually I was going to ask you if it was possible for me to carry on or if I had to return to IMDD' 'no, now we have you we are not letting you go, after the new year we have been asked to work with some well known choreographers from the film industry, I will be splitting you all up into two teams and then you can all get to work on various sets' Zoya was over the moon, this was exactly what she had dreamed of, working as a choreographer in movies, making world famous actor and actresses dance to her moves at her fingertips.
Zoya had invited everyone to the grand finale Najma had never been so excited 'Api, thank you so much, you're the best' she said as she hugged her. Zoya went to stand by Asad who took her hand into his 'you nervous?' 'A little, I can't believe this is the last one...come I'll show you guys to your seat'. Asad, his family, Ayaan, Humera, Priya and Neil all sat down and waited for the show to begin.
The show truly was a spectacular masterpiece; the best part was the surprise performances by the choreographers, Zoya truly set the stage on fire with her dance piece with Lillie and Raj, taking a final bow she went back stage to be congratulated by RJ and the production house management team.
'Zoya, you have to stay for the after party, you can bring your friends and family too, we have invited so many other that are affiliated with the show and with IMDD' 'thanks RJ, I will have to check with them if they are up for it I will definitely come and bring them too'
Zoya went out to her family Aunty, please stay, it will be fun, it's to celebrate my teams success' Dilshad couldn't bring herself to say no of course beta we will' Zoya clapped her hands in excitement 'Asad, can you take them back to the main dance hall that's where everyone will be, I'll meet you guys there'.
It was New Year's eve, this year everyone planned to spend it with their families, Razia had called Dilshad and invited everyone to come to their place. The get together was simple but all that more special as everyone who was close was together.
The girls sat under the canopy where Ghaffur has set a little log fire to keep them warm 'Priya what is wrong, you don't seem your normal self' Zoya said as she noticed Priya sitting looking withdrawn 'am just a little tired that's all' she said in a bleak voice. Zoya looked at Humera and raised her eyebrow as if to ask what's going on to which Humera shrugged her shoulders.
Everyone had gathered around together to count down the last minute, to wave goodbye to 2013 and welcome in 2014. Ayaan and Najma counted down and as they got to one the clock struck 12; everyone screamed and hugged one another wishing them a very happy new year. Ghaffur and Rashid had arranged for a small fireworks display that they all enjoyed, Asad, Ayaan and Neil held on to their lady loves as they watched the night sky illuminate with the most beautiful colours and sparks.
By the time everyone said good bye it was nearly 3.00am 'Zoya, you stay as well...please' Humera said holding on to her arm. Zoya looked towards Asad who smiled at her 'stay, I'll come to pick you up in the morning' Zoya smiled back at him, she really wanted to give him a hug and a New Year's kiss but with everyone around she had to make do with a smile and a wink.
Bigg Boss 19
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