Chapter Seven - Confessions, Homecoming and heartbreaks galore
Zoya woke up
Zoya woke up to find herself in a secluded area. She looked around to see where she was. She felt totally disoriented. She saw that she was in a cosy bed with white satins and a small window to look outside. She adjusted her face in that window to look outside and Boom what she saw some blue and white coloured smoky atmosphere. She looked around by rotating her head. She was inside a cabin kind of thing, very limited space but not less than a hotel room, then she heard some noises coming from outside. She got up from her bed holding her head and dragged her feet to see what was going outside. She slided the door to find giggling and laughter. She saw Usma laughing all the way sitting on Asads lap and playing something on his tab. She was puzzled. She was with Asad and where the hell she is now? She came behind them and kept her hand on Asads shoulders which made him jolt for a second as he wasn't expecting her. Asad turned back and said "Zoya aap utgayi, kaisi hai aap?, How are you feeling now"Usma now got down from his lap and was busy playing with games in his tab. Asad let her back to the room letting Usma know that they were inside. He closed the door after he entered. Zoya again "Asad hum kahan hai?' yeh konsi jagah hai, muje aisa kyun lag raha hai ki main bohot I m in a secluded area, kuch ajeeb hai, like my ears are filled with air and I cant hear anything properly. It opens up frequently. I m feeling that I m floating. Kyan horaha hai Asad?, hum kahan hai" She just showered a rapid fire of questions to Asad without giving time to him for answering . She shut her up by clamping his hand on her mouth. "zoya please listen to me first, aap aram kijiye, I will tell you everything, pehle aap shanti se baitiye tho sahi" and he made her sit on the bed. She was still looking at her for her answers. He slowly started apke pehle sawaal ka jawab hai, hum private jet man hai" Zoya jaws dropped "dusra sawal ka jawab hai we are flying in mid air and teesra, we are going to India" Zoyas hands automatically went to her mouth. "lekin India tho aap aur Usma jane wale the, phir main kaise" Asad now removed her hands from her mouth, she felt a little shy asking that question and she avoided Asads gaze. Asad held her chin by his hand and lifted her up face to look at him. Zoya could find nothing but his eyes full of love and Asad mischieviously said "ek sardarji ne kaha tha mujse ki main zoya ko bohot narmi se handle karoon" Zoya smiled being caught, she bit her lip and looked sidewards. Asad made her again to look at him and this time he was tracing his fingers along the contour of her lips. She was feeling butterflies in her stomach and her heart skipped a beat. She was shyly looking down Asad softly spoke "maine uss fountain main coin dala" Zoya eyes shot up "kyun" Asad "aap jo kho gayi thi" Zoya "tho aap vahan aye the, maine kitne der thak apka intezaar kiya, phir pata nahi kya hua, ek andhera sa chaa gaya ankhon ke samne, phir muje kuch yaad nahi" Asad "aap shayad iss gale ki chot ki vajah se behosh huyi thi" he pointed at her neck bandage. Zoya looked at it and remembered her wish at the fountain. Zoya fumbled "vo main...main..vahan .. aap muje chodkar chale gaye uss cottage main, lekin jab sham tak apka koi pata nahi chala tho, main socha ki.." Asad cut her off coming closer, zoya was now breathing heavily, "kya socha apne?" Zoya main socha ki apki jaan khatre ho sakthi hai, kyunki apne muje ghar se bhagaya tha, tho main apko talash karne ke liye..." Again cut off Asad he now inches close to her face "kyun zoya , mere liye itni bechaini kyun... , mere liye itni fikr kyun, Kyun aap muje takleef main nahi dekh pati hai, kyun aap muje vo new York tour par lekar gayi thi, kyun mere saath waqt bitaya, kyun zoya, boliye main sunna chahta hoon" Zoyas heartbeat became erratic and her lips were shivering now. She couldn't make to say even one word, looking at her condition. Asad smiled "apko pehli baar dekhte hi mujse aapse pyar hogaya tha, par yakeen nahin tha ki ek din aap bhi mujse... Apko dekhne ke liye mere ankhen taras gayi thi. Sach zoya" He stopped and then looked at her, he saw that she was giving a small smile hearing him and then continued "Zoya bas ek baar kehdo, main vo sunne ke liye taras gaya hoon," he begged her. She saw sincerity in his eyes , she just closed her eyes and then said it "I LOVE YOU TOO ASAD." She opened her eyes to see him looking at her lovingly. He reciprocated "I LOVE YOU, I do Zoya, main apse beintehaa mohabaat karta hoon" They were inches apart from each other. Zoya gave in and she hugged him tightly not even leaving air to pass between them. Asad nuzzled her hair and buried his face there taking her warmth. Zoya too was feeling vibrations all along her body. Both had their eyes closed. They were relishing that hug that they head Usmas knock and her request "Mamu, yeh dekhiye, yeh game over hogaya, muje naya game chahiye" They broke their hug Asad "tho Usma ki phoppi ko Usma ke mamu qubool hai" Zoya shyly replied "jee qubool hai," and they both went to open the door.
In Bhopal, at the Khan mansion
Badi Bi was organizing the welcoming function of her great grand daughter homecoming. Tanveer with her mother were already there to flatter her and faking their concern. Tanveer mother Hasina, pulled her to a corner and advised her "maine kitni baar tumse kaha tha ki Asad ko apne mutti main rakhna , lekin tume kabhi meri baat nahi maani, iss baar jab vo ayega, tho usse kaskar apne pallu se band ke rakhna, samji" Tanveer said "ammi, aap kya soch rahi hai, maine koshih nahi ki, lekin vo kabhi muje bhav deta hi nahi hai, main jitna uski kareeb jane ki koshish karti hoon, utna hi vo muje door bhaag ta hai, muje doubt hai ki vo kahin gay tho nahi hai, maine usse apne husn ki jaal main utar ne keliye short dresses pehne, lekin muje attention dena tho door vo meri taraf dekhta bhi nahi hai, ab main kya karun," Hasina advised "are pagli mard aise hote hai, jaal main phasne ke liye thoda time lagtha hai, lekin ek baar phas gaye tho asani ne nikal nahi sakte, mard aurat ki husn aur ishq main iss kard band jate hai ki, vo humare haathon main katputli banker rah jate hai, ab tumhare abbu ko hi dekhlo, majal hai jo mere khilaf jaye, thoda sabr se kaam lo, Tannu" Tanveer "teek hai, phir se koshish karti hoon." Hasina "vo buddi, ke haath main sara khan khandaan ki bagdor hai aur Asad uksa chabi samj aur abto vo videshi bachi bhi arahi hai, hume pakad aur mazaboot karna padega. Ab jao aur uss buddi ki maddat karo, jhoota hi sahi, lekin unhe yeh lagna chahiye ki Asad ke liye tumhare sivah aur koi achi ladki nahi milegi" Tanveer "muje bhi uss Asad main koi interest nahi hai, lekin nikah kabhi na kabhi tho karna padega, tho phir kyun na isse hi karoon, paisa ka paisa bhi, aur society main naam bhi, aish aura ram se zindagi kat sakti hoon, aur kya chahiye, nikah ke baad vo apne raste main apne raste"
In the private jet
Asad fed Usma and lulled her to sleep. Zoya was taking rest in the room. But actually she was deeply in some thoughts. Asad opened the door to find her head rested against the headboard and with her legs straight, leaning against the pillow, deeply thinking something. He cleared his throat and came and sat beside "aap kuch khayengi," Zoya nodded in negative. Asad held her hands "I know Zoya ki yeh sab aise achanak, lekin agar main yeh kadam nahi utatha tho shayad apko phise kho deta" Zoya looked at him with teary eyes "New York Chodne se phele ek baar abbu se milna chahti thi, par nahi hua, Asad meri abbu, vo akele hai, un shaitano ke beech main, mere ghar se bhagne ka sara gussa meri sauteli maa ab unpar utaregi, teek se khana bhi nahi degi, apko pata hai vo baat tak nahi karsakte, vo paralysed hai, bistar par hai, main.. kya karun unka meri alava iss duniya main aur koi nahi hai, Asad muje unki bohot yaad arahai hai" She cried and launched herself into Asads arms. He took her into his embrace and patted her back and caressed her hair pacifying her. "Dekho zoya muje apke abbu ke bare main pata nahi tha, lekin main vada karta hoon, main unhe kuch nahi hone doonga, bas muje kuch dino ki mouhlat dedo, I promise vo apke saamne honge" Zoya felt his promise so sincere she didn't say anything back but nodded her head giving her approval. Asad asked "apke abbu ki yeh halat kaise huyi, I mean koi accident?" Zoya started her story "muje meri ammi ke bare main kuch pata nahi, abbu kehte ki meri ammi muje janam dene ke baad iss duniya se ruksat hogayi, aaj tak maine unka ek bhi tasveer nahi dekha, mere liye mere abbu hi sab kuch the, meri ammi bhi, phir bad main unki mulalaqat meri souteli ammi se hui, vo pehle bohot achi thi, I mean achi baneka natak kiya tha, thaki vo mere abbu ke good books aye, abbu ne bhi meri liye ammi lane ke vaste, unse nikah kar liya, lekin nikah ke baad dheere dheeer unke bartav main badlav aya, ek din main school se vapis ayi tho maine unhe abbu se jaidad ke bare main poochte hue suna, Abbu ne kahan ki sari jaidad unhone meri naam ki hai, main saari jaidad ki asli waris hoon.iss baat par un dono ki bohot ladayi hui, aur phir jaise hi din beet tha gaya, unhone muje satana shuru kiya, she pulled her sleeve up and showed the burn scar, yeh unki di huyi nishani hai, jab maine unke bhai ke beta Akram ko pattar se mara tha, Akram bachpan se hi bigda hua tha, usse jab bhi mouka milta tha, muje tank karta tha, main hamesha chup rahthi thi, lekin uss din kuch zyadaa hogaya, usne zabardasti muje sharab pilane ki kosish ki jab vo mere saal girah par aya tha, maine uss din usse pehli baar pattar se maara, aur uska sar phod diya, meri souteli ammi ne muje yeh nishan inam main diya, unhone aag se ladki nikal kar mere hathon par rakh diya, uss din main bohot roi Asad, yeh dekh kar mere abbu sahe nahi paye aur gir pade aur phir unki yeh halat hogayi" Asads eyes were welled up with tears now and flowing out like a river. He was experiencing the pain which Zoya wen through. Zoya continued "uss din ke baad, mere abbu ke liye jee rahi hoon, kabhi apne liye nahi jiya, unhone mere schooling rukvadi, lekin Allah mere saath the, mere school ke principal ghar aye aur phir main dubara school jane lagi, main padayi main awaal thi, mere principal kuch shak hogaya issliye unhone mujse akele main baat ki, maine sab kuch unhe sach batadiya, unki maddat ki vajah se maine college bhi poora kiya, unhone Moulavi saaab ko iss baat main shamil kiya, aur phir jail jane ki dar se, unhone bhi muje tank karna band kardiya, saalon beet gaye, aur phir achanak ek din, vo mere paas Akram ka rishta lekar ayi, maine saaf inkar kardiya, lekin unke mansoobe kuch aur hi the, phir majboor hokar muje apna ghar chodna pada, uske baad ki kahani tho apko pata hi hogi" Asad sat there with teary eyes hearing her sad story. He softly said "muje pata nahi tha zoya ki aapk itni takleef seh chuki hai, lekin main vada karta hoon, aage zindagi main apko koi takleef nahi hogi, main apko hamesha khush rakhunga, now please smile that dimpled one please." Zoya hearing that flashed her dimples. Asad caressed her dimples slowly and then leaned against her, she was moving backwards, he gently closed the distance and placed a sweet and soft kiss on her dimples. Zoya relished the touch of his lips on her cheeks. She had entwined her fingers with Asads and her grip becme strong on his hand, when he kissed her. He felt her grip tight and smiled that thinking the effect he has on her. He pulled apart and got up to go, he felt a tug at his hand, he turned to see that Zoya was asking him to stop.
In Bhopal, Khan mansion
BadiBi was ordering around everybody to arrange the things in order, She didn't want to leave any stone unturned when Usma comes to her ansectoral house for the first time. Added she was going to announce something to the whole society as it was a grand occasion too. "pata nahi Usma ati hi hogi, aur kya kya kaam baaki hai, are Shajhaan Usma ka kamra tayyar haina, kuch choot tho nahi gaya" He replied "jee bilkul tayyar hai Badi bi, baby ko acha lagega." Badi bi "hmm aur mitayiwala, uska kya" "jee uka bhi intezaam hochuka hai," "sara Bhopal ko aaj maine niyota diya hai, iss jashn main, issliye kuch bhi chootna nahi chahiye samje, muje pal pal ki khabar dena" "jee bdi bi" Badi bi "suno tanveer yahan aao, muje tumse kuch baat karni hai" Tanveer smiled from ear to ear fakely and went to her." Jee boliye badi bee, kya maddat karun apki" Badi bi "subah se mere pair main dard horaha hai, thoda daba dona, subah se kitne sare kaam, thoda aram ke liye bhi waqt nahi mila" Tanveer's fuse blew away "vo badi bi ammi bula rahi hai, main abhi ati hoon, aap yahan baitiye" She made Badi bi sit on the settee and was going to go" are kahan jaa rahi ho Tannu, main bhi tho dekhoon mere honewali bahu ke haath ka jadoo, tumhari ammi se bad main mil lena, yeh lo baam , ab malish kardo, " she shoved that baam into Tanveer hands and Tanveer was looking like a fool. She unwillingly sat there and took badi bi legs all of sudden which made her yell "are tannu malish kar rahi ho yah phir mere pair ukhad rahi ho" Tanveer mumbled "irado tho thodne ka hai, kya karun ek baar asad se mere nikah hojaye, phir dekhna buddi main tumhara kya haal karti hoon" She immediately smiled when Badi bi looked at her. Tannu was kept massaging her legs for the time being.
In the private jet
Asad felt a tug at his hand "Asad aap muje India lekar jaa rahe hain , lekin kis rishte se, kya kahenge aap apne ghar walo se, ki main koun hoon, apke saath mera kya rishta hai?" Asad saw her questioning eyes. She was really asking the fact what is he going to say about her to Badi bi, he cant all the way say that he loves her and wants to marry her, but he still needed to say something to convince his grandmother." Asad said main janta hoon Zoya ki aap yeh kyun pooch rahi hai, lekin kya aap mujpar bharosa karti hai, I mean do you trust me completely and unconditionally?" Zoya nodded. Asad told he had applied for her Indian visa as she was engaged with him and now has to travel to India for the rest of the wedding functions as the wedding is going to be in India. He arranged for this private jet as last night some goons had attacked again to taker her away and they had to leave New York soon. Zoya was baffled hearing all theses revelations. Zoya asked "lekin embassy wale man gaye?" Asad "main Asad Ahmed Khan hoon, I have influences here too, but I didn't use it really I brought the hotel owner to support me plus remember the old lady in that cottage, I gave her reference too. Thoda mushkil tha, magar hogaya, issliye uss din aane main thodi der hogayi, ab aage kya yeh sochna hai," at that time the jet passed through thick clouds and experienced turbulence and Asad lost balance and fell on Zoya and both were lost in each others. They came so close together and their lips almost brushed both of them felt their body heating up. But Asad did maintain his gentleman attitude and kissed Zoya on her forehead quickly moving his head away and zoya closed her eyes in contentment.
The Homecoming
After a tedious 24 hour journey the jet landed at Bhopal airport. The trio got down and was welcomed in a very grand manner. They walked and reached upto the arrival. Usma felt like she was loved. Usma was welcomed with flowers, sweets and gifts, after she is great grand daughter of Ayesha Ahmed Khan. Zoya was surprised seeing such grand arrangements. Soon her eyes fell on a old lady standing with a walking stick in her hand and wearing glasess with a hanging chain. She had an attitude about herself and Zoya noticed it and whispered in Asads ears "kya yehi Hilter nani hai?" Asad "Zoya chup, inhe pyar se Badi bi kehte hai" Zoya mumbled "sorry" Asad was hugged by Badi Bi and Usma maintained a distance from her as it was really difficult for her to lauch into her arms as soon as she met her, because as a kid she needed more convincing. Badi bi looked at Usma and said "shakal aur surat se, Bilkul choti zeenat hai yeh" She extended her hand to keep on her but Usma withdrew and tugged onto Zoya. Asad saw that Usma really needed to be convinced. He took her in his arms to assure her. Badi bi asked "yah koun hai Asad, tumhari saath ayi hai kya, kya Usma ki nanny hai, America main tho aise hota hoga, bacho ko tho nanny dekhbal karti hai" Usma retorted "yeh meri phoppi hai, and she launched into zoyas arms from Asad. Asad saw that he had to manage the situation somehow. So he quickly said "ghar chalke baat karte hai" He was about to go his hand was snaked by someone. He knew it was not Zoya but taken aback seeing Tanveer. She smiled "Hello Asad, kya jane se pehle ek baar bhi, mujse milkar nahi gayi, apko pata hai, main apka intezaar main sookh kar kanta ban gayi hoon," she tried to battle her eyelashes at him. He saw Zoyas expressions on seeing this, he quickly disentagled his hand from her and said "yeh kya behudgi hai Tanveer, aisa sabke samne tamasha mat banao, tum achi tarah se jaanti ho ki muje yeh sab pasand nahi hai" He walked ahead a little took Usma from Zoyas hands and signaled her to walk along with her. Zoya was stil confused over Tanveer reaction and Asad told her to ignore her.
The Celebrations
Badi Bi had arranged for a jashn inviting each and every honorable household of Bhopal. Badi bi was announcing that Usma is going to be half legal heir of all her property along with her grandson Asad. She also said she has now an important announcement to make later in the evening. Asad had come in a black suit with a red hanky in his pocket with a white shirt beneath and Usma had been given one of the most prettiest dresses, nevertheless she was happy and Zoya was dressed simply in white kurta and a yellow pyjama, but yet she was looking stunning in that simple attire. Tanveer was draped in a heavy lehenga and adorned with jewellery from top to bottom. Her lips were stained with the most irritating shade of lip stick and he eye shadows were too heavy that altogether she was looking like a chudayil. Seeing her Usma pointed at her and told Asad "muje tho vo chudayil lagti hai" Asad signaled her with his finger on his lips to shut up. She obeyed but giggled. Asad was standing with Zoya and he was mesmirised to see her simple and yet elegant, she had wore the dupatta around her neck to conceal her bruises. Her face was shining and her eyes were sparkling. Asad couldn't take his eyes off from her. Badi bi now announced that the time has come for the important announcement she has to make today. She proudly tagged Tanveer and pulled her to side and announced that today her grandson Asad will get engaged to her family friend's daughter Tanveer. Tanveer's dirty mind was very happy. Hearing this Zoya almost shocked, her eyes started to well up and she simply left the celebrations scene leaving a shocked Asad as well. Hasina was also smirking thinking that her plans are set in motion. Asad wanted to run behind Zoya now but was stopped by Badi bi, "kahan jaa raho Asad, tumhari sagaai ka elan hua hai, aur tum gayab hogaye tho sagaai kaise hogi" Asad was very angry at Badi Bi, firstly she didn't tell him about her plans and now all of a sudden his engagement knowing well that he doesn't like that Tanveer a bit. Asad said "par Badi bi aap ne muje poocha nahi, meri sagaai hai aur muje pata hi nahi" Badi bi "are Asad ab pata chal gaya na, tumhare abbu ne Tanveer ke abbu se tum dono ke nikah ka vadaa kiya tha, ab kya tumhare marhoom abbu ki baat bhi nahi rak sakte" Asad "par badi bi iss tarah achanak, main tayyat nahi hoon, aap please yeh sab abhi band kijiye" Badi bi "sorry Asad, lekin ab elan hochuka hai, aur ghar ki izzat ka sawal hai, tho tumhe yeh mangni karni padegi". Usma was comprehending everything what was happening, Firstly she didn't like Miss Tanveer at all since she had a tiff with her in the morning when she came. Flashback at the airport "Usma was enjoying in Asads arms and Tanveer wanted to talk to him privately. Usma pouted and Asad denied Tanveer. Tanveer blamed Usma for taking away Asads time from her "Ate hi, Asad ko mujse cheen liya, aur uska waqt bhi". Usma replied back "yeh mere mamujaan hain, aur aise inpar haq jatanewali aap koun hai?" Tanveer "mera inse nikah honewala hai, aur jaldhi main tumhari mumani banungi" Usma "par bani tho nahi naa, aur kabhi banogo bhi nahi," she said the last part mumbling and inaudibly. Flashback ends She thought to teach her a fine lesson.
Next chapter: Where is the engagement ring? Mayhem following
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