Zoya had always dreamt of a fairy tale life.. Like every girl she had her own hopes, and aspirations from life. A perfect gentleman as a companion, who would pamper her rotten, grant her every wish and command, treat her like a princess. But then she grew up, and realized that her definition of perfection was different from what life had in store for her. Asad wasn't really a romantic lover boy who would talk cheesy, flirt and make her laugh by reciting some joke, or who would floor her by getting flowers and expensive gifts. He wasn't the one who would agree with whatever she said only to please her, or wasn't someone who would praise her beauty in words.
He was a man of few words, someone who enjoyed silence. A man who said little, but expressed more through his every little action...He was a short tempered man, who lived by some rules, but a man who broke those for her, without making a big deal out of it.. but not without letting her know he had done so only for her. He didn't behave like a romantic hero from the films she had grown up watching and drooling over. But his own romantic ways managed to touch her heart beyond those scripted filmy scenes. His possessiveness, his concern and his selflessness for her and for everyone in the family had changed her definition of a romantic hero. The he way he smiled shyly before kissing her, the way he nervously stared at her, to make sure she was comfortable, how he got awkward if she spoke or acted boldly, it all charmed her, worn her heart. The way he pampered her after her injury, taking care of her every move, of her food, medicines, dressing, appointments, got tears to her eyes. He cared so much for what she thought and wanted, for her opinions in his life, making sure he told her through actions and words, how much she meant to him.
The last few days had been beautiful. It seemed as if every new day bought a new change in their relation, every moment they spent bringing them closer, emotionally and even physically for that matter. She felt them both getting dependent on each other, working, thinking and talking in sync. They tried spending every moment they had with the other, with Aahana.
Asad had kept his promise by involving her in everything he did for Aahana..From waking her up in the morning, to getting her to eat, getting her dressed, to make her play, walk, teach or put her to sleep in the night, they did everything together. And every day Asad would share a new experience about Aahana with her, trying to bring the two even closer, if it was possible.
Even though she feared saying it aloud, but she did have a perfect life. An imperfectly perfect man as her companion, an enchanting, dignified lady as her Ammi, who was the best mother in the whole wide world. A sister like friend, who doted on her, pampered her and came up to her for everything, whether to be a partner in crime or to share the silliest of secrets, crushes etc. And the most special of all was her little sunshine, Aahana, who was a miracle in herself. Zoya didn't think she had enough to give back to her in return of all the affection and love the baby showered on her. What she had given her by calling her 'Ammi' was a gift of a lifetime, that no one and nothing could replace.
Asad had shifted his office to the study in the house, since he wanted to be around her and Aahana at every moment, not wanting to leave them alone again, lest they get harmed like they had. That was the only thing troubling them, looming over them like a dark cloud waiting to burst. She hoped and prayed they could get to the attacker soon, so Asad could be happy in the true sense. Even though they spent happy, relax full and wonderful moments together, that heaviness on their heart always hampered it.
*****************
Zoya entered Asad's room that morning to check on him. It was 8 and he hadn't woken up yet. Normally he would go for his jog, or workout in his personal gym by that time. But it seemed as if he was still sleeping. She tiptoed into his room to see him sleeping hugging the pillow tightly to himself as if it was his most worthy possession ever. She smiled at the cute expression on his face and sat down next to him on the bed.
She realized she had hardly ever seen him sleep, when in fact Asad had lately witnessed her doing so many a times, since he coaxed her to rest and sleep after feeding her the medicines. She scowled remembering his strict instructions regarding everything she did, from even going to the garden outside the house. He was an extreme level of possessive, which was something she really did adore about him. She gazed at him dreamily, noticing his sharp, handsome features intricately. Not like she hadn't so far, but now she didn't feel guilty checking him out like that. She had felt herself noticing him, his good looks and everything about him, even beyond the heart she first fell for. And it was all also elevated because of their physical closeness, which was bridging their distance each day.
Her eyes then fell on the dark circles smudged beneath his eyes and she grew worried. Was he not sleeping well? But then she realized, he indeed wasn't. He always had some worry on his head, and this time there genuinely was reason for it. Maybe the fact that Aahana no longer slept with him was also a reason of the lack of sleep. He was so used to having her around him from her birth, that he surely must be dependent on her she thought.
She bent down and rested her head on his shoulder after pecking it slightly. Keeping one arm on his scalp she caressed it, and then caressed the dark smudges beneath his eyes," What do I to make you feel better Asad?" she mumbled.
"Be with me always!" he whispered and opened his eyes slowly, gazing at her sleepily. Even before she could express her surprise on seeing him awake. He tugged at her wrist and pulled her down on the bed next to him. She didn't react to it, or find it unusual. They surely had taken to lying down next to each other, snuggling with the other.
He kissed her cheek slightly," Good Morning!" Asad mumbled making her smile and turn to him," Good Morning to you too ...Did you sleep well?"
"Yes I did.." Asad lied, it had taken him ages to nod off to sleep.
"Don't lie, your eyes say something totally else. You haven't been sleeping well Asad.."
"I do sleep well when I sneak into your room and sleep with my two favourite ladies.." Asad said brushing Zoya's hair away from her face.
"But you don't while you're here.."
"How do you know if I do? You aren't here to see it.." he teased.
"You want me to be here?"
"Is that even a question to ask? Of course I do, I can't wait.."
"I am sorry Asad.." she mumbled guiltily.
"What for?" he inquired curiously.
"Because Aahana sleeps with me now, and you're not used to sleeping without her, maybe she should shift back.."
"Shut up Zoya! There is nothing of that sort. In fact just the thought of you two sleeping together makes me feel so peaceful , I know she's safer with you then she is with me, so dare you say that again, plus with Aahana being there I have more excuses to come into your room.." he winked and pecked her lips.
"But Asad.."
"Sshh, end of topic," Asad said halting her, placing his fingers on her lips. "But yeah, you could do me good if we could all sleep here together, without anyone making fun or questioning us," Asad said, indirectly talking about their nikaah.
But Zoya tactfully changed the topic," Acha ab uthiye, do you want be in the bed all day? I've already picked a few calls from your office today. Prasad ka bhi call aaya tha, he's getting a few clients in an hour. Ab ready ho jaye, I'll prepare you breakfast.." Zoya ordered, and Asad just nodded, smiling at how comfortably she was already behaving like his wife.
"Ab itna sab kar hi rahi hai toh ek achi begum ki tarah mere kapde bhi nikaal do," he teased pecking her lips, leaving her with a tingling feeling in her stomach. She blushed and got up to do his bidding as he walked into the shower.
********************
Zoya placed Aahana on her highchair and put a bowl of bananas in front of her. She had been teaching Aahana a few things from the last few days, like holding her sipper to her mouth and drinking water, picking up little pieces of fruit or food to feed her ownself, and Aahana enjoyed it like a game. Realizing her mother wanted her to play it now, she picked the tiny piece of banana and popped it in her mouth, sucking on it. She looked up at her mother staring at her intently and smiled flashing her recently grown teeth at her. Zoya chuckled and kissed her nose," Do you even know how cute you are munchkin?" she said pulling her cheeks and kissed her again.
Aahana hated anyone pulling her cheek, she hadn't given that liberty to anyone, not to her Abu and not even her Mi now and so she screeched, thrashing her arms and pushed Zoya's hand away.
"That's like my good girl," Asad said walking in and kissed his baby's head before sitting on his chair," Kyun pareshan kar rahi ho Aahana ko?" Asad teased.
"Mai pareshan nahi kar rahi thi, I was just playing around," she scowled.
"Well my daughter doesn't like being handled like that ma'am, so please don't attack her cheeks again."
"She isn't just your daughter Mr Khan, she's mine too.." Zoya argued.
"That's exactly why you should know this about her," Asad gloated.
Zoya squinted her eyes curiously at him," Are you trying to turn my daughter against me?"
"Why would I do something that silly when I have better things to do.." Asad questioned, surprised at the allegation.
"Well you've been pretty jealous about us forming a gang against you, so you know.." Zoya pointed out.
"Aisa khayal aaya toh nahi tha, but now that you're saying, it's a good idea.." Asad pondered, and got a whack from Zoya the next moment. Aahana gurgled at the scene, the banana mush leaking down her chin, banging her fists on the table.
"Just look at how happy she is seeing her father getting beaten up," Asad moped while wiping Aahana's face.
Zoya smiled victoriously at him and started about her chores. She dutifully placed everything around Asad's side of the table the way he liked it, his fork and knife not an inch away from where he wanted it to be. Shaking her head at his ways she walked in the kitchen to bring his breakfast and coffee.
"Scrambled eggs? Where's my oatmeal?" Asad asked looking at the tempting breakfast on his plate.
"Roz woh hi tasteless naashta khate hai, I thought I'll make something tasty and healthy both," Zoya said sweetly as she stood beside him, waiting for him to taste it.
"It's edible na!" Asad pretending to be uncertain. Zoya frowned and banging her foot proceeded to walk away, but Asad held her hand and pulled her on her chair.
Still holding on to her even though she tried to free herself from his hold, he ate a spoon of the eggs, "I need to get used to this now.." Asad commented.
"Huh?"
"Used to being fed by you.. I already like what you make so much, I am going to tend to overeat when you feed me.. mujhe nahi lagta mere six packs bachne wale hai.." Asad remarked.
"Haww, phir toh mujhe kam hi aapke liye kuch banana chahiye.. What if you lose this fit body.. Uh.. I mean..woh.." Zoya fumbled, biting her lip at the slip of her tongue.
She expected Asad to gloat and smirk, and tease her unendingly, but she could only burst out laughing seeing him blushing.
She couldn't help but pull his cheeks too, and he reacted just like Aahana did, pushing her hand away.
"Kyun lad rahe ho done?" Dilshad said shaking her head as she took her seat next to Aahana's high chair.
"As usual mujhe pareshan kar rahi hai Ammi, toh kya karun?" Asad complained.. Zoya was about to retaliate when Dilshad halted them.
"Ab bas phirse shuru mat ho jao. Abhi itna ladte ho, nikaah ke baad pata nahi kya karoge?" Dilshad taunted, laughing at them.
Asad smiled and passed her the bowl of fruits," Itni dair kaha tha Ammi?"
"Woh Zoya ki Aapi se baat kar rahi thi.." Dilshad announced.
"Aapi se? Mujhe kyun nahi bataya Ammi, mujhe bhi mann tha baat karne ka.."
"Haan par tumhari Aapi ka nahi, she was upset with you for hiding the new developments from her.. She has said she'll video call you when it's morning there. She wants you to see how angry she is," Dilshad joked
Zoya smiled at that knowing well how brittle her Aapi's anger was. "Waise woh aur tumhare Jiju pooch rahe the, ki kab aana hai Bhopal, tumhare aur Asad ke nikaah ke liye," Dilshad said teasingly.
Zoya looked up from her plate in surprise, first at Dilshad who was beaming and then at Asad who was looking at her expectantly.
The topic had risen a few times today and she had evaded it, but now it seemed she'd just have to say it aloud," Ammi.. Nikaah? Mai itni jaldi nikaah nahi karna chahti.." Zoya said warily.
Dilshad was a little taken aback, but she knew she couldn't react in haste," Kya hua beta, koi baat hai kya? Is everything okay?" Dilshad asked worriedly, looking between Zoya and Asad.
Zoya immediately clarified," Ammi sab theek hai.. mai bas.. I just thought it was too early.." Zoya tried explaining herself, but Asad's gaze held her, and stopped her from speaking. She should have probably dealt with this more carefully. She could see the hurt in his eyes, and more than hurt, she could see fear. But even before she could clarify herself, Asad's phone rang.
"Yes Prasad? Theek hai, woh meeting cancel kar do.. call them tomorrow, mai office aa raha hun," Asad gulped his coffee hurriedly and got up to leave.
"Ammi aaj office mai bahut urgent kaam aa gaya hai, isliye aaj jaana hi padega. But keep in touch.. aap logon ko koi bhi kaam ho call kar dena, if I don't pick up, just leave a message," and he dashed out of the house without another word or look at anyone.
Zoya sat there feeling rotten. She shouldn't have said it aloud like this, or in the words she said it. She should have probably spoken to him in private to explain herself. She hadn't even gotten a chance to explain.. What must he be thinking? Would he be hurt?"
"Zoya, don't worry beta, tumhe guilty feel karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. nikaah toh hona hi hai, we all know it, abhi nahi toh whenever you both want it.." Dilshad said patting her head, as she came and sat next to him.
"Don't you want to know why I refused?" Zoya inquired softly.
"There's nothing to know beta. Marriage is a big decision, the biggest step in a girl's life. And you can't take it if you're not ready yet. Mujhe tumhare intentions par kabhi doubt nahi ho sakta beta. Aur Asad ki fikr mat karo woh bhi samjhega.. when he comes home, talk to him okay?" Dilshad kissed her forehead and left the dining area.
********************
Zoya sat in her room with Aahana cradled in her arms as she fed her the milk bottle. Dilshad and Najma had called for lunch, but she had refused saying she would eat later. She wasn't feeling good about how Asad had left without eating his breakfast properly. They hadn't spoken, hadn't hugged or kissed like they did if he was going anywhere. Moreover she wasn't sure of what he must be thinking. She didn't want any misunderstandings, fights or hurt cropping between them.
She had tried calling him, which he had instantly picked up. He didn't ignore any call from home after that incident.. but when he had found out it was nothing to worry, he had told her he'd call back later..
The call had been abrupt, and he had sounded distracted and aloof. Was he angry?
She thought of calling him again, but then kept the phone away, not wanting to anger him anymore. She instead thought of messaging him.
'Are you okay? I hope you've eaten something. Miss you :-( '
She sent it and anticipated an instant reply. And knowing him he did reply a few seconds later.
'Busy! Will grab a bite when there's time. Hope you're doing good!'
Zoya sighed at the reply. It was plain and blunt, no endearment, no sweet talk or teasing. But then he was probably just busy. Her mood grew even more sullen than it was. And she drew Aahana closer to herself to put her to sleep.
It was evening and Asad wasn't back home yet. Apart from the fact that she thought she had miffed him, she was anyway worried whenever he left home, or for that matter anyone else in the family did. That incident had everyone on tenterhooks. When he didn't pick up her call again she messaged him, but he didn't reply to that either. Now growing worried she went to Dilshad's room.
"Ammi, woh mai soch rahi thi, mai ek baar office ho aaun?" she asked Dilshad who was cleaning her closet while Aahana played on her bed.
"Office? Kyun kya baat hai?" Dilshad inquired.
"Nahi woh Asad ne pata nahi kuch khaya ya nahi, aur woh phone bhi nahi utha rahe, I was a little worried.." Zoya mumbled softly.
"Beta there is nothing to worry.. he had called up a while ago on the home number that he's going to be busy in a meeting and is switching off his phone. He asked to leave a message with the receptionist if it was anything urgent..." Dilshad informed a worried Zoya.
"Unhone phone kiya tha?" she asked surprised at the revelation.. Why hadn't he called her?
"Zoya don't worry unnecessarily, Asad theek hai. Aur agar tum office gayi toh usse acha nahi lagega.. you know how angry he'll get about you travelling alone.." Dilshad pointed out.
Zoya nodded in agreement, he sure would flip if she went there alone. She would just have to wait till he got back home.
*********************
Asad unlocked the door late that night. The house was eerily silent and he hated that. He liked walking into the house when everyone was still awake, so he could sit and spend some time with them, wish them a good night, put Aahana to sleep, and recently spend a good amount of time cuddled with Zoya, talking about anything and everything she wanted to..
He loosened his tie and kept his bag on the couch. Removing his shoes he walked to the kitchen to get himself some water. The lights were dimly on and he missed seeing Zoya sitting on the chair with her head bent on her folded arms, dosing off.
He switched on the light to warm himself some food when his eyes fell on the figure slouched on the chair.
"Zoya?" he slid next to her on the chair and pushed the hair covering her face, and shook her a bit to wake her up. What was she doing sitting here, that too so late?
"Utho Zoya.. why are you sleeping here?" Zoya stirred a little and opened her eyes slightly. She looked around a little confused from her sleep, which made Asad smile. He kissed her hair lovingly," Yaha kyun soyi thi.." Asad said breaking the silence.
Zoya shook up from her sleep realizing Asad was back and just sprang towards him, hugging him around his neck tightly.
Asad who wasn't expecting her to launch on him like that, stumbled a little before he found a balance by holding her around her waist.
"Zoya, what's wrong sweetheart?" Asad mumbled. But she gave no reply, instead he felt something warm trickle on his neck.
He tried pulling apart but she just held him tighter," Zoya! Sshh .. why are you crying? " Asad said panic rising within him.
But she just sobbed silently in his arms, worrying him," Zoya now you're scaring me.. what happened?" Asad questioned anxiously even as he caressed her back to calm her down.
She parted from him a bit and holding his face in her palm whispered," I am sorry!"
Asad's brow knit in confusion." What for Zoya? Why are you sorry?" he asked genuinely curious.
Zoya sniffed and looked away.. but he held her chin and made her look at him," Zoya please batao kya hua hai, you're really scaring me.. why are you crying? Why are you sorry?" he said wiping the tear trickling down her upper lips.
"Maine jo subha kaha uske liye? Kya aap naraaz nahi hai?" she said imploringly.
"What?" Asad countered, not understanding anything.
"Maine abhi nikaah karne ke liye mana kar diya tha.. kya aap naaraz nahi the?" Zoya spelt her worries in clear words.
"Ya Allah!" Asad whispered in relief," Tum pagal ho Zoya.. poori ki poori pagal.. Mujhe laga pata nahi kya ho gaya hai.. And you were crying about this silly little thing?" Asad exclaimed holding her by her shoulders.
Zoya frowned a little as she sniffed," Aap aise baat kar rahe hai jaise aap naaraz nahi the.." she mumbled looking away.
"Of course naraaz nahi tha.. isme naraaz hone waali kaunsi baat hai Zoya?" Asad said wiping her face.
"Don't lie Mr Khan. Maine dekha tha aapki aankhon mai, I saw hurt, I saw fear too.. you can't lie to me.." she argued.
"Zoya I was confused, I was curious to know why you didn't want the nikaah now, but I was never hurt or angry, that is the last thing I would be," Asad said calmly.
Zoya stared at him anxiously, trying to search for anger in his eyes but found nothing but love..But then all the anticipation that had piled up in her during the day broke through. She fisted his collar and shook him irately, "Toh why weren't you picking my calls today? Itni baar phone kiya maine.. "
"Zoya I did answer your calls, replied your messages too.. " Asad clarified softly, as if she were a child.
"Aise? Itni bluntly aur seedhe seedhe kabhi baat nahi karte.." she sniffed.
Asad just laughed and shook his head at her. Pulling her to his chest he hugged her tight," Tum kitni badi pagal ho pata hai?" Asad chuckled, but Zoya just stayed silent, continuing to frown.
"Zoyaaa! Mai busy tha.. Inspector Das aaye the, he was there the whole day. He wanted to talk to the staff, check my previous records and so on to find anyone in my business who is a rival and can be of any threat to us. It was important, isliye I had no time to talk.." Asad explained gently stroking her shoulders.
Zoya moved a little and looked up at him," Oh! I didn't know that," she said wiping her tears," Kya kaha Inspector ne?" she inquired.
"Abhi he's got all the information he needed, he'll look into it and let us know.." he said.
"I am sorry I reacted like that.. Actually subah aap aise hi chale gaye, bina mile..I thought you were hurt or angry. Phir poora din baat nahi hui, and when we did I thought you were aloof and.." she mumbled and Asad just chuckled at her.
She scowled," Aap hase rahe hai Asad? I was really worried," she said angrily trying to get out of his hold. But he held her and pulled her closer," Zoyaa, you're just being silly. Why would I be angry with you if you wanted the nikaah a little later..." he questioned, and she had no reply.
"Zoya you're an equal part of this relationship. This nikaah is going to affect you as much as it will to all of us. It's a big decision, a new step in life.. You must have your own dreams, your own wishes regarding it..and nothing's more important than that.." Asad whispered.
"But this isn't about me Asad... I wasn't thinking about myself when I said that," Zoya piped up to explain herself..
"Phir?" Asad asked.
Zoya sighed not certain about how to explain," There are various reasons Asad...Pehle toh jo iss waqt haalat hai us ke beech nikaah? When we're so worried for Aahana, for our famiily.. When somebody is out to get to us.. how can we have any ceremony at home Asad.. "
"Zoya? Aisa.." but she interrupted.
"And not just this.. but I even thought that .. that it's only been a year since Ayesha passed away.. Kya aap itni jaldi nikaah karna chahenge.. you loved her Asad.." she ended in a whisper.
Asad just stared at her in awe, that same feeling of amazement rushed through him every time she made him realize why he fell in love with her.
He couldn't help but pull her into a kiss. His touch always unarmed her, and she drew him closer, holding his collar tightly. The kiss spelt need.. even though it was soft, the longing and love in it assured her, gave her the answers she had been looking for.
He released her, letting her and himself calm for a minute before he took hold of her hand and started talking," Zoya I can't believe I am saying this to you, but weren't you the one who told me, that we have to live for today and not in the fear of tomorrow. We have to be one team and fight our fears, but not bog down to them..." Asad inquired and Zoya just sat silently.
"Zoya.. I've lived half my life in fear...When I was growing up, I was scared of falling in love, getting involved in relationships. Because my father's wrongdoing had made me realize that love was weakening.. it made a man helpless and lose control over right and wrong. I was so certain that I was right in believing so, that I never fell in love" Asad admitted
" Ayesha loved me Zoya.. but I could never love her back. I respected her as family, felt affection for her as a friend, and Aahana's conception made me come so close to her, that I thought I had fallen in love.. When Ayesha passed away.. that fear bogged me down again. Made me an obsessive and protective freak for my family, weakening me " Asad narrated, what he thought he should have long ago.
"It's when I met you, befriended you and fell in love with you that I realized what love really was.. Love doesn't happen when we're expecting it to, when we just force our self to feel it.. it just happens. And it just happened Zoya...Without any hesitance I have to confess, that you have become my strength Zoya. I take pride in the fact that you live life so fearlessly even after all that you've been through that you've inspired me to do the same. I am saying these things to you for two reasons.. One, because I want you to know that you're my first love Zoya.. What I felt for Ayesha was never love.. and I am not saying this today because we're together, and I don't want you to feel secondary... But because this is something I realized myself and I want you to know.." Asad spoke without any uncertainty in his tone.
"Ayesha and me grew up together.. it was always a given that whenever we thought of marrying, it would be with each other. I had to marry one day, and if I had to.. it made every sense to marry someone I knew from my childhood and who knew me better than anyone else.. It wasn't as if we didn't feel something for each other.. She loved me and I know it.. But now I know that what I felt for her was affection, respect.. friendship.. but it wasn't love," Asad said as Zoya stared at him intently, surprised at every revelation.
" Because what I feel for you, I've never felt for anyone else..I don't mean to undermine Ayesha and my relation or our marriage and friendship. She'll always be the woman who helped me rise above myself, who was my first and only friend until you came along... she was my confidant, my family and all that I needed to have.. But you're the one I want, I need and I am dying to be with Zoya.. and this isn't something I grew up telling myself, like I had with Ayesha.. this grew within me by itself.. "Asad said with such vigor that it moved Zoya.
"And the other reason I wanted to tell you all this is because I want you to know how much you've changed me.. It isn't like I am not the same possessive and overprotective man that I was. I still feel scared, I still find it hard to let go, but I've realized that living like I have been is going to kill me and everyone else around me with the weight of fear that I carry around. Agar Aahana ko kuch hone hoga, ya hum mai se kisi ko bhi.. woh yaha baithe baithe bhi ho jayega.. But if I snatch that one reason of happiness my family deserves today in the fear of some harm coming to us, when exactly are we going to be happy.. I am scared too Zoya, and you know that, probably better than I do.. but I am ready to face my fears... I don't want to keep hiding from someone who is a sinner. Jo galat hai usse hum kyun chupe.. usse aane do Zoya.. we're here to protect our daughter.. aren't we?" Asad implored.
And the emotions Zoya had been holding onto.. listening to him without batting her eyelid rushed out of her eyes. She cried feeling completely overwhelmed and moved into Asad's inviting arms that enveloped her warmly. She snuggled to him, wounding her arms around his neck..."I love you so much Asad, so so much.." she said through her tears hugging him with all her might, touched beyond words at all that he had said..Feeling so needed, so wanted and so special.
"And you're crying because of that? You should be happy you love me.." Asad whispered with his face hidden in her hair.
Zoya hit him on his back and moved apart," These are happy tears.." she sniffed.
Wiping them he taunted," So many?"
"Yeah because I am so happy.." she smiled and he smiled back, taking her into a kiss. His hands caressing her back.. sensuously roving on her, feeling her. And she let her hand find their place in his hair, as she threaded his scalp.
They parted, feeling blissful and held her hand again and pulled her close," Aap Aahana ke liye ye Nikaah der se karna chahti thi, lekin aap jiss wajah se yaha aayi hai uss wajah ko bhool gayi? If I would have given this a deeper thought, I would have guessed it was because you didn't want to marry till you found you Abu.." Asad pointed out.
Zoya's smile faded, and she tried entangling herself from Asad's hold. But he tightened his grip on her hand," Zoya! Tell me what's wrong.. Aap apne Abu ki talaash nahi karna chahti? This was your dream Zoya.. What's wrong.. why do you no longer seem interested in finding him?"
"Because I am a parent myself Asad.. and I've realized that no mother or father can put anything else before their child. If my father ever loved me, if he really cared.. he wouldn't have left me Asad, not abandoned me the way he did..Jab unhone koi kosish nahi ki, toh mai kyun zameen asmaan ek kar dun unhe talaash karne ke liye?" Zoya said disappointedly.
"Zoya..?" Asad bought her closer, hugging her from the side," Aisa bhi toh ho sakta hai ki woh bhi tumhe talaash kar rahe ho jaise tum kar rahi ho.. ya woh kisi musibat mai ho, takleef mai ho.. We can't say anything until we know why.. right?" Asad tried to reason with her.
"Whatever it is Asad, it isn't as important as Aahana and you.."
"But what does this have to do with us?" Asad implored curiously.
"Don't you remember what happened whenever I tried finding about him.. The first time your hand got bruised because of those goons, the second time when we went to the orphanage I got trapped, and then the recent attack.. what if its someone trying to keep me away from finding the truth.. I don't want to go searching for anything that ends up harming my family Asad.. Nothing is as important as you all.." Zoya vented her fears to Asad, something she had begun believing in.. and felt guilty for pulling everyone into it.
"Zoya ye kya..You're not serious are you? Woh goons.. woh toh Bhopal ki harr gali mai hai, unka isse kya talluk.. Aur uss din jo orphanage mai hua.. it could be an accident Zoya. What happened at the hospital wasn't about you.. Aahana pehle bhi kidnap ho chuki hai and it was another attempt.. this has nothing to do with your Abu Zoya.." Asad explained, hoping to change her mind.
"Lekin Asad.. mai phir bhi ab koi talaash nahi karna chahti.. I want to live my life in the present and not in my past. If I have to meet my father.. my destiny will make that happen by itself .. "
"Par Zoya.."
"Please Asad.. please.. I request you... I don't want to talk about my Abu anymore. I don't want to find him, please forget about it.. Mere liye Asad, please," she almost pleaded, and he couldn't see her do that.
"Ok ok ok.. fine.. calm down okay. Tum jaisa chahti ho waisa hi hoga..." he calmed her and hugged her again, stroking her hair..
After a few minutes of silence he looked at her," Toh.. nikaah karengi na mujhse?"
"Propose kar rahe hai aap?"
"Something like that.." Asad retorted with a smirk.
"If yes, then Mr Asad Ahmed Khan, this is no way to propose your lady.. "
"I know only this way 'My Lady' .. take it or leave it.." Asad said haughtily, tugging her closer.
"Now that's not a fair deal.." she frowned.
"It's the best deal, you get an Akdu as your husband, and an angel as your daughter.." he pointed out.
"Well then.. if I say yes, it won't be for Akdu.. it'll only be for the angel," she replied smartly outwitting him.
"That I already know.. ki meri kitni kadr hai.. " he huffed," Ab khaana dengi mohatarma ya woh bhi Aahana se pooch kar milega?"
Zoya bit her lip and nodded, and got out of his hold to warm his food. Asad saw her heat his food and smiled to himself thoughtfully. It felt nice to have finally told her how much she meant to him. Not that she didn't know it already, but when he realized just how much she was willing to sacrifice for him and Aahana, he had to let her know she was as important to him as they were to her.
But he wasn't going to let her sacrifice her lifelong dream in fear of something they weren't sure of. She had come here to find her Abu and even if she was willing to let go.. he wasn't. He wanted her to have a complete life. Her family, her love, her daughter, but her roots as well. He would find her Abu and that too before their nikaah.
PLEASE do leave likes and comments 😊
I am not giving any precap LOL, I've realized they're misleading and also raise too many hopes.. makes it hard for me to write 😆
NEXT PART
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Veer Hanuman
Kumkum Bhagya
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