Hi Friends,
Here is the next chapter. I know I haven't replied to all comments of previous update but I promise to do it soon. And again a humble request to everyone, please do comment. I have really started feeling bad that irrespective of so many views, very less comments and likes. Please break your silence friends.
Chapter 20
Nobody disturbed Asad and Zoya till the dinner was ready. Once the dinner was ready and all the family members have arrived, Zeenat had sent Haider to call Asad and Zoya. Soon both of them were called for dinner.
Everyone once again congratulated Asya and Dilshad gave some jewellery to Zoya. Razia and Siddique were also happy with their relation. Razia was indeed very happy as Humeira will be having her friend as her bhabhi.
Everybody had dinner together and the date of marriage was fixed. There were hardly fifteen days to marriage.
Zoya after hearing the marriage date did not know whether to be happy or shocked. Though confused, she gave consent to the marriage date as sson as Asad had given his consent. Asad sensed that there was something wrong with Zoya's behaviour.
Once the dinner was over, Asad took Zoya to the garden and made her sit on the chair in the garden.
As: " Zoya, will you be honest with me if I ask you something?"
Zo: "Asad, you have any doubt in that. Come on shoot. I am really feeling sleepy Asad may be because of medicines. That is why I told ammi I will take medicines after you guys leave. But she never listens to me."
As: " Zoya your health comes first. Aunty is right. We will talk later then. Now you go to bed. "
Zo: " Asad please ask what you wanted to ask , please."
As: " Are you really happy about the marriage. You seemed to be disturbed after our marriage date was announced. Please Zoya I need to know the truth. If you are not comfortable with the marriage soon, then we will postpone it and I really mean it."
Zoya was amazed as how Asad sensed her feelings. Even her mother or best friend could not realise that she was tensed.
Zo: " Asad, it is not that I am not happy about the marriage. Of course I am happy. I am getting married to the person whom I love. But."
As: " But ...tell me Zoya "
Zo: " Please don't worry Asad. It is just that I have never thought seriously about marriage till now. I mean I don't know whether I am ready to take up the responsibilities of marriage. I mean Asad, I can't even manage my house a single day if ammi is not there. Or it is that I have never done that. My ammi had never let me do. She was always there. What if I fail to fulfil my responsibilities Asad? I don't know whether I will be a good wife. What if I am not. And it is not only being a wife, but also being a good daughter in law, sister in law also. Asad I am really worried about that. What if I can't manage everything? "
Asad understood the insecurities that Zoya is having. Infact he realised that after marriage, it would be Zoya who will be leaving her family and coming to his home. So it is obvious that she would be scared. And inspite Asad loves her so much , the fact that will remain the same that they don't know much about each other's likes and dislikes. Both are still strangers in that manner.
Asad took Zoya hand in his and said: " Zoya, look at me. I know you are tensed, scared and feeling insecure. It is normal. I think every girl might be thinking the same before her marriage. And if I say that I understand your feelings, I know it is completely not true. Only a person going through this can understand the same. But Zoya, one day or the other we have to get married. Whenever we decide to get married, you will feel the same. But still if you think that things would get easier if we postpone the marriage date, I am ready for that. I don't want you to be upset. I cant see you disturbed like this."
Zo: " Asad, there is no need to postpone the marriage. You are right, I will have to face these insecurities whenever we decide to get married. And you are there with me na Asad? If I do something wrong also, you will forgive me na? And you will help me to fulfil my responsibilities na Asad?"
As: " Of course dear. You can be sure about that. I am always there with you. I will definitely make your life easier and not complicated. I promise that you will never have to compromise anything which you love for the sake of fulfilling the responsibilities of marriage. I know you will manage everything just like you manage your work . And I am so sure that you will be the best daughter in law, the best wife and the best mother in the world."?
Zo: " Mother???..."
Realisation dawned on Zoya that after marriage, there is another relationship which every husband and wife shares about which she hasn't even thought of. And more over, bringing a new life to the world, the greatest responsibility after marriage. It is true that she loves Asad but the thought of getting intimate with him, she was confused whether she was prepared for that or not.
Asad too realised that he shouldn't have mentioned about her responsibilities of being a mother so soon. Though they are in love and are going to get married, he felt that he shouldn't have initiated such a thought.
As: " Zoya..."
Zo: "Asad. I am sorry but I don't think I am ready to be a mother so soon. I haven't even thought about that. "
As: " Zoya, I am so sorry. I just wanted you to win over your insecurities and nothing else. We will not have a baby unless you are ready my dear. I know very well how much you love your job. And you are really talented also. I know how important the initial two years of job are for a successful career. So I would never want you to distract yourself for any other responsibilities. I know your career is your dream. And I will never want you to compromise that. And trust me, I really didn't mean to have a baby soon when I told that you would be the best mother. Even I haven't thought about extending our family soon unless we both are ready for the responsibility.So don't worry about that my dear. "
Zo:" Thank you so much Asad for understanding me. It is not that I don't like babies, but it is a very big responsibility and I am definitely not ready for it soon. I really want to focuss on my career now. I hope you don't have any problem."
As: " Of course not dear. Even I want you to focus on your career now. You never need to do anything unless you are ready."
Zo: "Thanks"
As: "Zoya, it is not only about the baby but anything and everything. There is no compulsion my dear. I know we both love each other but we don't know each other well. We both are comfortable with each other because we are in love. But I understand that it really doesn't make you comfortable for an intimate relationship so soon. I hope you understand what I mean ," Zoya nodded her head and Asad continued: "You can take your time Zoya. I will not compel you for such a relation unless you are completely ready for that. There is no urgency. We have our entire life ahead. So don't worry about anything."
Zoya felt completely relieved and she was very happy that she has got Asad as her life partner. She smiled.
Seeing Zoya smile, Asad was also relieved. He decided to lighten the mood.
As: " But Zoya, that really doesn't mean that I don't have feelings. I am also a human with blood and bones, so does feelings also. I don't know how I will do it, but will try not to loose control."
Zoya laughed at his comment.
Zo: " You know something Asad, you are really cute." She pulled his cheeks " And I love you for that."
Asad side hugged Zoya and said: " Love you too"
Just then, Ayaan came in search of them and asked whether they can leave or not. Asad wished good night to Zoya and left.
That night both Asad and Zoya slept peacefully.
Next day wedding preparations started in both houses.
Asad came to meet Zoya in the evening.
After wishing Zeenat, Asad went to Zoya's room. But Zoya was missing. He was about to go down and ask Zeenat, Zoya came inside with two cups of coffee. Asad s tiredness flew away seeing a bright and happy Zoya. She was looking perfectly fine.
Zo: "Coffee"
As: "Thanks. And you out of bed."
Zo: "Of course Asad. I am totally fine now. I really feel I should be back to office "
As: " You look better dear. But still two more days rest as advised by doctor. You are going to have a busy schedule ahead."
Zo: " You mean marriage preparations"
As: "Not only marriage preparations, work also. My dear you are going to be super busy. MD has specially recommended your name in the new team assigned for a new project."
Zo: "MD. But how come?"
As: " The reviews are all monitored by top management also. So they all are aware of the excellently talented staff."
Zo: " Wow, that s great na Asad? New project"
As: " Haan but..."
Zo: " But what Asad"
As: "We won't get enough leave for marriage Zoya. May be a week or at the most ten days. That too may be difficult. Anyway I have put up my leave application today. I have applied for ten days. I had talked to MD also regarding the same. Even he was feeling bad that I can't take more days off."
Zo: "So you told him about us?"
As: "Of course I had to. "
Zo: "And what about other staff?"
As: "Not yet. Planning to invite them after you come back. By that time, cards will also be ready. We will invite them together."
Zo: "That is also fine and what about your pune trip?"
As: "That is yet another problem. The meeting is fixed five days before our marriage. So I can be back only a day before our marriage. "
Zo: " Are you kidding Asad? A day before marriage. I mean seriously, cannot prepone or postpone it?"
As: " No Zoya, the clients are coming from US. So their travel plans are already scheduled. I can't change it. Moreover they have other plans also. So."
Zo: "Can't they have meeting in Mumbai? "
As: "No Zoya, as i said they have other plans also. So nothing can be done. I don't know how to tell ammi and abbu."
Zo: " Don't worry Asad. Everything will be fine. We can postpone the wedding if you need."
As: " No Zoya. It is not possible now. Bookings have been made for halls for various ceremonies, cateres have been booked, and cards are already sent for printing. I mean our parents have made all the arrangements already. I don't want to create any confusion again. Anyway I will be back before a day."
Zoya was also upset but she didn't want to upset Asad more.
Zo: "Its ok Asad. Anyway you will be back before a day. So I think it can be managed. Dont stress yourself now for that. "
Asad understood Zoya was upset but still was trying to cheer him up. He took her hands in his and said: " Thanks "
Zo: "Its ok. You need not thank me for this. But I really don't want you to miss any ceremonies. Please Asad."
As: "Of course not. Its my marriage ."
Zo: "No our marriage ..."
Asad smiled at Zoya holding her hand tightly.
To Be Continued...
Precap: Office Romance
Thanks,
Sarita
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