Hi,
Here is the next chapter
I have not elaborated the wedding rituals because being a non mulim, I am not much aware of the rituals. Those which I have included are the ones which I have witnessed recently in my collegue's wedding. So kindly forgive me if there are any mistakes realted to the wedding rituals.
Please let me know your feedback friends as the feedback matters a lot. And since my holidays are over, I won't get much time as earlier and hence will not be able to give frequent updates as before. One update a week is sure, but it can be more if I get enough time and also more responses. I hope you guys will understand. I will try to post another update by Wednesday if you guys are really interested to read and if there are more response .I have less work till Thursday. So I may be able to manage some time for update.
Chapter 24
Zoya opened her eyes to see Asad standing in front of her. Her vision was blurred because of tears. For a second, she couldn't realise whether she was dreaming or not.
Everyone rushed to Asad. Zoya did not move from where she sat. She saw Asad looking at her. She thanked her Allah Miya for bringing Asad back safe.
Zoya saw Asad moving towards her. She got up and instead of going towards Asad, she went inside her changing room. Asad for a while was puzzled at Zoya's reaction. He followed her and knocked at the door.
As: " Zoya, please open the door."
Zo: " Asad please, go and get ready. It is getting late."
As: " Zoya please open the door for a second. I need to talk to you. Please."
Zo: " Asad please leave. I don't want to talk to you now.Please leave me alone."
As: " Zoya I know you are angry with me. I agree it is my fault. But please open the door. Please. And I will not leave from here without talking to you."
Zoya knew that Asad is stubborn and hence she had to give up . She opened the door.
Asad went inside and locked the door from inside.
He went near Zoya and kept his hand over her shoulder and made her face him. Asad could see tears flowing from her eyes.He wiped her tears.
As: "Zoya please listen to me. I am..."
Before Asad could complete,Zoya hugged him tightly with all her might and started cying uncontrollably.Asad didn't react for a second but then he also hugeed her back and tried to comfort her.
As: " What happened Zoya? Why are you crying? Is something wrong? Talk to me Zoya. You are scaring me now"
Initially Asad thought Zoya may be angry with him, but seeing her crying uncontrollably he started worrying.
As: " Please Zoya...tell me what is wrong."
Zo: " You are asking me what is wrong. Do you have any idea what I have gone through in the past few hours? I never thought Asad you could be so irresponsible. You could have informed any one of us that you would be late. Only Allah knows how I had ..."
Before completing she burst out into tears again.
As: " Ssshhh Zoya please don't cry . I know saying a sorry is not enough. Zoya after starting from Pune, the weather was too bad and there was no network so that I could call you. And when we reached half way the cab by which I was travelling broke down. We were not able to contact a mechanic or anybody because of no network. Since most of the main roads were blocked, he drove through an isolated road. I had to walk for almost 3 kilometers to reach the road and when I reached the road, I took out my mobile to call, and accidently it fell down into a puddle of water. And there were no shops nearby from where I could call you. Somehow I managed to get a bus to Mumbai. And once inside the bus, I should have called you from someone else's mobile. But I didn't do. I know its my fault. I was so wet and tires, somehow I managed to grab a seat and don't know when I drifted to sleep. And when I reached here, my priority was to reach here on time. So I grabbed a cab and tried to reach here as early as possible. I know I should have ..."
Before Asad could complete, Zoya cut him in between.
Zo: " Asad you were walking in the rain without an umbrella? What if you fall ill? Asad you call me irresponsible and now tell me who is irresponsible. Now go and change. And get ready soon before someone comes her ein search of us."
As: " Hmm. But I don't feel like leaving you and go."
Zoya hugged him and said: " It's just a matter of one night, Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan. I will be yours forever from tomorrow. But promise me that you will never be so irresponsible again. I can't bear it Asad, the thought of losing you, it kills me Asad. So please..."
She teared up once again.
Asad hugged her back tightly and said after kissing her forehead." No definitely it is a no. I will never repeat this. Its my promise. I will never create any such mistake knowingly or unknowingly which will bring tears in your eyes. I can't see you crying. I love you , jaan. I love you so much."
Zoya looked at Asad with teary eyes: " Jaan??"
As: "Hmm you are my jaan. Any doubt.??"
Zoya nodded her head in a no and she kissed him in his neck where her head was resting. As: " No my jaan. Please don't do that. Only god knows how I am restraining myself from losing my control when you are with me. Please don't make it difficult."
Zoya blushed at this and whispered in his ear: " Just a night more. After that I am all yours."
Asad made Zoya look into his eyes : " Sure??"
Zoya turned to the other side without facing him and said: "Sure"
Asad hugged her from behind and whispered into her ear: " Thank you jaan."
Zoya replied without facing Asad: " No thank you's and sorry's"
As: " Haan. But still Zoya. I don't want you to initiate any step further unless you are ready. You needn't do anything just for my happiness."
Zoya turned and faced Asad: " No Asad. I am not doing just for your happiness, but I really want to. I want to be yours in all sense. I am not even a little bit apprehensive about this now, but I agree I was earlier. But not anymore. Your love has given me the trust and strength that I am ready to take our relation to the next level and that too without any doubt in my mind. I love you Asad."
Zoya hugged him and Asad hugged her back.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
Dil: " Asad, Zoya open the door."
Asad opened the door to see Dilshad and Ayaan at the door.
Dil: " Asad beta go get ready and come soon. Everyone is asking for you both.Before anybody comes in search of you, go to your room Asad. And Zoya, what is this beta? Anybody can make out that you have been crying. You look so dishevelled. Beta, you are the bride and it is your Mehndi ceremony today and you should be looking beautiful beta. Now get your make up done properly. I will send Nikhat or Humeira to help you. But still I don't think it can make any change to your swollen eyes. But still ...And Asad it is all because of you and your irresponsibility."
Ayaan who wanted to lighten the situation told.
" Bhai half of bhabhi's make up is in your body. See..."Ayaan said pointing to the lipstick mark which was over Asad's neck.
Zoya blushed and Dilshad left the room. Ayaan dragged Asad also out of the room.
After some time, both Asad and Zoya got ready and the function started. There was music, dance and liveliness all around. And finally Asad's name was written in Zoya's hand. It was almost 11 pm when the guests dispersed.
And the next day was their Nikhah which was supposed to be done in the morning and at Zoya's residence. The Nikhah was to be conducted as a private ceremony in which only the close relatives were invited. And since Ayaan had to leave the very next day after Asya's nikhah, they had decided to conduct the walimah, on the same evening of Nikhah day.
On the day of the nikhah, in Farooqui Mansion,
Everyone was happy and roaming around in last minute arrangements. Zoya was getting ready for her Nikhah. Zeenat had arranged for beautician for Zoya. And the beautician did not allow anyone inside the room until Zoya was completely ready.
The baraat arrived by around 10: 30 am and was welcomed by Zoya's family. Asad was looking extremely handsome in his wedding outfits.And as a part of the ritual, Asad and Haider was made to share a glass of Sharbat. All were comfortably seated. Then Zeenat send Nikhat, Najma and Humeira to see whether Zoya was ready or not.
They knocked the door and finally the beautician opened it. Zoya was facing towards the other side.
Nik: " Zoya, the baarat has come. Are you ready? "
Hu: " Zoya, today bhaijaan is looking so handsome that I am afraid that someone will look at you or ..."
Before Humeira could complete, Zoya turned to face them and all the three were shocked and surprised.
Nik: " Zoya, you are looking breathtakingly beautiful."
Na: " You always look beautiful Zoya, but today Mashallah ..."
Hu: " I came here to tell that bhaijaan is looking habdsome but Zoya you are looking so beautiful. Only God can save bhaijaan now. I am worried whether he will go insane seeing you so beautiful."
Zo: " Enough of leg pulling. Now be honest and tell me do I look Ok?"
Nik: " Ok? Zoya. We were not kidding. You are really looking very beautiful"
Dishad and Zeenat came to call Zoya as she has been called for Nikhah.
Zeenat had tears in her eyes. She couldn't say anything. She was emotionally overwhelmed.
Dil: " They are absolutely right, beta. You are looking very beautiful."
Zoya looked towards Zeenat for her opinion, but seeing tears in her eyes, Zoya went near her and hugged her. Zoya found it very hard to control her tears.
Zo: " Ammi please no crying. And dare you make me cry. You know I will look horrible if I cry and do you want me to look horrible for my marriage. So smile."
Zeenat smiled controlling her tears.
Both bride and groom were made to sit separately. Bride was accompanied by the ladies where as groom was accompanied by men.
Zoya was given the Mehr and then the Maulvi recited prayers from the Holy Quran and asked Zoya whether she agrees to marry Asad with the pre- decided Mehr. The question was asked thrice and she accepted the marriage with Asad with replying "Qubool Hai"
The same was repeated with Asad and Asad also accepted the marriage with Zoya by replying " Qubool Hai". Both were made to sign the Nikhaahnama. After that both bride and groom were brought for " Arsi Mushaf Ritual" where both bride and groom get to see each other for the first time after marriage. A mirror along with the Holy Quran is kept between the bride and the groom and through this mirror, both Asad and Zoya and looked at each other.
Not to mention Asad was completely mesmerised by Zoya and Ayaan had to pinch him inorder to bring him back tonormal. After that all elders present there blessed the couple.
Since both of them were surrounded by guests, photographers they hardly got time to talk to each other.
After lunch, it was time for Zoya to bid farewell to her parents and leave for Asad's house.
Every one was in tears, Zeenat , Haider and Anwar. And above all Zoya. She had tears in her eyes but didn't cry initially. She hugged Haider. Tears were flowing from both Haider's and Zoya's eyes. Then she hugged Zeenat who was crying and last she reached near Anwar. She hugged Anwar, and much to everyone's shock Anwar started crying uncontrollably and seeing Anwar crying so badly Zoya couldn't hold back further. Both father daughter were crying uncontrollably hugging each other. The sight brought tears in everyone's eyes who were witnessing the sight. Haider went to comfort Anwar and Asad went forward to hold Zoya. Najma and Nikhat who were standing nearby Zeenat tried to comfort her. Asad understood he had to do something to comfort all of them.
As: " I thought you all liked me. But now I understood that you don't really like me"
With this, everyone who were crying stopped crying and listened to what Asad was telling.
Anwar composed himself and asked: " No beta, who told you? We all like you. Why do you think that we don't like you?"
As: "If you all like me, then why are you all crying? I thought you will be welcoming me happily into your family. But..."
Ze: " No beta, we are all very happy that Zoya has got you as her husband. "
As: " Ammi. I am not only Zoya's husband but also you son. I want you to accept me not as a son in law but your son. And I also don't want you to cry and be sad the day which you got a son. I am not taking your daughter away from you but instead you are going to have another son to eat your head. And I promise you that Zoya will remain your daughter all her life. I will never try to keep her away from you. She will always be your daughter, her abbu's princess and Haider's chutki. And believe me, you people will never miss her. She will be here even before you miss her. It is your son's promise ammi."
Zeenat and Anwar were moved by Asad's words. She moved forward and hugged Asad and said: " You are right beta. Today nobody will cry again. Instead we will celebrate the happiness of getting a son. God bless you beta."
As: " Ammi. You can call me anytime or for anything just like you call Haider. I have accepted you, abbu and Haider as my family even before I married Zoya. But I am happy that I got my rights officially today . "
Asad wiped off Zeenat's tears. She kissed Asad's and Zoya's forehead so did Anwar also.
In the car while driving back to Asad's home, Zoya did not speak a single world to Asad. She was emotionally so overwhelmed that she didn't have words to express them. So she caught his arm tightly and rested her head on his shoulder. Asad knew what was going through her mind. He also remained silent but caressed her hair in between. No words were necessary for their communication.
When they reached Khan Villa, Dilshad welcomed Zoya by touching Holy Quran on her forehead. And there were not much guests apart from very close relatives and friends.
It was almost 3 pm when they reached Khan villa. The walimah was supposed to be from 7 pm. So Dadi insisted Dilshad to let Zoya rest for a couple of hours so that she would look fresh for function.
Dilshad and Humeira took Zoya to Asad's room. Zoya was really impressed by the room. It was painted in blue, that too her favourite shade of blue. The room was large enough which had an attached dressing room and washroom. What Zoya liked most was a small private garden attachdto the rear side of the room separated by glass doors. She could see the garden full of plants and flowers in them. There was a swing which was placed in the small lawn in the center of the garden.
Zo: " Beautiful"
Di: " What beta?"
Zo: " No ammi, the garden is extremely beautiful."
Di: " You liked it"
Zo: " Of course ammi I loved it."
Humeira who was lost in her mobile suddenly noticed the little garden and asked:
" Phoophi, garden ? where did it come from?"
Dil: " When Asad renovated the room, he removed the portion of the wall here and put a glass door and then transformed the portion of the lawn on back side of his room to this lovely garden because your bhabhi loves plants. And this swing it is made specially for her as she has an obsession for swings"
Zo: " But ammi, how does Asad know this? I mean I haven't told him anything regarding this."
Hu: " No wonder bhaijaan has changed the colour of his room to your favourite blue colour Zoya."
Di: " Don't think much beta, your abbu helped Asad. He had taken Anwar bhaijaan's advice to know your likings."
Zo: " Abbu? But he didn't even tell me."
Di: " Leave it beta. Now you take rest. I would suggest you take a nap for an hour or two and the beautician will come by 5: 30pm so that you will get enogh time to take a nap."
Just then, Asad came inside the room.
Di: " Zoya beta you freshen up and I will send some juice for you. And Asad you need something?"
Zo: " Ammi, I don't need juice."
Di: " Then what else do you want beta? " for which Asad replied: " Ammi Zoya will have a tea and a coffee for me."
Di: " Ok beta. You take rest. And Asad, I know you both are married but since we have a function in the evening and Zoya needs rest, don't disturb her much. I hope I have made myself clear. "
Dilshad warned Asad with a smile and Zoya blushed on hearing this. Asad who was equally embarrassed said: " Dont worry ammi, I will not disturb your daughter. I just came to get a change of clothes. Even I am tired. Nobody is bothered about that. I will take rest in Ayaan's room so that your daughter can take rest without any disturbance." Asad said looking at Zoya. " And ammi, I am not that desperate as you think I am."
Dilshad laughed at her son's outburst. She said: " No beta. You be here. I know you are also tired. You also get some sleep. And Zoya beta, if you need anything call me."
Zoya nodded her head in a yes.
As soon as Dilshad and Humeira left , Asad locked the door. He came back to Zoya and hugged her. She also reciprocated the same.
As: " Finally how do you feel being Mrs. Khan?"
Zo: " Great and you ??"
As: " I still cant believe Zoya that you are mine forever. I am so happy."
Zoya pecked his cheeks and said: " Its true Mr. Husband."
As: " You know you are looking so beautiful today."He was about to kiss her, suddenly his mobile beeped. He took out the mobile from his pocket and put it in silent mode. He gave Zoya her mobile which was also with Asad.
Zo: " My mobile??"
As: " Ya Haider gave me before we were leaving"
Zo: " Ya Allah. How can I forget?"
As: "What happened jaan?"
Zo: " I forgot my suitcases Asad. I don't know how but I forgot them and I really wonder whether anybody had remembered and sent it. Please let me go and check Asad. Otherwise how will I change?"
As: " Dont panic. And the dress and jewellery you are wearing for Walimah is here only. I kept it in the wardrobe yesterday night."
Zo: " I know Asad. But still I need a change of clothes now. How can I be in this heavy lehenga till then. Moreover I need to take a bath. So...Please Asad let me ask ammi whether she had sent the suitcases with someone else or if not I will ask her to send it as soon as possible."
Zoya took her mobile to call Zeenat but before Zoya could call, Asad dragged her into the dressing room and opened the wardrobe for her.
Zoya was shocked to see that there was an entirely new wardrobe for her. It had all kinds of clothes, Saris, salwars, casuals, formal, night dresses and also innerwear. There were sandals, shoes, bathroom chappal, bathrobes each and everything which she would need. She also noticed cosmetics which she use, the same brand being available at the dressing table.
As: " I don't think you may need anything else but still if you need anything more, let me know. I will get it. And don't worry we will bring your bags when we go to your home for chauth ceremony. "
Zo: " I know you did this but how you managed this one. Ammi told you took Abbu's help while renovating the room and let me guess you took ammi's help right? But when? I mean you were so busy with office work, and then meetings? How did you manage?"
As: "Zoya do you think I will be able to do all this shopping. I am very bad in shopping with ladies' stuff. Both our ammis did the shopping for you. And your ammi knows very well that you have everything you need here. Thats why she didn't bother much to remember about your bags."
Zoya hugged Asad : " I love you."
As: " Me too jaan. And now you freshen up. Once you are done, I will."
Zo: " No Asad. You carry on. It will take time for me to remove all these jewellery and all."
As: " You need help? Do I need to call someone?"
Zo: " As of now no. And even if I need help, why should I need to look for someone else when you are here."
As: " Haan. Anytime at your service Maam."
When Asad came out of the washroom, he saw Zoya still struggling with her necklace. He helped her to remove the jewellery.
As: " Its done Zoya. Now you go and freshen up before I get carried on."
Zoya smiled and went to the bathroom. Asad closed the sliding door which separated the dressing roon from the bed room.
Asad came and lay down in the bed switching on the tv and browsing some news channel.
Aftersome time Humeira came with tea and coffee.
Hu: " Bhaijaan where is Zoya? Still in washroom.? You need anything else?"
As: " No Humeira thank you."
Humeira took the cup of coffee and gave it to Asad. Asad extended his hand to take the coffee, but in between Humeira heard Ayaan calling her name. She got distracted and the coffee fell on Asad.
As: " Aahh. Humeira. Where are you lost?"
Hu: " Sorry Bhaijaan. I am really sorry. Was the coffee too hot? "
As: " No Its ok Humeira. Please get me another coffee"
Hu: " I will bring it now."
Humeira closed the door and left. Asad in pain forgot to lock the door. He removed his kurta to see whether the coffee had burnt his skin or not. He saw the skin below his chest had gone red. He touched it and involuntarily he winced in pain
As: " Aahhh"
Zoya who came out of the washroom heard this and she ran to the room forgetting that she was in her bathrobe. She saw Asad shirtless. She asked : " What happened?"
Asad didn't notice Zoya who was standing in front of him. He said: " Coffee spilled over.."
Before Asad could complete, Zoya ran inside to take the anti burn cream which she saw in the first aid box which was kept in an easily accessible shelf in the washroom.
Zoya came back with the cream and applied it over the skin where it was reddish. Her touch made Asad notice Zoya and was shocked to see her in nothing but a bathrobe. He was totally lost in her. She was applying medicine and once done she looked at Asad to see him completely lost. Then realisation dawned on her that she is in bath robe.
Asad was totally lost in Zoya. Since she just had a bath, water drops were falling off her damp hair which made her more beautiful.
As: " Jaan you are looking beautiful."
Zo: " Hmmm"
Asad went near her, removed the hair which fell over her face and kissed her cheeks. He then hugged her and pinned her to the wall and as he was about to kiss her on her lips, their lips were only few inches apart, suddenly Dilshad barged into the room followed by Humeira. On seeing their proximity, Dilshad turned back and said: " Sorry"
Asad and Zoya moved apart.
As: " Ammi ..."
Di: " Sorry beta. Actually Humeira told that she spilled hot coffee on you. I just came to see whether you are ok or not. "
As: " I am ok ammi. Zoya has applied medicine. So it should be fine soon."
Di: " It should be. Ok. You both take rest now or..."
Dilshad didn't complete her sentence. Zoya was embaressed to the core. Humeira left the room after keeping Asad's coffee on the table. And before leaving Dilshad said to Asad
" Beta please make it a habit to lock the door."
She said with a smile.
Zoya and Asad looked at each other...
To Be Continued...
Thanks
Sarita
P.S Please forgive in case of any mistakes as no proof reading done.
Please leave your feedback.
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