Chapter 19 Part B
The three of the looked at Kamran and Razia that were seething in anger 'Humera, do you need me to send you a personal invite' Haider said as he held his arms out. Humera smiled and then ran into his arms 'Humera' Razia shouted out after her 'oh Ammi how silly of me, I would like you to meet Haider, my fianc...Haider...Asad this woman standing before you is Razia' Razia looked at Humera not believing she had just called her by her name 'Humera, you forget I am your Ammi...' 'Ammi...' Humera said letting out a chuckle 'do you even know the meaning of the word?' Razia looked at Kamran 'how did they get in...call the guards I want them captured' Kamran called for the guards who all came running in. the crowd that was still gasping moved back as the guards surrounded the four of them.
'I want them arrested for trespassing...lock them away' Razia ordered. Zoya looked at Asad and then stepped forwards 'I am Princess Zoya, and this is my husband, you do not come near me or my sister, you do not touch my husband or my brother...as the daughter of King Abdulla I order you to back away now' the guards all lowered their heads and stepped away.
Razia started to look panicked she walked towards them 'I am your Queen...if you want your place in this palace and do not want to face imminent death for disobeying me I suggest you arrest them now' Zoya took a few steps closer to Razia as she did she looked towards Humera who came to join her 'you are not the Queen, you are woman who is made up nothing but pure evil, if I wanted to I could stand here and tell everyone of Barkah Valley who you really are and what you did, to my Ammi, to my Abu...to me and what you planned to do once you got me married to that leech you call your nephew'.
'How dare you talk to me like that...have you forgotten Zoya...you think you will stand here in front of me...me Queen Razia and threaten me...' Razia raised her hand to slap Zoya again but was stopped by Asad, who held on to her wrist and pushed it back 'don't make the mistake of thinking you can touch her again...' 'and who are you...you think you can waltz in here and claim Zoya...claim my palace...this is mine you hear me mine...I will not let my years of patience go in vain...I will do anything...anything'
'We know Ammi...we know that you are prepared to do anything in the name of greed, in the name of money...really Ammi is all this really worth it...you...' 'no Humera...no' 'Why Api...why won't you let me tell them...let everyone know who she really is...why are you protecting her?' Humera said angrily 'because we are better than her...Allah will give her back what she has given all of us ten-fold' 'Allah and the law' Asad said.
Asad looked towards Hiader who then called out for the inspector. 'Ms Razia...please meet Inspector Chaudhry...and that behind him is his army of officers who have come to take you and your nephew and anyone else who is a part of your filth away...you will never see the light of day again' Haider said. Kamran narrowed his eyes he went and grabbed Zoya by the hand and pulled her back 'just because she is married doesn't mean to say she is yours Mr Asad Ahmed Khan...Zoys will only be mine' Asad jumped forward he grabbed Zoya and pulled her back before he threw Kamran a bloody punch knocking him to the floor 'you touch my wife again and forget seeing the light of day, the only thing you will be seeing is your life slipping away.
Razia swallowed the lump in her throat she looked at Humera and then walked up to her 'Humera...how can you...you are my daughter...you can't let them take me away...I am the Queen...I know...this Zoya has brain washed you...turned you against me...beta she is unwell...crazy, you have to believe me I am your Ammi'. Humera wiped her tears away 'I wish you were my Ammi, I wish I had never seen this side of you...how can you have done this...Ammi you kil...took away our Abu...for your own greed...if the world is full of evil women like you then I hope no one ever gives birth to a daughter...you have shamed the name of women...a mother...who is supposed to be everything to her child...Allah created a woman and gave her a status that no man can match, Allah said that your Jannat, your heaven lies in the feet of your mother...but you all you have is hell' Inspector please take her and that fool away'.
The inspector and his officers stepped forward and took two extremely humiliated people away in front of the very people that looked up them as royalty.
Zoya and Humera held on to each other as they saw their retreating backs. Asad and Haider asked for the people to return to their homes and then to gather in the courtyard tomorrow. 'I am so sorry Humera...' 'why are you apologising Api, it should be me saying sorry, it was my Ammi that tormented you...it was my Ammi that took away your parents, and my father...don't say sorry Api...if I am sad and hurt its because of her...but I am not sorry for what has happened...every criminal every evil person will have to pay for what they have done one day...like they say you can run but can't hide...Allah is everywhere and it is He who is the one who does justice'.
Once everyone had left Asad came and held his wife close to his heart, she couldn't help crying against his hold, but this time he didn't stop her, he let her cry to her hearts content. 'Ammi...where is Ammi, is everyone ok, is Baba ok, did they hurt hi...and Ayaan' 'everyone is ok Zoya, they will be coming to join us soon...come let's sit'.
Everyone sat in silence trying to digest what had happened, the worst was finally over and if truth be told it was less violent and complicated than they had thought. 'Api, you need to get some rest, you have to get ready to address the people tomorrow, they need to be told the truth, a lot of them have been loyal to the her and will want answers especially the people of the Council' Zoya nodded 'you are right...Humera please take care of Haider...' 'I will Api...you don't worry...Asad, please can you take Zoya to her room' 'Humera, it's not just Asad, you call him Bhaijaan...Asad is my older brother' Humera and Zoya and Humera looked at him 'I think we need to tell them' Asad agreed. Haider went on to tell Zoya and Humera what had happened just before they were taken away, they both looked at Asad and Haider totally dumbstruck 'Ya Allah...are you for real...I can't believe it...' 'nor could we, but it is true...in all of this Ammi and Asad weren't able to meet or talk properly...but now that things here have been sorted out, I guess we all have a lot of questions that need answering and a lot of catching up to do'.
Humera walked towards Asad 'Bhaijaan' Asad placed his hand over her head and then put his arm around her 'yes, little Baji Jaan...I will look after your Api and you take care of my little brother...deal?' he said winking at her 'deal'.
Zoya closed the door behind her and then ran into Asad's arms 'it's all over Zoya, you can relax now, the law will punish them and you never have to be afraid or live in hiding any more' 'I know...and the best bit is that I have you here with me' Zoya looked up at him 'not the way you expected to spend your wedding day or night huh?' Asad smiled 'its ok Princess, we have all the time in the world to make up for it...now let's get you some rest, you have another big day tomorrow'
It was only a few hours and the sun had risen in it full glory. Zoya got up and called for the maids, she went to wake up Humera and then sat down with them giving them their new instructions, what they wanted and what they expected from them. As they continued to talk Haider came running towards them 'Humera, Bhabhi...Ammi is here' Zoya and Humera stood up and ran down the stairs towards them. Shireen, Dilshad, Ghaffur and Ayaan stood waiting to see them.
The reunion was an emotional one but one that was full of happiness and joy. After much deliberation Zoya, Humera and Ghaffur had decided on a plan of action and put together a speech that Zoya need to read out to the people of Barakah Valley. 'Ammi...once Zoya has addressed her people I think we need to sit down and do a little talking of our own' Haider said, Dilshad looked towards Asad 'yes, I think we do' she said smiling at both her sons.
Zoya stood up with Humera and Ghaffur on the platform that was raised in the courtyard.
'The people of Barakah, the loyal Council of King Abdullah Assalam O Alaikum. Over the last 12 hours a lot has happened and I know that you all have a million questions that you need answered. I Princess Zoya and Princess Humera haver returned home, returned to you to help serve and protect the community that our father King Abdullah so lovingly made his own. The lady who stood before you today has been taken away to be punished for the deeds of yesterday, as of today all evil, all wickedness has been wiped away.
The Council that were put on a back bench and ruled over are now free, democracy and freedom will return. Today I want to bring to you the new leader of our Council, the one person who has given your King, this palace and me everything, he gave up on everything, sacrificed his own living for me...the person is none other than my Baba, the person you all know as Ghafuur Chahca' Gahffur looked at Zoya in shock 'Zoya, beta what are you saying...me...we did not discuss this' 'I know Baba, but I wouldn't give this to anyone else, you are most deserving, it is time that the palace gave you back for you have given it' 'Zoya, it was my duty...and you are like my own daughter' 'yes Baba...so let me do this...please come here and accept this' Ghaffur wiped his tears away and stepped forward as he did the court yard broke out in cheers and a loud applause.
Ghaffur stood in front of the mic and address his own people 'if our King was here today, he would be so proud of his two beautiful daughters, he would stand up high to see how his girls are continuing on his legacy. If our Princess has stood before you and given me this honour it is only our duty to honour her too...Humera please' Humera stepped forward 'today I stand here before you as Princess Humera, daughter of King Abdulla and sister of who is now the Queen of Barakah Valley...Barakah Valley has just witnessed a new dawn, a new era, where you are free to love and live life, in return we ask for nothing but honesty and peace. Can I please ask you all to raise your hands and pray for our new Queen and the days to come'
Everyone raised their hand in prayer and then cheered for Zoya, who stood looking up 'Abu...Ammi, I wish you were here...but I know where ever you are you will be looking down on me'.
Zoya came forward 'I would like to introduce you to my family, who is now a part of your family too. This is Asad Ahmed Khan, my husband, this is our Ammi, Dilshad Ahmed Khan' Dilshad looked at her as she called her by the name she had left so many years ago. 'This is Princess Humera, and her husband to be Haider Ali Ahmed Khan. This is our Khala Shireen and her son, our brother Ayaan'
The people of Barakah welcomed the new family with cheers that could be heard from miles around. Before Zoya took her leave she stood up once more and announced the official engagement of Humera and Haider please join us in our celebrations and help make this alliance one to remember...Allah Hafiz'
Zoya walked off stage and started to shiver 'Zoya are you ok' Asad said taking her into his hold 'yeah...I think so...I can't tell you how nerve wrecking that was' Asad raised an eyebrow 'nerve wrecking...are you for real...Zoya you are a natural...'
Once everyone returned into the palace Zoya and Humera called for the interior designers and work men. They had ordered for all the rooms to be re decorated. 'Khala...I hope you didn't mind me referring to you as Khala' Zoya said 'Shireen cupped her face 'not at all Zoya...thank you' 'no Khala please...I want to ask something of you and Ayaan?' 'yes of course 'Khala will you stay here with us...will you make this your home too?' Shireen looked at Ayaan and then towards Asad who nodded 'yes beta...of course we will' Zoya hugged her and then turned around 'Baba I want the east wing to be converted into Khala and Ayaan's rooms' Humera has already said she wants the middle floor...can you please have Ammi next to us on the top floor and Baba, the west wing is all yours' Ghaffur smiled at her and then patted her on the head 'as you wish beta' he had never seen her so happy, her smile her happiness radiated and her eyes sparkled like never before.
Zoya walked up to Haider 'I know you have to return to Delhi because of your business and Ammi's work...and I won't stop you, but this is your home to Haider and always will be' Haider hugged Zoya 'I know Bhabhi...thank you so much...but for now work and businesses can wait, we have a grand party to get ready for...your reception and our engagement'.
Everyone dispersed after being told what they needed to do. Haider took Asad and Dilshad to the room he was staying in, they needed to talk and make sure that they were all ok. The three of them spent hours and hours in the room. there were tears, and little joyous smiles 'Asad, Haider before the party I would like everyone to sit in for a prayer...for your Abu...and for Zoya's Abu as well' 'I think that is a wonderful idea Ammi...I will let Zoya and Humera know. Haider walked out leaving Asad and Dilshad together, Asad rested his head on her lap and she lovingly stoked his hair 'we have so much to be thankful for Ammi...I finally have you here with me...I have my Ammi'
Everything had been set to take place the following day, after dinner Ghaffur showed the boys around the palace 'Ghaffur Chacha, you need to help us with one more thing' Asad said 'sure...what would you like help with?' 'Ayaan' Ayaan stopped 'what do I need help with?' he questioned looking at Asad confused 'with filling the spot next to you...I think it's about time we found you a girl and got you settled down too' Ayaan started to grin 'Ya Allah...finally...I thought you two had forgotten about me...Ghaffur Chacha...take that as an order...come on lets go' Ayaan grabbed Ghaffur's hand and started to walk off ahead leaving Asad and Haider laughing out loud.
Edited by Saima-Syed - 11 years ago
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