Hello readers! Yes it is me again here to torture you. Most of all wanted an alternate ending and after thinking much I wrote it. You have read it as a continuation of chapter 10. But for me chapter 10 is last. The ending of Remember Me was always sad in my version and I warned you all about it before. I wrote the last chapter almost 4 months back with an epilogue on how Zoya find about Zinia after that. This story is written on true events. Not all the events but the theme is on a real plot. In reality the husband passed away and the wife does not get back her memory still. So I preferred the real ending. I want to thank Sarah (BelleAme) who appreciated it and accepted it. Thank you so much dear. And believe me as a writer it was difficult. I felt terrible when I wrote about Asad's death. So I almost skipped all the details there. (I love Asad too much than I think). Now I know how Gul Khan felt when she killed her leads. I don't like to rewrite my stories but at the same time I don't want to be the reason for everyone's tears. Okay, no more talking. This chapter is dedicated to all the readers who want happily ever after. Who cursed me from left to right, up-down everywhere after reading Asad's death.
Chapter 11
Umrre lagee kehate huye, do labj the ek bat the
Woh ek din sau sal ka, sau sal ke woh rat the
Kaisa lage jo chup chap dono
Ho pal pal me puree sadiyaan bitaaye
"No no no...Asad...!" Zoya screamed with utmost fear. Her cheeks were dampened with tears. The taxi driver rushed to the back door after parking his taxi at the hospital parking area. He had seen she was sleeping and muttering incoherently.
"Mam you okay?" he said as he shook her gently.
Zoya opened her eyes and remained silent for a moment. Then it registered upon her, she was dreaming! A bad dream! No a very very very bad dream.
Her heart pounded heavily in her rib cage still acclimatizing with the situation. No, Allah Miyaan, you cannot do this to me. In my whole life I always only got pain and I accepted every time. This time I am not letting my happiness go.I have the right to be happy once in my life and this time I will fight for it till the end. I am not going to run from this, never. Zoya wiped her lone tears and ran inside the hospital after passing the fair of the taxi. The driver stood there dumbfounded."Weirdo !"
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Ayaan was coming out from the blood bank as a woman ran passed him like a bullet. They all had landed to Bhoopal in this morning and got the news of the accident. The woman was so desperate as if her life had gone to an end. She ran to the reception and asked about Asad Ahmed Khan to the receptionist. The receptionist was checking the patient name list. Ayaan was going out when he heard the name and turned abruptly. The woman facing her back to him so could not see her face. He took long strides to them in the meanwhile the receptionist confirmed there is no Asad Ahmed Khan admitted in the hospital.
"He is here only. Check it carefully" Zoya was hyper! She needed to see him. Ayaan reached there and without thinking he pulled her to him for a fierce hug. Zoya was so astounded that she could not realize what had happened. She pulled herself away and looked confusedly at the man. Ayaan first did not gauge her action then he tried to introduce himself as Zoya did not remember him. He heard about Zoya from Dilshad.
"Mona...I am Rabaart..woh no..woh I am Ay..."
"Ayaan Ahmed Khan. Asad's brother." Zoya completed his sentence and he gave a boyish grin.
"Where is Mr. Khan? She asked as she looked frantically to him.
"He is in the home now. Zinia needed him so I send him there"
"Oh! Zinia, but the guard told me that Mr. Khan was there and he is hospitalized." Zoya asked still could not believe the fact that Asad was alright.
"Did he?" Ayaan frowned. "But Bhaijaan is total fine. Actually Bhaijaan was there when the building collapsed but he was out of range. He was here and arranged everything for the worker. For Zinia he had to leave and I am also leaving as everything is under control now." Ayaan cleared. Zoya's shoulder losen hearing the truth, relief washed over her.
"But..why you are asking...?" Ayaan could not finish as at the same time Humaira had called Ayaan and he took it.
"Yes Humaira, Assalamu Aleikum"
"Everything is alright Humaira. Asked Bhaijaan not to panic and take care of his laadli" Ayaan joked. Ayaaan silently led Zoya to the garden area and they sat one of the benches. Ayaan talked to Humaira for sometime. He kept his cell in between them on the bench and Zoya almost snatched it from there. Ayaan's mouth hung open watching her action where Zoya observed the screen saver very carefully. Ayaan cleared his throat clearly embarrassed at that moment. Zoya mouthed a sheepish sorry to him but kept looking at the picture.
"You really are a good friend to your sister in law" Her eyes moistened again as she kept looking Ayaan and Humaira's picture together.
"Yeah! I had" Ayaan sighed dreamily. "We were partners at crime, what days they were"
"What is her name?" She blurted from no where.
Ayaan gave her an incredulous look. "I thought Bhaijaan told you about us also." He did not get the point.
"He did that. But I was asking about her" Zoya pointed to Humaira on the cell phone screen.
"Oh! This! This is Humaira. Wait...what...you ...she is not my sister in law. She is my wife." Ayaan laughed like a maniac as he got the point. Zoya's eyes bulged hearing it. She jumped from her seat and asked
"But Zinia...she called her as Choti Ammi and Asad as Abbu. How can be that possible? I herad it by myself" She was utterly confused this time.
"Zoya ...I mean Bhabhi...did not Bhaijaan tell you everything about what happened after you were gone?" Ayaaan stuttered.
"Yes he did. But not about Humaira and Zinia" Zoya cleared.
Oh! That's my Bhaijaan. Always trying to protect others even he was dying with that process" Ayaan muttered dejectedly.
"Tell Me the truth Ayaan; even he has signed the divorce paper" Zoya showed the letter. She started to cry again. This is too much for her in just a few hours.
Ayaan was really shocked after reading the letter. "But you...I mean...you are engaged to another man. Then he has to divorce you" Ayaan said meekly.
"WHAT?! Who told you that I am engaged to someone?"
"Bhaijaan! That's why he does not want to come between you two." Ayaan was really getting no point.
"I am neither in love with Omar nor engaged" Zoya declared.
"Then why you are leaving?"
"I thought Humaira is his wife and Zinia is their children" Zoya said meekly this time. "Now tell me about the truth. Will you?"
"Well..." Ayaan started.
Ayaan told her about Tanveer's truth and how she was connected to Razia. Then Razia and Gaffur truth regarding her mother murder case. How Asad had brought the justice for her mother. Then he spilled about Humaira, her sister who is very caring and sweet. Zoya's eyes filled with warmth knowing it. Though she left the hope of finding her father a long back but knowing she was that man's daughter she felt terrible. A sudden hatred spread through her blood and she cried. Ayaan consoled her and told how Humaira reacted after knowing the truth. How Asad had handled Humaira. How he protected Humaira and took care of her like a big brother of her.
"She has a rare heart disease." Ayaan's eyes sparkled. "This led her to the darkest phase of her life. I even could not bring her from there but Bhaijaan did it.She had always asked why Bhaijaan did this for her and Bhaijaan used to say he was doing it for you. That one day you would come back and ask about it, he could say it proudly that he did not let Humaira to miss you." This time tears fell from Ayaan's eyes. Zoya remained silent.
Does not she know how caring he is? Does not she feel the silent love that emanates from his every action? Be it like protection, or like caring or supporting. Every action of him symbolized love. Yes he had a bad temper and acted impulsively but that never meant he loved less. Yes he was not a spoken person but that never meant his love for others never revealed. She can even now feel his love without the voice, she just needed to look in his eyes those always bear the ocean of emotions. He had to go through a lot in his life. But he never ran away from his responsibilities. Never! And what she did? Ran away?
Allah Miyaan did the right thing. I have no right to be happy. That's why I forgot the best moments of my life.But why you punished him? I forgot but he did not. All was my fault Allah Miyaan I hurt him. I hurt him knowing he loves me. I hurt him when he needed care. Why you did that to him?
Zoya was not even trying to wipe those angry tears. "And Zinia?" Zoya's voice trembled.
"Zinia came as a sun shine of Bhaijaan's life after you had left." Ayaan revealed another secret that night probably the last one.
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Two and Half Years Before
Anwar and Zeenat did not forgive Asad for Zoya and they had cut all relationship with Asad. They surely tried to find Zoya in their way from New York. Asad had tried many times to contact with them but they never responded. Asad did not know in which area they were living otherwise he would go there and asked forgiveness.
Asad got a call one day from New York stating it was from Anwaar Farooqui as he had an accident and now he was looking for Asad. Without any delay Asad took the next flight along with Ayaan and when reached the hospital he was informed that actually Anwaar and Zeenat both had faced the accident. Zeenat was pregnant and they had to operate her just instance and Zeenat survived only few hours after that. The baby girl was in the incubator but would not able to survive for much. Anwaar was also in his last breath. Asad rushed to Anwaar and asked forgiveness for what he did. Anwaar put his hand on his head.
"I read about Zainab's case sometime back. Surely my bachchi got justice. We could not do it but you did it, Asad. No one can love my Zoya as like you. I really wish one day she will come back to you. Not for you but for her. She needs to know how much you can do for her. You are a true gem Asad and we are getting back what we did to you."
"No! No Jeeju. Please don't say these. Everything will be alright"
"Nothing will be Asad. I prayed to Allah that I want to meet before I die and he kept my promise. I will keep mine too. One more thing, please try to save my angel Asad. It was our special gift for Zoya. This baby is the fruit of Zoya's prayers. Look after her like your own...she should never miss her Ammi and Abbu Asad. Please don't loose her like Zoya...Please...promise me."
"I promise Jeeju..." He could not even seal his promise as Anwar passed away. Anwar and Zeenat were taken into mortuary as he wanted to take them to India.
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The hospital authority gave him the green signal to take the baby. Asad took her in his arms. So small, so vulnerable! He was overwhelmed, miraculously she had survived. Big eyes and serene face just like Zoya. Asad kissed her forhead delicately. Asad felt an ethereal feeling, a feeling of completeness. A lone tear fell from his eyes to her cheek and instantly he wiped it out and and the baby instantly gripped his finger. The baby girl smiled at him and Asad smiled for the first time after he had reached to New York. The baby girl did not feel the gravity of that situation and he would protect her from every bad thing. He instructed Ayaan to take Anwaar and Zeenat to India. Asad needed to be in New York for some legal uses. He had to adopt Zinia and also sort out the will thing. So he could not leave the baby. Ayaan took Anwaar and Zeenat and complete the ritual where as Asad completed the legal issues and adopted Zinia as his. After a month he left New York with Zinia.
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"...and from then Zinia is with us as Bhaijaan's daughter. Bhaijaan asked Zinia to address Humaira as Choti Ammi. She is too cute. My shona bachcha." Ayaan's glowing face stirred something inside Zoya. How many beautiful feelings she had missed?
"I want to meet Zinia." Zoya said dreamily.
"Of course you are meeting her. Afterall you are her Ammi. She asked every day when will her Ammi come to home and look finally that day came. Let's go home Mona darling." Ayaan took Zoya's hand into his and pulled her to him. Zoya genuinely smiled at him.
"But before that I need to do one more work" Zoya added.
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Zoya came to Bhoopal central jail to meet Gaffur Ahmed Siddiqui. Ayaan took her to the jail after calling their lawyer. Gaffur became ill now a days and he was redemptive every moment when he was informed that Zoya was his daughter only. But that did not lessen the punishment for his sin. Yes he knew it very much that Raziya killed Zainab and he helped her to put all the blame on Rashid and forced him to stay with his sister. The grave mistake he had done. He was praying when the constable said he had a visitor. It was a surprise for him. Last four years Asad had came to meet him only on purpose and this was not the time for him to come to the jail. He always had come in the morning. Thinking it was Asad he made his way to the meeting room. Once he was inside he rooted at the spot as the sub inspector introduced them. Zoya remained silent for sometimes then she asked "I came here to know just one thing, in all these, what was the fault of my mother?"
Gaffur could not find any voice at first then he whispered "Zoya, meri beti. You are alive? You are here?"
"I am not your daughter Gaffur Ahmed Siddiqui. I was first for Ammi's then Appi- Jiju's. Now I am only for Asad and his family. Don't you dare call me that?" Zoya roared. She was not forgiving this person after what he did to her, her mother and most of all Asad's father.
"I know I am not forgivable and I am not asking from you that. But I did not know you are my daughter" His voice choked.
"Oh really! That means if I was not your daughter then it was right what you did to Asad's father? Really! You were the head of the society and you taught this to the society? You set this type of example to the society? Anyways I am never forgiving you for this Gaffur Ahmed Siddiqui. Never! You helped that shrewd woman to kill my Ammi and separated Phoopie and Asad's father. You are not a father. You are a businessman. You deal with my mother's life for your honor and you can be a great person. Because of you I am feeling ashamed to meet Asad. He did so many things for me and what I did to him? I ran away just like you? I left my spouse just like you Mr. Siddiqui. I hate myself for that."
"Don't Zoya. Don't..you are not me. You are like your mother only. Yes I am at fault but don't give my fare share of punishment to Asad. He truly loves you. He is the one who believes you will be back one day. He waited for you for so long. Meet him and made him happy. I am sorry what I did to you and to your mother and Rashid. Your mother loved me and I took advantages of her. She had no faults. The greed ate me up. I was blind for power and wealth. Allah is giving me the punishment." Gaffur started to shake as he was crying.
Zoya started to walk away. "Please go to Asad, Zoya. Make him happy. I took his happiness from him but please you bring that happiness to him. He is broken inside; heal him Zoya and one more thing look after Humaira too. I am happy that you came to meet me though you hate me but Humaira has refused to talk to me after knowing the truth. It is my pleasure that you came to see me Zoya." Gaffur said and then he walked away. Zoya ran from there to outside.
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Same Evening, Khan Villa
Everyone was retired to their room as for the jet lag. Asad tucked Zinia to her bed and came to his room. It was a hectic day for him. But one thought pricked his heart now or then. Zoya. He left the gift box to the guard as he could not do that by himself. He did not have any courage left.
Is she reached home by now? How she felt when she saw the divorce paper? Was she happy? Why I am not happy? I have Zinia. I have family and she went to her new family. Then why I am feeling barren? It was my decision. I wanted her happy then why Allah it is hurting me? Why I can't stand another man beside her? Why Allah? Help me to forget her. I am begging you.
He took the guitar. His favorite time pass but he did not touch it after Zoya had left. He sang that night after about 4.5 years for her. He strummed the guitar softly.
Mujh se hi aaj mujhko mila de
Dekhoon aadaton mein tu hai ke nahi
Har saans se poochh ke bataa de
Inke faaslon mein tu hai ki nahi
Main aas paas tere aur mere paas..
Tu hai ke nahi..tu hai ki nahi...
Dilshaad who had come out for water, stood there like a statue as she looked at the front door and watched the color of their life again started to color. Yes at that moment Zoya entered the room with Ayaan and stood as she heard the soulful voice.
Daudte hain khwaab jhin pe raasta woh tu lage
Neend se jo aankh ka hai waasta woh tu lage
Tu badalta waqt koi khushnumaa saa pal mera
Tu wo lamha jo na thehre aane waala kal mera
Main aas-paas tere aur mere paas...
Tu hai ke nahi...tu hai ki nahi...
Zoya's eyes met the most loved filled eyes and she ran to her open arms.
"You...you are really here my bachchi...my Zoya..you are really here" Dilshad whispered as tears fell freely from her eyes.
"Phooppie! I am really sorry! I am really sorry phoppie!" Zoya hiccupped.
In labon pe jo hansi hai inki tu hi hai wajah
Bin tere main kuch nahi hoon mera hona bewajah
Dhoop teri na pade to dhundhla sa main lagoon
Aake saansein de mujhe tu taaki zinda Main rahoon
Main aas-paas tere aur mere paas...
Tu hai ki nahi
Dilshed peppered small kisses over her face as she kept chanting her name.
"You are not leaving right?" After sometime, Dilshad asked; still unconvinced about the situation. She had lost all her hopes as Asad had filled her about Omar and Zoya's reaction. She wanted to talk to Zoya but Asad kept her away from this heartbreaking.
"No. I am not. But your son does not want me in his life. He sent me this divorce paper." Zoya said angrily this time and Dilshad smiled lovingly. She knew it as Asad filled her just sometime ago. But she smiled as Zoya whined again.
"Ammi. Mona darrr...okay Bhabhi is really here and will be here" Ayaan chimed in and hugged both of them.
"Go inside. Make him happy" Ayaan pushed her to Asad's bedroom. Dilshad and Ayaan stood there in embrace and grinned like a teenager. Zoya was feeling nervous. She had battled with the innerself about what Gaffur had said to her. Yes she was not Gaffur but she was like her mother, Zainab and her life entwined with Asad. Her Asad! She was going to make his life hell for sending her the divorce letter. Stupid, egoistic, superfool man!
Main aas-paas tere aur mere paas...
Tu hai ki nahi...
"Asad...!"
Asad just ended the last line and wiped his eyes when Zoya called him from behind. The world stopped, Asad stood rooted. Zoya stood like a doll and again called him. He thought surely he had lost it. Zoya could never be there with him.
"Asad" Zoya called hesitantly. Her voice broke as all her resolution had gone to water. She now just wanted to run to him and to cry her heart out for her misfortune.
Asad looked at his back slowly thinking it was another fit of his imaginations. Zoya was there. Really she was there looking at him. Asad took leisure steps to her and she did not vanish in the air this time. Zoya's heartbeat paced as she stood there silent.
"Zoya...!" He could not recognize his voice, an uncertain whisper!
Zoya jumped on him this time, making them fall on the bed.
"I am so sorry Mr. Khan, for all these" Zoya was trying to stand up.
"It was not your fault Ms. Farooqui. I acted like a jerk that time"
Hearing Ms. Farooqui from his mouth she ignited from no where. She sprang on her feet and pulled out the divorce paper from her hand bag.
"But I am not going to forgive you for this. You still act like a jerk, stupid, fool man" Angry tears fell from her eyes and he rushed to her.
"Zoya...I ...I was trying to protect you"
"Protect me from what? From you; from your love so that you can face every death of your own. You did not share with me about Zinia. Why? Why you did not share the whole truth of my Ammi's death?" By that time Zoya reached to him and shook his collar.
"I...I was just...wanted you to be happy." Asad said meekly.
"And who told you that I will be happy with Omar"
"I heard your conversation with him that you love him"
"And you did not need any confirmation? Really Mr. Khan? You needed confirmation when I was in love with you back then but here you did not judge. How hypocrite person you are?" Zoya's voice increased to a new level with each question and what Asad did next was closed their distance and hugged her fiercely. The action was so sudden that she became surprised.
"You remember me! Us!" Asad's happy voice rang into her ears. She reciprocated the hug and answered sheepishly
"No! I...I read your diary"
"You what?! Asad broke the hug. Zoya brought out the journal from her bag.
"But...how? Those were hijacked in Mumbai with my laptop" Asad was astounded.
"Ahmmm...hmm.. Allah Miyaan sent these to me" Zoya said with tears ushered in her eyes. Then she told how Zerin had bought them from the store." Till the end Asad again hugged her.
"You will be with me from now. Forever! Right?" Asad's voice was expectant.
"No. How can I? You signed it Mr. Khan." Zoya again went back to the square.
"What?" Asad snatched it from her and torn the paper into pieces.
"That does not mean I am forgiving you" Zoya was Zoya by the way. Asad again pulled her into his embrace and said
"I am sorry for this"
"For you we had gone through all these miseries again Mr. Khan!" Zoya whined.
"I said sorry, na!" Before he could say more the door opened and Zinia ran to them while screaming for her Ammi. Ayaan came inside too and said Asad needed to go to the police station to solve some issues. Zinia hugged Zoya from backside with her tiny little hands and screamed again. Zoya took Zinia in her arms. The intangible feeling surfaced on her face too. Asad looked at them mesmerized. Finally his promises had been fulfilled. His family was complete.
"Ammwi, Ammwi, you came home finawwy. Zinia misshed Ammwi everyday"
"Aww..babuni..Ammi is here only from now. You will never miss her from now on" She kissed Zinia's chubby cheeks and pressed Zinia to herself tightly. The feeling of warmth, love made her overwhelmed as she looked at Asad. The same feeling was emanating from his eyes too. Ayaan cleared his throat and Asad mouthed her "sorry" and left hastily.
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Zoya talked and played with Zinia to no end. She learned how Asad played with her night time, how he fed her, how he wooed her when she was angry. She took Zoya to every nook of the house, then the garden and then her room where she had shown the picture frame of them. Asad's and Zinia's picture was on a frame. Zoya's and Asad's picture was on the other frame.
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After a long time Humaira woke up from the deep slumber and came to dining area to check about dinner. Zoya was returning from the kitchen with Dilshad and Zinia, she heard the crashing sound of the glass and ran to her.
"Humaira are you okay?" Dilshad asked her but Humaira was looking at Zoya only. She nodded. Zoya examined her carefully but Humaira hugged her like her life was dependent on Zoya.
"Appi...Appi...where were you Appi. So much had happened in these years Appi. Where were you? Jiju looked for you; we all searched for you everywhere. Where were you Appi?" Humaira cried out loudly. She asked many questions at a time.
"Humaira. Calm down. I am here only and I know everything what had happened" Zoya comforted her sister.
"But where were you Appi?" Humaira asked again, squeezing Zoya tightly to her.
"Choti Ammwi, Ammwi will talk to me only now"
"Nope with me first" Humaira tugged Zoya's hand.
"Choti Ammwi. You are jealosh!"
"No I am not"
Zoya brought Zinia into her lap and side wise hugged Humaira.
"Now happy! Hmm!" She kissed Humaira's forehead and asked about her health first and then said everything about her whereabouts and works.
"You actually thought me and Jiju?" Humaira's eyes got wide as Zoya told her the reason why she was leaving.
"I am sorry na bachcha" Zoya cooed.
"And Humaira. I went to meet Mr. Siddiqui in the evening" Zoya started and Humaira stiffened immediately.
"Don't you dare?" Zoya hissed. "I know what happened between our mothers but you are not at fault. You are my sister no matter what! So don't think about it"
Humaira nodded and sat there with Zoya and Zinia. Dilshad stood at the distance and prayed for them. She went from there as she had to pray for long time today.
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Later that night Zoya came to the cupboard to put her clothes as Asad's driver brought her suitcase to Khan Villa. She stood there agape as she looked inside all her clothes were kept there neatly. All her clothes which she wore about 5 years back. She caressed them as if trying to remember something. But she could not remember anything. All she could feel was his love for her.
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Asad and Ayaan entered the house lately that night. Asad silently walked upto his room and found his room was empty.
Where is she now?
After changing in his usual kurta he went to meet Zinia and welcomed with the most awaited moment of his life. Both were sleeping. Zinia was enveloped with Zoya's arms. Asad tucked the blanket properly over them and kissed there forehead. His lips lingered on Zoya's forehead more than the needed time. Ayaan looked at them from distance as his eyes moistened. Humaira sighed beside him and kept her head on his shoulder.
"Our family is complete now, Ayaan" Ayaan nodded and embraced her in his hold.
"Look at him Humaira begum. He is finally at home" Humaira wiped his tears and they retired to their room.
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After finishing dinner Asad came into Zinia's room and moved Zoya slightly. He was not going to sleep alone today. He lied beside Zoya and embraced both of them with his arm.
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Zoya woke up the following morning and found herself inside Asad's embrace. She did not feel estrange or anything as if it was the most common thing for her. They were gathering on Zinia's little bed. She checked on Zinia first and then at Asad.His serene face had shown peace, he was in deep slumber. She then left the bed silently as she prepared herself for Morning Prayer. Asad woke up almost immediately after her and came to their room when she was praying. He stood there silently and then he also went for the prayer.
After completing his prayer he searched for her. Is she still mad with me?
Zoya handed the coffee cup to him and bring him to the reality.
"Thank You" He mouthed but Zoya glared at him.
"I know what I did was wrong and you are angry" Asad started. Zoya sipped the coffee silently. Asad abruptly took away the coffee mug from her hand.
"I am sorry. Please forgive me now. I paid fare share for my punishment and I am not going to do this for more" Asad pecked her lips ever softly. Zoya pulled away from him harshly and said
"You are still emotionally challenged Asad. You are kissing your wife not anyone else. Then why you are feeling guilty for it"
"Woh Actually I am not guilty, okay. I just wanted to confirm you that..." Asad blushed.
"I don't need any confirmation Asad, I know it by now. But I need to assure you I think. So I lo..." This time Asad showed hundred and one ways on how to kiss his wife' perfectly and Zoya learned it like an obedient student.
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Hope you all are happy now! Please do like and comment. Thank you all.
Lots of love 🤗
Swapno
Debate Mansion
127