Hi everyone, I'm back with a new chapter for all of you. I know it's soon but today (24th) is my birthday, so I decide that I will give a gift to my readers đ
Chap15 Sleepless nights
Day 1
The first night, Zoya slept only 2 hours and she managed to finish third of the files. She was exhauted and cranky, but she was motivated to win and to put down Asad's nose. Amir and the other members tried to help her in some files, but they weren't aware how to do it properly except Amir, and it will take a long time to explain to them. This time she refused any help from them and just focus on her task. Zoya went home to take a shower and to get back quickly, she didn't want to lose anytime. She will do it and she will show him wrong.
Day 2
The second night, Amir stayed longer this time, there was noone in the office, he couldn't let her stay alone, but after Zoya's insistence, she pushed him to go back home as she said, she will need him for the finish and she needed him to be fresh for her. Amir was not convinced by her explanation and he didn't want to push her or to force any of his help. He let her do what she want because she want to her to feel that she did it by her own and he can't steal any of her effort on it. He want her to feel pride, even Asad was his friend for a long time, he couldn't be by his side this time. Resolved, he went, giving her one last emotional look.
She was again alone this night, she didn't see Asad's shadow today, he was supposed to be out of the town and he will be back only tomorrow. She felt less heavy this time, he wasn't here spying her or insulting her, but despite this, she felt something missing but couldn't put name on it. While she fullfilled hundreds of tables, she discovered that Asad's made many deals for charities, sometimes for free, she even discovered that the orphanage construction with her father, Asad or to be precise Dilshad compagny was the owner and the major donor of this project. She discovered a new side of Asad, she knew that he was like a color palette with lots of shades, even if for the moment the dominance goes to the black or red, he's favorite color. He was full of passion in everthing, in anger, in sadness but never in hapiness, he seemed that this door was a mystery for him. She felt sleepy, it was almost 2 o'clock in the morning, she needed to walk and to take fresh air, or she will sleep on her desk.
All the light were off, no life, only her, she felt sad and empty. She walked throught the corridor and stopped in front of Asad's cabin, she placed her hands on the door and it opened.
-how strange ? Why the door is open ? She asked herself worried, Asad and he's OCD, how did he forget to lock the door ? She asked loud and then she hitted her forehead , stupid of me, he was not here today.
Curious, she went inside and she switched on the light. She looked around, their is a brown sofa with a small table in front, his desk, nothing compare to her messy state, everything was clean and neat, she smiled looking at this, the place was full of his scent, it seemed that he was here with her, as the scent in the air was sticked to this place. She closed her eyes and inhaled this perfume, it was magic as usual. Why did she like his smell ? Why he is the only men that created those weird and pleasant feeling inside of her ? Why as much as he irritated her, as much as she was angry with him, she needed to see him ? Why did she miss him today ? Why did she feel empty inside of his heart ? She came close to his desk and carressed the contours of it. Everything here, remined her Asad. She sat on his chair, and she closed her eyes.
Soft knock on the window forced her to open her eyes, it was raining outside, she smiled slowly, she stroke her eyes, and went to the balcony. She extanted her hand to hold some drop, she stepped under the rain, folding her arms and she let the drop enveloping her, she needed fresh air and what will be more beautiful than to be under the rain.
-so beautiful, she said feeling serene
-not as much as you, she heard behind her, she opened her eyes and turned suddenly, just to see him, her eyes widened in shock.
-you will catch cold miss farroqui, just came inside, he said calmly
Zoya was happy to see him, but she didn't show it, instead of it, she replied harshly.
-it's not your bussiness, Mister khan, she started by walking toward the balcony, and passed him when he grabbed her hands and said :
-I'm sorry
-what did you say ? She asked him to be sure that she heard clearly
-I said I'm sorry,
-for what Mister khan ? She asked again, insistent to know the real meaning of his sorry
-for being a jerk with you, for being cruel and rude with you, for forcing you to spend unsleep night because of me, he said finally without hesitation.
She smiled, , he sound sincere but she won't forgive him easily this time, only a sorry was not enough. She jerked his hand and replied :
-it's ok, she started leaving but he stopped her again
-I miss you, Zoya
She stopped breathing, she was taken by surprise with his confession, his last word , two days ago, were like a sword into her heart but this time, his words was like a rain on her dry heart. She looked back at him with a teary eyes.
-I really miss you Zoya, a lot, his eyes was also teary
-really missing me ? I don't believing you , you remember your last word to me, how you was cruel and unfair with me , you think that you will come, saying some sweet word and I will forgive you, NO, Asad, it's not easy, and I won't spare you this time, you will need to prove , to show me that I can trust you and that you won't change your mind with any of my new mistakes. How could you be like this with ME? Why you are blowing cold and hot at the same time ? I don't know why ? You just confusing me a lot ? WHO are you Asad Ahmed Khan ?
-I know, I'm sorry for all those words, I was mad and angry, Zoya, he hold her by her shoulders
-I know also Asad, that what happened was a big thing but it never justify any of your word, you target me not professionnally but personally, you hurt me in purpose and this I won't forgive you easily. I'm sure there is something else who made you angry on me.
-I can't tell you the reason Zoya, you have to find by yourself, this time
-why can't you tell me the real reason ?
-because I don't know how you will react if you know the real reason, I don't know if I will be able to accept your decision after knowing the truth.
-you scared me Asad, tell me what was it ? It's just driving me mad to see you like this with me, please Asad, she hold his arm.
-Zoya, just trust me this time, I won't hurt you again, I'm just doing eveyrthing to make you happy and I won't stop until I see you happy.
-but I'm fine, you don't need to take care of me, I don't need it Asad, I release you of any promise. I was happy because between us, it was good and we become friends, but now you change so much and that make me sad. If you really want to make me happy, just come back to me , I was happy at that moment because you were with me Asad and I always want you to be with me, I was suffocated with this distance.
-now , I'm here with you, he placed his forehead against her, I promess, I'm coming back, just bear me a little, and forgive me now, please.
-No, she pushed him away
-what ?? I said I'm sorry, don't be rude with me,
-look who is talking about rudeness ? Mister Asad Ahmed Khan, you made me run after you, begging you, make me cry, push me not to eat or to sleep, so you think, I will forgive you and that you won't get punish. She crossed her arms against her chest, and finished, in your dreams.
Asad looked at her helpless, how much he hated her when she was stubborn. Zoya was in force position, the role turned this time and she enjoyed her revenge, she didn't know how the great jahapanah will do, but he surprised her like always, she looked at him, he bent down on his knee and hold his ears like a kid and said, avoiding looking at her :
-I'm sorry Zoya, I won't do it again and I will be really nice with you.
Zoya pursed her lips to stop smiling, she tried to keep a straight face, but he looked adorable, she thought.
-is it ok, now ? He asked
Zoya shoke her head in negative, she will teased a little more.
-I'm sorry Zoya, I won't do it again and I will be really nice with you
-and I trust you
-and I trust you
-sorry for being a jerk with you
-and sorry for being a jerk with you
-I'm just an idiot and impulsive guy
-no, I am not,
-Mister khan, say it or I will leave by now
-I'm just an ...Idiot and impulsive guy
-and you are not a kid
-I know I'm not,
-not you, but me
-enough, you are just a kid for forcing me doing this, he stood up and lifted his hand up in the air in frustration. I think I did my best to pleased you so now , please, will you forgive me ?
Zoya looked at him and aproached him, she waited looking at him, he asked with his eyes, please , she wrapped her arms around his chest and hold him thigh.
-I miss you, mister idiot ahmed khan
-I miss you a lot, he hold her back.
She hitted him on his chest in frustration ,
-ouch , what again ?
-how could you say all those horrible words to me ? How did you bear act like this with me Asad ? She hitted again and again, Asad hold both of her wirst brought to his heart, even if my mouth said those word, my heart was rejecting every words and beating with your every tears. Thank you Zoya for being just as you are, ha said happily
-it's not over yet, Asad, you have to do something else
-what again, he growled in frustration
-I don't know, impressed me, she challenged him
Asad scratched his hair, like he was trying to find an idea to smoothe her. He grabbed her hand and went outside in the balcony, it was just a drizzle outside, and asked her :
-would you dance with me, Miss Farroqui ? he offered her one of his hand while the other was behind his back, like a gentleman.
-there is no music, Mister clever, she mocked him.
-close your eyes, just follow me in this as you say I'm a good dancer, he winked at her.
Zoya smiled at his antics and closed her eyes, she felt one hand of him on her waist and the other holding her other hand, he closed the distance until their body touched each other, and her face was in the crook of his neck. Asad started singing against her ear :
Source : www.bollynook.com
-Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse
When the clouds rain someday
Main Dekhoon Tujhe Aankhein Bharke
I want to watch You to my heart's content
Tu Lage Mujhe Pehli Baarish Ki Dua...
I feel as if You're the first blessing of the rain
She looked at him half shock half amused, she couldn't believe that he was singing, just for her and only for her. She smiled widely. He hated singing but he did it, so he mean what he said.Zoya was lost looking at him, when he got and idea. His hair was wet and he shoke his head quickly and blow some drop on her face, she protected herself and laughed at this gesture. She was with him now and fully concentrated .
Tere Pehlu Mein Reh Loon
I want to live wrapped inside You
Main Khudko Paagal Keh Loon
I want to call myself crazy
Tu Gham De Ya Khushiyaan, Seh Loon Saathiya...
Even if You give me grief/sadness or happiness, I'll endure it, my beloved
He caressed her face and his thumb finished on her dimples, staying longer on it. They moved and twirled slowly, still holding each other, noone moved from inch.
Koi Nahi... Tere Siwa Mera Yahaan...
No one here is mine except You
Manzilein... Hain Meri To Sab Yahaan...
My destination is here (where You are)
Mita De Sabhi Aaja Faasle
Let's remove all the distances
Main Chahoon Mujhe Mujhse Baant Le
I want You to separate me from myself
Zara Sa Mujh Mein Tu Jhaank Le, Main Hoon Kya...
Just throw a glance inside me and tell me who am I
Wo... Aeee... Aaa... Saathiya...
My beloved
Asad stopped suddenly and Zoya looked at him surprise,
-what's wrong Asad ? Are you ok ?
-it's just that I forget the word for the second part, but wait, he started huming, closing his eyes to concentrate, but he opened his eyes when he heard her singing back to him, this time.
Pehle Kabhi... Na Tune Mujhe Gham Diya...
You didn't give me any grief before this
Phir Mujhe... Kyun Tanha Kar Diya...
Then why did You leave me alone now
Guzaare The Jo Lamhe Pyaar Ke
The moments of love that we had spent together
Hamesha Tujhe Apna Maan Ke
I always considered You to be mine
To Phir Tune Badli Kyun Ada, Yeh Kyun Kiya...
So, why did You change Your behaviour now, please tell me
They started singing the chorus together, smiling at each other, and this time, Zoya carressed Asad's dimple. He cupped her hand who was on his face, to let her longer and enjoying the sensation that her caress gave to him. Both wished they coud freeze the time.
Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse
When the clouds rain someday
Main Dekhoon Tujhe Aankhein Bharke
I want to watch You to my heart's content
Tu Lage Mujhe Pehli Baarish Ki Dua...
I feel as if You're the first blessing of the rain
They stoped twirled and they were just looking at each other, smiling full of happiness, there is no more sadness or tiredness from both of them. Just hapilly, they finally found each other, both closed the distance with the end of the song.
Tere Pehlu Mein Reh Loon
I want to live wrapped inside You
Main Khudko Paagal Keh Loon
I want to call myself crazy
Tu Gham De Ya Khushiyaan, Seh Loon Saathiya...
Even if You give me grief or happiness, I'll endure it, my beloved
Their face were jsut inch from each other, eyes closed and he whispered on her lips :
-I love you Zoya
A thunder rumbled in her ears and she opened her eyes, she found herself on his chair, it seemed that she dozed off and she dreamt about him. She gulped many time, trying to recollect what was that dream of Asad. This is the reason why he might be behaving like this her ? Because he loved...She was just tired and it s impossible, a man in love will not behaving like this with the woman that he was supposed to love, only if he felt rejected by her. She blinked, but this is what happened, she rejected him many time afterall, she rubbed her forehead, she felt more confused and disoriented, she needed to get out from his office. Suddenly, she remembered why she was here, she looked at her watch and ran in panick into her cabin, she slept for 2 hours, she lost a lot of times for nothing.
-you even haunted my dream Mister khan, I need to sleep or I'm going to be mad. She came back, and she felt something strange, she didn't remember exactly but she was sure that she didn't let her desk like this. She checked if everyhing was fine, it seemed that there is nothing wrong, but she was sure that she was in files number 55, but her screen was on number 60. It looked like she was beginning to lose track of time, numbers and events around her, everything was confused in his head, she needed to finish it, to get out from all this mess.
Day 3
The last day was the worst for Zoya, the accumulation of lack of sleep, of stress and tiredness became more heavy on her shoulders and the marks on her body became too visible for all. Everyone was witness of her hardworking, and for Amir it became unbearable to see her in this state, he just want to burst out his anger and frustration on Asad.
He pushed his door, while Asad was working on his laptop with many files opened all over his desk.
-Asad, we need to talk, shouted Amir
-what's wrong ? Ask Asad worried, is everything alright ? Zoya, is she alright ?
-really ? You care ? It's because of you she is in this state, Asad, since when do you become selfish ? What wrong with you man ?
-What wrong with her, Amir ?
-The first time I saw her, she was full of life but today, it seemed that all her life has left her body, she is exhauted, please stop all this nonsense, she don't want to listen to me, she pushed me away, she was obsessed by winning this stupid challenge. I know she will listen to you, please Asad do something.
-I can' t do anything Amir, I want to stop it but if I do this, I will hurt her more, she will feel that I have pity for her and I don't want to make her feel this, miss farroqui is very stubborn and when she decided something no one can stop her, she had her pride and her arrogance. And I'm the last person that she want to see or need help.
Amir was helpless, he know that Asad was right, those last day he discovered a new face of Zoya, the fighter , she won't stop even if it cost her her health. He sighed loudly. Asad could feel Amir turnoil, he came to him and putted his hand on his shoulders.
-you care for her, right ?
Amir nodded positively.
-you like her, Amir ? He asked him, Amir nodded again
-Amir, just stay by her side, confort her and help her as much as you can, You have to anticipate her needs, even if she pushed you, stay and don't step back, sometimes we have to force her. Be gentle and firm, don't expect that she will ask you something, just do it if you feel it. Become these certainties against her doubts, becomes his strength against her weakness, becomes a pillar against her fears.
Amir looked at him quizzically and stunned by all Asad's word, he felt himself cage between the feel to help her but didn't want to force himself on her, how did Asad know all of this ? It seemed that Asad had read his minds.
-I know her, that why I say that, don't think too much, man, just go, but before you go take this.
Asad gave him a pillow and Amir looked at him.
-I'm sure you will know what to do with it, Asad smiled at him soflty.
Amir went to the office, looking at Zoya who still sticked to her chair. He felt emotionnal looking at her, but he had to be strong if he want to help her. She rubbed her neck and her back grimacing, and in Amir's mind, it rang, he went to her and placed the pillow behind her back, she looked at him, smiling thankful by his gesture. At least, this pillow will not remove her pain but it will eased a bit. Amir brought some food, some drinks, he was just around her as Asad suggested, and it seemed that Zoya felt better and him too.
The night has come and she was almost closed to finish, she became more and more excited, it remain only 6 files and it's over and it was just 2 o'clock. She needed to speed a little , all her energy seemed to get back by the positive feeling that she felt. Again, everyone left and Amir gave her his phone in case of she needed to be lift home, if she finished sooner than expected. Those days, she discovered a new side of everyone, Nikhat, Farhan and specially Amir, who was a real supportive. She took the pillow and hold it, but she stepped back, it was full of Asad's scent, like this pillow was him, how could it be ? She hold it thigh, this scent always conforted her, she closed her eyes for a second, but it was too late, the sleep took her in that second.
She heard her name and felt that someone was shaking her, she jerked him away :
-ammi let me sleep, I didn't sleep those day, please ammi
-Zoya, please wake up, it's time, Mister khan will come in a minute, said nikhat, trying to wake Zoya up since 5 min. She saw Zoya lying on the sofa and covered with coat. When Zoya heard asad's name, she sat up abruptly :
-what time is this ?
-it's almost 9, Zoya, did you finish everything, asked Nikhat excited
Zoya passed her hand throught her missy hair, she remembered that she was sitting on her chair, it was only 6 or 5 files remain but after nothing,everything was blank, she found herself lying in a sofa, how did she reach the sofa ? She went to her desk looking at her work, in panick.
-Oh God, please tell me that I finish everything, tell me that I didn't sleep before finishing everything, she repeated her as a prayer, it couldn't be real, she was so closed to finish, so close. While looking here and there, she heard her name again, but this time, she froze.
-Miss farroqui ? Asad called her
Zoya's throat was like locked, Asad came, crossing his arms on his chest, wearing just a white shirt, no tie, unformal clothes and he has grow up a bear. Asad and the accountant came closer, Asad ordered him to take everything and asked Zoya to give him the electronique files.
-Mister khan, I need to check a last time before, I gave it to you, I want to be sure, she tried to gain time.
-Don't need, Miss farroqui, he will check everything by himself, and we will see if it's your last day or not, he said the last sentence seriously.
Zoya, with teary eyes, gave him everything, helpless, knowing that she failed because of lack of sleep, she couldn't believe her luck, she was walking through the cabin, frustrated, and cursing her bad luck, when Amir entered smiling, which increased his dark circles under his eyes.
-Good morning, all, How are you Zoya ?
-Amir, I failed, I failed, I can't believe it, Amir, she started shaking him by his arms
-calm down Zoya, explain to me
-yesterday, I was almost close to finish, I have only 6 files and I hold that pillow and I think I doze off, and I woke up in the morning and Asad came and he will see that I didn't finish and I failed, she started crying badly and she hold Amir.
-you didn't fail Zoya, he conforted her
-no, Amir, I failed, I'm sure, she sobs hardly
-no, Zoya, you didn't fail, you win
-how could you be sure ?
-because Zoya Farroqui never fail and she can do anything, right ? He smiled soflty, she started crying and smiling at the same time.
-hope you are right, Amir
-don't worry, I will kidnap the accountant and I will hide his body in place that even Asad will be able to find, Amir joked to ligth her mood, and it worked she let a soft laugh throught her tears.
-everything will be fine, Zoya trust me
Some hours had passed and still no sign from Asad, Zoya finished all her nails, waiting resltless, shaking her feet in stress. Amir and Nikhat tried to convince her to go back home, but she refused, she want to see the result and if she got back to home forever or she will have to continue her work. When suddenly, the phone rang, everyone sucked their breath, Amir answered to the call and looked at Zoya :
-Asad is calling you, he clenched his teeth
-did he say something ? How was his voice ? Happy or Angry? Tell me Amir, asked Zoya couldn't stand anymore the suspense. She didn't wait his answer and ran to Asad's cabin.
Zoya stood in front of Asad's door, her hand on her chest to stop her racing beat, she felt anxious, even if Amir conforted her, she knew the result, but she decided to come, she had her pride and she won't bent down in front the great Asad Ahed Khan.If she knew that Asad will fire her, she didn't care, tonight she will tell him all she have on her heart and burst on him all his frustation. She knocked, and she heard :
-Come in
She looked at Asad and their eyes locked, when he came earlier, she was in panick and didn't get the opportunity to stare at him, but when she looked at him, she felt that she didn't see him for long time, but she always felt his presence everywhere, he looked different and his eyes softened while looking at her. He came closer and said :
-Mr sharma, can you let us in private, please ? Asked Asad without breaking the eyes look
He nodded and left.
-Have a sit miss farroqui ?
Zoya looked at him quizzically, he looked nice and sweet, something is fishy, she though ?
-how are you ?
-well if you have the summarize my last 3 days, that I didn't sleep enough, I didn't eat a complete meal, my back, my neck and my fingers ached a lot, and I must looking horrible now, she said while rubbing her hair
-not at all, he aswered soflty
Am I still dreaming or what ? She blushed, she didn't expect to see him so sweet and so soft with her. May be he prevented her from bad new ? She became worried
-please Mister khan, tell me, don't fake any concern and I don't want you to be sweet with me, don't act nicely, just say it, please, look I'm tired and I just want to go home.
-well, he stood up, bypassing his desk and sat on it facing her, I must admit, that I didn't expect that from you, I thought that you will gave up but not, 3 long days, I guess it's because you are totally mad, that you accept this stupid challenge, it would be so easy for you and less paintfull, if you just quit , but no stubborn, you kept on your way. He reprimanded her.
Zoya felt her emotion clenching her throat.
-why do you always have to prove me wrong, Miss farroqui ? Why always playing with me ?
-because you hurt me and my pride, because you hurt my integrity and my honesty, because you were unfair with me and cruel, and because I love to see your loosing face, Mister Asad Ahmed Khan. She looked angrily at him.
-Do you think that I have my loosing face today, Miss farroqui ? He challenged her
-No, unfortunately, she turned her face away from him, blinked many time to stop her tears. She stood up and went to the door
-where you think you going ? I didn't finish yet with you
-I do not want to attend your victory over me, you win so congratulation and don't worry, I will fold my stuff and left your office.
-you will go nowhere Miss farroqui, if I don't have my loosing face, it's because I didn't loose
A tear lone along her cheek, he continued :
-and if you are going nowhere, it's because you successed in your task Miss farroqui.
Her heart skipped a beat, she turned back, facing him, he looked at her, soflty, he just nodded silently.
-you mean that, I ...
-yes, I'm really suprised, actua.., he stopped when he heard scream with joy and jumping excitedly like a kid
-Miss farroqui , stop acting like a kid, please, you didn't win a free shopping for a year, calm down
-I did it, I did it , I can't believe
-you are not hte only one, said Asad surprise, and I don't know how you sucessed in it, I hope noone help you, or it means that you cheated with me and they will have to pay for it
-no , no one, I promess , she lied , she coudn't tell him that Amir help her , See, I told you, you have to apologize now, Mister khan
-well, I won't, you did a mistake and you corrected it , that's it
-I did it, she started sobbing, laughing, Asad approach her slowly and the last thing she remembered was the worried Asad's face and his voice calling her : Zoyaaa.
She opened her eyes du to the light of the sun on her face, she tried to opened her eyes, but it was paintfull, she heard her name, as a whisper by strange new voice :
-Zoya,
She was in his arms, this man of her dream, holding her in bride style, she smiled soflty,
-you again
-take a rest, I will take care of everything
-who are you , beautiful stranger ?
- I can be the one you want, Zoya, your special one
-when will you came in real, stranger ? She could feel him smiling, she nuzzled her nose in his neck and wrapped her arms around his neck.
She woke up holding her pillow, she was on her bed, she felt disoriented, she was suppose to be at the office, how she landed in her room ? She sat up, looking around, she was still wearing her clothes, her shoes were on the floor, her jelewery on the table, she looked up and found a bouquet with white flowers. She extanded her hand to touch them, when someting fell from her hand, a button, that she was holding, it seemed that someone had putted on her bed and she snatched this button from his shirt. She left her room and looked around, no one was there, she went to the kitchen, finding wajid chacha, their servant :
-wajid chacha, who...She hesitated a moment, how can she ask him who hold me and put me to my bed, it will be embarassing, she though, Who bring the flower to my room ?
-Me, he said, she facepalmed herself
-I mean who gave me the flower ?
-mmm I forget his name, beta
-Let it be, she turned her heels, dispapointed
-Amir, his name is amir, I remembered now, like Amir khan
-Amir, bring me here ? She mumbled, thank you wajid chacha.
She went to her room to take a shower, and glanced at the bouquet and the button in her hand.
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