Here the chapter and sorry for the delay 😃
Chap 23 Always in my heart
Day 1
In one week, only one week and they will going to get married. Both of Gaffur and Asad were agree to not delay the wedding anymore. Everything was ready, afterall it wasn't their first try together. Asad and Zoya couldn't be happier than this, than finally, everything was sorted for them perfectly.
Soon, all of bhopal was aware of this union between the two family, which gave to the people to gossip for hours about this second engagement. Everyone was curious and wanted to be at this engagement, but the two family decided to do a small wedding, they didn't want any complications or fake person in this wedding.
The big surprise came at Dilshad's company, when Nikhat, Farhan and Amir knew about their engagement, all of them opened widely their mouth , in shock. Zoya couldn't help but laughed at them.
-you and mister khan ? Asked Nikhat stunned, you mean Mister khan and you ? She nodded, you mean you are engage to Mister khan ? For real ? I mean for real ? Zoya laughed at her
-yes, I am engage to Mister Asad Ahmed Khan, I'm his fianc, Nikhat
-but how that happened ?
- it's just happened, he proposed me and I accepted, that's it, she didn't want to tell details concerning her private life.
-Zoya, I'm really happy for you, said Amir, he was sad inside of himself knowing that he lost an opportunity to tell her what he felt for her, but he knew that Asad was a good choice for her and he couldn't be happier for them, even if he gave him a small pinch in his heart knowing that.
-thank you Amir, she smiled shyly, she couldn't help but remembering what Asad has told her about Amir and the possibility to be her future husband, but instead of that, she was lucky to have find Asad first. She knew Amir and knew that he was a good person in heart but her heart only belonged to one man.
-Zoya, Asad called her from behind
-yes, Asad, she smiled, I mean, Mister khan, he smiled back soflty, waving to everyone a good morning
-can I talk to you in private, please ? He hold her elbow and she followed him in the corridor
-yes, sweetheart, what do you want ? Did you already miss me ? She teased him
-I always miss you Zoya. I have to tell you that I will be busy those days and may not be available. I have many things to do before our marriage, I have to finish them, if I want to spend time with my lovely wife. He rubbed her cheek.
- Is this is your way of coaxing me ?
-is it working ? He joked
-No, she hitted him on his shoulder
-Zoya, please, I promess to spoil you when I will finish all of this, I promess to you
-it's ok, I understand, and by the way, I will be busy also those last day, I have many things to do to please my husband.
-oh really ? He asked curious, what kind of things ?
-you will know after wedding, she teased him in turn
-you're going to be the death of me, I will wait, he took her hand and kissed the back of her hand, uttering , I love you
-I love you too, Asad.
And both of them went to their respective cabins.
Days 5
The sun had go down 3 hours ago, but Asad did not remove his nose from his files, workaholic as he is, he never left anytime without being with his job. Those days gave him strength and energy enough to work harder than before. A new member will come into his life soon, he needed to prepare everything for her, he wanted to work now to be able to take few days for their honeymoon. He didn't mention it yet to her, he wanted to be a surprise. Elena's project asked a lot time and hardworking to manage, it was a big and profitable for his family, he needed to finish it. His cabin was in the dark , the only light came from his lamp, he was reading and turning pages after pages, reading all the plan, focusing on all the details after details. His face was tense after all this journey of work and he didn't finish yet, he already left his coat and tie, his sleeves were up , showing the contraction of muscles of his arms with each movement.
-knock, knock, came her melodious voice from the door
-Zoya, he breathed her name, smiling lazily, come in.
She walked slowly looking worried and intently at him, she could see his tensed and tired face. She knew how he loved his work but she didn't like the way he pushed himself and his body to extreme limits. She has to find a way to make him realize that working never resolve anything and instead of it, it took all those wonderful time that you can spend time with your family. She didn't see him much those days after their engagement day, and she missed him a lot, she missed to talk to him, she didn't even try to disturb him those days knowing that he was working hard. She gave him space, but she promised to herself if he abuse, she will have to stop him, and tonight, the way he looked, it was time for her to act.
-Asad, you still working, she was closed to him now.
-yeah, just few time and I will finish, he replied soflty, holding her hand in his.
-you looked tired, Asad, did you take a break ? She asked moving away locks of hair on his forehead
-I'm fine, don't worry, he blinked slowly.
She nodded in denial, she pushed his chair and sat on his lap.
-No, mister Asad Ahmed khan, I can see that you are tired, she moved her thumbs on his forehead pressing his eyebrow, he closed his eyes enjoying her massage, looked at this dark circles around your eyes, she touched them tenderly, and your hollow cheeks, she cupped them. Looked how your are tensed, Asad, she hold his shoulder firmly and he groaned. See, jaan, you are tired, and finally , she rubbed her hair.
He wrapped her with his arms and smiled at her to confort her.
-I am for sure, but see I have many things to do before our wedding and I want to finish as much as I can, to spend time with my would-be wife.
-your job will never end and you know that, you may think that if you do the maximum you will get time, let me tell you, it's not true and I'm sure you will not have time for me after wedding, she replied dejected
- Zoya, I promise that I will always find time for you, no matter what, I will always be here for you, you are in my heart, always here, he took her hand and place dit on his chest. She smiled, can you feel how it's beating just for you ?
-mine too, Asad, just for you, she took his hand and placed in turn on her chest, just for you, Asad.
Both decreased the distance and kissed each other tenderly. After breaking the kiss, both said in the same time, I love you , releasing a chuckle,low and gentle. She stepped back and let her hand caressing each small part of his face, her eyes full with mixed emotions, Asad could sense something strange and felt her tensed touching him.
-what's wrong, Zoya ?
- nothing, she shook her head frantically and turned away, he hold her chin forcing her to look at him, and repeat his question.
-what's wrong ?
-I...I'm scared Asad,
-about what ? Is something happen ? Tell me, he hold close to him.
-No, nothing happen, it's just that I'm scared about all of this, about so much happiness,that it scared me, I'm scared to wake up and realize that it was just a dream, I'm scared to loose you, to loose your love, what if you realize that you made a mistake by marrying me, what if you just stop to love me, what if ...
-what if I just spend my whole life loving you ? What if you will never going to loose me ? What if you dream wasn't not a dream ? You know Zoya, the only thing which scared me, if something wrong happen to you, I don't know if I will be able to live, your are my heartbeat, Zoya, you are the one who makes me alive after so many years. Look at me, never doubt about my love for you, not now, not tomorrow and not even in your dreams. I love you so much, more than anything. Allah decide for everything , so let those thing that we could not control to the Lord and the other things in on our hand to take care of it, ok ? She smiled sadly.
-it just that all this love, this feelings was new for me and so strong and sometimes, I felt like I can't breath, I never thought being dependant to someone, being so dependant to you Asad, it scared me a lot. I love so so so much Asad and I can't wait to be your wife and to tie the knot in front of Allah.
-Zoya, soon, we are going to do it, I'm also dependant about this, he pointed to her dimples, I always want to see you happy and always want to see this smile on your face, so promess me , that you will always try to be happy, if it's with me or without me.
-how do you expect for me to be happy without you Asad ? How can I smile without you ? She said angrily
-just try, always try, I don't want to know or to see you crying, never, her lips twirled a lit in response, showing her scepticism toward his request. Asad sighed sadly, wanting to light the mood, he though about an idea knowing that i twill lead him into trouble.
-by the way, Zoya, you can at least, propose me the same, to be happy with or without you
-what ?
-yes, you want my happiness, right ? I expect from you the same request, I'm a bit disapointed, he faked to be angry
-oh, so you want my permission to be with another woman after me, is this mister khan ?
-kind of ? He struggle his shoulders, like it was obvious
Zoya closed her eyes firmly , let out a loud breath and hold his collar strongly.
-Mister Asad Ahmed Khan, if you think that I will allow you to flirt with another women than me, you are just going insane, not now, not tommorow and not in your dreams, you've got it. Shameless, you already think about another women and I'm still here in your arms, still alive, you are just an idiot, she started hitting him on his chest while Asad was laughing at her, and you think it's funny, I'm going to teach you , and she continued her torture on him, stronger this time.
-ouch , he hold his side
-Asad, Asad, are you ok ? I'm sorry, did I touch your wound ? I'm sorry, she started panicking and kissed him on his forehead, repeating her apologize when she heard him laughing loudly, she looked shocked
-you look so sweet Zoya, he teased her
-you were just playing with me ? He nodded, you are just a mfffm , she didn't finish her sentence pressing her lips hardly in anger, FINE, she stood up but he hold her and she fell on his laps, leave me, Asad, just leave me.
-where you think you're going ? He smirked enjoying her anger, did I tell you that the red sweet you well ?
-leave me now, I can't believe you played with me, she tried to push him but he brought her closer to him and he kissed her cheek
-I'm sorry,
-NO, she yelled angrily
-I'm sorry, Zoya, he kissed her again on her jawline
-NO, she replied harshly
-I-am-sor-ry, he placed a kiss between each syllable reaching her neck
-no, she grumbled,
She felt all her anger leaving her shamelessly, she couldn't stay angry at him , teasing her like this, it was a supplice for her. Asad knew how to smoothe her anger state, he loved playing and teasing her like this. Afterall, he was responsible for her state now and he had to please her.
- I hate you Asad, she bitted her tongue and knew what's his next step looking at his lips curving a slight smile, she huffed and hold him by his collar and kissed him passionately. When she broke the kiss, she looked at him and said :
-satisfy ?
-finally, you learn now, good girl, she rolled her eyes
-Asad, Iwant to ask you something, that I have in my mind for a long time.
-yes, what is it ?
- how did you find me that day ? How did you find me the day of our nikah ? Noone was with me when I jumped outside the window but you find me, how ?
-Actually, that day, I came to talk to you before nikhah, and when I knocked , the door was opened and I saw your window wide open, and when I saw through, I saw you running away and I just follow you.
-You came to talk to me ? But why ? He let a soft and gentle chukle, he touched her cheek
-well, I came to ask you if you are still agree to marry me or if you don't feel it, I would have stop the wedding, she sucked her breath, yes, if you just have wait few minutes or if I came earlier, nothing would have happen like it happens, but it was written like this for us that day.
-I can't believe it, Asad, that just make me fall in love again and again with you and make me feeling guilty again, she hidded her face in her palms
-stupid girl you are, did you just hear what I say ? He hold her waist, this is what Allah has written for us, and if I talked to you that day, we may not be at this point, and we may not be here in each other arms.
- no matter what was the road, Asad, we are destined to each other, it was written that our heart were supposed to fall for the others. She hold him tight and he buried his face into her neck. She was right, it was destiny who separated them as a strangers and brought them together as lover and soulmate.
-Asad, she pushed him abruptly, I was just realized that we don't have any picture in common
-what ?
-yes, let's do a selfie, Asad, just you and me, please ; she took her cell phone from her pocket while Asad was just staring at her and smiling at her antics, be ready Asad, ok ? He just nodded.
She placed her arms around his neck and his temple was against her cheek, and both look at their face in the phone :
-ok, one, two, three, Asad can you smile better than this, look at yourself, you looks like we tortured you, I don't want your akdu smile, please, sweetheart,
He just rolled his eyes and placed a plastic smile.
-Asad, not this one , a real one just for me, ok , so , one, two ,cheeesse, and she cliked on her screen, but nothing happened.
-Happy now ? Thank God, it's over, I hope it's enough because you know that I don't like this, so please put this down, and look at me now.
-oups, it's a video, I'm so stupid, he laughed at her, don't laugh, Asad, it's not funny, you know what I will film just to show you how you are mean with me, just to have proof, she looked at the screen and continue her monologue, see, how I'm so unhappy with this guy, look how he treated me.
Asad from behind, just rolled his eyes heavenly and continued to laugh at her. While Zoya continued her drama queen sequence.
-And I was suppose to marry this man, he even deoesn't know how to smile, his facial muscles are stiff and expressionless, the only expression he knows was this. She pouted and frowned, Asad pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Oh yes, and this one also, he spent most of his time touching his nose than me.
-it's just because of you, Miss farooqui.
-ya Allah, have you just hear him ? He even never call me by my first name, Miss farooqui don't do this, Miss farooqui you are just a kid, Miss farooqui here, Miss farooqui there, I'm suffering, she cried loudly, please have a mercy, she placed the back of her hand on her forehead.
-you want a torture, fine you will have it, he started by tickling her
-Assaad, stop, stop, she pushed his hands on her while with the other she was still recording, but with his hand on her, she coudn't focus and she started laughing hardly and tears appeared in her eyes.
-are you going to stop your drama, Zoya, oups sorry, MISS Farooqui ?
-ne...ha haa, never, Asad, leave me, just stop, this is ...unfair, she replied between her laugh, Assadd,
-I won't stop, Zoya, you are under my mercy, he smirked
-Assad, please, I can't, please, I...ok, I will stop, I will, please stooop, and he stoped, she rubbed her sides. Asad crossed his arms on his chest disapointed, turning his face in the opposite way. Come on Asad , I'm just joking, she came closer and whisper to the camera, see as I told you, my sweet akdu and his angry face.
-what did you say ? He retorqued
-nothing sweetheart, nothing, she replied innocently, ok, she hold him and said, listen Asad and this recorder will be the proof, she looked at the screen, I'm in love with this man, with every inch of his soul, when he is angry, when he is smiling and even when he is faking to be angry at me, his lips curved a little. And in two days, I will be his wife and he will be my husband in the good and the bad moment,, in sickness and in health, when it rains or it winds, when it will be bright and sunny, I will stay next to you and never leave your side. I love you Asad, my akdu and lovely man, you are the one and you will always be in my heart. She kissed him tenderly on his cheek.
He sighed loudly.
-i can't stay angry at all at you, she smiled soflty at him, he looked at her, I loved you when you were just Miss farooqui, I love you today as Zoya and in two days, i will love you as Mrs Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan, and I will always love you no matter what, and I promise to never leave your side and to be with you in all the moment of our lives together. No times and not distances existed between two who loves each other truly and deeply. No matter what will happen in this future and what may destiny have for us, my heart will always find you. He cupped his face and placed his forehead on hers. So now, I want some privacy,
He took the phone from her and cutted the recorder. He hold her closer to him and took a picture of them together as she wished. She muttered thank you .
-let's go home, Zoya, she nodded.
They stood up, he took his coat and tie and switched the light and they left hands in hands.
Day 7 : wedding day
It was the D day for her, for him, for their new life. Finally after a long wait, a long unsaid and hidden feelings, they were going to be tied for the eternity in front of their respective family and in front God.
Zoya couldn't sleep properly last night, she spent tossing and turning in her bed, full with excitement, she tried to take Nisha with her all night, but her friend pushed her to sleep. A future bride should sleep properly to avoid any dark mark under her eyes, but it didn't work. She couldn't even talk to Asad. Her phone was taken by her mother and she only gave her back this morning.
She went downstairs to take the temperature of the atmosphere, everyone was running here and there, the air was full of stress, loud voice, but it was positive. Her mother was everywhere to check here and there, she didn't allow her daughter to do anything, as she said : it was our day, you have only to dress like a princess.
Her house was decorated with flowers, lights, tinsel, she smiled feeling warm and happy, finally, it wasn't any dream, it was about to happen in few hours. She kept travelling all around, touching and observing every part of her house. In her first attempt, she didn't enjoy anything, she was in her room, crying badly for this marriage, but today, she didn't want to miss anything, she wanted to film everything in her mind today, it is the most important day in her life, the day, she will become Zoya Asad Ahmed khan.
Zoya came out from her bathroom, stayed in front of the mirror, looking at herself, she felt happy, excited, restless, sad, so many emotions came to her like a torrent into her heart. Finally, she will become Mrs Khan, Mrs Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan, and she had no fears, no doubt or any willing to run away from this marriage, instead of, she wanted the time to run as fast as possible to be with him, to be his and only his forever, she blushed at her thought. She couldn't be more anxious and happy in the same time, her hands were sweating and she felt cold and warm, even her body was in a confusion state. All of this dress on her bed, will not help also, why all of this if at the end you only wear it for few hours ? She opened her draw and took his handkerchief, touching his embroidered initials. The ring of her phone broke her though.
- Asad ? She said happily looking at the screen, she cleared her throat and picked up the phone, and asked with a serious tone, yes, to who do you want to speak ?
-may I talk to Mrs Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan ? He teased her obvious of the happiness he felt saying her new title. He could hear her grinning in the other side.
-i'm sorry sir, technically I'm not yet, Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan, but would-be Mrs Asad Ahmed Khan,
-it's just a matter of one hour and you will be soon Mrs Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan, my wife, his voice was full of hapiness
-yes, just one hour, where are you Asad ? Why you are not here yet ?
-I'm on my way, don't worry, Zoya, I'm never late and I won't be late for the most important day of my life. I'm coming soon to take you with me.
-Are you alone, Asad ?
-yes, I am
-Asad, you should not be alone, you know that, what if something happen to you, and the car, did you check it before ? Asad how could be so unware of it ?
-calm down, I've checked twice the car and I wasn't alone actually, I drop Elena at the airport and now I'm on my way
-you mean you and Elena were alone all this time alone ? Why didn't you send your driver with her ? She said annoyed
-Zoya, please don't start now, she is important for my business and I should take care of her
-taking care of her ? And me ? It's your wedding day, Asad and you talked about another woman, seriously ? Urfff, I hate you
-wait until I come to give you your punishment for this I hate you
-I hate you, I hate you, Mister Khan, you hear me
-I love your naughty mood for today, I think I will drive faster to reach you, miss farooqui
-Asad, NO, be careful on the road, drive slowly
-your wish is my command, sweetheart, so tell me how you feel ?
-I'm happy and anxious at the same time, I want to see you and I'm scared at the same time, I don't know I have many things in my heart.
-Zoya, I have to ask you something first, before anything
-what is it ? She asked worried
-Do you really want to marry me ?
-what is this, Asad ? She laughed
-I'm serious, Zoya, do you really want to marry me ? He asked seriously
-of course, I want, I want it more than anything, I want to marry you. Why do you ask me this question ? Did you change your mind, Asad ? Her heart skipped a beat
-actually, he took a break, actually, I don't know how to tell you, but if you have say no, I would have kidnapped you and force you to marry me, he laughed at her
-you scared me , you are just stupid man really, wait until you come, I will tickle you until you begged me to stop
-if it's the case, so it's fine for me, I like it
-oh really ? Then, i will not allow you to touch me, ever
-I m not the one who will suffer from this, you are the one who can't keep hands in place
-whatever, she blushed
-I want to see you, I can't wait, describe me how you look or send me a picture
-Asad, it's a bad luck to see each other before the wedding, so no you will have to wait
-come on, don't tell me that you believe this, he rolled his eyes, at least you can tell me what is the color of your dress ?
-your favorite color , she blushed , and you ?
-your favorite color, both smiled.
-Zoya, called Nisha
-yes , Nisha, she hide the phone
-what are you doing ?
-me, nothing, she lied
-O-K, so tell bye to your lover, Zoya blushed hardly, because we have to prepare you for him, she winked at her, and she left to give her privacy.
-Asad, I have to say bye, Nisha will come
-ok, see you soon sweetheart, I love you
-I love you too, Asad. And she cutted the call.
-May I now ? Nisha passed her head through the door
Nisha helped her with her hair, her make-up and her dress, slowly, Zoya became a real bride, her red dress, Asad's favorite colors, her golden jewellery matched perfectly with her dress. Her hair opened in a long and curly way gave her an innocent face. Zoya needed a few make-up, she never need to put many, she was beautiful naturally, her khol deepened her look and the red lipstick swalloned her lips. She was divinely beautiful. For the final touch, Nisha placed delicately the shawl on her head, wrapping her with love, they stared at each other throught the mirror, smiling.
-you looked perfect, Zoya, she said with a voice full with emotion
-thank you Nisha, she placed her hand over Nisha's hand
-i'm really happy for you, finally, you will get married, it's your day, enjoy
-I will, she replied with a shaky voice
-don't cry, or I will cry and we will have to do the make up again, both chuckled
-My happiness is because of you, nothing would have happened if you didn't open my eyes
-I know, I' m a good doctor, she winked
-May, I come ? came a voice from behind
-Ammi, of course, Zoya stood up facing her mother, fully dressed
-masha'Allah, Zeinab was mesmerized by her daughter, she came to her and putted one of her tears behind her ear, may always Allah protect you and Asad from evil look, I wished you a happy and long life. She hold her.
-and me ? Nisha asked faking to be angry
Zeinab waved her to come and they hugged each other.
-And me ? Ayaan asked from behind
Zeinab shoke her head and Ayaan joined them with a hug group.
-Zoya, you are so beautiful, Asad will fall again seeing you , Zeinab said proudly to which Zoya blushed
-haye aye, Zoya is blushing, I should take a picture, teased Ayaan, Zeinab tapped his head
-stop, Ayaan, it's Zoya's day, today, everyone should take care of my princess
-may I recite something, asked Ayaan
-irshad irshad, replied Nisha
- My sister is a run away bride
My sister is a run away bride
to join her beloved for a long ride , thank you , thank you
Ayaan hold his sister in his arms and congratuled her and before his lossened his grip , he whispered in her ears.
-please don't run this time, I want to get married to humeira, Zoya laughed at him
-I won't this time.
And it was Nisha's turn to hold her and to whispered in her ears
-if you want to run, I have a good shoes in my cupbroad, I can bring them to you
-Nisha, I will not need them this time, I'm sure.
Zeinab was the last one to hold her and she was in turn asked her daughter softly
-are you sure this time ? Is it a real choice with all your heart ?
-yes, Ammi, I love him and I'm sure that I want to be his wife for the rest of my life.
-thank you beta, may Allah protect you, she placed her hands on her head as a blessings. And they all left her alone, to go downstairs to look after the guess.
Zoya sat in front of the mirror looking at herself :
-only 10 minutes remain and all my life will change. She sighed full of hope.
3 hours later
Zoya was walking back and forth in her room, looking at the clock, anxious, Asad didn't come yet, he was supposed to be here 2 hours ago and he was nowhere to be found, his phone was unreachable for those last 2 hours. He was not at the office, not at home, nowhere and he even didn't call to prevent from his retard. Asad was never like this, all the worst scenario came to her mind, what if something happened to him ? What if he was in danger ? She was sitting holding herself tightly, muttered prayers to keep him safe constantly.
Nisha came to see her, her face was worried.
-Nisha, Asad is here ? She asked with hope, Nisha shoke her head in denial, where is he ? He was supposed to be here, this man, I swear if he played a stupid joke, I will, I will, urff, where are you Asad ? Please, call me, please, Asad, I'm worried, she whispered. Something wrong happened Nisha, I'm sure, Asad is not like this, something wrong happened to him, Nisha, if something happened, I ...I can't stand Nisha, I can't , I can't , Asad, please, come to me, she started crying.
-listen, Zoya, nothings happened, I'm sure, he may not have battery and his car may have problem
-what kind of problems, Nisha ? She gasped, he may meet with an accident, Nisha,
-ya Allah, no, I didn't mean this, don't think about the worst, it may just the tire burst, nothing wrong, calm down, we will ask him when he will come.
Suddenly, scream came from the downstairs, Nisha and Zoya looked at each other and they rushed outside. They found Dilshad on her knees crying loudly and screaming, while Humeira holding her mother and cried too. Zoya felt her chest tighten, she approached slowly, she saw an inspector standing in front of Dilshad with a serious and an empathic expression.
-nooo, Asad, no , It can't be, not my son, not today, it's...it's, she tried to talk between her sobs
Zoya's heart was racing by now hearing Asad's name, she knew that something wrong happened to the love of her life. Gaffur came to Zoya but she pushed him and went to the inspector.
-I'm Zoya farooqui, and I'm Asad's fianc, inspector, what...what's wrong ? She felt her heart on her lips
-I'm inspector Mehra and we found mister khan's car in a ravine, the car may have slipped of accidentally and the car burst into flames. I'm sorry, Miss farooqui to say that...
-no, no, it's impossible, I talk to him earlier. His car was fine. Are you sure that it was Asad s car ? have you found him inside ? have you got any proof that he was inside ? Asad is a good driver, he can't fall easily, what if he may escape from it ? How can you conclude so easily ? How dare you come today saying lies to us ? How dare you ? She started shouting at him angrily, ignoring her newborn fears of the worst scenario.
-Miss farooqui, I can understand your pain, but we confirm that it was mister khan's car and unfortunatelly, we found a body inside, we have to confirm first if it was him, but we found this with the body, he showed her a small plastic inside of it, there was a deformed ring.
Zoya snatched the bag from his hand and took the ring in her hands, the more she removed the ashes from it, the more her heart beated and her tears fell from her eyes. And suddenly, the worst thing appeared on it, It was written :
with all my love, Z
-no, it's impossible, NO, her fingers started shaking
-do you recongize this ring, Miss farooqui ?
-I offer this to him, this..it's...his engagement ring, I putted it in his ...finger, she started hyperventilated.
-So you confirmed, it belongs to mister khan, she didn't replied, Miss farooqui, I need confirmation, this ring was on the burn body.
She stepped back, she could hear anything, she hold tight on the ring, she felt dizzy, she looked around, everyone was looking sad, she didn't understand, she can't understand what was happening around her. What did he say ? What did he just say ? Why did Asad removed her ring ? Did he change his mind ? He didn't want to marry her ? Did he just stop loving her ? Where is he ? Why did he not want to face her and to tell her the truth ? When she said that she hate him, she never meant it, she liked to say that because he always kissed her as a punishment, did he take this joke too seriously ? Is it again a joke, Are they all playing with her like the engagement day ? Of course, it's a game, it couldn't be something else, it was to much to believe. She started laughing loudly. Everyone looked at her shocked
-ok, well done guys, you got me, she clapped, if it's a joke, it's really a bad joke , so now let's stop all of this , we have a marriage to do. Asad, come now, you got me, this is really mean, I will punish you hard for this when you will come, she clapped again, bravo at all.
Everyone looked helpless, Nisha started crying at her pain and she knew that Zoya was in denying phase, she came to her and hold her by her shoulders
-Zoya, it's not a joke, she said sadly
-Nisha, come on, you are my best friend how could you do this to me ? Playing with me ? You are just mean, Zoya laughed and cried at the same time
-Zoya, it's not a joke, it's for real, Zoya.
Zoya's smile fade away, she started shaking her head frantically
-no, you are lying, Asad promess that he will come, he is just late, as you said his battery and tire were died, stupid technology, you know, I will sit here, waiting for him, he will come, it's the most important day of our lives, he can't miss it.
-Zoya, please, Nisha called her softly
Zoya sat behing the veil , she wiped her tears and stayed like a quiet child, repeating : he will come, he will come. Ayaan, Gaffur, Zeinab started crying and felt restless, they didn't know what to do, how to tell her to make her understand that Asad was gone now and he won't come.
Nisha came closer to her and placed her hands on her shoulders and said :
-Asad will not come, Zoya
-no, he will come, he will, he promises me and he loves me, he is just late, she looked straight
-Zoya, please, Asad will...
-stop, saying this, you don't know him, ok, he will come , he will, she ignored her friend's call, she didn't understand why everyone was still playing with her, they didn't need to continue, it wasn't funny anymore.
Nisha grabbed her by her shoulders and shouted at her
-ASAD IS NO MORE ZOYA
-NOOO, she pushed her, NOOO , STOOOPPP, she putted her hands on her ears, stoop Nisha, stop saying lies, STOOOP, YOU HEAR ME, NOOO, she yelled hysterically and clenched her jaw
- ASAD IS NO MORE, ASAD IS DEAD, HE IS DEAD, ZOYA, she shouted again to make her realize, to put sense in her mind.
Zoya grabbed the first thing in her hand and throw it on the floor, everytimes Nisha talked to her, she took something and throw it, vase, decoration and plate full with food didn't spare from her hands. No one stoped her, they all knew that she was suffering, a lot. Zoya stopped, her eyes rained with tears, she started crying loudly holding her chest, she breathed harshly with an open mouth, she felt pain in her body, she felt broken, she was moaning with pain. His voice came to her mind :
I'm on my way, don't worry, Zoya, I'm never late and I won't be late for the most important day of my life. I'm coming soon to take you with me.
ASAD IS NO MORE ZOYA, came Nisha's voice
it's just a matter of one hour and you will be soon Mrs Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan, my wife
ASAD IS DEAD, HE IS DEAD, ZOYA
-Nisha, tell me, it's not true, tell me, it's not true, she begged her, I can't stand it, please Nisha, please, have a mercy.
Nisha looked at her, pressing her lips to retain her sobs, she hold her and whispered in her ears
-I'm sorry, Zoya, I'm so sorry
-Nisha, I can't... live without him...I can't...AAASSSAAADDD, she was shaking due to her sobs, shaking with emotion in her friend's arms, they fell together on their knees. Zoya kept shouting his name, again and again, hoping that the sky may hear her tearing calls. She stood up and ran to her room. She closed the door behind her. She looked at his ring in her hand.
-Asad, Asad, please, don't do this to me, she begged
She snached her veil from her head, she took her necklace harshly, leaving a small cut on her neck, she throw her earings on the floor, bracelet. She wiped her lipstick with her hand leaving a smear on her cheek, her khol was all over her face due to her unstopped tears.
She throw in one motion all the thing that was in her comode, she caught all the drawers and let them on the floor. She passed her hand in her hair in frustration, she couldn't think, what all of this was happening ? How it's possible ? It was just a nightmare and she will wake up, it was a stupid joke of destiny or just a misunderstanding from the inspector ? But how this ring have reached this body ? Was it really Asad this burn body ? Asad was gone for real ? Asad won't come to take her ? He left her ? Alone, just alone.
-Aaassaaad, I hate you, please come , please, I will do anything, but please come to me, I can't face this alone, please, don't do this to me, YOU HEAR ME, I WANT YOU TO COME, FOR ME, JUST FOR ME, ASSAAADDD, her throat was paining her but she didn't care, the pain in her heart was much worst than any of her physical wound, please for me, just for me, you promess to do anything to please me, so please, come back, please Asad, I'm begging you, she cried loudly asking the impossible.
She took a bottle of perfume and throw it on the mirror, she yelled her heart out, releasing a voice of agonizing pain from her heart and her throat. She fell on her knees, she looked at her reflection on the small piece of the mirror, she was lifeless, her soul had left her alone, she felt so empty, her heart was cutted into piece and her breath was jerky, the pain was too much too bare for her, it was too much for her to stand and to face any of them. She can't fullfill her promess to smile without him, she can't do it, she can't do it, not now, not tomorrow. There is no place where he will not be with her, he was in her breath, in her eyes, in her skin, and in her heart and always will be. He was a part of her, how can she live a single second from now, without him, how can she do that ?
-I'm sorry, Asad, I can't, she took one piece of mirror and hold it thigh between his finger, letting her blood flowing on it.
-Happy now ? Thank God, it's over, I hope it's enough because you know that I don't like this, so please put this down, and look at me now. Came his voice from behind.
-Asad ? She froze
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
46