Asya FF: Yeh Teri Meri Baatein Link to Thread II on Page 1 - Page 2

Chapter 22

The family was seated at the dining table for breakfast. Dilshad was telling Naseem khala to bring out the dishes and was arranging it at the table when she heard Zoya scream her name. Everyone turned to see a cheerful Zoya running down the stairs. "Aree samaal keh," Dilshad said but today, Zoya was too excited to listen. She ran up to her and hugged her, "Ammi, aaj main bahut khush hoon. Bahut zyada!" she declared. Dilshad and everyone smiled seeing Zoya so happy. "Hume bhi toh batao keh itni khush kyun ho?" Dilshad asked. Zoya broke apart from the hug. The reason was that Asad had agreed to eat breakfast with them but she wanted to surprise everyone. "Mr. Khan ne woh mujhe job karne ki permission deh di," Zoya announced as an excuse. The family broke out in a huge grin. Everyone congratulated Zoya. She told them that she will go tomorrow to talk to Mr. Verma as he had told her he would be happy to have her on staff when she had finished her internship. "Matlab chachi, aap phir se meri teacher ban jaoge?" Imran asked excited. "Abhi toh mujhe nahi paata...kal dekhte hai keh aapke principal kya bol the hai," Zoya said. "Main baat karo unse, I am sure he will say yes," Imran suggested seriously as everyone chuckled. "Nahi Imran, I am sure main baat karsakthi hoon," Zoya said with a giggle. Minutes later, breakfast was arranged on the table and the family was ready to eat. Zoya's eyes kept drifting to the staircase waiting for Asad. Dilshad was arranging Asad's breakfast on the tray when she noticed Zoya. She looked at the stairs and that is when Asad appeared. She turned to see Zoya break into a grin. As Asad reached the end of the stairs, "main tumara nashta lane wali thi," Dilshad told him. "Woh actually...Ammi...woh," he mumbled as he looked at Zoya for help. Zoya indicated him to tell Dilshad. "Kya hua Asad?" Dilshad asked looking at the eye talk going on between her bahu and son. "Ammi...main woh, aaj se main aap sabh keh saath khana kahunga," Asad blurted out. Dilshad and everyone were shocked while Zoya happily smiled. Najma choked on her juice and Rashid patted her back to help her calm down. "Asad, tum theek toh hona? Kahi bachpan mein tumare seer mein joh chot lagi hai, kahi uska asar toh nahi horaha hai," Farhan teased as Nikhat hit him on the shoulder. Asad just glared at his brother. Dilshad pulled a chair and made him sit right next to Zoya. "Bahut accha hai Asad, tume yaha dekhar itni khushi horaha hai mujhe," she said tears filling her eyes. "Ammi, please! Itni baadi baat nahi hai," Asad stated. Asad took a seat next to Zoya; she smiled at him as she started to eat her breakfast. She was really happy that she had succeeded in getting Asad out of his room. Step one check...but what about step 2? She wondered. Asad felt weird. It's been 3 years since he had ate with his family. Even on special occasions he preferred to stay alone. Eating here bought back memories that he didn't want to remember. Eating at the table, his family expected him to behave as he did 3 years ago and he wasn't capable of doing that. They expected something more from him that he wasn't able to give. He was only here because Zoya insisted. But why? All these years everyone in the family has tried to bring him here but he had only listened to her. Why? He asked himself as he saw her munching on her paratha. He didn't know! He didn't have the answers.

Zoya had called and made an appointment with Mr. Verma for the next day. That morning, everyone had left to their respective destinations. Farhan, Rashid, and Asad had left for office. Najma and Haider to college. Dilshad and Nikhat had to go to the NGO so they took Imran along and they had told her that they would drop him in school on their way. Zoya dressed herself in blue jeans and a light blue top. She added a matching scarf around her neck and some silver colored earrings. She walked out of the house to realize that all the cars were gone. She told Naseem khala and Latif to take care of the house and left. She hailed a taxi and left to meet Mr. Verma. About thirty minutes later, she reached the school and walked inside. She was happy to be back here. As she was inside, she walked towards the principal's house, she prayed that Mr. Verma would stick to his word and gives her a full time position here. She knocked and entered, "hello Mr. Verma, how are you?" Zoya said. "Very good Ms. Siddiqui, oh I am sorry I should say Mrs. Khan now!" Mr. Verma said remembering their reception just a few days ago that he had been invited to. Zoya tried not to blush hearing her new name. She was still getting use to that and it was taking her a bit. "You can just call me Zoya sir," Zoya told him. "So what brings you here today?" Mr. Verma asked. "Actually sir, jab maine apni internship puri ki thi toh aapne kaha tha keh agar main yaha job karna chaho toh karsakthi thi," Zoya said. "The offer is still available Zoya," Mr. Verma said. "Sir, maine aap se kaha keh mere ghar se school bahut door hai lekin aabh sirf thirty minutes hai so I would love to work here," she explained. "We would be glad to have you here. I actually have two classes in 1^st grade that are in need of a teacher, you can start from tomorrow if you like," Mr. Verma. "That would be great sir, thank you!" Zoya said as they shook hands. Zoya was extremely happy that she had gotten the job. She thanked Mr. Verma again and left his office. Zoya was so happy. She couldn't believe that she was actually going to be living her dream. "Thank you Allah miyan, aapne meri itne dino ki dua sunli, thank you thank you thank you!" she thought to herself. On the way back, she passed Imran's class to see what he was doing and she saw that they were all learning rhymes. She didn't want to disturb the class so she left.

Asad was in his office thinking about Zoya. Though no one has seen, he had heard the conversation between his mother and Zoya that night. Asad had felt bad about yelling at Zoya so he had gone to apologize to her but what he heard had shocked him. He had felt his heart break into pieces when she had cried for her mother. How hard must have been for her to grow up without a mother? And even harder that she didn't even know where she was buried. Asad wanted to go up to her and pull her into his arms, telling her everything will be alright. Seeing her tears, he had promised himself to find her mother. He had seen a picture that Zoya always kept with her, he figured that it must have been her mother. He made a copy of the picture and called up Baskar, a well know private investigator and an old friend. He had given Baskar the picture and told him to find out everything he possibly can. Asad had told him to even see if he could find anything about Zoya's father. Baskar obidently agreed and told him to give him some time to find out the information. Asad had told him to do it as soon as possible and Baskar had left. His phone rang bringing him out of his thoughts. "sir, Mrs. Khan is here, she wants to meet you!" his secretary informed. "Ammi aayiye hai?" Asad wondered. "no sir, Zoya mam," the sectary clarified. "ok send her in," Asad told her. He was surprised that Zoya had come to his office. He saw Zoya walk in with a smile plastered on her face. He stood up and she ran up to him, "Mr. Khan guess what?" she said. "kya hua Zoya?" he asked. "Aap bhi na Mr. Khan, thode slow hai! mujhe job milgayi hai," she proudly announced. Asad smiled, "congratulations!" he said. "Ek minute moh toh meeta karna padega, main raste mein ruk kar pastries laayi hoon," she said excitedly. She placed the bag on her the table and opened the cake box. Taking a piece of chocolate pastry, she offered it to him. He broke a small piece first and made her eat it, then ate himself. "Mr. Khan, Bhaijaan aur Abu hai, unne bhi main pastries khila dungi," Zoya said. "nahi Zoya, Abu aur Bhaijaan ek site visit kehliye gaye hai," Asad said. "Kohi baat nahi, main baad mein deh dungi. Accha Mr. Khan main chalthi hoon, aap mere liye please ek taxi bhula denge?" Zoya requested. "Tum taxi se aayi ho?" Asad said astonished. "ha Mr. Khan aap aise kyun pooch rahe hai?" Zoya asked surprised at the way he was reacting. "it's not safe Zoya, chalo main tume chodke aata hoon," Asad said. He was very protective of everyone in his family. All the ladies traveled in family cars with trusted drivers. He wasn't going to let Zoya travel by herself in a taxi. Though Bhopal was a pretty safe city, crime against women were increasing each day and he wasn't going to let any woman that he knew be put in harm's way. "Mr. Khan, its fine. Main taxi lekar chali jaungi aap apna kaam chodke," Zoya said when Asad interrupted her, "it's not more important than you," he said in the flow of emotions. Zoya looked at him shocked. Has Akdu Ahmed Khan just admitted to caring for her? she thought as a big grin broke out on her lips. "I mean...woh...chalo," he said as he quickly grabbed his keys and walked out. Zoya took her pastry box and followed him out. As they were leaving, he told his secretary to tell the manager to start the meeting and that he will soon join them. Zoya felt happy that Asad was changing his schedule for her.

Humaira was walking in the corridor going to her class. She saw him walking from the other side reading some book. She looked around trying to hide somewhere. Since the incident, she felt awkward that he had seen in such a vulnerable state. She was going to ignore him as much as possible, she had decided. She looked at either sides of the hallway trying to hide. Seeing nowhere to go, she quickly turned around and started to walk away. "Humaira! Wait," she heard. "Allah! Dekhliya," she said and stopped. She turned to see Haider walk up to her. "hey kaha jarahi ho?" he asked. "woh main woh class jarahi thi," she told him. "aabh nahi jarahi ho?" Haider asked seeing that she had turned away. Humaira didn't know what to say. "woh main kuch bhul gayi thi wahi leyne jarahi ho," she lied. "Humaira, are you ok?" Haider asked. Humaira felt weird again. "Tume phir se kuch problem huwi ka?" he asked worried. "Nahi nahi. Haider main tumse sirf yeh kehna chathi hoon keh uss din joh bhi huwa I mean mera aisa kohi intention nahi tha. Tum please mujhe galat mat samjo," Humaira explained. "Humaira, tum yeh kya bol rahi ho? Joh bhi hua iss mein tumari kya galati hai? aur tum ne waise hi react kiya jaise kohi bhi ladki karthi. Bhul jao usse," Haider said. Humaira smiled a bit. "Haider, thanks again for helping me. I owe you big time," she said. "oh come on, after all what are friends for!" he said being filmy. "Friends? Yeh kabh hua?" she asked teasing him. "Nahi bane toh hum ban jayenge. Humaira Siddiqui...kya aap mujhe dosti karogi?" Haider asked extending his hand. Humaira giggled, "Dekhungi, soochongi, kal parso bolungi," she told him and turned to leave. "Agar tume mujhe dost karni hai toh remember that I hate waiting, doh ghante mein canteen mein milte hai coffee kehliye," he said. Humaira turned and said she will think about it with a wink and left from there. Haider laughed at her antics and left for his class too.

Later that day, Zoya told the other family members that she had got the job and fed them the pastries she had got. "Zoya, tum pheli ladki ho jaise shaadi keh baad job pe jaane itni khush dekh rahi hoon," Nikhat said. "Kyun Bhabhi?" Zoya asked confused. "Aree tume toh honeymoon par jaana chahiye aur tum job pe jarahi ho," Nikhat teased as Zoya turned tomato red. After the reception, Rashid had told Asad to take Zoya out somewhere but Asad had refused. He had told him that he had too much work and he wasn't interested. Zoya was glad Asad had refused. It would just be too awkward for them to go on their honeymoon, when they slept on different places. Dilshad had explained to Rashid that may be they shouldn't push it since Asad was still at a delicate point. She had told Rashid to give him some time and that she was sure that time will heal everything. Just then Zoya saw Najma enter, she ran up to her. "Najma, yeh lo meeta khao, I got the job!" she said. "wow Bhabhi that's great, congrats!" Najma said pulling Zoya in a hug. Zoya thanked her and offered her the pastry. "nahi Bhabhi yeh pastry kitne fattening hai, aap jaanti haina main diet pe hoon," Najma explained. "tum phir se yeh sabh, main tumse kaha na keh khoobsurat dil mein hoti hai, tum kya hamesha khud koh moti kehti rehti ho," Zoya said concerned about Najma. "Kash yeh saach hota Bhabhi," Najma whispered sadly. Only Zoya had heard her, "Najma, tum aise kyun bol rahi ho? Sabh theek toh haina?" she asked. "ha Bhabhi, sabh theek hai," Najma said. "aaj khushi ka din hai toh tume toh yeh khana hi padega," Zoya said. Najma nodded and started to run, "Ammi bachao, Ammi," Najma said hiding behind Dilshad. "Aaj tume kohi nahi bacha saktha," Zoya said as she chased Najma. Dilshad and Nikhat were laughing at the two girls and Imran was also trying to catch Najma trying to help Zoya.

As she was running, she tripped over a folded carpet corner and slipped forward. The cake in her hand smeared on someone's face and she was about to fall. He wrapped his hand around her waist saving her. She opened her eyes to meet his chocolate brown sockets. "Mr. Khan...aap!" she said shocked. He steadied her, "Mr. Khan woh main actually Najma koh," Zoya said scared. The family tried hard not to laugh but they couldn't control themselves. Asad glared at his laughing family and then at Zoya. "I am sorry Mr. Khan main toh bas Najma koh pastry khilane ki kosish karahi thi aur woh carpet ki wajase, I tripped aur phir cake aap par lagaya," Zoya said. She was trying hard not to laugh but she couldn't and burst out giggling. Asad was now furious. First, she had smeared cake on his face and now she was laughing at him. The fact that Zoya was making fun of him made me the most difference. He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her close to him. Zoya's laugh slipped from her face. She felt blood rush through her veins and butterflies dance in her stomach. Their eyes were entwined with each other not caring that the whole family was present around them. He bent down and touched his cheek with hers. Zoya shuddered at his touch. Transferring the cake from his face to hers, he moved back and smirked at her. "Main ek business man ho Zoya, kohi bhi deal adhuri nahi karta," he teased. She opened her eyes and saw him smirking at her. Her cheeks flushed with color and she was thankful there was cake on at least one of them hiding it. She placed her other hand on her cheek trying to ignore his intense gaze. Dilshad coughed bringing them out of their trance. Asad released his hold and Zoya looked around. She felt so embarrassed. Realization dawned on Asad as he too turned red. The family chuckled at the couple. Zoya excused herself and ran upstairs and Asad too followed.

A while later, Zoya cleaned her face and was getting things ready for her first day of work. Asad took a shower and was now wearing a white kurta pajama. He was sitting on the couch watching Zoya mumble to herself as she walked to one corner of the closet to another. She picked up three different dresses. "pink...white...green...hmmm, pink...no! may be white?" she spoke to herself as she debated what to wear for the first day. He stood by the door looking at her with a smile. If anyone else did this...he would have termed them as being crazy? But her, she looked adorable, he thought. "Green," she heard him say and turned toh him. "Really?" she said, keeping the dress against her chest and checking herself in the mirror. Asad felt his heart flutter at her. She looked beautiful with her eyes blinking to check if the dress was right, her nose scrunching up and down in thoughts, and her lips curved in unsurety. Zoya decided the dress was right and kept aside. She then gathered things she will need for the school. As she was placing them in the bag, she saw Asad staring at her. "Mr. Khan...Mr. Khan," she said waving her hand in front of him. He broke away his thoughts and looked at her. "Kya hua?" she asked. "Woh...woh main...actually," Asad mumbled, trying to find a reason as to why he was looking at her.

Just then, his phone rang. "Thank you Allah," he thought to himself. "Excuse me," Asad said and answered the phone. "Sir, your delivery is here!" the person informed. "Ok I will be down in a minute," he said. "Zoya," he called bringing her out of her thoughts. "Jee Mr. Khan," she said. "Mere saath neeche chaliye, mujhe tume kuch dehna hai," he said. "Mujhe? Kya surprise?" she asked. "Let's go!" he ordered and she nodded, following him out of the room. Zoya walked down the stairs to see the family already present there. Did everyone already know what was going on? She walked down and everyone was smiling at her. "kya hua hai?" she asked to no one in particular. "Aap kehliye ek surprise," Najma squealed and Zoya looked at confused. Dilshad warned her daughter not to spill the beans. "Sorry Bhabhi...can't tell!" Najma said placing her finger on her lips. Everyone went outside and Zoya followed. As she stepped outside, Zoya's jaw dropped open and her heart skipped a beat. Stood in front of her, a brand new black Mercedes that shined under the night light, with a red ribbon around it. "yeh kya hai Mr. Khan?" Zoya managed to get out. "Tumare liye," he plainly stated. Zoya looked at him shocked. "Par kyun?" she said. "Zoya, taxis safe nahi. Kal se tume kahi bhi jaana ho toh tum apni gaadi leja sakthi ho aur ha maine ek driver bhi appoint kiya hai. Uska naam Shyam hai, kal subhe aajayega," Asad informed her. Zoya felt perplexed and pleased at the same time. Till date, she had to always ask for what she needed. This was the first time that she had been showered with something that according to her, she didn't even need. Zoya felt Dilshad's arms wrap around her, "aabh tum iss ghar ki beti ho Zoya, tume bhi har cheez ka haq hai aur mujhe bahut khushi hai keh Asad ne iska phela kadam utaya hai," Dilshad told her. Zoya smiled as she looked at Asad, "thank you Mr. Khan," she said as they both looked at each other, lovingly.

Later that night, Zoya sat under the moon light talking to her sister. "You won't believe it humi, Mr. Khan got me a car...a car," Zoya said, still in disbelief. "Wow bhaji, that's so sweet!" Humaira said. "You know Humi, Maine khabhi nahi soocha keh mujhe yeh sabh milega," Zoya said. "Bhaji, Main jaanti hoon keh aapko bachpan se bahut kuch sehana paada hai but Bhaji, I really believe keh Jeeju is the best life partner you can ever get, I am so happy for you," Humaira exclaimed. Zoya smiled hearing her sister. She ended the call as looked up at the sky. "Kya aapne saach mein Mr. Khan koh mere liye hi bheja hai Allah miyan. Mujhe toh abhi yakeen nahi horaha hai keh aaj pheli baar bina maang mujhe kuch mila hai. Kal se main apna sapna pura karpaungi. Thank you Allah miyan, shukriya hai aapka joh aapne mujhe bina maange itni acchi zindagi di. Aap se yehi dua hai keh mujhe himmat dijiye keh main hamesha saach ka saath aur sahi raaste par chal sako. Aur ha Allah miyan, please meri help kijiye keh main Mr. Khan koh samaj pahoon. Bahut mushkil kaam hai but I know aap meri help karenge," she said as she giggled to herself, looking at the radiating nightly moon.

So here is the next part! I am updating sooner than I planned since I am trying to update twice a week 😆😊. I hope you all like the update since this one has almost all asya as you all desired, waiting to see your comments😳😃. I wish you all a Happy New Year 2015...may your new year be filled with happiness, health, prosperity, and peace, have fun with friends and family 🤗🤗🤗.

Chapter 16

That night, Zoya finished packing all her belongings as she only had 2 more days before the nikaah. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at her room. She had spent 22 years in this room and now she had to leave everything and go away. Times changes but this room was the place where she had been through it all! Why do girls have to leave their home? Couldn't the guy leave his home instead? But wait, wouldn't it be better if both families lived together, she wished. Humaira was passing by when she saw Zoya. She walked up and hugged her from behind, "Kya hua Bhaji...aap roh kyun rahi hai?" she asked worried. "Kuch nahi bas aise hi," Zoya said wiping her cheeks. "Main jaanti hoon keh aap hume miss karenge lekin Bhaji Asad Bhaijaan aur unki family bahut acchi hai. I am sure you will be very happy!" Humaira told her. "Jaanti hoon Humi lekin iska matlab yeh thodi na keh main tume miss nahi karongi," Zoya said sadly. "Main bhi aapko miss karongi Bhaji but hum roz touch mein rahenge na. Phone peh main aapko roz thang karongi, I promise!" Humaira said as Zoya smiled a little. "Aabh has bhi doh Bhaji...come on...haso!" Humaira said as she started tickling her. Zoya too started to tickle Humaira and they fell on the bed laughing.

The next morning, everyone was hustling and bustling in both houses. Today was the mehendi and tomorrow was the nikaah. It was supposed to be a grand affair and the khan family had booked two different wedding venues for the mehendi and nikaah. Both the families reached the venue and Dilshad had told Zoya that she could go inside and get ready. Zoya greeted the family but her eyes searched for Asad. "Bhabhi-jaan jisse aapki nigaye doond rahi hai, woh yaha nahi hai. Bhaijaan...late hojayenge. Woh office se kuch dher pehleyi aaye the iss liye ready hoke aate honge," Haider teased her. Zoya felt self-conscious on getting caught, "Main ready hoke aati hoon," Zoya said as she ran inside and everyone chuckled. Nikhat, Najma, and Humaira helped Zoya get ready. She was dressed in an orange and green anarkali. She pulled her hair in a bun and added some matching earrings. She pinned the dupatta to one shoulder, wrapped it across her chest and placed it over her head. "Wow Bhabhi, yeh color aap peh bahut jach raha hai," Najma said. "Meri Bhaji par har rang jach tha hai Najma," Humaira said. "Bilkul sahi kaha tumne, Meri pyaari devarani toh har rang mein khoobsurat lagthi hai. I can't wait for tomorrow, Ammi ne joh dress choose kiya hai uss mein toh tum bahut hi pyaari lagogi," Nikhat said. "Aur Asad Bhaijaan ka katal hojayega," Humaira said as the ladies laughed. "Aabh aap sabh bas bhi kijiye. Agar meri tareef hogayi ho toh neeche chale," Zoya said as they all chuckled and proceeded to go downstairs.

Zoya's dress: http://gorky1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DSC_4146.jpg

Zoya walked into through the double doors that lead to the huge hall which was decorated in orange and green satin cloths and gold lights matching her dress. In addition, there were orange and white flowers that adorned in each corner of the hall. The ladies escorted her to the center and made her have a seat on the cushions that were laid out on the floor. Dilshad walked upto her and placed a kiss on her forehead. Zoya felt blessed at that moment. In the small amount of time she had known Dilshad, she felt like she had found a mother that she had always yearned for. As she took a seat, she saw Asad walk in dressed in a white kurta pajama. She smiled at him and he too smiled back. Suddenly, she felt her heart beat faster against her chest and a blush crept up her cheeks, turning tomato red. "Bhabhi...aap itni laal kyun horahi hai?" Najma asked looking at Zoya. "Nahi, kuch nahi," Zoya replied as she covered both her cheeks with her hands. "Waha hai iss ki waja," Humaira teased as she saw Asad at the door. Everyone chuckled at the couple while Asad kept enjoying Zoya's facial expressions. "Aree ladkiyo, aaj mehendi hai kohi naach ghana hoga ya nahi," someone said. "Of course hoga na aunty," Humaira exclaimed as her and Najma went to the center of the hall.

Asad's dress: http://origin-images.kaneesha.com/Sherwani-Kurtas-Images/Catonic-Dupion-Stripe-Mens-Sherwani-SL-RC-256_display_large.jpg

Mehndi hai rachnewaali, [Humaira started]

haathon mein gehri laali [Najma joined in]

Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan

Haathon mein khilnewaali hain

Tere mann ko, jeevan ko

Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai [Humaira and Najma sang as Zoya and Asad looked at each other]

Mehndi hai rachnewaali, haathon mein gehri laali

Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan

Haathon mein khilnewaali hain

Tere mann ko, jeevan ko

Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai

O hariyali banno

Le jaana tujhko guiyyaan aane waale hai saiyyaan

Thaamenge aake baiyyaan, goonjegi shehnaayi

Angnaayi, angnaayi [Humaira sang as she hugged Zoya and both the sisters had tears in their eyes]

Mehndi hai rachnewaali, haathon mein gehri laali

Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan

Haathon mein khilnewaali hain

Tere mann ko, jeevan ko

Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai

Najma and Humaira pulled all the family members to dance on the floor. Humaira went and got Asad and made him stand next to Zoya

Mehndi roop sanwaare, o mehndi rang nikhaare, ho

Hariyaali banni ke aanchal mein utrenge taarein [Dilshad said as she caressed Zoya's cheek and placed a kiss on her forehead]

Mehndi hai rachnewaali, haathon mein gehri laali

Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan

Haathon mein khilnewaali hain

Tere mann ko, jeevan ko

Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai

Gaaje, baaje, baraati, ghoda, gaadi aur haathi ko

Laayenge saajan tere aangan, hariyaali banni [Humaira sang as she took and placed Zoya's hand in Asad's hand happily. Their hands seemed to fit together perfectly. They both were lost in their own world as others danced around them]

Teri mehndi woh dekhenge

To apna dil rakhdenge woh

Pairon mein tere chupke se, hariyaali banni

Mehndi roop sanwaare, o mehndi rang nikhaare, ho

Hariyaali banni ke aanchal mein utrenge taarein

Mehndi hai rachnewaali, haathon mein gehri laali

Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan

Haathon mein khilnewaali hain

Tere mann ko, jeevan ko

Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai

As the song ended, Asad and Zoya broke out of their trance and Zoya went back to her seat. "Aayiye Dilshad bi, phela haq toh saas ka hota hai mehendi lagane ka," one of the ladies said. Dilshad smiled as she came forward and sat next to Zoya. She took the mehendi cone and started the design. Soon, Zoya hands and feet were adorned with exquisite henna. "Didi, Bhaijaan ka naam acche se chupana, main chathi hoon ke Bhabhi jeete," Najma told one of the mehendi ladies. Soon, all the other ladies joined in to get their hands done. Zoya was sitting to let her mehendi dry when she got thirsty. She looked around but everyone was busy with having mehendi done in their hands. She excused herself and went to the other hall where food was being served. She was trying to pick up the glass of juice with her arms rather than her hands. At that moment, someone lifted the glass for her and she turned around to see Asad. "Yeh lo," he said offering her the glass. She sipped the juice, "thank you!" she said with a smile. "Tume bhook lagi hogi na? kuch kahogi?" he said. "Nahi main theek ho," Zoya told him. Just then, Zoya's stomach grumbled. Zoya turned away embarrassed and Asad smirked at her. "Chalo!" he said as he took her and made her sit on a table nearby. He went and filled a plate with food and returned to her. He offered her food and she took a bite. Zoya could see that he really cared for her. He didn't say much but his actions spoke a lot, she thought.

Dilshad and Rashid were standing afar watching the scene in front of them. Dilshad had tears in her eyes. "Dilshad...aabh toh sabh theek hogaya haina phir bhi tum?" Rashid asked worried. "Yeh toh khushi keh aansoo hai Rashid, Mujhe toh aabh bhi yakeen nahi horaha hai keh kal mere Asad ka nikaah hai," Dilshad told him. "Main jaanta hoon Dilshad lekin aabh hume woh sabh baatein bhul jaana chahiye. Asad ne nikaah kehliye manzoori toh dehdi lekin hume Zoya keh khatir yeh ensure karna chahiye keh woh usse ek biwi ka haq bhi deh," Rashid said. "Dehga Rashid, zaroor dehga. Maine Asad ki aankho mein Zoya kehliye izzat aur parwa dekhiye," Dilshad said. "Lekin pyaar? Zoya koh pyaar ki bhi toh zaroorat hai," Rashid said. "Thoda waqt toh lagega na Rashid, Zoya mein woh baat hai joh mere beta koh phir se jeena aur logo par baroosa karna seekayegi, aur wohi ehsaas ek din pyaar banjayega," Dilshad said hopefully. "Allah kare aisa hi ho, ameen," Rashid prayed as they both smiled at each other.

Inside, Dadi was speaking with one of the relatives when Razia interrupted her and asked if they could speak in private. Dadi agreed and they moved out of the venue to one of the secular hallways. "Kya baat hai Razia bi?" Suraiya enquired. "Badi bi, main toh bas maafi maanga chathi thi. uss din joh bhi hua uss kehliye. Aap ka dil bahut baada hai keh aapne Zoya aur hume maaf kardiya," Razia said. "Dekho Razia bi, joh hona tha ho chukka hai. Humne iss nikhe kehliye sirf Asad ki wajase ha bola hai. Main sirf yeh chathi hoon keh woh khush rahe," Suraiya said. "Ha ha aap fikar na kare Badi bi. Zoya ne pichle beez saal se mere shohar par paata nahi kya jadu karke raka hai, woh uski har baat maante hai. Aur mujhe pura yakeen hai keh Zoya Asad koh apni har baat samjadegi," Razia said proudly. Suraiya glared at Razia unsure of what she was trying to tell her. "Mera matlab hai, aapne toh dekha keh bas kuch dino mein kaise Zoya ne sabh keh dil mein jaaga bana liya hai. Mujhe pura yakeen hai keh bas kuch din aur, Zoya sabh samalengi. Aur waise bhi Asad aur aapke ghar walon keh paas itna paise hai toh choti moti takleefe toh aise hi hal hojayengi," Razia said and she eyed Suraiya to see her reaction. Suraiya was trying to accept what Razia had just told her. Was Razia saying that Zoya is just a cunning girl that was after Asad and her family for money? Is that why she had said yes to this rishta? She was worried and angry. Angry that Zoya was putting on a faade and deceiving everyone in her family. And she was worried, that if Zoya turns out to be like Tanveer, then they might lose their Asad once again. And this time it might be forever. She had to do something! She couldn't let her family suffer again. "Hum abhi aaye," Suraiya said as she excused herself. Razia smiled evily. "Aabh dekhte hai Zoya keh yeh nikaah kaise hota hai! Tum jitna bhi chaho Zoya, tum tumare ateet se khabhi peecha nahi chuda paogi aur tumne aisa karbi liya toh main nahi chodongi. Tumne meri zindagi ki khushiya cheeni thi, main tume khabhi apne zindagi mein khush nahi rehne dungi," she thought angrily as she too went inside.

Later, Zoya's mehendi had dried and it was time to wash it up. "Chaliye Bhabhi, dekh the hai keh Ammi aapse kitna pyaar karti hai," Najma teased as the saying was the darker the color of mehendi, the more affection the saas and bahu had. Najma and Humaira helped Zoya wash off her hands. As she returned back to the hall, "Apne haath dekhao beta, hum bhi toh dekhe keh tumari saas tumse kitna pyaar karti hai," one of the relatives said. Zoya was hesitant to show her hands. "Zoya, kya hua? Dikhao na apne haath," Dilshad said as she held Zoya's hand from under the dupatta and moved them forward. Everyone was surprised. Her hands were so dark that they looked black. "Aree humne toh aisa mehendi ka rang khabhi nahi dekha hai," one of the ladies said. "Woh kya haina aunty yeh rang mere Ammi ka pyaar aur unki khushi ka hai," Haider commented as Dilshad lovingly hugged Zoya and everyone smiled. "Chaliye Bhaijaan, aabh aapki baari. Mere Bhaji ke haath mein apna naam doond dijiye," Humaira said as she took and made Asad stand in front of Zoya. Zoya felt nervous again. He took her hands in his and started searching for his name in her palm. Zoya felt his touch make her heart skip a beat. Asad was still looking for his name when he saw that she was looking at the floor. Her cheeks were red in color and he could hear her heart beat. He smiled again caressing her hand. Zoya instantly looked up and their eyes interlocked with each other. "Bhaijaan bahut time hogaya. Aabh count down shuru...tik tik 1 tik tik 2," the ladies counted and Zoya took her hand back as instructed by Nikhat. "Kya Bhaijaan...aap ne toh naak khat wadi, haar gaye hum!" Haider mocked as Asad glared at him. "Bhabhi, accha mauka hai, mangiye kya maang na hai," Najma said. Zoya didn't know what to ask. "Mujhe kuch nahi chahiye," she said. "Aree aise kaise Zoya, kuch toh maang lo," Nikhat told her. "Par main kya maango? Mujhe nahi paata," Zoya spoke honestly. Everyone laughed at her innocence and Zoya felt embarrassed. Suraiya was now confused. If this girl was after money, why wouldn't she ask something big and fancy? Why wouldn't she grab at the chance she got? Was this really who she was or was this some kind an act too, she thought. "Rehne dijiye Bhabhi, khabhi aur maang leygi," Asad said. As everyone moved away, "thanks Mr. Khan! Mujhe saach mein nahi paata keh kya maang na chahiye," Zoya whispered. "It's ok Zoya, khabhi aur maang lena, aabh toh zindagi bar saath hi toh rehna hai," Asad told her as Zoya blushed. Asad liked the way Zoya didn't have a disguise on her. Her innocence bought out her bravery and honesty. Willingly or not, he has started to care or her. But was it too soon to trust her? He had only known her for about 3 weeks? There was still so much he didn't know about her. If he couldn't trust someone even after knowing them after his life then how could he trust her who he had met just now? But his heart told him that he could trust her but his mind played tricks on him. He kept remembering the past. Zoya, on the other hand, felt a lot of respect for Asad. The way he always saved her when she was in trouble, meant a lot to her. She had always seen the world as a brutal place where people were selfish. Humaira always teased her as she was one of the few who actually cared about others but she had met him. She remembered how he had stood up for her in front of Dadi. That meant a lot to her. The fact that he had accepted her even after knowing her past, made her feel like she will have a blessed future. Asad felt anger surge through him remembering the past and he got up and left. Zoya looked at him confused. "Yeh Mr. Khan koh kya hogaya?" Zoya thought as she saw him walk away suddenly.

That night, Asad couldn't sleep as he marched from one end of the room to the other. He knew that Zoya had nothing to do with what happened in his life but it was hard for him to trust anyone anymore. He respected and cared for Zoya but trust? He thought. His mother's and Nikhat's words about moving on in life kept running through his mind. To clear his head, he grabbed his towel and headed in for a hot shower. Dadi on the other hand was upset that she couldn't talk to Asad. He had vanished from the Mehendi ceremony and later too; he had been surrounded by relatives and friends as he is the groom preventing her from meeting him. She only had one night to figure everything out. She had to do something to save Asad and her family. In the Siddiqui house, Zoya kept thinking about how Asad had left. She hasn't even seen him when everyone was leaving. Was he mad about something? Did I do something wrong? She thought. Tomorrow at this time, she would be in Asad's house. Thinking about it made her shiver. "Aap se yehi dua hai Allah miyan keh meri madad kijiye keh main Mr. Khan aur unke family koh khush rak sako. Mujhe kuch theek se aata toh nahi lekin main puri kosish karongi. Mera hamesha se khwaab tha keh main mere Ammi Abu koh doond ne keh baad nikaah karo lekin woh toh pura hua nahi. Par main aap ka shukriya aada karna chathi hoon keh aap ne meri zindagi mein itne acche log diye. Aabh bas yehi dua hai keh sabh khush rahe aur kohi bhi buri nazar mere apno koh na lage," she prayed looking outside at the nightly sky, with a nervous smile on her face.

Will Asad ever be able to move on from his past? Will Zoya bring a new light in his darkness? What is Razia trying to do with Dadi? What will happen after the nikaah? But wait...Will the nikaah happen? Keep reading to find out!

Thanks to all of you for reading and the comments 😃 Looking forward to your comments on this chapter! I have updated the PM list on page 1, please let me know if you would be added to the list 😊

Chapter 17

The next morning, Zoya woke up to be pampered by all her family members. She was served breakfast in bed. Everyone was teasing Zoya about Asad and she was trying to avoid them. Though Razia didn't like Zoya, the other family members have always believed her to part of the family. Zoya's innocence and goodness has made everyone love her just like Humaira. "Tum log mujhe thang karna band karo, aaj mera nikaah hai yaar!" Zoya pouted. "Bhaji, nikaah hai issliye toh haq band tha hai mazaak karne ka," Humaira teased. "Aabh mujhe nashta bhi milega ya aise hi bed sajane kehliye laaya hai," Zoya said looking at the delicious breakfast. "Aaj toh hum aapko khud khilayenge," Nafeesa, one of her cousins, said. Everyone fed Zoya with love and she too fed them all. Gaffur stood in the hallway watching the scene before him with tears. "Tume main joh kuch nahi deh paya beta, dua hai keh tume zindagi mein woh sabh mile. Joh dukh tumare beete huwe zindagi mein rahe hai, uska saya bhi tumare aane wale kal par na pade. Meri yehi dua hai keh Asad aur uska parivaar tume woh saari khushiya deh. Main jaanta hoon beta main ek accha Abu nahi ban saka lekin tum ek bahut acchi beti ho aur mujhe yakeen hai keh tum jis ghar bhi jaogi waha jannat bana dohgi," he thought as he saw Zoya laughing and running around with the other girls. In his eyes, he could still see a 2 year old Zoya wobbling up to him. Suddenly, someone pulled at his hand and he turned to see his wife.

She took him to their room and slammed the door but they had missed the door open back. "Kya hai Razia...sirf dekh hi raha tha na?" he said annoyed. "Agar aise hi dekh the rahe toh aap sabh bol dehte," Razia said. "Aabh shayad bol dehna chahiye usse Razia, usse jaan ne haq hai," Gaffur said sadly. "Yeh aap kya bol rahe hai? Agar aap ne usse baata diya toh woh yaha se nahi jayegi. Itne saal maine usse jhela hai, aap toh bas yehi hai keh manoos jaaye aur khabhi wapaas iss ghar mein na aaye. Lekin ha yeh afsoos zaroor hai mujhe keh uss ladki koh itna accha ghar kaise milgaya," Razia yelled. "Bas Razia...akir kya bigada hai uss bacchi ne tumara, tumne hamesha usse nafrat ki hai aur usne tumari izzat," Gaffur reminded her. "Uss ladki koh itne saal maine mere aankho keh saam ne bardaasht kiya hai. Bas aaj ek din phir uska chera Allah khabhi na dikhaye," Razia said, her eyes spitting fire. "Khabhi dekhenge bhi nahi, mera vaada hai aapse," someone said as both Razia and Gaffur turned to the door to see Zoya. "Zoya beta, meri baat suno," Gaffur tried to speak when Zoya interrupted, "Mujhe joh suna tha woh maine sunliya hai. Aap dono ne mere liye joh bhi kiya hai uss kehliye shukriya shayad bahut chota shabd hai. Ek yehteem (orphan) bacchi koh aapne iss ghar mein lakar usse naam diya ek family di, uss kehliye I am extremely grateful," Zoya said as tears filled both her and Gaffur's eyes. "Aur ha main aapse vaada karti hoon keh main aaj keh baad iss ghar mein rehne nahi aaungi. Aaj se Mr. Khan aur unka ghar hi mera ghar hai, main yaha khabhi wapas nahi aaungi," Zoya said as she angrily left. Gaffur looked at her shocked. "Batameez ladki," Razia said as she stomped off. They both missed Humaira who has seen everything and had tears in her eyes.

It was almost time to leave when everyone was looking for Asad. "Aree Dilshad...kaha hai tumara beta, dekha keh dulha hi peeche rehagaya," someone teased as everyone chuckled. "Main dekhti hoon," Dilshad said as she went to look for Asad in his room. As she was walking up the stairs, she saw Farhan and Haider, "Asad kaha hai?" she inquired. "Bhaijaan ne hume baaga diya Ammi," Haider complained. "Chup raho Haider! Ammi lagtha hai woh pareshaan hai, aap baat karlijiye," Farhan told her. Dilshad nodded and went up the stairs to her son's room. Asad was dressed in a maroon and black sherwani and was sitting on his bed. Suddenly, everything seemed so urgent. Was he rushing into this? May be some more time would be better. Would it? He thought. He heard a knock on the door and stood up to see his mother enter. "I am almost ready Ammi," he said. Dilshad walked up to him and placed her hand on his cheek, "kya hua Asad?" she asked. Asad looked at his mother. How did she always know? He thought. They both sat on the bed and he placed his head in her lap. "Dar lagraha hai Ammi, kahi main jaldi mein phir se kohi galti toh nahi karaha hoon," he stated honestly. "Asad, phele bhi tumari galti nahi thi aur aabh toh tum bilkul bhi galti nahi karahe ho. Accha ek kaam karo, apni aankhe band karo," she said. "Kya? Par kyun Ammi?" he asked. "Asad main keha rahi hoon na aankhe band karo," Dilshad said and he obliged. "Jab tum ek saathi keh baare mein sooch the ho, zindagi keh safar mein ek humsafar keh baare mein sooch the ho, tumare saath kisiko tumara haath tham kar chal the huwe sooch the ho toh tume kyon nazar aata hai. Soocho!" Dilshad said caressing his hair. "Ammi yeh sabh mujhe nahi karna hai," Asad sternly replied. "Asad, kosish toh karo. Tum kis keh baare mein sooch the ho jab tumare chehare par hassi aati hai?" Dilshad asked. Asad remembered her words and an image appeared in his head. He saw Zoya the first time he saw her at the dargah in the blue salwar suit. He remembered holding her hands at the mehendi. He remembered her eating chocolate in his car and a smile crept up on his lips. Dilshad smiled seeing it. "Kisse dekha Asad?" she asked. "Ammi...woh actually...woh," he mumbled. "It's ok Asad, mujhe jawaab milgaya," Dilshad said as she giggled at her son. "Chalo...aabh puri taara se ready hojao," Dilshad told him as she pushed him towards the mirror. He fixed his hair and placed his dupatta on his shoulder. Dilshad bought his pagadi and placed it on his head lovingly. "Mere bete koh kisiki nazar na lage," Dilshad said as she placed a small teeka behind his ears. Asad hugged his mom, "thanks Ammi!" he said. "Aabh chalo, meri bahu koh zyada intezaar nahi karana hai," Dilshad said as Asad smiled.

A knock at the door disturbed them and they turned to see Suraiya walk in. "Ammi, hum neeche hi aarahe hai," Dilshad said. "Asad hume tumse Zoya keh baare mein baat karni hai," Suraiya stated. Dilshad looked at Suraiya then Asad, tensed. "Kya baat hai Dadi?" Asad asked. "Tum Zoya se nikaah kyun karna chathe ho?" Suraiya questioned. "Ammi, yeh kaisa sawaal hai? Aap phir se yeh...," Dilshad said when Suraiya put her hand up in the air. "Hum Asad se baat karahe Dilshad!" Suraiya firmly interrupted. Dilshad looked at her saas then turned to her son. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she prompted to speak his heart out today. Because it was not just the matter of his life, but also Zoya's, and the honor of two families that was at stake. "Dadi, main jaanta hoon keh aapko Zoya se problem hai lekin mujhe usse hi nikaah karna hai," Asad replied. "Lekin Zoya hi kyun Asad? Itne saal mein humne itne ladkiyo se tumara rishta chodna chaha lekin tum iss ladki se kyun?" Dadi asked. Asad almost chuckled as Dadi looked at him confused. "Kyun ki Zoya alag hai! Main nahi jaanta keh uske baare mein woh kya hai par yeh zaroor jaanta hoon keh kuch toh hai. Uski baccho jaisi harkat mere chehre par muskaan laati hai, uski saachayi mujhe acchi lagtha hai. Aur jab main pareshaan hota hai toh uski baatein sunkar dil toh sukoon milta hai. Jab main aankhe band karke apne aane wali zindagi keh baare mein sooch tha hoon toh mujhe Zoya dikhti hai," Asad said. Dilshad smiled listening to his words. Dadi was surprised. She really didn't know what to say. She has never seen Asad speak so fondly of anyone before. "Aabh ijazat dijiye, Zoya waha mera intezaar karahi hogi," Asad firmly stated as he walked out of the room with Dilshad.

Asad's sherwani: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/69/9b/f4/699bf4cb52b39e3e49dfc27ac9657ca7.jpg

In the wedding hall, Zoya was being helped by Humaira and her cousins to get ready for her big day. She was dressed in a red bridal lehenga waiting for her hair to be done. Nafeesa pinned her bangs back and placed her hair in bun. They added matching gold necklace, earrings, and a maang teeka. They finished doing her makeup touches and added bangles. Humaira finally pulled the dupatta over Zoya's head. "You look amazing Bhaji!" she said excitedly. Zoya sat there looking in the mirror fidgeting with her dupatta. "Kya hua Bhaji?" Humaira asked concerned. "Dar lagraha hai Humi! Kal paata nahi kyun Mr. Khan mujhse naraaz lagrahe the," Zoya said concerned. "Zoya, tume aisa kyun lagtha hai?" Shazia, one of their older cousins said. "Paata nahi kal woh pareshaan lagrahe the," Zoya said. "Bhaji...agar Bhaijaan naraaz bhi the toh aaj raat aap koh dekhar sabh bhool jayenge," Humaira teased. "Aur aaj toh aap ki suhaagraat bhi toh hai," Nafeesa said as everyone giggled. Zoya felt her cheeks turn red hearing Nafeesa's words but she also felt her heart race. "Ya Allah, suhaagraat?" she thought scared. Just then, they heard the baraat entering and the girls ran downstairs leaving a nervous Zoya behind, staring in the mirror at a bridal self.

Zoya's dress: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOTFivQV33I/UtnB5LOet-I/AAAGlA/98DzA9udIS8/s1600/Sana-Safinaz-Bridal.jpg

Downstairs, Humaira and the girls blocked Asad's way, asking for their gifts before letting him in. Dilshad gave the girls their wants and the family entered the hall. Decorated in red, gold, and black strings, the venue looked beautiful. There were lights and small diyas everywhere illuminating the whole room. Flowers covered every inch of the walls. After all it was the wedding of the two most richest and influential families in Bhopal, the Khans more than the Siddiquis. The hall was divided in half with the women on one side and the men on the other. Rashid and the brothers took Asad and made him sit in his place. Upstairs, Zoya felt her heart race. In a few moments, life would change forever. And Mr. Khan was also mad at her for some reason but what had she done, she tried to recall. Her thoughts were interrupted with a knock on the door. Zoya stood up and turned around to see Dadi enter. "Salamalaikum," she greeted. "Walaikumsalaam," Dadi replied. Zoya was freaked out at the moment. Why was Dadi here? Has she done something wrong? Is that why Asad was angry yesterday and now Dadi was here. "Dadi, aap yaha, sabh khairat?" Zoya asked worried. "Hume tumse baat karni thi, nikhe se phele," Dadi stated. "Jee boliye?" Zoya said, unsure. "Kitne paise chahiye tume Asad se door jaane kehliye?" Suraiya asked. Zoya was confused. What was Dadi talking about, she thought. "Paise? Kya matlab?" Zoya said. "Tum yeh sabh paiso kehliye hi toh karahi ho. Batao hume kitne paise chahiye tume taki tum humare Asad ki zindagi barbaad na karo," Dadi firmly told her. Zoya looked at her in disbelief. She couldn't believe that Dadi would think this low of her. "Aapko lagtha hai keh main, main yeh nikaah paiso kehliye karahi hoon?" Zoya asked, stunned. "Yeh sawal toh main tumse kar rahi ho?" Dadi said. Tears brimmed in Zoya's eyes. Is this what Dadi thought about her? Or maybe the whole khan family too? And Asad? Did he think that too? Her heart constricted at that thought.

She wiped her tears and looked up at Dadi. "Main yeh nikaah sirf rishto kehliye karahi ho. Mujhe ek parivaar chahiye, ek saathi, ek dost chahiye. Mere liye nikaah zindagi bhar ka ek vaada hai joh main nibhaongi aur aap bol rahi hai keh main paiso kehliye nikhe jaise ek rishte keh beizzati karongi," Zoya told her. Suraiya was trying to read Zoya. Was she really telling the truth or was she just good at acting? "Agar aap nahi chathi thi keh yeh nikaah ho toh aap ussi din bol sakthi thi. Lekin Allah keh waaste mujhpar aise jhote inzaam na laagayiye," Zoya said. "Dekho Zoya, maine tume ghar walon keh khatir apnane ki kosish karahi hoon. Lekin main nahi chathi keh tumari wajase mere ghar walon koh kohi takleef pauche," Dadi said. "Main vaada karti hoon keh meri wajase aap sabh koh kohi takleef nahi hogi. Lekin aapko agar meri baaton par baroosa nahi hai toh aap jaakar neeche yeh nikaah rukwa sakthi hai," Zoya told her. If she was being attacked as a gold digger, then she didn't want to start this relationship on a false note. She has been accused all her life of something she wasn't responsible for; she wouldn't let her future life be the same. Before Dadi could say anything, Humaira interrupted them. Seeing Dadi, Humaira was surprised but she greeted her and walked up to Zoya. Humaira saw Zoya's tears stricken face. "Bhaji...kya hua? Aap theek toh haina?" she asked worried. Zoya looked at Suraiya and nodded. "Bhaji, abhi ruksati bhi nahi hai aur aap roh rahi hai, thoda wait karlijiye," Humaira said trying to lighten up the mood. She took Zoya to the mirror and wiped her cheeks that had light black streaks due to the kajal. Humaira then applied some blush to make it look like her sister was not crying just before the wedding. She knew something had happened between Zoya and Dadi but right now, it was important to get Zoya downstairs. Everyone was waiting for her. "Chale?" Humaira asked Zoya. Zoya looked at Dadi for answers. Suraiya thought hard! She had been in tumult since yesterday trying to decide if Zoya was the right girl for Asad. But if Asad liked her then maybe it was better to just accept her. May be Zoya wasn't that bad after all. She should give the girl a chance not for her, but for her family, she thought. "Jao, neeche Asad tumara intezaar karaha hoga," Dadi said. Zoya smiled, thanking Dadi. She just hoped that everything was cleared up and Dadi was saying this from true heart.

Downstairs, everyone waited for the bride. All eyes were glued to the staircase, including Asad's. Dressed in a beautiful, red lehenga, she looked dazzling! Asad's heart skipped a beat seeing her. His eyes felt glued to her and he couldn't move away. Her eyes were casted to the floor and her cheeks were just as red as her dress. He smiled seeing how the girl who was so carefree and outspoken seemed so nervous. She was escorted by Humaira and her cousins to the seat in front of him with a thin, golden veil in between them. The nikaah started and the qazi started by reciting the Quran. He first started with Asad, "Asad Ahmed Khan bin walid Rashid Ahmed Khan kya aapko Zoya Sidiqqui bin walid Gaffur Ahmed Sidiqqui se yeh nikaah qubool hai?" the qazi asked. Asad closed his eyes thinking about his past the mistake he had made before, then the moment he had seen Zoya at the dargah, all his moments after that with her, his mother's words all ran through his mind. He then opened his eyes to see her through the veil. "Qubool hai!" he replied as everyone cheered. The qazi then turned to Zoya. "Zoya Sidiqqui bin walid Gaffur Ahmed Sidiqqui kya aapko Asad Ahmed Khan bin walid Rashid Ahmed Khan se aapko yeh nikaah qubool hai?" he asked. Zoya looked at Asad, their eyes met the first time for the night. Looking into his eyes gave her a new hope. All her life she had been told that she was just a burden. After growing up, she had been told that no one will marry her. But, here was this guy who was ready to accept her despite knowing everything. He had accepted her for who she really was! That made her respect him a lot. But what about what Dadi had questioned her about just moments ago. Will Asad think the same of her, her mind questioned. No Zoya, he accepted you for who you are, don't let someone else spoil what you have, her heart said. "Qubool hai!" she said smiling at him. Friends and family cheered and congratulated each other as the couple sat there lost in each other's eyes.

A little while later, the veil had been removed and now the couple was sitting next to each other as husband and wife. The guests congratulated the couple and showered them with blessings. Later, the guests went to have dinner and Nikhat and Humaira got dinner for the couple. "Zoya, humare ghar mein nikkeh keh din dulha aur dulhan ek dusre koh khana khilate hai," Nikhat told them. "Hum aapko disturb nahi karenge, aap log enjoy kijiye," Humaira teased and they both left them alone. Asad and Zoya sat there confused on who should start first. Zoya looked at Asad, "kal toh bahut pyaar se khila rahe the aur aaj, lagtha hai naraaz hai," she mumbled. "Aapne kuch kaha?" he asked. "Nahi kuch nahi," Zoya said. After sometime, Zoya took the food and offered it to him. Asad smiled and took the bite. He too offered her some rice and they both ate together. Later, it was time for Zoya to leave. Gaffur hugged Zoya and blessed her for a happy married life. It was when Humaira hugged Zoya that she burst into tears. "I will miss you Humi!" Zoya cried. Nikhat consoled Zoya as she took her to the car. As Humaira saw her sister walking away, more tears filled her eyes. "Yeh lo, aankhe pooch lo," someone handed her a hand kerchief and she turned to see Haider. "Ley lo," he said. "Thanks," she said as she took the kerchief from him. "Don't worry, tum jab chaho humare ghar aakar Bhabhi se mil sakthi ho," Haider said trying to console her. As she kept crying, "Agar tum aise hi rohti rahi na toh hume tume bhi ghar lejana padega woh bhi Bhabhi ka dehej (dowry) bana kar," Haider said and she started to laugh. He smiled seeing at her. "thanks!" Humaira said. "Come on Humaira, after all what are friends for," he told her as she smiled. As he started to walk away, "Haider...ek minute!" she called out. He turned to see her, "meri Bhaji ka khayal rakna please," she said. "Aaj se woh humari pyaari Bhabhi jaan hai, main vaada karta hoon keh main unne hasata rahonga," Haider said. "Thanks," Humaira said smilingly. "Allah-hafiz," Haider said as he walked away and joined his family leaving an emotional Humaira behind.

In the car, Zoya kept wiping her tears. Asad understood how hard it must be for her to leave everything behind and come to a new life. He turned around and grabbed a tissue box from the back of the car. He gave her a tissue and Zoya took it thanking him. She wiped her tears but he noticed her kajal was smudged. "Zoya, woh tumara," he said pointing to her eyes. "Kya hua Mr. Khan," she said as she touched her cheek. He tried to navigate her to her eyes but she kept smudging her kajal further. "Ek minute," Asad said as he took a Kleenex and moved close to her. She closed her eyes feeling his breath on her face. He slowly wiped the corner of her eyes fixing her kajal. As he moved back to his position, "thanks," she said. The rest of the car ride was quiet as they both stared out the window, thinking about what the future held for them both!

So, nikaah happened finally! I know you guys didn't have much hope Haha but I hope I did justice to the whole sequence. Let me know what you guys think 😃 Thanks for all the support, really means a lot 🤗

Chapter 18

The car pulled into the khan mansion and Asad got out first. He then came to her side and offered her his hand. She placed her hand in his and he helped her walk to the door. The family members waited at the door to welcome the new couple. Zoya smiled at their happy faces, a little nervous. Dilshad was holding a small bowl of kheer. "Humare ghar mein nayi dulhan ka moo meeta karke hi andar bhulaya jaata hai," Dilshad said as she lovingly fed Zoya a spoon of dessert. "Asad, tume humari dusri rasam toh yaad haina," Farhan asked. Asad nodded as he looked at Zoya. The next moment, his hands wrapped around her waist as he picked her up in her arms. "Mr. Khan!" Zoya shouted out of surprise as her hands wrapped around his neck for support. "Bhabhi humare ghar mein dulha dulhan koh apne room tak aise hi lekar jaata hai," Najma informed Zoya. She felt her body shiver under his touch and her cheeks turned cherry red. He looked at the way ahead as she was lost in his sensation. "Ya Allah Mr. Khan toh mujhe apne room mein lekar jarahe hai," Zoya thought as her heart raced at the assumption. He carried her through the living room and up the stairs but was stopped at the beginning of the hallway. "Yaha utaar dijiye Bhaijaan...iss keh aage toll tax lagega," Haider said. Asad stopped and placed Zoya on her feet. Zoya placed her hand on her heart to calm it down. "Bhaijaan...chaliye humare gifts nikhaliye," Najma said with Nikhat by her side. "Kitne gifts logi tamatar, meri shaadi huwi hai aur tum mera bank account loot rahi ho," Asad told his sister as everyone chuckled. "Bahane mat banayiye Bhaijaan, chaliye gifts dijiye," Haider joined in. "Tum kabh se inn logo keh team mein hogaye?" Asad questioned. "Come on Bhai...aakir main bhi toh chota ho. Agar Bhabhi koh aur iss tamatar koh gift mil saktha hai toh mujhe kyun nahi?" Haider said getting a slap on his head from Najma. Asad just shook his head and pulled out his purse, fulfilling their demands. Zoya just smiled at the cute scene in front of her.

Asad gave them the gifts and was about to go when he was stopped again. "Aabh kya hai?" he asked pinching the bridge of his nose. "Hum phele Bhabhi koh lekar jaate hai, aap thodi dher mein aajayiye," Najma said as her, Nikhat, and Dilshad took Zoya away. "Chalo Zoya, hum tume tumare room lekar chalte hai," Nikhat said. Zoya looked around trying to familiarize herself with the new surroundings. They walked down the hall and took her to a room. It was a huge room with the bed in the middle which was decorated with white lilies and roses. The room was lit with small scented candles all around. "Aao beta," Dilshad said and the ladies took Zoya in. As she walked inside, she could sense his scent in the air. This was his room, well now hers, she guessed. Life was going to be different. Things were going to be different, she thought as she looked around the room. But, it was hard to make out things since it was fully decorated. "Tume agar kuch bhi chahiye toh bas bol dehna beta," Dilshad said and Zoya smiled in response. "Oh come on Ammi, aaj raat toh Bhabhi Bhai keh aankho mein khoyi huwi rahengi, unne aur kya chahiye," Najma teased with wink as Zoya felt her cheeks blush furiously. "Chup...bahut badmaash hogayi ho tum!" Dilshad said as she patted Najma on the shoulder. Nikhat took Zoya to the bed and made her take a sit in the middle. "All the best!" Nikhat said excitedly as she gave Zoya a hug. Though, she tried her best to smile, her inner self was in turmoil. Today was supposed to be their first night but she knew she wasn't ready. It wasn't like she didn't trust Asad but she had only known him for the past 3 weeks. Wasn't a marriage more than just physical relationship? Didn't love mean anything? She asked herself. A caress at the cheek broke her thoughts and she looked up to see Dilshad smiling at her. "Allah tume hamesha khush rake," she blessed as she placed a kiss on her new daughter's cheek. Then, Dilshad fixed her dupatta and told everyone it was time to leave. As the ladies left, Zoya looked around and she could see how even in the midst of the adornments, everything seemed so right in its place. She turned to see two other doors to the left which she wondered where they led to. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard laughter outside and the room door open. Seeing Asad, she felt her heart race again. She knew that she wasn't ready but what if Asad expected something from her. How was she going to tell him? Will he understand? She looked at the door to meet his chocolate brown eyes.

He turned to close the door and lock it. The closer he walked towards her, the faster her emotions took over. "Allah miyan, main kya karoon? Kaise bolo? Kuch toh bol na padega. Main apne aapse jhoot kaisi bol sakthi," she mumbed. Asad watched her talking to herself. "Ajeeb ladki," he mumbed to himself as he walked towards her. He was about to sit on the bed when she quickly got off the bed and Asad looked at her with questioning eyes. "Woh woh main main sofa pe sojao?" Zoya blurted out. Asad looked at her and he could see that she nervous. She fidgeted with her dupatta and her eyes were glued to the floor. He stepped closer as she stepped back. Each step he took forward, she stepped back. Finally, she hit the wall and he smirked. On one side was the bed and the other was Asad's arm preventing an escape. "Zoya," he called. "Jee," she said as her eyes were still glued to the floor. He had to admit she looked so innocent and adorable when she was nervous. The way she played with her dupatta and bit her lower lip seemed to melt his heart. "Zoya, look at me," he said as he inclined her face to look at her. "Kya hua hai?" he said. Zoya looked at him thinking how to say it. Asad read the wave of emotions that passed through her face. "Mr. Khan woh main aaj raat I mean humari suhaagraat hai lekin main...," Zoya said looking at him, not sure how to complete her thoughts. "Zoya, its ok! Tume aise kuch nahi karna hoga joh tum nahi chathi," he told her. She looked at him surprised. He understood her even before she said anything to him. Zoya threw herself in his arms, "thank you thank you thank you!" she said in excitement. Asad smiled at her. "It's ok...relax," he said. At that moment, she realized the position she was in. She broke apart and moved back. "Tum bed pe sojao, main sofa pe sojaunga," Asad said. "Nahi nahi Mr. Khan, main sofa pe sojaungi waise bhi maine phele kaha tha so me first!" Zoya said as she giggled. "Theek hai, aap phele change kar lijiye," Asad told her. Zoya told him that he should change first as she had to go through her suitcases to find a set of clothes to change. Zoya went to her suitcases to find a night dress to change into. Asad too went into his changing room to freshen up.

Minutes later, Asad returned to see his whole room in a mess as if a tornado has just passed through it. He saw her going through her clothes and throwing them out of the suitcase and on the floor. "Yeh kya hai?" he asked shocked. Zoya realized that Asad had returned. She stood up and turned to face him. "Woh main apna night dress doond rahi hoon," she replied. "Lekin tumne yeh room ki kya halat kardi hai?" Asad questioned. She looked around and she cursed herself. "I am sorry Mr. Khan! Woh actually phele ek top mila phir uska panta nahi mila. Phir dusra pant mila aur uska top nahi mila. Aur kholte kholte, maine saare suitcases khol diye," she said, biting her lower lip. Asad chuckled at her ramble. "Tumne nights suits saath nahi rake?" he asked and she nodded negatively with a pout. "Main help kardo?" he asked. "nahi nahi Mr. Khan, main doond lungi, I am sure," Zoya said thankfully. She returned to her belongings and few minutes later, "found it" she yelled happily. Asad smiled at her joyful face. "Main change karke aati hoon," she said and he nodded. She walked past him but stopped, tangled at which door to take. Asad realized and turned to see stopped in her tracks. "The left door leads to the closet and changing room, the right to the bathroom," she heard him say. She turned, smiled at him, and left to change. Minutes later, Zoya returned to the room changed in a light green two piece night suit. Her hair which was in a bun now lay in loose curls on her shoulders. She walked in to see him working on the laptop. He looked up at her from his laptop and was mesmerized. She looked more beautiful in the simple night dress and in her natural glow, he thought. His eyes moved with her as Zoya walked to her stuff. She grabbed the clothes that were thrown on the floor and made a pile in the corner of the room. She then kept the bridal dress on top of the pile and walked to the dressing table, and placed the jewelry on top of it. She then got the pillow and blanket from the bed and made herself comfortable on the sofa. "Good night, Mr. Khan," she said. Asad broke out of his trance and noticed the mess his new wife has made on the floor and on the table. Her clothes were thrown on the suitcase and the jewelry on the dressing table. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose, his OCD disturbing the mess that was in his room. He wanted to say something but turned to see that she was already asleep. "Good night," he said to himself with a slight smile. From the tired day, he too hit the bed. Watching her peacefully sleeping, he dozed off with a smile on his face.

The sun rays from his bedroom window fell on his face. He opened his eyes and turned to see her sleeping. He got up and went to take a shower and change. Minutes later, he walked out dressed in black pants and a navy blue shirt. Zoya was in deep sleep and was tossing around in the couch. She was about to fall when he placed his hand on the edge as the way to protect her. The wind from the window blew on her face making her loose strands disrupt his view. He slowly moved her hair and behind her ears. He grinned a little thinking about her two face personality. Sometimes, she was so mature and adult like and the others, she was such a kid. At that moment, someone knocked on the door disturbing his thoughts. "Zoya...utho, Zoya," he said trying to wake her up. Zoya quickly sat up and looked at him confused. "Darwaze pe kohi hai," he informed. She quickly got off and took the pillow and blanket and placed it on the bed. Asad walked to the bed and quickly messed it up to make it seem that last night was normal. Zoya looked at him confused, "Kal raat joh bhi hua woh humare beech hi rahe toh accha hai," he whispered and walked to the door. "Par raat koh toh kuch hua hi nahi," Zoya said to herself innocently. Asad opened the door to find Nikhat. "Aree Asad, aaj darwaza kholne mein itni dher," she teased looking at Zoya. Zoya grabbed her towel and clothes and excused herself to the bathroom to escape any embarrassment. "Kya chahiye Bhabhi," Asad asked. "Ammi ne tume aur Zoya koh neeche bhulaya hai nashte kehliye," Nikhat told him. "Bhabhi, Zoya aajayegi, main yehi nashta karlonga," Asad stated. "lekin Asad, Ammi ne...," Nikhat said when he interrupted her, "Ammi se main baad mein baat karlonga," he told her. Nikhat nodded and left.

Sometime later, Zoya walked out in a red anarkali suit, wiping her wet hair. She placed the wet towel on the bed and went to add her jewelry. Asad took the towel, "yeh aap waha rakh dijiye, bed par nahi," he said her as he took the towel to dry. Zoya looked at him and nodded. She quickly added some simple earrings, the pendant he had gifted her, and some bangles. She was about to leave when she remembered that Dilshad had told her about Asad and how he liked his room clean. Zoya quickly took the pile of clothes and stuffed it into the suitcases. She took her wedding dress and folded it nicely and kept it inside her suitcase so that they didn't ruin the embroidery. She was keeping her jewelry in its box when Asad walked back from the closet, "Ammi ne tume neeche bhulaya hai," he said. "Mujhe? Aap saath nahi chalenge?" Zoya asked. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose, "Aap jayiye, main mera nashta yehi karta hoon," he said. Zoya looked at him with questioning eyes. "Lekin Mr. Khan aap kyun mere saath nahi aayenge?" she asked. "Zoya, tum jao Ammi intezaar karahi hongi. Hum baad mein baat karenge," he firmly stated. She just glared at him, grabbed her dupatta and stomped off the room. She walked downstairs to see the family along with some relatives. Zoya saw dadi and quickly covered her head. She met the family and greeted everyone. "aree Zoya, Asad kaha hai?" one of Asad's aunt asked. "woh upar hai. nashta wahi karenge," Zoya said. "Ya Allah...aisa kyun? Kahi tumne toh kuch nahi kardiya?" a lady asked. "haseena, tum yeh kaise baatein karahi ho? Asad toh apne kamre mein har din hi nashta karta hai," Dilshad said coming to Zoya's rescue. "Zoya, yeh lo Asad koh deh aao," she said handing Zoya a tray of food for breakfast. Walking up the stairs, Zoya was thinking about what Dilshad had said. "Mr. Khan apne family keh saath nashta nahi karte? Aisa kyun?" she thought.

She reached upstairs and knocked the room door before entering the room. Asad was now dressed in his suit and was on the couch, talking on the phone. Zoya walked in and placed the breakfast on the table in front of him. She waited tapping her foot on the floor for him to finish with his phone call. He saw her waiting so he finished his conversation and looked at her. "Aap kuch kehna chathi hai?" he asked. "Mujhe aap se kuch poochna hai Mr. Khan? Aap sabh keh saath nashta kyun nahi karte?" she blatantly asked. Asad contemplated for a minute before replying, "Woh mujhe shor nahi pasand Zoya, issliye main yehi khana khata hoon," he said. Zoya looked at him shocked. "Mr. Khan main aap ki family keh saath nashta karne kehliye kehrahi hoon, kohi rock concert mein jaane kehliye nahi," Zoya said sarcastically. "Maine kaha na mujhe shor accha nahi lagtha," he stated. "yeh sahi nahi Mr. Khan. Soochiye aap keh family koh kitna accha lagega," Zoya reasoned. "Zoya please mujhe iss baare mein mujhe baat nahi karni hai," Asad said. "Lekin kyun Mr. Khan? Baat toh kijiye," Zoya said. "Maine kaha na mujhe baat nahi karni," Asad said raising his voice. Zoya stepped back surprised at his new behavior. Seeing her reaction, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mujhe ek meeting kehliye late horaha hai, main chalta hoon," Asad said as he got up to leave. "Agar aap koh baat nahi karna toh theek hai lekin please nashta kar lijiye phir jayiye," Zoya said. He stopped and turned around to face her. "Breakfast skip karna acchi baat nahi hoti hai mr.khan, please khalijiye," she said with a pleading face. Seeing her, he calmed down a bit. He remembered similar words from his mother. Asad took a seat and ate his breakfast quietly as Zoya sat on the bed watching him. As he got up to leave, "Allah hafiz Mr. Khan," she said. "Allah hafiz," he said and left for work. Downstairs, Dilshad stopped Asad and asked him where he was going. Asad told her that he had to attend an important meeting and left.

After Asad had left, Zoya went downstairs to join the relatives as she was bored in her room. Everyone started asking her questions and some even taunted her that she was lucky to marry into such a big family and a guy like Asad. Zoya just smiled and ignored their comments. She excused herself saying she had to arrange her things in the room and Najma offered to help. Zoya gladly accepted and both the ladies headed upstairs. Walking up the stairs, "ek baat poocho yeh sabh tume tamatar kyun bhulate hai?" Zoya asked with a giggle. "yeh naam toh mujhe Asad Bhaijaan ne diya. Woh kya haina mere gaal jab bhi main khush ya naraaz hoti hoon toh bahut laal hojate hai bilkul waise jaise aap keh hojata hai Asad Bhaijaan koh dekhar," Najma teased. "Aisa kuch nahi, stop it!" Zoya said as both the girls chuckled. Soon, Zoya had her clothes piled on the bed trying to arrange them in the walk in closet. "I must say Bhabhi, aap ki choice bahut acchi hai," Najma said looking at Zoya's clothes. "Thanks tamatar. Tume kuch bhi pasand ho toh tum le sakthi ho," Zoya offered and Najma smiled. "Main tumse kuch pooch sakthi hoon?" Zoya asked as she was arranging her earrings in a box. "Ha Bhabhi...boliye na?" Najma said. "Woh tumare Bhaijaan sabh keh saath khana kyun nahi khate hain? Kya woh hamesha se aise hi karte the?" Zoya asked curiously. Najma's smile disappeared and Zoya didn't miss that. "Dekho Najma, mujhe sirf Mr. Khan ki fikar hai issliye pooch rahi hoon," Zoya said placing her hand on Najma's shoulder. Najma nodded understandingly. "Bhaijaan aise nahi the Bhabhi...phele toh Bhaijaan bahut haste the, Mazak karte the, logo koh tease karte the lekin teen saal phele joh bhi hua uss keh baad," Najma said as tears filled her eyes. Suddenly, Najma realized what she had said. Seeing the tension on her face, "Main sabh jaanti hoon Najma," Zoya said. Zoya hugged Najma, "Main kosish karongi Najma keh tumare Bhaijaan tume lauta doon. Aur main jaanti hoon keh mujhe phela step kya lena hai," she said as Najma grinned hearing her words. "Thanks Bhabhi...aapko jab bhi help chahiye, you can count me in!" Najma said. "Thanks! Par ha yeh baat hum dono ke beech hi rehno doh. Abhi toh main tumare Bhaijaan koh theek se jaanti bhi nahi, mujhe thoda waqt chahiye," Zoya told her. "Jee Bhabhi, main kisiko nahi bataungi," Najma agreed. Both the ladies smiled at each other but they missed the pair of eyes watching them from the door. Dilshad had come up to ask Zoya if she needed any help or anything that wasn't in the room. She heard Zoya and Najma conversing about Asad and curiosity took the better of her. She smiled hearing Zoya's words. Now, she was even more confident that she had made the right decision of getting Zoya and Asad married.

What will Zoya's first step be? Will she be able to pull Asad out of his sorrow? What's going to happen? Keep reading to find out!

Chapter 19

Asad spent his whole afternoon finishing up his meeting and decided to head home a little early than usual since Dilshad has been calling him all day. Zoya, on the other hand, had finally finished putting all her things away. The flowers and candles have been cleared away and she had a better look at the room. Next to the huge bed were two night tables on each side, with just a clock on one of them and a picture of Dilshad and Rashid on the other. She smiled seeing that. In one corner was the sofa that she slept on last night in front of which was a glass coffee table, which had fresh lilies that she had just placed in it from the garden. She scanned through the walls to see there weren't many pictures or colors for that matter. All she saw was a family picture on one of the walls. On one of the other walls was a long rectangular mirror with a small vanity table in front. Her eyes fell on the guitar at the adjacent corner of the room, "Mr. Khan aur music? Dekhne mein toh aise nahi lagthe," she wondered. She heard him return downstairs and decided to go check. Walking down the stairs, she could see him sitting with the relatives that were staying at their house. He pinched the bridge of his nose and she smiled. "Toh jab Mr. Khan pareshaan hote hai ya annoyed hote hai toh yeh karte hai," she thought. As she joined them, he looked at her but she ignored him. He understood that she was still upset from the morning. "Asad...kal tum dono ki reception party hai. Tum kal office nahi jaoge, actually hum sabh ghar pe rahenge," Rashid informed him. "Par Abu kal toh hume woh Malaysian clients," Asad said when Dilshad interrupted, "Asad kal kohi office nahi jayenga. Aur waise bhi kal tume saare clients mil jayenge party mein," she said as everyone chuckled. Soon, everyone was about to eat dinner and Asad excused himself to his room. Zoya excused herself too and followed him upstairs. Walking into his room, he felt like it looked different. On the dresser, her makeup and perfumes were arranged on the half next to his. In the closet, half of his wardrobe was now filled with her clothes and shoes. Now, it felt like he was officially married, he thought.

"Subhe gussa hoke chalega aur ek sorry nahi bol sakthe, akdu kahiye ke," she mumbled to herself as she walked up the stairs. "Ha yehi naam sahi hai, Akdu Ahmed Khan!" she said as she slammed the room door open, kind of upset. "Zoya!...kya karahi ho tum?" Asad yelled as he covered his bare upper body with a shirt. He had walked out taking his shirt off to answer a phone call when she had walked in. Hearing his scream, she closed her eyes and turned around but the glimpse of his body was imprinted in her head. She remembered his perfect, six pack abs which was designed as a Greek sculpture. "Tum knock karke nahi aasakthi," Asad said, breaking her thoughts. "Aur aap...aap kapde pehen keh nahi rak sakthe," she said. Asad quickly wore his shirt and buttoned it up. "Yeh mera kamra hai," he said. She felt hurt! How could he say that? "Mera bhi hai, aisa Ammi ne kaha hai," she said turning and pointing her finger at him. Asad smirked at the counter argument she had come up with. "Aap haas kyun rahe hai?" she asked placing her hands on her hips. "Nahi, kuch nahi hai. Ek minute ruko mere paas aap kehliye kuch hai," he said as he reached into his office briefcase and handed her some chocolates. She looked at him. "Mujhe subhe tum par chilana nahi chahiye tha," he told her. "Accha...bahut jaldi paata chal gaya aapko keh mujhe bura laaga," Zoya taunted. "Main sorry bol raha hoon na?" Asad said. "Mujhe sorry nahi chahiye. Aapko kya laaga keh aap har baar mujh par gussa karenge aur phir chocolates dekhar sabh theek hojayega?" Zoya said angrily. He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Theek hai kya chahiye aapko?" Asad asked. A smile crept up on her lips. "Mujhe aapse kuch maang na hai, ek promise," she told him. "Promise? Yeh bhi kohi maang tha hai kya Zoya?" Asad said. Zoya jumped up on the bed, "Oh come on Mr. Khan, maang ne kehliye main aap se kuch bhi maang sakthi thi lekin maine sirf ek vaada maanga aur aap woh bhi nahi deh sakthe," she exaggerated as Asad looked at her. "Yeh aap kya karahi hai? Aap phele neeche utariye," he said. Seeing how it was annoying him to see her on his bed, "nahi! Jab tak aap promise nahi karte, main neeche nahi utarungi," she firmly stated. "Zoya," Asad said like he was trying to convince a child. "Mr. Khan, aap promise deh rahe hai ya nahi?" she threatened. "Zoya, aap neeche utariye please!" Asad almost yelled. Zoya was now scared. May be this was a bad idea, she thought. But, if she gave up now then he would always just sush her up with his daring voice. No, she wasn't going to let that happen. Asad saw emotions play out on her face, fear then confusion, then determination. She wasn't going to get down so easily, he told himself. "Kya chahiye aapko?" he questioned. Zoya grinned, "Main chathi hoon keh jab bhi aap ghar mein rahenge toh sabh keh saath neeche khana khaye," she said as Asad looked at her shocked. "Zoya, yeh kya bachpana hai, yeh main nahi karsaktha," he told her. "Kyun nahi mr.khan?" she asked. "Aabh tum zidd karahi ho," he sternly said. "Zidd hai toh hai, jab tak aap ha nahi kahenge toh main yehi rahongi bed par," she stated. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose, "Theek hai, aap yehi rahiye. Main study mein jaraha hoon," he said. As he was about to walk out, "Agar main yeh kaho keh yeh mera mehendi gift hai toh," she said. He stopped and turned around, "please Mr. Khan...please!" she said pleadingly. "Wow, is this girl stubborn or what?" he thought as he looked at her face. She looked so cute with her hands folded in a pleading fashion and a puppy face. A smile broke out on his lips. "Fine!" he said. "Sach mr.khan, thank you!" she said excited as she jumped off the bed. "Samaal keh Zoya," Asad said as he moved forward to catch her before she could trip. She looked up and straightened herself and thanked him again. "Lekin ha, jab tak saare rishtedaar nahi chale jaate main apne room mein hi rahunga," he informed and she nodded. He left to the study and Zoya peeked to see that he was gone, before she did her happy dance.

Downstairs, Asad and Farhan were talking about official stuff when Haider popped in. "Toh Bhaijaan, kaisa lagraha hai shaadi keh baad?" he teased. Asad just glared at him. "Oh come on Bhai, meri pyaari Bhabhi kitni acchi hai, kuch toh baatayiye kaisa lagraha hai aapko?" Haider said. "Haider, hum log kaam karahe hai," Asad said avoiding his questions. "Kaam toh hota rahega, batao Asad," Farhan said as Asad looked at him surprised. "Unbelievable! Aap bhi," Asad said nodding his head. Farhan saw his brother trying to avoid her questions. "Asad...sabh theek toh haina tumare aur Zoya keh beech?" he enquired. "Ha Bhai...sabh theek hai," Asad replied. "Batao meri Bhabhi kaisi hai?" Haider asked curiously. "Acchi hai," Asad said. "Dekho Asad, Zoya ek bahut acchi ladki hai. Tume usse ek mauka dehna chahiye tumare zindagi mein ghul milne kehliye. Woh yaha tumare rishte aur tumare baroose aayi hai, issliye it's really important keh tum usse support karo. Main jaanta hoon keh yeh mushkil hota hai par I trust you to be a good husband," Farhan said placing a hand on his shoulder. Asad nodded. "Aur ha Bhai, agar aapne Bhabhi koh thaang kiya toh aap koh mera, the great Haider Ahmed Khan ka saamna karna padega," Haider said taking a karate pose. Asad smirked and slapped the back of his head. "Ouch!" Haider said rubbing his head as the other two brothers chuckled at him.

The next day, Asad was house arrested and kicked out of his room...correction their room. For the reception party, Dilshad had invited a beautician to help the girls and the relatives get ready. The men were given a room downstairs as they didn't need much space. Dilshad has told Zoya that a lot of their business associates were going to be at the party and all the media too since they wanted to know who has one of the most eligible bachelors of Bhopal was married to. Zoya wasn't a big fan of makeup and getting her hair done. She liked to keep things simple but she knew that all eyes were going to be on her tonight and she had to look good. So, she obliged to what Dilshad suggested. The men were all ready in their suits as they waited for the ladies. "Dilshad, late horaha hai, hume chalna chahiye," Rashild yelled from the living room. Najma ran out, "bas das minute aur Abu, Bhabhi ready horahi. Ammi kehrahi hai keh aapko aur dusre uncle jaaye. Hum Bhai aur Bhabhi koh lekar aate hai," she informed. Rashid and some of the relatives left along with some ladies who were ready. Asad was waiting for Zoya and the others. Standing there, his mind drifted into thoughts. What has life bought for him? Here he had decided that he would never marry but his mother and destiny had different plans for him. Zoya has walked into his life. He felt something unknown for her, an attraction, respect, perhaps something more which had no name, he didn't know. But, how was he supposed to share everything with her. His room, his thoughts, his feeling...how? It wasn't easy for him. He wasn't a man of words. Will she understand his silence? Last night when she had been honest with him, he wished that he could be truthful with her too and speak his feelings. Suddenly, he felt a drive of air and looked up to see an angel descending down the stairs. Dressed in a green lehenga, she looked radiantly beautiful. She wore matching diamond jewelry and her bangs were pinned up as her layers were in loose curls over her shoulders. As she was about to reach the stairs, Asad walked up and offered her his hand. She looked up at him and smiled. He was looking handsome in a grey suit and the light green shirt that she has given him. Her heart jumped with joy to see that he had wore the shirt that she had gifted him. She placed her hand in his and they walked together. "Wow Ammi, Bhaijaan kitne handsome lagrahe hai," Najma whispered to her mother and Dilshad nodded happily. Everyone followed the couple and soon, they all were in cars to head to the reception hall.

Zoya's dress: http://38.media.tumblr.com/1ee361f5ae2121ef2b3d86427e7e34b4/tumblr_meq150JPda1ro2j07o1_1280.jpg

The ride to the venue was silent for Asad and Zoya as the family was present. They both were stealing glances at each other unknowingly. Everyone reached the venue and Dilshad told the couple to wait out in the hallway so Rashid could gather everyone's attention and invite them in as a couple. Asad saw Zoya play with her dupatta as she stared in the direction of the hall. "Nervous?" he asked. She turned to look at him, "Kind of Mr. Khan. Mujhe iss sabh ki aadat nahi haina. Abu ne khabhi mujhe aur humi inn sabh mein padne nahi diya," Zoya explained. "I know. It's not a big deal. Just smile and acknowledge everyone. As far as the media is concerned, if they ask you anything, just say no comment to anything you don't want to answer," he told her and she nodded. Zoya tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes. He didn't like that. He took her hand in his and pulled her closer, "Would it help if I said that you look beautiful tonight aur tume dekh the hi agar kissi koh kuch kehna bhi hai toh woh sabh bhul jayenge, they will be tongue tied!" Asad told her as she looked at him surprised. This was the first compliment that she had ever gotten from him. Unknowingly, her cheeks turned a cherry red color. He was more surprised at himself than she was. What has he just done? It was an instant reaction of him when he saw her so nervous and sulking. "Thanks Mr. Khan!" she said as she beamed. This time, her smile reached her eyes and her cheeks formed into dimples. At that moment, Rashid announced for the guests to welcome the new couple, "Mr. and Mrs. Asad Ahmed Khan!" he said as everyone applauded and cheered. Zoya held Asad's hand and squeezed it. "It will be okay," he told her and she nodded. Together, they stepped in the hall. Zoya's heart skipped a beat hearing her new name. She walked in to see the hall full of people. Now, this was her new world. She had to learn to live in it! Everyone cooed about the beautiful couple and how they were made for each other. The press clicked pictures and videos. Asad didn't let go of her hand which made Zoya feel a lot better. Having him hold her, made her feel confident, comfortable. Asad introduced her to many business associates and Zoya was amazing at charming his clients and friends. Everyone has been greatly impressed with her and Asad felt proud.

Zoya saw her sister and ran up to her, pulling her into a hug. "I missed you humi!" she said. "Me too bhaji, kaisi hai aap?" Humaira said as they pulled apart. "You look beautiful," Humaira said looking her sister. "Thanks humi, aur main bilkul theek hoon," Zoya said. "Aur aapki suhaagraat, woh kaisi thi?" Humaira teased. Zoya slapped her arm, "stop it!" she said as she felt her cheeks blush. "You are blushing, kuch toh hua hoga," Humaira said. Zoya covered her cheeks as her sister giggled at her. "Come on humi, tu toh mera mazaak na uda," Zoya pouted. "Theek hai baba, sorry. Aabh batao jeeju kaise hai aur saare ghar wale. Aur wait uss din Dadi aapse kya bolne aayi thi?" Humaira asked recalling the nikaah day. Zoya's smile disappeared. "Kya hua tha bhaji? Dadi ne phir se aapse kuch bura toh nahi bola?" Humaira asked concerned. "Nahi humi, aisa kuch nahi hai. unne sirf kohi galat faimi thi and I hope keh woh theek hogaya hai," Zoya said hopefully. "Agar kuch bhi hua toh tell me, ok?" Humaira said. "Of course humi, aabh chod yeh sabh. Party hai enjoy karte hai. Aur ha yaha Mr. Khan keh bahut acche eligible bachelor friends aaye hai, tujhe introduce karado?" Zoya said with a wink. Now, it was Humaira's turn to become cherry red. Zoya smiled at her sister. They both missed two pair of eyes watching them. Asad was watching the interaction between the two sisters. He loved how Zoya was herself even in midst of all these people. The media, the people didn't seem to bother her. On the other hand, Haider felt his eyes drift towards her. She looked beautiful when she blushed, he thought. "Haider, yeh tu kya sooch raha hai, woh Bhabhi ki behen hai," he scolded himself as he walked away from there.

As they were talking with some of the guests, two spotlights fell on Asad and Zoya. They stopped talking and looked at each other. "It's time to rock the party guys and I request the newly married couple to come on the dance floor to start us off!" the announcer said as Asad looked on shocked and Zoya jumped in excitement. Zoya liked to dance, she loved music and anyway to express yourself. Asad on the other hand has never danced in his life. Who in the world was this stupid announcer, he thought. "Zoya, I can't dance," Asad whispered. "Oh come on Mr. Khan, itna hard nahi hai. please chaliye," Zoya encouraged. Asad didn't want to break her heart by refusing. Also, He knew that if he declined, it would become a big deal with the media present there. Asad went on his knees and asked Zoya for a dance. She happily placed her hand in his and they walked to the dance floor. He slid his other hand around her waist and pulled her closer. Zoya felt a blush creep up on her cheeks. She liked dancing but the senses his touch were bringing on to her made her feel nervous all of a sudden. The music started...

Maan yeh saheb ji
Jan hai sab ji
Phir bhi banaye bahane [Other couples joined them too. Haider offered Humaira for a dance. She was hesitant at first by then she happily agreed]

Naina Nawabi ji
Dekhe hai Sab ji
Phir bhi na samjhe Ishare

Maaan yeh saheb ji
Haan Karta Bahane
Naina Nawabi ji
NA samjhe ishare
[The desires in Asad's heart were rising. Seeing her beauty under the dimmed lights stirred an unknown feeling in him]

Dheere Dhere Naino Ko Dhere dhere
Jiya Ko Dheere Dhere Bhayo re Saibo

Dheere dheere baiga dheere dhere Apna sa dheere dheere
LAage se Saibo [He twired her around and now pulled her close to him again. This time her back was on his chest. His hands were wrapped around her waist and her eyes closed. She felt butterflies spin around in her stomach and her heart flutter]

Surkhiyan hai hawaon mein
Do dilon ki milne ki

Ho ho Arziyan hai nazaron mein
Lamha yeh tham jane ki
[He nuzzled her cheek with his nose and he felt her shudder in his touch]

Kaise huzur ji yeh lab dikhlaye

Chuppi bhi lage ke bhi gazab yeh dhaye

Dheere Dhere Naino Ko Dhere dhere
Jiya Ko Dheere Dhere Bhayo re Saibo [He spun her around and they were back to facing each other again. She opened her eyes to see him. He caressed her cheek and started to move close to her]

Dheere dheere baiga dheere dhere Apna sa dheere dheere
LAage se Saibo

Dheere dheere
Dheere dheere
Dheere dheere

His feelings took over his senses as he neared her face. Zoya felt heart skip a beat as she felt his lips grow closer to hers. She gripped onto his suit trying to balance the wave of emotions that she was feeling. "Ya Allah...yeh Mr. Khan kya karahe hai?" she thought but she didn't move. He moved closer and Zoya felt her body stiffen. Their eyes were interlocked with each other. He was an inch away from her lips when the sound of applause bought him back to his senses. He moved back letting go off her and looked at her, she was trying to avoid eye contact. "What was I going to do?" he thought. Asad ran his hands though his hair. If it was just a second late, he would have kissed her. He quickly excused himself and went to the bathroom. He didn't know what happened to him. He has never acted like with anyone before. Being a good looking bachelor, he has always had girls throw themselves at him but he wasn't that guy. What happened tonight? What changed? Looking at her under the dimmed lights, her dazzling beauty has enchanted him. He wanted to claim her lips and let his emotions overtake him. But that wasn't him. He would never let emotions overtake him. He looked in the mirror reflection of himself. "Remember Asad, what happened the last time you lost yourself to emotions? Phir se wahi galti karoge?" it mocked. He stepped back and punched the mirror. No one dared to mock Asad Ahmed Khan.

Zoya was surprised at Asad's sudden disappearance. She knew that it was awkward for the both of them to be so close but where has he gone, she thought as she searched for him. She asked Najma and Haider if they had seen Asad but they both responded negatively. As she searched the crowd, her eyes fell on Asad. He looked tense. She was trying to call out to him but it was too loud with the music that he didn't hear her. As she neared him, she saw his hand bleeding. Zoya was shocked. What has he done to hurt him? She tried to follow him but he was faster than her in her heels and lehenga. She saw him get into the car and drive off. She was worried. What has happened to him? She didn't understand why he suddenly disappeared from events, like the mehendi the other day and now the reception. She was about to leave but stopped, she had to tell someone. She quickly ran inside to find Dilshad. Zoya just told her that she felt sick and that she was going to go home with Asad. She didn't want to worry Dilshad without even knowing what was going on. Dilshad was worried but Zoya assured her that it wasn't a big deal and left. Zoya hailed a taxi from the reception hall and headed back home.

So how was the reception party...let me know 😆 waiting for your comments 😊 thanks for the all the encouragement guys, really means a lot 😊

Chapter 9

Dilshad got out of the car and sighed. She had wanted to talk to him but she knew that if she gave him a chance, he would run away again. He would run and hide into his dark hole. Rashid walked up to her, "tume shayad usse baat karleni chahiye, bahut gusse mein hai woh," he said. "Thodi dher woh akela rahega toh usse sooch ne ka mauka milega phir main usse baat karongi," she replied. They all headed inside and everyone retrieved to their room to change and freshen up. Dilshad gave some time for Asad to calm down. She knew that when he was angry he wouldn't listen or understand anything. She knew it was wrong to accept the proposal on his behalf but she had to. If not, she knew that Asad would come up with some reason to say no. Before today, he would reject even the idea of a proposal or meeting someone. The fact that he had agreed to meet Zoya was a big relief for her and she didn't want to him to reject this proposal as well. As much as she had heard about Zoya from Nikhat and seen her today, she seemed like a very good girl. She seemed like a girl that could make Asad move forward his life. She was sure that Zoya was the perfect companion to her son and she will make sure that she brings them together.

Asad barged into his room and removed his coat and threw it on the bed. His OCD didn't bother him when he had too many other things to worry about. He paced from one end of the room to another trying to figure out what had happened. Why did he stay quiet? He should have just yelled to everyone that he hadn't said yes. He should have been an honest man and confronted his family right there but why didn't he? Did he want this to happen? But what about her choice? It's her life too! His mind told him. He sat on his couch and closed his eyes and all he saw was her. His meetings with Zoya right from the one at the dargah, then the school, then the accident, and today at her house all flashed in front of his eyes. He couldn't understand why he was thinking about her. He opened his eyes trying to find answers but all he was answered with was an unknown silence. He rested his head on the couch and closed his eyes again. Moments later, he felt a loving caress on his forehead and he knew who it was. "please ammi...I don't want to talk right now!" he said still angry. "hua kya hai Asad?" she asked innocently. He opened his eyes and sat up, "ammi, itna sabh hone keh baad bhi aap yeh pooch rahi hai? Maine iss rishte ko ha kabh kaha ammi? Aap kaise karsakthi hai aisa?" he asked now sounding more upset than angry. "aisa nahi hai Asad, accha yeh batao, tum maante ho keh Zoya ek acchi ladki hai?" Dilshad asked. "jaha tak main unne jaanta tha hoon woh mujhe acchi lagi," Asad replied. "toh problem kya hai Asad? Tum yeh rishte koh ha kehna wale the na?" Dilshad said. "ammi, woh actually...," Asad mumbled when Dilshad chucked, "tum khabhi iske aage bolege, ha ya na?" she said. Asad thought hard, "shayad," he said. "That wasn't an option Asad," Dilshad said smilingly at her emotionally challenged son. There was no doubt he had a big heart and he loved everyone and anyone who he welcomed into his heart but when it came to expressing his feelings, her son was extremely challenged and shy in that department. But she knew his heart. The way he had looked at Zoya today when she had descended down the stairs. There was glint of happiness in his eyes that she hadn't seen in a long time. "jab tum ha hi kehane wale the toh aap gussa kyun ho?" she asked. "meri chodiye, aapko Zoya keh baare mein bhi toh sooch na tha?" he said. "matlab? Tum kya kehna chathe ho Asad?" Dilshad said confused. "Zoya ki bhi toh marzi aap sabh koh poochni chahiye thi," Asad explained. "Zoya ne toh ha kehdiya tha issliye toh hum ne rishta pakka kiya," Dilshad told him. "what? Aise kaise hosaktha hai?" Asad wondered out loud. "Zoya ki ammi ne hi hum se kaha keh Zoya ne iss rishte kehliye ha kehdiya aur aabh hum faisla kare, mujhe laaga keh tume Zoya pasand hai toh maine ha kehdiya," Dilshad said. Asad was confused. Zoya told him that she needed time and her mother said she had said yes. "ammi, aapke paas Zoya ka number hoga?" Asad said. "uh-oh number kyun chahiye Asad?" Dilshad teased. "ammi please, mujhe Zoya se zaroori baat karni hai," Asad replied. "main Nikhat se pooch thi hoon," Dilshad said and Asad nodded. "main bahut khush hoon aaj, Allah ne meri dua qubool karli," Dilshad said as she placed a kiss on his forehead and walked out with a smile on her lips and relief in her heart.

Later, Dilshad asked Nikhat for Zoya's number and gave it to Asad. Asad felt weird calling her like this but he had to. It was important that they talk. He had committed the mistake of rushing into things before and he wasn't going to repeat it again. He dialed the number and saved it in his contacts before dialing. After crying her heart out, Zoya didn't know when she fell asleep on the floor. The ringing of her phone woke her up. She jerked up and took a minute to compose herself. She dug up her phone which was lost in her blanket somewhere. She found it and answered. "hello!" she gasped. "Zoya, aap theek toh haina?" asked a worried Asad on the other side. "Mr. khan?" she said surprised. Realizing her surprise, "ha woh sabh kuch itni jaldi hogaya, mujhe aap se baat karni thi," he replied. "ha kahiye," Zoya said. "main sooch raha tha keh kya aap kal mujhe coffee shop mein milengi?" Asad asked thinking it was better to discuss things in person. "main? Mr. khan agar mere ghar mein kisiko paata chal gaya toh problem hosakthi hai," Zoya told him honestly. "kya aap thodi dher bhi nahi aasakthi?" he asked hopefully. "main kuch karti ho. Kabh milna hai?" Zoya asked. "kal shaam paanch baje sweet dreams coffee shop par. Aap aayengi na?" he said. "ha Mr. khan main aajaungi," Zoya said. She didn't ask what he wanted to talk about. She didn't want to. He was probably going to reject her. May be he found out the truth about her. After knowing the truth, who on this earth would want to marry her. If the people she considered her family didn't accept her for the past 22 years then what could she expect from a stranger. That night, both Asad and Zoya were lost in the thoughts of one another. Asad wanted to clarify everything and let Zoya take her decision; on the other hand, Zoya was ready for his rejection.

The next evening, Asad left work early so he could reach on time. Zoya on the other hand was trying to leave the house without having to answer any questions. She didn't want to lie and she knew that they wouldn't let her go if they knew that she was going to meet Asad alone. Gaffur was not back from work and Humaira was still at college so all she had to deal with was razia. As razia was on the phone with one of her friends, Zoya tip toed out of the house and left. It was 5:15 and Zoya was still not here. Asad kept glancing at his watch and then at the entrance. Suddenly, he heard a thud and looked up to see her apologizing to the waiter whose order had fallen on the floor due to her mistake. She was dressed in faded blue skinny jeans, a pink kurti, and a black scarf around her neck. She ran up to the table, "sorry sorry sorry Mr. Khan, woh ghar se nikalte nikalte thodi dher hogayi, aur phir taxi bhi nahi mile aur" she blabbered running out of breath. "it's ok, baito," Asad said. She sat down and took the glass of water and gulped it down. "aap kuch leyengi?" he asked. "caramel cappuccino," Zoya replied with a smile. Asad ordered her cappuccino and a black coffee for him. "black coffee...ewww!" Zoya thought. Asad looked to make sure she was ready to listen to him and started to talk. "kal joh bhi hua uske kehliye I am sorry Zoya," he said. "aapne rishte kehliye ha kehdiya tha phele se hi?" she asked confused. "nahi woh actually bahut baada confusion hogaya tha," Asad said and Zoya waited for him to explain. "ammi koh laaga keh tum mujhe pasand ho iss liye unone ha keha diya aur phir aapki ammi ne bhi sabh se kaha keh aap ne iss rishte kehliye ha kehdi hai toh," Asad said. Zoya was shocked. Her parents lied about her decision. How could they? she thought. "dekho Zoya, main jaanta hoon keh tume time chahiye tha and I completely understand. main nahi chatha keh tum yeh nikaah kissi dabav mein karo. Tumara joh bhi decision hogaya, I will support you. Mujhe yeh rishta qubool hai lekin kya tum yeh rishta karna chathi ho?" Asad said. Zoya looked at him surprised. For the first time in her life, she didn't have to fight for what was hers. He was giving her the right to make a decision and telling her that he would support her. That meant a lot to her. But, she didn't know what to say. Asad, on the other hand, had decided to say yes.

Seeing her silence, "agar tume time chahiye toh tum le sakthi ho," Asad told her. "kya aap ke paas thoda time hai?" she asked. "yeah!" Asad said confused at her question. "kya hum dargah chal sakthe hai please," she said. Asad was confused at her sudden request but he agreed. Asad paid the bill and they headed outside to the parking lot. He opened the door for her and she got into the passenger seat mumbling a small thanks. He got into the driver's seat and they headed towards the dargah. The drive was quiet as Zoya was contemplating what her answer was going to be. Asad wanted to let her be and didn't want to interrupt her thoughts. He had thought a lot about Zoya last night. If this girl could put her life at stake for a stranger then she could possibly do anything for a family she considered own. If a girl had to come into his life, the only thing he wanted was for her to keep her family happy, especially his mother. If everyone liked her, he had decided to accept her for the sake of everyone. She seemed nice but he didn't know much about her to decide anything else. Soon they reached the dargah. As she got out of the car, Zoya took the scarf from around her neck and covered her head. Asad too covered his head with his hand kerchief and they both walked inside. Asad was reminded the first time he had seen Zoya here and a small smile played on his lips. Zoya was too lost in her own world to notice. They walked in and went to their respective sides for men and women. Asad could still see Zoya in between the dividing. She raised her hands in prayer, "ya Allah miyan, aap kyun hamesha mujhe kohi na kohi uljan mein dal dehte hai. Main hamesha se chathi thi keh main tabhi nikaah karo jab mujhe mere ammi aur abu miljaye lekin itne saal kosish karke bhi main na kaam rahi hoon. kya aap mujhe kuch samajana chathe hai? Kya aap chathe hai keh main zindagi mein aage badjao apne ateet koh bhula kar? Main kya karoon Allah miyan? Kya Mr. khan ko ha kardo. Woh ek bahut acche insaan lagthe hai aur unki family bhi toh. Shayad joh family main hamesha chathi thi wohi aap mujhe dehne ki kosish karahe hai, "she said. Finishing her prayer, she walked up to the wall and tied a thread thanking Allah for whatever he had decided. She had always believed that whatever happens, happens for a reason and that is what she was believing now too. If Allah had decided to bring Asad into her life, maybe he had decided something good for her. He had saved her from trouble twice before, maybe he would always help her in life. And he could also give her a family that she had always yearned for. Suddenly, her fingers touched someone's hand and she looked up to see Asad on the other side. "main jawaab dehne kehliye ready ho Mr. khan," she said and they both walked out to the area in front of the dargah. They stood facing each other and Asad waited for her to speak. "first of all, thank you Mr. Khan, aap ne mere baare mein soocha aur mujhe faisla karne ka mauka diya, it means a lot to me. Kal joh bhi huwa usse main thoda shock toh huwi thi lekin yaha aakar aur apne dil ki baat Allah miyan se karkar main samaj gayi hoon. mere jawaaab ha hai Mr. khan, mujhe bhi yeh rishta qubool hai," Zoya declared. "Zoya, kohi dabav toh nahi haina?" he asked making sure. "nahi Mr. khan, main apne dil se ha karahi hoon, sach!" she told him and he could see that she was right. Her eyes had this serene sense of acceptance for him that was visible. Asad told Zoya that he would drop her home and she accepted.

As they were driving back, Zoya's eyes fell on something on the side of the road. "kulfi!" she exclaimed. "Mr. khan, please rokiye na. mujhe kulfi khani hai," she said. "Zoya, yeh sabh mat kahiye, bahut unhygienic hoti hai," Asad said without stopping the car. "mr. khan, main bachpan se khati aarahi hoon, kuch nahi hota. stop the car please!" she pleaded. He nodded and parked the car on the side of the road. Zoya quickly got out and was about to cross the road when he pulled her back. She turned back and landed on his chest. He stumbled back but composed himself wrapping his hands around her waist. "samaal ke Zoya, road peh cars bhi hoti hai," he said scolding her for her carelessness. "sorry!" she said feeling guilty. As they were about to broke apart, "aahh!" she yelled and he looked down to see that her hair had gotten stuck in his shirt's button. He held her arm and moved her closer to him. She felt a tingle down her spine as she felt his arm touch hers. As Asad was removing her hair from his shirt, Zoya felt his breath on her cheeks. She felt her cheeks turned tomato red. It was the first time some guy was so close to her, she thought. Asad removed the hair and caught her staring at him, "Zoya," he said bringing her out of his thoughts. She felt awkward on getting caught, "chaliye na Mr. khan, mujhe kulfi aaj hi khani hai," she said as she took his arm in hers without even realizing it and went across the road. "bhaiya doh badam kulfi dehna please," Zoya said excitedly. "Zoya, mujhe nahi chahiye," Asad told her. "mr. khan, ek baar taste toh kijiye, kuch nahi hoga," she requested and he nodded. The guy handed them the kulfis and Zoya started to feast on hers while Asad stood looking this, still not being able to eat it. "what's wrong Mr. khan, ek baar taste toh kijiye," Zoya said as she moved his hand with the kulfi to his mouth. Asad took a small bite and actually liked it. Zoya smiled and continued enjoying her kulfi. Asad watched her eat. She was like a little kid, he thought. The way she had this eagerness to eat it and the enjoyment in her eyes reminded him of Imran when he got it favorite candy, he smirked. How can someone be so mature and childish at the same time, he thought. They finished eating the kulfi and Asad dropped Zoya home. Before getting out, "I had a good time Mr. khan, bye," Zoya said and stepped out. "me too Zoya, bye!" he said. He waited till she opened the gates and got in before heading his way.

So some positive developments...Asad and Zoya have said yes to the rishta, let me know what you guys think! Thanks for all your comments and support 😊

I have updated the PM list on page 1, please let me know if I missed your name and you would like to be added to the list.

Chapter 11

The families had decided that the engagement will be a private affair with just close family and friends. Gaffur had suggested that they can do it in their back garden and Rashid had happily agreed. The whole garden was decorated with lights. In the middle were four white pillars that made a square. The pillars were connected with golden satin cloth. On top of the cloth hung strings of white and pink carnations intertwined with gold lights. There were chairs placed in a circle around the pillars and two chairs inside for the couple. The fence surrounding the garden was also decorated with lights and strings of flowers. Gaffur was looking over the decorations. He was extremely happy that Zoya was getting married in the khan household. He knew that Asad would give Zoya what he failed to give her, happiness...true happiness. He just prayed that his wife didn't create any issues for Zoya in her wedding. He knew how much she hated Zoya and he was afraid, she will create some problems. He just wanted to fulfill his duty as a father! Perhaps this might be the last time he was doing something for her. His thoughts were interrupted, "kitna kaam karenge aap, waqt horaha hai aap jaake tayaar hojayiye," Razia said walking up him. "meri beti ki shaadi hai main nahi toh kyon karenge," Gaffur replied. "yaad rakhiye woh aap ki kuch nahi lagthi warna aap jaante hai keh kya hoga?" she threatened. "main jaanta hoon Razia, main bhula nahi hoon, tume baar baar yaad dilane ki zaroorat nahi hai," Gaffur said angrily and walked away. "uss ladki ne meri khushiya cheeni thi aur uss kehliye main usse khabhi nahi maaf karongi. Na hi usse khush rehne dungi," Razia thought to herself before following her husband inside the house.

Gaffur sat in his room recalling the day he had bought Zoya home. He closed his eyes as tears filled them. Just a few more days, then his daughter would leave this house! He remembered how much he had protested to bring her into this house. The condition that his wife had kept, he had blindly accepted. Because he had no choice! He didn't want to leave her alone in this brutal world. She needed a father, a home, a family and that is what he had tried to give her. Though in the process, he might have given her thousand sorrows. He was a coward! He was never strong enough to accept the truth and he probably never will be. Now, he just prayed that Zoya found her happiness. He knew that she will make Asad and the khan family her own like she did with anyone. She was her mother in that aspect. She could change anyone's heart and make a space in it. Except for people who didn't have hearts...like his wife, he thought. "Allah maine joh bhi guna kiye ho, meri bacchi koh uski saza mat dehna. Main jaanta hoon keh maine apni ki huwi galati ki maafi khabhi nahi maangi hai lekin aaj maang tha hoon. Paata nahi kyun, yeh sooch kar keh meri bacchi abhi kuch dino mein yaha se chali jayegi, dil bhar sa gaya hai," he thoughts as tears rolled down his cheeks. He removed his glasses and placed them on the table. He saw the image of his two daughters on the night table. Wiping his tears, a smile crept on his lips. At that moment, Zoya walked in, "Abu, kya hua? Aap roh rahe hai?" she asked worried. "nahi beta, kuch nahi. Bas yeh sooch raha hoon keh jab meri beti yaha se chali jayengi toh yeh ghar kitna suna hojayega," he told her. Zoya was surprised. Her father was not very vocal about his feelings, especially not with her. "Abu...aap," she hesistated not sure what to say. Gaffur walked forward and pulled her into an embrace. Zoya closed her eyes as tears brimmed inside. "I will miss you too Abu," she whispered. Gaffur smiled hearing those words. "kuch baat karna tha?" he asked. Zoya quickly wiped her tears, "woh neeche caterers aaye hai," she told him as she broke apart from the hug. "accha. Tum jao tyaar hojao," Gaffur said, patting her head lovingly. Zoya nodded and left the room. This was one of the few times that her father had told her how he felt. This meant a lot to her. May be the fact that she will leave was making him emotional just as it was, she thought.

The sun had set and the decorations looked even more beautiful at night. The khan family arrived and were greeted by Gaffur and Razia. "maaf kijiyega Gaffur saab, hume aane mein thodi dher hogayi, meri ammi aane wali thi aur hum sabh unnika intezaar karahe the lekin unki flight late hogayi toh," Rashid explained. "aree kohi baat nahi Rashid saab, aayiye na aap sabh," Gaffur said inviting them in. Nikhat and Najma asked if they could go see Zoya and went inside the house. Humaira was helping Zoya get ready in her room. As Humaira was pinning Zoya's dupatta, someone knocked on the door. "aayiye," Humaira replied. Seeing Najma and Nikhat, Humaira greeted them. Zoya too turned and greeted them. "haye, meri pyaar devarani kitni khoobsurat lagrahi hai, mashAllah!" Nikhat said. "thanks Bhabhi," Zoya said shyly. "mere bhaijaan koh kohi takar de saktha hai toh woh aap ho Bhabhi," Najma teased as Zoya's cheeks turned crimson red. Downstairs, everyone was seated and Asad was at the venue waiting for Zoya to join him. He looked up at the backyard door to see Zoya being bought down by Nikhat, Humaira, and Najma. He felt his breath get stuck in his throat and his heart fluttered. She looked angelic! Dressed in the white lehenga, she had the dupatta pinned on both her shoulders. She had added matching earrings and a maang teeka. Her bangs were pinned up and the rest of the hair lay on her shoulders, curled. Zoya looked up and smiled at him. Seeing his eyes on him, she felt conscious of herself. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. He was dressed in a black sherwani looking extremely handsome. Looking at the way Asad was looking at her future bahu, "Asad, sirf dekhne se kuch nahi hoga, usse bol na bhi padega keh woh acchi lagrahi hai," Dilshad whispered. "ammi...woh actually," he mumbled. "bolna hai Asad, bas aur kuch nahi sunna hai mujhe!" she sternly said. As Zoya walked up to them, Dilshad walked up to her, "bahut pyaari lagrahi ho," she said placing a kiss on her forehead. "thanks ammi!" Zoya said smilingly.

Asad's dress: http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/378633_440362792721677_2108716205_n.jpg

Zoya's dress: http://data2.whicdn.com/images/59355731/original.jpg

Gaffur asked Rashid if he wanted to wait for his mother but Rashid told them to go ahead with the engagement since it was already late and he didn't want the guests to wait any longer. Everyone gathered in the garden and the family stood around Asad and Zoya. Najma walked in with Zoya's ring and Humaira had Asad's ring. Both Asad and Zoya were nervous, but for different reasons. With this ring, she will be bound by new relationships and new responsibilities. She will be the daughter-in-law of the khan family. Will she be able to fulfill her duties? But, she didn't know anything, she thought. Will she fall in love with Asad like she had always dreamt of. She had wanted to love her husband but she hardly knew Asad. She liked him a little, and respected him, but love? Will she ever feel that for him, she didn't know! Asad, on the other hand, was nervous about how he would keep Zoya happy. Will he be able to accept her fully into his life like a husband should with his wife. Will he be able to trust her after what had happened? And what about love? Will this marriage be just for the sake of their families or will they ever truly get involved in this relationship by heart? Both their thoughts were disturbed when Dilshad called out to them. Najma came forward first and offered the ring to Asad. Asad took the ring and turned to Zoya. He extended his left hand forward asking for her hand. Zoya smiled as she placed her hand in his. She felt a tingle run through her body. Her heart trembled erratically at this touch. Why is it that every time he touched her, she felt like she was on fire, she thought. Asad slipped the ring he had selected on her ring finger as friends and family cheered for the couple. Next, Humaira gave Zoya Asad's ring. She took it and looked at him. He put his hand forward and she placed the ring on his finger sealing their fates together forever. As the ring slipped on its finger, he felt content for some reason. A serene sense of peace and belonging took over his heart. The family hugged and congratulated the couple. "yeh sabh kya horaha hai...humare bina hi yaha sagai bhi hogayi?" someone said and everyone turned at the entrance. Farhan stood with an old lady in her mid-60s dressed in a light green salwar kameez and her head was covered with her dupatta. "ammi!" Rashid said. Dilshad, Nikhat, and Najma quickly covered their heads and went towards her, greeting her. "yeh kya Dilshad tumne sagai bhi kardi?" she said getting mad. "ammi, woh sabh intezaar karahe the aur aap ki flight bhi," Rashid explained when his mother interrupted, "toh kya meri yehi emiyat (value) reha gayi hai iss ghar mein," she told him. "nahi ammi, aisa nahi hai. Aap aayiye na, main aapko Asad ki dulhan se mila thi hoon," Dilshad said trying to change the topic. Suraiya Bano or Badi bi as she was usually addressed diverted her attention to Asad and Zoya who was still at the venue. The family took Badi bi to Zoya and Asad. "ammi, yeh Zoya hai, Asad ki dulhan," Dilshad said introducing Zoya. "as-salamualaykum!" Zoya greeted. "khoobsurat toh bahut hai lekin lagtha hai tumari ammi ne tume tehzeeb nahi sikayi," Suraiya stated as everyone looked at her shocked. "ammi, aap yeh kya bol rahi hai?" Rashid asked. "aur nahi toh kya sir pe pallu bhi nahi le sakthi," Suraiya retorted. Zoya quickly pulled her dupatta over her head, "maaf kijiye," she said. Suraiya just nodded and moved on to meet Zoya's family and others. Tears rolled down Zoya's cheeks and she quickly wiped them away but it didn't go unnoticed by furious Asad.

Asad's ring: http://sapphirerings.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/men.jpg

Asad tried to talk to Zoya the rest of the evening but was unsuccessful. She was always with someone or the other. At last, the khan family had to leave and everyone greeted each other and they left. Asad didn't really talk to anyone and went straight to his room. He was really angry that Dadi had bought Zoya's mother up. He knew that something was wrong with her and her mother and it always bought tears to her eyes. As much as he had noticed, Razia never talked to Zoya and Zoya too stayed away from her. He decided to take a hot shower trying to put her tearful face away from his eyes. But he couldn't! He had to talk to her. He couldn't sleep peaceful without knowing that she was alright. He didn't know why her tears affected him so much but the fact was that they did. He changed into a cream colored kurta pajama, took his car keys, and rushed out of the house. Parking his car in front of the Siddiqui mansion, he dialed her number. Zoya was on her iPad reading something when she heard her phone ring. "itni raat koh kyon hai?" she thought as she picked the phone and answered without looking. "Zoya, mujhe tumse baat karni hai? She heard his husky voice on the line. "Mr. Khan aap? Iss waqt?" she said. "tum abhi neeche aasakthi ho?" he asked. "Mr. Khan aap neeche hai?" Zoya said shocked. "ha tumare ghar keh bahar intezaar karaha hoon, please mujhse milo," Asad stated. "Mr. Khan main abhi kaise? Kya hum kal nahi mil sakthe?" Zoya said. "agar maine aapse baat nahi ki toh main yaha se nahi jaunga," Asad firmly stated. Zoya sighed. "theek hai, aap ghar keh peeche taraf aayiye main aapko thodi dher mein waha mil thi hoon," Zoya said. Asad agreed and went to the street behind the house.

Minutes later, he heard a "Mr. Khan," and turned to see Zoya on the wall. "Zoya...kya karahi ho?" Asad asked. "catch Mr. Khan!" she said as she jumped and landed into his strong arms. Caught in surprise, he stumbled back but balanced himself. "yeh sabh kya hai?" he asked as he placed her on her feet. "gate khol thi toh awaaz aati iss liye deewar se," Zoya said as he smirked at her. She was mad! But beautifully mad! Dressed in a two piece night suit, she had her hair up in a ponytail. Without any makeup, her skin glowed under the moonlight. Her simplicity reflected in her eyes. She looked extremely beautiful, he thought. Asad, focus! You are here to talk to her, his mind chided. "Mr. Khan aabh kuch boliye na, kyun bhulaya hai mujhe yaha?" she asked bringing him out of his thoughts. "woh actually...mujhe...woh," he hesitated. "Mr. Khan, aap joh bhi chahiye mujhe bol sakthe hai. Boliye na," Zoya said casually. How can she be so calm about things, he thought. If this was him, he would have been breaking the things his room with his blood raging and nostrils flaring. "mujhe tumse maafi mangni thi," Asad said. "maafi? Kyun?" Zoya said confused. "woh meri Dadi ne joh bhi kiya aur kaha uss kehliye I am sorry, I know keh tume hurt hua hai," Asad honestly said. Zoya's smile fell from her lips. "I am sorry Zoya, I didn't mean to," Asad said. "nahi Mr. Khan its ok aur aap please maafi mat mangiye. woh aap ki Dadi hai aur main unki bahut izzat karti hoon, lekin unne meri ammi keh baare mein kuch nahi kehna chahiye tha," Zoya said sadly. "Dadi thodi si, actually nahi bahut conservative hai. Main unse baat karonga," Asad stated. "nahi Mr. Khan, kuch mat kahiye, unne bura lagega," Zoya quickly said. Asad looked at her. There was so much concern and worry in her eyes. She was a special girl, he thought. "theek hai, kosish karonga," Asad said. Zoya jumped with excitement, "thanks Mr. Khan!" she said. "aap aise hi haste rahiye, bahut acchi lagthi hai," Asad said dreamily and Zoya looked at him surprised. "woh main...woh," he mumbled. "aap please yeh sorry bolna chodijiye, aap acche nahi lagthe sorry bol the huwe," Zoya said trying to change the topic. "aur ha Mr. Khan aaj se jab bhi aapko sorry bol na haina toh aap mujhe chocolate deh dijiye, main aapko maaf kardongi," Zoya said. Asad looked at her surprised. She was different than anyone he had met before. Who else would ask chocolates instead of forgiveness, he thought. "Mr. Khan...aapne suna maine kya kaha?" she asked waving her hand in front of his face. Asad came back to reality. "theek hai, next time se yaad rakonga," Asad told her. "next time Mr. Khan? Mujhe toh abhi chahiye," she pouted. "abhi?" Asad said. "ha Mr. Khan, agar aapko maafi chahiye toh mujhe abhi chocolates chahiye warna main aapko maaf nahi karungi," Zoya said as she sat on his car's bonnet. Asad shook his head pinching the bridge of his nose. "this girl was impossible!" he thought. Asad agreed and Zoya sat in the car with him.

They drove around and found a 24 hour pharmacy. Asad made Zoya stay in the car and went in to get the chocolates. Ignoring the guy who was giving him looks for buying chocolates this late, Asad quickly bought the chocolates and left. "yeh lijiye aapke chocolates," he said handing her the chocolates. Zoya happily took it from him and opened one up. Biting into the chocolate, she moaned in pleasure. Asad had a new feeling take over him. A feeling he had never experienced in his life. He wanted to take her into his arms and press his lips against hers sharing her chocolate. Asad slammed on the breaks getting mad at himself. How could he think like this? And why was he thinking like this? What was wrong with him? Her hand on her shoulder bought him out of his thoughts, "kya hua Mr. Khan...sabh theek toh hai?" Zoya asked. "yeah," he said as he started to drive again. Asad drove to the back of the house, "lijiye aagaye," he said. Turning around he saw her cuddled onto the seat, sleeping peaceful. A smile crept onto his lips. He moved forward and wiped the tiny, smudge of chocolate from the corner of her lips. Feeling his touch, her eyes shot up. "sorry Mr. Khan paata nahi kaise meri aankh lagayi," Zoya said sitting up. "Zoya, agar main sorry nahi bol saktha toh tum bhi nayi warna main bhi tumse kuch maang lunga," Asad teased. "theek hai kuch nahi bolungi," Zoya said as she giggled. "good night Zoya!" he said. "good night Mr. Khan," Zoya said with a smile. Zoya jumped on the wall again and went inside the walls. Asad watched her safely reach inside before driving away with a smile.

Chapter 13

Asad was the first to react and follow Zoya out to check on her. Zoya ran out of the house and into the backyard, she just wanted some fresh air. She felt like she was going to choke inside with everyone looking at her. Zoya looked up at the sky, "kyun Allah miyan! Mere saath hi aisa kyun hota hai? Jab mujhe lagtha hai keh sabh theek horaha hai, tabhi sabh bhikar kyun jaata hai," she cried. At that moment, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She knew who it was. It was him! That was the one touch that made lightening run through her body. She turned around and threw herself in his arms. She kept her head on his chest as tears soaked his shirt. He wrapped his left hand around her waist and caressed her hair with the other, consoling her. "I am sorry Mr. Khan, mujhe maaf kardijiye," she said in between her sobs. "Shhh! Sabh theek hojayega," Asad told her. Asad had a new respect for her in his heart. He didn't know even if he had the courage to stand in front of all these people and accept what she had just done. Hearing his words, she looked up at him, "kaise theek hoga Mr. Khan, sabh khatam hogaya," she told him. "Nahi Zoya, aisa nahi hai. Maine kaha na keh sabh theek hojayega," Asad said wiping her tears. She placed her hand on top of his which was caressing her cheek. "Kya aap abhi bhi mujhse nikaah karenge?" Zoya asked. "Agar abhi bhi tum mujhse nikaah karna chathi ho toh ha mujhe yeh rishte se kohi takleef nahi hai," he replied to her. Zoya was surprised. "Lekin kyun Mr. Khan? Yeh jaante huwe keh main kyon hoon phir bhi," she said. He placed his finger on her chin and lifted her head so she could see his eyes. "Kya tum jaanti ho keh tum kyon ho Zoya?" he said and she looked at him confused. "Tum wohi ladki ho jis mein itni himmat hai keh woh ek choti si bacchi koh bachane kehliye khud jaan dehna pasand karti hai, tum woh ladki ho joh apne saare gham bhula kar baccho keh saath milkar baccha banti ho, tum woh ho jisne mera dil badal diya. Main nikaah hi nahi karna chatha tha lekin tumne mera dil badla. Mujhe tumare kal se kohi farak nahi padta Zoya. Main toh tumare saath aane wala kal guzaarna chatha hoon ek dost, ek saathi bankar," he told her. She looked into the depth of his eyes; she could see that he didn't judge her. He didn't care what her past was or blamed her for the fact that she didn't know where her parents were. Asad, on the other hand, was amazed at himself. He wasn't a person who easily said what was in his heart but seeing her tears, he had unknowingly spilled open everything. "Lekin Mr. khan, Ammi Abu, I mean baaki ghar wale," Zoya said unsure of their reaction. "Zoya, jaha tak main meri, nahi humari family koh jaanta hoon, iss nikaah kehliye woh mujhse badkar excited hai, aur unn sabh ne tume tumare liye accept kiya hai," he told her. Zoya smiled hearing him say "humari" family. "Bhai!" someone called and they both pulled apart and turned to see Haider. "Aap dono andar chaliye please!" he said worried. Asad looked at Zoya and they both proceeded inside.

Haider walked in followed by Asad and Zoya to hear Dadi yelling at Zoya's family. "Itna baada dokha!" she said. "Badi bi, hum maante hai keh hum se galti huwi hai lekin hum khabhi aap sabh koh dokha nahi dehna chathe the," Gaffur said. "Yeh dokha nahi toh kya hai? Iss ladki koh humare ghar ki bahu banane chale the aap log," badi bi yelled as she looked at Zoya angrily. Asad moved in front of Zoya, shielding her. "Ammi, Zoya bahut acchi bacchi hai," Dilshad said. "Dilshad...jis ladki koh uske Ammi Abu ka kohi aata paata nahi woh chali hai humari ghar ki bahu banne," Suraiya said angrily. "Bas Dadi! Aap Zoya keh baare mein aise nahi keha sakthi hai," Asad roared as everyone looked at him shocked. "Sach sunne mein bura zaroor lagtha hai lekin badal nahi jaata Asad. Paata nahi aur kya kya sach chupaya hai iss ladki ne, aur kya kamiya hai iss mein," badi bi mocked. "Bas Dadi! Bahut hogaya. Mujhe iss baare mein kohi aur baat nahi karni hai," Asad said. Dadi was extremely happy to hear that, "bilkul theek kaha tumne Asad, chalo yaha se, ainda iss ladki ya iss ghar ki shakal nahi dekhenge," she announced. Everyone was shocked. Zoya looked at Asad for answers. As Dadi walked towards the door, "ek minute Dadi, shayad aap ne theek se suna nahi, maine kaha keh mujhe yeh baat phir nahi karni hai, yeh nahi keh main Zoya se nahi milonga," Asad said. Now, it was Dadi's turn to be shocked. "itna sabh hone keh baad, tum isse nikaah karoge?" she asked. "ha!" Asad firmly stated. "tum itne baade hogaye keh mujhse zubaan ladaoge, Rashid tum kuch kehte kyun nahi?" Dadi asked her son. "Ammi, main jaanta hoon keh aapko bura laaga hai, lekin Zoya bahut acchi ladki hai aur Asad iss rishte kehliye ha keha diya hai. Aur aap jaante hai keh woh apna vaada pura karega," Rashid said. "ya Allah, yeh sunne keh phele main mar kyun nahi gayi. Yeh anjaan ladki kehliye tum sabh mere khilaaf jarahe ho?" Dadi said angrily. "yeh anjaan ladki nahi, meri hone wali biwi hai Dadi," Asad stated as Zoya looked at him in awe. All the other family members were elated to hear that except for Razia who was furious that her plan had failed. "iss ladki ne hum sabh se jhoot bola aur tum iss ka saath deh rahe ho," Dadi mocked. "Zoya ne kohi jhoot nahi bola hai. Agar aaj woh saach nahi baata thi toh hume khabhi paata nahi chal tha na. kya rishta laane keh waqt humne Zoya se ya uski family se yeh sabh poocha? nahi na, toh kaisa jhoot. Aur waise bhi yeh sabh beeti baatein hai toh isse kya farak padtha hai. Main Zoya se hi nikaah karonga aur agar nahi, toh khabhi nikaah nahi karonga," Asad sternly stated. Dadi glared at Zoya, "paata nahi kya jadoo kardiya hai tumne mere ghar par," she said. "Dadi-ji please, mujhe maaf kardijiye. Main saach...," Zoya said when Dadi interrupted her, "main tume khabhi nahi maaf karongi aur yeh nikaah bhi khabhi nahi hoga!" Dadi said as she walked out of the house. "aap fikar mat karahe Gaffur saab, main Ammi se baat karonga. Aabh hume ijazat dijiye," Rashid said. "hum phir se maafi chathe hai Rashid saab," Gaffur said pleadingly. "nahi nahi Gaffur saab, maafi toh Ammi ki taraf se main aapse maang tha hoon." Rashid said as they both hugged.

Zoya felt guilty. She wanted to tell the truth to start this relationship on a new slate, not to hurt old relationships. Dilshad walked up to Zoya, "beta...Ammi thodi purane khayalat ki hai issliye yeh sabh bol diya, tum fikar mat karo. Hum sabh unse baat karenge," Dilshad said. Zoya wrapped her arms around Dilshad, "I am sorry ami, meri wajase yeh sabh. Main toh sirf saach bol na chathi thi. Main nahi chathi keh mere liye aap sabh Dadi se ladayi kare," Zoya said as tears filled her eyes. "Aise nahi kehte Zoya. Sabh theek hojayega." Dilshad said caressing her hair. As they broke apart, "aur ha Zoya, hum sabh ne tume tumare liye pasand kiya hai. Hume tumare ateet se kohi vasta nahi hai. Main jaanti hoon keh tumare liye yeh sabh karna bahut mushkil hua hoga lekin mujhe accha laga keh tumne saach kaha," Dilshad said patting her cheek. As everyone walked towards the door, Asad stopped and turned to Zoya, "tum fikar mat karo, main sabh theek kardonga. Humara nikaah waise hi hoga jaise tyaar hua hai," Asad said as Zoya nodded smilingly. After the khan family left, Razia furiously turned to Zoya. "tumne kya kasam kahi keh hume khabhi chain se jeene nahi dohgi," she yelled as she caught Zoya's arm. "Chodiyi mujhe, dard horaha hai," Zoya said. She tried to struggle but it came to a halt when she felt her father hand remove his wife's hand from above hers. Zoya turned to look at him, "tumne joh kiya woh theek kiya beta, shayad jhoot bol kar yeh rishta hume shuru nahi karna chahiye tha. Joh himmat shayad main aaj tak nahi kar paya woh tumne kardiya, bahut khushi hai mujhe," Gaffur said happily. "Aap yeh kya bol rahe hai jee, iski waja se itna accha rishta shayad haath se na nikal jaye," Razia said, acting worried. "bas karo Razia! Chalo yaha se," Gaffur said. Razia tried to inerrupt but he took Razia and left from there. Humaira placed her hand on her sister's shoulder. Zoya turned and hugged Humaira, "bahut dar lagraha hai humi...paata nahi kya hoga?" she said tensed. "Sabh sahi hojayega Bhaji, Allah ne aap kehliye Asad Bhaijaan koh hi chuna hai woh mujhe aaj yakeen hogaya hai. Aaj jis taara unone aapko protect kiya aur aap kehliye apne Dadi se ladayi ki, it was truly awesome! Aur aabh Allah miyan aap keh saath kuch galat nahi hone denge, inshAllah" Humaira told her. Zoya truly hoped and prayed that Humaira's words were true. That night, Humaira stayed with Zoya to make sure she was fine after what had happened. She put Zoya to sleep first and went to bed praying that everything is solved and that her sister gets a happy life, that she deserved.

On the other hand, there was a major argument about the nikaah in the khan household. Dadi refused to let Zoya into their lives because of who she was. Asad has firmly told her that his decision was the same and was not going to change. Dilshad and Rashid were trying to convince Dadi. They were trying to explain that Zoya was a good girl and how she was a teacher and had saved asma's life. "forget it Ammi, inne kohi farak nahi padtha. Inn kehliye Zoya keh bachpan mein uske Ammi aur Abu usse chod keh chale gaye, yeh bhi Zoya ki galati hai aur woh shayad jitni bhi acchi ho usse kya farak padtha hai, insaan toh apne nahi apne khandaan se jaana jaata hai," Asad yelled punching his fist on the wall and left for his room. The family heard him slam his room door upstairs a few minutes later. "Ammi, main aapse binti karti hoon, Asad bahut mushkil se aage baada hai. Agar woh phir se apne aap koh band karlega toh hum usse shayad khabhi wapaas nahi pa sakenge," Dilshad pleaded. "Aur Ammi aapko khandaan ki izzat ki fikar hai toh hum yeh baat kissi se nahi kahenge. Yeh baat sirf ghar tak hi rahegi. Ek baar aap Zoya ko jaan lijiye, ek mauka deh dijiye usse Asad keh khatir," Rashid said one last time trying to pacify his mother. Badi bi just thought about the whole situation. She loved her family and wanted Asad to settle down just as much as everyone else. Yes, she was a little particular about how things were done and stringent in changing her beliefs though they might not match to the 21^st century thinking. "Theek hai, agar sabh yehi chathe hai toh kuch bhi karo. Lekin ha main khabhi dil se uss ladki koh apna paungi yeh main nahi jaanti thi," she said as she stomped off to her room. Everyone signed a breath of relief. "Shukur hai Allah ka keh Ammi mangaye," Rashid said. "Aabh bas yehi dua hai keh mere beta keh nikaah mein kohi aur musibat na aaye," Dilshad prayed. "inshAllah aisa hi hoga Ammi, aabh sirf paanch din bache hai aur phir Asad ki zindagi mein khushiya hi khushiya hongi aur phir Dadi bhi sabh bhul jayengi," Nikhat said as she hugged Dilshad from behind her. "aur ha Ammi, sirf ek din reha gaya hai, phir nikaah ki saari rasmein shuru hojayengi, I am so excited!" Najma sequealed in excitement. "usse phele Asad Bhaijaan koh bhi shant karna hai, aabh tak toh unka gussa asmaan churaha hoga," Haider stated. "main baat karo Ammi?" Farhan asked. "nahi Farhan, usse abhi chodo, main kal usse baat karungi," Dilshad said. Everyone agreed and left to their rooms after a long day to rest.

The next morning, Dilshad went to talk to Asad but he was already gone. "ya Allah, yeh ladka aur uska gussa," she thought. She called him but his phone was switched off. She called the office and was told that he was in a meeting. His usual habit. When he was tensed or mad, he always ignored talking to anyone and closed himself up. Or he would bust up in flames if anyone tried to talk to him. It was late at night when he walked into the house, the lights were off so he assumed everyone has probably gone to sleep. He went to the kitchen to get some water. As he was pouring water in the glass, the lights turned on. He turned to see his mother and pinched the bridge of his, "Ammi woh actually...main woh...," he mumbled. "Asad, tum jaake fresh hojao, main khana laati hoon," Dilshad calmy said. Asad nodded and left for his room. Few minutes later, Asad refreshened and changed into a white kurta pajama. His mother walked with warmed food for him. Placing the food on the table, she took a seat next to him. "Poochoge nahi keh Dadi ne kya kaha?" she asked. "Ammi please mujhe uss baare mein baat nahi karni hai, Dadi joh bhi kahe main yeh nikaah se mukar nahi sakunga," he firmly stated. "Dadi ne ha bol diya hai Asad, lekin unne thoda samein chahiye Zoya koh samajne mein," Dilshad said happily when all she got in a response was a nod from her son. "kohi aur baat hai?" Dilshad asked caressing his hair. Asad was looking at the floor. The storm inside him was twirling around. He has been thinking about his situation the whole day and he couldn't come to a conclusion. What should he do? Should he do the right thing? Or just stay silent? After few mintutes, he finally spoke, "kya mujhe Zoya koh apne ateet keh baare mein baata dehna chahiye?" he stated. Dilshad looked at him surprised. He had never spoken about his feelings concerning his past to anyone, not even to her. "kya tume yehi baat pareshaan karahi hai?" she asked. He turned to look at his mother, she could see the pain in his eyes. He placed his head on her lap as she caressed his head. "Asad, main jaanti hoon keh tume yeh nikaah kehliye meri wajase tyaar huwe ho. Lekin main yeh bhi jaanti hoon keh kahi na kahi tum Zoya koh apna maan ne lage ho warna tum uss kehliye Dadi se nahi ladte. Agar tume lagtha hai keh Zoya koh yeh sabh jaan hai toh usse bol doh," Dilshad told him. "Zoya yeh rishta saach se shuru karna chathi issliye usne sabh baata diya lekin main kya karoon Ammi? Shayad mujhe mein itni himmat nahi hai," Asad said. "Apne aankhe band karo aur apne dil se poocho keh tume kya sahi lagtha hai. Yeh tumara ateet hai Asad and its up to you keh tum yeh baat Zoya se batao ya nahi," Dilshad said. Asad stayed in his mother's lap for a while. Time passed and Dilshad let him stay. She was happy that he had thought to share his past with Zoya, that he was starting to make her part of his life. After some time, Asad sat up, "main Zoya koh sabh bol na chatha hoon Ammi," he said as he quickly grabbed the car keys. "Lekin Asad, itni raat ko, kal baata dena," Dilshad suggested. "Nahi Ammi, main chaltha hoon, Allah hafiz!" Asad said as he quickly walked out of the door.

Chapter 10

The khan family had already started the preparations for the wedding. After all, it was the most awaited wedding of the family and they had so little time. They had printed invitation cards and already started mailing it out to relatives and calling people. The house was bursting around with people such as caterers, decorators, marriage hall brokers, etc. Asad wasn't really interested in these things and he just focused on his work. It has been 2 days since Asad and Zoya met at the coffee shop. Dilshad called Razia and told her that they would like to take Zoya shopping for the engagement and wedding dresses. They decided that the khan family will pick up Razia, Humaira, and Zoya and go to the mall together. Razia informed Zoya about it and told her to dress appropriately. Zoya just rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Whatever that means!" Dilshad informed Asad and he told her that they should go and he wasn't interested in shopping. "Asad, tumara nikaah hai, tume toh chalna hi padega," Dilshad stated. "Ammi, aap joh bhi layengi mujhe wohi theek hai," he said not looking up from his laptop. Dilshad sighed, "Agar apne liye nahi toh Zoya kehliye aajao," she said. Asad looked at his mother and nodded a yes. Dilshad was happy that at least Zoya's mention had made him agree to the trip. Around five, two cars pulled up into the Siddiqui driveway. The three ladies greeted the family. Zoya was dressed in an orange anarkali and Asad in his black suit. They just looked at each other and smiled. In one car, it was Farhan and Nikhat with Imran, Haider, Humaira, and Razia. In the other car, it was Dilshad, Najma, Asad, and Zoya. Rashid hasn't been able to accompany them due to work commitments. Zoya was about to open the rear passenger door when Dilshad stopped her, "tumari jaaga waha hai beta Asad keh saath, jao!" she said. "Lekin aunty, aap," Zoya said. "Main yahi theek hoon," Dilshad said as she climbed in the back. "Wow Bhabhi, enjoy!" Najma teased. Zoya felt her cheeks turn pink. Asad just glared at his sister and she quickly got into the back seat along with Dilshad. Zoya looked up at Asad and he just nodded for her to sit in the front. She came to the other side and Asad opened the door for her. Both the cars left for the mall.

On the way there, Asad kept stealing glances at Zoya which didn't go unnoticed by Dilshad. "Zoya!" Dilshad called out. Zoya turned towards her, "jee aunty," she said. "Yeh tum mujhe aunty kyun kehti ho, ammi kaho mujhe accha lagega," Dilshad said. The smile from Zoya's lips faded and she lowered her eyes trying to hide her tears. Both Asad and Dilshad noticed it and were shocked. "Kya hua beta? Maine kuch galat keha diya?" Dilshad asked caressing her cheek. "Nahi nahi, woh bas aise hi," Zoya replied wiping her tears away. Razia had always yelled at her whenever she called her mother and here was Dilshad who she had met just a couple days ago who was asking her to call her ammi. Asad looked at Dilshad and she just motioned him to let her be. If Zoya didn't want to share it, Dilshad didn't feel right to push her. The rest of the ride they all stayed quiet and reached the mall.

The family walked in and went into a shop that they regularly visited. Soon, the ladies gathered to start selecting dresses and Farhan and Haider took Asad upstairs which was the men's section. Zoya looked at the way Dilshad interacted with Nikhat and Najma; you could see the love and care in her eyes. She then looked at Razia selecting dresses with Humaira and her heart filled with pain. Only if she too had someone, she thought. At that moment, she felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned to find Dilshad. "Tum kuch nahi logi Zoya?" she asked. "Woh maine abhi dekha nahi," Zoya replied. "Phir chalo, tumara nikaah hai, phela haq toh tumara banta hai," Dilshad said as she took Zoya to the counter. Zoya's heart filled with love for the woman. "Rahim ji yeh meri hone wali bahu hai, issliye aap ka best collection dikhayega," Dilshad said as Zoya smiled and greeted the elderly man. Zoya and Dilshad looked through many dresses and finally she looked at one that was kept aside. "Kya main woh dekh sakthi hoon?" Zoya asked pointed to the white lehenga. "Nahi beta, woh lehenga theek nahi hai, aap kohi dusra dekhlo," Rahim said. "Kyun? Kissi aur ne woh le liya hai?" Zoya asked a little sad. "Nahi beta, woh uss ka dupatta galti se garaab hogaya issliye," Rahim said. Seeing Zoya's face, "Kya hum dekh sakthe hai phir bhi," Dilshad said. Rahim agreed and he opened the lehenga up so the ladies can see. It was a beautiful white lehenga with silver sequencing all over and a pink and green border at the bottom. "Wow!" Zoya exclaimed as she ran her hands over the lehenga. Dilshad and Nikhat smiled at each other. "Yeh pack kardijiye," Dilshad said to Rahim. "Lekin isska dupatta," Zoya said. "Uska solution hai mere paas," Dilshad said and Zoya looked at her confused. Dilshad took a bag from Nikhat and took something out. It was a pink dupatta with heavy green border and silver sequences. "Yeh dupatta maine Asad ki dulhan kehliye liya tha, aabh yeh iske sahi haqdaar keh paas jaraha hai," dilshad said as she opened and placed it over her head lovingly. "aabh lagrahi haina humari beti dulhan jaisi," dilshad said as Zoya smiled. "wow bhaji, you look beautiful!" Humaira said. "bhaijaan toh aap par fida hojayenge," Najma teased. Zoya moved forward and hugged Dilshad, "thank you ammi!" she said. Everyone smiled while Razia just got irritated. Everyone failed to notice the two pair of eyes who were watching the whole scene from the 2^nd floor. She looked breathtaking in that dupatta, he thought. But there was also a hint of sadness that he would see in her eyes. Even in the car she was sad. There was something that bothered her and it had to do something with her mother, this much he understood. Zoya looked up to see Asad staring at her. On getting caught, he just turned to haider and Farhan and the clothes they were selecting.

Hours later, the ladies bought dresses for the engagement and all the wedding rituals. Dilshad told Zoya that she would bring her the nikaah dress when she comes for the mehendi as that is how it was done in the khan household. "agar humara bank account khatam kardiya ho toh chale," Farhan teased them all. "abhi jewelry bhi leyni hai saare dresses ki," Nikhat retorted as Farhan pretending to have a heart attack. "jewelry hum natwar lal ji se ley lenge, main unne kal hi ghar bhula thi hoon," Dilshad announced as the girls squealed in excitement. "Zoya, tum aur Humaira bhi aajao," dilshad said. "aree nahi nahi dilshad bi humare ghar ki ladkiya shaadi se phele sasural nahi jaati," Razia intervened. "theek hai, main kuch pasand karke tumse pooch lungi," Dilshad said to Zoya and she nodded. On the way back, it was decided that Asad and Haider will drop Zoya and her family home and Farhan will take the others to the khan mansion. Zoya greeted everyone and hugged Najma, Dilshad, and Nikhat before going to Asad's car. Dilshad saw Zoya going towards the passenger seat next to Asad and smiled but she saw the Razia was headed there too. She quickly called out, "Razia bi, mujhe aap se kuch baat karni hai, ek minute," she said. Razia quickly turned and walked towards her while Asad came to open the door for Zoya. Seeing Asad, haider too opened the back door for Humaira, "yeh lijiye Humaira begun!" he said as she smiled and got in. On the way back, Zoya was really happy. Her heart told her that she was right in choosing Asad. He was going to give her so many relations that she never had before, especially a mother. She had never felt a mother's love but if her mother had been alive then she would probably be like dilshad. Asad noticed the smile on her face all through the ride back and was happy. Reaching their destination, Asad helped Zoya carry her bags as there were so many. Once they reached inside the house, "accha aunty, hum chalte hai," haider said. "aree beta, andar aao baito," Razia offered very sweetly. "nahi woh ammi intezaar karahi hongi, hum chalthe hai. Khuda hafiz," Asad said looking at Zoya. "khuda hafiz," she replied. Later, Zoya and Humaira carried their bags upstairs to the rooms. Humaira kept teasing Zoya about Asad and how beautiful she was going to look in all the dresses.

The next day, Dilshad had invited natwar lal ji, their family jeweler with engagement rings and bridal jewelry. The ladies selected jewelry for their dresses and Dilshad chose some for Zoya too. Just then she saw the khan men return from work. Nikhat went to get them all some water while Dilshad invited Asad to sit next to her. "main chathi hoon keh tum Zoya kehliye ring tum pasand karo," Dilshad said. Asad sighed, "ammi, mujhe yeh sabh nahi aata," he told her, tired from a long day of work. "aabh isski aadat dal lijiye bhaijaan, after all Bhabhi keh aane keh baad aap ko unkehliye yeh sabh bhi karna padega," Najma teased but quickly kept quiet when Asad glared at. "bahut asaan hai Asad! rings koh dekho phir soocho keh kyon si Zoya kehliye sahi rahegi," Nikhat said as she gave Rashid and Farhan some cold water. Asad sat up straight and scanned the rings. His eyes fell on one of them. He remembered that whenever he had seen Zoya, she always had minimal but unique jewelry. He picked the ring out and scanned it, "mujhe lagtha hai yeh sahi rahegi," Asad said. "wow bhaijaan, it's so pretty!" Najma said happily as everyone agreed. Dilshad was happy that Asad was coming out of his shell slowly, thanks to Zoya.

Engagement ring:

On the other hand, Zoya sat on her bed staring at something. She caressed it lovingly as tears formed in her eyes. "main kya karoon ammi...kya saach baata doh? Kya saach jaane keh baad bhi Mr. khan mujhse nikaah karenge ya mujhe kuch nahi kehna chahiye," she questioned. The closer the engagement date got and the further that Asad and her moved in their relationship, the more insecure she felt. And Razia's constant taunts about how lucky she was to be an orphan and still get a family like Asad's didn't help to make things any better. "bhaji...aap," Humaira interrupted her thoughts when she walked in through the open room door. Zoya quickly wiped her tears away but it was too late. Humaira rushed up to her. "bhaji, aap theek toh haina? Kya hua?" she asked worried. "kuch nahi humi, bas aisi hi," Zoya replied. Humaira saw the image in Zoya's hands. It was the picture of Zoya and her mother from when Zoya was little. She knew that Zoya only cried with this picture when she was worried about something. "bhaji, ammi ne kuch kaha?" Humaira asked. Zoya nodded her head in a negative manner. "Toh kya baat hai bhaji, boliye na," Humaira said concerned about what was making her sister cry. "dar lagraha hai humi!" Zoya confessed her fears. "kis baat ka?" Humaira asked, confused. Zoya put the picture away and sat up straight. "humi, tume nahi lagtha keh mujhe Mr. khan koh saach baata dehna chahiye," she said as Humaira looked at shocked. "bhaji, aapko achanak yeh khayal kyun aagaya? Maine kitni baar kaha keh aap beete baatein bhul jayiye," Humaira told her. "itna asaan nahi hai humi! Aur Mr. khan jisse rishta jhod rahe hai woh toh main hoon hi nahi na," Zoya said sadly. "bhaji, I don't know keh kyon kya kehta hai. Aap meri behen aur abu ki beti hai, samji aap!" Humaira firmly stated. Zoya slightly smiled and threw herself in her sister's arms, "mujhe bahut dar lagraha humi!" she honestly said. "Aap dariye mat bhaji, InshAllah Allah ne aap kehliye kuch accha hi soocha hoga," she prayed. Zoya was just confused. She didn't know what she should do. Should she tell Mr. Khan? Will he understand her? Will he accept her after knowing her past? What was the right thing to do? She didn't have answers to any questions that her heart was probing for.

Chapter 12

The next day, Zoya decided to go to the dargah and thank Allah for this new chapter in her life. She had mixed emotions in her heart and she wanted to share it with someone, and who better than the Almighty, she thought. Reaching the dargah, she covered her head and walked inside. She took a seat and raised her hands in prayer. "Ya Allah, paata nahi kaise zindagi itne kam waqt mein itni badal gayi. Kuch dino phele, maine yeh nahi soocha tha keh meri shaadi tyaar hojayegi. Mere zindagi mein itne saare rishta aagaye. Main khush toh bahut hoon lekin dar bhi lagraha hai. Paata nahi kyun, main himmat nahi jhod parahi hoon taaki main Mr. Khan aur unke ghar walon koh sabh baata doon. Humaira keha rahi hai keh main unn logo koh kuch na bolo lekin mujhe yeh theek nahi lagtha. Ek naye rishte keh shuruwat toh saach se honi chahiye. Mujhe himmat dijiye Allah keh main Mr. Khan koh saach baata sako. Kal bhi main unne baatana chathi thi lekin himmat nahi jhota paayi. Meri madad kijiye Allah, main kisiko bhi takleef nahi dehna chathi hoon lekin itna sabh itni jaldi hogaya, I am really confused. Please help me Allah miyan!" she prayed. Time passed as she sat there in her thoughts. This was the time when she desired for a mother or a father she could share her feelings with. But then, if they were here, she wouldn't be in this situation to begin with. After a while, she walked out still not knowing what to do with the situation. Suddenly, she felt her heart start to race. She felt his presence nearby. "Woh yaha kyun rahenge," she mentally scolded her drifting thoughts. And that is when she looked up to meet his chocolate brown eyes. The closer he came, the harder it got for her to breathe. "Zoya, tum yaha?" Asad asked. "ha, woh bas aise hi. Aap office nahi gaye?" she asked. The next moment, she felt really stupid. It was 6 in the evening, obviously he was done with work, she told herself. "woh meeting jaldi khatam hogayi thi toh yaha aagaya, inn baccho keh paas," Asad replied casually as he turned to introduce her to some kids. Zoya smiled seeing the group of kids. She forgot about her worries seeing them. "Bhaiya...yeh kyon hai?" one of the little girls asked. Asad looked at Zoya then at the girl, not sure how to say it. "yeh Zoya hai," he said. Zoya sat down to the girl's height and started talking to her. It only took minutes for Zoya to mingle with the kids. Asad smiled. It was so easy for her to become a kid with them. She had this unique charm about her that she bestowed on anyone she met, he thought. As Zoya was playing with the kids and talking with them, one of the boys ran up to Asad, "Bhaiya...aaj aapne apni hone wali biwi se milaya hai, party toh dehna chahiye," he said. Both Asad and Zoya were surprised as they turned blushing pink with embarrassment.

Seeing that, all the kids started to yell, "Bhai ki biwi...Bhai ki biwi!" Asad glared at him but that didn't make a difference. "shhh...mitayi kisse khani hai?" Zoya said and that got their attention. They all stopped and cheered for the sweets, and ran off to the sweet shop down the street from the dargah. "chaliye Mr. khan, party toh dehna padega," Zoya told him. "kis liye?" He asked. "Aaj aapke doston se dosti hogayi issliye, chaliye!" she said as she wrapped her arm around his and dragged him away. As they reached the shop, Zoya realized the kids' presence and moved away from him. Soon, Zoya ordered jalebi, jamun, pedas, etc. for the kids and some for herself. She feasted on her jalebis and Asad just smirked at her. "main jaanti hoon Mr. khan...aap nahi khayenge but main toh enjoy karsakthi hoon na," she said. "maine kuch bhi kaha?" Asad said. "aapne kuch kaha nahi lekin main jaanti hoon keh aap sooch rahe the," Zoya teased as she giggled. Asad was surprised how she knew that even after knowing him for so little time. As they finished eating, one of the little boys walked up to Zoya and tugged at her dress. Zoya looked at him with questioning eyes and knelt down to his height. The boy came closer and pecked her cheeks, "thank you di," he said. A huge smile crept up on Zoya's lips. "Awww!" she said as she pecked his cheek. Asad smiled at the sight in front of him. He loved how she could bring a smile to anyone's face. Well, she made you smile, his heart retorted. After thanking Asad and Zoya, the kids ran away. Zoya felt good that she could make them smile. "Mr. khan kitne acche hai, inn baccho koh pyaar aur waqt ki kitni zaroorat hai," Zoya thought as she looked at him. Asad caught her staring at him and raised his eyebrows, as if asking her what's going on. Zoya nodded her head, telling him nothing. May be this was the right time to tell him what she wanted to. "Mr. khan," she said. He looked at her. "woh main...woh," Zoya was trying to speak when Asad's phone ring interrupted them. "oh yeah Aman! What? Lekin woh toh kal tha na?" he said in the phone. After a pause, "I will be there in 30 minutes but if I am late, hold them online ok?" Asad said on the phone and ended the conversation. "Sorry Zoya, tum kuch bol rahi thi?" he said looking at Zoya again. "Office se phone tha?" she asked. "Ha, woh ek conference hai, kal hone wali thi but clients want to shift it to tonight," Asad said, frustrated. "Aap ghar jayiye Mr. Khan," Zoya told him. "But Zoya, tume baat karni thi na," Asad said. Zoya fidgeted with her dupatta not knowing what to do. "It's ok Mr. Khan. Aap jayiye, hum baad mein baat karlenge," Zoya said. She didn't want to hold him from something important. "Are you sure?" he asked, unsure about how to read her expressions at the moment. Zoya nodded, bringing a smile onto her lips. Asad offered to drop Zoya home but she told him that she had come in her own car and she had to pick up Humaira from college too. "Toh, main aapko aapki gaadi tak chod doon?" he said. Zoya smiled and agreed. Asad dropped her to the car and went home while Zoya was upset that she couldn't tell him what she wanted to.

Two days later, the khan family visited Zoya as Dilshad wanted to finalize a few things for the nikaah. Dilshad showed her the jewelry that she had chosen and asked her if she liked it. Zoya felt special for the first time in her life. So many people were concerned about what she wanted and what she felt. Zoya took Dilshad up to her room so they could match the jewelry to the dresses and decide on what to wear. Walking in, "sorry Ammi, room thoda messy hai woh main packing karahi thi na," Zoya mumbled as she quickly move the pile of clothes of the bed and placed them on the chair, making some place for them to sit. "kohi baat nahi Zoya. Lekin ha Asad ko cheze unki barabar jaaga mein chahiye, tume shaadi ke baad uske saath rehna hai toh tume yeh seekna padega. Ya tum usse thoda apne jaise bana do," Dilshad teased. "Thoda muskil hai Ammi, Zoya jaise toh ek hi piece bana hai iss duniya, after all main Allah miyan ka special collection hoon," Zoya said beamingly as Dilshad just chuckled at her. As they sat on the bed, Zoya felt her cheeks turned red at the thought of living with Asad. She felt scared. She had never shared personal space with anyone but now she had to live with a semi-complete stranger. Next couple minutes, Zoya and Dilshad discusses what dresses to wear for the upcoming wedding ceremonies. Zoya was overwhelmed. May be this is what it felt like to have a mother, she thought. "Chalo, yeh toh hogaya. Accha hai bas kuch dino mein rasmein shuru hojayenge," Dilshad said as Zoya shyly smiled. "mujhe toh intezaar nahi horaha hai kabh main tume dulhan banakar humare ghar le chalo," Dilshad said caressing her cheek with motherly love. They both went downstairs to see Gaffur with Dadi and Nikhat. "Hume bahut khushi hogi agar aap sabh humare saath khana kahenge toh," they heard Gaffur tell badi bi. "nahi nahi Gaffur saab, nikaah ki bahut tyaari karni hai, phir khabhi," badi bi replied. "Aisa mat boliye badi bi, aap log kal aajayiye na. Zoya khud khaana banayegi aap sabh kehliye," Razia said as Zoya looked at her shocked. "theek hai, agar humari Asad ki dulhan banarahi hai toh hum zaroor aayenge," Suraiya proudly said. "Bahut khushi huwi! Hum inshAllah aap sabh se kal milenge," Gaffur said and the khan family left.

As soon as the family left, Zoya turned to Razia, "aap aise kaise bol sakthi hai? Aap jaanti hai keh mujhe khana banana nahi aata," she said. "Yehi accha mauka hai, seek lo. Jab main kehti thi toh tumne kiya nahi, aabh tumare sasural walo kehliye toh tume karna hi padega. Tum toh jaanti ho keh badi bi kitni sakath (strict) hai, agar unne tumara saach paata chal gaya toh shayad yeh nikaah bhi na ho," Razia mocked. "Ammi, aap yeh kaisi baatein karahi hai," Humaira said. "Tum chup raho Humaira, iss ladki koh sabak toh seekana padega," Razia said looking at Zoya angrily. "Aap joh bhi karna chaye, mujhe khana banana nahi aata hai. Mujhe seekane kehliye kya aapko Mr. Khan aur unki family hi mili thi, Dadi-ji bhi aarahe hai," Zoya said worried. "Woh toh hum kal dekhenge," Razia said. "Zoya theek keha rahi hai Razia, khana tume banana chahiye. Zoya koh baad mein seeka dehna," Gaffur said. "Baad mein kab, nikaah koh ek hafte se bhi kam din rehagaye hai," Razia said. "Mujhe khana banana haina toh main seek jaungi lekin main nahi chathi keh jiss khandaan ki izzat ka wasta aap mujhe dehti rehti hai kal sabh se saamne usiki kohi tes pauche," Zoya said to Razia. So, it was decided that Razia would cook dinner tomorrow for the khan family. Though she wasn't happy about it, she knew that Gaffur was not going to let her torture Zoya this time. He was emotional about Zoya leaving the house in a couple days so her every wish was getting fulfilled, not that it didn't before.

Next day evening, Zoya dressed herself in a light green anarkali. She added silver earrings and matching bangles. She placed the dupatta on her head as Dadi was coming. She adorned her eyes with kajal and added some lip gloss. She was meeting him after 3 days she thought. Her heart fluttered thinking about him. At that moment, she heard the cars pull in and she checked herself one last time in the mirror before heading down. Zoya greeted everyone and saw Asad with a smile. He looked handsome in his navy blue suit paired with a light blue shirt. They all came in and seated themselves. As the family was conversing, Asad and Zoya kept stealing glances at each other. After some time, dinner was served. Everyone was seated at the table as Zoya, Razia, and Humaira served them. Dilshad, Nikhat and Najma insisted that they would also wait and eat with them so they were just standing and talking. "Dadi, aap kuch aur lenge," Zoya asked? "nahi beta, hum theek hai, waise khana bahut accha banaya hai tumne," Dadi praised. Zoya was going to tell her the truth, "humari Zoya hai hi itni acchi. Saare kaam aate hai isse, kohi bhi khandaan iss jaisi bahu pana chahiye ga," Razia interrupted as she looked at Zoya. Zoya excused herself and went inside and Humaira followed her in. "mujhe saach keha dehna chahiye tha, unn log se aise kaise jhoot bol sakthe hai," she said. Zoya hated lies. She wanted to say the truth no matter what. It may hurt people but it is better that they knew from her than from someone else. "Bhaji, please aabh kuch mat kahiye, shaadi keh baad aap Asad Bhaijaan koh sabh baata sakthi hai," Humaira said trying to calm Zoya down. "nahi humi, agar rishta jhud ne keh baad unne saach bataungi toh sabh koh lagega maine jaan bhooj kar saach chupaya hai," Zoya said sadly. "Aur agar saach baata diya toh tumse nikaah kyon karega? Khabhi soocha hai?" someone said. Zoya and Humaira turned to see Razia at the door. "aapko unn logo se jhoot nahi bol na chahiye tha," Zoya told her. "nahi toh kya keha thi keh tume kuch nahi aata. Aur Zoya sabh se baada jhoot toh humne yeh bola hai keh tum humari beti ho. Khabhi soocha hai keh agar tume iss khandaan ka naam nahi hota toh tumse nikaah kyon karta," Razia mocked. Tears stung Zoya's eyes and Humaira hugged her from behind, "Ammi, nikaah insaan ki achaiyi dekh kar kiya jaata hai, khandaan nahi. Aur meri Bhaji bahut acchi insaan hai." Humaira defended. "yeh sabh baatein kitabo mein aur kahaaniyo mein hoti hai," Razia taunted. "Main unn logo koh saach baata dungi," Zoya said wiping her tears. As she started to walk away, Razia held her hand, "tum aisa kuch nahi karogi!" she yelled. "Aaj main saach bol keh rahungi warna main Mr. khan aur unke ghar walo koh dhoka deh rahi hoon aur main aisa hone nahi dungi. Aur aaj aap mujhe rok bhi nahi payengi," Zoya firmly said as removed her arm from Razia's hold. As Zoya opened the room door to leave, "yeh nikaah rukjayega," Razia warned. "Agar mere naseeb mein Allah miyan ne yehi likha hai toh mujhe woh bhi qubool hai!" Zoya stated as a tear escaped her eyes and she left from there.

She walked into the living room to see everyone sitting and talking. Gaffur looked at her and he knew that something was wrong. Asad was not interested in his Dadi's talk about tehzeeb and khandaan so he was on his phone when he felt Zoya walk in. He looked up to meet her red eyes and he knew that she was crying. "mujhe aap sabh se baat karni hai," Zoya spoke and everyone stopped talking and looked at her. Dilshad walked to her, "kya hua Zoya? Sabh theek toh haina?" she asked concerned. "Mujhe sabh se kuch kehna hai," Zoya said composing herself to disclose the biggest truth of her life. As she had everyone's attention, she started to speak. "Mujhe aap sabh koh kuch saach batana tha. Jab se yeh rishte ki baat shuru huwi hai tab se maine aap sabh se ek saach chupa hai. Phele toh yeh keh maine aaj ka khana nahi banaya. Mujhe toh theek se chai banane bhi nahi aati," Zoya said as tears rolled down her eyes. "Itni si baat koh tum roh rahi ho, kohi baat nahi main seeka dungi," Dilshad said wiping her tears. "nahi aur kuch bhi hai," Zoya said. "Zoya...yeh kya karahi ho tum, jald baazi mein faisle nahi liye jaate," Gaffur told her, knowing what she was going to say next. "nahi Abu, maine bahut sooch kar hi yeh faisla liya hai!" Zoya told him. "Kya baatana chathi ho tum hume?" Dadi asked. "Main iss ghar ki beti nahi hoon, mera inn logo se kohi khoon ka rishta nahi hai," Zoya confessed as everyone looked at shocked and Gaffur closed his eyes in pain. Razia smirked wickedly. This is exactly what she had planned for. She knew that if she pushed Zoya far enough, she would tell everyone the truth herself. And she didn't have to work too hard! Wiping her tears, "main shayad doh (2) saal ki thi jab meri Ammi ka intekhal (death) hogaya. Meri Abu kyon hai mujhe nahi paata. Aur phir mujhe inn logo ne ghar le aaye aur mujhe adopt kiya, mujhe unka naam diya, mujhe iss khandaan ki beti banaya. Iss ghar se mujhe joh mila hai woh main khabhi nahi bhul sakthi. Bachpan se main hamesha yehi sunti aayi hoon keh main najayaz aulaad hoon...ek najayaz! Yeh hai meri saachayi" Zoya said as her voice almost cracked. Asad felt like someone stabbed his heart a million times. Each tear that rolled down from her eyes ripped his heart out. The khan family was shocked. "Main jaanti hoon keh kohi bhi acche ghar ka ladka mujhse nikaah nahi karna chahega, mujhe maaf kardijiye. Mujhe phele hi sabh baata dehna chahiye tha. Main jaanti hoon keh nikaah mein sirf paanch din reha gaye hai lekin aap sabh joh faisla leyna chahiye le sakthe hai, I am sorry...I am really very sorry!" Zoya said. She couldn't take it anymore. She felt suffocated with everyone looking at her with questioning eyes. She covered her mouth to stop the yelp of cry and ran out of the house leaving everyone stunned!

So the truth finally revealed! At least zoya's part of the story. Let me know what you guys think...looking forward to your comments 😳😃