Asya FF: Yeh Teri Meri Baatein Link to Thread II on Page 1 - Page 3

Chapter 15

The morning sun rays and chirping birds woke her up. She woke up and stretched her arms. Her hand hit the windshield and that is when she realized where she was. "Allah miyan...Mr. Khan utiye!" she yelled and Asad woke up with a jerk. "Mujhe aap ne utaya kyun nahi? yaha kaise sohgayi main, paata nahi ghar mein kya kahongi," she said tensed. "Main baat karonga, chaliye mere saath!" he said. "Nahi nahi Mr. Khan, Agar aap mere saath andar chalenge toh bahut problem hojayegi. Main kuch karti hoon," she thought out loud. "Lekin takleef kya hai? Chaliye andar," Asad said, really not understanding the issue. They were supposed to get married in 2 days so what was the problem. And it is not like they did something wrong, they just slept together. Ok, that sounds wrong. They just spent the night in a car, but nothing happened, he thought. "Nahi! Aap nahi samjenge, apna phone dijiye," Zoya said as she took his phone and quickly dialed. "Humi, mujhe teri help chahiye," Zoya said. "Kaha hai aap Bhaji, kabh se doond rahi hoon aapko...sabh pooch rahe hai keh dulhan kaha hai?" Humaira said worried. Zoya told Humaira that she was with Asad and needed her help. Humaira had somehow managed to come to the back gate and sneak Zoya to her room. Zoya quickly changed and came down to meet the relatives. She had just told them that she had slept late so she couldn't wake up this morning. Humaira who knew the real reason, "ha ha Bhaji, bahane bana lijiye lekin main jaanti hoon keh aap late kyun hogaye. Aap toh bhaijaan keh saath, chand aur taaroin keh neeche, romance karahi thi," she whispered. Zoya's cheeks turned a bright strawberry red. "chup kar Humi!" Zoya said. "kyun Bhaji, yehi toh mauka hai, aise haseen mauke bhar bhar thodi na milte hai," Humaira teased. "Kuch din aur, jab teri baari aayegi toh main bhi apna badla pura karongi," Zoya whispered. "Tabh ka tabh dekhenge, abhi toh meri bhari hai aur iska toh main pura faida utaungi," Humaira told her with a wink. Zoya just glared at her while Humaira giggled. Zoya was her only sister and it was her wedding rituals and Humaira wanted to enjoy them to the fullest. Only few more days then she would be gone, Humaira thought sadly. But, she was happy for her sister! After what she has seen, Humaira knew Asad was a perfect partner for her sister. She knew for sure that Asad and his family will keep her sister happy, always! Zoya saw her sister lost in thoughts. "Humi, kya hua?" she said. "kuch nahi, I love you!" Humaira said as she pulled her sister into an embrace. Zoya smiled, "I love you too!" she said.

That evening, the Sidiqqui house was decorated with colorful lights and flowers, all prepared for the jashn-e-saugat. The furniture in the living room had been moved and a small loveseat was decorated for the couple to be seated in the middle of the room. Friends and family were starting to arrive at the house for the first of the many wedding parties. Zoya waited in her room dressed in a pink sharara. She had added some jhumkas and let her hair down on her shoulders. She had pinned the duppata on her shoulder and placed it on her head since Dadi was coming. Zoya was nervous to meet Dadi and frankly the whole khan family after the whole fiasco that had happened two days ago. On the other hand, she thought about the moments she had spent with Asad last night and she felt a sense of being accepted into his life. The fact that they had both confessed their lives' darkest secrets with each other had formed a special bond between them. Seeing her smile, "kyun Bhaji, bhaijaan keh baare mein sooch rahi haina?" her sister teased. "Humi, stop it!" Zoya said. "Wow Bhaji...you are blushing, awww!" Humaira said looking at Zoya's bright red cheeks. Zoya buried her face in her hands as both the sisters laughed. Minutes later, someone told them that Asad and his family had arrived and were waiting for Zoya. Walking down the stairs, Zoya's eyes searched for her to be husband. She didn't know why but out of all the people present there, she wanted to see him. Finally, she saw him talking to Gaffur and one of her uncles. Dressed in a black Nehru suit, he was looking handsome as the single girls drooled over the groom. She could hear whispers around saying how lucky she was or how handsome he was. As he felt her around him, Asad ignored the conversation and turned to the staircase. As she appeared in sight, his heart skipped a beat. She looked elegantly beautiful. She looked at him and smiled and he returned the gesture.

She walked up and greeted everyone. Zoya saw Dadi and walked up to her. "Main jaanti hoon keh aap yaha Mr. Khan aur ghar walon keh wajase aaye hai lekin Dadi please mujhe ek mauka dijiye, doh dino mein nikaah hai aur main chathi hoon keh aap dil se iss nikhe koh qubool kare" Zoya said hopefully. "Abhi toh nikaah hone mein waqt hai Zoya, lekin ha yeh acche se jaan lo keh hume jhoot se nafrat hai. Agar tume aur kuch bhi batana ho toh baitar yehi hai keh tum hume abhi baata doh," Dadi told her. "Jhoot toh mujhe bhi pasand nahi hai Dadi lekin kuch saach bolna bahut mushkil hai, hum kitni bhi kosish karle," Zoya said sadly. Suraiya actually felt bad for the girl. It must have been hard to grow up in this world alone but feeling bad for her and accepting her were two different things. She wanted to know if this girl was any good for her Asad and for her family. "Jao, rasam shuru karna hai," Dadi told her. At that moment, Nikhat walked upto them, "aao Zoya!" she said as she took Zoya and Najma took Asad and made them sit on the loveseat. Soon, relatives and friends showered the couple with blessings and gifts. Lastly, Dilshad walked to them and riddled the evil eyes from the beautiful couple. "Allah, tum dono koh har buri nazar se bachaye," she said as she lovingly caressed Asad and Zoya's cheeks. They both just smiled at each other. Then she turned to Nikhat and took a jewelry box from her. "main chathi hoon Asad keh tum yeh Zoya koh pehana doh. Yeh humara khandaani haar hai. Har nahi bahu koh uski saugat ki raat yehi pehen na padtha hai," she said handing the box to Asad. Asad opened it to reveal a beautiful, long gold necklace that had rubies studded in it. It was a classical design but still an attractive piece. He took the necklace and adorned it around her neck. His fingers brushed around her nape making her temperature rise. She shivered under his touch and closed her eyes. Her dupatta fell from her head but he caught it and pulled it back up. She opened her eyes only to be lost in his. They both were in their own eyes when Dilshad coughed bringing them out of their trance. Everyone giggled and Asad Zoya turned cherry red avoiding each other's gaze.

Zoya's dress: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/29/e5/30/29e53052bdb04fdcffd90de9be1fdfef.jpg

A little while later, everyone was busy with dinner. Asad had just finished eating when he had to answer a phone call from his office. He stepped out from the house so he could hear. She saw him leave and went to her room. Grabbing something, she followed him outside. She waited for him to finish his call. "Yes aman, tum woh papers finalze kardo, main kal check karlonga and I will sign them," Asad stated as he ended the call. He turned to see her waiting. "Zoya, kuch chahiye tha?" he asked. "Nahi Mr. Khan...woh mujhe aap ko kuch dehna tha. I hope you like it!" she told him as she extended a silver wrapped gift box from behind her. "Iss ki kya zaroorat thi aur waise bhi aaj toh mujhe aap koh gift dehna chahiye na," Asad said. "Kohi baat nahi mr. khan aaj main dehde thi hoon, aap khabhi aur deh dijiyega," she told him. He took the box from her, "thanks," he said. "Khol keh dekhiya mr. khan," Zoya urged and he opened the box to find a light green shirt and a matching tie. He looked at her, "main ne aap ko hamesha black and white mein hi dekha hai. Yeh shirt mere valima keh dress ki match karta hai, agar aap chahe toh uss din pehen lijiye ga," she told him. Asad just nodded and Zoya hoped that he would wear that shirt. She had spent a lot of time in the mall to find the matching color but she knew it wasn't right to push him. But, she really hoped that he would accept her gift and actually use it. As she was about to walk away, he stopped her holding her wrist. She turned around and the dupatta fell from her head. "Mujhe bhi tume kuch dehna hai," Asad said. Asad pulled out a small box wrapped in a red gift covering from his suit pocket and gave it to her. "Gift, mere liye? Zoya said surprised. "Thanks Mr. Khan!" She said excitedly as she took the box. He didn't have to tell her to open the gift. Within seconds, she had ripped the wrapper and open the rectangular black box to reveal a pendant, "wow Mr. Khan, it's so beautiful!" she said. Zoya quickly took it out and tired to wear it but kept missing the hook. After a few tries, "help nahi karenge Mr. Khan?" Zoya asked. He looked at her surprised. She offered him the box and he took it. She turned around and he moved forward, decreasing the distance between them. She could feel his inflating chest against her back. Moving her hair aside, he placed the necklace around her neck. She felt her heart race and she placed her hand on her chest trying to calm herself down. He smiled at the effect their closeness were having on her. He moved closer and locked the pendant in place. They both stool still! Time stood still! At moment, someone called Asad's name and they moved apart. Zoya realized their closeness and avoiding his eyes ran inside. He ran his hand through his hair with a slight smile and followed her.

Zoya's gift: http://www.jewelocean.com/422-2372-large/1-carat-diamond-pendant.jpg

As she walked inside, she quickly fixed the dupatta back on her head remembering Dadi's presence. Dilshad walked up to Zoya, "beta, tumare liye ek aur cheez hai mere paas," she said. "Ammi, mere liye?" she asked confused. "Aao mere saath," Dilshad said and took her to the loveseat. Nikhat walked up to her with a thali covered with a red satin cloth. Making her sit, "yeh tumara nikhe ka jhoda hai," Dilshad said as she moved the cloth, revealing the gorgeous red dress. Dilshad took the red zari dupatta and placed it around Zoya. Every one prasied her beauty and Zoya smilingly blushed. Asad had walked in following her to see his mother adorn her with the bridal dupatta. His breath seem to sneak out of him. It seemed like an angel had descended down to earth from the outer heavens just for him. He felt an new aura surround him. Why was it that when he saw her he lost control? Yes, she was beautiful but he has seen many girls who were pretty. She was just different! How? Why? He didn't know. But, he did know that she had somehow creeped into life. Her honesty, her bravery, her innocence, and her dramatic antics seemed to have taken a small corner in his heart. She looked up to see Asad at the door, staring at her. She tried to avoid his eyes but she felt like she couldn't move from his eyelock. She was dazzled by his chocolate brown eyes. One of the ladies said something bringing Zoya and Asad out of the trance. Zoya's pink cheeks filled with color. Asad looked at the emotions playing out on her face. He kept looking at her and Zoya kept avoiding his gaze. Dilshad was watching the hide and seek that was going on with Asad and Zoya. She was happy to see Asad smiling. The wedding rituals seem to have bought a new glow on Asad's face. He had something other than work to concentrate now which was helping to bring him out of his shell and back to himself.

The next afternoon was haldi and it was organized in the garden just for the ladies. Everyone had gathered around with Zoya sitting in the middle. She was dressed in a white and yellow anarkali and her hair was braided back. Her dupatta was pinned to one side and she had matching earrings. The khan ladies had bought the haldi for the bride. One by one, the ladies came and applied haldi to her cheeks. Najma secretly took a picture of Zoya and sent it to her brother. "bhabhi toh chand ka tukda lagrahi hai bhaijaan, now you have to match up to this!" the message said. Asad was on his laptop working when his phone beeped. He smiled reading the message from his sister. She was indeed looking stunning, he thought. He caressed the picture on his phone lovingly. At that moment, Asad felt his heart split in two! On one side, he wanted to move ahead and accept Zoya completely into his life. On the other, his past's dark cloud seem to linger around. He felt that he will be deceived again by his heart. He will be tamed as being foolish again. Why couldn't he just come to a decision? Frustrated, he shut the laptop and grabbed the towel to take a hot shower to relax himself, and may be get his thoughts straight. Here in the Siddiqui house, Humaira was waiting for her turn. She dug her hands in the bowl of haldi, "Humi! Kya karahi hai? nahi please," Zoya said holding her hands. "no way Bhaji...ek hi toh mauka mil raha hai," Humaira said but Zoya wouldn't let her hands go. "please Humi, don't!" Zoya pleaded. Humaira looked at Najma and Nikhat and they slowly came behind Zoya. They started to tickle her and Humaira filled Zoya's face with the haldi. "ahhh! Not fair Humi, rukja!" Zoya yelled as she took the bowl of haldi and chased after the three girls. Zoya put some haldi on Humaira then chased Najma and applied some on her too. The four girls laughed and hugged each other. Razia fumed that all her plans had failed and that Zoya was happy. She had to do something! She had to do something else to make her plan work, but what? She wondered to herself. Dilshad smiled at her daughers and prayed that the smile on their face always stay on their lips. How she wished that her son would have agreed for a haldi ceremony too. Asad had refused to have his haldi as he didn't want all this stuff. He had blatantly told her that he wanted the nikaah to be simple but it has already been turned into a circus. But, he wasn't becoming a clown. Dilshad had tried to convince him but he didn't budge. Not wanting to force him, she had accepted that they would just perform Zoya's haldi. Two more days were left for the Nikaah. "Allah, mere bete koh baadi mushkil se khushiya mili hai Zoya keh roop mein. Main bas unn dono koh khush dekhna chathi hoon. Asad koh uske pichli yaadon se nikal ne mein madad kijiye Allah! Main bas mere ghar mein sukoon chathi hoon aur mujhe yakeen hai keh Zoya mere bete koh aur humare ghar koh woh dehgi jiska intezaar hum sabh ne pichle teen saal se kiya hai," Dilshad silently prayed to the one above.

Haldi dress: http://www.feminiya.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/yellow-white-blue-anarkali.jpg

Chapter 20

Reaching home, she ran inside and up the stairs to their room. Her eyes yearned for him but he wasn't there. She even checked the closet and bathroom but he wasn't there either. Before leaving the room, she found the first aid box and went outside. She searched the whole house but he wasn't to be found anywhere. Her heart started to sink and tears formed in her eyes. "Kaha chalega aap Mr. Khan? Mujhse baat toh karsakthe the," she thought. What had happened? Why didn't he talk to her? She would have listened to anything he had to say. As she was looking at the balcony, her eyes fell on a frame on the back garden chair. She took a breath of relief. She rushed outside and wiped her tears, composing herself. Asad was lost in his own thoughts. His dark memories haunted him. Why can't they stop following him? Why do these memories haunt him no matter how much he tried? It was like he took one step forward and three backward. Zoya didn't deserve this! She deserved something, no someone better. If she was the moon, he didn't want to be the shadow that surrounded it. "Allah miyan, mujhe himmat doh please," she prayed as she walked up to him and took a seat next to him. His thoughts were interrupted when he felt her touch his hand. He was surprised to see her there. She didn't even look at him. She opened the first aid box and kept it on her lap. She then took his hand in hers. "Tum yaha kya karahi ho Zoya?" he asked. She didn't respond back. Instead, she took some antiseptic on a cotton ball and started to apply it on his hand. He winced as it burned and retreated his hand. "Thoda sa jhalega lekin theek hojayega," Zoya said as she took his hand back in her grip. "Tum yaha kyun aagayi?" he asked again, this time his voice louder and demanding. Zoya now looked up at him, "yehi baat main bhi aap se pooch sakthi ho Mr. Khan," she stated. Zoya could see his anger flare to his nose. He was about to take his hand away again, "Mr. Khan maine aap se poocha nahi hai, agar aap mujhse apne gusse ki waja nahi bol na chathe toh theek hai. Mujhe sirf yeh patti karne dijiye," Zoya said catching his hand. He didn't respond but he didn't take his hand away either. She gently cleaned his hand and applied some antibiotic cream. She then wrapped a bandage around his palm. All this while, Asad stared at her. Was she for real? If this was him, he would have been furious! He would have been yelling his lungs out. But, she was so calm. This confused him. She stood up, "Main nahi jaanti keh waha aisa kya hua keh aap itne gussa hogaye lekin ha Mr. Khan, agar aap mujhse kuch bhi share karna chahiye toh main sunne kehliye tyaar hoon," Zoya told him as tears filled her eyes. It hurt her that he wouldn't share whatever that was bothering him with her. But, she also didn't feel like pushing him. May be one day, one day he will tell her, she hoped. Asad closed his eyes in pain. He just wanted to keep her away from his pain, his dark self, not hurt her. She wished him good night and walked away. He turned around to see her, walking away from him. This was the first time that no one asked him questions. She didn't force him to share his feelings with her. She still helped him. "Kaisi ladki hai yeh?" he thought looking at his bandaged hand.

Hours later, he heard the cars pull up in the driveway. He figured the family was back and decided to head back in. He covered his hand with his suit and walked in. Dilshad found him walking in, "Asad, Zoya kaisi hai? Uski tabeyat toh theek haina?" she asked worried. Asad looked at her confused. What had happened to Zoya? He thought. "Zoya...woh Ammi, actually," Asad mumbled. "Uf oh Asad, tum khabhi theek se jawab kyun nahi deh sakthe, Zoya theek haina?" Dilshad said. "Ha Ammi, woh soh gayi hai," Asad said unsure. "Woh aise achanak party se chali gayi, mujhe toh bahut tension hogayi thi. Allah ka shukur hai keh woh theek hai," Dilshad worried. "Paata nahi yeh ladki ne kya sooch kar aise beech mein aagayi. Hume kitne sawaalon keh jawaab dehne pade," Dadi taunted. Asad ignored her as he was already tired from the party then the semi-confrontation with Zoya. "Ammi, Zoya theek hogi. Waise bhi itne dino se shaadi khe itne saare rasmein horahi thi, woh shayad tak gayi hogi," Nikhat explained. Dilshad agreed and everyone left for the rooms to rest for the night. Asad was walking up the stairs unsure of what he was going to tell Zoya. He opened the room to see her sleeping on the couch. He was actually relieved. Her clothes and things were scattered everywhere. He wanted to put them away but his hand was hurting and he just ignored it and hit the bed. He couldn't fall asleep. Laying there, he saw her shiver in her sleep. He got up and got the extra blanket from the bed. Asad took the blanket and covered her. He then even reduced the AC so that she could sleep peacefully. Time passed and he finally closed his eyes in slumber.

"Ammi bacchao...Ammi...Ammi aag!!!!" he heard someone scream. He jerked up and saw her yelling and crying in her sleep. He rushed to her, "Zoya...Zoya tum theek toh ho?" he asked. Hearing her name, she woke up. She started to cry and he pulled her in to his arms. "Shhh, its ok! Sirf bura sapna tha," he consoled her. He held her for sometime and let her calm down. Once she broke apart, he went up and got her a glass of water from the night table. "Aap theek toh hona?" Asad asked. Zoya gulped the water down and nodded. "I am sorry mr.khan, meri wajase aap ki neend toot gayi," she told him. "Tume maafi maang ne ki kohi zaroorat nahi hai. Chalo soh jao," Asad said as he tucked her back into the couch. He sat there caressing her hair till she fell asleep. Once he was sure that she was deep in sleep, he went back to the bed and finally fell asleep. Haider, on the other hand, was working on a project he had to finish up for his class. With the wedding going on, he really hadn't had time to work on stuff. Just then, his phone rang and he was surprised to see the name flashing on the screen. He picked it up and before he could answer, "Bhaji theek toh haina...main kabh se unne phone karahi hoon," Humaira yelled at the phone. "Humaira calm down! Bhabhi theek hai, and you know normal log raat keh doh baje sohte hai," he told her. She felt embarrassed, of course he was right. "Sorry, woh bas Bhaji ki fikar horahi thi," she said. "Its ok Humaira, I know keh tume bhabhi ki fikar horahi lekin believe me, hum tumari pyaari behen ka bahut accha se khayal rakenge," Haider teased her. Humaira giggled, "You better! Tumne promise kiya hai," she reminded him. "I remember," he said. "Waise normal log toh iss time pe sohte hai toh tum kyun jaage ho?" Humaira asked. "Very funny! I have an assignment to complete," he responded. "oh ok. Well at least you will be done after this semester, I still have 2 left," she whined and he chuckled on response. Haider and Humaira were both doing their MBAs from the same college. Haider was a year older so he was almost done with his degree and Humaira still had a year left.

In the other room down the hall, Nikhat had just put Imran to sleep and returned to her room. "Soh gaya?" Farhan asked. "Ha finally. Paata nahi itni energy kaisa rehti hai uss mein itne raat koh," Nikhat said and Farhan chuckled. She took a seat on the couch next to him. "I am so tired," she said placing her head on her shoulder. "Aisa hai toh main madad kardo tume change karne mein," he teased. She chuckled and punched his stomach. As she was about to get up, he pulled her back into his lap. Taking her earrings off, he placed a kiss on her earring. She blushed feeling his lips on her. She turned around and wrapped her hands around her neck. "Farhan, main sooch rahi thi keh aabh jab Imran baada horaha hai toh hum," she said. "I agree. Mujhe bhi yehi lagtha hai," Farhan said nuzzling her cheek. Nikhat giggled, "Par maine toh apni baat bhi puri nahi ki," she said confused. "Last time, humne plan kiya tha aur hume junior Farhan milgaya, this time why not try for a junior Nikhat!" Farhan said as Nikhat smiled. "I am assuming that's a yes?" he said. She smiled as she moved forward and pecked his lips. He swooped her up in his arms and walked to the bed. Placing her on the bed, he lay next to her. He took off her jewelry and then all clothes, he moved on top of her to make love. They share their love and passion and reconnected hoping that they have created one more symbol of their love that night.

The next morning he opened his eyes to see her in prayer. Her head was wrapped in a red scarf and she was in loose kurta pajama, Asad lost himself in her simplicity and exquisiteness. She was in her divine world as she finished her namaz and closed her eyes, raising her hands in prayer, "Allah Miyan, aapne joh bhi mujhe diya hai uss kehliye main aap ka kitne bhi shukriya karo woh kam hai. Meri yehi dua hai keh aap meri nayi family koh bahut saari khushiya deh. Kal raat Mr. Khan bahut pareshaan lagrahe the, please unki madad kardijiye aur unki pareshaan door kardijiye Allah Miyan. Paata nahi kyun mujhe woh sapna phir aaya tha. Bachpan se mujhe yeh sapne aate hai aur main kitne saal se meri Ammi aur Abu koh doond rahe hoon. Please Allah meri madad kardijiye, mujhe bas ek baar jaan hai keh woh dono kaha hai," she prayed as tears rolled down her eyes. Asad sat up worried seeing tears in her eyes. Zoya quickly wiped them away and got up. She saw him and tried to smile, "good morning!" she said. He watched her as she tried to put her clothes away and started cleaning up the things from yesterday. She had his back towards him and hasn't noticed that he had gotten off the bed. As she neatly folded her lehenga, she turned to put it away in the closet only to meet his coffee brown eyes. Taken by surprise, she was about to fall when he slid his strong arms around her waist steadying her. The lehenga slipped from her hands and they went around his neck for support. His heart fluttered as he saw her so close to him. Zoya felt a jolt of thunder run through her body but recalling his actions from last night, she steadied herself and stood up straight. Asad broke out of his trance, "tum theek toh hona Zoya?" he asked. "Yeah Mr. Khan, I am fine. Thanks," she replied. "Zoya, main abhi ki nahi, kal raat ki baat karaha hoon. Tumara sapna aur tum abhi bhi roh rahi thi?" Asad asked worried. "Main theek hoon mr.khan, bas aise hi," she said avoiding his eyes. He knew that she was hiding something from. He didn't want to force her to tell him anything, he will wait for her to share. "Mujhe change karna hai, woh aaj sabh jarahe hai issliye mujhe neeche jaana hai," she told him and left. It bothered him that she was upset. He liked it when she was cheerful and herself. Thinking about what to do, he went to make his bed and get ready for the day.

Soon, Zoya changed into a pink and yellow anarkali and went downstairs. She saw Dilshad and Nikhat packing snacks and offered to help them. "Nahi nahi Zoya, tume aaram karna chahiye, tumari tabeyat kal garaab thi. Aabh kaisa lagraha hai beta?" Dilshad said concerned. "Ammi, main aabh bilkul theek hoon, aap fikar na kare. baatayiye kya madad karsakthi hoon main?" she asked. Dilshad smiled and told her that that she could arrange the table as the guests were supposed to have an early breakfast and leave. Dilshad later saw the bandage on Asad's hand and was worried. "yeh kya hai Asad? Tum chot kaise lagayi?" she said bothered. "Ammi, kuch nahi hai. Bas woh kal galti se chot lagayi thi. Aap please fikar na kare," he told her. "Theek se bandage kiya na warna infection hosaktha hai Asad," Dilshad scolded. "Ammi, theek hai saach, please don't worry," Asad tried to calm his mother down. Zoya heard their conversation as she was fixing the plates on the table. On one side, she smiled at Dilshad's worry. Asad and his siblings were very lucky to have a mother like Dilshad, she thought. She wanted to tell her that Asad was lying but didn't feel right to interrupt. Also, Dilshad would probably worry more if she knew that Asad had probably hurt himself.

Later, it was time for everyone to leave, Zoya turned to Dadi, "agar aap kuch din ruk jaate toh accha lagtha Dadi-ji," she said. "Hume humare ghar mein rehna pasand hai," she firmly stated. Zoya knew that she was mad at her. She hadn't had a chance to speak to her after the nikaah with so many relatives and guests around. Zoya held Dadi's hand, "Dadi, main jaanti hoon keh aap mujhse naraaz hai par please mujhe ek mauka toh dijiye aap koh jaan ne ka," she told her. Badi bi softened a bit, "Abhi hume kuch kaam hai, main jaldi wapaas aaungi," she said and Zoya smiled. Everyone was happy that Zoya was trying to fix things with badi bi. Dilshad and Rashid were proud of her that though no fault of her own, she was willing to take that step forward and start a relationship. Asad, Farhan, and Rashid left for work and Haider and Najma left for college. Nikhat had taken Imran to school and Dilshad took this opportunity to talk to Zoya. She showed her around the house and introduced to the staff they had for assistance around the house. Naseem khala was mainly responsible for the kitchen area. Usman did any housework and other stuff necessary in the house with the help of three other staff members. There was also the drivers and security guard. Both the ladies sat on the couch, "Zoya tum mujhe Ammi kehti hoon, iss haq keh main kuch pooch sakthi hoon?" Dilshad asked. "Ha Ammi, aap koh meri ijazat lene ki zaroorat nahi hai, boliye na?" Zoya said unsure of what was coming. Dilshad caressed her cheek, "main jaanti hoon keh tumara aur Asad ka nikaah itni jaldi hua keh tum dono koh ek dusre koh jaan ne ka mauka nahi mila. Main jaanti hoon keh Asad zyada bol tha nahi hai aur uss keh dil ki baat jaan na mushkil hai, lekin uski aankhe sabh bol thi hai. Woh dil na bura nahi hai, usse ek mauka dekhar dehko," she told her. Zoya smiled. She felt so much love from Dilshad. Though she had only known her for a short time, she felt very comfortable with her. "Main jaanti hoon Ammi aapko unki kitni fikar hogi lekin aap fikar karna bhul jayiye, main hoon na! Mr. Khan bhi bhaut jald bolne lagenge lekin mere itna bol thoda mushkil hai," she boasted as Dilshad giggled at her. "Allah tume hamesha khush rake," Dilshad said pulling her into a hug.

It was lunch time and Dilshad and her two bahus were at the dining table. As Zoya ate, "wow Ammi, aap kitna accha khana bana thi hai," Zoya exclaimed as she ate some of the rice. "Thank you Zoya," Dilshad said smilingly. "Ammi kya aap mujhe seekayengi, mujhe bilkul bhi khaana banana nahi aata," Zoya said a little said. "Kohi baat nahi beta, main sabh seeka dungi," Dilshad said. "Ha Zoya, Ammi bahut acchi teacher hai. Jab meri shaadi huwi thi, mujhe bhi thodi cooking aati thi lekin aabh main sabh jaanti hoon but Ammi is the expert," Nikhat said. As the ladies were conversing, they heard the door bell ring and usman opened the door to welcome Rashid in. "Aree Rashid, aap yaha?" Dilshad said surprised. "Ha woh meeting kehliye aaya tha toh sooch humari nayi bahu keh saath lunch hojaye," Rashid said patting Zoya's head. "How sweet Abu, thanks," Zoya said. Next, Rashid joined them and Dilshad was serving him lunch. "Waise Zoya, tumne kya soocha hai future keh baare mein?" Rashid asked. Zoya looked at him surprised. "Abu, main...kuch soocha nahi hai," she said hesitantly. "I meant keh future keh baare mein kuch soocha hoga beta, kya tum job karna chaogi?" he asked. Zoya was now shocked. Was Rashid asking her if she wanted to work? But why? Her parents had always told her that if she ever worked then she was bringing shame to their family and here was Rashid asking her if she wanted to work. "Agar tum nahi chathi toh tume kaam karne ki zaroorat nahi hai Zoya," Dilshad said seeing a shocked Zoya. "Nahi Ammi! Aisa nahi hai. Main hamesha se kaam karna chathi lekin khabhi mauka nahi mila," Zoya said. Rashid and Dilshad looked at each other understanding her situation. "Zoya, humare liye Najma aur Nikhat humari doh betiya hai, aur aabh tum humari teesri beti. I believe that woman are just as capable as men to work in any field. Nikhat bhi tumari Ammi keh saath kaam karti hai. Aur tumne toh master's in education kiya hai toh agar tum job karna chaho toh hume kohi problem nahi hai," Rashid explained. Zoya felt touched. Of course she wanted to work but before she committed to anything, she wanted to talk to Asad. "Main Mr. Khan se ek baar baat karna chathi hoon phir kuch soochongi," Zoya honestly said as everyone agreed. After lunch, Rashid went back to the office. Talking to Nikhat, Zoya found out that she was in a master's in sociology. Nikhat had started a NGO for girls about 3 years ago, her and Dilshad now had about 50 girls that they had saved for various situations and were helping. Zoya's respect for Nikhat had doubled, she felt really proud of Nikhat for what she was doing.

While Zoya's day passed with the family and getting to know them more, Asad kept thinking about her at work. Her screams and tears were haunting him since morning. Asad was trying to focus on work but he knew that until he made her smile, he wasn't going to be able to attend to anything. He had left work earlier than usual and started his way home. As he was driving, an idea popped in his head and he took a U-turn to change directions. The family was done with dinner and Zoya was in the front yard, playing with Imran. They were playing badminton and Zoya was laughing at Imran's actions. He loved mimicking Bollywood heroes, especially Salman khan. "I love Salman!" Zoya excitedly stated. Imran had lost the point and Zoya cheered, "yay I win!" she teased. "No way, you cheated," he said. Zoya looked at him shocked. "Imran not fair, agar game kheli hai toh learn to be a sport, if you win or lose," she explained. "Nahi Chachi, main aap se baat nahi karunga," he said angrily as he sat on the grass. Zoya smiled at his antics. She slowly walked up to him and started to tickle him. He began to laugh and so did Zoya. Then he too started to tickle her and Zoya squirmed, "stop Imran...ahhh!" she said and they were both laughing. Asad had returned from work only to be welcome by someone's laughter. He got of the car to see Imran and Zoya on the grass, tickling each other. A smile crept up on his lips to see her laughing. It wasn't a false laugh or smile that she had on this morning. It was truly a whole hearted smile, he thought. The one that made her eyes sparkled. His thoughts were interrupted as Imran called him out and ran to him. Asad smiled and picked up his nephew in his arms. Zoya greeted him and he greeted her back. "Chachu chachu, main aur Chachi badminton khel rahe the aur main jeet gaya," he exclaimed. Zoya giggled hearing Imran. On receiving a glare from Imran, "Maine kuch bhi kaha na," she said. At that moment, Farhan had interrupted them saying it was time for Imran's bed time. Asad handed Imran over to Farhan and headed upstairs to his room to freshen up and Zoya went to the kitchen.

Chapter 4

Zoya reached the school with her stuff and headed to the principal's office. She knocked on the door and walked into the office. A man in his early 60s was seated in the chair. "Hello sir, I am Zoya Siddiqui," she said. "Hello Ms. Siddiqui, I am Siddarth Verma, it's a pleasure to have you here. Maine aapke principal se aapke baare mein bahut suna hai," he said as Zoya smiled. "Thank you sir, I am very excited to work here with everyone," she said excitedly as Mr. Verma smiled at her joyful self. "But there is one change Ms. Siddiqui, the thing is that Ms. Sonal who you were supposed to work with had to leave due to some health reasons. We are currently looking for a substitute teacher to take over that position so I was wondering if you would be willing to work with in her position till we find someone to fill it?" Mr. Verma asked. "Of course sir, I would be honored," Zoya said. She couldn't believe it. She came here to assist and learn but now she herself can teach the kids. She was so excited. "That's great, chaliye main aapko apna classroom le chalta hoon," Mr. Verma said and they both walked out of the office. Walking through the corridors, Zoya felt so surreal. She still couldn't believe that she was here. Never in a million years did she expect herself to be here. Thanks to humaira for forcing her to talk to her father and ask him for permission. "Thank you Allah miyan, aap ki wajase toh abu ne ha kardiya, thank you so much!" she prayed silently as she followed Mr. Verma in the hallway.

She was resting in her room looking at family portrait from 3 years ago. It had a smiling Asad along with the whole family. Nikhat was about 5 months pregnant with Imran. It was probably their last family picture. Now, Asad didn't take pictures. Forget about pictures, he hardly ever smiled. She worried about all her kids and their future but she worried about Asad the most. She feared that he would be lonely like he is now his whole life. Now, she was there to take care of him but what about when she was gone? What would happen to him then? She worried that her son would walk the path of life all alone. She wanted him to know that just because he hasn't chosen the "right" person once doesn't mean he would repeat it again. But she knew that is what he was afraid of. He was scared to let anyone new into his life because he couldn't trust them anymore. She wanted to teach him to trust again. She wanted him to trust his instincts and make life decisions not just business decisions. She sometimes still regretted bringing that girl into her son's life. If she wouldn't have started the topic of Asad's wedding with her, she knew he would have never agreed to it. She thought he liked her. She just wanted him to be happy. Knowing her son, she knew he wasn't a man who expressed his emotions so she had thought who better than his best friend to understand and guide him through life. But what had happened was in the past. Now, she was going to take his hand into hers and take him forward to a new life. She wasn't going to let him stay in that darkness anymore. She was going to bring a new life into his, one that would fill his world with colors and make it so vibrant that he would forget everything of the past and erase the memories that haunted him every day.

Mr. Verma has showed her the classroom and left as he had an important meeting to attend in a few minutes. She took a deep breath and stepped inside hoping to conquer her dreams and fulfill her wishes here in the next month. She looked around the classroom and saw about 20 kids sitting in front of her. She smiled, "hello everyone, my name is Zoya, and you can call me Ms. Zoya or just Zoya if you want. Ms. Sonal is not feeling very well so she is going to rest for some time and I will be your teacher till then," she introduced herself and explained why she was there. One small girl raised her hand and Zoya looked at her and nodded indicating her to speak. "Sonal di kabh wapaas aayengi?" she asked. "Agar hum sabh milkar unke liye pray karenge toh woh jaldi wapaas aajayengi," Zoya said and they started to pray together. Zoya slowly opened her eyes and peeked to see what was happening in front of her. All the kids were sincerely praying and she smiled seeing their innocence. She didn't know Sonal but she also prayed that she would soon recover and return.

Zoya was thinking what she could do for their lesson for the day. She didn't know what they liked or what Sonal has covered. She didn't any know anything. An idea popped in her head. "Ok bacchon, aap log toh mera naam jaante hai, now if you could please tell me your names. Who wants to go first?" she said looking around. Suddenly, this small boy with big brown eyes and wavy black hair raised his hand and stood jumping in his chair. Zoya looked at him, "my name is Imran...Imran khan!" he said imitating Bollywood's SRK. She giggled, "naam toh suna hi nahi hai," she said as everyone including Imran laughed. Starting from Imran, everyone introduced themselves one by one. At this time, Zoya made small chits for all the kids and put it in a bowl. "Ok everyone, I will try my best to learn all your names soon, I promise. But now I would really like your help. I am going to give each one of you a piece of paper; I would like you to write 2 of your favorite things to do in class. Then fold the paper and put it in this bowl, ok?" she said as she walked around and gave everyone the small pieces of paper. As the kids were writing, "and yes, if you really have a favorite 3^rd thing, you can write that too," she said. Soon the kids finished and placed small chits of paper in the bowl passing it from one to the next. In the end, the bowl reached zoya and she thanked them all and placed the bowl on her desk. To have the kids do something for the day, she had each kid come up to the board and write their favorite activity and explain what it is and how they do it and when and who they do it with. All the kids were extremely excited to share their stories. For them, it was like a "show and tell." By the end of the day, most kids like zoya. She was fun, she played with them, and she wasn't that strict. At the end of the day, one of the school monitors took the kids with her and it was her responsibility to take the kids to the parents at the gate. Zoya looked around the classroom; it was too plain she thought. She decided that she would buy some things and decorate it a bit to make it look fun and colorful.

The work was over and everyone had left the office including his father and brother but he didn't feel like leaving. He wanted to be alone and he knew if he went back home, his mother or any other family member was going to bring up the same topic. He didn't want to talk about it. He was happy with how life was and didn't want any changes. He grabbed his keys and left to the only place where he found peace. He parked his car and got down. He took his hand kerchief and tied it around his head. Opening his trunk, he took out his guitar and walked in. First, he walked into the dargah, a serene place where he felt at peace. He didn't feel like he had to answer anyone, he could just sit and pray and no one disturbed him here. He raised his hands in prayer, "ya Allah mere ammi mere liye bechain rehti hai, main aapse unka chain mangna chatha hoon. Meri zindagi mein joh bhi huwa, main nahi chatha keh mere ghar walo par uska khabhi kohi saya bhi paade. Main jaanta hoon keh sabh mujhe aage badthe huwe dekhna chatha hain lekin main jaisa hoon theek hoon. Mere ghar walo koh hamesha khush rakhiye aur unki har khwaish puri karna lekin yeh nahi keh meri zindagi mein kohi aaye. Meri zindagi mein itna andhera hai keh main nahi chatha keh main kissi aur koh iss andhere mein nahi shamil karsaktha, yeh na insaafi main kissi keh saath nahi karsaktha," he silently said. Finishing his prayer, he walked out and all the kids who were at the dargah ran to him happily. He took out his guitar and soon they all started to sing (it's the same song that Asad sings in his intro scene in the show).

After leaving school, zoya moved into her staff room that the school has allotted to her. She took a shower and changed into a blue anarkali. She added silver earrings and braided her hair in a French braid leaving her bangs to the side. Lastly, she added some kajal making her eyes more beautiful and left grabbing her important documents. She hailed a taxi, "uncleji, rahat ali dargah chaliye please," she said to the driver. Sitting in the taxi, she took her picture out of the purse along with the papers she had and caressed it. "aap kaha hai ammi...main aapko kabh se doond rahi hoon. Agar uss din abu ne woh letter faada (tore) nahi hota toh shayad main apne manzil pauch ne mein ek kadam aage badjaati," she said tears streaming down her cheeks. Her thoughts drifted back to about 6 months ago, when she had received a letter about her mother's whereabouts. But unfortunately, her father had gotten the letter and was furious. "tum yeh kaise karsakthi hoon zoya, kya humne tume kohi kaami raki hai keh tum yeh sabh doond rahi ho?" he yelled. "nahi abu...main toh bas jaana chathi keh meri ammi kyon hai aur kaha hai," she replied honestly. "bas zoya," he roared. "aaj keh baad mujhe iss baare mein kohi baat nahi karni hai," gaffur had told her and she had just nodded not wanting to make the situation any worse. But, how could she just let it go. She had to know who her ammi was. All she had was her mother's photograph in which she was holding a year old zoya in her arms. Razia always hated her and she never loved her even as a person, forget about as a daughter. All she ever heard from Razia was that she didn't know who her parents were and that she was "najayaz." She closed her eyes in pain. Since she could go out on her own, she has been trying to find where her mother was, she is the only one out of her parents that she had a picture of so she thought it was better to start there. But, it was hard. Anywhere she went for information, people wanted money and she didn't have any to give them. Yes, she was Gaffur Ahmed Siddiqui's daughter for the world but her father didn't really give her or humaira any money. They were provided with the best everything any girl could ask for but her father believed that giving them allowances would spoil them and give them freedom. "beta, hum aagaye," the taxi driver said reaching their destination. Zoya quickly wiped her tears, "thank you uncleji," she said as she gathered her things and got out of the taxi. Composing herself, she walked in hoping that destiny would change for the better.

Chapter 8

Humaira stood knocking on her sister's door. "bhaji...jab tak aap darwaza nahi kholengi, main nahi jaungi!" she adamantly said. "humi please, mujhe thodi dher akele rehna hai, please!" zoya said. "theek hai, aap andar rahi hai aur main yaha rehti hoon," humaira said as both the sisters sat on the floor as either side of the door. It like they shared the pain though the door was a boundary. Humaira loved zoya! She might not be related to by blood but that didn't matter. She was her sister and her sister needed her, she wouldn't leave her sister in the time of need. After some time, zoya composed herself. She had to ignore razia like she always had. She had better things to worry about like that guy who was coming to see her. Why? Didn't he have anyone else better for him? Why her? She was in no way a perfect girl, then why would any guy want to choose her. She sighed as she gathered herself from the floor. As she opened the door, she saw humaira at the door. "humi, tum khabhi meri baat sunti kyun nahi ho?" zoya asked. "aap jitna bhi bolo, main aapko akela nahi chod sakthi thi. I am sorry bhaji, ammi hamesha aap ko," humaira said. "come on humi, tum kyun sorry bol rahi ho. Tumari galati nahi hai," zoya said. "phir bhi bhaji, ammi," humaira tried to explained when zoya intervened, "humi chodo woh sabh. Aabh toh usse bhi badkar problem hai. Yeh ladka? Iss ka kya karo?" zoya asked. "kya bhaji, milna hi toh hai milo," humaira said as she stepped into the room. Zoya glared at her. "yeh tum kehrahi ho? Mujhe shaadi nahi karni humi jab tak nahi jab tak main," zoya suddenly stopped herself. She didn't want to tell humaira. But the truth was that she didn't want to marry till she found out about her parents. She wanted to know who she was before she could commit a lifetime away with someone. "kya karna chathi hai aap bhaji?" humaira asked confused. "nahi kuch nahi. Lekin main kaise kissi se bhi nikaah karlo? Ya Allah miyan," zoya said. "shayad aapke allah miyan ne hi aap kehliye unne banaya hai. Woh kehte haina keh rab ne kahi na kahi aapke kehliye kissi ko banaya hai," humaira said dreamily. "kash yeh saach hota humi lekin mujhe kohi pasand kaise karsaktha hai. Tumne nahi suna keh tumari ammi ne kya kaha? Mujhe jaisi ladki se kohi nikaah bhi kyun karna chahega?" zoya said sadly. "oh please bhaji, aap ammi ki baatein ko dihaan kyun dehrahi hai. Mujhse poochiye na. Meri bhaji duniya ki best sister aur daughter hai aur usse bhi badkar, sabh se acchi insaan hai. Any guy who will marry you will be very lucky!" humaira said as she pulled her sister in a hug. Zoya half heartedly smiled still not sure about the whole situation.

Nikhat gave the good news to the family members and they were estactic. They couldn't believe that asad has said yes to the rishta. As he walked down the stairs, dilshad walked up to him. "asad, mujhe bahut khushi huwi yeh sun kar keh tumne ha kehdiya hai," she said caressing his cheek. "ammi, please mere paas kohi choice nahi tha," asad whined as everyone chuckled. "accha chalo, hume waha waqt pe pauch na chahiye," dilshad said and asad just followed his mother. The khan family settled into two cars and headed towars their destination. On the other hand, humaira was helping zoya get ready. She was going through her whole wadrobe trying to find a dress for her. "hmmm green...nahi yello, nahi blue," humaira said going through the dresses. "kya farak padtha hai humi...kohi bhi dress deh de," zoya said as she sat on the bed. All this didn't matter anyway. The guy was going to reject her once he found the truth about her. But, she was also nervous. She was supposed to meet a stranger and decide her whole life in a matter of minutes. This was supposed to be easy, apparently! "aise kaise...acchi se dress peheni chahiye," humaira said disrupting her thoughts. "issi liye tum pichle ek ghante se tum mera time waste karahi ho," zoya said annoyed. She got up and pulled a random dress out of the closet. "main yeh pehen longi," she said. Humaira liked the choice.

Dress: http://www.wholesalesalwar.com/salwar-suits/anarkali-suits/impressive-zoya-viscose-and-net-anarkali-salwar-kameez-ke4774_4774

She quickly changed and added matching purple earrings and placed the dupatta around her neck. "wow bhaji, you look beautiful. Aaj joh bhi aap koh dekhega, pagal hojayega," humaira said. "shut up humi!" zoya said. Soon, they heard cars enter their parking lot. Humaira got up and ran to the window. "wow bhaji, kitne log, lagtha hai baadi family hai! Aur three handsome boys aaye hai, iss mein aapka Mr. Right kyon hai paata nahi," humaira said. Zoya just sat on the bed not really caring about anything. She still couldn't believe that this was happening.

Downstairs, the family introduced themselves to each other. Razia wasn't too happy that such a good family had asked for zoya's hand but she was happy that at least zoya will be gone from her house. In front of the guests, she was acting all nice and praising zoya just so the people would like her and say yes. As the family settled, razia offered them tea and snacks. She then told usman (their house helper) to tell zoya and humaira to come downstairs. The family was conversing with one another and asad tried to look around to find out if he could get a glimpse of the girl. "Should have seen the picture asad?" he told himself. Just then, "lo aagaye," gaffur said as everyone turned towards the stairs. But razia was blocking the way as she was standing right in front of zoya, "dupatte se apna sher toh dakhle thi," she said as she pulled the dupatta over her head. Asad was looking towards the stairs waiting to see who the girl was which his whole family has chosen for him. As razia moved exposing zoya, he was surprised. At first, he couldn't believe his eyes, it was her! Then a slight happiness came on to his lips. Was Allah playing a game with him? At first, he saved her and now his mom had chosen her for him. Was this all part of destiny? Destiny? He mocked himself. Since when did he believe in all that! Dilshad noticed that asad's face and was trying to figure out his emotions. Zoya's eyes were plastered to the floor. She felt her heart race and her palms sweat. Nervous, now that was something new for zoya Siddiqui. Allah miyan, please sabh theek kardijiye, aap hi sabh sahi karsakthe hai, she silently prayed standing at the end of the stairs.

Seeing zoya, imran ran up to her, "zoya di!" he said as he hugged her legs. Zoya smiled and bent down to his height, "imran...aap? Yaha?" she asked and that is when she looked at the family that was seated and looking at her. "ha ammi abu aur sabh aaye hai," imran replied. Zoya immediately recognized nikhat and smiled at her. Zoya walked forward and greeted everyone. Nikhat walked up to her, "mujhe toh tum jaanti ho, main tume baaki sabh se mila thi hoon," she said as she introduced everyone and finally reached asad, "aur yeh asad hai, the man of the hour," nikhat ended with a chuckle. Zoya and asad just looked at each other. Asad liked the familarlty he had with her. His lips curved into a smile looking at her. Zoya too smiled out of courtesy. He looked nice, she thought. But outer beauty had nothing to do with inner beauty, did it. Humaira and haider recognized each other from college. Humaira and haider both were doing their MBA and have seen each other in passing at the college. They have never really gotten a chance to interact. "aao beta, mere paas baito," dilshad said and zoya nodded and took a seat next to her and Rashid. "apne baare mein kuch batao, tume kya accha lagtha? Kya pasand hai?" dilshad asked. Zoya nodded, "maine masters in education kiya hai, mujhe baccho koh padana accha lagtha hai. I read a lot of books aur khabhi khabhi Ghana gun guna le thi hoon," zoya honestly replied. "bhaji bahut accha ghati hai aunty, she is being too modest!" humaira said as everyone smiled. "maine kitni baar kaha hai keh yeh sabh na kare lekin yeh ladki kaha sunti hai," razia complained. Zoya's smiled vanished listening to razia and this didn't go unnoticed by asad. "iss mein bura kya hai razia bi, agar zoya accha ghale thi hai toh accha hi haina," dilshad said. Zoya was surprised. She loved to sing but her parents were always against it. They always yelled at her. The only person that encouraged her was humaira, the two sisters would sing together when they were alone. "aur zoya, tum wahi karna joh tumara maan kare beta, hume isse kohi aitraaz nahi hoga," Rashid said caressing her head. Zoya smiled at both of them. She felt touched with their love and concern.

Asad was noticing the emotions that were playing through zoya's face. He remembered how the day she was hurt, she kept crying for her mother but her mother didn't seem very nice, he thought. But then again who was he to judge? He just saw them from the past fifteen minutes. His thoughts were interrupted when Rashid asked gaffur if zoya and asad could spend some time alone and get to know one another. "humare gharoin mein yeh sabh nahi hota hai Rashid saab," razia informed them. "agar dono bacche ek baar baat karle toh accha rahega, unne faisla lena mein," Rashid said. "agar aap yehi chathe hai toh theek hai, zoya beta asad koh peeche garden mein le jaana," gaffur said and both razia and zoya were shocked. Humaira was happy that zoya can get to know the guy and talk to him in private. Zoya just nodded and looked at asad. He stood up and joined her. They both walked to the garden and seeing some chairs, he motioned her to sit first and then took his seat. Zoya who usually could talk for hours felt short of words. She didn't know what to say and waited for him to speak. Asad was in the same situation. He didn't know what he should talk about or ask her. what could they talk about that could help in determing their life, he thought. "aapka haath theek hogaya?" he asked breaking the silence. "ha woh cast kal hi nikal gaya tha aur doctor ne," she stopped realizing what he had just asked. How did he know? She thought. Seeing the confusion on her face, "hello, main Mr. khan!" he said extending his hand forward. Realization dawned on zoya, it was him! The guy who had saved her life twice. "woh aap the," she said. "abhi bhi hoon," asad said and zoya giggled. "I mean mere matlab tha, thank you for saving my life. Main zoya hoon," she said as she placed her hand in his. "thanks for the card, it was very nice," asad said. "I cant believe keh aap ne mujhe bachaya aur aabh aap ka hi rishta mere liye," zoya wondered out loud. "kya aap yeh nikaah kehliye, I mean kya aap nikaah kehliye tayaar hai?" asad asked. She was surprised at how straight forward he had asked the question. Asad too cursed himself was being blunt. Seeing her reaction, "aap mujhse kuch bhi kehna hai woh bol sakthi hai," asad assured her. "saach kaho toh Mr. khan main nahi jaanti. Mujhe toh kal hi bataya gaya keh aaj aap sabh aarahe hai. Main jaanti hoon keh aap ek bahut acche insaan. aapne mujh jaisi anjaan ladki ki madad ki hai lekin mr. khan main aap ke baare kuch aur nahi jaanti hoon," zoya said. He liked that she was honest and straightforward. "mere baare mein bahut zyada interesting kuch nahi hai. I mean I am pretty boring," he said and zoya chuckled. Her smile seemed to echo through the air. He liked how she laughed open heartedly like there was no tomorrow. "main abu aur bhaijaan keh saath humare company mein kaam karta hoon aur jab bhi waqt milta hai toh dargah jaake unn baccho keh saath waqt beeta tha hoon," asad replied. "that's really nice," zoya said. "aur kuch pooch na chathi hai toh aap mujhe pooch sakthi hai," asad said. Zoya smiled and nodded her head. She didn't know what else to ask. He seemed like a nice guy, she thought. And she liked the way he was concerned about her wishes. "toh andar chale?" he asked. Zoya nodded in agreement.

As they were both walking back, "toh kya main jaan saktha hoon keh aap ka jawaab kya hoga?" he asked. "mujhe sooch ne kehliye thoda waqt chahiye," zoya told him sincerely. Asad liked that she was being frank and wasn't hiding her feelings. There wasn't many people who he knew that did that, he thought. "its totally fine, I do too. Main toh bas aise hi pooch raha tha," asad replied. He let her enter first and followed her. As they walked into the living room, dilshad walked up to zoya, "aaj main bahut khush hoon, main apne bahu ka mo khud meeta karongi," she said as she offered zoya a piece of badam katli. Asad and zoya were both equally shocked. Zoya looked at asad then at dilshad. She couldn't say anything in front of everyone so she took a small bite. Dilshad then fed asad too. Everyone was extremely happy. "sabh ne rishta bhi tyaar kardiya, Mr. Khan ne ha kehdiya tha? Lekin woh toh mujhse kehrahe the keh unne time chahiye phir unki ammi," she thought as she looked asad. "bhabhi, aayiye na," najma said bringing zoya out of her thoughts. Asad grabbed a glass of water and started gulping it down to calm himself. Najma took zoya and make her sit on the couch. "toh gaffur saab, agle hafte sagai aur doh hafte baad shaadi, pakki samajye?" Rashid asked. Asad started to choke on his water and farhan patted his back. Zoya felt her face go pale hearing the words. What was happening? It seemed like life has changed in a matter of minutes. Wasn't anyone going to ask her what she wanted? What about her wishes? "ha ha Rashid saab, bilkul. Mubarak ho!" gaffur said as the men hugged. The family chatted for a few more minutes while asad kept looking at zoya but she was mad. How could asad do this to her? How could he have agreed to the marriage? And if he didn't, how come his mother has already decided her as her daughter in law. Asad could tell that she was upset. Her face was like an open book, he thought. He had to talk to his parents. And he had to explain to zoya what had happened. Soon, asad's family left. As soon as they left, zoya ran up to her room and closed the door. She sat on the floor with tears in her eyes. "Allah miyan! Mere saath hi aisa kyun hota hai. Aise kaise main ek anjaan insaan se nikaah karsakthi hoon. Aur woh? Woh bhi toh mujhe jaante nahi. Jab mujhe itne saal jankar bhi humaira ki ammi mujhe pyaar na karsaki toh kya ek anjaan insaan mujhe pyaar karega? Nikaah toh tha umar nibane ki ek kasam hai Allah, kya mujhse woh kasam puri ho payengi," she said to herself as she prayed to the one above.

Asad sped through the roads as he wanted to reach home. He wanted to talk to his parents about what had just happened. How the hell could they just accept to the nikaah without evening asking him? And zoya? What about her? He had noticed her expressions when dilshad had fed her the sweet. She seemed shocked and devastated. He didn't want her to be forced into this. Well, wasn't he kind of forced into it too. But it was two different things. He had accepted the fact that he had to move on for the well being of his loved ones and zoya seemed to be a good girl. From the three meeting he had with her till now, he knew that she was brave enough to fight a stranger in a dark street for something that was important to her. She was innocent and funny loving to play and dance with little kids. She also had the courage to put her life at risk to save a little girl's life. And from what he had heard, she liked to read books and listen to music. And her smile seemed to be contagious! Is that enough to accept her into his life, he didn't know. Whatever his decision had to be, it wasn't fair that zoya was forced into it. If she didn't want to marry him, she should be able to say it. It was her life after all. Reaching home, he slammed on the breaks and stopped the car. Before anyone could even step out, he walked into the house and straight to his room.

Note: Just to clarify asad's house in the show is zoya's house in this story and the house where Rashid and family stays in the show is where asad and his family are living in this story

So they met! Let me know what you guys think 😳 I am really happy that some of the silents readers are starting to comment, thank you, it really means a lot. And thanks to all my readers for reading and the support 🤗 🤗 🤗

Chapter 7

In the khan mansion, nikhat was showing prospective bride pictures to dilshad. "ammi, maine yeh sabh paata kiya hai. Aabh aap dekhiye," she said as she handed dilshad an envelope with the information. "mujhe tum pe pura bharosa hai nikhat lekin asad koh kyon samajaye. Tum toh jaanti hona keh woh kya kahega," dilshad said sadly. "ammi, aap ek baar dekh lijiye aur phir abu se baat kar lijiye, phir main asad se baat karongi," nikhat consoled her. "theek hai beta, Allah kare asad ke naseeb mein woh ladki ho joh usse hasna seekaya aur phir se zindagi jeena," dilshad said. "inshAllah aisa hi hoga ammi, aap fikar mat kijiye," nikhat said as dilshad smiled. "wow bhaijaan kehliye rishte dekhe jaarahe hai!" someone said at the door and dilshad and nikhat turned to see najma and haider at the door. "ya Allah, yeh ladki toh pure shehar mein ittala (tell) kardegi," dilshad said as nikhat and haider giggled. "kya ammi, main toh bas excited hoon. kitne saal hogaye humari ghar mein kohi baada sa celebration nahi huwa, kitna maaza aayega jab asad bhaijaan ka nikaah hoga," najma said dreamingly. "hello...nikaah ki baat asad bhaijaan ki horahi hai tumari nahi," hairder teased. "bhaijaan!" najma said as her cheeks turned tomato red. "wah najma, tum aur Sharma rahi ho?" nikhat said shocked. "ammi...dekho na," najma pouted as she hid in her mother's arms. "meri pyaari bacchi," dilshad said as she placed a kiss on her forehead. "toh ammi aap dono ne ladki bhi pasand karli bhai kehliye," haider asked looking at dilshad and nikhat. "abhi kuch finalize nahi huwa hai. Mujhe tumare abu se bhi baat karni hai aur most importantly, asad se," dilshad said. "phir toh ho chukka nikaah. Bhaijaan se nikaah keh baat karna sher ke mo mein haat dalne jaise hai," haider said as dilshad looked at him angrily. "kya ammi, saach hi toh kehraho hoon," haider said. "aisa kuch nahi, main baat karongi asad se aur usse samajongi, I am sure woh iss bar ha hi kahega. Aur mujhe pura bharoosa hai keh yeh ladki asad kehliye bahut hi sahi rahegi," nikhat said happily. "ammi, hume bhi batayiye na, ladki kyon hai?" najma asked. Dilshad showed them the picture and the information that nikhat collected from social networking site and from friends and relatives.

Zoya returned home and humaira helped her up to her room. She settled on her bed and was curious to know who this Mr. Khan was. She tried googling the name but there was so many. "ya Allah, lagtha hai aabh mujhe khabhi nahi paata chalega," she thought. Her thoughts drifted to the times that he had saved her. She felt his touch linger around her waist. "Allah miyan whats wrong with me? Ek toh unone meri help ki aur main hoon keh ajeeb wajeeb baatein sooch rahi hoon," zoya mentally scolded herself. Just then, razia barged into the room. "tume hamesha kuch na kuch karna kyun hota hai? Iss khandaan ki izzat ki kohi parva nahi hai tume?" she yelled. "ammi, maine," zoya was saying when she was interrupted. "mujhe ammi mat bulao, kitni baar kaha tumse," razia yelled. "sorry. Par maine kya kiya hai?" zoya asked. "kya kiya hai? Ek toh tum pure ek meine ghar ki bahar thi. Paata nahi kya kya gul kilaye hai tumne. Aur phir kya zaroorat thi mahaan banke uss bacchi toh bachane ki. Tumari wajase aabh sabh humse pooch rahe keh zoya waha kyun gayi thi aur kya karne gayi thi. Kya kahengi hum sabh se? Tumara iss ghar se khoon ka rishta toh nahi hai lekin duniya kehliye tum humari hi toh beti hona" razia taunted. Zoya eyes filled with tears. This wasn't new for her. She has been listening to this for years now. But, the fact that razia was least bothered that she was hurt and was still taunting her made the situation a lot worse. "main waha sirf padane gayi thi aur ek bacchi ki jaan bachane kehliye main kuch bhi karsakthi hoon," zoya replied. Before razia could speak anymore, humaira entered with a glass of juice for zoya. Razia knew that humaira would never hear anything against zoya so she just left. Seeing tears in zoya's eyes, "bhaji, kya huwa? Ammi ne kuch kaha?" she asked. "nahi humi, bas woh chot ki wajase I have really bad headache," zoya lied not wanting to create problems between humaira and razia. "awww! Accha yeh juice peelijiye aur phir thodi dher rest karlena," humaira told her. Zoya gulped the juice down and humaira tucked her in. Making sure zoya was comfortable, humaira left so zoya can rest for a while.

Two days had passed since zoya had left the hospital. In the khan mansion, asad was at home since he had a video conference today so decided he would do the meeting at home and go into office later. He was in the study waiting for his foreign clients to come online. Just then, someone knocked on the door. "come in!" asad said and saw ismail, their house keeper, walk in. "bhaijaan, yeh aap kehliye aaya hai," ismail said as he walked in with a letter. "thanks ismail," asad said and ismail left. Looking at the cover, "mere liye hospital se letter?" he wondered as he opened it. He was expecting a letter instead he found a card with a huge thank you written on it. He opened the card and started to read it.

Mr. Khan,

Mera naam zoya hai. Main wohi ladki hoon jisse aapne doh baar bachaya. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you Mr. Khan for saving my life. Agar aap nahi hote toh shayad main aaj yaha nahi hoti, apni family keh saath nahi hoti. Aap shayad mujhe jaante hai par main toh yeh bhi nahi jaanti keh aap kyon hai phir bhi apne meri help ki, I really appreciate it. I hope we meet under better circumstances.

Thanks again

Zoya

After reading the note, a small smile crept up on his lips. "how sweet!" he thought. She put in the effort to find me and send me a card. He took the card and put it back in its cover and placed it in his briefcase. Soon, the clients came online and he started his meeting.

It was more than 2 weeks since zoya was discharged from the hospital. She went back for her check up and her cast was removed. She had recovered well. Her wound on her head was almost gone, just a little scar. And her arm was better than before. These two weeks, she was tired of sitting at home not being able to do anything. On the way back, she called humaira who had gone to college. "hello bhaji, doctor ne kya kaha?" humaira asked picking up the phone. "sabh theek hai even the cast is off!" zoya said excitedly. "that's great!" humaira said. "accha...main tume kuch dher mein pick karne aati hoon phir hum chaat khane chalenge," zoya said. "lekin bhaji, ghar pe kya kahenge?" humaira asked. "aree uss ki tension baad mein. Aur waise bhi chaat khaane bas das minute toh lagte hai," zoya explained. "ok fine, I will be ready," humaira said. Zoya picked up humaira from college and they both went to eat chaat. They enjoyed and returned home.

As they were walking in, they saw gaffur and razia in the living room. "kya gayi thi?" razia asked looking at zoya. "woh hospital keh baad humaira koh pick kiya phir hum chaat khaane gaye the," zoya honestly replied. "aabh bolungi toh bolege keh bolti hai lekin tume paata bhi hai keh tumare abu ka kitna baada naam hai Bhopal mein. Unki beti agar sadak par aise kisine dekhliye toh," razia said as she looked at gaffur. "ammi hum toh bas celebrate karna chathe the kyun ki bhaji theek hogayi," humaira said supporting zoya. "tum toh choti ho lekin zoya koh khayal karna chahiye tha lekin main bhi kya parayo (stranger) se umeed karahi hoon," razia ridiculed. "razia...chodo iss baat ko. Hume toh kuch aur baat karni haina," gaffur reminded her trying to avoid the topic. "zoya hume tumse kuch zaroori baat karni hai," gaffur announced as zoya looked at him then at humaira wondering what it was. "jee abu, boliye," zoya said not sure what her father wanted to talk to her about. "beta kal tume ladke wale dekhne aarahe hai, kal char baaje," gaffur said and zoya looked at him shocked. "lekin abu, aise achanak. Maine aapko bola tha keh mujhe abhi nikaah nahi karna abu, abhi toh meri padayi khatam huwi hai," zoya said. "zoya tum kabh tak yehi bolti rahogi. Aabh tumari padayi hogayi aur humne faisala kiya hai keh aabh tumara nikaah hojana chahiye," gaffur told her. "lekin abu mujhe," zoya said when he interrupted her. "zoya tumne humse vaada kiya tha keh agar hum tume internship jaane de toh tum hum jaise bolenge waisa hi karogi toh main chatha keh tum nikaah karlo," gaffur said and zoya looked at him helplessly. "aur waise bhi zoya tumare liye itna accha rishta aaya toh tume ha keha dena chahiye. Akir tumari kamiya keh baare mein bhi soocho," razia said placing her hand on zoya's shoulder. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She pushed razia's hand away and ran up the stairs. "bhaji...bhaji, meri baat suniye!" humaira said as she followed zoya. Zoya ran to her room and closed the door. She sat on the floor as more tears flow down her cheeks, as she touched her arm.

On the other hand, asad was on his bed reading a magazine about the stock market exchange. Someone knocked on the door and entered. "bhabhi aap? Aayiye na," asad said as he stood up. "mujhe tumse bahut zaroori baat karni hai," nikhat said. Asad motioned her to sit and he too took a seat on the bed. "ha batayiye," asad said. "asad, ammi tume lekar bahut pareshaan rehti hai yeh toh tum jaante hi ho. Iss baat koh lekar unki tabeyat pe bhi asar horaha hai," nikhat said. "kya huwa ammi koh?" asad asked worried. "ammi koh chakaar aarahe the kuch dino se toh main unne doctor se paas lekar gayi thi aur doctor ne kaha hai keh unka blood pressure thoda high hai. Woh kehrahi thi keh unne tension na de lekin asad iss baare mein sirf tum hi kuch karsakthe ho," nikhat honestly told him. "bhabhi please aap jaanti hai keh ammi joh chathi hai main woh nahi karsaktha," asad said. "come on asad, kabh tak beeti huwe baatein lekar zindagi koh jagad keh jeete rahoge, main jaanti ho keh tumare liye yeh asaan nahi hai lekin asad jab tak tum nayi yaadein aur khushiya koh apnaoge nahi tab tak beeti baatein tumara peecha karti rahengi," nikhat explained. "par bhabhi," asad tried but nikhat intervened. "asad, main yeh nahi kehrahi hoon keh yeh asaan hai lekin tume kosish toh karni chahiye na. Jab se woh hadsa huwa hai tab se jaise tum jeena hi chodiya hai. Ammi koh aisa lagtha hai keh kahi na kahi shayad woh bhi iss ki zimedaar hai. Asad jis ladki ne tumare dil thoda, iss ghar walon keh izzat aur dil keh saath khela, hum sabh koh chot pauchaya uske baare mein sooch kar tume nahi lagtha keh tum usse importance deh rahe ho. Aur iss sabh ke beech tum apne aap ko aur iss ghar walon koh takleef deh rahe ho asad. Yeh main ek bhabhi nahi ek dost ke haq se kehrahi hoon, please iss ghar koh uss ka beta lauta doh, mujhe mera dost lauta doh," nikhat said as tears filled her eyes.

Asad and nikhat knew each other since they were kids. Before getting married to farhan, nikhat already knew everyone in the family. In fact, it was the family that attracted her to farhan. Having been a only child to her parents, and losing her mother at a young age, Nikhat has always yearned to live in a house filled with siblings and a huge family. Asad was always like a brother to her. She had a childhood crush on farhan but was always scared to confess. Asad found this about her so he talked to dilshad and set up the whole wedding for her. She owed him everything. When the incident happened 3 years ago, she had thought that asad would handle himself but she had been wrong. Asad had slowly slipped into his shell and away from everyone, even her. She had to do something and she had decided that it was time. "nikhat...please don't cry," asad said pulling her into a hug. "please asad ek baar life koh phir se chance deh doh, please," nikhat said pleadingly. They broke apart, "ok I will think about it!" asad said. He had never wanted to hurt anyone. He just wanted to live alone and away from everyone and everything so he never caused any harm to his family again. But, if this is what his mother and family wanted, then may be the least he could do is think about it. "awesome! Toh kal shaam koh hum ek ladki se milne jaarahe hai, be ready!" nikhat said as asad looked at her shocked. "kya? Main toh bas sooch ne ki baar karaha tha," asad said. "tum phir se apni sooch badal doh isse phele hum iss rishte toh finalize karna chathe hai," nikhat told him. "this is not done! Main kahi nahi jaaraha hoon," asad protested. "asad, ammi ne already unse keh diya hai keh hum kal aarahe hai, be ready!" nikhat said. "this is not fair nikhat," asad said getting mad. "Too late asad! Everything is fair in love and war!" aur ha agar tume ladki keh baare mein jaan na hai toh iss mein uski tasveer aur information hai," nikhat said as she offered him an envelope. "mujhe yeh sabh nahi chahiye, mujhe isse kohi farak nahi padtha," he sternly replied. "theek hai, main yaha chode thi ho, tume dekhna ho toh dekh lo," nikhat said as she stood up and placed the envelope on his coffee table and left. Asad looked at the envelope as tension raised in his blood. His one hand clustered into a fist and his other pinched the bridge of his nose, "aabh kya karoon main iss ladki kya?" he thought as he looked at the envelope that had been left on the table.

Who is the girl that asad has been committed to see? Will he say yes to the rishta? What's ahead in asad and zoya's life? To find out, keep reading yeh teri meri baatein!

Thanks for all your support, it really means a lot! For the silent readers, please like or leave a comment, I would appreciate it 😊😊

Chapter 3

Two days later, it was time for Zoya to head out for her internship. Razia was still not happy that gaffur has given her permission to leave the house for a whole month. Who knows what that girl could do in a month out of her eyes, she thought. Gaffur, on the other hand, was happy to see the spark in Zoya's eyes. He didn't know what made him to say yes to have her go out of the house and teach. He would have never thought that he would allow any of his daughters to leave the house to teach. But he just looked at this as his way of giving back to her, to compensate for what he had taken away from her. Humeira was just elated for her sister. She knew how much it meant to zoya to have this opportunity. She stepped forward and took zoya into a hug, "allah hafiz bhaji...apna khayal rakna, I will miss you!" humeira said. "I will miss you too but I promise main roz phone karongi," zoya said. They broke apart and zoya bid everyone good bye and left.

The driver was going to take her to the school where she was set up to teach and she was staying at the staff housing that the school was going to provide. It was a 2 hour drive from her house so zoya thought it would be perfect to stay there than drive from home every day and she was required to stay there. She had her ipod playing soft romantic hindi movie songs in her ears as she looked out the window. This was the first time that she was stepping out of her sheltered life. All through life she was told what she can and can't do though she was a spirited soul and broke through many restrictions. Her parents always wanted her to be a traditional muslim girl who would follow their every lead. She wanted to be free. She wanted to study, she wanted to teach, she wanted to travel but her parents would never let her do any of it. It was a surprise to her and pretty sure to many of the family and friends of the Siddiqui household that Gaffur Ahmed Siddiqui has allowed his daughter to study as far as a masters in education. She smiled looking at the sky outside as she laid back and closed her eyes thinking about what the month ahead had in store for her.

On the other hand, employees were bursting around the office trying to finish work before their boss came in. Though Rashid, Farhan, and Asad all were the head of the company in equal shares, the employees were scared of asad the most. Asad was very stern and he liked worked done on time that too with perfection and when he got mad it wasn't pretty. So, everyone tried not to let asad get mad and wanted to get work done on time. Asad was in his cabin trying to focus on what his mother said that morning. It's been 3 years and everyone tells him to let go and move on but only as it was so easy to actually do it. How could he just forget everything? How could he forget that she broke his trust? He trusted her more than anything and anyone in this world? How could he forget the shame that she has bought to him and more importantly his family? The world spoke without knowing the truth and they all had to be muted to those harsh words. He got up and looked through the window of his house. Looking down, he saw the city of people guzzling around. They looked like ants from his 16^th floor window. Everyone moving on in their lives except him who was still stuck in the past times, stuck in time 3 years ago. Its not like he missed her. Hell! He hated her for what she did. He didn't miss her, its just that he couldn't bring himself to trust anyone anymore. He had no friends anymore. He didn't talk to anyone other than for business purpose. All he had now was his family and he wasn't going to give anyone a chance to hurt them again...never!

At the khan villa, everyone had left except for dilshad and nikhat. Rashid, farhan, and asad had gone to the office while haider and najma went to college. Nikhat had just returned after leaving Imran at preschool. "asad ne phir na kehdiya?" she asked worried. "ha nikhat, paata nahi kya karoon iss ladke ka," dilshad said concerned about when her son was ever going to move on in his life. "ammi...mere paas ek idea hai," nikhat said. "ha bolo na," dilshad said. "ammi mujhe lagtha hai keh hume khud asad kehliye ek acchi ladki doond na chahiye. Agar hum asad koh poochte rahenge toh woh thaal tha rahenga. Aap koh kya lagtha hai?" nikhat wondered. "ha tum bilkul sahi kehrahi ho, bas bahut hogayi uss ki zid, aabh hum asad kehliye ek aise ladki doond dehnge joh mere asad keh zindagi mein ek bahar bankar, ek prena banker aur humari ghar ki khushiya bankar aayegi," dilshad said. "aur humare asad koh hasna bhi seeka degi," nikhat said as they both smiled. Dilshad decided that she could talk to rashid tonight itself and start looking for prospective wives for asad first thing from the morning. Nikhat looked at the clock. "accha ammi, time hogaya hai, main chalthi hoon. Kaam khatham karke main Imran koh lete aaungi," nikhat said. "theek hai beta...samaal keh jaana," dilshad said. "jee ammi, allah hafiz," nikhat said as she grabbed her purse and walked out the door.

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Chapter 5

Asad was still singing with the kids when he felt a gush of air against his face. He turned around to see someone walking in. He heard the air carry the sound of her bangles as she was stuffing something in her bag. She pulled her dupatta over the head covering it properly. Unknown to him, he felt the blood flow to his heart increase and his eyes drift towards her. Suddenly, he felt a tug at his shirt and he came out of thoughts to see one of the small girls calling him. He ignored the person, rather the beautiful lady, at the entrance of the dargah and went back to the kids. Zoya walked in and knelt on the floor raising her hands in prayer, "ya Allah, aapne mujhe yeh zindagi mein joh bhi diya hai, uss kehliye main aapka shukur aada karna chathi hoon. Bina kohi rehane ki bawajood aapne mujhe ek ghar diya, ek family di lekin main abhi bhi adhuri hoon Allah miyan. Bina apne ateet koh jaane ya yeh jaane keh mere ammi abu kya hai aur kyon hai main aage nahi badsakthi. Main yeh toh jaanti hoon keh meri ammi aapke paas hai. Lekin abu mujhe toh yeh bhi nahi paata keh woh iss duniya main hai bhi ya nahi. Please ammi kaha hai mujhe raasta dekhayi Allah miyan," she silently said as tears flowed down her cheeks. She silently sat there for some time not really knowing where to go from there. Picking up her things she was walking out of the dargah lost in her own thoughts when she felt someone tug at her bag. "hey...kya karaha hoon? Chodo!" she yelled at the thug who trying to tackle her and take the bag from her. "chodo...mera bag...kohi help karo...someone please help!" she called out but no one bothered. The guy grabbed the bag from her and started for a run. Zoya couldn't let it go, her most prized possession was in that bag so she started to follow him. "chor, kohi ruko uske...chor!!!" she yelled as the guy ran out of the dargah area and into the streets.

The sun had set and he was also tired. He decided that he would start heading home. He figured that by the time he reached home, everyone should be asleep except for ammi and may be Nikhat bhabhi, he thought. He was putting his guitar in the trunk when he heard a girl chasing someone yelling "chor!" He turned to see the same girl he had seen few moments ago. But, now something was different. Now, the smile on her face was replaced with worry and fury. She was trying to catch someone. He followed her eyesight to see the guy she was following. He closed the trunk and started to follow her and the thief. She was running out of breath but she couldn't stop, she had to get her bag back at any cost. Running, she didn't know when she had reached one of the dark streets alone. The guy stopped and turned to face her with a wicked smile. Suddenly, Zoya looked around. That is when she realized where she was. She felt scared. She stepped back. "dekho...mera bag mujhe wapaas dehdo, uss mein mere bahut azeez cheez hai," she said. The thief laughed, "phir toh aaj raat meri aish hai," he said. "nahi iss mein paise nahi, woh cheez sirf mere liye zaroori hai, please mera bag wapaas kardo," she pleaded. The guy pulled out his knife. "dekh ladki...chode mera peecha warna bahut pasthayegi," he warned. "nahi...mujhe mera bag wapaas do," she said as she tried to get the bag back from him. He pushed her back and slid the knife cutting her shoulder, "ahhh!" she yelled. On the other hand, Asad was looking around to where the girl he had followed her went. He had lost track of them in the dark streets. When he was looking around, he suddenly heard a scream. He followed the scream and saw her at the end of the street. Even after getting cut, she wouldn't let the bag go. She couldn't! This was the last thing she had of her mother's and she would give her life for it even if she had to. The thief kept fighting with her but seeing someone run up to them, he pushed her and left the bag with her.

In the force of the push, she fell back and hit her head on the pole. She felt everything in front of her go black. She was about to fall and hit the ground when a strong arm wrapped around her waist securing her. She tried to open her eyes but her eye lids felt too heavy. She felt her left arm become heavy with pain. "hello miss...miss...apne aankhe kholo," he said but she didn't respond. He lifted her in arms and quickly walked towards the car. Placing her in the back seat, he rushed to the hospital. Through the mirror, he kept looking at her and she kept clutching the bag and sobbing, "ammi...ammi," she said. He turned to look at her, he felt bad looking at her curdled up in the seat with blood oozing out of her shoulder and forehead. He felt bad! For the first time in years, Asad Ahmed Khan was feeling something, he felt her pain. The person who didn't care for anyone other than his family today felt bad for someone, that too a girl. He ignored it, "damn it Asad, she is hurt and she needs to be at a hospital," he mentally yelled at himself. Reaching the hospital, he quickly picked her up and ran inside. "nurse...doctor! She needs help," he said. Quickly, everyone came for his guide and she was taken into the emergency room. Most people were familiar with Asad as he was one of their generous donors. He also came to the pediatric ward often to talk to the kids and spend time with them. Once she was wheeled in, he gave her bag to the nurse and told her everything that has happened. He was thinking what he should do next. Should he stay? Should he leave? He should leave. It's not like he knew her or anything. After what happened on the way, he decided that it was best to leave. He just bought her out of sympathy. She needed help and he helped her and that was it! He convinced himself and walked out of the hospital.

When he returned home, everyone was already asleep. His mom has left him a plate of food and a note on the dinner table. "Asad, just because tum ghar late aaunge iss ka yeh matlab nahi keh main tumse woh baat nahi karungi. Lekin, late hogaya hai, mera seer bhi bahut dukh raha hai issliye aaj raat kehliye tume main thang nahi karongi. Bina khaana khaye suna mat." Asad just nodded his head reading his mother's words. She cared for him way too much and he hated hurting her. He wished there was a way he could make her happy without having to go against his own heart. He warmed up the food and quickly finished eating. He decided that he would take a quick shower before heading to bed. He stood in the shower, closing his eyes and letting the warm water run through his tired body. Standing in the shower, all he could think about was that girl he had seen moments ago. The girl kept flashing in front of his eyes. The way she kept sobbing for her mom, the way she was clutching her bag, the way she fought the guy. He had to give it to her, she was pretty brave to tackle the guy all by herself, he thought. But wait! "mujhe isse kya? Main kyun sooch raho ho uss keh baare mein?" he questioned himself with no answers to give. He finished his shower quickly, changed into a simple kurta pajama, and decided to hit the bed for the night.

Few hours later, Zoya woke up and found herself in the hospital. At first, she was confused how she got here but then she remembered someone catching her when she was about to fall. "kahi wohi toh nahi laaye mujhe yaha?" she thought. As she was about to sit up, she felt her head throb. "ahhh," she said holding her head. Just then, a nurse holding a medicine tray walked in. "aree udgayi aap, kaisa mehsoos horaha hai?" she asked. "jee theek hoon," Zoya replied. "nurse...main yaha kaise aayi?" she asked. "woh jaha aapko chot lagi thi waha se kohi aapko yaha le aaya tha," she told her. "oh, thank you. I mean mera khayal rakne kehliye," zoya told her. "it's our duty mam," the nurse said smilingly. "oh please, call me zoya. Main yaha jaa sakti hoon, mujhe kal school bhi jaana hai," zoya explained. "aapke chot itni gehari toh nahi hai, par main ek baar doctor se pooch leti hoon," the nurse said. "ok thanks. Aur ha nurse mera bag woh kaha hai?" zoya asked. "yahi hai," she said as she opened the little closet next to the bed and gave zoya the bag. Zoya sighed a breath of relief. "thank you Allah miyan aapne bacha liya," zoya said looking up at the ceiling. The nurse asked the doctor and told zoya that she could leave but had to take some pain killers for a couple days and change her dressing twice a week. Zoya agreed to all the regulations and headed out of the hospital. She hailed a taxi to go back to the staff hostel. Her phone beeped letting her know of low battery. "ya Allah...maine toh ghar peh phone hi nahi kiya aur aabh toh battery bhi dead hogayi, mar gayi main toh," she thought. Soon she reached back and she rushed up to her room to charge her phone. She quickly dialed, "hello bhaji, kaha hai aap? Sabh theek toh haina?" a tensed humaira asked. "I know, I am sorry humi! Bahut kaam tha aur phone bhi dead hogaya tha," zoya said. "aapko paata hai, abu bahut gussa hai aur ammi koh toh aap jaante hi hai," humaira said. "ya Allah I am sorry humi, main kal subhe phone karke sabh theek kardongi, please mere liye aaj samaal le please humi," zoya pleaded. "bhaji, aap toh abu ka gussa jaante hona aur phir bhi yeh sabh," humaira reasoned. "please humi aaj ek din. Aur mere paas tumare liye ek bahut acchi news hai," zoya said excitedly. Zoya told humaira everything about how she has been offered to teach at the school and about Sonal being on leave. And about going to the dargah but she left out everything afterwards. She didn't want to worry humaira and besides, zoya hasn't told humaira that she was looking for her parents. She felt it wasn't right. She didn't want humaira to feel like she didn't feel part of the family. That was the only thing she hadn't told humaira. Since they were kids, zoya and humaira always shared everything with each other and zoya felt bad she couldn't tell humaira this. Humaira, on the other hand, was really happy for her sister. "wow bhaji, that's awesome! Since aapne itni acchi news di hai, main abu se baat karongi," humaira said. The sisters bid their good byes and hung up the phone. Zoya decided to take a shower and then changed into her pajamas, and hit the bed.

The sun rose the next morning and zoya woke up feeling a little sore. But, she was too excited to care. She didn't really have time to plan lessons or anything since last night didn't go as planned. She refreshed herself and changed into a jeans and kurti and added a scarf around her neck. She added matching earrings and a bracelet and walked out grabbing her purse. Asad stood in front of his mirror trying to pick out something to wear for office. Suddenly, his thoughts drifted again to her, the girl he had saved last night. "kya phone karke pooch keh woh theek hai ya nahi?" he thought. But why? Why should I call? Why does it matter to me? "lekin woh roh rahi thi na, pooch na chahiye," he decided and dialed the doctor's number. Talking to the doctor, he found out that the girl was fine and that she had left the hospital last night. He felt relieved to know that she was ok. Later, he got dressed, had breakfast, and left for office.

Time passed and zoya was getting really comfortable with the kids, she loved what she was doing. Whenever she had time from planning lessons or doing something for the classroom, she tried to find out more about her mother. A week later, zoya had an incident where one of the small girls had taken a strawberry shaped eraser from another girl. She had now got caught and was bawling her eyes out. Zoya knelt down and wiped the little girl's tears. "aapne aisa kyun kiya?" Zoya asked. "mujhe woh accha laaga toh maine le liya, I am sorry miss," she said in her sweet voice between her sobs. "beta, I know keh aapko accha laaga lekin woh eraser toh payal ka haina, aur kissi ki bhi cheez unse bina pooche nahi leyte right? Yeh toh galat haina," Zoya explained and Asma nodded. "I know I am sorry!" Asma said. "its ok lekin aap mujhse nahi payal se maafi maangna chahiye kyun ki cheez toh uski thi na," zoya said. The little girl turned to her friend and sincerely apologized. Payal smiled and both the friends hugged each other. Zoya smiled at the sight in front of her. "yaad rakhna baccho, agar kohi galati kare aur dil se maafi maange, toh unne maaf kardena chahiye aur sabh baatein wahi bhul jaana chahiye aur dil se maafi deh deni chahiye," zoya told the kids as everyone smiled at her.

Days later, Farhan was sitting in his room trying to compile some important documents for the meeting tomorrow. Nikhat had just taken a shower and was drying her hair when she saw her son run into the room with his chocolate milk. "abu abu," he said but suddenly the carpet caught in his feet and he tripped, dropping the milk on some of Farhan's important documents. "Imran...yeh kya kardiya tumne?" he yelled. "I am sorry abu," he sincerely apologized. "bahut badmaash horahe ho tum Imran? Har waqt huchal kood karna hai tume?" Farhan said as he gathered his documents. Seeing her son get tears in his innocent small eyes, Nikhat stepped forward, "galati hogayi Farhan, woh sorry keha raha haina," she explained. Imran hid behind his mother like he always did when he was scared of anyone in the house. "tum uski side mat lo aaj kal bahut badmaash hogaya hai yeh, doh dino phele bhi iss ne vase thoda aur aaj yeh," Farhan said still angry. Nikhat was about to speak when, "agar kohi dil se maafi maange toh unne maaf kardena chahiye aur sabh bhool jaana chahiye," Imran spoke up peeking behind from Nikhat. A smile came upon Nikhat's face and Farhan too smirked a bit. He knelt down and took Imran's hand and bought him forward, "I am sorry abu," he said again. "its ok beta, I am sorry too abu thoda zyada gussa hogaye," Farhan said caressing his cheek. Imran smiled widely happy that his father was not mad anymore. "ek baat batao, aapko yeh baat kisne seekayi? Ammi ne?" Farhan asked. "nahi abu, yeh toh mujhe zoya di ne seekaya hai," Imran said. "zoya di?" Nikhat asked. "ha ammi, zoya di meri nayi teacher," Imran said. "par aapki teacher toh Ms. Sonal hai na?" Nikhat asked confused. "Ms. Sonal beemar hai issliye Ms. Zoya aayi hai hume padane," Imran said. "aapki zoya di toh bahut acchi maloom hoti hai," Nikhat said. "ha ammi, woh bahut acchi hai woh hume padathi hai aur humare saath bahut khelti bhi hai, I love her," Imran declared as Nikhat and Farhan giggled. "bahut accha hai, chalo now bed time!" Farhan said as he picked up Imran in his arms and left for his room to change and put him to bed.

Later that night, everyone decided to watch a movie since it was Saturday the next day. Everyone settled into the family room that had a big flat screen TV and speaker sound system. They decided to watch heropanti as it has recently released. "ammi...main bhaijaan koh bhula loon?" she asked. "ha Najma beta, kosish karle," dilshad told her. Najma ran upstairs to her brother's room and knocked. "come in," Asad said when he looked up to see his sister walk in. "kya hua tamatar?" he asked. "bhaijaan woh hum sabh movie dekh rahe the toh main aapko bhulane aayi thi," she said. "nahi tamatar mujhe kaam hai, aap sabh enjoy karo," he said. "lekin bhaijaan, sabh dekh rahe hain, aap bhi aate toh," she said. "tamatar maine kaha na mujhe kaam hai, tom jao," Asad said firmly. Najma knew not to push her brother any more. She was aware of how easily Asad gets mad. He wasn't like this before but she understood why he became this way. She returned to the family room and looking at her face, dilshad understood what would have happened. Seeing Nikhat walk in with popcorn, Najma's face lit up. "popcorn!" she said excitedly as she took the big bowl from Nikhat. As she sat on the cushion on the floor munching on the snack. She felt the bowl slip from her hands. "Bhai, yeh mera hai," Najma pouted. "moti, waise toh roz kehti ho keh tum dieting karahi ho aur popcorn aise karahi hoon jaise eid ki sevaiya hai," Haider teased as everyone laughed. "Bhai! Ammi dekho na," Najma complained. "Haider, kyun thang karahe ho, dehdo waapas" dilshad said. "saach hi toh hai ammi," Haider said and she received a slap on his shoulder from Nikhat. "sush! Tamatar tume kohi dieting karne zaroorat nahi hai, tum jaise ho waise hi bahut acchi ho," Nikhat said as she took the bowl from Haider and gave it back to Najma. Najma stuck her tongue out to her brother and started munching on the popcorn again. In between the movie, Haider kept stealing the popcorn from the bowl and Najma kept getting mad at him. The family just laughed at the two. Being only 2 years apart, Haider and Najma were still like little kids. They loved each other but also loved to tease each other. But, Najma was sided most of the times being the youngest of all siblings, she was pretty spoiled by all her brothers and family.

Thanks everyone for reading and the amazing comments...🤗

Asya kind of met in this chapter so I would love see your feedback, please do leave a comment 😉😊

Chapter 6

Three weeks of her internship were already done. Zoya couldn't believe how fast time was moving. She wanted to take in each second and live it to the fullest. She knew that after these three weeks, her father was never going to allow her to do anything. But, she also knew that she only had a week left to find something about her mother. She had to do something, she had to! Today, she had parent teacher conferences for her class. She was kind of feeling nervous. She had a good rapport with the kids, that's because kids were easy to get along with. But adults were a whole different story, she thought. She chose a pink and white anarkali. She added pink earrings and bangles and let her hair down her shoulder. She finished the class first and then let the kids go to the playground so they can play outside while she can talk to the parents. One by one the parents came and Zoya thought she was doing pretty well. Someone knocked at the door and Zoya stood up, "yes come in," she said. "Hello, main Mrs. Nikhat khan, Imran ki mom," Nikhat introduced herself. "Oh it's nice to meet you, please have a seat," Zoya said. "Imran class mein kaisa hai?" Nikhat asked. "Imran is a wonderful kid, thoda shararati hai lekin kisiko zyada thang nahi karta hai. Par ha aap uske spelling par thoda dihaan dijiye ga," Zoya said. "Ha main jaanti hoon, kosish karahi hoon. I will work on it more with him. Waise woh aapki bahut baatein karta hai," Nikhat said. "meri baatein?" Zoya said confused. "jee, aap joh bhi class mein sikati hai woh baatein Imran ghar par hume seekata hai," Nikhat said. "oh wow thanks. Waise kuch hi hafte huwe hai lekin yeh saare baccho se itna lagav hogaya hai paata nahi kaise ek hafte mein yaha se jaungi," Zoya said as she looked at the kids playing outside. "aap jaana kyun chathi hai, yeh job le lijiye na. bacche bhi aapko kitna pasand karte hai," Nikhat suggested. The smile from Zoya's smile disappeared. "I wish!" Zoya said. Nikhat noticed the change in her behavior and was about to ask Zoya what's wrong but they were interrupted by a loud cry from the playground. "excuse me!" Zoya said as she ran outside. Nikhat also followed her out to see what was going on.

Zoya went out to see asma on the ground and her knee was bleeding. Zoya picked her up and bought her to the corridor and made her on a chair. "bahut dukh raha hai," asma cried. "abhi doh minute theek hojayega," Zoya said and she quickly got the first aid box from the classroom. She cleaned the wound slowly and bandaged it. Asma was still crying and Zoya was trying to pacify her. She was wiping her tears and pulling her cheeks trying to make her smile. Nikhat smiled seeing the sight in front of her. "please muskura doh warna mujhe paata hai keh tume kaise hasana hai," Zoya said and asma looked at her with tears still in her eyes. Zoya started to tickle asma and she started to laugh. "jaldi chot theek hojayegi," Zoya said as she pulled asma's cheeks. Asma joined the other kids again. Zoya walked up to Nikhat, "I am so sorry, hum baat karahe the aur achanak," Zoya said. "nahi nahi aisi kohi baat nahi hai, it was a pleasure to meet you Zoya," nikat said. "same here, good luck with Imran!" Zoya said. "I must say you have a way with kids, especially making them laugh," Nikhat said. Zoya smiled, "mujhe logo koh hasana accha lagtha hai kaskar baccho ko," Zoya confessed. "aabh main chalthi hoon," Nikhat said as she took Imran with her and they left. On her way back, Nikhat kept thinking about Zoya and her acts which bought a smile on her face.

It was the last day of her class, all the kids were sad that their Zoya di was going to leave today. To cheer them up, Zoya decided that they would do a painting party and dance to some tunes. "aaj hum painting competition karenge, kya aap sabh mere liye farewell gift nahi baunge?" she asked. "yes miss!" the kids cheered. "ok then, lets get started!" Zoya announced and the kids started to paint something for her. She looked around the classroom, "kitne pyaar se maine sajaya tha iss class koh. Yeh ek meina main khabhi nahi bhul sakthi. Kash ammi keh baare mein bhi kuch paata chal jaata toh kitna accha hota. Par main apni khoj nahi chodongi, main kosish karti rahongi," she thought. Zoya was playing with the kids and suddenly, Imran ran up to her and applied colors to her cheeks. "aree kya karahe ho Imran...aaj holi nahi hai!" Zoya said as she giggled. It was almost time to leave so Zoya started the music on her Ipod and they started to dance. Zoya wanted to celebrate this last day with everyone, she let loose and started to match her steps with the music.

Nikhat was busy with her work so she couldn't pick Imran up from school. She called Farhan but he was busy in a meeting. Then, she called Asad and asked if he could pick up Imran from school and he agreed saying he was heading that way anyway. His company was working on a part of imran's school for expansion so he thought he would go ahead and talk to the principal as well. After talking to the principal, Asad was walking through the hallway when he heard music coming from one of the classrooms. "school mein yeh music?" he thought as he walked to the class. Zoya was so lost in her own world that she failed to notice a pair of eyes staring at her from the door. "it was her!" he thought. He recalled that it was the same girl that he had saved at the dargah the other day. "she was imran's teacher?" he questioned himself as he saw Imran in the class. He looked at her again. Her beautiful brown eyes were filled with a glint of happiness and her lips were spread across her face in a huge smile revealing her dimples. She looked so carefree and happy. Her kid like innocence bought a smile on his lips. He didn't even realize that he was smiling looking at her. Suddenly, someone disrupted his thoughts, "sir, aap yaha?" one of the teachers asked. "woh bas main principal se milne aaya tha aur Imran koh pick bhi karna tha," Asad replied. "class bas ten minutes mein khatam hojayegi," the teacher told him. "ok, I will wait outside!" Asad said as he looked at the girl one more time before walking away.

Soon class was over and all the kids gave Zoya a hug before leaving. Zoya packed up her things and gathered all the paintings that the kids have made for her. She thanked all the staff members and bid her goodbyes. She then decided that she would meet the principal and talk to him as well. They knocked and walked into the office. "Zoya...come in! how was your last day?" Mr. Verma asked. "it was amazing sir! Had a lot of fun with the kids, I will miss them," she honestly confessed. "we will miss you here too Zoya, you are really good at what you do. Have you thought about a full time position here?" Mr. verma asked. "That would be a great opportunity sir but right now I can't afford to work here. I mean it will be almost a 2 hour drive and my parents wouldn't really be acceptable of me staying here any longer," Zoya said. "I understand but anytime you change your mind, we would be happy to have you back!" Mr. Verma said smilingly. "thank you sir, I will definitely keep that mind. Thank you for the opportunity to work here, it's been a great experience. I have learned a lot and am taking a lot of memories that I will cherish forever!" Zoya said. She then stood up and shook hands with mr. Verma and walked out. She had to go back to the staff hostel and pack her things and leave. Her driver was supposed to get here in two hours to pick her up. She stood at the gate of the school and smiled remembering all the moments there.

Asad was waiting at the car when he saw his nephew run up to him. His white shirt was filled with colors and there was some on his left lower jaw. "chachu!" he yelled as he jumped for Asad to pick him up. Asad picked him in his arms, "yeh kya haal bana rakha hai apna," he said as he took his hand kerchief and cleaned his face. "hum painting karahe the Zoya miss keh saath," imran proudly announced. "Zoya? Aapki teacher ka naam Zoya hai?" Asad asked. "ha aur woh bahut mast hai," imran said as Asad nodded his head. imran and his way of describing people, he thought. At that moment, imran saw a cotton candy stall from across the street. "chachu chachu, mujhe woh chahiye," imran said. "nahi imran woh hygienic nahi hai, main aapko ghar jaakar kuch aur dunga," Asad said. "hygenie kya hota hai?" imran said not understanding Asad's big words. "imran...woh accha nahi hai, main aapko ghar jaake kuch aur dunga, chalo," he said as he opened the door and placed him in his seat. "nahi chachu, mujhe vahi chahiye, please chachu, please!" he pouted. Asad sighed, "theek hai, aap yahi ruko, main laata hoon," Asad said and imran obediently nodded. Asad closed the door and locked the car so imran was safe inside and crossed the road to buy him some cotton candy. He instructed the candy maker to wash his hands and prepare the candy. The guy just looked at him like he had dropped out of mars but nodded anyway and started to make it.

Zoya was walking on the street going back to the hostel. Since it was only a ten minute distance, she liked to walk rather than taking a taxi. As she was walking, her eyes fell on asma who was trying to catch a butterfly. Zoya smiled looking at her. Suddenly, she realized that asma was in the middle of the road and there was a car speeding towards her. Without thinking for even a second, Zoya ran to asma and pulled her aside taking the impact of the car on her. Asad saw someome get hit by the car and fly up in the air and fall to the ground. He rushed to her and she was laying face down on the ground. He turned her around and was shocked to see Zoya. There was blood coming from her head and draining onto her white scarf. "Zoya...Zoya, ankhe kholo!" Asad said trying to wake her up but he failed. He quickly picked her up in her arms and grabbed her things, and rushed to the car. Placing Zoya in the passenger seat, he got into the drivers seat and started to drive. "chachu, Zoya di koh kya huwa?" a panicked imran asked. "kuch nahi imran, she will be fine!" Asad said trying to calm imran and a part of himself too. Seeing her next to him shivering in pain made his heart ache. He didn't know why he always found her in this state. Will they ever meet in normal circumstances? He thought. But wait why do I want to meet her? She needs help and I am helping her, that's all!" he thought as he sped his car through traffic.

Reaching the hospital, Asad took Zoya in his arms and with imran following him, took her inside. Quickly, the staff took her in and Asad and imran waited outside. Asad took his phone and dialed the school's number informing them of Zoya's accident so they could let her family know. He called home to let them know that imran was with him and that they will be late. After about 2 hours, the doctor walked out. "doctor, Zoya kaisi hai?" Asad asked. "she is ok Mr. khan. She has lost a lot of blood so we are giving her that through IV. We have treated her head wound and she has a hairline fracture from the impact and we have put a cast for that too," the doctor explained. "thank you so much doctor, her family should be in soon," Asad said. "no problem at all. She is lucky that you save her when she is in need," the doctor said remembering the incident about a month ago. "kya main Zoya di se mil saktha hoon?" imran asked. "sorry beta, abhi na woh soh rahi hai, aap kal aajaye aur aap unse mil sakthe hai," the doctor replied. "ok doctor, I will take your leave now," Asad said as he picked imran up in his arms and left. On the way back, Asad called the police and informed them of the incident. He wanted the car and the driver arrested as soon as possible for a hit and run. He returned home and everyone was worried seeing blood on his shirt. Imran told them everything that has happened and the family was relieved that Asad has been there to save the girl.

The school informed Gaffur of Zoya's accident, him and Humaira rushed to the hospital as soon as possible. Zoya was unconscious the whole night as she was on pain medication and due to blood loss. It was almost 11 the next morning when she regained consciousness. "bhaji, shukur hai Allah ka keh aapko hosh aagaya, main toh dar hi gayi thi," Humaira said. Zoya slightly smiled, "main theek hoon humi aur waise itni jaldi tera peecha nahi chodongi," she teased. "stop it bhaji, aise khabhi mat bolna," Humaira said. "I am just kidding," Zoya said as Humaira helped her sit up. Gaffur walked up to her, "kya zaroorat thi apni jaan khatre mein dalne ki?" he said patting her hair lovingly, glad she was alright. "main toh sirf asma toh bachane ki kosish karahi thi abu, agar usse kuch hojata tho," Zoya said with worry imaging what could have happened. "aur agar aapko kuch hojata tho," Humaira said pulling Zoya into a hug. "ouch humi...dard horaha hai," Zoya said showing her cast on her left hand. "sorry! Woh toh accha huwa keh Allah keh kissi bandene aapko bacchaya aur yaha hospital lekar aaya aur hume bhi inform kiya," Humaira said. The doctor checked Zoya and told her that she can go home as long as she was careful with her hand. Zoya assured the doctor that she would be responsible and take care. Humaira just giggled when her sister was giving the being responsible talk and Zoya just glared at her. Humaira knew that her sister was a restless soul. There was no way on earth that she could sit still for 3 weeks and keep her hand from getting too stressed, she knew what her job was going to be for the next 3 weeks.

Gaffur and Humaira left to go to Zoya's hostel and get all her things till the doctor got the discharge papers ready. In the mean time, asma and her parents visited Zoya and asma's mom thanked Zoya with tears in her eyes. Zoya told her that it was responsibility and it was no big deal. Later, the nurse came in to remove the IV and give Zoya some discharge instructions. As they were casually conversing, "kya aap Mr. Khan toh jaante hai?" the nurse asked. "Mr. khan?" Zoya said confused. "wohi jisne aapko accident keh baad yaha laaye the," the nurse told her. "main unne jaanti toh nahi lekin itna zaroor paata hai keh woh ek bahut acche insaan hai. I mean aaj kal keh busy life mein kohi stranger kissi ki kaha help karta hai," Zoya said. "bilkul theek kaha aapne aur mr. khan ne toh aap ki doh doh baar madad ki hai," nurse said. "doh baar?" Zoya asked. "ha last time bhi Mr. khan hi lekar aaye the aapko," the nurse informed Zoya. Zoya remembered the dargah incident and was surprised that the same person has bought her here twice. "take care!" the nurse said as she gave Zoya everything and left. Zoya wish she knew who this person was. He has saved her twice now and the least she could do is say thanks to him. At that moment, she heard a knock on her door. "come in," Zoya said and she was surprised when the door opened. "imran...aap yaha?" Zoya said. "kal issne tumara accident dekha tabh se bahut upset hai," Nikhat explained. Zoya felt bad, poor kid, she thought. "As-salamu alaykum," Zoya said. "Wa alaykum al-salaam Zoya, how are you now?" Nikhat asked. "I am totally fine," Zoya said. Imran got up on bed and sat next to Zoya. "bahut dard horaha hai...did you cry?" imran asked innocently. Zoya giggled in response, "nahi imran aur itna bhi dard nahi horaha aur waise bhi jab yeh nikal jaayega na toh main aur strong hojaungi bilkul tumari tara," she said pulling his cheeks. "main issme aap kehliye note liko?" imran said. "ha sure...mere liye kuch draw bhi karoge?" Zoya asked excitedly. Imran nodded happily, "main abhi jaake marker laata hoon," he said as he ran off. Nikhat smiled at Zoya, "thank you. Kal uska mood bahut off tha baar baar aap keh bare mein hi pooch raha tha," she explained. "I am so sorry he had to see that. And thank you for visiting me, mujhe bahut accha laga," Zoya said. "mujhe paata chala ke tumne asma kehliye kya kiya, that was very sweet of you," Nikhat told her as Zoya just smiled. Imran returned with a couple markers and soon, he decorated Zoya's cast with a heart and get well soon message. Zoya gave imran a hug thanking him and they left.

Soon after, Humaira and Gaffur returned to take Zoya home. Humaira had bought a fresh pair of clothes for Zoya and helped Zoya to change. "humi...mera ek favor karegi, kya tum paas keh kohi shop se mere liye ek accha sa thank you card ladogi?" Zoya said pleadingly. "thank you card? Kiske liye bhaji?" Humaira asked. "woh actually jinone mujhe bachaya unke liye lena chahti hoon, please humi!" Zoya said. "ok ok laati hoon," Humaira said as she walked out of the room. She returned a while later and handed Zoya a card. Zoya took a pen from her purse and quickly wrote a note for the man who had saved her not once, but twice. Zoya found the nurse and requested if she could send the card to Mr. Khan. The nurse agreed and Zoya thanked her again and left for home with Gaffur and Humaira.