Chapter 24
The evening breeze blew her hair across her face and she struggled with her hands to keep the tresses behind her ear. The smell of salt water and semi-wet sand ran through her nose. The glowing moon and stars shined on her skin, making her look dazzling. She moved her hair away and tucked it behind her ears, as she continued to speak. "Aur aap jaante hai Mr. Khan, Rashi ne aaj Akshat koh dakka dehdiya, it was crazy. Phir itna drama hua, don't ask. Parents koh bhulana paada phir principal se baat karni thi, issliye itna late hogaya," Zoya explained. "Its fine, I understand," he told her with his hands in his pant pockets as he walked beside her. "I know but aap koh meri wajase wait karna paada," she said, guilty. He shrugged, telling her it wasn't a big deal. She had bought him to the beach a couple weeks ago and since then; they came here often when he picked her up after work, at least once a week. Though, he didn't like to go into the sand because he thought it was dirty with everyone walking in it with their untidy feet. They walked by the road near the beach but he liked it. Not because, he was at the beach but because he was with her. He watched her speak about her day, her kids. It was strange to call them her kids, but they definitely were with the way Zoya treated and talked about them. Zoya, on the other hand, loved talking to him about her day. It was something that bought them closer. They spent time together, talking. Well, she did the talking and he listened. Sometimes, she wished that he would speak more often. She wished that he would tell her may be how his day went, maybe about the projects he was working on, about something. She didn't care how boring it was; she just wanted him to tell her how he felt about what was happening in his life. She thought a lot about what Humaira had said the other day. She didn't find any answers in her heart or from Allah miyan. But, she missed one thing. Him telling her how he really felt. She sighed! May be it was too soon to expect him to tell her everything. Asad turned to see the emotions play through her face. She seemed lost in thoughts, the smile was replaced with confusion and worry. "Kya hua Zoya? Sabh theek?" he asked. "Ha Mr. Khan, sabh theek hai," Zoya said as she intertwined her hand with his. She was happy with what they had. It was something special, something unique. Whatever it was, it was a bond they shared.
Asad felt his heart flutter at her touch. His lips curved into a smile. He was getting used to her chatter. Usually, he hated when someone spoke so much but her, every word she spoke was a revelation for who she was. Zoya was someone who was innocent, kind hearted, honest, and he had started to trust her with his life. He was ready to put his past behind him and accept what destiny had bought into his life. Suddenly, Zoya's eyes fell on something behind Asad. "Ice cream!" she exclaimed. Asad came out of his thoughts and turned to see an ice cream stall. "Zoya...tum, hum yeh nahi ley rahe hai," he said. "uh oh Mr. Khan, chaliye na please. I want to eat cornetto," she said as she dragged him towards the vendor, ignoring Asad's protests. "Bhaiya...doh chocolate cornetto dehna please," she said. Asad was about to say something, "I know Mr. Khan...aap nahi kahenge, they are both for me," Zoya stated. Asad looked at her surprised. "Tum dono kahogi?" he asked her. "of course," she said as she took the cones from the vendor. Asad chuckled as he paid the vendor and they started walking again. He watched her eat one bite from each one. "Pagal," he thought. She looked absolutely adorable as she ate the dessert. By the time Zoya finished her cones, they were back at the car. Zoya was about to open the door when she felt Asad's hand on top of hers. The door handle slipped from her fingers and the door closed shut. She turned around and suddenly felt cornered. Behind her was the car and infornt of her was her husband. He was so close that she could feel his breath on her cheeks. His eyes had this intense sensation that she had never seen before. Up close, she could smell his perfume that drove her crazy. She could also she could see his ruffled hair that gave him a boyish charm that made her heart skip a beat. "Mr. Khan...aap...aap," she said as she struggled to form words. "Tum ice cream khud karahi thi ya apne naak koh khilarahi thi," he teased as he wiped the ice cream off her nose. Zoya touched her nose and chuckled. "Thanks," she said. He moved back and she let out the breath that she has been holding from the past minute. Asad smirked as she quickly got into the car. He too got inside and they drove back home.
The next afternoon, Asad sat in his office looking at the invitation for the new year's party that was in a couple days. It was from one of his colleagues and business associates. Asad wasn't a big enthusiast about going to parties but business parties were part of the job. He had to go but it was a couple's party. He thought to ask Zoya but how. Just ask Asad, it's not that hard, his mind scolded. But, will she say yes? He wondered. Do you want her to say yes, his heart retorted. He took the invitation and left for home. Asad walked into the room to see it empty. He heard someone inside the closet and figured that she must be inside. A while later, he saw her walk into the room dressed in a simple black salwar and white kurta with embroidery, holding some papers for school. Seeing him walk in, "aap aagaye Mr. Khan, how was your day?" Zoya asked looking at him. "Accha tha," he replied. She smiled at his usual reply. Does he ever have a bad day? Or a great day? It is always a good day, she told herself. "Aap kuch lenge? Coffee?" she offered. "nahi Zoya, not today," Asad said. "Kyun Mr. Khan meri coffee se bore hogaye kya?" Zoya teased as Asad just smirked knowing she was joking. Zoya went to take a seat on the bed and started going through the papers. Asad left to change. He took a hot shower and returned a bit later, dressed in a black kurta pajama. As he walked into the room, Asad saw her putting the papers away in her bag. "Zoya, mujhe tumse kuch baat karna hai," Asad said. "ha Mr. Khan boliye?" Zoya asked. "Woh actually...woh...!" Asad hesitated. "Mr. Khan kya aap sabh se aise hi baat karte hai...boliye na Mr. Khan," she said. Asad pinched the bridge of his nose. "Actually hume new year's party par invite kiya hai toh main sooch raha tha keh hum dono jaaye...aap mere saath chalengi?" he asked. Zoya smiled. This was the first time he was asking her for something. Well he was inviting her somewhere but still that counts, she thought as her heart did a happy dance. "Of course Mr. Khan, mujhe bahut khushi hogi," Zoya said. Asad was extremely happy that she had agreed. "Theme is red and black," he told her and she nodded. "chale Mr. Khan, dinner ready hogaya hoga. Ammi intezaar karahi hongi," Zoya informed and they both headed downstairs for dinner.
The next day Zoya was returning with Shyam when she thought about buying something for Asad. "Mr. Khan ne mujhe party kehliye invite kiya hai toh mujhe unn kehliye kuch leyna chahiye. Par kya? Party ka theme toh red and black hai aur Mr. Khan keh paas toh bahut saara black hai," she said to herself. "Lekin unn keh paas red toh nahi hai," she said teasingly. "Shyam Bhaiya, please mall ley chaliye," she told the driver. About thirty minutes later, Shyam pulled into the mall parking lot as told. Zoya roamed through the mall trying to find something that her husband would like but she couldn't find anything she liked. "Mr. Khan kehliye red shirt ley leti hoon," she decided. But the next minute, her face fell. "Mr. Khan...khabhi red nahi pehenge," she thought. And you know na keh woh kya bolenge, "Zoya tume kya lagtha hai keh main red pehenuga, mera favorite color toh black hai a phir white," Zoya mimicked Asad as she scanned the red shirt. Then, she bought him a red colored tie and handkerchief, hoping that he would wear it. That evening, she waited impatiently for Asad to return. Seeing him enter the room, her lips broke into a grin. "Aap aagaye Mr. Khan, mere paas aap kehliye kuch hai," she said jumping off the bed and running to the closet. Asad looked at her surprised. What has she gotten him, he wondered. She ran back into the room, almost slipping. "Zoya, samal keh," he yelled as he rushed to hold her. His arms went around her waist as he steadied her. "main theek hoon," she said smilingly. "Aise kya hai keh tum itni excited ho?" he asked. "Yeh aap kehliye," Zoya said as she held out of a small silver color bag for him. Asad placed his coat on the bed and took the bag from her. She had her fingers crossed behind her, waiting to see his reaction. He pulled out a small package and opened it. He looked at the red tie and handkey and looked up at her. "Woh maine soocha keh aap party mein pehen sakthe hai," she told him unsure of his reaction. Asad was surprised that she had chosen the color red for him, for him? He hardly ever wore color and even if he did, it was neutral and pastels, never bright. "Aap pehenge na?" she asked hopefully. He looked at her eyes, which shined with a glint of hope and plead. "Of course," he said. Her fingers uncrossed and she clapped with joy. "Thank you Mr. Khan," she said happily. "Par achanak yeh kyun?" he asked. She shrugged her shoulders, "woh aap hamesha mujhe kuch na kuch dehte hai, mujhe itne mauke nahi milte. Aur aapne mujhe party kehliye invite kiya toh maine soocha keh aap kehliye kuch lao, as a thanks," Zoya told him honestly. Her frank reply filled his heart with delight. That was his Zoya, always honest, he thought. "Thanks for the gift but tume mere saath kahi jaane kehliye thanks bolne ki zaroorat nahi hai, yeh tumara haq hai," he said. Zoya lips played a smile listening to his words.
On Zoya's suggestion, she has gathered courage to ask him to help her study. She was waiting for him to arrive for their first tutoring session when her thoughts drifted back to that day. She had met him in the hallway and they have gone to the canteen for a cup of coffee. Sipping her coffee, "mujhe tumse ek favor maang na tha," she said. "ha bolo na?" Haider asked unsure. "Woh actually mujhe ek class mein tumari help chahiye, kya tum meri help karoge please?" she asked pleadingly. Haider started to laugh. "hello? Whats funny?" she asked. "hum ek dusre koh at least about four months se jaante hai aur tum mujhe yeh saaf saaf nahi keha sakthi thi," Haider said. "Shut up!" she said as he laughed again. "Aur ha tum mujhe help karahe ho bas!" she ordered. "Yehi huwi na dost wali baat," he told her. Her smile faded a little. She had realized that she has started to like him more than a friend. But she was scared to tell him. She was scared that if he didn't feel the same way then she would lose him as a friend too. Most of all, she was scared how her family would react. When she had wanted to study, they had blatantly refused saying there was no need. It was because of Zoya and her determination that they had finally agreed. But there were rules! She couldn't talk to boys. She couldn't even have girlfriends because her parents didn't trust them. She sometimes broke their rules. It wasn't like she didn't love them but sometimes, their view of life wasn't really what she felt like. She didn't argue like Zoya because she wasn't as courageous as she was. The only reason they were accepting of her talking to Haider was because he was Asad's brother. "hey!" he said taking a seat in front of her and breaking her thoughts. "hi," she said with a smile. "Toh batao kya help chahiye?" he asked. "Yeh sabh mein," she said placing a huge book on business administration on the table. "So let's get started," he said. They spent hours studying in the library. The way he made her laugh with his weird ways of remembering equations. He would come up with an acronym to help remember different laws and equations. She noticed how he would scrunch his temples when he was tensed about a problem or trying to recall something. As he was helping her, sometimes his hand would brush up against hers. Or he would hover over her a little too close when trying to explain a concept. Each time, she felt her throat clog up and she would forget to breathe. She would have to try really hard not blush but her heart didn't listen to what her mind had to say.
Few days passed and it was the day of the party. Zoya had told Dilshad about the party and Dilshad had suggested that she wear a sari. Zoya at first refused saying that she wouldn't be able to handle a sari, she had never worn one before. "oh come on Bhabhi, Bhaijaan honge na aap ko samaal ne kehliye," Najma teased. "stop it Najma. Zoya sari pehena itna mushkil bhi nahi hai. main tumari madad karongi," Nikhat suggested. "Lekin Bhabhi puri party mein kaise samalongi," Zoya worried. "Tumse hojayega Zoya," Dilshad said. "Maan jayiye Bhabhi, after all aap pheli baar Bhai keh saath date pe jarahi hai," Najma said. "What? Date? Aisa kuch nahi hai," Zoya told her. "Date hi toh huwi na Bhabhi, aap pheli baar Bhai keh saath shaadi keh baad ek party mein jarahi hai," Najma explained. Seeing Zoya's tense face, "Najma tum na chup raho, Zoya aisa kuch nahi beta. Tum fikar na karo, jao party kehliye ready hojao," Dilshad comforted her. Zoya agreed and left from there. As Zoya left, Dilshad caught Najma's ears. "ouch Ammi, kya karahi hai?" she cried. "Kya sabh Zoya keh saamne bolna zaroori hai," Dilshad said. "Saach hi tha Ammi," Najma said. Dilshad chuckled at her daughter. Najma has always been a blabber mouth. Since she was a kid, she said what came to mind without thinking. That hasn't changed even after she grew up. She looked at Nikhat, "Najma, hum sabh jaante hai keh Asad aur Zoya ek dusre koh pasand karne laage hai lekin yeh baat hum jaante hai, Asad aur Zoya nahi!" Nikhat explained. "ohhh I get it," Najma said as the ladies laughed. "Aabh Allah se yehi dua hai keh inn dono koh bhi woh dikh jaye joh hume dikh raha hai," Dilshad prayed for Asad and Zoya. Hours later, it was time to leave for the party. Asad was waiting in the living room looking handsome dressed in a black suit paired with a black shirt and a red tie. He looked at the clock waiting impatiently as the clock on his wrist tick by. As he was waiting, he heard a jingle from the stairs. He turned around and felt his heart stop. Looking elegantly gorgeous, his wife was walking down the stairs, dressed in a red sari. Her hair was pulled in a loose bun on the side with her bangs swept to one side. She had added matching diamond earrings and the pendant he had gifted her. She always looked beautiful but a sari did wonders to her curvy body. It hugged her in all the right places making her look even lovelier. She smiled at him nervously. Zoya was worried about handling a sari all night as she had never wore one before. He put his hand out, "chale?" he asked. Seeing him made her feel better. She noticed the tie, he wore it...he wore it, her heart danced in joy. She nodded placing her hand in his. Everyone cheered as Zoya blushed and Asad glared at them. They walked out together. Coming to the car, he opened the front passenger door for her first. After she settled into the seat, he closed the door and came to the driver's seat.
Zoya's sari: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZtrMCFch9PPSLiMmOFrtxERSc9PEk5TphPQ1PunbmReJerYLK-g
Reaching the party, Asad helped her out of the car. As they walking in the parking lot, Zoya almost tripped. His one hand went around her shoulder and the other held her hand to prevent her from falling. "Samal kar Zoya, tum theek toh hona?" he asked. Zoya fixed her pallu and looked up at him. "Main theek hoon," she said nervously. "Really?" Asad checked. "Woh actually, maine pheli baar sari peheni hai toh thodi problem horahi hai samaal ne mein," Zoya told him with a pout. Asad chuckled at her innocent, sulking face. Zoya glared at him. "Sorry," he apologized. "Agar tume sari pehena nahi aata toh kuch aur pehen leyna tha na," Asad suggested. "Woh toh Ammi bol rahi thi keh main bahut acchi lagongi aur phir Najma bhi keha rahi thi keh humari pheli date hai...," Zoya stopped realizing what she had blurted out. "Date?" Asad said in a teasing tone. "Nahi aisa main nahi, woh toh tamatar bol rahi thi," Zoya defended. Asad just smirked at her and nodded. He loved when she revealed something then realized that she was in trouble. Because when she had this child like pout and her cheeks turn this slight red with embarrassment, his heart raced looking at her. He took her hand in his and pulled her closer. "Don't worry, main tume ghirne nahi dunga. I promise," Asad said. Hearing him promise her, her heart told her that she had nothing to worry about. That she was safe with him. He would never let any harm come to her. "Main jaanti hoon," she said, looking into his chocolate brown orbitals. Asad felt his heart dance in joy listening to her words. "Chale?" he asked. She nodded and they proceeded inside.
They entered the hall holding each other's hands. Zoya felt a sense of security when her hand was in his. She felt like everything was fine, like it was perfect. Everyone at the party gushed over the new couple that had walked in. Girls were jealous of Zoya who was beside the hottie. Guys on the other hand wanted to know who the beauty was that has just walked in. But, any eye that even looked in her direction, was reflected with the famous Asad Ahmed Khan's glare. Asad introduced her to his business associates and friends. Zoya mingled with everyone and she even remembered some people from the reception party. Throughout the party, Asad kept stealing glances at her. The way she was talking to everyone, the way she laughed, the way she walked...everything was perfect. She was perfect for him. Zoya was talking to a group of ladies when she excused herself to go the washroom. As she was walking back to join everyone, someone blocked her way. "Excuse me," Zoya said as she tried to walk away from there. He placed his on the wall blocking her way. "Just one drink?" he offered. "No thank you, please mera raasta chodiye," Zoya said. She could clearly see that he was intoxicated. She tried to leave but he got hold of her wrist. "Dekhiye aap batameezi karahe hai, chodiye," Zoya said struggling to remove her hand. He suddenly let go, "Theek hai, hum aap ka haath chodenge, lekin tume mere saath dance karna padega," he flirted. "Dekhiye please mera raasta chodijiye," Zoya pleaded. "Meri dance partner bane kehliye ha keha doh phir chodunga," the guy said. "Aur agar inke paas already partner ho toh," someone said from behind them and the guy turned to see Asad. Zoya felt relieved seeing him. He walked up to them and stood in front of Zoya as if protecting her. "hey man...who are you?" the guy said. "I am her husband," Asad firmly stated. Zoya could the anger rise in Asad's face. His eyes turned red and his hands into fists as he moved forward. "Allah miyan, yeh toh usse maarne jarahe hai," Zoya thought as she quickly wrapped her hand around his arm and pulled him back. "Mr. Khan please yaha sabh hai. he is drunk! Just let it go please," she whispered. Asad turned to see her pleading face. He moved forward and grabbed the guy from his collar, "agar agli baar tume meri biwi ya kissi bhi ladki keh aas paas bhi dekha toh I will kill you," Asad told him angrily. The guy could see that Asad was dead serious. He backed off and walked away. "tum theek ho?" he asked, now facing her. "yeah Mr. Khan...thanks," she said. "Tume yaha akele nahi aana chahiye tha, you have to be more careful Zoya," he said still mad. "Mr. Khan...chodiye na. Sabh theek haina aur waise bhi main itni khoobsurat hoon toh iss mein uss ki kya galati hai," Zoya joked. "Tum har baat itni lightly kaise ley sakthi hoon. Tume thoda responsible hona chahiye Zoya," Asad told her. "Mr. Khan chodiye yeh sabh, chaliye aap ne mujhe ek dance promise kiya hai," Zoya said. "Maine kabh promise kiya?" Asad asked confused. "Abhi toh aapne kaha keh aap mere dance partner hai toh chaliye Mr. Khan, it's time to dance!" Zoya said as she wrapped her hand around his again and dragged him to the dance floor.
As the music started, his hands slid around her bare waist. This was the first time he was touching her skin. His touch shot blazers inside her body. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as he pulled her closer to him. Zoya felt her heart race as she slowly raised her hands and placed them on his shoulders. They started to sway to the music...
Ishq ki dhooni roz jalaaye
Uthta dhuaan toh kaise chhupaaye
Ho akhiyaan kare jee hazoori [she looked into his eyes and could see something different. She saw emotions in his usual stern and aloof milk chocolate orbitals]
Maange hai teri manzoori
Kajra siyaahi, din rang jaaye
Teri kastoori rain jagaaye [She dazzled under the moonlight. The dim lightning made her skin glisten into a copper tone. He caressed her waist sending blasting emotions through her body]
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Bas tera naam dohraaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Tera naam dohraaye
[She closed her eyes and grabbed on to his neck tighter. What was happening to her? what was this that she felt sprinting through her veins? What was it that made her heart beat so fast that she felt like it was going to jump out of her chest? What was it that she was seeing in Asad's eyes that night?]
Chaahe bhi toh bhool na paaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Bas tera naam dohraaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan [Asad's feelings seem to run wild. The way her skin felt under his hand woke up hidden pleasures. He wanted to tell her what he felt though he didn't even know what he felt. What was it that he felt?]
Tera naam dohraaye
Jogiya jog lagake
Makhra rog lagaa ke
Ishq ki dhooni roz jalaaye
Uthta dhuaan toh kaise chhupaaye [She didn't have the answers to anything. But being in his arms felt right. She felt like she was in a place where she belonged.]
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Bas tera naam dohraaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Bas tera naam dohraaye [His hands slid even farther on her waist and were now touching her lower spine. Her hands now gripped on to his hair. They were so close that his nose touched her forehead. They just stayed in that position with their eyes closed]
Chaahe bhi toh bhool na paaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Bas tera naam dohraaye
Man mast magan, man mast magan
Tera naam.. bas tera naam dohraaye
Asad opened his eyes to see his wife still lost in their world. He smirked on the effect his touch had on her. If someone would have told him 3 years ago that he would feel this way for anyone, he would have laughed at them or even gotten angry. But, the feeling he now had in his heart, he had never experienced in his life. He remembered the first time he saw her at the dargah. The moments they have spent together flashed before his eyes. He wanted his each morning to start with seeing her in prayer. He wanted to have his black coffee the way she made it though he might not be the perfect way. He wanted to listen to her talk about her class and the kids every day before going to work. He wanted to be lost in her thoughts while she was at work. He wanted to return home to be greeted by her smile. He wanted to watch her mesmerizing face when he slept. He wanted it all. Realization dawned on him. The emotionally challenged Asad Ahmed Khan has been pushed into the pool of emotions by destiny. He had surprisingly and deeply fallen in love with his gorgeous wife.
Will Asad confess his feelings? Would Zoya feel the same way? What does the future hold for them? Keep reading to find out!
So as promised, a chapter full of asya, well almost 😆 I hope you guys like the chapter...cant wait to see your comments 😳😊
Edited by asyasahil928 - 10 years ago
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