Chapter 10
"It's everything you wanted, it's everything you don't
It's one door swinging open and one door swinging closed
Some prayers find an answer
Some prayers never know
We're holding on and letting go"...Ross Copperman
Asad- Zoya's Engagement Day
The workweek passed in the blink of the eye as everyone was busy with the respective sections. Whereas all the family members were busy with the preparation for Asad- Zoya's engagement and there Asad and Zoya who were busy with their respective business. Although it was six months for Zoya's company, but the time was still not enough to establish a new brand, whereas Asad was struggling with his business in a whole new country and managing of clients was really tiresome for him sometimes. But they were happy as the full family was elated for both Asad - Zoya and Ayaan - Humaira. It was sad that Nazma could not make for the engagement ceremony as they also had to handle their company and they were also new in business, but promised that they would be by Asad's side at the Nikaah time. Zoya knew Asad loved Nazma more than anything in the world so she wanted to postpone the engagement, but Asad being rational and firm, realizing an Ayaan's need held onto the same date. Well, in this one week he almost spent in Mumbai with his client. Zoya was busy with shopping and all. They spoke over the phone sometimes that too when needed. Their relation was not changed much from outside. So, what was the situation in their minds? Did they start to walk along the path that they promised? Well, clearly they did not get their mind to think about it much.
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Zoya came home early from her office in order to get ready for her engagement. She had to go to the beauty salon and Nikhat- Humaira would accompany her. She got inside her apartment and looked at the open terrace with mesmerized eyes. The decoration with orchids and fairy lights with some lantern changed the whole terrace. Ayaan was dictating something to the planner and arranging some lights here and there. Though the day light could not judge the decoration, but the white backdrop with different colored orchids made it like serene. Zoya requested all of Khan members that the engagement should take place at her place only as ritually it should be in brides place. As she had no one Humaira's parent took the responsibility to be on her side and Humaira started to call her Appi rather than Bhabhi that all the khan siblings were referring to her when hers and Asad's engagement had been fixed. Her Khala (superintend of the orphanage) was no more in this world too. Ayaan spotted her dazed, leaning on the door frame. He smiled back at her too, and greeted enthusiastically. Zoya greeted back.
"Aaah! Mona darling still you are in jeans and kurti? Go and freshened up. The girls will reach any time here, and if they see you are still dressed like this they will taunt me"
"Relax Ayaan! Why you are panicking like this?" Zoya asked amusedly.
"Ah! You know Bhaijaan, don't you? How he is always on time. His 7 pm means 7 pm, not 7.001 pm. So go and please save me from his wrath. He is not going to leave me if you are late tonight as I am the best man here" Ayaan pulled up his collar.
"Well. Have your Bhaijaan boarded or still he is managing his meeting?" Zoya asked casually. She could not make a call in the hustle bustle of her works since morning.
"It is time for his landing already. GO!" Ayaan pushed her through her bedroom door.
Zoya locked the door and pulled out her cell phone in order to call Asad. His phone was switched off still. She went for the bath after trying few more times. She was coming out of her room when the doorbell rang and the gang reached along with Humaira's parents. After short greetings they sent her to get ready for the parlor, she heard them go gaga over the arrangement and smiled genuinely. After drying her hair and getting dressed, she came around not only to find workers were arranging the couches in the living room. As she was going to address Humaira an unwanted scene took place in front of hers.
Humaira gave a broad smile to Ayaan when her parents took leave for a short nap. Though Ayaan was busy he managed to shoo away the workers from the terrace. He stealthily came near her and hugged from her back. Humaira sighed a little. These preparations were snatching their times too. They worked in different offices and had only time for each other in the evening, but because of the preparation they had to engage in different works after office too and they could not manage to pass their time together. Ayaan kissed the side of her ears and she leaned on his chest. Ayaan took some back steps and backed her into a corner behind the white net curtain and at the nick of the time.
Ayaan-Humaira did not know when they sealed their lips, but Zoya stared at them dazed. When she realized what she was doing, she just ran to her room. After a while Humaira ran to her room and dragged a dazed Zoya towards the car. Zoya almost remained silent in their whole journey and Humaira babbled happily. She did not concentrate anything which Humaira was saying as she thought of a new direction. It was not that she did not watch any movies and all but Ayaan- Humaira's intimacy which was all real in front of her shook a little. For the first time she thought about love and its consequences. What was being in love? She actually never thought about it. She looked ahead towards Humaira and Ayaan who were saying something to each other about being missing each other. She looked outside through the window.
They are just in the same city still they missed each other! How! Zoya frowned never understanding their plight. Then she looked at them again when she saw they were stealing glances and mouthing something. She frowned again. Is in love means to miss other when they are not near? Is that means to look each other silently and stealing glances? Zoya tried to observe more about it. She read in books, watched some movies and almost all indicated the same with physical attractions. She shook her head, nope, something is amiss all these between but what it is? This time she concentrated on her and Asad's relation and what was it going to be.
They are not going to miss each other as they know how it felt when they were separated, Zoya thought, shaking her head. Then somewhere in a moment she said we are like "dotted line" which is in sync but broken. Nope, maybe they are not for each other to love. Zoya remembered how many times they met and separated. Their life entwined but separated at the same time. Then, she thought Asad's statement when he said I want to marry you and I desire to take in an exertion to see you, if not half-way, at least somewhere on the path. She smiled. He was a crazy man. Crazy for his family's happiness; he took deep care of them. Actually, he took care of me in many ways, like giving me shelter in his house seven years ago. After that he was gone without saying anything but a letter. She remembered him, infact never forgot him, many guys she encountered after him, but what he did to her was unforgettable. He gave her his home; he gave her his trust which he cherished most, his house keys which he gave her that time still was in her bag. His house keys! Oh! I forgot!
Her head snapped at Ayaan who was driving.
"Please stop at Khan Villa for some time Ayaan" Zoya requested.
"Why? We will be late Zoya Appi" Humaira whined.
"But it is necessary" Zoya pouted.
"No more argues ladies, Ayaan intervened. "It is on our way so it will not kill much time."
Zoya relieved a breath. She should trust on Asad's capacitance. He would make a right way. What? Way of love. Little did she realize he had done that already, when he learnt to trust her? He was also oblivious about the whole thing too because he never thought about their consequences like her.
The realization does not come so easily! Does it?
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Asad sat in the back seat as driver zoomed off from the airport to the Khan Villa. He was damn tired yet a feeling of relief made him smile. His little brother got back his love and he could not ask more. Well, that thought turned to the person who helped him to make all things alright. Without her nothing would be possible. He ran his hand through his hair and tugged his collar with that process. Almost a week had been passed since he had seen her and just in a few hours he would be engaged to her but was it going to be okay?
More than work Asad got out from Bhoopal to clear his mind. Asad for the first time looked beyond over his decision when Ayaan- Humaira's relation was finalized and was stunned thinking about his own decision. He was the matured one, but he took a decision in haste and totally self-centering. It was his family and in all this Zoya is sacrificing! Oh! Allah! Help me. What have I done? Asad got panicked and to escape from this situation he fled away from her, her silence and her endurance. He only called when it was needed and feigned that he was hell busy. Zoya did not mind at all as she thought he had gone to his work. In these days he thought about the incident all the times and he believed Zoya did it only to repay towards his family. Though she assured him that it was nothing like that still he felt guilty. May be she has a choice about her spouse! But I did not leave an option for her. She is very caring for the family that's why she agreed with this. But look at the bigger picture, she and I never had gone same path. We always crossed each other, but never tried to look over it. We are like "dotted line" which is broken but in sync. Then suddenly last night when Zoya called and informed about the arrangements he could not hold back. He made his mind and then her confession rushed into his mind "you know from childhood I have only one word in my head, "survival." I had fought every day to live in this world and fought each moment of my being with dignity. Thus, love, laziness, watching television was sounded "lavish" for me. I could not pay the price they cost. I think I don't deserve these things till date. But last night when I was thinking I realized maybe it's my time to love, maybe I can also love someone or at least I can try. I was scared yesterday when Shireen Aunty came with your proposal. Yes, I was insecure, because I was never in a family. What if I failed to take care of them, what if I failed to love them. Then, your face come my mind. If you are by my side, I am sure I can do that easily. Why, because I know you will not let me fail. How, because you care for me, I care for you and your concern will always push me to do better. I never had been appreciated in my life when I had achieved something. Then when I met you I got to know how appreciation could inspire anyone. When I saw pride in your eyes that too for me then I knew someone was there to be happy with me. Believe me, only for this I am here today"
Asad's half smile appeared remembering this. This was what he could do. He could try to give her a family, a loving family and which he was sure no man could give it to her. He had promised her to meet her in a half way, but if needed he was going to meet her all the way. He could try to love her. At least he could try to make her happy. He could try to make him worthwhile for her immense trust that she had upon him. He could give a chance and he was going to make it all okay. He pulled out his cell phone and checked for the calls. She did not call him today nor did he. Is that normal? He frowned a little again and then shook lightly. The promise has been given already. Isn't it?
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"Landed safely, on the way to home. How is everything going?" The message read on Zoya's cell phone screen and Zoya's smile widened unknowingly.
"Okay. Thanks for the news. I am off to the beauty parlor. Everything is going great as the best man of yours is in charge." Asad frowned, reading at this reply.
"Best man of mine?" Zoya laughed at his confusion. At the same time Humaira looked at the back seat. She motioned Ayaan to look at Zoya who became cheerful after they had dropped to Khan Villa.
"Bhajaan has landed!" Ayaan mouthed. Humaira looked at Zoya again. She wanted to tease her about it, but as Zoya was engrossed with her cell phone she decided against it.
"The best brother of yours and also best friend of mine declared him as such," Zoya cleared his confusion, still smiling. Involuntarily her fingers grazed over the name Mr. Khan on the screen.
"Incredibly foolish" She could almost hear his grunt.
"Okay. Reached the parlor. See you in a few hours" Zoya's message illuminated to his screen as he opened the door of the house. He was intended to take rest for an hour or two as his shoulder was aching. He was hungry too, but had no mood to make food or order something from outside as it would take some times too. He went straight to his room and freshened up. As he came to the kitchen to drink the water his eyes fell on the dining table. He pulled out the cover from the plate and there were some delicious sandwiches looked at him. He relished it and then the note came out under the plate.
Please eat some and then go to rest. J
-Zoya
And here he was thinking about that she was forced into it. Please bang his head to the wall someone. He could clearly see she was taking her steps towards him too, and he lost count on how many times he had smiled that day.
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Same Evening
Asad entered Zoya's apartment and was mesmerized by the sight of the terrace. This could not better as he decided after observing the whole arrangement that Ayaan and the wedding planner had done. The fairy light made the complete justice with the orchids and the lantern just added a dreamy look. He was greeted by everyone as all the other member greeted him and congratulated him. He answered them politely and then Shireen came with her "Nazar utaro" process and put Khol behind his eyes against his irritation. She made him stand at the entrance so he could greet all the guests. Ayaan hi-fived with him and he thanked him whole heartedly. They both hugged each other and then Nikhat also joined them.
Zoya heard the commotion but she could not go outside. She heard him praising the decorations also his squirm when Shireen put the Khol.
When everyone reached as expected, then Shireen told Nikhaat and Humaira to bring Zoya to the terrace. They did not invite as Asad wanted a cozy function. Only some of his partners were invited as they know both Asad and Zoya along with family and some close friends of Ayaan and Nikhaat.
Asad was talking with his partners suddenly he met with silence with a loud whistle. His face turned to watch what was happening, he stopped.
Zoya, donning with a turquoise- silver lehanga stood at the entrance of the terrace. He gave a full look to her observing every detail as Nikhaat and Humaira brought her near the swing they were supposed to sit. In the meanwhile Zoya was looking only at the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in this whole evening. Asad looked at her with dazed eyes starting from hair which was side- braided with pearls in each knot and that was neatly placed over her left shoulder. Two turquoise color sprayed orchids tucked near her left ear and two diamond drop added to her ear which were partially hindered with the loosened locks which were flowing with the slightest soothing breeze. Then over the right side of her temple a pearl and Kundan studded Passa (jhoomar) was tucked neatly and then his eyes fell over her eyes where the smoky black eyeshadow shone with turquoise and gold blend, widening her eyes with liner. Her face was made with a slight pink blush making her look like ethereal, then a simple diamond necklace draped slightly below the hollow of her neck. His eyes had gone further to notice the bracelet draped over her one hand and the watch on the other. He followed the suit and found the lehanga touched the floor with utmost care. His eyes snapped at her which were observing him now unabashed make him to release his breath, which he did not even know that he was holding back. Zoya tried to give him a light smile, but it more came as a grimace. He held her eyes for a few moments and mouthed "breathtaking" which came out without his recognition. Zoya suddenly lowers her eyes with more reddening cheeks and he cursed saying that word being so shameless in front of all the people.
Zoya was not getting enough of his look. She was not a shy person, but as a bride, she had to act like that, this much information she got while surfing about brides behavior on Google. She looked at him again and he looked handsome as always. From his hair, which was nicely combed, but some locks were on his forehead making him more gorgeous. Then her eyes discovered his eyes, hooked nose, smiling lips. He was wearing formals as usual. He donned an ash- gray shirt with a turquoise tie with navy blue stripes; a kerchief of same color was tucked over his black suit pocket, simple yet beautifully handsome. She blushed again with her thought and shuffled a little. Humaira made her to sit over the swing and Ayaan brought Asad near her. As he sat, the swing swayed a little making Zoya off-guard and Asad mouthed a sorry to her looking at her sidewise. After some teasing over this incident the ceremony finally started. Shireen and Humaira's mother Razia came with the rings and all hooted with joy. Zoya and Asad both looked at each other and passed half smiles. First, they chant some dua's and then Razia took out Zoya's hand towards Asad, Shireen passed the ring to Asad and he put the ring slowly on her finger. When his finger grazed her skin inside of the finger, she shook a little; she abruptly looked at him as he gazed back at her too. Both felt an unknown attraction without any reason. Technically, for the first time in seven years he touched her and her body broke through goose bumps so did Asad's (Yes, she did not know about Asad carrying her when she was sick seven years ago. But it was their first touch.) Asad cleared his throat in order to overcome the feelings he was experiencing. Zoya looked the ring as it was single diamond studded plain platinum ring, she smiled watching it. She was informed that Asad bought the ring from Mumbai as he made it with special instruction. It was like him, simple and beautiful. Then Shireen pulled his hand towards Asad and Zoya put the ring on his finger with shaky hands. It was a plain platinum ring chose by Zoya and with his half smile she knew he liked it as much as she liked her ring. Everyone prayed again, then greeted and sweets were exchanged. Amidst all, Asad and Zoya kept silent as they basked with a new feeling inside them, which they could not put a name. Both tried to gauge the situation they were in and again passed awkward smiles. Zoya kept her left hand near her heart and looked ahead as everyone enjoyed their moments with joy.
"You look breathtakingly gorgeous" Asad blurted from nowhere and gasped as soon as he said that. Zoya glanced at him and nodded with "Thank you and you look simple yet handsome."
"Thanks, for the compliments and also for the sandwiches" He gave a genuine smile to her. Zoya smiled broadly and Humaira screamed at the same time near their eyes, "caught you, love birds." They did not realize that their heads were almost touching as they were talking. They again became embarrassed. Then again, teasing session started and they looked away, eyeing anything, but each other. When guests left Ayaan came to him with his guitar, but he refused. Everyone pestered him, but he did not oblige.
"Please" Zoya mouthed him once with pleading eyes, but he did not give in.
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Zoya called Asad inside her bedroom and Asad knocked before he entered there.
"Miss Farooqui, what is it?" He asked with a stern voice as his sibling and Humaira giggled hearing it. He was already dying with awkwardness and this woman had no attention on it and asked her to come to her bedroom. Incredibly Foolish!
Zoya narrowed her eyes because of his tone, but eased as she did not want to disturb her mood. She tried to place the keys neatly over the palm of a confused Asad as she asked her to spread it. His frown deepened as he lifted an eyebrow without asking anything.
"You gave me home years ago and then today you give a family. So, I think I should thank you with something. As I don't have anything of my own apart from it so I am giving you this" she showed gesturing the apartment. Asad shot up, his gaze from his palm to her. He tried to return it to her, but she talked hastily as she realized that it sounded like a business.
"All I wanted to say is as from now we are sharing everything like Shireen aunty said. It is only spare keys of this apartment. You can come here when you want" As Zoya finished, but she met an amused Asad. Oh! No! She did not mean what he was thinking. Shoo. Allah Miyaan! What's wrong with me? She chided herself, but Asad had already pocketed the keys mumbling Thanks for making a part of yours" and left hastily as Ayaan called him as the workers finished their work.
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Asad paid the planner and the workers who cleared the terrace as soon as the function ended. All returned to their respected house as they had to prepare for another engagement ceremony soon. Asad had also gone to escort them, but Zoya thought he had also gone with them.
Zoya disengaged from all the jewelries but still was in the lehanga as she eyed the ring once again for the umpteenth times in that evening. Am I finally bound to someone? Am I having someone who will be calling as mine? Am I having a family of my own? Am I? It is like a dream." She questioned herself as she strolled on the decorated terrace unmindfully. Suddenly she was feeling like crying. She had no one whom she could share all her excitements, nervousness or feelings.
"No, it is not a dream; this is as real as you and I" His heavy voice echoed and she jolted to him. There he was leaning over the door frame, his hands were in his pant pockets and he looked at her with an emotion which she did not dare to recognize. Her eyes were already moistened. Asad noticed it and hurried to her.
"What happened?"
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Asad came to her to say good bye, but he discovered her strolling on the terrace under the moonlight. Her face was cleaned from all the makeups and in the moonlight she was looking no less. How can anyone be so simple yet beautiful? He thought and leaned against the door frame as he wanted to give her some own space. But her monologue made him speak and the next moment he had to reach for her as a tear drop escaped from her eye.
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"You here? How?" Her voice choked.
"Forgot already. By using these keys as you said I can come here ahem...woh actually ..woh...haan whenever I want and I am glad I made the right choice." He took slow steps as he answered her.
Both did not know what happened next as Asad was standing more than comfortable gaps than anyone could be but that time Zoya did not care as she continued to look his features and tears made their way to her cheeks. Asad first was hesitant then lifted his hand and wiped silently the tears using his knuckles and Zoya did shiver and so did he again. He did not stop this time, but firmly pressed his palm over her cheek.
"I don't know. Suddenly I feel so barren, so alone, I just don't know" She sobbed. "I don't know about this new feeling," she poured all the feelings to one she had only known.
"I know," he simply stated.
"Something is happening to me at the same time. I am very happy and in a moment I feel like crying. I could not make out what is happening to me"
"I know. It happens, and honestly it is happening with me too"
"With you also?" She asked with bulged eyes, and then sobbed again. This time Asad did not hesitate a little. He pulled her in a soothing hug and Zoya also did not resist. She wrapped her hand around his waist and embraced him with all her might.
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Apologies for being late, but it were not done intentionally. Thank you all for your wonderful comments earlier and your patient with me. Love you loads readers.
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Swapno
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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