AsYa OS: Happy New Year Darling!

Zoya sat in her apartment as she heard the others gather and move out for the night.
What a year this had been! Starting with her getting her dream job acceptance, her bonus salary, her felicitation and finally seeing him after so many years. Him. As in Asad Ahmed Khan.

Her teenage's crush and probably more than that. She had truly loved him and had never had the guts to confess but after a lot of help from Humeira she had done so. But then he had wanted to focus on his future career and was shifting out to a whole new country for better study opportunities and had never responded to her confession.

But now after so many years seeing him again, she was getting all those feelings she had but she hated herself for being so easily vulnerable. She had with great difficulty supressed her feelings but all it had taken was to show his face as once again she realised she probably had never forgotten him.

As she sat there brooding she noticed her phone ringing. Confused who it could be as all her friends were off to Goa she checked her phone.

It seemed an unknown number. Curious to see who it was she picked it up and regretted the next moment.

"Hi, Zoya!" His voice spoke.

Damn his voice! But I pretended to not have recognised the voice and spoke confused. She thought wickedly.

"Umm.. Yes"

"Oh... This is Asad here. I... Umm... I mean... Like are you free for a while?" He asked nervously. So he was taken aback! She did a mental victory dance.

"Oh! Yeah... Sure go ahead." Zoya said.

"No.. I mean like.. Speak face to face?" Asad asked hesitantly.

"Asad, are you feeling alright? I mean I'm not in Goa! Remember? So we cannot talk face to face!" Zoya said and wondered what had got him so nervous that he was acting so foolishly.

Wait...!

"Asad, are you drunk?" She blurted as soon as this thought popped in her mind

"Huh? What the..?! No ways! Nonsense! I did not go to Goa either. I had to run a last minute errand of dad's!" He lied hoping she would buy it.

"So are you going to be coming to meet me?" He asked in his deep soulful voice.

Damn him again for being so charming! She thought. But she wanted to see how desperate was he to talk to her.

"Mr. Just look at the time! I doubt it!" I said trying to sound shocked.

"Hey! But it's new year's eve! I'm sure you would have sometime to spare for me! And it's not as if you are planning to head for the bed!" He reasoned.

"True but I honestly was going to hit the bed. I'm really tired and I was gonna retire for the night. So sorry!" Zoya said trying to sound sincere.

"Oh ok..." He mumbled defeatedly and she couldn't believe he gave up so easily!

"Yeah..." Zoya said trying to hide her disappointment.

"Sure... Not a problem... Some other time...?" He said.

"Yeah bye..." And she quickly cut the call.

She started moving around in the gallery cursing him for being so easily defeated and then herself for being so tough on him.

'No zoya! He deserves this! After all the tears she had spent on him! They deserved some justice' and for the next half an hour kept on giving murderous looks to her phone as if it was Asad.

Whenever her phone would ring she would jump with excitement but only to be disappointed! After a lot of convincing that he had practically given up on her and would be busy partying hard somewhere, she decided.

'Enough with the moping! For screaming out loud, it's the last day of this year and we should welcome the next year with a smiles and loads of fun.'

She quickly got dressed in a shimmering black full sleeved one piece and gorgeous red stilletos.

Some of her girls in this society were heading out to one of the most happening hotels and had offered her an invitation.

"Sidra? Zoya here! Have you guys left already? I was wondering if I could still join you guys?" Zoya asked and on recieving a confirmation she quickly grabbed her keys and headed for the gang.

"Zoya, since the girls were too low in attendance we have asked some of the boys to join us as well. I hope you won't mind?" Sidra asked.

"Of course not! The more the merrier! But as long as they aren't pyscho or rapists!" Zoya said laughingly.

"Haha no chill! Just a small hint, they are commited! Actually one isn't!" Sidra told her shyly.

"Do I see a blush there?" Zoya teased.

"Stop it na! Look here he comes!" And squealed excitedly as she hugged him.

Zoya sighed. How she wished for that kinda love?

"Alright! Ashar meet Zoya. Zoya ashar!" She introduced.

"Where are the others?" Sidra asked.

"Joining us straight at the hotel!" And they headed for the hotel.

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It's amazing! Just look at the crowd will you?" Sidra gushed excitedly as many had already hit the party floor. Zoya looked on and smiled inwardly knowing she had made the right decision. She should probably let her hair down for a while and just enjoy.

They joined the rest of the gang and Zoya mostly knew the girls so not much of introduction was required. However there was one loner who sat in the corner of their lounge and deep engrossed in phone. Asad sighed as he looked up to see his friends welcoming few others.

He was depressed. In fact depression was just a mere word to explain his state. She was busy to talk to him but he could have decided their next meet right? He wondered whether he even wants to talk to her or not?!

He had busy drinking his sorrows when his friend had offered him the invitation to the party. He had refused downright but after a lot of persuasion he decided to go. Most of them were in couples except 2 more guys like him. He was sure this was a bad decision and here he was regretting as he saw other couples hug and kiss and greet.

He could have been there too, had it not been for his foolishness.

"Hey! Asad! Relax and common join the dance floor dude!" One of his friend's called out.

"Yeah sure and embarass myself? I think i'll pass this one!" Asad said

"Oh common! Stop being such a crybaby and get your ass moving! You are supposed to live your last day of this year!" His friend called out before disappearing in the crowd.

"Easy for you to say! You have a love life whereas I just messed up mine before it could even start!" Asad mumbled as he drank a few more glasses.

He had mostly mocktails and wondered whether he should try for a cocktail.

But then immediately refused and looked on as he saw people trying to display their horridly distorted skills at dance!

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"I don't believe in any lady sitting on the last day of the year! May I have the honour to charm you?" A guy asked flirtiously as he kissed her hand.

"Rehan behave! She's my friend!" Sidra warned teasingly.

"Oh! Not trying to enter the dangerous waters but just trying! There's no harm in trying right? I don't see Ashar anywhere? Do I get the honour..." But was cut off as someone just slapped him hard on the back.

"Rehan darling I was missing you from so long!" And saying so tried to hug him.

"Eeww... Stay away! I'm neither Sidra nor am I a gay!" He freaked.

"Chill! But Zoya you definitely have to dance with him! He sure is a great dancer! But you better not mess with her! She's like my lil sis!" Ashar mock-warned.

Zoya felt overwhelmed on seeing so many people care for her and decided Asad would not be the reason for her moping anymore.
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"So far, how has my lady liked my dancing skills?" Rehan teased as they made their way towards the bar for a drink.

"Fabulous!" Zoya said happily as she grabbed her drink and headed for their lounge!

"So you're charmed?" He asked teasingly.

"Haha! Yes I am! But not by you! By someone else from long! Sorry!" She winked.

"My charm just got wasted! You should have told me! Now i'll have to look out for another single lady who is not yet booked but before that i'll have to recharge myself!" He said whining.

"Awwwnnn! It's ok! I'm still there for you!" Zoya said as she tugged his arm.

Unknown to them there was a pair of eyes following their movements in a shock.

"Zoya?" Asad asked as he came out of his surprise.

Zoya turned to see Asad sitting there on his phone as he looked at their position.

She immediately let go of Rehan's arm and fidgeted with her hands.

"Hi asad!" She said to avoid the awkwardness.

The music on the dance floor turned to a slow dance music and Rehan asked her for a dance. Zoya initially refused but then agreed on his insistence and was aware of Asad's shocked look.

"So my lady, is he your man?" Rehan asked as they swayed to the slow tune of the dance.

Zoya looked up in surprise. "What? I have eyes and I was aware of the thick tension which overtook." Rehan explained.

"Long story..." Zoya said as she tried to calm her wild heartbeats.

"Hey! Chill! It's just me! Stop getting nervous as if you are dancing with him!" Rehan said as he tried hugging her.

"Thanks for verbalising my nervousness!" She said as she smacked his arm but appreciated his care.

After the music got over she decided she could not stay here for long and was going to head back home.

"Are you sure you're ok? I can ask Ashar or Rehan to drop you?" Sidra asked concernedly.

"I'm sure, honey! Thanks but i'll make my way!" Zoya said before leaving.

Once again she hurled abuses at him for spoiling her evening and decided to make herself some nice hot chocolate and cuddle up warm in bed.

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'Where did this girl go?' Asad wondered as he could not spot her anywhere.

Then he saw her talking with Sidra and was about to go to her when a wild group dancers started jumping and he had to wait till they moved on.

By the time he reached Zoya was not there and asked Sidra who informed about her departure.

'Damn!' Asad cursed himself for letting go of such a golden opportunity

He quickly drove to her society but then stopped.
'What was her building no.? And which storey did she live on?' He went up to the security guard but was confused how to approach. He could not even call Sidra and ask.

He saw a lady approaching and quickly moved to her, "Umm.. Excuse me? Do you know by anyone by the name Zoya Farooqui?" I asked.

"And you are Mr.?" She asked as she glared upon me.

"Umm.. Voh insurance company se" I said lamely.

"Liar! Security! Security!" She screamed and I got worried as a whole lot of people approached.

"Look at this shameless guy! Stalking girls and a liar. He claims to be from an insurance company so finely dressed and without any bag!" She screamed angrily to the onlookers and asked them to attack me.

Shit! Where does Zoya live? Damn it!
"
Zoya! Zoya!" I screamed as loud as possible as i tried to protect myself from their beatings.

Suddenly the crowd stopped screaming and then she finally came! Thank god!

I tried to get up but I could feel my bruised shoulder aching and hissed in pain.

"Zoya beta, do you by any chance know this man? He is very shameless and you need not fear. Speak up boldly."

"No aunty..." But before she could continue the lady once again ordered but luckily this time she spoke up firmly.

"I mean, I know him. He is not a stranger. He is just a bit new here and didn't know my address. Why didn't you call me?" She asked finally turning towards me and I looked on dazed.

"Asad?" She once again questioned.

"Huh..? Oh yeah.. Your phone was unreachable.. Sorry" I mumbled.

"Sorry beta, but you see there are a lot of rape cases and I am a helper in an NGO for women so I tend to get over hyper." And saying so she walked off and soon the crowd withered.

"Are you mad? What were you even thinking? And why didn't you fight back? Your such an idiot!! She said as her voice choked.

"Hey! Hey..! Ouch.." I yelped as I tried to hold her hand but then realised I had probably ended up breaking a few bones.

"Your so smart! And you claim to be a black belt! I knew it always from the start that you were nothing but fake! Now walk straight upto my house and you follow my orders get that?" And Asad followed silently knowing it was futile to convince her otherwise.

"Stop being so mad!" He said.

"Excuse me? Says the one who himself got beaten up for nothing. Seriously where were your brains at that moment?" Zoya asked him as she tried to fight back my tears.

"I have lost my head long back! From the time I fell for a girl!" He said and Zoya looked at him in shock.

'So was this what he wanted to discuss about?' I wondered shocked at this piece of news and looked away before he could realise anything.

'The only guy I had truly loved was now in love with someone else and here I was expecting him to talk about us!'

"You're looking nice" he said to probably avoid the awkwardness and silence between us.

I was taken aback for a moment and did not know how to respond. How was it possible that he still could be so charming? I wondered.

"Your welcome" he said as he grinned at me.

"Don't try and change the topic and sit there." I ordered him. How was it possible that I looked nice in a baggy t-shirt and shorts but still couldn't charm him?

Soon she got the medical box and I groaned and pouted but to no avail.

"Stop whining like a puppy and let me get this done quickly! And your bruises are so deep! I really hate you for this!" I cried out in a flow of emotions.

"Hey! Relax! It doesnt hurt too much! So does it mean you love me for other reasons?" I teased her.

She looked at me shocked and then confused, so I explained it to her.

"Why did you lie to me?" Asad asked as we sat there on the sofa each with a mug of hot chocolate.

"When did I lie to you?" She asked confused.

"Someone was supposedly hitting the bed and as far as I know normal human's bed is a nice warm and fluffy mattress and a pillow and a comforter." He taunted.

"Oh That! I... I didn't really lie to you and actually went to sleep but then Sidra called up and insisted.. So... Yeah..." She lied again.

"Really? Look at me and say the same thing? And it didn't seemed too forced by seeing the way you were throwing yourself on him." He said irritated.

"I wasn't throwing myself on him! Your such an asshole! I hate you! Finish your drink and show yourself the door!" She said before stomping off to her room.

"Why? Does the truth hurt?" He taunted back with equal anger.

"Just shut up before I slap you hard on your face and regret saying things. I did not know you were such a jerk!" She said angrily.

"Yeah! Yeah! After all only you have the right to lie, to play around with people's feelings, hiding stuff from people who you claim to be your friends is all right for you right? Thank you for NOT telling me that you had liked me and thanks for indirectly saying it on my face you do not wish to meet me. And another big thanks for your so called "hospitability" but I should leave now and I will pay you back the amount." He said as he tried to get up but cringed in pain.

"Asad!" She called out as she tried to help him.

But he stopped her from advancing near him and shocked her with his next words, "Please make sure you stay away from me!"

"Asad! I'm sorry! Just listen once! You have to stay here till you recover. I'm not letting you go out of this room." And saying so she locked him in her room.

"Zoya stop it! Stop showing fake concern when in reality all you want to do is run away. Now open the door else i'll break open it. 10... 9... 8...
7... 6..." Asad counted.

But before 5 she opened the door and locked it completely. She made him sit on her bed despite his protests and sat before him.

"Zoya, i'm not really in the mood of jokes so just let me go." Asad growled as he made an attempt to get up but stopped on seeing her tearing down.

"I did that and now I'm regretting it. But I promise i'll not run away from the situation!" Zoya said.

"Zoya stop crying! You know how helpless I feel seeing you cry?" Aaad said as he sighed and sat down carefully.

"Why didn't you ever tell me that you like me?" Asad asked.

"I did! But you never replied! I had even texted you! And even Humeira had called to tell you on the day you were leaving but you never replied!" She told him.

"But why are we even discussing this now? It was all in the past!" She said as she tried to hide the pain in her voice.

"You just said you would face the situation so you have to answer all my questions now." He told her reminding her of her earlier words.

"Ok shoot! But if I find it uncomfortable i'll skip it!" She warned him.

"Didn't you ever feel that you should have tried a little hard to get a response from me?" Asad asked.

"How was I to know? I thought you probably rejected me so I thought better to leave things the way they are and hence I never..."

"Contacted me and even blocked all sort of communication between us?" He asked.

"Yeah..." She said wearily.

"Last and a straightforward question. Do you still like me?" He asked boldly.

"Asad! Why are we even...? I mean it's all in the past... Better to leave behind somethings the way they are..." She trailed off after her intial shock.

"You tell me! You said you like a girl right? Who is she? And where did you guys meet?" She continued trying her best to ask cheerfully whereas on the inside she felt sick of herself to still like him. Why did she have to love him so deeply that she couldn't even bring herself to hate him?!

"The girl... She is a very beautiful girl both from inside and outside! And when did we meet? I feel it's been forever since I have known her... Except she doesnt know! I have an inkling she does like me but she has not confessed." He replied truthfully.

"Oooh... Nice... Why don't you go and tell her? I mean I hope you don't expect the girl to come and tell you..." She said as she tried to fight back the tears which were burning her eyes.

"I want my best friend back, Zoya!" He said sighing as he realised she still did not get his point.

"Huh? Ummm.. Who exactly is your bestfriend? I mean as far as I remember it is Ayaan right? Or did you guys fight?" She asked confused.

"He still is but I meant someone else... You know..." He trailed off.

"Allah Miya! Don't tell me it's that long-legs-weirdly-shaped girl! What was her name?" She asked irritatedly.

"You look cute you know!" He suddenly said making her blush and taken aback at the same time.

"Shut up! Oh yeah! Her name was Tanveer right? I haven't heard about her from so long! The last I knew was probably another rumour of her being pregnant with Imran's child!" Zoya exclaimed somewhat horrified and still laughing.

Asad sighed as he wondered how much more beautiful could she get!

"No it was true it seems... And FYKI she is NOT my bestfriend. I just spoke to her once in class as she was all alone. How was I to know her reputation?" Asad retorted slightly offended.

"Allah miya! Chill Asad! I just thought!" Zoya said in between her giggles.

Once her giggles subsided they sat there in still silence. Clueless as to what this night held for them.
"Zoya...?" Asad called out.

"Hhmm?" Zoya asked still not looking up.

"Zoya look at me." He said.

"No.. Actually I'll be just be back..." And saying so shot out of the room.

Asad slowly and carefully made his way out. He knew she was crying. One thing he did not understand was how could she not understand his words?

Zoya came out her eyes a bit red but with a smile on her face.

"So who is your bestfriend that you need?" She asked.

"You!" He stated simply. He had enough with giving her hints and had realised she still liked him.

"Huh?" She asked confused.

"I mean.. Like I am here..
But when did I become your bestfriend?"

"I want you, not just as my bestfriend, but also as my..." He said as Zoya looked on stumped.

"No!" Zoya screamed. She couldn't bare the thought of him making her his sister.

"I mean we can just remain as best friends, can't we?" Zoya asked.

Now it was Asad's turn to be taken aback. Then what was she crying for? Had he misinterpreted her actions?

"I... Ummm... I guess never mind..." He said confused.

"No.. Don't feel bad but it's just that i'm already surrounded with many over-protective brothers and with you as an addition I would end up having 10 brothers! I have about 12 virtual sisters and 2 real sisters! That's why!" She explained hoping he would buy her reason.

'What the? Seriously? Siblings?' He thought before bursting into fits of laughter.

Zoya looked on confused as she wondered what was so funny in what she had said.

"I didn't say something so funny that you just can't stop laughing! Enough now!" Zoya pouted irritated. She had let him laugh but still after 5 minutes he had not stopped got her really pissed.

"I... I.. I seriously... I mean like I can't believe you thought of that! My god!" He exclaimed before once again bursting into laughter.

Zoya was still clueless. And she didn't understand what he needed from her.

"Asad! Now enough! I'm sick of this! Here drink some water." She said offering him a glass of water.

"For a successful women like you, you seem quite smart in these matters!" He mocked her.

"Excuse me? I hold no degree in pyschology! I'm a pure commerce student! So don't expect me to read your mind! Either say it clearly or shut up and don't talk about it." Zoya said with irritation evident in her voice.

"Do I still have to spell things out for you? Why can't you understand my hints, my indirect words?" He asked shifting a bit too close for her.

"Asad.." She trailed off, captivated by his eyes yet concious about his movements.

"You call me emotionally challenged and know that I'm not very expressive through words but don't you feel my eyes express a lot more? My actions are much clearer than words?" He asked.

"Hhmm..." Zoya was clearly lost under his spell as she stared on as if in a trance.

"Zoya! Say something!" He sighed exasperated.

"Huh..? I mean what do I say?" She asked clearly flustered.

"Seems like you have not washed your face properly. There still seems to be some traces of some pink stuff on your cheeks. Blush right?" He asked smirking lightly.

"Shut up! I'm not blushing!" she said as she tried to hide her face with her long tresses.

"You know, you look really beautiful when you blush! Stop hiding your face!" He said as he stared at her captived and lost in her doe-shaped eyes.

"You know what? Stop being a flirt! Then you would get the girl you like. And stop diverting from the topic! Tell me more about your dream girl! I mean you seem quite smitten by her." Zoya teased.

"She is quite foolish and is like the indian tubelight! Things sttike to her after a while! But she is very intelligent! And a beautiful dancer too! She can dance her entire life away and still not be tired. She is a good athelete too!" Asad described.

"Woah! She seems quite a lively woman! You have to make me meet her!" Zoya said wondering why did the girl have so many similarities with her yet capture Asad's attention whereas she still hadn't.

"Yeah by looking into the mirror" Asad mumbled but Zoya heard it.

"Huh? Did you just say something?" Zoya asked as she wondered if she had imagined him saying those words or had he actually said that.

"Me? Nothing...!" He replied.

"Oh ok.. So when do you intend to ask her out?" Zoya asked as she looked away from him into the city.

'Now!' He thought and he tried to get down on his knees.

"Asad? Are you alright? Or did you just fall?" Zoya asked before bursting into laughter.

'I don't understand why girls complain of us being complicated and unromantic whereas they themselves spoil the romantic moment! Way to go Zoya!' Asad pouted mentally.

"Haha! Very funny... NOT!" Asad's sarcasm was back.

"Oh ok... Fine sorry. Here let me help you up." She said as she offered him a hand.

Asad instead of giving his hand to her put it in his coat's pocket to remove the box. He had realised that unless he would not put in clear words she would not understand. Or she was doing this purposely.

He slowly removed the box careful not to touch the other box and placed it in front of her.

Zoya looked on shocked. Was he serious about this? But then...?

"Asad?" She asked uncertainly before continuing.

"This ring? Who is it for? Is it for hi.. I mean her?" She asked shocked.

"I'm on my knees holding it before you and you ask it's for someone else? Wow!" He sarcastically remarks.

"Uumm.. Yeah... But are you sure that she will like the ring? I mean I don't mean to offend your or her choice but I feel it's not the right one maybe?" Zoya asked uncertainly.

"Seriously Zoya? Are you always this dumb or today is an exception? It's for you!" He said exasperated.

"But why me?" She asked as tears started making their way down and she cursed herself for not being able to control her tears.

"I love you, Zoya! Isn't that obvious? I mean which guy goes around with rings giving them out to his friends?" He teased.

"Shut up! I can't believe this! Then what was this other girl drama for? What was the need for you to make me go through so much? Couldn't you have directly asked! Idiot! I hate you!" Zoya let out angrily before bursting into tears.

"And I love you too! Now please accept the ring because my knees are hurting badly." He taunted.

"No I can't!" She refused.

"What? But why?" Asad asked confused.

"You have a horrible choice in rings! You are going to buy me a decent ring and then propose to me!" She ordered.

"What? Don't tell me you don't like this ring?! I had to search for about 20 stores to get this! I had remembered you mentioning it to Humeira a few years back! Your tastes change do fast?" He pouted cutely.

"And what exactly was my description?" Zoya asked angrily.

" a thin platinum band with small and intricate pattern of flowers entwined with a small heart on it which should be a dimond stone?" He asked

Zoya was surprised he remembered all these years! But then what was in this box?

"And look at what you have got?" Zoya demanded.

"Oh! Oops! Sorry! Wrong person!" And clicked his tongue as he checked the other box.

"Excuse me? Wrong person? What do you mean? How many more do you intend to propose?" Zoya asked shocked.

"Is this the one?" Asad asked nervously.

"Oh my gosh!" Zoya gasped.

"You actually got me my dream ring! It's so beautiful! You... I just don't know what to say! This is too real to be a dream! I just can't believe it!" She exclaimed still in surprise.

"Finally the reaction I needed!" He grinned.

"Shut up and make me wear it!" She ordered him.

"This is just so pretty! I love you too! Thank you so much! Oh and a happy new year!!" as they heard the fireworks.

Asad too responded by tightly securing in his arms as he finally got the women of his dreams.

Both promised each other, promises of togetherness and eternal love, faithful and blissful life with each other.

"Asad, who is the other ring for?" Zoya asked as they sat next to each other on the swing in the gallery overlooking the city.

"Oh yeah! I forgot! Make me wear it!" He said as he handed it to her.

"So confident that I would say yes?" She teased him

"Yes! Very! Even if you had refused I would catch hold of some other girl and we would exchange rings." He chuckled.

"Don't you dare think about any other girl! Your only mine and I don't believe in sharing my personal things." She said possesively.

"Ooh! Nice to know that, Ms. Jealous! But how personal am I?" He teased her making her eyes go wide as she understood the double meaning.

"Such a cheapster you are! Learn to filter your mouth! Shameless!" She said wacking him on his arm as they happily began their new year and looked forward to begin every new year with each other's presence by their side.

-----------------------------------------------------------THE END-------------------------------------------------------------

The cynic might scoff at the words "true love." Who has the time to believe in such hogwash? True love seems like the fabled pot of leprechaun gold at the end of the rainbow ~
Unknown.

To be in love is a boon but too be loved back and know that there is someone who fears losing you is truly a blessing.

~

Unknown

Aashka

P.S: Ignore the errors! Had typed it in phone and then copy pasted in word before posting it here! 😳