Chapter 48
She sat in her room thinking about what she had achieved. Everything had worked out perfectly. Just a few more days! Then, she will be completely successful in her plan. She will kick Zoya out of this house and become the khan bahu. Life would be a pleasure then. She will have a luxurious house, money, and a father that would give her child a name. "Bas kuch din aur Zoya, phir tumare joh hai woh sabh mera hoga. You know galati tumari hai, agar tum mere kosish se marjaati toh mujhe aaj yeh sabh karna nahi padtha. Tumne hi majboor kiya hai mujhe yeh sabh karne se," she thought wickedly. Just then someone knocked on the door. Tanveer got some water from the table and splashed it on her face to pretend that she was crying. She opened the door, "Khalu...aap? Aayiye na," Tanveer said inviting him in. Rashid walked in hesistantly. "Tanveer, woh mujhe zaroori baat karni hai," he said. "Ha ha boliye na," Tanveer said. "Baat yeh hai keh...mujhe yeh bolna tha keh...tum yaha se chali jao," Rashid told her. Tanveer looked at him shocked. She was expecting Rashid to propose her to marry Asad, not tell to leave. "Lekin khalu, main kaha chahongi?" she asked. "Main tumare liye kohi intezaam kardonga lekin tum yaha se please chali jao," Rashid stated. "Hum akele hojate toh chale jaate khalu lekin aabh bacha bhi toh hai. Agar hum bahar jayenge toh sabh toh paata chal jayenge. Aap toh jaante hai keh iss sabh se humare hi ghar ki badnaami hogi," Tanveer told him. Rashid could hear the underlying threat that her voice held. He sighed not knowing what to say and left from there. "Mujhe hi kuch karna hoga, yaha toh kisiko meri paadi hi nahi hai," Tanveer fumed looking at the way Rashid had just left.
Everyone gave Zoya the space that she had requested but after a couple hours, Dilshad had been concerned when Zoya had still not come of the room. It was getting late and she knew that Zoya hasn't eaten anything after lunch. She was also worried about Asad, he had not been seen since the whole fiasco unfolded. On asking the security at the gate, he had told her that Asad had gone out. She sighed as she arranged food on the tray for Zoya. "Paata nahi kiski buri nazar lag gayi meri ghar koh. Kal tak sabh kitne khush the, sabh theek tha aur aaj, mujhe abhi yakeen nahi horaha hai keh yeh sabh humare ghar mein horaha hai. Allah mujhe himmat dehna keh main Zoya se nazar mila kar sach ka saamna karpao," Dilshad silently prayed as she poured some juice in the glass and placed it in the tray. Minutes later, she stood at Zoya's room door and knocked twice. When she received no response, she tried to open the door and luckily it was open. She walked into the dark room and had to take a minute to adjust her eyes to the dim surrounding. From what she could see from the moonlight through the window, she placed the tray on the table in front of the sofa. She went to the night stand and turned the bed side lamp on. Dilshad felt her breath stuck in its place as she saw Zoya. She was cuddled in the bed with her hair cluttered over her face. She slowly moved the hair and tucked it back. Her eyes saw the picture frame that lay clutched in Zoya's hands. Dilshad slowly tried to remove the frame from her grasp when Zoya hesitantly held back, "Ammi!" she cried. Dilshad felt her heart ache for the girl she had started to love as her own daughter. She always bought a smile to everyone's face and now Allah was testing her in the gravest times. Letting the frame be, she caressed her shoulder, "Zoya," Dilshad called out. Zoya opened her eyes and looked at her. She quickly sat up and placed the frame back in its place. "Sorry Ammi, paata nahi kaise aankh lagayi," Zoya said trying to avoid eye contact. Dilshad could see the redness in her eyes and puffiness around it. Zoya felt her heart constrict. For the first time since she had known Dilshad, she felt scared, nervous. Will she blame her? Will she say that she was at fault for what Asad did? she thought as she scanned the tiles on the floor. "Kohi baat nahi Zoya, main toh bas tume khana khilane aayi thi. Tumne lunch keh baad kuch nahi khaya na," Dilshad said concerned as she went to the table and returned with the tray of food. Zoya felt guilt tug at her heart for her thoughts about Dilshad. "Nahi Ammi, mujhe bhook nahi hai," she said composing herself as she felt like she was going to burst out in tears again. "Zoya, main jaanti hoon keh yeh tumare liye bahut mushkil waqt hai beta lekin aabh tum ek biwi keh saath saath ek ma bhi ho," Dilshad told her. "Aap chathi hai keh main Asad koh maaf kardon?" Zoya said surprised. Dilshad took her hand in hers and slowly caressed it, "nahi Zoya, mera woh matlab nahi tha. Tumare aur Asad keh beech joh bhi hua hai woh tum dono ki baat hai, aur faisla tumara hoga aur woh joh bhi hai, main tumare saath rahongi. Lekin tume apne bacche keh baare mein bhi sooch na padega. Agar tum khana nahi khaogi toh tumari tabeyat karaab hosakthi hai," Dilshad said worried. "Kya bacche keh baare mein sooch ne ki zimedaari sirf meri hai Ammi, Asad ne kyun nahi soocha hai humare bacche keh baare mein, kyun nahi," Zoya said as tears brimmed in her tears. Dilshad closed her eyes in pain having no answer to her question. She moved forward and pulled her into an embrace. Zoya burst into tears. Emotions came rushing through as Zoya rested her head on Dilshad's shoulders and let the tears flow. "Aap jaanti hai Ammi, jab Tanveer ne yeh sabh kaha toh mujhe yakeen nahi hua. Agar Asad ha nahi bolta toh main khabhi yeh baat par baroosa nahi karti," Zoya sobbed. She felt betrayed by the world today but having her Ammi here meant a lot to her. Dilshad consoled Zoya, the best she could in the present situation. They broke apart and Dilshad wiped her tears away. After much deliberation, she made Zoya eat a little bit of food and the glass of juice. Later, Dilshad gave Zoya her prescribed medications from her doctor. She put her to bed and sat there till Zoya fell asleep again. "Allah, meri bacchi par reham karna," she said as she placed a kiss on her forehead and left the room.
Driving back, the rain bought back sweet memories as he looked out the windshield and tried to concentrate on the road. He remembered how she would jump, play, and dance with the water showered from above. Her smiling face bought a smile to his lips. But, today, he had taken it all away. He should have stayed back and explained. She had the right to know what had occurred. It wasn't right that he had let his anger over take him again. She hated that, he recalled. He will set things right, at least try to. He will tell her everything. He rushed into the khan driveway and parked the car. Walking in, he found a quiet living room to welcome him. He quickly went upstairs and opened the room door, "zo...," he stopped seeing her asleep. Asad looked at the clock on the wall and realized how late he was. He cursed himself for almost disturbing her sleep. Asad walked up to the bed and slowly took a seat next to her. "I am sorry Zoya, na jaante huwe bhi maine tume bahut dhuk pauchaya hai. I promised to keep you always happy and I broke it. Bas maine jaan bhooj kar aisa nahi kiya, main toh sapne mein bhi aisa nahi sooch saktha. Aabh toh bas yeh umeed hai keh main tume saach baata sako aur tumse maafi maang sako, good night Zoya," Asad said as he loosened his tie and came to the other side of the bed. He was exhausted to do anything. He turned to his side to watch her. His heart clenched at the thought that he was the reason for her swollen eyes. She had been crying all night and I was the reason of those tears, he cursed himself. The person who had thought him to live again lay next to him, miserable. Only if he could remember what had happened that night...was his brain trying to protect him by blocking out the loathing memories of that night, he thought. But he wanted to know! He deserved the pain and guilt that they would bring on. He cursed himself! Couldn't it be possible that Tanveer was lying? He wished, his mind taunted. But the pregnancy report that stated that she was positive, what about that? Was that lying too? He cursed under his breath, he hated him, no he despised him for doing this to her. Tears glistened in his eyes as he lay there looking at the sleeping silhouette next to him. The one that usually was folded in his arms, snuggled in his chest, he recalled as memories ran through him.
Asad had hardly slept that night, he just lay there looking at his wife or out at the dark sky with the glittering stars. He couldn't sleep with all those thoughts clogging his mind. Zoya, on the other hand, had been sound asleep. The medications made her feel dizzy and sleepy, which was a good thing that night. Asad woke up early and got himself ready. He waited for her to wake up, he wanted to talk to her. He was going explain what had happened that night, ask for her forgiveness, which he didn't deserve he thought. It was midafternoon when Zoya opened her eyes to the sparkling sun rays that were breaking in through the windows. She shrieked at the light as she sat up. Reality seem to slowly set back on her as she recalled the events of last night. She scanned the room for his presence but he wasn't there. Of course, why would he want to see her now that he had someone else, her heart constricted at the thought. Trying to ignore these awful thoughts, she decided that there were better things to start the day off on. She went into the bathroom and let the warm water stream through her body. Tears spilled through her cheeks as she lovingly caressed her abdomen. Their baby! she thought as she half-heartedly smiled through her tears. What will she tell their baby when he or she is born? Will she have to be the bearer of the news that his or her father had cheated? Just like her father had! May be being betrayed was a trait that she possessed from her mother's womb, she thought as more tears brimmed at her eyes. She stayed in the shower a long time as the water masked her painful tears. She didn't want to leave from there to face everyone else in the house. But you have to, you have to face the family and the world, she reminded herself. A while later, she got out of the shower, dried herself, changed into a loose salwar kameez, and gathered her courage to walk out of the room. As she opened the door, she almost bumped into his broad chest. Her body stiffened as she looked up to meet his chocolate brown eyes. She clenched the door handle to hold on to her outburst. She looked away and stepped back so he could enter the room. Asad could see the redness in her eyes which indicated that she had cried just moments before. He felt guilt plunge at his heart again! But, he had to talk to her, he decided. As he entered the room, she quickly rushed towards the door to leave. But, his reflexes were quick as he held her arm stopping her from exiting from one hand and slamming the door shut with the other. "Chodiye mujhe," she said as she tried to wriggle out of his arms. He tightened his grip further, "please Zoya, mujhe tumse baat karni hai," he pleaded. "Kyun Mr. Khan kuch reha gaya hai joh aap bhulgaye the kal sabh keh saamne baatana," she said, digging her eyes through the carpet on the floor. He hated that she wasn't making eye contact. He moved forward, decreasing the distance between them. She still didn't look up. "Look at me!" he stated as he stepped in closer. She moved back, "mujhe yaha se jaana hai," she repeated, her eyes still glued to the carpet on the floor. "Zoya, I know mujhse galati huwi hai, please ek baar meri baat sunlo," he whispered. Her eyes looked up to meet his. "Aapne galati nahi, gunna kiya hai. Dhoka diya hai aapne mujhe aur humare bacche koh," she yelled. "Nahi Zoya! Aisa nahi hai. Ek baar sunto loh keh kya hua hai?" he appealed. She relaxed a bit, "boliye kya bolna hai aapko," she said.
He took her by the hand and they both took a seat on the sofa. He looked into her eyes to gather courage to speak through the most difficult conversation he would probably ever have with her. "Zoya, main jaanta hoon keh joh bhi hua hai uski maafi na mumkin hai lekin main chatha hoon keh tum saach jaano, tumara haq hai," he started. She just nodded telling him to proceed and he did. "Main nahi jaanta tha keh yeh sabh kaise hua. Mujhe bas kuch dino phele paata chala keh Tanveer pregnant hai or shayad hosakthi hai. Usne mujhe baataya keh jab uss raat maine usse gundo se bachaya tabh yeh gunna hua hai hum se," he told her. Hearing his words, she felt a knot form in her stomach. "Main tume sabh kuch baatane wala tha bas usse phele yeh sabh hogaya. Believe me Zoya, mujhe kuch yaad nahi hai. Joh bhi hua woh sirf ek galati thi aur kuch nahi. Main tumse pyaar karta hoon, sirf tumse," he firmly stated as he placed a hand on her clasped hands in her lap. She intently listened to what he had to say as per his request. "Aap kya chathe Asad keh sirf issliye keh yeh sabh aapko yaad nahi hai, mujhe aapko maaf kardena chahiye?" she innocently asked. Asad felt dumbfounded. He wasn't expecting her to ask him what she should do. "Woh...main...woh...actually," he mumbled not knowing what to say. She stood up, "I am sorry Mr. Khan, mujhse yeh nahi hoga. Main aapko maaf nahi karsakthi," she honestly said. "Zoya, please main nahi keha raha hoon keh yeh tumare liye asaan hai lekin main nahi chatha keh ek baat humare rishte koh...," he trailed off. "Humara rishta toh already toot gaya haina Mr. Khan," she said as tears filled her eyes. "Zoya please don't!" he said as he stood up in front of her and cupped her face in his hands. She looked into his eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. He was about to wipe away her tears but she pushed him away. Asad stumbled back surprised at her actions. "Jis din aapne Tanveer keh saath uss din hi humara rishta khatam hogaya Mr. Khan...aabh kuch nahi bacha hai!" she yelled. "Meri baat suni...," Asad said as he stepped forward. "Nahi door rahi hai mujhse! aap jaante hai phele main aapko jab bhi dekhti thi toh mujhe Allah ki reham yaad aati thi, soochti thi keh shayad Allah keh joh mujhe nahi diya uss kehliye aapko meri zindagi mein lekar aagaya lekin aabh dekhti hoon toh mujhe sirf ek aur insaan nazar aata hai jis par main bahut baroosa karti thi aur jisne mujhe dhoka diya," Zoya told him as she ran out of the room.
Asad felt tears prickle his eyes as he stood there trying to digest the words that she had just spoken. She was right! She had trusted him and he had broken it. But, he couldn't let her go. She was the chance that Allah had given him to live again. He loved her and he will wait for her forgiveness even if that meant waiting for a lifetime. Frustrated at himself, he punched the wall next to him as he stood there looking at the half closed door that had taken his destiny away from him. She ran into the hallway and almost crashed into someone. She looked up and caught Nikhat from losing her balance. "I am so sorry Bhabhi, aap theek toh hai?" Zoya said, her attention diverted from her worries to Nikhat. "Main theek hoon Zoya," Nikhat said with a slight smile. She noticed Zoya's puffed eyes and the dried tears on her cheeks. "Tum theek hoon?" Nikhat asked caressing her cheek. "Paata nahi," Zoya mumbled. Nikhat moved forward and embraced her into tight hug. "I know keh yeh tumare liye kitna mushkil hoga, agar tume kuch bhi chahiye toh main hoon ok," Nikhat told her. Zoya nodded as she wiped her tears away. "Chalo, maine tumare liye nasta alag karkar raka tha," Nikhat said. As Zoya was about to leave, she remembered that she had forgotten her dupatta. She informed Nikhat and returned to her room while Nikhat went downstairs to tell Nnaseem khala to warm up breakfast for Zoya.
Someone knocked on the door and he quickly wiped his tears and composed himself. The door moved ajar and he saw her step in. "Kya hai?" he asked frustrated. "Jammy...hum toh aapse maafi maangne aaye the," she told him, sad at his rude behavior. "Dekho Tanveer, joh bhi hua hai, uske baad yehi behtar hoga keh tum mujhse door raho," he firmly stated. Hasn't she caused enough trouble already, he thought. "I am sorry jammy, hum jaante hai keh humari galati ki wajase Zoya koh sabh paata chal gaya woh paata nahi kaise woh report mere haath se choot kar, Razia bi keh paas chale gayi," Tanveer said. "Joh hona tha woh ho chukka hai. Aur waise bhi sahi waqt dekhar main Zoya koh saach baata dehta," Asad stated. "Tum sahi keha rahe ho jaammy, after all Zoya tumari biwi hai, usse saach paata hona chahiye," Tanveer agreed. Asad just stood there in silence, not having anything else to say. When no one spoke, "tume kuch kehna hai?" he asked. "Woh jammy, aabh yeh baat sabh koh paata chal gayi hai keh hum ma banne wale hai. Kuch hi dino mein hum chahakar bhi yeh chupa nahi payenge. Aapne soocha hai iss baare mein?" Tanveer said hesitantly. "Kya karne ka soochna hai?" Asad said confused. Tanveer wanted to strangle him! He was such an idiot, everything had to be spelled out, she thought. But, wasn't that also working to her advantage, she told herself. "Asad, hum tumare bacche keh ma banne wale hai. Kya tum humse nikkah nahi karoge?" Tanveer questioned. Asad was stunned! He was already married, to the love of his life. Why would he marry her? Because he committed a mistake? They were interrupted when the door squeaked. Asad turned to see Zoya. Her place stricken face told him that she had heard what had transpired between him and Tanveer. Zoya felt her foot frozen to the door. She had returned to retrieve her dupatta when she had heard Tanveer apologizing to him. Curiosity took the better of her and she started to listen to what they were talking about. But she wasn't expecting the topic of Nikkah to arise. As soon as the words left Tanveer's mouth, she felt a lump form in her throat. And it twisted and traveled through her esophagus in to her stomach when he hadn't immediately rejected the idea. Was he considering it? She thought and shrieked even at the thought. But, why wouldn't he? Wasn't she his second choice anyway? He had married her just for the sake of his mother who had liked her. But he loved her! If he loved her then he wouldn't have cheated! But it was a mistake. Yes, a mistake that she was going to pay a huge price for! He saw as her face change million expressions in that minute. He walked forward to tell her that it was a thought that Tanveer had bought up. Of course, he wasn't marrying her. But before he moved, she turned on her heels and disappeared from there. He ran his hand through his hair, why was Allah hell bent on ruining everything in his life today. Tanveer smirked as her plan was working very successfully as Asad's back was towards her. "Aage aage dekho Asad...main aur kya kya karti hoon," Zoya told herself as she slowly walked out of the room, patting herself in the back for successful completing her mission.
Nikhat had warmed up breakfast and had it set up on the dining table a while ago. She sat in the adjacent chair waiting for Zoya to join her. She would like her favorite aloo paratha with mango pickle and a glass of her favorite saffron milk. Nikhat smiled. Zoya hated the saffron milk. The only reason she would gulp it down is because Dilshad had informed her of its benefits during pregnancy. At that moment, she looked up to see Zoya stumbling down the stairs. Nikhat stood up from her chair but before she could say anything, Zoya made a dash for the front door. "Allah...aabh kya hogaya?" Nikhat worried as she stood there contemplating whether to follow her or not. Zoya felt her heart pound against her chest. She was gasping for air as she reached the front yard. Wasn't her life complicated enough? Why has Allah miyan decided to make it worse? She hasn't even come to terms with the fact that her husband's first fianc almost wife was pregnant with his child and Allah had decided to drop one more bomb on her. She felt a pain jolt through her abdomen. What if Mr. Khan too married like her father did, without telling her. What if Tanveer forced him into it? Would he go through with it? She placed a hand on her abdomen. "Sorry baby, aapki Ammi haar gayi. Main shayad aapke Abu koh itna pyaar nahi deh sakhi jitna woh chathe the," she said as she clutched her kurta at her abdomen. She felt like she had betrayed her baby. May be it was her fault that Asad was even doing all this. May be she was the one that had been a pile on in his life. She cupped her face in her hands as she sobbed. "Aap yeh sabh kyun karahe Allah miyan, mujhse kya galati hogayi thi keh mujhe itni baadi saaza mili. Kya karoon main Allah? Meri madad kijiye, mujhe kuch nahi maloom. I can't do this anymore!" she cried. Nikhat had decided to follow her out but she stopped when she heard Zoya apologizing to the baby. She felt her heart wrench at the sight of her. Being a mother, she knew what Zoya was feeling but it wasn't right that she was blaming herself. It just wasn't her fault. She walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Zoya turned to see Nikhat and dashed into her arms. She kept sobbing as Nikhat asked her what had happened. Zoya felt her mouth start to dry and gulped some saliva. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Zoya, please you are scaring me, kuch toh bolo," Nikhat said. Zoya broke apart and painfully articulated what had occurred in Asad's room. Nikhat was alarmed as Zoya informed her about the incident. How cheap of Tanveer? Hasn't she done enough? Now she wants to blackmail him into getting married to her. "Zoya, hum aisa khabhi nahi hone denge, tum fikar mat karo," Nikhat said. When Zoya didn't respond, Nikhat took Zoya's hand in hers and caressed it, "it's a sister's promise!" Nikhat said. Zoya squeezed her hand, "thanks Bhabhi," Zoya said. Later, Nikhat took her inside and almost had to force her to eat breakfast. She had always seen Zoya as a sister. She wasn't going to let Tanveer ruin her life. She had to do something, but what? She thought as she sat there watching over Zoya as she chewed on the paratha that had been re-warmed again.
The day passed and Asad felt like a stranger in his own house. Everyone pretended like he didn't exist. He tried to talk his mother but even she had dejected him and walked away. His siblings stiffened up when he walked up them. "Aapne Bhabhi keh saath dhoka kiya hai Bhai, iss kehliye main aapko khabhi maaf nahi karonga," Haider had blatantly told him. Asad felt his heart being pricked with a needle every time they stared at him with anger, disgust, and uncertainty. His sister had asked him why with tears in her eyes. He could see the pain and shame in her eyes. He didn't have answers, any answers. He was walking in the hallway when he saw her sitting in Imran's room. Imran was showing her something he had drawn and she was trying to smile and encourage him. But, it didn't go unnoticed that the smile didn't reach her eyes or didn't bring a dimple on her face like usual. Seeing him at the door, "chachu...yeh dekho," Imran said as he ran up to him with his artwork. "Bahut accha hai," Asad told him without even looking at the paper. His eyes were focused on her. As soon as she felt his presence, he could see the glint of pain overtake her senses. She straightened herself on the couch as she stared at nothing in particular. Her eyes wandered around the room except they never met his. "Imran, aapki Ammi aapko neeche bhula rahi hai," Asad told Imran and he quickly ran off the room. She stood up from the couch and quickly walked towards the door. He swayed to his left and in front of her, preventing her from leaving. "Mera raasta chodiye, please" she told him. "Zoya please, tumne joh bhi suna, woh saach nahi hai," he told her. Her eyes shot up to his, "main bhi yehi chathi hoon Asad keh yeh sabh jhoot hojaye lekin yeh saach hai aur baar baar na bolne se jhoot nahi hojayega," she told him. "Tume kya lagtha hai main Tanveer se Nikkah karlonga?" he questioned, his voice cracking at the end. "I don't know what to believe anymore," she sadly stated. As she was about to leave, his arms caged her and jailed her against the wall. His pain turned into rage. She didn't believe him, his heart felt a plunge. "Tum aisa kaise sooch sakthi ho Zoya. Main tumse pyaar karta hoon aur mera Nikkah sirf ek baar hua hai aur hamesha sirf ek baar hi rahega. Joh ehsaas main tumare saath share karta hoon woh khabhi kissi keh saath nahi kiya na hi khabhi karonga. Main jaanta hoon keh mujhse bahut baada gunna hua hai lekin jaan kar ek aur gunna nahi karonga, khabhi nahi. Ek baat hamesha yaad rakna Zoya, tum mera pyaar ho Zoya, yeh baat se khabhi baroosa na chodna," he told her. She felt tears sting her eyes. They rolled down and fell on his arms. His grip loosened as he realized what he was doing. As his grip loosened, she pushed him to the side and ran out of the room. I hurt her again, dammit! He cursed punching the wall in front of him. Zoya ran out of the room and into her own room. She could feel her heart palpitating against her skin, his words ringing in her ears. She felt so confused. She didn't know what to do. He wanted her to believe him, his love but she felt betrayed. She had believed him but now, she didn't have the courage to do it again. She felt stupid that she had let one more person betray her. She couldn't let it happen again. Now, every time she saw him, she saw guilt in his eyes, guilt towards her or guilt of her, she didn't know! She couldn't live like this anymore, she just couldn't.
Later that day, Dilshad sat in her room, her head buried in her hands. She felt a throbbing pain pass through her head. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see her husband with medication and a glass of water. "Yeh ley lo Dilshad, thoda behatar mehsoos karogi," he told her. "Main behatar kaise hosakthi Rashid. Zoya ka chehara mere aankho keh saamne se hatha hi nahi, uss bacchi ne hume pyaar aur khushi keh alava khabhi kuch nahi diya aur humare bete ne uske saath aisa kiya. Yakeen nahi hota mujhe keh Asad aisa karsaktha hai," Dilshad said worried. "Dekho Dilshad, main jaanta hoon keh tum pareshaan ho lekin tume apni tabeyat keh baare mein bhi soochna padega, agar tum hi aise haar jaogi toh Zoya ka kya hoga," Rashid said. Both their eyes filled up thinking about Zoya, a daughter they had accepted into their hearts when she had gotten married to their son. "Zoya ki haalat mujhse dekhi nahi jarahi Rashid, mujhe kuch samaj nahi aaraha hai. Allah kyun karaha hai aisa," Dilshad cried as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Allah humari madad kare yeh sabh theek karne mein," he prayed as he caressed her back, trying to calm her. They broke apart and he fed her the medication. "Tum aabh aaram karo thodi dher," Rashid said. "Mujhe neend nahi aayegi Rashid," she told him. "Kosish karo, mere liye," he said caressing her cheek. She nodded. As he was about to tuck her in, they were disrupted by a knock on their room door. Rashid move apart and turned to see Zoya at the door. They both saw her red puffy eye and her swollen jaw. "Aree Zoya, aao beta," Dilshad said sitting up on the bed. "Sorry maine aap dono koh disturb kiya, woh mujhe aap dono se baat karni thi," she said. "Nahi beta, aisa kuch nahi, aao," Rashid said smilingly. She walked up to them and took a seat in front of Dilshad. She twitched her finger with the dupatta, not sure how to start what she wanted to say. "Kya baat hai Zoya?" Rashid said placing an arm on her shoulder. Zoya looked at Dilshad and Rashid, "kya main neeche wale ek guest room mein shift hojao?" she blurted out. Dilshad and Rashid were shocked to hear what Zoya had just said. Dilshad looked at Rashid not knowing what to say. "Kyun beta? Kissine kuch kaha? Asad ne?" Rashid asked. "Nahi Abu, kissi ne kuch nahi kaha hai, woh bas main Asad keh room se," she choked not able to complete. Dilshad placed a hand on Zoya's clasped wrists. "Zoya, tum humse bol sakthi ho beta," she comforted. Zoya nodded, "main jaanti hoon Ammi. Bas thode din kehliye main guest room mein rehna chathi hoon please," she said pleadingly. The truth was she couldn't stay in the same room as Asad. Every time she looked at him, she felt a stabbing pain in her heart. They have spent so many good times in that room but now, all she remembered was him telling her that he had cheated with Tanveer, though by mistake or when he was asked to marry her. She was scared that the longer she stayed there, the remaining few reminiscences she had in that room would be clouded by heartache. Dilshad and Rashid agreed because they didn't want to cause Zoya any more grief than she was already in.
Asad had something at work that he had to take care of so he had left. It was a good distraction anyway, he thought. At home, Zoya packed a few things that she would need for a couple days and with the help of Ismail, moved into the guest room downstairs. Everyone was surprised to learn about the fact but no one was going to ask Zoya as they just believed she was angry with Asad. Dinner was a quiet affair. Zoya couldn't really eat, she feel sick for some reason. She was just nibbling on her food when she saw Tanveer enter the room. She felt her blood boil in anger. She had never felt so much hatred towards anyone other than her. Zoya closed her hands into a fist to control herself. The nails dug into her skin but she didn't care. If she didn't stop herself, she was going do something that was wrong, she knew. She focused on the food on her plate and started playing with it using her fork. She felt her walk up to her side, "Zoya, hume aapse baat karni thi," Tanveer said. Zoya took the glass of water on the table and gulped it down. "Ammi, mera hogaya," she told Dilshad and stood up to leave. "Zoya, khuda kehliye humari baat suniye. Hume aapse maaf maangni hai," Tanveer said. "Khuda kehliye tum mujhe akela chodo Tanveer, tume joh karna tha tumne karliya hai, mujhe tumse kohi baat nahi karni," she firmly stated. As she was about to leave away, she felt a grasp on her arm and turned to look at Tanveer. "Hum aapse baat karna chathe hai aur aap humare saath batameezi karahi hai Zoya, main jaanti hoon keh mujhse galati huwi hai," Tanveer said pretending to be sad. "Tume kya lagtha hai Tanveer tum maafi maangogi aur sabh kuch theek hojayega. Tumne gunna kiya hai, sabh kuch barbaad kardiya tumne, mera ghar meri zindagi mera pyaar aur tume lagtha hai keh main batameezi karahi ho, chodo mujhe," Zoya said as she angrily jerked her away. Tanveer stumbled back almost hitting her abdomen on the table. Zoya instantly moved forward and apologized, she didn't mean to push her so hard. "Tum mere bacche koh maarna chathi ho?" Tanveer asked. "Tum yeh kya bol rahi ho Tanveer, mujhe nahi paata tha keh tume chot lagegi, aur waise bhi maine tume pakad liya," Zoya explained. "Ha, kyun ki tum chathi ho keh tume sabh accha samje. Dekha aap sabh ne," Tanveer said as she pretended to have tears in her eyes. "Tanveer, Zoya ne jaan bhujkar nahi kiya hai, tamasha karne ki kohi zaroorat nahi hai," Dilshad told her. "Khala, aapko lagtha hai keh main tamaasha karahi ho?" Tanveer said shocked. "Tamaasha karne ki toh tumari purani aadat hai Tanveer, tum iss ghar mein ho isska matlab yeh nahi keh kuch bhi bol na shuru kardo," Nikhat told her. Tanveer glared at Zoya, mad that her plans never succeed against this girl. "Zaroor kohi jadoo kiya hoga isne ghar mein sabh par," she thought. Zoya just ignored her and walked away. She felt mortified that Tanveer would blame her that she was trying to killing her child. Why would she? Yes, she blamed Tanveer and Asad but the child was innocent. She would never harm anyone, let alone an unborn child.
Later that night, he returned to see the room empty. He looked around the house, in the kitchen, the garden, but she was nowhere. She couldn't be in any of the family member's room as they were all sleeping. His heart constricted at the possibility that she might have left the house. No, that can't happen! No matter what, he wouldn't let her leave him. He saw Ismail passing through the hall, "Ismail, Zoya kaha hai? kahi bahar gayi hai?" he asked alarmed. "Bhaijaan, woh Bhabhi," Ismail fumbled not knowing how to reply. "kya hua hai? bolo?" he yelled. "Bhaijaan, Bhabhi ne guest room mein shift karliya," Ismail said. Asad felt the life suck out of him. He felt someone hammer his heart with a wooden sledge. She had moved out of their room. Asad composed himself and told Ismail to leave. He rushed towards the guest room and slammed the door open. He wanted to yell at her, ask her how could she do this but seeing her cuddled into the bed, his anger melted away. He slowly walked up to her and caressed her hair, "tum aisa kaise karsakthi Zoya, at least tum mere aankho keh saamne hoti ho toh dil koh thoda toh sukoon milta mujhe," he said sadly. He saw that she was shivering. He quickly adjusted the temperature in the room and closed the windows. Making sure, she was comfortable; he walked out of the room. As soon as he walked out, Zoya opened her eyes as tears prickled down her cheeks. "I am sorry Asad but I can't do this. Mujhe itni himmat nahi hai keh main tumara chehara dekhte huwe tumare saath reha sako. Tumse main itna pyaar karti hoon keh tumse naraaz toh hosakthi hoon lekin nafrat, nafrat nahi karsakthi," she said as she covered her mouth and sobbed. When she has had footsteps, she knew that it had to be him and that is why she had pretended to be asleep. The truth was she couldn't sleep. Every time she saw the empty space next to the bed, it reminded her of what had happened. She didn't know if she ever had it in her to forgive and accept him again. She felt like this was going to be her life, alone in the darkness. Each time, she placed her hand on the mattress, it looked for him. Her body craved for his warmth and presence next to her. Upstairs, Asad sat on his couch staring at the pictures on the wall. She had entered his dark life and made it a colorful painting. When she smiled, he felt his heart content with joy. When he used to see her in prayer in the morning, his world felt complete. Today, he felt guilty. He had pulled her into his darkness just like he was afraid he would. He had taken a blossoming flower and crushed it in his darkness. May be he should let her go! May be she was better off without him. But their child, NO! He wouldn't do that. He had promised to be there for her and their child and he will fulfill their promise till his last breath.
It was a dark, stormy night in the city of Bhopal. In the outskirts of the city, in an unused, burnt out warehouse stood a lady dressed in a black burqa. "Paata nahi kaha hai yeh Tanveer, kabh se intezaar karahi hoon?" the lady cursed, looking at the clock for the umpteenth time. Just then, she heard someone walk in. "Accha hai tum aagayi...pichle ek ghante se main intezaar karahi ho," the lady said angrily. "Kya karoon bi, itni baarish mein aana paada, thoda waqt toh lagtha hai," Tanveer stated. Accha yeh lo, tumare paise, mujhe ghar bhi wapas jaana hai," the lady said offering Tanveer a bag. "Ek minute bi...hum toh sooch rahe the keh yeh thode kam hai, hume thode aur paise chahiye," she stated. "kya? Tume main doh crore rupee deh rahi ho aur yeh bhi kam hai?" the lady asked. "Woh kya haina bi, aapko maan na toh padega keh kaam mushkil tha. Aur dekho mere paas gaadi tak nahi hai yaha aane kehliye. Toh aap ek kaam kariye, aapko main ek hafta aur dehti hoon, mujhe chaar crore aur ek nayi gaadi chahiye," Tanveer declared. "Yeh kya bakwas hai Tanveer...humari baat toh bas doh crore huwi thi," the lady said. "Huwi thi lekin aabh badal gaye hai. Aabh humari zaroorat badal gayi hai," Tanveer plainly stated. "Haye haye...meri billi mujhi koh meow. Billo rani tum bhul rahi hoon keh tumare kahi saare raaz hai jinne agar main Asad ya Zoya toh baata doon toh tumara kya hoga, aur tumara baccha jiska baap Asad hai aisa tum kehti ho, uska kya," the lady warned. Tanveer became worried for a minute but her evil smile returned to her lips and she laughed. "Aap na bahut nadaan hai bi, chaley saari tumne chali aur mujhe bura banana ki kosish karahi ho?" Tanveer scowled. "Aur yeh mat bhulna keh agar mera chehra sabh keh saamne aagaya toh tum kyon sa bach jaogi, aakir yeh saara plan toh tumara hi toh hai na Razia begum!" Tanveer mocked and the lady moved her burqa revealing a grimacing Razia. A few months ago, Razia had come to know from haseena about a girl named Tanveer who Asad was previously engaged to. She has also told Razia about what had happened and how Asad didn't want to marry after that. Razia has been overjoyed! She had found something to ruin the beautiful love kingdom that she had been noticing from the past some time. She had been fed up with seeing Zoya happy. That girl didn't deserve to be happy, she had to do something and that is when she had decided to bring Tanveer back. It had taken a bit to find Tanveer but when she had and explained her plan to Tanveer, everything had been set.
Her plan had been put into action when Rashid had fallen to Tanveer's pleas and accepted her into the house. Slowly, they have planned to separate Asad and Zoya. But, every plan kept failing. So, they had to do something big. That is when Tanveer had suggested that they tell everyone that she was pregnant with Asad's child. And that had done it! The best part had been that Asad had fallen into their trap so easily. Now, everything had been set. Asad and Zoya were not even talking to each other. Only one thing remained, separating them! She wanted Zoya out of their lives. And when Asad and Zoya wouldn't be one anymore then Humaira would never marry Haider, the brother of a person who broke her sister's heart. She didn't want Humaira to be with Haider. Her daughter could be with someone better, someone who wasn't related to Zoya. She didn't want even Zoya's shadow on her daughter but all her life she had failed. It was about time! The scene switched back to the present as Tanveer and Razia stood facing each other. "Tum bol bhi logi toh tumara yakeen kyon karega? Yeh mat bhulna billo rani keh tum woh ladki ho jisne Asad aur uske pure parivaar koh ek baar phele bhi dhoka diya tha aur main, main ek acche khandaan ki aurat hoon jisne ek anjaan ladki koh apna banakar paala hai. Tum hi batao keh log kiska yakeen karenge," Razia taunted. "Bi bi bi...tume kya lagtha hai keh mere paas kohi saboot nahi hai tumare khilaf, sooch lo bi ek hafte mein agar mujhe mere paise aur gaadi nahi mili toh main tumara aur mera saach sabh keh saamne bol dungi," Tanveer warned as she stormed out of there, leaving a fuming Razia behind.
So the truth is out, it was Razia behind everything! Many of guessed that and you were right. More twists and turns to come, keep reading to find out what happens and how the family solves Tanveer's web of lies. Looking forward to your comments!
A few things to answer your questions: I will try to end this drama in the next 2-3 chapters but I haven't decided how yet. Asad is not going to marry tanveer, never ever in my story, there is going to be problems but zoya and the family will solve it together. I don't believe in 2 or 3 marriages of a person, I am no Ekta Kapoor haha 😆. Thank you for all your support, just be there for the next 2-3 updates and I hope I can make you guys happy. 😃
Tum Se Tum Tak
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Cricket
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