Live In Fantasy Index updated 23/05/16 BUDDY ME FOR PM - Page 9

Present

Asad and Zoya lay in each other's arms for a while, just enjoying each other's presence before Zoya spoke up.

"I've always wondered how you convinced Ammi to allow us to go on a date before our nikaah even happened." Zoya had often wondered how her I-Always-Stick-To-The-Rules husband had gotten the idea of taking her out on a date before they got married. Asad grinned and glanced down at her to see her eyes narrow in suspicion.

"Now that, my dear, I had nothing to do with," Asad said. Zoya pushed away from as she sat up. Asad groaned from the sudden lack of her warmth.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked. Asad sat back up and took both her hands in his and pressed a kiss to each of her fingers.

"It means, I didn't ask for permission," he replied as Zoya's eyebrows flew up.

* * * * *

Flashback

A few weeks after Valentine's Day found Asad finishing his coffee and standing up only to be stopped by his Ammi and his younger sister.

"What happened?" He inquired. Dilshad grinned at him and Najma smiled mischievously.

"Asad could you do me a favour?" She asked. Asad raised his eyebrow at her and then nodded.

"Of course I would, you only need to ask," he replied. Did her grin just widen?

"Take Zoya to the park tonight. She's been feeling a bit down for the last few days," Dilshad replied.

"She hasn't been feeling well? Why? What happened?" He asked tensing. Why hadn't Zoya told him that she was feeling ill? Was it because of him?

"Calm down, dear boy! She has been feeling a bit under the weather and I just think she needs some time outside of the house, you know fresh air," Dilshad said.

"Very well, I'll take her for a drive," Asad replied.

"So that she can get fresh air from the AC? No, no, no, take her to her favourite park with the river," Dilshad urged.

"Fine," he replied, not noticing the sudden glint in his mother's eyes as he exited.

* * * * *

Present

"So you only took me out because Ammi said so?" Zoya snapped.

"Zoya," he warned. She huffed and crossed her arms in front of his chest and turned her back on him. Asad moved forward and pulled her onto his lap, ignoring her struggles, pressing his lips against her shoulder.

"Hush, your struggling is going to make me forget that night we spent under the stars," Asad said. She relaxed visibly in his arms but she didn't turn to face him. Asad sighed slipped his hand under her shirt, caressing the skin of her waist. Her breathing hitched and it took a few minutes before Zoya cleared her throat.

"Stop," she breathed. She felt his grin against her shoulder as his fingers moved higher.

"S-Stop," she stuttered again, cursing him as his hands slipped higher again and brushed the cloth of her bra. His fingers inched inside and an audible moan fell from her lips when his fingers met her flesh. Almost immediately, his hands were gone and were placed on her waist.

"Hey!" She protested as he smirked at her. Zoya growled but before she could say anything; her thoughts reverted back to the memory.

* * * * *

Flashback

"Ms. Faroo-." Asad's throat went dry as he stared at her. This was the second time that this girl had ridden him speechless by just walking into the room. His Ammi was by her side and Zoya glanced at her, a look that Dilshad returned with assurance in her eyes.

"Wow Zoya, you look beautiful," Najma said staring at the woman in front of her in awe.

"She always looks beautiful," Dilshad said, kissing Zoya's forehead. Asad silently agreed with her.

Zoya had been shocked when Dilshad had walked into her room telling her that she would help her get ready. When Zoya had asked what for, Dilshad had told her that Asad had asked for permission to take her out. Needless to say, Zoya had been suspicious as to why Mr. Khan would want to take her out, but the image of the two of them together on Valentine's Day was enough to silence her.

"He wanted you to wear this," Dilshad said, thrusting a package into her hands. Zoya unwrapped it with numb fingers and gasped when a dark blue saree was revealed to her. She picked it up feeling the chiffon fabric against her skin. Her eyes roamed the piece and marvelled at the black thread and sequins work that adorned the hem and drape.

"He has good taste," Dilshad said eyeing the saree. Zoya remembered she wasn't alone and hastily covered the box.

"Yes, well, I guess," she stammered.

"I'll help you get ready," Dilshad said.

Half and hour later Zoya was dress from head to toe, her long tresses cascaded down her back and the chiffon of the saree felt so soft against her skin.

"Zoya?" Dilshad asked. Zoya turned to look at her and smiled at the older woman, who returned the smile and walked over to her opening a black box she was holding.

"Here, take this," Dilshad said holding it out to her. Zoya looked into the box and looked back up at Dilshad.

"This is yours, I can't take it," Zoya said trying to return it but Dilshad held her ground.

"I want you to have it. I had it made specially for my son's wi-for a worthy girl such as yourself," Dilshad said, correcting her slip flawlessly. Zoya looked back down into the box. Against the velvet cushions lay a tanzanite pendant with a swirl of diamonds on the top and bottom of the stone with matching studs. Zoya looked up at Dilshad and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered. Dilshad patted her hair and kissed her forehead.

"Your welcome now put it on and let's go. Don't want to keep Asad waiting," she said.

Thus, that was how she emerged before him, the tanzanite and diamonds glinting surreptitiously and her large doe-like eyes staring at her feet. Asad was lost just staring at her. What he had done to deserve her he did not know but for once he thanked Allah that his Ammi had forced him to take her out tonight.

"Go and don't try and hurry back," Dilshad said pushing her forward. Zoya stumbled at the sudden force only to be caught by his strong arms around her waist. She blushed and walked past him quickly while he held the door open for her.

"Enjoy yourselves!" Najma yelled as the door closed behind them.

The drive to the park was quiet with the occasional glances thrown at each other. Asad was trying to think of something to say to her while Zoya thought of asking him why he wanted to take her out.

"I wanted to-."

"I wanted to-."

The two shut their lips and stared ahead. Asad wanted to ask her to tell him that she loved him again just to confirm that the other night had not been a dream. Ever since that night, the two hadn't been able to spend a minute together because of other commitments, Asad with work and Zoya with helping her Phuppi in the household chores. When he opened his mouth again it wasn't the words he had wanted to say that fell out of his lips.

"We're here."

Zoya slipped out of the car and looked around, her eyes going wide recognition dawned on her. They were at the park with the river! Her favourite one. She turned to look at him, her breath catching in her throat when her gaze fell upon him leaning against the bonnet of the car, his arms folded in front of his chest. Zoya was struck with how lean and powerful he looked. This was a man whose aura reeked of dominance and Zoya found herself getting lost into the dark pools of his eyes that peered straight into her soul. She swallowed thickly and took several deep breaths, in hopes of calming her hammering heart.

"You were saying something," she said to him. He didn't reply at once, instead he walked over to her and held out his hand. She looked at it then up at his face before lifting hers and placing it in his. His fingers curled around her hand and he tugged her forward as the two started to walk.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked.

"The river," he replied simply, his eyes never leaving her angelic face. Once they reached there, Zoya let out an audible gasp while Asad felt a small smile flitter onto his face. He made a mental reminder to thank his Ammi.

Zoya stared at the blanket that had been spread out onto the grass and the candles that surrounded it. He wasn't going to...was he? Zoya glanced at Asad, noticing that even though he wasn't smiling, there was amusement written all over his face.

"Mr. Khan, why..." she trailed off staring at the spread out blanket.

"Shall we?" He asked, motioning towards the blanket. Zoya gulped as memories flew through her mind of Valentine's Day. The last time that there had been a romantic setting, they had almost ended up sleeping together. Almost. But they were under open skies, surely he didn't mean to...Did he? Her feet were rooted to the spot and Asad sighed before he bent down and swept her off of her feet, eliciting a startled cry from Zoya.

He gently set her down onto the blanket and stretched out next to her. Zoya took this time to study him. He had all the aristocratic features and Zoya felt that her name "Jahanpanah" for him had fit quite perfectly. She had rarely seen him smile but when he had, small dimples would appear on both his cheeks. His eyes were dark and alluring, enough so that Zoya found herself often getting lost in them. Then her eyes were drawn to his lips. Those luscious lips that had felt so soft against hers. Zoya blushed as she remembered his heated kisses.

By this time, Asad had turned his attention back to Zoya and had found her blushing furiously.

"Zoya," he said gently. She peeked up at him from under her lashes and gave him a small yet shy smile.

"You look beautiful," he said. She blushed again but her smile had widened.

"Thank you," she replied. Asad encased her hand in his and brought it to his lips, brushing her knuckles just lightly.

"Say it again," he murmured against her knuckles. Zoya heard him and understood exactly what he wanted to hear her say but feeling her confidence heighten a notch, she decided to tease him a bit.

"Thank you," she repeated. He looked at her sharply but his gaze softened when he noticed the teasing smile on her face. He let go of her hand and pulled away to lie back down, crossing his arms behind his head and staring up at the starry sky. Zoya didn't know why she was so shy considering that they had been intimate with each other a few weeks prior on Valentine's Day. Most importantly, she didn't need to be scared. She should've trusted him enough to know that he wouldn't do anything to her if she weren't consenting.

There was something that Zoya felt whenever he was in the room. Safe. Always and every time. She knew that he would protect her from everything and the reassurance she got from him was nothing compared to the reassurance she got from Aapi or Phuppi. Though he never said it, Zoya knew that he would always be there for her.

Pushing away all her worries and insecurities, Zoya decided to let raw emotion surge through her. She was alone with him after several weeks and she would cherish every single moment. Zoya lay onto her side to watch him as he stared up into the sky.

"What are you thinking?" She inquired. His gaze turned to her and Zoya felt a chill run up her spine that had nothing to do with the cool breeze. Asad rolled over onto his side and took her hand in his again.

"How lucky I am to have you with me," he told her. Zoya smiled at hearing the honesty that laced his voice.

"I'm the lucky one. I never imagined that any man would ever love me," she replied to him. He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss on her palm.

"I love you," he breathed. Zoya's heart soared again and a bright smile illuminated her face.

"I'm glad," she whispered. Asad looked at her in astonishment and huffed.

"That's good to know," he muttered darkly, returning his gaze to the heavens. Zoya scooted closer to him silently and leaned over to press her lips against his cheek. Asad's eyes went wide as he felt those soft lips against his cheek.

"I love you too," she whispered against his cheek. Asad turned his head and surprised her by capturing her lips.

"I've been wanting to do that since Valentine's Day," he muttered pulling away. Zoya lifted her hand and stroked his cheek, smiling when he nuzzled her hand. She lifted her head as he tucked his arm under her head and pulled her close to him. Zoya rested her head against his chest, listening to the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. The couple stared up at the sky, the moon shining brightly and the stars twinkling. Asad pressed his lips against the top of her head and tightened his hold on her.

"Mr. Khan?" She asked.

"Hmm?" He replied.

"Is this a date?"

Zoya felt him stiffen underneath her and she lifted her head to look at him with questioning eyes. He relaxed after a few minutes and pulled her head back down against his chest.

"I think we can call it that," he replied softly. Zoya smiled and snuggled against his strong chest, marvelling at the hardness of it. Images of him without his shirt formed in her mind and Zoya couldn't hold the gasp that had formed. She didn't know what it was, but every time she remembered Valentine's Day, sudden warmth took place in her lower abdomen and the thought of what could've happened if they hadn't been interrupted had formed the warmth into a full fledged fire.

Zoya pushed away those thoughts and tightened her grip on him and pressed tightly against him. He smiled and touched her back, cursing when he met flesh instead of usual cloth. He glanced down and noticed her blouse dipped low in the back.

"I love you," she murmured into his chest. Asad sighed, knowing that he would never grow tired of hearing her say those words over and over again. He rolled on top of her and kissed her. He put as much as he could into the kiss, hoping that it would convey just how much he loved her.

It did. Zoya wound her arms around his neck, playing with the hair at the back of his neck and sighing into the kiss. She felt his tongue brush her lips and Zoya granted his request by parting her lips. His tongue slipped passed her lips and Asad groaned when he tasted her sweet elixir. His tongue explored her mouth before he sought hers out and stroked against it.

Zoya was lost in his kiss and when she felt his tongue stroke against her, she tightened her arms around him, trapping her against his lips. Asad didn't want to let go of her at all and he was glad she was holding onto him as if she never wanted to let go. Soon enough, their tongues formed a playful fight, which resulted in Asad pulling her bottom lip in between his teeth and nibbling on it before letting it go. His mouth drank from hers thirstily and Asad knew that he would never tire of her taste.

The two pulled away breathing heavily and Zoya fluttered her eyes open to look at him. He stroked her cheek lovingly and kissed her forehead.

"We've got to stop," he told her dryly. Zoya looked at him questioningly with glazed eyes. Her haze of lust disappeared when she felt something hard against her thigh. A blush erupted on her cheeks and Asad grinned ruefully.

"Thank you," she repeated after a few seconds.

"You're thanking me an awful lot," he told her.

"You deserve it," she retorted, her fingers still playing with the hair at the back of his neck.

"Well, in that case, thank you," he told her. Zoya laughed as he pulled her up to a sitting position just noticing the picnic basket next to the blanket.

Zoya laughed as he pulled out heir dinner consisting of Bruschetta for starters, Muffuletta sandwiches for main, assorted fruits on skewers for desert, along with a jug of mulled cider, and a box of chocolates. Zoya laughed again at the look on his face when he had pulled out the box of chocolates.

"You're quite a romantic," she teased as he laid everything out for them. Asad grinned sheepishly at her, making another mental reminder for getting a thank you gift for his Ammi.

They munched on the Bruschetta, chattering about nothing in particular and Zoya became giddy in excitement when he handed her a plate containing the Muffuletta.

"I love this sandwich!" She gushed as she dove right in. Asad watched her eat with gusto and smiled at the glint in her eyes. He took a bite into his own and understood immediately why she was so madly in love with this sandwich. The olive salad and provolone tasted divine in his mouth. They were through the sandwich quite quickly and were now in the middle of enjoying the fruits when Asad asked her where she bought the saree.

"You're not seriously asking me that question, are you?" She asked. Asad nodded his head, furrowing his eyebrow wondering why not.

"You gave it to me," she said, turning pink. Asad froze with his fruit skewer half way to his mouth.

"Pardon?" He asked blankly.

"You gave it to me. Well actually you gave it to Phuppi to give to me saying that you wanted me to wear it," Zoya said. Ah. Of course. He gave it to Phuppi. Asad was now getting suspicious.

"And did she tell you why we were going out?" He asked, having a feeling that he knew the answer.

"She told me you asked for her permission to take me out," Zoya replied.

"Of course," Asad said feeling a strong urge to slap his forehead. My own mother has set me up, what had the world become?

"Mr. Khan, how did you know I wanted this saree though?" She asked, taking a sip of her mulled cider, relishing the stinging of the spice at the back of her throat.

"Pardon?" Asad asked again dumbly.

"I saw this saree in a store a few weeks ago, the same one where I bought the white one," Zoya said and then blushed as she mentioned the white saree. "It was too expensive."

"Oh. That. Er, well, erm, well, you see, I, er. Well, erm, Tamatar! Tamatar told me you liked it," Asad said, fishing around for the correct words and praying that Najma had been with her the day she bought it.

"I told her to keep quiet and that I would buy it after I had saved up enough money," Zoya said. Some unusual feeling stung at his heart and Asad took her hand in his.

"You never, have to worry about money! If you want anything, you come to me," he told her sternly. She looked at him with wonder.

"Zoya, I'm serious. Never look at the price tag, you have me by your side and I will buy the entire world for you if yo-," but he didn't have time to finish as she flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"I knew I was right to think you would always be there for me," she told him, burying her face in his chest and pressing another kiss to it.

"Always," he promised. They pulled away and finished their dinner, cleaning it all up. Asad leaned back and Zoya moved in between his legs, leaning back against him, their flutes filled with cider held loosely in their hands. Asad wrapped his arm around her torso and kissed her temple. They sat there silently, enjoying each other's company and often sharing soft kisses and smiles.

"Look!" Zoya breathed leaning forward and staring up at the sky. Asad looked up just in time to see the sky ablaze with light.

"Meteor shower," Asad breathed against her hair when she leaned back.

"Make a wish," she said shutting her eyes tightly and pursing her lips. Asad watched her with amusement. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"What did you wish for?" He asked.

"I'm not going to tell you, otherwise it won't come true," Zoya informed him. Asad rolled his eyes at her.

"Did you make a wish?" She asked, already knowing the answer.

"No," he said, ignoring the roll of her eyes. He didn't miss the Obviously' she muttered under her breath and smiled.

"I have everything that I want right here in my arms," he whispered. Zoya tilted her head and sighed when he pressed an open mouthed kiss on the nape of her neck.

"I won't get tired of saying it, I love you," Zoya breathed, moaning when he gently nipped her.

"And I won't get tired of hearing it, I love you too," he replied, she turned her head and he took her lips again.

It was a moment of phenomena for both of them. With the meteor shower above them and their lips moulded together, the two couldn't have found a more peaceful night to spend together. The air around them was filled with nothing but love, love, and more love.

Present

"So all that time you let me think that it was you that did all of it? Wow, well I need to go and say thank you to Phuppi then," Zoya said in wonder. Asad didn't let go of her and nipped at her earlobe.

"Oh no you don't, it was a well deserved night between you and me and the one night which made my intentions for you absolutely clear," Asad said.

"Intentions?" Zoya inquired.

"The intentions of never letting you go," he said to her.

"Oh those intentions," Zoya whispered as he slipped her nightgown down her shoulders.

Present

"I won't say that it's been completely perfect," Zoya said tying her nightgown and plopping down onto the bed.

"What do you mean?" Asad asked coming out of the bathroom dressed in his white kurta pajama after his routine late night shower.

"We've had some awful fights," Zoya pointed out.

"Awful and obnoxious," Asad agreed as he ran a hand through his hair. Zoya nodded and crossed her legs on the bed.

"It's normal, Angel. If it wasn't for our fights then we definitely wouldn't have been where we are today," he tried consoling her. Zoya fell back onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling before rolling over and burying her face in a cushion. Asad lay back and pulled her into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder.

"I know but every time I remember that one time, I-I-," Zoya couldn't bring herself to finish it and Asad placed a comforting kiss to the crown of her head.

* * * * *

Flashback

Zoya paced the room, glancing at the clock ever so often. It was late and she was getting worried every time the clock ticked. He was supposed to be home over two hours ago. Where was he?

"I'm home," a deep voice came. Zoya's head snapped towards the door as Asad walked in.

"Hey beautiful," he said smiling at her.

"And where have you been?" She snapped. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean? I had a meeting and it went on late," he told her.

"Been having a lot of meetings haven't you?" Zoya asked. Asad ignored her and walked to his room.

"Was it really a meeting? Or was it a personal meeting with Tanveer?" She asked. Asad whipped around to face her. Zoya could see there was annoyance written over his face.

"I don't have time for your nagging, what's gotten into you?" He snapped.

"Me? What's gotten into me? Shouldn't you be asking yourself that question?" Zoya asked angrily.

"For the love of dear God woman! I don't have time for your stupid riddles, either tell me what's going on or get the hell out of my face," he shouted. Zoya huffed and stormed away and Asad pinched the bridge of his nose and walked away. Things had just been rough for both of them and he was at a complete loss for what to do.

~

Zoya still hadn't spoken to him and Asad wasn't complaining. He had been getting sick of her constant questions. Where he went, what he ate, whom he met, she wanted to know everything and it had been getting on his nerves. To top it all off, work was piling in the office. The few days he had taken off on Zoya's demand had caused him enough damage and he was lagging behind.

"Bhaijaan! Bhaijaan! Come quickly!" Najma exclaimed rushing to him as soon as he stepped foot into the house.

"Tamatar, what happened?" He asked.

"It's Ammi, Bhaijaan. She's got such a high fever and she's not waking up!" Najma said frantically. Asad was rushing to her room as soon as he had heard the word "Ammi". He barged into the room to see his mother lying on her bed looking sickly pale.

"Ammi!" Asad quickly went to her side and took a hold of her hand. It was true, she was burning.

"Ammi, wake up," he begged. He looked around and noticed the empty spot of someone.

"Tamatar, where's Zoya?" He asked. Najma glanced at him and he saw fear cloud her eyes.

"Bhaijaan," Najma started.

"Where's Zoya, Najma?" He asked firmly.

"Bhaijaan, Bhabhi's gone out for a girl's night out with Humaira and the other girls," Najma replied. He turned his attention back to his Ammi; his anger was boiling like hot lava. Apparently her friends were more important than her Phuppi that she so dearly loved.

"Call the doctor," he told her sharply, Najma scampered away to call the doctor.

"You've made a big mistake, Bhabhi," Najma whispered as she dialled Zoya's number.

"I'm sorry, the number you're trying to call is currently unavailable, please try-." Najma groaned and ended the call.

"Tamatar, have you called the doctor?" Asad's voice came.

"Huh? Y-Yeah," Najma hollered back, dialling the doctor's number.

Asad was shaking with anger but he had to control it for the sake of his mother. If he did anything stupid in his anger, Ammi would never forgive him, especially when it concerned Zoya. The doctor finished checking her up and stood up and faced him.

"Mr. Khan, there's really nothing serious to worry about. She's just suffering from Viral Influenza, common at this time of the year. I'll prescribe some medicines for her but there's really nothing more that I can do. She'll just have to wait it out," the doctor told him.

"But why isn't she waking up, Doctor?" Najma asked.

"What time did you notice she was feeling a bit feverish?" The doctor asked.

"When I got home from college. I tried calling for her but I saw she was lying down so I thought she was asleep. When I tried to wake her up, she wouldn't wake and that's when I noticed the fever," Najma told him.

"Then she has been left unattended for a very long time. If there had been any one here then they could've told me earlier and we would've had the fever in control," the doctor said. Asad didn't know if it was possible to feel more angered then he already was.

"Thank you, Doctor," Najma said as they showed them the way out. At the same time, Zoya walked in through the door.

"Hey! What are you doing out here?" She chirped happily. Asad's eyes were hard and his lips were set in a straight line. Zoya wondered what had happened to get him so upset and looked at Najma, who shook her head with empathy before slipping away.

"What's gotten into her?" Zoya asked.

"Where were you?" He asked, plainly. Zoya glanced at him and her gaze turned cool.

"I was out," she replied walking to her room. Asad followed her and watched her as she hummed and took off her earrings.

"Zoya, where were you?" He asked again. She turned to him, her gaze hard.

"Why would you want to know? It's not like you answer any of the questions I ask," She said coolly. It took him two strides to grip her arms tightly.

"You need to answer because I was wondering how the hell you could reckless enough to leave Ammi in this state," he growled at her.

"She's fine. Don't bother trying to use the whole Ammi needed you' card because she was asleep when I left," Zoya huffed trying to free herself, yelping when his grip tightened.

"She did need you! She's not okay, Zoya! She has a high fever and isn't waking up, or is that you definition of fine'?" He hissed at her. Zoya froze, her mouth open to form a retort and stared at him.

"I thought you would care, Zoya. You of all people?" He asked letting go of her roughly. He turned his back on her and dropped his face into his hands, the one woman whom he could trust had left his mother and proved that he had been wrong about her.

"Mr. Khan, I didn-."

"Enough Zoya!" He barked turning to her, she flinched but didn't say anything.

"You said you loved her like your own," he said. Zoya flinched again at hearing the accusation in his voice.

"You showed how much you cared in one hell of a way," he whispered.

"Mr. Khan, I..." but he was already gone. Zoya sunk down onto the bed. What have I done?

She quietly made her way to Dilshad's room and reached for the doorknob. Fingers encircled her wrist and Zoya looked up to see Asad looking at her with hard eyes.

"I just wanted to see if she was alright," she whispered softly.

"She's alright. If you want to know how she is, you can ask Najma or I. I forbid you to come near her," he said through gritted teeth.

"But, Mr. Khan, please! You know I didn't mean for anything to happen to her," she protested.

"Do I Zoya? You can't even trust me if I tell you that I had a meeting in my office so why would you care about Ammi? You've changed Zoya. You're not the woman I fell in love with," he whispered. He doesn't mean what I think he means, does he? Zoya thought.

"Mr. Khan, are you saying that I did th-this out of s-spite?" She breathed.

"Only you can know the answer to that. But I have a question for you, Zoya. Do you still love me or is it all finished?" He asked. Zoya heard his voice, she heard his accusation, but most of all, she heard his pain.

"Finished..." She whispered shocked at what he was saying, but for him it was the reply to his question. He turned and strode away and Zoya reached for him, her plea caught in the back of her throat.

"But I love you," she whispered to absolutely no one.

For days, he didn't speak to her, for days he didn't glance at her. Dilshad recovered and noticed the tension between the couple too and when she asked Najma, she was told the whole story.

Zoya sat in the corner of her room; silent tears were streaming down her face at her lost love. She had tried to explain that she was questioning herself not answering him, but he had turned a deaf ear on her and after innumerable failed attempts, Zoya had accepted defeat. He hardly looked at her and when he did, Zoya saw pain in his eyes, something that she had so desperately wanted to remove. All this time, she knew it was all her fault that she had lost the man she loved. She had become a jealous hellcat ever since she had met his stunning colleague, Tanveer. The woman was everything that Zoya was not. Tanveer had the whole tehzeeb thing going on and she knew Asad wanted that in a woman. Zoya had become insanely jealous and that was what had driven her to acting so cold towards him.

"Zoya?" A voice asked. Zoya jumped and looked up to meet Dilshad's worried eyes.

"Ammi, what are you doing here?" Zoya asked, jumping onto her feet. Dilshad opened her mouth to respond but the younger woman was already pushing her out the door.

"No, Ammi. If he finds out, he'll hate me more than he already does. Go, please. Leave and please don't tell him," Zoya begged, practically shoving Dilshad out of the room.

"Zoya? What's going on?" She asked when the door slammed shut.

"Ammi, I can't. He'll hate me if he finds out that I didn't stay clear of you," Zoya begged.

"Zoya, what did Asad say to you?" Dilshad asked from the door. A moan of distress was the reply.

"Please Ammi, just go. I can't. He can't find out," Zoya repeated. Dilshad turned on her heel and left to scavenge her daughter and figure out exactly what her son had said to Zoya. But Allah was grateful to her and she bumped into her son.

"Ammi, you shouldn't be running around the house," he told her.

"Asad, what did you do to Zoya?" She asked sharply, not missing the pain that flashed through his eyes when she mentioned her name.

"I didn't say anything," he said in a soft voice.

"I know you did because she practically pushed me out of the room yelling that if you found out you would hate her even more," Dilshad said.

"Ammi."

"Don't Ammi me young man, what did you say to her?"
"I might've mentioned her to stay away from you considering that she was the one that was supposed to take care of you when Tamatar and I weren't home," he said quietly. Dilshad slapped a hand to her forehead.

"Ya Allah, what am I supposed to do with you? Asad, she loves you. You can't possibly think that she-."

"She doesn't love me, Ammi. She said so herself. Besides, things have been rocky between us and the one thing that I prayed would never happen, happened," Asad howled falling to the ground at his mother's feet. Dilshad bent down and put an arm around him.

"Asad, if she didn't love you would she have pushed me out of the room refusing to disobey you," Dilshad said to him softly. He looked up at her and Dilshad had to cover her shock at seeing tears in her son's eyes.

"Go to her, my son. She's in the same position as you are," she said. It didn't take him long and the next thing she knew, he was sprinting off to her room.

"ZOYA!" Zoya jumped onto her feet startled at his sudden intrusion. He swept the room and when his gaze landed on her he moved towards her at the same moment she moved towards him, coming to a halt in the middle of the room.

"I didn't mean an-."

"I never wanted t-."

The two stopped and Asad motioned for her to continue with what she was saying.

"I didn't know Ammi was sick. I saw her drink a glass of water and fall asleep so that's why I thought I would go out with Humaira, Nikkhat, and Nuzzhat. They've been wanting me to go out for ages but I knew I couldn't leave Ammi alone so when I saw that she had fallen asleep, I told Najma that I would be leaving for a few minutes with myself and then when I came home, you screamed at me and then-."

"Hush," he told her causing her to fall silent immediately.

"Do you still love me?" He asked her. Asad had to know if she meant what she had said the other day.

"You misunderstood me when I said Finished'. I was shocked that you would ever think that I could ever stop loving you. Shocked beyond words and when I said it I was asking myself how could you ever think that?" She said. "I tried telling you several times, but you didn't listen." And with that, she broke into heavy sobs.

When he pulled her into his arms she came willingly and her body shook with the sobs that wracked her body.

"I'm sorry, angel. I am so so sorry," he whispered into her hair.

"Don't be-hic-sorry, you didn't do any-hic-thing. I was foolish, I should've-hic-told you I was-hic-going-hic-out," she said to him between hiccups.

"Dear heart, I have forgiven you but you need to forgive me," he told her kissing her cheeks, her nose, her forehead.

"I f-forgive you," she told him softly, tears still streaming down her face.

"Tell me you love me, Zoya," he murmured against her cheek.

"I love you! I love you so much and don't you ever think that I don't. I love you, I love you, I love you!" She chastised him, flinging her arms around him and bringing him closer to her.

"I have missed hearing those words from you," he told her, "I love you too."

Zoya hugged him tighter, vowing that whatever happens, she would never ever doubt him again.

"Zoya," Asad started but she cut him off by pressing her lips to his. He decided that he would ask about her previous behaviour of questioning him later, bearing in mind that they had urgent matters to attend to.

Present

Zoya sat at the vanity, brushing out her raven tresses while Asad sat on the bed reading a book. She watched him read for a while in the mirror, smiling whenever his brows furrowed or his eyes widened.

"Do you remember Aiyaan and Humaira's wedding?" She asked him after spending a good amount of time watching him. Asad took his time to shut the book he had been reading and looked at Zoya, who was watching him through the mirror.

"Of course. How can I forget, it was my brother's wedding after all," he answered. Zoya's lip quirked and she turned around to face him.

"Clearly you wouldn't forget your brother's wedding, but you did forget all the mischief that yougot up to."

Asad pondered her words for a while and thought back to Aiyaan's wedding. His face broke out into a wide grin and he looked at her with sparkling eyes making her chuckle and turn her back to him.

"Knew you wouldn't forget."

*****

Flashback

Aiyaan groaned as Zoya laughed at him, along with Nikkhat and Nuzzhat.

"What have I done to deserve this?" He groaned.

"You're getting married to her and thus, you aren't allowed to meet her," Zoya told him.

"Bhaijaan, tell your tyrant wife to let me meet Humaira," Aiyaan ordered, grabbing Asad's arm as soon as he saw him approach. Zoya glanced at him and grinned cheekily.

"Sorry, Rabert. But not even your Bhaijaan can do anything about it," she said, crossing her arms in front of her chest and shaking her head. Asad raised an eyebrow at her and mimicked her actions.

"Why not?" He asked. Zoya glared at him.

"Because it's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding," she said crossly.

"Oh really," he asked her. Zoya glared at him again and Nuzzhat and Nikkhat giggled.

"Yes," she snapped. Asad took a step towards her, Zoya's eyes flickered and she took an immediate step back. He backed her against the wall and smirked at her. Zoya turned to leave but he placed both his arms on either side of her.

"Nuzzhat, Ammi told us to get the flowers. Let's go get the flowers," Nikkhat said, the two girls hurried away. Zoya's breathing was heavy as she stared up at him.

"Go on Aiyaan, the coast is clear," he said. Zoya felt her jaw hit the floor and Aiyaan yelped in glee and charged through the hallway.

"Aiyaan, no! You camphgh." She was silenced with his lips against hers. With that small action, Zoya melted into a puddle of goo and grasped his upper arms to stop herself from falling to the ground. Zoya sighed into the kiss and just when she parted her lips, he pulled roughly away from her.

"Zoya, I told you to keep Aiyaan away from Humaira," he said brusquely. Zoya looked at him confused.

"What? You let him see her? Zoya!" Razia admonished, dashing after Aiyaan. Zoya looked at him with wide eyes and he leered at her.

"Tsk tsk tsk. How could you Zoya? How could you? Knowing that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding," he chastised her before walking away chortling.

That sly dunce! Leaving me after doing something like that! Zoya thought angrily as she turned and rushed to the bathroom to fix herself up.

As the Mehendi ceremony rolled around, Asad was beside himself. He hadn't been able to utter more than a single syllable to Zoya ever since the little stunt he pulled to let Aiyaan see Humaira. Every time he would try and talk to her, she would suddenly remember an errand to do and would dash off. He couldn't even get her alone because if she wasn't with the girls, she was with his Ammi and Shirin.

"I can't wait to see her," Aiyaan whispered from the spot next to Asad. He had been fidgeting in his seat for the last fifteen minutes, craning his head hoping that it would elongate and would provide him a chance to see Humaira.

"Fidgeting like you've got something stuck up your ass won't make her appear faster," he snarled at him. Aiyaan looked taken aback and immediately stopped his fidgeting. Just then, they heard the music start to play as Humaira was brought in. Aiyaan jumped to his feet and Asad curled his fingers over his shoulder to stop him from sprinting to her. But it took everything in him to not lose control at seeing Zoya walk in next to Humaira.

Zoya felt a pair of eyes on her as soon as she stepped foot into the room with Humaira and she didn't need to look to see who it was, the burning heat she felt was an immediate giveaway. Zoya glanced at him and her suspicion was confirmed. Asad was watching her, his eyes dark and hungry. Zoya swallowed and quickly turned away, helping Humaira to sit down and took a seat next to her. All the while, Zoya could feel his gaze burning into her but she ignored it.

Zoya had succeeded in ignoring him until she felt someone sit down next to her. Expecting it to be Najma or even Nuzzhat, she leaned back to whisper something.

"Humaira threw Aiyaan out when Mr. Khan snuck him into her room. She refused to look at him or let her see him," Zoya said giggling, "So much for Mr. Khan accepting a challenge."

"Indeed." Zoya froze when his hot breath washed over her. She turned slowly to look at him, praying to Allah that it was anyone but him.

"I don't like being avoided," he said sternly. Zoya snapped her head back to the front. She busied herself in taking care of the furiously blushing bride, who's soon to be husband was gawking at her shamelessly.

"Bhabhi, Aiyaan's staring. Do I look awful?" Humaira asked, panicking.

"Humaira, don't wor..." Zoya trailed off when a warm hand touched the exposed skin of her lower back. Zoya's eyes flashed and she glanced at Asad, who was idly talking to Rashid. She pushed his hand off of her back and returned to her conversation with Humaira.

"You look beau-ah-tiful," Zoya gasped when that warm hand found the lacings of her blouse and undid the first one. Humaira looked at her oddly and Zoya had to force a smile on her face when the second lacing was undone. Zoya tried to shake his hand off but his grip on her, though light, was firm. What was he doing? They were in a hall full of people and not to mention a video camera. If they got caught, hell, if anyone leaned back just a bit, they would see exactly what was going on.

"What are you doing?" She hissed out the corner of her mouth.

"Nothing," he said, his face as innocent as a child's but his hands caressing the exposed skin of her back.

"Zoya, are you alright?" Shirin asked, seeing the flushed look on her face.

"Huh, ah yes, I'm fine Chhoti Ammi," Zoya replied. Her breath caught in her throat when his fingers played with the zipper on her blouse and all too soon she felt the tug of it being pulled down halfway while his warm hand slipped into her blouse. Zoya shot out of her seat earning a confused look from Najma, Nikkhat, and Nuzzhat who were sitting on the other side of Humaira.

"I forgot something upstairs," she mumbled before she fled the area.

Zoya growled in frustration when she couldn't reach the lacings to tie them back up. When they had been getting ready, Nikkhat had done up the lacings and now there was no one. Zoya reached again and groaned in pain when she accidentally popped her shoulder.

"What were you saying about accepting a challenge?" A voice asked as a strong body pressed against her back. Zoya tried to wiggle free but his arms encircled her waist and held her still.

"Zoya," he muttered into her ear. A shiver ran up her spine at his tone and Zoya clenched her fists.

"In front of everyone?" She asked. She was turned around so that she was facing him and he pushed her up against the wall.

"Everyone, no one, someone. Doesn't matter. I need you," he whispered before he pried the drape of her saree off of her and pulled down her blouse to reveal her breasts to his hungry gaze.

"You-Oh!" Zoya forgot what she had to say when his lips enclosed over her nipple, her hands reaching up and cradling his head. He suckled greedily and Zoya let out a string of words that would be considered extremely improper were she to utter them at the ceremony happening downstairs.

His hands fondled her other breast while his tongue played with the rosy tip encompassed in his mouth. He bit down earning a yelp of surprise from the woman above him and soothed the sting with his tongue.

"Bhabhi? What happened? Are you okay?" Nuzzhat's voice came from the closed door. Zoya's eyes snapped open as reality dawned on her. She tried to push him away but he held her more firmly switching his attention to her other breast and nibbled gently on her pink tip. Zoya groaned loudly.

"Bhabhi?" Nuzzhat's voice held concern.

"Go! I'm fine. Just-oh-fixing my-ah-saree," she said trying to hide her gasps and moans.

"Okay, but please hurry," Nuzzhat told her, still unconvinced.

"Mhmm," was the only reply Zoya could manage before he extracted himself from her chest and attached his lips to hers. She held onto his strong shoulder, her breasts brushing against the fabric of his black sherwani.

"Bhabhi are you sure you're okay?" Nuzzhat had returned and was now once again knocking on the door.

"I'll be out in a minute. Go downstairs," she said breathlessly as he pulled her to the table in the room and pulled out the pleats from her saree. Once done, he pushed her back onto the table and latched onto her breast.

"Mmm, please," she whispered as he sucked like a newborn child. She held his head to her chest and gasped when his hand slipped under her underskirt and panties to slip into her moist channel.

"You're so wet," he muttered against her breasts before he pulled back and made work of her underskirt and panties, pushing them down to her ankles.

Zoya let out a loud moan when he sunk to his knees and his lips attached themselves to her womanhood. She shuddered in delight when his tongue slipped into her channel and the tip curled. He sucked at her sweet nectar and Zoya's head fell back as soft moans fell from her lips.

"We-oh!-don't have much time," she gasped. No sooner had she said it she felt the tip of his c*ck probe at her entrance and she opened her legs wider. Asad pushed himself forward and sunk into her heat in one go. Both sighed in pleasure as the feel of being joined again made them feel at bliss.

"Bhabhi!" Nuzzhat yelled through the door. Zoya's eyes snapped open and she looked at herself and Asad. He was still leaning over her with his manhood buried deep within her and kissing her neck.

"I'm comi-argh!" She groaned as he pulled back and thrust into her harshly.

"Bhabhi, are you sure you're okay?" Nuzzhat asked.

"I'm fine! Just go, I'll be out!" She yelled back painfully suppressing the moan that wanted to slip out past her lips as he wildly thrust into her.

"Bhabhi," Nuzzhat said sounding unconvinced.

"NUZHHAT GO!" She yelled as he exploded within her, drawing out her climax as well. Zoya gasped for breath as he pulled out from her and fixed himself up. Zoya lay there staring up at the ceiling before she looked at Asad who was grinning at her like the cat got the cream. No pun intended. She pushed herself off the table and quickly fixed herself.

"Zip me up," she ordered. He complied and stepped away from her as she draped the saree over her shoulder.

"What were you thinking? Thank god it was only Nuzzhat, what if it had been Abbu?" Zoya asked. The thought of her father-in-law walking in on them in this state was enough to make her cringe.

"I don't care who walks in. You're my wife and I have all the right to touch you when I want to, wherever I want to. We're still not done yet," he told her simply as he slipped her hand into her blouse to tweak her nipples. Zoya rolled her eyes and slapped his hand away but couldn't ignore the rush of excitement at his words. His aura of dominance cackled and Zoya found herself wanting the ceremony to just be over and done with.

"Whatever. Can we go down now?" Zoya asked half-heartedly.

Present

"I wish it could've been longer," Asad said gloomily. Zoya laughed and kissed his forehead as he pouted.

"Honestly, what came over you? I've never seen you act that way!" Zoya said. Asad shrugged and wrapped an arm around her waist holding her close to him.

"It's all your fault," he told her.

"How exactly is it my fault?"

"If you weren't so goddamn beautiful, I would've had some control over myself," he grumbled. Zoya let out another laugh and hugged him back tighter.

"Aiyaan and Humaira's Nikaah ceremony brought tear to my eyes," Zoya whispered after a few seconds. Asad smiled fondly at the memory as he went back down on Memory Lane.

* * * * *

Flashback

"Bhabhi! Let's go!" Humaira said as she almost ran out of the room without a dupatta over her head. Zoya grabbed her arm and spun the younger girl around.

"Humaira, the Qazi will have a heart attack at seeing the bride run down the stairs to meet the groom without a duppata over her head," Zoya said as she gently place the red dupatta over the exhilarated bride's head. Humaira smiled brightly and turned around to run out the room, however, she froze when she heard the loud cheers and applauds as the procession was welcomed.

Zoya smiled and placed her arm around her shoulders, noticing how she was now shaking slightly and her colour had drained. The younger girl looked up at her with slight fear and anxiety on her face.

"Bhabhi, what if I forget to say Qubool Hai'?" Humaira asked. Zoya laughed and touched her cheek.

"You won't. Trust me," Zoya said. Just then Najma, Nikkhat, and Nuzzhat barged into the room.

"Humaira, come on! It's time!" Najma said as she came around to the other side with the other two joining them on either side.

"Aiyaan Bhaijaan looks amazing!" Nuzzhat said nudging Humaira, who blushed.

"Cut it out," Zoya admonished, but she couldn't help but smile at herself.

"But Asad Bhaijaan obviously looks the best, right Bhabhi?" Nikkhat asked Najma before giggling. Zoya mock glared at them.

"Behave yourselves."

"Girls, I told you to bring Humaira, why haven't you brought her yet?" Razia asked coming into the room.

"Mumani, we were about to, but these two won't stop patronizing her," Zoya said. Razia laughed and shook her head. She smiled at her daughter and told Zoya to bring her down.

~

Aiyaan was also getting pre-wedding jitters and Asad had to keep his hand firmly plant on his shoulder so that he wouldn't fall.

"Bhaijaan, what if Humaira realises that she doesn't want to marry me? What if she doesn't come down?" Aiyaan asked hyperventilating. Asad rolled his eyes and suppressed the urge to smack him, for it would be considered highly inappropriate were the groom to get whacked in the head by his older brother.

"You'll be fine. Just take deep breaths," Asad told him.

"Asad, seat him there and you also sit next to him," Rashid said as he showed them towards the area where the sheer curtain was drawn between the men and women until the Nikaah was completed.

"She's not there, Bhaijaan," Aiyaan said when he couldn't spot anyone on the other side. Asad smiled and nudged Aiyaan, pointing upstairs where they could see Humaira walking with Razia. Asad looked for Zoya but sighed when he realised that she was on the other side of Humaira.

Aiyaan finally calmed down when Humaira was seated on the other side of the sheer . Asad, on the other hand, had forgotten all about his brother when he spotted his wife take a seat across from him on the other side. She smiled at him and he returned her smile. His gaze did not stray from hers nor did hers stray from his.

When the Qazi asked Aiyaan if he accepted, Asad couldn't help but whisper a small "Qubool Hai" under his breath as he stared at his own wife across him.

When Humaira was asked the same question, Zoya herself quietly answered the "Qubool Hai" that her husband had muttered under his breath on the other side of the room.

Their ears may not have heard each other, but their hearts had and both of them smiled surreptitiously to themselves. Asad embraced Aiyaan as Zoya pulled Humaira into a hug. The sheer was lifted upwards and the newly weds joined hands and made their way to the stage where their seats were set.

Asad and Zoya made a beeline for each other. Zoya welcomed the feeling of his strong arms wrapping around her. It was a moment that was special to them, not only were they welcoming another family member, but they were celebrating the blessing of being with each other.

* * * * *

Present

"I don't know what drove me to say it again," Asad confessed, referring to the "Qubool Hai" he had uttered. Zoya smiled in understanding and entwined her fingers in his.

"I don't either," she said to him. He looked down at her and Zoya looked up at him. The two smiled at each other before Asad leaned his head down to kiss her softly.