Minutes to Midnight
"Assalamu Alaikum, Zoya" Asad Ahmed Khan greeted Zoya Farooqui with utmost respect as the day started as usual. She answered him back with a small smile. He was going to ask something more but she entered her cabin hastily. It had been a year that she joined her own college. She was in rush as she had a class just within ten minutes. Asad took it as a cue that he should leave and he did the same. Zoya squeezed her eyes shut as she felt he was a bit disappointed with her behavior. Well what could she do on this? She felt very awkward infront of him every time she met him because she could feel that his interest in her. Even, Humaira and Haider, her best friends also said the same thing to her. They were pestering her on this for no reason for last six months. She did not want to give him any wrong clue that's why she avoided most of the time she could. Asad never told anything to her nor did he misbehave any time. He respected all of his colleagues with equal fervor. If anyone was in danger he was there without thinking about himself. All he did was help everyone with true passion and being the only bachelor male faculty he was always on his toes as all faculty members called him when they needed any help. He did the same thing with her case also. Zoya took a deep sigh and made her way to the class.
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Zoya Farooqui entered the class which was to be hers and the first thing she did was stepped on someone's foot.
"Aah!" The full male voice screamed loudly. Zoya was about to snap at him but he was fast enough as he grabbed her out of the class and screamed at her. Zoya also fought back with all her might telling it was his entire fault.
"Ahem. What is happening here" another voice asked them from their behind.
"It is our personal matter, why you are poking your nose unnecessarily, we will fix this of our own" both barked at the stranger without looking at him.
Asad shrugged his shoulder and started to move but his eyes fell on the girl's face. This was the first time he observed a girl unabashedly. She was making faces to that boy and fighting with the boy forcefully. He did not know how long he kept looking at her. She was beautiful. Asad shook his head and stepped on the way of the library.
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Asad was a helpful and decent guy from the beginning. He never loved much mingling with his class friend and all but helped everyone according to his way who were in need. He loved to read and that's why most of the time after class he spent inside the library. He was the first boy of his class and was three years senior from Zoya. His one and only passion was singing. He was the star of the college for his singing. He won inter- college championship in singing back to back three years, so despite of being an introvert he was quite popular among the juniors and the teachers. Zoya was also a fan of his singing and noticed him several times in the library.
Zoya on the other hand the jovial, messy carefree girl, she used to hang out with friends but she was much aware of her responsibilities towards her family. Her father died when she was only eight and after that she, her sister Zeenat and her mother Zainab struggled a lot. Zeenat was five years elder than Zoya and finally when she found a job Zoya's family became on a much easier livelihood. Zeenat was in love with Anwar and after long 7 years of affair they married to each other. After marriage Anwar offered Zoya and Zainab to live with them but Zainab declined. Zoya entered the college on the basis of scholarship so she had to be serious. Zoya was aloud person and was unusually talented. She did not study all the time but when it was time for results all knew the first position was fixed for her only.
The boy who was fighting with Zoya at the first day of the college was none other than Ayaan Siddique the son of a business tycoon. Although they started with bad note but soon they became best friends. Well they formed a gang in which they were four, Ayaan, Humaira, Haider and Zoya. Among them Ayaan- Zoya was closer and Haider- Humaira was partners. Sooner after the second year Haider - Humaira declared they were dating.
All were happy in their circumstances, Ayaan and Haider also developed a good relationship with Asad. Sometimes boys sat together and chatted for long hours. One day Haider told Zoya that Asad was interested in her as he asked many things about her and the teasing session began. Asad did not know any of this, he asked out of curiosity about her. He had better things to do, as the final exams were coming and he was preparing to go to abroad for his higher studies.
Zoya did not know when she had developed a soft corner for Ayaan. She started to think their relationship beyond friendship. Ayaan was a very caring friend. He never showed that he was rich fellow and all. He always take care every need of her in and outside the college. When Haider and Humaira announced their relationship they took some secluded time for them and that made Ayaan and Zoya closer to each other. They started to depend more on each other. Zoya helped Ayaan with his study and surprisingly Ayaan became an A grade student from B grade. This made Ayaan more interested in Zoya. He concentrated more on studies and spent more time with her. He used to take her to dinner and gift her with expensive accessories. He was a great emotional support for Zoya and always uplifted her mood with his silly acts or sweet, lovely texts. These gestures made everyone to think that Ayaan - Zoya was together. But they never said anything to each other. They were just friends. Zoya thought it was obvious so she did not say "I love you" and every gestures of Ayaan said he loved her too, even a blind person can fill about it.
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Well when Zoya was in third year, one day she was waiting for Ayaan at the canteen and suddenly Asad came there to sit with her. She gave a faint smile to him and he returned back. She noticed first time that he had also dimples like her.
"I am going to US by next week for my higher studies. I have been offered to CALTECH" He looked at her with determination and Zoya nodded. They talked each other now and then but almost in formal way.
"Congratulations. It is my dream too that I will complete my higher studies there"
"You want to go there. I can help you if you want" Asad offered. He was genuinely happy to know about this new piece of information. His smile widened thinking about it. He was about to telling more when Zoya's eyes were gleaming with utmost happiness looking at a certain direction. He shot up at the direction and saw Ayaan was coming there with two boxes of pizza. He looked back at Zoya and then at Ayaan, he then realization downed upon him that he was unwanted. He got to know the reality which was known to everyone from several months.
"Hey! Why are you so late" a chirpy Zoya hugged Ayaan as if her life dependent on him. Ayaan hugged her back.
"I am sorry; I was collecting this pizza, your favorite. Hey! Asad Bhai, How are you?" Ayaan asked as soon as he noticed Asad.
Asad and exchanged their pleasantries' and talked about their studies as Zoya kept looking at Ayaan with a smile on her lips. After sometimes she felt Asad's gaze on her as she looked at his direction and he was looking at her with pain. She could not fathom of his pain as he looked away from her. She did not know why he was so pained just for a moment.
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Two years after that when they completed their studies, Ayaan had to move out from Bhoopal to Mumbai as he wanted to do internship at a famous company and Zoya concentrated on her carrier. She always wanted to be a lecturer and she was on the right way. Ayaan used to talk with her through cell phone and they also connected through the facebook as well. Six months went quite well as they both kept contact. Zoya first joined another college and Ayaan busy with his internship. They were busy and their time for each other was also decreasing. One day Zoya realized Ayaan neither called her nor was he picking up her phone for few days. When she called again, Ayaan texted her that he was busy. After some days she checked facebook and observed he was partying with his fellow mates from the tagging pictures. She left many messages for him but he did not answer her back. She then again tried to call him but his phone was switched off.
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Years passed by but Ayaan did not call her. Haider - Humaira also tried to contact with him but he just vanished from their hold. In the meantime, Haider and Humaira got married. It had been almost two years after that Ayaan did not contact with her. Zoya was shattered inside but she did not show much of it. She still was waiting for Ayaan to return. This time she would confess her feelings, she was determined about it. Ayaan was very much alive and she got all the updates about him through facebook. He was pretty active on the social sites just forgot about Zoya, Haider and Humaira. But Zoya did not give up.
Zoya and Haider both got offers from their college and she was very happy to be part of that college again. There she met Asad again, he was happy to see her after long 5.5 years. This time they talked with each other. He asked about Ayaan and Zoya lied to him. Asad had joined their college only 5 months ago after completing his PhD. Because of his help Zoya and Haider joined the college. In the meantime, Zoya got to know that Asad was still bachelor and Asad also knew Zoya and Ayaan was not in touch. This time Zainab became sick and was admitted to hospital. Doctor could not recognize the real problem when Asad again offered to help. With his help they took her to Mumbai and there they confirmed she had brain tumor which turned to malign cancer and they had very less time and no medication was applicable as her body was rejecting medicines. Asad stood there with her all the time for last few days as her mother fought with cancer and at last after two months fighting she surrendered herself to death. Zoya became all alone in this world. Humaira collected Ayaan's new number and informed him about Zoya's mother's demise but still he did not call her back.
Zoya lived alone at her small apartment as she continued her job. She became lifeless and shattered. She became a keyed doll of time. All she doing was work, work and work. Asad started to look after her but she refused him. One day Haider confirmed that Asad liked Zoya still. Zoya was shocked to know about his liking and this created the distance between two of them again. Zoya started to avoid him again.
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Asad looked at the black starry night and another tear rolled and destined to the floor. He loves her for eight long years. He did not know why and how he fell for her. He was a well-planned, cool headed guy and she definitely was not in his plan. Then why he fell for her so irrevocably. He wanted nothing but her happiness. He always helped her without any expectations but these days it was becoming difficult. Zoya was avoiding him and that was haunting him. It was not that he could not live without her. He had lived almost six years and rest also would pass by without any glimpse of her! But her thought was always with him and he made it as his second existence as if she was always with him. When he met her after returning from US he had lost it. She became thinner, she was no more to herself, secluded and waning. He then started to collect the information and got to know that Ayaan had no connection with Zoya but she was still waiting for Ayaan. When Zainab passed way Zoya was dependent on him but that relation suddenly became sour. Zoya avoided him, her ignorance made him crazy, insane. He could not live with her hatred. These six years he cried every night for her! Every damn single night but she was oblivious about it. Now he had to move on. At that moment Dilshad, his mother entered his room with his night coffee. He took the mug and side hugged her. "Ammi I am ready for marriage. Please start to search your daughter in law. I will marry the one whoever you like."
Dilshad's happiness knew no bounds. She was forcing him for last two years but he dismissed every time saying he was not interested. She hugged her son and left saying Good Night". Asad looked at the starry night again. He was again letting her go.
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A Week Later
It was lunch time. Zoya came directly to the teacher's lounge and ordered her food. The waitress put the plate and she was about to take the first bite when someone smacked her head. Zoya looked around the lounge, thanks to Allah that there was no one except themselves and the waiter. She mock glared at him as he took the empty chair beside her, ordering his food. The waiter smiled at them. She knew them from their student life and knew how comfortable they were with each other.
"Where were you from morning?" Zoya said taking her food.
"Went to the doctor" Haider answered back. Zoya looked at him with surprise and checked his forehead only to find it cold and Haider laughed at her actions.
"Zoya I am not a loner like you, I have a family you know" Haider said playfully then bit his tongue; he should not have joked about it. Zoya took another spoonful of rice silently as she was accustomed to all this behavior from him. Haider put his hand over her left hand as he mumbled a faint "sorry." Zoya just nodded and resumed eating.
"Humaira it is. She is expecting." Haider broke the happiest news and Zoya just left the spoon and congratulated him by hugging. Just at that moment Asad entered the lounge and Zoya controlled herself. Haider bit his giggle as Asad approached to them. Zoya's face turned into a stern one and she became stiff. Haider placed his hand over hers again to calm her under the table. As Asad came near them he looked only once at Zoya and knew she did not like it at all but he had already reached their table. "Assalam -O-Alaikum Asad Bhai" Haider greeted him with sobered voice and Asad answered his greeting. "I am here to congratulate you, I heard about it when I entered the lounge." Both of them embraced each other while Asad's eyes were fixed on Zoya. She somehow looked at him feeling his eyes on her and then lowered within a fraction of second. They broke the hug and Haider asked him to sit with them. Asad just stood there for a moment and asked Zoya directly, "Are you okay?" Zoya was startled for a moment with a sudden question and gave a small nod in affirmative.
Asad left them alone and went directly to the owner and waitress of the canteen. They started a conversation as the lady asked questions and Asad was just answering her back. Zoya and Haider both could hear what they were talking about. The lady asked Asad about Dilshad's whereabouts as she knew Dilshad for a long time. Then suddenly she dropped the bomb about Asad's consent for marriage as Dilshad had called her to look for suitable partner for him. Why not? He was 29 years old, handsome, good looking and a good earning member. He was brilliant student as well as had a wonderful persona. Asad shot a brief glance to Zoya who left the spoon with a sheer clink, she did not bother to hear more of it and she left the lounge tagging along with Haider. He looked back at the waitress helplessly as she continued her banter about a good daughter in law.
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Zoya came to the lake side of the campus area and sat one of the benches there. Haider ran after her and reached a moment later catching with his breath. "Whoa! What was that?" He asked with exasperation and drank water from the bottle which he took from canteen.
"WHAT?" Zoya barked at him, clearly irritated by his question.
"Why are you here without finishing your meal, what happened?" Haider ignored his bitterness.
"My wish, what is the big deal?" Zoya bit back at him. Haider shrugged uncertainly as he sat beside her.
"Is it Asad Ahmed Khan himself or the news of his marriage making you upset?" This time Haider was little composed.
"What are you saying? I cannot understand anything." Zoya explained with timid voice.
"You understand it pretty well Zoya, don't ran away from your insecurity. You know very well what I and Humaira trying to explain each and every day from last six months."
"Please Haider! Not again"
"I want to say you the same. Please Zoya. Once again, give a chance to your life. You are stuck at the same phase from last two years. Please try to understand if Aunty has been here would she be able to happy for what you are doing now?" Haider passed his fingers through his hair exasperatedly. He was frustrated not because of Zoya but himself. He did not want to hurt her but this woman never listened to anyone.
"I am okay, Haider. Trust me. At least I am trying to cope with it" Zoya said meekly.
"Hah!! Look at you Zoya. You are far beyond okay. I know what you have gone through last year it was not easy, you faced the entire situation with brevity. But is it all? I know you are now more composed and focused but how long will you been alone?"
"I am not alone Haider, I have Appi-Jeeju and Azad with me" Zoya snapped back.
"Oh come on Zoya. Don't be stubborn. You very well know what I am saying about. Appi-Jeeju is always there for you but they are not living with you. Look Zoya you were the most brilliant student in our class and you have some definite goals of doing higher studies and all. But what you are doing now just stuck into the same situation in same way. Please let it go Zoya. He loves you. He will hold you entire life and give so much happiness which you cannot dream in your life Zoya"
"Everyone left me who I have loved, Haider, I cannot hold anyone Haider. I am afreaid"
"Who said everyone left? I am here, Humaira is here, Appi- Jeeju is always there for you. Asad bhai is also here. You want to mean we do not love you?
"I did not mean that" Zoya whispered.
"Zoya once I asked Asad Bhai why he still loves you knowing you will not love him back. He said to me that every beautiful thing is not good but every good thing is beautiful. He could not stop loving you because you are way too good. He did not know you are not married but he did not stop loving you. How can you ignore his pure love like this? How can you let him go like this? Ayaan will not be back, Zoya. He used you for his necessity when he got another one like you; he removed you from his life."
"Please stop Haider, I don't want to hear about it"
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Zoya finished her writing the last page of the notebook; she mentally took a note to buy another one the next day. It was her daily routine to write her daily ramblings. She was going through the pages of the whole dairy and she observed that she wrote about Asad every single day, what he did in the college or how he pacified her in her distress. When he smiled, when he brought smile to her lips? She realized almost two years she did not write anything about Ayaan. She had gone through the previous dairies which had Ayaan's ramblings. But that did not attract her this time. Am I really waiting for Ayaan? She questioned herself for the first time. Nope, never! There came a bold, brazen answer from her inner self. Then what is that I am waiting for? Another question ensued. A confession! True admiration, true love! Her mind settled. Why he never said it to me by himself? She argued. Because like you maybe he also afraid of being rejected plus he knew you do not like him. You never gave him a clue that you started to feel for him. So in either case he was the loser.
Should I tell him now? The mind was confused. Indeed, tell him, now. Zoya dialed Asad's number with a shaky hand. But it went to voice mail. She tried again and failed again. She again was trying then the doorbell rang. Who was here in this late, at midnight?
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Zoya stood like a statue for some moments as she looked at the man stood before her. Her world had been changed within a moment when realization dawned upon her. He took slow steps and came inside her living room, locking the door behind. She gaped at him unabashedly for the first time, giving him the clue. He was handsome, good looking and caring. He was her savior, he was her healer, he was her love and he was only he. He was Asad Ahmed Khan.
Asad stood there not meeting her eyes. Head hung low as he, for the first time questioned her "Am I that unacceptable?"
She did not answer him; he also did not look at her. He sighed heavily. "Well I guess I got my answer. Actually I knew it from first but thought to confirm it today. I will not disturb you from now on. I will leave you alone. Thanks." He turned around to leave. "How dare you?" came back a bold question. He stopped for a moment and then continued as he thought she did not like his idea to come her home in this late at night. But he needed the answer. Now he could finally let her go. Zoya was fast this time. She ran to the door and reached before him blocking his way. This time he looked at her face for the first time. She was smiling; no she was crying, no she was angry, a myriad of emotions on her face made him more confused. He was used to see her solemn face and these days it had turned into ignorant. "You can't leave me alone, not today, not tomorrow, not till I am alive"
Asad decreased their distance and flung her to him at once hearing it. "I don't want to. Believe me. I don't want to"
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Zoya looked at the moon for the umpteenth time this night. It was past midnight, a pair of hand slipped inside her waist and she leaned on him. Asad back hugged her and place a kiss to her open shoulder. She sighed heavily. "You should take rest Zoya."
"A few minutes more please" she asked with desperation. Asad nodded and held her back again and both looked at the sky.
"I was reminiscing those minutes of midnight when you came to my flat for the very first time" she smiled as she he felt his lips widened too against the exposed skin of her shoulder. "You were so angry that night, I thought to run away" Asad teased.
"Oh! Really, that's why you were there for whole night and kept saying that you love me" Zoya laughed wholeheartedly.
"What should I do? You were saying sorry with the force of a rocket, I had to reassure myself that you remain sane. I had to marry a sane woman otherwise what would my Ammi think about my choice" She leaned further as he pressed his lips in a series along the column of her neck. "I missed you" He mumbled against her ear after sometimes.
"It was only for two days not like the time I was in US for my PhD" She felt dizzy.
A loud cry of a newborn made Asad sprang apart from her. "Uff ho...look what have you done? My princess wakes up for your nonstop babbling."
"What? Me?" Zoya was startled.
"Yes...it is you. You always distract me with your one track mind" Asad left hastily saying that and Zoya ran after him to teach him a lesson. She halted behind the pillar as Asad took their two days old girl delicately in his arms. He hummed a song and instantly she stopped crying and looked at him with her big eyes. She got big eyes like her mother. Is she going to be a passionate lover of songs like his father?
The minutes of midnight passed slowly with love...
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So, for the very first time I tried to write an O.S. 😳 I don't know what this is. Please ignore my faults. Thank you.
Lots of love🤗
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