AsYa SS: A Love Unconditional - Ch 12 Pg 121 - Page 75

The next two days were filled with activities that Aleena had planned, activities that always ended up at the shopping mall. 'Aleena I want to buy something for Asad...I know we don't celebrate Christmas as such...but still' 'hmmm...let's see what we can find'.

Zoya and Aleena had been walking around for hours 'this is useless...I mean what do you buy a guy that has absolutely everything?' She said frustrated with herself, she wanted something meaningful, something that would symbolise what she felt for him and what he meant to her.

Walking back towards the car park Zoya saw a small shop 'what's that?' She asked pointing towards it 'it's a jewellery shop' 'you mind if we quickly pop in?' 'Sure' Zoya looked around the shop, it wasn't very big but had a really good collection of unique jewellery items.

'Do you do engraving here?' Zoya asked the shop owner 'yes we do' 'great...Aleena, you sure this is ok?' 'Once you have it engraved it will be perfecto' Zoya got her present wrapped in a gift bag, happy with her purchase the two girls finally made their way back home.

'Where is Aunty...and uncle?' 'Dad had a dinner party and made mum go with him, they should be back soon...I can't see mum letting him stay any longer than she can put up with it...here let me take your coat' Zoya passed her coat to Asad who placed it on the back of a chair 'let me show you around...I never managed to take you on a tour the last time'

'...and this room...this room is the best room in the whole house' 'really...and why is that?' 'Because it's my room' he said with a cheeky smile.

Zoya walked in behind him, his room was huge 'wow...you are a spoilt child' 'yes...spoilt but not a brat' 'no, not a brat'.

Coming out of his walk in closet Zoya was about to walk back towards the door when he grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards him 'not so fast Miss Farooqui...I haven't seen you for so long...I think I deserve a little TLC' Zoya raised her eyebrow at him 'Asad it's been just under six hours' 'like I said for so long' Zoya started laughing 'you're impossible' 'no, just a guy who has fallen truly, madly and deeply in love' Zoya hooked her hands around his neck and tiptoed up to meet his lips. Asad wrapped his arms around her petite waist and closed the gap between them, it didn't take long for their kiss to deepen. As he continued with his sweet attack their steps took them to the edge of the bed. Keeping their lips locked they sat down, Asad placed his left hand over her right shoulder and gently lay her down.

Zoya moved her hand up the length of his back and slowly raking her fingers through his hair. With half his body leaning over hers Asad kissed her passionately and Zoya responded with equal vigour.

This was the first time they had kissed for so long and with such emotion, Zoya felt like she was completely losing herself into him and Asad couldn't bring himself to pull away. Pulling away slightly for much needed oxygen Asad looked down at her, moving her hair back he cupped the side of her face 'I can't imagine my life without you Zoya...where were you all these years?' Zoya rubbed the tip of her nose against his 'sorry for making you wait...am here now and that's what matters right?' 'Right...and I'm never going to let you go' 'I'm not planning to go anywhere Asad'

Looking deeper into each other's eyes they felt their insides expand and fill further with love that was pure as it was innocent but more than that it was unconditional.

Asad inched forwards as placed his lips back over hers kissing her to his hearts content. Asad opened his eyes hearing voices outside, he looked to see Zoya fast asleep wrapped up in his arms, placing a soft kiss on her forehead he lay her head down on the pillow before he walked outside 'mum...you're back...what time is?' 'Just after half one...your father refused to move...is Zoya ok, is she asleep?' Rubbing his tired eyes he looked up at Dilshad 'yeah, she fell asleep in my room, I am going to take the guest room' 'ok, well good night, I shall see you in the morning'.

Zoya woke up to the sun shining bright, it took her a few moments to figure out where she was 'Asad' she called out a few times checking the bathroom, balcony and his walk-in closet.

Coming out if his room she walked towards her one as she opened the door she saw him asleep on the bed, Zoya closed the door behind her and took feather lite steps towards him. Zoya knelt down next to him just as she was about to stroke his hair Asad grabbed her arm and pulled her over him making her scream out. Where she lay looking at him with narrowed eyes and her heart beating hard against her ribs Asad couldn't stop laughing 'do you know how beautiful you look first thing in the morning' 'I could kill you right now...you nearly gave me a cardiac arrest...and now you are complimenting me...move' Zoya said trying to get up. Asad held her down firmer 'don't even try it Miss Farooqui...are you not going to wish me a Happy Christmas?' 'No...now let me go' she said trying to look upset with him, but the truth of it was she couldn't be no matter how much she tried.

'I am never letting you go Zoya...you can run, you can hide, you can tell me to go away but I'm here to stay' Zoya held his face in her hands 'Happy Christmas Asad' she said and then kissed him softly 'now...if you don't mind getting out of my room I need to get changed' Asad started laughing 'sure, see you downstairs'.

Zoya came out the shower to find Dilshad sitting on the bed 'good morning Aunty' 'morning beta, did you sleep well?' 'Yes...although I feel bad about Asad having to move out of his own room' Dilshad started laughing 'it's ok...that boy will sleep anywhere...Zoya, I bought you this...if you like it...you can wear it to the dinner tonight' Zoya took the box from Dilshad and opened it, inside wrapped up in tissue was a pink embroidered saree. Zoya looked at it and then up at Dilshad not knowing what to say 'Aunty this...it's beautiful...thank you so much' Dilshad walked up to her and hugged her 'you really like it?' 'I love it...but there's one problem...I have never worn one before' 'that's what I am here for, don't worry...Aleena, Zack and Madiha will be coming with the if parents for dinner around half six, one time of year when we are all off together' Zoya's face dropped as soon as she heard Maddy's name.

Quickly getting changed she walked downstairs to see Asad sitting with Rashid talking about some new piece of technology. Greeting Rashid Zoya turned towards Asad 'can I have a quick word?' 'Sure...but don't you want breakfast first?' 'Yes...promise I won't take too long' 'Asad, you and Zoya go and sit on the porch, I will get breakfast sent out to you' Rashid said 'thanks dad'.

Stepping outside Zoya turned towards him 'your mum told me that Maddy is coming...tonight with her parents...Asad...' Asad looked at her with worry on his face 'damn it...I can't believe I forgot...' 'Asad you never hide anything from Aunty, have you not told her about Maddy?' 'No...because our families are friends I just...look doing worry, with me by your side and Aleena there she won't say anything to you' 'Asad that's not the point...do you know how uncomfortable this is will be?' Asad knew Zoya was right, combing his fingers through his hair he let out a deep sigh. 'I will talk to mum and see what she says' Asad was about to walk back inside when had saw Dilshad coming out with Suzy with their breakfast 'I was just coming to get you...I need a quick word' Dilshad looked at his worried expression. She quickly put the tray down and stepped up to him 'Asad, beta what is wrong...are you ok?' She asked looking between the two of them. 'Ammi we are fine...actually more than fine...Zoya, you start I will be back shortly'

Dilshad couldn't believe what she was hearing 'Madiha, did and said all that...I mean I always knew she was your friend and fond of you...but...Asad why didn't you tell me earlier. Ya Allah, poor Zoya, I can totally understand how she must feel' 'mum, I want you to do something for me, when they come...can you introduce Zoya as my girlfriend to them...I mean her parents maybe that way she will know it's all official and then back off' 'of course I will, and it's the truth anyway'

Zoya was sipping at her juice so lost in thought she didn't hear Asad call out to her, Asad tapped her on her shoulder make her jolt 'crap...sorry' she said having spilt her juice 'hey...you ok' he asked kneeling 'yes...look at the mess I have made' 'it's ok Zoya Suzy will clean it up...although you might want to change your jeans' 'yeah' 'come' he said holding his hand out.

Zoya changed in her attached bathroom and then came out to join him 'am I being silly?' 'No...but I don't want you to worry, I have spoken to mum she will make sure nothing happens or is said'.

It was coming up to five thirty, Dilshad joined Zoya in her room to help drape her saree. Dilshad's face saddened as she saw Zoya's scars, seeing her reflection in the mirror Zoya smiled 'they don't hurt anymore Aunty...the day Asad took me into his arms was the day the pain disappeared' Dilshad placed her hand over her head 'you are a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart Zoya, am glad he found you'.

Once she had finished she couldn't take her eyes off of her 'masha'Allah you look like a princess' Zoya looked down feeling shy 'thank you'. Dilshad and Zoya walked downstairs, and as soon as Asad saw her he froze, there really was no word, no phrase that could even come close to describing or do justice to the way she looked.

Dilshad walked up to Asad and placed her finger under his chin to close his mouth 'it's rude to gawp' Zoya and Rashid started laughing. Walking up to her he took her hand into his 'you look out of this world Zoya' 'all thanks to Aunty' she said giving Dilshad an appreciative smile.

'Asad, why don't you give Zoya her present before everyone gets here' Zoya looked at Asad surprised 'you got me a present?' Asad nodded, he walked towards the table and picked up a small gift bag 'here, I hope you like it...Mum helped me chose it' Zoya took the bag from him and opened it, inside was a small velvet box. Slowly taking it out she held in her hands and looked up at the three excited faces looking at her 'open it beta' Dilshad said.

Zoya opened the box to find a beautiful diamond ring inside. Zoya held her breath as she continued to look at it 'do you like it' he asked in a soft voice 'Asad...this is...I mean a diamond ring?' 'I was going to buy a necklace, but mum said a ring would be better...you don't like it?' 'No...I mean yes it's absolutely beautiful...it's just that' 'it's just what?' Brushing aside what was going on in her head Zoya looked at him 'I love it Asad, it's just that you didn't need to buy something so expensive...my present doesn't even compare'.

Asad raised his eyebrows looking surprised 'you got me one too?' 'Yes...one sec' Asad tried hard to contain his excitement as Zoya held out a gift bag in front of him 'what is it?' 'Why don't you open it and see' Asad who was a little too eager ripped open the wrapper and opened the box 'wow...this is amazing Zoya...thank you' he said 'you are not an easy person to buy for...I mean what do you get someone who has everything?' Asad hugged her and kissed her forehead. Zoya started to blush 'Asad...in front of your parents...please' Dilshad and Rashid walked up to them 'please Zoya, no need to feel shy or embarrassed in front of us...Asad what is it?' Asad held out a key ring which had their initials engraved on one side and a sentence on the other 'what does it say?' 'A Love Unconditional...for now and forever'.

Asad attached the key ring to the keys of his baby 'Zoya, will you not wear the ring...see if it fits?' Zoya reopened the box and took the ring out 'here let me' Asad took the ring from her and slipped it onto her finger 'perfect fit' he said 'yes it is' she said taking in a deep breath that left her feeling all fuzzy.