Thread II, Asya FF: the runaway bride, Epilogue,(LAST) 15-11-15 - Page 21

Third semester

3 months to handle now, three long months to wait, and to finally see her baby. A part of him and her. It went to fast for her but in the same it was too short to appreciate every single moment. The day she knew, the day, she saw his figure for the first time, the day he knocked innocently in her womb. All memories were behind now and she can't wait to see him and to hold him in her arms. All those small moment were joined with some naughty and discomfort link to pregnancy: she gained weight, her breast hurt, she can't walk as fast as before and her breath went heavy, her back was aching, her feet were swollen, and finally, she can't sleep properly, her womb was prominent and took a lot of space that she can't turn freely on the bed. The joy of being pregnant, she sighed.

She laid down on the bed, grimacing at the small pain that rose in her back. She felt heavy day after day and it was not the best part of pregnancy. Asad came back from the bathroom and saw her grimacing. He sat next to her feet and started to massage them. He knows that she loved when he was doing this and her hardened face turned to relax one under his touch.

-Ah, Asad, it's so good, she moaned closing her eyes and enjoying his massage. He didn't reply and continued to press softly on her feet. Asad, you can't imagine how it was painful, my back was in mess holding this weight 24 hours, my poor muscle can't hold anymore.

-you know you should have done more exercise before; it might help your back to resist to this pressure.

-What do you mean? She opened her eyes and lifted her head to watch him.

-I mean if you have done more exercise, and practice some sport to reinforce your body, you wouldn't have suffer like this now.

-Excuse me? You really think that I am just paying the price for being lazy, her voice rose a bit frustrated by his insinuation.

-I didn't say you were lazy, I am just saying that if the muscle of your back were enough develop, you wouldn't have suffered that much now.

-What? She retracted her feet and he jerked suddenly. YOU, she pointed at him and he rolled his eyes, he knew that he was going through bad time. You, Mister Body builder, if you think that it's easy to carry this for almost nine month without having pain, you-are-dreaming, muscle or not, carrying this weight,24 hour, everyday, sleeping with, waking up with, showering with, eating with, it's NOT easy AT-ALL. No matter how you can be prepared, you can't avoid to feel tired, to feel pain in your back and all over your body, you can't avoid any of those thing.

-Zoya, you know what you are right, calm down and let me massage your feet. He didn't want to argue or to make her angry, he knows her swing mood and how she can be sensitive, even if he didn't say anything wrong.

-No, I won't calm down, Asad, I am not a kid to whom you give a candy to calm down and forget. It's not enough for me to say "You know what you are right", she marked his sentence. You are just saying this to avoid any argument, but YOU are WRONG if you think that I will stop this argue right now. I want you to realize how your sentence was totally stupid and how of being well built was not the solution and not appropriate.

-Zoya, I've just expose my view, you are not agree then let it be. I don't want to convince you and I don't want to be convince, ok? So let it be, relax baby, we don't need to argue for small things. You are tired. She jumped from the bed, all her tiredness flew away and was replaced by anger. It was all about pride now.

-It's not a small thing. You just gave a rubbish explanation about my pain, but you have no idea, and I am sure, that you can't do better than me, even with all the muscles that you have. She challenged him.

-Of course, I can't do because I am a man and I can't carry a baby.

-It's so easy to say this Asad.

-what do expect me? To carry a fake womb under my shirt? His eyes narrowed at her and she smirked so suddenly, his sentence awakened mischievous idea.

-if you have the opportunity to carry this kind of weigh, will you do it Asad?

-If I can of course, just to show you that it can be done. Like anything in life, you have to be prepare.

-I am sure you will not stand one week with this kind of womb, Mister Macho man.

-I am not macho, I am just too pragmatic for you baby, he tapped softly the tips of her nose and he left enjoying her annoyed face.

-Let see then, who is going to win? The true pregnant or the arrogant man. Little he knew that Zoya Khan never gave up easily.

One week later.

Asad was in his room, engrossed in his task. Their little argue was finally over and he was relieved that she didn't mention anything about. However, even if she was back to normal, she was acting strangely with him, she was smiling a bit much and each time he crossed her eyes, he couldn't ignore this little flame in them. He knew his wife better, really aware that she was preparing something but he didn't know what.

-Baby, she called his too sugary, he looked up, and here it go again, the same look but this time, it was mixed with excitation, he knew now that her plan was about to be execute and he didn't need to wait anymore.

-Yes,

-I have a surprised for you, come with me, she grabbed his hand

-No, Zoya, I have to finish, later, please, he replied seriously but internally, he wasn't ready to see what she had for him.

-Come on Asad, I am sure you will like it, it will take you few minute, she pouted cutely waggling exaggeratedly her eyelids to him.

-Fi-ne, let's see what you have for me, he gave up and no matter how much he was going to resist at the end, she will always got what she wanted from him, he spoiled her so much and now that she was pregnant, he can't refuse anything to her. However, he knew also how to deal with her, she was sensitive but her hormones made her more sensitive to his sweet words, his sweet touches, his teasing and it's all wrap. He was already screaming in victory.

-You will like it, she said naughtily and he smirked.

I am sure you will lose this smile soon baby, he though.

They came out, but Asad didn't find anything, he looked at her quizzically and she stood in front of him, without being able to contain her excitation.

-Do you remember our last argument?

-I knew it, you wouldn't give up so easily, he rolled his eyes

-Exactly, so what I was saying, our last argument was about the fact that carrying a baby would have been much easier if I trained enough my body to face this kind of pressure, right?

-Yes, he stretched his affirmation, crossing his arms on his chest, waiting for her to throw her bomb.

-and I know that you are pragmatic and I am NOT, he nodded almost reluctantly, knowing that she will never recognize easily her flaw. So, I decide to act maturely and to think pragmatically. I wanted to confirm your hypothesis.

-How? Even with all the pragmatism of the world, I can't carry a baby, Zoya. Of course, I can carry you because you are my baby, he pinched her cheek playfully and she grimaced at him.

-Very funny, no Asad, listen to me. This is really serious, you have muscle and I have the baby, but...She posed and went behind the sofa, she took something from the floor and screamed, TADAAA.

His face fell literally when he saw what she was holding. It was a large bag with large straps, it looked like a fake pregnant belly.

-What is this?

-This is your baby, Asad, she gave him her million dollar smile

-and do you expect me to carry this...Thing? He looked at him weirdly, his wife and her strange idea, he though.

-Yes, see Asad, this is science. We can't argue on something if we didn't try or feel about right? I didn't have muscle to see if I would have been much better right now and you, technically, you are a man and you can't expect but you have your muscle, so I combined all of this, and I got this idea. She was enthusiastically explaining her weird and perfect plan. She was so proud of herself finding this issue to show him how he was wrong.

-This is not science, this is ridiculous, I am not going to put this on me. I don't want to be right or to make you feel wrong. I ...His eyes grew up widely at her strange but yet challenging plan.

-See, Asad, you have to show me and if you are right, I promise to do exercise enough for our next baby.

-You already planning for other babies, he teased her.

-You can't imagine how much I want, Asad, she teased him back and her cheek reddened. He came closer and she felt that he was winning over her and escaping from her challenge. Wait, she stopped him. You are going to do it or not?

-Zoya, I can't do it, do you expect me to have this all the time?

-yes, you are supposed to have it 24h, 7 days, it's your baby and you should care about him. Don't worry, it was adapted to your height and weight, I see this with Nisha.

-of course, two made the plan

-it was not a plan to make you fail, it's all about science, all-about-science, she said playfully.

-for how long? He was now annoyed

-let's say one week for a start

-ONE WEEK

-too short, you are right, let's say 4 weeks

-but Zoya, I can't go at work with it, he pointed to his new partner.

-I went to the company with my big belly, then why not you?

-but I have meeting and I can't be serious with this?

-of course you can, they will think that you are spoiled by your wife and you gained weight, after all you are my baby, she pulled his cheeks hardly.

-ouch, he rubbed his cheek, but how can I hide it?

-clothe, Asad?

-I don't have clothes, I need blanket to hide this hideous thing

-Excuse me, you're really think I am hideous? She was shocked, technically, she was having the same circumference of this fake bag.

-Zoyaaa, I didn't say that ok, don't start, please.

-Ok, I am just noticing that you are finding a lot of excuseshowing clearly that I was right at the end. You can't handle the weight, the size, the image. I can understand, afterall, if God choose us, it was for reason. I though you would have done it easily but I see that you are just like to talk, and here I gave you the reason to prove me wrong but you escaped, I am really disappointed, Asad. She turned her heels, faking to be disappointed by his reaction.

He blew away a sharp breath of exasperation and he knew that he can retreat back now. He knew that this time, his words won't be the solution and he can't escape from this challenge.

-Ok, I ll do it, but only for 2 weeks, I have an important meeting and I can't mess with it.

Zoya screamed silently without showing him but she kept her sad face when she faced him.

-you know if you don't feel it, you don't need. I was so happy to share with you this pregnancy in this way, but, if you don't want, she sighed deeply.

-Stop your acting, I can see through all of this, I'll do it and you, he pointed at her, should be prepare. In the last of these 2 weeks, you will recognize that your husband was right from the beginning.

-Maybe, she raised her eyebrows in defiance.

He took it and looked at him weirdly. He put the strap on his shoulder and closed behind his back. He didn't expect to be so heavy and he could almost feel his back tensed to balance his body.

-are you sure it was adapted to me? He stared at her

-Asad, I gained 12 kgs and this is 15 kgs, you are taller and stronger than me, so. She replied innocently.

-Ok, I trust you, it's really uncomfortable, he pulled the strap to ease the fake womb

-you know Asad, I can't do this to ease the weight

-so..

-So you can't do it too, you have to act like it was real. So you have to forget about the straps.

-Fine, he sighed. I will put it later, I want to take a shower.

-Don't remove it, it was also adapted for the water, you can use it under the shower. She smirked at him and he huffed annoyed joining the bathroom. He was trapped and he had to recognize that her plan was brilliant; he had to bend down in front such slyness.

Zoya saw him retreating back and fighting uncomfortably with his belly. She couldn't hold her happiness and admired her intellect. She thought about and remembered about this when she went to see Nisha. It was used in therapies or disguise and she decided to use it for her husband macho behavior, he needed some therapy. She laughed loudly and she knew that this 2 weeks will be so much fun.

Asad walked hastily into his room, he wanted to see himself with his new friend and he needed to discuss with himself, and the item will be : how to deal with your wife? He tried to reassure himself that it wasn't as bad as it looked like and it's going to be fun and those weeks will run quickly. He closed his eyes and blew a long deep, and he opened suddenly his eyes. His eyes were literally out of his head and his mouth reached his feet, it was really really bad Asad, his inner voice shouted in panic. He shook his head in no, looking at him from head to toe, he looked at his profile, at his back, from front, not any of his side were bearable to be watched. He was looking fat, ugly and terribly miserable with this fake belly, at least, he wished he was in real waiting a baby, he could have inherited from pregnancy aura, but instead, he was just collecting his ego breaking in piece by his wife's pride.

-this is ridiculous, he tapped sharply his new belly and he huffed in disgust.

You should go and apologies to her then you will be free from this monster, his inner voice tried to convince him

-of course not, I am Asad Ahmed Khan afterall, it was just for 2 weeks. I will only need to hide from the entire world. Why did I open my mouth? He hides his face between his palms, he knew that she will never gave up so easily, and once she shut her mouth quickly, he knew it that her revenge would have been greater. Ya Allah, he looked up. He hit then his belly.

-Baby you shouldn't do that, you will kill your baby, Zoya surprised him, he looked up and saw her standing against the edge of the door, crossing her arms and her eyes were full of amusement. He gave her brief smile who was looking more like a grimace.

-Don't worry, I am carrying a boy, I am just teaching some small thing, you can't understand, it's just for men.

Zoya raised her hands in the air, in surrender, fighting hardly her smile.

-I have to work, now if you excuse US. Zoya nodded hiding her smile behind her hand.

He puffed silently and was about to sit, but due to the weight of the bag and his quick move, he fell on the couch laying totally on his back. Zoya laughed at him and he closed his eyes in frustration. He know that during this two weeks, he will have to get used to her mockeries. She went to him, trying to control her laugh.

-Are...you ok?

-I AM FINE, thank you for asking, he tapped the bed annoyed.

-let me help you, she extended her hand but he pushed her

-I can manage, thank you. And she stepped back watching him. He tried to sit up but he didn't expect that "thing" to be so heavy, he lifted his bust firstly, but he couldn't stand, the weight put him down abruptly. He felt like someone was forcing him to stay laying on the bed. He growled irritated and this time, he used his elbow, and balanced his chest. He didn't know why he was already breathless. With some difficulties and so many groans, he managed to sit up with the help of his hands. He was now sitting, his hands on the bed and his tight opened to let that "thing" to be in comfort. He took a long breath and started to stand on his feet, but he sat abruptly again, he didn't evaluate well the force that he needed to tam this "thing". He tried again and again, he fell on the bed. Zoya bitted her lips to suppress her laugh, she didn't expect from him to be so clumsy. He was over estimate his force or underestimate the force of his new friend. He finally after two attempt to stand up. He glared at her and went to take his computer. This time, he sat slowly taking all his time to adjust him and his belly. When he succeeded, he smiled at her proudly and she just nodded. He looked at his computer and wanted to type on it and he froze. He realized that he was a bit far and it won't be comfortable to work with thing between them. He approached the computer but still it was far, he sat on the side but it wasn't comfortable and his side started to ach. He posed the computer on his belly and he smiled.

-Baby, you can't do this, you will burn your skin and your baby.

He rolled his eyes and was about to retort but she was quick, anticipate his argument.

-you have to live like me, with all the constraints of pregnancy, in this case, it will be fair both of us.

He posed again the computer and he tried to write, but he started to feel pain on his shoulders, his body was tensed to adjust himself to his computer. Zoya looked at him, knowing perfectly, that he was not going to give up easily. She sat on the bed, for her it was easy, she was used too. He followed her from the corner of his eyes, and he had to admit that she was good. She adjusted her pillow, and took her I-pad. She was clearly taunting but everything was fair in love and war. He knew that he had to let this night to go away, tomorrow, it's going to be another day. Tonight, he needs to tam the monster and to show him how's the boss. He will not surrender from the first night.

He went to the washroom and wanted to open the faucet, and he stopped, again this thing was in between, he went to change his clothes, and again, he was not free with all his moves. He realized suddenly how the small gesture of everyday can be constraining during pregnancy: grabbing thing, making laces, sitting, walking, dressing and even opening faucet. He smiled softly and couldn't hold on the sadness that his heart felt for her. He realized what she was going through every day, and felt ashamed for saying that she can do better. He already felt his back tensed and it was just 1 hour now for him, how was he going to resist 2 weeks. He wore a big tee shirt which only cover half of his chest, his belly was fully exposed. He rolled his eyes knowing that once he will step out, she will laugh at him. He sighed in defeat.

She waited for him on the bed and felt sorry to force him, that why she decided to discuss with him about it. She will free him now, she didn't need any more to prove him wrong, she heard the sound of the door and turned to face him.

-Don't laugh, he warned but it was too late and she burst out loud. I knew it, he lifted his hand in the air. He posed his hand on his hips watching her laughing like a maniac. He sat on his side and ignored her, laying on the bed, stoically.

-I'm sorry, tomorrow I am going to buy you some clothes, but...She posed, I don't know if I will find pregnancy wear in men department?

-Ha Ha, very funny, good night, he closed his eyes. She giggled.

-good night baby, she laid down when suddenly, she laughed again loudly.

-What NOW? He balanced his body on his elbow, he reached his limits today. She was choked with her laugh and it took her almost 3 minutes to calm down. He waited for her, laying frustrated, moving frantically his feet.

-Asad,

-WHAT? He said coldly

-look at us, we are looking like two stranded whales on the beach, and she laughed again. He looked at her and then at him, and he couldn't hold on his laugh and they both laughed loudly at the situation that they put themselves. After 5 minutes of loud and free laugh, they started to calm down. They held each other hands and they both fell in deep sleep, a soft smile adoring their face.

In the morning

Asad stirred from his sleep hardly, he didn't sleep properly. He was not free to turn or to sleep on his front like he used too, he woke up many times during the night, sweating and with heavy pressure on his abdomen, or when he wanted to turn on each other side. Tired, he watched Zoya sleeping peacefully next to him while he was fighting with this thing to find a good position to be able to sleep, it was so disturbing. He only dozed off in the middle of night from tiredness. Zoya was already up for a change preparing his breakfast, she was up before him and it felt strange for her, he was always the one who wake her up. During the night, she felt him moving in the bed, she thought he was waking up to go to the bathroom or drinking water, and didn't realize that he didn't sleep properly because of her prank.

Asad went to take his shower and stood under the shower, his eyes closed, taking time to sleep a bit. He was tired, his whole body was paining. He didn't expect to feel the effect so soon, he was training to carry heavy thing then why was he already feeling so tired? Was his theory wrong? And no matter how you can be strong, you will feel tired? This was not supposed to be like this, in theory or in man's world.

-No, it's in your head, Asad, he slapped himself many times to encourage himself , brain over the body, just two weeks, just two weeks. He repeated to motivate himself.

After his shower, he went to the closet to chose clothes but he didn't have XL size so he decided to be shirtless, he took a jeans and wanted to slid his feet but this "thing" was bothered him and he was quickly breathless after fighting to slid each of his legs. He threw it and took his pajama; after all, he can't go to work like this.

He joined her in the kitchen and saw that she was wearing jeans and large top, he rolled his eyes and felt insult that he didn't succeed in his task. He went by her side to welcome her.

-Hi baby, he was about to kiss her when both of their belly collided, I am sorry, did I hurt you? He posed his hand on her.

-No, I'm fine, she rubbed his cheek, and the corner of his lips lifted tenderly. He wanted to kiss her again and again, he was stopped with his impressive belly. He huffed annoyed and went to sit on his usual chair. Zoya shook her head at his antics, while he was frustrated for not receiving his morning kiss. He took the newspaper and hide behind.

-Asad, she called and he hummed, A-saad, she stretched his name calling him sweetly

-what? He turned his face to her, she grabbed his face and posed her lips on his pressing them lingeringly taking in the same time all his tension with her kiss.

-Good morning baby, she slide her hand in his hair and went to sit, leaving Asad with a huge smile on his face. She sat on her chair, humming happily, she was really curious to know how he lived his first night with this belly. Jaan, did you sleep well?

Asad didn't miss the small teasing in her tone but he won't give her reason to enjoy his torture.

-Of course, it was the best night ever, he gave her his biggest smile hiding his lies.

-Really? She wasn't convince, but last night, I felt you turning and moving a lot in the bed, you know I can understand, it's really difficult to sleep with this pressure, you are not in comfort, she said caressing tenderly her tummy.

-Oh? This? I didn't even see any difference, he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. Zoya started to get annoyed, she was sure that he was not telling all the truth and his pride forced him to lie to her but little he knows his wife, she will unmask.

She drank her tea lost in her mischievous plan, Asad felt satisfied that she didn't insist, he took his fork and knife to cut his bread jam, but he was again far, he felt her stalking him from the corner of her eyes, but he kept his face stoic, and approached his chair loudly until his tummy was crashed to the table, he tried to put his tummy under the table and he was finally able to be close to his plate.

-Baby, you can't do that, it's not good for the baby, she warned and he rolled his eyes. For how long he was going to here this stupid sentence: it's not good for the baby? He was not even true, he wanted to yell at her, but instead, he kept a normal face and nodded at her.

He cut a small piece of his bread and brought him to his mouth, but small drop of the jam fell on his chest, as if destiny was by her side, he glared at her to stop her from laughing and she cough masking her laugh. He tried again and this time, he was meticulous, but again some drop fell on his chest. He closed his hand in fist shaking with frustration.

She stood up, took a napkin and tied it around his neck.

-It might help, and she giggled at him

-you put more jam than usual, I am sure about. You are mentally torturing me, it is your plan?

-Me? Excuse me, if you are not happy with my breakfast prepare it yourself, actually you know what, you will have to do what I use to do every day, like this you will know what is to be pregnant. She jumped angrily from her chair and left him.

He hit the table in anger, this game started to be too much serious for his taste.

-I hated you, he stared at his partner.

He went behind her and saw her fighting with her tears, he let out long breath and sat by her side.

-Zoya

-WHAT? Did you have another complain about the breakfast? Did the bread try to attack you or the juice try to ruin your pant?

-I am sorry, I shouldn't have said this, it wasn't fair of me to accuse you.

-Yeah, it's easy to say sorry after hurting me, she sniffed giving her back to him

-I need time to adjust myself with this, so I can be a bit irritated

- You already have a swing mood due to your hormones? She fought her smile

-You will never miss an occasion to tease me right?

-it is soo joyful, you can't imagine, Asad, she wiped her tears and giggled at him

-Am I forgiven, now?

-Yes, you are, afterall, in your state, everything is forgiven

-Very funny, it was his turn to pout

She held him from behind and kissed loudly his cheeks.

-I love you my pregnant husband, he rolled his eyes amused. Come on let's finish our breakfast, we are both hungry, she pointed to her tummy, and I guess both of you too. She winked at him and he shook his head helpless, he will have to get used to be teased for two weeks.

Two days later

Asad finally managed to work with this heavy and weird belly, he was not still in comfort but he was bearable now after two day. However, he had to admit that carrying such a heavy stuff all the time, his back started to get tired with the continuous pressure. He started by putting a pillow behind his back, it soothed his back pain, but proud as he is, he always removed the pillow when his wife was around, he can't show her that it was hard for his body. He was lucky that no one saw him in this state and that he can work at home pretending to be by his wife's side, he will be seen such as a perfect husband.

-Asaaad, can you come, please? Zoya called him from the lounge

-what now? He stood up slowly

-Hurry, Asad, she shouted again

-I'm coming; he shouted back, did she know that it's not easy to walk fast with this? He said to himself.

He stepped back and went to his wife, putting his hand behind his back, it was his normal gesture, but in real, it soothed his back pain doing this. He froze when he saw who was with her.

-I didn't believe my ears when Zoya told me and I couldn't stop myself from coming

-Oh no, it's really embarrassing now, please Ammi don't start, I have enough from Zoya now.

-I am so proud of you son, you can't imagine

-thank you Ammi,

-well, I am going to be twice grand ma, I am so happy to see you pregnant

-Oh God, not again, he hide his face between his palms, his mother was by Zoya's side.

-I told you Ammi, he is looking superb, Zoya came to tease him in turn.

-You were right, he has this aura of pregnancy, and how do you feel Asad?

-Irritated, he said coldly

-of course, hormones pregnancy, both of the ladies shook their head like it was obvious, and he growled in response. You don't have any envies of pregnancy, son? He pinched the bridge of his nose in response, he became their favorite joke.

-I see that both enjoy making fun of me, so if you don't mind, I will go to my office, I have work to finish

-Asad, don't stress yourself, it's not good for the baby, you should take rest, both of the ladies giggled, clapping their hand together while Asad lifted his hands in the air helpless.

He left the two of them, giggling and enjoying his torture. He could heard them laughing loudly from his room and couldn't hold his smile, and feeling happy with the strong bond that they shared.

-Asad, I am going home now, Dilshad came to him, he stood and was taking back when she grabbed his face and kissed him on his forehead. He looked quizzically at her, I am really proud of you.

-Ammi, not again

-no seriously, I am proud that you accept this, many men would have reject this, avoiding any humiliation but you did it. Your wife is really impressed by you.

-I am just ridiculous, look at me

-Yes you are but you gain so much point in your wife's eyes that her love will increase more and more for you. But next time, if you want to save yourself from any prank, don't talk about thing you don't know about. Once you will have a vagina, you can discuss about pregnancy.

-AMMIII

-what? This is true, how dare you saying that it was easy to carry a baby? I can't believe it. You deserve all this teasing from her.

-I know

-are you now convince that it was hard? No matter how you prepared yourself ?

-Yes, I am, but don't tell her, please. I am already humiliated wearing this, so please let my last piece of pride to be intact.

-Men and their ego, don't worry, I won't tell her, she is so happy with this game that I will not spoil it, I've never saw her so happy before, and it's just because of you.

-Thank you ammi, he held her and she rubbed his back affectionately.

-I see now that your son is expecting, you already forgetting about your daughter-in-law, Zoya faked to be hurt seeing their bond.

-Of course not Zoya, you will get delivery first, so technically I will be a grandmother because of you. And they both hugged each other, in front of Asad, who always enjoy seeing both of his favorite ladies together.

7 days later

Only five days to resist, five days and he will be finally free from this burden. He didn't know how many time, he was tempted to throw everything and to stop this joke, but his pride was not letting him. She enough challenged him and he never gave up. However, he didn't expect that it will cost him a lot of energy and he didn't evaluate enough the effort that it will ask him. She was right, no matter how strong you can be, holding this weight 24 hours was exhausting any strong body. He learnt a lot during this challenge about bad side of pregnancy, and couldn't help but to feel proud that somehow, he was sharing with her the same pain. He even understood now why pregnant women, always put their hands behind their back this way, to ease this continuous back pain. He was really appreciative.

Only five days remained for her challenge and he didn't give up. She maybe under estimate his ego more than his body, Nisha told her that he will suffer and she will need one week before he will quit the challenge, but her friend wasn't enough good in her prediction. As much she can be frustrated that he was close to win, she was also impressive that he continued the challenge, no matter how much he suffered. She couldn't ignore all the time, he took the pillow discretely to put it behind his back or seeing his grimace each time, he massaged his back. She never exhibited his lies, she let him living all those moment that she went through, at the end, it was like they were sharing the same pain in the same time. However, she felt pain for him, and didn't know how she controlled herself to stop this challenge, but her ego always reminded her why she forced him into this.

Asad kept working all this time at home, he didn't want to face his worker in this state, he felt ashamed. Love makes do stupid thing but losing respect was not in the list. His phone rang and it displayed : Prasad.

-Yes, Prasad, he said

-hello, sir, the US delegation has advanced the meeting, and they want to come after tomorrow to discuss with you about the new contract.

-WHAT? He jumped in panic, after tomorrow, and you just tell me NOW, he was angry, how was he going to manage in short time all the conditions to discuss with them.

-Sir, they just call this morning, I guess that they want to put some pressure on us.

-I feel it too, but they don't know us, Prasad, I will be come right away, I want you to bring the lawyers, accountant, it's urgent.

-yes, sir

-and, he posed to think and instinctively his hand was on his tummy, and he suddenly realized that he had to deal with his wife and his fake pregnancy. He has no choice, he has to tell her, but she will tease him and she might feel upset about him, giving up. He didn't know what to do.

-Sir, are you still here? Prasad cut the train of his though

-Prasad, first, I need you to do something for me

-Anything, Sir.

Zoya was sitting on the sofa, watching her series. She was tired and bored, there was nothing to watch and nothing to do. She was tired quickly and Asad was all the time working. She can't disturbing him just for chatting, he was not talkative when he was concentrated. She really needed some distraction, but she didn't know what. She sighed and continued to switch from channel to channel. The door bells made her jump, she was waiting for no one at this time, she was surprised.

-Yes?

-Mrs Khan?

-Yes

-well, I have a wonderful new for you, Ma'am, you have been handpicked as the winner of our contest to reward our most loyal customers of Union Bank.

-but I was just in this bank since one year? She retorted surprised

-your number has been selected between thousands of customers, and you win the first price of the contest.

-Really? She smiled, she can't believe and it was the first time that she won something, and what is the price? She asked excited

-well, you win a relaxing getaway for 5 days at the spa and you can go with the person of your choice.

Zoya's mouth opened widely, she couldn't believe her luck, this was exactly what she needed right now, a relaxing day. After exchanging all the details and giving her the price, Zoya ran to Asad to tell him about.

-ASAADD, ASSAADD, she yelled excited

-what's wrong, Zoya? Are you ok? He looked up

-I win relaxing stay in the spa for two person, and guess who is comin with me? She shook the tickets in front him, smiling widely

-who? He raised his eyebrows

-Asad, she said annoyed, you of course, who else can come with me?

-No, I can't I have a lot of work and look at me, the challenge was not over.

-Who cares about the challenge? We are going to relax together, we need it both of us, you because you are working a lot and I because I am tired. Let's do it

-No, Zoya, go with Ammi, she will be happy to go with you, and at the end of this week, I have to finish everything for my big meeting.

-Asad, please, she pouted

-no baby, I can't, please you have to understand

-let it be I don't want to do it without you, she sat frustrated

-Zoya, I promise, once the baby is here, we are going just you and me, somewhere, where we are going to relax, to enjoy and to have fun. But right now, I just want you to go, and to enjoy your reward.

-But Asad,

-No, Asad, please do it, I know how much you are tired and I really see how much you need it

-of course, I need it but I never do anything without you

-give a try, I am sure you will have fun without me

-but I can't enjoy when I know how hard you are working, it will be unfair, Asad. I am not going.

-YOU HAVE TO

-why?

-because, he was lost in argument, because you will lose your price and at the end, no one will enjoy it. Look at me, I will not feel upset if you enjoy a bit without me, in contrary, I will feel more guilty, if you stop yourself because of me.

-You will not be upset, seriously? She pouted

-of course not

-then, ok, but promise next time, you will come with me.

-I promise

-Yeeehhh, I am so happy Asad, it was like a miracle, this price fell from the sky. She ran excited to her room preparing her bag to leave.

Once, he was alone, he sighed relieved, his plan to push her away worked perfectly as he expected.

After two hours, his ammi and Zoya left his side, happily and already excited to have fun. He waved at them and once, they disappeared, he closed the door and he smirked.

-Finally alone, he said looking at his fake tummy. He finally removed it after so long, he was finally free from it, 5 days to enjoy being Asad again.

4 days later

He was finally returning after this meeting where he succeeded perfectly in the deal, thank to his master mind, which brilliantly deal with every situation: his wife, his collaborator, the new contract. He felt so proud that he didn't face any problems, the plan was too perfect to be spoil by anyone, and his lucky stars were by his side today. Zoya used to call him from time to time, but she has too many thing to do that she never spent more than 5 minutes on the phone to talk to him. During those last 4 days, he did everything he wanted and no one stopped him. He was even free for the last night from his fake belly and it was the most enjoyable part of this night, he smirked celebrating his victory. The house was quiet and covered with darkness, he sighed in relief, he knew that she will be back by tomorrow and he has this night to be all alone before everything came back to normal. He unbuttoned his shirt and his tie and went straight to his room when a small sound of switched light stopped him abruptly. His eyes grew up widely and he didn't want to believe what his mind understood before what his eyes saw.

-Mister ASAD-AHMED-KHAN, she stretched his name in anger, he closed his eyes in desperate, cursing himself. His plan was perfect until now. He wasn't supposed to be trapped then where did he fail? He turned slowly to face her and he found her sitting on the couch with his pregnancy packet, crossing her arms with her index tapping the crook of her elbow. He was dead, he knew it.

-Zoya, he sang, bab... She raised her index to stop him from talking

-You know, I wished I could do this, she pointed to his lone partner, sometimes, I am so tired that I wished I can take a break and posed my tummy to enjoy my body, but you know what...I can't, she said sarcastically.

-Zoya

-next time when you want to fake a price, be careful not to use paper with the company logo, she gave him the paper mentioning her price. He took it and recognized it quickly. He didn't expect this mistake. He growled, one mistake screw up everything.

-Zoya, let me explain

-Shut up, just SHUT UP, she stood up and came dangerously closer to him, glaring at him, she was clearly more disappointed than angry. You disappointed me, a lot Asad. If you didn't want to do it, you just had to tell me and all of this would have never happened, but you prefer to cheat, you are just a cheater, Asad Ahmed Khan.

-I didn't cheat

-DON'T ACT SMART ASAD, she came closer and he stepped back, you cheat, you were supposed to keep it two weeks, and you were closed to finish but no, you play really bad, Asad.

-Let me first explain why I did this

-Tell me, I am really curious to know what kind of excuse you have.

-You remembered that I told I have an important meeting in two weeks but he decided to come before, so I didn't have another choice

-of course you have, you should have told me, it was the deal from the beginning and I wouldn't object at your demands.

-See, we are agree at the end, baby, you don't need to be angry, he said cheerfully teased her arms with his index.

-I am angry, Asad, I am really angry on you and you know why, because you didn't trust me enough, because you faked this price to keep me away and to sneak to your meeting and what if I didn't discover your lies? What you were supposed to do once you finish your meeting? Tell me Asad.

-Zoya I...

-No, please let me finish, you would have put this again, pretending that you carried it for all this time and at the end, you wouldn't have recognize that you were wrong, because it's all about your ego. I can't believe that I was feeling guilty to enjoy the spa without you while you have something better to do. You manipulated me, looking into my eyes, you lied to me, Asad, you just lied to me. Her throat constricted with sadness.

-Zoya, look I am sorry, I will put it again for 2 weeks without interruption, I promise

-too late Asad, I don't trust you, she started to leave to her room, wiping her tears

-Zoya, I just don't understand why you took too much to your heart, it was just a joke at the beginning , who turned to be too serious at the end. You shouldn't stress yourself, I am just an idiot.

-YES, you are an IDIOT, because you MANIPULATED ME, because you would have continue IN YOUR LIES, because I was feeling guilty for nothing, because you are CHEATER and because mfmfff

He stopped her from talking capturing her lips in his, she resisted but he continued to press them. She tried to push him but his grip were stronger and she sighed in defeat knowing that he won't let her go easily only if she calmed down. She stopped to struggle and he left slowly her lips.

-you are cheating again, she said angrily while her eyes showed something else, he smirked and he trapped them again but this time, his lips were more demanding and more passionately. It has been almost two weeks that they didn't kiss passionately since she started her game, she was missing him and was also frustrated by this imposing womb which always came between them. She responded at his lips pouring her frustration. He held her waist bringing her closely to him, avoiding to crush her tummy. Suddenly, she pushed him abruptly

-You...You...she was breathless, shit, she grabbed his hair and this time, she kissed him roughly telling how much she missed his touches, he didn't need more words and he responded at all her exigency. After quenching their thirst from each other, they pulled apart and said in unison.

-I miss you, and they giggled

-then why you did this to me, he said with a pout

-you start Asad, you and your stupid ego. You know that it's not good to irk a pregnant woman especially your wife, you know that I won't give up so easily, she wrapped her arms around his neck with the naughtiness in her eyes

-how can I forget? He rolled her eyes, it's my mistake of course to under estimate my smart wife, he pecked her lips.

-so tell me, what did you learn from your pregnancy?

-I am happy to be a man and not to carry a baby

-this is selfish, Asad, she smacked him on his shoulders

-see, you took everything from the wrong side, it's just mean how powerful you women are and when I mean I am happy to be a man because I can't endure what you women had to go through, that's why I felt myself lucky and totally helpless with what you are living to carry our son. He posed his hand on her tummy.

-It's worth after all

-so tell me did the pregnancy suit me? He held her closer teasing her neck

-actually when I watched you carrying this hideous bag, I was thinking about something else

-and may I know what you were thinking about? He asked curious

-well, I was dreaming about a projection of you in a few years, fat, bald and execrable, it was really scary, brrr, she shuddered, and his mouth fell with her image. Asad, I hope you will not be like this when you are going to be old.

-what I can answer to this? This is so mean

-it's not, it's just a theory. I didn't say that you are fat or you are going to be fat. What's wrong with you, Asad? Still under your hormones pregnancy, she giggled at him.

-ha ha very funny, Zoya why did you come earlier? You were supposed to come tomorrow

-Actually, I was feeling guilty for enjoying without you and I came home to stop the challenge. I was about to tell you sorry for the prank that I did to you. That we can't be agree and I don't need each time to make you wrong, afterall we are all different and our perception and force are different.

-Perfect, I am feeling guilty now

-I hope you are feeling guilty for what you did. She pulled his ear

-ouch, ok, ok I am sorry, happy? She nodded

-but Asad, you didn't tell me, how was the meeting?

-it went perfectly and I got the deal

-this is perfect, thanks to Allah and I am happy for you. I hope you didn't cheat this guy?

-this is really mean, I never cheat, Zoya, he said quickly but she send him a look "Really", yes, maybe, I can play prank but I inherited everything from my cute wife.

-Are you saying that I am a cheater?

-Of course not, why are you always taking everything from the wrong side? Women, he let it in exasperation

-men, she growled in frustration and went to her room, while he was once again trying to explain the meaning of his thought.

Asad was laying on the bed reading a book while she went out from the washroom. He looked up smiling lovingly at her and closed his book to give her all attention. He extended his hand inviting her to sit by his side. She smiled genuinely at him and sat by his side.

-how you feel, now? He massaged her shoulders

-fine, the spa was fantastic, Asad. It was really a brilliant idea. As much as I was angry once I discovered the prank, I have to be thankfull for those days, Ammi and I enjoyed a lot.

-I know that's why I prepared this for you.

She moaned in satisfaction

- Asad? He hummed, you know what I missed the most during this 2 weeks? Especially those last 4 days.

-What? He stopped in his track.

She took both of his hands and putting them around herself, and she posed her head in the crook of his neck.

-sleeping in your arms, she whispered and he smiled softly kissing her forehead. He tightened his grip and she closed her eyes drifting slowly to a deep sleep, not before muttering:

-I love you Asad.

-I love you too.