Fourteen Part A
Coming back outside Karan stood near the women's entrance waiting for Zoya. After a few moments he saw Hamid exit the men's section with Fawad and Akram Ali, seeing Akram made Karan cringe, he didn't know him but knew he didn't have to know him to hate him so much.
'What the hell is he doing here?' Akram said out loud seeing Karan 'Akram...watch your mouth' Fawad reprimanded him 'that's Karan Zoya's bodyguard' Akram looked at Hamid 'why does she need one now...I mean she lives in Mumbai right?' 'Right, it's only until she finishes, it will give me a piece of mind' 'with all due respect uncle, I really don't like him, nor trust him...his relationship with Zoya...' Fawad hit Akram's arm to get him to shut up 'you may not like him, but we do...Zoya trusts him and is comfortable around him...anyway...we are having a party to celebrate the New Year, it would be good to have the both of you there'.
Fawad shook Hamid's hand and thanked him and then dragged his son towards his car 'what is wrong with you, do you have to shoot your mouth off every chance you get' 'Abu, I have been asking and waiting patiently for three tears...why won't you ask him for hand in marriage for me...that Karan...I don't trust him' 'Akram, Zoya is home now...I will ask Hamid...don't worry'. Akram tried to prolong their stay as he wanted to see Zoya but his father was quick to drag him away.
Zoya was unable to meet Karan that night as Hamid had him caught up with his plans for the coming year, as he was talking to him his mind went back to what Akram had said 'Karan...I have never really spoken to you on a personal level...are you married?' Karan lifted his head and looked at him 'no Sir, with the kind of work that I do...I have never really found anyone, why do you ask?' 'Oh nothing, was just wondering...I hope you didn't mind me asking' 'not at all' 'who is in your family?' 'Just me, I don't have any family ' 'I'm sorry to hear that...well once Zoya returns and settles down, I guess you can work on making a family of your own' Karan gave him an awkward smile and then lowered his head looking back at the papers he was reading.
The next morning saw the whole household preparing for the party, what was meant to be a quiet celebration at home was turning out to be quite an affair. Zoya was becoming restless, she hadn't seen Karan since they came back from the mosque and it was now midday.
'Aisha Bibi, where is he?' 'Hamid has him caught up with other things, he had just popped out, he will be back soon' as much as she was happy for Zoya, the way she became in his absence started to scare her, it was as if she stopped functioning, like she couldn't think or breathe without him.
Aisha Bibi thought of speaking to Hamid, but she knew that saying anything now would not only jeopardise Zoya's studies but also her relationship with Karan.
Karan finally walked through the door, he put down the bags that he went to pick up for Hamid and then walked towards the kitchen 'hi' he called out, Zoya spun on her chair almost falling of 'Zoya' he called out as he ran towards her 'are you crazy, you could have fallen off' 'trust me Karan, if she isn't crazy now she will go crazy...do you want something to eat?' Aisha Bibi asked 'I am ok for the minute, thank you' he replied then looked back down at Zoya 'you ok?' Zoya shook her head, she took his hand in hers and held it to her cheek 'I love you' she whispered, Aisha Bibi chocked on the air she just inhaled 'Ya Allah...you two want to take this upstairs' Zoya started laughing 'sorry Aisha Bibi...can you come...for a few minutes?' 'Sure, I'll see you up there'.
Zoya walked off doing a happy dance leaving Karan with Aisha Bibi 'Aisha Bibi, what's wrong?' Karan asked 'is it that obvious?' 'Maybe not to everyone...but to me it is' 'you two are wrong...no I don't mean wrong like that' she quickly said seeing his jaw drop 'Karan, I have never seen Zoya like this, to be honest it scares me beta...her love for you isn't just love, it's more than that, you are embedded in her heart, her mind, her soul...in every breath she takes, in every drop of blood that flows through her veins...Karan if this doesn't work out, if this goes horribly wrong, she will lose her mind, she will die' Karan swallowed hard as his throat dried up 'I won't let anything happen to her Aisha Bibi, Zoya is my life too...as soon as she completes her year at uni...I will take the next step' taking in a deep breath Aisha Bibi closed her eyes 'you should go to her, she is waiting' Karan nodded and left Aisha Bibi still aching with uncertainty.
Karan stepped outside on to the balcony to find Zoya playing on her phone 'seriously Zoya, candy crush...isn't that for kids' Zoya started laughing as she put her phone down 'not at all...it's very therapeutic I have you know...and anyway it's not my fault I am hooked it's Inaya's she is always playing it' 'how is that weird friend of yours?' Zoya raised an eyebrow at him 'she is not weird, she is lovely...oh and totally besotted by you' Karan let out a chuckle 'your friend has a crush on me and it doesn't bother you?' 'Not in the slightest...Mr Karan did you think I would be jealous?' She asked looking amused, Karan shrugged his shoulders 'maybe a little' 'well I am sorry to disappoint you...you are mine, and mine only'
Grabbing hold of her hand he pulled her closer towards him 'do you know how much I love you?' 'Yes...but you could always tell me again' 'all in good time Miss Farooqui...by the way your Mamoon booked our tickets for tomorrow afternoon' Zoya started smiling 'finally...it will be just you and me' she said linking her hand around his neck, Karan kissed the tip of her nose 'for this evening...I mean the party...I bought you something' Zoya stepped back 'you did?' She asked with twinkling eyes 'one sec'. Karan walked back to his room and brought out a bag 'I hope you like it...am not very good with buying gifts' Zoya took the bag from him and opened it. Zoya's eyes grew wider and wider 'Karan this...these are beautiful' 'you like them?' Zoya tiptoed up and placed a soft kiss on his lips taking him off guard 'I love them Karan...you want me to wear them' 'only if you want to' 'how could I not...thank you...would you like to put them on me' Karan had bought Zoya a beautiful set of bangles.
As Karan took out the bangles from the box he started to place them over her hand and gently onto her wrist, Zoya couldn't describe what she felt, her heart fluttered and her stomach summersaulted simultaneously. Once he had put them on her she stroked them with her fingers and then hugged her wrist 'thank you so much' she said before she reached for his face and kissed him again.
As night fell and the New Year drew closer everyone started to get ready. The majority of guests had arrived. Zoya came down in a stunning maroon and gold dress, one that matched the bangles Karan had bought her 'masha'Allah...you look absolutely breathtaking Zoya' Zoya started to blush as Aisha Bibi complimented her. Karan who was standing a few feet behind Aisha Bibi couldn't bring himself to blink, he was in total awe of her. As Aisha Bibi took her hand and walked past him to take her outside he stepped sideways 'I agree, masha'Allah...you look beautiful' 'thank you' she quickly whispered back and walked out.
Karan stood by the main doors that led to the garden watching every step, every move his beautiful girl made. Fawad Ali placed his hand over her head 'it's good to see you again beta, happy new year' 'you too uncle...is Aunty not here?' 'No, she and the girls had something already arranged...but Akram is here' Zoya held her breath, she had no wish to see him but knew there was no escaping him either. Putting on as much of a forced smile she could Zoya turned around to say hello to him 'I always like a lady dressed in red' he said holding his hand out, as Zoya forced herself to shake it Karan fisted his hand, the thought of him being anywhere near Zoya repulsed him and seeing him touch her made him want to go and knock him out.
Zoya tried to move away from Akram but failed miserably as he started to tail her, refusing to go away. 'I will be coming to Mumbai for some business, I will make sure we get time to spend together, after all I think it's about time we really got to know each other' Zoya raised her eyebrow 'what makes you think I would like to get to know you better?' Akram let out a chuckle 'oh you will Zoya...it's only a matter of time...and then me and you...nothing can come between us'.
Karan couldn't hear their conversation but judging by Zoya's expressions and body language he knew Akram was saying something unpleasant. Karan walked over to Iram 'can you do me a favour please, can you ask Aisha Bibi to stay with Zoya' Iram looked towards Zoya and saw what Karan did 'yes of course'.
'Zoya, here you are...and I was looking for you over there...come I would like to introduce you to someone' Zoya smiled at Aisha Bibi silently thanking her for coming 'excuse me' she said looking at an annoyed Akram before she walked off 'Ya Allah...thank you for rescuing me Aisha Bibi...that guy gives me the creeps' 'I would never have noticed Zoya, it was Karan who had a message sent to me...he was worried about you'.
Zoya looked over to Karan who stood their in his statue pose 'Aisha Bibi, one second' Zoya walked towards Karan, on the pretence of picking up a glass of juice she went to stand near him 'you ok?' 'Yes...thank you for sending Aisha Bibi, any longer with that moron and I...' 'Zoya please stay away from him...I don't trust him' 'I will...why don't you come and join us...I don't like you standing here' Karan turned his head towards her 'you forget I am here on duty ma'am, it's where I am supposed to be standing' Zoya's eyes saddened, the guy that she loved, that was every part of her was made to carry out a duty that made him stand as an outsider, as a mere employee 'stop that...I know what you are thinking...I am here for you only' 'I love you' she said with an emotion filled voice 'I know...now go back and join the party, it's nearly midnight' 'I want my New Years kiss' Karan started to laugh at her child like voice 'ok...you can have your New Years kiss and whatever else you want...just go back now'.
Fourteen Part B
As Zoya walked back she saw Hamid hug Fawad and the Akram and wondered why they all looked like they had just won the lottery, not caring anymore she diverted her steps to go and stand next to Aisha Bibi and Iram.
'Zoya' Zoya turned around to see her Mamoon call out for her, she held onto Aisha Bibi's hand and started walking towards him 'please make sure you stand in between me and that idiot' 'I will do, don't worry'.
'Zoya beta' Hamid said more happier than usual 'it's nearly time...you ready beta?' 'Yes Mamoon...' 'Ok...everyone let's count down' as everyone started to count down the last ten seconds to midnight Zoya looked towards Karan who was looking straight back at her '5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Happy New Year' Hamid shouted out, at the same time the night sky started illuminating with bright coloured fireworks.
Everyone started hugging and wishing each other a happy new year, and all Zoya could do was look at Karan. Hamid held Zoya's face in his hands and kissed her forehead 'may this year bring you every happiness and success beta...I already know that this year will mark a new beginning for' Zoya looked at her Mamoon lovingly, since her parents had died he had taken so much care of her 'thank you Mamoon, I love you' feeling a little emotional Hamid hugged Zoya 'I wish I didn't have to send you away...but I promise when you finish you are not going anywhere'.
Zoya stepped back and continued to watch the fireworks display, as she took another step back she but into someone 'sorr...' Zoya stopped to see Akram standing a few inches away from her, grabbing hold of her hand he lifted it up 'what are you doing...let go of my hand' she said trying to wriggle it out of his hold 'wishing you a happy new year...that's all' tightening his hold onto her hand Akram placed a kiss on the back of it. Zoya closed her eyes in disgust, she yanked her hand back 'how dare you' she said seething with anger 'oh Zoya...there is a lot more I would dare to do...maybe when the time is right' he said winking at her and then walking off.
At that precise moment the lights blacked out causing a slight panic, with pitch black around her Zoya started to call out for Karan. Akram who took out his mobile phone to put on the flash light felt a hand grab him and before he knew what was happening he felt a solid hand punch him knocking to the floor, with the pain filled moan he let out Hamid, Fawad and his men started shouting out 'Karan...get Zoya' Hamid called out.
Zoya started trembling 'Karan' she called out again. Karan stepped towards her and held her 'I am right here...I am right here' he said holding her. As the lights came back on everyone who was scrambled stood still. Hamid saw Zoya in Karan's hold and ran up to her 'Zoya...are you ok?' Karan let go of her letting Hamid take over. They looked ahead of them to see Akram on the floor with a bloodied face 'what the hell happened...who did this to you?' Fawad said as he went to his sons aid 'I have no idea, someone just grabbed me and then hit me' 'Karan I want the area sealed...find out what happened' 'yes Sir'. Karan turned around and walked off, he couldn't help the smile of satisfaction that curved up into his lips. Seeing Akram take her hand and kiss it made him lose all senses, he purposely tripped the switch box and at the first chance he got he knocked him out.
After a few minutes Karan came back 'Sir, it was a power trip, everything is ok' 'Karan, please take Zoya and Aisha Bibi to her room and stay with them' Karan nodded and then led the two of them away.
Hamid walked up to Fawad and Akram 'it was him...I know it was' Akram said in an anger laced voice 'it was who?' Hamid asked 'that fool you have watching over your daughter...I know it was' 'Akram, I am not sure what happened or why...but I assure you it can't of been Karan, he has been standing in the same spot the whole time...' 'Didnt you see him...them...he was holding her' Hamid looked towards Fawad 'Akram, enough...I am sorry Hamid, I think we will take our leave...what we discussed and agreed earlier...I think we can leave it to another time to break the good news'.
Zoya was still shaking a little 'hey what's wrong?' Karan asked putting his hand on her shoulder 'noth...Karan your hand...how did you hurt it?' She asked grabbing hold of it 'Karan did you...' 'If he touches you again it won't be just his nose I break' Aisha Bibi started giggling 'Ya Allah...Karan' Karan cupped her face 'I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you in the process...but he deserved it' Zoya started smiling and it didn't take long for all of them to start laughing out loud.
Hamid walked inside with anger evident on his face, he screamed out to all his staff and made them stand before him, at the same time Karan, Zoya and Aisha Bibi came down too 'Karan, your hand...how will you hide it' 'don't worry...go ahead of me'.
'I don't know what happened but I need to know now, someone in here physically assaulted a guest and I am going to find out who it was' before anyone could reply Zoya interrupted 'Mamoon it was me' Karan, Aisha Bibi and Hamid all looked at her with wide eyes 'you...Zoya beta why?' He asked looking confused 'Mamoon...it was an accident, I felt a hand grab me and I reacted...I hit him with whatever I could get my hands on...I didn't know it was him...I got scared' Karan couldn't believe what she was coming out with, and that too so convincingly. 'Im sorry Mamoon' Hamid walked up to her 'it's ok beta...I can understand, no need to apologise...Aisha Bibi, it's very late please take Zoya upstairs' Zoya turned around and as she saw Karan look at her she winked at him making him break out into a smile 'unbelievable'.
As Zoya got ready to leave Hamid called for Karan 'you called for me?' 'Yes, Aisha Bibi there are a few things I need to discuss with you regarding Zoya and her future' 'what about her future?' 'What I am about to say stays between us until I am ready to break the news to Zoya myself...yesterday Fawad Ali asked for Zoya's hand in marriage for Akram, and I said yes' Aisha Bibi held onto the side of the table as she felt everything spin out of control 'you did what?' She asked unable to take in what he had just said 'Hamid how can you make such a decision without asking her, talking to her' 'Aisha Bibi I don't need to, Zoya will not refuse what I ask of her...I am the best judge of what is good for her...she has to marry one day so why not Akram, he is from a well respected family, she will be happy there'.
Aisha Bibi couldn't bring herself to breathe 'Hamid...please don't make such a big decision...not without talking to her I can tell you she won't be happy, she won't agree...she doesn't even like Akram' 'Aisha Bibi please...my decision is final...Zoya will agree and this will happen. As soon as she completes her degree and returns to Delhi, she will marry Akram, I have given my word' Hamid left Aisha Bibi gasping for air, the fear that gripped her set of a panic that she was unable to control 'Ya Allah...please help my child...don't let this happen...please'
Zoya came down to find Aisha Bibi standing in a cold sweat drained of all colour 'Aisha Bibi' she called out running to her 'Aisha Bibi...what happened are you ok...come and sit down...Iram...' She called out. Hearing her voice Iram came running out the kitchen 'water now' she ordered, at the same time Karan came inside 'what's wrong?' He said hurrying his footsteps towards them 'I don't know...Karan call a doctor' Karan turned around but Aisha Bibi stopped him, he looked down at the hand that had tightly gripped him then into her eyes that reflected fear and sadness at the same time. Karan sat next to her 'Aisha Bibi...what's wrong...let me call the doctor' 'no...I don't need a doctor...I am ok...' 'You don't look ok' trying to regulate her breathing Aisha Bibi sat up a little 'I am fine...you know how it is...old age catches up with you sooner or later...Zoya, Karan...if you are ready we should get going'
'Zoya stay with her, I will get the car ready' 'ok'.
Edited by Saima-Syed - 10 years ago
