SS - Worlds Apart #2: Ch 19 Pg 121

It had been over a month since Zoya started college, Karan had managed to keep himself off work but there was only so much time he could take off.

'I have a new assignment' 'that's great...isn't it?' Zoya said looking at his expression 'I guess...but that means being away from you' 'will you have to go out of Mumbai?' 'Not that I know of but there is no telling' 'Karan...don't think so much, it's your work, it's what you do...take the assignment and go...I will be ok' 'I won't...I will worry too much' 'then stop worrying...You know my daily routine, you know my friends, I won't hang out or go places where you don't approve of' 'I start tomorrow' 'that's good...I have two more weeks and then am off for one week and then another 5 weeks until I break for the Christmas holidays' 'are you going to to back to Delhi?' 'I am not sure...not if I can help it but it depends on what Mamoon wants me to do'.

'I should go, I still have my packing to do' 'you want me to come and help?' 'No, let me take you home, I will come over once I have finished'.

After dinner Aisha Bibi left Karan and Zoya, giving them some time alone before he left. 'You know I won't be able to contact you for a few days' 'yes, I know...Karan I will be ok...and so will you...now stop thinking about it' Karan put his arms around her shoulder and let her rest herself against his chest, letting sleep consume them they both.

Karan woke up in a jerk as her felt a tap on his shoulder, he looked up to see Aisha Bibi standing over him. 'Wakey wakey, it's morning' Karan looked down to see Zoya fast asleep in his lap 'I'm so sorry Aisha Bibi, I didn't realise' 'it's ok beta, it's just after six' carefully lifting Zoya up he lay her on the sofa placing a cushion under her head 'I should get going, I have a lot to do before I leave' Aisha Bibi smiled at him 'will you have a coffee before you leave?' 'No thank you...tell Zoya I will call her...please look after her, I am not sure how long I will be gone for' 'I will...you also take care, may Allah always protect you' Aisha Bibi cupped his face and placed a kiss on his forehead 'Allah hafiz beta'.

Taking one last look at his sleeping beauty Karan picked up his phone and keys and left. Aisha Bibi let Zoya sleep for another hour before she woke her up 'Zoya, get up beta you will be late for uni' Zoya sat up and looked around her, she was just about to ask what she was doing on the sofa and then remembered that Karan was with her 'when did he leave?' 'An hour ago...' 'Why didn't you wake me up?' 'I think it was easier for him to say goodbye whilst you were sleeping'. Zoya got up and ran to her room, she picked up her phone to call him when she saw his message.

I am sorry I left without telling you, you looked so peaceful, I didn't have the heart you wake you up. I hope I am not away for too long, I will be changing my SIM, will try and contact you as soon as I can. I love you Zoya, please stay safe.

Zoya sat on her bed, her insides churned as realisation dawned on her, she wasn't going to see him, or be able to contact him in any shape or form, and there was no way of knowing for how long. She carried on and maintained that she was ok with it but it was more for his benefit, she knew he would have turned away from his work and duty without thinking if she had truly said that she wasn't going to cope without him.

Zoya did her best to throw herself into her studies, it was the only thing she could do to keep her mind off of him but it wasn't proving to be so successful. It had almost been a week and and still hadn't heard from him, it hurt Aisha Bibi to see her like this 'Zoya, you do realise that this is what it will always be like...' 'I know Aisha Bibi, and it accept it...I just want to be with him, I can't imagine my life without him...' Aisha Bibi let out a painful sigh 'I just pray to Allah that he makes things easy for you both beta...hang in there, am sure he will call soon'

Zoya went to lie down, her lack of sleep over the last week had started to catch up with her. As her eyes started to close and heard her phone ring, jumping up she looked at it, it was a private number 'hello' 'hey' 'Karan...Ya Allah...Karan are you ok?' Karan didn't need to see her to know that her eyes had started to moisten 'I am ok...I am sorry it's taken me so long to call you' 'no...please don't say sorry...I miss you' 'I know, I miss you too' 'are you still in Mumbai...how long are you away for?' 'I am but only until tomorrow, I am having to go away with them...Zoya, I am not sure how long I will be' Zoya's tears started to trickle down her cheeks 'don't cry Zoya, please don't make this hard for me' Zoya wiped her tears 'I'm sorry, look after yourself...and please come back soon...I love you' 'I love you too'.

Zoya put her phone down and curled up in her bed, she didn't want to cry but her eyes refused to stop as her heart continued to pain her.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, it was nearly Christmas and Zoya had been asked to come back to Delhi for her holidays.

Zoya lay with her head in Aisha Bibi lap silently crying 'shh, Zoya beta please...stop doing this to yourself' 'Aisha Bibi do you know how long it's been...I don't think I can take it anymore' 'beta I am sure he will come back soon...' 'But we are leaving for Delhi in two days' time...what if he comes back after we have gone...' 'We can leave him a note, a message, you have already spoken to Mr Roy, he will speak to him and let him know'.

Zoya finished packing her bags and went outside to meet Aisha Bibi and Iram 'the driver is here, we need to go' Zoya just nodded and followed Aisha Bibi out to the car. From the moment they left the apartment to the moment they entered Hamid's house Zoya didn't say a single word, all she did was try and console her aching heart.

Zoya had been in her room for hours' refusing to come down. Hamid who sensed something was wrong went up to her 'Zoya, beta it's Mamoon, can I come in?' Cleaning her face she quickly got up and opened the door, he is saw her swollen eyes 'Zoya what's wrong...what happened?' He asked with concern 'oh nothing Mamoon, I was tired...I must have fallen asleep' she said trying to feign a yawn.

Hamid patted her face 'Zoya, I have someone coming to see me in an hour...someone I think you would like to meet, please get ready and come downstairs' 'Mamoon, do I have to?' 'Yes you do...now come on hurry up'.

Zoya came downstairs dressed in a light blue shalwar kameez, she knew that her Mamoon preferred her in traditional clothes so she always tried to make an extra effort around him.

Zoya went to sit with Hamid who was watching the news 'Mamoon who is coming?' Zoya asked just as Hamid was about to reply the door bell rang 'you'll find out in just a second' Zoya stood up with Hamid, as the person walked in Zoya saw who it was and started smiling 'uncle Roy' she whispered as she ran towards him 'Zoya, how are you...it's been such a long time' 'I am ok...it's so good to see you uncle Roy' keeping his arms around her they all walked back inside and sat down.

'Mr Siddiqui, I have made the necessary arrangement, I can assure you that only the best will be there to protect Zoya' Zoya looked at the two men exchange words, she didn't understand what was going on 'protect me from what?' Hamid looked at Zoya and leaned forwards 'you remember Akram?' Zoya nodded 'yes, uncle Fawad's son...what about him?' 'Well, him and his friends got into a bit of bother with a small gang of boys from the opposition party at our last rally...because him and his father have a strong affiliation with me, the death threats they were receiving seemed to have found their way here'. Zoya gulped as she looked at both of them wide eyed 'does that mean I have to come back?'

'No, quite the contrary, as long as you are in Mumbai you are safe but you know I can't take any chances Zoya, especially not with you...so I have asked Roy to assign a bodyguard' Zoya stood up, she felt as if her head was going to explode 'no...please Mamoon...I don't need a bodyguard...you said yourself I am safe there...I have a driver who drops me off and picks me up, I hardly step outside the university grounds when I am there...and the rest of the time I am home...I don't need anyone'

Mr Roy stood up as did Hamid seeing Zoya get so upset 'Zoya at least meet him' Hamid said. Zoya looked at Mr Roy, trying hard not to cry she shook her head slowly. Mr Roy walked up to her 'Zoya, what's wrong beta?' 'Uncle please...you know...I can't' 'Zoya, at least let me...' Zoya moved out of his hold and was about to turn around and walk off when Mr Roy called out to her 'Zoya wait...Karan, can you come in please' Zoya froze upon hearing his name, she fisted her hands as her heart beat started to fade away. She slowly turned around and almost fell as she saw him stand before her. Her eyes watered as she tried to breathe, Karan looked at her and felt the same pain she did, he turned to Mr Roy who understood what he was trying to say. Mr Roy placed his hand on Zoya's back to support her.

'Karan, please come in...I was so glad when Roy told me you were finally free to join us again' Karan smile at Hamid as he stepped forward to shake his hand 'thank you Sir, it's good to be back in your company' 'Karan, as you may know Zoya has moved to Mumbai, to finish her studies, you will be required to move there with her and Aisha Bibi, just until the end of June' 'yes Sir' 'good...now that we have that sorted...Roy how about some refreshments' Mr Roy nodded and followed Hamid out leaving Karan and Zoya looking at each other in total silence.

Karan lay next to her talking to her until she fell asleep as the night sky started to lighten he gently removed his hand from her, kissing her on the forehead he left her to return back. By the time Zoya woke up it was past eight in the morning, she jumped up to find him gone, but the memories he left her with left her with a sweet blush. She gently stroked her lips with the tips of her fingers as if she could still feel his soft lips against her own.

Before she got out of bed she picked up her phone to text him

Within a few seconds she received a reply

Stepping outside she greeted Aisha Bibi and Iram who were busy in the kitchen 'good morning' she greeted them 'morning beta, how are you?' 'Very well...what's for breakfast?' 'What would you like?' 'How about an Aisha Bibi special' Aisha Bibi started smiling 'coming up...have you got everything ready for tomorrow?' 'Yes, almost. I just need to get a few books, I thought I would buy them instead of loaning them out from the library' 'ok, once you finished your breakfast I will come with you'.

Zoya quickly text Karan to let him know where they were headed to

At this point Zoya contemplated telling Aisha Bibi about Karan, she didn't like the fact she was hiding something so important from her, she had never lied to her nor hidden anything before now, she made up her mind to talk to Karan and then to tell Aisha Bibi as soon as she could.

Finally purchasing the books she required Zoya started to walk around the shopping mall with Aisha Bibi. Even though she hated shopping she made an effort, it had been a long time since they had ventured out shopping together. 'Can we go up there...to that shop?' Zoya said pointing to a designer boutique 'of course, let's go' as the two of them approached the escalators a group of young boys creating a lot of noise and commotion ran past them, one of them hit into Aisha Bibi making her stumble forwards and hit her head against a pillar. Zoya screamed out as she ran to Aisha Bibi 'you morons, can't you see where you are going' she shouted out in anger. Aisha Bibi placed her hand over hers 'I am ok beta...don't...' Aisha Bibi stopped as she looked up to see four boys standing over them.

Zoya stood up and glared at them 'what did you call us?' One of them said stepping forwards 'are you deaf as well as blind?' she retorted back 'beta...leave them' Aisha Bibi said trying to pull Zoya back 'Aisha Bibi...one minute' Zoya looked back at the four boys 'I am sure Mumbai has a lot of parks and zoo's to keep animals like you entertained...what the hell do you think you were doing, you could have hurt her' the boy that had stepped forward narrowed his eyes as he started to fill with anger 'how dare you...do you even know who I am?' 'I thought I had already established that...a moron' the boy leapt forward to grab Zoya, as he pulled her arm with force Zoya closed her eyes waiting for his attack but nothing happened. When she opened her eyes she saw Karan standing in front of her, he had the boys neck in his hand.

Letting out a gasp she quickly grabbed his arm 'Karan...let him go...Karan stop' she said as she saw the boy struggle to breathe 'I would suck out the eyes of anyone who dare look at her and you had the audacity to touch her' the boy squirmed as he tried to get Karan off of him 'Karan please let him go' Karan pushed the boy making him fall back hitting his head hard against the tiled floor, as he looked up to the other three they scattered running before he could get a hold of them.

Karan turned around to see Aisha Bibi holding the side if her head, she was bleeding. He quickly took out a handkerchief and placed it on her head 'Aisha Bibi, we need to get you to a doctor' picking her up in his arms Karan started to walk out with Zoya following close behind.

As the doctor examined Aisha Bibi Zoya tried to calm him down 'Karan please calm down' 'I swear to god Zoya I would have killed him' he said fisting his hands 'I know...Karan look at me' Karan turned to face her and as he did she cupped his face gently stroking his cheek with the tip of her thumb, Karan started to calm down instantly 'it's ok' she whispered.

Karan pulled her towards him and hugged her 'no it's not Zoya, if I hadn't come...if he had hurt you...I...' 'Karan...' Zoya was interrupted by the doctor who had stepped back outside, quickly pulling away she looked at him 'is she ok?' 'Yes she is fine, luckily it was just a small cut, it will heal...although there may be some bruising. I have bandaged her head...if you wish you can see her' 'thank you doctor'.

Zoya and Karan went inside, as soon as Zoya saw Aisha Bibi she ran to her with moist eyes 'Aisha Bibi are you ok...I'm so sorry this is all my fault' Aisha Bibi placed her hand over her head 'don't be silly Zoya, it wasn't your fault at all' looking up at Karan she started smiling 'at least I now know why you wanted to come to Mumbai...how are you Karan?' She said holding her hand out. Karan walked up to her and let her embrace him 'I am well, how are you?' 'How about you take us home and I can tell you over a cup of coffee' Karan started smiling 'sounds good'.

Iram served them coffee and then went to her room giving them privacy 'you knew Karan was here, didn't you?' Aisha Bibi asked Zoya 'yes, when we came back I called uncle Roy, who told me Karan had transferred to Mumbai, I wanted to see him...just once...I'm sorry I didn't tell you'.

Aisha Bibi looked towards Karan 'I thought I was doing the right thing, and maybe I was when I stopped you three years ago...but I know that no matter how hard I try, no matter what I say or do, there is no stopping you. It will not be easy Karan' Karan took Aisha Bibi's hand in his and kissed the back of it 'I know, it's not like I haven't gone through this in my head, I have. But I promise you Aisha Bibi I will go up against anyone and anything, I will fight the world until my very last breath to be with her, I love her' Aisha Bibi placed her hand against his face 'I know you do beta, I never doubted your love for one another, not even for a second. I just...well it doesn't matter. What matters now is that you two are together and always will be...Zoya is here until next June, that gives you 9 months to figure this out' Karan looked at Zoya who smiled through her moist eyes 'we will'.

Making sure Aisha Bibi was comfortable Zoya came back out of her room letting her sleep. Karan stood up seeing her come out 'is she ok?' 'Yes, she has fallen asleep' 'you should rest too, you have a long day tomorrow' Zoya quickly held his hand 'no...please don't go...stay...I mean we have a spare room' Karan stepped closer 'it's not appropriate for me to Zoya, I will stay with you for a while but then I will have to go...if it's ok with you I can come with you...I meaning the morning to uni' 'I would like that'.

It was just after midnight, Zoya had started to fall asleep against his shoulder. Karan lifted her up and took her to her bedroom, lying her down he kissed the side of her head before he left. In his way out she heard a noise come from Aisha Bibi's room, he quickly ran in thinking something had happened. As he opened the door he saw her trying to behold of a glass 'Aisha Bibi wait' he called out, striding up to her he picked up the jug of water and poured her a glass of water 'thank you beta...Zoya?' 'She is sleeping, I was just about to leave when I heard noise'

'You are more than welcome to stay Karan' 'I know, and it's very kind of you to offer, but it wouldn't feel right, I am not officially...I mean' 'it's ok, I know what you mean..,it's different now...and I respect you for respecting her in such a way' 'thank you Aisha Bibi, your support means a lot to me' 'it is all I have to give Karan, Zoya is not my biological daughter but she means a lot more than that to me, I would do anything for her happiness. I saw what she endured over the last three years, I have never seen someone of her age with such patience, such contentment, she hadn't seen you or spoken to you but her love for you...it's as if it's Allah's gift to her' 'I don't know what will happen...and to be honest until the time comes I don't really want to think about it, I don't want my time with her to be constantly over shadowed by this unknown fear' 'for now I agree with you...be happy'. Karan stood up 'I will see you soon' 'insha'Allah'.

After a long hour of fussing over Aisha Bibi Zoya finally left for uni, her first day as a new student. Stepping out of the car she told her driver to pick her up at half four, making her way towards the main entrance Zoya stopped, he heart skipped a beat seeing him standing there, he looked like a Greek God, she could never get over how perfect he was. As she approached him Karan held out his hand which she instantly took 'hey' 'you ready?' 'Like any good student would be...Karan you don't have to stay here...I mean wait for me the whole day' 'Zoya I...' 'I know how you feel...but I will feel a lot worse knowing you are hanging around waiting for me...you go...I have a lunch break at half twelve and then I finish at half four, you come and meet me for lunch...and then when I finish I can meet you back at the apartment' Karan wasn't happy but knew she was being practical 'ok...I will see you at half twelve here' Zoya leaned up to kiss him on the cheek 'see you soon'.

Zoya walked up the stair only to bump into Inaya who was gawping at her 'is that your boyfriend?' She asked looking straight through her towards Karan, Zoya started giggling 'yes, he is' Inaya turned towards her and launched at her arm 'please, please tell me he has a brother that looks just like him' Zoya started laughing out loud 'sorry...it's just him...one unique piece' Inaya pulled a sad face 'one unique piece of yumminess and he is all yours...when did life become so unfair' 'yes he is all mine...now if you have stopped sulking we should get a move on' being on totally different courses their timetables were the complete opposite, the only time they both had free was lunch time and and on Friday afternoons when they both had the afternoon off. Zoya invited Inaya to join her for lunch 'I will introduce you to my yumminess' Inaya started smiling 'I'll see you at lunch time' she said walking off.

Zoya's class was very big, it had a total of 17 students. As the lecturer got everyone to introduce themselves she sat down next to a boy called Dan and a girl called Sneha.

As their long morning session came to an end Aditya and Sneha invited Zoya to join them for lunch 'I would love to but I have already made plans...how about tomorrow?' 'Sure...see you after lunch' Sneha said as she picked up her bag and walked if with Aditya.

Zoya came out to find Karan waiting for her, radiating a smile full of love she hurried towards him and hugged him shamelessly 'you been waiting long?' 'No, a few minutes , shall we go?' 'Just a moment, I would like to introduce you to a friend, someone I met on my registration day...I hope you don't mind I invited her to lunch with us' Karan tapped the tip of her noes 'of course not'.

Inaya saw Zoya and Karan standing near the parking lot talking as she walked towards them she saw Zoya wave at her 'hi, sorry I'm late' 'you're not late...Inaya, this is Karan, and Karan this is Inaya' Inaya held out her hand which Karan politely took to shake 'nice meeting you Inaya' 'same here' 'so where do you girls want to go?' 'We only have an hour, how about that cafe we went to last time' Zoya said looking towards Inaya 'sounds good'.

Zoya had a hard time trying to keep a straight face, Inaya was in total awe of Karan and was doing a really bad job of hiding her blush every time he spoke to her 'you seriously don't have a brother...a long lost twin...a cousin maybe' Karan started to feel a little embarrassed 'no...none of the above' he said trying to smile at her. As they finished Karan got up and stood behind Zoya 'what is with her?' Zoya suppressed her laugh 'you are...the girl has a crush on you' Karan looked at her oddly 'she does...why?' Zoya stooped at looked at him she didn't know whether to laugh out loud or just kiss him senseless for his cute naiveness.

As they reached back Inaya thanked Karan for lunch 'you're welcome...bye' 'Zoya you coming?' 'Yeah, I will be there in two minutes' Zoya turned around to face him 'will you come by the apartment?' 'Try and keep me away' 'never...I will see you later...I love you' 'I love you too' Karan kissed her forehead before he turned around and walked off leaving her desiring a lot more.

Zoya packed the last of her suitcase 'all done?' he asked as he came into the room 'yes...do we really have to go back?' She asked looking upset 'yes, we do...as much as I would like to stay here forever...we need to go back and face this...remember what we talked about...not over reacting, no getting emotional...I will always be there with you Zoya...we will find a way to get your Mamoon to accept this...I am sure he will' 'I hope you are right...because if he doesn't, we are taking the next flight back here' Karan let out a chuckle as he lovingly put his arms around her 'the porter will be here any second...let's go'.

The minute their plane touched down in Mumbai Karan called Hamid to let him know that Zoya had returned and he was bringing her back to Delhi.

Zoya felt sick, the non stop travel and the non stop ill thoughts about what was to come were taking their toll on her.

Aisha Bibi couldn't stop smiling as she heard that Zoya was on her way back, she went into the kitchen and started cooking all her favourite food with Iram.

On route from the airport Karan got a call, it was Mr Roy, after talking to him about his honeymoon and checking to see if Zoya was ok his tone of voice became serious 'Karan, I have been able to gather a lot of intelligence on this Akram, he is nothing but pure filth...I need you to come and see me' 'as soon as I drop Zoya off and make sure everything is ok, I will come to you'. As he cut the call Zoya turned towards him 'is everything ok?' She asked in a concerned voice 'it will be...you don't need to worry yourself'.

As the car pulled outside the house Zoya took in a deep breath before she stepped down. Seeing Aisha Bibi she ran I to her hold 'my bacha...how are you?' 'I am ok...very happy...Aisha Bibi, where is Mamoon?' 'He is on his way home too' 'has everything been ok here?' 'Zoya, first come in...we can talk about this later'. Aisha Bibi let Zoya walk in as she waited for Karan, kissing his forehead she welcomed him back.

Walking back inside he stopped 'I will need to go and see Mr Roy...I will try and come back as soon as I can...can you just make sure she is ok...she has been working herself up the whole way' 'I can understand, don't worry...but Karan wait until Hamid comes back, meet him then go' 'ok'.

Zoya sat down as Aisha Bibi laid the table 'all of this for me' she said wide eyed 'yes for you...and Karan...Karan beta sit down, you eat as well' Karan was about to sit when he heard a car pull up, pushing the chair back in he retracted his steps and went to stand by the stairs. Zoya looked at him, she didn't like that he had to be so far from her, and stand there like he was on guard. Karan read her expression, he gave her a smile and a wink before he turned around to face the front.

Hamid came in with a number of men looking flustered 'I want a full investigation, whoever is behind this isn't getting away with it' Zoya stood up hearing his raised and anger laced voice 'Mamoon' she whispered out. Hamid stopped in his tracks, he held his hand up indicating his men to leave him. Putting on a smile he stepped forwards and held out his arms. Zoya hugged him 'how was your trip?' 'I loved it...it's was absolutely beautiful...but what I loved more was the company I was in...Mamoon are you ok...did something happen?' Hamid tapped her rosy cheek 'nothing for you to worry about...come let me join you for dinner, I know your Aisha Bibi has been working hard making all you favourite dishes' as Zoya sat down again Hamid looked towards Karan 'good to see you too Karan, I trust you had a good break too' 'yes Sir...Sir if I am not needed right now I would like to go and report to Mr Roy' 'yes, of course you can...Karan, there is something I would like to discuss with you...I am thinking if Roy should also be a part of that conversation...you go and meet him, if he is free could you bring him back with to meet with me?' 'Definitely Sir' Karan was about to walk off when Aisha Bibi called after him 'Karan at least have something to eat, you must also be hungry' Zoya looked at him pleadingly, Karan gave her a faint smile 'thank you Aisha Bibi, I really need to meet with Mr Roy, I promise to eat when I get back'.

Karan walked into Mr Roy's office 'it's good to see you, come sit' Karan sat down opposite him 'I want you to look at this' Karan took the file from his hand and started reading through it. Physically Karan couldn't open his eyes any wider, as he continued to read in disbelief his jaw started to tighten as his body started to shake with anger 'that bas***d...' 'Karan there is a lot more than just this...he has quite cleverly used Hamid and his party as a cover up. I know Hamid is not the nicest of men but he still has integrity, he is a man of his word and he does aim to help...Akram has used his good name to feed his illegal businesses, drugs, arms, coercion, blackmailing, prostitution, money laundering...you name anything and I can guarantee you he has a hand in it. It's actually quite impressive that at such a young age he has managed to do so much' 'is his father involved?' 'Not that I am aware of, he seems decent enough...we received intelligence from the crime branch this morning that a number if girls from a Muslim girls hostel under the care of Hamid were kidnapped, and I have no reservations in pointing the finger at Akram' Karan stood up 'Hamid wanted for you come back with me...he came in irate about something maybe it was this' 'quite possible...Karan Akram is dangerous, you need to keep Zoya safe, away from him, we will need to show Hamid Akram's true colours, let him know what a scumbag he has chosen for Zoya' 'you don't need to worry about Zoya, I will break any hand that's reached out for her...to get to her they need to get through me'.

Karan walked in with Mr Roy 'please sit, I will let him know you are here' Karan walked towards the back of the house to locate Hamid. As he passed through the kitchen he felt a hand grab him and pull him back 'Zoya...are you crazy?' 'Yes, totally...what took you so long' 'Zoya I really can't talk right now...as soon as I finish I will come up to you' Zoya started pouting 'Zoya...please...stop looking at me like that...now go' he said trying to hurry her before someone saw them. Zoya quickly jumped up and kissed him on the cheek before she ran out 'crazy girl' he said shaking his head behind her back.

As guessed Hamid spoke to Mr Roy about the kidnappings 'Roy, I have come across a number of other things that have been going on too...what I would like from you is a full covert operation, I know who ever is doing this is from the inside and I need to find out who it is, at any cost' 'don't worry, I will have my men on this...um what about Karan, is he relieved from his duty as Zoya's bodyguard or...' 'No, not at all...I would like him to stay on at least for another 7-10 days and then after that he is free' Mr Roy and Karan looked at Hamid 'why only 7-10 days?' 'I have not spoken, I mean told Zoya this...but I have arranged her marriage, she will be marrying my friend Fawad Ali's son, Akram. I will need Karan to stay until the wedding' Karan fisted his hands, he could feel his blood boil so much that his veins started popping through his skin.

'Roy how quickly can you get me what I need?' 'I will have it to you in a few days, that's all I need' he said confidently, he knew he had all the evidence he needed all he had to do was show him.

After Mr Roy left Hamid looked towards Karan 'I would appreciate it if you didn't mention any of this to Zoya, I will be speaking to her myself tomorrow' 'yes Sir'.

Karan ran up to his room, as he stepped out on to the balcony he saw Zoya sitting with Aisha Bibi 'finally' she said jumping off her chair and running into his arm 'you ok?' She asked 'I am now' 'Zoya let him sit, he still hasn't eaten...let him eat first' Aisha Bibi started to uncover the food she had brought up in a tray for him. Zoya took his hand into hers and led him to the small coffee table 'I will leave you two to it' Aisha Bibi said getting up 'Aisha Bibi, please wait I need to talk to you'.

Aisha Bibi and Zoya sat down next to him, they were flabbergasted, Zoya had her mouth covered and Aisha Bibi couldn't move, her brain had frozen over 'but that's not all I wanted to tell you...Zoya your Mamoon told Mr Roy that you will be getting married in ten days time and that he himself will be talking to you about Akram...Akram's truth will come out before the so called wedding so I am certain that your Mamoon will not go ahead with it...when he talks to you tomorrow just don't over react' 'I am not saying yes Karan...I am already married' 'I am not asking you to Zoya...all I am saying is...look I don't want your relationship to turn sour...we need him on our side for him to realise' 'Karan is right Zoya, this news about Akram has changed everything...we will need to be smart...and extremely cautious'.

Aisha Bibi stood up and walked back into her room, Karan looked towards Zoya who had her head lowered. 'Come here' he said holding his hand out to her, as she took it he pulled her so she sat on his lap 'I think I want to kill him' she said looking serious, Karan started laughing 'my little killing machine...he won't get away with it, every dog has it's day...and his is coming soon' 'I'm scared...what will Mamoon say?' 'What ever he does say just talk to him...don't let it get out of hand in anyway''I'll try'.

After being force feed by Zoya Karan got up 'come on wifey...time to go to sleep' 'away from you?' Karan held her face and kissed her forehead 'just for a little while...I promise' making sure she was lying down comfortably Karan gave her one last kiss before he returned to his room.

Zoya woke up feeling sick, just the thought of her Mamoon talking to her about Hamid was making her stomach churn painfully.

Managing to get out of bed and change she walked downstairs 'Iram, where is everyone?' She asked seeing the place empty 'they are all out on the lawn...can I get you some breakfast?' 'No thank you...maybe just some juice, you can bring it out' 'I will do'

Zoya tried hard to smile at Hamid as she greeted him 'just the person I wanted to see...sit, I need to talk to you about something very important' Zoya fisted her hands as she reluctantly sat down 'a...about what?' Putting down his cup he sat back in his chair 'about you...Zoya, after Baji and Bhai Sahib passed away, I did what I could and how I could to ensure that you remained happy, safe, that you always had someone to turn to...I know I have not always been there, but my love for you as a daughter has...' Zoya felt her insides dip 'Mamoon...why you saying all this?' 'Because beta I want to fulfil my obligation as a father to you...Zoya, you have completed your education here and abroad, it's time for you to settle down beta, in your own home, with your own family' 'but this is my home and my family' Hamid chuckled 'of course it is Zoya, and forever will be...but I am talking about the one that you will have in addition to this. Zoya I have arranged for you to get married beta, to Akram Ali'

Zoya held her breath as he finally uttered those words, words she was dreading to hear. In an instant her eyes moistened 'Mamoon...please...I don't want yo marry him, I don't like him' Hamid sat forward and held her hand 'beta, you don't know him not to like him...but we can change that...he can come and take you out, spend time with you. He is a good guy from a very good family. I will invite them all for dinner tonight and we can sit and officially announce the wedding...ok I have a meeting to get to, you enjoy the rest of your day' Zoya pulled at his arm as he started to walk away, her eyes were crying painfully 'Mamoon...please don't do this, I can't marry him, I don't want to...' Hamid wiped her tears with his fingers 'you will be fine Zoya, the sooner you get used to the idea the better' not letting her say anything more Hamid walked off leaving Zoya to fall to the floor in more tears.

Karan tried hard to calm her down but she refused to 'Zoya, please stop crying...nothing will happen, it will be ok' 'what if won't...Karan please take me away from here...I can't be here' Karan held her close to him, he hated seeing he in such a state, as much as he would like to run away with her it wasn't an option, they had already taken a big step by marrying in secrecy.

Zoya wore a plain black shalwar kameez 'don't look at me like that...I am not dressing up' she said looking towards Aisha Bibi 'I wasn't going to ask you to dress up...and it was the state of your face I was looking at, Zoya your eyes are so red and puffy' 'good...I am going to lace his food with rat poison' 'we don't have any' 'Aisha Bibi this is not the time to be funny' Zoya almost shouted out in her frustration. Aisha Bibi was about to walk towards her when Karan stopped her 'Aisha Bibi, let me...we will be out soon'.

'Don't...ok, just don't' she said walking away from him 'don't what Zoya...you think this is easy for me, it's not...you are my wife, my half that completes me...I won't let anything happen to you, to us...please trust me' slowly turning around Zoya out her arms around him 'I do trust you' she said in a low voice 'good...look at me' Zoya tilted her head upwards, as she did Karan captured her lips with his and kissed her softly 'I love you' 'I love you too'.

Aisha Bibi went in to see Hamid 'will you not rethink your decision...Zoya hasn't stopped crying since you told her...don't do this to her Hamid, it's not what she wants' Hamid closed his book, taking in a deep breath he walked up to her 'she is young and doesn't understand that elders only make decisions that benefit them' 'do they...where is the benefit in this decision Hamid, you are making her do something against her own will she isn't little anymore, she is a grown woman who knows what she does and doesn't want in life...and this she doesn't want...she is hurting Hamid...please' 'Aisha Bibi...' Hamid's sentence was cut short by one of his men who came in to let him know that his guests had arrived. As he was about to walk out Aisha Bibi grabbed on to his arm 'it's not too late Hamid, don't let pride or ego destroy the girl you love so much'.

Hamid walked out silently, he greeted Fawad and his wife, and then Akram. As they sat down and initiated conversations Akram's eyes started to roam, it wasn't long before they stopped as they came into contact with hard a pair of hard hitting eyes that glared at him 'perfect, that moron is here too' he said to himself 'uncle, where is Zoya?' He said plastering on a smile 'Karan, can you please get Iram or Aisha Bibi to bring Zoya down'.

Aisha Bibi held on to her hand as she came down the stairs. Zoya's eyes that depicted her inner most pain and fear looked straight at Hamid. Hamid saw the state she was in and felt his own stomach twist.

In the lowest voice possible Zoya said salaam to Fawad Ali and his wife, purposefully ignoring Akram she went and sat on a seat that made her sit directly opposite to where Karan was standing. Karan smiled inwardly as he looked at her at the same time he felt her anxiety and uneasiness, the quicker this was over the better.

Zoya refused to engage in any conversation, keeping her answers limited to one or two syllables. 'Hamid Bhai, I think we can officially announce the pending marriage between these two' Akram's Ammi said smiling at Zoya, Zoya's eyes instantly brimmed with unshed tears she looked up at Karan who slowly shook his head telling her not to cry. Hamid looked at Zoya and saw little droplets of water escape the corner of her eye. Clearing his throat Hamid sat up 'Fawad, I think I need a little more time...Zoya has just returned to Delhi, I haven't spoken to her properly...I mean about what she wants and so on...' Fawad looked at Hamid confused whereas Akram looked at him with anger. On the other side Karan and Zoya couldn't belief what they were hearing. Zoya started smiling.

'I don't understand...I thought it was a done deal...I mean we have planned the wedding...in just under two weeks' Fawad said standing up. Hamid also stood up 'I appreciate that...as you know I honour my words and promises I make, I am asking for more time, I am not saying no' 'more time for what, if you honour your promises then why the delay?' Akram spat out 'Akram' Fawad called out 'it's ok, if Hamid has said he is not saying no that means the wedding will still go ahead...announcing it today or tomorrow makes no difference' Hamid gave him a smile and nodded, in the end Fawad agreed and then left with his son who looked like he had just lost first prize.

Zoya ran to Hamid and hugged him 'thank you Mamoon, thank you so much' Hamid tapped her head 'Zoya seeing you cry is not easy for me just like going back in my word isn't easy, I will give you a few more days to get used to the idea...beta, you will marry Akram as planned' Zoya's face dropped instantly as Hamid walked off she looked at Karan.

Stepping to the side he gestured for her to go upstairs. As soon as Karan entered her room she fell to his feet crying 'please don't make me go through this, take me away from here' seeing her at his feet made his insides shatter, he quickly sat down next to her and took her into his arms 'I'm so sorry Zoya, please forgive me...just two more days, I promise by then Akram's truth will be out and so will ours' kissing the top of her head he picked her up in his arms and walked her to the bed 'get some rest' 'Karan, please don't leave me...stay...I need you'. Karan smiled as he stroked her cheek 'I will be back soon'.

Karan called Mr Roy to update him with what had happened 'don't worry Karan,Tuesday morningI will have everything, I will be there first thing' 'thank you...I just hope until then I can manage to contain Zoya' 'Karan why don't you take her out tomorrow, away from the house and atmosphere' 'I will do...good night'.

'Aisha Bibi, I am with Zoya...I promise I won't stay long, she needs me to be with her, she is really upset' 'it's ok Karan, you don't need to explain to me, she is your wife...go to her'.

Every time Zoya tried to deepen their kiss Karan would pull back 'Karan please' she said in a broken voice, as much as he wanted to be with her he was wasn't prepared to take the risk. 'Zoya, it's not safe to...just look around you, look where we are' feeling dejected Zoya sat back and turned away from him 'Zoya, don't look away from me...not like this' 'Karan go back to your room, you're right it's not safe for you to be in here' Karan reached out for her hand which she pulled back. Not saying anything to him Zoya pulled her bedding over herself and closed her eyes. It wasn't easy for him to see her like that but he knew it's as only a matter of time, time that Hamid unknowingly had bought for them.

Standing up he bent down to kiss the side of her head 'I love you Zoya' he whispered in her ear before he walked out.