As they got off the car they walked towards the check in desk 'Mr Khan, you brother booked you on the next flight, you can check your luggage in now, the flight isn't for another forty minutes, we will get our people carriers to take you towards the gate' 'thank you'.
Zoya sat down waiting for the boarding gate to open, she kept looking at Asad through the corner of her eye, she had said nothing since they arrived and it was starting to put her on extreme edge. Not being able to stand it any longer Zoya stood up. Asad put down his phone and looked up at her 'are you ok' 'Yes...No...I mean...Thank you Mr Khan...for helping me...you paid for my clothes...but I don't want you to...I will pay you back...you can keep my wages...whatever I get every month you can keep until I have paid it all off' Asad looked at her bewildered 'Zoya, its ok, it's only a few outfits...no need' 'No...you don't understand...Mr Khan, I am a girl who comes from a very different walk of life...these clothes...this isn't me...please don't get me wrong, I love them, I really appreciate it but...you see this outfit, that I am wearing...this costs more than everything I own...I can't accept it' Asad was surprised by what she was saying, he couldn't describe what he felt but whatever it was increased his respect for her.
Taking a few steps closer to her he looked deep into her eyes 'I appreciate what you are saying, and respect your sentiments...but honestly it's no big deal...if you really think that you can't accept it think of it as a perk of the job...or a birthday present...anything that will get you to accept them' Zoya was just about to say something when their gate was announced 'that's us...come on lets go'.
The journey was not long but was one filled with silence, Asad tried to initiate brief conversations with Zoya but she refrained from engaging.
Once they had arrived at the hotel Asad called or Annie who came down to the foyer to meet with them. As soon as she saw Zoya she was blown away 'Masha'Allah, Zoya you look...wow, totally amazing...this definitely suits you' Zoya started to blush, she looked nervously towards Asad who stood starring back at her 'thank you...Mr Khan...brought them for me' Annie turned towards Asad and raised an eyebrow, Asad raised one back at her 'there is a good reason...Zoya can fill you in, I need to get to work...I will see you guys in the restaurant at around seven'.
Annie showed Zoya to her room 'oh my gosh...this...I mean I have all this to myself?' she asked in astonishment, Annie couldn't help laughing at her innocence 'yes, all for you...me and Zack are next door, Bhaijaan is opposite you there' she said pointing back towards the door. Zoya sat down with Annie and told her what had happened 'Ya Allah...am just glad you are ok...and Zoya trust me Bhaijaan may look all strict and serious but he has a heart of gold...I know how you feel and honestly I do understand but if he has brought you clothes then accept them...it really is no big deal' 'I know...thank you...so what do we wear to this dinner?' Annie's eyes started to sparkle as if she had found her own little project 'what?' Zoya asked not understanding her expressions 'you leave it to me...I will be back soon, in the mean time you can unpack and shower' 'ok'.
Zoya did exactly that, she showered and changed into her own clothes, she sat by the window combing her fingers through her damp locks, every so often the day would flash by her, as if she could still feel his arms around her as he held her, his eyes that looked at her with concern and his voice that alternated between tones of seriousness and softness.
It had almost been two hours since Annie had left her, Zoya looked at her watch, it had just gone six 'Ya Allah, where is she...what am I supposed to wear' just as Zoya was about to call her she heard a knock at the door 'Zoya, it's Annie' she heard her call out.
Zoya ran to open the door 'hey, where did you get to' 'to get this' she said holding out a bag 'what is that?' 'come let me show you' Annie made Zoya sit down 'the dinner is an official dinner, so it's all about suits, ties and beautiful dresses...so I got you this' she said pulling out a black and silver chiffon dress.
Zoya was on the verge of losing her eyes and her heart beat altogether 'Annie...I can't wear that...' 'you can and you will...oh...these shoes too' 'Ya Allah...Annie...I have never worn heels before...I am telling you there is no way I am going to pull this outfit off...and...where did you get this from?' 'I went out and bought it' 'you did what?...what is it with you Khan's seriously...does every intern get this treatment?' 'Actually no, you are the first' she said laughing 'Annie...please' 'please what...look I bought myself one in silver and black...opposite colours...let me get mine we can get changed together'
Zoya looked in the mirror and let out a gasp 'who is that?' she said looking at the girl who stood before her 'did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are?' Zoya shook her head geek, nerd, sloppy, teacher's pet...never beautiful...is this what beautiful looks like?' Annie placed her hand over her shoulder and made her turn around 'beautiful and stunning...let this be the new you Zoya, the Zoya that stands out a mile, that makes every head turn and every heart beat...you are intelligent, and from what I know an amazing person...just believe in yourself' Zoya's eyes moistened, she quickly wrapped her arms around Annie 'I have never had anyone say anything so amazing to me before, thank you' 'don't ruin my work of art...here wipe your tears away...lets go'.
Zack came out of his room to see Annie and Zoya, who almost looked like twins 'Masha'Allah' he said as he wrapped his arm around his wife's little waist and kissed her cheek. Zoya turned around smiling shyly 'you will have to excuse him Zoya...he doesn't know how to keep his hands to himself' Zoya started to giggle 'Miss Farooqui, you look stunning' 'thank you' Asad is already downstairs, let's go'.
Asad who was engaged in deep conversation with a delegate from neighboring China caught Zack and Annie walk into the restaurant, he was just about to revert his attention back to Mr Hung when he stopped. He saw Zoya walk in behind Annie, he was totally awestruck, in her long chiffon dress, her sparkling silver heels, her hair curled loosely and her face adorning light make up, she looked more than beautiful, she looked absolutely hypnotizing.
Taking in a deep breath Zoya took another step into the restaurant, her eyes of their own accord searched for him and it wasn't long before they found him. Zoya held her breath as she saw him looking directly at her. Clad in his black Armani suit he looked like a million dollars, actually make that a few million dollars.
Putting down his glass Asad started to walk towards her, Zoya tried to look away divert her gaze but his hold was too powerful, she gave him a nervous smile as he came and stood right before her 'Hello Mr Khan' 'Asad...you can call me Asad' 'As...Mr Khan, I can't do that...' 'we are not at work Zoya, I like to be addressed informally outside of work' 'but...we are at work...I mean this is a part of your work, is it not' 'it is...but still, I would like it if you called me Asad' not realising what he was doing Asad held his hand out 'please come, I will introduce to a few people who will be very interested in your presentation' Zoya who couldn't tear her eyes away from his slowly lifted her hand and placed into his and let him hold her.
The evening was definitely on her list of the best top ten, Zoya had never had so much fun, the best part about it was that she fitted in with ease, she had managed to shed any inhibitions she had walking along side Asad, today she didn't feel intimidated.
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Bindi
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