Hello Lovely Readers,
Im back with the next chapter. I haven't replied to the comments on the previous chap yet as, for which Im sorry buttt I've read each one of them a couple of times.
A biggg thank you to everyone who read and left back a feedback. I honestly appreciate and look forward to your response. Will reply to the comments from next time, In'Sha'Allah.
Sueee, this ones for you dear. I hope u'l b able to read it. Wish you v best of luck for the upcoming exam.
Lotss of Love.
Chapter 4.
Beads of sweat trickled down Asad's chiselled body as he did his daily exercise. He fell forward on the mat after completing a set of push ups, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes enjoying the cool breeze on the terrace which brought some relief from the sun that shone brightly in the clear sky.
"Asad." He looked around in a daze hearing someone call his name. He realized he had fallen asleep on the terrace.
"There you are. Dekho to sahi, kaun milne aaya hai tumse?" Dilshad said coming out with a squirming baby in her arms.
"Hello my sweetheart." Asad addressed Zaina with affection and laughed as she eagerly opened her arms telling him to take her.
"Ap yahan subah subah kaise?" He said hugging her close to his chest.
"Asad, main or Hadia kuch kaam se market ja rahey hain. Thodi dair mein aa jaien ge."
"Ammi, aj shaam mein mehendi ki rasm hai or abhi tak ap logon ki shopping khatam nahi hui?" He asked not understanding how their shopping list never ended.
"Yeh chota mota kaam tou last day tak chaley ga, tum nahin samjho ge. Bus please tum Zaina ka khayal rakhna. Hum jaldi aa jaien ge." She said caressing the baby's head.
"Ammi mujhe office jana hai. Main kaise is ko rakhun ga?" He asked baffled with his mother's request.
"Uff ho Asad, agar tum aik din chutti kar lo ge ya late chaley jao ge to koi toofan thodi aa jaye ga." She said with a roll of her eyes.
"Ammi main.."
"Kuch nahin sunu gi main, waisey bhi tumhien ghar per hi rehna chahye, tumhare bhai ki shaadi hai. Zaina ka bag neecha rakha hai. Allah Hafiz." She added and quickly left.
"Looks like it's just you and me now Princess. Common, let's get you away from this heat." Asad said picking up his things.
"Hey Zack. How are you?" Asad answered his ringing mobile.
"Hey Bro, I'm good. Is that Zaina's voice in the background? What's she doing in the office?" Zack asked confusedly.
"Yes, it's Zaina. She's playing with her toys. She's not in the office, I'm at home." He said catching the ball she rolled towards him.
"Home? Kyun? Where are Hadia and Ammi?" Zack questioned.
"They are both out for some last minute shopping."
"In logon ki shopping kabhi khatam nahin ho sakti."
"Agree. Tum batao, packing ho gayi? Where's Aaiza, warn her to expect the whole family with band baja at the airport to receive her. Ammi is extremely excited to finally meet her to be bahu." Asad laughed at his mother's excitement.
"Asad, there's something I had to tell you." The sudden change in Zack's tone alarmed him.
"Kya baat hai Zack? Is everything alright?" He questioned, worry etched on his face.
"Aaiza ko food poisoning ho gayi hai. She went out for lunch with her colleagues yesterday, whatever she ate didn't agree with her, she couldn't keep anything in. I had to rush her to the hospital. Abhi bhi wahin hoon." Zack informed him.
"Oh no. How's she now? What is the doctor saying? How long will they keep her in?"
"Better than last night but still weak. The doctor wants to keep her in till tomorrow."
"That'll be good for her."
"Aaiza is insisting that we take our scheduled flight tonight but I'm not too sure. I don't think hum Hassan ki shaadi attend kar paien ge, Asad." Zack hesitated before saying.
"You know Ammi and Hassan are going to be disheartened. They were really looking forward to see you after a year but right now Aaiza's health comes first. She needs rest which I can assure you yahan nahi miley ga with all the wedding craziness." Asad said.
"Exactly my point per mujhe samajh nahi aa raha main Ammi or Hassan ko kaise bataon?" Zack sighed sadly.
"Don't worry Zack, wo dono samajh jaien ge, I'm sure." Asad assured him.
"I know they will but still I feel bad on breaking their hearts at the last moment. Aaiza is upset with me too. She doesn't want to miss the wedding."
"Aaiza se main baat karun ga. She won't miss anything. I'll get arrangements done for her to see all the ceremonies live."
"Thanks Bro. So, how's my little one doing?"
"Your little one isn't little anymore Zack." Zoya's beautiful face flashed in front of Asad's eyes as he spoke.
"I'm sure she isn't. I've been wanting to talk to her per hui hi nahin. I miss her a lot. How's she doing? Did she ask about me?" Zack asked eagerly.
"She's fine."
"Is she still not talking to you Asad?" He sighed taking his silence as a yes.
"Did you atleast try and ask her what the matter is?"
"I did but she said everything was fine between us yet she doesn't even look at me let alone talk. I.. I don't know what to do anymore Zack?" Asad rubbed his palms over his face, his voice potraying his emotions well.
"Send me Zoya's number. I'm going to talk to her." Zack said upset at seeing his best friend hurt.
"No Zack, you won't." Asad said firmly.
"Did Inaaya speak to Zoya?"
"No."
"What the heck is this Asad? Why won't you let us talk to her?" He replied irritated.
"Zack please, try and understand. I don't want you or Inaaya to ruin their relationship with Zoya by taking my side."
"No one is taking sides or favouring you Asad, we are neither blind or ignorant, we can see how her behaviour towards you has changed and as her friends we have a right to question her too"
"You're right but I want to sort out this matter with her on my own."
"If you say so but remember if you need my help in anyway, I'm always here for you."
"I know you are. Thank you. Listen I'll call back at night, I need to figure out why Zaina is getting upset now. Give my love to Aaiza and you take care of yourself too. Allah Hafiz." Asad ended the call with Zack, his best friend come brother since grade three who was currently out of country, and went to pick up the cranky baby.
The Farooqui Villa was adorned beautifully with yellow and white flowers to celebrate the mehndi ceremony of their eldest child. As Hassan had wanted to keep the affairs low, they had organized the function in the house and only selected ladies were invited. There was a separate tent set up for men of the house where they were seated and served refreshments. Asad moved around the table laden with mehndi accessories trying to establish a connection between his ipad and digital video camera to capture the function as promised to Aaiza, who was still hospitalized. Though Dilshaad and Hassan were upset at the news of them not joining the wedding both told Aaiza to look after herself and that they would visit her soon.
Zoya rushed around attending the guests and making sure everything was going smoothly. She didn't have to do much as Rahul had taken care of every detail to perfection, leaving her with very little to do. All she had to do now was give a cursory glance. She ran out of her room after picking up the last tray of gifts but something held her back. She tried to take a few steps ahead but realized her duppatta was stuck somewhere. Zoya stood with a hand over her frantically beating heart and the other balancing a tray.
"Asad." She whispered with closed eyes. She hadn't seen him till now but knew he was around. She could still feel his presence, even after being away for so long. Zoya turned around and lifted her lashes slowly, hoping against hope that her heart was not wrong that her eyes would see him but every hope came crashing as her eyes saw nothing but an empty space. She felt stupid for even thinking about him and pulled her duppatta away from the door hinge forcefully. She saw her father coming up with his friend so walked towards them to greet him.
The groom's side had brought in the mehendi for shagun. Everyone was enjoying the function except for Asad. He was mentally absent, his inner turmoil was taking a toll on him but he sat through everything just because he couldn't break Hassan's heart, who was his brother. He had become a pro by now at hiding his emotions from everyone. He stood up to go out in fresh air when a flash of light caught his attention. He turned around to see Zoya standing in the lobby decked up in a green and magenta churidaar. She looked beautiful to say the least. Her black lashes touching the top of cheeks which were glowing with a rosy hue added to her beauty. He saw her turn around and within minute her shy, hopeful expression changed into a scowl as she pulled her duppatta. His gaze went to her back and he rushed forward cursing under his breath.
"Assalam O Alaikum Uncle." Zoya greeted with a smile.
"Assalam O Alaikum Uncle." Asad came to a stop just behind her, startling her. She tried to step forward but he discreetly held her waist, pulling her into his chest. He pulled her behind the large imitation plants as Yusuf left after introducing them both to his old friend.
"Umm.. Your shirt.. It's open." He mumbled uncomfortably. Zoya squinted her eyes not understanding his words, the shirt looked just fine to her. She turned around to see in the mirror towards which he pointed. A gasp escaped her lips on noticing the strings of her shirt untied. She gulped audibly and ducked her head feeling embarassed to be in such a situation.
"May I?" Asad asked hesitantly noticing her hands were occupied. He stepped closer as she nodded slowly. Zoya felt a surge of electricity pass through her as his fingers skimmed her skin while tying the knots. She bit her lower lip to control her spiralling emotions.
"Done." He whispered.
"Thanks." She replied in an even softer voice meeting his stormy greyish blue orbs in the mirror. Her silky locks cascaded down her shoulders till her waist, covering her naked back from everyone's gaze, as he pulled out the pin holding them in a bun. She watched him go in a trance with a fluttering heart.
"I love you. Will you please marry me?" Haider asked bending down on one knee in front of Zoya, for the fourth time in one day, with a forced smile. He was irritated at the number of times she made him rehearse the proposal and everytime found something to object on.
"Umm.. Is that how you're planning to propose in front of everyone? Where's the ring?" Zoya asked opening an empty box in his hand.
"Remember we've still not gone to get the rings? What's wrong in proposing like this?" Haider asked.
"This way will surely get you a big no. And don't count on me for ring shopping, I'm very busy. I've already told you what to get." She pushed the box back in his hand.
"Do you even know how hard it is to say this in front of everyone? To top it all, you always have the fear of rejection." He said with a frown.
"Well in your case you're saved because you already know the answer. Now don't spoil it with this long face and your stupidity." She rolled her eyes. The two continued to bicker and failed to notice that Asad had witnessed the whole scene from the ajar door. He had seen Haider drag Zoya into one of the guest rooms and when they didn't return after ten minutes, he went to check on them. Asad's forehead crinkled with lines as he couldn't understand what he saw. A part of his heart urged him to go forward and clear his doubts but he gripped the door knob tightly, stopping himself from making any move. He knew he would get no answers from her, not today atleast, so he decided to wait for the correct time.
The sangeet ceremony was nearing its end at the Khan Mansion. All friends had performed to various numbers with their partners. Asad was shocked to see Haider dance with Humaira and then propose her in front of everyone. He quickly glanced at Zoya to see her reaction and was relieved to see her beaming and cheering for her friends. He sighed in relief realizing that Haider was practicing the previous day. Asad was pulled out of his thoughts as the crowd erupted in claps when Humaira accepted the proposal. He turned around not paying attention to anyone but the one who held his attention undivided. He had not looked at her properly throughout the evening thinking she belonged to someone else but now he couldn't resist this urge longer. Zoya was clad in an ice blue and pink sharara with silver work. She looked no less than a princess. His smile widened on noticing that he had an ice blue sherwani with gray pajama pants. This must be Inaaya's work to color co-ordinnate their clothes, he mused. Asad turned around in astonishment as the spotlight stopped on him. With one look at his friends he knew what they all wanted from him. They cheered as he gave in to their request. He went towards Inaaya and asked for a dance which she accepted happily.
Asad took Inaaya to the center of the floor and started singing.
Na hai yeh pana
Na Khona hi hai
Tera Na hona jane
Kyun hona hi hai
Tum se hi din hota hai
Surmaiye shaam aati hai
Tumse hi tumse hi
Har ghari saans aati hai
Zindagi kehlati hai
Tumse hi tumse hi
Na hai yeh pana
Na Khona hi hai
Tera Na hona jane
Kyun hona hi hai
All the other couples joined them at the dance floor as Asad continued to sing. His gaze fixated on Zoya who was dancing with Hassan. She also couldn't look away from his burning gaze.
Aankhon mein ankhen teri
Bahoon mein baahein teri
Mera na mujh mein kuch raha hua kya
Baaton mein baatein teri
Raatein saugatein teri
Kyun tera sab yeh ho gaya
hua kya
Mein kahin bhi jata hoon
Tumse hi mil jata hoon
Tumse hi tumse hi
Shor mein khamoshi hai
Thodi se Behoshi hai
Tum se hi tum se hi..
All of them twirled and changed their partners as the music played on in background. Asad smiled as all his friends stepped back with their partners when Zoya landed in his arms leaving them in the center to dance together. He held her waist possessively as she fidgeted to move away. He bent his face towards hers to look into her beautiful emerald eyes and sang.
Aadha sa wada kabhi
Aadhe se zayada kabhi
Jee chahe karlu is tarah wafa ka..
Asad entwined their fingers and pulled her into his chest.
Chode na chote kabhi
Tode na tute kabhi
Jo dhaga tumse jud gaya wafa ka..
He buried his face in her hair inhaling her fragrance and sung huskily in her ear,
Mein Tera sarmaya hoon
Jo bhi mein ban paya hoon
Tumse hi tumse hi
Raste miljate hai
Manzile miljati hai
Tumse hi tumse hi
Na hai yeh pana
Na Khona hi hai
Tera Na hona jane
Kyun hona hi hai..
He twirled her out and back to him moving with her around the floor in perfect sync forgetting about the world. The music stopped with Zoya crashing into his chest, their noses touching and their eyes communicating in silence. The loud hoots and whistles broke their trance. Asad winked at her as they moved away making her mouth drop down in surprise.
The last guests had left leaving behind only the families of the groom and bride. Asad had been restless as he couldn't get a moment alone with Zoya. He was thinking what to do when he saw Zoya rushing out in the backyard as her friends teased her about something, so he went behind her. Asad found her admiring the color of her mehendi with a small smile. He peeped from behind her shoulders to see the color and smiled fondly seeing the darkest shade of brown, almost black filling her hands up to her elbows. He kissed her temple unconsciously making her go rigid. Asad realized his action but didn't apologize for it as he didn't find it inappropriate.
"I've waited long enough Zoya, tell me what I've done so wrong. I can't take this silence any longer." He said gripping her wrist from behind as she turned to run.
"Asad, I've already answered your question once, now please let me go." She said jerking her hand away.
"Yes, you did but both of us know that you're lying. Tell me why you're behaving so strangely with me?" He asked turning her to face him but Zoya turned around without answering him. Asad pulled her back and cornered her into the wall blocking the sides with his arms. His eyes held such intensity in them that she felt her entire body burn under his gaze. He kept looking at her, his gaze undeterred until Zoya opened her mouth.
"I heard you tell your friends at the party that I was just a responsibilty that you had to fullfill due to your Abbu."
"How did you get there? You had a party somewhere else, didn't you?" He asked without any expression.
"I didn't know about the change in venue until we arrived there. I went to look for you and that's when I overheard part of your conversation." She said meeting his eyes and knew he was thinking about that night too.
Zoya had reached The Taj Hotel for her friend's birthday party. After the cake was cut, she headed in search of Asad who was also there with his group of friends for a weekend get together. Zoya had persuaded him to go as he had stopped going out with them. She found him sitting near the bar with a soft drink in his hand. She moved towards him but stopped in her tracks listening to the conversation between them.
"Are you and Zoya together? I mean as a couple." Hamza, one of Asad's friend asked.
"Of course not. We're just friends. What on earth gave you that impression?" Asad asked instantly.
"Beacaue you seem to spend every monent you have with her, knocking back our invitations, one is bound to question." Feroze, another friend, added slightly swaying in his seat.
"Zoya is my responsibilty. Abbu has told me to look after her until her parents settle here. That's it." Asad said taking a huge gulp of his drink.
"You mean to say you have no feelings for her? It's hard to digest that because you two are pretty close and you are really protective of her. You don't have to lie to us Asad, afterall we're your friends." Hamza said eyeing him with uncertainty.
"You have misinterpreted our friendship. We are just friends. I spend time with her because it's my duty to take care of her. I don't believe in all this love and relationship stuff. It's an over rated emotion which I have no time nor desire for. Love is for foolish people and I am no fool." Asad said, swallowing the huge knot in his throat. Zoya felt her heart constrict with pain on hearing him. She covered her mouth with her palm to stop the sobs but she couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She willed herself to remain strong in front of everyone but left the venue shortly bidding bye to her friends.
Asad's arms dropped from the sides and he moved back looking at the floor.
"Mujhe afsos hai ke tumne jo baatien suni, un per yaqeen kar liya or mujhse aik baar poocha bhi nahin ke maine wo sab kyun bola?" He spoke still staring at the ground with his hands fisted tightly.
"I didn't feel the need to question you. However much it hurt to hear all that, it was the truth, it was how you felt about me. I only accepted it and moved on." Zoya replied with a shrug but on the inside her heart broke all over again.
"Zaza, I can explain. It's not what you think it to be. Listen to me once." He said taking a step towards her but she raised her hand to stop him from coming near.
"There's no need to explain or justify your words Asad. I don't want to discuss anything regarding the past. I think it'll be best if we stay away from each other." Zoya said without meeting his eyes. She turned around and leaned against the wall, not wanting to show him how much the events from seven years back still affected her.
"If that is what you want, I promise aj ke baad tumhare kareeb kabhi nahin aoonga." Asad left the Mansion after looking at her with eyes full of hurt and remorse, accepting her wish.
CID
127