Mine; Always & Forever. An AsYa ff. Chapter 13 updated on pg 86. - Page 25

Chapter 5.

The wedding had come to its end and Inaaya had left for her new home with her husband and his family. Asad had stayed true to his word, never crossed paths with Zoya once. There was no word to describe his devastated state after that day of confrontation but he pulled himself up to fulfill his duty as a brother. His aloofness was infinite times painful than his persistance to know what the matter was. It hurt Zoya a lot to see him avoiding her gaze and keeping himself away from her. That was what she had wanted. That was why she had said words that stung, but he wasn't alone she was more hurt by them; she felt the pain for both of them. She rubbed her arms to bring warmth to her body and to try and erase such thoughts but in vain. Where Inaaya took the first step of her new life with her love and life partner, Zoya took a step back and reminiscened her past; one which had affected her drastically and was responsible for the person she was today.

Flashback

Zoya's gaze flickered from the fluffy white clouds forming patterns on the clear blue sky to the green plants swaying merrily with the breeze to the grey concrete building with red rooftop; intently taking in every detail of her surrounding as the car sped through the almost empty road before joining the main highway. Today she was embarking on a new journey in life, leaving behind her hometown, the place which held the most cherished years of her life towards a new destination with hopes of a bright and better tomorrow. Zoya had different shades to her personality. She was naive and innocent but also had a side that was dedicated and strong. She came out as shy and demure at first but with the people she got to know and became friends with, she was exuberant and lively. The one thing she disliked was change. She couldn't adapt easily to the new circumstances but with the help of her family and friends, she overcame this obstacle aswell. This time was going to be different as she was on her own, a first for her. Zoya pressed her head against the cold window glass and closed her eyes with a sigh, her heart heavy with mixed emotions, as the aeroplane taxied on the runway.

The Farooquis lived in Shimla. They had a flourishing business of hotels here and in many cities around the country. Yusuf Farooqui wanted the best of everything for his daughters and that included the best education, so he decided to move to Delhi. It would take him the best part of the year to move his entire business and relocate to the new hub so he decided to send both his daughters beforehand. Rashid, Yusuf's childhood friend was ecstatic when he found out about Yusuf's decision. When he learned that Innaya and Zoya were coming to Delhi, he was adamant that the girls would live with him. So it was decided that they would fly out after their final exams were over. Innaya couldn't make it due to some issue hence Zoya was on her way to Delhi, alone. When the hour and a half long flight ended, she didn't know as she reminisced the moments spent with her family back home; memories being her only companion for now.

Zoya emerged through the domestic terminals of Delhi airport, scanning the crowd for Rashid but in vain. He was nowhere in sight. Maybe he was running late, she thought moving to the waiting area. Her eyes locked on a guy who rushed dodging people and trolleys towards the entrance. He pulled out a marker from his back pocket and scribbled something on a handerchief. It must be the name of the person he was here to receive, she knew. For the next ten minutes she watched him shift from one foot to the other restlessly, checking his watch every few minutes. Curious to see who he was waiting for Zoya tilted her head to read the name. Her eyes widened seeing her own name.

"Assalam o Aliekum. I'm Zoya Farooqui. Has Rashid uncle sent you to receive me?" She asked him.

"Suniye, main ap se baat kar rahi hoon. Ap kya un ke driver hain?" She said as the guy gaped at her. She poked a finger on his arm to break his trance.

"Jee. Jee. Here, let me help you. This way please." He quickly straightened and answered a yes, not really knowing what she had asked.

"Abbu was right, Rashid uncle really has qualified staff. Even his driver knows english and is very well mannered too." Zoya thought, impressed by how he held the car door open for her and helped with the luggage. The short journey passed in silence, but internally she gave herself a peptalk, preparing to meet the people who would now be a part of her life for sometime. What she didn't know at the moment was that these very people would become a part of her, permanently.

Zoya looked in awe at the magnificent white mansion that stood proudly amidst acres of lush greenery encompassed by huge iron gates marked with the initials of AK in gold. The first thing she noticed on stepping out of the car was a delicate marble fountain and the sweet, melodic sound of water flowing down that filled the atmosphere.

"Your pictures did no justice to your beauty. You're very beautiful, MashAllah." Dilshaad welcomed her warmly at the threshold.

"Thank you." Zoya replied with a shy smile.

"I'm sorry we couldn't come to receive you at the airport Beta. Rashid had to fly out for an urgent matter. He's very upset as he was awaiting your arrival eagerly." Dilshaad said.

"Please don't apologize Aunty. I understand how difficult handling business can be." She replied placing a hand over Dilshaad's arm.

"Thank you for understanding Beta. I hope you didn't have any trouble on the way?"

"No. I didn't."

"Good. Come I'll introduce you to Shehnaz Bi, she must be in the kitchen. She is Asad's nanny since birth, more like a second mother to him and our family member. Bi, dekhiye Zoya aa gayi hai." Dilshaad said walking into the kitchen. Shehnaz Bi kissed Zoya's forehead as she greeted her.

"Your room is upstairs Beta. Aao main dikhaon." She inquired about Zoya's family while they both climbed up the stairs.

"From what Zeba had told me about you, I thought it would be better to give you this room. Do you like it?" Dilshaad asked apprehensively.

"It's beautiful Aunty. I love it. Thank you." Zoya replied with a dimpled smile.

"I'm glad. Ab tum fresh ho jao, phir hum lunch kartey hain saath mein. After that I have to go out for a charity match, Asad will show you around,theek hai na?" Dilshaad said stopping at the door.

"Asad?" Zoya asked confusedly.

"Haan, mera beta Asad, who came to pick you at the airport." She reminded.

"Main to driver ke saath aayi hoon."

"Nahin Zoya, tum Asad ke saath aayi ho. Didn't he introduce himself?" Dilshaad asked with a furrow in her forehead. She rolled her eyes understanding that he muct have replied to Zoya's question without hearing.

"Oh sorry I mistook him for.." Zoya ducked her head and left her sentence incomplete.

"Koi baat nahin." Dilshaad replied amusedly.

By the time Zoya freshened up and came down to the dining area, the Khans were already gathered there and busy in some conversation.

"Aao beta tumhara hi wait kar rahey they hum." Bi said beckoning her to join them.

"Hi, I'm Asad." As she neared the table Asad stood up and stretched his hand forward.

"Hello." She replied grasping his hand for a handshake. A soft gasp escaped her lips as a current passed through her body when their hands touched. Her widened eyes met his equally surprised gaze, telling her he had felt the same thing. She quickly pulled her hand and stepped away.

"Thank you." She said as he pulled out a chair for her next to his own. Both ladies observed the interaction between them keenly.

Later on in the day Zoya walked out into the balcony adjoining her room with a cup of sweet and creamy coffee and a novel tucked under her arm. She made herself comfortable on the swinging chair and flicked the book to where she had placed a bookmark. She had read only a page when noise from downstairs caught her attention. She leaned forward to see what was happening. Asad was helping an old man with the plants in the garden. Must be the gardener then, she thought. All interest lost in the book, her gaze followed Asad's each movement keenly. Zoya hadn't had a chance earlier to look at him properly but now that she did, she could see he was one fine male specimen. She gulped as the muscles in his arm bulged when he swiped a hand across his forehead to push back a fringe of tousled hair and the sweat drenched white shirt clung to his body revealing the six packs beneath. With features so sharp and a perfectly chiselled body he looked no less than an Adonis. As if feeling her gaze Asad looked directly in her direction. Zoya gasped inaudibly and tried to pry her eyes away from him but it was like he had hypnotized her; his deep ocean blue orbs drowning her in their depths.

Zoya developed a strong bond with the Khans, except Asad who stayed out most of the time, in the ten days she got to spend with them before Inaaya's arrival. Rashid and Dilshaad made sure to take out time for her from their daily schedules. They loved spending time with her. It was like they had found a daughter in her, one they always longed for. Her silly talks, giggles and laughter filled Khan Mansion with life. But this free spirited side of her personality was only limited to the three elders, with Asad talks were still confined to polite greetings.

Where Zoya took time to settle down and open up with people, Inaaya was the complete opposite. She was strong headed, independent, one who always spoke her mind but kind hearted and made friends with almost everyone she met without a hitch. Staying true to her jovial nature Inaaya won everyone's heart at Khan Mansion, including Asad. He had introduced them to his close friends, Zack, Hassan, Eesa, and Hadia who welcomed both the sisters with open arms. Inaaya became good friends with all of them within days and they applied for the same universities, just different subjects. Between parties, exploring new spots, preparing and passing entrance tests, how time flew by no one realized. Zoya being the youngest amogst the group felt a little left out at times. They had education, similar natures and interests binding them, so she mostly stayed at home but wasn't alone. She had her Dilshaad aunty, Rashid uncle and Bi's company, which she had come to love a lot. Plus she had to keep herself up to the mark with the current educational requirements if she wanted to really pursue a medical career in future.

The first day of new academic sessions had arrived and Zoya felt her stomach tighten into knots. She was very nervous and missed her mom a lot though Zeba had called early in the morning knowing well how her daughter would be worrying. Zoya couldn't look at food with how her insides twisted let alone eat, so she intentionally took longer to get dressed in order to avoid everyone at the dining table but the scene downstairs warmed her heart. Rashid and Dilshaad had taken an off to stay with her on her first day of college. Asad was given the responsibility of picking and dropping Zoya but today he had left early with Inaaya because Rashid wanted to drop Zoya. Dilshaad kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly, whispering words of courage as she sat in the car. Rashid spoke throughout the ride to the college about his experiences during college life in order to divert her thoughts and he was successful. Zoya unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out, but then turned back and kissed him on his cheek.

"Thank you so much uncle for everything that you and aunty have done for me, especially today. I was really nervous and missing my parents but both of you have made this day special for me just like they would have done. This means a lot to me. I love you Uncle." She said with moist eyes.

"Kids don't thank their parents. We did all this because we love you too beta." Rashid replied lovingly. He patted her head and gestured towards his watch, that she was getting late. His heart swelled with love at her sweet gesture. How he wished to keep this little angel in his home forever.

As time passed on all of them got busy with their studies and settled into a routine. Asad and Zoya had started talking more often now as they travelled together daily. Initially awkward silence accompanied them but with Inaaya opting to go with her friends, they had no one but each other to indulge in conversation with. Asad had volunteered to help Zoya with maths assessment, one area where she needed help, lead to him becoming her permanent tutor, a mentor and a good friend. They had developed a bond between them that kept strengthening with time.

At the end of 1st year an Inter State Social Cultural Program was conducted in Zoya's college. Best students were selected from colleges all over. Zoya was ecstatic over being chosen to represent her college along with two of her friends Noor and Haider. She had grown very fond of Asad, she would discuss all her day's happenings and problems with him and he had always been sincere in advising and loyal in difficult times. He had taken upon himself the additional duty of waking her up, seeing how she often made him late, and putting her to bed on time. They would talk nonstop during drives to college, back home and markets. It was during one of their shopping trips that Asad had given her the nickname Zaza, one that became her favourite endearment. The whole Khan family would go out for dinner and a long drive every weekend.

It was finally the day of Competition and Zoya was shaking with nervousness. Dilshaad had arrived earlier then the timings of the function just to provide her with moral support, for which she was very grateful. Acts of affection like these had made Zoya love the Khans all the more. All participants, parents, guests and judges had arrived. The huge auditorium was filled with silence as soon as the organizer began the introductory speech but there was one person whose gaze was fixed at the entrance of the back stage. The function had begun and students were performing on stage. Haider was cracking jokes with his arm around Zoya's shoulder to ease her tension. Just then somebody removed his hand while whispering in Zoya's ear.

"I thought you wouldn't come." She said softly hugging the person.

"Silly, how could I not come? Didn't I tell you I had an exam." Asad asked holding her in his arms.

"Nervous?"

"No."

"Oh so your teeth are chattering due to cold in this hot weather here?" He teased.

"Don't worry Zaza. I know you're going to ace this one too. Best of luck." He whispered hugging her tight one last time and wishing luck to her friends before taking his seat in the auditorium. Zoya's group represented the Bengali culture. The stage had an ambiance of Bengal and the students were dressed accordingly. They performed a few rituals and also enacted a part from the famous Bengali literature. The hall echoed with claps as they won the competition. Rashid had taken all of them out for dinner to celebrate her victory. Zoya was very happy but her mood dampened when she noticed Asad's aloof behaviour. As this continued for over a week she tried to ask him but he maintained distance and then he was back to being normal with her.

Sometime during the 2nd year the college authorities had decided to take the students on a trip to Goa for 5 days.

"Uncle our college is taking students to Goa. My friends are going. Can I go with them?" Zoya asked Rashid after the dinner was done.

"You don't need my permission for that Angel." He replied.

"I know you won't say no but still I needed to ask you. I would have asked Abbu, if he was here, and you are just like him to me. Will you sign this permission paper for me?" She said giving him the paper. Rashid nodded his head. He caressed Zoya's head lovingly and handed her a credit card which she refused to take.

"Abbu this is not fair. You never give me money when I go out." Asad complained.

"You never ask me before going Asad, besides you're not my daughter, Zoya is. So Angel don't refuse and please take this. I'll be happy if you use it." After hearing this Zoya did not have the heart to refuse and so she thanked him by hugging him.

Asad came to drop her at the airport. He was unusually quiet during the journey from the house to airport, only answering in monosyllables. He got out of the Land Cruiser and went towards the trunk to remove her luggage. Dragging her trolley bag, both of them turned to go to the departure area when Zoya tugged at Asad's left wrist.

"Are you angry with me Asad?" She asked as he turned to look at her.

"No." He replied instantly.

"Then why are you not talking to me?"

"I am Zoya, who said I'm not?"

"Then why do I feel that you're pushing me away?" Her question made Asad shift slightly in his position.

"You're just imagining things, why would I do this?" He spoke without meeting her eyes.

"Asad, meri taraf dekh ke boliye." She said cupping his cheek to make him face her. Asad saw hurt in her eyes.

He held her hand on his cheek and said.

"Aisa kuch nahin hai Zaza. Main tumhein kyun khud se duur karun ga, tum mere liye bohat special ho. Main kabhi tumse duur jaane ka soch bhi nahin sakta." Zoya held onto his gaze and found sincerity and another emotion swirling in the depths too. She moved forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. He was taken aback by this but then composed himself and hugged her back. They straightened when Noor and Eesa reached there. Eesa side hugged Zoya; she had developed a brotherly affection for him due to the numerous times she visited their home to study with Noor. Asad requested Noor to take care of Zoya and instructed both of them to stay away from boys and strangers. She giggled when he repeated all the things Dilshaad had already told her. Eesa and Asad left for their University, after the flight took off.

Zoya had a nice time with her friends in Goa. The water, sandy beaches, water games, shopping and the calm atmosphere in Goa had created magic for them. They all felt rejuvenated. From the break of dawn to when the sun would set they enjoyed on the beaches or did shopping and every night was fixed for bon fire. All the students and teachers gathered around the fire to play games, sing & dance on random numbers. This week allowed the teachers and students to interact with each other closely. Amidst all this Zoya found her heart sinking at times. She missed home and especially Asad alot, she called them at least thrice each day sharing all that she was doing, but still it felt restless. She had started counting hours after the first 32 hours of her stay in Goa. She bought souvenirs and dresses for everyone back home.

Zoya's excitement knew no bounds as the trip came to an end. She rushed out of the terminal beaming but her face dropped as she noticed only Inaaya and Eesa had come to pick them up. Both of them left for their lectures after dropping the girls. Zoya rushed inside the Mansion like crazy and hugged Dilshaad. Rashid had also taken half day off at work to spend time with her. Everyone at the Mansion had missed her and her sweet talks a lot. She had unknowingly become the joy of the house and the apple of Rashid's eyes.

"The years go by and time just seems to fly but the memories remain." Zoya couldn't agree more with the quote written on the back of a book. Her gaze wandered around the room where she had entered as a guest but with the passage of time, the room, the house and the people who lived in it became her own; an essential part of her. The last three years were a complete bliss for her despite being away from her parents who still hadn't been able to relocate to Delhi. They visited them during festivals and special occassions. The Khans had accepted Inaaya and her into their home and family whole heartedly. She had formed a bond with each one of them but what she shared with Asad was different and special. Zoya had realized that he was more than her best friend but hadn't been able to express her feelings. She wasn't sure if he reciprocated her emotions or not. Sure he was very protective and took care of her but there had been times when he simply ignored her for days before going back to being himself. It had become a repetitive cycle which confused and irritated her alot as she never got an answer for his weird behaviour. She slided a finger across her mobile screen with a sigh to close the ringing alarm but remembering that today might be the last fast, she pushed all her worries aside and ran out of her room to start making sehri.

"Zoya main aa rahi thi na, tumne kyun kaam shuru kar dia? Chalo ja ke baitho, I'll bring the food." Bi said entering the kitchen.

"Bi, ap jaa ke baithye. Maine sab kar lia hai. Bus 2 minutes mein laati hoon." She giggled as Bi left grumbling.

"Thank you Angel." Rashid said lovingly as Zoya served him.

"Chalo Zoya, ab tum bhi aa jao. Time khatam ho raha hai." Dilshaad said pouring tea for everyone.

"Jee, main aa rahi hoon. Ap please khana start kijye." She replied running inside to take out two mugs from the microwave.

"Aapi here's your green tea and Asad, aapki black coffee." She placed their mugs on the table before taking her seat.

"Is waqt kaun hoga door pe?" Dilshaad said as the door bell rang, with her spoon in mid air.

"I'll see." Asad went to answer the door.

"Asad, if you're trying to get me fat, it's totally working. I'm sure I've gained ten pounds by now." Zoya said shaking her head as he opened a box of pizza in front of her.

"I'm sure you meant lost. Have you seen yourself lately? You hardly eat anything."

"You're forgetting one detail Asad. I'm fasting these days." She said cutting him in the middle.

"Everyone here is fasting Zaza but no one looks weak, pale and about to collapse like you do." He said placing a slice in her plate.

"Gee thanks Asad. I can always count on you to boost my self confidence." She smiled brightly at him making him chuckle.

"Now both of you stop bickering and finish your food. Azaan honay wali hai kuch dair mein." Rashid intervened before resuming his discussion with Dilshaad and Bi.

"Yoon shabnami pehle nahi thi chandani.

Chand woh bharma gaya,

Tujhko dekha to sharama gaya.

Woh churane laga hai nazar.. Yoon shabnami pehle nahi thi chandani"

Asad climbed the stairs to the terrace to join his family who had gathered to witness the new moon, which marked the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and announced the arrival of the auspicious occassion of Eid, a gift from Allah for all His creation. He found everyone looking up excitedly to catch a glimpse of the moon. He didn't have to look up; his moon stood right in front of him. His feet halted a few steps behind from where he could admire the view. Hues of blue encompassed the horizon and fading flecks of pink and purple could be seen too in the clear sky but it compared to nothing infront of Zoya clad in a white traditional outfit with her head wrapped in a scarf. She looked pure and so innocent with her hands raised up before her Lord in prayer. The sight tugged at his heart. They became oblivious to the surroundings as Zoya turned around, feeling his presence as he stepped out of the shadows. They stayed rooted in their spots, their eyes expressing multitude of emotions, trying to convey it to the other silently.

"Dekho chaand aaya, chand nazar aaya,

Dekho chaand aaya, chaand nazar aaya.

Aaya aaya aaaya,

Chand aaya sharmaya,

Tu bhi aajaa Saawariya."

"Chaand raat Mubarak Asad." Zoya gravitated towards him, never once breaking their eyelock and wished him softly.

"Chaand raat Mubarak Zaza." He replied huskily, cupping her cheek tenderly. Their sweet, happy bubble broke as their friends pulled them in for a group hug.

Rashid had organized the biggest Eid event in Delhi, with people from all walks of life in attendance. The whole venue was adorned with glistening ornaments and fairy lights. It was that time of the year when people embraced even strangers with warm greetings, everyone was surrounded by love and cheer, gifts were exchanged and food was relished with gusto. This event was already a success looking at how the people praised the arrangements with beaming smiles. Rashid was very happy with the outcome and the whole credit for it went to his sons, Asad, Zack and Hassan, who had taken all the responsibilty from his shoulders. They had reached the venue earlier today to supervise the final touch ups and were still attending the guests. He frowned as his gaze went to the clock, his family was taking long to reach there. He pulled out the phone to inquire what the matter was when he saw Zack receiving the ladies as they alighted from the car. He excused himself from the group to welcome them inside.

"Dheere dheere aake,

Hawa gungunake har khabar de tumhari,

Kaisa yeh nasha hai,

Nazar mein ghula hai,

Har ghadi hai khumhari."

A dimpled smile graced Asad's handsome face as he felt the air around him shift and a cool breeze carrying the scent of roses caressed his senses. His heart thudded erratically knowing, without having looked, that Zoya was around. He kept the glass of water back on the table and turned around to search for the person he yearned to see. He didn't have to look far, she stood with his parents as they greeted a business acquaintance. Asad was mesmerized; spell bound by her angelic beauty. She looked like a princess in her royal blue and gold anarkali frock. The sheer panel bodice was embellished with crystals, teardrop beads and sequins. A thin gold satin belt gathered the soft material in pleats around the waistline before flowing down to her ankles in flattering waves. Her beautiful emerald orbs, which sparkled with mirth, were defined by an eyeliner and kajal. Her lips curved up revealing the adorable dents in her cheeks, as Zack wrapped an arm around her shoulder, taking his breath away.

"Nashe mein kadam mere,

Udhar kabhi idhar,

Gumsum nazar jaye kidhar,

Kho gaye tujh mein hum is kadar.

Yoon shabnami pehle nahi thi chandani. Chand woh bharma gaya,

Tujhko dekha to sharama gaya.

Woh churane laga hai nazar,

Yoon shabnami phele nahi thi chandani.."

Asad did his work but his gaze followed Zoya, not wanting to miss any of her movement. She distributed sweets amidst a group of kids from an orphanage, who had been specially invited to join the celebrations with their caretakers. She spoke animatedly with the last piece of chocolate stuffed in her mouth. Everytime she moved her hands, a melodic sound was made. Asad admired how lovely she looked with arms full of colorful glass bangles and its tinkling sound combined with her laughter was like music to his ears. He made his way towards her as an attendant ushered the energetic bunch of kids away.

"Eid Mubarak Zaza." Zoya closed her eyes as he pressed a kiss on her forehead. She loved how the 'Z' of his given name rolled off his tongue.

"Ap ko bhi Eid Mubarak Asad." She replied wrapping her arms around him.

"Thank you." She added spreading her palm over his chest, where his heart thumped a rapid beat against it.

"Kis liye?" He inquired embracing her.

"For my eidi. I love these bangles." He could feel her smile against him.

"They look beautiful in your hands." Asad said caressing them lightly and kissed the inside of her hand. He heard her sharp in take of breath at his gesture. He was about to pull away instantly but when she made no move, he stayed in the same position. Asad swallowed the thick lump of emotions that clogged his throat at his own involuntary action and the desire to hold her close burned in his chest. He squeezed his eyes shut committing to memory the feeling of having her in his arms.

Zoya had noticed more than affection and adoration for her swirling in Asad's crystal blue eyes at the Eid event but now they seemed devoid of any emotion whenever he looked at her. Her heart sank realizing he had pulled back from her again as he hadn't had any interaction with her for the last two weeks. He had requested Eesa to pick her up for college, on the excuse of completing a project at University with his group. At home, he stayed locked in his room, came out for dinner and retired before anyone questioned him. Everyone was oblivious to his behavior, they had bought his lies of study pressure but Zoya couldn't be fooled. She had understood that he was avoiding her. She was disheartened at his response as she had begun to think that they shared mutual feelings for each other. She tried to corner him but he always fled the scene making some excuse. Zoya took all this to heart and started going back into her shell. She didn't come down for meals as she noticed Asad stopped interacting with others and averting his gaze as soon as she settled in her place next to him. She started going to Noor's house for studies and Eesa helped them prepare for their finals. It was the third week when Zoya had suddenly fallen ill. She didn't tell anyone and started taking medicines without consulting the doctor. Bi and Dilshaad tried to spend more time with her as they had noticed the change in her behavior but were unaware of her ill health.

It was a weekend and they were all supposed to go out as usual. Zoya wasn't feeling well, she left her room with the intention of informing Dilshaad that she couldn't accompany them. As she descended the stairs, she felt dizzy and darkness engulfed her senses. She stumbled and rolled down the steps.

"Zoyaaa!" Asad screamed on the top of his voice and rushed to stop her fall at the 5th step. He had seen her close her eyes and clutch the railing tightly, but before he could reach her she had fell down. Everyone rushed out of their rooms to find an unnerved Asad holding a bleeding Zoya. He was patting her cheeks and begging her to open her eyes but she remained limo in his arms. Rashid gained his senses first and called the doctor. Asad laid her on the bed carefully and pressed a cloth on her wound to stop the bleeding till the doctor arrived.

Rashid consoled Inaaya and Dilshaad who cried uncontrollably holding each other. Asad had felt his life being sucked out of him but controlled his emotions in front of his family. The doctor treated Zoya's wound, gave her an injection to lower her temperature and did a quick blood test as well, the reports of which were to be collected the next day. Asad had stayed beside her the whole night, accusing himself for her condition. His eyes stung with unshed tears as he remembered how Zoya had desperately wanted to know the reason for his aloofness.

The reports showed that Zoya had been suffering from high fever for few days, malnutrition and stress were the reasons behind her unconsciousness. Her friends visited her upon hearing her condition and that's when Noor told them about Zoya taking medicines for over a week. Rashid had been mad at himself for not noticing her detoriating health. He sat by her side, waiting for her to wake up. Zoya was showered with affection as soon as she woke up but her heart ached, thinking that Asad had not even bothered to be by her side when she wasn't well. She kept quiet and pretended to be sleepy; so they all left her to rest.

Asad had rushed to her room on returning from the hospital with her medicines and reports to find her staring at the roof blankly. She closed her eyes and turned her face to the other side seeing him approach her in quick strides.

"Don't do this to me ever again." He said hoarsely, his voice thick with emotions, crushing her in his embrace. He parted a little on sensing that she wasn't responding. She had her eyes closed all the time.

"Please look at me. I know I'm the reason behind your bad health, punish me however you want but please look at me Zaza." He pleaded.

"Please leave me alone. I want to sleep." She said with closed eyes. He laid her back on the bed.

"I'm sorry. I know a sorry isn't enough for all that I've put you through, but believe me, I'm extremely sorry. Zaza punish me as you want but don't do this. Please, speak to me." He spoke taking her hand, his voice breaking at the end.

"Did you talk to me when I wanted to? No. Then why should I? Did you tell me why all of a sudden you pushed me away? No. You avoided all interaction with me at all costs; heck you wouldn't even spare me a glance. Now you want me to talk to you, why? I don't need your sympathy or fake concern. So please leave me alone." He listened quietly as her voice rose with every word she spoke.

"I didn't realize my behaviour would have such an impact on you but I assure you, this will never happen again. Please forgive me Zaza, just this last time." Zoya's heart constricted on seeing the tears streaming down his face. She shook her head telling him not to cry and wiped his tears.

"I will, only if you tell me why you were avoiding me?" Her question made him look away.

"I promise I will, once I'm ready to talk." He replied not meeting her gaze.

"Am I forgiven?" Zoya twisted her nose and faced the other side as he whispered in her ear.

"No." She replied.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yes really."

"Think again Zaza, you might want to change your answer." She shook her head negatively in response.

"Alright then." With that he started tickling her. Zoya squealed and tried to get out of his grip, but couldn't. She kept laughing and asking him to stop but he wouldn't budge.

"First say you forgive me."

"No."

"Well then I can't help you, sorry." He said laughing along with her.

"Ok. Ok. I do." She said breathlessly.

"I missed you." Zoya said looking at him intensely.

"I missed you too." Asad replied bending down to join their foreheads.

Everything had gone back to normal after this incident. Asad had spent every possible moment with Zoya trying to make up for his rude behaviour earlier. They would sit together at nights and do their assignments in her room. Zoya stole glances at him when he was immersed in his work. She was as enthusiastic as him about him joining Rashid's business. She had everything from his office decor to his wardrobe to the grand party they would throw once he signed his first project, planned out for him to the minutest of details. Despite all the happiness in her life, she couldn't ignore the fear that had made home in her heart. She pushed it as back as she could but the fear of losing everyone that had come to mean so much to her still lurked around. Soon it became a reality when she had to take the decision of leaving the country.