AsYa FF - The Intern #4: Ch 62 & 63 Pg 122 COMPLETED - Page 72

After dinner majority of the guests had started to leave, Zoya sat with Huma, Rahul and Annie. Zoya was surprised to learn that Rahul was coming to live and work in India 'Zoya I am only coming because of you, if you hadn't helped me or Huma we would never had this opportunity' Zoya looked towards Rahul 'I take your word for it' she said making everyone laugh. Although they all laughed there was an element of sadness in their eyes, Zoya had grown accustom to the fact that she was never going to get the last two years of her life back, something that Huma and Rahul were still trying to come to terms with.

One by one everyone else started to come and join in the group. Asad who was just finishing sending a few emails came and joined them, as he approached Zoya he gently placed his hands over her shoulders making her look up at him 'hope you guys don't mind if I steal my fianc for a few moments' 'not at all...she is all yours Bhaijaan' Annie said smiling at them in awe.

Asad held his hand out to Zoya which she took instantly. Holding on to one another they started to walk off 'I still can't believe today, this has to be the best birthday ever' 'I would like to make it the best year ever' Zoya stopped and turned towards him, with the night sky surrounding them she could just about see his face 'and how would you make it the best year?' Asad snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him, without any hesitations he placed his lips over her and kissed her to his heart content. Zoya let out a pleasurable hum in response to his kiss, which made him only deepen it.

'Kissing like that would make anyone's year' she said making him smile 'Zoya...I wanted to talk to you about this?' he said lifiting her hand which wore his ring 'my engagement ring?' 'Yes...no...more about the next step' Zoya raised her eyes to meet his 'you mean Nikah?' 'Yes' 'you want to get married now?' Asad let out a chuckle 'Well not right now...but sooner rather than later...I just wanted to know if you would be ok with that...ok with wanting to get married'.

Zoya hitched a breath as she lowered her gaze to think for a minute Asad held the side of her face making her look back up at him 'you don't have to answer now...and if you are not ready now that's ok with me...I just wanted you to know what I felt and wanted'

Zoya could never get over how much respect he gave her, in everything he wanted to do he would always put her feelings, her thoughts first. Zoya linked her hands around his neck and stepped closer to him; she leaned up and started to kiss him again. As she pulled back she gave him a heart-warming smile 'if you want a summer wedding I am not getting married in India, I will boil to a pulp in my outfit...so we either get married now...or you wait until after Mini Zack is born' 'its Mini Annie' 'No...its Mini Zack' Asad was just about to say the same thing again when he stopped 'hang on...di you just say that we can get married now?' 'Yes...I did' Asad looked held his breath as he looked at her 'you...you sure?' 'Is it too soon?' Asad started shaking his head vigorously 'No...I just want you to be sure...I mean...that this is what you want too, right?' 'Absolutely...I want to marry you, I want to be you wife, I want to be Zoya Ahmed Khan' Asad wrapped his arms around her and twirled her around making her screech out in laughter 'Asad...put me down, what are you doing'.

Asad put her down and quickly grabbed of her face 'I can't tell you how happy I am...thank you so much Zoya' 'thank you for what Asad...I should be saying thank you to you...after what you have done for me...you have been with me from the minute I stepped foot in your office...my life is almost like a fairy tale...with a few bits missing' Asad kissed her lips softly 'I will always be with you Zoya, until I breath my very last breath' Zoya covered his mouth 'please...don't talk like that, not at a time like this' 'I'm sorry...I wont...but you know what I was trying to say' 'I do' 'you want to head back' 'yes...I have a wedding to prepare for'

Everyone sitting around the pool looked up at Zoya and Asad in total shock 'Asad...are you serious...a wedding...now?' Maheen said still trying to process what they had just announced 'Ammi, it doesn't have to be now...I did suggest after the baby is born which will be mid-November, so we can have the Nikah after that' Zoya said. After a long detailed discussion between them they finally decided on having the wedding in December after the baby was born.

Asad leaned in closer to her 'I have to wait another seven months' Zoya started to giggle 'Mr Khan did you fail maths at school, it's just under six months'

After everyone had retired to their rooms Maheen walked towards Asad and Zoya who were still standing by the porch talking 'Asad, Zoya, can I borrow you for a minute' 'sure Ammi, what's up?' Asad and Zoya followed Maheen to her room 'take a seat I will be back in a minute'

As Maheen came back she held her hand out to Zoya, which she took immediately. 'Zoya I wanted to give you these, these bangles are what Asad's grandmother gave me when I first stepped foot in her house as a bride...I would like you to have them' Zoya looked towards Asad and then back at Maheen 'Ammi...I...I don't know what to say' 'you don't have to say anything Zoya, here let me put them on you...you just look after them' As Maheen placed the beautifully crafted bangles on her Zoya held them close to her chest 'I promise Ammi, I will always look after them, I will never let them part...thank you so much' Maheen hugged a teary eyed Zoya.

'Zoya, hurry up...they are leaving' Annie called out, Zoya came running down to meet with Asad and Zack who were flying back to India a few days earlier 'I have booked you return flight for next Thursday...if you need it changed let me know' Asad said as he hugged her 'Thursday is ok...am sure we won't need it changed...see you soon' Asad kissed the top of her head before he picked up his bag and left with Zack and Mark, who was driving them to the airport..

As Huma and Rahul had another week they wanted Zoya to spend time with them 'Huma, when we get married, will you bring your parents too...I know I have met them...but...I just thought it would be nice' Huma smiled at her 'of course I will, Ammi is always asking about you' 'you are flying to Egypt in September?' 'Yes, for 9 months, my language programme finishes in June next year' and then?' 'Then I come to you and Rahul in India for a year' 'and then?' Huma looked at her 'and then what?' 'isn't it about time you two got married and settled down too...you two have been together for so long...you can have a full fat Indian wedding' Huma started laughing 'it will be a full fat Indian stroke Pakistan wedding but not here, in London...it is where all out family and friends are...and it will give you an excuse to come back to London too'.

Maheen and Nasima made sure that Annie, Zoya, Rahul and Huma enjoyed the rest of their stay. Rahul and Huma hugged Zoya one more time 'it was lovely seeing you...and thank you so so much for coming all this way for me' 'Zoya, you seriously have to stop saying that...we will see you soon In'Sha'Allah' 'Yes you will, Rahul I will get our lot to come round and sort out your cargo so you don't need to worry about packing' 'thanks Zoya, that's great, one thing less for me to worry about' 'take care, Allah Hafiz'.

Having seen her best friends off to London it was Annie and Zoya's turn to endure the never ending tortuous journey back to India.

Ramu came to receive both of them at the airport, Asad was away for a few days and Zack was caught up in a meeting.

Zoya and Annie met Kaki and both retired to their rooms, by the time they had woken up it was the next day. Zoya showered and came out 'I can't believe I slept for that long' she said supressing a yawn 'Kaki' she called out walking towards the kitchen 'in here beta'. Zoya went to stand next to her 'why didn't you wake me up, I think I must have slept for over twenty four hours' Kaki started to laugh 'not quite that long...you were tired and needed to rest...can I get you a coffee?' Zoya hugged Kaki 'yes please...is Annie still asleep?' 'No, she had an appointment at the clinic, she has gone with Zack' 'and where is your Baba' 'still away, but not for long, he should be home this evening...Zoya, Baba told me about you two getting married...I am very happy for you' 'thank you Kaki'.

Zoya was too tired to go back to the office so she sent an email to Dev and Suzy to let them know. After a few hours Annie came back home 'Hey, how did it go, sorry I totally forgot you had an appointment' 'to be honest so did I, Zack reminded me when he came home last night' Zoya walked up to her and placed her hand over a her little bump that had started to show 'how is my nephew' 'he is good...blood test results came back normal too' 'Alhamdulillah...when is your next scan?' 'In three weeks' time...and no I am not going to find out what it is' Zoya started to pout 'ok...fine...but we know it's a boy' she said giving her a wink.

Zoya sat up on the stool by the breakfast table talking to Kaki as she prepared the salad. Kaki looked up to see Asad walk in behind her, she was just about to address him when he shushed her 'Zoya, I just need to get some more cucumber' she quickly said to get herself out of there. Sitting in the same place Zoya sat waiting for Kaki to come back.

Just then Asad stepped forward and placed his hands over her eyes making her jump and smile at the same time guess who' he said whispering in her ear 'my Prince Charming' placing her hands over his she pulled them down and twirled the stool around to face him and as soon as she did he wrapped his arms around her 'I have missed you so much' 'me too' she said pulling back. Asad was just about to kiss her when she stopped him 'Asad...Kaki, she will be back any moment' 'then I better take you to my room' Zoya looked at him wide eyes as her mouth popped open 'Ya Allah, Asad Ahmed Khan, you have no shame'.

Asad walked out to see Annie and Zoya engrossed in conversation 'what you two talking about?' 'Ramadan' Zoya said can you believe it is starting on Wednesday'. Asad's mind went back to Ramadan and Eid last year when he had sent Zoya an Eid present. 'Annie, with you being pregnant, I assume you are exempt from keeping fasts' 'technically I should keep them if I can, I will see how I get on, if they get too much I will make them up later on'.

Annie did try but failed miserably to keep any fast, the morning sickness and added heat with the summer being at its peak was not proving easy.

Asad walked in to Zoya's room to find her bowed down in prostration. Mentally kicking himself for barging in he slowly turned around to walk out 'Asad' Zoya called out to him. Asad turned back around 'sorry, I thought you would have finished by now' 'I did...I was just praying extra Nafl' 'I am going to the office now...do you want to join?' Zoya looked at her watch 'Asad at this hour, the sun isn't even out' 'I know but I have a lot to do and with so many people taking time off for Ramadan and Eid I need to be in' feeling a little bad Zoya agreed. Since Ramadan had started it felt like Asad's work load had doubled.

Zoya sat with him in his office and helped him as much as she could, as soon as Zack came in he took over and Zoya went back to her station to continue to work.

As soon as Ramadan started it was soon coming to an end, Kaki and Annie made the most of being at home together and prepared for Eid.

Zoya woke up to the most beautiful aroma of food. Quickly showering and changing into a beautiful dress Asad had bought her she came out.

Having met Annie and Kaki Zoya looked around 'they are still not back from the Mosque; they should be here soon...you want to eat?' 'No, I will wait for them'

Zack hugged Zoya and kissed her forehead 'Eid Mubarak little Sis' 'thank you...and I am not that little' she said making him laugh. Zoya then looked towards Asad 'Eid Mubarak Zoya' 'Khair Mubarak' she said as she let him put his arms around her.

After Kaki force fed them a bit of everything she had made the four of them sat around one another giving each other gifts.

Zoya got a beautiful Gucci bag from Zack and matching shoes from Annie.

After giving them their presents she took out a small box and gave it to Asad 'thank you' he said smiling at her 'open it' she said looking excited. Asad opened the box to find a diamond studded Omega watch 'wow...its...its perfect, thank you Zoya' 'you seriously like it?' 'I love it' 'open the other box' 'there is another one...where?' 'In the bag' Asad took out a smaller box which had a silver pen in it' picking the pen up he read the what she had engraved on it. Asad shot his head up and Zoya instantly recognised the look he gave her 'what happened' Asad smiled 'it's really nice Zoya, thank you so much...you want yours now?'

Zoya gave him a faint smile, what she really wanted to know was what was going on his head, why it was that his expression changed.

Asad handed her two bags, one had a beautiful designer saree in it and the other a white gold and diamond set. Zoya grazed her fingers over it 'Asad...its beautiful. Thank you so much' reaching up a little she kissed his cheek.

The four of them then turned towards Kaki and showered her with gifts, Zoya and Annie bought her lots of clothes for her and her extended family and Asad and Zack gave her money. She didn't like taking money from them as they already did so much but they insisted, they knew she had her own family and extended family that she looked after.

Asad wore his watch and admired its craftsmanship 'there are only three of those made' 'really...that does make it special...how much did this cost you' 'trust me even having paid for that my bank balance didn't shift...how much money did you put in there' Asad started laughing 'just a little'.

Zoya took his hand into hers 'I need to talk to you, can we go to your room please' 'sure'

Zoya closed the door behind her 'what's wrong Zoya' 'I was hoping you would tell me' Asad looked at her 'tell you what...there is nothing to tell' 'yes there is...Asad, when you read the engraving on the pen you looked at me...the way you always do when I have done or said something in the past...what was it' Asad started smiling 'one second'

Asad came back with a small box 'what is that?' 'Here...look for yourself' Zoya opened the box to find a silver pen and a key ring inside. As she picked up the key ring and read what it said she looked up to him 'I gave you this?' 'Yes, when we went to Mumbai...you had the same line Happiness is a journey, not a destination engraved on the pen' 'I...I don't remember'. Asad held her by her shoulder and made her face him 'its ok Zoya...it's just every time something like this happens...I feel like I am getting another part of my Zoya back'

Wiping away the lone tear that escaped the corner of her eye he shook his head as if to say please don't cry. Leaning into his hold Zoya let him kiss her 'I love you so much...thank you for everything' 'I love you too Zoya'

It was fast approaching September and in a few days' time Rahul was going to be joining them. Asad had arranged for a two bedroom apartment closer to the city centre.

'...don't worry we will look after him...you just make sure you look after yourself and don't forget to take time off in December, I need you to be here with me' Zoya said 'Zoya, don't worry I have already got Ammi to reserve our tickets' 'good, take care Huma and please keep in touch regularly'.

Zack and a number of other senior managers took Rahul under their wings, for the first few days Zoya spent a lot of time with him, getting him settled and making sure he was ok.

'Rahul, you are not going straight home today' Rahul looked up to see Zoya sitting at the end of her table 'I'm not...where am I going?' 'You are going out with me...and the rest of the gang, Annie has been driving us crazy with her cravings, she wants Italian...hope you like pizza' 'cool, count me in'

Annie who was just about managing to walk with her big baby bump looked up at Zoya 'I need to sleep' Zoya turned to Asad 'I am going to take Annie home, she looks tired and wants to rest' 'ok, let's go' 'no, you guys stay with Rahul, I will get Ramu to drop us and come back for you' 'you sure' 'yes...i will see you when you get back'.

Zoya tucked Annie in bed 'Kaki, can you put a glass of water by her bedside' 'I will do, with a little over a month to go she needs to be more mindful, she tires herself out unnecessarily' 'I know...but Khala and Ammi are coming soon, they will keep her in check...which reminds me can you please make sure that their rooms are ready' 'I will make a start on them in the morning'