Part 1.
Dressed up in a beautiful, red, bridal lehnga with golden work all over it, giving it a royal look, she stood beside the window as tears cascaded down her soft, rosy cheeks. A newly wedded bride of some hours stood with a tear stained face, and still managed to look beautiful.
Fate definitely plays strange games. Else, who would've thought that she would be standing here, dressed as a bride to a man whom she didn't want to get married to.
Her mind flew back to a week ago, when her parents had informed her about the alliance and she had rebelled about it.
"Zoya beta, Dilshad has asked for your hand, Asad ke liye" Razia spoke lovingly, caressing her daughter's hair.
"What?" Zoya stood up, flabbergasted, not able to digest this piece of news. "Dilshad Phupi...Asad's rishta?"
Asad was the only son of Rashid Ahmed Khan and Dilshad Khan,Najma being the younger one, and her cousin as well. Dilshad Phupi and her father, Gafoor Sidduiqui were siblings. Hence, they knew each other since childhood, where Asad was the quiet and reserved one; Zoya was the wild and bubbly one. They weren't the best of friends, nor very close because of their contradicting natures, but shared a healthy, cordial relation. It was Najma with whom she gelled up more, and they were always up to some pranks. But with Asad, there was never such frankness. Moreover, she never had any kind of feelings for him, she had never seen him in that light, and here her parents were setting him up with her?
"Haan Beta...Unhe tum pasand ho. In fact, Dilshad ka bass chale tou abhi tumhe apne ghar le jaye" Gafoor laughed, a little nervous at her over the top reaction.
"But Abbu..." Zoya trailed off, "...Asad?"
"Haan...ussi ne rishta bheja hai tumhare liye...He likes you from a long time" Razia smiled.
"Hain?" This was another shock for Zoya. He likes her? How was this even possible?
"No Ammi...I can't" She shook her head negatively, alarming her parents, as the smile wiped off their faces and they stood up.
"What do you mean, you can't?" Razia asked, "They love you beta...you know them since childhood and we know our child would be secure and happy there" She spoke sweetly, trying to convince her daughter.
"No!" She shouted, "I'll be only happy with Ayaan!"
"Ayaan?" Gafoor stood up, shocked. "You're still in contact with that guy?!" He roared.
"I love him, Abbu!" Zoya spoke desperately, with tears in her eyes.
Ayaan was Zoya's classmate in college, they had romance brewing between them since the first year and he had proposed her on their graduation day, she was so happy and accepted immediately. Even after College was over, they still used to meet and spent time discussing their future. Like every other couple, they had fights and arguments as well but they made up at the end of the day. When she had told her parents about Ayaan, though they were a bit hesitant, they agreed to meet him. Their meeting turned out to be a disaster, because Gafoor and Razia were irked by Ayaans ' such carefree and loud behavior. This made them disagree to the alliance but that didn't make Zoya lose hope or something. She still hoped that they'll agree to their relation but they had started a new story, altogether.
"Stop it, Zoya! I told you not to meet him again! Haven't you seen him properly? That boy is not worthy of you! That boy is a walking disaster, and no manners to talk to elders!" Gafoor kept listing his flaws while Razia agreed, but this only made Zoya angrier.
"Enough Abbu!" She shouted, and everything came to a standstill. Even though she was loud and bratty as times, She had never rose her voice in front of her parents ever. As a daughter, she was always the obedient one and they were shocked, and hurt, to see the rebellious streak in her, for the first time. She realized the way she spoke in anger, was wrong, but her mind was blinded by anger and didn't stop her from adding further,
"I love Ayaan! If I'll marry...it'll be him and him only! No one else!" Saying so, she walked out of the main door, banging it hard.
***
"They're marrying me off, Ayaan!" She cried in Ayaan's arms as he consoled her. "I don't wanna marry anyone else beside you! Please do something" She sobbed.
"Sshh...its okay, Zoe. We'll work it out" He spoke softly.
"You keep saying this every time!" She pushed him away angrily, annoyed by his repeated phrases.
"Then what do you want me to do, yaar? I'm trying na!" Ayaan turned irritated as well.
"Okay fine...I have a solution" Ayaan spoke after a while and Zoya looked at him expectantly. "Let's run away"
"WHAT?!" Zoya was shocked, "Run away? No way, never! " She immediately denied. She'll never leave her family behind in despair. Her parents were everything to her, and she'll never think of hurting them. This reminded her of her behavior today and she immediately regretted speaking to them in such a tone. All she wanted to do now was, go home and apologize to them.
"You want to marry me, or not?" Ayaan asked in a final tone.
"Yes I do...but not without the consent of my parents!" She argued.
"Then go marry someone whom your parents give consent to!" Ayaan shouted and Zoya flinched. Her eyes were wide, she couldn't just believe Ayaan said that.
After a while, she took a deep breath, "If that's the case, then fine. I'll marry the guy of my parents' choice!"
"You're choosing them over me?" Ayaan was shocked.
"The people, who are just them' to you, are my parents, Ayaan! And yes, I'm choosing them over you, kyunki pyaar tou kissi se bhi mil jata hai...Maa baap nahi milte" She replied emotionally.
"I loved you, I loved you truly" She confessed with tears in her eyes, "But it seems, you never did" She spoke painfully and Ayaan looked at her with blank expressions. He did not deny her statement because deep down he knew, she wasn't totally wrong. Maybe what he felt for Zoya was just an infatuation. It was indeed, a final goodbye for them.
Reaching home, she found out that her Abbu was lying on his bed, unwell. She was shocked and guilt constantly ate her up. She knew she was responsible for her father's condition, as Razia scolded her and blamed her for the situation. When she sat beside her father, she held his hands and sobbed.
"Abbu..I'm sorry. I'm soo sorry..meine aapse itni badtameezi ki. Mein bohot buri hun..mujhe please maaf kar dein. Aap jo bolenge mein karungi..." Zoya hiccupped, as tears streamed down her cheeks, "Mein...Asad se shaadi ke liye tayyar hun..." She managed to get her words out.
Razia was surprised to hear that, even Gafoor was shocked. But they were happy with her decision; they placed a hand on her head.
"Hum tumhara accha hi chaahte hain beta" Gafoor spoke weakly, caressing her daughter's hair.
"Mujhe pata hai" She took hold of his hand and pressed it affectionately.
***
That led her to the position she was in today. Life had been a roller coaster for her the past few months but she managed to get through. All these months, all she kept thinking about was Ayaan and their last meeting, not once did she bother to talk to Asad or discuss anything with him regarding their marriage.
The door bolted open with a click' and entered Asad Ahmed Khan, looking breathtakingly handsome in the black sherwani with beautiful handwork on the collar. Zoya immediately straightened and her back faced towards him, as she heard the door shut. She felt him coming closer until she felt his breath on her neck and his arms wrapped her tiny waist.
"Finally you're mine. You know Zoya; I've waited for this day since forever. I've loved you ever since I knew the meaning of love." He confessed softly and placed a kiss on the nape of her neck. As soon as he did that, she pushed him away forcefully and he was shocked at her action.
"Don't come near me!" She spoke. Asad was stunned to see her crying, her eyes filled with anger. Did he do something wrong? Before he could say anything, she started to speak. "Please, I did not want this. I never wanted this...please" her voice turned into a painful whisper.
His eyes widened as he tried to register the meaning of her words. She did not want this?
"Don't get any high hopes from this marriage, please. This means nothing to me! I only married you because of my parents." She revealed everything to him and his eyes widened at her statement.
"I only love Ayaan. And he'll be the one whom I'll continue to love forever!" She sobbed as she shouted.
Asad could feel earth shake beneath his feet as he saw his world shattering down right in front of his eyes. Zoya loved someone else. This broke his heart into a million pieces. He couldn't believe, the girl whom he waited for all his life, was telling him that this marriage meant nothing to him and she loved someone else. It was like he had he had lost her even before he got her. Just when he thought she was all his, fate played a cruel game crushed his dreams.
He looked at her painfully as she hid her face in her palms and cried, muffling her sobs. He badly wanted to reach out to her, hold her, but he knew he had no right. Tears formed in his eyes, as he blinked them back, careful not to break down. Not yet.
He moved towards his cupboard, and came back with his kurta and pyjamas, "Here, change this. Go to sleep" He spoke softly and Zoya looked up to see him offering her, his clothes. Without a word, she took them, maybe because she didn't have any more strength to argue. As she took hold of the clothes, she gathered herself and moved towards the washroom.
As she shut the door lock, he fell on his knees and tears finally streamed down his face. The pain in his chest had started to become unbearable, and he could feel his chest burst. The girl he had loved all his life, had rejected his love. He had loved her and all this while, she loved someone else. How he wished they had talked to each other before marriage, so neither he would have to go through this pain nor she had to be bounded with him.
He remembered all the times they spent together. They did not interact much but he had his eyes only for her. He would gaze silently at her while she was busy chatting and laughing merrily with Najma. He had thought to give her all the happiness in the world, but she never even gave him a chance to do that.
The bathroom door opened and she entered the room, dressed in his baggy kurta and pyjamas, which made her, look so tiny. Asad straightened himself and moved away from the bed, "Tum yahan so jao...I'll take the couch" He spoke and Zoya nodded. As she lied down on the bed, she saw him taking out his clothes from his cupboard. As he moved towards the bathroom, he stopped when he heard her voice.
"I'll leave after a month or two, somewhere around Humera's engagement and we'll tell them things did not work out between us" She spoke monotonously and he nodded, without looking backwards, and gulped down the lump of pain that clogged his throat.
Flown away by emotions and caught up in her pain, she had given her verdict about leaving in a month or two, forgetting that she had promised herself to move on, and honor her parent's request.
***
Asad blinked open his eyes as he felt sunrays hit his eyes, he scrunched his face and stretched his sore muscles because of sleeping on the couch. He took in a large amount of air and got up, but got still as his eyes fell on her. Dressed up in a red anarkali, she was drying her hair, looking as fresh as a daisy. He was mesmerized by her beauty and could not look away. As she moved her head sideways, some of the droplets landed on Asad's face and he closed his eyes.
Her eyes fell on him who looked at her and immediately looked away. He got up hurriedly and taking his clothes, he moved towards the bathroom. While she, ignoring him completely, took out her drier and started blow-drying her hair.
When he came out, dressed up in a casual T-shirt and jeans, he saw her sitting on the bed with her cell phone attached to her ear, as she talked to her mother. Seeing him, she bade a bye to her and disconnected the call. Getting up, she was about to walk towards the door, when his voice stopped her.
"Zoya?" She stopped but didn't turn around. He came closer but she didn't back away like last night.
Taking a deep breath, he started to speak "I'm...I'm sorry for whatever happened. I know, I can't imagine what you went through. But I assure you tumhe yahan koi problem nahi hogi...jab tak tum yahan ho" He added slowly; looking at her while she still looked away and gave no response, "Just one request. Please yeh baat, filhal, mere ammi abbu ke saamne zaahir na ho" He requested, waiting for her response.
When she spoke nothing, he heaved a sigh, and walked out of the room, as a tear slipped down her cheek.
***
Zoya entered the kitchen, dressed a beautiful red anarkali dress and saw Dilshad working in the kitchen while everyone settled on the table, except Najma who was missing. "Salam" She greeted everyone, in a soft voice, and their heads lifted up to see their darling Zoya, who was now their daughter-in-law.
"Arre Walekum-salam mera baccha" Dilshad moved forwards and hugged her, placing a kiss on her shoulder. She then moved towards Rashid who placed a hand on her head affectionately, and blessed her. Asad smiled at the bond she shared with his family, his family was practically crazy for her, including him of course. But the tragedy was, she loved his family only, not him. He sighed heavily, and looked away.
"Good morning everyone!" Najma chirped merrily as she entered the kitchen, with a wide smile on her face, "...And Bhabhi jaan" She said teasingly, nudging her best friend who was also her Bhabhi' now.
"Najma! I told you not to call me that!" Zoya reprimanded her and pouted angrily, at which Asad couldn't help but smile.
"And when did I say I'm gonna implement on what you tell me?" Najma twisted her mouth and pretended to think, as Zoya smacked at her arm playfully.
"Najma...use tang mat karo." Dilshad warned, "She's your bhabhi now"
"Ammii...before that, she's my best friend. Right besty?" She spoke, winking at Zoya whose lips lifted slowly to form a wide smile as she took her in a bear hug, as others smiled looking at the bond they shared.
It was after days, Asad had seen her smile fully from the heart. Else, the last time he had seen her smile was at a family gathering for Zoya securing highest at university, which was almost 2 months ago. After that, the talk of marriage started and he did not even see her for days. And since last night, after seeing her in tears, his heart ached to see her smile. And with her smile widening, he felt the pain lessening.
As he saw his family hovering over his lovely wife, as they laughed and chatted, Asad felt his lips stretch into a smile.
"Waise Bhai jaan..." Najma started teasingly, and Asad knew that something was cooking in her mind, "Where are you taking Bhabhi for honeymoon?" She winked at them and Dilshad nodded, suddenly excited. Zoya's smile was immediately wiped away from her face as she squirmed in her seat.
Asad could sense her tension, and gave her a comforting nod. "I don't think we'll be able to go" He spoke
"KYUN?!" Dilshad and najma shouted.
"Ammii, itni mushkil se office se 4 din ka off liya hai...warna office mein kaam itna hai" He reasoned and Rashid nodded.
"He's right, Dilshad. Agar iss ki shaadi na hoti tou mein isse kabhi chutti nahi deta" Rashid spoke in good humor, making him chuckle.
"Mtch...yeh kia baat hui, Rashid?" Dilshad whined, "Let them enjoy their newly married life na, tum kyun inke dushman bann rahe ho?" She complained and he smiled at his wife.
"Mein kyun na chaahun aisa? I also want to be a grand dad after all" Rashid joked. Both of their heads snapped wildly towards Rashid, as they looked at him in shock, Zoya's reaction almost comical, while Asad's eyes were almost out of their sockets, as the family laughed at them.
"Abbu...aren't you getting late for office?" He spoke nervously, sipping his coffee, hiding his face behind the mug, as Zoya munched her toast, to avoid the embarrassment, while everyone found their red faces adorable.
"Accha chalo ab...don't trouble my babies" Dilshad chided, holding her smile.
"Chalo phir...Asad sahib tou aaj office jaenge nahi..So Tamatar, I'll drop you" He said as he sipped the last bit of his coffee, folding his newspaper and placing it on the table. It was usually Rashid, Asad and Najma leaving together. The men would drop her to the college and then drove off to the office. But since Asad was given an off, hence, today he would stay at home.
"Ji Abbu...I'll just get my bag" Najma propped out of the kitchen. Asad smiled, he did want to leave for office since there was no meaning in staying at home when his wife refused to even acknowledge him, but he knew that would create questions, so he kept mum. Furthermore, he could catch up some sleep since he didn't get much last night, or he could work from home for a day or two, after which he has to resume going to office.
Soon, Najma arrived with her bag and the father-daughter left. Dilshad started to clean up the table, picking up things and placing them on the counter, while Zoya assisted her. As Asad was about to get up, Zoya came in front of him and picked up his mug. Without looking at him, she spoke, "Situation handle karne ke liye Thanks" She thanked him, even though her tone was a bit hard, for avoiding the topic of Honeymoon'
He smiled at her, happy to see her interacting with him, "It's alright"
Not returning his smile, and neither saying something else, she walked away, as he smiled and moved towards their room.
Days passed like this and they had settled in to a routine, it had been more than a week to their marriage and they never let others know the actual relation they shared, which was practically nothing. They did not even have a random conversation when they were alone, all they do is Asad asking or telling her about something and she snapping back at him. Zoya knew she was rude and harsh for nothing, but she couldn't help but do that. She knew she herself told her parents she was ready to marry Asad, it wasn't something she was forced to do. But somehow, she just couldn't accept the fact that they were married. And since she thought, she still loved Ayaan, she knew she could never accept the marriage. In her anger towards Ayaan, she had agreed to marry Asad but what she forgot was that marriage was not some joke; it was rather a promise for a life time, which she wasn't ready to commit to.
She was well aware that her behavior hurts Asad, since she could see that in his eyes every time she snapped at him, and she knew that he was not at fault. He never was! In fact, if anything, he is the one who is suffering the most. But Zoya shut her mind to such thoughts even before they entered her mind.
***
"Zoya?" She heard her name being called and looked up to see Asad standing, while wearing his coat. She looked at him and looked away, sitting on the bed with her i-pad.
"What?" She spoke, frowning.
"I'll be late today" He informed her. Ever since he was on vacations, his staff had gone bonkers. And he needed to set them straight and get over the pending work.
"Haan tou? Mujhe iss se kya?" She snapped. Why did he think she even cared if he returns home early or late?
Asad smiled, even though her jibe had hurt him, "Ammi ko bata dena...she's sleeping" He told her
Zoya rolled her eyes, "Yaad rahe ga tou bata dungi"
"Theek hai...Khuda Hafiz" He smiled at her and bid her goodbye before he left the room with his laptop bag. "tamatar, jaldi karo, I'm getting late" his voice fainted as he shouted for Najma. Rashid had already left for office for some urgent work.
Zoya was stumped. What was in this man? What was he made up of? No matter how rude she is, he never complains or replies in the same manner, instead he smiles at her and talks to her normally, as if nothing happened. This behavior of his irked her to no end. How was this man so patient? Did he never feel angry at her? Angry for spoiling their marriage, angry for not returning his feelings?
"Uggh...He makes me crazy!" She gritted her teeth and massaged her forehead.
Later that night, Zoya insisted on preparing dinner. Dilshad knew that Zoya did not even know the basics of cooking but since she was so keen to learn, Dilshad agreed. As the phone rang, Dilshad ran to attend it while Zoya looked after the curry on the stove. As she lifted her hand to wipe the sweat off from her forehead, she never realized that her dupatta had fallen on the stove, right beside the fire.
Asad entered the main door, dead tired. Rashid had sent him home earlier than he wanted because he knew Asad will fall ill if he'll continue to torture himself like that. And in front of an angry Rashid, Asad had no say, so he returned back home early. He greeted dilshad with a Salam' who smiled at him as she continued to talk, keeping the cordless to her ear. Asad moved towards the kitchen in search of water when his eyes fell on Zoya who was cooking, or rather trying to cook.
He almost smiled at her but soon his eyes fell beside her, he saw her dupatta catch fire, as the flames turned harsher, catching on the fabric of the cloth.
"ZOYA!" He immediately rushed towards her and pulled her dupatta from the stove which was glowing with fire, as he dabbed at it desperately. Zoya turned and her eyes widened as she screamed, he pulled the dupatta away from her neck before she got hurt, and threw it away. He looked at her with desperately worried eyes glistening with tears, "Dihaan kahan hai tumhara?" He shouted at her, his voice shaking with worry. She flinched at looked back in utter confusion, her mind still reeling from the shock.
He looked at her and sighed, smacking himself mentally for losing his temper. He desperately cupped her face and without thinking for another second he wrapped her in his embrace. Her eyes widened as she felt his comforting arms around her, and for once, she didn't mind. She needed this, she needed him. Wrapping her arms around his shoulder, she let out a sob. "Ssshh...it's alright" He consoled her softly, caressing her hair.
"Ya Allah!" Dilshad came running into the kitchen, and saw Zoya's half-burnt dupatta on the floor and Asad consoling a crying Zoya, who broke apart seeing her, "Kya hua mera bacha?" She ran to Zoya and hugged her, kissing the top of her forehead. Soon, everyone was in the kitchen to see if Zoya was alright.
"Ammi, you know Zoya doesn't know anything about kitchen. Why did you let her alone here?" Asad asked, "And Najma..where were you all this time?" He scolded her.
"Sorry bhai jaan...I was in my room" Najma apologized meekly.
He sighed and walked out of the kitchen, as Rashid asked Zoya if she was hurt and he should call the doctor, but she refused, telling him she was fine now, and did not get hurt.
***
Zoya opened the door of their room and entered to see him settled on the couch with his right hand clasped into the left one. She walked up to him with a box in her hand. He looked up to see her standing and straightened up, "Kya hua?" he asked.
She said nothing and sat down beside him. Taking his right hand into hers, she placed it on her lap. "Zoya-" He started to speak when "Sssh" came her strict voice with a glaring face which shut him up.
She took out a tube of burnol and started rubbing it gently on his burnt hand, without saying anything, neither giving away anything with her expressions which were neutral.
He looked at her with pure love glistening in his eyes. Did she really notice him getting hurt? She was tending to his wounds with pure affection, she didn't give any expression but he could feel it. His lips lifted up, as a dreamy smile formed on his face as he saw her.
"Zyada muskurane ki zaroorat nahi hai. There's nothing to laugh about" She spoke, without looking at him and continued her work. He looked at her amused, and tried suppressing his smile but couldn't.
"Ek tou bewajah hero banke haath se aag bujha rahe thay. Serious lack of common sense, hadd ho gayi. Couldn't just call somebody else up or could've been careful...but no..." She kept on muttering to herself, loud enough to be audible to him, who was having a hard time controlling his grin, admiring his cute little wife.
Once done, she looked up to see him still smiling at her. Irritated, she asked, "Kya hai? Bola hai muskurane ki zaroorat nahi..." She was annoyed.
"Haan nahi tou. Couldn't you have just called someone else up?" She was scolding him now, and he loved every bit of it. Because it was the first time after their marriage, she was showing her rights on him. She was worried for him. "Haath lagane ki kia zaroorat thi?"
"You could've got hurt, Zoya" He spoke calmly and that shut her up, as she looked at him, stunned. He hurt himself so that she stays safe. She looked at him with an expression filled with confusion and admiration. Why did he do this to save her from hurt, when all she did was hurt him again and again? How could he love someone so much, knowing his feelings would never be returned?
She shook her head, removing such thoughts out of her mind and cleared her throat. Removing his hand from her lap, she closed the box.
As she looked at him, smiling to himself, she spoke "Zyada dimagh chalane ki zaroorat nahi hai. I just tended your wounds because you got hurt because of me...Don't get any ideas" She clarified and warned him, pretending to be strict but couldn't. While Asad, keeping his hand on his mouth, nodded like an obedient kid, amused at her antics. Her statement did not hurt him; on the contrary, it just made him happier. Because he could see it in her eyes that this was just her stubbornness that was keeping her away from him. Else, she did care for him even if she wasn't aware about it herself.
***
Sneak Peak for the next part:
As Zoya turned around, her smile soon vanished from her face as she stared at the man in front of her.
"Ayaan?"
***
Heyya! Hope you liked the part, people! Ignore mistakes, if anyđłWriting something after a long time, hope I haven't lost my touchđđ
Love you alll đ¤
Edited by _Annie_ - 9 years ago
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