AsYa FS - The Path Of True Love | COMPLETED Pg. 42 - Page 28

Part 4

"Zoya, come on. Have this, please" Asad pleaded, holding out the spoonful of warm soup in front of his wife as she made a face, looking at it.

"Asad please yar!" Zoya pouted, "I'm perfectly fine now, then why soup?" She scrunched her face, "Why not pizza, instead?" She spoke excitedly, her eyes twinkling at the thought of the cheesy pizza with olives, mushrooms and lots of chicken over it, a bit of capsicums along with-

"Come out of your pizza dreams, Zoya!" Asad smiled, shaking his head at his adorable little wife.

"How did you-?" She asked and stopped short, seeing him laugh out loud.

"Mera mazaak uraa rahe hain?" She pouted and frowned. Asad could not help but pull her cheeks at the face she made, making her rub them cutely.

"Okay fine, I'm sorry" He placed his hands on his ears and apologized. Zoya smiled widely at him.

He picked up the bowl of soup again, "Zoya, please have it. Dekho, kal raat tumhe bohot tezz fever tha...I don't want you to fall sick again. Aise karo gi tou phir temperature barh jaye ga" He spoke softly, his voice full of concern that melted her heart as she looked at him with eyes full of admiration and an emotion unrevealed to her. The thoughts from last night came rushing back to her, the confusion about her feelings, the answers she needed.

Her thoughts flew back to the time when they had gotten married, the way she behaved on their wedding night and the days that followed. She used to snap at him, like literally SNAP, at her husband. Okay, gone were the days wives used to worship their husbands like God, but she should've been more respectful towards him. He was her husband after all, and it wasn't something like she was forced into this marriage, she had her say, she did it for her parents.

She remembered how he, before they got married, used to pass quiet glances at her while she chatted and laughed with Najma, which she used to shrug away that time, how he used to tend to her wounds when she fell off her bicycle, how he used to back her up before her parents when she made some blunder. Even if he never said anything, he was always present for her, even if his presence was marked with silence.

He has loved her all along. And still loves her, for God knows what reason. She never gave him any reason to fall in love with him, then how could he? How did he? He is the perfect man any girl could get as a husband. So, how come, she landed with him? She had committed so many mistakes in the past, had she accepted their relationship and given them a chance, bidding a final goodbye to Ayaan and his memories; she would have spared them from so much pain, especially him. Accepting the fact that his wife loves some other man is an extremely hard step for a man to take. It's more than the pain of stepping over thorns. Over that, supporting his wife when she cries over her lost love. But he did that, all of that and more...for her.

And she had been blind to all of his actions. It was like, she had closed her eyes shut and had forced herself into oblivion.

He looked at her looking at him but was unable to decipher what she was thinking. The emotions in her eyes were pulling him towards her, the softness in them forcing her to drown in them, but he looked away, although he was quite amused to see her admiring him like that. It was new for him, and his heart pumped in joy.

"What happened? Aise kia dekh rahi ho?" He asked her.

"Aap itne ache kyun hain Asad?" She asked with tears in her eyes making him frown in confusion, "Since the time we're married...I've been nothing but rude and harsh to you and you were patiently bearing everything. I've never given you any right of a husband, and could never love you as wife should love her husband. But you..." She paused, as a tear finally rolled down her cheek, letting out what was in her heart, "...you've only showered me with love. Why Asad? Why? I'm not worthy of your love. I'm not worthy of such affection" She kept shaking her head sideways, letting out the frustration and guilt that was eating her up.

"Ssshhh...hey, never say that, okay?" Asad pulled her closer and cupped her cheeks, making her look at him, he spoke, "You are priceless, Zoya. You're something I've dreamed and waited for my whole life. And you might not know, but I'm a bit selfish too. Everything I do for you has my own happiness lying underneath. So I'm no great person" He chuckled, teary-eyed himself, "And why do I love you so much, you ask?" He sighed with a smile on his face, "I don't know, really. I just don't know why I love you so much...I just do" He shrugged with an ocean of love in his eyes.

Zoya could feel more tears streaming down her cheeks at his confession. This man here was an angel. And she was one lucky girl to have him in her life when he deserved so much better. He deserved the best. But he had chosen her, who had no value of his love. She could not help but let out a sob, realizing the extent of love he has for her.

Asad was alarmed as soon as he saw the tears flow down her eyes again "Heyy...what happened?" His hand immediately lifted to wipe away the tears with his thumb pads. "These are precious, Zoya. Don't waste them" He whispered, wiping away a drop of tear from her cheek.

Zoya could no longer hold herself, feeling so overwhelmed by the amount of his love for her, she threw her arms around his neck and thrashed her head on his chest, sobbing loudly. He loved her immensely, he loved her crazily, he loved her more than anything else in the world, and she knew she wasn't worthy of it. Asad was surprised as he felt her body stick to him, but was shocked to hear her sobbing. His arms were immediately wrapped around her fragile frame as he rocked her shaking body, murmuring soft words of love.

"Don't love me so much Asad...please" She literally pleaded to him in a quivering voice. The fact that he loved her to the core, made her feel terrible that she might never be able to return the love, the same way he does.

"That's the only thing I can't do for you Zoya."Asad shook his head with a smile, "I'll do anything and everything for you, except that."

He gently parted her from him and cupped her face lightly. Her tear-stained face broke his heart, and he wiped away those tears. "Ask me anything else, but not this" His voice quivered at this. His life literally started and ended on her, loving her was all his life was about. Moisture seeped into his eyes as well, when he thought about not loving her.

"Asad...I'm sorry" She whispered.

"Don't be. I'm not. When I loved you, I had never placed a condition that you should love me back." He shook his head gently.

They kept looking at each other for a long time when he pulled her gently and laid her head on his chest wrapping his arms tight around her, as she snuggled closer into his warmth. They kept lying down in the same position.

"I'm still sorry, Asad" She whispered, as her voice turned sleepy.

He chuckled, "Go to sleep, Zoya"

After a while when she was asleep, he smiled at her beautiful face. Looking so innocent, free from all the tension and miseries, she slept like a baby. He couldn't help but bend down and brush his lips on her forehead, pecking it slightly, "Good night, love"

Placing her gently on the bed, he covered her with the comforter and smiled at her sleeping frame. Taking his pillow, he moved towards the couch and lied down, facing her, never knowing when he fell into a deep slumber.

***

Zoya scrunched her nose, rubbing her eyes as the sunlight falling on her broke her sleep. She stretched her arms and yawned as she got up to see Asad standing in front of the mirror, fixing his tie, getting ready for office.

A smile formed on her lips. Nowadays only his presence was enough to make her smile, it was weird to her, but she did not deny the fact that she liked it. It had been a couple of days since their heart-to-heart and she felt lighter before. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off her heart and she could finally feel free, open her heart and mind and accept the new feelings that surrounded her heart and occupied her mind. Also, surprisingly, these days she had found herself admiring Asad more often, which she did not mind at all. He's my husband, after all. She would think and would smile shyly. Doing small things for him, like a wife would do, gave her immense satisfaction and happiness, like waiting for him to be back from office, and they would have dinner together.

"Good morning" His deep voice broke her chain of thoughts, and she looked up to see him looking at her with an amused smile. "May I ask what has occupied my wife's mind early morning?" He teased.

"Good morning" She greeted him chirpily, with a tint of sleep still in her voice. "Kuch nahi...bas aise hi" She clearly hid the fact that she was pondering about their blooming relationship and feeling happy about it. While moving the comforter, in order to get up, her eyes fell on the clock beside her, placed on the side table.

"Asad!" She groaned, "I've told you to wake me up earlier!" She complained. A few days ago she had told him to wake her up when he wakes up so she can freshen up and go and help Dilshad while he gets ready. She did not like the fact that her Phupi had to manage all by herself when she was present. Asad rolled his eyes while setting his hair.

"Listen to yourself, Zoya. You and EARLY...are two parallel lines that can never meet!" He joked with a hint of smile on his face while his eyes danced in amusement. Speaking in good humor, he did not confess that he did not have the heart to wake her up while she was lost on her dream land as he admired her, looking so peaceful.

Zoya made a face, and frowned at him, "That was very lame!" She poked her tongue out at him and got off from the bed, folding the comforter and placing it on the bed.

"It wasn't." He argued, "You just don't know how to appreciate my sense of humor" He spoke proudly.

Zoya twitched her nose and imitated him, making him laugh as she joined in later, giggling seeing him laugh so freely. Taking her clothes from the cupboard, she moved towards the bathroom to change and freshen up while Asad settled on the couch with his laptop, completing his presentation.

Done with his work he shut the laptop when he heard the door of the bathroom click and saw her entering the room dressed in a simple light blue suit, drying her hair as he stared at her, his eyes shining with love for her. Oblivious to his stare, she kept drying her wet hair, raking her fingers through them from time to time. Unknowingly, she spun her hair around which hit him lightly as he turned his head away on impulse.

"Oh damn, I'm sorry..." Zoya panicked and throwing the towel away she moved forwards and started wiping the droplets of water from his face. Asad's eyes were locked on her enchanting face, as she looked as fresh as a daisy. His hands almost lifted up to caress her face, until he fisted it, controlling his urges. Her soft touch on his face wasn't helping either, she was just making harder for him. "Done" She spoke and smiled while he let out a sigh of breath he didn't know he was holding.

Trying to control his erratic heartbeat he picked up his laptop and placed it in his bag along with some files. Looking up at her, he saw her expressions as she looked at him.

"What happened?" He asked as he saw her looking at him weirdly.

"Mtch...what tie are you wearing?" She made a face and proceeded towards the cupboard to fetch another tie in contrast of his suit, while muttering curses at his choice of ties, making him smile. Picking out the one which went perfectly with his shirt, she moved towards him while he waited for his wife with a smile. She unknotted the former one, threw it away and started knotting the one she had picked. Her hands worked diligently on the knot while he stared at his cute wife with unmasked admiration. He badly wanted to wrap his arms around her waist and pull him closer, but he knew he couldn't. She looked up for a while and saw him staring at her, unknowingly, she felt color creep to her cheeks, tinting it light pink. Earlier, she used to feel uncomfortable when he used to admire her but now the same gaze is making her blush, and she loved it. She suppressed her smile that was playing on her lips as she noticed him smiling as well.

"Did I crack some joke, Mr. Khan?" Zoya asked teasingly while fixing his tie, when she noticed him smiling to himself.

His smile widened hearing her, and playing along, he replied, "Well, Mrs. Khan. You don't need to do that. You're a practically a joke yourself" He teased her and her mouth dropped down to her knees as she heard him. She left his tie, which was done, and smacked him in the chest, making him laugh.

"Very funny!" She made a face, "Phupi ko bataungi, ke aap mera mazaak uraa rahe thay" She threatened him, and smirked playfully, making Asad roll his eyes at her threat.

"Han bas yehi tou aata hai tumhe..." He commented lamely, "Abbu ko bata dungi...Phupi ko bata dungi" He imitated her, speaking in a girlish voice, "Bachpan se sun raha hun, Zoya" He chuckled, shaking his head.

Her eyes widened seeing him imitating her, that too, right in front of her, "Aap meri nakal utaar rahe hain?" She asked incredulously.

"Haan" He shrugged as if it was obvious and let out a laugh at her expressions. His wife was the most adorable creature on this earth.

"Huh...whatever" She shrugged haughtily and moved away but did not notice her sandal that was lying on the floor and twisted her foot due to it, letting out a shriek. Just as she lost balance and was about to fall, he caught her by her waist in no time, as her arms wrapped his neck on an impulse. A perfect fit in his arms, and he loved the feeling of her soft frame pressing on his hard one. Zoya opened her eyes lightly once she felt his hot breath falling on her lips, making her shiver. Once she opened them she realized how close they were. Their arms locked around each other, their faces just an inch apart, eyes locked with each other. The intensity by which he was staring at her was making her melt into a puddle of goo, while the close proximity played havoc on her senses. She was sure that if he wasn't holding her, she would've fallen down.

Asad soon came into his senses and broke the eye lock, while cursing himself for loosing himself into the moment. Worried if Zoya was offended, one look at her and he was proven wrong. The beetroot color that shaded her cheeks was enough proof that she was not offended at all. Making her stand on her foot, he admired her going all shy. Especially when she pushed back her hair behind her ear shyly. There was a kind of awkwardness which surprisingly none of them minded, instead were enjoying each other's shy looks.

"Phupi must be waiting..." She could only whisper, but he heard her. As she was about to leave the room, he held her hand and pulled her gently.

"This color suits you, Mrs. Khan" He spoke in a deep, husky voice referring to the blush on her cheeks, making it go deeper. She looked at him with a shy smile as he looked back with love glistening in his eyes. Hand in hand, they walked out of the room.

***

Days passed and they grew more comfortable in each other's presence. Things had started to escalate between them and they were happy at the progression. While Asad was joyous, Zoya on the other hand, took each day as it came. She had slowly started getting the answers she demanded, and slowly and gradually, she had started to accept the change in herself and her feelings. Asad was pleasantly surprised to see her opening to him, and loved how the hesitance had carefully seeped out, letting comfort sink into their relation.

It was Sunday, but the Khan villa which was usually full of chatters on Sunday, was silent. Rashid, due to some work regarding office, had flown to Delhi and had taken Dilshad with him while Najma had her exams, and she was studying. Since it was an off, Asad was at home and the husband-wife duo were sipping their steaming coffees, made by Zoya, while sitting beside the window in their room. Zoya had her hair wrapped in a loose, messy bun with dupatta carelessly thrown over her shoulders while Asad was in a casual jeans and T-shirt. The weather was pleasant, with the sun hidden behind the slight black clouds with soft breeze flowing.

"It's such a lovely weather!" Zoya exclaimed, sipping her coffee as she gazed up at the open sky, a wide smile playing on her lips, as he admired her. "Seems like it's about to rain" She spoke dreamily, enjoying the breeze caress her soft cheeks.

"How about a long drive in this weather?" Asad asked casually, raising his eye brows and her eyes twinkle at his suggestion, "Really?" She asked, beaming and Asad nodded, smilingly.

"Okay, then!" She kept the mug aside and spoke, excitedly, "Lemme call Najma and ask her to come along too! Bechari, kab se parhai kar rahi hai"

Asad splattered his coffee as her heard her. Najma? Here he was thinking to spend some time alone with his wife but she was more interested in others than him. Excellent! He chuckled and continued to sip his coffee as he saw his one-of-a-kind-wife hopping out of the room, screaming Najma's name excitedly. He smiled at his wife, who loved his family like her own.

His smile widened further as he thought about the recent events and the progress in their relationship. They no more felt awkward or hesitant in each other's company, in fact, they enjoyed it. He missed her when she wasn't around and he knew she missed him too. The number of phone calls she makes, when he is not around, is the proof of it. He had seen a kind of positive change, a gleam, in Zoya's eyes recently and he wanted to know more about it. Has she started to feel something for me too? This was a certain question he longed to ask her, directly. But he did not want to lose the friendship they had recently and not to forget, very difficultly developed.

His thoughts were broken when he saw her entering with a pouting face. "What happened?" He asked.

"She's saying she wants to study, she can't go with us" She pouted, complaining like a child and she looked so adorable that he wanted to pull her in his arms.

"Tou koi baat nahi...we'll go" He tried to cheer her up, as he could see his wish of spending time with her alone, coming true.

"Haan...theek hai" Her face brightened up, "I'll just go and change!" She spoke excitedly and was about to leave when he held her hand.

"Arre...what's the need to change?" he asked, and lifting up his hand, he pulled the catcher off her hair, letting her long, silky hair fall on her shoulders, "there you go... and you look beautiful" He complemented her, making her blush. When he said she looked beautiful, she actually felt beautiful.

"Asad!" She spoke shyly and he smiled, enjoying the redness on her cheeks.

"Acha ab chalo!" She admonished him, breaking his stare because his stare had become teasing to her. Lately, she noticed, he used to enjoy when she turned red due to his teasing which led her to the realization that she used a blush too frequently these days. Not that she did not enjoy that, or his lopsided smile when she blushed.

Asad held out his hand with a smile dancing on his lips, asking her to place her hand in his. Also, symbolically, asking her to walk in his life permanently. Zoya chuckled warmly, and placed her soft, delicate hand in his palm. His heart soared as he felt her hand fit into his, as he entwined their fingers together. I'll never let it go. They both silently promised, looking into each other's eyes.

Fingers entwined, they walked out to enjoy the lovely weather with the person they love.

Part 5

Zoya was lying down on the bed, with a wide smile on her face as she remembered the events of the day before. They had a great time in each other's company, laughing at each other's jokes, pulling legs, teasing each other. Zoya had never felt such peace and happiness before. The smile of complete satisfaction and pure glee danced on Zoya's lips as she relived the time spent with Asad.

Hearing the main door close with a thud' she opened her eyes and got up, curious to see who is in the main hall. It was just after noon and Asad returned home till evening. When she started to walk out of the room, she saw Asad entering with his laptop bag in his hand. "Salam" He greeted.

"Walekum-salam. You're back early" Zoya commented, while taking the laptop bag from his hands as he loosened his tie, "Kia baat hai Mr. khan? Office mein dil nahi lagta kia?" Zoya teased him, making him smile at her words.

"Nahi lagta" He answered truthfully with a naughty gleam in his eyes as her smile widened. She placed the bag on the shelf and propped herself on the bed with a novel in her hands.

"Kya ho raha hai?" Asad asked, flopping himself on the bed beside her.

"Asad! Go and change first atleast...And I've told you a thousand times to NOT FALL on the bed like this!" She spoke irritated, scolding him.

"Arre! Ek tou husband thaka hua ghar aata hai...upar se his wife ignores him and is more interested in this novel" He said, snatching it away, "...what else will he do?"

"Asad! Don't you have anything else besides irritating me?"

"A lot of things in fact. But you know, you should do things you love most. And I love irritating you" He spoke mischievously making her jaw drop as she threw a cushion at him while he laughed.

"Where's Najma?" He asked.

"Friend ke ghar gayi hai...for studies" She answered.

"She didn't tell me about it..." Asad spoke, checking his cell for any messages but there were none.

"Because she told me about it" Zoya shrugged.

"When will she be back?"He asked, checking his watch.

"Oh God, Asad!" Zoya huffed, "Let that poor thing be on her own for a while...har time peeche pade rehte hain usske" She scolded him.

"Accha na...why are you shouting?" Asad dissolved the matter, knowing his wife will never let him win this argument ever.

After a few more random conversations, Zoya spoke, "Coffee piyenge?"

"Pilaogi?" He asked and she nodded.

"Okay then...I'll go and change till then" Asad spoke and got off the bed. Zoya was about to get up when her cell phone rang. She looked at it to see Ammi' calling. "It's Ammi" She told Asad and he nodded, moving towards the bathroom. Zoya picked up the call and spoke happily, "Salam Ammi!"

By the time Asad came out after freshening up, Zoya was literally jumping around the room with her cell phone still clutched to her ear. He settled on the bed, scanning the novel she was reading, as he waited for her to finish her conversation.

"Han Pakka Ammii...Sure! Khuda Hafiz" Zoya ended her call and turned to him with an excited smile. Before he could ask the reason for her excitement, she spoke

"It was Ammi's call...She wants me to come earlier for Humera's engagement preparations" She spoke excitedly.

Instead of being happy at his sister-in-law getting engaged, his smile washed away as this phrase reminded him of a statement made by Zoya a month ago.

"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"

That reminded him that she never wanted to get married. She wanted to leave him, and hence, she said that. But all these days she had spent, should mean something to her, he was not some idiot just imagining the change. Things had changed, didn't they?

"Are you gonna go?" He asked, holding the last thread of hope. Please say no. Please say no.

"Ofcourse, Mr. Khan!" She jumped in excitement, "My little sister's getting engaged!"

He sucked in breath, hearing her answer, knowing he had lost. He smiled a small smile, for her sake, "Hmm" seeing her enthusiasm.

"You don't want me to go, Mr. Khan?" She asked playfully, in a teasing tone wanting him to confess that he'll miss her, but he seemed to take no notice.

"Would it matter if I say anything?" He asked.

"Of course, Mr. Khan" She spoke truthfully. She wasn't just saying this for the sake of it, she meant it. He had full rights on her and if he did not want, she'll definitely reconsider her plans of going.

"You can go" Please don't leave me.

He spoke, gulping the lump down his throat because he knew she was just saying for the sake of it.

"When do you want to leave?" He asked, keeping his emotions under control. Zoya smiled widely with her dimples peeking out. "Tomorrow morning" She replied excitedly, and Asad gave a nod.

"Acha...aap bethein. I'll bring coffee in a while" She spoke and hopped out of the room, with a smile plastered on her face, due to the excitement of her little sister's engagement.

Asad's legs gave away and he flopped down on the couch, as a lone tear trickled down his cheek.

She is leaving.

"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's leaving.

These thoughts circled his mind, as he clutched his head. She told him she'll leave him and she's leaving. He couldn't help but think the last few weeks where they had grown closer than ever. He had begun to think that she has started to fall in love with him and might take the decision of staying with him forever. But every time he was with her, the statement of hers about leaving was always at the back of his mind. Although due to the recent events it had started to fade but never left completely. And whatever she just said, meant only one thing. She did want to leave.

Else, she would've told him when she'll be back, told him the number of days she wanted to stay at her house. Heck, she would've at least remembered her own words. She herself said she'll leave him permanently at the time of Humera's engagement.

Everything was clear to him. Zoya did not love him, these days she spent were nothing to her. And here I was hoping she'll stay with me forever...fall in love with me...

Heart over loaded with emotions, another tear slipped down his cheek as he silently cried, without making any sound or making any effort to wipe the tear away.

***

The car screeched to a stop as they halted before the Farooqui house. Zoya glanced at him while he looked straight in front, not sparing at glance at her. With shades covering his eyes, she could not even know what he was feeling.

The whole ride was silent and awkward, and Zoya could not pin point the reason of his aloof behavior. He did not even look at her and those stupid shades were making it more difficult for her.

"Asad..." She spoke softly but he didn't reply, "Won't you come inside?" She asked, in hope for a response.

"I'm getting late for office" Short and straight was his answer and Zoya was not satisfied.

"You're okay, na?" She asked worriedly.

"Hmm..." He replied gruffly, and said nothing more.

"Asad...Wha-" She was cut short by his voice, "Go, Zoya. Khuda Hafiz" He said with a voice, void of emotions.

"Khuda Hafiz" She spoke, her voice quivering. She did not like the way he was behaving, it was hurting her. Was he so eager to send her away that he cannot even say a proper good-bye?

He didn't respond and neither did she wait for him to respond. She immediately took her bag and stepped outside, shutting the door, and started walking towards her house. Asad turned to look at her retreating back and gulped down his pain. Zoya ran the doorbell and turned her head sideways to see any trace of emotion on his face, but he quickly arranged his posture and looked straight. Zoya, upset on finding nothing, turned and wiped her tears away. Soon, the door was opened by her Ammi who took her into a bear hug, and Asad sighed and drove off to his office, as he pulled his shades away to wipe the tears that cascaded down his cheeks.

***

"Appii!" Humera squealed in sheer excitement as she saw her elder sister after such a long time, and ran towards her taking her into a rib-crashing hug, while Zoya chuckled at the warm welcome and hugged her back.

"Arre...dekh ke Humera" Razia repraminded her, laughing herself.

"Appi! How are you? Susraal jaa ke apni behen ko tou bhool hi gayi hain aap" Humera complained like a child, making Zoya go Aww' at her baby sister, pulling her in to a hug.

"Busy ho gayi thi Humi...But I missed you" She explained.

"Busy tou hongi hi...after all, You had to take care of Asad bhaijaan as well" Humera teased her elder sister who turned pink as she thought about Asad. Humera hooted, seeing Zoya blushing like she never had.

"Ammi! Dekho...8^th wonder of the world. Appi's blushing!" Humera giggled, only to receive a light smack from Zoya while Razia was glad to see her daughter happy and satisfied.

"Ammi...Where's Abbu?" Zoya asked.

"He has gone to meet a friend of his...he's sick" She told her and Zoya nodded.

"Accha...go and freshen up. I've made some gajar ka halwa for my beta..."Razia said, patting Zoya's forehead, "We'll have it together..."

"Haan...subah se Ammi kitchen mein ghusi hui hain" Humera commented, "mere liye tou kabhi itne pyaar se halwa nahi banaya" She complained, envious of the attention her sister was getting.

Razia and Zoya chuckled. "Koi baat nahi...when you'll get married and when your Haider miyan drops you here for some time...Ammi will make some for you too" It was Zoya's turn to tease her baby sister and Humera's turn to blush at the mention of her fianc's name.

After some chats and giggles, Zoya took her bag and entered her room. Correction, her former room. She has only one room that is in Khan Villa. She thought and blushed. Throwing her bag on the bed, she pulled out her cell phone to see any missed calls from Asad, but there were none. She decided to call him and when she did, his number was unreachable. Pouting, she threw the cell phone away as well.

She thought about his behavior since the morning. He was perfectly fine till yesterday. Completely normal. Achanak se kia hua unhe? She thought hard but was unable to pinpoint what exactly the matter was, he was fine until-

Until she had told him about the engagement.

Oh yes! His reaction was a bit weird as well. But what has Humera's enagagement to do with Asad's behavior?

She thought hard but couldn't come to a conclusion. Sighing, she got up and was about to move towards the cupboard when it clicked her mind.

"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"

These were her words on their wedding night, which came rushing back to her mind. She had clearly told him that she will leave him once the engagement preparations start.

OH DAMN. Does that mean-? He actually thinks-? Oh God, I never meant it! Asad thinks I...I left him? Damn it, Damn it! Oh, he's such a fool. And I am a bigger fool than him to utter those stupid words. Gosh, what was I thinking? He must've been so hurt. Her eyes softened at the amount of hurt he must have felt when she said that.

That explains his behavior since yesterday. He's being aloof, to avoid me because he thinks I was leaving him. Uff! I can never even think of leaving him! I love him!

And with the entrance of those words in her mind, she knew. She was in love. She was in love with her husband, Asad Ahmed Khan, who has showered her with love and love only. The immense satisfaction Zoya felt after accepting the words was something only she could feel. Her lips lifted into a smile, and it turned wider and wider until it turned from ear to ear. The realization was so intense that tears seeped in to her eyes as she closed her eyes in peace.

"I love you...Asad Ahmed Khan" She whispered to herself, and felt a tear roll down her cheek as she let out a sob. This was real. Her true love and she could feel it.

Her smile soon turned into a frown, as she realized the situation. Asad Ahmed Khan! How dare you think I left you? And how dare you let me go? Abhi dimagh durust karti hun aapka!

She got up, "Ammi!" And left the room, in search for her mother.

***

"Sir?"

Prasad's loud voice boomed in his ears and his head jerked towards his secretary and out of his thoughts. "Yes, Prasad?"

"Sir, the files" He said, handing him a couple of files as Asad took them, having no idea what those files were about and when did he ask for them.

"Sir...Are you alright? You don't look okay" Prasad asked politely.

"I'm fine" He spoke sternly, pretending to look into those files when his mind wandered somewhere else. Prasad nodded and left, and once he left, Asad threw those files away.

"Uggh" He groaned and held his head in his hands. Why the heck was he not able to concentrate? What's wrong with him?

He let out a huge sigh and leaned back into his plush chair, staring at the ceiling. Zoya. He missed her. He loves her. And now that she has left, he knew things will never be the same again. Why Zoya? Could you not give me at least one chance?

In frustration, he picked up the paper weight and threw it on the marbled floor, as it cracked and broke into pieces.

***

Asad entered the main door of Khan Villa, quietly. He knew there was no one in the house except Najma, who was probably asleep. He went and checked in his baby sister's room, and found out that she was actually sleeping, hugging her note book. Asad smiled and pulled the book back, placing it aside and pulled the comforter over her properly. Dropping a sweet kiss on her forehead, he moved out of the room.

He, on purpose, came late. Because he knew there was no meaning of coming home early. It was due to Zoya he had started to come home earlier than usual, but what was the need now?

He entered his room, not bothering to switch on the lights, threw his bag away and flopped himself on the bed, covering his eyes with his arm.

"You are late, Mr. Khan!"

He heard Zoya's voice and removed his arm. Taking her to be another figment of his imagination, because he was experiencing this for the umpteenth time, he placed his arm back on his eyes. I am missing her too much.

"Ignoring your wife is not something you should do!"

He heard her voice again, this time it was sharper than before. He immediately removed his hand and got up from the bed.

"Zoya? ...Zoya! You...You're really here" He asked in wonder, his eyes wide in disbelief that she was actually standing in front of her when he thought she'll never be back.

"yes, Husband. I'm really here." Zoya spoke, softly this time, smiling at the wide eyes of her husband, which she found too adorable.

"You mean, you didn't leave?" He took feeble steps towards her, careful to move as if she'll vanish with each of his step while she finished the half of the distance.

"Arre! Agar koi ladki apne mayke jaati hai...tou wapas bhi tou aati hai. She doesn't stay there forever. This is my home, after all, and I've returned." Zoya spoke in her usual manner, with twinkling eyes that he caught immediately.

"What did you say?!" he could not believe it, she was really back. Back to him. Because she wanted to be. Asad could not hold back his smile anymore and smiled widely.

"Is it the time to demand stupid answers from your wife, Asad?" She asked with her hands on her hips.

He laughed, "Then what is the time for?" He asked playfully.

"This!" Saying so, she started smacking him.

"How dare you think I'll never come back? How could you let me leave then?" She smacked him on the shoulder.

"You never said you did not want to leave, Zoya" He justified cutely.

"You never asked me!" She spoke angrily, blaming him.

"Acha? I should've asked you?!" He counter-questioned, amused at her accusations.

"Obviously! You have no brains, Asad Ahmed khan! You just assumed things. I did not even remember what I spoke that night, all high in emotions...and you believed every word of mine, just like that!" She kept on hitting him while he kept on trying to dodge her attacks, controlling his smile and tears. Soon, her hits became softer and her words turned into sobs. Asad, understanding her turmoil, pulled her closer and hid her in his chest, caressing her hair softly.

"Why did you let me go?" She sobbed. "Aapka haq tha...ke aap mujhe rokein, na jaane dein."

"I am sorry Zoya." He whispered in her ear, "I shouldn't have let you go"

"No...I'm sorry Asad. For leaving...and for everything I did earlier. I've hurt you so much...I'm sorry" She sobbed as she broke apart from his, his hands clasped around hers.

"Ssshh...it doesn't matter to me." He spoke softly, caressing her cheeks, wiping her tears away.

"Do you love me so much that you let me go for my sake?" She asked innocently, in a quivering voice, and he smiled at her. Pinching her nose, which had turned red, he came closer and joined his forehead with hers and whispered, "More than this, Zoya"

Another set of tears seeped into her eyes hearing his reply. She just couldn't fathom the amount of love he has for her, and she might never will. He had loved her always, and now it was his turn to be loved.

"Asad, I..." She started softly, her gaze on her hands that were clasped by his large ones, placed on his chest. Out of shyness, she stopped while his heart leaped in anticipation of what she was about to say. He saw her red cheeks and smirked. He was amused at the girl who had everyone dancing on her little finger, was now stammering herself. Time for Mrs. Khan to be speechless.

He held her chin and lifted it, making her gaze directly in his smoldering eyes, as he encouraged her to speak through his eyes. Speak what was in her heart. Speak what he longed to hear.

"I...Actually, pata nahi, when..how...but I..I" She stammered, blushing profusely under his intense stare, as he was making her confession difficult. She saw him smiling at her and frowned, "You're making fun of me!" She whined like a baby, "Nahi bol rahi mein kuch!" She spoke defiantly, pushing him and turning away from him, folding her arms around her chest.

Smiling, her threats having no effect on him, he pulled her to him again, jamming her in his chest, holding her hands in his, he spoke, "Ab nahi..." He said surely, "Ab tou bulwa ke hi chorunga. You've made me wait long enough" He spoke playfully, but with sheer determination, as Zoya melted in his arms.

She looked up in his eyes and their gazes were locked. "Tell me" He spoke hoarsely.

Lost in his eyes, she spoke out the truth that was in her heart, "I love you Asad..."

As soon as those words reached his ears, he closed his eyes in pure satisfaction and pleasure. It was like he had died and reached heaven, those words were sheer sweetness to his ears and he could never get enough of hearing it.

"Say it again" he whispered.

She smiled tearfully "I love you Asad"

"Again"

"I love you Asad"

"One last time...please"

"I love you-"

"I love you Zoya...so so much, sweetheart" He spoke desperately, smothering her face with kisses before he pulled her into a rib-crashing hug, his arms locking around her back while her hands found her way through his shoulders. They hugged each other like their lives dependant on each other, sobbing on each other's shoulders, finally at peace.

"I'm sorry... I'll never let you go...Never" He closed his eyes, inhaling the fragrance of her hair, making completely sure that she was here, and wasn't going anywhere.

"I will not leave you either" She promised him, her head hidden in the crook of his neck.

As they parted, he cupped her face as they looked at each other, grinning from ear to ear through their tears, their eyes shining with sheer happiness.

"When did you come back home?" He asked, , wiping her tears with the back of his knuckles, as he remembered he had dropped her in the morning, the smile not leaving their faces, as his arms were wrapped around her waist.

"Since afternoon..." She replied, smiling and playing with the buttons of his shirt, "Why are you so late today?" She asked.

"Ghar mein dil nahi lagta na..." He answered honestly, looking in to her eyes, while she looked down.

"Why did you came back as soon as I left you?" He asked.

"Wahan di nahi lag raha tha" She repeated his answer, but it was the truth. Asad smiled, his dimples peeking out from his cheeks.

"Waise...tum ne mumani se kia kaha?" He asked, wanting to know how did Razia let her darling daughter leave so early.

"Maine kaha ke Najma is not well, and there's no one at home...so I have to go home" She spoke in a low voice, not meeting his eyes, making his eyes dance with amusement. He lifted her chin, making her look at him, and they chuckled at her explanation, joining there forehead together.

Once, the laughter subsided, she spoke, "You know, I'm so lucky you were written in my fate. You've always loved me, more than anything else in the world but I failed to notice it everything. I'm sorry" She apologized again, while he shook his head.

"Ssshh...I told you, na? I don't care about the past...All I wanna do is create new memories of us" He shook away all her negative thoughts and bumped his forehead to hers slightly, smiling at her, as she smiled back, throwing all her insecurities out of her mind.

"That we will" She spoke surely, entwining their fingers.

Their gazes fixed at each other, they never knew when they came close enough to not let an inch of space between them. Asad's hand lifted and caressed her cheek softly while she shivered at his touch, closing her eyes in pleasure, as she let out a gasp. "Open your eyes, Zoya" he whispered huskily, making her open her eyes. His gaze fell down on her lips and her breath hitched in the anticipation of what was to happen next. Leaning closer, he looked in to her eyes, asking for her approval. Zoya, knowing that she wanted this, moved a little closer, meeting him halfway, and Asad received his answer. Without any delay, he brushed his lips on her plump ones softly, as she let out another gasp. Locking his lips with hers, he kissed her softly and felt her responding back after a little hesitance, making him smile In the kiss.

Once they broke apart, their breaths uneven, hearts beating rapidly in their chests, a smile spread on their lips, as they joined their foreheads together before Asad pulled her into him, as she placed her head on his chest.

"I love you Zoya" He spoke softly, kissing her hair sideways.

"I love you too Asad..." She replied, closing her eyes, hearing the beats of his heart, finally feeling at peace to have found her true love.

***

Originally posted by: _Annie_

Res for Saima Appi, Choco Sis, Tehsu Appii, Pumpkin, Asshii pie, Jassuu and Sue Bunny 🤗

Hello Annie...😊