Hey everyone! Chapter 3 was a cliffhanger, so here's Chapter 4 early. I know I haven't said this often, but thank you all for the nice comments! They really make my day. Enjoy Chapter 4!
Obsession
Chapter 4
Asad turned the handle and opened the front door. He walked inside and placed his coat neatly on the back of the chair in front of him. Asad had come home from a long day filled with projects, plans, and meetings. He was now home from work, and he wanted nothing more than to see his beautiful wife.
As he walked further into the home, his Ammi came running towards him.
"Asad, you're home. Is Zoya with you?", she asked worriedly.
"Zoya? No...isn't she at home?".
"I don't know where she is. She went out shopping earlier today and she hasn't come home yet".
"Did you call her?".
"Yes, several times. But she's not answering".
Asad felt the color drain from his face.
"What do you mean she's not home? Where could she have gone?!?".
Asad grabbed his phone and began dialing. He waited for her cheerful, happy voice to say "hello!", but the phone just left to a message.
"Where did she say she went?", Asad asked.
"Shopping. I'm not sure where, that's all she told me".
"Okay, I think I know where she went. I'm going to get her. Call me if she comes home".
He grabbed his jacket and keys before rushing out the door.
Zoya's eyes fluttered opened. She looked up to find a white ceiling above. As she she looked below, she found herself lying in a bed. A red blanket was placed ontop of her.
She felt a bit disoriented. She moved the blanket and sat up in the bed. All she could remember was walking with Saif, and then everything going dark.
This must be his house.
Suddenly Saif walked into the room, as proof of her thoughts.
"You're finally awake", he said smiling.
"Where am I", she asked, even though she know the answer.
"My home. I brought you here after you fainted. The doctor said that it was due to food poisoning".
Zoya nodded her head indicating that she understood. Her eyes trailed around the bedroom. The white walls matched nicely with the black picture frames that scattered the walls. It was a large bedroom, and she had been sleeping on a king sized bed. A large flatscreen was placed right on the center of the wall, and right above was a black clock. The handles stoke 6:47, and Zoya nearly screamed.
"Allah Miyan! Its been 4 hours! Everyone must be worried". She pushed away the covers and quickly jumped out of bed. The sudden movement made her dizzy. Saif held her elbow to steady her.
"Zoya, you're still unwell. Maybe you should lie down for a while", he spoke, not wanting her to leave.
"No. Asad must be worried. I should go".
"Okay. How about you stay here for a while and explore a little. After all, this is the first time you've been in my home. Once you feel better, we'll leave".
Zoya knew that it wasn't a good idea, but she wanted to stay and look around. After all, Saif had gone through all the trouble of taking her to lunch, and then taking care of her when she fainted. The least she could was stay around for a few more minutes.
"Okay, I'll stay".
Saif began to give her a tour of his huge home. Saif had always been rich. His uncle had been a businessman. He showed her the upstairs, and moved downstairs. Zoya passed a beautiful bouquet of white roses sitting on the dining room table. As she walked around the whole house, the bouquet began appearing everywhere.
Zoya excitedly spoke "White roses! You remembered!".
White roses were one of Zoya's favorite flowers in University. Sometimes when she was upset, Saif would bring her a few.
"How could I forget? You loved them. They were the reason for your smile".
The room had gone quiet and a cloud of awkwardness had showered them.
Saif and Zoya walked some more until they reached the front door. She turned her head and looked at the clock across them. More than 20 minutes had passed by. Saif noticed Zoya looking, and even though it broke his heart, he knew what had to be done.
"Come. Let me drive you home".
Asad walked inside a couple of hours later, with no Zoya. He walked inside the house, silently praying that she had come home. Dilshad came rushing towards him.
"Did you find her?", she quickly asked.
"No. I searched everywhere. But I have to find her".
Asad's whole life depended on his Zoya. His happiness, his wellbeing, everything. He knew something was wrong. Zoya would never purposely be hours late with a phone call. After their marriage, she was always home when he came home from work. Something was wrong, and he had to find her.
Asad brought out his phone and was about to call the police, when the doorbell rang. Dilshad was closer to the door and she quickly ran up and opened it.
She smiled in relief as she saw Zoya.
"Zoya! You're home!". She put her hand on her cheek. "I was so worried about you".
Zoya smiled and as she took the first steps inside her home, Asad flew his arms around her and hugged her.
Saif was still standing in the doorway, and he couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy in his heart. His hands fisted at the way they were, together.
"Zoya", he said as he realeased her from the hug. "Where were you? Why didn't you answer your phone? Do you know how irresponsible that was? Do you know how worried I was?
Zoya turned around to look at Saif. Asad followed her eyes, and looked to find him standing at the entrance.
"Mr. Abdullah? I'm so sorry I didn't see you. Please come in".
Saif walked in and began to speak.
"I know we're late. It's just that Zoya fainted and-".
"You fainted!?!", Asad said looking down at Zoya.
"Actually, it was my fault. I took Zoya out to lunch today, and she must've fainted due to food poisoning. I brought her to my house, since it was much closer".
"Thank you, so much for taking care of her. I really appreciate it".
"It's okay. After all, Zoya and I are close friends. I should get going". Saif wanted to leave. He couldn't stand witnessing another romantic moment between Zoya and Asad.
Asad offered Saif to stay for dinner, but he refused and soon left. As he walked him to the door and yet again thanked him, Dilshad came and stood by Zoya. She put her hand on forehead.
"Zoya, are you feeling okay? You should go lie down.".
Zoya removed Dilshad's hand and held it in hers. She smiled as she reassured her.
"I'm feel perfectly fine. There's so need for rest".
Asad walked up behind her.
"Yes there is. I want you to go upstairs and rest", he asserted.
"But I'm not tired, and I feel fine", she cried.
"I don't care. You fainted today Zoya. Do you understand what a big deal that is?".
"But I'm fine! I'm not even sick. I'm not going upstairs".
"Are you sure?".
"Yes. I'm not going upstairs".
"Fine then".
He bent down and scooped Zoya into his arms. Zoya gasped and began protesting.
"Put me down!! This is so unfair!".
But Asad ignored her. Dilshad laughed as he carried her up the stairs, and disappeared into their bedroom.
A smile left Dilshad watching the adorable couple. They truly were perfect for each other. And she would always pray for their happiness.
"Ammi! Can you please tell your son that I'm fine!", Zoya yelled the next morning.
Asad had gone into the overprotective husband. He wouldn't let her out of the house today, and was forcing her to go back to bed after breakfast.
"Zoya how can you say your fine? Just last night you felt dizzy before you went to bed".
"That was last night! It's morning now!".
"I don't care. You can rest today, and do whatever you want tomorrow".
"That's what you said last night!". Zoya was about to take a bite out of her pizza, when Asad came and grabbed it from her
"And no pizza", he said.
"WHAT? Allah Miyan what's wrong with you Mr.Khan? What did the pizza do?".
"You fell sick due to food poisoning. You need to eat something more healthy and easy to digest for now. Here, have this toast".
"This is so unfair", she whined.
Saif walked into his empty bedroom. His fingers gently caressed the red sheets on his bed.
The sheets that Zoya had slept on
He left the room and walked down the hall. He opened the door to his right, revealing a flight of stairs. He walked up the stairs and encountered a door. He turned the knob, and walked in, closing the door behind him. He slowly walked into the room.
The walls were filled with Zoya's pictures.
Her smile.
Her alone.
Him and her together.
He moved up to one photo, and caressed the picture with his hands.
"Soon Zoya. Soon, you'll be mine", he whispered.
"I love you Zoya".
Okay, that's it for now. Thanks for reading!- Ria
Music Corner
Current Affairs
Cricket
Anupamaa
129