Asad Ahmed Khan stumbled as he entered the frame of the door of his room, battered, badly bruised and drunk. Already unable to walk properly, he slumps himself down on the floor beside the couch and kept breathing heavily to take in as much Oxygen as possible. As he felt his bleeding forehead and nose and badly bruised fists throb, he shuts his eyes close to lessen the pain. But this pain was nothing in front of the tragedies he had suffered in his life. Losing his mother at his birth after which his father passed away too while fighting from some goons to save a 12 year old Asad. The memory of his father dying in his arms was still afresh in his mind. And the torture inflicted on that innocent soul by those people after there was no one with him, still haunted him. Those vicious scars on his back, those haunting nightmares that wake him up every day, are a proof of his sufferings. That was the time he decided he was never going to be weak, he'll grow up to be a fighter, and then no one will be able to hurt him. And that's what he is now. A street boxer, a fighter. He had to choose this way for a living, he wanted to give the best to the love of his life. He wanted her to give the world; she was the only one he had.
Pal, do pal, ki hi kyun hai zindagi
Iss, pyar, ko hai sadiyaan kaafi nahi
Feeling a soft hand clasp his rough, bruised one, he looked up to see his angel, on her knees gently wiping the blood on his hands with a piece of cotton, blowing softly. His eyes moistened as he gazed at her, feeling the stinging pain lessen. She was his saving grace, a balm to his wounded soul, a source of happiness in this dark world. His only friend since childhood, his best friend, his love, his world. She was the one with him when he had no one. She's only and all he wants and needs.
As she finished aiding his hands, she took a fresh cotton piece and wiped off the blood from his forehead. As she blew on it, he closed his eyes, feeling at peace. Zoya dumped the cotton and picked up a fresh cotton when he held her hand and stopped her and placed a fat bundle of money, which he had just won, in front of her. She gave a small smile, took it and placed it away. He was not surprised, she never shows any kind of interest in the money he brings but he still did that because he wanted to give her everything she wanted, needed and desired for.
Toh khuda se maang lun
Mohalat main ik nayi
Zoya blew softly on his wound, her heart piercing as she tried to feel his pain. She felt drowned in a sea of thorns whenever she saw him in pain, and she goes through the torture almost daily. But she understands him, needs him, loves him, but also want him to lead his life on the right path, with happiness and contentment. But he's always so obsessed with the idea of giving her everything she wants. What he doesn't understand is, she needs nothing else besides him.
She got up and taking his arms she wounded them around her, supporting him as he stood up. Throwing his weight on her, he tried to match steps with her as she led him to bed. He looked at her, admiring her courage, her selflessness and was ashamed of himself. She was suffering because of him, because he was still trapped in his past, he was still afraid to lose his loved ones. And since she was the only one he had, he would do anything and everything for her. Even if that meant fighting the world.
Rehna hai bas yahaan
Ab door tujhse jaana nahi
Making him lie down gently, she pulled the comforter over him, covering him with it. As she turned to leave, she felt a tug on her hand. Facing him, she saw it was his hand that covered her wrist. He pulled her close to him,
"Stay, please" His rough whisper held vulnerability beneath and she felt her heart melting. He pulled her to him, making her lie down beside him; he coiled his arms around her and closed his eyes, feeling at home. Zoya wrapped her arms around his neck as well, running her hands through his thick hair. Asad felt all his pain washed away at the contact, and a sense of peace took over him. She was his shelter, his home, his solace. The warmth of her embrace was his ultimate destiny.
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
She moved away from him, making a little space in between and cupped his face. As they gazed into each other's eyes, she moved forward and kissed the gash on his forehead and then placed a kiss on the scratch near his lips. She then brought his hands to her lips and kissed his bruised knuckles, letting her lips linger on them.
"It'll all be fine" She repeated the statement she used to, everyday. And these 5 words gave a sense of reassurance to him, a hope that she ignited in his heart.
"Sweet dreams"
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
His breath fastened as he felt her lips touch his skin. He ran his hands on her face, his eyes oozing out his love for her and then crashed her into him. Her head was placed on his chest and she could hear his heart beating. He wanted her to listen to it, feel that he's sorry for making her suffer, feel that he is helpless, feel that he is extremely lucky to have her in his life. And with her in it, he can go through every pain.
***
He woke up sweating in the middle of the night, his eyes teary and forehead was full with beads of perspiration. Panting badly, he squeezed his eyes shut trying to get the nightmare out of his head which was a daily routine for him. He needed to breathe, he needed to be normal. Removing Zoya's arm which was wounded around his, he got up and walked up to his cupboard. He pulled open his drawer and took a bottle of alcohol; this would help him feel fine. He pulled the cork and as he was about to touch it with his lips, a hand came up and held the bottle. He looked up to see Zoya standing.
Teri muskurahatein hain taaqat meri
Mujhko inhi se ummeed mili
Zoya gripped the bottle and with tears in her eyes, she gave him a smile. A smile with those dimples he caresses whenever she hugs him. He saw her dimpled smile which was his reason to live, his strength. He felt a hope rise within his heart, like a silver lining in a black cloud. Her smile made him hope that everything will get better one day, that he will be able to lead a normal life, he will be free from all the clutches of his past, on the right path. She shook her head, the smile still plastered on her face, knowing his resolve was weakening.
Chaahe kare koi sitam ye jahaan
Inme hi hai sadaa hifaazat meri
She extended her hand towards him and he looked at her with teary eyes. She could see the vulnerability in them; she could see the lost kid in those eyes who wanted nothing but affection, who deserved nothing but love and happiness. A tear slipped out of his eye as his heart gave its verdict and he grasped her hand in his tightly, throwing the bottle away which was in the other hand, he pulled her harshly towards him and hid himself in her embrace as he sobbed. She threw her arms around him immediately and held him, caressing his hair urgently to calm his shaking frame down. After a while when she felt him calming down, she led him to the bed, made him lie down and lulled him to sleep.
Asad woke up the next morning, rubbing his eyes and found his side empty. Panicked, he got up and searched for Zoya but calmed down when he saw her entering the room with a tray in her hands and a cheery smile on her face. His heart warmed seeing his love early morning, as she pulled him on the couch and made him sit down.
"Gooodd morniiinggg" She stretched the greeting cheerily, making him smile at her energy. His day started with her beautiful smile and a cheery greeting is all he needed.
Zindagani badi khoobsurat hui
Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin
A smile graced his lips as he saw her forwarding a bite of sandwich on which there was a cute smiley. He opened his mouth and bit it a little, chewing the scrumptious meal she'd made. He held her hand and moved it towards her lips. Pouting teasingly, she bit a small piece from it and when she made him eat it a naughty thought struck her mind and she rubbed it against his cheek. His head jogged back as he felt the mayonnaise stick to his cheek. Frowning at her childishness, he looked up to see her laughing carelessly. Her babyish laughter was like music to his ears which removed his frown giving way to a dreamy smile. Her laugh made his life better, made him smile. It was like; every time she laughs freely he feels a taste of heaven.
"Enjoying, han?" He pulled her closer, and started to tickle her as she roared in laughter.
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
He raised his hand and caressed her cheek as she closed her eyes at his touch. His rough hands very gently ran over her soft cheeks and Zoya felt alive by his touch. He moved closer and kissed her cheek, so very softly making her gasp. He bent down and laid his head in her lap. It was nothing new for her, she knew how much he loves lying in her lap while she fingers his hair, massaging them gently. She ran her fingers in those thick, silky fringes and he closed his eyes as a contended smile played on his lips. Zoya bent down and kissed his chin, making him chuckle.
"Be with me, always..." He spoke, gazing at her, and she could see the insecurity lying in those eyes. For someone who has lost everything and only has a single person to live for, is bound to be insecure. Hence, Zoya never complain regarding that, instead, she promised him every time, determined to make him believe of her promise, even if that costs her a life time. All she wanted was him to leave the wrong path.
"I promise" She caressed his forehead lovingly.
There moment of togetherness was broken by his ringing cell. He got up and received it. Zoya heard only his side of conversation but knew where and why he was getting ready to go. Her eyes misted at the thought. He was going to fight, again. Every night, before sleeping she hopes against hope and every morning that innocent hope is dashed when he prepares his bag and leaves for his match. As he got ready and was about to leave, she held his hand in both of her and did something she always wanted to do but never could, she stopped him. He turned around to see her eyes moist, "Don't go...don't fight"
It was the first time ever she had spoken those words. Never had she spoken them, but he knew she felt them and didn't like his fighting and yet he did that because that's what he wanted to do. But the vulnerability in her eyes told him that he wronged her every time. Daily she expects him not to go and every day he shatters her. But he has to do that, he has to do that if they want to survive in this world, he had to do this to protect her, to give her everything she deserves.
He gently tugged his hand away from her grasp and muttered, "I have to" And left behind a tear-stricken Zoya.
He rushed and rushed, trying to get her crying face out of his mind because they won't let him concentrate, and he needed to fight. But at the end of the alley, he stopped. He couldn't move further, it was like as if his feet were jammed. He turned around and his eyes fell on their apartment's terrace from where Zoya used to stand and wave him daily but today, she wasn't there. He knew why. She was tired of all this. As much as he wanted to run and pull her into his arms, never to let go. He needed to do this, for her.
No! This is not for her. This is for you! You want it! It's because you're afraid of becoming weak.
His heart screamed and he pulled his hair in agony. Yes, he wanted to be strong. Strong enough to fight for her.
But what if she's not happy?
She will be, once I give her the world. Everything she needs and desires.
The only thing her heart desires is you. And you know that. Every time you're out of the house, she keeps waiting for YOU. She never gives a second glance to the bundle of money you give her but sits down and tends to YOUR wounds. She loves YOU, not your money. She wants YOU, not a body guard. And it's high time you realize this. Get out of the past clutches. Embrace your present. Embrace your Zoya.
His heart gave all his answers he needed. He was a man who listened to his mind but for the first time ever, his heart made sense to him. He was wrong; wrong in forcing his every wish on her, wrong in doing what he thought was right, wrong in taking the love of his life for granted. And Zoya, the purest of the pure, never complained. She never demanded anything, took care of him, and made him happy. And the only thing she wanted was to get him out of his past and set him on the right path. And that was what he was going to do. He was going to be a better person, for her.
His bag slipped out of his hold and slid down his shoulder as it fell on the ground. Asad smiled at his realization and wiping the tears away, he turned around and ran to his Zoya.
He entered the main door of their home to see her sitting on the prayer mat, wrapped in a pure white dupatta around her head as she rose from her prostration. He looked at her calm, serene face as her lips moved in recitation. He stood numb at the sight. It was so pure, so bright it brought tears into his eyes. He saw moving her head sideways respectively and saw him standing there. Her eyes shone at his sight and got up as he walked towards her. She looked at him, waiting for his next move. She was shocked to see him forwarding his hand towards her, as if asking to take his hand in hers, leaving her confused.
Zoya suddenly realized what he meant; he was asking her to take him, pull him out of the darkness, free him finally and set him to the right path. Her eyes moistened and her shaking hand rose to take his hand in hers. Tears were flowing down from their eyes but there was a satisfied smile on their faces.
Teri dhadkano se hai zindagi meri
Khwahishein teri ab duaaein meri
She led him towards her and made him perform the ablution, told and taught him each step while he listened and followed it keenly. Once he finished washing his feet till his ankles, she recited the dua and he repeated it after her. She smiled and tied a small cloth around his head and tied it from behind, covering his head. As they stood on the prayer mat, she made him follow each step and recited each prayer while he repeated after her. Asad could not express the feeling he felt once he bowed down in prostration, his heart burst with emotions and tears started flowing at their own accord as he wept and sought forgiveness from the Almighty.
Once finished, their hands rose up in supplication, Zoya thanked Allah for granting her only wish, she was at peace seeing Asad at peace and asked for his happiness. While Asad looked sideways at Zoya who was busy in her prayer and smiled, asking the Almighty for forgiveness and Zoya's happiness.
As the grazed their palms over their face and looked at each other, they smiled, the peace and happiness radiating from their faces.
***
Kitna anokha bandhan hai ye
Teri meri jaan jo ek hui
At night, Zoya was busy folding the pressed clothes and placing them into the cupboard when her eyes fell on the figure leaning on the door frame, with his arms crossed against his chest, gazing admiringly at her with a dreamy smile playing on his lips. Zoya blushed and raised her brows; he shrugged as he walked forwards and yanked her into his chest. Her eyes widened as she gasped. Smacking him playfully, she turned to go when he held her hand and pulled her to his chest again. She was about to scold him when she felt something cold and metallic slip through her finger, she looked down to find an extremely beautiful, somewhat antique ring, that gave it a bit of royal feel.
Zoya gasped as she realized what this meant. She looked up at Asad who looked at her with love, holding her hand delicately in his.
"Marry me, Zoya" He whispered, "Please."
The question she wanted to hear since forever was finally in front of her. It was her dream to be married to him, whom she loved with all her heart and soul. But knowing he was not ready, she never took their relationship further. But here it was, right now, right here, he had finally asked her, the pleading in his voice brought tears in her eyes and her throat clogged up with emotions. He did not have to beg, she was all his. She wanted to speak but couldn't, so she simply nodded, light sob escaping from her mouth as she started shaking. Asad, understanding her mental state, wrapped his arms around her, covering her frame in to his, as he kissed the top of her forehead while she broke into sobs.
As her emotions wore away, she nodded her head vigorously, "Yes, Oh yes, Asad. Yes, I'm all yours" She sobbed in his chest making him smile tearfully at her words. As they broke apart, he joined his forehead to hers and they smiled widely at each other, their smiles mirroring their happiness.
She looked down at her finger which held his ring, it was a perfect fit. She smiled at him as cupped her face and kissed her forehead softly. He wrapped his arms around her petite figure and took her in his embrace. She smiled into his chest as his warmth surrounded her and she knew, the clouds of darkness had passed.
Life was good for both of them, they were happy in their space.
Lautunga yahaan tere paas main haan
Waada hai mera mar bhi jaaun kahin
Asad rushed inside their home, all excited with a file in his hand and a bundle of roses in the other with a wide smile on his face. He saw his lady in the kitchen chopping vegetables. Unable to control his excitement anymore he rushed towards her, and circling his arms around her tiny waist he picked her up and twirled her around while she squealed at the sudden surprise. Once he kept her down, he whispered excitedly, "I got the job" Zoya gasped in happiness and threw her arms around his neck, squealing happily, as she hugged him back. He'd got the job finally. After much hard-work, he had finally achieved his goal. She did not care if his wage was low or anything, she was happy with what he'd got and thanked the Almighty, knowing it was a good start.
Jo tu mera humdard hai Jo tu mera humdard hai Suhaana har dard hai Jo tu mera humdard hai
Asad broke apart and cupped her face, with tears glistening in his eyes. "What I am today is all because of you, My Angel. I can't thank you enough for coming into my life and making it so beautiful. I know I've hurt you, but I promise I'll never repeat my mistakes again. You're my most prized possession which I'll cherish forever" He spoke emotionally, joining his forehead with hers, "I love you so much."
"I love you too"
***
Insanely long and boring, that's what I felt when I proof-read.😆 Hope you don't feel the same way I do😳and even if you do, comment and tell me, So I would know :)
Was listening to this song and a story line formed inside my head on its own, and so I penned it down :)
Hope you like it Choco Siss 🤗
Edited by _Annie_ - 9 years ago
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