Back inside:
Asad passed by Zoya's room when automatically his feet stopped, helpless at the hands of his heart he was compelled to take a step back, and peek in through the narrow gap of the slightly ajar doorway, do a double take of the adorable sight that awaited him inside the room. One that he was in no way prepared to handle. One that caused him to fall just a little more, just a little harder. A sight that slightly destroyed him a little more and brought him back to life a little more at the same time. The sight of an adorable Zoya Farooqui being absolutely goofy and plain silly in her room. Lost in her own little world of pure undiluted happiness, she could find in the simplest and smallest of things. Of moments. Like in this moment. What the hell was she doing exactly? She was still dressed in that outrageously sexy black dress of hers, looking hella gorgeous and yet her actions were in complete contrast to her sexy, graceful, innocent beauty. She was standing in front of her life sized mirror making the most silliest of faces, seemingly taking photos of herself, whilst dancing like a complete fool, a monkey, clowning around in small jigs around the room with a pizza slice dangling in one hand of hers. Asad failed to notice, and everyone failed to witness but in that moment a small, pure genuine breathtakingly beautiful smile graced Asad's face. One that actually displayed his dimple. His gaze softened in the most adoring of ways as he watched her with the same want, the same longing in his eyes that refused to abandon him. He sighed as he watched her do some crazy chicken dance without a care in the world, without a care if anyone was watching or judging. The carefree and breathtaking smile that graced her face was evidence of the happiness she felt in that moment and Asad couldn't help but feel just a tiny bit jealous and envious of her. It was so simple and easy for her. To do what she wanted. Know what made her happy, and chase it with all she had in her. Seize every moment and squeeze all that life had to offer in it. All the laughs, the smiles, the love, the happiness. The ability to find love and happiness in the smallest of things, the simplest of moments. To see the good in people, in life in the world and not be unfortunate enough to see everything through lens tainted with darkness, misery, demons and blood. Evil. Negativity. How he wished he could be just a little more like her. A little more alive, a little more carefree. Shine just as bright. How he wished to just crash her and her brightness against him, hold her and keep her to himself. Let her brightness heal him. He let out an actual audible, soft chuckle as she did yet another absolutely ridiculous move, this time with the pizza dangling from her mouth looking like a complete dork. But he would have her no other way. He found himself shaking his head with a small sad smile on his face, his heart thumping in his chest, his eyes burning with a want, a desire. And for his own sanity, he looked away, knowing he had to walk away. He was cursed and she was beautiful. He had nothing to off her but destruction. and she was to pure a creation to be destroyed. So he once again, killed the small hope that bubbled in his chest every time he lay eyes on her, killed yet another part of his heart of his soul and walked away with heavy feet against every ounce of his being that refused to do so. That was unable to do so. But he did. For her.
Meanwhile - In the Party:
Dinner had been over for a long time but it seemed like Aahil and Aisha had yet to realize that. They were the only two souls left on the dining tables, their plates were empty, but they seemed too engrossed in whatever conversation they were having both orally and through their eyes, whatever private jokes they were sharing to realize it wasn't just the two of them like it felt to them. What they didn't realize was the calculating looks many Aunty's at the party were giving them realizing a spark when they saw one. Anwar walked over to them whilst observing Asad was now interacting with some elderly men who were busy listening to him talk about something related to the economy. Anwar sighed shaking his head at his younger brother.
Anwar - (shook his head) God help him, please (he walked over to Aisha and Aahil who didn't even notice him or acknowledge his presence. Causing him to raise an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his face. Interesting) (muttered to himself) things sure have changed around here (hearing him mutter something finally snapped the two of them out of their daze) Doctor Sahabs, if it's not too much of a health code violation do you wish to join me and Zoya at the beach to indulge in some ice cream on this cold night (Aahil looked to his clock and was about to say no when Aisha screamed in joy)
Aisha - ICE CREAM!! YES, I COULD KILL FOR SOME ICE CREAM RIGHT NOW (Aahil and Anwar both stared at her taken aback by her sudden burst of excitement and she looked to Aahil hopefully causing a smile to graced his face. How could he possibly say no to something that was the cause of that smile.)
Aahil - I have to be at work in 4 hours but who needs sleep when you can have ice cream with a hint of the possibility of pneumonia instead eh?
Anwar - (laughed) that's the spirit doctor jee, now I'm going to sneak out before my wife catches me and I get into trouble (Aahil and Aisha laughed) meet me out back, in 5.
Aahil - Uhh Jeej, I think you might wanna make a run for it. Your bride does not look too happy (Anwar looked over to see Zeenat glaring at him and telling him with her eyes to come join her and Dilshad in mingling with the guests but to her annoyance he just blew her a kiss totally ignoring what she was saying)
Aisha - (laughed) you are so dead. I hope she makes you sleep on the couch for the prank you pulled on me earlier.
Anwar - Hey, whose sister are you mine or hers?
Aisha - The answer to that question depends on how many scoops of ice cream you buy me (Anwar shook his head following her out of the hall)
Dilshad heard Zeenat sigh and shake her head watching all of them walking out and she laughed, running a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Dilshad - You might wanna get used to it beta. My kids aren't exactly the biggest fans of socializing and parties. They're all very much introverts. (Zeenat smiled) Shayad issi liye Khuda ne tumhe aur Zoya ko mere ghar bhej diya, inn duffers ki kammi poori karne.
Zeenat - speaking of Zoya, where is she? Ussne dinner bhi nahin kiya (Ayaan came and wrapped his arms around her from behind kissing her and Dilshads cheeks making both of them smile and Auntys nearby, detecting another rather handsome, charming, rich eligible bachelor all started smiling and ogling him, their bachelor detector radars going off)
Ayaan - Yah right, as if that bhukar could ever skip a meal. Ussne ek nahin do do dinner khaye honge. I saw her sneaking left over pizza from the fridge earlier.
Zeenat - (rolled her eyes) this girl will never change, her and her pizza.
Ayaan - Sahee haina Aapi, hamare liye asaani hai.
Zeenat - (rolled her eyes) woh kaise?
Ayaan - Woh aise meri pyaari behna ke humme uske liye dulha dhoondne ki zaroorat hi nahin paregi, hum uski shaadi ek ache se pizza ke saath kara deinge. (Zeenat and Dilshad burst out laughing) No really, think about it an Extra crusty cheese filled crust, every topping you could possibly think of, with lots and lots of extra cheese. Trust me it's a safer bet than any man out there. It'll keep our sister happier and more secured than she will be with any man out there.
Dilshad - (laughed) really Ayaan you are too much.
Ayaan - Too sexy. I know. Now I know it must be hard for you ladies to resist the charm for too long I mean my sexiness has proven to be destructive for many ladies over the course of these years, so since I love you both so much I'll spare your hearts and lives and take my leave nahin toh log baatein karna shuru kardeinge..(Kissed both their cheeks again) Astalavista sexies.
Zeenat - Kya? Tum itni jaldi jaa rahe ho beta? Thori der toh aur ruk jaate abhi-
Ayaan - Sorry gorgeous, I have a date.
Dilshad - (shook her head) bas, itni hi ehmiyat thi hamari..
Ayaan - Hey, you know no girl could ever replace you in my life. Girls these days have nothing on you beautiful (winked at her)
Dilshad - Bas Bas ab zyaada makhan lagane ki zaroorat nahin hai dil toh tor diye na tumne hamara. Abhi jao, par subah phir aa jaana, have breakfast with us and spend the day with us your Aapi is only here for a day (Ayaan nodded as she Squeezed his face) Have a nice date and try to make it the last date you ever go on. (Ayaan gasped)
Ayaan - Itni bari bad dua Aunty.
Zeenat - I'm with Aunty, seriously Ayaan Kasauli ki koi ladki bachi bhi hai? When will you pick the 'one' and settle down (Ayaan stared off into the distance, his eyes twinkling with a never seen before emotion when it came to Ayaan)
Ayaan - When I get a date with her. (Dilshad and Zeenat's mouth fell agape in pleasant surprise as he walked away from them when an aunty stopped him)
Aunty - Array Ayaan beta, Tumhare papa aaj bhi nahin aye? 7 saal hogaye tumhari aur Asad ki dosti ko aur 7 saal se hum unke ek dee daar ka intezaar kar rahe hain..par aaj tak kabhi dikhe nahin woh..kabhi humse bhi milwao shao unhe..baat shaat..(pushing her daughter forward) karwao humse..
Ayaan - (knowing what she was hinting at but he wouldn't be Ayaan if he gave her a simple straight forward answer now would he) I'm afraid you're a few years too late aunty. My dad got married years ago. Besides he's very boring. Unn budhe ko choriye. I'm much more interesting, as is your daughter I'm pretty sure (winking at the Aunty's daughter much to both their happiness before an irritated Asad followed by a worried Nikhil and Jay grabbed him and started dragging him out of the hall)
Zeenat - (still in shock) Her?!! Did he just, is he..is-
Dilshad - (laughed) I think so.
Zeenat - WOW. Ayaan ko koi ladki pasand hai..like actually pasand hai. I never thought I'd see the day, yeh kissi miracle se kam nahin hai. (Dilshad nodded laughingly) I wonder who it is...patah karna parega.
xxx
The Next Day - Early morning - Fajr time:
Zeenat came down, into the dark and silent house dressed in a simple shalwar kameez after offering her Fajr prayers. She grabbed the glass of water she had come to get and was going back upstairs when something caught her eye. Lights and colours flashing from the otherwise dark living room. Who was watching TV at this hour? It had better not be Zoya. Or worse yet, she better not be playing that wretched play station of hers. Zeenat walked in, but she was in no way ready to face the sight that greeted her. Surely the playstation was on, but it wasn't Zoya that was playing it. And as shocked as she was Zeenat couldn't help the smile that broke out on her face.
Zeenat - Ahh, so you're the infamous Jinn that's been playing on my Zoya's playstation and messing with her already messed up head. (She suppressed the giggle that threatened to escape her lips as she saw a baffled looking Asad, as pale as a ghost turn towards her in pure shock. Dropping the controller in the process. Like as though he had never expected anyone to walk in on him and catch him committing such a big 'crime'. But seeing the look of horror on his face, seeing him yet to move or say anything sitting there completely frozen Zeenat couldn't help but chuckle)
Zeenat - (walking further into the room) Don't worry DevarJi, I can keep a secret. (She saw Asad look down immediately, sheepishly, his body stiffening, his walls, defence mechanisms up clearly he still needed to warm up to her and Zeenat could see it too. But she didn't mind. She knew, Anwar had told her how hard it was for Asad to let people into his life, accept them for he had been burnt and hurt one too many times and Zeenat understood and respected that. He could take all the time and space he needed and she would give it to him, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to stop trying on her end to make him accept her, realize he could trust her. She didn't know if she was intruding or invading his private time and personal space but she took her chances, taking a seat on the sofa opposite him. He was yet to look up at her, still shocked at having been caught)
Zeenat - Although, I don't understand why it has to be a secret. Why can't you just ask Zoya or tell her? Play in front of her, play with her. Trust me she'll be more than happy to let you play (rolled her eyes) uss ladki ko toh bahane chahiye hote hain kissi na kissi tarha ladkon se mukabla karne ka, unhe harane ka (looked down as her smile turned sad) kissi ke saath play station khelne ka (She stared into her glass of water, as her thoughts drifted to Faizan once again. Remembering how he and Zoya would stay locked up in their bedroom in the afternoons when she came back from school and he work and play video games. Asad still hadn't look up, but he too had a small sad smile on his lips.)
Asad - I..I always wanted a play station. Always. I've always loved playing video games. As a child, I used to go to the electronics shops after school and play the demo versions they had on display all the time. Until of course the store manager had had enough and told me I wasn't welcome in there again (Zeenat who was shocked to say the least, when he started talking, opening up and sharing something so personal with HER, felt her heart break for the 7-8 year old Asad and what it must have been like growing up in the conditions and circumstances he had to) It sucked and hurt when I had to stare at the games from outside the store
instead and couldn't play anymore. I still remember how my fingers used to itch to play when I used to stand there. There was nothing more I wanted in life than to own my own Nintendo, game boy, computer. Be it my birthday, Eid..anything. (Scoffed) but we barely had money to afford a cricket bat and ball (Zeenat closed her eyes painfully for a moment imagining how that felt as a child, how countless children felt on the daily, wanting, dreaming about the smallest of Toys and happiness they were unfortunate enough to not be blessed with) surprisingly I've never had friends who enjoyed playing video games, ever. Even Ayaan who one would expect to be gaming junkie (shook his head rolling his eyes) doesn't care much. He's far more interested in other games (read:girls) (Zeenat chuckled and finally Asad risked one glance at her face) my uh (hesitated for a moment, thinking of Azlan) best friend, in childhood he used to get every single game gifted to him as soon as it was on the market, just for the heck of it. He absolutely hated playing them. His family (his jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with anger that came with the mere thought of that wretched Nawab family) just wanted him to have every toy, every luxury, everything money could buy even if it was left to rot in his spare bedrooms (his eyes filled with excruciating pain, as he recalled the injustice his father and his family had done to him, the difference in the ways he had to be raised and Azlan was raised. His eyes filled with even more pain as he recalled the greatest most beautiful memories of his childhood. Each which had to do with his beautiful friendship with his brother, his friend, Azlan) I know that if I had asked him once to give the game to me if he didn't want it he wouldn't think twice before handing every last one of them over to me but (shrugged with a small smile finally looking up but not at Zeenat) I had too much self respect to ask. (Zeenat nodded in understanding. Asad didn't know what compelled him HIM to open up and share something SO personal with HER, but it was like a thought weighing heavily on him that he was just waiting to get off his chest. Tell someone, ANYONE and without thinking twice he shared it with her, and he couldn't lie...it actually felt like a relief.)
Zeenat - (smiled) Is that the same reason you didn't ask or tell Zoya? (Asad's eyes flashed with annoyance at her mention. His EGO unable to handle the suggestion. Him, and ASK her for something? Yah right) I mean I don't think she would mind you playing and I don't know much about video games but wouldn't it be more fun to play with someone rather than by yourself? Wouldn't the competition be more fun?
Asad - (muttered) I'm sure SHE probably has daily dreams of crushing me.
Zeenat - (smiled seeing him lost in his own thoughts. She was still positively surprised and immensely euphoric that he had bothered to even open up as much as he did, and share whatever he did with her so she didn't push him further. Knowing how much of an introvert, reserved and private person he was) Still, if you prefer it this way, if you want to play alone then your secret is safe with me. (Finally, Asad looked towards her. He looked shocked. Surprised even. Making Zeenat smile in response. He was still that same 7-8 year old child in so many ways. Zeenat nodded in reassurance at him, standing up and he finally managed to smile too. Feeling a bit more relaxed in her presence. Feeling a bit more secure. More trusting. Something that had become even harder for him after this whole Akram Fiasco. But he couldn't help but feel drawn to trusting her, accepting her, feeling familial towards her. She had just shown him once again that he was safe and secure with her hadn't she? He could trust her. She had decided to keep a secret for him, a secret so small and silly but a secret nonetheless that too from her own sister.) I'll leave you to your game then...
Asad - (struggling with the words, fighting a battle between his own comfort and boundaries and his need to protect and love his family. Be there for them. He may not realize this yet but he had subconciously started accepting Zeenat and Zoya as family in so many ways) Bhabi..(Zeenat stopped dead in her tracks hearing him call her that. Actually call out to her. To say something to her..willingly, and what he said had her eyes fill up with tears of happiness and gratitude. She was an emotional person as is, and with everything that had happened to her and having a second marriage at this age, in this society, it wasn't easy to say the least and Asad's acceptance meant more to her than he could ever know. He was the pillar, the centre, EVERYTHING to the Khan family. He was their beloved younger brother/son who meant the world to them, to her husband and so his acceptance of her meant everything to her and Asad too knew this which is why he just had to say it. To give her the reassurance he knew she was seeking. Because he was a kind hearted soul) I (she could see how physically uncomfortable he was saying all this. His constant pulling of his collar and his darting eyes which he refused to meet hers with were proof of it) I uh, I'm really glad you're here. (Zeenat nodded, not trusting her voice and she saw Asad give her a short Awkward nod before he resumed his game again and she walked out)
xxx
Later that Morning: Zoya woke up to the sound of her Aapi talking over her head, loudly. Making Zoya groan in annoyance.
Zoya - Aapi, chup karo na. It's Sunday, let me sleep. I have to go to school tomorrow (she heard someone scoff, something she didn't really appreciate. She popped open one eye to see who the not so nice person was, and was surprised to see Aisha standing there handing her Aapi Zoya clothes that were strewn about the room that Zeenat was putting away in her closet for her. Zoya glared at Aisha who was staring at her with a mischievous look and a naughty smile on her face.
Zeenat - (her face buried in the closet) You can stop glaring at her, I already know you bunk college daily. Just like you did in the states (Zoya giggled, raising her hand with her eyes still closed)
Zoya - Guilty as charged Ma'am (she then opened her eyes again seeing her Aapi staring at her messy wardrobe shaking her head in disappointment)
Zeenat - Seriously Zoya yeh kya tareeqa hai jeene ka? Kamre ki haalat dekho tum, yeh jab itna bara wardrobe hai toh kapre wardrobe ke bajaye kamre mein kyun bhikre hain aur yeh chips ke packet aur pizza boxes (sighed disappointedly) kab seekhogi tum, kab sudhrogi..tum ab bari hogayee ho ab-
Zoya - (groaned pulling the covers over her face) Really..mujhe toh pata hi nahin tha ke main bari hogayee hoon Aapi. Aur aap (turning on the other side) Delhi se daantne aayee ho mujhe, yeh sab taane dene ayeen hain..yeh toh aap phone pe bhi de sakti thin, Yahan aane ki kya zaroorat thi? (Unable to keep the bitterness in her voice at bay. She was genuinely not happy that they were staying for a day only) Woh bhi sirf ek din ke liye? (Aisha and Zeenat both exchanged knowing looks, knowing that she was highly upset and cranky about that fact)
Zeenat - (smiled, sitting on the bed beside her) Nahin (bent down and kissed her head) daantne nahin, milne ayee thee apni shaitan behen se.
Zoya - (mumbled, with her eyes still closed) I don't know what you're talking about you only have one sister and she's an angel so aap kis shaitaan ki baat kar rahe ho I have no idea.
Aisha - Okay, Ms. Angel can you please get out of bed though? Bhabi and Bhai are only here for today. Do you really wanna spend the whole day lazing around in bed. Get up na, lets do something exciting, tum kal college bunk karke jitna sona hai so lena (Zoya smacked her own head whilst still having her eyes closed and Zeenat narrowed her eyes at Aisha)
Zeenat - you know, mujhe lagta tha ke Zoya yahan raheegi toh uska asar tum logon pe hoga par yahan toh majra hi alag hai, tum maan beti toh aise milke iski already bhigdi aadaton ko bhigad rahe ho ke main kya kahoon (shook her head) I swear tum logon ki poori family mein agar koi sahee maanon mein sensible aur responsible hai toh woh Asad hai. Even more sensible than Ammi it seems like kyunki woh bhi iss shaitan (smacking Zoya with a cushion) ko kuch nahin kehti hain. (Zoya and Aisha both stared at her with their mouths open. Unable to believe she was actually saying all this, and that she actually meant it)
Zoya - (jolting upright into aa sitting position) He-
Zeenat - (pointed a finger at her staring at her in a warning look) Khabar daar mere devar ke baare mein kuch kaha toh, mujhse bura koi nahin hoga...
Aisha - Fine, Zoya nahin then can I talk about that brat..he-
Zeenat - Bilkul nahin. Tum dono shaitan mere devar ke baare mein kuch nahin bologi kyunki main kuch nahin sunoongi.
Zoya - (the familiar fireworks and anger returned to her eyes as she got up on the bed, her hands on her hips. Akimbo) Oh really, (glaring at Zeenat much to Zeenat and Aisha's shock and amusement) Aapke devar ke baare mein mat boolon. Kyun na bolon? Bolongi main. Jo mere dil mein ayega bolongi main uss Akdu ke khilaaf aur aap mujhe rauk nahin sakti. Kyunki iss dunya mein aisi koi takat nahin hai jo Zoya Farooqui ko rok paye (Zeenat was about to say something when Zoya cut in between) And by the way, you will only have a precious devar left to defend and protect from us IF that devar of yours sings at the cafe tonight..warna..(she glared at her Aapi, huffing and blowing at her hair which as usual just fell right back into place, her eyes narrowing in a challenging manner, even though the devar in question, whom she was narrowing her eyes at wasn't even present in the room. Zeenat stared at her in confusion, not quite understanding what she was talking about but without clearing anything Zoya walked away to the bathroom leaving Zeenat & Aisha alone)
Zeenat - (looked towards the cafe) yeh kya bol rahee thee? Cafe, Asad, singing?
Aisha - (smiled) Zoya ne cafe mein ek naya program shuru kiya hai, an open mic night, and as you know aapke chahete devar ki melodious awaaz ke kitne log deewane hain, so she wants Asad to sing at the cafe to attract maximum audience, but aap jaanti hain ke Asad kitna ziddi hai, ussne abhi tak javaab nahin diya agar woh gayega ya nahin even though we all know there is nothing more he would want (shook her head) aur especially unke chuhe billi ke khel ki wajah se Asad shayad zid pe arjaye aur nahin gaye just to one up her.
Zeenat - (smiled shaking her head) yeh dono bhi na, itne bare hoke bhi bachon se worse hain maine socha itna arsa saath rehne ke baad they must've calmed down aur sudhar gaye honge woh but yeh toh lagta hai aur worse hogayen hain..
Aisha - (laughed) trust me you haven't seen the half of it yet.
Zeenat - (shook her head standing up to leave the room as did Aisha) yeh Zoya bhi na mera itna samjhane ke bawajood yeh-
Aisha - Oh please bhabi, Zoya iss mein akeli nahin hai, taali ek haath se nahin do haath se bajti hai, it's not like woh khud se jhagar rahee thee..trust me aap Asad ko iss mein kuch kam mat samjhiye..jitna masoom woh lagta haina..utna masoom woh shaitaan hai nahin
Zeenat - I'm sure, but I'm sure in front of Zoya he's nothing less than an angel. Tum abhi Zoya ko thori time ke liye jaanti ho issi liye shayad tumhe andaaza nahin hai but Zoya ka dimaagh totally haraab hai (shook her head, looking genuinely afraid) trust me you don't wanna know what goes on up there
Aisha - (laughed) Ohh I've seen enough to imagine...but never wanna know.
15 minutes later - A fresh from the shower and ready for the day, chirpy and up-spirited Zoya practically skipped into the living room that day because she was genuinely that happy and excited to have her Aapi and Jeeju here and be able to spend the day with them. She came into the living room to find her Jeeju laughing heartedly at something and not surprisingly Asad looking highly annoyed, but very surprisingly Mr. Bodybuilder was binging on a ginormous packet of candy sitting beside him. Something which really caught Zoya's attention.
Zoya - Good Morning. (She saw her Aapi shaking her head sitting beside Jeeju and Dilshad respond to her Good Morning with an amused look on her face, highly confusing Zoya) What's so funny?
Asad - You. (Dilshad choked on her tea slightly, hearing Asad purposely initiate a conversation, willingly interact with her, clearly WISHING to pick a fight with her and Zoya narrowed her eye's at him, very maturely sticking her tongue out at him when she thought he wasn't looking before plastering a sickeningly sweet smile on her face and fluttering her eyelashes at him)
Zoya - A comment like that coming from Grouchy Ahmed Khan, now I know I must really be very funny (Asad rolled his eye's and tried his best, but his Ammi saw it anyways, the hint of a smile he tried to fight off) seriously Jeeju, what's so funny?
Anwar - What Asad just told you. You.
Zoya - Me?
Anwar - (still laughing) I asked Ammi for a cup of coffee and she told me I'd have to go to the cafe to get one, and Asad very eagerly elaborated how somebody here named Zoya Tabahee Farooqui managed to break the old metal thing, we called the coffee machine for the last 5 years. Seriously Zoya how did you manage to do that?
Asad - (muttered) that questions been keeping me up at nights for sure.
Zoya - (fell onto the sofa between Anwar and Zeenat, giggling mischievously) I don't know Jeeju, it just happened.
Asad - (muttered) more like..you happened. (Zoya very unhappily narrowed her eyes at him, and he once again tried to hide the smile threatening to break out on his face knowing full well without having to look at her what her expression would be like at the moment. Her face would be red, her eyes would be narrowed dangerously with fireworks going off in them, she would probably be huffing like a dragon and he was certain there was invisible smoke coming out her ears and he knew how hard it must be for her to stop herself from lashing out at him in front of her Aapi, and needless to say his Ego was very pleased with him being able to pull one on her)
Zeenat - I don't get what you two are laughing about anyways, iss mein hasne waali toh koi baat nahin, pareshan hone waali baat hai. Seriously Zoya, tumhari aankhein hain ya button? Dihaan kahan hota hai tumhara kabhi cycles se gir rahee ho kabhi machines tor rahee ho? Apna dihaan kyun nahin rakhti ho tum? Agar aisa hi chalta raha na toh dekhna tumhe apne saath Delhi
Le chaloongi main. (Zoya pouted unhappily at her, and Asad's hand stilled in the bag of candy as he felt his heart constrict excruciatingly painfully in his chest hearing Zeenat's words. One would think that he would be exuberant out of happiness, his greatest wish was finally coming true, he'd probably plot ways to invite more trouble towards her so Zeenat would take the 'Musibat' with her to Delhi, but instead he felt his heart dip thinking at the prospect of life without Zoya now. A home without Zoya. A day without Zoya. Without seeing her beautiful face, not having those beautiful brown eyes to drown in daily, unable to hear his favourite melody in the whole world, her laughter. Not being blinded by the beauty of her dazzling smile, hearing her innocent beautiful thoughts, fighting with her, getting all riled up at her childish and foolish acts, her mishaps, her adorable dorky silliness. Not letting her brightness touch his life. Going back to having it be as dim as it was before she came crashing into his perfectly ordered life. And the thought chilled him to his bone. When had she taken over his life to such an extent that he couldn't even picture a life without her now, and when and how had he allowed that to happen? When did things go from, him wanting nothing more than to send her packing out of his life to his heart feeling like it would burst from his chest at the mere prospect of a life without her?)
Dilshad - (laughed) ab tum bhool jao aur yeh khayal apne dilse nikal do ke tum kabhi isse yahan se la jaogi, mere se door le jaogi, (running a loving hand over her head) Zoya ne aake mere ghar mein woh raunak woh khushiyan bhar di hai jiski mujhe hamesha se arzoo thi, hamesha tarap thi jo raunak mere yeh teen budhoo bache bhi nahin bhar paye..
Asad-Anwar-Aisha: Hey!
Dilshad - (glared at them) it's true. Ab toh main isse kahin bhi nahin jaane doongi. (Zoya felt her heart become overwhelm with so many different emotions all at once. She finally felt that void, that thirst to belong, to be loved, wanted, get quenched. From constantly feeling unwanted and an outsider, living with uncertainty of calling a place a home, claiming it as her own and living in it without worrying that someone could ask her to leave one day, as had happened with her in a house that she had truly believed to be her own, by people that she had believed her own here was her Phupi today, a stranger, someone she had no blood or even a real tie to for that matter, who was claiming a right on her like she had every right to do so, who was claiming that she would never let her go, never let her leave her home even if Zoya herself wanted to)
Aisha - Same here.
Anwar - (laughed) and trust me Zeenat I'm sure after living with Ammi even Zoya unhe chorke tumhare saath nahin jaane waali hai..kyun Zoya? (Zoya tried to force as convincing of a smile, she could whilst nodding her head enthusiastically but it really came across as a gimmick when her eyes were filled with tears. She turned to her Phupi and kissed her cheek)
Zoya - Main toh apni phupi ko chorke kahin nahin jaongi. Woh mujhse itna pyaar karti hain, itni care karti hain issi liye main yahan se kabhi nahin jaane waali.
Asad - (muttered) Great. (Zoya narrowed her eyes at him while the rest of his family laughed and Dilshad had an amused and knowing smile on her face seeing him trying to hide YET another smile. The rest may think that he was being sarcastic, which he was, but she was able to read between the lines. Read the absolute truth hidden in that word. His happiness and relief hidden in that word. It was great that Zoya was planning on never leaving them. Him. His home. His life. She was planning on staying forever. He may be too innocent to believe it just as easily and innocently as she said it, but things like this were easier said than done. Both of them failed to take very important things into consideration here. Things like life and fate. A tomorrow, which no one had seen or could control. A tomorrow, where Zoya may not have a reason or relation to stay here. She couldn't possibly stay in her sisters-in-laws for the rest of her life? She may not want it, he may not want it but someday somewhere someone was probably going to want to take her away and make her the princess of his home, unless the prince of this house woke up and realized that he already had his princess living in his palace, .all he had to do was make it official and claim her as his. Crown her, before someone else did and it was too late.)
Dilshad - (squeezed her face lovingly) acha ab tum sab jaldi se haath dholo, Aahil log aur Malik Bhai bas aate hi honge main zara naashta dekh loon.
Zoya - (picking up her controller) Hey Jeeju, how about one game before breakfast? (Eyeing Asad out of the corner of her eyes) main akele khel khel ke tak chuki hoon iss ghar mein koi mere saath khelta hi nahin hai.
Jeeju - (his eyes widened in disbelief as he stared between Zoya & Asad) are you telling me Asad refused to play video games?
Zoya - (rolled her eyes) it's beneath his highness. Too, childish I presume. Aise video games khelna toh hum commoners ki aadat hai. He's too good for them. Also, his EGO won't be able too handle seeing him get crushed by a girl. (Asad knew she was just trying to rile him up so he'd get angry and probably agree to play with her, like she was desperate for. Desperate to have ANYONE play with her, but he wasn't about to let her get to him. Go down that lane. His treacherous heart had betrayed him enough. He didn't need to encourage it any further and playing video games with her would cross so many lines. He would purposely, intentionally, voluntarily be engaging in activities with her. Communicating with her. Spending time with her. Sharing a hobby with her. It was too personal. Too intimate. Too hard & too easy. Too hard to then keep or increase distances from her like he planned to, and it was too easy to fall for her. Harder & faster.) ALLAH MIYAN!! (Everyone jumped from their seats startled as Zoya reacted to something on the TV screen, loud & exaggeratedly. Classic Zoya Farooqui.) PHIRSE mere playstation pe JINN khel rahe the? Allah Miyan aakhir yeh jinn hai kaun jo chori chupe har roz mere sabhi highscores mita deta hai (she pouted sadly at the TV screen seeing all her high scores erased and instead a new high score of a player who had actually labelled himself as Mr. Jinn on her TV screen. Anwar stared at Asad with narrowed eyes, a knowing look and an amused smile, but Asad seemed to be too engrossed in his packet of candy all of a sudden and trying to hide YET another smile)
Anwar - G, I wonder who it could be. (Asad chanced a quick glance at Zeenat who bit back a laugh while winking at him and he looked down smiling shyly, embarrassed, his cheeks turning red making Zeenat laugh. He too wanted to laugh seeing Zoya look so genuinely and adorably confused and speculative of who it could be but he was too broken to know, remember or be able to laugh.)
Anwar - I'd love to play with you sweetheart but I have to respond to a few student e-mails so maybe you could play with Aahil and Ayaan when their here. Or you could try and convince Asad.
Zoya - (rolled her eyes, muttering) or I could die trying. (She looked towards Asad with narrowed eyes. Her eyes flashing with annoyance and irritation seeing him sit there so calm and smug without a care in the world, KNOWING and being all high handed about how desperate she was to have a partner to play with. She then caught sight of the candy in his hand, and the foodie in her just couldn't resist.)
Zoya - (her eyes narrowing further) Mr. Tameez Ahmed Khan, aap itna manners pe lecture dete ho aapne kabhi share karna nahin seekha? Don't you know it's impolite to sit in a gathering and eat candy by yourself. It's not very nice. (Asad had to bite his lip this time to stop himself from smiling this time. She was just so freaking adorable. He was quite surprised that she had even bothered to ask him and also comforted and happy by the fact that she was comfortable enough to ask him, consider him familiar enough to ask him to share his "candy" with her. Even after all that he said and did to her she still forgave him each time and pretended like none of it had even happened. Instead of distancing herself from him, retreating into a shell she was back to her usual carefree, kind hearted and bubbly self. It was one of the things he lov- admired and adored about her. But he also loved his Ego a lot and enjoyed feeding it. So there was NO way, he was going to let an opportunity like this to pull one on her go by. Much to her annoyance and horror she saw him start munching on his candy excruciatingly slowly as if savouring the taste. Completely Ignoring her, like as if he hadn't even heard a WORD of what she had said. Oh the nerve of this man. But Asad also underestimated the Patakha named Zoya Farooqui. And her capabilities. In the next second he found his hands empty, as the ginormous bag of candy was snatched from his hands cruelly by a certain Devil Zoya Farooqui. Asad looked up to see her grab a handful of the candy and fill her mouth with it just as excruciatingly slowly, instead of eating just 'one piece' like you were supposed to, making him cringe as he stood up, glaring at her in anger. NO ONE, TOUCHED HIS CANDY. Anwar covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing, these two were worst than children and Aisha shook her head at them. They were hopeless. They would NEVER change)
Asad- Ms. Farooqui- (Zoya was completely ignoring him however, trying to chew the candy in her overstuffed mouth)
Zeenat - Zoya, where are your manners?
Ayaan - (walking in) She doesn't have any.
Zeenat - Woh hum Asad ke leeye laye hain, it's his, not yours. Give it back to him. (Zoya stopped chewing, her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at her Aapi.)
Zoya - (speaking with her mouth full, much to Asad's horror) AAP. AAP LEKE AYEE HO, USKE LIYE! NOT FOR ME. FOR HIM. (Zeenat was about to say something when Asad beat her to it, snatching the bag back from Zoya's hands whilst she was too distracted complaining and arguing with her Aapi)
Asad - (finding another chance to one up her) That's right. For me. Not for you. For me. Mine. (He gave her a smug smile tossing yet another candy into his mouth before walking off, as Zoya coiled her hands into her fists at her sides glaring after him, fuming. Certainly there was smoke coming out her ears this time. She then glared at her Aapi who once again was about to say something but Zoya was suddenly in no mood to hear it. She wasn't entirely sure why she was so irritated and angry. But she was. Be it childish and immature. But she was, so without saying anything she too stomped away from there leaving Zeenat sighing, Ayaan and Aahil confused, and Anwar and Aisha laughing. These two were something else.)
xxx
Continued in next post...
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Book Talk
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