AsYa FF: Mohabbatein - Part 18 Updated: Pg 140 - 20/12/16 - Page 18

Been busy with studies

Anyways coming to the update I just loved every bit of it.

It was just awesome.

I just didn't want it to finish.

You are just an awesome writer. 👏

Keep up the good work and

Please update the next part soon

I like long updates.

Will comment together in a day or two for last two parts

Plz pm me update

Kasauli - AdA Designs:

Haseena walked into the posh boutique in Awe. The ambience leaving one amazed. The boutique, just like the family that proudly owned it was elegant, graceful and lavish. From the black tiling, to the exquisite grey wallpaper, the cream and purple antique chairs and sofa's for customers to be seated upon, the soft peaceful music in the background and finally the designs themselves. Each item for sale was breathtakingly gorgeous and graceful in it's own way. Haseena surely looked out of place amidst the tasteful surroundings. She looked around wide eyed with her jaw dropping as the sales representative walked up to her with a polite and friendly smile. Wearing a simple burgundy saree and an iPad in hand she looked like a true professional. Top of the line. The only kind of people Asad Ahmed Khan kept on his staff.

SR - Good Afternoon Ma'am. What may I help you with today?
Haseena - Haan...Haaan (shaking her head, smiling almost lunatic ally seeing the value of the boutique. Scaring the poor girl who was helping her) main na..yeh..yeh sarees exchange karne ayee thee. Waise, Mashallah kya boutique hai. Uh, kiski boutique hai yeh?

SR - (Convinced there was something wrong with the lady for sure, what was she doing here if she didn't know what it was?) Sorry Ma'am? Uh..this is AdA Designs. Aapko kahaan jaana tha?

Haseena - Nahin Nahin aana toh yahin tha..main bas pooch rahee thee ke yeh Boutique kiski hai matlab Designer kaun hai?

SR - (smiling) Oh. Ma'am AdA designs has a whole team of designers contributing to the designs and products sold here but our head designer is Ms. Dilshad Khan.

Haseena - Dilshad Khan. Yeh naam kuch suna suna sa lag raha hai. Uh, inke husband ka kya naam hai?

SR - Ji? (Scared of her again) I'm sorry ma'am par yeh information main aapko nahin de sakti, and neither do I know. I'm just an employee.

Haseena - Nahin Nahin tum ghalat samajh rahee ho. Main bas unka naam kisi aur ke naam ke saath connect kar rahee thee. Khan. Dilshad Khan ka naam kissi jaane maane insaan ke saath suna hai maine.

SR - (Smiled a little too brightly) Oh. In that case ma'am aap unke bete ki baat kar rahee hongee. Yeh Boutique aur brand unhi ki company manage karti hai. His mother just designs for him.

Haseena - Unke bete?

SR - (Almost blushing) Yes Ma'am. I'm sure you've heard of him. Unke baare mein toh poora Kasauli jaanta hai. Asad Ahmed Khan.

Haseena - (Her eye's widening. As if she had just won the lottery) Asad Ahmed Khan! Matlab yeh boutique unki hai.

SR - Dekha I knew aap bhi unki fan hongi.

Haseena - (muttering) Fan toh mein hoon hi. Dheere Dheere iss Asad Ahmed Khan ki sabse bari fan banti jaa rahee hoon main. Par savaal toh yeh hai ke yeh Asad Ahmed Khan aakhir hai kaun?

xxx

Farmhouse - Mehndi:

Asad was standing with Dilshad looking ridiculously handsome in his black shalwar and kurta. The black stud in his ear and the way his sleeves rolled up wasn't helping the girls present in the slightest for all around the room every girl was simply ogling him and neither Anwar, Dilshad nor Asad himself were unaware of that fact. Dilshad and Anwar stared at him with raised eyebrows and teasing smiles as a bunch of girls walked by him purposely giggling and battling their eyelashes causing him to stare at the ground and adjust his collar nervously, before seeing his family's teasing smiles and rolling his eyes.

Asad - WHAT?!!

Dilshad - (stood up and linked her arm with his proudly) Kuch nahin, bas soch rahee hoon ke mauka sahee hai. Apni choti bahu bhi yahin se chun loon, dekho..there are alot of willing options.

Asad - Ammi please. Pehle bhai ko ek shaadi karke dekhne dijiye uske baad aap unki doosri ya teesri biwi laane ka sochiye.

Anwar - Oh trust me..if they were staring at me with such gooey eye's (Asad stared with a raised eyebrow at him and then to the staircase from where Zeenat was coming under the red dupatta with her brothers holding it over her head and Anwar quickly shut up shaking his head at Asad to forget what he said, before standing up and momentarily forgetting to breath seeing the beauty approach him)

(As everyone turned around seeing the bride approach soft music began playing as she reached the bottom of the stairs and Zoya and Aisha along with a couple of other girls came running in to the hall with thaals of mehndi.)

(Sinful. That colour combined with those kohl lined eye's. Asads breath had hitched as he drowned in her beauty. Zoya was dressed in a yellow shalwar kurta with her long silky tresses braided prettily at the forefront of her hair. She looked so simple, innocent and young and Asad was a serious goner even if it would take him forever to realize it. He sighed deeply as did Anwar and both brothers looked at each other and then looked away turning red and awkwardly cleared their throats)

Anwar - Hang on. Meri toh biwi hai who, tum kis hisaab se- (Asad's eyes widened and his ears turned red as Anwar raised an eyebrow at him but then as Aisha and Zoya began dancing before the bride along with a bunch of girls Asad rolled his eyes inwardly adjusting his collar nervously shaking his head at his own behaviour. She is nothing more than a terrible musibat Asad. Stay away. But how could he? He was a soul haunted by his demons in search for a ray of light, a ray of hope in the darkness that surrounded and suffocated him. And he had never seen anything shine as bright as her. Despite the beating heart in his chest, he was dead on the inside and she held the light that could bring him to life again. She, Zoya was 'Life' in all forms and all senses and he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He watched her dance with his sister. Her tinkling laughter resonating in the entire hall and he felt himself drowning in her. She was so vibrant and full of life that he felt envious and greedy, greedy to steal that light from the evil of the world and keep it for himself. He felt alive just hearing her laugh and seeing her so full of life and he wanted nothing more than to have her light reflect on him so he could continue to live in the peace he felt in the moment. Continue to feel alive as a man rid of his demons. but alas. As the song came to an end (Song the girls danced to - Navrai Majhi - Film: English Vinglish) and the girls settled the mehndi ke thaal infront of the deewan the bride and groom were to be seated on, the bride reached the deevan as well. Asad snapped out of his trance just as Zoya eyed him and up and down approvingly making him turn red and avert his eye's with an adorable blush and his dimples peek through in turn to which she giggled. They all turned their attention back to the bride and groom as Dilshad took their nazar off.

Dilshad - Mashallah. Kitne pyaare lag rahe ho tum dono ek saath. Mujhe toh yakeen hi nahin ho raha ke aaj tum dono ki mehndi hai aur kal tumhari shaadi (she ran a loving hand down Anwar's face) Mere bete ki shaadi hai. Aur dekho toh zara (she turned to Asad grabbing his arm and glaring at him just as she saw him about to do a runner. She pulled out an envelope and Anwar stared at them questioningly) tum dono ka wedding present (Both Anwar and Zeenat looked up into the smiling faces of Asad (barely smiling) and Dilshad)

Anwar - Ammi?

Zeenat - Ammi iski kya zaroorat thi? Aap already itna kuch toh de chuki hain (her eyes filling with tears) sach bataon toh aapki acceptance aur pyaar hi itna overwhelming hai ke..

Dilshad - (smiled) Yeh meri taraf se nahin, tumhare devar ki taraf se hai. Asad ne hi plan kiya tha but dene waqt hamesha khud peeche hat gaya, he's not too good with showing emotions. I mean positive emotions.

Asad - I'm standing right here Ammi.

Dilshad - I know, issi liye bol rahee hoon.

Anwar - Par yeh hai kya.

Asad - They call it an envelope bhai (Anwar raised an eyebrow at him) you open it to find wha'ts inside.

Anwar - Oh really? And since when did you learn that it's socially acceptable to speak more than 4 words or syllables (Asad rolled his eye's and before he could get more irritated Anwar opened the envelope and as he looked at the papers and brochures in his hands his eye's widened) Yeh-

Dilshad - (nodded) Honeymoon package hai, well a delayed honeymoon package.

Anwar - Par ammi aapne already humme Dubai bhejne ke arrangements kar liye hain.

Dilshad - Haan, par woh toh sirf 2 din ka trip tha aur woh bhi iss liye kyunki tumhe job waapis se resume karni hai. This is a month long package to Europe, for the spring.

Anwar - Par Asad, this..why? Iski kya zaroorat thi you already spent a fortune on the wedding aur ab- (Asad pulled at his collar uncomfortably)

Asad - Woh actually (Dilshad rolled her eyes seeing him turning red)

Dilshad - Woh Ayaan bol raha tha agle din ke Europe jaana Zeenat ka sapna hai, so this is actually a wedding present for her not you Anwar. From her Dewar (she smiled affectionately at Asad who scowled at her making her laugh. Zeenat stared at him teary eyed and before Asad could do another runner she had enveloped him in a hug, catching him off guard and making him flinch. He nearly jumped backwards in fright before Dilshad grasped his arm and he visibly froze. His arms hung lamely at his sides as he stared down at her too dumbfounded to react. Anwar and Dilshad initially panicked but then seeing him take a deep breath and his panicked eyes relax a little they too relaxed and smiled at them happily even though there was some hesitance in his eyes. Zeenat moved back and smiled at him but he was still a little shaken to respond)

Zeenat - Thank You. Abse pehle mere 5 bhai the, jo meri khushi ke liye kuch bhi kar sakte the. Aaj main itni khush kismat hoon ke Khuda ne mujhe ek aur bhai de diya. (Just then Zoya came running and wrapped her arms around Dilshad from behind. Just her presence making Asad come out of the hauntings of his past and prepare to retort every word she uttered as if it were a duty)

Zoya - Phupi. Aap logon ne yeh function mehndi ke liye hi rakha tha ya emotional hone ke liye? Chaliye na rasam shuru kijiye. Sab mehmaan wait kar rahe hain. Kya raat ke 12 baje shuru kareinge sabko JAANA bhi hai (Anwar glared at her as she winked at him playfully trying to suppress her giggle as both Anwar and Zeenat turned red. How very subtle. Boy did they suck at this. Asad noticed the whole exchange and looked to Zoya wanting to know what they were planning.)

Dilshad - Haan bas abhi shuru karne hi waale the. We were just giving Zeenat and Anwar there wedding present.

Zoya - Par aapne to unhe already honeymoon package dilwa diya na, Dubai ka phir ab-

Anwar - Yah. but this an extended honeymoon. One month Europe trip.

Zoya - WOW! Kisne diya phupi ne-

Dilshad - Nahin Asad ne- (Asad stared at her with a poker face even though she could see the arrogance and pride in his eye's and a hint of a cocky smile behind his damned poker face and she felt herself burn with annoyance for some reason. Her ego getting the better of her as far as he was concerned, yet again)

Zoya - Hmm. Obviously. Tha'ts all he has to offer as a person. Money. Toh wohee deinge na (Asad felt anger, fear, mistrust and venom rush through him at her obvious notice of his wealth)

Asad - And that's all you seem to notice in a person. Money. Aap batayee ke aapne kya diya if my gift was not up to your liking.

Zoya - Maine kya diya!! You seem to be forgetting Mr. Khan ke yeh shaadi ho hi meri wajah se rahee hai, mujhe aur kuch dene ki zaroorat hi nahin hai.

Asad - Excuse me? Shaadi ka poora kharcha maine uthaya hai. Same way I also paid for the honeymoon, don't try to take credit - (Ayaan came and put an arm around both of them after throwing the dupatta he and his brothers had brought Zeenat under at Zoya's face)

Ayaan - All that chaos and bickering I just knew it had to be Khan and Farooqui. Sorry to stop your adult conversation but Jeeju Party mein feel nahin aa rahee yaar. Kal ki party jitni raunak nahin hai. Aap kya bolti hain Aunty, kuch gaana bajaana na ho jaye. Aaj bhi aur kal shaadi pe bhi.

Dilshad - Tum bilkul sahee keh rahe ho, Asad-

Asad - You can forget about it. Sangeet kal tha. Aur maine apna farz poora kar diya, don't try your luck with me again.

Dilshad - Why? Afraid it'll work?

Asad - No because it won't.

Zoya - Phupi samjha karo. Itna sa hi talent tha, jo sabne kal dekh liya. Ab aaj kya gayenge ye?

Asad - Main apni ammi se baat kar raha hoon.

Zoya - Haan toh main bhi aapse nahin apni phupi se baat kar rahee hoon, phupi rehne dejiye inhe-

Asad - Agar aap mein itna hi talent hai toh aap hi naach gaa lijiye na. Waise bhi iss shaadi mein destruction ke ilaava aapka ek yehi contribution hai

Zoya - Aur aapka financial (Again oblivious to the doubt that rose in him with her mentioning of his wealth) Aap-

Anwar - BAS BAS BAS! (Him, Dilshad, Zeenat and Ayaan looked mortified looking between them as their childish bickering escalated) Larna band karo.

Zeenat - Seriously Zoya agar tumne aise hi larna band na kiya na toh main tumhe zabardasti apne saath Delhi le jaongi (A smile of pure relief broke out on Asad's face much to Zoya's annoyance. The biggest smile that had graced his face in weeks as Zoya pouted at her aapi before she narrowed her eyes at him. Her eyes spitting fire)

Zoya - Aap ye itni gandi si smile kyun de rahe hain mujhe?

Asad - I guess Jeeju aapki saali ki taraf se apko wedding gift mil hi gaya.

Anwar - Excuse me Mr. Meri saali se larna band karo warna main yeh gift nahin except karne waala tumhara (Waving the tickets in front of him)

Ayaan - Can I take them if- (everyone turned and stared at him in disbelief)

Anwar - Ab promise me tum log peeche se ammi ko apne jhagde se pareshan nahin karoge and you'll behave like adults.

Asad - Main nahin Jhagadta bhai. I happen to be a mature adult unlike your sister-in-law here.

Zeenat - Zoya-

Zoya - (Her mouth fell agape) Main kahan jhagadtin hoon Aapi, aapka yeh jo Dewar hai woh-

Asad - I-

Dilshad - BAS KARDO PLEASE!!! Iss rate pe Anwar aur Zeenat ke bachon ki zaroorat hi nahin paregi mujhe tum dono ko ghar le jaongi toh bachon ki kammi poori ho jaogi (Zeenat blushed prettily as Anwar nudged her suggestively)

Anwar - Exactly. Ab jaldi se promise karo ke tum log laroge nahin (both of them turned their backs on each other much to everyon'es amusement)

Zeenat - Zoya

Anwar - Asad (They both rolled their eyes heavenward. Huffing exaggeratedly as they turned towards each other again with venomous expressions on their faces they were about to utter sorry)

Ayaan - Aise waise sorry ki bajai, agar hum inko kuch alagsa sorry bolne ko kahein toh zyaada maza nahin ayega Jeeju (Zoya and the other ladies stared at him confused while Asad gave him a glare that meant shut the hell up NOW or else - But Ayaan ignored him knowing he had Dilshad to hide behind)

Anwar - Go on.

Asad - Please don't. I know you're about to suggest something totally-

Ayaan - (with a devilish smile) Let's get them to sing a song TOGETHER to bring more life to this function (Zoya screamed a KYA' at the top of her lungs and Asads mouth fell open in horror while huge smile's broke out on the other 3's faces at his suggestion)

Zoya - NO.

Asad - LIKE HELL-

Zoya - NO WAY, MAIN AUR ISS AKDU KE SAATH (Asad stepped closer to her and she glared back with equal force despite the tremble that ran through her)

Asad - (glared at her, his eye's shooting daggers just as she tossed her hair about to walk away and everyone else turned around shaking their heads at them hopelessly as well, his hand shot out on it's own accord and grabbed the pallu of the laal dupatta she had draped around her neck, the same one Ayaan tossed at her. Before his mind had time to process his actions or behaviour he found the words tumbling from his mouth as she gasped, clutching at the dupatta, and a silence fell over the room)

Asad - Oye Kudiye Oye Kudiye Tere Tan Se Fisal Na Jaaye (Pulled at the dupatta, causing her to take a step back in complete shock as was his whole family while the guests applauded happily. Thankful and hopeful for as much entertainment as there was last night)
Oye Kudiye Oye Kudiye Tere Tan Se Fisal Na Jaaye (He grabbed the dupatta's pallu and flipped it over her head and tossed it casually around his own before she had finished turning around staring at him in shock just like the rest of their family) Tera Lal Dupatta Mahmal Ka Tera Lal Dupatta Mahmal Ka (adjusting and readjusting the dupatta to make a point before looking up and raising an eyebrow at her. He could see the spark and fire ignite in her eye's and despite his annoyance he couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked when she got all riled up like a little firecracker)
Zoya - (shoved him back by his shoulder, playfully amidst loud cheers) Oye Mundiya (hit his other shoulder too) Oye Mundiay Seene Se Nikal Na Jaaye (she turned her back to him and elbowed him in the chest causing him to narrow his eyes at her) Oye Mundiya Oye Mundiay Seene Se Nikal Na Jaaye (Danced around him, making exaggerated paagal immitations to rile him up and she succeeded because he looked like he wanted to strangle her) Armaan Tere Dil Paagal Ka Armaan Tere Dil Paagal Ka (Asad spared a glance to Anwar who smiled happily at him making Asad calm down a little seeing him so happy, he yanked the dupatta from around his own neck and draped it around Anwars neck)
Asad - Aashiq Majnu Aawara Tha Sabki Nazron Ka Maara Tha Kya Chein Se Udta Phirta Tha Kitna Khushaal Kawaara Tha
Ayaan - (joining in and dancing around Zeenat) Oye Goriye Oye Goriye Tune Udte Panchhi Ko Oye Goriye Oye Goriye Tune Udte Panchhi Ko Dil Ke Pinjre Mein Band Kiya Dil Ke Pinjre Mein Band Kiya (Asad stood there glaring at him for getting him into this mess in the first place when he felt someone shove his shoulder and he saw it was Zoya as she danced around him and reached both Anwar and Zeenat and hugged them both from behind, one arm around each)
Zoya - Aa Hosh Mein Aa Nadaan Zara..Tu Maan Mera Ehsaan Zara Chal Dekh Meri In Aankhon Mein Meri Chaahat Ko Pehchaan Zara
Zeenat - Oye Pagle Oye Pagle Kaise Tujhko Samjhaoon (The guests cheered loudly as the bride sang and gracefully danced around Asad with an over the moon and giggling Zoya..leaving Anwar and Dilshad pleasantly surprised) Oye Pagle Oye Pagle Kaise Tujhko Samjhaoon Kyon Maine Isay Pasand Kiya.Kyon Maine Isay Pasand Kiya Kyon Maine Isay Pasand Kiya Kyon Maine Isay Pasand Kiya (Asad would've laughed if he laughed but instead he raised an eyebrow at Anwar and then nodded at Zeenat with a teasing smile on his face)
Anwar - (put an arm around Asad as he tapped Zoya's nose playfully making Asad smile and Zeenat nod along laughingly much to Zoya's horror) Mera Bhai Seedha Saadha Hai Ye Ladki Chheil Chhabeeli Hai Hai Rang Rop Ki Theek Thaak Bheje Se Thodi Dheeli Hai
Ayaan - (danced around them again) Oye Baliye Oye Baliye Mere Yaar Jamegi Kaise Oye Baliye Oye Baliye Mere Yaar Jamegi Kaise Gilli Dande Ki Jodi Hai Gilli Dande Ki Jodi Hai Gilli Dande Ki Jodi Hai Gilli Dande Ki Jodi Hai (Zoya saw Asad about to pounce on Ayaan so instead she came and stood between them smiling brightly at Asad who rolled his eye's at her as she danced around him again making innocent faces at him despite every turn she took advantage of and elbowed him or shoved him)
Zoya - Maano Mera Kehna Logon Meri Sunarta Se Pagal Hain Sach Kehti Hopon Mujhko To Ye Bhai Ka Chamcha Lagta Hai..Oye Chhaliye Oye Chhaliye Zara Dekhle Tu Aaina Oye Chhaliye Oye Chhaliye Zara Dekhle Tu Aaina Tere Mann Mein Koi Chor Hai Tere Mann Mein Koi Chor Hai..Tere Mann Mein Koi Chor Hai Tere Mann Mein Koi Chor Hai (Asad had had enough and grabbed her elbow making her turn around and fall against his chest as he glared down into her beautiful, vibracous, mischievous kohl lined eye's which rendered him speechless again and she struggled to glare back at him matching intensity of his glare without backing down or cowering. Eventually Anwar had to interfere to break up their little cat and mouse game)
Anwar - (waved his white handkerchief between them to call a truce) Chhodo Na Yoon Takraar Karo Khushiyon Ki Ghadi Hai Pyaar Karo Ek Duje Se Na Uljhoge Mere Saamne Tum Izhaar Karo (put an arm around Asads shoulder and ran a hand through his hair affectionately before he did the same to Zoya) Oye Heeriye Oye Heeriye Ye To Bhola Bhaala Hai Oye Heeriye Oye Heeriye Ye To Bhola Bhaala Hai Mat Maan Bura Is Raanjhe Ka Mat Maan Bura Is Raanjhe Ka
Asad - (out of spite..having to get the last word in) Oye Kudiye Oye Kudiye Tere Tan Se Fisal Na Jaaye Tera Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka..Tera Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka
Zoya - Oye Mundiya Oye Mundiay Seene Se Nikal Na Jaaye Armaan Tere Dil Paagal Ka Armaan Tere Dil Paagal Ka (The family members all shook their heads despite also joining in the cheering with the guests while Dilshad noticed the way the Asad & Zoya looked together and the glint in their eyes as they glared at each other and her eyes clouded over with sudden hope. Shazia on the other hand looked livid and wished to destroy Zoya and her new found happiness)

Later On:

Lady in the party - Nahin Nahin Mashallah bauhat hi acha khaana tha aur bauhat hi acha function raha. Baaki sabhi functions ki tarha yeh waala bhi bauhat ache se hogaya, especially aaj ka gaana toh bauhat hi acha tha Asad beta, maza aa gaya (Asad who was standing beside Dilshad attending to guests turned a beetroot red as the ladies smiled at him) waise mere bhai ki beti abhi bhi baithi hai agar-

Asad - Uh Ammi main ek phone call karke aata hoon-

Dilshad - (rolled her eyes grabbing his arm and giving him an exasperated look) Mrs. Rehmaan aap please apne bhai se keh dijiye ke apni beti ki shaadi karwa dein (glared at Asad letting her annoyance be blatantly obvious, he rolled his eyes back at her) Hamara ladka tayaar nahin hai

Lady - Ladka tayaar nahin hai toh chalo woh baad mein dekhleinge aap yeh batayee ke yeh jo ladki aaj Asad ke saath gaa rahee thee, yeh tumhari bahu ki choti behn Zoya iski kahin baat waat toh nahin pakki ho gayee (Asad's eyes shot up to meet hers as a pang of pain hit him hard. He didn't understand why but anger and pain shot through him at such force with such an intensity that he nearly forgot to breath. He looked over to where Zoya was hugging and laughing with a blushing Zeenat and his eyes searched her hands for the sign of any ring. He found his tensed shoulders which he didn't realize had tensed to begin with, relax) uske maan baap kahan hain. shaadi pe nahin aye kya? Unse baat karna chah rahi thee main apne bete- (Asad turned towards Dilshad to hear her response only now realizing he didn't know where Zeenat and Zoya's parents were? Who they were? And why were they actually not present? How had he missed this? But as fate would have it, his cell phone rang just in time and he excused himself walking away)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Meanwhile on the other side of the room - Zoya fell on a chair beside where all 4 of her brothers were sitting staring around the room at the different girls getting their mehndi done.

Arsalan - Seriously Zo, Kal humme waapis chale jaana hai aur tum hoke hamare liye time hi nahin hai (Zoya's smile faltered as reality dawned on her once again)

Asif - Don't you have to get your Mehndi done Pari? (Zoya beamed brightly at him showing him her mehndi of childish drawnings which that little girl had done on her hands making him laugh)

Zoya - Aap log sab yeh kya kar rahe ho?

Ayaan - Choosing potential brides? Wanna Join?

Zoya - Sure. Dibs on Aisha.

Aahil - No I- (stopped. His face paled for a quick second as they all turned to stare at him in shock. He averted his gaze remembering his pending engagement to Anaya Khan and a frown appeared on his face as he looked up across the room where Aisha was getting her mehndi done) (His siblings all exchanged worried glances but decided not to push the matter)

Ayaan - Sorry to break it to you sis but Aisha Aapi is way out of your league.

Zoya - (raised an eyebrow) Oh really and let me guess she's in your league?

Ayaan - Ew. Did you not hear me say Aapi? And besides Asad would KILL me if he knew I looked at his sister in that way. (He leaned back so Aahil couldn't see him and then gestured towards Aahil before doing an exaggerated demonstration of Asad killing him)

Zoya - (rolled her eye's) Ek hitler se doosre hitler ke ghar. Yahaan woh Dayaan Daadi aur wahan Akdu. Allah Miyan main kitni achi hoon apne meri kismat mein aise monsters ke saath rehna kyun likha hai. KYUN, ALLAH MIYAN WHY!? (She looked so devastated that Ayaan burst out laughing and Asif hugged her soothingly)

Arsalan - Seriously Zo the guy's not half bad. Cut him some slack. (Zoyas mouth fell agape and she was about to retort when a bunch of giggling girls walked by the boys and the 3 of their (not Aahil) eyes followed the path they walked making Zoya roll her eyes)

Zoya - Seriously guys'?.

Ayaan - Seriously Zoya? (Zoya punched his arm and he glared at her annoyingly before mock choking her under his arm causing her to bite his hand for him to let go which he did, yelping in pain) JANGLI!

Zoya - Janwar!

Asad - Oh so aap har kissi se larne pe Amaada rehti hain, sirf mujhse nahin.

Zoya - (stood up) MAIN HAR KISSI SE LARNE PE AMAADA REHTI HOON..MAIN? (Asad stared at her with his usual not so happy look)

Arsalan - Acha hua tum aa gaye Asad. We're planning on going down to the old retro bar in town. The 4 of us. 2 of us have dates (pointing to himself and Asif) and two of us are in pursuit (pointing to Aahil and Ayaan) should be fun.

Asad - (gave him a polite smile) No. That's okay, you guys carry on, not my scene. (Zoya rolled her eyes in his face causing him to narrow his eyes at her as his temper began rising again)

Zoya - Kyun? You think you're above them or above a retro bar or-

Ayaan - (as he continued checking out a girl to his left) Women. Asad ko ladkiyon mein koi interest nahin hai.

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN AAP SACH MAIN GAY HO??!!! (She screamed it so loud that the whole room went dead silent and everyone turned and stared in her direction where Asad looked absolutely mortified, as did she. Both their mouths hanging open albeit for different reasons. Zoya horrified over the prospect of him being gay for reasons she didn't understand and Asad for the way everyone including his own mother was staring at him in horror. Half the girls looked ready to cry and the others were too shocked to react. In all of this Anwar tried but failed miserably to hide his laugh and he snickered and that was all it took for the Faroouqui boys to double over laughing as all the guests assuming and realizing they were just fooling around went back to mingling and the girls in the function sighed in relief. A muscle beneath Asad's right eye jumped dangerously as Anger shot through him along with annoyance as Zoya bit her lip Realizing her blunder and stared at him wide eyed and stupidly for a few minutes before she turned around and ran from there and Ayaan stood up laughing as he patted his shoulder)

Ayaan - We don't mind if you bring a handsome man instead of a girl. Just come join us man. I on the other hand (smiled devilishly at the girl staring right back at him. He walked off and Asad clenched his fists staring at Zoya who was now doubling over laughing about the incident with Anwar. In all of this Zoya wasn't realizing that she had been playing with fire the last few day's and had now managed to waken a sleeping lion and the outcome of all this was NOT going to be pretty)

Later that Night - The elders sat together in the living room looking at pictures of the previous functions on the television screen. The groom, Farooqui brothers, Asad and Zoya were missing.

Zeenat - (whispering to Aisha as they sat a little separately and Aisha read through her honeymoon brochures) Aisha meri baat sun bhi rahee ho ya nahin tum-

Aisha - Sun rahee ho na bhabi. WOW cheese making classes, choclate tasting, Euro Rail! I swear agar Asad ne mujhe isse bara honeymoon package na diya na meri shaadi pe toh- (Zeenat huffed irritatedly and yanked the brochures from her hand) Arre, Bhabi. Honeymoon pe toh aap hi jaogi bhai ke saath atleast mujhe parne toh-

Zeenat - Nahin pehle meri baat suno

Aisha - (raised an eyebrow) Wah! Nikkah kal hai, aur aapne aaj hi bhabi jaise raub jharna shuru bhi kar diya (sighed) Jee kahiye (as she saw Zeenat become irritated)

Zeenat - Maana ke main Ammi se kahee baar keh chuki hoon par ab bhi lag raha hai ke tumse bhi ek baar keh doon. Aisha please (her eye's filled with tears) Please Zoya ka khayal rakhna. Uske khaane peene ka, parhai ka, uski sehat ka. Main usse jaanti hoon Aisha. Woh upar se toh bauhat bahadur ban rahee hai, Gaa rahee hai, has rahee hai par andar se uska dil toot raha hai. Purane rishte toot rahe hain, ghar badal raha hai, Nayee jaga Naye log. As amazing as you guy's are I know her hesitations and insecurities. Aisha (held both her hands as tears fell from her eye's) Zoya ko aadat hai apna dukh apne andar chipane ki. Kssi se share nahin karti kisi ko nahin bolti, akele suffer karti rehti hai. Please uska dihaan rakhna. Woh bauhat achi hai, bauhat masoom hai. Ussi masoomiyat mein aake ghalatiyan kar deti hai par uska iraada kabhi bura nahin hota Aisha. Mujhe ab bhi lag raha hai ke kahin main usse yahan akele chorkar koi ghalati- Am I being selfish Aisha?

Aisha- Bhabi please aisa mat sochiye. I promise you Zoya ka bauhat khayal rakhein ge hum. Itna toh shayad aapne bhi kabhi nahin rakha hoga. Usko kissi cheez ki kammi nahin mehsoos hone deinge I promise. Aap please sab dar sab worries nikal lejiye apne dil se. Kal aapki shaadi hai, you should be happy. You should be celebrating this time with Bhai. In fact (she saw Zoya monkeying around outside the window and Anwar trying to sush her and seeing them Aisha laughed) I think your prince and your carriage awaits you. Time to go.

Zeenat - (Saw Zoya signalling her to come out before throwing a fake punch in her grandma's direction) Ek Paagal yeh meri beti kam thi jo ab Ussi ke jaisa husband bhi mil gaya mujhe (Aisha giggled as Zeenat shook her head standing up immediately alerting Shazia)

Shazia - (Holding her head, feeling a little drowsy) Kahaan jaa rahee hai tu?

Zeenat - Upar sone Ammi.

Shazia - Jaane se pehle kissi se kehke woh paison waala bag kahin thikane laga dena. Maana inhe kammi nahin hai par Shaadi waala ghar hai. Itne paise khule choregi to chori ho jayegi. Kya pata teri woh behen hi uthake le bhaage. Bauhat zaroorat haina usse aaj kal- (angry tears rushed to Zeenat's eye's as she stared at Shazia who seemed to now be drifting off to sleep as had Dilshad, Faisal, Sapna, Tahir just sitting there on the sofa. Aisha gave a reassuring smile to Zeenat shaking her head and wiping her tears failing to Notice Asad standing at the other entrance clenching his fist having heard what Shazia said about Zoya. His whole body trembled with rage upon seeing Zoya pump her fist in the air victoriously seeing everyone pass out in the living room before she ran off sneakily making Asad narrow his eye's in suspicion staring between all the elders passed out in the living room and 2 briefcases full of money lying open on the other side of the room)

Late that Night - 2:00 am:

Asad jolted awake all of a sudden as he heard a scream. A man's scream from the backyard. He looked around in a mad panic sweating profusely as his whole body trembled with fear. His breathing erratic as were his heartbeats. He closed his eyes taking in lungs full of air as he dropped his head in his hands trying to get a grip on himself. He nearly pulled his hair out in frustration as images from his nightmare continued to haunt him. Images of a young, worn out, over worked, malnutritioned and exhausted Asad of around 7-8 years of ages brought money home and gave it to an equally overworked, malnutrioned and ill looking Dilshad. Images of a man, his good for nothing step father snatching the money out of his hands and then beating Asad senseless when he tried to fight him. Images of him curled up in a ball in a corner on the cold hard floor at night clutching his stomach and wrapping his arms around himself as the hunger pangs and harsh winters became unbearable. He then looked around at his current room. The luxurious, comfortable bed, the warm blankets and comforters, the Air condition and heater, the wardrobe full of designer and top branded clothing. Yet he could not have felt more hollow and dead on the inside. Today he had it all. But he no longer had the heart of the 8-year-old boy who had vowed to one day have all of this when his drunken step father had stolen his heard earned money to drink himself senseless and enjoy a one-night stand at the brothel, leaving Asad, Aisha, Anwar and Dilshad to die in the cold house without any heating systems or warm clothes and without any food. He had everything a man could wish for and yet he remained the same 8-year-old boy haunted from those realities and circumstances. He no longer felt hunger or cared for food or for a good night's sleep in his warm bed. Nor was he blessed enough to have a peaceful sleep for even one single night. He was far too haunted by his demons and sins to have that kind of blessing in his life. Sighing deeply he checked the time before tossing his phone on the settee where he had fallen asleep while reading and that's when it occurred to him, THE BAG!! The bags of money he had left lying in the living room.

He ran to the living room like a mad man throwing his door open with so much vigour he was certain to have woken half the house. But he was shocked to see everyone still asleep in the living room. All the adults at least. What was going on? Why were they sleeping here? Asad's face paled as he noticed the two bags of money missing. His body shook with rage as his hands formed into fists at his side. Where were the bags of money? They had been here the last time he checked and he had only drifted off for like 15 minutes. No one had come in or gone out of the house in all this time. The boy's had gone out and were probably not back yet, same with Anwar & Zeenat. Aisha and Zoya- (Asad's eyes widened) ZOYA. (He remembered her Naani's words from earlier and then Zoya's remarks from the last few days about his wealth (which she had uttered in oblivion)) and BLIND fury took over him as he turned around and climbed the stairs 4 at a time. He threw open bedroom door after bedroom door. The boy's rooms were empty as was Anwar's. Aisha was asleep in hers and Zoya & Zeenat's room..the door was Ajar and no one was inside. Asad felt himself boil over with anger. His whole body trembled with rage and his eye's held a wild almost mad look in them. They were as red as his face as he fisted his hands ready to cause some serious damage. He turned around without sparing a second glance pulling his car keys out of his pockets as he raced down the stairs again and out the front door. He had reached his car within seconds and had jumped in slamming the door furiously behind him. Just as he started the car and threw it in reverse however he caught a flash of yellow in the review mirror causing his eye's to go flying back to make sure he was seeing correctly. Without a doubt. That was Ms. Farooqui for sure. He felt his anger reach new dangerous heights as he saw her eye's darting around left and right in fear and nervousness. He was gripping the steering wheel so hard to control his rage that his knuckles had gone white and yet he was still trembling with rage. His senses, manners and knowledge of right and wrong abandoned him as he threw open the car door just as Zoya reached his car. Zoya, startled, jumped back in freight gasping a little. Her face going pale. Despite his anger he still managed to notice the unshed tears swimming in her eye's and her frazzled look as she immediately used one hand to adjust her dupatta vigurously. Almost afraid of letting him see something. Seeing her tears made his anger escalate tenfold, for reasons unknown to him but the fact frustrated him nonetheless.

Asad - (stared her right in the eye as if challenging her to defy all that he was about to say. She too glared right back unwilling to cower under his gaze) Aap raat ke 2 baje yahan ghar se bahar kya kar rahee hain? (Looked behind her) Gate se andar kahan aa rahee hain? (Zoya gulped nervously. She had honestly not expected him to be up at this time let alone come out and catch her red handed) Kisse milke aa rahee hain (Zoya stared at him now narrowing her eyes)

Zoya - Dekhiye Mr. Khan aap ghalat samajh rahein hain main toh-

Asad - (Not hearing a word. Still staring at her right in the eye) Aapke haat mein kya hai. (Zoya felt her whole body freeze over. She had not seen that coming to say the least. How and why was he on to her?)

Zoya - K-Kuch na..nahin hai Mr. Khan.

Asad - Really? Toh phir aapne woh haath apne peeche kyun chipa rakha hai? (Zoya's eyes widened, further confirming his fears and doubt. His insecurities.) Ms. Farooqui (he took one threatening step towards her as a muscle beneath his eye jumped dangerously. His intensity and presence so overwhelming and intimidating that Zoya felt compelled to take a step back, even if she still held his gaze) I had left a crore rupees in 2 briefcases in the living room. Both of those briefcases are missing. If I'm not mistaken aapne aaj raat phirse apni koi fazool bachkani harkat ki thi Aapki behen ko sabki nazron se bacha ke Bhai ke saath bahar bhejne ke liye. Am I right or am I right? (He took another step forward and Zoya took another step back now trembling with nervousness) Batayee. Aisa kya kiya aapne ke sab ghar waale abhi tak wahin so rahe hain jahaan aapne unhe sulaya tha. (Much to his annoyance Zoya just stared back at him silently. Her eyes still swimming with tears as she gulped nervously. Her head spinning in a sickening way as she tried to make sense of what was happening, why he was so angry? She tried to find her voice to answer him when he bellowed suddenly) ANSWER ME DAMMIT. WHAT DID YOU DO?

Zoya - (closed her eyes unable to look into his wild and furious eyes anymore) Maine, maine..unki chai mein..sleeping pills- (Asad closed his eyes taking in deep breaths to control his maddening anger as he clenched and unclenched his fists)

Asad - (eyes still closed) Why.

Zoya - Mr. Khan aap-

Asad - Answer the god damn question. Why. Why did you give everyone in the house sleeping pills?

Zoya - Jeeju aur Aapi ko bahar jaana tha aur agar ghar pe sabko pata chal jaata..Toh woh-

Asad - Bhai aur bhabi ke liye hunh. That's your story? (Zoya stared at him genuinely confused and now equally angered at his bizarre, rude and uncalled for behaviour while he just scoffed at her) So are you trying to tell me that there was no other reason for you to give everyone sleeping pills? Other than your pure and innocent attention of letting Bhai and Bhabi go out on a date? Since of course you just happen to be so 'innocent'. That you were not out here meeting some 'friend' of yours since you happen to be such a 'friendly' girl and that you don't have one of my briefcases of money behind your back which you were stealing with a friend who is probably waiting for you at the gate? (Zoya just stared at him too dumbfounded and shocked by his accusation to react. What was he implying exactly?) Or have you already given him the cash to escape with while you innocently go back inside and put the briefcase back in its place so no one would ever find out or suspect it was you. (Shook his head as he stepped closer to her once again eyeing her up and down) because lets face it you do have everyone fooled. Everyone wrapped around your little finger. You have half the boys here, whether it be Aahil or Ayaan, Tahir, Sheroz fooled by your pretty face and your over friendly mannerisms and their mothers are fooled by your childish antics and innocent eyes. What more could anyone wish for eh? (Zoya's eye's filled with angry and humiliated tears just as he without warning began stepping to her side and circling around her. His gaze still stuck on her head. Zoya closed her eyes. This was NOT going to be good) but guess what. I have the gift of seeing right through people. To see them for who they really are. And did I mention..(Zoya closed her eyes as she felt his cold fingers wrap over hers aggressively as his eyes filled with hurt, disbelief and betrayal) I'm almost ALWAYS right (And saying that he yanked the black briefcase from her hand behind her back. There was no describing the anger he felt rush through him in that moment. He held the briefcase in his hand with a deathly grip as his eye's stared at the back of her head with a deathly look in them. Just as Zoya turned around to explain herself she yelped in shock as he hurled the briefcase at the wall and lunged forward at her effectively pinning her against the wall with his body as Zoya closed her eyes in fear of his mad rage and nervousness at his proximity. He was so close she could feel his erratic breath hit her cheek. She could smell his cologne and feel his raging heartbeat. Feel his body trembling with anger. He momentarily lost his mind as her beauty captivated him yet again. Catching him off guard as always. How was it possible for her to render him senseless by her innocence and calm his maddening anger without so much as looking at him even when he felt like he would set fire to the world, set it ablaze just like he felt his own mind go ablaze with fury in the heat of moments. The way her eyes shut tight. Her quivering lips and the paleness of her face. He could feel the warmth of her erratic breaths hit his neck and the warmth emanating from her body even on a cold night as this. Her warmth calming his raging senses momentarily but as his gaze flickered to her lips he found his anger multiply ten folds, now more furious with himself. But she would be bearing the brunt of it)

Asad - Kyun. Kyun kiya? (Zoyas eyes were closed so she failed to see the anger and pain filled tears that rushed to his eyes) Are you seriously that shallow, that materialistic that you would steal from your sisters in-laws? The same in-laws who offered to take you in to their home as family? You stole from the same woman who treats you like her daughter. Someone you call Phupi? Do you even understand what that word means? Do you have any regard, any respect for any sort of relationship. (Shook his head) Aakhir aapki behen ki saas ki baat sach hi nikli. Yeh paisa leke bhaag raheen thin aap. (Zoya's eyes snapped open. Momentarily making him lose his train of thought as he stared into her big brown eyes. Not believing or rather not wanting to believe that she was actually that sort of a girl but none the less, the facts were before him. He scoffed as he averted his gaze shaking his head in disbelief) Paisa. Ek aur (stared at the sky in disbelief) Pehle ke rishte kam par gaye the kya jo ek aur bhej diya aapne. Ek aur insaan jo rishton se zyaada paise ki kadar karta ho (stared back at Zoya) Boliye. Kiske saath milke chori ka plan banaya aapne? Is your boyfriend still out front? (Zoya still stared at him in shock. Too shocked to react or speak. Too shocked to understand the venom he was spouting against her character) Want to ask him if 50 lakhs is enough or should I arrange for a couple of crores? 6 crores, 10 crores. Kitne mein bharega aapka lalach? Main toh pehle se hi jaanta tha. I knew we shouldn't have trusted you. Even today when I was putting those bags in the living room to test you, test your loyalty and see if you were trustworthy enough to let you stay in our home, with my mother and my sister..I knew I'd fail. I knew I'd be deceived yet again. And (shook his head. As soon as he had confessed that he set those bags there as bait Zoya snapped out of it and angry tears rushed to her eyes. Her tears falling in disbelief and anger and her whole body shaking with rage as well) It's brutally clear aap un logon mein se hain jo logon ke baarein mein opinion unka bank balance dekh ke banate hain. Tabhi toh kabhi meri gaari pe nazar hoti hai aapki kabhi paise pe. Yehi sab nazar aaya na aapko. Tabhi aapki behen ki shaadi karwana chahi aapne iss ghar mein. You saw money, respect and power. What more could a girl want. Issi liye parhai ke bahane hamare ghar rehne aa rahee haina aap. I wonder what your parents would have to say about this. Would they be ashamed or are they just as money hungry and conivin- (he didn't get to finish his last sentence and a Smack resonated in the air in stead. Zoya stared at the side of his face furiously after having slapped him hard across his face to get him to shut his mouth and stop him from now spewing nonsense about her parents. Her chest heaved with anger as she stared at him with angry tears spilling from her eyes which she wiped with a careless hand)

Zoya - (shook her head) I can't believe ke aap jaise batameez insaan Jeeju ke bhai hain. Meri behen ke dewar hain. Kaash Jeeju aapke bhai na hote aur mere dil mein aaj ye regret aur confusion na paida hota aapi aur unki shaadi ko lekar. Aapne jaan booj kar wahan 1 crore rupees rakhe because aapko yeh doubt tha ke main woh paise churaongi? Ke mujhe paise chahiyen? I'm greedy and hungry for YOUR wealth. THINK AGAIN MR.KHAN! Aapke yeh paise mere kissi kaam ke nahin hai. Aur aapke bhi kissi kaam ke nahin hain if they make you so paranoid that you have to test someones loyalty before letting them live in your house. Bhabi ko bhi test kiya aapne ya yeh meherbaani sirf mere tak hi barhayee aapne. (shook her head) you know what. I seriously pity you. Rishte nibhane mujhe nahin aapko nahin aate. You can be as proud as you want of your wealth but trust me the rest of us don't give too hoots about it. You call me shallow and materialistic because I praise the value and beauty of something when I see it but just take one good look in the mirror. You don't let others come near you because you think just because your wealthier than us the rest of us are out to steal from you. You could not be more sad and pathetic. Most of us want more from life than money Mr. Khan. Most of us want to accomplish and be proud of more things than our wealth. We want to be able to offer more than our wealth. Par aap- (Asad stared at her in disbelief and so much anger that if a look could kill someone his would've killed her a thousand times over. She had the audacity to SLAP him. Him. Asad Ahmed Khan. No girl had the audacity to speak back to him and she?)

Asad - How dare you hit me. Mujhse aaj tak kabhi kissi ne aise baat nahin ki aur aap- you know what main-

Zoya - What? Kya? Aur kuch bolna reh gaya hai? Kuch badtameezi karni baaki hai. Kuch ilzaam lagana baaki hai..ya phir bahar uss aadmi ki tarah jo aapke paise leke bhaag raha tha uski tarha aur dunya ke baaki mardon ki tarha mere saath zabardasti karne ki koshish kareinge aap? (He noticed her voice crack and fresh tears rush to her eyes as she said those words. His anger evaporated in seconds as he felt his heart constrict painfully in his chest. Humiliation hit him harder than Zoya's slap had as his eyes darted to her shoulder where she had adjusted her dupatta earlier and his eye's narrowed as his breathing slowed. He raised a shaky hand still not in his right sense of mind and slowly removed her dupatta as she turned her face away not wanting him seeing her tears or the vulnerability in them. Surprising herself at allowing his touch. Asad felt his whole body shudder as he removed her dupatta slowly. The simple action feeling more intimate than he had ever imagined it to be. However, as soon as he removed it and saw the way her sleeve was torn by her shoulder and neck area and the striking contrast of red..her blood, he felt anger like he had never known before course through him. Anger to hurt, destroy whoever had dared to touch her. It took one wince of pain and one look in her humiliated and broken eyes that usually held so much light, life and mischief in them to break Asad in a way that none of the demons of his past could. Zoya turned and fled from there within the next second leaving Asad to dwell in the misery and humiliation of once again giving into insecurities and fears of his past and lose something precious in the process. He closed his eyes trying to gain some sort of sense and control back as he leaned forward leaning his head and hand against the wall Zoyas head was against a few seconds ago. He took in a deep breath still feeling her presence surround him, as if apologizing in his own bizarre way before turning around and leaning his head back against the wall. Exhaustion and defeat taking over. He was so confused, so lost so frustrated and tired. Frustrated at having his demons control him. He had tried and tried and tried to fight them but they still got to him in the end and he just had to know once and for all if Zoya like countless others in his life also valued money over relationships or vice versa. Would her inclusion in their family burn them like many had in the past or could she really be trusted? As he was still lost in his own pity party, a voice broke through his thoughts. A voice that chilled him to the bone. That made goosebumps erupt on his skin as every insult, beating, anger filled taunt, curse, cuss, every nightmare, every demon and every insecurity came rushing to his mind possessing him and paralyzing him as if he were that 5 year old child reliving it al. He opened his eyes to find a sleazy, drunk and homeless looking man standing before him giving him a disgusting, cheap and mocking smile. Showing off his missing teeth)

Ajaz- (laughed manically and drunkenly) Kaise ho Asad. Kamaal hai, tumne bataya hi nahin ke MERE BETE ki shaadi ho rahee hai. Na kuch dawat na bulawa? Aa jaata main. Aakhir (stared around clearly impressed at Asad's magnificent farmhouse) main bhi Ladke waala hoon. (Asad just stared at him too paralyzed and too shocked to move. Seeing him before his eyes after SO many years and yet having JUST his presence affect him as strongly as it did in childhood caused more damage to his heart and mind than anyone could understand. He found his nails scraping against the bricks of his farmhouse as he tried to fight his demons but some memories and realities are just so harsh that they render one incapable of doing anything to fight them and Ajaz saleem was that reality in Asads life)

xxx

Continued in next post...

A few hours later- Asad sat barefoot on the cold roof of his farmhouse in a condition one wouldn't wish on his mortal enemy. Broken, defeated, destroyed. His eye's empty, lifeless and hollow despite the dried tear stains on his face. His eyes stared into the horizon where the blazing sun had begun arising in contrast to the darkness that engulfed him. Yet, despite the sunrise he sat there staring into nothingness holding the now empty whisky bottle in his hand. Still dressed in his jeans and shirt from last night as he recalled on loop, another incident from his unfortunate childhood.

An 8 year old Asad had run in the house dressed in absolute rags. His state was tragic to say the least. There was no meat on him. Just bones. He was dressed in nothing but rags and his face, hair and general skin were clear indication that he had not showered in a while and had just returned home after a long day of labour and hard work. Yet he wore such a sweet smile on his face. His dimples adorable and his smile contagious. He ran to his Ammi whose physical condition was nothing better than his. She looked so weak and so fragile that even the rags she was wearing were baggy on her. She too looked unkept and unhealthy. Overworked and exhausted. The rings beneath her eyes and the colour of her skin telling the tale of the tragedy she was living. She had a basket full of clothes in one hand as she stirred a pot on the stove. Asad ran in smilingly and stuffed a handful cash into her hand without calling out to her or disturbing her and was about to run out again..

Dilshad - Arre Asad, kahaan bhaage jaa rahe ho..ek minute ruko toh beta khaana-

Asad - Ammi aake khaa loonga. Azlan aur Zain wait kar rahe hain, unhone bola hai agar jaldi jayenge toh hum ice cream kha sakte hain isse pehle ke shop band ho jaye..m- (not watching where he was going he ran straight into the legs of his step father who cursed loudly and roughly shoved him away glaring at him. If it wasn't for Dilshad grabbing him he would have went flying because of his health and weaknees)

Ajaz - ANDHA HO GAYA HAI KYA!! DIKHAYEE NAHIN DETA. GIRANA CHAHTA HAI.. MARNA CHAHTA HAI MUJHE (Asad who had started trembling from the moment he had caught sight of him hid his face in his mom's side, clutching her Kurta as his step father stepped forward to hit him in rage)

Dilshad - Kya kar rahe hain aap? Bacha hai..masoom hai ghalati se-

Ajaz- MUJHSE BAAT MAT KAR TU. BOLA HAI NA. CHUP CHAAP KHAANA BANA MERE DOST AANE WAALE HONGE.

Dilshad - Dost? Par yeh toh (looked into her pot) yeh to sirf..3 logon ka khaana- (she screamed in pain as he pulled her hair roughly)

Ajaz - MAINE POOCHA TUJHSE!! ZUBAAN LARAYEGI MUJHSE BADCHALAN AURAT. KHAANA BANA..AUR APNE ISS NAJAYZ (his body trembling with rage) kutte ko mat khala dena (suddenly his eye's narrowed dangerously as he caught something in Asad's hand. 20 rupees. While Asad hid his face the money was brutally snatched from his hand. He looked up and saw his step father glaring at him and Asad began shaking in fear again.

Ajaz - Paise churayega? PAISE CHURATA HAI-

Dilshad - Paise wohee kama ke laya hai uske paise-

Ajaz- (whacked her hard across the face) TUJHSE POOCHA MAINE? AB PAISE BHI CHURAYEGA YE? YE YE MAAN KE PALLU MEIN KYA CHIPTA HAI (Grabbed Asad's arm and yanked it so hard he only narrowly escaped pulling it out of the socket) BOL (squeezed his face) MERI ANKHON MEIN DEKH. NEECHE NAHIN. BOL PAISE KYUN CHURAYE.

Asad - (his voice a small whisper. Trembling and shaking with fear) I..ice..cream.

Ajaz- (laughed cruelly) Ice cream. ICE CREAM KHAYEGA. (Pushed him again) Ice cream khayega. Abhi khilata hoon (Smiled sadistically) ANWAR. AISHA. CHALO BETA PAPA ICE CREAM KHILANE LE CHALEIN AAPKO. (Saying so he walked out of the room with Asad's money leaving a heartbroken Asad with silent tears running down his face behind. Successfully managing to kill another part of his soul. The silent tear that escaped even the dry eye of the 25 year old Asad today was evident of that. Evidence of his broken soul. Asad closed his eye's recalling the the unfortunate confrontation he had with his step father a few hours ago.

Asad - (through gritted teeth as he moved away from the wall he was leaning against) AAP. AAP YAHAN KYA RAHE HAIN. AAPKI HIMMAT KAISE HUI YAHAN AANE KI. HOW DARE YOU TRY TO COME BACK INTO OUR LIVES. OUR HOME. OUR HAPPINESS. HOW DARE YOU STAND ON MY PROPERTY YOU-

Ajaz -(laughed) Gaali soch samajh ke dena. Dekhna, kahin khudko hi na de baitho. (Asad was enraged at a different level altogether)

Asad - Aap- (he stopped. It all started making sense now. The extra security his brother had hired. Him getting through. The missing briefcases of money. Zo-. Asad's eyes snapped open as he took a step towards his step father. A dangerous, look in his eyes. His eyes narrowing wiping the smile right off his step father's face) YOU.TOUCHED.HER.

Ajaz - (raised an eyebrow) Woh peele jore waali? teri kya lagti hai woh? Itna bhi kya ghussa hona (seeing him shake) sorry (laughed) darna. Hum dono usse share-

Asad - WOH AAPKI BETI KI JAISI HAI.

Ajaz - (laughed) Uski maan ka kuch ata pata hai? Nahin hai toh woh meri beti bhi ho sakti hai (Laughed like the disgusting man that he was)

Asad - WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? Iss baar kitne mein bechne aye hain apna pyaar? 10 rupees? 20 rupees?

Ajaz - Ch. Itna chota dil. Abhi tak seekhe nahin tum? Itni maar bhi teri akal thikane na laga sakee? (He saw the same haunted look he was hoping for flash in Asad's eyes and he smiled sadistically upon seeing it) Tera JO KUCH HAI. WOH MERA HAI. (Looked around at the magnificent farmhouse) Rupees mein nahin. Crores mein baat karo. Apne ek crore ka doosra hissa (spotted the briefcase) woh ***** leke bhaag ayee. (Walked forward and picked the briefcase up while Asad continued to stare at him not believing he was once again living this nightmare) Ek crore ye hogaya. 2 crore aur mujhe kal nikkah tak pauhanch jaane chahiyen. Warna unhe lene main khud haazir ho jaonga. Issi bahane Anwar ka nikkah bhi dekh loonga. Ussne toh mujhe bulaya nahin. Jabke maine uske liye kya kya nahin kiya. Par phir bhi usse dua dene toh main pauhanch jaonga..and you know I will. Tum 10 bodyguards rakho ya 20. Mujhse tumhe koi nahin bacha sakta. Main jaanta hoon meri seekh (observing his own heavy manly hands proudly and he beamed sadistically again as he saw Asad's gaze fixate on it and him flinch in response) kaam aa gayee. Bauhat charcha hai Kasauli mein ke tum apne lafz se kabhi peeche nahin hatte ho. Bauhat izzat bana li hai na. Toh ye bhi samajh jao ke izzat kamana bauhat asaan hai bache..sambhalna bauhat mushkil. Baaki tum samajhdar ho I'm sure tum sahee faisla karoge..aur 2 crore mere kothe (brothel) pe shaam se pehle pauhanch jayenge (smiled sickengly) Aisha ko meri taraf se pyaar dena. Ammi kaisi hain tumhari (picking up his briefcase as Asad clenched his fists god only knows where the strength to not kill him came to him because he looked 200% ready to kill him.) aur haan (smiled DISGUSTINGLY) Rajesh bauhat yaad karta hai tumhe aaj kal. (He laughed like a sadistic moron and whistled to himself as he walked away with the briefcases leaving Asad pale, shattered and broken again. His demons crippling him in that moment)

(Asad growled loudly in pain frustration and trauma, flinging his bottle of whisky out across the garden letting it shatter to pieces as he clutched at his hair torturously. Trying to control the torture he felt in his heart and soul once again living through the hell he had in the last 25 years. He took in deep breaths, his eye's wild and haunted as he wiped his face with his sleeve. He pulled out his phone and put it to his ear just as he laid back against the roof closing his eyes)

Asad - PRASAD. LISTEN TO ME.

Later that Morning:

Zoya's eyes fluttered open as she felt someone lovingly stroke her hair. A content smile spread across her face as she grabbed her Aapi's hand and kissed it making Zeenat smile.

Zeenat - Uth jao Zoya, 10 baj rahe hain. Kitna saara kaam hai. Ammi akele kaise sambhaleingi. Abhi kuch der mein mehmaan bhi aana shuru kardeinge..phir humme tayaar bhi toh hona hai.

Zoya - Bas thori der aur Aapi. Aaj aapki gaud mein sar rakhke sone ka bauhat dil kar raha hai..pata nahin phir kab mauka mille.

Zeenat - (smiled as she bent down and kissed her head) Aisa Kyun bol rahee ho Zoya. Inshallah hum jald mileinge. Jaise hi chutiyan hongi tum Mumbai aa jaana ya hum aa jayenge. Aur agar mera tumhare sar pe haath pherne ka ya gale se lagane ka zyaada man kiya toh main weekend pe tumhe surprise karne aa jaongi aur tumhara jab jab dil kiya meri gaud mein sar rakhne ka toh tum bhi weekends pe koi flight leke aa jaana (Zeenat frowned with worry as the next minute Zoya had crashed herself in her arms and she was sure that she was crying even if she tried to not let Zeenat hear her)

Zeenat - Kya huwa Zoya? Tum ro kyun rahee ho? Sab..Sab theek toh hai? Kissi ne kuch kaha hai kya, Naani ne? (She felt Zoya shake her head and then suddenly fear of the worst gripped Zeenat's heart) Kya..Kya Shaadi ko leke - (Zoya immediately moved away not wanting to give Zeenat any reason to doubt her marriage to Anwar. She gave Zeenat a reassuring smile but the dried tears on her face, the redness and puffiness of her eyes, the dark circles beneath her eyes and the fact that she had fallen asleep in her Mehndi outfit from last night were clear indication that there was something troubling her, upsetting her and that she had cried herself to sleep last night)

Zoya - Kuch Nahin Aapi..Bas (sighed) Faizan Jeeju ki bauhat yaad aa rahee thee aaj. Aaj ka din hi aisa haina. Unke saath jura har rishta aaj hum peeche chorke aage barne waale hain. Naya Ghar aur naye rishte banane waale hain, shayad issi liye. (Zeenat's own eyes filled with tears too as she cupped Zoya's face)

Zeenat - Baaki rishte badal sakte hain, Ghar badal sakte hain. par Faizan ke saath hamara rishta aur pyaar kabhi nahin badlega Zoya. Woh aaj bhi tumhare baap ki jaga pe hai (Zoya nodded)

Zoya - I just miss him.

Zeenat - (her voice cracking) Me too.

Zoya - and I'll miss you too.

Zeenat - Me too. (Both sisters laughed) Tum apna khayal rakhna hmm and study hard. Ammi ko zyaada pareshan mat karna. Khaana theek se khaana AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE (Zoya rolled her eyes)

Zoya - Aur aap please Jeeju ki bhi fikar kar lena, bas saara waqt mere liye pareshan mat hoti rehna okay. (smiled at her as she hugged her tight) Allah kare aap dono ko zindagi ki saari khushiyan milein aur aap hamesha aise hi haste muskurate raho. Aur ab bas (moved back wiping her tears) no more rona dhona. Aapko pata haina Aapi aapki aankhein pehle hi itni scary hain agar aap rogi toh socho kitni scary lageingi. Jeeju suhagraat pe ghungat uthake dar jayeinge (Zeenat gasped grabbing a pillow and smacking her with it as Zoya jumped off the bed running into the washroom laughing the whole time. As Zeenat had picked up the pillow her eye's had fallen on the picture of Faizan holding and smiling bright at a 3 year old Zoya dressed in a purple dress from their wedding day. All the love and adoration he had for Zoya shining through in that picture as Zoya kissed Zeenat who was dressed as a bride. Sudden tears began falling from Zeenats eye's over days gone by)

Zeenat - I wish you were here with her Faizan. Caring for her, protecting her and loving her (stroked the picture) Pata nahin jo main kar rahee hoon woh sahee ya ghalat. Aap hi batao na..Kya Anwar se shaadi karne ka faisla sahee hai..ya..ya ghalat (as if divine intervention in answer to her question, Asad showed up at the door. His eye's also red but other than that and his splitting headache there was no indication or scope for guessing the turmoil he had gone through last night. As he knocked on the door Bringing Zeenat out of her thoughts she quickly wiped her tears and turned to give him a big smile)

Asad - (His eyes darting around the room in search for someone. Even if he wasn't aware of the fact that his eyes were searching for her) Who, Woh Bhabi..Actually Ammi aapko bola rahee hain. (Zeenat smiled at him and nodded and Asad gave her a small polite smile back before turning around. But he couldn't help himself. No matter what, his insecurities rendered him to or what he projected himself to be like on the inside he was still that same loving, caring and innocent boy who had been destroyed by those elder and responsible over him. Despite everything he was still a protector and he had the eye's of a hawk. Nothing managed to escape them and Zeenat could try all she wanted he still saw her tears so he turned back around)

Asad - Bhabi? (Zeenat looked up surprised to find him still there) Are..you okay? Sab theek toh haina?

Zeenat - (smiled at him. All her worries and tension's gone) Ab theek hai. (He gave her another polite smile and nodding in acknowledgment before he walked out the room)

Anwar and Dilshad were sitting in the living room where all the workers, security guards, decorators and domestic help were gathered it seemed waiting for something.

Anwar - Ammi aap fikar na karein maine driver ko bhej diya hai. Maulvi sahab nikkah ke time pe pauhanch jayenge aap fikar mat karein.

Dilshad - Fikar kaise na karon beta. Aaj mere beta ki Shaadi hai (stroked his cheek lovingly) aur main chahti hoon ke sab kuch bauhat ache se ho jaye, kissi cheez ki kammi na rahe.

Anwar - (smiled) Aap fikar mat karein Ammi koi kammi nahin rahegi. Sab ache se ho jayega you just need to relax.

Dilshad - ab ye Asad kahan reh gaya hai aur Malik bhai ko phone kiya tumne kahan hain who? Ab tak kyun nahin aye. Aur Zoya ussne aur Asad ne ab tak Naashta kyun nahin Kiya. Allah-

Anwar - (suddenly hugged her taking Dilshad by surprise) I love you, Ammi and Thank You. Thank you so so much for being my Ammi.

Dilshad - (hugged him back as her eyes filled with tears) I AM your Ammi. Don't you ever doubt that.

Anwar - (shook her head) you've left no scope for doubt Ammi. Aapne mere liye jitna kiya hai shayad meri khudki sagi maan bhi naa karti Ammi (Dilshad's grip tightened around him)

Dilshad - Hamesha Khush raho. Allah kare tumhe aur Zeenat ko saare jahan ki khushiyan milen aur (pulled back from him) Jaldi Jaldi mujhe Daadi bulane waala ek chota sa Anwar meri gaud mein khele (she smiled through her tears as Anwar laughed turning red)

Zoya - Ameen Phupi (she came laughing in the room and wrapped her arms around Dilshad from behind) Allah aapki Zubaan mubarak kare aur jitna time inhone apne pyaar ke izhaar mein lagaya hai inke bache utna time aane mein na lagayen.

Dilshad - (laughed) Uth Gayee Zoya (shook her head) Zeenat ne bataya ke tumhe subah uthna acha nahin lagta toh maine sone diya par ainda se uthke naashta karke phir jaake so jaana okay. There is no skipping breakfast or any meals in my house okay. Ab chalo Jaldi jao main Khala ko boltin hoon tumhe naashta bana de ya main khud- (She felt Zoya hug her tighter and her motherly instincts immediately kicked in and Anwar too stared at her with a worried expression)

Dilshad - Kya huwa Zoya?

Zoya - Kuch nahin Phupi bas aaj Aapi ki tarha aapko dekh ke bhi Ammi ki kammi poori hogayee (Dilshad smiled a sad smile at her. Her heart going out to the young girl. Their moment was disturbed by someone clearing their throat awkwardly and Zoya stilled, recognizing the voice immediately)

Asad - (His eye's fixated on Zoya as a bout of nervousness hit him. If Zoya said a word about his behaviour from last night how would he face his family) Aapne bulaya Bhai?

Anwar - Haan Bulaya humne (rolled his eyes) but seriously Would it kill you to smile. Itne ghusse se poochna zaroori hai kya? (Asad rolled his eye's)

Asad - Yeh kehne bulaya hai (Anwar sighed in defeat shaking his head as Zoya stood up right but averted eye contact with him even though she could feel his eyes on her)

Dilshad - Nahin. Woh in sabko Anwar aur Zeenat ke haathon Naik deni hai toh zara paise le ao..bag tumhare paas para tha na? (Zoya's eyes snapped up to collide with his and he averted his just as quickly. Unable to hold her gaze. Zoya turned around and immediately walked out of the room too awkward to be there leaving Asad rather surprised. She didn't rat him out or complain about misbehaviour?)

Anwar - Asad. (Asad finally snapped out of it and turned back towards them) Ammi kya pooch rahee hain. Paise kahan hain, leke ao na? Pehle Zeenat ko dene hai phir mujhe. Time lagega aur insabko aur bhi kaam hai jaldi karo.

Asad - Woh Bhai, Paise (adjusted his collar) Paise abhi..bas aate hi honge.

Anwar - Aate hi honge matlab? Jo paise pehle lekar aye the woh kahan hain? Abhi raat tak itne paise bache the..kahan gaye?

Asad - Maine kaha na Bhai..paise aate honge. Mujhe zaroorat par gayee thee un paison ki. Maine driver ko bola hai, woh Maulvi Sahab ko laate hue paise bhi le ayega (looked to the workers) aap log please thori der wait kijiye aapko aapki naik mil jayegi (Anwar and Dishad exchanged confused but determined look's as the workers exited the room and Asad tried to exit with them but Dilshad was not about to let this go)

Dilshad - Asad (Standing up) Mujhe meri baat ka seedha seedha javaab chahiye. Kal raat tak tumhare paas ek crore rupeya tha. Kalse tum kahin aaye gaye nahin ho toh woh paise kahan kharch kiye tumne? Woh paise shaadi ke harchon ke liye hi bachaye the na phir woh kahan lag gaye? Mujhe seedha seedha javaab chahiye Asad. Sacha Javaab.

Asad - Sach suna chahtin hain aap. (Spinning around. His face tormented again. The pain that man had inflicted on him for years shining in his chocolate brown orbs) Toh suniye. Aapke Shauhar aye the. Mr. Ajaz saleem. (Anwar immediately got to his feet too stunned by this news) Apne hisse ki naik lene. Dhamki deke gaye hain woh. Ke agar dupaihar take unhe 2 crore rupees na mile toh woh shaadi mein pauhanch jayenge paise laine. Ab aap hi batayee ke main kya karta. Unhe yahan hamari khushiyon pe paani pherne aane deta ya paise deke unhe door hi rakta. Hamare har rishtedar ka yehi rishta reh gaya haina ab hamare saath. Woh na hamari khushiyon mein shaamil hote hain aur na gham mein. Bas apni mushkil ke waqt hamari madad, hamare paise maangne aa jatein hain. Aap toh yeh baat ache se samajh saktin haina Ammi. Aapke shauhr, aur aapke maan baap..sab aise hi toh hain. (Closed his eyes averting his eye's from his mother who took a seat holding her head as Anwar sat beside her worried for her) Khair. Maine intezaam kar liya hai. Unhe paise pauhanch jayenge. Toh aapke maan baap ki tarha woh bhi hamari khushi ko adhoora karne nahin ayenge. I promise you. I've taken care of it. As always'. (Saying so he turned on his heels and fled from there as Dilshad held up a hand to Anwar who was trying to console her)

Dilshad - Main theek hoon. Tum please Asad ko dekho. agar kal raat uski Ajaz se mulakat hui thi toh (shook her head as the pain from her tragic past, the abuse, the torture came rushing back to her as well) Please jaake dekho Anwar woh theek toh haina (Anwar nodded and immediately rushed out of the living room. He reached Asad outside in the backyard by the pool and called out to him. He jogged up to him and could see how disturbed Asad still was after having a run in with his sorry excuse for a father)

Anwar - Are you okay?

Asad - (sighed averting his eyes) Honestly, I don't think I can ever be okay when it comes to him Bhai. But (nodded his head) I'll live. I've survived a lot. I'll survive today too. (Anwar just stared at him not knowing what to say or how to console him so he just hugged him tightly as Asad's eyes still remained fixated on the ground reliving another horrible memory, a brutal beating from his childhood. His eyes still haunted and his face still tormented)

xxx

Kasauli - Haveli:

Razia - Arre Haseena aise kaise. Sirf chai se kaise kaam chalega, aao na khaana khaate hain.

Maya - 12 baje kaunsa khaana hota hai Razia Bi? Aise ghalat time pe khaana khaogi toh sehat pe bura asar parega. Aaapki bhi aur hamari mehmaan ki bhi. Aap toh jaanti haina ke Haseena Bi apni sehat ke baare mein kitni conscious hain.

Haseena - (gave her a fake smile) Nahin Nahin Razia takaluf ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Aur aapki bhi fikar ka bauhat shukriya Maya Bhabi par main waise bhi khaane ke liye rukne nahin waali thi. Woh to bas guzar rahee thee toh socha milti jaaon. Ab toh apna hi ghar hai (laughed as she stared around the grand haveli with a hopeful and greedy look in her eye's).

Maya - Ji Ji, bilkul. AAP HI ki toh hai ye haveli.

Haseena - Acha toh main Chalti hoon. (As she stood up, Anaya, Kajol and Humeira came into the room with Azlan hot in their heels).

Azlan - I am SO not taking you two shopping. Give me back and wallet and key's NOW. Main sirf Aaapi ko chorne jaa raha hoon. You two pagal aurtein can go right back upstair's and continue reading your useless magazines and doing your USELESS facials. (Maya cleared her throat to get their attention and gave them the "eyes" looking in Haseena's direction. Anaya immediately paled upon seeing her and put a dupatta over her head before going to take Haseena's blessings)

Anaya - Asalamualaikum (Haseena didn't respond)

Haseena - Kahin jaa rahe ho tum log?

Razia - Arre Kya bataon Haseena. Inn ladkiyon se toh pareshan ho chuki hoon main. Aadhe se zyaada Haveli inke kapre aur gehnon mein doobi pari hai aur phir bhi yeh ladkiyan hain ke ro roke behaal ho rahee hain ke kuch pehne ko nahin hai. Ab kal college ka pehla din haina toh naye dresses chahiyen in sab shehzadiyon ko.

Maya - Shehzaadi toh ek hi hai Razia Bi (smiling at her a little sweetly) aur woh toh aisi zid nahin kar rahee. Zid toh Humeira aur Kajol kar rahee hain.

Haseena - (bit back a smile. This is what hitting the jackpot felt like in her tragic world) Oh acha agar tum log naye dresses lena chah rahe the toh maine na kal hi ek nayee boutique dhoondi hai. Bauhat hi achee hai. Allah kya kapre hain wahan ke. Tum log bhi zaroor dekhna. Balke maine toh faisla bhi kar liya hai ke Anaya ki sagai ka joda bhi main wahin se banwane waali hoon.

Razia - Kaunsi boutique Haseena?

Haseena - (bit back a conniving smile) Ada Designs. Dilshad Khan ka brand. (She was glowing with happiness and excitement over the prospect of drama and fights as she saw the face of every member of the Khan and Sidduqi family pale..except Humeira who squealed with excitement)

Humeira - Dilshad Khan! Allah Miyan she's my favourite designer Aapi you HAVE to wear her for your big day who- (and then realization dawned on her. Shit. She was not supposed to reveal her obsession with Asad's mother and her designs in this house. It was supposed to remain her secret. She was sure she would be in DEEP trouble. The glare Ghaffur was giving her was evidence enough of that)

Haseena - Maine toh saari malumaat kar li hai. Fees toh woh bauhat leti hai par aap logon ke liye chand laakh ya crore rupees kaunsi bari baat hai. Aakhir ek shehzaadi ki sagai hai. Usse shehzaadi (staring at Anaya up and down who self consciously looked down adjusting her dupatta nervously) lagna toh chahiye. Waise tum thora kal college jaa rahee ho. Toh tumhe shopping pe jaane ki kya zaroorat hai?

Anaya - (shook her head) main woh hospital jaa rahee thee..kaam-

Haseena - (outraged) KAAM! Kya matlab kaam? Tum abhi tak wahaan jaati ho? Mujhe laga rishta paka hogaya toh ab tum ghar baithogi par KAAM? Dekhiye main aap logon ko seedhe seedhe bol doon. Meri koi bahu ghar se bahar naukri ya kaam nahin karegi (Azlan filled with rage. His eye's narrowed dangerously as he saw Anaya's heart break and her eye's go almost empty) aur behtar yeh hoga ke aaj se hi yeh ghar baithne ki aadat daal le. Warna mere bete ko rishton ki kami nahin hai. Agar aap logon ke ghar ki ladkiyon ki koi haddein, koi rok tok hi nahin hai, inke kadam itne azaad hain itni choot hai toh main apne liye koi aisi bahu dhoond loongi jisse ghar baithna aata ho. Shareef ladkiyon ki tarha. Khair, baaki toh aap samajhdaar hi hain. Samajh sakte honge ke iska bahar jaana sirf hamare liye nahin iske khud ke liye bhi sharmindagi ka baez ban sakti hai (Anaya closed her eyes as tears fell from them and without waiting a second she turned around and walked out the room as Azlan shook with rage. If Maya wasn't holding his arm to hold him back he was sure to have caused serious damage to Haseena this day) Filhaal toh Dilshaad Khan shehr se baar hai apni family ke saath. Akhbaar mein parha hog na aapne uske bete ki shaadi hai. (stared at them all again just to confirm her doubts with their reaction) Asad Ahmed Khan ke bhai ki. Bas jaise hi woh aati hai hum Anaya ke lehnge ke silsile mein usse milte hain. Hmm..ab main chalti hoon. Allah Fiz. (As always after serving her purpose of setting fires. She left from there innocently letting them all burn in the remains of what she had lit)

Azlan - Beghairti ki bhi HAD HOTI HAI! AAP LOG CHUP CHAAP KHARE TAMASHA DEKHTE RAHE HAMESHA KI TARHA AUR WOH AURAT MERI BEHEN KO NA JAANE KYA KYA -

Ghaffur - (Standing up calm and collected) Zubaan ko aur apne ghusse ko lagaam do Azlan. Usne kuch aisa bhi nahin kaha ke tum itna ghussa ho rahe ho. Haseena Bi ek khandaani aur izzatdaar aurat hai aur usne khandaani aur izzetdaar baat hi ki hai. Tum shayad bhool rahe ho ke hamare khandaan ki aurtein bhi bahar jaake naukriyan nahin karti (Humeira and Kajol shared a look. A fearful look. What if they became victim to the same fate as well?). Par likh kar ghar baithti hain woh, izzatdaar ladkiyon ki tarha. Apna ghar aur apna shahur sambhalti hain. Tumhari zid mein aake humne Anaya ko yeh mauka diya tha. Par agar Haseena Bi ne yeh shart na rakhi hoti toh aaj nahin to kal hum khud Anaya ko kaam karne se mana karne waale the. Aur iss baar hum tumhari ek nahin sunne waale. (Azlan shook with rage. Oh how he loathed him in that moment. Not trusting himself and his mind frying with anger he stormed out of there with Maya running after him worriedly) Hum phirse keh rahe hain Shireen. Iss Azlan ke ghusse ko kaabo mein karlo warna ek din iska yeh ghussa hum sabko le doobe ga.

Razia - Uff ho. Aaap log inn sab baaton ko leke baithgaye. Kuch andaaza hai kitni baari afat tootne waali hai hum pe. Who Haseena uss Dayan uss manhoos Dilshad ke haathon ka bana lehnga pehnana chahti hai hamari Anaya ko. Uska kya karein ab? Usko mana kaise karein? Usse poore shehr mein yeh ek Dilshad hi milli thi?

Saima (Humeira's mother) - Arre Bhabi, kahin usse shaq toh nahin hogaya. Dilshad aur Rashid - (They all looked towards Rashid but he had that same lost look in his eye's from when he had seen Asad at the hospital).

Rashid - Dilshad...Designer. Dilshad ka apna..(smiled) usne apna sapna poora kar liya?

Razia - (rolled her eye's) Rashid Miyan. Apni shaadi ke afsaane gaana band kijiye warna Aaapki beti ki shaadi kabhi nahin hogi.

xxx

Continued in next post...

Farmhouse - A few hours later:

Zeenat sat decked out in her beautiful red bridal outfit looking nothing less than a princess. As Zoya adjusted her dupatta and wrapped her arms around her also dressed and ready for the final function of the wedding looking beautiful in her cream, coral, pistachio green and turquoise lehnga. Her hair open and straight and a maang teeka adorning her forehead. She wore her dupatta gracefully around her arms and had it pinned to her chooriyan on her wrist to prevent it from slipping. The two sisters sat hugging as they gazed at each other lovingly through the vanity mirror.

Zoya - You look beautiful.

Zeenat - So do you.

Ayaan - So do we (Announcing his arrival simultaneously as Zoya and Zeenat rolled their eyes at his mannerisms. They both let go of each other and stood up facing the 4 boys as they entered and Ayaan went straight to Zeenat putting his arm around her hugging her close)

Aahil- You look beautiful Aapi. Jeeju won't know what hit him (Zeenat blushed prettily at the comment)

Zeenat - Mashallah You all look handsome as well. The Sherwani's really worked their magic.

Ayaan - Don't we know it. We ARE handsome Aapi. The Sherwanis didn't work their magic on us. WE worked our magic on them.

Zoya - (fake coughed) Ayaan, your love for yourself and your narcissism is suffocating.

Ayaan - Sar Gayee. Kissi ne iski tareef nahin ki na. Don't worry Zo. You look nice too. Aapi aap hi ne sikhaya hai na ke kissi ka dil rakhne ke liye jhooti tareef bhi kar deni chahiye. Iss mein koi harj nahin. (Zoya narrowed her eyes at him and wrapped her hands around his neck fake strangling him as he choked and tried to fight her off making Zeenat and the boy's laugh their head's at their silliness before Asif ripped them apart and held Zoya to his side)

Arsalan - It's so strange na. Kal ki baat lagti hai hum log yahan farmhouse pe aye the Aap logon ki shaadi ke liye aur aaj dekho..shaadi ka din bhi aa gaya. Bas kuch hi palon mein aapki shaadi ho jayegi aur aap apne naye ghar chali jaogi humme chorkar. Aur Zoya bhi apne naye ghar chali jayegi. Har Bhai ye jaanta hai ke uski choti si pyaari si behen ko ek din apne ghar kissi aur ki banke chale jaana hota hai..par Zoya (hugged her as his eyes filled with tears) humne ye kabhi nahin socha tha ke tum itni jald humme chorke apne ghar chali jaogi..aur woh bhi aise. Tumhari balke literally shaadi na ho rahee ho par humme toh aise hi lag raha haina. Ab ek sunsaan aur khamosh ghar mein lautna hoga humme. Jahan na tumhare gaaane ki awwaz, na chilane ki awaaz hogi aur naa tumhare aur Ayaan ke jhagre ki awaaz hogi. (Shook his head) Aapi ke nikah ke saath aisa lagega as if you guy's were never apart of our family to begin with.

Zoya - Aisa mat kahiye na Bhai. Hamara rishta Daadi ki wajah se thori tha jo unke kehne se toot jayega Hamara rishta Faizan Jeeju ki wajah se tha aur hai. He is what binds us and he will continue to as well.

Asif - But still. We'll miss you, ALOT.

Zoya - (nodded) Me too.

Zeenat - Aap logon ki Mumbai ki flight kitne baje ki hai?

Asif - 10. Aapke nikah ke fauran baad nikal jayenge. Ayaan, chachoo aur chachi aapko jeeju ko airport le jayega aur Aahil hum donon ko. Daadi ke liye humne driver bulaya hai. (Zeenat nodded)

Arsalan - Dilshad Aunty subah jaane ka soch rahee theen so I think you'll be here for the night Zo. (Zoya just smiled a sad smile at him her eyes brimming with tears)

Ayaan - Okay Okay no tears and no more emotional sagas! Today is a very important day and it calls for (everyone stared at the excited glint in his eyes) FAROOQUI FAMILY SELFIE!! (They all burst out laughing as he pulled out his phone and they all huddled together around Zeenat smiling wide at the camera. However once the picture had been taken and Ayaan was about to post it captioning it as 'Farooqui's' his fingers stopped typing midway as he recalled the promise made to his Daadi. And as he did both Zeenat and Zoya realized what he remembered and that was the last straw. No one could help the tears that followed. The boy's couldn't help their owns and wrapped their arms around the girls in one last group hug, all of them letting their tears run free. Tears for many reasons. For the person they all missed more than anything, Faizan, for the sad truth of their family and the fact that Zeenat and Zoya were not related to them by 'blood' and the fact that due to some cruel people they were all forced to live apart from now on)

Once they had visibly calmed the 4 of them and Zoya ushered a blushing Zeenat out to the living room where amongst all the guests, her prince charming decked out in a black Sherwani stood waiting to make her his. From the moment she entered smiling through her tears with her Aapi Asad felt himself hitch his breath. His eye's fixating on her and then refusing to look away. The closer Zoya got to the stage that had been set for them the more she could notice his gaze on her. She tried her best to avoid it because she just didn't know if she could hold his gaze but was unable to stop her body's own primitive responses and her eye's went flying up to his and it was as if time stood still for a second. There he was, standing beside his brother looking like prince charming himself. His good looks blowing her mind away. That grey Sherwani and black stole should have been illegal for him to wear because they just made him look that much more handsome. The two didn't even realize but they had been playing this hide snd seek game straight through the nikkah. If one thought the other was looking they would quickly steal a glance and then immediately look away once the other dared to look up. Their gazes only colliding once they heard their own brother and sister confidently utter 2 of the most pure and most beautiful words in this world 'Qubool hai' and as the hall erupted in cheers and blessings for the happy couple Anwar and Zeenat got up hugging the people most dearest to them. Asad & Zoya. The two's gazes collided once again behind Anwar and Zeenat's backs with an almost hopeful look in them as the words Qubool hai rang in their ears. In all of this Zeenat and Zoya managed to miss Tahir, Shazia and Faisal who had all walked out of the room after bursting into tears unable to bear the emotions. Unable to deal with the departure of their son/brother and the marriage of his widow certainly didn't make things easier.

Near the end of the function:

Anwar - (laughed) Okay, Zoya. Where are they? Where are my shoes?

Zoya - (giggled as her eyes twinkled with mischief standing before him) Jeeju aapne woh gaana suna hai, Joote le lo. Paise de do.

Anwar - Tumne koi ache gaane nahin sune kabhi? Jaise ke phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai ek hazaron mein mere jeeju hain?

Zoya - (threw her head back and laughed) Paise de do toh shayad sun loon.

Anwar - (nodded) Acha bachoo. Toh theek hai. Main apne bank ko bulata hoon. Usse jitne paise nikalwa pao sab tumhare hmm.

Zoya - (gasped) BANK! Jeeju don't worry main jaanti hoon aap bauhat ache ho par aapko bank bulane ki kya zaroorat hai. Itne paise-

Ayaan- Ch, arre yaar koi iss chipkali ko chup karao yaar. Jeeju bulao apne bank ko.

Anwar - (raised an eyebrow) Are you sure? (Ayaan eagerly nodded)

Anwar - (bit his lip) Oh, Asad.. (Ayaan paled for a second while Zoya looked like she had seen a ghost as her eyes fell on Asad who up until his brother had called him was once again openly drowning in her beauty, her livelines and her innocence. She had filled him with such an overwhelming and warm feeling on the inside when she had thrown her head back in carefree laughter as she joked with his brother and as much as her laughter pulled at his heart he couldn't help but once again feel envious of the way life had been so obviously easy on her (if only he knew). He also noticed how she had went silent and froze as Anwar called him.)

Asad - Ji Bhai?

Anwar - Bhai since you're the one dealing with the expenses of the wedding here please deal with them. Inko mere jooton ke badle paise do (Asad raised an eyebrow at him truly baffled unsure if Anwar was drunk or pulling his leg)

Dilshad - (rolled her eyes) mere budhu bete. Ye rasm hai. Challo Zoya mango kya maang hai tumhari?

Zoya - (stared at him up and down, back to her usual self leaving last nights incident in the past and forgiving him already but that wasn't about to stop her from taking jabs at him) Rehne dijiye phupi. Main jaanti hoon ke apne paise ko lekar ye kitna rote hain. Aise khushi ke mauke pe kya rulana>

Asad - (clenched his fists trying to control his anger) Giving up so easily? I didn't think you knew how. I thought arguing for the sake of arguing was your forte.

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN!

Ayaan - ZO! Paise maang na..aise kya time waste kar rahee hai.

Zoya - (her eyes spitting fire at Asad) Ek crore Chalega?

Zeenat - ZOYA! (All 4 of the farooqui boys and some of the guests hooted in response..happy with the demand she had set)

Anwar - (noticed Asad's ears turning red and him looking away) Come on Asad. Let's see how good of a businessman you actually are. Let's see you strike a deal here. How about 25 lakhs? (Zoya gasped as Ayaan looked at him in shock)

Asad - 25 Lakh bhi bachon ke sambhalne ki baat nahin hai Bhai.

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN!

Farooqui Brothers - (Began chanting) CHEAP KHANS CHEAP KHAN.

Zoya - Hum aapko apni itni pyaari behen de rahe hain aur aap-

Asad - (held up a hand) 50 Lakhs and not a penny more. Anything more and the shoes aren't worth it. I have many extra pairs of shoes Bhai can wear home. Na aapka na hamara. It's fair to the both of us. Take it or leave it all (saying so he gave Zoya one last glance before walking away from there leaving a not so happy Zoya behind)

Zoya - AKDU KAHIN KE.

Asad walked up onto the stage. A small smile forming on his face the entire time as he saw Anwar laughing and joking with Zeenat. In that one moment, all of Asads doubts, insecurities, qualms and concerns regarding this marriage vanished. His brother was happy and he was happy his brother was happy. He would be damned if he let his own demons or insecurities stand in the middle of that or destroy that (or so he thought. The truth was far from it. In reality, the tears of a certain other Farooqui sister had melted his heart and washed away his doubts concerning the wedding but he was too foolish and stubborn to realize it)

Anwar - Asad.

Asad - Congrajulations Bhai (Anwar smiled bright at him as Asad adjusted his collar nervously turning towards Zeenat and smiling) Bhabi. (And he felt happy and proud as he saw Anwar's smile grow bigger as did Zeenat's and he was now more certain that he made the right move) Main pehle keh nahin paaya, but..I'm very happy for both of you. And uh (cleared his throat awkwardly) I'm..I'm happy Bhai has you in his life Bhabi. All I've ever wanted is for him to be happy..and..and you seen to make him happy. So Thank You.

Anwar - (dead serious) Wow. I think that's the most I've ever heard him speak. (Asad rolled his eyes huffingly crossing his arms as Anwar laughed and Zeenat slapped his arm)

Zeenat - Actually Asad. I should be thanking you. For making this wedding and this time so memorable for us. You really didn't have to but you went out of your way to make this time and this wedding as special for us as it could be. You took care of everything. Sab functions sab intezaam itne ache the ke (shook her head as words failed her) aur yeh sab tumhari wajah se. Especially tumhara woh sangeet wala performance..main toh fan ho gayee Asad (Asad's cheeks and ears turned red) it was heart touching and beautiful. I don't think I can ever forget it. You- Shayad agar aaj mere maan baap bhi yahan hote toh woh meri shaadi pe itna na spend karte aur itni care na karte jitni care tumne ki Asad. So Thank You so much (Anwar too nodded agreeingly while Asad again wondered why her parents hadnt come to the wedding) But Asad, would you mind if I asked you for just one more thing to make this wedding even more special. Just one more gift? Please?

Anwar - KYA? AB BHI KUCH MAANGA BAAKI HAI? Talk about being greedy woman. Uss bechare ko ek aur cheque likhte hue heart attack aa jayega, kya bank rupt karna chahti hai usse-

Asad & Zeenat: SHUT.UP! (Zeenat looked at him laughingly while Asad just turned red and avoided her eyes)

Asad - Kahiye Bhabi.

Zeenat - Please kya tum..Kya tum ek aur gaana gaoge hamare liye..iss shaadi aur iss din ko aur yaadgaar banane ke liye? Please- (Asad was about to refuse but he saw her pleading look and his brother's hopeful one and he really didn't have the heart to)

Pretty Soon the entire hall and all the guests were just as happy and eager as Anwar and Zeenat were to hear yet another song sung in his beautiful and soulfoul voice. None more than Zoya though. Who felt her heart beat out of control and her whole body jitter in anxiousness as she waited with a baited breath and excited heart, eager to hear that voice of his again and to see what he would sing. Dilshad and Anwar smiled proud as did Aisha as he strummed his guitar sitting on a stool on the stage near where Anwar & Zeenat were sitting.

Asad - (smiling a genuine smile at both the bride and groom) Taaron ka chamakta gehna ho..Taaron ka chamakhta gehna ho Phoolon ki mehekthi vaadi ho..uss ghar mein khushaali aaye Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho (Zoya felt her heart skip several beats altogether and her heart fill with this overwhelming emotion and feeling for him as she stared at him while he sang those beautiful words, that beautiful prayer and she knew how genuinely he meant each word and hoped for it to become true) Taaron ka chamakta gehna ho Phoolon ki mehekthi vaadi ho uss ghar mein khushaali aaye Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho (There wasn't a single dry eye between the members of the Khan & Farooqui family. Both families who had each suffered tremendous pain and tragedy on their own. The tears may have been for different reasons but the pain was as strong in both families. Even the guests couldn't help but feel the range of emotions in the air in that moment. Even someone as heartless as Shazia had tears in her eyes as she watched Zeenat & Zoya smile through their tears as both of them fought their heavy and breaking hearts over the memory of Faizan today)
Ayaan - (crouching before Zeenat on the stage and wiping her tears) Yeh phool tumhaare zevar hai Yeh chaand tumhaara aaina Tum jab aise sharmaati ho Dulhe ka dhadakta hai seena (Finally getting her to blush & laugh)
Aahil - (joined) Har aaina tumko dekhe Tum toh aisi shehzadi ho uss ghar mein khushaali aaye
Ayaan - Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho
Anwar - (nudged her playfully as he too joined the other 3 boys in singing) Yeh duniya to hai dilwalo ki..Yeh duniya hai dilwalo ki..Taaron ka chamakta gehna ho Phool ki mehekthi vaadi ho..usss ghar mein khushaali aaye Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho
Asad - Khushiyon ke melon mein baitho..koyi gham na tumhare paas aaye..na umar ka pehra ho tum pe (Once again his eyes clouding over with the same haunting look as his past even today caught up with him. The pain, the torment, wiping that small smile right off his face. Dilshad, Anwar, Aisha and even Zoya noticing.) Meri dil ki dua yeh rang laaye..rab hasta hua rakhe tum ko tum toh hasne ki aadi ho. Uss ghar mein khushaali aaye..Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho (and then his eyes fixated on Zoya's face as Aahil dragged both her and Aisha on stage to bless the couple and Arsalan and Asif followed suit while Dilshad went and ran a loving hand through Asad's hair kissing his head proudly as he forced a smile at her. She too understanding how genuine and deeply he sang each word as a prayer from his heart) Taaron ka chamakta gehna ho..Phoolon ki mehekthi vaadi ho uss ghar mein khushaali aaye Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho Taaron ka chamakta gehna ho..Phoolon ki mehekthi vaadi ho uss ghar mein khushaali aaye Jis ghar mein tumhaari shaadi ho (As the farooqui boy's had already walked off the stage leaving just Zoya and the Khan's including the latest member Zeenat Khan too..Aisha squealed happily)

Aisha - FAMILY PICTURE! (Anwar and Zeenat laughed at her childlike squeal and unbounded happiness as Dilshad called the photographer over forcing Aisha to stand on one side of Zeenat and Asad beside Anwar and her in between them. Zoya smiled genuinly happy for her Aapi and her new family as she made a move to get off the stage. She felt someone grab her hand and she looked back to see Anwar frowning at her as were the 3 ladies. They were understandable but what surprised her was Asad. He too was frowning at her with a hint of confusion and irritation in his eyes)

Anwar - I thought Ammi said Family picture Saali Saheba. Where you going? (He pulled her back positioning her between himself and Asad and hugging her to his chest as Zoya's gaze met Asad's which was fixated on hers as the pearly droplets of being overwhelmed fell from her eyes due to the love and acceptance..but the photographer loved it anyways and clicked. That one action of Anwar's reassured and satisfied Zoya's brother that what had happened had happened for the best and she was going to a place where she would be more loved, accepted and respected than she had been in their house, unfortunately.)

Soon it was time for the bidai. A time which no one had been looking forward to. As Zeenat hugged Dilshad and moved back she looked towards Zoya who had been hugging Asif goodbye. Zeenat turned towards Dilshad and was about to say something when Dilshad cut her off.

Dilshad - Agar tumne mujhe ek aur baar Zoya ka khayal rakhne ko bola toh main Ammi nahin Sasuma Banke tumhe javaab doongi samjhi. Tum apni Zoya ki fikar ap mujhpe chordo aur mere Anwar ki fikar karna shuru karo (shook her head) fikar karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Trust me main usse apne ghar ki shehzadi bana ke rakhoongi (Zeenat nodded knowingly and trustingly just as Zoya threw herself in both her and Anwar's arms and hugged them tightly, but didn't cry because she was happy for her sister and didn't want her to leave to her new home worrying about her as always. She wanted her go to her new home starting a new life not constantly looking back)

Zoya - Meri aapi ka khayal rakhna Jeeju warna you're answerable to me hunh.

Anwar - (laughed) Yes Ma'am (side hugged her again) and you help me out by taking care of yourself and staying happy always hmm (kissed the top of her head) Im going to miss you. (Right then Asad walked in) Oh and Asad, let Malik Uncle know that I don't want him calling me to explain his pathetic excuse of not making it to my wedding. Let him know I'm VERY mad and disappointed with him.

Dilshad - Beta woh kaam mein phas gaye honge..samjho na (But Asad seemed to not be listening to him instead he and Ayaan seemed to be having a conversation of their own through their eyes at the conclusion of which Ayaan nodded)

Asad - Ammi mujhe actually office mein bauhat zaroori kaam hai so aap aur Aisha please packing kar lijiye hum bhi abhi sabke saath nikal jayenge.

Dilshad - Me Aisha and Zoya. Are you forgetting her? (Asad stared at her confused for a few seconds not realizing what she was saying before he finally remembered and his body went rigid again. He nodded his head stoically before walking out with Anwar and the Farooqui boy's) well, you heard him..get packing girls.

Zoya - (hugged Zeenat once again) BYE AAPI! Take care of yourself.

Shazia - PHIR HUM BHI CHALTE HAIN. (Zoya rolled her eyes moving back from Zeenat) Aapki shaadi aapko mubarak (not looking at Zeenat or Zoya) Aur aapki bahu bhi aapko mubarak. Hamara yahan tak hi saath tha. AllahFiz (without sparing the two a single glance or blessing Zeenat or hugging her even though Zeenat had moved forward to do so she walked out. Zoya just glared after her while Zeenat's heart broke. Zoya shook her head at Zeenat and Dilshad too hugged her. Tahir on the other hand was not doing so well with sending off both the daughter's of his house. Zeenat he could still understand but the way Zoya was leaving. His eye's filled with tears as he moved forward to bless Zoya but she stared him right in the eye as she took a step back from him. Her eyes filling with tears. Now? Now he tried to bless her. When she was no longer a part of his family or his home? With what right was he going to bless her? After years of humiliation and insults. She glared at him trough her angry tears before she grabbed Zeenat and walked out with her Dilshad and Aisha to send Zeenat off happily to her new home, which they did.

Finally after a week of hectic wedding celebrations, lots of emotions both good and bad, lots of heavy hearts, tears and drama, laughs and joy they were all returning home.

As the Khan family settled in the car to return to their home which was about to see a new light altogether with the rise of this mornings sun thanks to the light that was about to step into it, Zoya and Asad's glazes collided in the review mirror once again. They hadn't bothered to change out of their respective wedding outfits as Asad had been in a rush to leave. He settled in the front way too exhausted emotionally, mentally and physically to drive so he let his driver take them back and Zoya settled behind him with Dilshad and Aisha on the back seat next to her. However, after holding each others gaze for just a few seconds they both looked away as Zoya opened the window staring out at the passing greenery and letting the wind calm her heavy heart as the emotions of the last week weighed heavily on her and Asad further slumped back in the front seat stretching his legs and shutting his tired eyes. It felt like he had just shut his tired eyes a second ago when he felt himself being lightly shaken awake.

Dilshad - Asad beta. Utho we're home. (Asad rubbed his eye's tiredly as he stepped out of the car, his eye's immediately falling on the sleeping beauty in the back of the car and immediately noticed her dried tears stains again. His heart constricting painfully at the sight)

Dilshad - Asad please Zoya ko utha ke andar le Aao (Asad's eyes snapped to his mothers face at her ridiculous request) Bechari bauhat upset hai..ek toh naya ghar..paraye log aur phir uski aapi ki bidai. Mera mann nahin kiya usse jagane ko. Please utha ke le ao (and without hearing another word she followed Aisha into the house leaving Asad standing alone. Asad felt his heart begin to beat wildly, the hair at the back of his neck stand up and goosebumps break out on his body as his breathing become erratic just at the prospect of that proximity, carrying her, holding her so close and that to so intimately. Why did his Ammi like to torture him like this? He hesitantly turned his eye's towards Zoya again and gulped nervouly. His heart beating wilder and wilder with each slow and hesitant step he took towards her. As soon as he gathered her in his strong arms he felt jolts of electric currents shoot through his body. He stood completely still as his body erupted in further goosebumps as she snuggled deeper in his hold for Zoya had never felt more at home and she could feel so even in her sleepy/subconscious mind. He felt his insides fill with so much warmth, contentment and peace like he had never known as he took slow steps towards the house. His eye's fixed on the innocent, beautiful, sleeping angel in his arms the entire time. He had forgotten to breath altogether as she clutched his collar tightly and he felt her warm breaths hit his neck. As fate would have it and unaware to the two at the moment but that is what was destined for them as it is. For Asad to one day again step in this house carrying Zoya in his arms bridal style. However, that day she would truly in all senses be his wife. He pushed open the door to the guest room which would be Zoya's room hence forth and he found himself slowing his steps and making them smaller as he reached her bed. He almost disappointedly leaned over her bed and placed her on it, letting her head rest peacefully on the pillows. His heart going out to her as she clutched his collar tightly unwilling to let go of the warmth and comfort his arms provided. Her solace. The sob that escaped her lips almost broke his heart. He was losing himself and his heart to the angel before him. Unfortunately, his mother came in to check on Zoya at that instant and he immediately though reluctantly pried her fingers free from his collar and then keeping his gaze fixed on her took a few steps away from her before turning around altogether and walking right out of the room before he lost way more than he could afford to. Little did he know he had already lost everything.

xxx

Meanwhile -While they had been away celebrating the joyous union of 2 souls - The nighttime headline news of Kasauli told a completely different story. A tragedy.

"The brotherhood strikes again. "S" responsible for the death of 2 young females aged 15 and 17 and a child, male, aged 8 found near city centre downtown earlier today. Where is the Son of Kasauli in these dark times? Who is "S"? How many more innoccent lives will have to pay the price before the police can uncover his identity."

xxx

xo - DailyDaisy!

but i will comment on next chap fr both 10&11😆😃😉

shortly chap 10 was superb cont sooon