AsYa FF: Mohabbatein - Part 18 Updated: Pg 140 - 20/12/16 - Page 21

Kasauli - The Next Morning:

Khan Mansion:

Dilshad and Aisha made their way downstairs fresh and ready for the day, ready to have breakfast.

Aisha - Bhai ki shaadi kitne ache se hogayee na Ammi, kitna maza aaya! Especially Sangeet pe. I'm already missing it all. Missing Bhai and Bhabi, hum bhabi ko ek baar ghar bhi nahin leke aye. We should have forced Bhai bring her home before they go off to Delhi.

Dilshad - Haan yaad toh mujhe bhi bauhat aa rahee hai. I'm just happy sab zimedaari bhi bhugat gayee aur sabne enjoy bhi kiya. Even though iska zyaada tar credit Ayaan aur Zoya ko jaata hai. Shaadi mein raunak toh unhone hi lagayee (Aisha nodded) par khair, ab shaadi ke baare mein sochna band karo aur aage socho. Unka bhi college start hai aur tumhara kalse hospital..uske baare mein socho, excited?

Aisha - and nervous. But more excited (Dilshad laughed shaking her head at her daughter)

Dilshad - Acha main naashta lagati hoon..Asad jogging se aane waala hoga tum jao zara dekho agar Zoya uthi hai ya- (they both stopped dead in their tracks upon reaching the living room seeing Zoya sitting curled up on the sofa wrapped in a throw. munching on a box of pringles..still in her pajamas watching and laughing at CARTOONS? They both exchanged confused and somewhat worried looks, should they even bother asking?)

Dilshad - (cleared her throat) Good Morning

Zoya - (looked up somewhat startled) Oh Phupi, Good Morning! Almost scared me there.

Aisha - We scared you? I thought tumhe subha uthna pasand nahin hai, phir tum itni jaldi kaise uth gayee aur ye tum kya dekh rahee ho..cartoons? Aur kuch acha nahin laga kya?

Zoya - Cartoons se acha aur kya ho sakta hai Aish Aapi? And yes mujhe subah uthna bilkul acha nahin lagta, except on Sundays. Thora weird haina.

Dilshad - haan THORA weird hai (sharing a look at Zoya) Baaki poori dunya Sunday ko subah jaldi nahin uthna chahti aur tum hoke ek sunday ko hi jaldi uthti ho?

Zoya - Yes, just to watch my sunday morning cartoons. Aapko pata hai phupi yeh habit na mujhe jeeju se milli. Jab jeeju aur aapi ki shaadi hui thi toh jeeju Monday- Friday busy rehte the aur Saturday mornings ko der tak sote the aur phir uthke humme brunch ke liye leke jaate the and then har Sunday ko super jaldi uthke apne liye naashta leke aate the aur phir naashte ke saath cartoons dekhte the. Aapi ko itna ghussa aata tha especially jab unhone ye aadat mujhe bhi de di. Tab se main bhi Sundays ko jaldi uthke acha sa breakfast laake usse cartoons ke saath enjoy karti hoon. It's therapeutic and fun. No stress, no tension no drama. And it helps me cope with Jeeju's absence. This way, with this tradition I spend sunday mornings feeling like he's still with me. (Pouted holding up her pringles) Haan par aaj main naashta nahin laa payee because, this is Kasauli I don't know too many good places to eat here and I don't have my car..but next week se you're more than welcome to join me and my breakfast. Trust me you will never have a better Sunday.

Aisha - (laughed) You're crazy.

Zoya - You're missing out.

Aisha - I'd love to join you but I have A LOT of studying to do, so I don't really get time to watch TV (Zoya stared at her wide eyed)

Zoya - Study? Who Spends Sundays studying

Dilshad - (laughed) Medical students beta. Woh subah dupaihar shaam 7 days a week 365 days a year sirf parte hi hain. Yeh toh chutiyan thi toh tumhe iski shakal nazar aa gayee warna kal se toh tumhe ye dikhne nahin waali

Zoya - Haw! Koi itna kaise par sakta hai? Mera toh brain hi phat jaata itni saari information load karte hue. Phir agar yeh itna partin hain toh aap kya karti hain phupi? Aap bore nahin hotin?

Dilshad - Bore toh main bauhat hoti hoon. Khuda ne mujhe do itne boring bache jo diye hain (Zoya snickered as Aisha and Asad who had just walked in stared at their mother in disbelief) but thankfully I have my businesses. Even though I don't need to look after them anymore and can afford for someone else to manage them I still enjoy keeping tabs on them.

Zoya - Businesses? Par phupi aapi ne toh ek hi bataya, Ke aap ek designer ho aur aapka khudka brand hai..Ada Designs. Doosra kaunsa business hai aapka?

Dilshad - I have a cafe. We serve the best coffee in town that I can guarantee. Tumne shayad dekha ho Asha's cafe- (Her, Aisha and Asad all jumped back in fright as Zoya jumped off the sofa screaming with excitement and knocking over her water in the process which made Asad immediately look away in discomfort and Aisha and Dilshad look at him worriedly as Aisha rushed to clean it)

Zoya - Asha's Cafe! Allah Miyan, Phupi woh aapka cafe hai! Omg I love that place Phupi! Kitna cute hai woh! Main wahan do baar gayee thi and the food was seriously amazing! Best coffee in town, nahin best coffee in the world. I've never had a better coffee!

Dilshad - (smiled) Tumhare college ke paas mein hi hai toh tum lectures ke beech mein wahan aa jaya karna na, main zyaada tar din mein wahan hoti hoon. I usually sit there and sketch..we can have coffee together.

Zoya - Allah Miyan! I WOULD LOVE TOO! Aur ainda se mera saturday ka brunch bhi wahin hoga aur sunday ka naashta bhi wahin se ayega..

Dilshad - Woh toh next weekend pe dekheinge..filhaal hum naashta karein? Asad tum jaldi se shower karo main naashta lagati hoon (Asad and Zoya out of spite and habit exchanged an irritated look at each other before walking off in different directions)

xxx

Haveli - Breakfast:

Ghaffur - So beta, all set for college tomorrow?

Kajol - Yes Abbu. Very excited! Mera toh dum ghutne laga hai iss Haveli mein. No where to go nothing to do bas apne kamre mein baith baith kar thak gayee. I am looking forward to getting out and finally having something to do.

Ghaffur - Woh sab toh sahee hai but (looked at all 3 of them seriously) mujhe shayad ye kehne ki zaroorat nahin hai..Aap log mashallah ab khud javaan aur samajhdar hain (all of them waiting in anticipation to hear what he said KNOWING it was going to be something absolutely ridiculous) par yeh Mumbai nahin Kasauli hai. Yahan log aapko jaante hain. Pehchante hain. Aap logon ka har ek kadam khandaan ki izzat bana sakta hai ya mitta sakta hai. Umeed hai aap humme shikayat ka mauka nahin deinge. Jab Azlan aur Zain yahan par rahe the tab humme shikayat ka bauhat mauka mila tha..aur unhone hamare khandaan ki izzat kuch zyaada sambhali nahin- (Azlan rolled his eyes exaggeratedly at his father)

Suleman - (Dead serious, sober expression) Yes. Yes, Azlan. I am truly very disappointed with you. Especially that one time you had your professor's car painted pink. Ch. Bas wohee harkat thee tumhari jisne hamare khandaan ki izzat bighadi Kasauli mein. Nahin Ghaffur? (stared at him hard. Frank annoyance visible on his face as he dared Ghaffur to argue back)

Javed - So did you find out what happened to those poor girls and that kid last night?

Zain - (sighed) No, just that they were 3 orphan siblings who desperately wanted to earn money and got separated in the process. They got taken down dark paths which no one deserves to walk. The girls were elder and understood what they were being asked to do and they were not willing to see their brother go down a similar path. So they tried to leave Kasauli, go be together and go be free but whoever they were working for was done with them. They were of no use to them but they couldn't possibly let them go, so they..well the rest you saw on the news. (Everyone stared at them in surprise, disbelief and disgust apart from Azfar who continued filling his mouth one bite after another not concerned in the slightest)

Rashid - (surprised) You mean the brotherhood killed them?

Azlan - As of now they are the only suspects. They are known to leave their mark behind and claim their responsibility for their actions. There was a mark yesterday so we have to treat them as suspects. I know this is the first time they have done something like this but we need to understand that even if the crime rate has lowered ever since they have taken over the streets of Kasauli it doesn't mean they are good people doing good. They are still criminals. Gangsters. We don't know what their agenda is or what it is they want. For all we know they could be more dangerous than the rest of the gangsters put together and are just waiting for the right time to put their plan into action

Maya - (nodded) Sahee keh rahe ho tum. I just hope you guys are able to catch these scums as soon as possible so our city can go back to being the city it used to be before these gangsters ruined it.

Ghaffur - Gangsters ruined it or (looked towards Rashid) those responsible for it ruined it.

Salma - (put a hand on Rashid's arm as support as all the kids turned to stare at him in confusion and Rashid went pale. Salma quickly tried to change the topic) Uh Zain tumhari Sapna se baat hui? Aa gaye woh log waapis shaadi se? uski Mumbai ki flight kab hai?

Zain - (staring at her confused by her panicked look and worried behaviour) Ji. Kal raat ko aa gaye who aur Kal subah Mumbai jaa rahe hain.

Maya - Hmm, ask her to have dinner with us tonight. And ask Faisal bhai to bring that son of his along.

Azlan - (groaned) NO. PLEASE NO.

Maya - Azlan, behave yourself.

Zain - (laughed) Sure Bari Ma. Should I ask him to bring a friend along? Any friend, male or- (Azlan glared at him as he laughed in response)

Shireen - Naina beta, aapki tabiyat toh theek haina? Na aap kuch kha rahee ho na kuch bol rahee ho. Sab theek toh haina beta?

Azlan - Ammi. Aap naina ki baat kar rahee ho. Uske saath sab theek kaise ho sakta hai jab woh khud hi theek nahin hai. Faulty piece hai woh. (Anaya slapped his arm playfully as others chuckled thinking he was as usual bickering with her. Naina forced a smile for their reassurance despite her own heartbreak and fought back her tears while Azlan as oblivious as always continued digging into his breakfast. But Zain was not so oblivious and at a lack of response from Naina at a time when she would normally be retorting back and instigating him to continue their bickering she was silent. What exactly was going on between these 2 now?)

xxx

Khan Mansion - Breakfast:

Dilshad - Aao Zoya, baitho Nashta kar lo.

Zoya - (seeing Asad walk out of his room at about the same time) Woh ek kursi toh permanently booked haina aapke ghar mein phupi toh main yahan aapke saath hi baith jaati hoon. (Taking a seat next to Dilshad as she and Aisha exchanged nervous looks and Asad glared at her before taking his seat)

Asad - Ammi, main zara naashta karne ke baad kisi se milne jaa raha hoon. Shaam tak laut aonga.

Zoya - Kisse? Your Girlfriend? (A hint of bitterness in her voice) (Dilshad and Aisha stared at her wide eyed as Asad stared at her in disbelief)

Asad - Main aap se nahin apni Ammi se baat kar raha hoon.

Zoya - Meaning No. Obviously, what was I thinking aap jaise Akdu ki girlfriend kaise ho sakti hai, kaunsi bechari aapko tolerate kar payegi? (Asad's eyes narrowed dangerously) But Aish do you have a boyfriend? (Dilshad coughed and Aisha choked on water staring at Asad whose eyes were about to pop out of their sockets)

Asad - Aapko bina soche samjhe bakwaas karne ki aadat hai ya aaj kal kuch special occassion chal raha hai?

Zoya - (beamed proudly) Nahin main toh hamesha hi bakwaas karti hoon. Par aap batayee aap hamesha itne akdu aur saru rehte hain ya aaj kal kuch special occasion hai?

Asad - In fact Ammi I think I'm done with breakfast. Main chalta hoon.

Zoya - To meet someone who is NOT his girlfriend (she giggled to herself also standing up) Main bhi chalti hoon Phupi mujhe bhi kahin jaana hai.

Asad - To meet your boyfriend (Dilshad and Aisha had been staring at each other wide eyed for the last 5 minutes by now nearly choked on air)

Zoya - (suppressed the urge to laugh) Maybe (she missed the possessive and murderous gleam in Asad's eye) WAIT ALLAH MIYAN. (Dilshad, Aisha and Asad jumped in shock again) Phupi! kal raat ko main andar kaise aaye? Aapne mujhe jagaya tha kya? Subah main itna pareshan thi when I woke up in a strange room I didn't remember sleeping in. (Asad's ears turned red as he stopped in his tracks remembering last night and the feel of her in his arms)

Dilshad - (laughed) Arre kahan jaga payee main tumhe. Tum toh aise soti ho ke kissi cheez ki khosh hi nahin hoti tumhe. Phir Asad ko bola maine, woh tumhe uthake andar leke aya.

Zoya - KYAAA!!!!! (The 3 others barely survived a heart attack at her sudden and unexpected outburst as she stared at Dilshad too numb to react for a few seconds and then as her eyes met his she felt goosebumps erupt on her whole body and her cheeks redden as did Asads at the prospect of being in his arms. What would that have felt like? Being in such close proximity to him. Allah Miyan he had touched her and she wasn't even awake..what if? But no Phupi was there. He didn't seem like that kind of a guy..she had just lived with him for a whole week hadn't she. He could be trusted. Couldn't he? Unaware of the fact that Zoya was fast becoming super upset about being touched by him Asad narrowed his eyes at her)

Asad - (cleared his throat pointedly) You're welcome by the way. But that was the first and last time. Next time expect to remain sleeping in the car (flexed his arm exaggeratedly) you aren't exactly easy to carry you know.

Zoya - (glared back at him) I would appreciate it if you DID actually leave me sleeping in the car. Seeing how weak you are I wouldn't want you getting hurt because of me.

Asad - I am NOT weak, you're just heavy.

Zoya - Sure. The fact that your feelings get hurt just because someone takes your chair doesn't make you delicate at all.

Asad - And the fact that you talk more than the entire town put together doesn't make you intolerable at all.

Zoya - Insufferable.

Asad - Infuririating-

Dilshad - ALLAH BAS KARO TUM DONO. Kaise bachon ki tarha jhagar rahe ho! Asad tum jao milo jisse milna hai, aur Zoya tum apne kaam se jao. (But the two just stood there glaring at each other like absolute children)

Zoya - (staring directly at Asad) Waise by the way phupi aapko kuch idea hai kal raat kya huwa, lagta hai kissi ne bauhat zor se mera baazo duba diya..kaafi dard ho raha tha mujhe (Asad looked to Zoya's shoulder where his step father had hurt her and he knew she was taunting him indirectly for hurting her so he quickly averted his gaze as Zoya walked away letting Asad dwell over the inappropriateness of his actions and that she was still waiting on an apology from him)

Dilshad - Tumne dubaya kya uska bazoo Asad? Bauhat zor se pakra tha kya? Bechari ko kitna dard ho raha hoga?

Asad - BECHARI? AMMI BECHA- (shook his head) I've got to go. (He walked away muttering under his breath and Aisha burst out laughing)

Aisha - That was something else.

Dilshad - Tum has rahee ho Aisha?

Aisha - Toh aur kya karoon Ammi. I've never had a funnier morning in this house (Dilshad too sighed and smiled in agreement)

xxx

Kasauli Slums:

Asad walked through the streets of Kasauli looking a little out of place in his designer jeans, t-shirt and jacket. He looked around taking in his surroundings and hiding the heart break he was feeling seeing these peoples living conditions. He looked to the mounting pile of garbage which animals and insects of all kinds were eating away at. The dirty and open sewage systems. The excuse for houses which seemed to be falling apart by the second. The smell in the air nearly choking him. As he was standing watching a kid dressed to the bare minimum dig through the garbage he heard his name being called. He looked behind himself to see an elderly man sitting on a charpai outside a house reading the morning newspaper. A small smile adorned Asad's face as he pulled off his sunglasses and walked over to the men bending his head a little as the men ran a hand over his head lovingly, blessing him.

Asad - Salamualaikum Fareed Chacha. Kaise hain aap? Blood pressure normal hua aapka? Hospital se check karwaya? Doctor ne kya bola?

Fareed - (laughed a deep laugh) 10 dinon ke sawal ek hi saans mein poocho ge kya? Main bilkul theek hoon. Tumne haan bahan wahan apne bhai ki shaadi se phone karke ambulance bheji mere liye (shook his head)

Asad - Main shaadi pe gaya tha Chacha, Doosre jahan nahin gaya tha jo aap mujhe khud phone karke itala nahin kar sakte the.

Fareed - Allah reham kare beta, ye kaisi baatein kar rahe ho tum. Abhi tumhari iss dunya pe bauhat zaroorat hai.

Asad - Aur aapki bhi. Acha hua Aunty ne phone kar diya na warna aap toh karne nahin waale the (shook his head) ek taraf beta bulate ho aur doosri taraf. And if you think Aunty ne mujhe phone karke bataya nahin ke aapne unhe kitna danta you're wrong.

Fareed - Acha na, agli baar nahin karoonga promise.

Asad - Aur aap agli baar Aunty se naraz bhi nahin honge agar woh musibat mein mujhe phone karein toh (Fareed laughed and nodded in agreement) Chacha, aap jaante ho ke main jee raha hoon toh doosron ke liye aur agar aap hi meri madad nahin loge toh mein sach mein zindagi se har jaonga. Main unn logon ke liye zinda hoon jinhe meri zaroorat hai. Ammi, Aish, Aap sab, Kasauli ke log..agar meri zindagi ka yeh bacha kucha maqsad bhi chin jaye toh mera kya hoga (Fareed smiled at him)

Fareed - Khuda tumhe tumhari nekiyon ke badle do jahanon ki khushiyan naseeb kare Asad (Asad just gave him a bittersweet smile staring into nothingness, his eyes empty, knowing his blessing was going to waste) Tumhare bhai ki shaadi kaisi rahee (Asad nodded)

Asad - Theek. Acha Chacha, mujhe Farida Bi se milne jaana hai (He nodded knowingly) par jaane se pehle aapse ek kaam tha. Chacha mera woh jo Badi Masjid ke paas waala bungalow project tha..woh almost complete ho chuka hai. Aap toh yahan sab ko jaante ho na, please yahan jitne log hain jinke ghar mein buzurg hain ya chote bache hain..un sabke naam aur family details mujhe akhata karke dejiye na taake ek ek karke main unhe unn bungalows mein shift kar sakoon. (Fareed's eyes widened as he stared at him in surprise at a loss for words but Asad remained oblivious and continued on) Ek baar buzurg aur bache settle ho jayen toh baaki jawaan logon ke liye main kahin aur gharon ka bandobast karta hoon. Aap please agle hafte tak yeh sab intezaam kar lijiye baaki main dekh loonga. Thanks. (He smiled at him and made a quick exit lest Fareed begin praising him or thanking him for what he was doing. He didn't want to tell Fareed but the truth was he needed his help. God knew he needed to do such deeds more than those he did it for but he hated being praised for it. These people held him on a pedestal when the truth was he was far far from whatever it is they thought of him. Fareed on the other hand still sat there in surprise staring after him as a bunch of the kids wandering about the streets spotted him and came running to him, jumping all around him like monkeys.)

Asad - Sadiq Chacha (gave a small smile to an uncle selling pani puris on the main road leading into the slums and the chacha smiled back shaking his head) Aao..Shaitaano (the kids squealed in delight running to the stall of the pani puris)

Sadiq - Zahir baat hai aaj inke Asad Bhaiya aayen hain toh yeh shaitaan paani puri to khayeinge (shook his head at a smiling Asad who watched the kids adoringly eat the puris) tum inhe kinta bigharte ho?

Asad - Bighadna kaisa Chacha? Main toh yeh apne faide ke liye karta hoon. Inko haste dekh ke mujhe do pal ka sukoon naseeb ho jaata hai (looked towards him) Aap please dekhna ke yeh sab pet bharke khayen mujhe jaana hai (pulling out his wallet as Sadiq got busy preparing their puris. Asad left his payment in the small basket containing the remaining of Sadiqs income and walked off) AllahFiz Chacha (He made a swift move to walk away and as he did Sadiq's eyes fell on the money basket he put all his daily earnings in and he sighed in defeat. As always, there were suddenly thousands of rupees in that basket that weren't there before. As Asad walked through the slums he casually dropped money here and there when people were least expecting it. Left it lying underneath the buckets of water a lady had put down as she took a second to breath after filling it from the well in the centre of the slums, there was suddenly money hanging on the clothing lines of houses where people had put up clothes to dry, a hefty some was left underneath the excuse for a medical centre and even the mentally unstable lady who sat picking through scraps of paper strewn about was surprised to find a few hundreds of rupees lying under a rock just beside her. The people of Kasauli who hadn't seen him walking through were convinced an angel had taken a walk through the streets and they weren't completely wrong either. Half of them were convinced this angel was the 'Son of Kasauli' and were sad that they had missed a chance of finding out his identity yet again)

xxx

Asad's Bungalow:

Pari was sitting upset on her swing in the backyard swinging her legs back and forth but not actually swinging on it. She picked at the fur of her teddy bear pouting sadly while Farida Bi read a newspaper sitting near her on a rocking chair observing her through her glasses

Farida Bi - Kya huwa Pari. Aapki smile kahan hai Aaj? (Pari just shrugged sadly)

Pari - I don't feel like smiling today.

Farida Bi- Kyun beta? Aapko pata haina ke aapki smile kitni pyaari hai? Socho zara agar aap nahin smile karoge..toh aapke papa aur chachoo kaise smile kareinge? Aap jaanti ho na ke woh aapse kitna pyaar karte hain. Aapse dil jura hai unka, unhe kaam pe bhi pata chal jayega ke aap smile nahin kar rahee ho

Pari - Nahin Nana, woh mujhse pyaar nahin karte (her eyes swimming with tears) koi bhi mujhse pyaar nahin karta. Issi liye dekho na chachoo toh itne din nahin aaye aur papa bhi. Aaj sunday hai aur aaj bhi nahin aye woh. Main unse bauhat naraaz hoon, woh dono bauhat bure hain (Suddenly she felt the swing being pushed forward startling her, she looked back and shrieked in excitement)

Pari- CHACHOO!

Asad - Sahee kaha aapne. Bure hain. Aapke papa bure hain because see main toh aa gaya apni pari se milne (and just like that she was giggling and smiling again as Asad pushed her swing really high. Farida Bi panicked and began admonishing him but ignoring her he ran to stand before Pari just as she flew off the swing laughing uncontrollably flying straight into his arms and he held her by her arms spinning her around as her adorable and angelic laughter continued echoing in the air, filling him with light)

Farida Bi - Asad Bas karo, chakar aa jayenge dono ko aur yeh swing waali harkat bhi band karo kissi din lag jayegi isse.

Asad - (still swinging her round) Farida Bi, main kya karoon Pari loves it. Dekho na kaise hasti hai woh..iss hasee ke liye main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon.

Farida - Yeh toh puri ki puri shaitan banti jaa rahee hai, tum dono bhaiyon ne isse bighad ke rakh diya hai.

Asad - (tossed her in the air and held her up so she was smiling down at him) Shaitaan nahin Bi, yeh toh meri Pari hai..haina (she giggled again as he brought her down and rubbed his nose playfully with hers tickling her stomach at the same time)

Farida Bi - Acha beta Pari hai? Abhi aapki yeh pari hi keh rahee thee (Pari's eyes became wide and adorable in fear and she began shaking her head at Farida Bi pleading with her not to tell Asad but Farida Bi was looking at Asad so didn't see) ke kyunki tum usse kam milne aa rahe ho, tum usse pyaar nahin karte aur woh tumse naraaz hai. Especially kyunki aaj sunday hai (Asad stared at Pari who's smile fell immediately and she lowered her eyes ashamed)

Asad - Is that so? Farida Bi aap hi batayee ke itne ghante drive karke koi unse milne aata hai jinse woh pyaar karte hai ya unse milne aate hain jinse pyaar nahin karte. Aur aaj abhi sunday hatam toh nahin hua, main aa gaya naa..par kya faida? Yahan pe toh sab humse naraaz hain (Put Pari down on the ground) Phir main chala hi jaata hoon (he felt Pari tugging at his jeans so he crossed his arms playing along, pretending to be cross)

Pari - Sorry chachoo. Pari aapse naraaz nahin hai. Pari bas aapko miss kar rahee thee. Aap..aap iss dunya ke sabse ache chachoo ho. Mere favourite person ho poori dunya mein. I love you (and that was all it took for a real, genuine smile one that not even his mother or sister could bring out in him. To pread across his face. His dimples shining bright as he turned to her and kneeled before her)

Asad - Your Papa should also be your most favourite Pari (pulled at her nose) and I love you too my lil angel. Chachoo missed you too. So so so much. (Pari held up a choclate bar infront of his face) mere liye? Are you really giving me your choclate? Now I know you really missed me.

Farida Bi - Arre. Shaitaan ne tumhari pocket se choclate chure ke tumhe de diya aur tumhe pata bhi nahin chala. Issi liye bolte hain ke zyaada soya karo aur zyaada khaya karo..kaam kaise karte ho tum?

Asad - (laughed) When did you become the devil? I thought you were an angel? (Pari just laughed as he began tickling her again)

Pari - Waise chachoo aap kahan gaye the?

Asad - (wrapping his arms around her tightly and kissing her head) Main ek wedding pe gaya tha.

Pari - Oo, was there a bride? Was she pretty? Mujhe kyun nahin leke gaye aap-

Asad - Woh iss liye beta ke aapko pata haina aap ek pari ho..agar main aapko le jaata toh sab bride ke badle aapko dekhte..phir bride ko bura lagta na.

Pari - Kiski shaadi thi?

Asad - Mere bhai ki shaadi thi-

Pari - Par aapke bhai toh papa hain.

Asad - (looked to Farida Bi who just shrugged) Haan, mere ek aur bhai bhi hain.

Pari - Toh papa kyun nahin gaye phir. Agar woh aapke bhai hain toh unke bhi toh bhai hain.

Asad - Papa busy the. Iss liye nahin gaye.

Pari - Busy toh aap bhi the na chachoo, aap ek superhero ho afterall.

Asad - My god. Kitni baatein karne lagi ho aap?

Farida Bi - Apne aur apne chachoo ke dono ke hisse ki baatein karne lagi hai

Asad - (Asad gave her a small smile knowing she was shading him but then made sure to roll his eyes right at her) Woh sab choro dekho what chachoo brought for you (he reached into his jacket as pari stared at him excitedly) hmm, is it a flower (Pari made a face) a book (she made a face again) missy..school shuru hone waala hai so you might not want to make that face (laughed at her pout) is it a doll? (Pari made a very ugly face and Asad laughed) NO. It's a miniature bat mobile (he pulled out a small toy of the bat mobile and Pari shrieked with happiness, her whole face lit up making Asads face light up too and Farida Bi shook her head)

Asad - You wanna play action figures? (Pari nodded excitedly jumping off his lap, she was already running inside but then stopped halfway and turned back throwing herself in his arms again kissing his cheek)

Pari - Thank You Chachoo

Asad - You're most welcome my Pari (he winked at her as she laughed running away inside and he pulled out a pack of candy which he brought for her. Ripping it open hed popped a handful of candy in his mouth as he jogged over and up the steps to where Farida Bi was standing on the porch watching him.)

Asad - Aap kaisi hain..Farida Bi?

Farida Bi - Main bilkul theek hoon. Tum kaise ho, aur shaadi kaisi thi? Tumhari nayee bhabi kaisi hain?

Asad - (rolled his eyes) Shaadi theek thi aur Bhabi bhi theek hain..bas unke saath jo jahez aaya hai woh ek musibat hai (Farida Bi laughed)

Farida Bi - Kyun kya huwa?

Asad - Nahin kuch nahin.

Farida Bi - Acha tum rokoge? Azlan bhi shayad aayega-

Asad - (his face hardening) maine uske baare mein nahin poocha Farida Bi. Main yahan Pari se milne aaya hoon usse nahin (Farida nodded rolling her eyes at these 2 brothers)

Farida - Aur yeh kya tum uske liye ulte seedhe khilone leke aate rehte ho Asad. Woh ek ladki hai Asad..ladka nahin. Bring her barbies and dolls not-

Asad - Ew Farida Bi. Pari hates those things, THANK GOD.

Pari - CHACHOO AAO BHI (she ran out and grabbed his hand with her little one just as Asad pulled out a white rose from his jacket)

Asad - Didn't think I'd forget to bring something for you now did you Farida Bi (Farida Bi laughed taking the flower from her as he left with Pari)

Farida Bi- Pari ke peeche chup lo jitna chupna hai beta, main jaanti hoon tum uske peeche chupke apna bachpan ji rahe ho (she took her glasses off wiping her eyes) Shayad issi liye Khuda ne pari ko bhi inn super heros aur action figures mein dilchaspi de di gudiyon mein nahin.

xxx

Continued in next post...

Haveli:

Naina who had been furious with the other 3 realizing they hadn't left to the car yet and were in fact standing around The King and Queens chamber entrance staring inside getting them late on their first day. She had just arrived at the entrance ready to tell them off when her eyes too fell on the screen that Kajol, Zain, Humeira's eyes were glued to as well. It was the video of a very charming very gorgeous Asad Ahmed Khan singing in the most beautiful voice she had ever heard. On one side he was singing the most beautiful songs and then with that voice, my my. What was this man? He was such an enigma. On one hand he was a self made successful businessman oozing power and on the other he held the power to change the world through his voice and music. To become a legend. That's when she realized the King, Queen, Maya, Javed and Rashid were all sitting around the Tv watching his performance and even from the distance she couldn't miss the proud gleam and tears shining in Rashid Uncle's Eye's.

Salman - So Ghusse ke saath saath yeh talent bhi mil gaya usse?

Azlan - Please..he's not even that good. (Naina's eyes snapped towards his face as he joined her side, just getting out of bed)

Zain - You're right. Hey Btw what family talents did you inherit? Besides being a prince and a playboy.

Azlan - Those are the only 2 that matter. What's the use of his good for nothing voice if it's not gonna get him anywhere. No where with the ladies and no where in the music world. He's still putting up buildings for a living.

Naina - (anger coursing through her) Maybe that has to do with your talent as a prince. It landed you the job you wanted but since you got the prince title he didn't and he had to make do with whatever life handed him. Whatever he had to to feed his mother and sisters stomach. Trust me it's gonna get him much more than your talents are. (She stormed out of there leaving the 4 of them shocked. She had put Azlan AND Rashid in their places within a second and that too for Asad. Wow. Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed)

Humeira - OMG! He is seriously so HOT!! I love him. His voice, Allah. Imagine him and Anaya Aapi singing a duet. Itna talent. I seriously hate the girl who will have his heart.

Zain - (laughed) You can forget worrying about that, he's not interested in the love scene. In fact he RUNS from it.

Kajo - Ran. (Smiled a knowing smile at the TV) look at his eye's. They way they soften considerably after every few seconds and fixate on something, the way he suddenly loses himself at the sight of something, the longing in his eye's, If Dr. Love's calculations are right and they alway's are woh din door nahin when he loses his heart to someone. You never know he may have already. At this (nodded to the screen) wedding.

Zain - Hmm, filhaal Dr. Love. May we leave?

Kajol - Oh Yah, Naina pe bhi check karna chahiye. Pata nahin uska mood kyun haraab hai itna.

Azlan - Mood nahin dimaagh haraab hai. (They all ignored him)

Zain - I'll see you back at base (Azlan didn't bother replying. His eye's fixated on Asad's face and Kajol's words ringing in his ears. As much as he tried to deny due to his own ego he knew better than all of them how talented Asad actually was. What what, he deserved from life which he unfortunately didn't get and how passionate he was about singing but the pride he saw in his dad's eyes didn't help. He was yet to see that pride for himself despite all his hard work and efforts to earn it. He sighed walking away from there)

Javed - Wow. Kya baba, aapka yeh talent barre bete ko kyun skip kar jaata hai. Bari beti aur chote bete ko hi kyun milta hai? Ek taraf Saima Aur Rashid aur doosri taraf Anaya aur Asad.

Rashid - (wiped his eye's) He should have been a professional. He should have chased after his dream. He should have been able to. I should have made it possible for him to but (shook his head as he dropped his head in a defeated state) I didn't even give the kid a chance to dream. Pata hai, jab woh college mein tha toh main uske ek concert mein chupke gaya in a hope to hear my son play. Zain aur Azlan se chipta phir raha tha. But main itna bara gunegaar hoon itna badnaseeb baap hoon ke khuda ko woh manzoor nahin tha and Asad never showed. He didn't sing. Par aaj yeh dekh ke- (shook his head) usne apne khawb dao pe laga diye. Daba diye. Sabka gala ghaunt diya and instead made his mother's dreams and his sisters dreams come true. He fulfilled his responsibilities and my responsibilities at the cost of his dreams.

Maya - It's still not too late, Rashid bhai. Agar Asad chahe he can still see those dreams, still chase after them. You can encourage him-

Rashid - (scoffed) Main? Main kaunsa mun leke jaon uske saamne. Aapko kya lagta hai bhabi agar Asad meri aankhon mein dekhega toh kya main usse aankhein mila paonga. De paonga uske savalon uski shikaiton aur ilzamon ke javaab. He has nothing to be ashamed of, but I do. Ab bauhat der ho chuki hai Bhabi. Asad toh mujhse baat karna bhi gawara nahin karega.

Javed - How do you know that Rashid? Woh tumhara beta hai. Tumhara khoon. Aur khoon ki tadap, khoon ki taqat tum samajh nahin paa rahe ho.

Rashid - Toh aap sab ko kya lagta hai. ke main jaake Asad ko ek baar kahoonga please beta aao. Come live in the Haveli with us, come claim your position as my son and as the prince of Kasauli. Aur woh aa jayega. He'd rather spit on my face if his principles allowed it. Waise bhi jiss rate pe woh izzat aur paisa kamaye jaa raha hai. Log uske ghar ko Haveli maane lageinge aur usko yahan ka Badshah. Yeh shehr kahin had tak already uska ho chuka hai baaqi thori si kammi baaqi hai. Meri Khair hai, aap bas dua kijiye ke khuda koi toh aisa farishta bhej dein jo Asad ka passion, uska talent pehchane mein uski madad kare aur apne khawbon ka peecha karna sikhaye usse.

Salma - Jo bhi ho Rashid. Ek ghalati karne ka yeh matlab nahin hai ke uske peeche 100 ghalatiyan aur kar baitho. Balke apni ghalati maanke usse sudharo. Aur agar tum usse sudharna chahte ho toh hum sab tumhare saath hain. Abhi bhi waqt hai Rashid, Asad aur Aisha ki taraf ek kadam barhao. Agar aaj tumne aur waqt gawaya toh phir ek din zaroor woh din ayega jab bauhat der ho chuki hogi. (But Rashid knew it had already been too late. These people had never met Asad. They had only heard of him from various sources and seen him in the media. Rashid had seen him and the HATE Asad harboured for him. It reflected clearly in his eyes and Asad didn't even try to hide it. Asad would rather drive a knife through his heart, his mother's heart and his sister's heart then let Rashid back in any of their lives)

xxx

Khan Mansion:

Asad walked out of his room ready to leave when he spotted Zoya fiddling with her bag by the door. He stood there in dilemma for a few minutes not knowing what to do of the sudden worry and classic Asadness (protectiveness - read: overprotectivness) that arose in his mind and heart. Not knowing what to do he walked towards Dilshad pulling at his collar awkwardly.

Dilshad - (sighed) Bolo Asad (not looking up from her sketches but just knowing him) Jaldi, mujhe Aisha ko drop karke client ke saath meeting pe jaana hai.

Asad - Ammi woh. Who, Yeh..Ms. I mean Zoya college kaise jaa rahee hai (Dilshad's VERY surprised eyes snapped to Asad's face. Did he just show any emotion besides anger and hate towards Zoya? Did he just show his CONCERN for her? Knowing full well that his concern was reserved for FAMILY only and asad tried to quickly cover up not wanting to give her any form or reason of doubt)

Asad - Mera matlab, inhe koi gaari ya lift cahiye. Aap..aap hi chor dijiye. Bhai..Bhai ko acha nahin lagega agar hum inhe akele jaane deinge toh. Woh humse hi savaal kareinge.

Dilshad - Bhai. (bit back a knowing smile) tum khud hi jaake pooch lo usse.

Asad - Main? (Of course. His Ammi loved tormenting him) Ji. (He took slow and nervous steps towards her. His heart beating wildly for some reason, confusing him. He was going to ask a girl a simple question what was with the pounding heart. But as he approached her and could smell the fragrance of her beautiful lavender and vanilla shampoo intoxicated his senses nearly making his eye's roll back in his head he took a deep breath to get a grip on himself and cleared his throat)

Asad - Aap..Aap kis time pe ghar aa rahee hain?

Zoya - (stared at him incredulously) Ji?

Asad - Mera matlab. So we know where you are and when you'll be home. It's not safe outside at night and..and uh if something happened to you..Bhai would not be happy..you know..(staring at her intently) god forbid something happen to his 'precious saali'. So do you want me to arrange for a car or can we pick and drop you?

Zoya - (gave him a sweet fake smile) Main har jageh akele aa jaa sakti hoon. Aap apni CARS please apne paas hi rakhiye. I know how much your "CARS" mean to you. Kahin main late ho gayee toh aapko ye na lage ke main aapki car leke bhaag gayee. Okay, AllahFiz. Have a nice day. (Asad was positively fuming. NO PERSON ever dared to speak to him like that and this girl was putting him in his spot DAY AND NIGHT. BADTAMEEZ LADKI. Right then Dilshad and Aisha came by)

Dilshad - Tum abhi tak yahin ho Asad? Tumhe der nahin ho rahee?

Asad - I was just leaving. AllahFiz Ammi, Aish, have a good day (he made a move to kiss their cheeks as he did before leaving everyday but what he hadn't taken account was that there was one extra girl standing there today. Just as he moved back from kissing Aisha he had leaned in to kiss Zoya as if it were the most natural thing to do but then caught himself just in time and 3 pairs of VERY wide eyes were staring back at him)

Asad - Woh (turning red) Woh..I..kiss my family before- It was a mistake. Sorry. (Saying so he swiftly walked out trying to control his raging heartbeats as thoughts and fantasies of kissing Zoya Farooqui plagued his mind and Ms. Farooquis was plagued by the idea of being kissed by him)

Zoya - (trying to control her own raging heartbeats and breathing) AllahFiz Phupi. Good Luck Aapi! Tell me if Aahil Bhai isn't nice to you okay. I'll fix him and say hi to him for me!

Aisha - You say Hi to Ayaan.

Dilshad - Ayaan?

Zoya - Woh mujhe college chorne aaya hai..bye phupi!

Dilshad - Bye beta! Have a good day! (Zoya smiled running out of the house)

As Asad finished his call and started his car he saw Zoya running down the driveway and out of the front gates through his side mirror. Unbelievable. Was she planning on walking there out of spite because he offered her a car. But the site he saw next had him wishing she had walked instead regardless of how much that worried him. For she had her arms thrown around a boy who was also hugging her WAY TOO TIGHTLY. His arms wrapped around her body as he swung her off her feet. He could see her radiating smile and hear her twinkling laughter till here. What he couldn't see however was the jack asses face or head because it was blocked by his helmet otherwise he'd be more than happy to hunt him down and bash his not so handsome (he hoped) face in. Asad was JEALOUS. He was MAD. His grip deathly on the steering wheel, his clenched jaw, gritted teeth and his narrowed but wild eye's were proof of that)

xxx

IMA - Kasauli:

Kajol - (staring at the mini kit kat and sandwhiches in her hand before she looked up at a beaming Zain who smiled bright at her) Did you really?

Zain - Anything for m'lady.

Kajol - You didn't have to Zain. I know..I know you love me and are there for me on my big day.

Zain - But it doesn't hurt to go the extra mile to make a big day even more special. Or in that case even more awkward. I swear all 4 of the cooks and all 8 of the helpers were staring at me in bewilderment. They couldn't believe ke main khud kuch khaane ko bana raha tha.

Naina - Aaj tak khud uthke paani tak jo nahin peeya.

Zain - (smiled sweetly at her) I'm going to assume ke tumne subha naashte mein karele khaye the hence that treatment and attitude towards us all. (Turned back to Kajol) But for you, I'm ready to be stared down by all the workers in our Haveli.

Humeira - Oh. How selfless. I'm touched (made a disgusted face) You guy's nauseate me.

Naina - OMG isn't that-

Humeira - (staring in the same direction) Ayaan?

Zain - (narrowed his eye's) What's he doing here?

Ayaan - Stay OUT OF TROUBLE (Zoya rolled her eye's. Her back was towards The Siddiqui's so they couldn't see her) and STAY AWAY FROM BOYS. I mean it. They are off limits to you.

Zoya - Would you rather I bring home a girl then?

Ayaan - As long as she wears glasses, has gelled back slick hair, only answers yes, treats you like a princess and listens to my every whim.

Zoya - EW. Main koi aise pappu se shaadi nahin karne waali.

Ayaan - Well you really don't have a choice because You are NOT allowed to have a boyfriend and are gonna have to marry whoever we choose for you and we decided you were marrying a pap[u when you was 10 darling (Zoya narrowed her eyes at him)

Zoya - Watch me fall in love with the biggest bad boy in all of Kasauli (Ayaan bit back a smile knowing who the biggest bad boy in Kasauli was) just to stick it in your not so handsome face. Allah Kare tujhe female pappu mil jaye.

Ayaan - (blushed a little thinking about a certain Naina Siddique) Allah Kare. OMG ZO SHUT UP, PEOPLE ARE STARING (He looked around embarrassed because as as soon as he had blushed Zoya had begun hopping around like an energetic bunny shrieking and gushing in joy over the prospect of him falling in love with someone)

Humeira - (narrowed her eyes) Allah. Yeh besharam ladki kaun hai iske saath. Tauba Tauba ek to aise behaya kapre pehne hain aur upar se paraye mard se aise gale mil rahee hai.

Zoya - (still hugging him and he was hugging her back) I don't care let people stare! Allah I can't believe it's finally happening! Finally tumne pehli baar ek ladki ke baare mein izzat se baat ki hai you made a comment that didn't want me to instantly punch your not so handsome face in. So you finally fancy someone. (Ayaan was about to cut through) In a NON DISGUSTING, MORE THAN FANCY FOR ONE NIGHT KIND OF WAY.

Ayaan - No. It's nothing like that you're over exaggerating.

Zoya - (danced away from him) You smiled and blushed bhaiyya, you know what they say hassa toh phassa (Ayaan laughed yanking her forward by her hand)

Ayaan - Acha Nautanki yeh sab band kar aur jaa andar parhai ka time ho raha hai bachoo (tapped her nose playfully) Have an amazing day churail. (Kissed her cheek) Bye, love you. And remember-

Zoya - Yes, Yes if a boy looks at me I'll call my bhaiyya like a damsel in distress to come save my bechari self.

Ayaan - That's like a good girl. Learning already. (Zoya just pushed him playfully before waving him off as he flew off on his bike. Zoya smiled taking a sip of her coffee when she realized something. Since she was an oblivious soul who lived her life carefree, without the worry of what others were doing or what they were saying since she usually remained oblivious and clueless in such matters but today she couldn't help herself and noticed. She noticed how practically EVERY soul on campus seemed to be staring at her. Every girl staring at her in a judgemental or disgusted way but a hint of envy in their eyes and every guy in a sleazy way. She then noticed how different she was compared to everyone else. How much she stood out. There she was dressed in her jeans, hoodie and leather jacket with converse, her hair simply open and brushed through and then there were the rest of the girls. Full faces of makeup, decent, graceful, elegant and a little fancy ethnic wear, heals and hairstyles. She stared around consciously. A little doubtful and a little angry at their behaviour.)

Humeira - (shook her head) Clearly Awara (tossed her hair walking off and Naina followed silently)

Zain - Go get em tiger. I can't wait for the day I see my girls name on the big screen. Directed by Kajol Malik. (Kajol blushed) I can already see it being declared a blockbuster.

Kajol - Zain tum paagal ho. Aaj pehla din hai aur tum (shook her head)

Zain - Paagal about you yes. (Laughed kissing her forhead quickly) now go, before my intentions become not so gentlemanly and the back of my squad car becomes victim of our next rendezvous. (Kajol gasped turning red as she smacked him away and quickly ran away from there leaving Zain smiling like a love stuck fool standing there by himself.)

xxx

Dilshad Industries:

Asad - (Walking through his office corridors reading through a file with Ayaan walking backwards beside him. His eyes and smile fixated on the pretty girl working at her desk at the end of the corridor) Why do you love popping up at my office uninvited, Ayaan. If you're bored and lonely go find something else to do with your time, leave me alone. I have a million dollar business to run.

Ayaan - and I have a million things to discuss. Like a very interesting Dinner I went to last night.

Asad - I don't want to hear your girlfriend drama.

Ayaan - (waking into Asad's cabin behind him) Not a dinner with my girlfriend. Well, not (smiled to himself remembering her) my girlfriend YET.

Asad - Whatever it is, I don't wanna hear it.

Ayaan - (falling onto the plush leather sofa in the room) Oh I think you do. Last night, I dined with the King (Asad froze midway between reading his file) and his family. At the palace (He looked up at Ayaan who was staring back at him intently and Ayaan nodded in confirmation) My God, they're weirder than you think. Especially that one woman, Razia.

Asad - (nodded, his face hardening) Ghaffur Siddique's wife.

Ayaan - Yah that one. Female Satan I tell ya. That loser brother of yours was also present.

Asad - (snapped) He is not my brother.

Ayaan - I'm speaking strictly biologically bro. But man (laughed) I bet after last night he wants to have orders to shoot me on sight.

Asad - (bitterly) Why, did you say something about his daddy?

Ayaan - (shrugged) No. I just praised you. (He could see a hint of a smile forming on Asad's face) You're welcome by the way. (Asad rolled his eyes at him causing Ayaan to laugh) seriously they all wanted nothing more than to wipe your existence from the world. They're so threatened by just the mention of you.

Asad - (His eye's filling with rage. And a certain hunger for revenge) Good. They should be.

Ayaan - The satans aside. Man, Kya khoobsurat betiyan hain unn Haveli waalon ki..OW (Asad who had narrowed his eyes at him whacked him hard in the head) I'm not talking about your sister.

Asad - Theres another one who may soon be your sister-in-law. That (jealousy evident in his voice) Malik's girlfriend.

Ayaan - Step-Sister-In-Law. But you're forgetting that there are more ladies in that house.

Asad - Humeira?

Ayaan - No, I mean she's nice. But I fancy someone else. (Asad gripped the file tighter, thinking he fancied a certain Farooqui responsible for Asad's sleepless nights these days) (Lucky for Ayaan before Asad could punch his face in due to the annoyance he felt at himself for being annoyed over the prospect of a possibility of Ayaan and Zoya. Ayaan got distracted by the news on Asad's TV. The same news of the poor innocent lives lost at the hands of "S")

Ayaan - Don't they have something else to report? Go back to focusing on the type of flowers the Haveli's garden has.

Asad - (reading his file again, uninterested) Let them run it. It's a matter of a day or two, till they find something more interesting like the King buying a new car. They'll forget all about this.

Ayaan - (shook his head) The media is half the reason this city is like this today. Responsible for the state the people are in today. Their hunger and their grief. Twist any news to instil fear and panic in the people and they'll vote for any clown that stands up on stage and promises to give them what they want. But the minute votes are in (shook his head)

Asad - Whatever you're thinking it's not happening. So stop.

Ayaan - But why not-

Asad - (warning tone in his voice, still not looking up from his file) Ayaan..

Ayaan - Did Malik uncle say anything about the incident? Do they know anything? Suspect anything?

Asad - (shook his head) just that they found the bodies in city centre. The main round about and the mark was there beside them. (Ayaan nodded standing up)

Ayaan - Anyhow, I'll see you later? Stopping by rogue tonight?

Asad - I dunno. I'll see. For now, I have to go attend my meeting.

Ayaan - That's your 7th meeting today, don't you think it's time for a break. Have you had anything to eat or-

Asad- (checking his watch) I'm a CEO Ayaan. Not a Rockstar. I don't get to take breaks whenever I feel like it.

Ayaan - You're a freaking CEO Asad not an employee. You own this company. You can take a break whenever you feel like it. Hell you don't have to show up if you don't feel like it.

Asad - Not unless I wanna go bankrupt and I can't afford to go bankrupt. I've got a lot of people depending on me and counting on me. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go secure this deal before they sign it over to a certain Siddique & Partners.

Ayaan - Still working towards their bankruptcy?

Asad - (winked) That's the goal. (Ayaan just shook his head laughing)

Ayaan - Hey btw before I leave. I left a parcel with your watchman. Can you give it to Zoya for me?

Asad - (freezing in his steps immediately. Forgetting about the meeting he was running off to. Sudden anger coursing through him) Why? Give it to her yourself. Don't expect me to play cupid or your wingman or ANYTHING else in your chase after Ms. Farooqui.

Ayaan - (wide eyed and bewildered expression on his face) My WHAT?

Asad - You heard me. Don't think I haven't noticed, how your eyes shine when you look at her, how you're constantly glued to her. The constant touches and hugs. The OVER FRIENDLINESS. I know you fancy her. (Much to his irritation and annoyance Ayaan burst out laughing. Asad just stood there staring at him laughing like a hyena with a bewildered expression on his face while Ayaan had tears of mirth streaming down his cheeks. Him & Zoya.)

Asad - If you're done laughing like a freakin donkey can you please leave now? (Ayaan continued laughing and wiping his tears as he walked by Asad, patting his cheek sighing. He really was hopeless)

Ayaan - You're so pretty. (Asad narrowed his eyes at him as Ayaan walked out still laughing)

xxx

IMA:

Zoya was getting highly irritated now. Since morning these people. Her peers, even her TEACHERS hadn't stopped staring at her. They all seemed to be giving her judging looks. Zoya tried smiling at a few elderly professors as they walked by but they just narrowed their eyes at her before blatantly ignoring her smile and walking away. Zoya looked down at her clothing again. Was it because of her clothing? She looked around again noticing how no one else seemed to be wearing jeans or any western clothing for that matter. Was that the problem? While she was dwelling over the matter her phone rang.

Zoya - Asalamualaikum Jeeju! Kaise ho aap?

Anwar - Main theek hoon, aap batayee sali saheba. Is my poor baby brother still alive?

Zoya - Ha - Ha (Anwar laughed on the other end) Seriously Jeeju aapko toh meri fiqar karni chahiye. Yeh fikar karni chahiye ke kahin uss babar sher Khan ne mujhe lunch ke liye naa kha liya ho. Aur aap ho ke-

Anwar - Acha yeh batao..aapke school ka pehla din kaisa chal raha hai?

Zoya - Hmm..

Anwar - Hmm..?

Zoya - Bas Hmm..

Anwar - Hmm, Koi nahin..aaj pehla din hai. Hopefully it'll get better. Shehr naya hai mahol naya hai issi liye shayad tumhe aisa lag raha hai. In any case I have something at home that might make your day brighter.

Zoya - I doubt anything could make my day more brighter than coming home to see you and Aapi there.

Anwar - Well maybe one day you may get that surprise too. But for now I've been guaranteed this will also help ensure there is a permanent dazzling smile on your face.

Zoya - Guaranteed, by who?

Anwar - Your 6 brothers.

Zoya - 6 brothers? I only have 5.

Anwar - And me. Your eldest brother. (Zoya's eyes filled with tears) See I wanted to get you something for all the joy and happiness you added in our wedding to make it so special and memorable but also to gift you something for the first day of your new semester, new journey so I asked the guys and they may have thought of something special. I hope you like it. Call me when you open it okay. Should be at home by now.

Zoya - I will and thanks Jeeju..you really didn't have to.

Anwar - I know..but I wanted to.

Zoya - Aapi kaisi hain.

Anwar - She's happy. (Zoya smiled) She's a little annoyed at the fact that you banned her from calling you even though we both know that was as a favour to me. (Zoya laughed)

Zoya - And a favour to me too. Unka ek hi savaal, tum theek ho was beginning to annoy the hell out of me Jeeju. Matlab I grew up on my own literally aur tab Aapi ne kabhi itna pareshan nahin kiya mujhe jitna ab kar rahee hain when we're both in India. Ek ghante mein mujhe kya ho jayega bhala.

Anwar - Allah na kare tumhe kuch ho Zoya. Aur hoga bhi kaise main wahan 3 bodyguarcs nahin chorke aaya tumhare liye.

Zoya - I bet one of them wishes something did happen to me (Anwar just laughed shaking his head)

Anwar - Khair Zoya meri class ka waqt ho raha hai, I'll speak to you soon okay bacha. Take care (Zoya and he bid farewell and shut the phone and as Zoya looked up from her phone, her eyes caught something. A couple. Kissing in the corner. She could just see the girl's face and side. She was wearing a black Anarkali. Zoya was about to continue walking out the gates, done for the day when the guy with the girl lifted his head smiling at the girl in his arms but Zoya was the one who stopped breathing and walking altogether. Her head began spinning in a sickening way unable to come to terms with the reality of her past that was once again standing before her. Come to terms with the joke fate was playing with her again. She saw the girl turn her head to walk in her direction and knew he too would soon turn so she turned around clutching her bag with a death grip, her senses were numb and her hands and face pale as a ghost because she had seen a ghost. The scariest ghost of her past, one she had thought no possibility of seeing again. Suddenly a wave of the past hit her so hard, angry tears rushed to her eye's and her steps began quickening on their own accord in an attempt to outrun the horrible memories)

xxx

Haveli -

Rashid walked into the dining room where the family had settled for lunch.

Rashid - Abbu, yeh kya hai? (Reading a card) Iss baar IMA ke academic year ki opening speech aap de rahe hain. You're the guest speaker?

Saima - Not just IMA. Baba sabhi colleges aur Universities mein jaa rahe hain speeches dene. As far as I know Ghaffur Bhai bhi saath hi jaa rahe hain.

Rashid - But why? Aaj se pehle toh kabhi nahin-

Ghaffur - Aaj se pehle these people didn't hate us as well.

Javed - Not us. You. Same way not all of us want power over the city again, that too is just YOU. But you know without our support you won't be able to have it. You won't be able to have anything. Hence in answer to your question Rashid he has arranged for Baba and him to speak at multiple colleges in the city to gain the support of the youth.

Rashid - (nodded understandingly) Because the youth are the strongest, most powerful and influential in any population. The future.

Javed - They make or break a society.

Ghaffur - (smiled) Not as disappointing and slow I thought you to be Javed, you too Rashid. You're learning. Catching up. It's about time. I've called our advisor and he's coming over with a professional to help us prepare our speeches.

Salman - Help prepare? Prepare karne ki kya zaroorat hai? We just have to be honest with them.

Ghaffur - We're not going to court. We don't have to be honest. We just have to tell them (scoffed) sorry promise them what they want to hear. We give them that. They'll be ready to vote.

Maya - Exactly. It's not a political campaign, it's a speech of encouragement and inspiration to help the kids succeed in school and make a bright future for themselves. This isn't political

Ghaffur - (stared at her) It's all political. Principal Mishra ne humme bauhat izzat aur pyaar se bulaya hai. He is such an esteemed businessman and person he doesn't just invite anyone to give the opening speech. He calls only the most respectable and esteemed to his institution and by calling us he has proven who he considers the most respectable and esteemed to be.

Maya - Correction. Some of the most respectable and esteemed because as rumour has it you aren't the only one's he called. Let's see who the likes of you are. The others that he called.

Ghaffur - (giving her a death glare) Since we're officiating our political party soon I don't have to remind you how important these colleges and speeches are for us. We should have support of majority of the youth by then. They're fed up of the current government and we're the only one's running opposite them. (Eating his lunch happily, no worries or fret) should be a piece of cake (Maya, Javed, Rashid and Salman just exchanged helpless looks)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Khan Mansion:

Asad, as per habit, was enjoying his 15 minute mid-day meditation. Enjoying the mid-day sun and clear blue skies, One of the very few things that helped keep him calm by laying in the open grass fields to the side of his driveway with his arms beneath his head, face towards the sky and eye's closed. Truly at peace. When the hurricane that had recently hit his life, hurricane Zoya's twinkling laughter reached his ears along with his mother's beautiful and carefree laughter. Genuine laughter. Not the kind she faked in front of him and Aisha so they wouldn't worry. He opened his eyes to see them both walking through the gates and Zoya carrying a bag of food from Asha's Cafe. Suddenly he felt himself attain the peace and calm he had been searching for. Seeing her beautiful face, her beautiful eye's with that sparkle in them. Her creamy skin, her beautiful lips. The way they moved when she spoke and the way she would toss her head back and laugh so care freely, the way her beautiful long hair danced down her back as she did had his heart pounding about in his chest. He sighed with a certain ever present longing these days as he closed his eye's knowing he could never have what his heart was somewhere in the depths of it hoping for. He would never taint something that shined so bright with his darkness.

Dilshad - Seriously Zoya, sabse larai lena lazmi hai kya? Asad se larke pet nahin bharta jo uss driver se bhi lar baithi tum.

Zoya - Haan toh. Aap aur kya expect kar rahee thee phupi, woh ghalat tha. Aapne dekha na woh kaisi rash driving kar raha tha. Mana ke usse jaldi thi par aisi jaldi mein aake kissi ki jaan le lega kya? Aur aise mein aap kya expect kar rahee thee ke main chup baithtee no way.

Dilshad - Acha baba (Seeing Zoya still burning with anger) par ainda hum paidal nahin aayenge. gaari pe ayenge. Tumhe walk karni hai toh akele karna bhai..mera toh saans phool gaya.

Zoya - (shook her head) very bad phupi, so unhealthy.

Dilshad - (pulled her ear) Acha bachoo. Tumhe toh health ke baare mein baat hi nahin karni chahiye. (Laughed) But honestly Zoya I think you should take a car. Roz kaise itna walk karogi aur yeh Kasauli hai beta New York nahin. Yahan na aise walk karna aur nahin kissi se jhagra karna safe hai. Ghar pe itni saari gaariyan khari hai, koi bhi ek le jaya karo beta.

Zoya - (muttered rolling her eye's) Akdu ki car. No way. (Smiled at Dilshad) Acha Phupi main yeh andar rakh ke aati hoon phir mujhe kahin kissi kaam se jaana hai.

Dilshad - (seeing Asad's car parked by the door) Okay, par time see aa jaana okay. Aur dihaan se jaana. Gaari leke jaana (Zoya stared at her surprised for a few seconds at a loss for words. Emotions taking over her. She knew it would take her time to get accustomed to all this concern and love. To have someone worry about her safety and tell her to come back home in time instead of hoping she would never come home like her Naani would have wished)

Zoya - Nahin Phupi main paas hi mein jaa rahee hoon so Gaari ki zaroorat nahin hai.

Dilshad - Zoya lekin -

Zoya - Maine kaha na phupi. I enjoy walking and it's good for the environment also. Mujhe (Looking around at Asad's numerous garages which would probably be filled with cars and then the numerous cars and bikes parked on the driveway) gaari nahin chahiye (She smiled at Dilshad and then walked away inside while Dilshad smiled a sad smile in Asad's direction. Seeing him laying in the middle of their front yard, so silent, so alone, only to fight his demons away. Which mother's heart wouldn't break seeing that site. Yet, she didn't want to add to his worries so she put on a bright smile and walked over to him sitting on a bench in front of him)

Asad - (eye's still closed) Can't help yourself can you? Aanson bahana aapki favourite hobby hai kya?

Dilshad - (smiled at him) Nope. Don't worry, I won't intrude on your personal space and time just wanted to know how your day's going?

Asad - Just the way I like it. Hectic. Back to back meetings, no wasting time.

Dilshad - What you consider wasting time Asad, people consider life. Usse break nahin. Jeena kehte hain. Aur agar tum bhi jeene lagoge na toh tumhe yeh (pointed to him and his surroundings) yeh 15 minute nahin chahiye honge. You'll be able to live your life without needing to switch off completely for 15 minutes daily just so you can keep your sanity. Please Asad, for God's sake (to her surprise Asad sat upright, angry and irritated)

Asad - I thought you said you weren't intruding on my space Ammi.

Dilshad - (sighed) Ayaan ne bola tumne kuch khaaya nahin-

Asad - (rolled his eye's) remind me to kill that guy. He doesn't know how to mind his own God damn business. I ate Ammi, so please stop worrying. I ate enough to stay alive. Which is the purpose of food anyways.

Dilshad - Asad- (Asad grabbed his jacket standing up)

Asad - I'll be late, don't wait up. (He bent down and kissed her head before stalking off. He nearly ran into Zoya who immediately rolled her eye's upon seeing him)

Zoya - Great. Him again.

Asad - (a muscle jumping beneath his eye) Watch the attitude.

Zoya - (scoffed) ME? I should watch my attitude. Really. That's rich coming from the guy who accused me of being a gold digger and never bothered to apologize or thank me for saving his money.

Asad - Me. Apologize to you. You've got to be delusional. I don't apologize to people who don't mean anything to me. (Zoya raised an eyebrow at him)

Zoya - How do you breathe with such an inflated ego?

Asad - I don't know, you seem to be breathing just fine you tell me your secret and I'll tell you mine. Now if you'll excuse me. (He side stepped her and walked away leaving Zoya boiling with anger but then he turned around) oh and your friend AYAAN sent a gift for you. It's sitting in your room.

Zoya - You went into my room in my absence?

Asad - It's my house I can go wherever I want. But unlike you, my mom raised me well and taught me manners. I asked the housekeeper to leave it for you. Next time get your own mail. I'm going to have her leave it at the gates.

Zoya - I thought your Ammi raised you better than that?

Asad - She did. You said it yourself (Zoya stared at him confused and a hint of a cocky smile appeared on Asad's face happy he had something he could hold over her) Yaad kijiye. Aap hi ne kaha tha jin logon ke ghar aap ruki hain woh yahan ke sabse bare aur izzatdaar log hain. Unke ghar aakar pata chalta hai ke bare log kaise rehte hain (raised an eyebrow) yehi kaha tha na aapne.

Zoya - and I still stand by it. Maine woh sab Phupi, Jeeju aur Aish Aapi ke baare mein kaha tha. Aapke baare main nahin.

Asad - (put up a hand) You know what. I have better things to do then stand here and talk with you. AllahFiz.

Zoya - AllahFiz. (Saying so he left and she was about to leave too but she caught sight of Dilshad sitting by herself a little lost and a little upset and she couldn't help but go over and ask her if everything was okay) (Tapped her shoulder) Phuppi.

Dilshad - Hunh (looked up surprised to see Zoya who just smiled at her) Haan Zoya?

Zoya - Aap, theek toh haina Phupi?

Dilshad - Haan haan main bilkul theek hoon. Bas kuch soch rahee thee.

Zoya - (skeptical) Are you sure Phupi?

Dilshad - Zoya..main 3 bachon ki maan hoon. 2 businesses ki zimedari hai mujh pe, ghar ki zimedari hai. Bauhat sareee baatein hain sochne ko. Tum fikar mat karo. (Zoya nodded)

Zoya - Shaam ko milte hain.

Dilshad - Dihaan rakhna Zoya. I mean it. It's not safe. (Zoya nodded and was leaving again when something caught her eye in the grass and the devil in her just couldn't help it. She smiled mischievously as she made sure Dilshad wasn't looking before swiping it and then walking away smiling brighter than she had all day)

xxx

That Night - Dilshaad Industries:

Asad was standing in his balcony with a drink in his hand, over looking the city. His city. He looked tired and over worked. His tie was loosened and his sleeves rolled up, as he ran a hand through his hair and stared down at the card in his hands.

"Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan, The Kasauli Media & Arts Institute humbly invites you to be a guest speaker at this academic year's inauguration assembly. We would ask that you confirm your attendance no later than Wednesday so that we can arrange for your welcome. We hope you will grace us with your presence and enlighten our students with your intellect and wisdom. Dean - K. Mishra"

Suddenly he was walking down memory lane again..

xxA young Asad was sitting in his school uniform with a small pencil and napkin in a corner scribbling away on it while Anwar sat with his books and Aisha sat in her wheelchair reading her own book. Dilshaad feeding all 3 of them.

Dilshad - Anwar jaldi khao na. Phir jitna parna hai par lena beta.

Anwar - Nahin Ammi aise nahin chalega. I have to get a good mark on this exam. Marks zara sa bhi kum huwe to admission mein gar bar hogi. If I need a scholarship I need the grades.

Dilshad - Scholarship nahin bhi milega to kya hoga, tum sirf admission ki fikar karo.

Anwar - Ammi, no scholarship means no admission. Aap jaanti hai na KU ki ek saal ki kitni fees hai.

Dilshad - Hum manage kar leinge Anwar.

Anwar - (shook his head) Ammi please be realistic. I want to go to KU, not a small college and for that I need the grades. The small colleges won't help my career and other institutes here don't offer scholarship.

Asad - (put down his napkin and pulled out a candy from his pocket) Ammi, jab main bara hoonga toh main woh naye Media aur Arts intitute jaonga..okay? Aur main arts aur music seekhoonga and one day main iss dunya ka SABSE bara rockstar aur sabse famous artist ban jaonga. More famous than picasso. Phir inn color pencils pe (looking at Anwars coloring pencils by the brand Picasso) ek din mera naam hoga. I'll be a brand name too.

Aisha - Par wahan toh bauhat zyaada fees hai Ammi and no scholarships.

Dilshad - (staring at the napkin Asad had put down. It was nothing short than a miracle. A miracle made by a 9 year old. A picture of a small boy screaming as he broke free from all the ropes holding him back. Her eye's filled with tears as Asad smiled in her face before feeding her the 4th and the biggest quarter of his candy after giving Anwar and Zeenat their shares. He then wrapped his arms around her giving her a tight hug as Anwar and Aisha stared at his drawing in awe) xx

Back to the present - Asad tossed the card from the balcony. Angry tears in his eyes as he scoffed over the games of fate before drowning his drink, his eye's hardening with pain and anger.

xxx

The Next Day - Haveli:

Azlan and Zain were standing in the foyer waiting to get going to work but they were to drop the girl's off to college on their way so they were just discussing work to kill time.

Azlan - Man I can't believe they're pulling from the force to go babysit millionaire businessmen at colleges just so they can deliver some stupid speech the kids are going to sleep through anyways. We've got bigger problems. What's attacking them there anyway's, books?

Zain - You do realize that Baba and your beloved Maamu are speakers at these colleges as well?

Azlan - I know. But I'm still saying this. They all have personal security and bodyguards, just take them. We have bigger issues in case your forgetting.

Zain - I'm not forgetting anything. But what you're not realizing is us sitting at the station staring at the same crime scene photograph's over and over again is not going to solve the case either. We have no more leads on S than we had a month ago. We have absolutely no proof other than the symbol of the hawk to prove he was responsible for those murders and right now this is all we have. Schools and colleges are just starting their new terms. You might find "babysitting" below you but Mr. Mallik is taking the right decision. These criminals can't be trusted. They're trying to break the city apart, spread fear. For all we know this could be their next move. It's important we protect these speakers.

Azlan - (stared at him intently) They could make a move on the students any day for the remainder of the year including this week to spread fear. Who protects them?

Zain - (sighed) Well that's just the problem isn't it. The citizens are left to rot and work hard, while those in power reap the benefits.

Azlan - (shook his head) this world makes me sick.

Ayaan - (announcing his arrival in his usual style) You belong to the same world, Prince Khan. (Azlan rolled his eyes groaning in pain. Not believing his luck while Zain turned around amused to find Aahil and Ayaan there)

Ayaan - Hey there Familia.

Azlan - (through gritted teeth) We are not family.

Ayaan - (raised his eyebrow) I know you like to form relationships and then not take responsibility for them, turn a blind eye and pretend you didn't form those relationships to begin with that's like your family thing but not the rest of us. See, let me remind you. Malik's mother married my dad so we're step brothers. You're his cousin meaning you're my step cousin. And this is kind of like my step house.

Azlan - He may be your step brother but that's as far as your relationship with this house goes.

Ayaan - Oh? So you mean my brother (putting an arm around Aahil) isn't marrying your sister? We aren't strengthening relationships?

Azlan - What do you want you clown?

Ayaan - Funny, isn't that what Asad named you lot? Innovative much.

Azlan - Piss off much.

Aahil - (laughed) Ayaan. Shut up.

Ayaan - Fine. Asad's told me how much of a crier he is I won't push his buttons (Azlan's eyes narrowed dangerously) speaking of Asad anyone here talk to him recently? I can't reach him. He's not answering his cell.

Azlan - Take a hint.

Ayaan - Naaah, he's probably confusing my number with yours (Azlan's eyes narrowed dangerously while Ayaan smiled bright back at him)

Zain - (biting back his smile while Azlan and Ayaan continued glaring at each other) Kaise aane huwa Jeej.

Aahil - Nothing, I uh just wanted to formally invite you guys. Ayaan's helping me throw a party a little out of town for my colleagues at the hospital. I wanted to invite you guys seeing that we're family and I think it's only right. Although we're not engaged yet I would really like it if Anaya was there. Plusm I also remember a certain prince complaining about no entertainment in Kasauli.

Ayaan - Go back to Delhi for all we care.

Azlan - (raised an eyebrow at Ayaan) You're trusting him with that much responsibility? What're you doing up at 8 am anyways aren't you usually passed out or hungover at this time?

Ayaan - I run a NIGHT club. To break that down for his highness a NIGHT club operates at NIGHT. Which is why I sleep at 8 am. And speaking of this "responsibility" I throw the meanest parties in town. See I got a title a rep of my own "Party King" and I actually WORKED for mine. I wasn't just born with it.

Aahil - Okay enough. Azlan, Zain can you guy's pass the message along?

Zain - Jeej, we'd pass the message along but I don't think it's much use. Our family has a very bizarre and very strict policy against what girl's should and should not do and going to parties is definitely in the 'should not' list.

Ayaan - (staring at him with a dead pan face. Too shocked to react) So wait, they wouldn't let them go to a children's birthday party? A wedding? An engagement (turned to Aahil) why are we planning your engagement then?

Zain - (rolled his eye's) let me rephrase they wouldn't want them going to the kind of parties Ayaan plans.

Ayaan - They are missing out. (Azlan was just observing him the whole time)

Aahil - Oh, but the party isn't classic Ayaan Farooqui Style. It's a very formal but fun get together. For me to break the ice and build a rapport. All the donors, chair, colleagues everyone is coming. You think I'd scare my boss off by letting him know who I'm related to (pointing to Ayaan). Ayaan's just helping me with the ambience, food, music, entertainment that sort of stuff. Should I ask permission from an elder-

Azlan - Okay that's it. WHAT the hell are you searching for? Are you high? Your eye's have been darting left right and center since you unfortunately stepped foot in here.

Ayaan - (glared at him) A) I don't get "high" B) I'm not searching for a WHAT. I'm searching for a WH- (Finally, as if on cue, she waked in followed closely by Anaya, Kajol and Humeira. Both Anaya and Ayaan started glowing all of a sudden, although it was due to two completely different people)

Humeira - OOO! Jeeja Ji and his not so charming little brother. What a surprise.

Ayaan - OOO, my mom's very self-involved niece. (Humeira was not happy but his comment to say the least) and my mom's very taken niece and my mom's most beautiful niece (smiling at Naina who much to Azlan's annoyance smiled back at him. Anaya's smile faltered a bit as Ayaan just gave her a a simple polite smile. Making even Aahil a little worried)

Kajol - So what brings you round Jeej. Long time no see. Humme toh laga aap shaadi mein kissi aur ko pasand karke bhaga le gaye ho ge. (She teased Anaya but Aahil turned a little red and avoided eye contact)

Maya - Kabhi toh soch samajh ke bola karo (The parent's began filling in much to Ayaan's annoyance after being informed of the Farooqui Boy's arrival) Asalamualikum Aahil Beta. Ayaan.

Ayaan - Khoobsurat Maami.

Razia - (rolled her eye's) kaise aana huwa beta. Azlan Zain tum logon ne inhe yahin khara rakha. Inhe andar baithate, naashta karoge beta.

Ayaan - Nahin Aunty hum pee ke aaye hain. (Aahil elbowed him, HARD while Naina giggled and Azlan crushed his cell phone with an been stronger grip) I mean khaa ke aye hain.

Aahil - Nahin aunty mujhe thori der ho rahee hai main bas in sab ko bolne aaya tha that I'm having a party on the weekend and I'd love for all of them to come. Agar aap sab ki ijazat ho toh.

Ayaan - I also wanted to let you guy's know that I'm having a concert at Rogue Thursday Night. It'll be much better than his lame party on the weekend. If you can't make it there please make it to mine. I'm sure the cl- (stopped himself in front of the elders) COPS can't come but the ladies (smiling directly at Naina much to Humeiras annoyance) please do. (Razia was about to say something when Maya stopped her)

Salma - Hum sochke bataenge beta. Aakhir bauhat saare baatein factor rakhtee haina beta. Abhi hum yahan laute hain aur tum logon ki sagai bhi nahin hui. Ladki yaani ghar ki izzat ka maamla hai. (Aahil and Ayaan stood there not understanding but agreed none the less)

Maya - Kaam kaise chal raha hai Beta.

Ayaan - Fantastic, thanks for asking. (Maya raised an eyebrow at him while Aahil rolled his eye's trying to remember why it was he brought him along again) but you weren't asking me.

Maya - No I wasn't.

Aahil - Acha toh hum chalte hain (Smiled at Anaya who blushed prettily)

Ayaan - please do come all of you. Warna kya haina (smiled at Naina) mere naina, meri naina ko dhoondte raheinge (Naina, Kajol and Maya burst out laughing while Humeira looked furious for some reason)

Aahil - Okay we're leaving (grabbed him by the collar and began dragging him out)

Azlan - (sighed) Thank God. Subah Subah uska chehra dekh liya, day's gone to hell. (Seeing Naina happy again and now laughing more than ever was NOT helping matters for him in the slightest)

xxx

Khan Mansion:

Asad was standing in his very obviously compulsively cleaned bathroom, with his shaving cream, wet towel and after shave all perfectly aligned on the counter as he went about his well rehearsed shaving routine he never deterred from. Well, he also normally wasn't living under one roof with a certain Zoya Faroouqui because right as he was about to begin shaving his left cheek-

Zoya - (screeched horrifically and then screamed at the top of her lungs) ALLLAH MIYAN!!! (And a flood of red began cascading down his cheek as he cut himself deep, startled and scared. Still holding his razor he ran out of his room like a mad man, into the living room where his mother had also run in holding her hand which she had burnt and Aisha had dropped a glass of water with the glass shattering to pieces in fright over her scream. However all of the horrified expressions they had as they ran into the living room were left just as horrified seeing Zoya now jumping around holding and hugging a box to herself. With a breathtaking smile but some unshed tears in her eye's)

Dilshad - (approached carefully) Uh Zoya, Kya huwa? Sab theek toh haina. Tumne aise cheekh?

Zoya - Allah Miyan! Phupi! I'm so happy so happy so happy! Dekhiye naa Jeeju ne aur Ayaan waghera sab logon ne kya bheja mere liye (She held up the large box in Dilshad's face, the box which proudly read "PS4". Aisha stared at Asad with a small smile seeing Asad's sad eyes)

Zoya - (hopping around excitedly) Allah Miyan! I can't wait to fire this bad boy up! (Dilshad too smiled a sad smile at Asad who looked away reigning in his emotions and masking it under the only emotion he knew. Anger.)

Asad - Absolutely Ridiculous. (Dilshad and Zoya both turned to him, Dilshad staring apprehensively and Zoya narrowed her eye's at him)

Zoya - (hiding in her laughter) Nice shaving skills Mr. Millionaire Khan.

Aisha - Seriously that cut looks deep Asad you should get a bandaid on that.

Zoya - Yah you should go do that. (Asad ignored her upon Dilshad's insistence, her eye's insistence to be precise)

Asad - Ammi aap ne mera phone kahin dekha hai? (Zoya bit her lip to stop herself from smiling) I have such an important meeting today aur mera phone nahin mil raha, upar se (stared at Zoya. If only looks could kill) I have to go to my meeting with a ridiculous bandaid on my face now. (Zoya, Dilshad and Aisha tried not to giggle while Asad glared at them all especially at Zoya)

Dilshad - No I didn't see it. Where'd you leave it?

Asad - I don't know. I had it at lunch yesterday- maybe I left it in the garden (he walked back to his room as Zoya smiled coyly and Aisha raised an eyebrow at her)

Aisha - What did you do?

Zoya - (smiled innocently) What?

Aisha - Are you looking to get killed? (Zoya just made an angelic look back at her and Aisha shook her head) I don't have time for this I gotta go. (She rushed to the door)

Zoya - Phupi Aap mere saath kheleingi?

Dilshad - Nahin main bilkul nahin kheloongi beta (patted her face lovingly) mere itne saare kaam hain woh chorke main tumhare saath video games thori khelongi. I have an appointment with some new clients. In fact, tumhe khud college ke liye tayaar nahin hona? How about you go get dressed for school and play video games later? (Zoya pouted unhappily before leaving the room to go get dressed just as Asad came out of his room)

Asad - Ammi, main chalta hoon. Phone mila toh batayee ga.

Dilshad - Did you try calling it? (Asad stopped dead in his tracks, feeling rather foolish and Dilshad bit back a smile)

Asad - Ammi woh actually..main..I- Abhi..

Dilshad - I'm sure you thought of it (Asad just looked away still feeing foolish)

xxx

Azlan's Car:

Azlan - Who the hell does he think he is? Coming into my home and talking shit to me. What is he anyway? A nothing. A nobody. He hides behind Asad Ahmed Khan that's all. It's always, Asad did this and Asad did that. Asad ka chamcha.

Naina - Is your problem with him or with Asad?

Azlan - Excuse me? (Zain, Kajol and Humeira exchanged worried looks)

Naina - You heard me. Is your problem with Ayaan or is your problem with the fact that HE is Asad Ahmed Khan's best friend. Something you USED to be. (Zain and Kajol stared at her in disbelief. She was never supposed to bring that up)

Azlan - (pissed off) MY PROBLEM is with that piece of shit himself and if you're too blinded by his good looks and charming smiles to see him for what he really is then I can't help you.

Naina - (equally fuming) Being blinded by someone's looks and not seeing them for who they are is your area of expertise Azlan NOT mine. And pray tell WHAT is it that you have against him. What does what is he "really" even mean? He is a good son, a good citizen, a LOYAL friend something you wouldn't know anything about. An entrepreneur who works hard to manage his business? And don't even TRY to throw the nature of his business in my face because not only would that make you look stupid it would make you a hypocrite because a night club is the same place where you have spent every night of your life since you were 15. Don't even TRY to act like your better than him. If anything, your worse. At Least Ayaan doesn't try to be something he's not. He is what he is and it's out in the open. He doesn't hide things from the people he loves. (Azlan's eyes snapped up to meet her tear filled one's but she only held them for a second before she threw open the car door and walked into her college)

Azlan - Whatever. Doesn't change the fact. We are NOT going to that party or that concert no matter what.

Humeira - (in her head) I don't know about you but I'm going to that concert.

xxx

Dilshad Industries:

Asad walked inside his cabin to find Prasad waiting for him.

Prasad - Sir, aap kal raat se kahan the? Main aap ko kal se contact phone karne ki koshish kar raha hoon. Mr. Whitman ka kal raat late phone aaya tha woh subah aapke saath conference karna chahte the to go over the final terms of the agreement before coming in to sign par aap phone hi nahin utha rahe the. Unhone aaj early morning phir call kiya aur bauhat ghussa hue. He thinks we're being unprofessional, pehle shaadi ki wajah se delay aur ab yeh. Sir aapka phone aap hamesha answer karte hain..

Asad - (held his head) Shit. No..we must get this deal. I can't afford the loss at this point, especially not to the Siddiqui's.

Prasad - Sir aapka phone-

Asad - I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME DAMMIT. (Prasad just jumped back scared as Asad reached for his office phone)

xxx

IMA:

Zoya was walking through the college listening to songs on her iPod with her characteristic smile on her face even as her eye's scanned the place as if in search for someone, when suddenly her phone began ringing making her jump with fright except it wasn't her phone that she was getting so happy about.

Zoya - Hello?

Asad - AAP!!

Zoya - Not bad Mr. Khan. Meri awaz itni jaldi pehchaan gaye (Asad's ears turned red on the other end)

Asad - Itni MEETHI jo hai. The cut on my face doesn't let me forget. (Zoya rolled her eye's when he bellowed all of a sudden making her scream and jump in fear and making people stare) WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH MY PHONE?

Zoya - Me. Nothing, Mr. Khan (comfortably took a seat on a bench, crossing her legs beneath her. Not paying attention to the other girl on the bench) I'm just holding on to it until you're ready.

Asad - (a muscle jumping in his jaw, a clear sign that his patience was running thin) Ready? Ready for what.

Zoya - Ready to apologize.

Asad - (incredulously) APOLOGIZE??!! LISTEN TO ME IF YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY IN THE SLIGHEST, I'll tell you that it is NOT. Uss mein mere saare contacts, notes, I HAVE IMPORTANT PHONE CALLS-

Zoya.- Bla Bla Bla. YES APOLOGIZE Mr. Khan, itna shock kyun ho rahe hain?

Asad - Apologize for WHAT?

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN!! (She then realized she was in a public place and people were beginning to stare so she calmed down a bit) FOR WHAT?? Bas hamari ek ke baad ek mulakat yaad kijiye aapko javaab khud ba khud mil jayega. Especially ek bauhat hi recent mulakat-

Asad - Quit the riddles. Seedhe seedhe buleye. I need my phone-

Zoya - Toh seedhe seedhe suniye. I want you to apologize for the not so nice comment you made about me on the night of the mehndi at the farmhouse regarding your money. The minute I hear the words I am SORRY Zoya, I will return your phone to you okay-

Asad - Aap-

Zoya - Nice talking to you too Mr. Khan, Allah Fiz. (Zoya shut the phone and giggled to herself not realizing the grave she was digging for herself while on the other hand Asad hurled his phone across the room startling Prasad and breathing fire himself. He seethed with anger as he leaned forward on his desk)

Asad - Ms. Zoya Farooqui. You are crossing a line.

xxx

Continued in next post...

Part 12 updated

xxx

Back at IMA:

Zoya - That's right Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan. Sorry toh aapko BOLNA hi parega, Zoya Farooqui se panga liya aapne, yeh aapko bauhat mehnga par sakta hai. (She put the phone back in her bag when she finally spotted the pretty girl who was sitting on the bench with her, she saw tears running down her face and Zoya being Zoya was NOT happy to see that)

Zoya - (held out a napkin for her) Aapko bhi kissi babar sher Ahmed Khan ne kuch bola hai?

Naina - (looked at her surprised and a little scared by what she said) what?

Zoya - (laughed) Matlab aapko bhi kissi bauhat hi khudoos ladke ne kuch kaha hai kya?

Naina - (taking napkin) Ek ladke ne kuch kaha nahin hai. Yehi problem hai.

Zoya - Ahh, woh wala ladka hai aapka. Shy type ka.

Naina - Duffer type ka.

Zoya - Matlab pyaar karta hai par kehta nahin hai.

Naina - (staring into nothingness) Pyaar hi nahin karta.

Zoya - Haw! Aap ITNI pyaari ho, Aapse pyaar nahin karta? Andha hai kya?

Naina - (laughed) Andha bana dene ko dil karta hai.

Zoya - Woh toh aapki smile hi kar degi (Naina looked at her and Zoya winked playfully)

Naina - You're very sweet. I'm sure aapke wala (pointed to her phone) jaldi sorry bol dega.

Zoya - (smiled a mischievous smile) Sorry, toh unhe bolna hi parega. Par aap jaanti nahin ho woh kitne Akdu hain. Ya toh sorry boleinge ya mujhe jaan se maar daleeinge.

Naina - (laughed) I'm Naina. (Held her hand forward)

Zoya - (shook her hand) Zoya

Naina - very pleased to meet you Zoya..

Zoya - Same here, what program are you in?

Naina - Creative writing.

Zoya - Ahh, beautiful and intelligent and still he's clueless? Are you sure he's the one?

Naina - (stared at her) he's always been the one.

Zoya - childhood love? (Naina nodded)

Naina - What program are you in?

Zoya - I'm in Journalism & Media but I'm also taking some Business courses. Which reminds me, I'm late for my dance class. Do you mind- (She grabbed her bag rushing to her feet as Naina stared at her a little lost) It was lovely to meet you Naina.

Naina - (watching her run off) Dance class, in a Journalism program?

But as Zoya was running to the class room a bike cut through her path making her stop in her tracks. Zoya was just about to yell at the rude person and Badtameez driver when the driver pulled off his helmet making the blood drain from her face and her heart nearly stop beating. Fear grip her heart all at once and images, haunting images from her past came rushing back to her. While the guy, a rather handsome young man just smiled at her devilishly.

Guy - Hello Zoya. Long time no see. I've missed you baby. (Zoya's whole body broke out into a cold shiver seeing that hideous smirk after so long. She shuddered and took a couple of staggering steps back before attempting to run from there. Run anywhere. But far from him. But before she could get away the loser's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist making her whole body go cold, freeze and fill with disgust)

Guy - Not this time baby. I have been waiting for the day I got to lay my eye's on your pretty face again for the better part of 7 years. You can run all you want but you can't hide. Because I will catch you no matter what. I have claimed you as mine and Sameer Anand ALWAYS gets what he wants and you baby (bringing his face close to her making her coil back in fear and disgust) you are mine. This time, your screams, your kicks, your feistiness and even your angel in disguise your little knight in shining armour won't help you. I WILL get you baby. I WILL claim you as mine. That's a promise. (Zoya turned around ready to smack him. Angry tears running down her face but he caught her hand right in time)

Sameer - The ever so Feisty Zoya Farooqui. God how I missed that fire, that spark. (He kissed her hand much to Zoya's disgust before he began walking backwards from her) I'll be seeing you soon babe. (He walked away whistling and swinging his key's while Zoya stood there too shocked and too numb to move. It was as if life had just gone back 7 years in time and she was standing right where she had started running from)

xxx

Haveli:

Razia - Haan, Haan zaroor. Theek hai. Kal milte hain. Allah Fiz. (She put the phone down and stared at all the elder's sitting around the room, clearly agitated and unhappy and wanting to say something)

Maya - (flipping the page in her book without saying anything) Kuch kehna hai Kya Razia Bhabi?

Razia - (adjusting her dupatta) Ab main bolongi toh bologi ke bolti hai. Haseena ka phone aaya tha. Yeh samajh lijiye hamari Barbadi ka paigham bheja usne.

Shireen - Hai Allah. Kya huwa Bhabi? Haseena Bi ne yahan Ghunde kyun bhej diye?

Razia - (rolled her eye's as did everyone else) Allah Shireen usne ghundon se bhi barkar hatra bheja hai.

Shireen - Hai Allah aisa Kya bhej diya bhabi?

Razia - Paigham.

Shireen - Paigham kaun hai Bhabi?

Razia - SHIREEN (wanting to strangle her much to Maya and Salma's amusement) Haseena ne paigham bheja hai ke kal hum usko Dilshad ki boutique pe milein. Anaya ke lehnge ke design ke liye (Anaya who was sitting with them also panicked) Ab KYA hoga? Aisa kaunsa bahana banaun ke maan jaye woh aur humme uss Dilshad ki manhoos chaukat pe kadam na rakhna pare.

Ghaffur - Sirf yihee nahin. Humme Aahil ke liye bhi ek solution dhoondna hoga ke Anaya uss party mein kyun nahin jayegi. (Anaya's face fell, which Salma and Maya both noticed)

Salma - Kyun? Party mein kyun nahin jaa sakti woh. Yeh toh bura lagta hai. Aahil ki insult lagti hai ke woh khud hamare ghar usse invite karne aaya aur-

Ghaffur - (put up a hand) hamare ghar ki betiyan aisi jagaon pe nahin jaatin. Aisi parties mein nahin jaatin. Yeh shareef khandanon ki ladkiyon ko shohba nahin deta. Main Khud Aahil ko phone karke samjha doonga ke hamare ghar ki ladkiyan wahan NAHIN jaa sakti. Par jahan tak baat rahee lehnge ki toh shayad Razia tumhe Haseena ko kuch kehna nahin chahiye. Uski baat mankar wahan lehnge ki fitting ke liye chalna chahiye, kyunki agar hum inkaar karte hain toh shayad usse zyaada shak parega. (Stared at Rashid and Shireen) Agar iss ladke Azlan mein thori si zyaada akal hoti toh woh thora soch samajh ke gifts hareed ta. Dushmanon ke ghar se hareedari kar aaya hai woh. (Rashid burned with anger but as usual stayed silent as did Maya and Salma regardless of how angry they were)

xxx

Zoya was walking down the downtown streets of Kasauli still very shaken from her encounter with Sameer Anand. Her eye's were dry but the fear and the anger were both present. As she fought an internal battle with herself.

Zoya - Kyun Allah Miyan. Ab kyun? Ab toh sab theek ho raha tha. Faizan Bhai ki death ke baad finally AB sab theek ho raha tha aur aap..aap mere saath aisa kaise kar sakte hain? Aap usko mere saamne kaise laa khara kar sakte hain? You know how important this diploma is to me and you know how important it is for me to stay in Kasauli. This is the only reason I have to stay. IMA. Main apne past ke baare mein aur apne Abbu ke baare mein jaan kar hi rahongi aur agar aapi ko patah chal gaya ke main yahan unhe dhoondne ayee hoon ya agar maine school chor diya toh woh mujhe shaam ki pehli flight pe batha ke yahan se le jayengi. Usko bhi poori dunya mein yeh ek hi college mila tha, itna paisa aur power uski maan ke paas agar hai toh kissi international university mein bhej deti na. Yahan hi kyun? (Sudden fear gripped her) Allah miyan agar ussne phirse kuch karne ki koshish ki toh- (she went over his words in her mind and sudden tears rushed to her eye's) he promised he would get his way this time. Allah Miyan ab kya hoga? College chordoon? Aapi se jhoot (and the anger she had felt from just seeing his face before her resurfaced tenfolds) NO. I will not run. NOT AGAIN. I won't let him get to me and I will definitely not let him believe that he beat me. That he broke me. He won't win this time. I won't run and I definitely won't hide. He's wrong and I will make sure he realizes exactly how wrong he is. He will pay for his sins. (Saying so she wiped her tears with the back of her hand and looked up. She was surprised to find the handsome face of Asad Ahmed Khan in front of her. His characteristic furrowed eyebrow's and scowling face ever present as he glared her down. Zoya could see a fire setting in his eye's but she kept her chin up despite her insides shaking, seeing him so angry. But Allah Miyan why did he have to look so damn hot when he was angry. And why couldn't she stop noticing his good looks. The man was an arrogant asshole, why was she still ogling him. She quickly plastered a bright smile on her face but it was useless to hope that Asad hadn't noticed the paleness of her face or her tears)

Zoya - Funny seeing you here Mr. Khan.

Asad - It's my mother's cafe.

Dilshad - (walking past him) Yes. Exactly, it is YOUR mother's caf yet you avoid it like the plague. You can come by to have a bite Asad, we don't bite. (Zoya giggled at Asad who simply narrowed his eye's dangerously at her. His jaw clenched as he tried to control his anger)

Asad - Dekhiye, main aapse koi behas nahin karna chahta. Just give me back my phone.

Zoya - (smiled coyly) Give me back my phone PLEASE (she smiled brightly at him) and I will give you your phone back Mr. Khan just as soon as you say sorry (Asad stepped forth towards her but just as suddenly HIS phone began ringing and both Zoya and his eyes shot towards her bag. Their eye's shot up towards each other at the same time too. Zoya's big and round eyes throwing him off guard by how adorable she looked like that, like a deer caught in the headlights while Zoya smiled even more devilishly and just to rile him up and much to his HORROR she answered the call just as he was about to protest for her not to)

Zoya - Hello, this is Mr. Khan's phone how can I be of help? Meeting, today? (Asad's eyes became wide and fearful and Zoya raised an eyebrow at him) sure. How about (looked at her watch which read 4:30) 5:00 pm. I'm glad to know you're right around the corner from his office (Asad looked towards his watch and when he looked up the poor guy's face was panic stricken, he sprinted towards his car which was parked across the street just as Zoya burst out laughing seeing the otherwise calm and collected Asad all flustered. Asad's grip on his door tightened as he heard her laugh. He turned around and looked at her. A dangerously violent glint in his eye's. The anger that coursed through him in that second nearly set his brain ablaze but he SOMEHOW found the strength to let her live and he got in the car instead just as Zoya walked into the caf, surprised to find one of the baristas smile warmly at her as she did)

Girl - Was that Asad just outside the cafe?

Zoya - (looked back and giggled again) sure was. How do you know Mr. Khan?

Girl - (raised her eyebrow) who doesn't know "Mr. Khan" and I mean come on, he is kind of my boss (pointed around the place and Zoya nodded) in fact I should be the one asking you how YOU know Mr. Khan?

Zoya - (sighed) Don't ask. Unfortunately Jahanpanah meri Behen ke dewar hain. Allah Miyan (shook her head) koi cute sa sexy sa devar nahin de sakte the Aapi ko. Par nahin diye bhi to Akdu Ahmed Khan.

Girl - You seriously complaining about Asad's lack of sexiness to God? Have mercy on your fellow women girl. (Zoya's cheeks turned pink as she conjured a mental image of Asad. Oh who was she kidding, the girl was right, if he got any hotter, women across the world would be in serious danger. She already was.) Let me guess, your Zoya?

Zoya - (stared at her surprised) How'd you know?

Girl - (pointed to a table by the window) that was the same table where your sister agreed to marry Anwar Bhai. The name "Zoya" came up some 500 times. Bhai must've forgotten that I was the one cleaning tables that day and when I clean tables I keep my ears wide open.

Zoya - Bhai? You call Mr. Khan Asad and Jeeju Bhai, your clearly more than an Employee.

Girl - (held out a hand) Shiela Rai. And yes I am more than an employee. I'm a friend of Asad's (Zoya's eyes widened in response)

Zoya - Akdu has friends? Moreover he has "girlfriends"? Not in that sense, but seriously with that attitude who would wanna be friends with him?

Shiela - (laughed) more girls than you know. But you're right. Asad doesn't really do "girlfriends". I'm sure the conversation he just had with you is possibly one of the longest conversations he's had with any girl who wasn't his mother, sister or an employee. I'm actually his friend's girlfriend. My boyfriend Jay works as his bodyguard.

Zoya - You mean like (mimicking Salman Khan) Sabki Aan Sabki Shaan Sabka ek Bhaijaan Aa gaya hai dekho Bodyguard.

Shiela - (laughing) Let's hope the body and the guard don't fall in love like they did in the film.

Zoya - But I have never seen Mr. Khan with a bodyguard.

Sheila - That's the point. No one will know his strengths or weaknesses if they planned on god forbid but attacking him (Zoya nodded) but don't worry my man's always around (Zoya laughed)

Dilshad - Well Sheila, everything looks great here! (Smiled at Shiela) remind me to discuss a raise for you.

Shiela - Ma'am you wanted me to remind you to give me a raise.

Dilshad - (laughed) I'll discuss it with accounting. Zoya this is Sheila our head Barista and Manager and Sheila this is Zoya. How was college beta?

Shiela - College? Are you studying at KU?

Zoya - No IMA. (Suddenly she remembered Sameer and her smile faltered but she tried to make it brighter just so Dilshad wouldn't worry) College was great.

Dilshad - Coffee peeyogi?

Zoya - (stared at the old couple and the young group of friends having coffee on the tables outside the cafe) Nahin phupi mujhe kissi kaam se jaana hai bas aapse kuch baat karni thi. (Dilshad nodded leading her to her office at the back)

xxx

Dilshad Industries: Asad was leaving his cabin for the day when Prasad called out to him.

Prasad - Sir, I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Whitman se phirse baat ho payee hai. They are ready to come in tomorrow to hear our proposal. Sir, this is the last chance they are willing to give us.

Asad - Great. What time? This time we should have NO mishaps.

Prasad - Sir, 3:30.

Asad - Great, I'll be here. You make sure there is no mishap tomorrow. If there is any change in schedule you notify me IMMEDIATELY.

Prasad - On your cell phone sir?

Asad - (clenched his fists, remembering again) No..call on the landline. (Prasad nodded a bit confused but nodded none the less as a tired and haggard Asad left the office)

xxx

Asad's Bungalow:

Azlan - Good Evening Beautiful! (Farida Bi laughed as he kissed her cheek balancing the Chocolate pastries in one arm)

Farida - Good Evening Handsome.

Azlan - Ahh, You know the way to a Man's heart.

Asad - Then why're you wasting your time on that girl Farida Bi?

Azlan - My my, aren't we a little extra salty today? (Asad just ignored him)

Farida Bi - (whispered) Mood kuch zyaada hi haraab hai janaab ka.

Asad - You know I can hear you right? (Azlan looked over to where Asad and Pari were sitting on the carpet building a tower and his eye's widened as he noticed the almost painful expression on Pari's face as she tried to make a perfectly aligned tower which was perfectly color co-ordinated at the same time)

Azlan - (whispered) Oh dear lord, My kid's in soo much trouble. (Farida Bi laughed as he walked further into the room) (just loud enough for Asad to hear) Congratulations A-hole you're turning my kid into as much a freak as you are.

Pari - (smiled at him and waved) Hi Papa. Look what me and Chachoo built (she smiled brightly at Asad breaking Azlan's heart a little and Asad smiled back) It's the world's biggest tower!

Azlan - Is that so. Well look what Papa brought his princess (kissing her cheek) her choclate pastries.

Pari - Yummy!

Azlan - (laughed) That's right princess, Yummy. Do you want me to feed it to you?

Pari - No I want chachoo to feed it to me (Azlan's smile faltered and Asad just stared between them awkwardly)

Asad - Pari. Chachoo's very tired so how about..Papa feeds it to you and you feed it to chachoo?

Pari - OKAY.

Asad - (laughed, bumping his forehead with hers) Okay. Now how about my little robin takes the pastries to Bi and asks her to put them in plates, gets some napkins and some spoons?

Azlan - (raised an eyebrow) we could just eat from the box? (Both Asad and Pari stared at him with wide eyes and such pained expressions they scared him and he lifted his hands) okay, I guess plates it is.

Pari - We have to wash our hands too Papa.

Azlan - But we're eating from spoons (before they could give him the look this time he quickly put up his hands and picked up a giggling Pari and the cakes taking her out of the room as Asad sighed tiredly and closed his eye's)

A little while later - Pari sat ready for bed in Asad's lap as Azlan fed her the pastry and she fed Asad the bite Azlan would prepare for her to give him. Azlan fed himself.

Pari - Batman, why do you look so sad today?

Azlan - Looks as ugly as he does everyday.

Asad - (with his head reclined back) We know you're jealous that I'm batman and you're not, no need to prove it.

Pari - Was someone being a meanie to you?

Asad - (sighed remembering Zoya's laughing face and for a second he lost himself in the memory. Mesmerized just by the memory of her beautiful face. Something which Azlan didn't miss) Ya. Someone was being a meanie.

Pari - Was it a girl?

Azlan - Ya Batman, was a girl being mean to you? Did she hurt your feelings?

Pari - Did you tell her that you're the most beautifulest man in the whole wide world Chachoo (Asad raised a smug eyebrow at Azlan who rolled his eye's)

Azlan - No pari, only you think that.

Asad - Are you telling the poor child that she's lying? Pari what did he teach you about lies?

Pari - (gasped) Lying is bad. Only bad kids tell lies and Allah gets mad at Bad kids.

Azlan - (glared at Asad) That's right. Now you know what good kids do. They go to sleep on time, so how about you be my good little girl and go get ready for bed.

Pari - Will you come tell me a story then Papa?

Azlan - Oh you bet I will!

Pari - Chachoo, hum kal park jaa sakte hain?

Asad - Hmm, let's see. I do have 2 board meetings, a site visit, lunch meeting with clients and a dinner with- but (seeing her crestfallen face) I don't see how any of that is as important as taking my Pari to the park.

Pari - (smiled at him) I love you Batman.

Asad - (lifted her in the air as she giggled before bringing her down and hugging her in a death grip) I love you too Robin. (Azlan smiled at them, happy to see their love and bond and happy to see the smile on Asad's face (though he would never accept it) even if his heart hurt seeing his daughter's obvious love for Asad which far outweighed her love for him)

Pari - (Asad signalled her with his eye's and she smiled at Azlan) Goodnight Papa.

Azlan - Nighty Night Princess. (Pari ran off as Asad sighed closing his tired eye's and slumping further into the sofa) So, who was this girl being a meanie to you? Do you need the police to come tell her to stop stealing your lunch money?

Asad - I don't need you clowns to tell anyone anything thank you very much. (He opened his eye's to see Azlan staring at him in amusement) she's my bhabi's sister. She's staying with us for a while. Absolute nuisance. Musibat. Allah jaane kab jayegi.

Azlan - Log larkiyon ke aane ki duaen karte hain, tum unke jaane ki duaen kar rahe ho? Are you gay?

Asad - Woh larki nahin Musibat hai.

Azlan - (stared at him) Is she hot?

Asad - WHAT?

Azlan - What? It's a simple question. How is she. I mean is she really ugly? Bad looking, you know totally weird looking like Tina from college (Asad cringed and Azlan laughed, making even Asad smile a bit) so what? Dekhne mein kaisi hai buri hai kya?

Asad - (the image of a smiling carefree Zoya dancing in the club, images of her from the wedding, an image of his encounter with her from this morning flashed before his eye's and he was transfixed again) No..she's not..bad..she..she's bea-

Azlan - Ahh, so you like her?

Asad - (jolted upright) I said no such thing...

Azlan - Mind giving me her number?

Asad - (for some reason, got really angry. He felt like punching his face in for reason's that were beyond him. For all he cared the irritating girl could go date whoever the hell it is she wanted) You're an idiot. and I gotta go pick Aapi from the hospital. Later. (Saying so he grabbed his wallet and key's and walked out leaving Azlan staring after him in surprise)

Azlan - Jerk. (He then leaned back on the sofa and flipped the tv on. Having nothing better to do)

xxx

Kasauli Hospital:

Asad was leaning against his car waiting for Aisha when he heard someone call his name. He looked up to find Aisha and Aahil walking towards him.

Asad - (smiled politely) Asalamualaikum.

Aahil - Walaikumasalam (laughed shaking his head) ever so formal. Seriously dude, do you ever loosen up?

Aisha - Not that I know of.

Asad - (rolled his eye's) I thought they only kept interns this late, didn't know you doctor's work just as much as your interns. What's the point of that?

Aisha - Asad like's his employee's to forever live in fear of him. His own employees call him Qayamat.

Asad - (rolled his eye's) that's not why they call me Qayamat.

Aisha - (raised an eyebrow) your modesty always blows my mind.

Aahil - Am I missing something.

Aisha - Ya (laughed) his employees do call him Qayamat but not entirely for the reason's that I told you. They call him Qayamat because yes he is as scary as Qayamat and it sounds apt when you say "Qayamt aa rahee hai" but also because (pointed to him up and down as Asad bit back a smile) "Qayamat aa rahee hai".

Aahil - (laughed) Well, he's good looking and he knows it. Why fake the modesty? It's no secret around town either. Half the city is full of Asad Ahmed Khan's fangirls (Aisha shrugged in agreement) anyway's I was hoping to run into to you Asad. Actually I'm throwing a party this weekend, for all the colleagues and employees of the hospital. A mixer of the sort so I can get to know everyone better. Since you're our chief trustee it would only seem fit if you came as well. It would really mean a lot. Don't tell Zoya though.

Aisha - Why?

Aahil - (laughed) I haven't invited her yet and trust me you don't want to be at the receiving end of her anger.

Asad - (muttered, remembering again) she won't want to be at the receiving end of mine either.

Aahil - So can I expect to see you guy's there? It's a little out of town. I'll give you the address tomorrow Aisha. (Aisha looked towards Asad expectantly and he smiled at Aahil)

Asad - I'll let you know soon. We'll try our best to make it. (Aahil nodded)

Aahil - Well I guess I'll see you soon tomorrow then Aisha, remember your assisting me in Mrs. Malhotra's surgery. And Asad you should be proud of your sister. She's going to make one hell of a doctor some day..(Asad smiled as Aisha blushed and Aahil smiled seeing her blush, his gaze lingering a little longer before he turned around and left)

Aisha - What's wrong with your phone? I tried calling you so many times.

Asad - Don't remind me. (saying so he walked away and Aisha stared after him confusedly)

xxx

Khan Mansion: Asad and Aisha walked in to see Dilshad setting the table, along with the domestic help.

Dilshad - Aa gaye beta. Aao khaana bas tayaar hai.

Asad - Ammi actually main khaa chuka hoon, client's ke saath. Please bas mujhe ek coffee bana dijiye (Dilshad sighed shaking her head at him)

Dilshad - Okay. (As she turned to make coffee for him she noticed him staring all around the house and specifically towards Zoya's room) kya huwa? Kya dhoond rahe ho?

Asad - Zoya, I mean Ms. Farooqui - (Dilshad bit back a smile) kahaan hai woh? Ab tak ghar nahin aayee.? (Looked to the clock) Ammi it's past 8! Usse phone kijiye aur boliye ghar aane ko. JALDI.

Dilshad - Asad, calm down beta. Abhi aajayegi meri baat hui hai usse..woh - (just then the door opened and a gloomy looking Zoya walked in. She walked to the dining room and smiled bright at all of them. Asad just glared at her in response)

Zoya - (rolled her eye's) Subah ho ya shaam. Aap hamesha hi ek hi emotion kyun zahir karte hain. 24 ghante ghusse mein rehte hain (shook her head)

Asad - Jisse aap saam keh rahee hain woh RAAT hoti hai and let's get one thing straight Ms. Farooqui, iss ghar ki aurtein raat mein bahar nahin jaatin-

Zoya - (laughed) kyun raat mein bahar jin hote hain? Aapko jinon se dar lagta hai Mr. Khan?

Asad - (put up a hand) main aapse iss baat pe koi arguement ya discussion nahin karne waala. Iss ghar ki aurtein sab 8 baje se PEHLE ghar pe hotin hain aur jab tak aap iss ghar mein hain. Aap BHI iss baat ko respect kareingi aur 8 baje se pehle ghar ke andar hongi. Am I CLEAR. (Giving her one stern look and recognizing that rebellious glint in her eye's he knew she was going to start arguing soon so he walked away, leaving no room for discussion and Zoya just fumed behind his back)

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN PHUPI! What's wrong with him! Yeh Jahapanah exactly khud ko Kya samajhte hain? Aise apne hukam suna ke chale jaate hain ke-

Dilshad - (smiled, a little worried by their growing fights) Tum woh sab choro, aao khaana kha lo. (Zoya too smiled back)

Zoya - Ji.

xxx

Continued in next post...

Part 12 Continued...

xxx

A little while later:

Zoya was stuffing her mouth with chips while playing on her playstation. The volume blaring and Zoya's live commentary was the cherry on top. While Zoya enjoyed her video game Asad who was suffering from a major headache was not faring well with all the added noise in his usually peaceful house. After having enough, he threw open his bedroom door and yelled storming out to the living room.

Asad - CAN YOU KEEP IT DOWN. I HAVE A HEADACHE A- (he stopped in his tracks and his rant died half way as he noticed the video game, the car race paused on his plasma TV. He stared at the game for a few seconds. A range of emotions passing through him. Jealousy, Envy, his fingers itching to play, craving to play, then anger for not being blessed with the time or the luxury of not being burdened by too many responsibilities so he could spend time playing video games like he always wanted to)

Aisha - Asad, you want a coffee for your headache (Asad turned his attention from the screen to Aisha and nodded simply and then turned to Zoya. He cringed seeing the crums of chips on her face and on the ground while she just rolled her eye's and resumed her game. Asad however, made no move to leave. His eye's were glued to the screen, he was hooked. It was as if he were in love. He coiled his fingers into fists as he watched her play to stop himself from yanking the controller from her hand and play himself. Zoya screamed and cursed loudly as she lost and Asad surprised himself by cursing as well and banging his fist on the sofa making Zoya raise an eyebrow at him)

Zoya - you wanna play Mr. Khan? (Asad just ignored her and took the coffee from Aisha's hand just as Zoya's phone pinged and she opened her message, only to scream so loudly she caused Asad to nearly spill the boiling hot cup of coffee all over himself) ALLAH MIYAN!! Woh aa raha hai..woh sach mein aa raha hai. OMG AYAAN I LOVE YOU. (Asad's grip on the cup tightened and something pained in his chest. He didn't understand what it was but he hated feeling) Only you could've arranged this meeting. Main jaanti hoon woh sirf mere liyi hi aa raha hai..aur main bhi usse dekhne zaroor jaongi.

Asad - Dekhiye yeh sahee baat nahin hai. Aap kissi ladke se milna chahti hain..woh bhi akele?

Zoya - No, main akele nahin jaa rahee hoon..bauhat saare log honge wahan (The two siblings just stared at her confused) Ayaan ne mere kehne pe honey singh ka concert arrange kiya hai..at Rogue. AUR MAIN USSE MILNE ZAROOR JAONGI! Aap log bhi aoge na?

Aisha - (exchanged a quick look with Asad) Nahin..main nahin aa sakti.

Zoya - (horrified) Kyun?

Asad - Because mujhe kaam hai

Zoya - Haan toh? Aap ko kaam hai na, usse Aisha ke na jaane ka kya tuk hai..hum dono chaleinge na. Akdu apna kaam kar leinge.

Asad - (trying to control his anger) Main aap dono ladkiyon ko akele raat mein down town jaane ki permission nahin de sakta so even you are not allowed.

Zoya - WHAT??!!! NOT ALLOWED.

Asad - Yes. Mera ghar hai mere usool hain.

Zoya - MR. KHAN. AAP PLEASE APNI YEH 1960 ki PURANI PHILOSOPHY APNE PAAS RAKHIYE KE LADKIYAN RAAT MEIN AKELI BAHAR NAHIN JAA SAKTIN. AISI BAATON SE MERA PARA BAUHAT UPAR - (She jumped on to the sofa glaring down at him much to Asad's horror who looked away pretending that if he couldn't see her then she wasn't actually standing on the sofa just to calm his OCD down) CHAR JAATA HAI

Asad - AAP KHUD BHI BAUHAT UPAR CHAR CHUKI HAIN. NEECHE UTARIYE, JALDI. (Zoya looked down and then back up stupidly and Aisha signalled her to get down before yanking her down herself and Asad glared at her as Aisha made a move to clean the already clean sofa)

Zoya - Abhi buliye, main jaa sakti hoon?

Asad - No. Like I said. My house, my rules. (Zoya fumed with anger looking away from him and crossing her arms while Asad gave one last look at the TV before walking away. Aisha stared between them both worriedly)

xxx

Farooqui Mansion:

Aahil came downstairs to grab himself a glass of water when he spotted a light coming from the living room. As curiosity got the better of him he walked towards the room and was surprised to see his grandmother sitting there watching old home movies.

Aahil - Daadi? (Shazia panicked and quickly made an attempt to wipe her tears and plaster on a smile as she turned around)

Shazia - Arre Aahil beta, tum itni raat ko jaag ke kya kar rahe ho?

Aahil - Main toh abhi thori der pehle hi kaam se lauta hoon. I should be the one asking you that question.

Shazia - Main kuch nahin neend nahin aa rahee thee. So socha bas yeh dekh loon. Faizan ko dekhne ka bauhat dil kar raha tha..

Aahil - (smiled taking a seat beside her) Ayaan's 8th birthday? (Laughed as he saw an 8 year old Ayaan huffing and crossing his arms angrily as Faisal, Faizan and Ayaan's actual mother together with a 4 year old Zoya cut Ayaan's birthday cake happily. They then watched them play musical chairs followed by Ayaan crying because Zoya stole his fire truck, the movies then changed to just a few years ago. Some random video in their house where they were all sitting together in the family room watching Ayaan and Zoya dance like monkeys up on the coffee table, Faizan laughing the loudest) (Aahil laughed at their craziness and turned to find his Daadi's eyes swimming with tears)

Shazia - Ab charon aur bas khamoshi hi khamoshi hai. Sirf Andhera hai aur sanata hai. Ek waqt tha jab hamare ghar jitni raunak shayad aur kissi ghar mein nahin thi aur ab dekho. Mera beta bhi khamosh hogaya (as the video ended on Faizan's smiling face) aur mera ghar bhi.

Aahil - (stared at her and then back at the screen which was frozen on Faizan's smiling face as he hugged Zoya) Faizan Bhai ki khamoshi toh hamare bas mein nahin thi Daadi, par iss ghar mein joh khamoshi chaa gayee hai, jo andhera cha gaya hai, uski zimedaar aap khud hain and you know that. You let her go. You let the brightness, the life of our house go. What did you expect was going to happen? Aur ab yeh videos dekh ke usse yaad karne ka koi faida nahin hai Daadi. Jab woh yahan thi tab toh aap ne uski value nahin ki aur ab (shook his head) Ab woh KABHI laut ke nahin ayegi. And that's all on you.

Shazia - (angry tears in her eye's) aur main chahti bhi nahin hoon ke woh aye. Acha hua gayee. Bala tali hamare sar se. Uske manhoos kadam hi the jo mere ghar ki khushiyan le gaye. Pehle meri bahu, phir mere Faizan ke 3 bache aur phir mera - (her voice cracked) WOH LADKI..mere liye KOI maine nahin rakhti, aur mere ghar mein aaj bhi uske liye KOI jaga nahin hai. (Aahil just scoffed nodding along to whatever she was saying even though he knew what the truth was. But he wanted to let her believe what she wanted to so he just walked out letting her cry out her pain alone)

xxx

The Next Day - Haveli:

Azlan came barging through the doors to the family room like a raging bull.

Azlan - WHAT ON EARTH IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU.

Rashid - Azlan, tameez.

Azlan - Oh hell with Tameez Abbu.

Salman - AZLAN! Yeh kya tareeka hai apne baap se baat karne ka!

Azlan - AISE BAAT NA KAROON BABA TOH AAP LOG SUNTE KAHAN HO. HAMARI KHAMOSHI, HAMARE DIL KI BAAT, DIL KE HAAL TOH AAPKO DEKHAYEE NAHIN DETE. AISE BOLEINGE TOH HI TOH SUNAYEE DEGA AAPKO.

Ghaffur - Tumhare dil ke haal, Hum achi tarah se samajh bhi rahe hain aur dekh bhi rahe hain (staring out the doors to the family room where he could see the girl he had brought home last night, now leaving and Azlan rolled his eye's at his failure to see what was going on)

Azlan - Maamu please main uske baare mein nahin. Aapi ke baare mein baat kar raha hoon.

Ghaffur - Aur main BHI ussi ke baare mein baat kar raha hoon.

Azlan - She likes him. She wants to marry him. The guy is a decent guy unlike what you think my Aapi deserves and YET you're sabotaging their relationship.

Javed - No one is doing anything of the sorts Azlan.

Azlan - Yes you are. Aahil jeej khud yahan aaye the Aapi ko invite karne ke liye aur aap log unhe jaane nahin de rahe. KYUN? Aapi jaana chahti hain. LET HER GO.

Ghaffur - NO WE WILL NOT LET HER GO. (Azlan was about to argue further) AZLAN! ENOUGH!! Bauhat seh chuka hoon tumhari batameezi aur tumhari yeh bachkani harkatein. Humne ek baar keh diya ke woh nahin jayegi toh woh nahin jayegi. Hamare ghar ki betiyan aisi jagaon pe nahin jaati hain. Ek baar unki shaadi ho gayee toh woh usse jahan bhi le jaana chahta hai, le jaye. Par iss ghar ki beti wahan nahin jayegi.

Azlan - It's a GOD DAMN PARTY. Not a brotherl like you used to-

Rashid - (Raising his hand) AZLAN!!! (He stopped himself half way and Shireen stormed up to him just as Azlan stared at Rashid in shock)

Shireen - KYA? KYA CHAHTE KYA HAIN AAP? AAPKI BEHEN KO EK AISA RISHTA MIL RAHA HAI JO MERI SAALON KI DUAON KE BAAD NASEEB HUA HAI USSE. ITNA ACHA RISHTA DOBARA MILNA NA MUMKIN HAI. WOH LADKA EK HEERA HAI. AAPKI BEHEN USSE PASAND KARTI HAI AUR AAP EK KE BAAD EK MUSIBAT KHARI KAR RAHE HAIN. PEHLE HI AAP KI WAJAH SE USKI SAGAYEE KA LEHNGA HUMME DILSHAD KHAN SE BANWANA PAR RAHA HAI, AAP SOCHIYE AGAR UNHE KAHIN SE BHI HUMARE AUR UNKE KE RISHTE KI BHANAK BHI PAR GAYEE TOH KYA HO SAKTA HAI. PAR NAHIN AAP KO SIRF BATEIN BIGHADNI AATI HAIN BANANI NAHIN. YEH EK PARTY HAI AZLAN. ANAYA KI USKI SHAADI HO RAHEE HAI SHAADI KE BAAD WOH JITNI PARTIES PE CHAHE JAA SAKTI HAI HUM USSE NAHIN ROKEINGE. PAR YEH EK PARTY PE NAHIN JAYEGI TOH KOI KAYAMAT NAHIN AA JAYEGI. AB HUM AAPKO AKHRI BAAR BOL RAHE HAIN. AGAR AAPKI WAJAH SE AAGE KOI GADBAD HUI..YA YEH RISHTA TOOTA. TOH MUJHSE BURA KOI NAHIN HOGA AZLAN. KUCH HI DINON MEIN AAPKI AAPI KI SAGAYEE HAI..AGAR AAPKE BAATON YA AAPKI HARKATON (pointing in the direction of where the girl had just left from) KI WAJAH SE ISS RISHTE MEIN KOI BHI RUKAWAT AYEE TOH HUMSE BURA KOI NAHIN HOGA(shook her head) AUR ABHI KE ABHI MAAFI MANGIYE APNE MAAMU JAAN SE. AUR AINDA AISI GHATIYA BAAT NA SUNON MAIN AAPKI ZUBAAN SE- (Azlan shook with rage but turned to his maamu none the less. For his sister only.)

Azlan - I'm sorry maamu. Dobara aisa nahin hoga. I'll make sure main kuch aisa naa karoon jiski wajah se yeh rishte mein koi gadbad ho. I promise. (Saying that he turned on his heels and left from there)

Ghaffur - Hum ab bhi keh rahe hain Rashid aur Shireen. Yeh ladka kuch na kuch gad bad toh karega.

Razia - Hmm (adjusting her dupatta) lagta hai iske paun mein zanjeerein daalne ka waqt aa gaya hai Shireen.

Maya - Zanjeerein janvaron ke pairon mein daali jaati hain Razia Bi. Insaanon ke nahin.

Razia - (ignored her) Mera matlab hai Shireen, Anaya ki shaadi ke fauran baad na. Iski bhi shaadi kar do. (Shireen looked at her a bit surprised while Maya and Salma exchanged shocked and worried looks)

xxx

Khan Mansion:

Asad came out of his room halfway dressed for work, the irritation, anxiety and itch in his fingers eating him alive. He needed his phone. And he was ready to swallow his pride and ask her for his phone. He saw her strolling about the living room in her Pajamas munching on a pack of chips. Seriously how much did this girl EAT?! And chips for BREAKFAST? Just as he approached her and stood by her he heard his cell phone ring again.

Zoya - (stared all around the room and began singing in a low voice) 153 missed calls and 73 messages. A full voice mailbox and a couple of dozen e-mails (Asad was massaging his forehead trying to keep his calm but it really wasn't working)

Dilshad - (called from the living room) Asad..Kya kar rahe ho? Phone uthao na. Kabse baja jaa raha hai.

Zoya - Haan Mr. Khan. Phone uthayee na. (Asad looked at her LITERALLY wanting to strangle her now but she looked away and continued munching on her chips making him cringe uncomfortably before looking away and stomping away from there)

Dilshad - Arre, phone-

Aisha - (yelled from upstairs) ASAD PICK YOUR PHONE UP! YOUR OFFICE IS CALLING ON THE LAND LINE NOW!! (Asad just banged his room door loudly as he heard Zoya start laughing again. He held his head growling in frustration..ripping at his hair as the same wildness returned to his eye's again..unimaginable anger coursing through him as he smacked the wall in frustration before ripping open a pack of cigarettes and lighting one to calm down)

A few minutes later: Zoya was sitting in bed reading through her textbook when she heard a knock on her door. She looked up just as the door opened to reveal the ever so handsome Asad Ahmed Khan enter. She narrowed her eye's at him as she saw him enter but freeze at the door. His eye's wide and horrified as he stared around the room in fright. There were clothes everywhere, textbooks, books and papers everywhere else, food and empty food wrappers on all grounds and surfaces, the drawers and cupboards were all thrown open and her bed was undone.

Zoya - Yes?

Asad - Look (he stepped forward and crushed some chips beneath his thousand dollar shoes making him roll his eyes and let out a low growl of frustration) I don't want to argue with you but I need my phone back. NOW.

Zoya - (smiled sweetly at him again) and I too said it to you once. I want a please, a sorry and a thank you once I give it back to you IF I give it back to you when you say those words, okay? Nice talking to you too Mr. Khan (Asad stared at her confusedly..baffled by all that she had just said. She however, calmly jumped off the bed and ran into the bathroom after grabbing her towel leaving him staring after her with a murderous gleam in his eye's)

xxx

A little while later - Park: An old man limped his way towards the swings in the park where he could see a guy dressed as a complete rockstar, with a leather jacket, fake piercings. line beard sunglasses and jeans push a little girl on the swings who was dressed like a witch. Since the park was early it was mostly empty just a few old people walking and a few young individuals jogging. The old man approached them and the witch giggled while the rockstar stared him up and down.

Old Man - Ha- Ha very funny.

Rockstar - It is.

Old man - You- (he stopped himself from saying anything seeing the little witch watching them and he took over from the rockstar and began pushing her on the swings as the little witch laughed)

Later: Asad, Azlan and Pari sat on the porch swing of Asad's bungalow. Pari was enjoying an ice cream still in her witch costume while Asad had taken off his beard and fake piercings and Azlan had completely changed. Asad had a bemused smile on his face while Azlan went on a rant.

Azlan - Whose stupid idea was this anyways?

Pari - (gasped) Papa..you said a bad word!!

Asad - Oh pari (covered her ears) you don't know half the shit your stupid father has said and done (he then uncovered her ears while Azlan glared at him before turning to Pari again)

Azlan - Yes, I did. And I'm sorry. But seriously whose idea was it anyways to celebrate Halloween everyday and dress up in these silly costumes (Asad and Pari both silently pointed towards him) WHY?

Asad - Because you wanted it to be "FUN" you wanted to have something "fun and crazy" to share with your daughter. This is why I abhor all things funny and crazy (and suddenly an image of Zoya popped up in his mind again)

Azlan - No. I did it because I wanted a way to be able to go out with my daughter (stared at Pari who was now watching cartoons) without being caught or noticed.

Asad - Still. It was your ridiculous idea so it's only fair that we get first pick over the costumes and you get punished with whatever costume we leave for you for forcing this idea upon us in the first place.

Azlan - (sighed) how will this continue..how long till it get's out? We can't keep this hidden forever.

Asad - (muttered) I never wanted to hide it in the first place. You're the douchebag who had the guts to do the act but can't claim responsibility for the consequences because you're too damn worried about your stinking family name and reputation. Guess you really did go on your Father (Azlan didn't react to the statement. He knew Asad held that grudge and was right in his spot to do so. He had nothing to say to it)

Azlan - Maybe, we should consider boarding-

Asad - You can forget about it. I didn't call you here or LET you be a part of her life so that one day you could send her to boarding school..

Azlan - excuse me? LET ME..you can't LET-

Asad - I CAN AND YOU KNOW IT-

Farida Bi - ASAD!! AZLAN!! (They both looked up to see her standing there and then looked down to see Pari staring up at them wide eyed and shocked. Scared.)

Asad - (closed his eyes feeling foolish) Pari-

Azlan - You know what. The last few days I covered for you because you had family obligations. Now I need you to cover for me, until Aapi's engagement because I can't afford for anyone to see me..with..wi-

Asad - With her or with me?

Azlan - WITH ANY OF YOU.

Asad - Why not give Aapi a heads up. Hey Aapi guess what. Your douche of a brother has a child out of wedlock and he's been hiding it ever since. Wasn't ashamed of the act but is ashamed of his daughter. You may never be able to get married if word got out because of your damned society and your damn family name and reputation.

Azlan - I'm NOT ASHAMED OF HER.

Asad - COULD'VE FOOLED ME.

Azlan - DAMMIT ASAD PLEASE- (Asad stared at him. Both breathing in angrily) PLEASE. You know as well as I that for this (pointed between him and Pari) to work..we need to keep this a secret (Asad sighed and nodded in agreement, understanding reality as much as he hated it. He couldn't believe his Pari was facing the same unfortunate circumstances he himself had to) (Azlan too nodded and then bended down before Pari)

Azlan - K pari. Papa's gotta go to work now. You be a good girl and don't trouble Farida bi too much (Pari was still a bit shaken up but nodded looking to the ground and Azlan kissed her head and left. Then Asad bent down and smiled at her while she continued staring at the ground)

Asad - Hey, robin. (Pari looked up at him with her big adorable eye's and Asad smiled at her holding her tiny hands in his and kissing them) bura laga? (Pari nodded)

Pari - Aap aur papa kyun ek doosre se mad ho gaye chachoo? Aap toh bhai ho na (Asad's face blanched painfully as she asked him that question. A million and one emotions, harsh realities and painful memories surging through him) Bhai kaise ek doosre se mad ho sakte hain?

Asad - Bhai ek doosre se mad ho sakte hain Pari. Jaise aap aur Iron man ek doosre se mad ho jaate ho?

Pari - Par woh toh mera Iron man hai. Papa toh aapke bhai hain.

Asad - Yes but Iron man aapke liye sabse important hai na. Toh jab uski batteries weak hoti hain.. woh aapki baat nahin sunta na. Aap jo chahti ho woh nahin karta, tabh aap usse ghussa hoti ho na (Pari nodded)

Pari - Matlab..Papa ki batteries weak ho gayeen? (Asad chuckled and nodded)

Asad - (muttered) bachpan se hi weak thin (shook his head at Pari) hum dono ki batteries kabhi kabhi weak ho jaati hain..issi liye hum ek doosre pe aise scream kar rahe the.

Pari - Mujhe acha nahin laga jab aap scream kar rahe the chachoo, I was scared.

Asad - No pari. No. I don't want you to EVER be scared. Aap toh mere bahadur beti ho na (Pari nodded smiling bright)

Pari - Brave as you batman.

Asad - Good. Because that's the only way we can save the world. (Pari smiled and wrapped her arms around him tight) Now I need you to go to Sunshine with Farida Bi and have a GREAT day. Khelna koodna..but no too much right..just like we discussed..every 15 minute baad break lena..paani peena aur zyaada bhaagna nahin.

Pari - (nodded) Aap raat ko aaoge Chachu? (Asad looked to Farida Bi uncertainly but then sighed)

Asad - I'll try my best.

xxx

Kasauli Hospital:

Zoya and Aisha were walking linked arms down the hospital corridors enjoying Aisha's coffee break and Zoya's lecture bunking.

Zoya - Allah Miyan..What's wrong with Mr. Khan. Aapi this is actually, unbelievable hunh. Aap unse bari ho ya woh aapse jo aise hukam jaari kar rahe hain aap pe? Mujhe who concert pe nahin jaane de rahe aur aapko iss party pe?

Aisha - Zoya, maana ke main Asad ki bari behen hoon but in our family Asad is the man of the house. He is the head of the house. He handles all the responsibilities and so no matter the age difference me, Ammi and even Bhai listen to whatever he tells us to or not to do.

Zoya - Okay fine, but Aapi this is ridiculous. Matlab unke bina hum kahin aa jaa nahin sakte?

Aisha - No. Just can't go places at night or places too far.

Zoya - Par Aapi iss mein kya harj hai? Yeh toh aapka kaam hai. It's important. And isn't Aahil Bhai your friend. Unhe bhi to bura lagega na if you don't go? Aapke saare colleagues, friends, senior doctors jaa rahe hain. Are you telling me you don't want to go?

Aisha - Now I never said that.

Zoya - Exactly, because you do want to go.

Aisha - Yes but I can't because-

Zoya - Because Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan isn't available and he treats you like a baby and won't let you go anywhere.

Aisha - (sighed) it's not like that Zoya. He's not that bad. the poor boy-

Zoya - Okay I'm going to go ahead and pretend like you never said that. You just tell me one thing do you want to go to Aahil Bhai's party or not?

Aisha - (sighed) I do. Everyone's going. (Zoya nodded and smiled)

Zoya - Then you shall.

Aisha - (narrowed her eye's) what're you about to do?

Zoya - I'm just arranging for way's for you to go to that party.

Aisha - Zoya rehne do Asad kabhi nahin-

Zoya - Aapi please. Mera naam Zoya farooqui hai aur main iss dunya ka KOI BHI kaam kar sakti hoon. Okay. Just leave it to me. (Muttered) I'll find a way around Akdu.

Aisha - (sighed) I have to go on rounds can I trust you to go find Aahil on your own.

Zoya - Of course Aapi..Ma-

Aisha - (her eye's widened) ZOYA N- (But it was too late. Zoya had crashed in to the poor ward boy who had been pushing a trolley of clean scrubs and sheets down the corridor unaware of the fact that hurricane Zoya was here. Zoya fell clumsily on her behind and all the sheets fell all around her. Zoya sat in between the entire mess with a sheepish look on her face while Aisha just held her head shaking it.

A little while later Aahil was walking down the corridor with his lab coat in hand when he jumped in fright a little startled as a giggling and ever so happy Zoya jumped on him from behind throwing one arm around his neck and screaming 'Boo' in his ear.

Aahil - (let out a shuddering scared breath causing her to laugh) you devil.

Zoya - This is she.

Aahil - I was just about to call you, thought you cancelled on our ice cream date.

Zoya - (serious face) WHEN have you EVER known me to cancel on ice cream bhai.

Aahil - Oh yes I forget. It's your second love. (Zoya nodded dreamily and he laughed smacking her head before putting an arm around her as they began walking towards the exit) Good to see you kid. I see your bunking classes already. Proud of you.

Zoya - Bhai, I was bunking classes on the first day. (Aahil laughed) Anyways enough about me you tell me about this party your having on saturday that I don't know anything about (she raised an eyebrow at him as Aahil bit his lip)

Aahil - That. Right.

Zoya - Yes. That.

Aahi - How about we talk about it over 4 scoops of ice cream?

Zoya - How about we talk about it over a large pizza and 4 scoops of ice cream and WE MAY have a deal. (Aahil stared at her wide eyed)

Aahil - Where does all that food go? (Zoya just winked at him playfully before turning around and dancing out of the hospital much to Aahil's amusement)

xxx

Continued in next post...