AsYa FF: Mohabbatein - Part 18 Updated: Pg 140 - 20/12/16 - Page 37

Zoya was sitting on the railing of the barrier that separated the pier from the lake staring out over the water with silent tears running down her face. Still upset over Asad's words. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't even notice anyone around her until that person spoke from beside her..
Rashid - Bad Day? (Zoya looked startled for a second, looking in his direction, not expecting to see him more like anyone there. When she had chosen this spot to wallow in her heartbreak and sadness she made sure no one was around. Zoya being the friendly and warm person, the extrovert she was could charm her way into anyone's heart making them fall in love with her. But today she was upset enough to not want to see anyone, talk to anyone, not even her Faizan Jeeju. Who always made her feel better no matter what the problem. Whether that be him alive and in person or just the memory of him. That is how special he was in her life. The place he held in her heart. But today, If she didn't want to talk to him either that meant that she was truly very deeply hurt.)
Rashid - (Smiled seeing her look at him and then look away with the same sad eye's. It was obvious that she didn't recognize him as the prince of this town, that and seeing the way she was dressed further confirmed that she wasn't from Kasauli. But her sad eye's didn't gel well with him and he wanted to help her feel better. Maybe in turn it would help him feel better) I get it, you don't want to talk about your problems to a stranger. But trust me I am not crazy. I'm a perfectly normal middle aged man with a wife, a daughter, mother, sisters of my own. So I'm not a crazy man out to hurt you. Just a regular man trying to be a good human by making a fellow human feel better (and he did feel better himself as he saw a ghost of a smile appear on Zoya's face) You know kabhi kabhi apnon se zyaada parayon se dukh baantna asaan hota hai. It's easier to open up to strangers than your own loved ones.
Zoya - and what about when you don't have any close loved ones who are there to listen. (Rashid's heart went out to the complete stranger before him. The beautiful and sad girl who seemed like a wonderful human being. She deserved to be happy not sad and alone like that)
Rashid - Well on the other hand sometimes you can be surrounded by people who love you and still feel like there's no one you can turn to, talk to, share your pain with. No one who will understand you. (This time Zoya looked towards him, her heart going out to the stranger before her. She didn't know what it was but it forced her to open up to him and vent her frustration)
Zoya - Meri life mein koi badi tragedy nahin hui hai jiski wajah se main yahan samandar ke kinare baithke aanson baha rahee hoon. Bas meri life mein na ek shaks hai. Jo zaroorat se zyaada rude aur judgemental hai. Khadoos hai (Rashid smiled at her choice of words and animated expressions while talking about this person. It was obvious she held some sort of affection for him because even when she was ranting about him and was angry at him he could see her eye's shine bright twinkle with a certain affection in them. She was angry and hurt but it still didn't allow her to talk too badly about him or wish ill upon him) toh is khudoos aadmi ne (looked to him) Akdu ne aaj bhi mujhe bauhat bura bhala kaha. Pehle bhi kehte hain par aaj unhone kaha toh mujhe zyaada bura laga. Pata nahin kyun. Shayad iss liye ke unhone mere parents ke baare mein kaha ya woh baat ki jo mere dil ko hamesha sabse zyaada dukhati hai. But iss baar meri ghalati bhi itni nahin thi phir bhi woh ITNA (spreading her arms wide) chilaye mere upar. (Pouted) aur mujhe bauhat zyaada bura laga.
Rashid - hote hain. Aise log bhi hote hain.
Zoya - (looked to him) Aur aap. Aap bhi toh sad ho aapki life mein bhi koi khudoos hai kya? (Rashid laughed)
Rashid - Nahin. Mere life mein koi khudoos nahin hai.
Zoya - Toh phir?
Rashid - (sighed) main apni life mein kissi ek insaan ke hone ki wajah se nahin balke kuch logon ke naa hone ki wajah se upset hoon. (He looked at Zoya and could see the unasked question in her eyes and the reluctance to ask. He didn't know what it was but it compelled him to tell her more) Mera pyaar aur mere bache. (Zoya smiled at him sympathetically)
Zoya - I'm sorry. If you don't mind kya main pooch sakti hoon. Kya huwa?
Rashid - (sighed) it wasn't one thing beta. It was a bunch of small things. Bas kabhi kabhi kismat insaan ko itna majboor kar deti hai ke woh chah ke bhi apni kismat aur apne halaaton se lar nahin sakta. (Zoya gave him a small understanding smile) mere saath bhi kuch aisa hi huwa hai. Halaton se majboor hoke maine unhe kho diya (She nodded) aur tum? Tumhari zindagi mein yeh jo khudoos hai kaun hai tumhara pyaar?
Zoya - (looked outraged) KYA!! ME AND AKDU!! Eeek No way!! (Rashid laughed)
Rashid - Kyun? Tum pyaar mein yakeen nahin karti?
Zoya - (her smile vanished slowly as her eyes clouded over with pain) Pyaar (swallowd the painful lump in her throat looking out over the river) pyaar mein toh koi badnaseeb hi yakeen nahin karega. Usse zyaada khoobsurat ehsaas iss dunya mein bhala aur kya ho sakta hai. (Laughed bitterly) aur mujhse zyaada uss ehsaas ke peeche koi nahin bhaaga. Pagalpan ki had tak bhag sakti hoon uss ehsaas ke peeche. Uss ehsaas ko har choti choti cheez mein dhoonti hoon mehsoos karti hoon. Samandar ki lehrein, baarish ka mausam, phoolon ki khushboo, suraj ki kirne khuda ke bande har cheez mein kahin na kahin pyaar chupa hai. Zindagi sabse bara pyaar hai. Par bas woh jo ek insaan bana hota hai jiska pyaar zindagi ki baaki saari kamya sab dukh dard bhula deta hai wohee meri kismat mein nahin hai. Ek waqt tha jab main uss pyaar..uss insaan ke intezaar mein ji rahee thee. Par woh nahin aaya. Instead zindagi ne kuch aisa mor liye ke maine uska intezaar karna aur pyaar chahna chor diya. Ab agar woh aa bhi jaye toh koi faida nahin hai. Main uske laik nahin hoon (her eyes filling with tears again) maine apne dil se samjhota kar liya hai usse pyaar ko apne andar kahin chipa liya hai aur main uska taala kissi ke liye nahin kholne waali. I am in love with just the idea of love but unfortunately God decided I wasn't worthy of love. I'm too broken, too damaged, too unworthy and undeserving. Apparently, me as myself, I'm not good enough to deserve love. There are other things that are conditional in order to deserve love which I don't have. (Shrugged) Love is just not a possibility for me anymore. (Saying so she gave him a bittersweet smile through tear filled eye's and he too gave her a small smile as he hesitantly placed a hand on her head)
Rashid - Beta main yeh toh nahin jaanta ke tumhari zindagi mein aisa kya huwa hai jiski wajah se tumne apne dil ko yun pyaar ke ehsaas se mehroom kar diya hai par Main dua karoon ga ke khuda tumhari zindagi mein ek aisa fairshta bheje jo tumhare dil ke har darwaze, har taale, har zanjeer ko torne pe tumhe majboor kar de. Jo tumhare saare dukh dard bhula de aur tumhe toot ke chahe, taake tumhe kabhi pyaar ki kammi na mehsoos ho. (Zoya gave him a sad smile)
Zoya - Aur main dua karoon gi (moving away from the barrister) ke aapko aapka khoya hua pyaar mil jaye. (Saying so she gave him a real genuine Zoyaish smile and began walking away. She stopped a few feet away and turned around feeling considerably lighter than she had) Thank You!
Rashid - For what?
Zoya -For being a good human (Rashid smiled at her and she smiled back before walking away)

xxx

Khan Mansion:
Asad - Bahar gayee hai TOH JAANE DIJIYE!! EK BAAR USSE KHUD APNI AANKHON SE DEKHNE DIJIYE KE SHEHR KA MAUHAL KYA HAI. BAHAR KYA HO RAHA HAI TOH KHUDHI AKAL TIKHANE AA JAYEEGI USKI AMMI!
Dilshad - ASAD TUM AISA KAISA KEH SAKTE HO-
Asad - KYUN NAHIN KEH SAKTA AMMI! JABSE WOH MERI ZINDAGI MEIN AYEE HAI EK SE EK BAR KE MUSIBAT KHARI KAR RAHEE THI. AAPKE SAAMNE MAINE USSE EK BAAR NAHIN KITNI BAAR BOLA HAI RAAT MEIN BAHAR NA JAANE KO. AGAR ISKE BAWAJOOD WOH GAYEE HAI TOH AAP MUJSE YE MAT EXPECT KIJIYE KE MAIN USSE DHOONDNE JAONGA!!
Dilshad - Asad woh bechari akeli ladki-
Asad - Ammi woh koi bechari nahin hai.
Dilshad - Lekin woh hamari MEHMAN TOH HAI NA ASAD!! TUMHARI BHABI KI BEHEN HAI WOH!! HAMARI ZIMEDARI HAI WOH!! Agar usse kuch hogaya toh kya jawaab deinge hum Anwar aur Zeenat ko..hunh?
Asad - AUR WOH, USKI KOI ZIMEDARI NAHIN HAI. AGAR woh hamare ghar ki mehman hai Bhabi ki saali hai toh usse bhi toh chahiye ke woh apni had mein rahe. Tameez mein rahe, iss ghar ke usool maane, iss ghar ki izzat kare aapki izzat kare. PAR NAHIN, usne aisa kuch nahin kiya. Instead baar baar iss ghar ke rules tore, hamare kehne ke khilaaf gayee, hamare mana karne ke bawajood bhi itni raat ko woh bahar gayee hai. AB AGAR WOH GAYEE HAI TOH WAAPIS BHI KHUD HI AYE. AAP YEH MAT EXPECT KIJIYE KE MAIN USSE DHOONDNE JAONGA! LET HER EGO RULE HER MIND FOR ALL I CARE! (Saying so he stormed to his room and Dilshad stared after him worriedly)

xxx

Meanwhile At Aahils Party:

Aahil and Aisha slow danced to a beautiful romantic number that the DJ had playing. Many of their colleagues had also taken over the dance floor as the atmosphere turned quite romantic. Dim lights, soft music, soft murmurs and then just the two of them. They were openly drowning in each others eye's, their bodies burning with awareness as they danced closely together. Sparks flying between them with each twirl, each touch. They had soft smiles on their faces as they took the time and the dance to get to know each other better.
Aahil - Wow, you're even stronger then I thought of you to be. That must have been hard. Must have taken a lot of courage to get through that time.
Aisha - (bittersweet smile on her face) It did. I admit some days were harder than others. But I had my family as my strength.
Aahil - So Asad actually managed to change your life around. Not just with your surgery but also financially (Aisha nodded) wow. That guy continues to leave me speechless and in wonder of who he actually is. I mean he's younger than me, younger than probably half the room here yet he's writing our paychecks (Aisha laughed) he's so successful but he's sort of intimidating. I mean to be honest when I was climbing the front steps to your house I was literally sweating. I had half a mind to turn around and walk away thinking Asad would punch me for my audacity to even think I could take you to my party myself.
Aisha - Oh really? Then what gave you the courage to come knock on the door anyways?
Aahil - You. (Aisha stared at him with widened eye's. The honesty and sincerity in his eyes causing her heart to beat faster. Her cheeks flushing under his intense gaze) I thought I'd rather take my chances with your overprotective brother then regret later.
Aisha - Even if it caused you a black eye?
Aahil - Even if it caused me two black eye's (twirled her around) you're totally worth it. (Aisha gasped as he pulled her in even closer their breaths mingling causing both of them to breath heavily)
Aahil - (breathless staring at her lips) your turn.
Aisha - (whispered, staring at his lips) Have you ever been in love?
Aahil - (his eyes suddenly darker, causing her to step back a little but his grip tightened around her waist) No. But I know what it is like to start falling in love. (Aisha's eyes snapped up to his and refused to look away. The intensity of his eye's not letting her)
Aisha - Your question.
Aahil - Why did you choose medicine?
Aisha - (her eyes watering up) B..because of my own injury. I.Ii remember lying in the emergency room, crying in pain. My mom helplessly calling for a doctor. But no one came. They were all busy attending a family with much more money then us. They had minor injuries then me but unfortunately more money. All the doctors were told to go attend them before anyone else. I was very small but I decided then and there, I didn't want any other child or any other mother to ever have to feel as helpless as we did. I wanted to help people, heal them without a care in the world about their financial background. (Aahil nodded)
Aisha - Most special day in your life (They continued going back and forth getting to know each other better even as the dance floor began clearing up and the DJ changed yet another song)

xxx

Kasauli:

Zoya gripped the strap of her crossbody bag tighter to herself as she heard footsteps behind her on the deserted and silent dark roads. On the verge of hyperventilating. As her heart picked up pace out of fear. Her flight or fight instincts kicking in. She gulped nervously, her eyes darting left and right out of fear and panic. She wrapped her fingers around something in her purse tightly just as she felt the footsteps approach her closely. She spun around, closing her eyes and without sparing a second began spraying her pepper spray dangerously into the eyes of the sleazy drunk men who followed her. She was not going to let them get to her. She wasn't one to go down without a fight and tonight she had no intention of going down at all. She sprayed one in the eye's and he doubled over and began screaming in pain. She saw another one grow furious at her and reach out to her so she backhanded him. Just as she did, the third one backhanded her violently causing her to fall to the ground with her cheek stinging and her lip bleeding profusely. That slap was sure to leave an imprint. However, she didn't have time to dwell on her pain much longer because she heard footsteps begin approaching her again. She looked up, now genuinely afraid. Her eye's wide and fearful. As pale as a sheet. She began crawling backwards as they smiled sadistically at her and then seeing an alleyway behind her she took her chances and kicked the guy closest to her in his shin before rushing to her feet and running into the alleyway as fast as her legs could carry her. She nearly tripped due to her shaky legs from fear and her disturbed co-ordination due to her frenzied brain functions at the moment, but she steadied herself and continued running none the less. Her heart nearly stopped beating however as she was about to turn the corner onto another street but instead she felt a hand close over her mouth and one wrap around her waist pulling her flush against a rock hard, male body before she was spun around and pinned against a brick wall. Under a dimly lit streetlight, with his body flush against her. They stood toe to toe, nose to nose, their heavy breaths intermingling. A hairs breath between their bodies. He had one hand on her mouth and one wrapped around her waist as he stared down at her tightly scrunched eye's. Her rattling teeth and pale face not sitting well with him. He instantly felt her visibly calm in his hold even without opening her eye's. The touch just felt all too familiar. She knew it had to be him. It was as if she recognized, welcomed his presence. Trusted him. The thought alone made his heart beat faster, making him feel happier than she could know. Made him feel like a better man than he knew he was. Then she opened those big, wide brown eye's of hers he was fast losing his heart to and he lost himself in them. They were his undoing. He glared down at her and she stared back up at him, shaking slightly. The innocence in her eye's playing games with his treacherous heart. He felt so contended, peaceful and just right holding her in his arms. As if all his worries were dissipating. His fears and insecurities abandoning him. He felt whole. Complete. And he never wanted to stop feeling that way. She stared down at his hand over her mouth and he slowly lowered it, his ears reddening as did her cheeks as they realized the awkwardness of their position and he realized rashness of his actions. He immediately let go of her and jumped back as if on fire and immediately felt a void. The feel of her soft warm body up against him had felt just right and the feeling was now causing his heart to beat a mile a minute. He avoided eye contact with her until he saw the sleazy goons come running up to them and stop at a little distance, staring between both of them. Glaring at him in particular. Asad glared back at them. Who were these clowns now. He stared between them and Zoya just like they had been doing and one look at her pale face, fearful eye's, her trembling body and the way she clutched at her shirt in fear gave him his answer. But then as he noticed the cut on her lip, nothing else mattered. He saw red. His mind stopped functioning and over analyzing his actions like he normally tried to (except where Zoya was concerned) and pain and rage like he had barely known before shot through his body.
Asad - (glared at the clowns) Chaar aadmi ek ladki ko maar rahe ho?
Fattest man of them all - Chaar aadmi milke ek aadmi ko maarte hain (and before Asad could calculate their strength & moves and make his own move one of them had threw a punch at him. Without giving it another thought Zoya leapt forward to slap the man who had punched her Jahapanah! Her heart bursting with an overwhelming and unfamiliar emotion. Just the thought of him being in pain or someone hurting him causing her to act so abruptly and recklessly. As if it were her body's natural response/instinct. Fight whoever dared tried to hurt him. However, she may have done it in good intention and thought it would achieve her something but she was half the size of the man she tried to slap. He grabbed the same hand of hers and shoved her aside causing her to go crashing into Asad' arms and him to back up against the wall he was standing by. Zoya clutched onto his shirt near his shoulders as his back hit the wall and he hitched a breath as Zoya's soft body collided with his again. The scent of her hair intoxicating his senses immediately. He stared down nervously as Zoya slowly and hesitantly moved back. His arms hanging mid air around her soft body due to the inertia of their collision. He wasn't holding her or touching her. As she moved back and their heavy breaths intermingled they both felt that all too familiar pounding in their chests. Both instantly losing the warmth and contentment they felt by being each others arms. Asad almost disappointedly looked down to where she was clutching his shirt and she too lowered her gaze. She reluctantly let go of him just as Asad saw another goon rushing up to him. Before Zoya could gather her whims, calm her racing heart or make sense of what was happening his hand had come around her waist again causing her to let out a surprised gasp and his other hand held hers protectively as he spun her off her feet leaving her breathless. The strength of this man leaving her in awe. He picked her up and flew her around as if she weighed nothing. He put her down once she had effectively kicked down two of the smaller goons and the heaviest one in between stood right before her. Unable to stop herself Zoya began raining punches on is chest with her tiny fists compared to his large chest and to her complete and utter shock he just laughed in her face. Seemed like Asad also didn't appreciate that because just as the fat man laughed in Zoya's face Asad punched him in the face causing him to go flying off with the rest. Jahapanah immediately began fighting off the other ghunde leaving Zoya alone and Zoya was thankful for the mercy. Her heart was racing and she needed to calm down her breathing. She watched the scene, the fight unfold in front of her still breathing raggedly thanks to Asad's actions. Zoya gripped her clothes tighter in shock. She stared at Asad scared and worried for him but also for herself. Knowing Asad he'd probably save her from the goons and fight them off but the minute he was done he'd probably turn around and lash her out for putting him in that position in the first place just to avoid acknowledging what he did for her. She watched with a waited breath as they tried to land another punch at him but Asad ripped them apart one by one. Boy could Jahapanah fight! In that one minute he didn't even know but he had Zoya Farooqui swooning. And that was something. Zoya would probably be oblivious if SRK made OBVIOUS efforts to charm her. But Asad didn't even have to try. He was effortlessly sexy to her. She saw as he kicked and punched the living daylights out of the men giving her whiplash. The tough looks he gave them made him look just like an action hero. Where had he learned to fight like that? His every move was calculated and well sought out as if he knew exactly what they would do next which is why they were yet to manage to lay a finger on him. Allah Miyan! How often did Jahapanah fight off Ghunde to save a Kaneez! Zoya hesitantly looked up, unable to hide her surprise at the 4 ghunde who were groaning on the floor in pain as Asad turned his attention back to her. She looked up into his eye's as his chest heaved out due to his heavy breathing. She watched amazed as he heard the tiniest movement, the lowest sound which probably NO one could have heard including her but his sharp ears caught that and before Zoya could marvel over his excellent and sharp hearing skills any further she saw Asad look behind him out of the corner of his eye's and a second later he had gripped her hand in his again and her waist with his other free hand spinning her around causing the ghunda who had tried to sneak up on them to break a beer bottle onto Asad's head. The same bottle that was meant to hit Zoya. Zoya gasped covering her mouth, her heart clenching at the sight of the gash on his head and the blood on his forehead. She could tell just by his stance, the way he was breathing, his unregular uneven breaths that he was enraged now. Furious beyond measure and no one could save these ghunde from his wrath now. And she was right. He first punched the next bottle the gunda tried to break onto his head right into the face of the ghunda and then he punched and kicked, including air kicking the living day lights out of the remaining Ghunde as well. Zoya watched both afraid and amazed. The enigma of a man before her was the last man standing. Zoya felt his gaze on her and turned to see just as she had expected, his furious eyes hurling accusations at her. He looked away immediately as he saw Zoya look at him admirably, gratefully almost tenderly, affectionately and he could NOT have that. He could not have her feeling that way for him. So instead he inhaled deeply trying to steady his breathing, with his back to her and spoke to her in as cold and distant of a voice he could manage.
Asad - Let's go. (And just like that, just hearing his voice had all his hurtful words and accusations come crashing down on her, breaking her little fan fest)
Zoya - Aap Jayee. Main Aa jaongi.
Asad - (he had just about had it with her) Look Ms. Farooqui let me tell you the night will end better for you if you give up this rebellious attitude and stop defying everything I say. Chup chaap mere saath chaliye. Ammi intezaar kar rahee hain.
Zoya - Toh aap phupi se kehdijeyga ke main thori der mein khud ghar aa jaongi. She knows I can take care of myself. (Asad looked around at the ghunde on the ground with a raised eyebrow at her and Zoya raised her chin stubbornly. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction that she was truly grateful to him and thankful that he had showed up when he did) (shrugged) What. I could've fought them off, ab aapko unnecessarily hero bane ka shauk hai toh main kya karoon.
Asad - You wanted me to apologize for misbehaving with you, when you can't thank me for doing you a favour. FOR SAVING your life.
Zoya - I would've but woh kya haina mere maan baap ne (Her voice cracked and Asad could hear the hurt in her voice and see the tears in her eyes) mujhe itne manners nahin sikhaye so (shrugged) unfortunately I don't have the values to thank people. (saying so she glared at him letting him know how hurt she had been from his accusations before turning around and walking away and Asad rolled his eyes to the back of his head before closing them and groaning audibly. Clenching his fists to stop himself from pulling his own hair out)
Asad - Yeh Ladki mujhe chain se jeene nahin degi. (He then looked up and saw her walking off into the distance) MS. FAROOQUI STOP THIS NONSENSE NOW!! AMMI GHAR PE INTEZAAR KAR RAHEE HONGI. (bellowed angrily) MS. FAROOQUI-
Zoya - (turned around, continuing to walk backwards) Mr. Khan mujhpe chilayee mat. Main chahoon toh aapse bhi zyaada unchi chila sakti hoon!
Asad - Toh phir aap akele hi chilayeega kyunki main jaa raha hoon. (He was tired and mentally drained and all he wanted was to swallow a pill and forget about this whole world for a few hours. He looked almost surprised and relieved. He could have almost done a victory dance in that second as he saw Zoya turn around immediately with a more sincere and apologetic look on her face. That pout however should be illegal. He continued staring at her lips unabashedly while Zoya blinked her eye's sweetly at him)
Zoya - Tussi jaa re ho? Tussi na jao. (Asad stared at her with his jaw hanging open, at the little stunt she pulled with him. The devil in this this girl. The attitude on this girl. The Audacity of this girl. This girl who was playing some pretty dangerous games with his heart. He watched her give him a dismissive look before she tossed her hair and walked off.)
Asad - (his ego bruised) FINE!! LEAVE!! SEE IF I CARE!! (Saying so he began stalking away in one direction and she in another)

xxx

Haveli:

Azlan walked into the house to see Kajol and Humeira leaning against the door to the living room clearly amidst their favourite hobby. Eavesdropping. He stared at them curiously. Now what was going on? Just like them, he too was sort of a gossip lover so he casually walked up to them and leaning over them also began eavesdropping.

Azlan - (whispered) what're we listening to? (Kajol and Humeira nearly screamed in fright as he spoke from right above them. Spinning around so fast to see who the intruder was they ended up banging their foreheads together much to his amusement. He grinned back at them brightly as they glared at him in response) So what's going on? (Kajol and Humeira exchanged apprehensive glances. Should they tell him? But that only further raised his curiosity. And seeing the way he crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow at them, they knew he wasn't about to let this go. So they decided that they might as well tell him)
Humeira - Aapke Abbu..woh-
Azlan - (panicked) Kya huwa Abbu ko? Woh theek toh haina.
Kajol - Yah, he's fine but..
Azlan - But?
Kajol - He, uh..went to meet Asad's Ammi today. Dilshad Aunty at her Boutique. (The minute Kajol finished telling him, the disbelief and disappointment, the question and confusion of why he would do that was etched on his face) to convince her to make Aapi's lehnga so Haseena Bi has no doubts.
Azlan - He went there even after everyone told him not to.
Humeira - (hesitantly broke it down to him) That's not the worst part.
Azlan - What's the worst part? She refused to make it? Or let me guess (he clenched his jaw, speaking trough gritted teeth, unable to hide his immense anger at Asad) Asad forbid her from making it.
Anaya - No. He didn't. (They all turned around to find a very angry Anaya standing behind them. Very unlike her. She walked up to Azlan and stood directly in front of him) and before blaming him or her we should take a look into our own home first. After all that our family (her eye's filling with tears as she recalled seeing her father holding another women's hand this morning. An action that may have cost her her future with Aahil) our father did to them if they did refuse how could we hold it against them? (Azlan looked down having no answer to that question. The allegation was true after all)
Azlan - (yet, the disbelief was clear on his face. He didn't believe Asad could do so) So he did refuse?
Anaya - (shook her head) No. He told me he didn't mind his Ammi making it for me as long as she herself was comfortable making it.
Azlan - (stared at her in surprise) you met him? When? Where?
Anaya - This morning, at her boutique. I went there to try to convince her to make my lehnga-
Azlan - (his heart going out to her. He put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder) Aapi..aap-
Anaya - (shook her head) I wanted to go. It's my engagement. And yet all I see is everyone worrying about one thing or another trying to make one thing happen after the other to save it. I wanted to fight for my happiness too, instead of just leaving it in the hands of others to decide (Azlan nodded)
Kajol - So she said no?
Anaya - No. She was just about to say yes when Ammi, Mumani and Badi Ma showed up. They saw Abbu and Dilshad Aunty together and- (Realization dawned on Azlan and he looked visibly upset. Kajol and Humeira held their heads knowing how that would've turned out) well you can expect what happened then.
Azlan - so they backed her into saying no.
Anaya - No. Asad said no on her behalf. (Azlan looked almost pained as he contemplated what that moment must have felt like for Asad. For his brother.)
Azlan - He heard? (Anaya smiled sadly and nodded)
Anaya - Mumani ne koi kasar nahin chori uski Ammi ko badnaam karne mein. She said (shook her head, unable to even repeat the words and Kajol just clenched her fists)
Kajol - Ammi bhi na.
Azlan - (still stuck on the fact that Asad had witnessed his mothers humiliation at the hands of HIS family, yet again) How'd he take it?
Anaya - NOT well. He was ANGRY. But most of all he was hurt. (Azlan nodded. Growing angry at Razia himself)
Humeira - Ab? Ab kya hoga? Ab toh paka Haseena bi ko shak hojayega hamare aur unke rishte ko leke aur woh yeh rishta tor deingi.
Kajol - No, didn't you just hear what Baba said. They are going to wait a few day's for Asad's anger to die down and then he himself is going to try to talk to Dilshad. They're going to try to get Bade Baba and Badi Ma to talk to Asad seeing as though they are the only one's he doesn't seem to immediately want to murder and the ones with the most sense.
Azlan - They can try (sighed) I don't think it'll help. If they insulted his Ammi (shook his head) God help them. It's the one thing he CANNOT tolerate.
Anaya - Azlan, you used to be close to him. His closest friend, he always listened to you. He did so much for you all the time just as you did for him. Why don't you try talking to him? (She had missed the pained look on his face each time she used the word USED to. He smiled a sad smile over the fact that despite being brothers, brothers who had fought the world and the odds of being thicker than blood brothers when they were only half brothers. But alas, they had lost that battle and there were so many distances between them today)
Azlan - (smiled a sad smile) exactly Aapi. Hum waise the, ab nahin hain. I don't think it's a good idea. Mujhe nahin lagta woh kissi ki baat bhi maanega. He can be very stubborn at times aur ghusse mein toh (shook his head) usse waise hi kuch samajh nahin aata. (He saw Anaya's heart break and her face that had lightened up with so much hope, fall. He felt his heart break along with hers seeing her so helpless and defeated. He knew what this engagement meant for her and what the families incessant pushing for this alliance was doing to her self-esteem. So despite knowing the odds better he still decided to try. For her. How could he not.)
Azlan - But still, there's no harm in trying right? (The smile and sheer joy that graced her face and the hug she gave him, was more than worth the effort even if he was sure he would be rejected by Asad because he knew Asad closer than probably he knew himself and he knew that Asad could probably go out of his way to help an enemy but not someone who insulted his mother. Azlan wasn't wrong in his belief but he wasn't completely right either)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Zoya was walking back home from the pier where she had refused Asad's help to get home. Blatantly refused to go with him even though he had come all the way to get her and offered her a lift but being the stubborn girl she could be at times she was beginning to regret the rashness of her own decision. Feeling rather foolish and regretful at letting her ego get the better of her. The winds were picking up speed and she could barely keep her eye's open against the winds. Dust was flying into her eye's and her hair flying into her eyes as well wasn't helping either. She stood there trying to cover her eye's with her arm while squinting to see where she was going when her eye's caught a sight in the distance. It was Sameer Anand, smiling sleazily at her. She felt her body shudder more violently then the look he cast upon her than the winds and the chilly night put together. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Her throat had gone dry. She looked to her left in panic to get away from him but she saw Sohail standing there, an equally sleazy boy on her right and 3 of them behind her. As she looked back at Sameer she noticed that he had started closing in on her, so had Sohail and the other men. She was trapped from all 4 sides. She had no where to go. No one to call out to help for. Not even her Jeeju this time, nor Asad. She closed her eye's preparing for the worst just as she heard them all laugh victoriously around her and Sameer's hand shot out to grab her but instead she found herself bolting upright in a warm bed, in a dark room, alone. She could vaguely recall letting out a small yelp as she did and as she stared around trying to understand where she was, why she was there, where did Sameer and his friends go? The door to her room burst open and a wild with worry Asad and equally worried Dilshad rushed in. Zoya who was convinced that Sameer and his friends were around just jumped back in bed at the startling sound of the door. Her eyes remained unfocused, darting left to right in search for any hint of them. She was still in so much shock. Not awake and conscious, she even stared at Dilshad in fear. As if Dilshad would hurt her.

Dilshad - (sat beside her on the bed, her worry only increasing seeing the fear and panic in Zoya's eyes) Zoya..Zoya beta. (But Zoya just stared at her. She was present physically but her mind was some place else. Dilshad placed a tentative hand on Zoya's head and Zoya nearly jumped back in fear. Her wide fearful eye's making Asad's heart constrict painfully as he stared at her with narrowed eyes. Wondering what had happened to her.) Zoya (A few seconds after dilshad placed a hand on her head Zoya started orienting to her reality again) Kya huwa beta? (Zoya just shook her head at her, her eyes cast downward. Asad was beyond shocked to see Zoya struggling to breath as she raised her hesitant gaze, her beautiful orbs slightly in his direction and then immediately looking away closing her eyes as if afraid he would hurt her)
Dilshad - (shaking her again) ZOYA (Asad and Dilshad who had both begun panicking seeing her state finally breathed a sigh of relief as they saw her unfocused start coming into focus again. Recognition dawning on her that she was in her room, at the Khan Mansion, safe and sound with Phupi and Mr. Khan. Then it came rushing back to her. She wasn't actually left deserted on the street she had in fact made it home safe and sound on her own)
Dilshad - Lo Paani Peeyo (she handed her a glass of water which Zoya took with shaky hands. Asad who seemed pained and worried sick a second ago, looked even more unhappy as she grew even paler than she had been recently and he wasn't too happy about her shaky hands either. Dilshad then began stroking Zoya's hair in a bid to comfort her) Kya huwa koi bura khuwab dekha? (Zoya just closed her eye's and nodded along. Not wanting to worry her but also remembering Sameer's threat) Dar aksar dil mein hota hai Zoya aur bata dene se kam ho jaata hai. (Zoya gave her a sad smile. If only she knew. This nightmare wasn't a dream. She was living through this hell. AGAIN)
Zoya - (Spoke in a low shaky voice) I'm sorry phupi maine aap sabko aapki neend se disturb kiya (Asad looked away, just as he felt his heart begin to betray him again. Softening towards her. Almost to an extent of wanting to gather her in his arms so she would never be sad again. He wasn't happy that she found their support towards her a bother to them (as if he had given her any reason not to believe so) Aap so jayee, Main theek hoon. (Asad wasn't convinced and wasn't ready to leave just yet but seeing his mother's eyes tell him to. He VERY reluctantly walked out of the room after casting one last glance in her direction.)
Dilshad - Main bahar hi baithi hoon thori der hmm. Kuch chahiye ho toh bol dena. Ab tum bhi so jao. (She kissed her forehead lovingly and Zoya immediately covered her face with the curtain of her hair in the pretence of fixing it just as she felt her eyes fill with tears and her lips begin quivering. However, that was the first time someone was around her when she hadn't anticipated it or expected it and she wasn't prepared at all. She hadn't covered her cuts with make up or jewelry and she was wearing a cap sleeves t-shirt fully exposing them. Dilshad who had gotten up to put the glass away and then wish her goodnight saw them just as she was fixing her hair and her maternal heart sank immediately)
Dilshad - Zoya (Zoya looked to her) yeh nishaan kaise hain beta? Yeh, yeh pehle toh nahin the. (Zoya panicked immediately lowering her arm and covering her wrist with her hand. Having forgotten all about it)
Zoya - Nahin Phupi who main bas kuch choriyan try on kar rahee thee toh woh toot ke lag gayee (Dilshad didn't seem to buy it one bit. Instead she had her own speculations and in her life experience she knew what kind of a cut that was and what it meant)
Dilshad - Par beta, yeh toh bauhat gehra lag raha hai (Zoya gave her the brightest smile she could conjure up)
Zoya - Nahin phupi seriously chota sa zakhm hai. (Dilshad still looked completely unconvinced but didn't push her. Instead she smiled warmly at her)
Dilshad - So jao (Zoya nodded and Dilshad left the room)

Dilshad came out of Zoya's room beyond surprised to see Asad standing there massaging his forehead. His tell when he was worried. Sensing his mom behind him he turned towards her.
Asad - Uh..ab kaisi hai woh? (Dilshad nodded)
Dilshad - Behtar hai.
Asad - Toh phir aap bhi jaake sojayee Ammi. It's late. (He was about to walk away to his room) when Dilshad made him stop in his tracks still seeing irritation towards Zoya in his eyes and after what Dilshad had seen today, the poor girl didn't deserve any of it) Main nahin jaanti ke tumhe uss ladki se kya problem hai (As she had expected he was immediately rolling his eyes) aur kyun. Main bas itna jaanti hoon ke woh bechari toh bauhat hi masoom akeli aur dari hui ladki hai.
Asad - Ammi woh koi bechari nahi hai. Aur kuch fark nahin padta ke woh dari hui hai ya akeli. Mujhe fark sirf iss baat se parta hai ke woh jald se jald hamare ghar se aur iss shehr se door chali jaye.
Dilshad - tumhe nahin lagta ke tum zaroorat se zyaada uss pe naraaz ho rahe ho
Asad - (a distant and haunted look in his eyes again as a muscle jumped beneath his eye, hiseyes narrowing) Ammi Aap uski jaisi ladkiyon ko jaanti nahin hai.
Dilshad - Uski jaisi ladki ka matlab kya hai asad. Tum itne judgemental kabse hogaye ho. Kya hogaya hai tumhe? Just because woh ladki jeans pehnti hai iska matlab yeh nahin ke woh haraab ladki hai.
Asad - Baat jeans ki nahin hai Ammi (his eyes narrowed dangerously, an angry glint flashing through them as he recalled every mischief she had done, every nuisance she had caused since he had met her) Baat uski hai. Aapne dekha hai usse. Usse na apne culture ka khosh hai, na uss mein koi family values hain. Koi haddein hi nahin hai. Uske liye sab kuch ek mazaaq hai. Life toh jaise ek lambi si game hai. (Shook his head) who sirf apne baarein mein care karti hai. Apni khushi, apni hassi. 2 minute ki hassi ke liye wo koi bhi bachkani harkat kar sakti hai. She's selfish rude and immature. Aur main nahin chahta ke uska asar Aapi par pare. Aapi ne abhi abhi ek nayee zindagi shuru ki hai aur bauhat achi shuruwat ki hai but she want's to experience everything she missed out on and that can lead he down any path that's not good for her. Aur main aisa bilkul nahin chahta. Acha yehi hoga ke woh jald se jald apna diploma hatam karke yahan se chali jaye (saying so, putting down the final verdict he stalked off to his bedroom leaving Dilshad staring after him hopelessly)

xxx

The Next Morning - Khan Mansion:

Asad came awake slowly with a contended smile on his face hearing that beautiful tinkling laughter of hers again. Calm, peaceful, happy and content. Emotions that he was not used to feeling. He then heard his mother and sister join in that laughter and his smile only widened. Her laughter was infectious and it seemed to be making his Ammi and sister laugh more freely then they had in years and the thought alone filled with his heart with immense joy and relief. The clear blue bright skies, shining sun and soft winds mixed with that laughter. It seemed like a perfect morning. Perfect morning to make HIM want to laze around and just continue hearing that laughter. He was suddenly overcome with such a strong urge to not just hear that infectious laughter that was fast coming to be the fastest remedy to his broken soul and heart. An addiction so strong, it terrified him out of his wits. Not having the courage to stay away he slowly got out of bed going to his life size windows and stepping out into the veranda. The sight before him rendering him speechless. He saw Zoya sitting on the garden swing, the rails of which were covered in flowers. Her head thrown back in laughter as Aisha was talking to her. The two of them clearly sharing a funny story. The sight warmed his heart, filled it with life. His softened adoring eyes just wanting to take a mental picture of that beautiful face and make that beautiful smile etch in his memory forever. Just as he sighed contentedly with a hint of longing in his eyes Dilshad appeared beside him.

Dilshad - (yelled out to the garden) Zoya! Zeenat is calling for the 10th time you on your cell!! Isse pehle ke usse lagge ke tumhe kuch hogaya hai aur woh Delhi se yahan aa pahaunche come talk to her.

Zoya - Coming Phupi! (Dilshad turned to Asad and Asad kissed her forhead)

Asad - Good Morning.

Dilshad - (smiled back) Good Morning. Main naashta bas lagane hi waali hoon (Asad gave her an uninterested look and as soon as she walked away he pulled out a cigarette. Just as Zoya came running into the veranda. Wearing a white spongebob t-shirt and white shalwar. Her idea of Pajamas. She stopped near him just as Asad took a long drag of his cigarette. Clearly unhappy that he was smoking yet another cigarette despite her lecturing him not to. As if expecting that her one lecture was to break his years long addiction and bad habit. Their eyes collided at the same time. Zoya shook her head at him, he was unable to hide the surprise on his face as she gave him a hopeless look and then to his bewilderment began singing. Staring between him and his cigarette.

Zoya - Yeeehh, Adatein hum nahin toreinge. (Turned around, walking away backwards from him) Tore gein dum magar tera saath na choreinge (she imitated him choking and then successively dying due to all that smoking before she turned around and ran inside still singing to herself. Leaving him just staring at her retreating back stupidly. Unable to understand this girl. He never knew what her next action or words were going to be and each time he thought she couldn't get any weirder, strange and leave him any more bewildered she proved him wrong. He sighed shaking his head going back to his cigarette giving up on trying to figure out the puzzle that was Zoya Farooqui and instead focused on his beloved cigarette in his hand. However, he couldn't help but stare at his cigarette a little doubtfully for once, even though it wasn't like Zoya was the first person to lecture him on it. Countless people before her, his Ammi, Aapi, friends everyone had asked him to quit. But Zoya, just the innocence with which she asked him and now the absolutely hilarious way of her taunting him and letting him know she wasn't happy, stuck a nerve. He found himself wanting to believe that her name was amongst the loved ones she had said were afraid to lose him for reasons he just couldn't fathom. He continued smoking his cigarette as Aisha walked up to him. The two siblings made hesitant eye contact, a little awkward. None knowing what to say and both unhappy that they were in a position where THEY were awkward and ashamed with each other. They were never like that.

Asad - Aapi / Aisha- Asad (Aisha laughed a little as Asad looked down with a small smile)

Aisha - Sorry, go ahead.

Asad - No, ladies first.

Aisha - Hmm, so you do have a gentleman still left in you.

Asad - (biting back a smile) Hey, I thought I was the poster child for being a gentleman.

Aisha - (laughed and ruffled his hair much to his annoyance) I guess it's true, maine aur Ammi ne tumhari tareefein kar karke hi tumhari ego itni boost ki hai..

Asad - (shrugged) well you can't go back on your words now. Ammi taught us better (Aisha nodded along sarcastically) Even if you did change your opinion doesn't change the fact that I am actually the, what was it you guys called me, the most good looking man in all of Kasauli, most eligible bachelor in all of Asia and ya the most chivalrous as well.

Aisha - and what about being the worlds sweetest most kindest man as well (Asad rolled his eyes as Aisha continued staring at him) seriously Asad kal raat tumne jo kuch Zoya ko kaha-

Asad - (His mood immediately turning sour again) Come on Aapi not you too you know she was wrong.

Aisha - No. She wasn't. I was. You told me not to go because you couldn't take me but I wanted to go despite that. I went behind your back to go to a party for the first time ever and you're right I should've just come clean with you and asked you to take me. I know you and I know you would've cleared up your whole schedule if I asked you to (shrugged) I don't know why I didn't. Zoya only brought the bhurka and was helping me sneak out because I ASKED her to. She didn't put the idea of sneaking out in my head or force me to do it. (She saw him about to start arguing and she immediately cut in) I swear. I'm not lying and I'm not trying to protect Zoya. I'm telling you the trut .(Asad just looked to her and one look at her face told him she wasn't lying. The sincerity was shining in her eye's. He knew she was telling the truth and it didn't make him happy. More precisely it didn't make his ego happy.) I've never seen you talk like that to anyone Asad. So rude and disrespectful. No guest ever. And Zoya, she's not even just a guest she's practically family (she saw Asad get irritated again) whether you like it, accept it or not and what you said to her it was unacceptable and you owe her an apology. (Asad stared at her as if she had grown two heads suddenly. Incredulously. But again, one look at her face and he knew she was dead serious and he hated to admit it but he also knew she was right)

Asad - (muttered through gritted teeth much to Aisha's amusement. He was such a child at times) How was the party. Did you have a good time?

Aisha - (smiled at him affectionately) I had a great time.

Asad - (sternly) and Aahil. Did he take proper care of you.

Aisha - Yes Asad, in order to answer the question you REALLY want to ask he threatened to punch anyone who even dared look at me. (She could see his lips threatening to pull up at the corners and him trying to resist it as always) Asad, you have to know, sometimes even if you want to hide your loved ones from the whole world out of the fear of them getting hurt you have to let them go out and make their own mistakes for their own betterment. It doesn't make you a bad brother if despite knowing better you trust me and let me take a few risks, make my own choices even if the results aren't always good. I'm a big girl now Asad. I'm no longer on a wheelchair (Asad's eyes snapped to her face and she knew she had hit the right nerve) and you don't need to protect me with your life like that anymore. I know how to take care of myself. I know what's good and what's bad and what choices to make. You can sit back and breathe a little easy if you just trust me to live a little but not purposely give you a reason to worry.

Asad - (sighed) Aapi, you can give whatever speech you want, it's still not going to stop me from worrying about you. It's just what brothers do.

Aisha - (smiled) So we agree then. You'll continue your brotherly duty but you'll give me space and freedom to make my own choices and you'll just have to hold your breath and trust me to keep myself safe and happy.

Asad - (rolled his eyes) You really want to do that to your sweetest and kindest brother (the sarcasm in his voice making her burst out laughing as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight and he kissed her forehead)

Aisha - My crazy brother. (Kissed his cheek) I'm sorry.

Asad - I'm sorry too.

Aisha - And you're still apologizing to Zoya by the way (And there he went, rolling his eye's again)

A little while Later -

Asad and Aisha came back inside to see Zoya sitting on the living room couches on her phone watching her Sunday morning cartoons while eating a large Pizza much to Asad's bewilderment. Asad watched her, his eyes glazed over with soft adoration as she laughed at her cartoons while munching away on her pizza. Much to Zeenat's disapproval.

Zeenat - Zoya, Z..hello..Zoya..ZOYA!!

Zoya - H..Haan Aapi! I'm listening.

Zeenat - No I don't think you are. STOP watching your cartoons Zoya, for heavens sake your 21 years old! Not a child!

Zoya - (rolled her eyes. What the hell kind of logic was that) So? Koi rule book hai kya. That only people younger than 21 can watch cartoons? They don't issue such a viewer discretion before cartoons Aapi!

Zeenat- (groaned in irritation) Zoya! Tumse toh baat karna hi fuzool hai!

Zoya - (giggled) toh mat karo na! Maine kab bola karne ko. Aapne khud phone kiya mujhe. Go talk to your husband! Mujhe bhi aapse baat karna fuzool lagta hai!

Zeenat - Did you hear ANYTHING I said?

Zoya - (groaned) Yes AAPI I heard your lecture and for the 35719735th time I am perfectly fine! Main apna sahee se dihan rakh rahee hoon, sahee khaa rahee hoon sahee se par rahee hoon and I'm staying out of trouble- (She heard someone scoff to her right and there was no need for guessing who it was. There was only one person who had the audacity to scoff at her. Her sexy Jahapanah! She looked to her side with her eyes narrowed and saw Asad standing there with his arms crossed across his chest. His permanent scowl and anger ever present on his face. Zoya raised an eyebrow at him to ask what he wanted, why was he just standing there glare at her and what he did next left her astonished! He signalled her to wrap up her conversation! Meaning HE wanted to talk to her? A kaneez. Asad watched in disgust, absolutely cringing as Zoya dropped her slice of Pizza on the ground in her shock and then instead of picking it up just stared at the slice and then back at Asad stupidly. Causing Asad to massage his forehead in discomfort and irritation)

Zeenat - Hello? Zoya you still there?

Zoya - Aap..Aapi main aapse baad mein baat karti hoon hunh. Abhi Jahapanah ko mujhse kuch kehna hai- (Asad's irritated eye's snapped up to her nonchalant face)

Zeenat - (Confused) Jaha..Jahapanah? Yeh- (and then she let out an exasperated gasp) Ya'Allah kya karoongi main iss ladki ke saath! Zoya tumne PHIRSE ASAD KE SAATH JHAGRA-

Zoya - (the fire in her eye's returned. Her irritation running high at her Aapi.) AAPI RELAX KUCH NAHIN KIYA MAINE AAPKE PRECIOUS DEVAR KO OKAY!! ZINDA HAIN WOH - (glared in Asad's direction, the anger in her eye's amusing him even if he didn't admit it and glared right back at her instead) FILHAAL ATLEAST. (She could hear Zeenat start another lecture) OKAY AAPI, I'LL TALK TO YOU LATER!! BUHBYE!! (saying so she cut Zeenat off mid sentence leaving her to rant her frustration out to Anwar as she turned her attention back to Asad, raising an eyebrow at him. Her way of asking him to say what he wanted to)

Asad - Woh main. main actually (pulled at his collar uncomfortably. Damn this was harder than he thought. And was it suddenly hotter in here?) main, Actually kal raat maine aapse jo kaha who (realization dawned on Zoya) woh..I understand thora..I mean, What I mean to say is..haan jo aapne kiya woh ghalat hai..Aapko Aapi ko aise wahiyat ideas-

Aisha - (patronizing tone) Asad (She shook her head at him and he rolled his eyes)

Asad - I guess what I was trying to say is, I understand that I was a little rude (this time Zoya scoffed) and I said some hurtful things and for that I..(sighed, swallowing his pride) I'm s- (but much to his surprise Zoya just held up a hand and then started singing AGAIN. Not only that, she began dancing around him with full overdramatic animated expressions, causing not only Asad's but also Dilshad and Aisha's eyes to widen)

Zoya - I remember when we broke up the first time saying this is it I've had enough cuz like we hadn't seen each other in a month when you said you needed space..What? Then you come around again and say baby I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change trust me remember how that lasted for a day I say I hate you (stabbed his chest with her finger accusingly while he continued just staring at her..BAFFLED) we break up, you call me (Blinked her eyes innocently at him as she twirled around him) I love you (All 3 of the Khan's eyes widening even further as she then began full on dancing heartedly while singing. She being quite the dancer, her moves as cute and spontaneous as they were played havoc with his senses. His heart fast losing control over it's growing feelings and pull towards her. How could it have any control when she was just so enchanting, so innocent, so beautiful without even trying) oo oo we called it off again last night but oo this time I'm telling you I'm telling you, we..are never ever ever getting back together, WE are never ever ever, GETTING BACK TOGETHER..YOU GO TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS (Waving him off) talk to my friends talk to me but we are never ever ever getting back together. Like EVER (she flipped her hair in his face smacking him right in the face with it as he closed his eye's looking away as she walked away from him, grinning brightly. Dilshad and Aisha exchanged well worried looks for her sanity while Asad just slowly opened his eyes. Still in shock over her questionable sanity and stared at her back, blinking slowly)

Asad - (his eyes wide with disbelief. As he spoke cautiously) Did you just qoute taylor swift to me? (Zoya spun around so fast she tripped over her own feet and fell onto the sofa)

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN! You know who Taylor Swift is!! (Blinked repeatedly) Matlab aap 17th century se migrate hoke finally 21st century mein aa gaye ho? (Asad rolled his eye's at her constant need to taunt and jibe him) tell me honestly Jahapanah (smiled devilishly) are you a closet swiftie?

Asad - WHAT!! (Shook his head, giving up trying to figure her out. She was just plain INSANE. That's all there was to it). Dekhiye aap apne dimaagh ka ilaaj karwayee main yahan bas aapse itna kehne aya hoon ke-

Zoya - (put her hands on her hips) Did you not just get the message. Do I need to quote Taylor again? I don't want to hear your apology. (Asad stared at her, now ANGRY. Her attitude not gelling well with him) Not until (pointed to his heart) wahan se nikle. Unless it's honest and sincere. If you can promise me that that's the last time you're going to assume the worst of me and say such hurtful words then fine I accept your apology, but let's face it. You and I both know that's not happening so (shrugged) until it does, I don't want to hear your apology.

Asad - (His ego unable to handle another blow) GOOD!! Because I'm not dying to apologize to you either. (He glared at Aisha) aur aap chahti hain ke main INSE tameez se pesh aaon..INSE-

Zoya - (stared at him furiously) ALLAH MIYAN-

Ayaan - (laughed, as he breezily walked in) Ab kiska khoon karne ka iraada hai churail ka? (Asad, Dilshad and Aisha stared at him in positive delight. What a surprise. Zoya however squealed happily and went and launched herself in his arms much to Asad's dismay. He frowned, looking away, making Ayaan bite back a smile as he kissed Zoya's cheek noisily just to mess with him further and Asad felt anger course through each vein in his body)

Ayaan - (laughed) CHOKING CHUDAIL!! CHOKING!! (Zoya let go of him) Asalamualaikum Aunty. Beautiful (winked at Aisha who just waved back)

Dilshad - Walaikumasalam Beta. What a pleasent surprise.

Zoya - Ya, what're you doing here?

Ayaan - (stared at her weirdly) You yourself invited me yesterday to come play playstation (Asad's jealous eyes narrowed in on Ayaan's face. First, he was here in HIS house, to Meet Zoya, then he hugged & kissed her right UNDER his nose and now HE was going to play PLAYSTATION just like Asad wanted to and that too with Zoya (just like Asad wanted to)) (shook his head at her as he saw Zoya's eyes widen and her mouth form an Oh in realization) yes, Oh..Dimaagh kahan hai tera? Waise if you don't want me here toh main chala jaata hoon (Zoya smiled a sad smile at him which made Ayaan stare at her doubtfully)

Zoya - Of course not. I'm so happy you're here (Asad's eyes naturally travelled to her face, the sadness in her voice hurting his heart)

Ayaan - Well you better be. I don't wake up early on Sundays to play play station with just anyone (ruffled her hair again causing Zoya to groan irritably and smack him) Haan, bas itni hi khushi thi isse mere aani ki Aunty dekhiye already maarne lagi hai mujhe yahan se bhagane ke liye. Chudail kahin ki.

Dilshad - (laughed) Naashta karoge beta.

Asad - Of course Ammi, aap bhi kisse pooch rahee hain. Yeh toh hamesha hi bhuka rehta hai..

Ayaan - Good to know you're still as unhappy as ever of my visits. Now I don't question our friendship. (Zoya rolled her eye's at Asad and Asad gave her a hopeless look in return leaving Ayaan more amused then ever) Hey chudail how about you fire up the play station while I have a word with Asad (gave Asad a secretive look to which Asad gave a short understanding nod and Zoya looked between them suspiciously and Ayaan began walking towards Asad) Aunty, where's that breakfast you promised me?

Asad - (muttered) she didn't promise you anything, she just asked as a formality. Doesn't necessarily mean you're getting any. (Just as they reached the door leading into the hallway Zoya's scream stopped them in their tracks making Asad nearly have a heart attack and Ayaan jump a foot into the air)

Zoya - ALLAH MIYAN (she stared wide eyed at the TV in absolute shock and a little fear. Her eye's darted left and right in panic before she visibly froze and then turned around almost scared. Asad narrowed his eyes at her., hat was she up to now? Dilshad and Aisha just exchanged confused glances)

Ayaan - Abhe Oye, Nautanki. What're you up to now?

Zoya - Allah Miyan, Phupi, Aap kisi aalam baba ko phone karo na. Mere peeche Jinn parhe hain (She said it with such a deadpan expression that it made Ayaan burst out laughing, clapping his hands as he doubled over. Asad rolled his eyes painfully slowly, upset by the fact that he could only roll them so much. How he wished to just continue rolling them around and around in his sockets till he didn't have to question her sanity any more. Aisha and Dilshad just sighed exasperatedly)

Ayaan - Of all the questionable things you've said and done Zoe, this takes the cake. This is rich, even for you.

Zoya - (jumped back onto the sofa, recoiling into the corner of it, her eye's still wide. As if a jinn would pop up beside her at any second). Main mazaaq nahin kar rahee hoon Phupi. Till last night, the highest score on this game of mine was 4500 and today..Phupi it's 5100! Ab maine nahin khela toh kya mere playstation pe Jinn khel rahe honge? (Well, Jinn or not, Asad on the other hand did look quite suspicious. His face was slightly panicked and his ears a little red. He stared at Ayaan with slightly widened, desperate eye's) aur phupi mujhe aisa lagta hai ke koi mera peecha kar raha hai. Even kal rat mujhe aisa laga koi mera peecha kar raha hai ghar aate hue- (and that did it for Asad)

Asad - Uhh, Ayaan you had to tell me something right?

Ayaan - (looked away from Zoya towards Asad absentmindedly, still chuckling) hunh? Oh, ya (Asad could probably kiss him out of gratitude at that point as he nearly ran after him out into the hallway, thankful for the mercy. Making Ayaan stare weirdly at him)

Zoya - (and suddenly, it wasn't about fear anymore. It was about her ego & her pride. She narrowed her eye's at the game) Acha Ji. Mr. Jinn. You think you can sneakily come and top my score. I don't think so. Abhi batati hoon (she rushed to un-pause her game not at all happy that someone had topped her high score)

Dilshad - (narrowed her eye's) Kya matlab kal raat peecha kar raha tha..Asad kahan tha? Woh tumhare saath nahin tha? (Zoya bit her tongue almost resembling a child confessing to her blunder. How was she supposed to tell Phupi that she had sent Jahapanah packing even after she had sent him after her) aur yeh tumhara peecha kaun kar raha tha..yeh achi baat nahin hai

Zoya - (no filter) uhh, Nahin Phupi wohee bas Ghunda hoga-

Dilshad - (gasped) GHUNDA? WOHEE GHUNDA- (Even Aisha was looking at her in shock) kaun ghunda Zoya? Tumhare peeche ghunde pare the? Tumhe kuch kiya toh nahin na- (Zoya stared at her Phupi with wide eye's, halfway between biting into another pizza slice. Not at all happy with her underestimating Zoya's abilities)

Zoya - KIYA PHUPI? Unki itni himmat (shook her head) aap shukar kijiye woh ghunde mere haaton bach gaye, kya dhulayee kee maine unki

Aisha - (raised an eyebrow) really? Tumne ghundon ko peeta..akele.

Zoya - (smiled) Not akele (Dilshad and Aisha shared an understanding, relieved smile. So Asad was there with her. Then it was okay) mera pepper spray mere saath tha. (That had them widening their eyes even more) (The Asad fangirl that was slowly building up inside of her began gushingly rehashing last nights fight scene that was no less then a scene taken right out of a movie. Even if her narration had a SLIGHT completely unharmful twist) Phupi jab pehle waala Aaya na toh uske face pe kya zor se punch maara maine, aur doosre waale ke pet pe itni zor se kick kiya maine. Phupi ek toh mere mun pe bottle phorna chahta tha..wohee bottle maine uske face pe de maari (Dilshad and Aisha's eyes just kept on widening further and further with each detail) Aisi fight hui na. Koi bhi dekh ke impress ho jaata (Even if Zoya was impressed. Dilshad wasn't.)

Aisha - (stared at her in disbelief) toh tumne waake hi un sab ghundon ko AKELE peeta.

Zoya - oh come on Aapi, aise shocked kyun ho aap? Dunya mein aisa kaunsa kaam hai jo Zoya Farooqui nahin kar sakti? (Dilshad ws still unimpressed though. She stared up at Asad who had been standing in the door listening to Zoya with disbelief etched on his face. Highly amused. This girl was just something else)

Dilshad - Asad, yeh main kya sun rahee hoon? Tumne iski madad nahin ki kal? Isse sab kuch khud hi akele handle karna para.

Asad - Aapne suna nahin Ammi dunya ka aisa koi kaam nahin hai jo Ms. Farooqui NAHIN kar sakti (stared at his Ammi) Main thora late hogaya tha. Jab tak main pauhancha sabki pitayee ho chuki thi.

Dilshad - Really? (Zoya held onto her breath)

Asad - Yes, really. (Finally Zoya released her breath. Eternally grateful to Jahapanah. Okay well maybe, for 5 seconds she was grateful. But even that was A LOT, okay.)

Dilshad - Tumhe lagi toh nahin na Zoya.

Zoya - No, No Phupi. I'm perfectly fine. Woh bhi yaad rakheinge ke unka Zoya Farooqui se paala para tha. Aise jaan bacha ke bhaage sab mere karate skills se darke phupi (in the blink of an eye, like a toofan, a bee that buzzed from one place to another she was on her toes. Ready to demonstrate) Aap jaanti nahin ho par mera haath bauhat hi strong hai. Aap ko pata hai kabhi kabhi main salute karti hoon toh khud hi behosh ho jaati hoon. (She saluted and habitually the jug of water on the glass coffee table toppled over, causing all the water to drop. They all looked panicking towards Asad's direction as a reflex, and as expected his automatic reflex and growing habit in response to Zoya's antics, his hand covered his face and fingers began massaging his forehead. Just then he felt someone shoving something in his chest and he opened his eyes to see a magazine in his chest and Ayaan grinning widely at him)

Ayaan - Who's the beauty? (Asad stared at him confusedly, rolling his eyes in sheer annoyance as Ayaan jumped over from behind onto the sofa right beside Zoya and helped himself to her pizza along with the breakfast Dilshad had had made for him)(Asad looked to the magazine in his hand, in surprise. Not anger or annoyance like one would expect at the false accusations or mere speculation. Which could also be considered as slander but an indescribable emotion. A longing. A hope. A desire. As if someone had just printed onto paper the deepest desire of his heart. It was a picture of him outside of IMA, leaning into a wall, his hand up against it blocking the head of the person clearly from view. What could be seen were a girl's arms and legs, and a black dress trapped between his body and the building. The tagline on the front cover reading "Mystery Girl in Asad Ahmed Khan's life") (Just as Asad's eyes began clouding over with sadness, realization and bitterness, the same anger and indifference, the steely quality returning in them, Dilshad spoke up)

Dilshad - What girl?

Asad - (his ears and cheeks fast turning red) (Oh they could NOT see this) N- (but before he could prevent it from happening an equally curious Zoya farooqui snatched the magazine from his hand and stared at it devilishly, in hope to get another chance to jibe him. But the image had her cheeks reddening faster than Asad's. Her heart nearly skipped a beat. Her & Jahapanah in such a steamy position. The intensity in his eyes and the mere style with which he was leaning into her, to kiss her apparently as the picture showed, had her flushing in no time. She hesitantly raised her eyes to Asads only to see him look away immediately, embarrassed to be caught staring at her and by the picture itself and just as Zoya was about to hide it from view Aisha snatched it from her. Both her and Dilshad looked at it at the same time while Zoya stared at Asad, pouting. Helpless. Asad just glared back at her after dragging a hand down his face frustrated. Why was she pulling that expression on him now? She had already done all the damage she could. Which was immediately evident in the tinkling of his Mother & Sister's eyes as they looked up at him with pouts too)

Dilshad - (raised an eyebrow at him) Something I should know?

Aisha - Tumne meri bhabi dhoond li aur mujhe bataya bhi nahin Asad.

Asad - (rolled his eyes, even though Zoya began choking on air and Asad's ears had reddened at the prospect of Zoya being Aisha's bhabi which would naturally mean she would be his...) Aisa kuch bhi nahin hai. You know these people; they'll write any nonsense no matter how (glared at Zoya) absurd it is just to sell their magazines

Ayaan - (raised an eyebrow as he continued playing) are you trying to say that the photo is photoshopped and not at all real?

Asad - What I am saying is (but before he could finish his sentence Zoya cheered loudly jumping a foot into the air as she won over Ayaan who glared at her. A sour loser clearly. She stuck her tongue out at him before grinning at Asad catching him off guard)

Ayaan - Churail. (Put his head back looking up at Asad) You were saying?

Asad - I was saying-

Zoya - (giggled, helping him out. Jus a small prompt..nothing much) About the beauty in the magazine-

Asad - (choosing to ignore that, despite the smile that was teasing to come out and spread itself across his beautiful face) to Ayaan. We gotta go.

Zoya - GO? NO. HE JUST GOT HERE. HE CAN'T GO. Besides abhi to hum Aahil Bhai ke saath icecream khaane jaa rahe the (Asad was on the verge of ranting about how much 1) she ate and 2) she said it like eating ice cream was the most important plan in the universe (it was)) and that it would be a crime to change it) you have to come too Ayaan..

Ayaan - (stared at her with a huge grin) aren't you going to invite Asad too - (Zoya looked towards Asad, realizing the fact. Right. Akdu was there too. She was about to say something, might as well invite him too when Asad helped her out instead)

Asad - I don't think so. I have much better things to do with my time then eat (rolled his eyes directly at Zoya) ICE CREAM. (All 4 of them rolled their eyes at him)

Zoya - It's sunday.

Asad - So? Some of us have real life problems and responsibilities to handle. (Looked to her play station, jealous like the green-eyed monster himself) unlike others who are born to eat. Sleep and breathe. Oh and (very serious expression) play video games.

Ayaan - I think someone's jealous.

Zoya - (smiled wide at him) I think someone's afraid of a little carbs. Don't worry Mr. Khan they have (glaring at him. Still beyond salty and unforgiving of what Asad did to her cupcake) garbage cans at the beach you can always THROW it away, cruelly if you don't like it (Ayaan just stared between them and Asad tried to hide his smile. So she knew he tossed her cupcake without eating it)

Asad - Ayaan-

Ayaan - I'll meet you outside bro. Lemme just fry this churail first (concentrating on the game)

Dilshad - Tum log kahan jaa rahe ho? (Unhappy with Asad's hectic schedule and lack of personal life and relaxation. His personality, life and routine worrying her more and more day after day) Ice cream khaane chale jaoge toh kya ho jayega-

Asad - Ammi. Mujhe kaam hai. I have to go. (Saying so he walked out of the room, just as Zoya beat Ayaan at another round. She began dancing happily all around him and in his face obnoxiously causing Aisha and Dilshad to laugh and Ayaan to smack her in the face with a pillow. Asad stood in the doorway watching them all laugh so easily, live so easily, peaceful, relaxed, happy. He smiled a sad smile seeing how fortunate they all were to be blessed like that. A small part of him wondering what it would be like to live like that. Without all that anger inside you, regrets, pain, resentment burning you from within. Darkness and demons haunting you constantly. Invisible chains holding you down in your own insecurities, fears, mistakes. Living trapped inside a suffocating past struggling to breathe and break free. He then stared at Zoya's bright smile once more, making his world a bit brighter his heart a little lighter and his life a little happier. He was constantly living in hell, but seeing her smile made it just a little more bearable. He then looked to his Ammi and sisters laughing faces and his smile turned a little upside down and then he cast one last look in Zoya's direction knowing she was responsible for it. Just with her steps into his house their lives were suddenly brighter and his family happier. With that thought playing on his mind he finally walked away from there just as he heard Ayaan and Zoya begin screaming/singing while playing their game)

Ayaan - Where we meeting for ice cream by the way?

Zoya - How can you even ask that Ayaan? There is ONLY one place where we can meet.

Ayaan - (rolled his eyes) The beach? (Zoya nodded enthusiastically making him sigh in defeat) fine. I'll see you there witch (he put his arm around her neck strangling her against his chest as he kissed the top of her head making her growl in irritation and chase after him as he got up and ran out of there screaming a hasty good bye to Dilshad & Aisha)

Dilshad - (smiled after them) Aisha (Aisha turned her attention to her mother) Zoya aaj pareshan hai..

Aisha - Really? Mujhe toh theek hi laggi Ammi. (Laughed) definitly Paagal but that is normal for Zoya.

Dilshad - (shook her head) Jab Zoya zyada pareshan hoti hai toh woh zyaada shaitaniyan karti hai aur aaj woh pareshan hai (staring out of the window where she could see Zoya smiling but the sadness in her eyes was unmistakeable as she waved Ayaan goodbye while Asad drove out of the driveway) tum log jab icecream khaane jaoge toh uske baad Zoya ko kahin bahar ghumane phirane le jaana. Kahin khaana khaane ya kuch. Uska dihaan bat jayega and she'll feel better. (Aisha nodded)

Aisha - Filhaal toh woh kissi kaam se jaa rahee hai. I'm meeting her at the beach (Dilshad's eyes narrowed with worry, what exactly was happening with Zoya. The mother in her was truly worried. What was her kaam?).

xxx

A little while later:

Dressed in an oversized white jumper with a cowl neck, paired with a floral mini skirt, leggings and ankle boots. Her charm bracelet dangling proudly from her arm. Her infectious laugh echoing all around. She mischievously hid herself behind a massive handful of balloons, enough to hide her frame behind them. Young Kids outside Sunshine orphanage jumped all around her excitedly with their hands stretched out, adorable smiles on their little faces as they waited impatiently for a balloon. Farida Bi was sitting with a quiet and subdued Pari on the steps of the orphanage watching with amusement. Pari who seemed to have inherited more traits of her chachoos than her uncles was watching with twinkling eyes, obviously wanting a balloon for herself but too shy and inhibited to ask for one herself or be rowdy like the others. So she just there and waited her turn. For things to naturally fall into place if they were meant to be - Very much like her chachoo.

Zoya - (Giggled as she modulated her voice to be all monster like) Guess who the big balloon monster is?

Kids (chanting) - CHUTKI DI!! CHUTKI DI!!

Zoya - and who loves Chutki Di (The kids all began screaming I do! I do! And Zoya finally peeked out from behind the balloons smiling affectionately at all the little angels. It was obvious at once that she loved them and they loved her.) Well, I'm sorry (serious face) par aap sabko balloons nahin mil sakte (all the kids stopped chanting and jumping at once. Their hearts breaking. Including little Pari's who just looked down sadly. And then Zoya began smiling devilishly and looked to Farida Bi who shook her head at her. Smiling lovingly at her) UNTIL (the kids all looked to her with hopeful eyes then) you all let this monster give you a big MONSTER hug (saying so she spread her arms wide and enveloped as many kids as she could in her arms, still holding on tight to the balloons. The kids all cheered happily and threw themselves at her. Their love for her very visible. Their BIG group hug was broken short by Farida Bi, while Pari looked down at her iron man, smiling shyly. Wanting to also hug Zoya like the other kids but too hesitant to do so)

Farida Bi - Ab chalo na Chutki Beta. De do inko inke balloons aur mat satao inhe..(Zoya laughed trying to hold them away from the kids again but the kids unhappy and sad looks didn't let her continue on her mischief for longer and so she gave in and began handing them out to all of them in return for a kiss. She smiled seeing them all run off to play with their crazy shaped balloons one by one. Slowly all the balloons finished, except one. A wacky lime green monster shaped balloon. Zoya looked towards Farida Bi who was sitting beside an adorable little girl, clearly very shy, who was trying her best to keep her eyes casted downwards but even Zoya could see the want for the balloon in the way she tried to sneak glances of it just to make sure she was going to get it)

Zoya - (bit back a smile, walking towards the steps where Farida Bi and Pari were sitting) Hmm, Farida Bi. I guess this balloon is for you then.

Farida - Nahin, bilkul nahin. Yeh balloon toh meri P-

(Suddenly someone, a familiar mans voice yelled - PARI and both Zoya and Pari looked up to see who had called them. Oddly enough however, there was no one there. Zoya and Pari turned to look at each other and Zoya felt such a strange sense of familiarity and recognition pass through her at seeing Pari it was scary. It was almost as if she had such a deep relation/connection to this stranger and had known her forever. But then again Zoya was seeing and experiencing a lot of strange stuff these days. So she let it go and just smiled at Pari)

Zoya - Aapka naam bhi Pari hai? (Pari's eyes widened and she looked to Zoya with the most surprised, innocent and calm expression that Zoya felt her heart melting)

Pari - Aapka naam bhi Pari hai?

Zoya - Mera nickname Pari hai. Mere bhai mujhe pyaar se kabhi kabhi Pari bulate hain.

Farida Bi - Woh iss liye kyunki tu sirf kabhi kabhi Pari jaise harkatein karti hai. Baaki poora time poora shaitan (Zoya giggled like the devil that she was)

Zoya - agar main shaitaan hoon matlab yeh (pulled Paris cheek affectionately making Pari turn red with shyness) pyaari si pari chota shaitaan hai aur yeh balloon of course iss Pari ke liye hai (handing her the balloon she smiled seeing her extended a small hesitant hand and take the balloon whilst smiling back at Zoya a bit, making Zoya smile too) Aapka real name kya hai.

Pari - (Innocently) Pari.

Zoya - (laughed) then you must be a real angel. Aapka naam kisne rakha?

Pari - Chachoo ne (The way her eyes immediately lit up, twinkled, it was obvious at once how much her chachoo meant to her. How much she loved him and he probably loved her. It warmed Zoya's heart to see it)

Zoya - (sitting on the steps below them) That's sweet. Waise Farida Bi how come I never saw this cute little angel here before?

Farida - (stroked her hair) Toh tu humse milne hi kitna aati hai? 4 saalon mein doosri baar toh aa rahee hai tu toh milegi kab?

Zoya - (wrapped her arms around her and placed a noisy kiss on her cheek) Ab toh main yaheen hoona Janeman. Ab aap dekhiyega aapke aur hamare milne ke kisse poore shehr mein mashoor hojayenge (Farida Bi laughed smacking her head while Zoya giggled mischievously again)

Farida Bi - Paagal. Kitne din baad aa rahee hai tu, kitna dil kar raha tha tujhe milne ko. Dekhne ko. (Stared at her with a worried gaze) Kaisi hai tu?

Zoya - (smiled her brightest smile) I'm perfectly fine, Farida Bi.

Farida Bi - (Asked her in a hesitant voice) Ghar pe sab theek hai? (And immediately Zoya's smile faltered and her eyes filled with tears)

Zoya - Ghar (the ironic scoff in her voice unmistaken. What Ghar? Her aapis old home/ her childhood home the home she was thrown out of or her Aapi's new home she was living in as a guest)

Farida Bi - Chutki- (Zoya sighed, taking a deep breath before looking back at her, to rehash all that had happened from the last time she had visited her. On her first day in Kasauli. When she and all the kids had gatecrashed a party venue to now when she was living in her Aapi's home)

Beach -

There were about 20 heavy bikes parked in a row. Each more sexy and exquisite then the other. Making everyone's (not as much as one would expect to find on a beach, but still alot nonetheless) head turn. Around 20 boys were laughing and talking, hanging out around them. Some sitting atop their bikes and other standing by in small groups or leaning against their own. Most of them smoking. It was as if they were waiting for something. Some one. All the girls on the beach couldn't take their eyes off of them and the boys knew it. It just helped inflate their oversized egos just as much. It made them smile brighter and laugh louder. The elder, more reserved individuals were not at all pleased and neither were boys who saw them as competition. ike Azlan and Zain. Who also knew them at a personal level. What didn't make them like them any more was the fact that their girls, Humeira, Kajol and Naina seemed to be quite impressed by them.

Humeira - (staring at them dreamily) What are they? What kind of creation are they?

Kajol - (also lost in her dreams) What wouldn't I give for him to smile that way at me (staring at one of the cute boys laughing and Zain cleared his throat exaggeratedly, raising his eyebrow at her)

Zain - (leaning back, relaxing on his beach recliner) I'm sitting right here you know.

Kajol - (raised an eyebrow at him) You've got nothing on that smile Mr. Malik.

Naina - Who are they?

Azlan - (glared at them unhappily) a bunch of morons that's who they are (they all turned and stared at him and he looked to them unapologetically. As if it were the most obvious truth of life) What? It's true. They are. Thinking they're so dope with their third class bikes, third class clothes, third class laughs, third class smiles - (Kajol, Humeira and Naina just stared at him oddly. What had gotten into him?)

Zain - (smiled and leaned towards the girls whispering an explanation for his behaviour) they are all friends of - (and as if on cue two bike came flying down the pier, the sexiest beasts amongst all. In fact, some of the sexiest beasts ever. Every head on the beach/pier/park/lake front turned and stared in the direction as they came racing down the pier. Many lives would be in jeopardy had they not been as skilled drivers as they were. One of the drivers hooted like a hooligan about to win the race but the other more calm but more dangerous, skilled and daring driver flew the bike into the air over a small ramp. doing a wheely in the air, making everyone watching hitch a breath until his bike landed safe and sound, ahead of the other one. Finally everyone let go of the breath they were holding, Azlan more relieved than anyone else knowing who the devil under the helmet was. There was only one soul in Kasauli who could drive as recklessly but as expertly as that and only one soul who not only had the passion but also money to buy that bike. His brother. Rashid too felt his heart dip to his watch with a baited breath, stopping walking along the shore with Shireen all together just as the kid had taken off into the air. But the devil under the helmet remained as calm, indifferent, stoic and unfazed as ever. He took off his helmet at the same time as the other guy, Ayaan making Ayaan shake his head at him. Rashid letting go of the breath he was holding in relief. Now understanding why his heart had stopped beating when he had flown into the air)

Asad - What? (Ayaan just looked away smiling, but then as he saw his friends just staring at them nonchalantly his eyes widened in disbelief)

Ayaan - WHAT, are you serious guys? None. No one?

One of the guy's laughed - What can we say (shrugged) you're the only fool who thinks he can outrace him. The rest of us know better. Even Harman learnt his lessons.

Jay - (laughed) took him A few thousand rupees to learn but he's finally learnt.

Asad - (as calm as ever) everyone's learnt but you Ayaan.

Jay - Time to pay up girlfriend (Ayaan laughed as if Jay wasn't serious and Jay raised an eyebrow looking in Asad's direction making Asad just smile and proceed to put his helmet away getting off his bike) I'm dead serious. Unless you want the 20 of us to get off our bikes and beat you blue and black which by the way we are DYING to do some day and would be more than happy to make that day today (Ayaan immediately turned to glare at Asad for putting him in that position and Asad just shrugged leaning against his bike calmly, while Ayaan proceeded to hug and do weird handshakes/chest bumps with all his friends Asad just stood there and nodded at them. His way of greeting, and his friends just shared a knowing look. Some things never changed)

Ayaan - I swear at this rate some day you're going to drive Rogue bankrupt

Asad - Then stop trying to think you can win over me

Ayaan - I CAN win you over (all his friends scoffed and Asad just shook his head)

Asad - Just come to terms with it Ayaan. The longer you live in denial the more accepting the truth will hurt. You're just a pretty face and unless you're ready to take risks with that face once in a while you're never going to win.

Ayaan - (stared at him in mock horror) take risks with this face? Are you kidding NO way. I'd rather go bankrupt then do so much Zulm on the women of this world.

Asad - (rolled his eyes turning towards his friends) and seriously guys? The beach. In the middle of the day? Why?

One of his friends - (smiled amusedly at him) Why not? Who says work can't be fun (Asad rolled his eyes at him)

Asad - People who need work to be subtle.

Ayaan - This is subtle. It's broad daylight. No one will suspect a thing. Not even (glared in the direction of a police jeep standing not too far away. With two constables who were glaring at them) the clowns.

Jay - What about the royals who can't seemed to be taking their eyes off our handsome faces (The minute Jay said the word Royals Asad's eyes snapped up towards the beach where he saw his fathers entire family scattered all around. Suleman, Shazia , Javed, Maya, Rashid, Shireen walking along the shore, the kids sitting around recliners and a picnic blanket just staring at these boys. The king was around and yet everyone's eyes were only on these people. Asad immediately looked away his mood turning sour)

Asad - What the hell kind of a place is this to choose? Couldn't you have found any place better.

Ayaan - Oh come on. We're here to do our thing let's get it done and leave. Ignore them. (Leaned against Asad's bike where Asad was sitting now scowling knowing the Khans were watching him like hawks. Probably wanting to come talk to him and B.S their way into forgiveness, acceptance or whatever it is they wanted from him.)

Ayaan - (whispered) plus, it's quite enthralling and ego boosting to do it all underneath their noses and not have the royals or the clowns suspect a thing. It's always nice to see their incompetence. (Asad just couldn't help but smile a little at Ayaan's words, a hint of the devil residing in both of them and Ayaan winked playfully)

Jay - Besides, you skipped last nights party too. So, we intend on having some fun while at work today and you Mr. (Glared at Asad) are not allowed to say no.

Asad - To what? (He saw all his friends smile coyly and he was immediately alert. This could mean no good. What were they up to now?)

Jay - Something. And we know as always you are on a time leash but this time we're not taking no for an answer. Your other responsibilities will simply have to wait.

Asad - (raised an eyebrow) and you're about to make me say yes to something against my will.

Ayaan - (smiled cockily as he began walking away backwards from Ayaan) No. I think that power resides with a certain girl who bakes you cupcakes these days (Asad glared at Ayaan as all the friends turned towards Asad with teasing smiles, what was this all about? Asads ears turned red) and by the way, I'm making her race you next time. Save the lecture for I don't compete against girls. (As soon as he saw Asad about to argue) I'll hear it once I earn ALL my money back from you people. Now if you'll excuse me (he turned around towards the beach

and put his sunglasses on) I have some fish to fry (staring at all the girls on the beach he stretched exageratedly, slowly flexing and showing off all his muscles. Just as the girls began drooling, and he fully knew it and was taking pride in it, about to take it a notch higher by stripping his shirt he felt himself getting jumped on by all his hooligans of friends, knocking him down onto the sand face first, laughing like devils as he stared around in bewilderment not knowing what was happening with him and then before he had processed the initial attack he felt himself being lifted into the air by his devils of friends who then carried him over to the ocean laughing like hyenas and tossed him in it unceremoniously making all the girls on the beach laugh at him. While he continued to look like a drowned cat mixed with a deer caught in headlights, Asad sat on his bike smiling at them, chuckling just a little, now smoking his cigarette. All his friends were enjoying themselves, laughing, living life and he sat there alone, unable to do so. Because he was too broken and damaged on the inside to do so. He looked down, smiling sadly at his own fate as did Azlan who had been watching the whole interaction. Initially a little jealous seeing Asad with his friends, and not being able to be that for his brother anymore. A friend. Not being able to laugh or enjoy with them. Seeing Asad sit out while the rest of them fooled around and just that look on his face, Azlan knew. It broke his heart just as much as it did Asad's. He looked away quickly as he saw Asad look in his direction, the same longing and yearning in his eyes, a lot of shattered dreams and heartbreak reflecting in those haunted eyes. Azlan continued looking down. Hearing a collective sigh from beside him he looked towards the other 3 girls with narrowed eyes as did Zain and saw them now ogling Asad and sighing wishfully. As Asad sat on the bike, a bunch of girls come charging at him, gushing.

Girl - OMG You're Asad Khan aren't you (Asad's ears turned red and he adjusted his collar nervously, an action that immediately made Azlan chuckle knowing what it meant and his chuckle made his cousins stare at him with amused smiles and raised eyebrows) OMG AAPKA WOH VIDEO, THE ONE OF YOU SINGING AT THE WEDDING. PLEASE OMG CAN YOU SING FOR US TOO!

Asad - (looking horrified, stepped back) Ji?

Other Girl - yes please please please sing for us! (One of the girls was just in complete shock)

Girl - OMG you're like super hot, like too hot. More hot than in pictures.

Girl 1 - PLEASE GAYEE NAA.

Asad - No I-

Girl 2 - Look there's a whole stage set for you right behind you. (Asad spun around in shock and no doubt there were drums, guitars and even a mike set up on a low raised platform on the pier next to the rails overlooking the lake on the other end. Asad just stood there, in complete and utter disbelief. It was as if someone had just transported him 7 years into the past. His eyes almost looked dampened as he continued staring at a sight he was all too familiar with. Why wouldn't he be. He had practically grown up on this very spot. Sitting on those barriers staring out onto the water for hours, standing on this very platform with these very instruments singing with his band, Azlan and Zain until locals chased them away. He turned around and looked towards Azlan and Zain and saw them looking back at him with the same upset smiles, sad broken hearts.

Girls - COME ON EVERYBODY (Seeing Asad not budging. She began calling out onto others who were nearby and also looking at Asad with the same hope, hoping he'd share some of that magic god had gifted him with, with them, it was obvious they too had seen his video and were immediately floored. Little did the girl know what ghosts of his past she had called upon.) COME ON GET HIM TO SING!! SING, SING, SING (Slowly mostly everyone on the beach began chanting and Asad just stared to the ground, the same haunting look returning to his eyes. It was as if these invisible chains had just come out of nowhere, tying him down no matter how hard he tried to fight them and break free. He was fighting his inner battles when he heard familiar voices in those chants. His ears subconsciously filtering through all other voices to recognize Azlan and Zain and he was surprised to see the 3 Haveli girls cheering just as loudly. His eyes filled with angry tears and immense resentment seeing Rashid, Javed, Shazia and Suleman chanting along with Maya. Happy and proud smiles on their faces. The pride on their faces would make any other child's heart swell with pride but it ended up breaking his heart. As he continued staring at his family, fighting his own demons he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Ayaan smiling reassuringly at him and he just knew. It had to be him. Ayaan was such an amazing friend that if the price of his friendship was all the hardships in Asad's life, he would still endure it all for the sake of having him as a friend. Asad tried to say something but Ayaan just shook his head.)

Ayaan - You want to thank me, you get up on that stage and kick some ass. You want to make an excuse (looked towards the beach where a crowd had gathered around that stage) you need to turn them all down. Not just me. (Asad looked towards him, struggling to express himself) Come on Asad. Live a little. Have mercy on yourself. Whatever happened in your life, NONE OF IT was your fault. So STOP punishing yourself by not living your life, your dreams. You work so hard to make other peoples dreams come true. Make their lives better. But what about your dreams? Your life. You deserve this. You deserve SO much more. You deserve to be happy more than almost anyone out there. PLEASE. DO THIS. YOU NEED TO BREAK FREE. If not for yourself do it for (nodded towards the stage again) for them (Asad slowly turned around and saw his old band, 4 of his friends up on stage, ready to kick some ass but they were watching him with baited breaths, scared about his answer) it wasn't just your dream that failed Asad. It was theirs too. For you it was IMA that was the road to your dreams. For them it was YOU. Your voice, your strength, your gift. DO IT for yourself, do it for your Ammi. Do it for your friends and do it for the people of Kasauli. Who could do with a little hope. And your voice is that hope. (He could see the resolve in Asad's eyes weakening. He would give in. And he sent out a small prayer for his friend hoping he would actually break his barriers and just live a little)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Meanwhile back at the Orphanage -

Zoya finished her story now holding Pari in her lap sitting beside Farida Bi while Pari played with her balloon staring at Zoya attentively. Almost as if she understood everything Zoya was saying.

Farida Bi - (shook her head disappointedly) itna kuch hogaya Zoya aur tumne mujhe bataya tak nahin.

Zoya - Batane ka mauka hi nahin mila Farida Bi. Aur batati bhi toh kya batati? Ke mera sabse bara dar meri hakeekat ban gaya. Faizan Jeeju ke jaane ke baad main lawaris ho gayee, be ghar ho gayee. Ke (her voice cracked) meri family ne mujhe ghar se nikal diya? Meri woh family jinhone kabhi mujhe apna nahin maana, hamesha mujhse sharminda hue..door rahe..par uske bawajood maine unse pyaar ki umeed ki. Itni bewakoof thi ke apna wujood jaante hue bhi unse mujhe apnane ki umeed karti rahee? (Stared off into the distance) jab mere apne sage maan baap ne mujhe nahin apnaya..toh koi woh kya apnate?

Farida Bi - (stroked her hair) nahin beta. Aisa nahin kehte. Iss mein tumhari nahin, ghalati unki hai beta. Agar woh tumhe pyaar nahin kar sake apna nahin sake toh yeh unki badkismati hai Zoya. Warna khuda gawah hai tumse zyaada pyaari, saaf aur bare dil waari ladki shayad hi koi dunya mein ho. Aur agar unhe tumharee achayee se zyaada logon ki baaton ki pari hai ya apni ghatiya soch ki pari hai toh woh khud tumhare laek nahin hain beta. Khuda jo karta hai, ache ke liye karta hai beta aur tum dekhna ussne iss mein bhi tumhare liye achayee likhi hogi. Shayad, shayad tumhari asal manzil, asal jagah woh nahin yeh hai. Tumhare iss jeeju ka ghar. Shayad yeh woh ghar hai woh family hai jo tumhare liye likhi hai (Zoya pondered over her words, reflecting on all the love, care, acceptance and happiness she was receiving at The Khan mansion (barring Asad of course) maybe she was right) tum toh khuda ka bheja woh noor ho jo kissi bhi makaan ko ghar bana sakti hai. Jannat bana sakti hai. Itni Roshni, itna pyaar hai tume. Agar ek ghar uss roshni se jal nahin saka iska matlab yeh nahin ke tumhari roshni kam par gayee, iska matlab yeh hai ke khuda uss ghar mein roshni laana hi nahin chahta. Unhe iss laek nahin samajhta woh. Tum unko leke pareshan mat hoya karo unke dil kaale hain tumhara nahin (smiled at Pari who seemed to be just as tensed and upset as Zoya herself seeing Zoya so upset) kyun Pari? Di pyaari hai na (Pari nodded vigorously. Her eyes wide and Zoya couldn't help but smile and place a loud kiss on her cheek)

Zoya - Pari jitni pyaari?

Pari - (shrugged and very seriously said) Chachoo told me that I'm the most pyaari girl in the world and chachoo never lies so phir aap..aap mere baad 2nd pyaari ho sakti ho. (Zoya and Farida Bi laughed)

Zoya - your chachoo is right Pari. You are the most beautiful girl in the whole world and your chachoo seems almost as sweet as you are. I guess that makes him 2nd sweetest after you (Pari smiled) waise..Farida Bi..yeh bache log sab kahan gaye hain?

Farida Bi - Woh apni soccer game ke liye gaye hain..

Zoya - Soccer game? Kahan?

Farida - Who Shawn haina (Zoyas eyes widened with the mention of him) woh har sunday unki soccer team coach karta hai.. park mein.

Zoya - Matlab, Shawn yahin hain?? Please Farida Bi. Aaj toh main unse milke rahoongi. Batayee na kahan hain who, kaun hai who kya naam hai- (and before she could continue with her attempts to make Farida Bi spill her secret she heard a voice. His voice. Resonating through the area. Her heart stopped beating for a second, before it began pounding in her chest altogether. Tha'ts what his voice, the passion in it did to her every time he began singing. Farida Bi and Pari stared at her as she looked almost frazzled, almost in shock and surprise. She had frozen the minute she heard his voice and her grip on Pari tightened. Her eyes shining brighter suddenly, filled with even more life, warmth and happiness. Suddenly she put Pari down on the steps and without saying another word ran down the steps ignoring Farida Bi who began calling after her worriedly, wondering what had happened to her. But once his ethereal voice reached Zoya's ears, she could hear none other. She began running down the streets, no clue where she was headed, just kept running in the direction her legs and her junooniyat led her. Her fate led her. She ran like mad. Like a woman possessed. However, she wasn't running away from what possessed her but willingly towards it. Hoping it would fill that void in her. Because truth be told that is what it felt like each time she looked into his eyes or heard his voice. Like he was completing her. Healing her. Fixing her broken heart and filling her wounds. Like he was consuming her and possessing her. That is the sort of power his voice and he held over her. She looked almost mournful as she reached town square and looked down all 4 streets. Where was he? She could hear him. Feel him. He was so close and yet so far. His soul speaking to hers, she ran down the street that pulled her in. The beauty of his voice her only guidance. As she neared the beach/pier/water front she heard his voice grow louder and closer with each step she took and her steps became more urgent, more maddening. She saw a crowd gathered by the waterfront and knew she was close. She still couldn't believe it. Asad was singing. He was actually singing. She had just shared her idea of trying to get Asad to sing with Ayaan but hadn't actually done anything to implement it. Seems like Ayaan had done that all on his own already. Slowly she began weaving her way through the crowd to get closer to him and the closer she got, the more ragged her breathing got and the more out of control her heart started beating. That is until she reached right to the front. Standing right in the crowd below him and watching him perform. In all his glory. Raw & passionate Asad Ahmed Khan. What an ethereal sight to behold. The way the passion coursed through his vein, through every pour of his body and reflected off of him left many watching him, awed and touched. Touched by the magic, the gift he had. Zoya couldn't take her eyes off of him. He held her captive. She was certain she had never witnessed a more beautiful sight in her life. Thia is exactly how he was meant to be. What he was born to be. A Rockstar. Up on a stage, with a guitar in hand and a mic in the other. (Please imagine his look from QH December 4 2012 - Phirse ud chala song sequence) His shades on, his defence on even if his guards were a little down. Dressed in a black tee, black jacket and jeans. Zoya didn't stand a chance. Neither did the crowd. He left everyone breathless. With the aura, power, arrogance and charisma oozing off him. Just his sheer personality had people floored. His presence captivating. Leaving everyone at his mercy, incapable of looking away. Each strum of his guitar, each note he sang, each word, more touching, soulful and beautiful than the last.

Asad stood on the same stage where he had countless of times, with his band, his friends, before the people of Kasauli. His brother and friend Azlan in the audience watching him. Given that there were way more people here today than there usually were, some old relationships estranged, some new ones but close ones formed and some he didn't want to have but had no choice, but everything else seemed like dejavu. As if it were just yesterday when they had been spending a typical casual Sunday free styling on the self-made stage and make shift "concert" hall. Just yesterday when he had felt his dreams were all within a hands reach. As if he would open up hia fist and just like that achieve all that he had ever wanted. All that was meant for him. And it seemed like just yesterday when all the possibility of making those dreams come true were mercilessly snatched away from him. When he felt his already cracked heart shatter completely. Yet, all it took was for one nosy, loud and kind hearted girl to waltz into his life and start taking it upon her to fulfill his dreams. As if they were her dreams. Why? None of them knew. He didn't even know he had her to thank for the euphoric feeling coursing through him in the moment. The feeling indescribable. He felt like a bird who had injured both wings and had come to terms with the possibility of never being able to fly again. And then just as suddenly been told that a miracle had happened and he would fly again. He felt alive. More than anything, he felt happy. It was as simple as that. With a heavy heart but a blissful, contented smile he closed his eyes and began singing..
Asad - ooo..ooo..oo..ooohhhoo..Phir se ud chala ..Ud ke chhoda hai jahaan neeche main tumhare ab hoon hawaale (his smile grew a little and so did those of his band members. They just knew they were about to create magic again) ab Door door log baag meelo'n door mil waadiyaan (opened his eyes, his head thrown back a little..strumming his guitar) Phir dhuaan dhuaan tan har badli chali aati hai chhoone Par koi badli kabhi kahin kar de tan geela ye bhi na ho...(-Point when Zoya finally managed to make it to the waterfront)(At this point his face was up close to the mic as he sang into it. His eyes hidden behind his lens. But one didn't need to look into his eyes to see the wave of emotions, the passion in them. He didn't care who was watching and who wasn't, what anyone thought. This was his moment and he was going to enjoy living every second of it. Allah knows when he would ever get the chance to again. Knowing his kismat, another tragedy may be awaiting him around the corner) (Zoya watched with baited breath. The intensity of his passion and his persona, playing games with her heart, making her experience emotions that she had never felt. Only had dreamt of experiencing.a lifetime ago. But the hope of feeling those emotions had long since been buried inside of her) Kisi manzar par main ruka nahi Kabhi khud se bhi mein mila nahi Ye gila to hai (dipped his head back, strumming his guitar) main khafa nahi..Shehar ek se gaa'nv ek se Log ek se naam ek (stepped away from the mic, strumming alongside his co-guitarist) (dipped fully back, taking the mic along with him. The girls watching going crazy swooning over his style, charisma and personality and Zoya flushed red..unable to believe the sight before her. His aura too much for her) ooo ooo o...(Slowly brought the mic back up, standing upright again. The passion and intensity, visible on his face..singing the feelings, thoughts, emotions deep in his heart) Phir se udd chala hai..(held the mic with both his hands, his heart heavy with emotions) Mitti jaise sapne ye kitta bhi palko se jhaado Phir aa jaate hain Kitte saare sapne kya kahoon kis tarah se maine (His face contorting as emotions ran high. His voice itching a notch higher) Tode hain chhode... hain kyun (shaking his head, as he let go of the mic with one hand) Phir sath chalein mujhe leke ude ye kyun O o.. (again he looked down and began strumming again, stepping away from the mic a little as he sang the next verse) Kabhi daal daal kabhi paat paat Mere saath saath phire dar dar ye..Kabhi sehra kabhi saawan Banu raawan jeeyun mar mar ke..Kabhi daal daal kabhi paat paat Kabhi din hai raat kabhi din din hai. Kya sacch hai, kya maaya hai daata, hai daata (Finally he opened his eyes, pushing up his sunglasses letting the girls see those beautiful brown orbs and scream, swoon! Zoya too felt herself drowning in them. Asad looked in the direction of where Azlan was sitting before and even though Kajol, Humeira and Naina had joined the crowd before his stage Azlan and Zain continued sitting there. Azlan's face reflecting the same turmoil Asad's heart was in. Both remembering the days when Azlan would be the one compelling him to sing and cheering the loudest, standing up on stage with him. The days when they were brothers, friends even. Azlan continued watching him sing, happy and perhaps even thankful to Ayaan for getting him to live a little. Have mercy on himself and do what he did best. Sing. Asad however, looked away. The memories too painful) Idhar udhar titar bitar Kya hai pata hawa le hi jaaye teri ore Kheenche teri yaadein Teri yaadein teri ore (He couldn't ignore the feeling anymore. Her presence. The way his heart just knew. She was around. So close yet so far. A gust of wind flew, making both their hair fly along with it, just as their gazes collided. Both transfixed. Unable to look away once they held each others gaze. The passions soaring through, the intensity in them just way too much. He finished off the last verse, staring deep into her eyes. Strumming his guitar) Rang-birange vehamon mein, Main udta phiru Rang-birange vehamon mein Main udta phiru tuturututru tuturututruu tuturututruu..(closed his eyes finishing off, still unable to believe he had sang. In front of a crowd, on a stage after so long. It felt like a lifetime ago when he had last done so and he wasn't surprised to find that it gave him the same rush it gave him back then as well. Finishing the song, truly resembled the feeling of coming down from a high.) oo..oo..oohoo
(As the song finished the crowd erupted into loud cheers and applauses. Girls screaming madly. They were completely in love with him. Even the others, were simply in awe of him. In love with him. Even Azlan had to put his ego aside and clap. As did Asads father, grandfather and uncle. Pride visible on their face. The royals once again getting a royal ignore courtesy of Asad who seemed to fast becoming a celebrity to the people of Kasauli. Kajol, Naina and Humeira were also cheering maddeningly standing in the crowd. Zoya's heart was still hammering away in her chest. Slightly flustered and breathless she just had a small smile on her face, in awe of him. She may not be in love with him but she was definitely in love with his voice. The magic it held within it. The almost healing, soothing quality of it. The gift Asad had. She was in love with it almost to the extent of insanity. It was fast becoming a drug for her. Her greatest, most troublesome, addictive drug and it scared her. It was almost as if she needed to hear him sing just to feel truly alive. Content and at peace. It healed her soul and fixed the cracks in her heart. It was trouble. He was trouble. Far too overwhelmed with the emotions raging through her she turned around and without sparing him another glance whilst he was busy shaking hands with his band members she ran from there. Almost as fast as she had ran towards him. The band members hugged each other but only gave Asad smiles and shook hands with him. Knowing he was a little emotionally unavailable. Not one to openly show his affection or a hugger (not with everyone at least). Asad spun around and looked at the still maddened crowd, unable to believe the magic they had just witnessed, but his eyes merely glazed over every face. Unable to find the one his heart automatically seeked out. His eyes narrowed disappointedly upon failure to find her. He did however spot Ayaan in the entire crowd who signalled to him that he was only so-so impressed and the song was only mediocre before laughing as Asad rolled his eyes at him. Overcome with emotions Asad stepped off the stage just as girls tried to jump him, touch him and attack him. Get to him in any shape any form while his friends kept them at bay. Asad walked over to Ayaan and without saying anything just enveloped him in a tight hug, tears of joy, heartbreak and gratitude rushing to his eyes. Ayaan smiled too.
Asad - I just..I..(He didn't have the words to thank him. Ayaan didn't need him to say it to understand)
Ayaan - I know. (Pulled back. Azlan whos heart had broke seeing Asad hug Ayaan out of gratitude and had been watching them with sad eyes ever since, finally looked away. Oh how he wished he were the one who had made Asads wishes, his dreams come true.) but you don't have to thank me. (Moved back from him smiling miscieveously) I mean of course you do, in fact I think you should repay me for this much needed mercy I did upon you by giving me something BIG. A gift that gits the favour. Something that you recently bought..2 doors, GREEN, SHINY-Asad - (rolled his eyes) you want my car in exchange for making me agree to get on a stage and sing? Why don't I just give you 50% shares to my company right along with it.
Ayaan - Make it 51% and you got yourself a deal (Asad just shook his head at him.) no but on a serious note you don't owe the thanks to me alone. I may have forced you to get up on this stage but it was someone else who gave me the idea of getting you to sing again. Someone who called me for help.
Asad - (stared at him confusedly) someone who?
Ayaan - (shrugged) you'll find out in due time. But let's just say this isn't the last time you're going to be singing. Not if me and well (winked) someone have anything to say about it.
Asad - (he was actually DYING to know. The curiosity was killing him from within but he tried to play it cool) Someone who?
Ayaan - An angel. (Began walking away from the dispersing crowd, towards their bikes. Asad alongside him. Anaya looked towards Azlan with beseeching eyes, seeing that Asad was here and it would be the perfect chance to ask him, to forgive the transgressions of the Haveli people and let Dilshad make a lehnga for them. Azlan looked away, with a heavy heart. Sighing deeply. He knew it was pointless and he also didn't want to upset Asad. Not now. Not when he was happy for once. But helpless seeing his sisters plight he swallowed his pride and ego, ready to face Asad's rejection and got up to walk over to him.)
Asad - You're seriously not going to tell me? (Ayaan just smiled coyly and whistled, feigning ignorance and Asad just shook his head narrowing his eyes seeing Ayaan casually walking away) aren't you forgetting something?
Ayaan - (ran a hand through his hair staring at him confusedly as they reached their bikes) not that I can remember..
Asad - (rolled his eyes with an almost hopeless look) why is it that we came here...
Ayaan - OH! Right. I should definitly not ride back alone. I should go ask a girl- (He could see Asad fast becoming angry. And he knew he would start blowing up at Ayaan soon enough so he started laughing, quitting the jokes) relax. It's done. (Asad stared at him skeptically) I've gotta say, you make quite the distraction and I a genius. You really don't give me enough credit for my ideas and intelligence-
Asad - Why are you so irritating?!! Do you seriously wanna go for another swim? I could ask Jay- (he smiled knowingly as Ayaan sobered up. Recalling the embarrassment from earlier)
Ayaan - But seriously why didn't we think of this before? (Asad too looked contemplative and shrugged. Ayaan was just about to say something when suddenly the words died on his tongue. Seeing him glaring at someone, his eyes enraged, his fists clenching and his chest begin to heave. Clearly becoming furious. Asad turned around to see what it was that was angering him so much. He saw Azlan approach him, with an almost sheepish look and immediately Asad's stance began resembling Ayaans completely. Each muslce in his body tensing as he stared at Azlan, his hurt visible in his eyes. Their brawl, the words said everything rushing to him again. Ayaan looked away, lest he be tempted to punch him and Azlan just gave a small smile to Asad about to say something when Asad put up a hand. Knowing what Azlan wanted to say but in no mood to hear it. In no mood to get sucked in again. He knew if Azlan requested him for ANYTHING, he would never be able to say no to him. Even if he asked him for his life. So it would better if he didn't even hear it. Azlan just watched silently. helplessly as Asad turned around and got on his bike too. Azlan just stood their watching silently, with a heavy heart as Ayaan looked to Asad and nodded and Asad just gave a curt nod before both their bikes roared to life. Ayaan did a wheely before his bike went flying down the road and Asad did the same, right behind him. Completely ignoring Azlan. But that didn't stop them from behaving any less pettily. Ayaan flipped off the numerous police officers and police jeeps standing around as he flew his bike down the pier and Asad too followed. They, Zain and Azlan included watched helplessl .seeing them and then 18-20 of their friends fly their bikes down the pier when it clearly said "Speed Limit 60".

xxx

Late that Night - He. S, sat up on Kasauli Hilltop. The highest point in Kasauli. His point. Overlooking the city. His city, like a hawk. Smoking his cigarette. His phone beeped beside him and he cast a casual glance at it. Just to read the message that said 'She's home - Signing off for the night' and he exhaled deeply. Almost as if sighing in relief.

xxx

xo - DailyDaisy!