#2 - AsYa FF: Mohabbatein - Part 28 - Page 130 - 31/01/18! A/N Pg 132! - Page 51

10 Minutes Later:

Asad came bounding down the stairs, evidently in a hurry to join his not so beloved family as they rushed about doing all the wedding preparations for tomorrow.

Nanima - (seeing Asad all hassled and in a hurry) Arre Asad beta, kya huwa? Tum itne pareshaan kyun lag rahe ho, aur itni jaldi mein kahan bhaage jaa rahe ho?

Asad - (turning pink, as he got caught and realized his actions. He cleared his throat to get a grip on himself) Who kuch nahin bas, aise hi walk karne jaa raha tha. Thori si fresh air chahiye thee...

His grandfather - (scoffed) fresh air se kuch nahin hoga tera. Jab tak dil naa saaf ho aur kuch nahin kaam karega (The Naanima, lowered her hesitant eyes unable to meet Asad's tortured ones and Asad just gave his grandfather the same hateful and hostile glare he reserved for everyone)

Asad You'd know, wouldn't you? (The grandfather glared back at him, just as hatefully and shook his head disappointedly muttering something about Batameezi) Maryam uth gayee, main usse mil sakta hoon?

Mumani - (quick to jump in, again getting nervous) who, woh toh already parlour chali gayeee (Asad frowned, doubting her, not like she was being discreet about all the fishiness going on here anyways)

Nanima - Tum shaam ko mil lena beta, function mein. Filhal aao baitho main tumhare liye naashta lagwaati hoon, tumne kal raat bhi theek se nahin khaya...

Asad - (completely disregarding what she said) Zoya Kidhar hai? (His question raised quite a lot of curious and calculating eyebrows but he was avoiding looking at any of there faces, lest he recall the past and let go of all the politeness and mannerisms he was demonstrating towards them)

Naanima - (smiling knowingly) woh toh subah se bahar gayee hai Mehnaaz aur Shehnaaz ke saath gaon dekhne (and without sparing another second, Asad too began walking towards the door) Arre but Naashta

Asad - Mujhe bhook nahin hai...

xxx

Meanwhile Outside -

Naina - Tell me my ears aren't ringing. That was definitely Asad's voice..

Zain - (nudged Azlan) Isse bauhat pata hai...

Azlan - (rolled his eyes) no, that wasn't. What would Asad be doing here? He's in Kasauli (but his words lacked conviction, it seemed even he was doubtful)

Naina - (rolled her eyes back at him) then it's just a coincidence that someone in this village can sing just as good as him and in HIS voice. I'm telling you that's him..

Azlan - and I'm telling you it's not.

Naina - IS TOO!

Azlan - IS NOT!

Naina - IS-

Kajol - ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU! GROW UP WILL YOU!

Naina - (whispered to Azlan like a stubborn child once Kajol looked away) Is too! (But Azlan ignored her)

Zain - (shook his head) You two warm my heart. Hey, Ayaan...Why don't you clear this for us, give Asad a call and find out where he is at the moment.

Ayaan - Jee I wish I could but (shrugged) I don't want to. (Ignoring Azlan's hateful glare and Zain's middle finger, he jogged to catch up to Naina, passing by Humeira in the process who had just opened her mouth to say something to him and was staring at him with hopeful and dreamy eyes)

Meanwhile Somewhere else in the middle of the village -

Zoya and her new found friends were running into the village centre where a small carnival (suitable to village standards) was set up. However, on their way, they were stopped in their path by a group of unkept, unsophisticated and un-gentlemanly like intentions, stopping them in their tracks. Zoya immediately backed up a few steps, as a reflex to any man who crossed her path (of course, excluding Asad). Shehnaz & Mehnaz too backed up a little too, with hesitant and nervous smiles. Their giggles and laughter from earlier, dying on their tongues.

One of the men - Arre, Saali Sahebas, Aap subah subah kahan bhaage jaa rahee hain itni teezi mein (although the entire time his eyes were on Zoya, eyeing her up and down in the sleaziest manner possible, making Zoya cringe and cower behind Mehnaz and Shehnaz involuntarily. She felt disgusted and objectified and the growing sleazy smile on the guys face only intensified those feelings) aur yeh aapki Saheli kaun hai? Zarah humse bhi toh milayee innko (his friends all had a good laugh, staring at Zoya with the same bad looks)

Shehnaz - (her voice stuttering) Yeh, Yeh hamare hone waale Jeeju hain Zoya. Mariam ka dulha (Zoya's eyes widened in shock. This man, was to be Mariam's husband based on what? There was clearly no match. He looked a good 10-12 years older than her, less civilized and MUCH MUCH less groomed)

Friend - Yeh toh bas sahee time sahee jagah pauhanch gaya, warna kya patah aaj inki jagah hamari baraat aapki saheli ke darwaaze aa rahee hoti.

Dulha - Waise..(still looking at Zoya) kya aap sahee time, sahee jagah mein yakeen rakhtin hain?

Friend - Yeh kaisa savaal hai? Poochne waala savaal toh yeh hai ke..kya aapki shaadi hogayee, kyunki agar nahin hui toh aap ek baar kahen aur hum baraat leke aapki dehleez pe aa jayen...

His other friend - (whispered) arre yeh shehri ladkiyan toh bina baraat ke bhi suhaag raat manane ko tayaar hoti hain, itni mehnat karne ki kya zaroorat hai? (They all laughed sleazily and Zoya panicked. Her face went as pale as a ghost and so she did the only thing she knew to escape from such situations, she tugged at Mehnaaz's hand, and ran. Ran, as fast as her legs could carry her without looking back, regardless of how loudly the sleazy idiots laughed and yelled behind her. Mehnaz and Shehnaz followed closely behind.

Groom (yelled) - Arre Ma'am, Kahaan Bhaagi jaa rahee ho, yeh toh batati chalo..kab aaon apki dehleez pe?

Other friend- How do you do Madam?

Dulha (whispered) - Kasam se yaar (his eyes glued, sickly onto Zoya's retreating back) Iske saath toh Suhaag raat sirf hum hi manayeinge (the other 2 laughed along just as sickly)

Simultaneously - A little further away...

Asad was enjoying a peaceful walk, enjoying the crisp breeze and beautiful sunshine, but unfortunately his arrogance, OCD and high maintenance kept on kicking in. He was rocking his Ray-Ban aviators whilst looking like a million bucks in his white shalwar kurta and clearly very expensive chappals evident by how he kept on side stepping any puddle of mud or water he came across, almost hilariously. In fact, one time he cringed so bad after coming across a puddle that some kids who witnessed the sight laughed at his plight as they came running through the puddle happily and splashing the water crazily. Lucky for them, the water managed to miss him just slightly. He groaned, taking another drag of his cigarette whilst torturously typing away on his cell phone, trying to run his million dollar corporation from this village his mother had stuck him in. Doing exactly what she had hoped for him to let go of through this mini holiday and forsaking all that she had hoped for him to learn. To breathe, to live, to laugh, to dream, to love. Thankfully, not all hope was lost though because it was love that had dragged him out of the house and had compelled him to come on this "walk" in search of her. Even if he himself didn't know it. Asad cursed loudly as the kids came running back and this time collided into him tossing his cell phone to the ground, right into a puddle of water. He felt his heart stop beating for a moment, as he continued to stare at his phone in complete and utter shock. Taking advantage of his shock, the kids quickly ran away before he could get his hands on them. As the cigarette stub in his hand burnt him due to his lack of attention, Asad finally snapped out of it and made a dash to fish his cell phone out of the pond no matter how much he felt like would throw up at the sight of all the mud and water and filth. His OCD limits were being pushed FAR. As he was bent down to pick up his cell phone he saw numerous footsteps stop before him because evidently he was blocking their path on the narrow walkway. Clearly, one of the owners of those feet saw him struggling to get his hands a little dirty and decided to take pity on the poor guy, although he didn't give up a chance to have a good laugh at his expense and at the expense of his suffering. Asad quickly straightened up just as the other man grabbed the phone and was standing up too. Asad's eyes constantly glued to his baby, which he possibly may love more than his Ammi, Azlan, Pari & Zoya combined. He was so hooked to the prospect of re-uniting with his love that he didn't even feel the eyes of all the owners of those feet on him.

Asad - (cleared his throat) Thanks.

Rashid - (finally standing up) No problem beta (and that's when both him and Asad finally saw each other, just what their family members had been fretting. The cell phone was left forgotten in Rashid's hand as 25 years of pent up emotions, pain, longing and in Asad's case all consuming hatred got the better of them. Asad's heart immediately began pounding, as did Rashid's and his grandparent's albeit for 2 completely different reasons. On one end was pure, undiluted hatred and on the other was pure love and longing. Asad stared at the estranged face of his father with such pained and accusing eyes that Rashid's heart couldn't bear to see the torment and demons that haunted those beautiful eyes and looked away as he felt his own eyes dampen guiltily. But Asad kept on glaring at him, as his own eyes dampened with anger, hurt and hate.)

Razia - (loving this. For her, Christmas had just come early) Tum yahaan iss gaon mein kya kar rahe ho?

Asad - (his jaw clenched, hearing her voice. As much as he hated it and tried to get out from underneath it he couldn't find a way to beat the control they had over him. Just the sight of them or hearing their voices triggered him in a way nothing and no-one else did. Triggered him onto a path of all consuming hatred and self destruction.) Fikar mat karein, (still glaring at his father hatefully) Aapki beti ki engagement mein shaamil hone nahin aaya hoon, I remember I wasn't invited (the anger, the hurt and hate in his heart evident in his words and his voice) I hope you remember too.

Suleman - (smiling. Overjoyed at seeing his beloved grandson) Nahin Asad beta tum-

Asad - (cut him off before he said something to provoke him, or rather humiliate him, like giving him a last minute 'pitiful' invite. He did not need that. He did not need them. He didn't need anybody. Or so he believed) Mujhe sab yaad hai. Kuch nahin bhoola main...KUCH NAHIN (those two words held so much pain and suffering in them that they tore Rashid's heart to pieces) Par aap yeh mat bholiye ga, ke ab aap ke saamne waali Haveli, MERI hai aur main yahan jab chahe aa sakta hoon mujhe aapse permission lene ki yah aapko inform karne ki, zaroorat nahin hai (then he turned his anger, hate and pain towards Suleman and taunted him as well, just with the tone he addressed him, letting him know he didn't like him any better than Rashid) Nawab Sahab (saying so, he gave them all one more hateful and pitiful glare before stepping aside and storming off in a fit of rage, desperately, almost manically lighting another cigarette to calm his senses, ignoring the hand his grandmother had risen to bless him. Breaking her heart right along his own)

In the Village Square -

Asad's face was red with anger, his fists were clenched painfully at his sides, itching, trembling with rage needing to punch something almost madly. He HATED that even after all these years, even in the face of NOTHING, no connection, no relation, no expectation, no interaction they had such an effect on him that they could get to him so easily. He thought he was stronger than that. But just the sight of them, took him back to the scared, beaten, frightful and tormented kid he was, almost a lifetime ago. It reminded him of all the losses and tragedies he had to endure because of them. The hate and rage was almost enough to drive him to insanity. He needed to rip something, tear something to pieces and he would've if he hadn't spotted the water pump in the village square. Cold, refreshing water, he hoped that would help him cool down. He tossed his cigarette aside and almost ran to the water pump gratefully and hopefully. Relieved. He quickly worked the pump a couple of times, getting the water flowing steadily and he was just about to put his mouth under to get a drink when someone else beat him to it, leaving him hypnotized and paralyzed as usual. She'd probably make him forget his own name and identity if she had her way. He stood there mesmerized by her simplicity and beauty in that simple Ghagra choli. She was a divine sight to behold everyday, but Zoya in ethnic wear was a different kind of test and torment and a different kind of beauty altogether. He watched her cup handfuls of water and drink desperately, evidently parched and out of breath, having ran here but why? He could care less about why, thankful to see her and he just wished this moment never ended and he could forever lay eyes on her in that adorable village girl get up. But sadly, all good things must come to an end, and so when the water he had pumped out did, so did Zoya's silence, Asad's tolerance and the moment. She was back to herself and the mirage and dream version of Zoya (silent Zoya), Asad had conjured up faded away all the same.

Zoya - (shot him an annoyed look) Mr. Khan, aise khare khare kya dekh rahe hain, chaliye naa, thora sa haath halayee mujhe abhi bhi pyaas lagi hai (but Asad just stood there unresponsive, much to Mehnaz and Shehnaz's humour. Truth be told, he had actually blanked out due to the "Zoya Effect" that afflicted him. He didn't know where he was or why and what he was doing?) don't be such a drama queen kuch nahin hota aapke nazuk se muscles ko..(but then he came back to reality and his permanent scowl and fowl mood along with current anger returned and now it had just doubled because as always he needed a punching bag and there she was)

Asad - (screamed) Yeh Paani maine APNE peene ke liye nikala tha...AAP-

Zoya - (standing in her traditional trademark style, hands akimbo!) Uff ho, Mr. Khan..ab apni smiles ke saath saath aap paani pe bhi kanjoosi kareinge..maana ke aapki smiles aapki hain aap usspe property tax laga sakte ho aur kanjoosi kar sakte ho par yeh Paani aapka nahin hai, aapka ghulaam nahin hai... iss gaon ka hai! Kamaz kam aap woh toh share kar sakte hain.

Asad - I GOT HERE FIRST and PUMPED THAT WATER FOR MYSELF-

Zoya - NA-UH I GOT HERE FIRST!

Asad - DID NOT!

Zoya - DID TOO!

Asad - (screaming back, for the sake of screaming, totally forgotten why he had began screaming in the first place) DID NOT!

Zoya - DID- MEHNAZ AUR SHEHNAZ TUM DONO BATAO (but it seemed Mehnaz and Shehnaz too could see what these two dense idiots couldn't and so they left them to their lovers spat and had ran off giggling at their stupidity and immaturity and Zoya's eyes widened) YEH KAHAN CHALI GAYEEN...

Asad - (smirked. He may not care to admit but he had come to thoroughly enjoy their bickering, in fact he looked forward to it and sometimes he irked her out of spite just to get a rise out of her) I guess, even your new found friends can't tolerate you, much like the rest of us. (Zoya GLARED at him furiously. She wished she was strong enough to beat him with that water pump after tearing him from the ground, she even had a mental image of doing so, bringing a smile unto her face and demonic gleam in her eyes, much scaring Asad who looked away immediately)

Zoya - Ab main ghar kaise pauhanchoongi, mujhe toh raasta hi nahin aata.

Asad - (muttered) Good riddance (getting back to pumping his water and then finally sitting before the flowing water before Zoya could beat him to it again. He felt his nerves calming instantly, as soon as he felt the cool water touch the tips of his fingers. It was like magic and a blessing in disguise all at once. The water cooled him all the way inside. As soon as it touched his finger tips, all the anger, pain and hurt inside his heart cooled just like the water droplets. Relieved, he took a deep breath before proceeding to grab fistfuls of water and splashing some onto his face and ducking his hair beneath it too, to really calm his maddening anger, but the water finished almost as quickly as he ducked his head. Only for a moment though, because continuing with the miracles, he felt the water rush back out full speed the very next second. Not understanding why, but grateful none the less he let the cold water wash away his demons and torment, another one of the mercies and gifts of the wonder and blessing that had come crashing into his life unannounced and unwelcomed, Zoya Farooqui. Once he was done cooling off, he looked up curious as to who was gracious enough to do him such a favour, one he was in dire need of and he was actually genuinely surprised to see Zoya standing at the head of the pump still pumping out water for him unknowingly. She blushed cherry red, as he looked up so suddenly and unexpectedly, startling her, and catching her red handed checking him out. In her defence, she was helpless. It would be almost criminal to not check him out when he looked so sinful. A drenched and dripping wet Jahapanah, wet and combed back hair in a shalwar & kurta. Lord have mercy on all the ladies. Asad continued to stare at her at a loss for words and still surprised to see her do something nice for him, something she had no reason to do and nothing to gain from, a pure selfless act, one he wasn't used to being at the receiving end from, and Zoya saw the surprise in his eyes. To be honest, the surprise she saw in his eyes surprised her too. She didn't understand what the need was to be surprised . It was a small and simple thing, no big deal. But that was Zoya. A nice person who did small and simple nice gestures for complete strangers on the daily. For no reason and no personal gain. Unfortunately, the concept was estranged and unknown to Asad who hadn't come across many nice people in his life. He nodded his head in thanks, unable to say the words because he was too emotionally challenged and Zoya rolled her eyes behind his back. Before running after him.

Zoya - WAIT Mr. Khan, main ghar kaise jaongi, mujhe raasta nahin patah I-

Asad - (thoroughly enjoying hassling her, walked even faster) Aap ko ghar se yahan tak aane mein masla nahin hua, I'm sure aap ghar bhi pauhanch jayengi. Aap hamesha kehti haina ke main aapko trust nahin karta well you're in luck. Aaj main aapko trust kar raha hoon, ke bina meri madad ke aap ghar pauhanch jayeingi...

Zoya - (fake strangled him) MR. KHAN! I'm tired! Mujhse all the way ghar tak nahin chala jayega! Please, koi ride ka bando bast kijiye na ghar tak pauhanchne ke liye...

Asad - Sure your highness (turned around to face her, walking backwards away from her) would you like a range rover or Royals Royce at your service? (Zoya threw petals of plants she was picking from the side of the walkway, at him, as he turned around shaking his head)

Zoya - (whined, running and struggling to keep up) Mr. KHAN!

Asad - (sighed, rolling his eyes heavenwards. Why did he love getting himself stuck in such situations with her. Why did he PURPOSELY go looking for trouble a.k.a HER) Look this is your only chance, take it or leave it..better keep up

Zoya - MR. KHAN! I'm tired, thora sa ahista chaliye...

Asad - Aap hi kehti haina ke aap bauhat strong hain, toh ab chaliye mere saath, dekhte hain (already knowing the answer to that) if that's true or if your just all talk...

Zoya - (groaned) FINE! Mujhe aapki madad waise bhi nahin chahiye, main AKELE ghar pauhanch jaongi.

Asad - (waved goodbye, continuing to walk off, smilingly, his mood much better. A given, when Zoya was around) Fine by me! Enjoy yourself! (Zoya stood back cursing him and hating him trying to figure out how she was going to get home whilst he continued to walk away, slower and slower with each step. He may have been having a good laugh, but he wasn't going to abandon her there, especially not with the clowns who had accosted Zoya earlier standing a little farther away still, and especially when he knew the end result would just be him dying from stress or worrying too much and he wasn't going to be abandoning his mother and sister any time soon. He was all they had. So, he stopped, and looked up at the sky groaning as his way of complaining for the torture he constantly had to endure in the name of Zoya. He turned around and saw her sitting on a bunch of rocks where he had left her, still playing with the flowers and plants she had plucked. She was such an ethereal, breathtaking, pure and innocent sight that it warmed his heart in the most beautiful and painful way all at once. He sighed deeply and longingly staring at the ground before running a defeated hand trough his hair. Oh, the things his heart wanted and the things his heart made him do. That's when he spotted it, in the distance. Their ride. He was hesitant about hitching the ride, but the smile that graced her face and the way her eyes brightened up, the twinkling laughter that echoed in his ears as she spotted it removed all doubt from his heart and he knew he had made the right choice. It was in that instant, when she flicked a handful of water onto his face playfully as she ran towards their ride that Asad realized something. Somewhere along the way, in all the bickering and fighting he had become willing to do, absolutely ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for her. For the smallest and simplest of smiles, and the revelation, paralyzed him with fear.

xxx

Continued in next post...

10 minutes later - Somewhere in the village:

The haveli kids were enjoying some nice refreshing and "different" (as in less expensive and less fancy) ice cream, taking a break from their tedious walk around the village which the Farooqui boys were least interested in (Ayaan just wanted to get away from these toxic people, go back to his bachelor life in Kasauli with his club, apartments, girlfriend and friends, but he was at least taking solace in flirting with Naina, hopeful that she too was attracted to him and Azlan's anger was a bonus. Aahil's heart and mind were back in Kasauli with the other, the "wrong" khan sister and Arsalan and Asif were too worried about his heart in Kasauli and what storm that would bring to care about the walk. Zain was thoroughly enjoying his walk and being able to spend quality time with his girlfriend Kajol as was she. Humeira & Azlan too were NOT happy due to the flirtation between Naina & Ayaan and Azlan had the added worry of Pari back home. Naina however was enjoying seeing Azlan's annoyance and anger a little too much.

Arsalan - (spotting something in the distance) Wait a second, is that-

Ayaan - Asad? (They all stared at the sight of him and SOME girl riding away in a beautiful white horse carriage, surprised and dumbfounded by the sight)

Kajol - What's he doing here?

Naina - As much as we would probably hope it was for Anaya Aapi's engagement we all know better...

Ayaan - (muttered) so then what is he doing here?

Asif- more importantly who is that girl he's with (All the Farooqui brothers shared subtle, knowing but worried looks whilst the haveli kids remained as oblivious as their good for nothing parents)

Naina - (shrieked) ooo I wonder if it's that girl he's into, the one he's falling for? (Thereby confirming Ayana's fear and making the Farooqui brothers worst nightmare coming to life)

xxx

Nawabs Haveli:

Aahil - (screamed) I though you said he was gone on a business trip

Ayaan - that's what I thought too. Guess I was wrong (shrugged)

Aadil - WRONG!! WRONG! That's all you have to say about this? You were wrong?

Ayaan - (looked up at him baffled) yah so what do you want me to say? I don't like this as much as you, do you think I'm happy to see Zoya here, because I assure you I do not!

Aahil - (groaned, falling back onto his bed) THIS SO CANNOT BE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! (His 3 brothers looked to each other, sharing the same knowing and worried looks)

Arsalan - (patted his shoulder) I know it's not want you want to hear right now but trust me the pain, frustration and fear you feel right now has less to do with seeing Zoya here and more to do with what tomorrow might bring (Aabil gave Arsalan a murderous glare in response to that. Guess Arsalan was right about one thing, he really was not happy to hear that because it didn't help in the slightest)

Ayaan - (sighed) let me find out what Asad's doing here and why he brought Zoya with him, because knowing those two, those 2 things just don't add up.

Meanwhile the terrace:

Zain who had just come up the stairs with a couple of beers in hand, walked by the girls of their family towards Azlan who just like he had imagined was sitting all by his lonesome on the railing, staring out at the Haveli across from his, Asad's maternal family Haveli. He chuckled amusedly as he heard snippets of the girls conversation.

Humeira - she could be the daughter of some rich snooty businessman.

Kajol - or a politician...

Anaya - Army man?

Naina - Or she could be a regular girl with a beautiful heart and no affluent connections or rich daddy's and he fell for her, not her money or her status. (All the girls stared at her weirdly. Wanting to believe her and at the same time not wanting to believe her)

Kajol - Yaaah, I'm going to go with army man's daughter, that way it hearts less cuz it's the only thing lacking in me...

Anaya - How sad is it that my brother is literally sitting right across from me and yet when the whole village will be attending my engagement tomorrow, he's the only one that won't be (Naina and Kajol smiled sadly at her seeing the tears in her eye's at a loss for words. What could one possibly say in that situation to lessen her pain?)

Zain - (reaching Azlan and standing next to him) As sad as it is, I have to say I'm a little relieved Asad isn't attending Anaya Aapi's engagement tomorrow. Warna socho, agar naa milke yeh haal hai, milke toh tera bhai meri girlfriend ko chura hi le jaata (but seeing the lack of response from Azlan, Zain decided to quit the jokes. He silently handed Azlan the beer he brought for him and chugged a gigantic sip from his own beer too)

Zain - (still hearing no response from Azlan) You okay? (Azlan didn't respond. Instead he just took a sip of his beer, really needing it and looked out onto the Haveli opposite his again as did Zain) any theories as to what he's doing here?

Azlan - My guess is attending whosever wedding is taking place in that house(pointing to the decor of the house)

Zain - Yes, but isn't that a little hard to believe where Asad is concerned. I mean no offence but he doesn't strike me as the guy to voluntarily take time off and come vacay on the village side...

Azlan - (chuckled) true. But he is the guy who'd move the world for his mother (Zain nodded in agreement)

Zain - So you as sad as Aapi about him not being able to attend tomorrows festivities

Azlan - (looked towards Anaya, tensed and worried and stayed silent for a good five minutes before he spoke again) actually, I could care less (and saying so he continued to avoid Zain's eyes completely and walked away from there, much to Zain's amusement. Zain chuckled to himself as he leaned over the railing enjoying the weather and taking a large sip of his beer) He never learns...

xxx

Asad's Haveli - Later that Evening:

The door knocked and Ayaan ducked his way in between all the giggling girls to find someone he could talk to in order to ask about Asad's whereabouts. But it seemed next to impossible with the swarm of people in the house and the chaos. It seemed like some sort of Sangeet was to take place and a fancy one at that, given the size of the bonfire they were setting up. Finally though he found one of the uncle's and managed to stop him for a second.

Ayaan - uh uncle main Asad ko dhoond raha tha, Asad Ahmed Khan, aapne kahin dekha hai usse?

Uncle - (stared at him up and down) tum kaun ho Bhai?

Ayaan - Main uska dost hoon...

Uncle - (Asad's Mamu) toh yahan kya kar raha hai?

Ayaan - (stared at him weirdly, damn he was a strange man) uhh, Asad uncle? Aap please bata sakte hain ke woh Kahan hai?

Uncle - (getting annoyed) main tujhe kya uska secretary lagta hoon ke uske pal pal ki khabar rakhoon. Hoga Kahin terrace pe sharab aur cigarettes ke nashe mein dhund (Ayaan stared at him weirdly again before walking off shaking his head as did the uncle and Ayaan bounded up the terrace stairs 3 at a time) (He walked onto the terrace to see a makeshift bed in the centre and a single lonely suitcase in one corner shaded by the roof of the house. Asad was standing by the terrace railing smoking and buttoning up his Kurta for yet another function much to his annoyance.)

Ayaan - (whistled) what I wouldn't give to have a view like that from my bedroom window every night...

Asad - (shocked and surprised as he was to hear Ayaan there, he didn't show it) What're you doing here Farooqui?

Ayaan- Funny, I just came to ask you the same thing.

Asad - (turned around, raised eyebrow and a hint of a smile on his face) How'd you even know I was here (but then the answer came to him just as quickly) wait why am I even bothering to ask? Lemme guess, Ammi...

Ayaan - (raised an eyebrow back at him) Please. Don't hold back your excitement.

Asad - (frowning) No seriously what're you doing here?

Ayaan - Believe it or not I'm here for your sister's engagement tomorrow (leaning over against the railing next to Asad who had his back to him)

Asad - Not. (Turned around to lean over right next to him too) I mean I assumed they'd invite you seeing as though your pretty much Phup- (about to claim Rashid as his father and claiming his sister as his aunt but he stopped himself midway and Ayaan raised an eyebrow at him, helping himself to the rest of his cigarette) I mean, seeing as though your a part of the family..

Ayaan - (chuckled) a "step" part of the family. Unwanted, unwelcomed and unloved, much of which is thanks to you

Asad - (taking his cigarette back, shrugging) that's their speciality. (They stood in silence for a few seconds before Asad unable to let it go spoke up again) no seriously man, I'm surprised to see you here. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad, (rolled his eyes thinking about his stupid nonsense of a family and that Musibat Farooqui, felt good to have some sanity and semblance of his old life back which in just one day's time felt like it was a whole other life time ago). Just a little surprised though...

Ayaan - (nodded in agreement but remained silent not knowing how to tell him what he had to, what he came to and what he needed to for everyone's benefit) I uhh, I need to tell you something man (Asad looked over at him, waiting while Ayaan mustered up the courage to do so) there's something I've been hiding from you..

Asad - you mean other than the fact that by some freakish coincidence and miracle Zoya turned out to be your "sister" because frankly I'm still trying figure that one out (Ayaan fell silent for a few minutes as the horrible memories and realities surged with Zoya's name these days haunted him again and Asad suddenly felt bad for bringing it up, still guilty and probably he would remain so forever for letting a beast like Akram do that to Zoya, his bhabi's sister, his best friends sister and more importantly HIS Zoya.)

Asad - I'm sorry you were trying to tell me something...

Ayaan - (sighed, nodding, trying to build his courage once again) I, I just want you to understand before I tell you that, I did it for you, I hid this from you to save you the unnecessary heartache and pain I know their mention brings you (Asad stared at him confused, not understanding what Ayaan was saying or at least what he was trying to say) The reason I'm here in Mangalpur is because (sighed, looking up finally gathering courage to look him in the eye) because my brother, Aahil is the guy your sister is getting engaged to tomorrow. (Ayaan stared at him at a loss for any further words, whilst Asad stared at him both surprised and stunned letting that sink in)

Meanwhile Downstairs - Zoya and her giggling gang of girls (which she was a part of) checked their makeup in the mirror one last time before final touches.

Mehnaaz - Mashallah Aapi, kitni sundar lag ragee hain aap (fixing Zoya's hair)

Zoya - (pulled Mehnaz's cheeks) tum bhi Mashallah kitni sundar lag rahee ho (her eyes fell on Mariam who still sat as still as a ghost or a statue but looked as beautiful as ever all dressed up for her sangeet ceremony) par sabre Pyaari lag rashee hain hamari dulhaniya (both her and Mehnaz jumped on the bed beside Maryam in a teasing mode but due to the lack of response they both shared worried looks. Zoya more so than Mehnaz despite being a stranger to Maryam in comparison to Mehnaz her best friend, because she was all too familiar with the tortured, haunted and ghost like look in her eyes. The silence, stillness and estranged from oneself look, was all too familiar to her.

Back Upstairs:

Asad - (still too stunned to respond, his eyes widened) I...so...wow.

Ayaan - (chuckled) Yah. Wow.

Asad - So how did this? When did this?

Ayaan - It's been a long time coming. I don't know something about Haseena Chachi and Razia wanting to turn their friendship into something more. Something more permanent and family like, more stronger than of course getting step mom married to daddy dearest right, but of course what do I know right?

Asad - (barely hearing a word Ayaan said. He was still trying to process) So uhh, are they happy with the alliance? Aahil and...and

Ayaan - (smiled) Anaya Aapi? (Asad looked towards him, slightly grateful) I think...I (sighed thinking about Aahil) I think they'll be fine. (Asad sighed, nodding and Ayaan could see the relief swimming in his eyes. The happiness, the delight for his sister and the happiness that was about to embrace her tomorrow. Sadly for them, their moment of bromance was interrupted by one giggly with laughter and happiness Zoya who came running onto the terrace, looking ethereally beautiful in white and taking Asad's breath away with the first set of eyes he laid on her)

Zoya - Jahapanah I- (Her laughter and her giggle along with the words she was going to say to Asad died on her lips, as did Asad's as he laid eyes on her. Zoya blinked nervously under his penetrating and scorching gaze which was running all sorts of havoc on her senses. Ayaan looked between the two of them amusedly, even though his nerves of coming face to face with Zoya were getting the better of him at the same time. Asad stared at Zoya, with his heart beating a mile per minute, his eyes softened immensely and he himself breathless. In that moment he had the most life altering and breath taking realization which had his heart sinking with fear and his breaths nearly stopping altogether. He had the realization, an explanation of sorts as to why he was feeling the way he was about her, even if he refused to accept it or believe it, because god was witness to the feeling that seeped through his heart in that moment. The feeling of being whole, feeling complete and feeling of contentment. She came like a moment of stillness in a world of chaos and wreckage and it was as if for the first time in a very long time he himself believed that everything would be okay and that if he died in that moment, he would have no regrets. He would die a happy man. A whole, satisfied and peaceful man.

xxx

Continued in next post...