#2 - AsYa FF: Mohabbatein - Part 28 - Page 130 - 31/01/18! A/N Pg 132! - Page 62

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Meanwhile back at Khan Mansion:
Hearing the raging gun shot come from without a doubt, their own living room Zoya and Aisha came running from their bedrooms, their own hearts clenched with fear and their faces pale with worry. Upon reaching the living room they just stared at the sight before them unable to come to terms with what they were seeing. Aisha's terrorizing and gut-wrenching scream and wail was what it took for Zoya to finally look up from where Dilshad lay in a pool of her own blood and the wheels in her mind to start churning again. Aisha blinded by her own tears came running down the steps and fell to her mothers sight helplessly trying and failing to revive her but to no avail whilst Maryam sat on the other side in shock over the whole incidence. Zoya on the other hand stared directly at the shooter who had the gun pointed towards Dilshad once again and afraid that he'd try to shoot her again she didn't think on it twice. Didn't think about her own safety or plan of action she just went charging right at him and grabbed the gun from him just as he pulled the trigger. The bullet went and hit a nearby vase shattering it to pieces and making Aisha and Maryam scream in fear. The shooter and Zoya stared at each other and without wasting another second Zoya began clawing at his face to rip his mask off and identify him and he began struggling against her. The shooter kicked Zoya hard in the leg making Zoya fall to the ground and as she lay there he leaned over her glaring at her hatefully and furiously before exclaiming an angry 'bloody bitch' and go bolting out the door. Zoya didn't waste another second and went running right after him grabbing him by his collar and trying to stop him from getting away but he was much stronger than her and all that ended up happening was that his collar ripped in the struggle and he continued running off. Zoya ran after him and chased him till she possibly could but once he reached the main road there was already a partner waiting for him on a bike to get away and so she couldn't chase him any longer as he got away. Anyways, right about then Aisha's screams, wails and cries for help were reaching the street and so without wasting another second Zoya took off back towards the house faster than she had come running after the shooter. Struggling with the fact that the sight before her which she believed to be unfathomable even in her worst nightmare was in fact true and that was in fact her Dilshad phupi shot and bleeding to death lying before her. Her phupi who couldn't possibly hurt a fly. It was indeed proving to be a difficult task but she tried none the less to keep her head straight because one of them had to and clearly Aisha was in no position or condition to think straight right now!
Zoya - (being blinded by her own tears and cries) Aisha!! AISHA AMBULANCE KO PHONE KARO JALDI!! JALDI!! Ambulance bulao! (Not knowing the protocol in India she had to get Aisha's attention and she was grateful that Aisha finally gained some sense and rushed to her feet to go call the ambulance. Just as she had reached though, a disheveled and devastated Asad came stumbling through the front door as his limo came to a stop on the driveway too. However, the devastation that broke out onto his face when he saw his Ammi, the queen of his heart and world lying in a pool of her own blood her eye's closed with no sign of life visible around her was altogether unimaginable and unable to be witnessed. He just stood there, broken, his tears struggling and failing to fall, his breath caught in his throat. When his legs finally found enough courage in them to finally carry him in he just came in and fell next to his Ammi on the ground, staring at her with cold, devastated and empty eyes of a small child afraid to lose his mother, his everything. With trembling hands he held her cold and lifeless hands praying to someone, anyone in the heavens above to not do this kind of injustice upon him for he knew he would never be able to live through it. He faintly registered someone, a girl crying softly in the background, realized his sisters heart piercing cries and her saying something to him which he couldn't begin to understand, his mind only properly started functioning when the ambulance came and tried separating his hand from his mothers and he refused to let go. Afraid that if he let go of her hand her life would slip from between her fingers and she herself from between his. She'd abandon him, and he'd be more lost and broken than he was now and he knew that would be the end of him. Breathless, panicked, hyperventilating himself and feeling like his heart would fail any second he rode along with Zoya, Aisha and Maryam in the ambulance all the way to the hospital. Aisha trying to but failing to get his attention. His eyes just wouldn't blink or budge from his mothers beautiful face. Her face which was constantly filled with so much warmth, love and life was suddenly pale, cold and he gulped, lifeless, and then it all came crashing down on him...
Asad - (roared angrily) DRIVE FASTER!!!!! JALDI KARO!! TUMHE DEKHAYEE NAHIN DE RAHA MERI MAAN KA (his voice cracked) KITNA KHOON BEH RAHA HAI!!! (Zoya's heart broke hearing his voice break, her eyes refused to leave his broken face, her lips trembling as she tried to fight the damn that fought inside her to cry for him, soothe him, comfort him and reassure him that everything would be okay, but at the moment seeing Dilshad's condition and how fast she was losing so much blood she herself wasn't sure that was true so she couldn't reassure him. Instead she hugged and comforted Aisha even though truth be told she herself needed comforting first. Luckily, they finally reached the hospital before Asad had a tantrum and punched someone. He threw open the doors before the ambulance had even stopped and jumped off, he didn't waste a second or show any courtesy and respect and angrily, helplessly and devastated began pushing people aside and out of the way as they wheeled her stretcher in. His face ashen. His tears blinding him, and anyone who dared to look into his eyes, especially Zoya whose eyes refused to leave his handsome face regardless of how much pain his tears caused her heart. Asad felt his heart stop beating and his breaths get caught in his throat again as he felt his mothers hand snatched from his when they wheeled her into the O.T and he wasn't allowed to go any further. His heart fearing the worst, like this was the last time he'd ever be able to see her. Aisha completely broke down as the doors to the O.T closed and her cries were so painful that Zoya just didn't have the heart to go comfort her, she needed comforting herself. So did Asad, probably more than anyone there, but his eyes gushed with tears as he realized he was so unfortunate he couldn't even have that privilege for himself. Even right now, he had to be the responsible, courageous, and brave brother and son, for Aisha and for his Ammi. He had to wipe their tears, and there would be no one to wipe his even though today he wished more than ever before that there would be someone. He sniffled his tears as he took a hesitant seat beside her, Zoya's heart breaking once again realizing he was trying to be strong and brave for her even though he was breaking apart himself and simultaneously her heart swelled with pride and awe over his strength and his heart, his ability to still think of and put others before him even at a time like this. Asad's whole crisp white shirt was stained with Dilshad's blood but he could be least bothered about it at the moment.
Aisha - Ammi ne kissi ka kya bighada tha jo unke saath aisa hua? Asad..Asad ammi theek toh ho jayeingi na?
Asad - (hugged Aisha to his chest who just clung to him and cried like a baby) Bas. Bas...shhh..(patting her head, trying to stop himself from breaking down right there and then) shh...bas. Dekho...suno...(he held her face in his hands and shook his head) Bas Aapi..Bas kijiye. Sambhaliye khud ko Aggar hum aise toot jayenge toh ammi ko kaun sambhale ga? Inshallah aap dekhna Ammi bilkul theek ho jayeengi kuch nahin hoga unhe, warna woh goli Ammi ke dil ko chuti na, paramedics ne kaha na...ke goli Ammi ke dil ko nahin laggi. Ab bas..ab khud ko sambhaliye. Yaad haina maine aapne aur bhai ne bachpan mein kya vaada kiya tha ek doosre se. Humme Ammi ki kamzoori nahin. Unki himmat, unki taakat banna hai. Yaad kijiye Ammi kya kehti hain...jinke hausle buland hote hain..unke liye har mushkil asaan ho jaati hai, woh kabhi nahin haarte. Hausla kijiye...aur Ammi pe bharosa kijiye. Woh bauhat strong aur bauhat tough hain. Humne jabse khosh sambhala hai unhe larte dekha hai...apne liye, apni khudaari ke liye, apne bachon ke liye. Agar woh zindagi ke ghamon ke aage nahin haarin toh (unable to even say the word without his voice breaking and Aisha cried louder hearing it) maut se bhi haar nahin maaneingi...aap bas hausla rakho aur dua karo. Meri toh nahin par shayad khuda aapki hi sun le. (Seeing his ability to comfort Aisha even at a time like this when he himself was falling apart Zoya felt her heart flutter with that same unknown emotion. His strength leaving her speechless. She wished more than anything to reach out and comfort him in anyway possible, her heart breaking for him and she decided that she would but unfortunately for her Maryam spoke up the next second shattering all hopes of him being comforted by her and bringing back memories of the reason behind the nightmare he was currently living which he had momentarily forgotten)
Maryam - Yeh sab kuch meri wajah se hua hai. Woh log toh wahan mujhe maarne aye the. (Hearing her words, Asad's whole body went rigid as Dilawar's words followed by that raging gunshot echoed in his ears on a loop, till it numbed his senses to think, drove him momentarily mad, his eyes were now bloodshot red from his tears but most importantly from that maddening rage bubbling inside him visible in his now trembling body. Anger was radiating from every pore of his body as he let go of Aisha and stoically stood up and stalked away from there, his each step, each atom of his rigid and tensed frame screaming fury like nothing else. He didn't even spare Zoya a glance let alone acknowledge her presence as he passed by her just as she opened her mouth to say something, anything. But he made her feel like a complete outsider as he stalked away just as he began feeling his anger consume him and burn him and not wanting to unleash that Shakespearean wrath on anyone he stalked away from there to dwell in his misery and anger by himself as always. Zoya's lower lip wobbled, a whimper escaping her lips as she saw him walk away and she just couldn't help but follow him and comfort him, reach out to him, say something, anything to ease his pain even though she knew there was nothing she could do or say to make this easier but she just couldn't stop herself from trying.

Asad had never before resembled such a wild, vengeful and untamed lion before in his entire life. A lion waiting to pounce. His hair was disheveled, his eyes red and wild with fury and rage like never before, his whole body shook with anger as he recalled and then recalled some more, the events of the last few hours and days, his eyes constantly unfocused. His Maamu's threats, Zoya lying to him and hiding Maryam in the house, that gunshot, his mothers blood, her unconscious face, the possibility of him losing her constantly flashed before his eyes and drove him even more insane with rage, to the point where it took over his senses completely and he couldn't think, hear or see anything through that rage. He needed to afflict some of that pain he was feeling unto someone or something else, hit something, punch something, break something, blame something or someone and unfortunately as fate would have it Zoya chose that precise unfortunate moment to come and tempt him and his anger. For the moment that shaky, unsure cry of 'Mr. Khan' reached his ears, the hand that he was earlier using to punch the wall or rub his face in frustration clenched into an almost painful fist. His veins bulging in his hands and his jaw twitching painfully and angrily as he clenched it tight, his whole body shook violently with anger and his eyes were bloodshot red. His anger had reached the point of insanity and her voice only fuelled that anger because in his eyes she was the culprit behind his anger and misery and all the hurt he was feeling right now. He could see it clearly now. She had brought Maryam into the house, she had gone against everything he said and straight out defied him, she was the reason his mother was shot and he MIGHT lose her and after that he didn't have to hear or understand anything more he completely lost his voice of reason.
Zoya - Main aapse sirf itna kehne ayee hoon ke- (like an angry storm he whirled around within a second and destroying everything in it's path, he violently shoved Zoya's hand which she had tentatively placed on his shoulder off and pushed her away from himself in the process as well, making Zoya fly backwards and collide with a tray of medical supplies behind her. He stood there breathing heavily and unsteadily still, still not feeling any better or lighter about the whole ordeal, in fact if it was possible he felt even worse. His whole body shook with rage again as he saw her slowly turn back around lifting her tear stained face, her hesitant and fearful eyes her trembling lips to his face in shock, confusion and pain, the accusations in them clear and it only riled and frustrated him even more because by god, if it were anyone else but Zoya responsible for his mothers condition right now or the helpless situation he was feeling he'd kill them with his own hands but with Zoya, he felt guilty for even pushing her and her tears were making him feel even more pain than he was already in, so not trusting himself he simply stalked away angrily and "indifferently" completely missing the blood oozing from Zoya's hand or that which was oozing from her heart.

Asad walked away and caught a doctor about to rush into the O.T.

Asad - (panicking, his mind clearly unhinged) Doctor, Doctor please, please doctor mujhe batayee ke Ammi kaisi hai? Woh..woh theek toh ho jayengee na.
Doctor - (sighed) Mr. Khan...hum toh apni taraf se poori koshish kar rahe hain par humme nahin lagta ke aapki ammi (and then he was at a loss for words but Asad didn't need for him to say anything further, nor did he believe he had the stomach or stamina to hear it) aap apne rishte daaron ko khabar kar dijiye...unke paas ab shayad bas kuch ghante hain. (Saying so he gave Asad an apologetic and sympathetic smile and pat on the shoulder but little did he know that Asad couldn't feel, see or hear any of that sympathy, he had become completely numb. His life was at a complete standstill. He didn't know how long he stood there, frozen, numb with shock, with endless tears falling from his eyes, his mind trying and failing to register what the doctor had told him, in just a few hours he would lose his mother, possibly forever. He'd lose her warmth, her hugs that could heal even the most deepest wounds, her unmatchable kindness, her noble heart and her wisdom and sincere advice. He'd lose the biggest part of his heart, his purpose of staying alive and enduring the wrath of this horrible world. He'd lose his entire world. As the shock of that sank in, his legs gave way and he fell into the nearest chair, burying his face in his hands and crying silent tears, as he tried and failed miserably to come to terms with reality or a possibility of life without his mother. His tears finished but that reality failed to settle in.

Meanwhile - Zoya sat outside the hospital, not having the courage to go inside and face Asad or hear Aisha's painful cries any longer. She had her phone clutched tightly in her hand and she tried but failed constantly to subdue her own cries enough to dial the phone. Eventually she gave up trying to calm herself down or stop crying and through blurred eyes hit speed dial on her phone and as another sob wracked her body, she waited for an answer on the other end.
Ayaan - Hey, churail what's up? (But Zoya just continued crying silently, stifling her sobs) hello? Churail? You there? Bhai aggar baat hi nahin karni thi toh-
Zoya - (her voice cracked) Ayaaan (and Ayaan who was lazing around at home playing video games, shot up in bed at once, his face paling with worry)
Ayaan- Zo? Zoya what's wrong? what happened? Where are you? Who-
Zoya - Ayaan...Phupi. Phupi-
Ayaan - Pari please tell me what happened you're scaring me. You wait I'm coming over no-
Zoya - No Ayaan..I'm...I'm at the hospital (Ayaan's heart sank at once) Dilshad phupi ko...(and then her heart broke again) unko...someone shot her Ayaan...she was shot she- (and then she couldn't talk any further. She simply broke down crying and Ayaan was left hanging with shock, confusion and worry as he yelled for Zoya on the phone whilst hastily jumping out of bed and getting dressed before bolting out of his apartment and rushing to the city to be with his friend who needed him now more than ever)

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A little while later:
Back Inside the Hospital: Zoya had finally gathered enough strength to go inside and comfort Aisha knowing how badly she needed it, and because it was the right thing to do. The two girls sat together in one corner of the corridor hugging and crying over the sudden and unexpected tragedy that had struck them and the possible outcome of it, while a completely shattered and broken Asad stood staring through the window of the OT his mother was in, caressing the window deludedly believing he was caressing his mothers face. His tears endless. In that moment he wasn't the stoic and ruthless millionaire businessman, he was a son, a 25 year old son, the youngest and closest, most beloved of his siblings to his mother and one who was on the verge of losing her. He continued crying and Ayaan who came running through the doors of the hospital looked through all the corridors wondering which direction to go in, till he spotted Asad standing by the O.T. The blood on his shirt shocking Ayaan, as the gravity of the situation really hit him. Dilshad Aunty shot? What the hell was going on? But in that moment, none of that mattered. In that moment all that mattered to him was his friend Asad, who needed him now more than ever. So without wasting another second but with a heavy and confused heart he jogged over to Asad quickly and stood behind him, watching him shed one helpless and heartbroken tear after another. Having lost his own mother, he knew exactly how Asad was feeling in that moment and he also knew that there was nothing he could possibly say to make any of this easier for him because there was no way losing a mother could become easier. So he instead just put a comforting and steady hand on Asad's shoulder and Asad turned around surprised to see Ayaan there, trying and failing to wipe his face clean because his tears were endless and.
Ayaan - (shook his head) Zoya just said...I...(his own voice cracked catching a glimpse of the O.T and the possibility of losing his Dilshad Aunty the woman who had given him the closest understanding to what a mothers love and warmth felt like) I'm sorry (and Asad just crashed into him, hugging him, needing a hug, from someone, anyone, a brother, a father anyone to tell him it was going to be okay. Ayaan hugged him back just as tightly, his grip strong but soothing haven done this before. His friend needed him to be there for him once again and he'd be damned if he weren't there for him more than ever before)

Half an hour later:

Ayaan took a seat next to Asad after handing him a glass of water.
Asad - (his voice hoarse) Thanks. (Ayaan nodded patting his shoulder again)
Ayaan - No problem. I don't want you to worry about anything okay...you just sit here and pray for your Ammi and let me worry about everything else k. Anything else you need you just say it, I'll handle it.
Asad - (scoffed) pray. Trust me Ayaan..if he (pointed upwards) listened to me or anything I had to say none of this would've happened in the first place. (Ayaan just sighed not wanting to choose this moment to get into the darkness of Asad's world and mind)
Ayaan - still. There's nothing wrong with trying and miracles happen everyday (seeing Asad become agitated again which was the last thing he needed he decided to change the topic) where are the girls? (Asad just shrugged, getting even more agitated) I'll go check on them. (He got up)
Asad Ayaan (Ayaan turned around surprised and confused, hearing the uncertainty in his voice and his demeanour. This was the first time Asad had called his name unsurely, otherwise his voice was always strong, firm and full of confidence and command nothing like the scared, pleading unsure voice today and Ayaan realized he didn't like this Asad one bit, he liked his egoistic, narcissistic, rude, arrogant and commanding friend and preferred him always, this defeated Asad surprised and upset him) the doctor said...he said to inform Ammi's family so...so
Ayaan - (nodded) I'll call Anwar Bhai and Malik Uncle. I'll ask Anwar bhai to contact Aunty's family too. Aahil's already on his way...
Asad - Can you...can you also ask...ask my I mean (struggling)
Ayaan - (the anger and shock in his voice apparent) You actually want your Abbu to come?
Asad - (crushed the empty glass in his hand as he snapped angrily, the hate but pain in his eyes as apparent too) Woh mere Abbu nahin hain. Woh- (shook his head) woh bas...(sighed holding his pounding head frustratedly) I know...I know Ammi would've wanted...one last (his voice cracked and a fresh load of tears unleashed) time
Ayaan - (cleared his own throat, looking away as his own eyes filled with tears too) Don't worry. I'll make sure he comes. (Saying so he turned around and he heard Asad faintly say-)
Asad - I wouldn't hold your breath if I were you.

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Somewhere in some mountains of India:
A frantic with worry and crying Anwar threw open the door to a wooden cabin startling Zeenat who was unpacking a suitcase by the bed and seeing his face Zeenat began panicking herself at once, clutching her heart.
Zeenat - Ya Allah! Anwar..Kya huwa! Kaun tha phone pe. Sab theek toh haina..Zoya, Ammi-
Anwar - (cried harder) Zeenat, Ayaan ka phone tha...inform karne ke liye ke Ammi...Ammi ko Zeenat Ammi ko goli lagi hai (falling unto the sofa breaking down just as Zeenat sank unto the bed both equally devastated and shocked) woh iss waqt hospital mein hain. Zindagi aur maut ke beech- (and then he buried his face in his hands crying)
Zeenat - (covered her face in shock) Ya Allah...(Anwar suddenly startled her by rushing to his feet)
Anwar - Come on...we have to go to Kasauli. Tum jaldi se packing karo main baaki teachers ko inform karke taxi bulata hoon..
Zeenat - (not wanting to push him but needing to get through to him) Taxi? Anwar aapko yahan iss jungle mein taxi kahan se millegi...meelon tak yahan insaan nahin milta aapko taxi milegi?
Anwar - (unintentionally and without realizing it, taking out all his pain, fear and helplessness on her) I don't care I can't just sit here and do nothing whilst my mom is there fighting for her life! I can't leave my siblings..Aisha and Asad to deal with this alone. Their just KIDS.
Zeenat - I know...Anwar par aap please khud socho aapko kahan-
Anwar - WELL THEN WHO THE HELL PLANS A COLLEGE CAMPING TRIP IN A BLOODY JUNGLE WHERE THERES NO OTHER CIVILIZATION! I swear Zeenat I'm getting out of here even if I have to walk back to Kasauli..I...(and then his voice cracked and at once Zeenat's arms were around him) I have to go Zeenat..I have to be there...Asad..(just the thought of him and what he must be going through was ripping his heart in two) all my life he's been there for me and today when he needs me I can't turn my back on him for a camping trip. Aur Ammi Amm-(he couldn't complete his sentence and nor did he have to..Zeenat completely understood)
Zeenat - I know. I know. We'll..we'll get out of here I promise you. You just have to calm down and think clearly. Don't worry...Aisha aur Asad bauhat samajhdaar hain-
Anwar - (hugging her back in a deathly grip as she comforted him, falling apart over this unfathomable tragedy herself) itne bhi samajhdaar nahin hain ke apni Ammi ko khona samajh sakein.

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Continued in the next post...

Haveli: The entire family was enjoying a lazy afternoon together in the living room. The girls and the men were engaged in a game of monopoly whilst Zain and his grandmother and aunts were watching a movie and Azlan (who was still being boycotted for the most part) was half heartedly watching the movie whilst texting his countless girlfriends simultaneously. The room was chaotic and loud just like any happy family's living room would be, one who didn't know what tragedy or struggle was just like this family. Tragedies and struggles were for families like the Khan family currently sitting devastated in the hospital and so they very well understood what suffering felt like. However, this family was soon going to catch a glimpse of that suffering as Ayaan stepped up to the threshold of their living room furious over the loud laughter he could hear all the way to the front door, Asad and Aisha's tears and cries still fresh in his eyes and ears. Those two were sitting in the hospital crying themselves blind over the possibility of losing their mother and there was no one to comfort them, hug them or wipe their tears, they were just children managing everything on their own and here, an entire family of elders, their own father, uncle, grandparents were sitting carefree, without any tension, stress or heartbreak in the world having no idea what crisis and tragedy had befallen their children. Ayaan anyways despised them as it is over their selfishness and the suffering they were responsible for in Asad, Aisha and Dilshad's lives so today hearing their laughter he just saw red.
Salman - (spotting him at the door once the servant who showed him in cleared his throat to get their attention) Arre Arre...dekho toh aaj sooraj kahan se nikla hai bhai...dekho toh kaun hamare ghar tashreef laya hai...(everyone's attention turned to the door and they all began ooing and awwing some even applauding for him, Azlan of course rolling his eyes seeing him there but Ayaan just glared at them HARD)
Razia - arre aap log bhi na..ab agar woh aa hi gaya hai to usse sata kyun rahe ho? (feigning innocence, readjusting her dupatta) Bolo Ayaan...kaise aana hua? (They all looked towards him with bright smiles having no idea the kind of tragic news he was about to drop)
Ayaan - (glaring hard at all their faces) Dilshad Aunty iss wakt hospital mein hain...(Rashid's heart stopped beating at once and they all turned to stare at they were all in complete shock watching his face pale and his whole body freeze over in shock, everyone was staring at him expecting a reaction, everyone except for Azlan who continued staring at Ayaan in shock) zindagi aur maut ke beech..(sighed) Asad ne kaha shayad aunty ek aakhri baar aapse milna chahein uncle...(shrugged, his eyes flaming with the hatred and despise he felt for these people especially after seeing the luxurious tea trolley being wheeled in) aage aapki marzi...(and saying so he immediately retracted his steps and walked away at once unable to stand being under there roof or in their presence for even a second longer. Rashid stood up dazed at once, about to take a step forward but then it was like invisible chains in his legs held him back (which they quite did) and he froze just as his heartbreak was at once on his way. Azlan's smiled faded as he watched his father do the right thing for once as he watched him about to go and then stop at once. His differences with Asad to one side, what was right was right and the truth was that not only Rashid but he too should be there for his brother at the moment. Right or not, he didn't have enough time to think about that because his insane love for his brother had him up and running out the door without another thought whilst Rashid stood frozen.
Razia - (smirked, finally getting an opportunity to do what she did best) aap kahaan jaa rahe ho Rashid Miyan?
Naina - Kya matlab kahan jaa rahein hain woh Ammi? Aapne sunna na Ayaan kya keh ke gaya hai?
Razia - Barre baat kar rahe haina Naina..tumhe beech mein bolne ki zaroorat nahin hai (Naina and Kajol glared back at her as did Salma and Maya) aur aap Rashid Miyan..aap toh tashreef hi rakhiye. Arre unka toh yeh roz ka tamaasha hai, Kabhi Asad hospital mein hai to kabhi Dilshad. Maine ek baar keh diya na ke Rashid nahin jayeinge toh nahin jayenge. Yeh sab toh unki chaalein hain..Rashid ko phirse apne paas keechne ki.
Salma - Soch samajh ke baat karo Razia..marne ka natak kaun karega.
Razia - Haan toh yeh kaise maan lein hum ke jo Ayaan ne kaha woh sach hai?
Salma - RAZIA-
Salman - Bas. (Held up a hand shutting them all up effectively) Ek minute. Yeh aap dono kyun behas kar rahein hain. Rashid jayega ya nahin jayega yeh sirf Rashid ya Shireen teh kareinge aur koi nahin. Yeh unke beech ki baat hai lihaza iss mein hum meinse kissi ka bolna nahin banta. Shireen tum bolo...kya Rashid ko hospital jaana chahiye ya nahin. (All eyes turned to Shireen for an answer, but Shireen's eyes were still glued to Rashid's pale face and the desperation and longing in them)
Salma - Yaad karo woh baat jo humne tumhe hamesha kahi hai Shireen. Faisla karte hue khud ko Dilshad ki jagah pe rakho. (And once again...all eyes were on her, and after the longest few moments of silence, she finally spoke knocking Rashid's breaths right out of him in pleasant surprise and gratitude)
Shireen - (unable to hide the insecurity and un-surety out of her voice but she spoke none the less) Aap jayee Rashid. (Razia stared at her in utter shock whilst ghaffur glared at her angrily) Aggar Dilshad waake hi apni aakhri saansein le rahee hai toh aapko usske saath hona chahiye. Aa- (and Rashid didn't even wait to hear the rest of what she was about to say...he ran out of there as fast as his legs could carry him and his family all smiled in relief staring between him and Shireen. Maya got up at once comforting Shireen too making her realize that she had made the right choice even though she also realized how hard this must be for her.
Javed - Baba kya humko bhi wahan-
Salman - (sighed, staring off into the distance longingly) Haan. Humme wahan hona toh chahiye..par main Asad ko achi tarha jaanta hoon..hum sabko wahan dekh ke woh aur pareshan ho jayega and that's the last thing he needs right no...so..(sighed) behtar hoga ke hum naa hi jayen. (They all nodded knowing how true that was)

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Meanwhile back at the hospital:
Zoya finished her prayer in the prayer room she had been hiding in away from Asad's eyes and had now raised her hands in prayer. Her entire body shook with her cries as she prayed with all her heart for her Allah Miyan to bless her phupi with a long and healthy life and to end this pain for her children. She cried harder as Asad's earlier behaviour, the rage like she had never seen or felt before from earlier and the hatred and accusations in his eyes flashed before her eyes. Unable to understand his behaviour and anger at her. Why had he pushed her away so roughly, so angrily, so indifferently. She cried and she cried and she cried, begging her Allah Miyan to not let any of them know a wound so deep and painful like losing a soul as pure, beautiful and beloved like her Dilshad Phupi. She cried and prayed until she could cry no more and then she finished her prayer and once she did she saw Aisha sitting next to her staring off into the distance with the most empty and broken eyes and Zoya was unable to stop herself. Her lower lip quivered and surprisingly she still had some tears left in her eyes, no matter how much she cried for her phupi it seemed it wasn't enough the tears just wouldn't stop. She hugged Aisha with all her might, all that she had in her and at once Aisha too broke down against her as did Zoya.

Meanwhile Downstairs:
Asad was once again staring into Dilshad's OT, crying silent tears when Ayaan approached him and as usual Asad made a move to wipe his tears...to not fall apart.
Ayaan - (gave him a meek smile) I called Anwar Bhai. He and Aapi are gone on some college camping trip away from Delhi...he said they would leave right away but it will take them time to reach because there's a transportation problem where they are. He uh...also called your moms family..(sighed and gave him an apologetic smile) they aren't coming..(Asad who continued staring into the O.T as Ayaan said all that showed no signs of surprise or a grudge, like he had expected this all along) I called Malik uncle but I got his voicemail so I left a message. I'll try him again in a bit...(and then his eyes darted around unsurely not sure how to say the next part) and uh...I went to your F- (one spiteful glare from Asad and the words died on his tongue) I mean I went to the Haveli...I told them too now lets see who shows up.
Asad - (scoffed) Matlab koi bhi nahin aa raha. Zindagi ke iss maur pe bhi humme akele hi khud ko sambhalna hoga...hamesha ki tarha. (Laughed dryly) Khair...ab toh aadat ho gayee hai. Acha hai unhone yahan aa ke yeh aadat tori nahin. (Ayaan narrowed his eyes at him)
Ayaan - How dare you say you're alone...or that everyone has left you alone to deal with all this. I'm here. Aahil's here. Zoya's here. Again I'M RIGHT BLOODY HERE. (He glared at Asad angrily and Asad just continued staring into the O.T without saying anything for a long time)
Asad - (finally speaking in a voice no higher than a whisper) Ayaan...I..(bit his lip to stop his endless tears) I...I can't lose her. I...can't- (and tears spilt from Ayaan's eyes too seeing his usually strong friend, the strongest person Ayaan had ever seen and known to be so utterly broken and devastated today...so AFRAID)
Ayaan - (spoke in a firm and fierce tone as he grabbed him and pulled him into a tight and reassuring brotherly hug) and you won't. You won't. (He didn't know how such confidence came to him, but he genuinely felt immense hope in that moment and just couldn't hold back. Azlan however, who had just come running into this corridor felt his steps falter as he saw Ayaan hug and comfort a clearly shattered Asad, as he saw Ayaan take Azlan's rightful place, be where he was supposed to be, doing what he was supposed to be doing, caring for and comforting HIS, AZLAN'S BROTHER. Pain and heartbreak like he had never known before pierced his heart as he spun around on those same faltered feet unable to stand the sight. He drew in an unsteady breath, still not finding enough courage to walk away and leave Asad alone. He just couldn't not do anything and it frustrated and angered him more than anything. Even coming here and realizing that Asad didn't need him at all he couldn't leave Asad alone to face such circumstances or knowing himself that Asad was completely okay. Even if he was there for silent support he was there and that was all that mattered to him, that he was there for Asad and with Asad. In all this dilemma, Azlan looked up only to see his father come running right towards him but just as Azlan opened his mouth to say something Rashid ran past him like as if he hadn't even seen him there, which in all fairness he hadn't. He was hysterical with fear, shock and worry himself and Azlan spun around now equally worried for his father seeing the paleness of his face. He saw Rashid's steps falter and slow on their own accord as his eyes meshed with Asad's bloodshot eyes which broke Azlans heart just as they did Rashid's. The surprise upon seeing them was clearly visible in them too and that only further broke their hearts realizing he completely trusted them not to come, that's how lowly he thought of them. Asad immediately looked away as Rashid came and stood outside the O.T now crying just as much as Asad, Ayaan wasn't there anymore. Azlan came up by his dad's side too and Rashid who was now staring into the O.T devastatedly turned towards Azlan and just as he broke down he enveloped Azlan in a tight hug, further breaking Asad's already shattered heart. The shock and accusations in them heart wrenching. Even today his father refused to hold him against his chest. Even today he chose to hug Azlan instead when Asad was the one who felt like he was falling apart bit by bit second after second, when he was the one losing the only parent he had known, not Azlan. Laughing at the games and twist of fate he just looked away heartbroken, crying more silent tears knowing no one was coming to wipe them or hold him close and stop him from falling apart. Rashid finally getting enough sense, pulled away from Azlan long enough to put a shaky and unsure hand on Asad's shoulder afraid of his reaction and afraid of his condition more, he looked sooo broken and so devastated Rashid couldn't even find the words to say to him that could make any of this any easier and nor did he get a chance to because Asad immediately looked away, shrugged him off and began walking away much to both his and Azlan's shock and heartbreak. He gave Azlan an accusing glare as well, which Azlan understood at once. When Asad needed his brother more than ever, Azlan wasn't there for him and now Asad learnt to not expect him to be there either, he didn't need him, he had been successfully replaced. Asad began walking away just as Aisha came into the corridor staring between him and their father and brother, understanding what had happened but worrying too. Aisha still had Zoya, and Aahil had arrived too although she refused to let him comfort her so he sat with Zoya and Ayaan instead but Asad, he refused to let anyone come close or comfort him, he dwelled in his pain and misery alone and that wasn't a good thing. But Asad continued walking away, Aisha may hate her father and despise him all the same but today was a day when all previous complaints and grudges should be withheld and according to her they should come together in their pain, trouble and tragedy so when she began falling apart again she let the soothing and very much needed hugs of her brother and father, their comfort heal her. Her first hug from her brother and what felt like the first hug from her father as well because it was the only one she was conscious enough to realize and feel. They could see and feel Asad staring at them out of the corner of his eye as he stopped at the end of the corridor, they all stared at him worried and with their hearts breaking for him, his pain and his general condition and closed off, distant personality but before any one of them could say anything he stopped giving them that accusing, envious side glare and stalked off, but just a few moments after he stalked off the doctor came out of the O.T. and they all immediately held their breaths, Ayaan surprised to find Azlan and Rashid there upon his return.
Doctor Aap sab ko Mubarak ho she is perfectly fine ab ghabrane ki koi baat nahin hai. Unki heartbeats stabilize hogayee hain and all her vitals look good, she'll be just fine. (Aisha fell into the nearest chair and broke down crying, happy relieved tears still not able to believe that they had just lived this entire ordeal and she had come so close to losing her Ammi. Rashid too sighed with relief crying himself, whilst Ayaan and Azlan stood there glaring at one another both knowing what had to be done and both wanting to be the ones to do it, to break the news to Asad that his Ammi was going to be just fine and see life return to his face, the smile the inequitable happiness that would break out on his face, be the one to cause it. Azlan knew Ayaan would be the easier bet, Asad would be happy to see him and it was his right as his best friend his, and it broke Azlans heart to accept it, his brother, and he never would expect Ayaan to step aside and let him do so he knew he wouldn't, but then I guess that was the difference between them because without saying anything, Ayaan stepped to the side out of Azlan's path giving Azlan the only sign he needed and as surprised as he was Azlan didn't wait a second to show it he at once ran off as fast as he could, not wanting Asad to suffer in the uncertainty or fear of losing his mother for a second longer whilst Ayaan ran off towards the other hallway to inform Zoya who was resting her head on Aahils shoulder away from both the khans siblings who didn't want to see each Farooqui sibling respectively and they didn't want everyone knowing that. As soon as Ayaan broke the news to them Zoya crashed against him and broke down crying just as he had expected, tears of happiness and relief and they both hugged and kissed her, holding her close comforting her.

xxx

Outside:
Asad was doubled over dry heaving, feeling like he'd be sick as a sick migraine overtook his heart and the fear of losing his mother kept gnawing at him, the sight of her blood making him sick to his stomach, the tears definitely not helping. His whole body froze as he heard Azlan's voice croak out an emotional 'Asad' from behind him. Asad straightened up, holding the wall for support as he turned around and was surprised to find Azlan standing there with silent tears running down his own face too.
Azlan - The doctor..he said (and Asad's whole world froze for a second, his heart stopped beating and the blood drained from his face as he stopped breathing fearing and knowing his fate, expecting the worst) she...she's going to be fine. Your Ammi..Your Ammi...she..she's fine (and Asad's eyes searched Azlans eyes too afraid to believe what he was hearing as tears dropped from his eyes faster than before, not knowing how to react, how to handle the happiness, the relief coursing through him in that moment his legs nearly gave way and Azlan tossed all other rationalities, thoughts, insecurities to hell and enveloped his younger brother in a tight hug just like he needed to, just like he wanted to comfort him, reassure him that the nightmare was over and it was all better. Asad too hugged him back just as tight, crying and smiling between his tears NOW feeling better, feeling alive. All other hugs on one side and a hug from Azlan, his brother was all he needed to heal. But he couldn't go another second without seeing his Ammi so at once he pulled away and without looking back ran inside where Ayaan smiled bright at him enveloping him into a tight hug)
Ayaan - I told you she'd be just fine didn't I!
Aisha - (still crying) Asad...Ammi...(Asad just nodded at her not knowing what to say and pulled her to his chest kissing the top of her head reassuring her, comforting her and trying to stop her tears that just wouldn't end, finally when a shocked Malik who Asad hadn't noticed at first touched his shoulder Asad and Aisha broke apart and Aisha ran off down the corridor.)
Asad - (in a broken whisper) Malik Uncle..(Malik cupped Asad's face)
Malik - I'm so sorry I didn't get here earlier beta..I was gone outside of Kasauli to work on a case and I just got Ayaan's message..(Asad nodded as a way of saying he understood) mujhe to yakeen hi nahin ho raha Dilshad behen pe goli...kab? Kaise? Kyun?..(but Asad had no answer he just crashed against Malik REALLY needing a fatherly hug right about now, the weight of the last few hours finally catching up to him, Malik hugged him back just as tightly so Asad could finally feel himself healing, as he hugged Malik he looked up towards and saw Rashids heartbreak in his eyes as he saw some other man hug his son, like a father should be hugging his son right about now, Asad wasn't sure if it would be the same but then again he was never fortunate enough to now but he imagined this is what a fathers hug felt like. He broke apart from Malik and wiped his tears.)
Asad - Aap waiting room mein baithein main aapko sab kuch batata hoon...(Malik nodded and patting his face walked off with Ayaan whilst Asad stood there glaring at both Rashid and Azlan again, Azlan's heart breaking again right along his fathers. Asad just glared at them once before turning away just as Rashid called out to him "Asad")
Asad - (in a cold indifferent tone) Ab aapko jaana chahiye...(and saying so, he didn't waste another second and stalked off again leaving his father and brother to dwell in their misery just like they deserved)
On the other side of the hospital Aisha went running to find where Zoya had gone off to not knowing what had unfolded between her and her brother. She found Zoya sitting pensively alone in a waiting room and Aisha's happiness and relief was so infectious it lit up the entire room as soon as she walked in.
Aisha - Zoya!! Zoya (Zoya immediately stood up) Zoya Ammi theek hain (unable to stop the tears that filled her eyes) Ammi...(cried) Doctor ne kaha woh bilkul theek hain
Zoya - (nodded, her own eyes filling with tears and her voice cracking) Mujhe pata chala (and the two girls hugged tightly finding relief and strength after all the heartbreak and suffering they had to endure these past few hours) main milke aati hoon (Aisha nodded as she excitedly ran off towards the gift shop, her excitement contagious and Zoya unable to stop her feet ran off towards the direction of the O.T. But it was halfway towards the O.T when she reached the corridor where she had the earlier rather unfortunate and unpleasant confrontation with Asad that made her steps falter and her intention to go meet her beloved Phupi weaken, her steps slowed down as she remembered his angry eyes, eyes that even now made her body shudder with fear and his behaviour frightened her even more, she knew he had a bad temper but this was on another level because she didn't even know WHY he was so angry..what had caused him to react as such. Still not wanting to test him or suffer his wrath again the pain from the first encounter still fresh as is as she clutched her hand she turned around and hurried off just as fast.)

xxx

Meanwhile -Elsewhere in the same hospital -
Azlan sighed helplessly as he comforted his father who was falling apart over years of heartbreak and subdued pain that had all come pouring out today. A much needed reality check of all the mistakes he had made and all that he had lost and turned away in the process of all those blind mistakes came crashing down upon him harder than ever. In a moment of weakness he had turned his back on his one true love and in the process he lost not only the best part of his life, his first wife but his two beloved children and today when he came close to losing her permanently did he realize how badly and permanently he had burnt all bridges and paths that could or might lead back to them one day. They didn't need him and they definitely did not want him.
Azlan - Abbu please...khudko sambhaliye. Aapne suna na...Dilshad aunty ab bilkul theek hain unhe kuch nahin hoga, khatre se bahar hain woh. Khuda ne aapki dua sun li. Ab please royee mat..aggar aap aise ghar jayenge toh sochein ghar mein pareshaani kitni barhegi already Aapi ko leke sab kitne pareshan hain aggar aap ab bhi aise- (Rashid nodded trying to stop his tears and Azlan handed him a glass of water) yeh lejiye..paani pijiye..(Rashid took the glass of water and finished it in one breath, and then it took him a few moments but he tried to gather himself) ghar chalein? Sab pareshaan ho rahe hain..
Rashid - (smiled sadly) waise bhi yahan meri koi zaroorat nahin hai. Main bas ek baar dilshad ko milna chahta tha..dekhna chahta tha, apni aankhon se tasali karna chahta tha ke woh theek hai par-
Azlan - I'm afraid woh mumkin nahin hai Abbu...uske liye bauhat der ho chuki hai.
Rashid - (nodded) Haan..maine bauhat der kardi...aur ab aisi koi bhi khuwaish izhaar karne ka haq main kho chuka hoon..yeh toh Asad ka barapan hai ke ussne humme yahan aane bhi diya (Azlan gave him a sad smile and rubbed his shoulder to comfort him)
Azlan - I'm sure that was more for his Ammi than for us...(Rashid nodded)
Rashid - (gave him a small smile) Thank You Beta..(Azlan nodded and shook his head all the same letting his father know that he didn't have to thank him for being there for him or comforting him at all)
Azlan - Ghar chalein? (Rashid nodded reluctantly still casting a hopeful and wishful glance in the direction of the O.T but like Azlan said it was hopeless to think Asad would let him anywhere near his Ammi. Rashid got up and with Azlan by his side started making his way towards the exit. As they passed by one of the hospital rooms they saw Malik walk in with a cup of coffee and force Asad to take it from him. Asad was standing with his back towards them, they couldn't hear what conversation ensued between them but they just knew it had something to do with Dilshad because Malik ran a comforting fatherly hand through his hair and patted his back before hugging him soothingly and Asad too hugged him back just as tightly and the sight completely broke Rashid's heart. He looked away at once unable to see another man fulfill the role he left abandoned in his youngest child's life, the most estranged yet beloved child to him. As Azlan once again patted his shoulder soothingly they came face to face with Ayaan who gave them the permanent hateful scowl he reserved for the Haveli Folks specifically and then giving them a 360 degree eye roll walked into the waiting room as well. He pointedly stared at them as he shut the door on their faces and then glaring at them once again turned his back on them and walked further into the room whilst Rashid and Azlan walked away like the unwelcomed folks they were, the laughter from the waiting room haunting them both.
Waiting Room -
Ayaan - Now that Aunty's okay and we can all take a breather I thought of going out and picking up some food because let's face it hospital food is worse than vegetables...(Asad rolled his eyes whilst Malik laughed at his logic)
Asad - Can you ever think of anything other than food?
Ayaan - (rolled his eyes right back) just because you get your nutrients from the 5 cigarette packs you smoke daily doesn't mean all of us are just as health conscious as you, some of us need to survive on actual calories.
Asad - (shook his head) whatever..get what you want for yourself..I'm not hungry.
Malik - Oh I don't think so Mr. Just because your mother is unconscious doesn't mean you get to get away with not eating...stop trying to use your mother's sickness to your advantage. Waise bhi woh filhaal behosh ho saktin hain but I know ke hosh aate hi unka sabse pehla savaal yeh hoga ke tumne khaana khaya ya nahin aur aggar unhe pata chala ke nahin khaya hai toh ussi hospital bed pe kal mujhe peet ke admit kardeingi woh...
Ayaan - (laughed) Sounds about right. (Nodded at Asad's shirt as he got up to leave) I'll swing by your house and pick you up a change of clothes as well..(Asad frowned and looked down at himself finally noticing the blood on himself and his face shot up as he scrunched his eyes painfully at once, not needing any painful reminder of the last few hours and Malik put a soothing hand on his shoulder. Asad opened his eyes just as Ayaan reached the doorway.
Asad - Ayaan...(Ayaan turned around and Asad gave him a small smile) Thank You.
Ayaan - (smiled) What are friends for. Besides, I need a change of clothes. If I had known the nurses at Kasauli Hospital are this sexy main pehle hi ban than ke aata..(Asad rolled his eyes shaking his head with a hint of a smile whilst Malik shook his head laughing and Ayaan walked out with a mischievous wink)
Malik - (sighed looking towards Asad) I hate to make you relive these past few hours or rehash everything but I want all this over and done with before Dilshad wakes up. I want it out of your system because I don't want you to remember these painful memories. I want you to only be happy and smiling for your mother. So tell me from the start...WHAT happened? (Asad's whole body went rigid and his hands clenched into tight fists in his lap, so much so that his knuckles turned pale white as he began recalling all the unfortunate incidents that led up to this moment of his life, starting with Zoya dressed as a bride in Mangalpur and he began telling the same to Malik)

xxx

Continued in next post...