Asad-Zoya FF: Sand Clock: Chapter 4 pg 10 - Page 7

What is this... I loved it... totally loved it...

Just read all 3 updates now ..

This is awesome... I was pleasantly surprised with all the events... its intriguing ..

Please update soon n consider me for pm..

Zoya broke two red signals, made one biker abruptly brake to avoid collision with her car and a traffic policeman ran behind her car wielding his stick and blowing his whistle. But, she was unaware of the mayhem on the road as she drove towards the hospital at breakneck speed her brain oscillating between numbness and hyper activity. What a drive it had been that she came to know after two weeks, when traffic tickets arrived her home.

She jumped from her car as soon as she could park it in a tight spot and ran towards elevator. "Uncle ya Asad? Uncle ya Asad? Kahan jaoon? Allah miya, what is wrong with you? She decided to meet Rashid first and prayed that he was conscious and awake.

Sometimes prayers do get answered instantly.

Rashid was lying on his bed with closed eyes, but he was awake.

Zoya entered his room like a tornado but came to a screeching halt seeing her frail friend.

"Dost, how are you feeling? Ginger steps took her to his bedside and whispered words made him open his eyes; eyes that were filled with worry.

"I will take care of him. Promise. Words slipped out. Heart so beat brain this time. And, the peace that spread on his being was worth believing in a far-fetched tale. It was not for nothing that the man had come to mean even more than her father to her in little under a year.

"Thank you, Zoya. Heartfelt words were answered with the same. "Thank you.

Zoya smiled squeezing his hand. All the agitation in her mind was laid to rest in an instant. She just accepted that the incongruity called Asad Ahmed Khan was real and she was going to deal with him.

Rashid's brain took back the control and moved on to the problem in hand. "You know and I know but Asad does not. Nor, he will believe. You understand that, right? It is extremely difficult for him to believe. He followed me. I had no intention of bringing him in future. Believe me, he ran behind me and then the portal..., He had a coughing spell that rushed a nurse in.

"Please don't disturb him, she nodded sanctimoniously towards Zoya. Zoya raised an eyebrow and concentrated on Rashid whose coughing had stopped.

"Get me my notes, a pen, some papers and a calculator. Get my laptop as well if I need reference of something. Rashid continued in a feeble voice once the nurse was gone. Zoya's both eyebrows were raised now.

"What are you planning to do? Open a science lab here? Work on your equations? Really? Kabhi kabhi to mujhe bilkul yakeen nahi hota ki aap wohi Rashid Ahmed Khan ho jiske naam pe itne patents hain. Zoya had hands on her hips and she was hissing.

Rashid visibly shrunk, "I am just trying to send him back as soon as possible. See the portal opens only when all natural forces are aligned in a certain way. And, I need to figure out when it will happen next and so I need my laptop and pen and paper.

"At the cost of your health? Koi zaroorat nahi hain. Woh bada hatta-katta, mushtanda hain. Kuchh din 21^st century ki hawa kha ke, bimar nahi pad jaayega. You focus on getting better. Khabaradar agar phir se aisi baat ki to...

Rashid had an internal struggle under Zoya's hard stare. He knew that even for a scientist like him it had taken time to figure out when the portal would be open. He might need days and his health he knew biology well with physics. He was not in a good shape neither physically nor mentally. Medicines kept him drowsy most of the time and his weak body needed rest. Actually, it would be better if he focused on getting better first.

"Jee...meri ammi..., Rashid mumbled finally accepting defeat. Zoya didn't hear him and hmphed.

"Keep him at home for few days and once I am back at home, we will send him back. Okay?

"Your home?

"Yes.

Rashid started again after a pause. "He will be completely bewildered by 21^st century.

"I will be too if I was in his place.

"He was very strong-willed and stubborn person.

"Great...just great...I have already seen one practical demonstration of it. Zoya said shaking her head.

Again, Rashid's face wrinkled with worry and Zoya quickly spoke up.

"Mujhe Zoya Farooqui kehte hain. Aapke Dadaji..., she genuinely chuckled at the thought. "Ko main dekh loongi. Rashid looked surprised. "You checked my study?

"Yes. The third drawer. You don't worry and focus on getting better. Sooner you get better, we can send him back. Okay?

"Sorry, Zoya. I have put you in a trouble and given you burden of a secret.

"Zoya, you need a plan. Action 1: Convince doctor that there is nothing wrong with Asad and he should be allowed to go home. Action 2: Convince Asad that everything is wrong with him. He is in wrong time and wrong place and causing lot of trouble for all of us. What made him take such a foolish action? Why would he follow Rashid uncle back to 21^st century? Nawab hain to kuchh bhi karega kya? Allah miyan, I have to convince him that he is in 21^st century. I have to convince a guy who does not even know that 21^st century exists. Who has no idea about time travel. Allah miyan, what is wrong with you? Main hi mili thi. Aur, ye Asad ki akal pe kya taale pad gaye the ke moonh utha ke yahan chala aaya. Bin bulaya mehman kahin kaa. Rashid uncle ka great-grand uncle hi kyon na raha, kitni pareshani khadi kar di hain. Pehle Action 1 ya Action 2? Asad ya doctor? Allah miyan, chicken ya egg? Oh...I am hungry. Mushkil se ek pizza slice khaya tha ki Asad miyan ke khayal tapak pade. Zoya's monologue continued till she reached nurses' station on 1^st floor.

"Nurse...Nurse..., Zoya came to halt before a startled nurse. She quickly changed her tone and sweetly said, "Sister...woh patient Asad Ahmed Khan, unki MRI report aa gayi hain naa?

"Yes...aur doctor aapko milna chahte hain.

"Jee zaroor. Abhi mil sakti hoon? Zoya asked smiling. "Think...Zoya...think. You need to get this great-grand-uncle out of the hospital.

"Haan. Right side pe last cabin.

"Thank you. Pehle main Asad ko dekh loon. Is he doing alright?

"Sedative diya tha naa? Abhi tak so rahe hain. Nurse said looking sideways.

"Maybe, I should steal same sedatives. Jab tak Rashid uncle theek nahi ho jaate, is Asad ko neend main hi rakhte hain and as soon as uncle is back home, isko parcel kar dete hain jahan se aaya hain. Ajeeb museebat hain. Allah miyan, Rashid uncle ko jaldi se theek kar do. Please Asad ke liye nahi, sirf unke liye hi, please unhe jaldi se theek kar do. Aur ye portal...ye portal kya cheez hain? Alibaba ki gufa hain kya? It will open only if you knew the secret chant Khul ja sim sim. Khul ja sim sim. Khul ja sim sim. She was grinning by the time she reached Asad's room.

And, the grin dropped seeing him trying to fight off sedative drug in his veins as he tried to keep eyes open. His fingers of left hand were opening and closing as if trying to catch an illusion. His other hand was limp; the one which had the needle inserted which he had pulled out injuring himself further, a neat red dot peeked from the white gauze as a proof.

She was looking at him standing by his bedside.

"Asad...Asad...how are you feeling? She softly asked. There was no response from him. "Maybe, he is not used to being called by his name. Nawab of Sahibabad. His highness...but I am not going to call by such names. Riyasaten...47 main hi khatam ho chuki thi. Nawab raha apne ghar ka. Matlab apne time ka. I will call him Asad only.

"Asad..., this time he turned towards her, opening and closing his eyes. He raised his injured hand to shield his eyes from sudden light and then automatically moved towards bump on forehead.

"Are you feeling okay?

No response.

"Tum...mera matlab hain, Aap..., she paused and then decided against it, "Tum theek ho?

Now, he actually looked at her; his gaze traveling from her face to tip of her fingers and to hem of her top adorned with merrily crawling embroidered lady birds.

Zoya got conscious at first but soon narrowed her eyes and spoke up giving him back his own words, "Kya behaya hoke ghur ghur ke dekh rahe the? Kabhi ladki nahi dekhi kya? Aiyaash nawab kahin ke... Last part was mumbled but he heard it.

Now, it was his turn to give it back. He had seen many Aiyaash' nawabs and nawabi family members in his time. He was not one of them. He took his title and the responsibilities that came it with very seriously. And, anyways, where was money to do any aiyaashi', even if he was that kind of nawab? His state was neck-deep in debt. How dare this woman who dressed showing bare arms question him?

"Dekhiye mohatarama. Aap sharafat se pesh aaiye. Behuda kapde to aapne pehan ke rakhe hain.

"Huh? Zoya looked at her every day ensemble of jeans and top. Actually, this was one of her favorite tops blue denim sleeveless top with red ladybugs embroidered on hem.

"Oh...hello...kaunsi duniya main jee rahe ho? Duniya 21^st century main pahonch gayi aur tum abhi bhi 17^th century ke khayalat..., She paused. He actually was from 17^th century and that was a pressing matter at hand. His thinking that can be corrected later.

"Listen, buddy..., She shook her head to concentrate.

Blank look.

"Sunai nahi de raha?

"Jee bilkul sunai de raha hai aur samaj main bhi aa raha hain. Tum bhi angrezo se mili hui ho. He said trying to sit up in bed. He was preparing himself for a flight but his head reeled at the very moment due to sudden movement and he closed his eyes to stop the world from moving.

On the other hand, Zoya was in action. She had locked room door. Moved everything that is within his reach away from him towards walls. She couldn't take any chance after seeing his morning outburst.

"Asad...

"Asad..., she said loudly. "Meri baat dhyan se suno.

He looked at her and again looked away to avoid looking at her.

"Allah miyan, what is wrong with you? Here...happy. Now, will you look at me? I don't like when people don't look at me when I am talking. Do you know it is rude? She had pulled a spare blanket and wrapped around her.

He did look at her.

"Tum angrezo ki jaasoos ho. Mujhe yahan pe kyon qaid karke rakha hain?

"Allah miya, mujhe history lesson bhi dena hain? She raised her hands and looked at ceiling.

Asad confusedly looked towards ceiling.

"Darasal, mail Hindustani jaasoos hoon. A plan had formed in her mind.

"Huh?

"Kya jasoos sirf Angrezo ke hote hain? Kya aapko nahi lagta ki humari aur se bhi jasoos hone chahiye? She thought switching to Aap' was better for this conversation.

He had her attention.

"Main Nawab Begum ki jasoos hoon. Zoya thought that taking name of Nawab Begum of Bhopal was a safe bet. After all, she was a female ruler of a time when it was unheard of.

"Aur, angrezo ko mujhpe shaq naa ho, is liye, unke jaise kapade pehanti hoon.

Asad's face wasn't giving away much, but he was not arguing.

"Main tumhe yahan se lejane ki liye aayi hoon. Mera matlab hain aap ko...Aapko Bhopal se kai millon dur Angrezo ke shehar main quaid rakha gaya hain.

"Main Bhopal main nahi hoon?

"Nahi...

"Per subah who aadmi to keh raha tha...

"Woh angrezo ka aadmi hain, haan..., Zoya said in a dramatic whisper. She was enjoying herself.

"Aap yahan aaiye...Khidki ke paas... She moved towards window.

Asad tried to get up but had to immediately sit down. Zoya was by his side in a jiffy, offering her hand.

He looked at her hand but did not take it. Zoya rolled his eyes and mumbled under her breath,

"Hurry up, we don't have entire day for this charade.

"Aapko madad ki zarrorat hain. She sweetly said.

Boy, was there a struggle on his face on taking a woman's hand! Finally, he placed his palm in hers and her mind went quiet; its entire focus concentrated on warmth seeping from his hand. Her fingers involuntarily wrapped around his palm. His grip was also tightening at the same time as if his fingers had found the reality that they were searching for a while back and did not want to let go. Well...as they say for such moments, time slowed down and the world outside and immediate concerns fell sideways as their eyes looked at their joined hands, neither daring to look up at the other. But, it was only few seconds and tick-tock of clock reminded dutifully. Zoya was first to look away.

"Chaliye...is aur..., She got him to window and let go of his hand. She hid her hand behind trying to hold onto the warmth. He was holding onto the window bars now, not looking at her, looking at the scene before him but still not looking at it.

"Aap angrezo ke shehar main ho. Bhopal se kai dur. Woh dekhiye badi badi imaratein, motorgaadiyan..., Zoya prayed for him to buy it. He had to agree to her hairbrained plan before they can convince doctor to let him go.

Now, he looked outside with keen eyes and looked alarmed.

"To aap meri madad karenge naa? Sabse pehle woh doctor...hakeem se milna hoga. Zoya gave a mental pat on her shoulder for remembering so many Hindi and Urdu words. All those lessons in childhood that her father insisted that she and her sister must take were finally coming to use.

Asad was trying to assess the situation and was hardly convinced by the lady spy, but what he saw outside the window had completely thrown him off. Surely, he was not in Bhopal and first order of the day should be to get the hell out of this place. If that required him playing along with this lady then be it.

"To kya karna hoga?

Zoya smiled wide. Asad was complying.

"Hum unke office...err...kamre main jaayenge. Main baat karoongi. Angrezi main...

"Angrezi main kyon? Humein kaise pata chalega, aap kya baat kar rahi hain? Hum aapka yakeen kaise kare?

"Dekhiye, us doctor...matlab hakeem ko Hindustani kam hi samaj aati hain. Aap sirf kahiye ki aap theek hain aur ghar jaana chahte hain.

"Aur woh humein kyon jaane dega?

"Kyonki...main...Zoya Farooqui, aapke saath hoon. Zoya smugly smiled. She was enjoying being a spy. She should definitely give this idea to Ayaan. Ayaan was a fellow developer in the office who developed games.

"Oh...where are my manners? I haven't properly introduced myself. Oh...the blank look again. She raised her hand for handshake, "Mera naam Zoya Farooqui hain.

Asad looked at the raised hand as if it carried plague both because the lady was way too forward for him and he hadn't forgotten what it felt like to hold that hand.

"Aadab. Hum Asad Ahmed Khan hain, Sahibabad ke Nawab.

Zoya let her hand fell limply on her side and then plastered a sweet smile and tried to mimic his graceful gesture to say Aadab', did a bad initiation of it and then let it go. "Oh...whatever. We need to hurry.

"Ab main us doctor...hakeem se milne jaa rahi hoon. Thodi der main hum dono yahan aayenge. Aap unse kahiyega ke aap bilkul theek hain aur ghar jaana chahte hain. Theek hain?

Asad nodded. Zoya turned around to leave.

"Wait...ek aur baat...aap Rashid Ahmed Khan ke bete hain.

"Jee nahi. Hum Nawab Shiraz Ahmed Khan ke sahebjhade hain.

"Asad...please meri baat maniye. Humein yahan se baahar nikalna hain, right? She had a placating tone.

Asad was getting most of what she was saying despite her tendency to throw strange words in his way. He sighed and nodded looking away.

"Good boy, Zoya instinctively patted his shoulder.

"Aap had karti hain. He angrily shirked her hand.

Zoya raised both her hands rolling her eyes, "Okay, Mr Chuimui.

"Aap ne humein chuimui kaha?

"Jahanpanah, is kaneez ki ye majal? She answered through gritted teeth.

"Hum nawab hain. Jahanpanah to Sultan Bahadur Shah Zafar the, jinhe un angrezo ne...

"Suniye...pehle yahan se bahar nikale, haan? Then we will discuss fall of Mughual empire. Aap yahan baithiye. She pointed towards a chair. "Aap theek hain? Sar main dard ho raha hain?

"Halka sa...

"No worries...we will take all required meds...mera matlab hain hum hakeem se sari dawaiyan lenge. Ab aap yahan rukiye. Main abhi aayi. She locked the door behind her and quickly reached attending doctor's office.

"Aah...Miss Farooqui. Doctor Aniruddh Sharma looked up from the files.

"Zoya, please. She gave a charming smile.

"Zoya, it is then. Doctor returned a grin.

"So, can I take Asad home? You see, Rashid uncle, his father, is in ICU. We need to take care of him. It was just a minor bump on head last night. If he goes home and rests for a day, he will be perfectly fine. Actually, I was just with him and he is feeling really good. He can't wait to go home. I hope everything is alright in MRI report. She finally came to the point as the doctor bemusedly observed.

"Actually, yes, the MRI report shows no abnormality.

"Oh...thank god.

"But...

"Aah...the but...

"He was behaving so strange in the morning. I mean he kept saying about the English has done this and that. He can't even speak the language and by the looks of it he looks from a well-to-do family, well-educated but hey...looks can be deceiving. And, then the violence...

"I apologise on his behalf..., Zoya absolutely didn't like where this was going and interrupted. "He was disoriented and I am sure it happens with many patients, doesn't it? She asked with an innocent face.

"Oh...you don't need to. Not your fault. And, yes, you are right. Disorientation after a head injury is often seen but this doesn't seem just like that. What's with conspiracy theory and yes, 1876. He said 1876.

"Come on...he didn't mean it. Why would he say 1876. She again cut him off. "I should have told Asad that he was to answer that he is in 2017. Oh Allah Miyan...

"Exactly. Why would he say that? See, I know you are not going to like my suggestion. Nobody likes it. I understand when something like this happens in family. The doctor had most soothing tone and his hands were inching towards Zoya's resting on the table. "Is he your brother?

"Brother...what no...no. He is not my brother. Zoya raised the same hand in protest. Doctor's hand stealthily retreated.

"He is my neighbour's son.

"Oh...you are such a kind person for taking care of your neighbours.

"Thank you. So, as I was saying if Asad can go home, both he and I can take care of Rashid uncle his father.

"Oh...yes, but I am sorry but I have to suggest a psych consult.

"What?

"His behavior is strange.

"No, I mean. There is no such need.

"Zoya...Zoya...calm down. See, mental health problems are always ignored in this country. It is such a shame.

"I know...I know...but you got it totally wrong here. He is actually an actor taking part in a period drama and he is so passionate about it that he could not come out of his character.

"Really? Even the smitten doctor was not falling for it.

"Yes. And, one more thing, he does not speak English. He wants to honour his country's languages. So, yh...he is a weirdo, but hey, we have accepted it. Things that we do for friends? Zoya shrugged with a resigned smile.

"Are you sure of it?

"Yes, very sure. And, why don't you give me your number? If I notice anything, anything strange, I will give you a call.

"Yes, you do that, Zoya, and he gave her his phone number.

"Give me a missed call. Will ya?

"Sure. Just a sec...in the meantime, can you give discharge orders? Zoya reluctantly gave him a missed call.

"Zoya Farooqui. Saved. He gave a wide grin.

"Discharge papers, please. Zoya was losing patience.

"Oh...yes. Let me come with you and take a quick look and then we will discharge him. I am still going to write a psych consult, in case you decide that he needs it.

"Okay, doc. Thanks so much. Zoya was half-up from her seat. "Aniruddh. Or, even Ani is fine, Zoya. Doctor was by her side offering his hand to get up from chair.

"I am fine, Dr Aniruddh. She faked smile. "Let's go. I also need to go and see Rashid uncle. There is also police case. Oh...god, yes, that inspector from last night, he is to visit yet.

"What is his name?

"Sharma...yes...Sharma.

"Oh...old boy, Sharma. I know him. We get many celebrity patients and he being in charge of chowki in this area, he is a frequent visitor here. Is he giving you trouble, Zoya?

"Well...you know...I am not a relative, a friend, a neighbor. He didn't warm up to the idea. And, I am pretty sure he has low opinion for women.

"Don't worry, Zoya. I will have a chat with him. He lightly patted her shoulder. Zoya wanted to shirk it just like Asad. And, Asad saw it as they entered his room and hence gave a scowl to the doctor.

"How are you, Mr Khan? I mean, aap kaise hain?

"Jee, theek. Shukriya.

"Let me see your latest vitals. Matlab ki so nurse ne is chart pe likha hain. He read the chart and everything was normal.

"Well...sab theek hain. He held his head. "Dard ho raha hain?

"Halka sa...

"Nothing that a pain killer can't solve. Let me write the prescription and you are free to go to home. He took out his pen from his shirt pocket. "God, Zoya, how do you do it? He gave a I am trying hard but really? You are awesome for putting up with this' grin to Zoya, "Aapki dawaiyan likh ke de raha hoon. Aur koi takleef?

"Jee nahi.

"Alright, you are free to go.

"He can?

"Yes.

"Asad, tum, hum ghar jaa sakte hain. Zoya was genuinely happy now and Asad felt the sincerity in her words; same was the case with doctor.

"You take care, Zoya. And, I will see you around because you will come to see your uncle. Don't be a stranger.

"Sure, doc.

"Ani.

"Ani. Zoya waved him goodbye, while Asad observed the exchange with distaste.

"Ab kya hua? Zoya questioned the scowl on his face.

"Kuchh nahi.

"Aap kapde badal lo. And, yes, aapki jewelry - gehne. Woh us kambakht inspector ke paas hain. Ek aur museebat. Zoya rubbed her forehead.

"Asad, suniye. Aapke gehne, inspector...err...sipahi ke paas hain. Jo raat ko aapko yahan laaya tha. Woh ab aata hi hoga. Woh kuchh sawal-jawab karega aur aap jaise main bataoon vaisa hi kahenge.

Asad raised a brow at her authoritative tone.

"Nawabsahab, bahar nikalana ho to, jaisa main kahoon vaisa hi karenge. She batted her eyelashes.

"Bataiye, kya karna hoga? Aur, aap woh kambal odh lijiye. He said looking away.

"Grr...okay, jahanpanah.

"Aap janab Rashid Ahmed Khan ke ek laute bete hain. Aap kal raat ko unse pehli baar mile. Unhe Asthma ka daura pada aur aapko unki bimari ke baare main kuchh pata nahi tha.

"Main apne walid ko kal pehli baar kyon milonga?

"Asad, bahar nikalna hai ki nahi?

"Aap ko pata nahi tha ki woh aapke abbu hain.

"Kya vaahiyat baatein kari rahi hain?

"Aapke abbu aapko pehli baar milke emotional ho gaye aur excited ho gaye aur is liye unhe daura pad gaya.

There was a knock on the door, both Zoya and Asad looked at the door warily. It was Inspector Sharma with Ani'.

"Janab, hosh aa gaya aapko? Ab tabiyat kaisi hain?

"Theek hain, shukriya.

"Inko discharge kar diya hain. Hum bas ghar ko nikal hi rahe hain.

"Hum pehle kuchh sawal-jawab kar le?

Zoya was in panic mode now. She had done bare minimum to prepare Asad.

"Aap bahar wait kare.

"Come on, Sharmaji. Itni bhali ladki so padosiyon ki madad kar rahi hain. Aap unse aise pesh aa rahe hain? Zoya, you stay here, okay? Dr Anirudhh came to rescue.

"Theek hain, Janab. Aap kehte hain to... The inspector smiled and turned towards Asad.

"Aapka naam?

"Asad Ahmed Khan.

"Umar

"Untees.

"Kahan ke rehnewale ho?

"Sahibabad.

"Tum Sahibabad se ho? Hamare salesahab ki biwi bhi wahan se hain. Garg sahib ki beti. Aap to jaante hi honge. School ke headmaster hain.

Asad looked at Zoya who looked frozen.

"Vaise kai logo ko jaane hain per pehchante nahi.

"So to hain. The inspector was in good humor now.

"Aapka Rashid Ahmed Khan se kya rishta hain?

"Woh...ahmmm...hamare walid hain. He answered looking down.

"Per, madamji to bata rahi thi ki unka koi beta nahi.

"Hum kal pehli baar mile. He said looking at Zoya.

"Abbu ne milne bulaya tha. Woh humein milke itne khush hue ke usi khushi main unhe daura pad gaya. Woh humein kuchh bata sake usse pehle hi...Abbu theek to hain? Asad played along.

"Not bad, jahanpanah. Not bad. Zoya was impressed.

"Aapke paas batwa-cell phone kuchh nahi tha. Naahi Rashid sahib ke paas...

Asad was clueless here so Zoya jumped in. "Uncle never takes his cell phone with him when he goes for his walks. Such a bad habit! But, he never listens. Like father like son.

"Hmm...

"Kisine aap pe hamla nahi kiya tha?

"Inki saari jewellery safe thi, right? Zoya interrupted.

"Haan, janab, aap the kahan? Itna saj-dhaj ke..

"Hum ek mehafil main the.

"That explains..., the doctor mumbled.

"Vaise aap karte kya hain? The inspector asked.

"Zamindari. Asad picked what some of his people did.

"That explains..., the doctor mumbled again; this time louder.

Zoya was really getting worried. She locked her hands together as they were starting to shake. Asad somehow was still calm. The doctor observed Zoya and got into protective mode.

"Sharmasahib, ab bahot jo gaya interrogation. Ye sharif log hain. Rashid sahib ICU main hain. Inhe unki fikar lagi hain. See nothing happened...just an emotional meeting which Rashid sahib could not bear well. And, the rest I think is a family matter and should be within family, right? Rashid sahib himself has said that Asad is his son, right?

"Haan, aap sahi keh rahe hain, janab. The inspector had already been to meet Rashid.

"To ab hum ghar jaaye? Zoya asked eagerly. Asad also looked expectantly.

"Haan...aur kuchh hain bhi nahi. The inspector got up from the stool he was sitting on. "Ye rahe aapke gehne. Yahan pe sign kar dijiye. He gave Asad a paper to sign. To Zoya's relief, Asad signed.

"Urdu main signature, the inspector observed. "Bahot khoob.

Dr Aniruddh gave Is this man for real?' look to Zoya behind his back.

"Apne abba ka dhyan rakhiye. Asthma ke mariz hain, humesha inhaler saath rakhiye.

"Jee, zaroor. Shukriya. Asad nodded.

Zoya mouthed Thank you' to the doc as the inspector and him left chatting but scowled as the doctor winked at her in return.

"Yahan ke log bade behuda hain. Asad had to say.

"Sabka character certificate baad main likhenge. Abhi chalo.

"Huh?

"Chalo. Kapde badaliye aur chaliye. Zoya had urgency in her voice. She was still worried that the inspector might come back.

Today was quite a lucky day and they got out safe.

"Wow...Zoya, that was close. That was close. Very close. But, way to go Zoya. You can think on your feet. And, well, Asad, even you weren't bad." A heavy tread was following her. "Zamindari, Kafi achha bahana tha. Aur, woh hakeem ne bhi hamari madad ki. Right? He was a weirdo but no so much. Dekhiye, Asad. Main aapko Rashid uncle ke ghar pe le jaa rahi hoon. Ghar pahonch ke main kuchh aur baatein batana chahti hoon. Zoya reached passenger side of her car and opened the door but to her shock there was no Asad behind her.

"Oh my god...oh my god...where is he?

Hope that all of you are doing fine. An update after long time with a name for the story.

Enjoy. Let me know your thoughts.

Edit: IF has messed up all the quotes and not allowing me to edit the post, so insert the quotes as you read

Der aaye durast aaye 😳

Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Have sent you PM for latest update.

He totally did 😎

Nawab is drowning in debt. Poor guy. But had presence of mind. Zoya and her antics auwhabahaha. Poor Rashid man. I hope he makes it through but please don't send nawab back :(( though chala jayega toh kaise kahani hogi. Haha. Main bhi na ahahaha. But please don't. Or maybe be does but comes back 🤣 Khair where is Nawab lost now. :(( Maybe scandalized by everything he is seeing haha.

Please update soon :'((

🤗

Everything look so well written...

Love the way Asad is reacting...

Oh godd the end... where did he go ...

Please update soon...