#3: AsYa FF - Mohabbatein: Part 33 Pg 67 Updated- 30/07/2019! - Page 13

Malik Uncle's Birthday Party:

Asad closed his eye's taking yet another drag of his cigarette as he stood outside in the chilly night leaning against the wall next to the ginormous mahogany doors opening to the fanciest banquet hall in all of Kasauli. He could hear the hustle and bustle of the fast increasing guests inside, the tensed voices of his mother and sister shouting to ensure all was in order for the party but more than anything he heard her, her laughter, her voice, her. He felt her everywhere, but he knew she wasn't here, not yet at least thanks to their god forsaken flight which had been delayed. An unsuspecting agent of the airline's customer service had been left baffled as he got a very angry phone call from one Asad Ahmed Khan this evening. Asad was midway between cursing the inventor of planes himself when he realized what he was saying and doing, that he was behaving like a lunatic and he very randomly shut the phone, sighing agitatedly. What had gotten into him? What was happening to him? Finally, just as he finished his cigarette he saw Malik Uncle's car pull up led and followed by police protocol and he quickly put out his cigarette, messaging a "911 to Aisha simultaneously, letting her know he was here. It hadn't helped that Malik Uncle had been on a secret raid operation and Asad couldn't hang with him till the party started hoping to distract himself, instead Malik Uncle was late to his own party, something someone as compulsive, rigid and stuck up like Asad could NEVER comprehend, HOW?

Malik - (walking up the steps to the banquet hall, shaking his head) For god's sake Asad it's a party celebrating your sister's engagement...kamaz kam aajke din toh put away this god awful habit..

Asad - (pulled back his cigarette and stared at it with a poker face, then stared exaggeratedly at him sarcastically) Aisha's engagement...me smoking...yah I see how you came up with that correlation.

Malik - (shook his head) I meant (pulling the cigarette from his hand just as he was about to take another drag) why are you standing out here alone...smoking? Instead of...being in there with your family...

Asad - (closed his eye's sighing...shoving his hands into his pockets, muttering under his breath) because it's not my entire family in there...

Malik - (leaned closer) what?

Asad - (shook his head sighing) no nothing...let's just go inside (Malik nodded. Asad took a deep breath, moment of truth)

Malik - (frowned as Asad turned around to head the way inside) Asad?

Asad - yah (turned around, and saw worry etched all over Malik's face)

Malik - are you okay?

Asad - (chuckled, his eyes crinkling tiredly at the corner as he did) yah..I just..(sighed closing his eyes taking a deep breath, feeling like there was a rock sitting on his chest, suffocating him second by second making it impossible for him to breathe because he just missed her so darn much) I'm fine...

Malik - you just...you don't look fine...

Asad - what'd do you mean? I look the same...what makes you say that?

Malik - (smiled a small smile at him) It...it's your eyes..

Asad - (suddenly looking away so Malik couldn't see his eyes anymore) what about em?

Malik - they're sadder than usual..

Asad - (looking down, he sighed taking a deep breath) can we...can we just go in?

Malik - (smiled at him, running a loving hand through his hair ruffling it before placing a kiss on the side of it) ya...we can...(Asad gave him a small, forced, tight lipped smile as Malik casually turned around and pushed open the doors to the banquet hall only to grab his heart and yelp as he jumped back a foot in the air, being met with immediate darkness and then a flash of blinding light accompanied by a loud deafening scream of "SURPRISE!! As he tried to gather his wits, and not let his rapidly beating heart fail from shock and trauma, he heard loud applaud and cheering, hooting (courtesy of Ayaan) surrounding him from all ends of the hall. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned around to find Asad smiling a small miserly but genuine and warm smile at him.)

Asad - (whispered) Happy Birthday Malik Uncle...

Malik - (his eyes widened) I...wha..what? (That made Asad's smile grow, even if it were by just an inch. Zoya was right, to see Malik Uncle smiling like this, it was all so worth it. He just wished she was here to see him smiling like this too. As his yearning for her increased he enveloped Malik in a tight hug, lest he realize his eyes had just become even sadder and made a big deal out of it.)

Malik - (patted his back as he enveloped him into a tight, tight, loving hug) I love you...this...this is just...wow...

Asad - you're welcome...(shrugged) maybe (Malik laughed, and suddenly a hush fell over the entire hall)

Girl's Voice on the Mic - Happy Birthday to you..Happy Birthday to you...(Malik felt Asad tense, and freeze, his whole body stiffen in his hold as he heard those voices, he could feel his heart suddenly ramping in his chest. He couldn't see Asad's widened eye's, for one of those two voices was definitely his sister's but the other voice, he could tell her voice apart from a loud quire in his sleep, there was no doubt about it, he suddenly jerked back out of Malik's hold, pale as a ghost...and sure enough as he lived and breathed, it was her.

Zoya.

Walking toward him, the most mischievous, playful and adoring twinkle in her eye, a smile that stole his breath away and left him dazzled, blinded the second his eyes caught sight of it. How. WHEN. What.

Zoya and Aisha both wanted to giggle as they walked up to him and Malik, holding a mic each and finishing singing happy birthday to him, Asad looked downright demented, decked out in multi thousand-dollar Armani, his hair a mess (from pulling it so much in frustration) with his mouth hanging open, not having his wits about him, looking like he had just seen a ghost. A lot of other persons present were noticing it too, like his Ammi and Ayaan for one, who couldn't stop smiling.

Aisha & Zoya - Happy Birthday Dear Malik Uncle..(Zoya playfully checked Asad out from head to toe standing before him and then making a not so impressed face pushed him aside and both she and Aisha stood before a teary eyed Malik Uncle smiling breathtaking smiles) Happy Birthday to you...(but it wouldn't have mattered even if she had used a bulldozer or a wrecking ball to push Asad Aside, he was so lost, and in a state of permanent shock and disbelief, he could NOT believe she was here, his hammering heart and breathlessness were not enough to convince him this time around)

Aisha & Zoya - Awww...(watching Malik Uncle dabbing at his eyes to wipe his tears)

All the guests - Aww

Malik - (laughed, breathlessly) th..thank you girls...thank you all of you..this is just...wow..I just...I don't have the words...I am so touched this is so sweet I-

Aisha - (kissed his cheek before hugging him tight) someone as sweet as you...deserves so much more than this...

Malik - (hugged her back, kissing her head) perhaps...but I don't know what I've done to deserve a family...and kids as beautiful as you all...and that's better than anything else I may have had.

Zoya - (stared at him with her hands on her hips) woh toh mujhe bhi nahin pata..and I'm sure...(eyeing Asad again (mostly because she wanted, and needed to, and true to habit, there was a deep hue on her cheek) Mr. Khan ko toh aap hamare beech nahin ginn rahe...

Malik - (shook his head laughingly holding out an arm) Zoya...(Zoya walked up to him and kissed him on his cheek and he hers before enveloping her in a tight hug)

Zoya - Happy Birthday Uncle...But just so you know we aren't considering this our actual thank you...

Malik - (looking lost) oh no? (Staring at Aisha who shook her head)

Zoya - (shook her head too) but you're lucky...because I have just the thing for you to thank us (just as Malik was about to protest in fear, god knows what trick she had planned now Zoya grabbed his arm and putting fingers in her mouth whistled loudly, pulling him along. The lights shut immediately, except for a spotlight on the area where they were all standing, and those sudden changes made Asad snap out if it just a little. Zoya, whose heart had been hammering just as loudly as Asad's who had left her breathless the second she caught sight of him standing with Malik Uncle at the entrance as the lights came on and she realized how ravishing he looked (as always) in that black Armani, turned around, her beautiful auburn hair bouncing behind her as she did, and still smiling that million dollar smile dropped a playful wink at that still mesmerized Asad by the angel in white winking at him now. She looked away giggling under her breath as she watched him take a step forward, his mouth still open, his eyes still lost as she winked at him, as if trying to reach out to her. Dork. And that's when he finally realized and a beautiful MILLION DOLLAR, more breathtakingly beautiful than Zoya's, smile broke out on Asad's face. He looked down blushing and smiling shyly, his hands in his pockets as he did.

Yup. She was back.

His Zoya was back & She had stolen the dork's heart, completely. He looked up as he heard music blaring all over the hall and looking up he saw the dancers behind Malik Uncle who looked as shaken and scared as Asad his jaw dropped to the ground. When had she managed to pull this together. Zoya and Aisha gave Malik a playful push towards the dancers, who immediately were all over him, surrounding him from all around. Dilshad was laughing at his plight as she came and stood by Asad but Asad just slowly face palmed himself. This girl would be the death of him.

(Malik stared at all the dancers around him, dancing, including some of the behnji's who were teaching him how to get the hook step right and seeing the laughing and smiling faces, hearing the laughter of his beautiful family he couldn't help but try, indulge and participate, FOR THEM.) Say shava shava, say shava shava ... Say shava shava, say shava shava...(as he began to join the dancers, dancing along with them and actually enjoying it, the guests, the entire hall broke out into a loud applaud and hoots and cheers, Zoya and Ayaan being the only one's wolf whistling..Asad peeked through his fingers covering his face and his jaw dropped to the ground, mirroring his mothers next to his)

Malik Uncle - (dancing for and before Aisha and Zoya, Zoya could barely contain herself and was hopping up and down, whistling, clapping and dancing where she was standing whilst Aisha's jaw resembled her mother and brothers seeing Malik Uncle in this never before seen avatar. He was actually living it up and enjoying it seeing all the dancers fawning over him) Rup hai teraa sona, sonee teree payal..Rup hai teraa sona, sonee teree payal..Chhan chhana chhan aise chhanke, kar de sabko ghayal Keh raha aankho kaa kajal, ishk me jina marna, yay
Say shava shava mahiya say shava shava... Yeah (by the time Malik Uncle pointed to Zoya and Aisha telling them to join him in the dance, Zoya really didn't need any invitation, she was almost putting the dancers and Malik Uncle to shame as is...she tried to drag Aisha with her but Aisha was too numb to move seeing Malik Uncle's sizzling moves so Zoya who could NOT resist a chance to dance, ran up to centre stage and answered Malik Uncle's invitation and challenge head on)
Zoya - Rup hai meraa sona, (Dilshad watched amazed, as she watched the hand that had just seconds ago been covering her son's embarrassed face come dragging down the length of his face a little too quickly..she could practically hear his ramping heartbeat over the blaring music but she definitely did see him become absolutely enchanted and transfixed watching the beautiful girl who had become his whole heart, smiling that dazzling smile and dancing her way so carefree and full of life, to joy, with and for his Malik Uncle, someone so dear and special to him and his family and although he knew Malik Uncle had come to mean so much to her in such little time, he thought and he liked to believe somewhere along the way she went so out of her way to do something so sweet and nice for his family, just for his sake, and the truth was, she absolutely did) sonee meree payal Rup hai meraa sona sona, sonee meree payal Chhan chhana chhan aise chhanke, kar de sabko ghayal (Hearing and Seeing him up right there next to Zoya suddenly, sneaking up from behind, Dilshad's head jerked to her right and sure enough her son was long gone..she just didn't know how long ago she had lost him, he had lost himself and how far he was gone. But that dazzling smile of hers, which would be the end of him, once he saw it, his heart and his mind were no longer in his control, were no longer working properly, were no longer alright and before he knew it, he needed to and wanted to be right there with her, he couldn't and didn't want to hold himself back, bauhat hogayee doori. Zoya was finally back, and having lost his heart already he lost his mind too (which was evident by the shocked faces of his family members each of the Farooqui's and Khan's stood there with their jaws touching the floor as he saw him sneak up behind Zoya, a dazzling breathtaking smile on his face, one that completely robbed Zoya of hers as she spun around shocked and pleasantly surprised, blushing as he dropped the same wink back at her, returning the favour) Hey, keh raha aankho kaa kajal, ishk me jina marna (Zoya barely had time to react or comprehend what was happening because the very next second her whole body was on fire as Asad grabbed her upper arm running over to Malik Uncle and the remainder of the dancers.)
Malik (his whole face in a smile) - Everybody
Say shava shava mahiya say shava shava... Say shava shava mahiya say shava shavaSay shava shava mahiya say shava shava Yeah (& it was true, no one had ever seen Asad, smile more, live for, more care free more wild and more uninhibited, and it both brought a smile to their faces and broke their hearts simultaneously, seeing him so happy)
(Zoya, needing to get away, for Asad's smile, his closeness, the intensity, the emotions, all the feel and love, the want and desire, the need, the yearning his eyes were trying to communicate to her, letting her know just how much he had missed her, ran from between him and Malik Uncle, smiling shyly, ducking her head, holding her lehnga and finally grabbed hold of an even more numb Aisha (seeing the 8th wonder of the world, ASAD dance and smile like that of his OWN free will that too with THOSE dancers) but more than that emotional (seeing her brother dance and smile like that) and forced her to dance along with her too, and they danced towards Aahil. (Asad tucked his hands into his pockets, practically spinning on his feet, giddy with excitement at seeing Zoya back, something which his mother and Malik Uncle definitely noticed staring at him with a raised eyebrow and the smile immediately wiped off his face) Mahiya ve aaja mahee, mahiya ve aaja... Mahiya ve aaja mahee, mahiya ve aaja... Mahiya ve aaja mahee, mahiya ve aaja... Mahiya ve aaja mahee, mahiya ve aaja...(This time it was Aahil though who hid his face embarrassedly as Aisha too coming under Zoya's influence did the most foolish and dorky dance all around him, purposefully, in their elegant lehngas, making complete fools of themselves, sending the entire hall into a laughter riot, and Asad's heart free falling at her innocence and care freeness, two of the things he loved most about her)

Ayaan - (who was as psychotic and foolish, as paagal and dorky as Zoya joined the two of them with an even more dorky dance, making everyone laugh even more, and Zoya and Aisha joined him too, dancing all around him, making their own small dance circle. Aahil, Arsalan and even a few of their guests around them joined, and Shazia rounded a wad of money around their heads, taking Nazar off around everyone, including Zoya who was too preoccupied to notice) Aaja goree nachle ay shava, nachle ve nachle ay shava Arre aaja goree nachle ay shava, ae nachle ve nachle ay shava (Zoya tried to signal Asad over to come join them, seeing as he was the only one just standing and watching and because she wanted to teach him how to LET go and LIVE, but to no avail, he just kept standing there like a dork staring at her, eventually she had to run over and grabbing his arm, setting both their bodies ablaze, had to drag him along (although he was reluctant and tried to protest but to no avail), she pushed him into the circle and then ran in herself too, once again as the centre of the circle, continuing her dorky yet in Asad's eyes the sexiest dance, and this time it was both Malik and Dilshad who rounded off money on all their heads)
Asad - (His hands, in his pockets, he stood there staring at her as she danced like a complete fool around her and as he lost his heart to her once again, he remembered the first time he ever saw her, at the mazaar, that is all that he saw before himself suddenly as that was the exact moment he had lost himself to her, completely, even if he hadn't noticed, and he danced, a small, conservative, rigid and sophisticated but EXTREMELY sexy dance, Asad like style, making Zoya who had her eye on him even if no one thought so, lose her heart to him completely) Dekha tenu pehlee pehlee bar ve, hone laga dil bekarar ve Rabba mainu kee ho gaya, dil janiye hai mainu kee ho gaya (Threw her arms around Aisha's neck who was dancing before Aahil, pretending to be singing for them, but Asad blushed, he knew, he always knew, the unspoken the unconfessed, the unsaid between them. Oh were they in trouble, oh was love beautiful) Sunke teree baate sone yar ve, mahee mainu tere nal pyar ve Hai mai mar jawa, dil janiye hai mai mar jawa (all doing the hook step, Asad doing it upon Zoya's insistence, eventually they pulled in Malik Uncle and Dilshad too, and all the guests were dancing as well, Ayaan stared at Asad shocked as he completely lost it as well, lost himself, dancing with Zoya, dancing around Zoya, dancing because of Zoya, and Zoya seemed like usse Asad ke ilaava kuch aur na toh dekhaiyee de raha tha, na samajh aa raha tha...(which was the truth) and his heart soared, he sent out a little prayer for his beautiful little family, may god protect them always) Say shava shava mahiya, say shava shava mahiya Ve shava shava bhangra, ve shava shava Say shava shava mahiya, say shava shava mahiya Say shava shava mahiya, say shava shava, yea Say shava shava mahiya, say shava shava mahiya Ve shava shava bhangra, ve shava shava bhangra...

A little while later -

Zoya looked up startled feeling someone next to her, moreover, feeling him next to her and sure enough, her heart skipped a beat as he, looking like a million dollars took a seat next to her, holding the most delicious looking dessert cup she had ever seen (never mind the most compulsively neat and strictly organized, classy looking dessert cup it wasn't haphazard or overflowing, a bunch of things tossed together in a cup with chocolate sauce smeared all over it, no his had the perfect balance of all the dessert options, and the perfect balance of chocolate sauce on top.) Zoya giggled under her breath, god she missed him and all his little quirks. And GOD did that dessert look delicious.)

Asad - (tried to casually cast a glance towards her as he took a seat next to her on the elegant stone steps of the banquet hall but his uncontrollable happiness and excitement at having her back gave him away, he couldn't stop smiling. So much, that his cheeks hurt) hope you don't mind..just wanted to enjoy my dessert in fresh air...

Zoya - (frowned, A) because she really felt and needed to say what she was about to and B) she needed a distraction from the obvious condition of her heart, which was completely bestowed by him)) bilkul bhi manners nahin hai na aap mein Mr. khan?

Asad - No Ms. Farqooui (taking a big healthy bite of his dessert) that would be your forte...

Zoya - Aapko Pata tha ke main yahan bahar baithin hoon..aap mere liye bhi toh dessert laa sakte the na

Asad - (frowned playfully) get your own dessert (Zoya frowned at him too, needing a reason to pick a fight no matter how childish or ridiculous, it had been far too long, she missed this, missed him, she missed them)

Zoya - Give me some of yours then!

Asad - (shielding his dessert) no way..get your own..and quit staring at my dessert..you'll put an evil eye on my masterpiece

Zoya - (rolled her eyes) GIVE ME SOME!

Asad - NO..leave me alone (Zoya grabbed his arm and hand and tried to budge him towards herself so she could snatch his dessert cup which he was hiding in the opposite direction but to no avail, damn him and his muscles..HOW much did he work out? Kitni bench presses maar sakta hai banda! Eventually she managed to pull his body straight just long enough and enough so she could snatch the dessert from his hand that too because Asad mostly relented and let her, Zoya snatched a chocolate covered strawberry from his cup and shoved it in her mouth before he could snatch it back or react and Asad glared at her, trying to smile innocently and angelically at him through a mouth fill, and Asad shook his head in mock annoyance and mock anger, the truth was he couldn't get enough of her, enough of seeing her back, having her back, here with him, next to him, talking to him, fighting with him, annoying him, making him feel like she'd drive him mad. Asad stared at his dessert pointedly, feeling her eyes on him most definitely)

Asad - (muttered under his breath) Junglee...(Zoya giggled, licking her spoon ravishing the taste of the dessert, and Asad stared poker faced at his dessert before digging into his coat pocket and pulling out another spoon, pointedly digging into his dessert again. Zoya turned and stared at him incredulously, her jaw dropping as she stared at him, and Asad continued chewing leisurely enjoying his dessert maintaining the same damned poker face. But he could only hold it for so long and before he could hold back he burst out laughing right alongside Zoya who couldn't hold it any longer, and before they knew it they were holding their sides and laughing all over the steps, Zoya crying tears of mirth.)

Zoya - (wiping her tears) you are literally the worst Mr. Khan

Asad - (trying to contain his chuckle) well I knew I would get accosted by a bhukkar like you so I came prepared..

Zoya - By hiding a spoon in your Armani Jacket? Toh phir itna (giving him a playful shove) natak karne ki kya zaroorat thi...(Asad shrugged and she shook her head still laughing, wiping her tears) god...so did you miss me or what?

Asad - (immediately blurted it out, without thinking or hesitating for a second, without realizing it because he was so busy digging into his dessert like a child again) so much...

Zoya - (unable to believe that she had heard him right, were her ears ringing or was she simply imagining things because she earnestly wanted to hear it so badly) what?

Asad - (his hand suddenly stilled in his dessert cup and his cheeks flushed, the rest of his face paling, he suddenly wished he were dead. What the hell did he just confess and WHY? What was wrong with him, why did he have no sense of control whatsoever?) what?

Zoya - what did you just say?

Asad - (stammering, still wishing he were dead as his panicked eyes darted all around) I...uhh I..I was talking about the dessert..so good-

Zoya - (pointed teasingly at him like a school girl, teasing her crush) No..you said you missed me..

Asad - (blushing profusely) No I didn't...

Zoya - Yes you did..you..said you missed me

Asad - No I didn't..stop saying it..I didn't-

Zoya - You missed me...You missed me..I can't believe you missed me...(now realizing she was trying more to calm her racing heart at his confession as she was of course enjoying teasing him and watching him squirm and blush, getting an upper hand over Mr. Khan was never an easy feat) I mean...(flicked her hair) I totally see why..(Asad stared at her out of the corner of his eyes and she stopped talking at once, but only for 45 second total. Just as Asad went back to enjoying his dessert she started giggling again..and Asad groaned frustratedly holding his head)

Zoya - You missed me...(Just as Asad found himself wishing for death again, there was someone else present on the steps behind them and Asad had never known relief like it)

Ayaan - Uhm...Zoya? (Both Asad and Zoya turned their heads to the voice of distraction and Zoya was taken aback for a moment, did Ayaan actually just talk to her? As he smiled at her, she really thought she was hallucinating) can...can I talk to you a minute? (Asad had never liked Ayaan more than in that minute, and neither had he been more thankful for knowing him, he immediately without wasting another second lest Zoya get another chance to take jabs at him got up and walked away, practically ran inside...leaving Zoya giggling as she stood up to step up on the main step and face Ayaan)

Ayaan - (raised one eyebrow staring after him) what's with him?

Zoya - Oh..it's a long story...an inside joke..

Ayaan - (raised his other eyebrow too) since when do you and Asad have inside jokes? (and then it was Zoya's turn to blush as she tried to comprehend Ayaan's question and find an answer, when did they exactly start to have inside jokes?, but Ayaan took Zoya's silence as anger and awkwardness towards him, things were tensed to say the least between them) so...you're back...

Zoya - (crossed her arms, now feeling the awkwardness and anger, the nervousness she felt towards him, they hadn't talked in so long she almost didn't know how to talk to him anymore) Yah..I'm back..

Ayaan - I uhh..when you went to Delhi I thought maybe you were trying to get away from..the Ayaan Monster..haunting this town..you know (grabbed the end of Zoya's hair and gave it a small playful tug) who loves making beautiful little sister's cry...

Zoya - (laughed, which is what Ayaan wanted all along anyways, Zoya shook her head, her eyes suddenly tearing up seeing her brother, her Ayaan standing there before her today, for the first time in a very long time) No..that wasn't it..I just..I wanted to..I..(closed her eyes, as a tear fell from them, she could barely get a clear sentence out feeling so incredibly overwhelmed from happiness at having Ayaan talk to her again and because it brought back a lot of sad and heartbreaking memories of how they got this far anyways) so...(chuckled nervously) so you're talking to me again?

Ayaan - (gave her a small sad smile) you know I..how idiotic and slow I can be...baatein kuch der se samajh aati hain..I'm sorry I (his voice cracked and he avoided eye contact with her, looking up and wiping his tears) I..hurt you so much I..I just...it's just..(gave her a small smile) I love you a lot and it kills me...kills me to see you hurting..so- (and before he knew it Zoya had crushed against his chest and was sobbing uncontrollably, clutching his shirt, having missed her elder brother tremendously and as endless tears streamed down Ayaan's face as he rested his head on top of Zoya's and broke down crying as well)

Meanwhile Back Inside:

Asad - (walking up to the small circle of Malik, Dilhad, Aisha and Aahil who were talking) Ammi Bhai aur Bhabi kahan hai?

Dilshad - (laughed) Asad? Tumhari memory ko kya hogaya hai unka message aaya na ke unki flight delay hogayee hai so they won't be able to make the party..late night ghar aa jayenge woh

Asad - (frowned) haan par..Zoya?..woh kaise-

Aisha - THANK GOD She's back..

Zoya - (walking up to them, a playful smile on her face) I must say..that is a very popular feeling today..you know (tongue in cheek as she stared at Asad) missing me..thanking god I'm back...Boy does it seem like ya'll missed me..was Kasauli not Kasauli without me (winking playfully at Asad who rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile, whilst there was a definite Yes' swimming around Asad's head in answer to that)

Aisha - Well Yah...I mean at least we won't have to endure nightmare Asad anymore...(everyone stared at her quizzically) well you know Prasad Bechare ko ab humme secretly "Gabbar Alerts nahin bhejne pareinge..

Aahil - (chuckled) what?

Aisha - (stared at Asad who was glowering at her just as anxiously wanting to hear the answer) oh uhh...it's nothing (suddenly nervous seeing that glower on his face) It's just I made a deal with Prasad (seeing the blank look on Aahil's face) Asad's PA long time ago..asking him to give us a heads up jab bhi Asad ka mood kharab ho...

Aahil - (chuckled) Gabbar alert? That's funny

Ayaan - (joining them) and appropriate...

Aisha - (stopped chuckling along with the rest seeing Asad's scowl, he "surprisingly didn't seem to find it funny at all) please don't fire the poor guy...it's just your mood swings are really scary and erratic..especially over the last few days...(Asad completely heard the giggle Zoya tried to immediately hide under her breath and he rolled his eyes all around his head)

Dilshad - it's true Asad..I agree with Aisha your mood swings have been quite scary these last few days...(Asad tuck his hands into his pockets and scoffed annoyedly)

Ayaan - (coughed under his breath) uh oh..here comes another one..quick create a diversion.

Malik - uhh (thinking on his feet) Dilshad behen uhh don't you..humme woh announcement karna tha na..Aisha aur Aahil ki shaadi ka..Main Farooqui Bhai sahab ko dhoondke lata hoon aap yahin wait karo...(Dilshad nodded)

About 10 minutes later Asad and Zoya stood next to each other listening to Dilshad and Shazia announce Aahil and Aisha's upcoming engagement and wedding..when suddenly Zoya heard Asad wince..frowning she looked towards him and saw him squinting through the blinding white lights, struggling to keep them open. She watched him try but fail trying to massage and hold his head and realized at once that he was having a headache of sorts and as usual was pretending not to just so his family wouldn't worry...Zoya took a deep breath even though she wanted to do much more, she wanted to take that same hand and smack him with it.

Zoya - headache?

Asad - (looked over at her taken aback a little, but then he was seeing 2 of her suddenly and her blurry face was surrounded by white spots so guess it was pretty obvious but it wasn't exactly a headache, it was worse than his usual migraines and he couldn't figure it out. His face was paling fast) sort of..I think I need some fresh air..

Zoya - you mind if I go with you (having just come back from Delhi where she missed him so awfully much she simply wanted to be around him all the time, plus he didn't really look too good and she didn't trust him on his own, neither did she want him out on his own)

Half an hour later:

Asad and Zoya were walking side by side along the snow covered streets of Kasauli under the beautiful Christmas decorations he had done for her, silently..both their hearts racing a mile per minute. They wanted to say so much, something, anything but they just didn't know where to begin, what to say to simply break the ice,

Asad - (mumbling under his breath) waise toh kabhi bolti band nahin hoti aur ab itni khamosh hai ke mujhe unke bolne se zyaada iss khamoshi se dar lagne laga hai

Zoya - (muttered) oh for god's sake Mr. Khan...say something, I'll even happy listen to a lecture or a yelling

Asad - (side eyeing her as he took a drag of his cigarette) kuch kaha aapne

Zoya - (speaking a little too quickly) nahin..(and then she narrowed her eyes at him before pulling the cigarette from between his teeth and then it was his turn to be the one to narrow his eyes at her and glare at her and she matched his glare completely) Aapki tabiyat kharaab thi na? You wanted some "fresh Air (crossed her arms annoyedly) does pollution count as "fresh air in your (pulled and twisted his ear making Asad's eyes widen, oh the audacity of this girl, WHERE did she ever get the courage to pull stunts like that) twisted mind (although Zoya's heart was now pounding in intimidation of his angry glare she didn't show it for a second and continued to match his glare)

Feeling thankful even if it were Zoya bossing him around for both of them communicating eventually a question that was playing on Asad's mind earlier in the party finally came rushing back to him..he realized he actually enjoyed Zoya fearlessly and without giving a damn bossed him around, it felt like welcome relief for him..the "fresh air he was always in dire need of..

Asad - Hey..(Zoya turned around as she was about to walk off and found him scratching his head confusedly) how did you get back- (then they both looked over down the road leading up to the beach where there was a sudden ruckus sound and Asad's eyes narrowed at the scene. There was a small mob holding torches running in the distance and then a bunch of rowdy heavy bikes came speeding shortly after them, and Zoya looked up surprised, touched and filled with warmth, overwhelmed and taken aback as she looked at Asad's bike just as he stepped right in-front of her blocking her from sight completely, doing his part to silently without acknowledging it keeping her safe, suddenly feeling immensely regretful for allowing Zoya to come along with him on a walk, late at night in Kasauli, what was he thinking? Zoya couldn't see but Asad had one hand in his pocket dialling a bunch of numbers on his phone, sending out an emergency code to the hawks, the very next second he spun around catching an overwhelmed and teary eyed Zoya off guard who was very disoriented barely able to process what Asad was saying..

Asad - (keeping one eye over her shoulder, behind her and speaking suddenly urgently) I think we should really get going I..I'm feeling a lot better and- (he breathed a little in relief seeing a headlight in the distance, and a rather familiar bike coming his way, Zoya was still staring at him beyond touched at his care and protection, finally though he was able to completely relax as the bike slowed as it reached them and Ayaan took his helmet off, Asad quickly took a glance over his shoulder and exchanged a quick head nod with Zoya)

Ayaan - Here you two are (Zoya jumped back suddenly startled)

Zoya - Ayaan? What are you doing here?

Ayaan - (trying to think on his feet) you..you guys disappeared from the party without telling anyone and I was hoping we would get a chance to hang out..you know, spend some quality brother sister time together just Ayaan and Zoe (staring pointedly at Asad trying to make it look he was just casually planning this and not covering anything else up)

Zoya - (smiled a big million dollar smile at him and suddenly Ayaan realized how incredibly much he had missed her and felt so much more relieved and prouder at finally making nice with her) will you buy me a milkshake and fries?

Ayaan - (still playing along) fine bhukar, (shaking his head) khaane ke ilaava aur kuch soojta nahin hai (kick starting his bike again) hop on fatty

Zoya - (about to hop on, she turned around worriedly) oh..uhm Mr. Khan are you going to be okay? (Ayaan raised an eyebrow at both of them hearing that question, and suddenly feeling like an intruder between those two dorks, he paddled his bike a little further away signalling to Zoya that he was going to get a drink at the beach nearby)

Asad - (avoiding Ayaan's smirking eyes) no no...I need you to hold my hand all the way home...of course I'm okay what's the matter with you? (Zoya stuck her tongue out at him before watching him light another cigarette rolling her eyes and shaking her head disappointedly she turned around to walk away, leaving Asad to smoke his cigarette by the Pier, figuring out how that would help him "feel any better? But then thinking of something that might just, or she at least hoped it might make him feel better she stopped mid way between walking away and turned around, hesitantly chewing her bottom lip)

Zoya - (in a soft whisper) Mr. Khan...(Asad looked up whilst trying to light his cigarette, Zoya's heart ramming into her ribcage as she looked into his beautiful, sincere and sad eyes, and then she couldn't hold back, she wanted to gamble all that was in her heart even if she came out with nothing in the end, it would all be worth it)(giving him a sad smile, whispered in a broken voice) I missed you two (dropped a playful wink at him)(Asad's heart soared and expanded a multitude of sizes, filling with warmth, hope and life he had never known before, he was just about to make her night by giving her one of the most uplifting, dazzling and bright Asad smiles when suddenly a chord struck him and it all fell into place)

Asad - (a crease between his eyebrows) it was you..(the presence he felt right here, on this beach this morning, it was the same sensation he felt right now, the girl racing him on the roads of Kasauli, the presence he felt at home) it was all you ...(and Zoya's enchanting giggles as she laughed all over the place at his plight tossing her hair and walking away, Asad stood transfixed as the breeze from the ocean and the coldness of the night kissed his hair softly, watching her hair bounce behind her as she disappeared into the distance just as another heavy bike drove right up to him once she was completely out of sight to give him a ride)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Late, Late that night:

A still bright and fully awake Zoya came out of her bedroom dancing all over the place listening to music on her phone which was blaring so loudly through her headphones that she may as well not have any headphones on, she opened the fridge and after a good 5 minute dance performance before she opened the door and finally peeked into the fridge to find something to eat pouting as nothing seemed quite tempting. Sighing, she gave up and shut the door of the fridge and just as she was about to walk into her room she yelped and held her heart, whilst Dilshad who was innocently sitting in the living room and reading her book, who had been watching Zoya's antics from the minute she had left her room till now burst out laughing watching and hearing her scream..

Zoya - (still holding her heart) Phupi! God you scared me, how long have you been sitting here...you nearly gave me a heart attack

Dilshad - (checked her wristwatch) since 11 pm almost..ever since we came back from Malik Bhai Sahab's..

Zoya - Well (walking into the living room to join her, shivering slightly given the coldness of the winter night) why you so silent? Banda kuch awaaz karta hai..kuch signal deta hai you know to let others know that you're here..why you sneaking up on others like that..so not cool (dropping next to her on the sofa and Dilshad pulled one of her headphones out of her ear)

Dilshad - As if tumhe kuch sunaee bhi deta (Zoya smiled sheepishly pulling the other one out too) good, now we can finally have a conversation without me feeling like I'm deaf to explain why you're screaming (she shook her head as Zoya giggled) what're you doing? It's 1 am?

Zoya - (shrugged) you know that's not my bed time..

Dilshad - (sighed) phir subah utho gi nahin...(smiled at her) you know Zeenat's going to be here soon kal tum apne purane shauk nahin poore kar paogi..if Zeenat catches you snoozing till noon (shook her head)

Zoya - (muttered) why did we have to invite her anyway..why couldn't Jeeju come alone..(turned to Dilshad annoyedly) I swear Phupi only Aapi could have a problem with me sleeping late on a Saturday..

Dilshad - (giggled) acha acha don't worry I've arranged a nice brunch for all of us tomorrow..main usse apne saath uski tayari mein busy rakhoongi taake uska dihaan tumhari taraf jaye na aur tum araam se so sako my sleeping beauty..

Zoya - YES! (Placing a noisy kiss on her cheek) you're just the best Phupi! I love you..and I'm so glad your back..I missed you

Dilshad - (stroking her hair) Awww..I missed you two bache

Zoya - Waise..Phupi aap iss waqt jaag ke kya kar rahee hai..I thought iss ghar mein sirf aap hi ek ullu nahin thin jo time pe soti hain, unlike myself Aish Aapi and (rolling her eyes) Mr. Khan...

Dilshad - (a knowing smile) precisely because of your Mr. Khan is why I'm not asleep

Zoya - (again not even realizing, reacting or commenting on the "YOUR Mr. Khan it was as if she had become so immune and accustomed to that being a thing or desired, acknowledged reality in her heart she could barely hear or filter through it when someone else said it) hunh?

Dilshad - A mother can't sleep till her children are home Zoya..Asad ab tak ghar nahin aaya

Zoya - (rolled her eyes) seriously Phupi aap Akdu ke peeche phirse apni neend gawa rahee hai no offence par Mr. Khan isn't that happening or wild (if only she knew) ke aapko raaton ko pareshani mein jaagna parega..he's probably sitting on the beach (and Dilshad totally saw the annoyed eye roll) smoking, or drinking or sucking at video games at Ayaan's house

Dilshad - (laughed) compared to your wild night of sitting here talking to me. (stroked her hair) 10 minute fridge ke saamne kharee rahee, kuch pasand nahin aaya kya

Zoya - (pouted) nothing tempting...I'm thinking of ordering myself a pizza...they're open till 2...the only thing is they don't serve desserts...aur mujhe meethe ki craving ho rahee hai

Dilshad - (smiled lovingly at her as she continued stroking her hair) you know normally I wouldn't ever betray my son this way..(Zoya looked at her skeptically) but I just..I really need to convey my gratitude to you (Zoya looked at her surprised and confused) and so..I'm willing to share this GRAVE secret with you..but you need to promise me it will stay our secret..

Zoya - you can bet on that Phupi..but gratitude? For what? If it was for the small part in getting Mr. Khan to stop avoiding you then trust me I did nothing..he wanted to himself..just needed a push in that direction..you know (shrugged) your son's a little slow

Dilshad - well then thank you for giving my slow son that push..but really..I wouldn't have him any other way..

Zoya - (laughed and blurted out without thinking, her eyes holding a distant look, thinking about the dork in question) neither would I...(she was silent for a good 5 minutes dreaming about him, lost in his thoughts and it was useful to hide her blush at being caught by Dilshad dreaming about her son as she finally snapped out of it)

Dilshad - (stood up smiling coyly and Zoya wanted the ground to open and swallow her whole) for whatever it's worth that wasn't what I was expressing my gratitude for?

Zoya - then?

Dilshad - (shrugged) a mother has her reasons (remembering the sound of Asad's laughter, courtesy of Zoya and Zoya alone, a sound Dilshad had been thirsting and yearning to hear for over a decade, a sound which brought peace to her broken heart like nothing else) now come on..do you want to go on an adventure or not?

Zoya - (raised an eyebrow seeing her excitement) kahin Mr. Khan ke saath ek peg aapne bhi toh nahin laga liya?

Dilshad - (laughed) come on..all this talk of food has got me hungry too..and if you are ordering Pizza order some extra main soch rahee hoon Anwar aur Zeenat ko dinner mein Pizza bhi serve kardoon baaki khaane ke saath pata nahin itne safar baad kya khane ke mann ho mere bachon ka?

Zoya - (stared at Dilshad in shock) don't tell me aap unn dono budhon ke liye abhi tak jaag rahee hain Phupi? Woh Delhi se aa rahe hain..Denmark se nahin..yahan paas mein toh hai Delhi..I drove Jeeju's sports car back from there itne paas mein hai..woh bache thori hi hai (ranting as she trotted behind Dilshad through the silent and dark mansion in the cold of her night in her pjs) woh khud khaana serve kar sakte hain khudko and they know where their room is woh aake..khaake jaake so bhi jayenge aap subha millena unnse theres still a half hour to their flight aap khudko itna pareshan kyun kar rahee hai? Jaake so jayee

Dilshad - well thank you for that wonderful monologue Zoya and I know woh bache nahin hain iss ghar mein jo do bache hain..(staring pointedly at her) mere liye wohee kaafi hain but I miss my kids even if I just met them and I want to know they are properly fed and taken care of..zyaada toh mujhe karne ka mauka nahin milta toh jitna karne ko milta hai utna toh karne do mujhe

Zoya - (stared at her not understanding a word of it, it all flew over her head) yah..you're right...handling Mr. Khan is the same as handling two little children (and saying so, dead seriously believing that was what Dilshad meant she followed Dilshad into Asad's study whilst Dilshad took a minute to shake her head at the wonder that was Zoya's brain before following her in as well and shutting the door to Asad's study behind her)

xxx

The Next Afternoon - Brunch - Khan Mansion:

A still pretty tired but well groomed, showered and dressed Asad walked out of his room stifling a yawn and rubbing his tired soar eyes, walking out he spotted Anwar sitting in the living room reading the paper.

Anwar - (looked up briefly from his paper, long enough to smile before going back to his paper) you look like hell...

Asad - Still a better look than what you've got going on

Zeenat - (walking by with a pitcher of orange juice as the kitchen help followed with trays laden with food for brunch) Ouch.

Anwar - (glared at Asad and muttered angrily) what did I tell you about insulting me in front of my wife?

Asad - To do it (giving him a low five before taking a seat next to him) what time did you finally make it?

Anwar - (raised a curious eyebrow at him) We got home well before you that's for sure...(half expecting Asad to tell him where he was)

Asad - (eyeing the hustle and bustle around the house, the preparation going on) what's going on?

Malik - (walking in) I believe your mother said noon?

Asad - for kicking Malik Uncle Out? Don't you have food at your house? Hamesha mere paise pe khaane aa jaate ho..abhi raat ka bill hazam nahin hua mujhe..

Malik - (tossed the box of pastries he brought into Asad's lap) you'll live...

Anwar - (sarcastically) fortunately..

Asad - (tossing the pastries into Anwar's face who caught it just in the nick of time before they hit him in the face) again? What's going on?

Anwar - (raised his left eyebrow whilst Malik raised his right) do you even live in this house?

Aisha - (running down the stairs and out of the house hurriedly) nope the house is just registered on his name...Is Aahil here yet?

Malik - (eyeing Dilshad) fortunately...

Asad - (eyeing both of them) how difficult is it to give a straight answer? (Malik and Anwar both stared at him in dead seriousness and then back at each other and burst out laughing much to Asad's anger)

Zeenat - Men. Brunch. If you can at least eat on your own (rolling her eyes) and don't need us to do so for you...(Dilshad and Aisha left whilst Malik and Anwar got up tossing away the paper and picking up the pastries began walking away outside. Asad was one to talk.)

Anwar - (called over his shoulder) oh and knock on your fellow sleepyhead's door..tell her it's time to wake up...unless she wants a visit from the Zeenat Monster

Zeenat - I heard that.

20 Minutes Later:

A still sleepy, more like half asleep Zoya walked out onto the back deck where a delicious picturesque brunch was laid out fit for a Royal family, her face unwashed and still in her pyjamas and Zeenat immediately buried her face in her hands, Anwar smiling at Zoya's tousled hair rubbed her shoulder whilst Zoya dropped into a chair to the right of Asad looking devilish handsome in his ray-bans,

Zoya - (grumbled, her eyes closing again) Morning.

Zeenat - (cleared her throat agitatedly and stiffly, placing a glass of juice before her) afternoon..(right about then Ayaan made a dramatic entrance at the back door, holding a bouquet of flowers)

Ayaan - Hear Ye, Hear Ye, You have all been blessed with Ayaan's arrival...

Asad - (calmly sipping his coffee) I thought you said this was a Khan Family Brunch Only? What's this clown doing here?

Ayaan - (raised an eyebrow) Zoya's here...(& he was met with pin drop silence, Zoya looking lost and everyone else trying to hide their smiles whilst Asad blushed profusely. He walked right into that one without realizing it because he never once thought or realized it, that Zoya was in fact there and she was in no way a legitimate a Khan Family Member, seeing Asad hide his blushing face behind his coffee mug Ayaan happily took a seat next to Dilshad handing her the bouquet)

Dilshad - Yes well Zoya is close (side eyeing Asad) to become a member of the family someday you on the other hand have no chance (smiling at Ayaan)

Ayaan - (narrowed his eyes staring between her, and a clueless Asad and Zoya and whispered conspiringly to her) do you know something?

Dilshad - (skeptically) I may know something..why do you know something?

Ayaan - I may know something too..

Dilshad - (smiling at him as she handed him a croissant) well then...seems like we have a lot to discuss..

Later that afternoon:

Aahil gulped nervously as he sat facing a very dead serious Malik, Anwar and Asad lazing between them (Asad's definition of laziness, which was slouching just slightly in between them)

Aahil - I uhm...no of course I mean if Aisha want's to go abroad for specialization I would definitely support her and allow her to go-

Anwar - (glaring at him) Oh you'd allow her? So suddenly she needs your permission with everything? Tell me, does she need your permission to come visit us after getting married to you?

Aahil - no that's not what I-

Malik - and what if she becomes a better doctor than you, is more qualified than you and starts earning more than you are you suddenly going to have an inferiority complex and start acting like a typical man?

Aisha - No..I want only the best for Aisha..I toh want ke she Inshallah becomes a better doctor than me..

Asad - (folding his hands as he bent closer to Aahil's face and Aahil immediately broke into a sweat, all of Malik and Anwar's interrogation on one side and a look from Asad on the other) that's normally what they all want, until you know unhe apne biwi ke haath ke khaane ki latt lag jaye and suddenly all plans for specialization in America take a backseat whilst your (pointing accusingly at him) Roti takes precedence...

Aahil - (completely lost) I I..but I don't even like roti (Malik and Anwar had to pinch themselves to refrain from laughing whilst Asad continued glaring at Aahil with the same poker face)

Meanwhile Upstairs:

Zoya fake smiled again at Zeenat whilst mostly though she wanted nothing more than for someone to kill herself as Zeenat stuck yet another Maang Tika on Zoya's forehead gushing through teary eyes..

Zeenat - Mashallah Ammi aapne itne pyaare jore aur jewelry banayee hai Aisha ke liye..she's going to make such a beautiful bride..

Dilshad - (smiled) not all of that is Aisha's...some of it (her own eyes slightly damping as she saw the maang tika on Zoya's forehead) is for Asad's bride...

Zeenat - Ammi you have to take me to meet your jeweller one of these days..you made such a good decision of slowly building up Aisha's jewelry collection over the years taake last minute pe tension na ho...I'm thinking agar main iss baar start karon toh hi Zoya ki shaadi ke liye kuch toh preparation rahegi..(Zoya choked on air)

Ayaan - (muttering under his breath) I think Dilshad Aunty's got Zoya's bridal jewelry pretty much covered (Dilshad subtly kicked his leg just slightly)

Zeenat - (putting a bridal dupatta over Zoya's head along with the bridal teeka and Zoya's mouth began aching from all the fake smiling, her fingers were digging painfully into her palm and no matter how many faces she made at Ayaan he wouldn't take a hint) god Zoya you're going to make such a beautiful bride one day...

Ayaan - Soon Inshallah...(Zoya glared at him with a murderous glint in her eye's as Zeenat and Dilshad echoed an "Inshallah in harmony and Ayaan tried to hide is laughter) Aapi try the red dupatta on her head..that's more Zoya's colour...

Dilshad - (whispered conspiringly to him) and Asad's favourite colour...she really is going to make such a beautiful bride someday Zeenat..Kissi ki nazar na lage (Zoya stared open mouth in shock at both Dilshad and Zeenat's teary eyes)

Zoya - You know what..I'm..I'm just going to get a glass of water..I uhh..I'll be right back-

Zeenat - Acha Acha ek second bas yeh earrings try karke jao-

Zoya - Aapi..I..I'm just going to be a minute just to get a glass of water-

Zeenat - Haan par ek second just try-

Zoya - I..I'll be right back- (and without a second's delay, without looking back she turned around and hurried out of the room, making a run for it the second she was out of sight, and ran downstairs. 30 seconds later she ran in to the living room where Aahil was pretty much drenched in sweat by now but Malik, Anwar and Asad weren't relenting and Arsalan seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself)

Zoya - ARE YOU SERIOUS? HONESTLY what is with everyone choosing such lame activities to spend the day today? It is SUCH a beautiful day outside and I am NOT about to spend it being tortured into playing bridal dress up with Aapi or watching Aahil Bhai squirm..I've seen enough of that when he used to steal Arsalan Bhai's pocket money (both Arsalan and Aahil's mouth dropped open in shock)

Arsalan - (Narrowing his eye's at Aahil) I KNEW IT-

Aahil - HOW IS THAT NEVER TELLING HIM ABOUT IT ZOE? (He got up defensively as did Arsalan, stepping closer to him whilst Aahil stepped back) Now Arsalan..I know you're angry..but-

Arsalan -..I'm not angry..I..just want my money back and I want to beat your ass whilst taking it from you

Aahil - thought so (and with saying that he ran off out of the house with Arsalan hot on his tale)

Anwar - (yelled after him, trying to contain his laughter) HEY this interrogation isn't over yet you know...

Zoya - (rolled her eyes) please Jeeju..Aisha Aapi could beat Aahil Bhai with a baseball bat and he still wouldn't utter a peep..especially after you've instilled the fear of Mr. Khan in him

Asad - Thank You, I take that as a compliment.

Zoya - (rolled her eyes at him) so now that you're NOT so fun interrogation is over can ya'll PLEASE get up so we can go enjoy this beautiful day on the beach..Malik Uncle..Jeeju

Malik - sorry bache but it's time for my afternoon tea with the Mayor..

Zoya - Enticing

Malik - (laughed) Isn't it (placing a hand on her head as he walked out and Zoya looked pouting at Anwar)

Zoya - Jeeju?

Anwar - (yawned tiredly) you know as fun as that interrogation was it was highly tiring as well and so I'm just gonna take a little nap if you don't mind...

Zoya - (wide eyed) wild..

Anwar - (walking away laughingly) I know right..(as he walked away, An aura of haughtiness and even more increased and immeasurable arrogance possessed Asad as he squared his shoulders, grabbing the TV remote and Zoya scoffed annoyedly (pretentiously, internally there were relentless butterflies in her stomach, suddenly this was even better, a day out alone with her Mr. Khan only) and then she stared at him with a sweet smile)

Zoya - Mr. Khan...(Asad looked at her innocently, as if he had no clue what she wanted and then disinterestedly continued watching the news) come on..I'M Bored.

Asad - (he couldn't have been more unconvincing because the truth was that ever since Zoya had walked into his life he realized what boredom felt like, only because he also simultaneously learnt what LIVING felt like and currently he was bored out of his mind) I'm sorry I'm not. I'm enjoying the news...(Zoya wanted to punch his arrogantly handsome poker face in, behind which a rather coy smile was just threatening to poke through from and Zoya grabbed hold of his remote control hand, trying to yank it from his hand and simultaneously pull him up so they could go out but Asad continued to remain sitting calmly not even budging whilst Zoya broke a sweat trying to stop herself from falling on her ass as she tried to pull him up and he suddenly found his boredom slipping away, this was way more entertaining than the beach.)

xxx

Haveli:

Maya - Need I remind you Azlan that you said you could make this happen, that you would find a way to get Asad to agree to a joint wedding..

Azlan - & I will...I am..I'm working on it..you just...(sitting half asleep on his bed) you need to give me some time

Anaya - How? How exactly are you working on it? By sleeping till 2? By being hungover by wallowing in your self pity whilst each second Asad's hatred for you isn't lessening at all..

Maya - I'd say mounting exponentially is more like it-

Anaya - need I remind you Azlan ke yeh sab kuch tumhare hausla dene pe aur encouragement pe teh kiya hai humne..otherwise Arsalan could've easily found a way to convince his mother otherwise but you just had to open your mouth and hand out false promises

Hiba - (muttered) just like his father-

Maya - (narrowing her eyes at Hiba) Haseena Bi ka phone aaya tha Azlan..unhone bola hai ke woh kal Dilshad ke ghar officially Aisha ka haath maangne jaa rahee hai-

Azlan - (frowned) I thought Aahil and her were already engaged-

Maya - YES but not traditionally..I mean rasam poori karne jaa rahee hai woh-

Azlan - Yes but-

Anaya - YOUR miniature brain won't understand so (and this time Azlan narrowed his eyes at her) let's just cut to the chase..HAVE YOU or HAVE you NOT found a way to convince Asad of a joint wedding?

Azlan - Geesh Aapi, you've become mean and impatient since your engagement to Arsalan, what's that about?

Anaya - What it's about is (falling next to him on his bed) I'm so sick and tired of sitting around all day in fear wondering what any of you are going to do next to cause a hurdle in my wedding...you, Ammi..Abbu whose going to be the reason my wedding breaks this time around-

Azlan - Aapi..I..

Maya - This is really serious Azlan it's not a joke..aggar kal Haseena Bi Asad ke ghar pauhanch gayeen and she ambushes him with this news fact before we have a chance to talk to him things will NOT go our way to put it mildly..hamare paas sirf aaj hi ki raat hai Asad se milke at least yeh baat yeh idea suggest karne ka..maybe just MAYBE he doesn't despise you as much as he despises Haseena Bi and the idea won't be as atrocious if it comes from you...

Anaya - (shook her head) see that's where we're at a loss...because Asad definitely..despises Azlan more-

Maya - (shook her head) no..I don't think so...he's your brother..no matter how much he may claim to..he can't hate you-

Azlan - (standing up) oh she's right and oh he does (crossed his arms, his jaw tightened) he..he..hates me

Kajol - okay..., that doesn't make any of us feel any better..how were you planning on talking to Asad?

Azlan - me (shook his head) me..not me..never me..I was never going to talk to Asad...

Maya - (held her head) are you trying to give us an aneurysm?

Azlan - the plan was never for ME to talk to Asad- (It took Maya a few seconds but she caught on and joined Azlan in staring at a still clueless Anaya..who took another minute to catch on)

Anaya - Me? I'm going to talk to Asad no way..no no no...meri toh uski aankhein dekhte hi bolti band ho jaati hai...oh no no no no no...

Azlan - oh yes yes yes yes yes...(sitting next to her and throwing an arm around her shoulders) but see that's where your in luck sister because you won't have to speak to Asad..either

Anaya - I won't..oohh I like that.

Azlan - (nodded) you'll only need to talk to a very important..and very big part of his heart...and (smiled at her through weary eyes) one that is just as beautiful as you...and convince her to talk to Asad...

xxx

Kasauli Beach:

To no one's surprise all eye's were on Asad's beautiful sports car with it's roof down as it zoomed onto the beach followed by heavy bikes and a black Royals Royce of his security entourage. Zoya who was riding shot gun in his car, with her hair blowing wildly in the wind, an enchanted and content smile on her face as she took in the smell of the ocean, the sand, the chatter and happiness in the air. She turned her head to the side and smiled at Asad who immediately looked away from her bare legs with her feet resting on the dashboard (which after a half an hour debate about proper "etiquettes of sitting in a car Asad had to relent and drive because she wasn't going to but the truth was etiquettes be damned, it wasn't the cleanliness of his car or her mannerisms or lack thereof or what others would say if they saw a girl with bare legs sitting so brazenly in the front seat of Asad Ahmed Khan's car it was more so that he was afraid they may not make it to the beach alive or in one peace if he couldn't take his eyes off her legs, and he really couldn't.) As Zoya looked at him, he immediately looked away, gripping the steering wheel with both hands and Zoya bit her lip, she had seen him checking out her legs, she had caught that look in his eye's the slightly dark, slightly drunk look. She looked away closing her eyes, her heart beating rapidly. The sun out, slight wind in the air, the ocean waves crashing against one another ever so slightly, children running and playing around on the beach, the entire town decorated like one big Christmas tree and just her and her Mr. Khan on the beach, it was indeed going to be a beautiful day. She looked over and saw him once again looking at her legs through the corner of his eyes and she couldn't help but chuckle as he looked away awkwardly again, god he was cute. She couldn't help but playfully slap his face away and he didn't acknowledge or respond, she slapped his face again and he only cast her a brief glance before looking away and focusing on driving along the seaside.

Zoya - Mr. Khan..(slapping his face again) Mr. Khan...

Asad - (through gritted teeth, whispering) Ms. Farooqui

Zoya - (slapped his face again) Mr. Khan..

Asad - (even more annoyed, making Zoya want to laugh) Ms. Farooqui

Zoya - Mr. Khaaannn...I said I wanted to go to the beach...and you know what...(pointing ahead through the windshield) sand and ocean..is normally what beaches are made of? (Asad looked at her lost) and when I meant beach I didn't mean I want to drive around in circles...(Asad who was so lost in her legs hadn't realized he had done approximately 10 laps around the beach giving a lot of people at the beach and his bodyguards, even Zoya something to laugh about if she wasn't too busy swooning, he was adorable, especially when looking at her so lost. He immediately pressed the break and the car slowly came to a stop and Zoya hid her giggle, Asad's dark eyes not abandoning her mischief filled one's for even a second.

Zoya - Mr. Khan...

Asad - (transfixed, leaning just slightly in) Ms. Farooqui...(and then Zoya too leaned in ever so slightly, both their gazes snagging to each others lips)

Zoya - Mr. Khan...

Asad - Ms. Farooqui...

Zoya - (trying to hide her smile, lifted up his wallet which was resting on the windshield between their lips which were just a mm apart) thanks for buying me ice cream...(saying so, and giggling herself silly at her own rather "hilarious joke ran off unto the beach, turning around halfway down the beach and throwing him a wink, and Asad just fell back into his seat sighing, closing his eyes and gripping his forehead cringingly god what was wrong with him, way to be discreet, he took a deep breath still gripping his steering wheel with a deathly grip, his bodyguards laughing a riot in the car behind him thankful they were finally able to stop.)

xxx

Continued in next post...

5 Minutes Later:

Zoya looked over at the boulders by the ocean where Asad was lounging in loafers, khaki cargo's rolled to his ankles and a white transparent shirt, the wind tousling his hair, his skin sun kissed perfected with ray bans as the ice-cream vendor handed her 2 cones. She sighed, as her heart skipped a beat.

Zoya - (sighed) oh I could get used to this (She jogged over to Asad carrying the cone's and took a seat near him on the beach near his boulder. Asad who was looking out ahead at the ocean, didn't notice her at first, but once he felt that calmness and tranquility wash over him that usually did when she was around transcended him, he looked around and was SHOCKED to put it lightly seeing her devour one ice cream and save the other one for later)

Asad - (cleared his throat exaggeratedly) uhm...hi?

Zoya - (looked over innocently and feigned surprise, like she had no idea he was there the entire time) oh, hey...there Mr. Khan...

Asad - are you seriously gonna eat both those ice creams..we had brunch like (checked his watch) 1 hour and 37 minutes ago..

Zoya - and? (Continued devouring her ice cream) What's your point? Oh you didn't want this other ice cream did you?

Asad - I'm figuring..you kind of owe it to me.

Zoya - (laughed) Mr. Khan..I know you're not that bright but how exactly do you figure?

Asad - You ate my entire dessert last night (Zoya gasped)

Zoya - I literally took 2 and a half bites before you ran away with it-

Asad - I DID NOT run away with it...

Zoya - You were practically giddy with happiness when Ayaan interrupted, and you didn't have to share it with me anymore

Asad - I didn't have to share it AT all..I did so out of the goodness of my heart..

Zoya - Oh how mighty of you..how will I ever repay your highness for the 4 strawberries and two teaspoons of Nutella you bestowed on me..(Asad couldn't help but chuckle at her over dramatic behaviour and Zoya's heart skipped yet another beat. She blushed profusely as she watched him adoringly, she found the words flying out of her mouth before she could hold herself back) look at you...(Asad's smile slowly faded and as he looked at her, the ocean glistening behind him he caught a glimmer of the same something that reflected on the ocean surface shining in her eyes too, hope) Mr. Khan (unlike Asad she wasn't one to cower away from what was in her heart (most times) and said all that she wanted) aapki smile kitni kaatilaana hai aapko pata hai...(and as she desired, then came the blush as he ducked his head shyly and Zoya nearly dropped her ice cream, imagine the crisis) aye haye...(Asad chuckled, he could get used to this, flirting with her forever)

Zoya - still, you're not getting out of this based on your smile handsome..you want your ice cream you're gonna have to come here and get it. Behave like people do when they come to the beach come sit in the sand your highness if you want this ice cream or else I don't mind it (staring at her hand grotesquely) melting all over my hand...(knowing that would be the truth)

Asad - (cringed staring at her hand) yah well I do...(he hopped off the beach, and Zoya literally held her head swooning his cologne, his nearness, him, he was literally catastrophic) (he grabbed the almost melted ice cream from her shaky hand, cringing the entire time as he did and then stared at it as if it were an abomination. Zoya let out a staggering breath, pulling at her tank top)

Zoya - Is it just me or is it suddenly really hot here?

Asad - (staring around at her, enjoying his ice cream) it's...a winter afternoon...the ocean is right there..you're eating ice cream I..think..it's just you (muttered under his breath) unsurprisingly (Zoya laughed nervously, staring out at the ocean again, eating her ice cream silently whilst her whole body was on fire due to his presence and mere existence, Asad looked over at her, careful to not look at her legs as the silence between them stretched out for an uncharacteristically long while, wondering if she was okay and the truth was she was the farthest thing from it)

Zoya - (unable to hold the silence any longer no matter how conflicted her heart was) what's your happiest ice cream related childhood memory? Mine's was always..hurrying to finish mine so that I could cry for Ayaan's then..

Asad - (chuckled) did it work..

Zoya - (smiling sadistically) like a charm...(both she and Asad laughed conspiringly as she stared at her ice cream like it was the most satisfying thing of life) why do you think he grew up to be such a bitter person

Asad - are you planning on crying for my ice cream too? Is that why you're rushing to finish yours and (absentmindedly reaching forward and wiping the ice cream from the corner of her top lip) get ice cream all over your face (and this time it was Asad's time to freeze, and feel like his whole body was on fire)

Zoya - (once their gazes happened to snag back to each others lips and a fire as deep as the ocean ignited within them they both looked back towards the ocean and stiffly licked their ice creams) so uh..so you didn't tell me what you're favourite ice cream related childhood story is...

Asad - (stared at his ice cream, for a second and then looked towards her again) when I was small..we couldn't afford luxuries like ice cream...

Zoya - (sarcastically) aww...you poor thing, is that why you have such sad eyes.

Asad - (rolled his eyes) but...(Zoya watched as his eyes suddenly became sadder if that were even possible as he stared at his ice cream) once I was a little older my (his jaw stiffened as he talked about Azlan, his grip nearly breaking his cone) brother and I would come to the beach everyday after school to hangout and eat ice cream...especially we found out that we weren't just friends but were related and our families prohibited us from seeing each other...it was our way of rebelling against the world back then (Zoya smiled at him, seeing the pain in his eyes, boy was he thick thinking he didn't love his brother, his face clearly reflected that his heart was breaking just talking about eating ice cream with his brother) even if it were all for nothing...

Zoya - (turned her entire body around to face her) how can you possibly say that Mr. Khan? Just realize that when I asked you what you're happiest ice cream related memory was...it was with none other than your brother...I may not know him...I may not know you together...I just...it's so obvious how much he means to you..love that transcends everything else.. no matter how much bad blood there is between you guys don't you think you can at least try to forgive him and patch things up...for your own sake? If your love for Pari is any indication then your brother means the WORLD to you Mr. Khan...how-

Asad - (narrowed his eyes at her) what does Pari have to do with any of this?

Zoya - (pleasantly surprised, when Asad first narrowed his eyes at her she was so sure he was going to blast her for interfering in his personal matters like he once would've, and it made her heart soar to see how far they had come) don't you get it? Pari is it. You're love for her..isn't all because she is the cutest thing on the planet...it's because she's a part of him...your brother..a part of you..a part of your love for him, your treasure of your childhood with him...the most precious part of your entire world-

Asad - (talking over her to get her to stop talking about it, it was breaking his heart and that was the last thing he wanted when he finally had her back with him on this beautiful day, he had spent the last 24+ hours agonizing over her absence and now that she was back he wasn't planning on agonizing over something else in her presence) so you think I have sad eyes eh?

Zoya - (feeling like she just got whiplash. What?) yah...no that's not what I..I was saying that..wait..that's not what I meant I didn't say that I-

Asad - (smiling at her, how did he not realize this earlier) yes you did, you so did, you said my eyes are sad, you said I have sad-

Zoya - (her face flushing red at his teasing, she wanted the ocean to drown her at this point) no I didn't..it's not what I meant I-

Asad - (he really never thought teasing Zoya could be so thoroughly satisfying and exhilarating) you..I can't believe you just you said I have- (he shut up spontaneously as something hit him hard on the back of his head, and bouncing off his head fell in Zoya's lap whilst he yelped clutching the back of his head) OW! (Zoya picked up the small cricket ball in her hand and her and Asad both simultaneously turned their heads to see where it came from but all they ended up doing is bumping their heads into one another and now Asad was clutching both the front and back of his head and Zoya ended up giggling under her breath, until of course she earned a glare from Asad and shut up immediately, sobering up. They looked back and saw a string of children staring sheepishly at Asad and Zoya nervously, with their hands covering their open mouths in shock. Zoya immediately burst out giggling at how adorable they all looked and this time no amount of Asad's glares were going to work on her. Staring grumpily at her he eyed the ball in her lap and picking it up whilst trying to hide his coy and devious smile he stared at it calmly for a second whilst Zoya was too busy giggling all over the place, and never would she be able to see what was coming next. Before she knew it, she was left clutching her head, her mouth hanging open as she stared out into the distance at the beach watching Asad take her breath away as he ran up to the children, making them hold their breaths their eyes widen in fear as they watched Asad approach. A few of them even let out a few frightened yelp as Asad picked up two of the nearest kids throwing them over his shoulders, whilst running to the makeshift cricket pitch scaring the life out of them and stealing Zoya's breath away simultaneously. As he took the pitch picking up the bat and hitting a sixer right into the ocean as the kid threw him the ball, making the kids jump and scream excitedly as did a few of the onlookers. Zoya was the only one booing.

Asad - (raised an eyebrow and hollered over at her) Hey Farooqui? You game or you chicken?

Zoya - (gasped, standing up and dusting the sand off her) Puhlease Mr. Khan..I could do this all the livelong day (and this time it was she who stole his breath away as he watched her run towards him, her hair blowing in the distance behind her, the wind from the ocean kissing both of them. Suddenly he felt so extremely exhilarated and liberated, on this beautiful afternoon playing cricket with children and ZOYA, simply for no reason but for the sake of fun, something which he had never done before. What a time to be alive.)

Later that Evening - Dinner:

A grumpy Ayaan, joined by Anwar and Zeenat and for the sake of appearances Asad and Zoya who were too engrossed in each other's company to even acknowledge anyone else's presence were sat in the back corner booth of a dimly lit posh upscale restaurant in downtown for dinner. Zoya was too busy making fun of Asad as he looked over some official business documents on his phone, his glasses on, in a serious mood. Asad groaned frustratedly as she stole his glasses off his face.

Asad - (pinching the bridge of his nose) Ms. Farooqui what are you doing? I need to send these contracts out to Milan tonight. What- (and the words died on his tongue as he rolled his eyes casting one glance at Zoya's adorable face. She had put his glasses on and since they were a little oversized for her face they were sliding down her face so she kept on pushing them up her nose whilst pouting and brooding, pretending to be him)

Zoya - (mimicking him) Hi, My name is Mr. Khan..and all I do is scream and brood and brood and scream, and brood a little more all the live long day..and did I mention that all I care about in this world is work, and work alone. I have to work first thing in the morning and last thing at night, I sometimes even work in the bathroom (Asad narrowed his eyes at her) and sometimes in my sleep too, and I especially also work when I'm out to a nice dinner (clenched her teeth glaring at him as she grabbed her knife and stabbed it into the table, pounding it hard) with my family (Anwar, Zeenat and Ayaan watched with raised eyebrows and bemused smiles)

Asad - (watched her calmly) are you drunk?(Out of the blue Zoya snatched his phone from his hand) HEY! Ms. Farooqui (clutched his forehead and groaned) listen Ms. Farooqui I am so not in the mood for games I already told you I HAVE to get these contracts out-

Zoya - and if they want to sign the contract with you they'll still be interested in it tomorrow morning..between (glaring at him hard) WORKING HOURS.

Ayaan - Zoya's right Asad, we're supposed to be out having an enjoyable family night. Dinner and followed by drinks and dancing at Rogue-

Asad - (glared at him) spoken like a true shrewd businessman, mera kaam se nuksaan karake khud profit bana raha hai...(Anwar and Zeenat laughed as Ayaan's mouth fell open and Asad crossed his arms grumpily, his jaw clenched as he sat back in the booth)

Ayaan - (muttered) bhalaee ka toh zamana hi nahin raha...

Zoya - (trying to hold back her giggle at Asad's brooding mood and grumpy face. She flashed a menu card beneath his eyes) how about you read something else for a change. Something a little more beneficial for your health (she wanted to laugh till her stomach hurt as Asad blatantly refused to acknowledge it let alone take it out of her hands) you know Jeeju I'm suddenly wondering how horrible your family vacations would be..I'm guessing Mr. Married to his Company here would bring his entire office along.

Anwar - (shook his head taking a sip of his drink) oh we don't do family vacations..like (staring seriously at Asad who caught his eye for a second) ever (and then both the brothers looked away simultaneously whilst missing the dropped jaws of all 3 Farooqui's)

Zeenat - that's barbaric.

Anwar - well the first few times we tried it was simply Asad having a business meeting someplace sometime and the rest of us dragging along but they would always end up with Ammi and Asad at loggerheads.. Ammi wanting to blow Mr. Married to his Company's head off for not spending any time with his family until one day she got so fed up at not making any progress with him and him not relenting that she banned all future family holidays until SOMEONE (glaring at Asad) learns what a family vacation is...

Ayaan - (glaring at Asad) Forget family vacation this dork doesn't know what a vacation means PERIOD, you should've seen him trying to spend Spring and Winter Breaks. The rest of us are having the time of our lives and this little shit is either studying at every exotic location I dragged him to, Sydney, Vegas, Miami, Mexico you name it or he's stoned- (Asad and Anwar glared at him as Zeenat coughed on her water) Uhhh..I mean stoning the rest of us for wasting our lives away drinking and dancing...OW (feeling 3 pairs of legs kicking him at once, the one he was most surprised at was Zoya's though. More then Anwar and Asad she seemed to be the angry one not wanting any bad light to be casted on Asad's character even if it was his character in the past)

Anwar - You know it really sucks that this one here (eyeing Asad who simply rolled his eyes at him) is such a party pooper because it really was the best time to squeeze in a nice family vacation, you know a little time to relax before all the wedding madness begins along with New Years..and with Christmas coming up and the Grinch who stole it s birthday (and even though he wasn't looking anywhere near Asad, Zoya still got that reference and gasped in shock. Of course that being because there was only one Grinch that she knew. One adorable Grinch, in her life.)

Zoya - WHAT? Mr. Khan's birthday..When?

Ayaan - (smugly, as if he were in an unofficial battle over Asad's friendship with Zoya) next week...the 28th.

Zoya - Done. Jeeju I'm on it..don't worry about a thing (already typing away furiously on her phone, squinting through Asad's glasses in all seriousness instead of just TAKING them OFF)..

Asad - (scoffed) yah..don't worry about a thing when we're celebrating my birthday on a volcano that's ready to erupt..

Zoya - (smiled angelically at him) oh does that volcano happen to be you?

Asad - (stared at her dumbfounded not having a good enough comeback to her sass which was unparalleled) Anyways you can forget about it..I don't like celebrating my birthday..

Zoya - (gasped) really..I'm truly SHOCKED. Aisa toh maine kabhi apni life mein aap jaise khadoos budhe se expect nahin kiya tha..

Asad - Ha. Ha. (He took a sip of his water for a second, Anwar eyeing him sheepishly, how was he going to get Zoya to back out of this one before Asad killed him for even mentioning his birthday and judging by how Asad was trying to tactfully ignore his presence he could tell he was busy plotting vengeance beneath that calm surface) and actually forget going anywhere I decorated this whole city for Christmas for YOU and now you want to go away for Christmas instead of spending it here well you can FORGET about it-

Ayaan - (gasped) You decorated the town for this BRAT! You told me you did it to make some European clients feel more welcome!

Zoya - (although she was blushing profusely and didn't want to acknowledge that Asad had done something so sweet for her that he had to go out of his way to deny but also so she could hide her blush behind it) oh you think my beauty to be European?

Asad - (blushing profusely himself and trying to hide behind his glass of water) I don't think you modest that's for sure...and (remembering something whilst swallowing his water) where you going off planning a holiday..don't you have finals?

Anwar - (staring between Asad Zoya and Ayaan) why would anyone ever want to have children?

Zeenat - (watching them all adoringly in contrast to Anwar's repulsed face) so they can brighten up their whole world. Now can we order I'm sure they'll be here any second.

Zoya - No..No my program doesn't have any finals (Ayaan and Asad looked at her and then at one another with a raised eyebrow, what kind of a program didn't have final exams) Anyways, so I'm thinking we could go away for New Years then since Mr. Khan is being such a huge baby about going away for Christmas.

Waiter - Sir? Ma'am? (Waiting over Asad and Zoya's head)

Zoya - Yes I will have a butter chicken Pizza the Beef Lasagne and Garlic Fries. Oh and Spring Rolls and popcorn chicken to start with. Mmm..and a chocolate shake to drink but uhh do you offer free refills on that? (The waiter stared at her as still and numb as everybody else did at the table, pin drop silence. Asad blinked slowly as he looked away from her to the waiter who cleared his throat awkwardly)

Waiter - and for you sir?

Asad - uhm, it might be a bit much so make sure you keep up. A slice of cheesecake (exaggeratedly) just ONE and a glass of water, but uhh do you offer free refills on that? (Everyone chuckled under their breath. Everyone except Zoya who narrowed her murderous eyes unto Asad)

Zoya - are you mocking me?

Asad - No..No..I'm not mocking you what on earth would ever make you think that..(calmly handing the waiter back the menu card) (coughed under his breath and not too subtly) Bhukar..(Ayaan stared between Asad and Zoya)

Zoya - (pointed the fork threateningly over Asad's hand which was resting on the table, pressing it into his flesh but not pushing it in) I'll deal with you later but he's kidding he will have the grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings BEFORE the cheesecake (Ayaan choked on his water as he stared between them suddenly, his eyes wide with surprise)

Asad - She's kidding OBVIOUSLY (glaring at the waiter) it'll be just the cheesecake

Zoya - (staring sweetly at him, battling her eye's) I'm really really not-

Asad - She is if you would like to keep your job- (and that was all the threat the waiter needed to hear before he went scurrying off and Zoya immediately turned her angry eyes back to him)

Zoya - You are a piece of work you know that-

Asad Again I take that as a compliment-

Anwar - (stared between Ayaan who couldn't stop staring at Asad and Zoya as they continued bickering) what's with you? I've never seen you ogle girls with such dreamy eyes like the one's you're staring at Asad with at this moment..

Zeenat - (coughed under her breath) in most moments-

Ayaan - You know..I always knew Zoya liked to steal all my things but I just realized she's stolen away my best friend too now (Anwar and Zeenat also stared at Asad and Zoya, Zoya was showing Asad something on her phone whilst she and Asad continued bickering and arguing, Asad taunting her and making sarcastic jokes at her expense)

Arsalan - Evening all, hope we didn't miss too much (Anwar, Zeenat and Ayaan looked up, Asad and Zoya hadn't even noticed Arsalan and Anaya's arrival, the rest may as well not have been there or should've just been invisible)

Zeenat - (stood up with the most beautiful and warm smile on her face as she stared at Anaya with welcoming eyes) You must be the beautiful Anaya..

Anaya - Anaya this is my beautiful Zeenat Aapi..Zeenat Aapi this is my beautiful..(blushing) Anaya

Ayaan & Anwar - (smiled at each other, clinking their glasses together) Awww.

Anaya - (blushing as well) it's so nice to finally meet you Aapi..I've heard so much about you and Arsalan was right you reallu are the epitome of grace and kindness...

Zeenat - Aww...(enveloping her into a beautiful warm hug) they're all just forced to say that because I know too many of their secrets..(moving back she kissed Arsalan's cheek and hugged him too) you did good...(staring at them both together) she makes you look good..

Ayaan - thank god..he's stank this place up for long enough

Arsalan - (narrowed his eyes) what's with broody?

Anwar - (chuckled pointing his finger at Asad and Zoya) He's just realized he's lost something else to Zoya as well..(As Anaya looked over at Asad and Zoya she saw something for the very first time in her brother's eyes, something that filled her heart with relief and awe. That something was enchantment, enchantment for the girl he was staring at with those yearning filled eyes. He was absolutely besotted with the woman next to him, the woman he couldn't take his eyes off)

Arsalan - Do those two see anything but each other?

Anwar - take it easy on them..they were apart for like 12 hours (him and Ayaan chuckled) they're playing catch up

Zeenat - (snatched Anwar and Ayaan's hands out of their hands and took a sniff) uff are you two serious? When did you manage to mix vodka in this and since how long have you been drinking this on the pretence of drinking water..just how hammered are you guys?

Anwar - (side eyed Ayaan) busted.

Arsalan - (smiled at Anaya) do you still want to marry into the pagalkhaana? (Anaya giggled) Well actually maybe I should save that question for after you've met the craziest member of our family..come..there's someone really special I wish for you to meet (grabbed her hand placing a kiss on the back of it making her smile and blush profusely, he grabbed her hand and walked over to Zoya who was busy glaring an angry whole into Asad's eyes as they were at loggerheads)

Zoya - I am not lying

Asad - (calmly sipping his water) are too..

Zoya - am not-

Asad - Are t-

Arsalan - (realizing this could go on for a long time) Asad..Zoya..there's someone I'd like you to meet-

Zoya - AM NOT-

Arsalan - Zoya-

Asad - ARE. ARE. ARE. There is no such thing as a program without final exams admit it you're trying to hide something-

Zoya - Am not- (simultaneously with Asad as he screamed "Are too)

Arsalan - Zoya (they all looked around at other onlookers who were beginning to stare as both Asad and Zoya's voices were beginning to rise)

(Zoya and Asad finally looked up long enough to find Arsalan and Anaya standing at their heads staring at them dumbfounded and startled, and Asad and Zoya looked suddenly taken aback as if they hadn't known they were coming or that they were here already. Zoya casted another narrow eyed annoyed look at Asad before she stood up to face Arsalan and Aisha)

Arsalan - uhm...Anaya this is my (staring at Zoya's feisty and angry eyes, her enraged face as she stood there glaring not so happily between Arsalan and Anaya, Asad's words still playing on her mind. Asad however could clearly show the real emotion she was trying to hide behind her anger. Fear. He knew not only because he knew how to read her so well, but also because he was the same) my SWEET little sister Zoya (put an arm around her shoulder kissing the side of her head hoping it would tame her anger and it managed to do so just a little, she relaxed in his hold, sighing as she put an arm around his back giving him a small half a hug) and possibly the biggest part of my heart..

Ayaan + Zeenat - HEY! (That seemed to make Zoya feel better and she laughed heartily, a real genuine laugh as she relaxed further into Arsalan's hug. It seemed that her laugh was enough to calm Asad as well as finally the frown between his eyebrows dissipated as well and he relaxed a little, although he was still curious to know why Zoya was lying about her final exams but her smile and laugh filled him with a little relief that she was okay. Everything was okay.)

Arsalan - and Zoe, this is my beautiful bride to be...Anaya...

Zoya - (finally lifted her head from Arsalan's chest to face Anaya who was waiting patiently hidden behind Arsalan's other shoulder slightly, and they finally came face to face) the woman of the hour...(Both she and Anaya froze initially as they came face to face, recognizing and registering each other and their identities immediately, everyone else stared between them awkwardly as they just stood there without saying or doing anything for a few seconds, of course except for Asad who knew they had ran into each other before. Anaya was at a loss, she really didn't know what to do or say, and hoped Zoya or someone else would do something and thankfully they did. Zoya did.)

Zoya - oh...so you're the beauty my brother can't seem to shut up about..(whispered to Arsalan in a loud enough whisper for everyone to hear) "TABAHI (everyone chuckled, yet Asad was the only one who kept smiling and trying to stifle his chuckle long after the moment had passed at Zoya's "Zoyaness, something which no one, not even Anaya missed) congratulations bhai..you finally found someone to add some class to you standing next to you..how you got her to agree to marry you is beyond me but hell I'll take it...(and the next second she had taken Anaya by surprise as she like a tufaan crashed into her, hugging her) welcome to the family bhabi.

Anaya - (laughed, feeling a force of whiplash from the suddenness of Zoya's erratic behaviour and tactics) thanks..Zoya..

Arsalan - (mock whispered) scared yet...you sure you still want to do this?

Zoya - I'll be right back. No one eat my food (staring specifically at him) AYAAN and (narrowed her eyes at Asad) YOU..I never want to speak with again.

Asad - (staring heavenward) thank god.

Anaya - (giggled, not understanding what was entirely going on but enjoying it nonetheless) I most definitely do..I'm finally beginning to realize what a real family looks and feels like..

Ayaan - yah no offence bhabi but your family kinda sucks-

Zeenat - (slapped him) Ayaan..(Anwar chuckled behind his glass and the next second the glass was ripped from his hand, the contents somewhat spilling everywhere and he was met with his wife's angry glare making him gulp nervously)

Arsalan - (pulling a chair out for Anaya) yah..I'll ask you the day before the wedding if you still feel the same after spending a couple of days with these people..

Anaya - I don't know about everybody but there is one reason..one specific person my answer will still be the same that day too (smiling endearingly at Asad who smiled shyly back at her) marrying you allows me to spend more time with my brother because he seems to like your family a whole lot more than he seems to like mine

Ayaan - (scoffed popping his collar) can you blame him?

Zeenat - (flabbergasted) Ayaan..

Anaya - (laughed) it's okay Aapi..I really can't blame him..but whatever the reason may be..I'll still take it if it means I get to spend time with this (cupping Asad's face before she bent down and placed a kiss on the top side of his head) adorable face (standing back up and walking past Arsalan she whispered to him but accidentally it was too loud and everyone ended up hearing) and you thought I was marrying you for you..I've had an ulterior motive that had nothing to do with you this entire time...

Ayaan & Anwar - Ooo burn (Arsalan just joined Zeenat in staring exasperated at both of them)

Zoya - (arrived like a complete toofan, crashing unto the table and falling into her seat making all the content of the tables rattle just as the waiters arrived placing all the dishes before everyone) Ooo Ooo what?

Ayaan - (frowned, pretending to be completely serious) it's the language of your people no? (I.E. monkeys) (Zoya ensured she was out of Zeenat's sight before she flashed him the finger and Zeenat wasn't even looking at her she was too busy getting a refill on her glass of water)

Zeenat - (still) Zoyyyaaa...(Zoya's eyes widened as she stared at Zeenat shocked, how many eyes did the woman have? She sat up soberly, and rubbed her hands together excitedly as the waiter placed half the dishes of the entire table before her alone and then she stared at Asad's place setting with a small saucer of one single cheesecake slice placed on it which was half the size of a regular cheesecake as was the norm in such high class restaurants "double the price & half the portion size. She watched with an almost sadistic smile at the excited gleam in Asad's eyes, Mr. sweet tooth as he very skillfully and sophisticatedly picked up his fork, ready to dig in. How could someone possibly make holding a fork look so unbelievably sexy. Asad, feeling his gaze on her looked up at her and narrowed his eyes, pointedly moving the saucer away from her muttering a not so discrete "bhukar under his breath. And just as he was about to feel the blessing of soft cheese crumbling beneath his tongue he felt his dream ripped from right before his eye's as usual as Zoya's hand flew in right at the precisely measured last moment and the saucer went flying from right beneath his eyes, the cheesecake landing on the floor with the saucer right on top of it. There was a collective gasp and crash of cutlery as everyone dropped their forks in fear and shock staring at Zoya who was just blinking angelically at Asad as if she hadn't done a thing. Asad looked up, his mouth hanging open in shock, numb from shock, blinking disbelievingly, a tsunami of rage swimming beneath those calm eyes, was trying to remain calm)

Zoya - (shoved a forkful of lasagne into his open mouth the next second) You're welcome. Now, if you want cheesecake you'll have to eat a proper meal before dessert like normal people like the rest of us do, otherwise you can keep ordering more slices and they'll end up right next to that one on the ground until the restaurant all out. You can also choose to chew and eat on your own (pushing the lasagne towards him) or I can force feed you like one would a child. K, (patting his face with a huge smile) enjoy..(and the next second she took a ginormous bite of her pizza without a fear or trace of accountability or regret, without a care in the world whilst the rest of them were left staring between them even more scared and shocked. Paralyzed with shock. Why was Zoya playing with fire? Of course, since this was the first time she was seeing Asad and Zoya together in their element Anaya was more besotted and mesmerized by the question mark yet absolutely breathtaking and enchanting pair they made. It was absolutely clear that they were absolutely perfect for one another, each other right fit. Unhe ek doosre ke ilaava kuch aur aur koi aur dikhta hi nahin tha. She was the breath caught in his throat, he was struggling to release all these years to find that lightness and he was the stability she absolutely needed. Anaya was awestruck, as were most people. She looked down as she felt tears sting her eyes. All her life she wanted nothing but the whole world and the whole world's happiness for her angel of a brother this world had done so many wrongs to, and it seemed he finally had it, with this absolutely beautiful, adorable but nutter of a sister-in-law she apparently had, who as it was clear in the first instant she saw them together, saw the way he looked at her, meant everything to him. She had his heart. She was the whole world she wanted for her brother.

xxx

Half an hour later:

An angry and annoyed Asad was storming out of the restaurant, lighting a cigarette followed by Ayaan and Zoya who were rushing after him trying to keep calm and apologetic, understanding and repenting whilst struggling real hard to stop laughing and control their giggles. Anwar, Zeenat were accompanied by Anaya and Arsalan behind them.

Zeenat - Oh that's true we can ask them to re-enact the proposal..I'm still so bummed that we totally missed it

Anwar - ugh, do we have to?

Anaya - I would love to see it as well

Arsalan - Trust me it was completely missable to see more fluid coming out of Aahil for the night than the bottles of alcohol. I still don't know how one person can sweat so much..(Anwar cringed)

Ayaan - Asad come on hold up..man come on I thought we were going to Rogue-

Zoya - and I honestly don't get why you're still being such a huge baby..I myself bought you two slices of cheesecake. Not even one AND I even paid for it myself

Asad - (turned around blowing out a long smoke) no you didn't you're still holding unto my wallet since the beach-

Ayaan - okay okay how about we let the cheesecake go we'll go to Rogue and drinks will be on Zoya

Zoya - (raised an eyebrow) Yah why don't I just buy ya'll a bottle of snake poison instead. Same difference. That's all on you..(Asad extended his hand for his wallet pointedly)

Ayaan - okay, here's what we'll do..we'll race there..Khans vs Farooqui. You win, drinks are on you, we win..drinks are on us.

Asad - (barely listening, getting on his bike, taking another drag of his cigarette) just make sure you're credit card doesn't get declined again. Paid your credit card bill this time Farooqui?

Ayaan - (narrowed his eyes) are you ever gonna let that one go?

Asad - I would but I have about 17 more reoccurrences (shrugged)

Ayaan - just shut up and drive (Asad casually shrugged lighting another cigarette and Zoya narrowed her eyes at him again. You cut down one poison and this guy was alway's ready with another way to ruin himself) (Ayaan stared between her and Asad and his face lifted at the corner as another genius idea to give these two dorks a much needed push in the right direction to push them over the edge. He whistled in Zoya's direction and as she looked up a million dollar smile lifted her face as she saw the suggestive gleam in his eye's and the next second she wolf whistled as she caught the keys to his bike as he tossed them to her)

Anwar - Wait. No way. (Grabbed Ayaan's arm spinning her around whilst Zoya wasted no time in hopping unto his bike) are you TRYING (casting an apprehensive and nervous glance in Asad's direction) are you trying to get her killed..

Ayaan - (shrugged his arm off smiling at him, dropping a wink) relax, (turned around walking over to Zoya with a huge smile on her face) I'm trying to do quite the opposite actually..I'm trying to save her...(sighed as he looked in Asad's direction, as he was too busy smoking another cigarette clinging unto the small ray of hope and satisfaction, the temporary relief it provided believing it could take him through life)

Zoya - (kick starting her bike) Yo! Khan! (Asad looked up just as Ayaan got on the bike behind her) a chocolate milkshake with my name on it will be in your hand for me when you walk in to Rogue, after me. MUCH, after me..(saying so she dropped a wink at him and then screaming wildly took off into the night like a bullet leaving a barrel, as everyone's mouths dropped in shock at the speed she left behind)

Asad - (staring after her both even more irritated and kind of awed and starstruck. This girl was a one of a kind storm) Oh. Hell. No. (and the very next second he took off, one wheeling behind her)

Arsalan - (shook his head staring after them, muttering under her breath) paagal..(whilst both sisters, Zeenat and Anaya were holding their breaths)

Zeenat - Ya Allah! Yeh paagal kya kar rahe hain, yeh kaisi bachkaana harkat hai..Anwar jaldi gaari nikaleyee inke peeche chaliye..na apni safety ka hosh hai inhe na doosron ki..kya bache hain yeh? This Zoya..I'll kill her (pulling out her phone, whilst Anwar continued staring awed behind them) ANWAR! (Anwar yelped, screaming startled as he was met with Zeenat's angry glare and he fumbled to pull out his keys the very next second)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Part 31 Continued...

xxx

Rogue::

Zoya sipped her drink slowly glaring at Asad who had a drink sitting before him at the bar he was sat at and was holding his head with the other, his eye's closed.

Zoya - are you serious? You're still angry about the cheesecake?

Asad - (muttered under his breath) I'm turning 25, not 5. You're the only kind of person who holds grudges over someone not buying them a milkshake..

Zoya - (pointed an accusatory finger at him) admit it you totally drove by that drive thru on purpose..just to spite me..

Asad - (shrugged, still holding his face) I'm admitting no such thing..(Zoya stared at him for a few more seconds, chewing the inside of her mouth, hiding her mounting worry)

Zoya - hey, (poked his elbow which was resting on the bar with her own) talk to me..what's going on? what's wrong?

Asad - (sighed agonizingly as he removed his hand from his face) you. You pestering me is what's wrong..you dropping my cheesecake on the ground when I was craving it is what's wrong you..(casting one look at her face) you're not going to let this go till I answer you are you (Zoya smiled a wide toothed smile at him, shaking her head enthusiastically and exaggeratedly, resting her head on her hand propped up on her elbow leaning on the bar. Asad sighed) I..I I just have a headache and the fluorescent lights in here aren't helping..(Zoya raised another eyebrow at him and just as he was about to take another sip of his drink she snatched it from his hand and Asad was left blinking slowly, staring at his empty hand, he then looked at her annoyed face calmly) okay you are going to have to stop doing that. Forever.

Zoya - so, if you have a migraine how is this helping?

Asad - well it isn't not helping so (snatched his drink back from her hand) if you don't mind I'll enjoy the drink which YOU bought me..and even if the drink doesn't that fact sure does help..

Zoya - (narrowed her eyes dangerously at him) I told you we tried to take a shortcut but Ayaan the doofus got us lost instead..

Asad - just admit defeat with grace there's nothing wrong in admitting you lost fair and square you know..

Zoya - (stared at him pensively, nodding her head) maybe..but you know there also isn't anything wrong with telling the truth and asking for help when something's wrong...(finding it extremely difficult to hold his intensely burning and bright, broken but begging eyes, begging to be saved, begging with a need for her so strong it nearly tore her apart..but she did, she tried her hardest and she did. For him, for her.) when everything's wrong..when you need it, when you want it, and (her voice dropped to a sincere whisper, her voice as begging for him to let her save him and simultaneously save herself as were his eyes) especially when you know you're going to get it. (Asad stared at her taken aback, and put the glass he was about to bring back to his lips down, how could she just read him so well, know exactly what he needed, what he wanted, what he was too weak, too afraid, too proud to ask but what he wanted nonetheless, and speaking of what he needed he began leaning in towards her and she him, and just as Zoya released a staggering breath and Asad closed his eye's, leaning closer in their bar stools..giving in, they were disturbed by the momentum of Ayaan dropping into the bar stool next to Asad and like a storm disrupted everyone around him, disrupting everyone from the hope and peace they were just getting used to.)

Ayaan - (snatched Asad's drink and downed it in one go) so, I just got off the phone with Naina..she's definitely not coming...(shook his head annoyedly) I don't know what's up with her but something's off..and I Kind of got the feeling..she's avoiding me..I swear to god if this is your brother messing with her I'm going to hurt him..

Zoya - (sipping on her drink calmly again, muttering under her breath) maybe she just wants a break from you..lord knows we all need it now and again..

Ayaan - (narrowed his eyes at her) I'm so glad we made up..you know I really missed you (Zoya gave him the same angelic smile she gave Asad earlier whilst going back to bobbing and hopping in her barstool to the music, and staring out at the dance floor, struggling)

Asad - I warned you about this..the idiot may not realize it but he has a thing for her...(casting a quick side glance at Zoya, and even if Ayaan missed the glance as he stared at the drink the bartender was pouring him he heard the raw emotions in his voice and that underlying sincerity, that underlying want, that underlying need and the begging for mercy, for someone anyone to realize how much he needed her screamed more than any glance in the world could) he's always had a thing for her..(as Ayaan tried to hide his amused smile behind his glass staring between Asad who was staring at his glass on the bar top agonizingly and Zoya who was dancing in her barstool as clueless as ever Anwar and Zeenat rushed over, a rather annoyed, subdued and evidently extremely hassled and insulted Anwar who was choosing to stay out of it and silent, in his limits like all husbands eventually do and a frantically worried and equally livid Zeenat)

Zoya - (screamed over the music) took you long enough (but a frantic shake of a head and a glare from Anwar made her shut up immediately and cower beneath Zeenat's glare)

Zeenat - Zoya, imbecile Farooqui (Zoya's face paled whilst Ayaan and Asad burst out laughing, Asad choking on his drink and Ayaan spluttering it everywhere earning an angry glare from Zeenat and an annoyed look from Zoya) what on earth do you think you were doing back there? Do you have ANY idea how reckless and dangerous your actions were, what kind of consequences they could have for YOU and for others on the road?

Zoya - (narrowed her eyes at Zeenat feeling insulted) I rode a bike Aapi. I've ridden plenty before it wasn't my first time..

Zeenat - RIDING and RACING are two very different things young lady..

Ayaan - (speaking in a deep patronizing tone) that's right young lady..(and Asad nodded his head along in agreement in complete seriousness)

Zoya - I don't understand why you're only yelling at me..it's not like I was racing myself

Anwar - exactly..Ayaan's the one who threw her the keys..that's practically like him forcing her to race..

Ayaan - (abruptly stopped laughing whilst Asad laughed harder at the colour fast draining from his face) thanks a ton Jeeju..

Zeenat - (pointed an angry finger at Anwar who immediately backed a few steps up) don't spoil her okay no one forced her..

Zoya - well then how come you aren't yelling at you're beloved devar..he was racing too in fact he was speeding and driving more recklessly than me because he won the race

Asad - (muttering under his breath) what a little-

Ayaan - (swallowed) oh that doesn't count because we do it all the time..you're knew at this

Zeenat - YOU WHAT (grabbing and twisting both their ears simultaneously in one go making Zoya giggle uncontrollably and Anwar try his hardest to hide his chuckle as he dropped a conspiring wink at Zoya. Asad was left shell shocked and baffled not quite understanding what just happened, whilst Ayaan was stringing together a never ending series of "ows. The relief he felt once Aisha and Aahil pushed through the crowd all giddy and happy was unparalleled)

Ayaan - FINALLY..thank god..AAPI PLEASE..don't you have a proposal to watch..(Zeenat let go of their ears at long last still glaring at them both whilst they released long held breaths and proceeded to rub their severely reddened earlobes)

Zoya - awwn..you have little booboo's...(Asad chuckled despite his unwavering shock over what happened shaking his head wondering the same thing Ayaan asked with an incredulous stare)

Ayaan - where do you come up with this kind of stuff? (Zoya just giggled in response)

Aahil - where's Naina I thought she was coming?

Zeenat - (turned towards Ayaan) oh yah..where is this beautiful Naina you can't stop gushing about I would like to meet this miracle worker who finally managed to stop making you behave like a pig and be a stand up guy..

Zoya - (muttered under her breath) and reduced his chances of getting an STD (This time it was Asad who spluttered his drink as a fit of laughter and choking overtook him making Zoya chuckle along with him)

Ayaan - (muttered) idiots. See what happens when we let these two be friends.

Anwar - (staring at them like he was staring at satan in the flesh) I still don't understand how, when and why that happened. I'm telling you something terrible is about to happen.

Zeenat - (slapped him playfully) seriously where is Naina though?

Ayaan - oh she couldn't make it tonight..something-

Anwar - (smiled an empathetic smile at him) sorry buddy but that's usually the case with fake girlfriends..(everyone laughed at Ayaan's expense whose mouth hung open)

Ayaan - HEY...she's real-

Zeenat - (turned smilingly at Aahil and Aisha) okay come on...let me see how you two got engaged mere se aur intezaar nahin hota..

Aahil - shouldn't we wait for- I thought Arsalan and-

Zeenat - you can repeat it for them..Mere se aur intezaar nahin hota..

Aisha - (looking lost) repeat it for who? (But Zeenat began dragging her off)

Zeenat - (calling over her shoulder) Anwar..come on..

Anwar - (dragging his feet) do we have to..

Aahil - (stared at Zoya and the other two) Zoya? Guy's aren't you coming?

Zoya - no offence bhai but I've been to one of your proposals before and it wasn't that fun so...

Aahil - (gasped) how rude..

Asad - yah and I figure I'll let you get through at least one proposal in your life without sweating like you're in a sauna..(but then he gave him the same menacing look that did the trick anyways) as long as all the proposals in your life are for my sister...

Aahil - (pulled at his collar stuttering) of..of course..Ayaan?

Ayaan - a chance at cringing and making fun of you plus making everyone uncomfortable with my inappropriate jokes oh I am so there (and grabbing two drinks off the bar he hopped off his stool and began leading the way with Aahil following, shaking his head.)

and then there was two.

Zoya immediately looked over at Asad who was swirling his drink around, staring at it with the same solemn and sad eye's that broke her heart, and just when she thought it couldn't break more went ahead and broke it some more. She wondered again, what dark demon was eating away at him like that? One that he kept hidden away to himself and refused to talk to anyone about? One that was especially eating away at him since she came back from Delhi?

Zoya - (unable to see him so disturbed, and ready to do anything and everything to ease his pain as much or as little as she could) Mr. Khan..I have a question for you..

Asad - (looked over at her) that makes two of us (and Zoya's smile immediately faltered. She averted her eye's because she knew seeing the knowing look in his eye's he was able to see through her pretences and the layers of bullshit she put up as a defence mechanism. She didn't know how he could read her so well but she both cherished and hated it, hated because she couldn't very well lie to him through the same white teeth and have everyone fooled by her pranks, jokes and laughter like she did everyone else, he knew it was nothing more than a facade, a defence mechanism having a few of those himself but the truth was she wasn't ready to tell him what he wanted to know, all those answers his eyes were imploring hers for)

Zoya - (smiled devilishly at him) my question was if you wanted to dance?

Asad - (spinning in his stool to turn his whole body to face her, and like most people Zoya too cowered beneath that one piercing look of his that required everyone to do as he was asking, which was Zoya at the moment) Mine requires you to cut the bullshit (Zoya looked left, and right and all around feeling suddenly suffocated and trapped, and so she did what she did best, she ran, she escaped, she cowered even though she wanted nothing more than to scream and tell him the truth, tell him everything and then some more, to fall apart in those big beautiful strong arms of his and never let him let her go)

Zoya - (spun around as she walked over to the dance floor and extended a challenge she knew by his annoyed eye's he would never accept) come dance and maybe I'll tell you anything you wanna know

Jogi nach le, rang raj de Jogi nach le, rang raj de

She dropped a playful wink at him before turning around and walking off to the dance floor whilst Asad whose whole body was suddenly on fire from being propositioned by Zoya like that downed the rest of his drink, just as the beginning of a new song began playing and his eyes zeroed in on Zoya.

Lehraake balkhaake tu duniya bhulaake naach, Dhun koyi gun gunaale gaale tu gaake naach Ranginiyon mein kho ja, pike pilaake naach Madbhare naino se tu naina milaake naach

with her eye's closed and hands in the air, hips swaying drowning out all the white noise and the rest of the world, like only dance allowed her to do so and only she allowed him to do, to block out the world in it's entirety so that it's just him and her, and the music. The music of their rapidly beating hearts as they fell harder for each other. But he just watched Zoya, dance and jump her pain, her heartbreak and happiness all of it away, and it tempted him like nothing else to go join her. Not because he knew and trusted that music and dancing could provide him the same relief she found from it, the relief he needed, the relief he wanted, but because he knew and trusted that she could.

Uff teri ada, i like the way you move, Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove, Uff teri nazar, it says i wanna dance with you, Uff teri ada, i like the way you move, Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove, Uff teri nazar, it says i wanna dance with you
Meanwhile upstairs in the same VIP balcony:

Ayaan hopped up and waving frantically at his face to stop crying fake tears whilst giggling and screaming girlishly as Aahil re-enacted the proposal to the T of exactly how he slipped the ring unto Aisha's finger, Anwar had actual tears in his eye's seeing the ecstatic happiness and pure joy on his sister's face, she was in love and there was nothing like it in the whole world. He couldn't believe this day had actually come, his baby sister was so grown up that the prince charming he used to reassure her was on his way as she sat hopeless and despaired in her wheelchair was here, standing before her slipping that glass slipper unto her feet ready to whisk her away into a magical land. Miracles do happen, everyday if you just believe in the possibility of them. He felt someone wipe his tears and looked down to see his beautiful wife smiling up at him with tears running down her own face, her lips wobbling. He chuckled thankful to her for saving him right in time just as the distant sound of belts lashing against skin, someone's tortured cries, the smell of alcohol began ruining his belief in miracles.

Aahil - huh? (His one arm around Aisha's waist) So what'd do you think am I charming or what?

Anwar - charming (walking over to him) would be my beautiful sister (wrapping his arm around her and pulling her out of Aahil's hold much to Aahil's unhappiness) what you are, is being watched (narrowed his eyes at him) if my sister isn't smiling like this for the rest of her life boy you are in deep deep trouble (Aahil gulped nervously and Zeenat wrapped her arm around him hugging him)

Zeenat - don't listen to him Aahil, he just likes to remember what it feels like to be dominating and feel like a boss every chance he steps out of the house since he's lost that ability post marriage

Aahil & Ayaan - Ooo burn (But one piercing look from Anwar shut Aahil up right away)

Aisha - (shook her head) actually yeh unke bachpan ki aadat hai..bachpan se he still tries to dominate me and Ammi to this very day every chance Asad is out of the house..why don't you just accept it's simply not happening for you..(she and the Farooqui brothers both with their arms wrapped around Zeenat laughed at Anwar's expense, Aisha's eyes travelled to the stairwell of the balcony where she found a silently watching, smiling and crying, streams of tears running down her face Anaya watching her. She had been watching her since the moment she saw Aahil slip that ring unto her finger. Aisha's smile immediately faltered and she hung her head ashamedly unable to meet Anaya's eye's, and she lifted her head off Anwar's chest suddenly feeling unworthy. Anwar not thinking too much of it walked away with Ayaan and Zeenat to the small mini bar in the balcony to celebrate, leaving Aisha with her head hanging and Anaya's smile faltering seeing that, recognizing the guilt, shame and apology in each atom of her being. Aahil and Arsalan realizing the two sisters may need a minute or a lifetime alone, seeing that this was the first moment in 27 years the two had come face to face and saw each other alive and in the flesh, the first time they met, walked away. It took many deep staggering breaths and a rapidly beating heart that broke and healed itself multiple times with each second Anaya watched her beautiful baby sister standing there before her, in real, in the flesh, alive unable to meet her eye's before she could walk forward and up to her, heartbroken over the fact that it took 27 years for them to see each other for the first time, for their first steps towards one another, their first words to one another, and hopefully, as she desired, their first hug for one another. Sure enough as Aisha felt Anaya walking up to her she lifted her own heartbroken and simultaneously guilty eye's, with as many tears streaming down her face, and hesitantly met Anaya's eyes a soft gasp escaped her as she saw nothing but longing, love and adoration for her baby sister in those eye's and that's all it took for Aisha to cover the distance between them and envelop Anaya in a bone crushing, 27 years too late hug..that resulted in nothing but both their hearts crushing beneath the anguish, relief and happiness that only blood relationships can bring. Their tears were endless as was their pain and happiness at the reality of their two worlds of which they were nothing but victims. Today though none of that mattered, their families, their mothers, their father who gave them the blessing of a sister and simultaneously snatched it away, the painful histories and realities, the grudges and complaints, Aahil all that stood aside for today they were just two sisters who had longed for this very moment for 27 years.
Back downstairs:

Sun le saheba, tu hai ek nasha, Hosh hai mera saara kho gaya

Asad was still watching each sway of her hip, each turn of her ankle, each snap of her finger as she lost herself to the rhythm and he lost himself to her. He took yet another sip of his drink, his slightly darkened eyes watching her over the rim of his glance her eye's closed in a world of her own. She was so divine, poetic and graceful in her movements there was nothing more beautiful that he had seen. Nothing quite like her. He ducked his head smiling shyly, his cheeks flushing whilst his heart summersaulted out of love for her, seeing her open her knowing eye's, knowing that he was watching her she could tell that look, that feel of those beautiful eye's on her anywhere and smiling playfully and teasingly beckoned him over with both pinkies, her own style.

Sun le saaheba, tu hai ik nasha Hosh gawa deewaane hosh gawaake naach Paas tu aa deewaane paas tu aake naach Dil mein hai armaan jaane saare jagaake naach Tan mein badan mein jaise aag lagaake naach (pointing at him she began hopping up and down jumping along with the rest of the crowd on the dance floor singing and screaming at the top of her lungs, flipping her hair all over the place.)

Uff teri ada, i like the way you move, Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove, Uff teri najar, it says i wanna dance with you (Asad shook his head and turned around in his barstool, chuckling under his breath as he clutched one of his hands on the bar into a fist, struggling, fighting, yearning for some control, but alas, when you've seen beauty, innocence and hope like that in the world you never want to come down from the high, you never want to settle, never want to give up, just give in. He hopelessly beat his chest over his heart sighing before slipping out of his barstool for this was a battle he had lost a long time ago, he just didn't know it then) Uff teri ada, i like the way you move, Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove Uff teri najar, it says i wanna dance with you
(An unsuspecting Zoya spun around, her snapping hands still in the air, but she ended up turning around, just as the lights in the whole place dimmed right down to nothing and she found herself face to face, toe to toe, and heart to heart right in front of the man of her dreams. Asad who stared at her with slightly hooded, slightly drunken, slightly darker but completely besotted completely mesmerized eyes, and the minute she looked into those beautiful and hypnotizing eyes she was every bit as magnetized and mystified, taken as he was. She didn't even realize that when she brought her arms down, she brought them to rest on each of his shoulders, snaking them around his neck, just like he didn't notice when and how, his craving and itching arms found their natural place and high in the world, around her waist, pulling her closer into his body, as magnetized and transfixed as his eyes.)
Dekhake bhi nahi ho yakin, Itani kyun hai bata tu haseen, Tere husn se zindagi haseen (both their gazes on their own accords, as had become second nature to them flickered to their lips, as they dipped their heads towards each other lips, their eyes closing, releasing staggering breaths as their hearts took another staggering beat, giving into what felt like the most natural, right and beautiful phenomenon in this world, what fit like nothing else, this kiss, this moment, giving into it all) Tere husn ke aage koyi haseen na kuchh bhi nahi (but as usual the playful and devious Zoya had other plans, the minute their lips were a hairs breath apart and Asad was about to find that relief he was searching for, craving and needing she gave him a playful push leaving him baffled and confused wondering what just happened, had he just dreamt that whole moment AGAIN, for the umpteenth time imagined what it would be like to live the most beautiful, most magical moment of his life again, but seeing the bursting with joy and twinkling with laughter look in Zoya's eyes he knew it was every bit real as he was, as she was, as each feel of his for her was. Zoya turned around and began dancing her heart away even more passionately than before because his nearness seemed to ignite a passion and fire within her which nothing, not even dance could) Aankhon mein mere saare sapane sajaake naach, Mujhako tu dil mein rakh le, dil ko dhadkaake naach Pyaar agar hai mujhase pyaar jagaake naach Jaan-o-dil hai jo tere mujhape lutaake naach (Feeling him standing behind her staring at her like a lost dork Zoya rolled her eyes and turned around and grabbing one arm of Asad's began forcing him to jump up and down like every other lunatic in the club was at the moment and when he wouldn't budge she grabbed his other hand and lifted it too, dancing her heart away jumping up and down crazily, because it was and is the only way to live. To dance like nobody's watching, and to love like you've never been hurt. After shying and ducking his head, blushing and chuckling Asad swayed and hopped on his feet for all of 2 seconds but those 2 seconds of dancing with Zoya and hearing her adorable twinkling laughter at HIM provided him with the relief he was craving all along)
Uff teri ada, i like the way you move, Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove
Uff teri nazar, it says i wanna dance with you (Zoya laughed shaking her head as she ruffled his hair and snaking one arm around his neck leaned into his body, half hugging him sighing hopelessly, swaying with him) Uff teri ada, i like the way you move Uff tera badan, i like to see you groove Uff teri nazar, it says i wanna dance with you (& they did)
Back upstairs:

Aisha and Anaya laughed an honest and adoring but nervous chuckle as they stood by the railing staring over it at the two dorks on the dance floor, moreover staring at their fool of a brother unable to believe that it was even Asad in the first place, for HE was on a DANCE FLOOR, of his own free will, with no one pointing a gun to his head AND he actually hopped on his feet.

Anaya - (chuckling) adorable...(sighed) I wonder how much more of this we can witness and enjoy together at the wedding..everyone we love and hold dearest, under one roof laughing and dancing..and being so incredibly silly...and..(watching Asad staring at the girl in his arms at the moment and she had never seen a more purer and honest look, a look that erupted goosebumps on anyone who witnessed it) and in love..(she looked over at Aisha with tear filled eye's and Aisha looked down at her own hand, at the ring she was toying with and then her eye's flickered unto Anaya's hand on the railing, an equally beautiful ring glistening on her finger too. Suddenly she was filled with confidence and determination, anger at the world which had taken away so much from her, from them, and regret that she lifted and covered Anaya's hand with her own shaky and trembly one's and looked up at her with the same determined and hopeful, heartbroken eye's that had tears mirroring Anaya's shining in them)

Aisha - I promise you...we will. (Anaya gasped softly as a cry and whimper of emotions escaped her) we will witness all that you just said...and more..we will witness the love and the laughter and the togetherness and happiness..celebrate love..together..as a family..for the first time. All of us..together..(looked over the railing at Asad as fear tugged at her heart, fear of shaking a sleeping giants cage, but her determination and pain over all that they had lost due to no fault of their own overpowered that fear) this world has already taken far too much from us. Let's not let it take anymore..I...(lowered her guilty and shameful eyes as tears escaped them, unable to meet Anaya's eyes) I've taken so much from you..I promise that no matter what happens..I will make this happen..and NO ONE AND NOTHING can take this away from us. We will get married together, in the presence and with the love and blessings of everyone we hold dear. The world owes us that much at least..

Anaya - (narrowing her eyes at Aisha she stepped closer to her and covered both their joined hands with her other hand tugging them and holding them close to her heart) hey..don't...don't ever say that again alright..(shook her head) no...nothing and no one took Aahil from me okay..ESPECIALLY not you..I want you to never think about this again and NEVER EVER feel guilty about it. Aahil was and will ALWAYS be yours...he loves you very much...(looking over at the bar where both the Farooqui brothers turned simultaneously to avert their heads from their lady loves who they were staring at and ended up bumping them together, making Aisha and Anaya chuckle) you make the most beautiful jodi..in this world and that's exactly how Allah wanted it..how it was meant to be how it should be. Aahil kabhi mera tha hi nahin..aggar woh hota toh tum kya dunya ki koi bhi taakat usse mujhse door na le jaa sakti and I've understood and accepted that..now I want you to do the same okay. Apne dilse yeh saari sharam all this guilt get rid of it..this is not your fault and I have absolutely no grudge against you..you're just a girl who met a really nice boy and fell in love...that is ALL you're guilty of...

Aisha - (sobbing uncontrollably) I promise you..I promise I will find a way to bring our two worlds together..

Anaya - (wiped her tears and then stared over at the railing again with a nervous and dead serious face as she eyed Asad) good luck with that..(Aisha chuckled knowing she'd need it and Anaya laughing along with her enveloped her in another tight hug)

Back Downstairs:

Zoya - hmm..(her arms snaked around Asad's neck as they danced, slowly, together, to a fast and upbeat song like a bunch of dorks in love, in their own world immune to the rest of entirety around them bumping, hopping and grinding to some dirty rap) ooh I know who's your favourite sibling..Anwar Bhai..Aisha Aapi..Anaya Aapi..or he who must not be named..(Zoya saw Asad try to chuckle and play it off coolly even though she saw a magnitude of hurt and emotion pass through his eye's, his hands on her waist tightening just a bit as she mentioned Azlan and it gave Zoya the true answer, and a sneaky little intention whilst Asad gave her an answer she was sure he was the only one deluded enough to believe)

Asad - well they're all annoying..but on the days I claim them..I guess Aisha Aapi is okay although she was much easier when she was still in her wheelchair..and she couldn't go out, meet guys get engaged and then leave us forever...

Zoya - (chuckled) she's moving like 15 minutes away she's not moving to Mars...

Asad - (grumpily) still...who's yours?

Zoya - (shrugged like it was that obvious) duh...Azhar Bhai..

Asad - (frowned) you know I've heard his name come up now and then but I just..I've gotta say I don't really believe you guys when you say he exists..are you sure this isn't just you Farooqui's hallucinating and conjuring up fake brothers you believe are real..just like you guys believe your ability to think is real

Zoya - (rolled her eye's) anti-cupid it's your question...

Asad - (stared at her intensely, not wasting another second before jumping at the opportunity to ask her the question he had been dying to all night) why are you lying about not having finals? I know for a fact that IAD has extensive finals for all their programs. You're forgetting I was accepted into the same school and IAD was my dream long before it was yours..I've done my research on the school since I was 10 Zoya you can fool everyone but you can't fool me...(he watched the colour drain from her face as she stilled in his arms, no longer laughing, dancing or chuckling her playful mood her genuine natural joy and happiness that oozed effortlessly with every breath she took, all dissipating in a second leaving nothing more than a broken girl behind in his arms) why are you so eager to get out of town? I know it's more than wanting a vacation..why haven't you gone back to school since...( he saw panic rise in her eye's and subconsciously without him even realizing it his hand was softly running up and down her back placating and comforting her, easing her tensed nerves, cajoling her into telling her the truth so that he could make it all better, make it all alright, it just felt so natural, so right that he didn't even realize he was doing it but Zoya did, it was about all that was holding her upright and together, preventing her from falling apart in his arms from the shock and trauma, the reminder of that night brought her as Asad mentioned that night. It took everything in Asad to not destroy everything in the club around him as his hands clenched into fists on her back and waist, his jaw locking painfully) that night...(he looked back at her, seeing the pain in her eye's the silent begging for him to stop but as much as it pained him, killed him to do this to her and himself he also realized how important and necessary he was that she talk about this. He tried to comfort her, soothe her, relax her tensed body as much as she could, bring her back to him from whatever nightmare she was reliving so she could talk to him, tell him, rely on him, let him help her, let him heal her, let him heal himself. His one finger ran down her temple and side of her face, stroking the tendril framing her face making her whole body shiver and jolt violently, with pleasure, with need, with desire as she closed her eyes, leaning her body into him, practically fall against him and let him be her hope, her strength as he promised to. Let him hold her up when she was at her lowest. She clutched fistfuls of his shirt to hold herself together, to try and deal, to try and cope as his lips pressed against her temple his arms wrapped securely and possessively, protectively around her waist) if you're afraid he'll find you there then I just want you to know, trust and remember that I won't let anyone let alone HIM hurt you..here, at home, at school, in Kasauli..in the whole world..no matter where you are..I will protect you..and keep you safe..ALWAYS...(there was such conviction and strength, determination in his voice that Zoya couldn't help but look up and into his eyes, for even though she wanted to and she did believe him, she just knew the world was filled with one too many monsters for him to save her from them all, unfortunately. She still absolutely loved him for trying. Asad glared angrily at her pointing a reprimanding finger at her) and you best believe that (Zoya chuckled, wrapping her arms around his abdomen possessively, leaning her head against his chin which hit her temple, the top of his head resting on hers as he gripped her hair possessively, closing his eyes, never wanting this moment to end, never wanting to let her go lest she end up in the wrong hands again, the hands of yet another monster who'd destroy her)

Zoya - (toyed with her jeeju's necklaces in Asad's neck, trying to choke back a sob) it's true..not all superheroes wear capes. (Moved back and smiled at him, her lips trembling as she tried to hold back a sob, wiping away one errant tear, her eyes shining with more, as well as absolute pure love, as pure as the soul that love was shining for) Some of them wear Armani's...and look damn fine in them...(as she winked at him, Asad chuckled and dropped his forehead against hers and she held his head in place with both hands, as one after another tear fell from her closed eyes for this gem of a man before her. Drawing strength, hope and peace from him trying to make herself whole again, trying to make herself remember what it felt like to be alive again. She could hold him like this forever and it still wouldn't be long enough.

xxx

Late that Night - Khan Mansion:

He clutched his stomach as he leaned over the vanity in his bathroom, wrenching out whatever little to nonexistent food and loads of alcohol he had consumed earlier that night. So much for Zoya trying to get him to eat. He had made peace with it he wondered when Zoya would too; that he wasn't destined or meant for certain blessings in life, certain blessings like the ability to keep down food. Another nasty spell of dizziness and a burst of cold sweats attacked him as he wiped his sweaty pale forehead with a careless arm before splashing his face with cold water. He felt weak and exhausted, too weak to stand from being so violently sick and throwing up in his bathroom for the last 15 minutes. He wiped the corner of his mouth clean taking a staggering breath standing up straight again and as he looked up and glanced in his mirror he took a staggering step back as his breath abandoned him. His heart betrayed him and nearly stopped beating for a minute. He looked like he really did see a ghost and little did the world know he really had. As he clutched the wall for support, swaying on his feet again Asad raised a vigorously shaking and trembling hand to the corner of his mouth where he saw drops of blood tainting his skin. However, just as he was raising his hand he staggered back a few more steps, collapsing right unto the edge of his bathtub staring at the small pool of blood in the centre of his palm from when he had wiped his face earlier. He stared it his trembling hand unable to breath, as pale as a ghost..his eye's wide with shock, disbelief, disappointment but most importantly, with fear. This was just getting worse.

Standing on shaky feet he rushed to remove his shirt with his trembling hands and then his tracksuit bottoms too and swaying on his feet, staggering he used the wall to support his weak and exhausted form into the shower all the while seeing the world, his entire bathroom spinning before his eyes and white spots threatening to convert into darkness and consume him whole. But he pushed past it even though he wanted nothing more than to give in to the darkness, but he had one purpose, one intention alone that gave him the strength to push past all the weaknesses and all the pain in the world for he had to get rid of all the evidence that this had just happened, he would be damned before he subjected them to devastation of this magnitude. They must never know.

15 minutes later:

Asad clutched his head when another wave of dizziness attacked him as he walked out of the bathroom fresh from a shower at 3 in the morning, towel drying his hair. He closed his eyes taking a deep staggering breath as the image of the blood on his hands refused to abandon him and was threatening to make him sick again, he could feel bile rising in his throat. Generally, any little amount of blood would have that effect on him but tonight, the fear engulfing him was making it impossible for him to push past the nausea. So, hoping and praying that sucking on ice cubes would help he neatly hung his towel and proceeded to walk out of the room just as another violent streak of lightning flashed through the pulled curtains in his room illuminating the sky outside, and the rain splattered harder against his window. The thunder roared louder.

He walked barefoot through his dark mansion with feet as cold ice, his pale silhouette illuminated by the lightning outside every now and then. Aside from that, the entire mansion was engulfed in absolute silence and complete darkness, in which the smallest of noises resonated tenfold. He closed his eyes as he popped an ice cube into his mouth and hoped that it would do the trick, tomorrow was another long day and he couldn't afford to be violently projectile vomiting like he had been and had been trying his best to hide from his family for the last few days. Just as he let the freezer door slam shut silently behind him another flash of lightning illuminated the sky, and he envied everyone in all of Kasauli who could relish in the deep and cozy slumber such weather usually brought with it. Was he the only cursed individual who wasn't bestowed with that blessing and was instead awake and trying to fight his demons off. He thought he was until he heard the pitter patter of rain get more violent, get more closer more intense and he frowned realizing he wasn't hearing it against a glass window. That sound was coming from way nearer and,..he turned around as he felt his hair blow from a gush of wind and his frown deepened as he spotted the side door in the kitchen left completely ajar, VERY unlike his house staff who would never commit such a reckless mistake given how terrified they were of the "Asad Monster.

She tried, and she tried but she failed, every single time she just failed to let the rain wash away her tears, let the thunder drown out the heart wrenching sounds of her sobs, let the lightning fill her with the light of hope, show her the way up and out of this darkness engulfing her but she failed every single time. Her tears only streamed faster and her cries only grew more painful, and aside from that she was numb. She was numb to the cold nipping at her skin, numb to the blood her nails drew as they dug into her skin from where she was clutching herself so tightly, her arms wrapped around her soaking wet body, numb to the feel of his eye's on her, of the witnessing of tears the same raindrops that soaked her were also soaking him, and were washing away the tears he cried in solidarity with her, for her, for him. Asad gulped away a particularly painful sob, looking up at the sky with tears streaming down his pale face, tears which meshed together as one when he looked up at the sky trying to blink them away. Her each sob felt more violent on his heart than the lightening and thunder felt upon the world around them tonight. It was as if even the heavens above were punishing the world and trying to demand repentance, an apology for the injustice they stood back and watched happen to a soul more pure than this heinous world had ever witnessed.

Her whole body jerked violently, trembling as an arm snaked around her neck like a vice crushing her body into his. She kicked and screamed as the hand gripped her shoulder with a strength that was no match for her, still the anger and pain that consumed her tonight filled her with a wrath and hate she hated him even more for filling her with, knowing, she began kicking violently, at everything and yet nothing in particular. Her eye's closed she was just violently kicking the air around her, picturing his face as she did and as she did her each kick grew more stronger and her cries grew louder but they were drowned out by the thunder resonating around them. Still as she kicked and screamed he refused to let go, his one arm around her hugging her from behind, pinning her to his body, being the strength he promised her to be for her, for him.

Asad - (whispered soothingly in her ear, although his heart was in conflict, in remorse in hatred for himself for terrifying her like he had unknowingly and unintentionally done, but now he refused to let go seeing her so utterly and sheerly broken) shhh...shh..I got you...I got you...(but Zoya who couldn't register Asad's presence or voice for she was somewhere far far away on a night as dark as this when she was robbed of everything from one of the most horrendous monsters lurking unfortunately right around the corner from all things that burned brighter than the sun. She was suddenly reliving her worst nightmare. As he whispered another "I got you to her, Zoya again misconstrued who it was and what he meant by that I "got you and she bit down on his arm around her neck, hard, until she drew blood. Still, he refused to let go. He bit down on his lip preventing himself from wincing or screaming and closed his eyes painfully.)

Asad - (struggling to breathe words out) Zoya..I'm here..it..it's Asad...(in extreme agonizing pain) please..I'm here..I..I got you..just..just please come back to me..please I'm..Asad...Asa- (and suddenly she let go abruptly as she felt him bury his face in the back of her head, leaning against her head and into her hair, instead of letting go he had wrapped his other arm around her as well, holding her, securing her, protecting her, saving her, from it all. From the world around her in all it's monstrosity and more importantly from herself and as Zoya felt that protective secure bubble wrap around herself otherwise known as Asad Ahmed Khan's arms her eyes snapped open and she herself snapped out of the traumatic nightmare she was reliving whilst awake. She would recognize those strong arms and that silent vow to never let her go, never let this dark world hurt her again anywhere in the world and moreover she would trust it, at her lowest most darkest, most vulnerable, no matter which traumatic nightmare she was reliving. Just like she trusted now.

Asad - (breathlessly whispered, reliving her nightmare with her) shh..I'm here..I'm..I'm here..I got you...

Zoya - (croaked out) Asad..

Asad - (fighting a sob that wrecked him) I'm here..(Zoya's lips trembled as she clutched unto his arm for dear life, the same arm that had blood oozing out of the wrist where her fingernails had dug into, and again she broke down, this time though she broke down in his arms and just like she was there for him, he was there to hold her up as her literal strength and support when the world beat her down to her lowest.)

Zoya - (falling apart in the confinement of his arms clutching unto him for dear life as her body relaxed in his hold, against his body, whilst they stood body to body underneath a storm, drenched head to toe) I hate him ASAD! I HATE HIM! I HATE HIM for what he did to me! I hate..I HATE HIM FOR EVERYTHING HE TOOK AWAY FROM ME!! I HATE HIM!!

Asad - (croaked out) I know...I know...(wrapping his hold on her even tighter, and it just went to show that no matter how violent or dark the storms got from hereon out, they would be the power that withstood it's destruction for each other, with each other, because of each other.)

xxx

Continued in next post...

The Next Morning:

Zoya abruptly opened her groggy eye's, a soft whimper escaping her as she did, the hair on her arm standing up from goosebumps of fear. She looked around disoriented not recognizing her surroundings and what she realized was that everything including the grey skies around her were evidence of the after effects of withstanding a storm, literally and figuratively. She pulled the throw covering her body closer to herself resting her tired head back on the cushion beneath her on the swing in the garden where she must have passed out from the sheer mental exhaustion of all that crying last night. Another round of sobs wracked her body as she curled up into her own body, like a small fragile fetus recalling how utterly broken she felt last night remembering everything that monster Sameer took from her including her passion, dreams, courage and everything she held most dear and fought and worked so fiercely hard for. Her dreams she went against Zeenat for, rebelled against her family, her culture the world for she was ready to abandon and give up by not giving her finals just because she was too scared of facing him at school again. She then remembered her knight in shining armour, her hope, her strength her support, her Asad and how he had held her together literally last night, prevented her from falling apart and had chosen to cover her trembling and fragile body with the throw and cushion whilst he sat stroking her hair, comforting her and letting her cry her heart out knowing that was what she needed most whilst shivering in the storm himself as he sat next to her on the giant garden swing last night. She wondered where he had gone to so early in the morning, the sun wasn't even up when upon looking around she spotted him in the distance looking as beautiful and breathtakingly handsome as always, absolutely perfection in that black track suit doing his stretches ready to go for his morning run. As he casted one nervous, worried and protective glance in her direction Zoya's heart broke as all the pieces in her life fell into place suddenly hearing Asad's distant voice singing a certain set of words he had sang the first time she had fallen in love with his voice and words which although had provided her with tranquility like never before, she had never quite heard clearly until right this moment.

"and I can't help..falling in love with you.

It was a moment of absolute clarity, that one fleeting glance under those grey clouds the morning after a violent storm they had withstood, together, and were stronger for it and because of it together, and suddenly she realized it wasn't one of her lowest moments in life, instead it was a moment of triumph, for she had realized the most breathtakingly beautiful and perfect observation of her life, of her heart, of herself "she was falling in love with Asad Ahmed Khan and even if it were an incomplete triumph she would take it over any other complete triumph that may be destined for her because none would be as beautiful, as pure, as divine as this one.

xxx

Haveli:

Anaya smiled a sympathetic smile as she watched her brother sitting on the steps of their mansion, alone and broken as he watched a laughing and giggling Naina racing down the driveway with Kajol chasing Zain towards his car so he could take them to college, all the while wondering when he became an outsider staring into that friendship instead being the one responsible for that giggle. Where it all went wrong. She just hoped he could figure it out before it was too late. As she watched their car drive away and heard Azlan sigh dejectedly she too sighed wondering why both her brothers were such duds when it came to love and walked towards him. Taking a seat next to him she handed him the mug of coffee she was holding for him and couldn't help her heart from breaking as she took in the sight of him. Her brother who would never go to the bathroom without checking himself out in the mirror for a good 15 minutes beforehand even though the only person he could possibly impress in there was himself, one who couldn't help but maintain himself because he was trying to impress some girl every minute of every living day, (little did he know that subconsciously he was trying to impress just the one girl) still, here he was today unshaven and unkempt, in the oldest most worn out shorts he owned and a t-shirt with holes in it, he hadn't showered and he could give Asad's dark circles a run for their money courtesy of sleepless nights and filling his body with nothing but alcohol and cigarettes. Guess even when they were separated the two brothers couldn't help but learn from each other. She still remembered the Azlan who would dress up for bed and here he was up for another day and looking worse than anyone did whilst asleep.

Azlan - (looked up from his coffee feeling her eyes on him) something on your mind? How's the fianc?

Anaya - (beamed happily) handsome (She laughed and playfully slapped him as he fake gagged)

Azlan - and his family? his sister? She as crazy as your to be mother-in-law ready to call the marriage off and realize that no one could love you more and that you'll never be happier than living at home with your handsome brother..

Anaya - (pulled his nose) Awww...but no.

Azlan - (shoved her playfully) no seriously how's the mysterious Farooqui Sister? Please tell me she's nothing like that (scowled and Anaya rolled her eyes to try and hide her feelings over his petty jealousy issues with Ayaan) Ayaan..

Anaya - well...she's (remembering the look in her and Asad's eyes each time they gazed into each others broken eyes and immediately forgot about the world. Forgotten was all the pain and heartbreak, all the injustice and suffering, there was no one but the two of them) she's something, a definite treat to meet and (smiled suggestively at him) she's very very beautiful...I think I may have just met my sister-in-law sister-in-law if you know what I mean...

Azlan - (frowned dumbly) what the hell is a sister-in-law..sister-in-law..it's just a sister-in-law Aapi I swear the more you hang out with that fianc of yours the dumber you become and I can't say I'm surprised it's the Farooqui - (Anaya picked up the morning paper and smacked him with it) OW woman! Traitor!

Anaya - I meant..I..met my (emphasizing the word) future sister-in-law (Azlan took a few more minutes to process and Anaya stared at him in shock. Was he for real, how did he share genes with the likes of Anaya, Aisha..ASAD?..She rolled her eye's when realization finally dawned on him and he turned his whole body towards her waggling his eyebrows with a huge grin)

Azlan Really (Anaya nodded remembering the look on Asad's face as she threw his cheesecake to the ground) tell me more..when do I get to meet this "treat

Anaya - (frowned) well if all goes well with the plan which it Inshallah will..then we should be heading to dinner at Arsalan's place tonight and I guess you can meet her there..if she comes

Azlan - comes? Isn't that her home?

Anaya - (shook her head) it's a long story..Arsalan hasn't filled me in on the details all I know is she's living at Asad's (Azlan stopped abruptly just as he put the cup to his lips again, and Anaya saw the heartbreak that transcended across his face as she mentioned Asad just like his name usually did and she prayed fervently, with all her heart that these two were able to work through their problems and reconcile their issues, these two idiots could never realize how incomplete they were without each other)

Azlan - (pretending to casually ask as he fingered the rim of the cup but Anaya could still see the pain in his eye's) how..how is he..uhm...(cleared his throat awkwardly avoiding eye contact with Anaya, lest she see his pain but it was fruitless)

Anaya - he's..(again remembering the look in her little brothers eyes, one she had never seen before, there really was nothing like it, like he had found his whole world and all the answers he was searching for in the smile and laughter of a beautiful girl) happy...(Azlan looked up surprised but she could see the relief and happiness swimming in his eye's, the near tears of confusion and heartache that he wasn't the one responsible for causing that happiness) you know he..(looked away unable to watch his heartbreak) before he just had Ayaan but ever since his brother got married he has a whole new family now..Arsalan's family..and I think he may be falling-

Azlan - (unable to hear anymore, the fact that Asad had a new family, brothers to replace his void was about all the heartbreak he could suffer this morning, after watching Naina not cast one glance in his direction he realized how unwanted and unneeded he was in everyone's life and he couldn't help but understand or accept how that came to be) I uhh..it's good to hear..I'm happy for him he deserves to be happy..and loved..(muttered under his breath as he abruptly stood up puzzling Anaya) god knows he deserves it..

Anaya - Azlan?

Azlan - so where are we with tonight's plan? Is Aisha Aapi going to come through or do we need a plan B?

xxx

Khan Mansion:

Aisha - (tried talking over the roaring laughter courtesy of her family who she was trying to have a serious talk with) how about we call kidnapping drugging and forcing Asad on gun point for a joint wedding to be plan B.

Anwar - hell I think we should try and do that anyways just for fun even if we don't use that plan to convince him to have a joint wedding we can convince him to sign his will and leave everything to the two of us (Ayaan and him rubbed their hands together conspiringly, each with an eyebrow raised like a pirates hook and doing the best fake evil laugh they possibly could, Dilshad and Malik laughed whilst Zeenat stared at Anwar wondering what she had married)

Aisha - (clapped her hands together frustratedly and screamed) FAMILY! LISTEN!! PLEASE! We have a CRISIS on hand a CRISIS I cannot very well slice open and fix with a surgical tool..

Anwar - Why not? I think you should try that. Imagine the lack of fat in Asad's body..you'd discover a medical marvel and then we can forget about the wedding altogether..problem solved you'll be way too busy with-

Aisha - (stomped her foot) BHAI!! (Placing an angrily trembling finger on her lips) SHH

Anwar - (his mouth agape) did she just shush me.

Zeenat - (muttered) someone needed to

Aisha - CAN YOU ALL PLEASE LISTEN! This is serious stuff Haseena Bi kissi bhi waqt aati hongi aur unhe jawaab chahiye unhone humme shaam mein dinner pe issi liye bulaya hai shaadi ki discussion karne ke liye because she thinks we're fine with this, moreover Asad is fine with this aur meri aur Anaya ki ek saath ek hi din shaadi hogi..ab I don't need to spell out the HORROR of what will take place if someone doesn't talk to Asad before that and get him to agree..the LEAST of our problems will be that I won't get married..

Ayaan - in that case (yawning) I say we proceed with not saying anything and let Haseena Bi bear the brunt of it..it's a win win situation don't you think Jee- OW OW OW! (Aisha glared into his eye's as she twisted his ear)

Aisha - LISTEN JOKIE I have 4 hours to get my brother to agree to something he would rather eat snakes over so I don't have time for your jokes..NOW your either WITH ME or YOUR GONNA GET A PUNCH FROM ME..but I don't want to hear another PEEP out of ANYONE unless it's to suggest a strategy (hearing a peep out of Anwar) A PLAUSIBLE strategy..(everyone in the living room had a finger on their lips and wide eyes as soon as she began yelling)

Malik - wow...aaj yakeen hua hai yeh waake hi Asad ki behen hai...

Zeenat - well I don't know if this is a strategy but I still think our best shot is Ammi..woh aapko kabhi naa nahin keh sakta

Dilshad - (smiled a sad smile) aur yehi wajah hai ke main usse yeh baat nahin kar sakti..I've taken a-lot of advantage of that trust that he won't deny what I have to say..sometimes even when I didn't want to..and lately especially I've caused him enough grief and heartache for one lifetime where that family is concerned so I'm sorry Aisha I wish I could help you I really do but I just..I can't break his heart anymore..I can't do it..

Aisha - (nodded as she spoke through the gulp in her throat) I know Ammi..I understand

Ayaan - (resting his feet on the coffee table) you could emotionally blackmail him..he's a real sucker for that..and honestly Aapi I think you should just talk to him yourself..he really loves you and I think you know as well as I do that he'll do whatever it takes to make you happy even if he himself is unhappy about it...

Aisha - (crossed her arms avoiding eye contact with him) yah..no I know that (but it was obvious she wasn't too fond of this tactic)

Malik - (contemplating) noo...we need a sure shot Asad Temper Proof Strategy you know someone or something he can't say no to

Zoya - (walked into the room right that second holding up a tray full of scrumptious looking cupcakes. Looking like a million dollars herself, her hair full of chocolate, dough and flour ablaze like something had exploded in it, her skin and clothes too full of the same) TA-DA! Chef Zoya's masterpiece is done! Cupcake anyone? (She unsuspectingly and very excitedly took a large hefty bite of one delicious looking cupcake all the while confused at the expressions of wide puppy dog eyes and pouts on everyone's faces, like they had just won the jackpot and were staring at it emotionally for the first time, Aisha looked like she wanted to cry, the rest were all smiling creepily at her.)

Meanwhile in the rest of the house they heard Asad's loud boisterous screaming into his cellphone announcing his return back from his jog.

He innocently and very unsuspectingly threw open the door to the kitchen to grab a glass of water and the very next second he grabbed his heart whimpering and yelping traumatized as he ran right back out.

Asad - (screaming clearly very traumatized by what he saw in there, whimpering) Kaka?

Kaka - sorry Asad baba..Zoya beti was trying to make something..

Asad - making what a new kitchen? (Whimpered again as he remembered a glimpse of it) kaka..

Kaka - jee beta right away (and Asad took solace in the sound of the clattering of dishes and Kaka ushering around inside trying to clean the place and he tried to remove the haunting image of his kitchen from his mind, as Kaka opened the door just a crack ensuring Asad couldn't catch a glimpse of the kitchen and handed him a bottle of water all the while keeping his mental health and sanity in mind and Asad shook his head to again rid himself of the image as he walked away from the land of destruction. He walked into a commotion filled living room and saw Ayaan, Anwar and Malik hovering over the coffee table stuffing their faces with some sort of cake they were obviously fighting over and the women, Aisha, Zeenat and Dilshad had pinned a very flabbergasted and traumatized Zoya unto the couch and were surrounding her on both sides with Aisha's head leaning in next to Zoya's from behind her and needless to say a very wide eyed Zoya looked extremely scared and confused. An immediate, awkward and abrupt hush fell over the living room as Asad entered making him frown, his family couldn't seem more guilty and in the works of some great grand conspiracy if they tried. What idiots. Talk about trying to seem subtle. The men looked at Asad and smiled nervous smile's looking like Cheshire cats except the chocolate frosting covering their teeth.

Malik - (speaking through a mouthful) Asalamualaikum beta

Asad - Morning (trying his best to not look directly at Malik's horrendous and offensive teeth which made him feel like a million bugs were crying all over him)

Ayaan - hey buddy..

Asad - (scratching the side of his head and trying to act all cool and collected about it, trying not to make it a big deal but lord only knows how he thought it could ever possibly not be a big deal, him and Zoya having their own secrets) Zoya can I talk to you? (Malik and Anwar looked at Ayaan whose hand was frozen mid wave to Asad)

Ayaan - (his voice wavering) how rude..

Zoya - hey listen Mr. Khan if this is about the kitchen then I am so sorry (everyone collectively choked on their cupcakes hearing Zoya apologize to Asad) I'll clean it up immediately (Anwar actually had to rush over to Zeenat with a glass of water and pat her back hearing Zoya say what she was certain broke the record of absurd things Zoya Farooqui had said in her life, and there were a LOT of such things she had said, but Zoya remained as clueless as always. Zeenat was certain that this wasn't her sister, she was sure she and Asad had fought so much Asad had killed her (and she wouldn't be surprised if he did) and had replaced her with a doppelgnger that would explain all the weird character changes she had been noticing since they went to Delhi)

Asad - (staring at everyone in his family wondering what the hell was wrong with them, were they eating "funny cakes) no it's not about that..(muttering under his breath) I've given up arguing over lost causes like you with you..(walking out of the living room and expecting Zoya to follow him and it turned out his expectation wasn't at all absurd because Zoya was on her heels following him within a millisecond like her tail was on fire earning 6 raised eyebrows)

As Zoya walked out of the living room trying to discreetly fix her looks and very well aware that this was possibly the first time she was concerned with how she was looking for a guy let alone Asad; Asad being the first guy she was giving such significant importance and time of day to, to try and look nice for him. He clearly meant more to her than all the guys in the world who had harboured very obvious crushes on her and had directly propositioned her but here was this guy who would much rather look over her head whilst talking to her and still she was trying to fulfill a lost cause of flattening her wild hair, tugging at her shirt, blowing flour away off her skin. Little did she know that even with 2 kilograms of flour in her hair she was still the most beautiful girl in the world in his eye's which is precisely why he had to look above her head whilst talking to her.

Asad - so? shall we?

Zoya - (transfixed, subconsciously extended her head suddenly envisioning him in a tuxedo and herself in a ralph and Russo custom made gown and the hallway resembling a ballroom from one of the fairy tales in the book her Jeeju used to read her from) it would be my-

Asad - (staring distractedly at his phone) I spoke to the Principle he told us to come by 10:30 so we should probably get going-

Zoya - what does his majesty have to say about this?

Asad - (slowly turned towards her afraid he hadn't heard her correctly) what?

Zoya - (snapping out of it as she simultaneously tripped over her own feat and her cheeks flushed realizing she had been leaning forward into him expecting him to pull her closer into his body to dance, using her extended hand any second) whhaat?

Asad - you okay?

Zoya - (heat rising to her cheeks and throughout her whole body) yaahh..yaah I'm fine...(but there was a sudden thing as appearing too fine, which threw Asad off as he looked at her guardedly)

Asad - okay..well we should probably get going...

Zoya - after you...

Asad - (staring at her head to toe) you sure you don't want to shower before we go? (Tugging at a strand of her hair to show her the amount of flour in it)

Zoya - (pulling it away from him suddenly subconsciously and embarrassedly, laughing nervously) yah..you're right..shower..I..(turned around, away from him abruptly closing her eyes and muttering under her breath annoyed at herself, cursing herself for making a complete fool of herself in front of him and also realizing that this was the first time that despite her Jeeju's reassurance that one day she too would find her prince charming and they too would dance in a big ballroom in a ball gown fit for a princess and a custom made tuxedo she was actually able to envision it and believe it could happen to her instead of gag over that thought like she had done throughout her life being the tomboy that she was having grown up with 5 brothers. & what was even more beautiful, making her walk to her room in a trance imagining Mr. Khan looking like a million dollars in his custom-made tuxedo extending his hand asking her to dance, was that the prince charming in all her dreams and fairytales was and had been Asad and Asad Ahmed Khan alone ever since she had laid eyes on him riding that horse at his farmhouse that day.)

xxx

Later that morning - IMA:
Asad cast another worried and apprehensive glance in Zoya's direction. She may have agreed to come with him but now he couldn't help but wonder why, for she was obviously dreading this and not at all ready for such a big step. She had the strength for it, of that he had no doubt, she was the strongest girl he had ever met but she undermined that strength and capability of hers at times and it frustrated him to no extent. If she didn't walk into that principal's office today and take back her life, then he really wins, and Asad would be damned before he let that happen. He couldn't stop himself and lord knows he didn't want to and nor did he try either, before stretching out his hand and placing it on top of hers in her lap, effectively stopping her from wringing her hands together which she had done non-stop from the moment she took a seat in his car, completely subdued like she was now. He realized she may have only then realized what she agreed for. Zoya looked down at his hand on top of hers and cast one quick glance in his direction but saw him staring out the dashboard calmly and casually driving like it was no big deal, like he wasn't trying to be her strength at every step of the way in every big or small way he possibly could. He wasn't acknowledging what he had done for her or was trying to do for her, his small gesture of silent strength because he knew mentioning it or talking about it would only remind her of her struggle, her weakness and that was about the last thing he wanted to do. Overwhelmed, she looked outside the window as soon as she felt her lips start to tremble. Asad sighed, knowing exactly what was going on with her and sped the car a little more zooming in through the gates of the college and parking in the first spot available. Killing the ignition, he looked over at Zoya who refused to look at him but was instead looking down at her hands and using her hair to shield her face as she hung her head, afraid he may see her, and see her with Asad which may further anger him and his need for revenge. She could still clearly hear his taunts and insults in reference to Asad from that day or she feared others who may know her as that girl who was assaulted' would recognize her and give waves to new rumours about her. Asad had heard her sharp intake of breath as soon as he had driven through the gates of IMA and he had the most overwhelming need to break the bas***d who did this to her's face at the moment, it consumed him and destroyed him whole. He clutched the steering wheel desperately fighting for control.

Trying to be patient and understanding with Zoya he looked over at her and sighed. Why couldn't she see how strong and brave she was, her own worth and how whatever that swine called her, did to her or considered her to be she was NONE of that, she was everything pure and beautiful in this world and more. Everything she wanted to be, everything he wanted. For such a smart and strong girl, she really could be quite stupid at times. He threw open the door on his side and walked out towards her side of the car. Taking a deep breath, he opened her door ever so gently and gave a tight glare to onlookers who believed they had the right to stare just because he was Asad Ahmed Khan, effectively scaring them away. He then kneeled before her on the ground next to her seat and removed his sunglasses. She tried her best to hide her face and consequently her tears behind her hair again but it was futile to do so. He sighed, if only she knew the kind of hope and happiness her smile held the power to bring to all those fortunate souls who caught a glimpse of it. He leaned one hand up, converted into a fist and playfully nudged her chin with it, but all he managed to do was make her tears increase. She closed her eyes and bit her lip trying to stop her sobs from echoing but she felt her heart crushing as memories of that night came rushing back to her.

Asad - (whispered in a soft voice) hey..come on..you got this. I'm with you...every step of the way..you just..you just have to trust me..

Zoya - (shook her head as her heart broke into a million pieces, that was going to do it. She buried her face in her hands and leaned forward into her seat sobbing uncontrollably, breaking his heart too..worrying him exponentially.) I'm sorry Mr. Khan..I can't I..can't do it..I trust..(struggling for air, making Asad frown and worriedly rub her back, worried for her health and hating on one Sameer Anand (even if he didn't know who he was hating on)) I trust you..so much..(stared at him through blurry eyes overflowing with tears, with all the love in the world) with with everything I have..with my life (he gave her a small overwhelmed but heartbroken smile, she had no idea how much that meant to him but he also hoped she would learn to trust herself that much too) and I don't want to let you down (Asad frowned) but I can't I can't go back in there..not after I...(gasping for air) not after what he..I just.. remember everything he did and it just..it..it destroys me (She buried her face in her hands again, breaking down and Asad's arms were immediately around her, cocooning her in his strong, protective, possessive arms vowing that no monster would dare lay another hand on her ever again. His knees were on the ground as he leaned completely into the doorframe hugging her, without a care in the world that his jeans were touching the dirty pavement and the second that he wrapped his arms around her Zoya too threw her arms around him, dropping her head unto his shoulder, needy for that contact, it was essential for her at the moment, as essential as the need to breathe)

Asad - (stroking her hair, his face contorted in pain) shh..shh..it's okay..it's okay...I've got you..I promise..your safe..nothing..NOTHING is going to happen to you..never again. It's okay if you can't do this..it's completely fine..your not letting me down.. because you don't owe this to me Zoya..you owe this to no one except yourself and..(moved back, still having a firm grip on both her upper arms as he held her strongly, securely, possessively as a silent show of support, afraid she'd fall apart again) and hey..look at me (he tried to cajole her into looking at him the second he saw her hang her head in shame again, like she actually had to be ashamed of what he did to her, of being afraid of stepping back into that hall after what happened to her in there, of failing to do so, he gave her body a small shake to make her see sense as he tried to chance a glimpse at her beautiful face, and she hesitantly lifted her face to look at him briefly, still trying her best to avert his eyes) and if you can't make it in there today..it's completely fine..I completely understand (subconsciously tucking her hair behind her ear, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face, and immediately Zoya was transfixed, his beautiful voice had that effect and power on her. To hypnotize her, soothe her, heal her) we can always try again tomorrow, or the day after that..as long as it takes..I'm with you..every day..every step of the way..as long as you need I'll be there Zoya..but the only condition is is that one of these days..you have to make it across that threshold and into that hall Zoya..there isn't a possibility or chance that I'm going to let you give up on your dreams..not now, not ever not for him (clenched his jaw aggressively) not after you've worked so hard to get this far...you're dreams..your passion...your ambition..your dance your career it's all a big part of you and there's not a chance in hell that I'm about to let you lose yourself like this...I lost my dream..I lost myself by a blink Zoya..you know that...(she looked at him realizing for a second, that IMA was not just her dream, it was his dream too, another connection they had between them and she realized how difficult it would be for him to come back and face it, encourage her to go chase after her dream despite losing the same dream himself and yet there he was being the rock hard support and strength she needed him to be) toote hue sapne insaan ko bhi tor dete hain Zoya..(it broke her heart for sure, hearing the pain in his voice as he confessed the pain of losing one's dream, who else should know it better than him) ek paagal tumhare saamne baitha hai...aur doosre paagal ki yahan jaga nahin hai...(Zoya threw her arms around him and hugged him to herself, holding on for dear life, he was already so closer to her yet she continued to tighten her hold on him pulling him as closer as into herself as she possibly could and Asad let her, needing her hold as much as she needed his. He buried his face in her hair, wrapping one arm around her and holding the car frame with the other)

Asad - (whispered into her ear in a pleading tone) come on Zoya..please don't let him win...don't let fear win..please fight fight through it and overcome it like I know you can...let me help you fight through it please..let me save you..let me help you get your dream back..if not for anyone else..then please at least do it for me...if you conquer your dreams..I'll believe I conquered mine too...please..please just trust me. (They stayed in each other's hold like that, for a long time. In silence, drawing and sharing strength to and fro one another. Words were not needed at this point, just the sound of each others breathing, and racing heartbeats was about all the hope they needed to heal. On lookers be damned. Asad wasn't sure if he felt Zoya nod her head against his after what felt like a few brief seconds but it was nearly 20 minutes. A lifetime would feel too short a time to hold Zoya in his arms like that, like he was meant to hold her, protectively, possessively. He moved back and stared at her skeptically, unsurely and she nodded her head again, trying to fake a brave smile though her unsureness and insecurities shined through brightly as she wiped her tears)

Zoya - okay..

Asad - okay...?

Zoya - okay..(nodded her head again giving him a brief, more sure smile) okay I trust you...I..I'll go..(closed her eye's taking a deep staggering breath as she voiced the words) I'll go inside and I will fight for my dreams..I..(there was fire in her eyes, fire of the broken, fire of the hurt, fire of hate for those who tried to diminish her fire) he's already taken so much for me..I won't let him take this as well..not after I've worked so hard to get here...(Asad's eyes also filled with tears at her beautiful strength which he was always in awe of, Zoya awkwardly touched his cheek before drawing her hand back) but only if you promise to be my strength every step of the way..

Asad - (his hand shot out and grabbed her hand in his own the second she abruptly pulled it away as if on fire and smiled at her through her tears) I'll be there for you..every step of the way..but you don't need me to be your strength..you never have. THAT IS the strongest thing about you. Know it, trust it, (his voice quivering) OWN it.

Zoya - (smiled at him just as another tear fell from her eyes involuntarily, she was just so overwhelmed by his kindness, his strength, his generosity and him, just him being the pure soul he was being there for her every step of the way, in whichever way she needed him to be even when there was nothing in it for him) I will..BUT..(just as Asad was about to get up, he sat back down fearfully, what was wrong now..Zoya smiled shaking her head giggling slightly seeing that panic on his face again and Asad sighed hearing that giggle, god knows he needed to hear it, he was thirsted for it)

Zoya - If I do this then I'm going to need you to do a few things for me...

Asad - (stared at her defensively) like what? I AM NOT putting on a pink dress and dancing for you (Zoya burst out laughing at the sheer horror on his face and at the image of him doing so, whilst Asad still looked horrified. Mission accomplished. Although he wanted to swell in the sound of her magical laughter, which he was longing to hear he also knew that it wasn't all pure imagination. There was a very strong chance of that actually happening, of Zoya actually wanting him to do that. Uske dimaagh ka koi bharosa nahin)

Zoya as (trying to talk over her laughter) tempting as that is to see..it isn't what I had in mind

Asad - (sighed in relief albeit slightly exaggeratedly and dramatically) so tell me then..nahin toh main suspense se hi mar jaonga..plus my knees are really hurting (rubbing his knees exaggeratedly)..so have mercy.

Zoya - (rolled her eyes playing along, grabbing her bag) okay you old man, let's go..I'll tell you what you have to do for me later..

Asad - (got up sighing in relief dramatically again) I am also NOT taking you to Mcdonald's..

Zoya - (giggled) oh you are so taking me to McDonald's you just don't know it yet (pulled his cheek playfully smiling angelically at him, but the truth was, to see her smile like that, to have her go in there and conquer her dreams, he'd happily become a server at McDonalds)

Asad - (held out his hand to her, smiling a supportive encouraging smile) shall we? (Zoya released a staggering breath as she stared at his hand. The truth was she'd take that hand and walk to the end of the earths with him but as she took a look around and saw everyone staring at them, her nerves took a hit. She looked down nervously again, wringing her hands together and she saw Asad's feet step closer to her as he placed a very obviously shaky hand on her shoulder)
Asad - hey..come on, don't look at them okay..just..just look at me (and as she looked up into his eye's, his broken and devastatingly haunted eye's that had so much strength, so much courage and knowledge, that held an ocean of emotions and vows, all for her, eyes that were more honest than any spoken promise or vow, how could she not trust him? Without saying a word she placed her trembling hand into his strong and steady one and let him be the hope and strength she was missing these days. Asad immediately enveloped her hand completely and began leading the way in and he didn't have to tell Zoya twice to just keep her eyes on him, for she couldn't take her eyes off of his handsome face if she wanted to, and the entire walk up to the principal's office the only words that resonated through her ears were the first words she had ever heard that left her in awe of him; his speech from IMA:
"I'm telling you all this to give you hope. Because that is what my dream, music, was for me. Hope. It's what got me through the darkest nights of my life and all I want to say to you is if I'm able to and worthy enough to stand here and give you this speech, if I made it big enough to tell you all this, that means I survived and so can you. I know times are tough, this city it breaks my heart too and I know you're all looking for hope and probably a short cut through it all but I wanted you to know. Do yourself a favour and work hard. Don't EVER take the shortcut. It may seem appealing at first but trust me, it will destroy you. You don't even know. That's why I wanted you to know. Some People here try to make me sound like a hero, they call my story from 'rags to riches' and it probably makes you envy me or hate me or want to achieve it all and be like me. Don't. Don't wish that. Wish for better. Wish to fulfill your dreams. Chase after your dreams. Do whatever it takes to achieve them as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day. As long as, you don't lose pride in yourself and those who matter most don't lose hope and you can sleep peacefully, you'll be more blessed then you know. Times may be tough today and you may find yourself working a labour job because life didn't give you any other choice but throughout all that I want you to hold on to your dreams and chase after them with everything you've got, otherwise you'll wake up one day and find yourself trying to convince others to fulfill theirs because you know what it feels like to have broken dreams and you don't wish that feeling upon anyone else. THAT, is the real story of rags to riches. The version of the story that lets you know what those riches are going to cost you.

xxx

Continued in next post...