#3: AsYa FF - Mohabbatein: Part 33 Pg 67 Updated- 30/07/2019! - Page 26

Originally posted by: DailyDaisy

Guys, I wanna RES on Page 45 so let's end page 43 and 44 and then I'll res, I have the initial bit of the update for you guys!

IMA Principal's Office:

Zoya gulped nervously, clutching the strap of her bag in a death grip as she climbed the last step of the administration building to the principal's office. She was as pale as a ghost and was shaking nonstop. Asad whose own heart was beating a mile per minute out of fear and nervousness for her looked over at her and seeing her body so obviously shaking and her as usual trying to put on a brave face and hiding behind that curtain of hair of hers that he loved he couldn't have stopped himself even if he wanted to. The truth of the matter is though that he could no longer control his body's most primal and natural reaction to her and her body's. He couldn't control the absolute NEED he had to touch her which is why before he even realized it or could stop himself his comforting hand had reached the small of her back.

Asad - (Zoya feeling his welcomed touch, looked up at her him through her wide beautiful eyes that at the moment were full of tears, tears which were unacceptable to him) hey...(gave her a small smile not even realizing his hand was on her back or that it was in anyway "wrong "inappropriate "or crossing a boundary - whether that be boundaries set by society or himself that was how natural it had become for him to touch Zoya. Like the most natural, understood and beautiful thing in this world) don't worry...I'm right here with you okay...just...(reached forward and grabbed her hand tight in his) just trust me okay...(Zoya couldn't find her voice, too overwhelmed with emotions feeling her small and shaky hand enveloped in his large and firm one. How was she to convey that she couldn't even remember when there was a time when she didn't trust that as long as her hand was in his, NOTHING and NO-ONE could harm her. Not trusting her voice she simply nodded her head before looking down as she felt a tear escape her eye and Asad smiled palming the top of her head playfully trying to cheer her up) silly girl...(he reached the principal's office and gave a stern once over to the newly hired security guard who immediately cowered in the corner well aware what happened to the last one and Asad rolled his eyes before swinging the door to the principal's office not bothering with pleasantries or basic mannerisms such as knocking. The principal was just thankful he didn't kick the door in or push it hard enough to make it go flying off the hinges. He looked up from his stack of papers and immediately rushed to his feet as Asad walked further into the room making sure to keep Zoya safely hidden securely behind him and still not letting go of her hand)

Principal - Arre Asad...Be- (Asad gave him a stern look) I mean...Khan Sahab aap...aap aa gaye aayee baitheyee main aapke liye kuch mangwaon...thanda garam kuch chaye paani

Asad - (staring at him out of the corner of his eyes as he stood with his back to him making Zoya sit comfortably in one of the chairs before his desk, neither of them had let go of each other's hands) just one glass of water...

Principal - sure I (trying to walk up to Asad and seeing Zoya's face but Asad turned around and shot him a look and he immediately backed off holding up his hands and scurried to the door to call on his security guard. Asad had literally turned him from a strong powerful principal to a quivering mess. Well that is what happens when you're incompetent at the responsibility assigned to you and dare to play a part in hurting those Asad Ahmed Khan cares about and/or loves. Asad shook his head about to straighten up when he felt Zoya tug at his hand and a soft gasp escape her lips and as he looked towards her he saw her looking at him through fearful eyes terrified that he was leaving her. Her eyes darted nervously towards the door where the principal was now scurrying back with a glass of water. He hated it. Hated seeing the fear in her eyes, the way her body was shaking. He hated this version of Zoya that man had rendered her into. Untrusting and unlike his Zoya in each and every-way possible. He missed his strong, feisty and lively Zoya, one who could stare the strongest of men square in the eyes and put them in their place with her sass alone. Asad held her hand with both his as he got on his knees before her)

Asad - shhh...I'm right here..I'm not going anywhere (throwing the principal one last annoyed look he snatched the glass of water from him and helped her drink some by holding the glass to her lips, her own hands were still shaking non-stop from being at IMA again, the place where it happened, in front of another man, her principal at that, afraid of his judgement and for him to pass his moral policing on her that too in-front of Asad so that even if he wasn't believing it before he'd believe it now. Everything that happened to her was her fault.)

Principal - aur kuch leke aaon m- (but one look from Asad shut him right up, Asad watched slowly as Zoya removed her trembling hands from the glass still looking anywhere but at the two of them)

Asad - you sure? (Zoya nodded tucking her shaky hands underneath her legs suddenly very well aware of her bare legs and stared at the ground drawing in a staggering breath. Asad still not letting go of Zoya's hand took a seat in the chair next to her and using his free hand with the most minimalist effort dragged her chair as close to his as possible. Zoya's surprised and grateful eyes snapped to his face realizing the thoughtfulness of his actions and daring to hope that perhaps she was wrong in fearing he had gone back to thinking the worst of her. But Asad wasn't looking at her, he looked towards the Principal who stood there awkwardly as if he didn't belong there and was completely out of place. He didn't know what to do. Asad looked towards him and then back towards his seat hoping he'd get the hint and wasn't as stupid as he feared; that he wouldn't have to spell it out for him but alas.)

Asad - aap please baitheinge taake hum jo baat karne aye hain woh kar sakkein? Ya mujhe aapko formal invitation mail karna hoga...

Principal - (stuttering and sputtering he clumsily and very awkwardly made his way over to his seat, genuinely upset at everything that happened and even more upset that he lost the respect of not just his student but also Asad who once thought so highly of him but for Asad, he was now one of the most despised people in all of Kasauli for him, even if it wasn't truly 100% his fault, failing to produce the culprit sentenced him guilty in Asad's eyes) right..sorry...

Asad - (not wasting a second longer as soon as the principal had taken a seat) right...well I'm just gonna cut to the chase (the principal tried his best to hide his smile, so typical of Asad. He tried to hide his sarcasm under the pretence of a cpughing fit and Asad just stared at him with a raised eyebrow) we all know the unfortunate incident that took place here a few days ago (he didn't even realize how his hold on Zoya's hand tightened whilst Zoya closed her eyes taking another staggering breath as horrendous memories of that night began plaguing her. The principal looked down genuinely ashamed and apologetic unable to meet Zoya's eyes) and you shouldn't be surprised to know that Ms. Faroo- (stopped himself and taking a staggering breath himself which he needed each time he uttered her name which for him was nothing less than a prayer, a blessing and an expression of a desire in one) Zoya...hasn't made it back to campus since that day. She hasn't attended Arts week and is terrified of attending exams starting next week...(the principal nodded) personally I think she should be given a clean slate and allowed to pass with straight A's without having to come to this god forsaken place and write such useless exams (the principal fidgeted uncomfortably and Zoya chuckled slightly, wiping her tears KNOWING the importance IMA held for Asad and that those were the last words he would use to describe IMA But still, she meant enough to him to hate on something he loved just because of the pain it brought her and that had her heart soaring down paths that were long ago forbidden to her) but I understand Ms.- ch, Zoya's dilemma too...it wouldn't be the same as EARNING that grade the right way and after months of hard work she shouldn't have to compromise on her dreams...she shouldn't have to look back at her achievements one day and doubt if she really earned them...

Principal - I completely agree -

Asad - (shot him an annoyed look. Who said he could speak?) I'm not done yet...

Principal - oh- (Zoya actually chuckled at that, his face was just so comical, formed in a perfect "O like a child getting ready for a berating)

Asad - (glaring at him HARD.) she is going to compromise on something's...and so are you and your incompetent faculty (The principal swallowed hard) SINCE Zoya is not in the mental state to make a proper return to school yet...all her exams whether they be written, oral or dance will be done personally...one on one...I (staring at the principal hard in the eye daring him to defy him) will be accompanying her to each exam (Zoya's shocked eyes snapped to his face again and this time it was her who gripped his hand tighter, in surprise and, in gratitude, and her eyes filled with tears again...this time at his thoughtfulness and he gave her a small reassuring smile. How could she have thought anything but?)

Principal - done and done (nodded) you hand me a timetable with your availabilities and whenever (hesitated..still avoiding eye contact with her) Ms. Farooqui feels up to coming in for her exams and I will arrange it with the professors... (earnestly wanting to get out of Asads bad books) anything else Mr. Khan..anything?

Asad - (rolled his eyes) yes..there is one more thing. I know Zoya's performance for the Arts Festival was scheduled for yesterday...but given the circumstances (the principal nodded and Zoya continued staring at her feet hiding her face behind her curtain of hair. Loathing Sameer for all that he took from her, her courage and strength and the ability to dance like a bird freed from a cage, wild and uninhibited soaring anywhere and everywhere she desired, and instead of feeling the rhythm now all she could feel were eyes on her and hear people's thoughts, "s**t "wh**e "tease.) that performance will be rescheduled as the finale for the festival and it won't be just her performing (Zoya had stopped breathing altogether as he said that and again she began trembling like a leaf all over) it will be a duet..I will perform with her but you will consider it as a student performance meaning Zoya will still be eligible for the prize money if she wins-

Zoya - (through a shaky uneven breath staring at him numb and widened, in absolute shock)...par...Mr. Khan..ma..ma-

Asad - (turned towards her putting his other rather large and strong hand on their already joined ones) shhh...(whispered soothingly..the determination and resolve of steel in his eyes, the strength in them had Zoya's hesitance melting slightly already. She had begun losing her plea and he hadn't even started convincing her yet)

Principal - (cleared his throat awkwardly whilst Asad and Zoya had locked eyes, rest of the world be doomed) of course...

Asad - (stared at him with a raised eyebrow and a look full of loathing and hate) good...I'm glad we UNDERSTAND one another (a warning tone underlying his rather calm demeanour) and I guess we now have nothing further left to discuss (Zoya, as the gravity of all that Asad had gotten her into came crashing onto her couldn't be in more of hurry to get out of there feeling like the room was suddenly closing in on her and it was definitely getting hotter in there. She could feel a panic attack coming along and so she shot out of her seat and was rushing towards the exit making Asad shoot of his seat worriedly too, along with the principal)

Asad - Zoya...(his face blanched with worry his heart beating a mile per minute) Zoya what's wrong..is everything okay (but Zoya, as she struggled to breathe was as usual hiding her pale and panicked face behind her hair)

Principal - (trying to get the words that were weighing down on him out as soon as he had the chance) Ms. Farooqui I just wanted to say..I'm so supremely sorry about what happened..what grave injustice was done to you on our premises I-

Asad - (shot him a look that had him cowering and backing off immediately whilst he rushed out behind Zoya who was practically running out of his office) aapse kissne kaha humme aapki hamdardi ki zaroorat hai?

Principal - Nahin Asad B-...I mean (looked down apologetically) Mr. Khan main toh bas...(Asad shot him another hateful glare before he actually jogged out worriedly after Zoya who was now bent over and clutching her wobbling knees struggling to breathe)

Asad - (confused and also hurt by her words and behaviour, hurting her or causing her any more grief in the slightest was the last thing he intended to do) Zoya please

Zoya - (She turned and stared at him through those big beautiful brown eyes of hers that were always his undoing and when those were filled with tears they held the power to destroy him and everything in his world around him, burn it all to ashes) Asad please(and if his name on her lips wasn't the most beautiful sound he had ever head.. Asad's grip involuntarily loosened on her upper arm, enough to let her slip from between his grasp in that moment for he could never truly let her out of his grasp forever again even if he didn't quite realize it yet. Zoya once she could bear to put a rock on her heart and part from the sight of his beautiful eyes and face, the warmth his body brought to her used that opportunity to turn on her heels and run from there, and Asad momentarily thrown and hypnotized by the beauty of her eyes, the sound of his name from her lips and the anguish her tears caused him let her go. He watched her run away from him whilst clutching at his hair and cursing under his breath. Hating a monster named Sameer Anand more by the second, vowing to slaughter him with his own bare hands the minute he possibly could for daring to hurt the purest creature on this earth. The purest of hearts, the heart that belonged to Asad Ahmed Khan.

3 Minutes Later - Outside IMA: Parking Lot:

Zoya reached Asad's car as her tears transformed into sobs and once again leaned over on her knees gasping and struggling to breath having run all the way to Asad's car from the principal's office. About 30 seconds later she felt his presence behind him. She could feel his presence, his warmth and the intensity that radiated off of him in a mob or in a crowd, she could tell it anywhere merely by the way her body reacted to it. The hairs standing on her forearms, the slowing of her breaths, the racing of her heartbeat and the way her stomach clenched in anxiety and anticipation. She struggled to breath, feeling him behind herself and stood upright straightening herself wiping her tears with a careless wipe of the back of her hand. Asad who couldn't understand why she was so upset and what triggered this emotional breakdown stood behind her trying but failing miserably to be patient with her, not when she was freezing him out like this. How was he to help her when she wouldn't even tell him what was going on. He put his hands on his hips and took a deep breath.

Asad - Zoya..would you please tell me why you're so upset. What happened, what's wrong?

Zoya - (her voice betraying her) you mean aside from the obvious...

Asad - Maine aisa kya kiya hai jiske liye aap aise react kar rahee hain?

Zoya - Nothing. Aapne kuch nahin kiya hai, now can we please drop this entire thing...

Asad - (frustrated) Zo-

Zoya - (hearing the frustration in his voice turned around wiping her tears continuously) mujhe kaam ke liye der ho rahee hai...aap please mujhe drop kardeinge...

Asad - Absolutely not (glaring at her, and that storm, that fire of rage and anger that Zoya had become so accustomed to, that chilled her to her core returned to his eyes and Zoya knew he was not about to take any B.S., he would get his way as always or he would die trying and this time he was going to get a straight answer out of her one way or another) not until you tell me what the hell has got you this upset.

Zoya - I'm not upset-

Asad - So you just (without realizing it reached one of his hands up and caught a tear of hers on his finger) enjoy crying yourself senseless till your gasping for air? (Zoya turned her face away, and Asad sighed trying to find the bare few atoms of patience he believed to have somewhere deep inside of him) Zoya...please just talk to me. Tell me what's going on.

Zoya - (snapped, just wanting to get away from him as soon as possible, she hated how he alone held the ability to see right through her, she could see it in his eyes and she knew he could see through all the walls and BS she put up but she couldn't risk telling him everything, she didn't trust herself to open up in front of him without doing something callously stupid like exposing Sameer Anand's name to him or fall in love with him and Zoya Farooqui could not DARE do either of those things despite them being the two deepest desires of her heart) I'M NOT PERFORMING AT THE ARTS FESTIVAL T AND I'M NOT COMING BACK HERE NO MATTER WHAT EVEN IF IT MEANS I FAIL THE SEMESTER BECAUSE I DIDN'T WRITE MY EXAMS. THATS WHATS HAPPENING...GET GOOD WITH IT. NOW YOU KNOW. HAPPY. SATISFIED. NOW CAN WE GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE OR DO I NEED TO WALK TO THE CAFE? (She stood still breathing heavily and roughly whilst Asad just stared at her. She was deeply wrong to hope or believe that Asad hadn't seen the way her eyes darted around panickily just now or the way she was itching and clawing at the skin on her forearm. Those signs may be overlooked or missed by others but him being a formal addict who had gone through the same withdrawal process, he couldn't. Takes one to know one. Asad was silent for all of 30 seconds but that's all it took for Zoya who couldn't breathe for another second in the vicinity or air of this area turned around ready to walk away from him when Asad lost his last thread of patience and wrapped a steady and firm hand, in a deathly grip around her upper arm yanking her around much roughly and forcefully than he attended to and pinning her against his sports car, caging her in by the sheer size and strength, the force of his body glaring at her whilst it took Zoya a good few minutes to orient herself as to what just happened, her heart raced against time like it usually did when Asad was around and her breath got caught altogether when she looked into those beautiful haunted eyes of his that were right now so close, too close, and imploring her to bare her soul to him and the worst part was..she wanted nothing more than to do so.

Asad - (sighed, raising his hesitant eyes to her face and then shook his head before without thinking for a second and wiping away her tears. Zoya felt her need to cut intensify to a level she had never experienced before as she whimpered and leaned into his touch) sabse pehle toh tell me, why are you crying? (Zoya just cried harder upon hearing that and feeling his touch on her cheek, because she realized that despite all that happened she still welcomed his touch, needed his touch, wanted his touch more than her next breath) huh? (Zoya shook her head again and Asad frowned, punctuating each word slowly as if to make sure) you don't know why you're crying..(Zoya shook her head again and Asad closed his eyes sighing deeply willing for patience, trying to take advantage of those 0.3 seconds his eyes rolled to the back of his head she tried to be coy and escape from the confinements of his arms but Asad's hand shot out like a reflex and grabbed her arm as he clenched his teeth annoyedly)

Asad - Ms. Farooqui-

Zoya - Mr. Khan just let me GO, THANK YOU SO MUCH JO AAPNE KIYA AUR JO AAPNE KAHA BUT DON'T FOR ONE SECOND THINK THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I WENT THROUGH WHAT- (and then she looked down and covered her face with her hands letting her curtain of her fall around it as she broke into sobs again) what...what he did to me (Asad stared at her head bent at his chest as she cried herself senseless, both his jaw and his fists clenched tight. Wanting nothing more than to strangle the animal who had dared to hurt her. He took a deep shaky breath, struggling for the strength everyone always looked to him for with hope, expected from him and which somewhere he needed to have. He raised his hands, which were now shaking only due to her tears and placed them on both sides of her face lifting it up to his own face despite her resistance. As he raised her face, he began moving her hair away from her face whilst she looked away refusing to meet his eyes)

Asad - (gulping) maybe not..maybe I don't know anything about what...what happened but I don't need to know the extent of what happened to do what I'm doing..to help you...to heal you...to, to return the favour. (sighed imploring her to look into his eyes but she blatantly refused, trying to wipe her tears) You're always saving me, please let me save you too.

Zoya - (stared to the distance with unfocused eyes, a look which didn't sit well with him because it was the same look that always stared back at him each time he looked in the mirror and he would NEVER till the day he died allow that look in her eyes) you can't...no one can. (whispered) it's too late.

Asad - (still tried to turn her face towards himself but she continuously refused to) Maybe no one else can, but I CAN, and I will. You just, I just (dropping his hands to his sides and tucking them into his pockets. He sighed, unable to look her in the eyes lest he not see what he wanted to shine back in them) I just need you to trust me...

Zoya - (without wasting a second she did what he was trying to do all along and turned her face towards him. She needed him to know, she didn't know why but she needed him to know the biggest truth of her life) I TRUST YOU MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE IN THIS WORLD-

Asad - (grabbed her hands, subconsciously leaning his body into hers forcefully caging her against the car again) then what's the problem Zoya? I told you I just said inside that I'm going to be with you at EVERY step of the way, I won't leave your side for One second. Whatever you need, whatever you want ANYTHING E- (as her eyes implored him he whispered the last part) everything

Zoya - (closed her eyes releasing a breath) I know...

Asad - then please-

Zoya - Mr. Khan I can't...please-

Asad - Of course you can, and you WILL. YOU ZOYA are the most STUBBORN. most ANNOYING (and even though for Zoya it was nothing, the smallest most miserly smile but still it was something and he'd take it) but most strongest PERSON I'VE EVER had the (and even though it was the farthest thing from the truth he had to say it just to make that smile an inch larger) displeasure of meeting...the (gave her leg a small kick) STRONGEST, (hung his head low) you put the rest of us to shame

Zoya - (sighed lowering her head, that was the farthest thing from the truth) (whispered) can we please go, I'm getting late-

Asad - (frowned checking his watch) I'm your boss and I don't think you're getting late (and there it was again, the same wild fire and spunk he oh so adored in her eyes, the reason he troubled her to get a rise out of her, she immediately began pushing him aside trying to get away from him and escape from there, Asad again grabbed her forearm) okay fine, we're going..itne nakhre dekhane ki koi zaroorat nahin hai (rolled his eyes getting the door for her)(muttered under his breath) WOMEN.

Zoya - (glared at him) I HEARD THAT (and then she looked at him head to toe and before getting in the car STOMPED on his foot making the faintest of smiles appear on his face. OH his Zoya)

Asad - (putting his shades on) and don't think for a second this is over. We are talking about this in the car.

Car Ride:

Asad was as usual speeding through the streets of Kasauli expertly, his one hand on the steering wheel and one on the clutch, he kept one eye on the road, but his attention was 100% on the beautiful but sad girl sitting next to him.

Asad - I understand you're afraid and the place brings back haunting memories believe me (and for a brief second the most haunted of looks past before his eyes) but giving up and hiding at home is in no way a solution...you can't give up on your dreams because of him not when you've come this far...not when you've fought this hard, that just means he wins-

Zoya - then maybe he wins-

Asad - Over my dead body-

Zoya - (screamed as she clutched his arm making him swerve the car a little) MR. KHAN- (Asad stared at her wild with panic eyes as she struggled to catch her breath, feeling like somebody had just reached in and ripped her heart out. Just the thought of something happening to him, she couldn't take it. She couldn't bare it. Asad who struggled to catch his own breath seeing the concern for him in her eyes, the care, the possessiveness and the warm but firm touch on his arm made him look away half-heartedly for if he didn't, they both may have been unable to walk away from this and unfortunately he despite the yearning in his heart, could not give in to this)

Asad - (sighed a staggering breath as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair trying to get a grip on himself) look all I'm saying is...just deny it once, that you wouldn't do the same for me. (He watched out of the corner of his eyes as Zoya hid behind her hair as usual and it made him sigh because that was the only time he couldn't read what was going on with her) do you remember when I didn't want to run for the mayoral office...none of you were having any of it, despite my best efforts Ammi went and wrote my name down because sometimes our lovedones know what we need, what we're capable of and what is best for us when we don't. I...(hesitated as that haunted look returned to his eyes whilst he stared ahead as if staring into his past) I too had demons from my past which prevented me from agreeing to what all of you were telling me was the right thing to do...tell me honestly, if I hadn't agreed would you have let it go, would you not be sitting here right now chatting my ear off and yelling at me or playing silly childish games to get me to give in-

Zoya - (narrowed her eyes at him, despite her inner turmoil she just couldn't help herself, and it was one of the things he adored about her) I don't play childish games-

Asad - well I'm gonna have to start playing those games if you force me to...(Zoya scoffed)

Zoya - you don't have a childish bone in your body-

Asad - yes but I can be pretty pestering and adamant when I want to and it tends to drive people crazy...just ask Aapi. & if you don't do this I'm gonna be forced to tell Bhabi all that happened and then she can force you-

Zoya - (and there was that fire that he missed as she gripped her seat in an attempt to not punch his arrogantly handsome and smug face) you and Ayaan need to stop treating me like a fragile kid and threatening to call Aapi to force me into doing things-

Asad - prove to me that you aren't a fragile little child and I won't have to-

Zoya - Mr. Khan aap aise bachkane khel khelke mujhe force nahin kar sakte-

Asad - (shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road as he did a U-turn in front of the cafe to park the car) of course kar sakta hoon

Zoya - (positively seething now she clutched the collar of his shirt yanking him towards herself just as he reached the front of the cafe) DAMN IT MR. KHAN - (However whatever words she willed to say died on her lips as she saw his ridiculously handsome face so close to her own, she had pulled his face so unbelievably close to her own that there was a hairs breath between their lips, if either of them moved an inch closer their lips would end up pressing together and the dangerous part was both wanted and needed nothing more than to breath in each others air, once they had tasted ecstasy they couldn't go back. They needed it more than they needed oxygen to survive. Zoya unable to realize or care for the recklessness of her actions flickered her eyes downwards to his lips as she saw his eyes steadily grow darker as his gaze snagged to her lips, involuntarily her tongue darted out and licked her lips as a shuddering breath escaped her lips. Feeling her hot breath wash over his face and lips a groan escaped Asad as he closed his eyes in surrender and inched closer to her, his hand reaching up and closing over hers on his collar as he moved closer in his seat. The heat suddenly rising in the car, and just as Zoya tilted her head ready to surrender to his want and her desire a loud banging on the roof of Asad's car snapped them both out of it, and jerk back in their seats like they had been burnt. Which they had.)

Man - ABHE GAARI LAGA YA HATA TERE BAAP KI SADAK HAI KYA? (Unable to see in due to Asad's tinted windows) (Asad gasped for air, his eyes darting everywhere but refusing to look at Zoya and Zoya sat positively scandalized and frozen in her seat. She couldn't face him as is and now, what the hell was wrong with her? Why did she tend to lose her mind and all semblance of right or wrong wherever he was concerned, why did she want nothing more than to commit treason and cross over into the world she wasn't allowed to - the world of hope and dreams, of fairy tales. The world her Jeeju had dreamt for her. As she felt her lips still tingling with a need, a want so deep for him she felt it in the depths of her soul hot tears pricked her eyes. She needed Asad's touch just to spring to life. As she heard him clear his throat attempting to say something she threw open the car door much to his disheartening and ran out onto the sidewalk leaving Asad calling after her)

Asad - Zoya..Zoya meri baat toh suno- Damn it (he banged the steering wheel hard, closing his eyes and clutching his hair as he threw his head back against the headrest) WHAT The hell is wrong with me...(banged the steering wheel again) why the hell do I always lose my mind around her...(shook his head trying to orient himself)

A minute later -Asad finally getting his bearings SOMEWHAT together got out of his car and frowned immediately seeing Zoya standing outside the cafe just staring in. Not going in and getting as far away from him as possible after what almost happened between them again as he expected her to but just standing in front of the huge window and staring into the cafe, frowning Asad followed her until he was standing right next to her on the sidewalk staring in too, not saying anything just standing next to her as the clouds overhead thundered loudly.

Zoya - (whispered so softly to him that the insecurity, uncertainty and pain in her voice seared his heart) you want me to perform at the Arts festival in front of hundreds of people when I find it difficult to walk into a coffee shop full of people? I can't walk in to grab a coffee without having a complete breakdown or panic attack...To complete a shift at work? To take a walk in public..afraid of them thinking the same of me, of them judging me, of them trying (gulped nervously) of them trying to do the same (shook her head sighing) of running into him again-

Asad - well you wouldn't have to live with that fear if you just gave me a name...

Zoya - (her heart lurching turned and looked at him and saw him continuing to stare into the window without a care, without remorse, without flinching and she realized he was dead serious) I-

Asad - (shook her head) you know you say all this...but they're just empty words...(Zoya narrowed her eyes at him confusedly, but he continued to look into the glass window of Asha's with a far away look in his eyes, as if he wasn't even there, as if instead of Asha's he was seeing something else, which he was. He was watching a girl dancing in the rain without a care in the world, the words "taal se taal mila echoing in his ears) you were made to be on stage...dancing. You can't help but be one with the rhythm any more than I can, you (turned his slightly darker eyes and locked them with her believing ones) you dancing...(shook his head as if trying to forget) it's the most divine sight I've ever witnessed...(released a shuddering breath looking down, he barely whispered the last words, he mumbled them mostly to himself but Zoya heard them anyway. She heard anything and everything said by him or about him. Nothing where he was concerned missed her. As she heard his words, she gasped softly for they alone held the power to heal half her shattered soul) it..it leaves me breathless. (As he heard her gasp softly, he slipped his fingers into hers by their side and stepped closer to her, his eyes pleading, his voice, his words, his eyes they were all so earnest, somewhere even the most darkest, deepest and most broken pieces of her heart wanted to relent and give in, waltz and come to life just for him, with him, trusting him) please... please don't give up on your dream. I..I couldn't bare with. It isn't just your dream Zoya...you'd be giving up on. It's your dream...your Aapi's dream...your Jeeju's dream...(looked down as she saw all the many fragments of his broken heart in his eyes) my dream. Just think of all that you've sacrificed to get here. Please..please don't do this. Jab...jab insaan kissi cheez ko itni shiddat..se chahta haina toh woh uska fitoor ban jata hai aur aggar fitoor poora na hona, toh ek na ek din woh uss insaan aur uss insaan ke ird gird poori dunya ko jala ke raakh kar deta hai. (Subconsciously tugging at her wrist and pulling her closer and Zoya didn't need another tug to close the remaining distance between them) Mujhe tumhare saath saath apna bhi fitoor pura kar lene do (Zoya's surprised eyes locked with his as she realized that the fitoor he was referring to may not entirely be Music or Dance alone)(his voice suddenly huskier) ek saath... kadam se kadam milake...dhadkane churake khud jalke...iss dunya ko jalake hum inn pallon mein ek poori zindagi jee sakte hain...(his head tilting as Zoya closed her eyes in surrender and tilted her head upwards just as he tilted side ways, losing all semblance of sanity) Please...Zoya..please let the music heal you. Let me heal you. Please...just come back to me. (and if it weren't for the clouds overhead that showered upon them, they would have crossed the threshold from where there was no return for if Asad's eyes hadn't snapped open feeling it rain heavily upon him, if she didn't feel his tug on her hand as he avoiding eye contact with her began dragging her into the cafe as they were both getting drenched, the words that held the power to destroy them both along with the entirety of Kasauli whilst simultaneously bringing it to life, "I love youwere about to escape Zoya's lips and if she had in this moment, on this day on this sidewalk whispered them to him, she would have never have felt more lighter, happier or alive and no truer more sincere words could have been uttered in this history of the world. She would not regret them. She kept her eyes focused on the back of Asad's head as he led her inside the cafe in an attempt to get inside. However once inside they were met with the afternoon rush and the hustle and the bustle and lack of space to even maneuver in the slightest is what snapped Zoya out of her trance and bubble of happiness and delusion. She gulped nervously as she felt Asad's eyes on her imploring, and his grip tighten on her hold as they were pushed and shoved into one corner of the cafe. She could feel the beginning of a panic attack hearing so many voices, so many words, seeing so many eyes, so many MEN in that cafe all of whom she felt were staring at her and judging her even though they were all enjoying their mid-day coffee or lunch and no one was staring at or judging her. As she finally raised her eyes to Asad's face she felt him give her a slight nod and her lips trembled nervously hearing the rowdy laughter of some boys in the back, her hand automatically snatched from his and she took a step back but his reflex when it came to her was spontaneous and he took an instant one into her and she could feel herself nearly about to hyperventilate and not wanting to disappoint him she turned her head and on her heels to the counter and kitchen muttering something about his coffee whilst Asad groaned annoyedly running a frustrated hand through his damp hair. So much for Progress.)

Asad - (clutched the back of his neck twisting his neck side to side as his phone buzzed in his pocket for the umpteenth time, pulling it out he saw yet another countless call from Ayaan but he cancelled it. He knew it would be about life or death but at the moment he seemed to have more pressing matters at hand he needed to attend to) (whispering to himself, he shook his head) I can't let you self destruct like this...I won't allow it...yahan ek Asad kaafi hai..ek aur ki yahan gunjaish nahin hai

Zoya on the other hand was standing leaning against the wall in the back kitchen where they all kept their stuff, whilst Asad's words ran through her head constantly clashing with Sameer's words "s**t, tease, wh**e "it's the most divine sight I've ever witnessed...her mind and her heart battled it out and the weight of those voices in her head made her feel as if she was losing her mind. Just as the first of tears spilt from her eyes out of frustration of not knowing what to do, could she really abandon her dream and learn to live with it? Could she do that to her Jeeju, to herself, and after knowing what IMA meant to Asad (most importantly him) could she do that to him knowing that somewhere somehow he had begun living his dream vicariously through her)

Sheila - Zoya..can you take these fresh biscotti's out I know there's a mob of people outside ready to attack us if they don't get their hands on them in the next 30 seconds and that includes bossman Asad..(laughed) I still can't in all the years I've known Asad come to believe that he's got such a major sweet tooth I mean usko dekh ke lagta hai ussne kabhi life mein sugar taste tak nahin ki aur- (realizing she was talking to herself she looked up and saw Zoya still standing slouching against the wall clutching at her hair making Sheila frown) Zoya...Zoya? (Zoya still didn't hear a word she had said, so grabbing the tray of Biscotti's she walked over to her, and stood right in front of her) Zoyaa- (now getting slightly worried she reached out and put a tentative hand on her shoulder and Zoya let out a slight yelp as she trembled and jerked to the side as if afraid of Sheila's touch...making sheila frown worriedly) Relax...it's just me and..these (held up the tray) biscotti's...are you, are you sure you're okay? I was calling you for so long to take these out..kahan khoyee hoyee ho tum..sab theek toh haina-

Zoya - (running a nervous hand through her hair and desperately acting alright for she knew her eyes just like the one she loved were the passageway to her soul, they simultaneously held as well as revealed all the secrets of her heart and soul) haan..yah I'm perfectly fine I...I (seeing the biscotti's as an escape) I..I'm fine I'll take these- (she stopped as she felt herself come to life in her entirety, for there was just one sound in this entire world that could accomplish that and she heard it through closed doors, she could hear it through a steel barrier, without so much as wasting another second she turned around and was pushing through the doors of the kitchen and into the bustling cafe and lo and behold, just as she knew in her deepest core and corner of her heart and it never failed to surprise her how he always, without fail managed to steal her breath away)

Asad- (standing on the small makeshift in the cafe, his eyes closed head tilted) Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si, soti raaton mein jaagi si milli ek ajnabi se koi aage na peeche tum hi kaho yeh koi baat hai(and a small smile steadily grew on his face as he felt it. He could tell, he could feel her eyes on him. He opened his eyes, and his eyes were automatically locked with hers. They stayed locked with hers, leaving them both breathless until a small child pulled on Zoya's shirt asking for a biscotti making Zoya stare at him stupidly, unable to comprehend what he was saying, making Asad smile and chuckle just slightly lowering his head. As he lifted his head he tapped the mic a second, gathering everyone's attention again as they went back to their usual lunch time chatter once he stopped singing)

Asad - hey everyone...(and boy could he command a room. The room fell silent at once and all eyes were on him expectantly, more than half of them dreamily) sorry to disturb your lunch..I promise to make up for it with a free coffee round on the house but before that...I need your help. (Stared at Zoya out of the corner of his eyes as she held out the biscotti tray to another couple whilst keeping her eyes on Asad, wondering what he was up to) I need your help with a girl I met not too long ago, (smiling shyly and fondly at the ground as if he could literally see it all happening, all that played out between them before his eyes again) a girl who literally danced her way into my life despite my best efforts...a girl I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know right here in this cafe, a girl who brought immeasurable sweetness into my life, something which had been drastically missing from it for a long, (sighing closing his eyes) long time...a girl named (opened his eyes staring straight into Zoya's nervous ones) Sugar (and just as Zoya's shocked eyes snapped to his face, all the barista's snapped to her face, Sheila's with one eyebrow raised. What was brewing here?) and today, when it's my turn to return the favour...she won't let me. Come on everyone, ask her to dance with me won't you? (Zoya nearly dropped the entire tray of biscotti's swaying on her feet as the cafe erupted in cheers and applause making Zoya's eyes dart right and left in panic. As she turned her eyes back to Asad her mouth fell agape seeing him drop her a wink before hitting play on his Ipod and letting music blast through the caf over bluetooth)

xxx

Continued in next post...

Aa Aa..Aa Aa...Aa Aa..Aa Aa.. Aa..

Asad - (staring right into Zoya's eyes across the small cozy cafe on a rainy afternoon, he watched Zoya's eyes fast begin filling with tears as she realized why he was doing all this, to get her to dance in a public place just so she could overcome her fear which was holding her back and realize she still had it in her) Na Hai Yeh Pana Na Khona He Hai (as always, the words of choice seemed to reflect the state of his heart perfectly) Tera Na Hona (closed his eyes in surrender, much like he himself had surrendered his entire life and himself to her, for her) Jaane Kyun Hona hi Hai (as he opened his eyes, he saw Zoya immediately break away as the first of those many stubborn tears that filled her eyes spilled over and she as usual hiding behind her curtain of hair began walking around the cafe offering biscotti's to the countless personal occupying the cafe during the afternoon rush and as she felt a breeze whip past her, goosebumps erupt on her skin, her breathing shallow and her heart racing she knew he was near, behind her, not too far from her and had begun following her around the cafe) Tum Se Hi Din Hota Hai Surmayi Shaam Aati Hai Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (just as she finished allowing the elderly couple on one of the tables to help themselves to the fresh and highly popular biscotti's and she turned around to make her way to the next table, she gasped softly and stumbled a few steps as she found herself coming face to face with the most handsomest of faces and the most electric and captivating eyes which immediately locked onto her beautiful but tear stained face taking her all in, not just one feature but the entirety of her face, and never before did his hauntingly beautiful eyes hold this much intensity as he stared at her beautiful face whilst singing the next few words) Har Ghadi Saans Aati Hai Zindagi Kehlati Hai Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (as Zoya felt his warm fingers enclose over one of her wrists just as she turned her back on him about to make yet another one of her great escapes she was becoming exceedingly good at she stopped in her tracks, struggling to breath, his distance alone managed to react such a reaction out of her let alone his touch. He came up behind her, lining his body directly behind her, as he sang the next words practically in a whisper against her ear making her entire body shudder as she closed her eyes in surrender. Taking advantage of her distraction he snuck another hand over her shoulder from behind and stealing the last biscotti slipped the tray from between her fingers before spinning her around in his hold which forced her eyes open and to lock with his forever devouring ones, his arms locked around her waist (one still holding the biscotti, and she didn't even realize when he began swaying with her throughout the cafe, which might as well have been empty because the minute he held her in his arms, so securely, so possessively, so closely, no one but the two of them existed for her in that moment and she knew, that no harm could befall her. It was just her, and the man of her dreams, the ONLY man she had ever dreamt of, at a ball of their own) Na Hai Yeh Pana Na Khona Hi Hai Tera Na Hona, (spun her out of his hold, closing his eyes and running a hand through his hair) Jaane (slowly pulling her back into his hold, this time her hand enveloping in his, the biscotti trapped between their hands, whilst his one hand wrapped possessively around her waist, and her other hand was sliding up his shoulder) Kyun Hona Hi Hai (and just as he desired, slowly but surely that dimpled smile of hers that he missed so deeply began erupting on her face in full force, a sure shot guaranteed whenever she danced. She lost touch with the world and travelled to a world of her own whenever she did, and dancing with Asad felt like she had glass slippers on, and the clock could never strike midnight again) Aa Aa..Aa Aa...Aa Aa..Aa Aa.. Aa..(she matched him breath for breath, step for step, beat for beat, practically leading the dance that's how much she was flowing with the beat of both his and her heart. Transcending amongst clouds out of the sheer high of dancing with him, she couldn't hear the whistles or the cheers from the audience as she set the club ablaze doing what she did best, and Asad couldn't be more proud)

Asad - (waltzing with her) Aankho Mein Aankhe Teri Bahoo Mein Bahe Teri Mera Na Mujh Mein Kuch Raha (twirled her around) Hua Kya (and she ended up with her back against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around her caging her in, her hands atop his, as she turned her head slightly staring back at him, watching his eyes slowly turn darker, his two fingers slowly sliding up her arm making her breath hitch as they swayed around the busy cafe, and Asad Ahmed Khan could care less about the watchful eyes, society and what people had to say in that moment. For him, all that mattered was that beautiful smile on that beautiful face) Bathon Mein Bathein Teri Rathe Saogathe Meri Kuyn Tera Sab Yeh Ho Gaya (he twirled her around rapidly in his arms catching her in a dip their eyes heavily locked upon one another and their gazes couldn't help but snag to each other's lips, but once again it just wasn't the time and so mother nature did her thing by making the clouds thunder loudly and Zoya snapped out of it just as Asad lowered his head further, unable to control himself but since she turned her head, his forehead slightly touched the side of her face just as he felt himself being forced to stand up straight and shoved back slightly) Hua Kya (he felt the warmth, life, her, slipping between his hold making him panic slightly as he opened his eyes slowly and saw that beautiful auburn silky hair of hers slip between his fingers as she ran away from him and his feet carried him behind her without a second or thoughts delay from him, he followed her through the door she had left open and swinging in her wake as she ran out into the pouring rainfall with a smile so wide and bright it lit up the entire of Kasauli, lit him up, a smile he hadn't seen in a LONG LONG time, and it left him spell bound, standing there on the sidewalk watching magic transcend before himself) Mein Kahin Bhi Jaata Hun Tum Se Hi Mil Jatha Hun Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (he watched spellbound as she twirled around, her arms spread wide under the open rain, her eyes closed, face upwards towards the sky, like no one else existed in that moment but her and the raindrops kissing her face, but only one other soul existed in that moment, and it was Asad, who looked drunk, drunk on her as he stared at her transfixed. In love.) Shor Mein Khamoshi Hai Thodi Si Behoshi Hai Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (Zoya was disturbed from her twirling as she collided with a rock-hard chest bursting her little bubble of happiness and making her eyes snap open in surprise, and again a soft gasp escaped her as she saw the intensity of his black eyes staring back at her. She tried to stumble back but his arm snapped out and wrapped around her waist and since her clothes were drenched and sticking to her, his hand was wrapped around her bare waist making her whole-body jolt and come to life in response, his touch was magnetic. The two souls parched for life, parched for love, found both those poisons as they stood arm in arm, toe to toe their hearts beating in sync on that rainy sidewalk) Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa...(A honk from the street followed by rowdy cheering of driving by teenagers snapped Asad out of unabashedly staring at Zoya's lips in the middle of town square during rush hour and he knew it was the exact thing which held the power to destroy another part of Zoya and send her receding back into her shell he had just now worked so hard to pull her out of and that just wasn't acceptable and so without thinking about it for another second he grabbed Zoya's fingers in his making her gasp startled as he began twirling her right into the middle of the busy intersection making not just the traffic but the entire world around him come to a standstill, but again they could all be damned as far as he was concerned, all of that was fanaa in front of Zoya's smile. At the moment her mouth was just hanging open in shock, for he had left her breathless) Aadha Sa Vada Kabhi Aadhe Se Zyada Kabhi Jee Chahe Karlu Is Tarah Wafa Ka (twirling her all around him, his eyes not leaving hers for a single second though no matter where he twirled her both their eyes found each other and never once swayed) Chode Na Chute Kabhi Tode Na Toote Kabhi Jo Daga Tum Se Jud Gaya Wafa Ka (as he twirled her out one final time, he held her at an arm's length as they struggled to catch their breaths and calm their racing hearts, their eyes still not swaying) Mein Tera Sarmaya Hu Jo Bhi Mein Ban Paya Hu Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (this time he slowly drew her in, close to himself his eyes still not swaying, the surety in them making her trust, believe, hope once again as she lowered her eyes shyly, biting her lips) Raaste Mil Jate Hai Manzile Mil Jati Hai Tum Se Hi Tum Se Hi (Asad using just the one finger tipped her chin up and boy was she well rewarded for it, for she saw the most beautiful, full toothed smile on Asad's face, as he looked up towards the rapidly falling rain, stepping back and spreading his arms wide embracing her friend making Zoya's hands fly to her mouth in shock, was this HER Mr. Khan?) Na Hai Yeh Pana Na Khona He Hai (and in turn Zoya reciprocated and blessed him with an equally beautiful gift, her laughter, her giggle which echoed all over the place as she watched him steal her breath away, she shook her head at him as he began shaking his head making all the rain water flow onto her and her giggles rapidly increase too, before she stepped away from him closing her eyes and her smile only increased in magnitude as she feeling more alive than she could ever remember feeling began doing her infamous chicken moonwalk followed by the most ridiculous robotic dance Asad had ever seen making him chuckle over the sound of the rain and making Zoya fall harder in love with everything about him.) Tera Na Hona, Jaane (as Zoya felt her breaths betray her at the most majestic sound she had ever heard, his chuckle, she felt her heart fill with love, gratitude, life all FOR HIM, all BECAUSE of him and simultaneously her eyes filled with tears too and she couldn't control it, couldn't control herself and before she knew it she jumped the 2 feet distance between them straight into Asad's arms making him stumble a few steps back from the sheer force of it all, but he caught her, steadied her, and as he wrapped his arms around her tight burying his face in her hair and neck he lifted her and spun her off her feet) Kuyn Hona He Hai

(and in the middle of that busy intersection during rush hour amidst the rain, two lovers embraced and came to life, as he spun her around, sweeping her clean off her feet)

Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa ...

A few minutes later:

Asad slowly brought Zoya lower to the ground, eye level and as her feet touched the ground she looked around nervously, her face a flaming red. Asad finally managed to snap out of it, as he finally heard the countless horns and curses of the people of Kasauli all of whom were now to get late some place or the other thanks to him, he having effectively blocked the traffic. As Zoya looked up at him positively scandalized Asad just chuckled raising an eyebrow and biting his lip in an "oops sort of way before he grabbed her hand and holding up his fingers in a peace gesture , ran back to the sidewalk in front of Asha's Cafe..Zoya's eyes immediately snagged to their joined hands marvelling at how perfectly they fit together and how natural it had become for both of them to lay a touch on one another, grab hold of one another like they held an unsaid, untold, unheard claim on the other. She felt a pang in her heart as she felt the comfort of his fingers lost on her as he (reluctantly) let go of her hand once they were back on the sidewalk.

Asad - see, I proved my point..ab bas ya aur natak bhi karna hai? I mean I know you're a nautanki (Zoya's mouth fell agape in shock) and could do this forever but iss baar thora time ka constraint hai..the arts festival is in 2 days and we still have choreography and rehearsals to take care of so if you could quit the tantrums that would be great...

Zoya - (narrowed her eyes at him) I don't throw tantrums..that would be your forte-

Asad - see now I could do THIS (pointing between them both) all day...but (checked his watch) I'm actually running a little late so if I could hear a yes soon that would be great..

Zoya - (sighed crossing her arms pensively) look Mr. Khan I understand what you're saying and..I'm...I'm not saying (watching him ready to argue) no but..can (sighed) can I just think on it for a bit...please? I..I promise I'll consider everything you just said...please...please just give me some time-

Asad - (sighed, relenting against his better judgement but he had no choice, his phone was ringing YET again, and he really had to go) fine, you have until tomorrow morning but all I want to hear...is a yes, nothing else (pointed a finger at her) got it? (Zoya rolled her eyes, her version of a yes and Asad gave her a small sad smile, extremely reluctant and hesitant, he SO did not want to go) I gotta go

Zoya - (smiled as she watched him turn his back on her as a thought struck her regarding this entire scenario, and the rather odd and unexpected morning she was having) Mr. Khan...does this mean..we're now officially friends..because enemies aren't supposed to help one another...so are we friends or should I say "frenemies because I don't really know how I feel about that. (Asad turned back around, his eyes shining with the same intensity they usually did where Zoya was concerned, his heart skipped a beat as he came face to face with her smiling and expectant face and he really wanted nothing more than to clarify things for her and tell her exactly WHAT they were, what she was to him, what she meant to him, how MUCH she mattered to him but he sighed hopelessly as he took a step towards her, the constantly ringing cell phone in his jeans preventing him from doing so. Instead Zoya felt her breath hitch as he came right up to her, leaning into her as she leaned back until she felt his breath hit her cheek making her whole body shudder anxiously, expectantly and wishfully, desire coursing high through her veins as she felt his lips brush against her ear, followed by his whisper and she felt her knees give way, she had to grip his bicep just to stand upright, suddenly wishing they weren't standing in the middle of a sidewalk surprising herself that for once SHE was thinking such things about a man)

Asad - yaad karegi dunya...tera mera afsaana (and Zoya's eyes opened and narrowed as she felt something cold slip into and being pressed into her hand, and just like that he was gone, like a ghost and all Zoya was left with was feeling cold and numb as she watched his retreating back down the sidewalk)

Zoya - (in a daze whispered after him as she ran her fingers over her wrist where his fingers previously were) I could do this forever too..

Asad - oh by the way I'm taking that back if I don't hear a yes (Zoya looked up to see him bite into the now slightly soggy biscotti, walking backwards on the sidewalk pointing an accusatory finger at her before he turned around and disappeared on her and that was when Zoya looked into her hand to see what he had pushed into her hand and what she saw left her speechless and her eyes filled with tears, she lifted the beautiful pendant closer and her hands shook as she did, touched beyond words. It was the most beautiful gesture, simplest message and most pure request she had ever witnessed. She ran her fingers over the engraving immediately understanding what he meant and that made her stare at the cuts on her arm in deep regret and sorrow, wondering what would've been if she had been successful in committing the biggest mistake of her life, too afraid to even think of the possibility and repercussions she slowly brought the pendant to her lips and placed a soft lingering kiss on it, her new prize possession)

xxx

Somewhere in the slums of downtown Kasauli::

Ayaan ducked his head back behind the narrow hill he was using to cover himself. As raging gunshots echoed in the air, he ducked his head reloading his gun, whilst

hitting speed dial on his phone again but again he was met with nothing but Asad's monotone voicemail.

Ayaan - (muttered) god damn it, where the hell is he (as he heard the firing grow more intense he lifted his head just up till his eyes and using two fingers pointed ahead as if telling someone to take charge and the gunshots increased to a crossfire, now there were shots raging from both sides of the road where a truck stood parked on one side and multiple cars on the other effectively blocking the path to the Kasauli bridge that led into or out of the city. Ayaan muttering under his breath about Asad's whereabouts was releasing the safety of his gun which is why he didn't see Asad tactfully park his bike on the other side of the road inside of Kasauli, before crawling across the bridge careful not to be spotted by sliding off the bridge and hanging/monkey barring the rest of the way across the bridge, as he reached the end of the bridge he slowly and very calmly making himself invisible pulled himself up on the bridge careful to hide behind the many cars whilst everyone in the area was too busy being engrossed in the gun battle, sliding underneath one of the cars parked he reached the end of the highway from where he spotted Ayaan laying low and firing across, as soon as he heard the shots cease for one second he took advantage of that by rolling across the highway straight into the small ditch next to Ayaan and it was pretty clear that whoever they were fighting off today saw him because the gunshots escalated making Asad and Ayaan both lay flat against the ground covering their heads till the opposite side relented just a little)

Asad - hey. (Ayaan stared at him wide eyed, he comes NOW and all he has to say was HEY?) what'd I miss?

Ayaan - oh nothing just the item number at the climax (Asad just raised an eyebrow having understood nothing) yahan koi film chal rahee hai, (mimicking him) what'd I miss? Forget what you missed (raising his own eyebrow in response) tell me what I missed. (trying to be heard over the raging gunshots he turned his face towards Asad so if he didn't hear him he could at least read his lips) where the hell have you been all morning?

Asad - I uhh...I had something else to take care of

Ayaan - like? (But Asad chose to ignore him and instead was busy in pulling out his gun from inside his boot and loading it, all the while purposely ignoring Ayaan and his eyebrow that was rising higher and higher) something to take care of as in?

Asad - like something to take care of, now can we please FOCUS here or have you forgotten we're in the middle of a cross fire not having drinks at Rogue? (Ayaan narrowed his eyes at him as he too positioned his gun just as Asad fired off a few shots of his own, expertly, a complete pro and needless to say BAD ASS)

Ayaan - (whispered) something to take care of or someone (Asad turned his astonished face towards Ayaan, his eyes narrowed. Seriously? But he refused to answer, he again responded back to the gunshots that weren't relenting anytime soon, but it was obvious from the smile growing on Ayaan's face..he didn't need to say anymore he knew just what had kept him busy)

Asad - (shook his head pulling back to reload) they aren't gonna relent, yeh log aise nahin maane waale

Ayaan - (groaned rolling his eyes) not again...look I can't afford a black eye okay I have a date with Naina tonight (Asad's eyes snapped up to Ayaan's face as if Ayaan had lost his mind)

Asad - that's like your 8th date with her...don't you think you're getting a little too serious...

Ayaan - (chuckled as he took a few shots) what do you mean TOO serious? Weren't you the one who kept on pestering me about flings and one night stands and how meaningless all that is...

Asad - yah but Ayaan Kasauli is burning...we're in the middle of a war zone, you can't afford to fall in love NOW

Ayaan - (turned his head back towards him) Asad, brother, jang ke beech hi toh mohabbat ka asli maza hai? (putting a comforting hand on his shoulder) a solider always needs to remember what he's fighting for...(Asad just stared at him, Ayaan could see he was conflicted, he just hoped that he could recognize what was worth fighting for before it was too late)

Ayaan - (doing his and Asad's handshake) anyways, you know I always got your back..(Asad nodded, as he snapped out of it. He couldn't afford distraction right now, he and Ayaan took position and then Ayaan waited for his signal before both of them rolled out right into the battlefield)

A very heavy, action packed, gruesome and violent fight later, Ayaan kicked the last of the goons they were fighting against unconscious whilst Asad's heavy boots landed on the hood of the truck they were fighting for.

Jay - (popping a peanut into his mouth) un-freaking believable, now they have the military doing their dirty work too?

Asad - (frowned) The military evacuated Kasauli right about the same time Anand Rai did...they couldn't afford a scandal of open corruption amongst men in uniform that high up, these are the government puppets who don the uniform just so no one gets in their way and they can Poison Kasauli one life at a time...

Nikhil - (jumped on the truck too) and today's poison is (he pulled back the sheet covering the load in the truck and to no one's surprise it was weapons)

Asad - (sighed shaking his head as he took a puff of his cigarette even though his jaw was clutched with anger, on the verge of popping) so they could pay the hungry to spread chaos and riots in Kasauli and prove why this city needs THEM to stop it from burning...

Jay - (picked up the guy who had been knocked out by Ayaan and tossed him into the back of the truck) well they won't know what hit em this time eh Mayor? (Asad jumped off the hood of the truck)

Asad - Can you and Nikhil escort him back? I'll get there before you to make sure the cafe is empty- (he looked up from his watch to find both Jay and Nikhil staring at him wide eyed, their mouths nearly touching the ground) what?

Ayaan - (leaning against the truck smiling in amusement) they just aren't used to taking requests from you...more along the lines of having orders barked to them (mimicking Asad) ESCORT HIM BACK - (mock saluting him) SIR YES SIR

Jay - No but it's...its...change is good-

Ayaan - I wonder what brought on this much needed change though no? (Mumbling to himself) or rather...who..

Nikhil - (a knowing smile on his face, trying to act nonchalant as he got the door to the passenger side) waise whose closing at the cafe today?

Asad - (immediately) Zoya s- (he looked up gobsmacked having walked right into that and was met with the urgent slamming of truck doors in response and Ayaan staring at the sky as if the clouds were the most fascinating thing he had ever witnessed. Asad rolled his eyes at them and smacked the door on Jay's side) keep him dehydrated till I get there...I wanna talk to him (Jay rolled his eyes)

Jay - the last guy you wanted to talk to has a broken jaw-

Asad - Yah well (and so much for change, there he went barking again) he pissed me off...he should know I don't like asking twice. (Jay just laughed shaking his head)

Nikhil - next time we'll send out a memo to the bad guys of dos and don'ts if they lose a crossfire to us and end up being taken captive...how to not piss Asad Amed Khan off.

Ayaan - (mumbling) might as well be handing out blank papers...

Asad - (side eyed him as he began flexing his fist pointedly) don't you need to use your jaw on your date tonight? (Ayaan just laughed as Jay and Nikhil took off whilst much of their other guys came out of hiding and walking to the cars blocking the bridge to clear the path for them)

Asad - hey by the way, tell Ricky the new kid...(smiled a small miserly smile) good job today...

Ayaan - (sighed pumping his fist against Asad's as he got on his bike shaking his head) seriously man, learn to use your words. (Tongue in cheek) I mean I'm sure you can ask Zoya to teach you how?...you anyways live with her-

Asad - (his face tomato red, his cheeks flaming as his head jerked up in shock his heart stopped beating altogether) what I...don't love Zoya-

Ayaan - (chuckled patting his face) live brother...(and saying so he shook his head still chuckling as he flew off on his bike and Asad could still hear him laughing as he drove off leaving Asad to wonder which live he was referring to? Live as in clarifying he said live not love or live as in instructing Asad to LIVE via love)

xxx

Asha's:

Zoya smiled at the customers as she pocketed her tip and waved them off before sighing and staring at the condition of the table left for her to clean.

Zoya - Afternoon rushes wear me out more than Mr. Khan does (and suddenly for no reason at all she began smiling and a deep pink hue spread across her cheeks as she reminisced getting all up and in his face, day dreaming she took a seat at the table she was supposed to be cleaning and let out a dream filled sigh) I wonder what it would be like to be worn out by Mr. Khan under different circumstances (and her fingers tenderly touched her lips as she remembered the feel of his lips on hers when they kissed, the pressure with which he pressed against her lips, dominating, seeking and wanting more but just as her mind was about to give her the answer she sought she felt her phone buzz in her apron snapping her out of it making her face turn tomato red) ALLAH MIYAN (looking positively traumatized) yeh main kya soch rahee hoon...(shaking her head) Mr. Khan toh jinnon se bhi worse hain...aaj sirf UNKI wajah se mujh jaisi masoom si bachi ke dimaagh mein itne gande gande khayal aa rahe hain...for the first time about a man...(jumped out of her seat as if on fire even more traumatized) about MR. KHAN...(even though she felt herself growing breathless, gasping for more..wanting to see that dream to the climax, her phone buzzed in her pocket again and she looked upwards as she dug it out) sorry Allah Miyan sorry...aapki Zoya ka dimaagh iss gutter se nahin bhara..main iss sabke baare mein nachi sochti..main waake hi innocent hoon I swear yeh sab toh bas (and she stared down at her phone where her wallpaper was of a shirtless Asad in the pool, his eyes closed slicking back his wet hair, his biceps bulging she screamed dropping her phone on the table, busted before her Allah Miyan..she smiled nervously heavenward like a Cheshire cat as she nervously picked up her phone unlocking it, her mouth felt dry whilst she simultaneously felt drool at the corner of her lips seeing his picture) haan toh woh main bas...HAAN aapki banayee hoo khoobsurti ko appreciate kar rahee thee...(sighing dreamily as she stared at the wallpaper) after all aapne inhe itni fursat se banaya hai...(she ran her fingers over his handsome face whilst the old couple at the table next to her turned their gobsmacked faces back to each other, rushing to get out of there all of a sudden, clearly the employees here were not mentally sane and talked to themselves)

Zoya - (frowned reading Asad's message) yeh Mr. Khan mujhe audio files kyun bhej rahe hain? ALLAH MIYAN..(looking even more traumatized then she did when she was having dirty thoughts about the poor boy) ab Mr. Khan ne aapne lectures record karke sabko text karna bhi shuru kar diye hain...Jahapanah has an audio lecture library? (She smacked her head, so much for dirty thoughts of being worn out by Asad, however as much as she would like to profess to Allah Miyan that she didn't have impure thoughts ESPECIALLY about Asad her mind was hell bent on exposing her because the very next second she imagined him bossing her around and barking orders under completely different very non-platonic circumstances and again it made her blush and get caught staring off into the distance whilst sighing wistfully...if it wasn't for another barista dropping and breaking a cup Zoya would've been able to witness the climax of that dream once and for all and my what a climax it would be. She snapped out of it flushing deep tomato red and nervously pushing her hair back and wiping sweat off the back of her neck, Allah Miyan was it getting hotter in here suddenly. Sighing deeply, she shook her head as if to physically knock those thoughts out of her head, she took headphones out of her apron and plugged them in, and finally with suddenly shaking fingers played the clip he had sent. She felt surprised as she felt herself get disappointed when his monotone, calm and collected but deep hoarse voice didn't resonate back in a lecture (which surprised her even more, she wanted to hear a LECTURE..was that her kryptonite? Allah Miyan!) but instead it was music that resonated back at her)

(A deep smile slowly but surely spread across her face, her dimples poking through as she closed her eyes relishing the beautiful melody and words) Jab koi baat bigad jaaye Jab koi mushkil pad jaaye Tum dena saath mera o humnava (Zoya bit her lip to stop herself from squealing like a school girl at Asad's adorableness, what an absolute dork. Was this what he was doing at "work? She pouted missing him suddenly, if he was gonna miss her and be preoccupied with thoughts of her then why leave her in the first place. She could picture him sitting there in his chair frowning at his phone as he for sure wrote and erased the message multiple times debating whether or not to send it, but the fact that he sent it showed her how much he cared. How much she meant to him and his care for her meant more to her than anyone else's ever had. Her getting her life back, the one Sameer Anand stole from her, getting her dreams back, going after all that she desired and hoped with no holdbacks and with her all meant so much to him, that he was finding ways to tell her that in every which way he could, that he was with her no matter what, and NOTHING could go wrong so long as that was a fact.)

Jab koi baat bigad jaaye Jab koi mushkil pad jaaye Tum dena saath mera o humnava (and in that moment Zoya knew, exactly what it was she had to do)

xxx

Haveli:

The girls were all sitting around Anaya's phone which was safely set in the middle of the coffee table biting their nails on the verge of having a heart attack whilst Azlan who was watching TV lazing on the sofa next to Zain shook his head...

Azlan - you guys are ridiculous...how many times do I have to tell you aggar ab tak javaab nahin aya iska matlab javaab NA hai...it was a long shot anyways, Asad kabhi nahin maane waala tha. A joint wedding, you know what that entails right? Him stepping foot into our house or allowing us to step into his house and trust me he'd rather burn his mansion down then allow that to happen

Kajol - NAHIN!!!! (Forever melodramatic) kitna khoobsurat ghar hai uska aisi na insaafi woh kaise kar sakta hai...

Azlan - can you all stop hovering around the phone you're making me anxious

Naina - don't you have something more important to do than laze around and watch TV all day...like I don't know suck up to office Malik and get your old job back?

Azlan - don't you have something more important to do than lecture people NAANI MAA...Chalo JAO go tell Ramu Kaka to make me a coffee-

Naina - sure...cheene ke saath saath do chamchi zeher bhi mila dein?

Anaya - will you two shut up? Tum dono ki bak bak ke uppar phone ke bajne ki awaz bhi nahin sunayee degi AAAHHH (she screamed along with Kajol and Naina as her phone rang and first the phone stumbled in the air between all 3 of their hands as they scrambled to answer it and when finally Anaya answered it, all 3 of them breathing heavily closed their eyes crossing their fingers)

Anaya - (trying to be calm and collected but her breathlessness was obvious at once) Hello?

Azlan - Helllooo

Anaya - Hell- (and she, along with Kajol and Naina who had their ears glued to her to eavesdrop froze, and slowly turned around to see Azlan holding his phone to his ear)

Azlan - Helllooo

Zain - (calmly and as poker faced as ever picked up a chip and bit into it) hell is reserved for people like you my friend...(and Azlan yelped jumping out of his seat as the girls all charged at him crying bloody murder)

xxx

Continued in next post...

That Evening - Asha's:

2 black SUVS pulled up in front of the cafe, black tinted windows, the monstrosity of them alone able to chill anyone to their bones. No one even had to step out to achieve that. One of the back windows rolled down and a tattooed arm leaned on the window as Zoya came into focus in the cafe, her turn to close. She walked around the cafe with a bin for dirty dishes and a dish cloth tossed carelessly on her shoulder.)

Ho chaandni jab tak raat (Asad stuck his head out the window as hair lightly blowing in the breeze as he rested it on his forearm staring up at the beautiful night sky) Deta hai har koi saath Tum magar andheron mein (closed his eyes praying and hoping for the same fervently, sighing longingly, there was nothing more or less that he wanted from this life) Na chhodna mera haath (Her headphones in her ears, a wide smile on her face. That smile made the faintest of smiles grow on Asad's face too as he stared out the window and at Zoya as she danced like an absolute dork, his adorable dork around the cafe, her giddiness palatable. He stared inside the cafe wanting more desperately than he could ever rememberm wanting to be the bin in her arms that she was clutching so dearly in her arms, and suddenly he had visions of her holding him so dearly, so tenderly in his arms and he was sure he had never been touched that tenderly in his whole life, even if it was nothing more than a desire, it was the most purest and sincerest desire to ever exist. The tenderest of desires.)Ho chaandni jab tak raat Deta hai har koi saath Tum magar andheron mein Na chhodna mera haath

(But then the purity of the moment, the dancing beauty in the cafe who had his heart and soul, the beauty of the melody ringing through his headphones were all disturbed and plagued with the sounds of raging gunshots as his mind and the cruel universe reminded him so kindly of what he spent his afternoon doing and he realized that the dreams he was seeing were nothing more than just that, dreams. There was no way Zoya could accept or forgive a monster like him, no way he deserved an angel like Zoya and no way HE would do that to Zoya, get close to her NO way. That could never happen, he would never allow it. His jaw clenched tight as he going against every fibre in his being rolled up the window of his SUV and it was easily the hardest thing he had ever done. Jay watched as his jaw clenched excruciatingly tightly and he was certain he had never seen Asad in this much pain and he had seen Asad wounded in more gruesome ways than one could imagine. Luckily Jay spotted Anwar's car pull up in front of the cafe and he followed the other SUV as they pulled away from the curb hoping to put a little distance between his friend and the girl he was so hopelessly in love with and so hopelessly trying to fight as well, leaving the girl he was in love with seeing dreams that could never come to life. Zoya sat at the back of the cafe, on the window-seat her and Asad's spot, biting her lips as she envisioned herself in Asad's arms, dancing whilst he sang the same words in his own voice which she much preferred, into her ear in the darkness of the grand hall of Khan Mansion, the moonlight shining down upon them. A delicious tingle ran through her body as she imagined hearing his voice whispering into her ear, the feel of his breath upon her lips, the feel and sensation of his touch still lingered on her skin from earlier today. She smiled at the beautiful necklace she had wrapped around her wrist and she suddenly found herself smiling so much her jaw hurt. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so ecstatic or giddy)

Na koi hai, na koi tha Zindagi mein tumhare siva Tum dena saath mera o humnava

xxx

Later that Night - Khan Mansion:

Asad walked into the house massaging his forehead feeling yet another migraine coming along. As he passed by the large family/sitting room he stopped hearing his bhai and bhabi's arguing voices.

Anwar - Zeenat for God's SAKE not again, main same cheez baar baar kitni baar dohraon...

Zeenat - toh mat dohrao naa kisne bola hai kuch bhi kehne ko

Anwar - Zeenat Main Khamosh NAHIN rahoonga tum aisa nahin kar sakti maine keh diya na-

Zeenat - toh? Tumhara kaha koi pathar pe lakeer thori hai

Anwar - Hai..Iss Ghar mein toh hai aur aggar tumne meri baat na maani TOH MAIN-

Asad - (stunned) BHAI (what the hell was going on, his bhai and bhabi were having problems...since when?) kya horaha hai.. (casting an apprehensive and apologetic, embarrassed smile at Zeenat)

Anwar - (frowned) matlab?

Asad - matlab aap bhabi se aise kyun behave kar rahe hain-

Anwar - Kyunki tumhari bhabi ne harkat hi aisi ki hai-

Asad - haan par bhai ...araam se bhi toh baat ki jaa sakti hai aap chilla kyun rahe hain-

Dilshad - (appearing next to him, her mouth resembled Anwar's in touching the ground) really? Chillae bina bhi baat ho sakti hai...yeh awakening aapko kab aur kaise ayee? (Asad rolled his eyes)

Asad - Ammi aap iss baat pe focus kar rahee hain..aap ghar par hain aur sunn bhi rahee hain ke bhai kaise lar rahe hain bhabi saath aur aap phir bhi inhe rauk nahin raheen?

Dilshad - (smiled running a loving hand through his hair) khud ghalat hote hue bhi doosron pe chilaana toh tum dono bhaiyon ki bachpan ki aadat hai-

Asad - Ammi par bhabi-

Anwar - (mock slapping him) Abhay chup pe bhabi ke chamche...itni fikar aur hamdardi hai bhabi se toh le (grabbed his arm and turned his face towards the TV) tu baith aur zabardasti dekh hum saath saath hain MAIN sone jaa raha hoon-

Asad - (traumatized) KYA (He saw Zeenat smile at him gleefully and expectantly nodding her head through tears whilst Asad and Anwar both looked like someone had threatened to feed them snails for the rest of their lives and both of them began fighting against one another to make a run for it out of the door)

Zeenat - ANWAR! ASAD ruko toh the best song is coming up Ammi aap- (and Dilshad stopped midway between trying to tip toe out of the room not wanting to watch either)

Meanwhile;

Asad ran straight out into the Veranda not wanting to chance it and get as far away as possible from Zeenat. That movie was the collective most hated film in the Khan household given how they grew up and the reality of family they had seen. He cringed making horrific faces as he leaned against one of the veranda pillars letting out a deep sigh and lighting a cigarette to ease his headache when music from the distance reached his ears...

In aankhon ki masti ke, aah aah aah aah

He looked out into the vast gardens of his property and saw no one and nothing in sight but just as he was about to go check inside he stopped on the steps of the mansion as a shiver ripped through him, a cold gust of wind chilling him, stopping him and his heart raced against him...taking a deep breath he gathered strength and looked over at the gazebo again where as he knew in the deepest corner of his hearts he would once again witness the one sight that had the power to destroy him alone, the most divine sight he had ever had the fortune of witnessing an angel in white dancing her heart away, and stealing his breath one step at a time...

Asad struggled to breathe as he found his heart knocking in his chest, his feet carrying him towards the gazebo on their own accord all of a sudden, even from a distance the happiness, tranquility and magic that radiated off of her when she was dancing left him hypnotized and transfixed..Zoya on the other hand who had finally felt like she had come back to life after everything that happened, imagined his beautiful hypnotic eyes, each time they locked on hers and had her undone as she broke all barriers of fear, reserves and pain as she danced her heart away, once she imagined those eyes before her she couldn't stop her feet from moving if she wanted to, they just like the rest of her were magnetized and compelled to dance, out of joy, want, hope and happiness. Out of love.

In aankhon ki masti ke mastaane hazaaron hain Mastaane hazaaron hain..In aankhon se vaabasta In aankhon se vaabasta afsaane hazaaron hain..Afsaane hazaaron hain..In aankhon ki masti ke

Asad's hearts raced a mile per minute as he took a walk around the gazebo and Zoya spun all around in each direction doing a mix of classy mujra and ballet and by God if it wasn't the most sinfully sexiest sight Asad had ever laid eyes upon...Zoya who continued to believe Asad was nothing more than a figment of her imagination pointed to him as she spun all around..an unhappy pout on her lips as her heartbeat accelerated and not just due to the cardio from dancing but his nearness always managed to evoke the most unthought of unheard of desires in her...and she hated it. Why was she alone so effect by this whatever this was between them? Little did she know.

Ek tum hi nahin tanha, aah aah Ek tum hi nahin tanha ulfat mein meri rusva Ulfat mein meri rusva (smiled the most innocent of smiles as she struck a pose eye to eye with him making Asad stop dead in his tracks as she smirked and winked at him always wanting to have the upper hand and not wanting him to have the satisfaction, knowing the competition was fierce when it came to him but she wanted the competition to be fierce for her too, at least she wanted HIM to believe that but why, she didn't know)
Is shaher mein tum jaise (tossed her hair haughtily and turned her back on him dancing her heart away again) Is shaher mein tum jaise deewaane hazaaron hain Deewaane hazaaron hain..In aankhon ki masti ke mastaane hazaaron hain
In aankhon ki masti ke, aah aah aah...

Spinning on her feet, her eyes closed she didn't see him step up right behind her and as the universe desired, the inevitable happened and she ended up colliding right into him. Asad couldn't have been stealthier if he wanted but given what his nightly activities are it came with the territory, he was a ghost, and in this moment he couldn't tell you his name even if he was able to get his head right for 3 seconds to hear you ask him of it. Zoya had him completely undone and at her mercy. He was a goner. As Zoya bumped into him, she had her back to him but continuing to believe it was nothing more than her imagination she turned herself against him, Asad's arms easily and reflexively sliding around her waist and holding her steady, bunching up her white tank in his hold whilst Zoya clutched his collar and pulled him closer, desire and hormones racing high, and Asad wanted nothing more than to relent and for the first time he didn't try fighting it either, he wanted this as much as she did.

Ek sirf humi mai ko, ek sirf humi Ek sirf humi mai ko (Asad's head tilted as Zoya brought his face an inch from her lips and Asad closed his eyes too as his one hand bunched in her hair too, both their hearts, lips and from the looks on their faces souls thirsting for this very moment) aankhon se pilaate hain Aankhon se pilaate hain (Zoya felt the air knock out of her as the very second she was to be relieved to finally be tasting ecstasy she found herself being twirled in his arms around and around leaving her dumbfounded and as breathless as she left him. But she not having her wits any more than Asad did still didn't realize he was actually there, instead she struggled to breathe and calm her racing heartbeats and keep up with Asad)

Kehne ko to duniya mein Kehne ko to duniya mein maikhaane hazaaron hain
Maikhaane hazaaron hain (their arms outstretched behind each other's heads Asad spun them around slowly, waltzing as they gazed into each other's eyes) In aankhon ki masti ke mastaane hazaaron hain In aankhon ki masti ke (Asad let go of her hand with a twirl then and Zoya closed her eyes, her smile growing as did the blush having believed it all to be a figment of her imagination and nothing more than her desired flirting with Asad as she spun on her feet and got back into her groove of mujra and ballet, keeping her eyes level with Asad's) Is shamm-e-faroza ko, aah aah Is shamm-e-faroza ko (She dropped to the floor of the gazebo in Asad's feet doing classical mujra, and Asad had never been more in love. She was majestical and divine) aandhi se darraate ho Aandhi se darraate ho
Is shamm-e-faroza ke Is shamm-e-faroza ke parvaane hazaaron hain Parvaane hazaaron hain (and taking advantage of her one outstretched hand Asad grabbed it and in one swift movement yanked her to her feet and into his arms his one arm locking around her bare waist as her tank top hitched high, Zoya's one hand wrapped around the hair at the nape of his neck and the other one was in a deadly grip in Asad's other hands, both their breaths came out in short pants and they could practically hear the raging heartbeats in each other's chest as their gazes locked and everything else was set ablaze, Zoya gasped startled seeing Asad's eyes charcoal dark, never had she seen anything that intense, deep or demanding and her knees shook in anticipation) In aankhon ki masti ke mastaane hazaaron hain In aankhon se vaabasta afsaane hazaaron hain (Asad gulped nervously as his gaze snagged to Zoya's lips and she closed her eyes in both surrender and permission tilting her head higher and clutching his hair more roughly and tightly) Afsaane hazaaron hain In aankhon ki masti ke (Finally their lips were close enough that Zoya could feel Asad's breaths which were coming out in short pants on her lips and Asad could practically feel her smiling against his own. When Asad spoke Zoya could feel his lips moving against hers)

Asad - (whispered) that was the sexiest thing I have ever seen...(A slight moan escaped Zoya in response and Asad clutched her hair tighter, his fingers dug into her waist deep enough to leave bruises but just as they were about to kiss a loud explosion somewhere in Kasauli, a regular occurrence which rattled the pristine mansions on the hilltop on this side of town made them snap out of the fire they themselves had ignited which in many ways was just as deadly in the one burning their town at this moment. Hearing it Asad jerked away from Zoya as if she was the explosion or on fire from it and that it wasn't a million miles away, he stared at her in shock, in disbelief absolutely mortified at what had transpired between them, what he had done, what he was about to do what was about to happen. He clutched the front of his hair as Zoya stared at him trying to calm her heartbeats still unable to believe this was real and as soon as he saw the hypnosis lift from her eyes and her beginning to come back to reality a bit Asad spun around about to leave from there when Zoya's hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. She couldn't let him walk away from this. Fine, he didn't want to face it or talk about it maybe she didn't either but she couldn't let him walk away as if what they were about to do was wrong or that he should feel guilty about it. She wouldn't let him insult her or whatever was between them like that. She also couldn't bare him going into his shell and not meeting eyes with her or being able to face her like he knew she would if he walked away from her tonight, and the biggest truth of all was...she had missed him all afternoon and wouldn't be able to bare it if he walked away from her right now.

Zoya - (trying but failing miserably to keep her voice steady) Mr. Khan...aapko kabhi kissi ne yeh nahin sikhaya ke kissi ladki ko necklace kaise gift kiya jaata hai? (Asad turned his head around and Zoya could see that he was hesitant to meet her eyes, he was fighting this she could see it just from the way his jaw was clenched, he was trying to pull away from her just like each and every time. It filled her eyes with tears but she ignored the jab in her heart, she had to, otherwise she would go to a place so dark there would be no returning from it. Instead she held the necklace to him and not trusting herself just as the first of tears fell from her eyes believing that despite what he said he couldn't fathom ever looking at HER like that way, and the worst part was she couldn't even hold it against him. Despite everything dark about him, he was the brightest thing she had ever witnessed, and he only deserved the brightest. Not something tainted like her, she herself wouldn't want herself for him. Taking a deep breath and trying to steady her breathing she tried to smile through her tears, this she could bare (or so she thought) what she couldn't bare was losing him forever. She'd take him anyway she could, whatever little of him she could take, a friend, frenemy, her sister's devar, her bhabi's brother, even an ENEMY, but to not have him in her life at all was a punishment she couldn't bear. She slowly moved her hair aside and held the necklace to him, looking at him over her shoulder and she saw Asad clench his fists, his jaw looked about ready to break. She saw him struggling more than he was when he was about to kiss her. Asad looked up through guilty and at the same time pleading eyes, but when he saw that uncertainty, insecurity pass through her eyes as she averted her eyes, turning her face straight, lowering her hand which held the necklace to him and no sooner had she closed her fist over it did a soft gasp escape her as she felt him behind her, so close that the tip of his nose was buried in her hair behind her and she felt and heard him inhale deeply and sharply, his hand was closed over her fist and his feet were completely aligned with hers, all of him was pressed against her and she wanted nothing more than to lean back and melt into him. His heavy cologne making her dizzy on her feet. Asad gulped nervously as he slid the necklace out of her hold and left a burning wake of fire everywhere the cool metal touched as he traced it up her arm. She clenched her fists as she felt his hot breath hit his neck as he bent his head and placed the necklace properly around her neck before lifting his head to close it around her neck and once he was done, he traced his open hands down her arms before linking his fingers in with hers at her side as he buried his face deeper into her hair and both of them inhaled deeply, possibly moaning at how perfect and right this felt. Asad leaned his head in her neck again to make it straight and perfect Zoya was certain that for a moment she felt his lips press against her neck and gasping softly Zoya turned in his hold, both her arms going around his neck as she struggled to breathe. Asad's hands hovered in the air next to her head, his eyes closed for he didn't want her to see the various different pleas in them all at war with one another. However, as he felt Zoya's small, warm and unsure hand slowly stroke his jaw and found it unclenching under his touch he remembered his desire and hope from earlier about being touched so tenderly and realized the power for that hope to come true was within his reach right this second and all he had to do was reach out and grasp it.

As Asad opened his eye's he saw his pendant shining and sparkling back at him and finally it registered with him and his eyes snapped to her eyes

Asad - (whispered, shocked) is that a yes?

Zoya - (for one second and one second alone Zoya let herself dream that he was asking her answer to a very different question and although if he did, Zoya scared herself by realizing without a seconds hesitation and doubt the answer would be yes she forced herself to live back in the reality where he wanted no such thing and so in response to the answer he was awaiting she nodded her head in response and his smile stole her breath away) yes...

Asad - (cupped her face in his one hand and Zoya mewed as she leaned into his touch ever so slightly) I'm so proud of you...(Zoya felt her heart constrict and then soar hearing those words, why, why did she like hearing HE was proud of her more than she did her own Aapi or even her Jeeju saying they were proud of her? A mess of nerves she nervously stepped out of his hold keeping her smile intact lest he worry or grow suspicious and she didn't want him thinking she didn't like his touch on her because truth be known it was by far the only thing that reminded her what it felt to be alive)

Zoya - aise nahin chalega Mr. Khan...yeh koi choti baat thori hi hai..I wanna celebrate,

Asad - (nodded, understanding what being overjoyed meant for the first time in his life) whatever you want?

Zoya - (her head snapped to his face and the words escaped her lips before she could help it, courtesy of her treacherous heart) whatever I want...(going back to that land of dreams that lay buried in the book of fairy tales that her Jeeju would read her from, the belief in which died right along with him for her)

Asad - (and there was the phone call he was dreading and avoiding since the blast went off, pulling it out he frowned, his feet already receding from the gazebo and he despite being there was already out of Zoya's reach) tell you what...let's meet at Rogue in an hour

get bhai and bhabi to come with you they really need to get out..(and just like that he was gone, she watched him go, and she let him go for himself whilst closing her eyes and clutching both the pendant and the dog-tag in her neck in her hand just as the first of tears escaped her eyes)

Part 32 Continued

Meanwhile::

Asad - I swear if this involves milkshake and fries, a chicken dance or giving you one of my cars there's no deal

Zoya - (her mouth hanging open) Mr. Khan you cannot back out of a deal, maine aapki saari baatein maani binna kissi shart ke now you have to keep up your end of the bargain and AGAIN...fries aur milkshake toh aap mujhe kal breakfast mein khila rahe hain (Asad's ears turned red, what the hell was up with the gutter in his mind these days where Zoya was concerned, for god's sake she was not just his bhabi's but also his best friends sister and he was having the most ungentlemanly thoughts about her. How could his mind possibly make something dirty out of "fries and a shake and yet..Buying her breakfast tomorrow morning could have a hidden innuendo behind it if they spent the night doing half the things he wanted to with her in the back alley of Rogue. Suddenly he found his throat parched, and his eyes growing darker. He picked up a shot from the table and downed it quickly before taking a deep breath and turning back towards her, his eyes taking a slow leisure tour of her body, head to toe, as Asad felt the buzz of all the alcohol he had been tossing back beginning to take a toll on him. A small smile lit his face as he watched her do the sexiest of dances standing by the bar still a little apprehensive of mixing in with the rather rowdy crowd on the dance floor tonight)

Asad - (in a slurred voice) okay shoot. (Zoya turned towards him slightly and his buzzed smile grew a little) I'm ready for my sentencing (he chuckled ducking and shaking his head as she clapped her hands gleefully bouncing on her feet like a little child before hopping onto her bar stool again)

jo akh lad javey...saari raat neend na avey...Mainu badaa tadpave dil chain kahee na pave pave pave
Azlan felt like his heart would surely burst if he tolerated this for one more second, so he abruptly looked away and turned around in his bar stool asking for another shot. He looked up as he was about to grab the shot but instead saw a female hand reach out before he could and toss that shot back. He narrowed his eyes at Humeira but before he could engage in her insanity his eyes caught sight of Asad sitting a little further down the bar playing with a drink. For a second his heart jolted with fear and panic and he looked away. He shouldn't be here, Asad seeing him here and getting upset or angry was the last thing he needed, what if this was the new panga he would cause to the wedding by giving Asad a reason ANY reason to get furious. But then curiosity got the better of him and he needed to gauge Asad's reaction, was Asad really okay with all this? As far as he knew Asad and he knew Asad better than he knew himself, hell had a better chance of freezing over than for him to agree to this insanity. Taking a deep breath he looked up and saw Asad take a shot back and shake his head and for a second his heart did a summersault, was he here drinking to face what was happening because he would not allow his sisters happiness to be conditioned on the pain or hurt of his brother, not anymore, no way was he or anyone on his family giving Asad another chance to be hurt or hurt himself on their account. But then he saw something rare and magical happen, Asad looked over at the girl next to him at the bar whose back was towards Azlan so Azlan only saw her ravishing auburn hair and he saw Asad's eyes soften more so than he'd seen them soften around Pari, and then he smiled and Azlan nearly fell out of his barstool. It was faint and barely there and if you didn't know Asad you'd think you were hallucinating but for those who knew Asad knew that in Asad World that smile equalled a full-on grin in normal world.
khan khan khan khan churi teri khan khan khan khan khanke khan khan khan khanke
Zoya - okay so there's three things I need you to do for me (Asad immediately pinched the bridge of his nose regretting the impulsiveness of his actions already. DAMN, why couldn't he ever think straight where Zoya was concerned, Zoya frowned angrily tugging at his biceps and moving his hand from his forehead) Mr. Khan..you don't even know what those three things are-Asad - Yes, but I know you and I know that all three of these things will spell nothing but trouble...
Zoya - trust me it's all legal
Asad (muttered underneath his breath) irony has just left this building.
Zoya - what?
Asad - nothing...please pray tell what ideas of mass destruction you've conjured up this time nahin toh main suspense se hi marr jaonga...(Zoya smiled at him)
Naina frowned watching Azlan's fixated on something else instead of her. She pouted as she turned in Ayaan's hold making him chuckle seeing the fire in her eyes and Naina just gave him a small smile. So much for trying to make Azlan jealous? He was too busy ogling the head of some other girl who was and she gasped, laughing with Asad Ahmed Khan? Ayaan frowned, what the hell was happening. Azlan was wondering the same thing not too far away, who the hell was this girl? Asad would rather be found dead than be talking to strange girls in bars and that too that happily and intimately. It was obvious they were no strangers and in fact seemed pretty friendly and close, maybe the girl from the magazines who Asad was supposedly falling for? Azlan thought supposedly because he knew Asad abhorred love almost as much as he abhorred him and his family, but if she really was the girl in the magazines with Asad, who was she? And like the rest of Kasauli he too wanted to know the exact equation between them.
vekh vekh ke chehra mera dil yeh dhak dhak dhadke re dil yeh dhak dhak dhadke
Zoya - okay..first things first..your birthday-
Asad (narrowed his eyes already not liking the sound of this) aap apna poore ka poora birthday mere saath meri marzi se bitayenge (she saw Asad about to argue and she held up a hand) jo main kahoonga aapko woh karna hoga and jaise main chahoongi hum waise celebrate kareinge-
Asad - yah thanks but no thanks..I don't celebrate my birthday..never have never will...me and Pari just cut a cake, she makes me a card and we call it a day that's it (tossed back another shot)
Zoya - (stared at him wide eyed, with mock shock edged on her face) how ever do you handle such a wild life Mr. Khan (Asad shrugged and Zoya snatched the next of his shots out of his hand) well this time you don't have a choice...and if you dare to say no to any of my conditions I'm backing out of the arts festival performance immediately. (She stared at Asad long and hard, she knew him not wanting to celebrate his birthday probably had something or the other to do with the awful childhood he had and the traumatic memories it brought back but she also knew how necessary this was for him, to let go of the past and live a little and not only did she need to return the favour Asad had done for her, continued to do for her everyday she had also promised her Phupi) I thought you were a man of your word Mr. Khan...aap aise kaise peeche hat sakte ho ab? (Asad stared at her hard in the eyes and could see the way she held him on a pedestal and he clenched his jaw, wanting to do something horrific as the thought plagued him, what would she do, what would she think of him when she realized what kind of a monster he really was? He wanted to break that beer bottle right there and slit his wrist just so he wouldn't ever have to face the day that illusion of hers broke...but he felt her expectant eyes on him and he just didn't have the heart for tonight to be that night, that and as he had realized he just couldn't ever say no to her)
Asad - fine...but make sure there is alcohol involved because I know I won't be able to make it through the day sober (Zoya squealed giddily and Asad knew feeling the 1000 megawatt smile that lit her face bringing him back to life that he had made the absolutely correct decision)

Naina - whose that girl next to Asad at the bar?

Ayaan - (frowned turning his head) huh, what're they doing here? (He turned back and saw Naina's frown mirroring his own)

Naina - they?

Ayaan - oh yah...that, thats my sister

Naina - (her eyes shined brightly) your sister? I didn't know she was in India I thought she was still in New York

Ayaan - Anaya Bhabi didn't tell you? She's met her-

Naina - (rolled her eyes) the only sibling of yours talked about in our house is Arsalan Jeeju (Ayaan chuckled nodding but Naina's eyes were still fixated on Asad and Zoya who were behaving like there was no other soul present in this club, like they couldn't see or hear anybody else and they really couldn't. For them it was just the two of them, always.) they seem pretty close...

Ayaan - (smiled, with a devilish twinkle in his eyes) oh they're plenty close (Naina raised an eyebrow but he shook his head, the devilish spark only growing stronger) but why are we talking about their closeness when we can talk about our (leaning in closer to her lips, making the blood vanish and colour go pale in Naina's face) own closeness...
dil tarsave tere bin yeh reh na pave mahi jo tu na avey avey avey
Zoya - (narrowing her eyes at him and speaking sternly, in his dreams she'd get him alcohol) second. How many cigarettes do you smoke in a day? (Asad stopped playing with the unlit cigarette he was currently playing with between his fingers and turned to look at her, his face paling as he remembered the blood he found on his hand earlier from a coughing fit which he had desperately tried to hide from Ayaan as they rescued people from the wreckage of the explosion earlier and Zoya shook her head in worry) you can't even count?
Asad - (absentmindedly, his mind and heart still plagued by the fear and panic he had experienced about an hour earlier) a carton...(the bartender scoffed passing by and Asad narrowed his eyes at him whilst Zoya narrowed her eyes at him) thanks Nikhil (Nikhil saluted him making Asad smile at their inside joke, he looked at Zoya and the smile immediately wiped off his face and he found himself more scared than he was seeing the blood on his hand earlier, and even more scared as he realized that for the first time a woman other than his Ammi was able to terrify him)
Asad - okay fine (shook his head) I don't know...I don't count but a carton at least (Zoya snatched the cigarette from his hand)
Zoya - this is how this is gonna work...You are gonna quit smoking (and She placed a hand on Asad's mouth as he nearly jumped off his stool in protest) or you are at least going to TRY...cutting one cigarette short at a time if you...(held up her wrist) never want a blade reaching this wrist again...(Zoya watched as his furious eyes soften considerably and almost immediately as they stared at her wrist which was mauled all over by cut marks including the immensely deep one vertically down her forearm, his care was always her undoing and Zoya closed her eyes unable to control her rapidly falling heart. She felt his sigh on her hand which was still on her mouth and she snatched it back immediately, her eyes wide, she watched him close his eyes as if he were in physical pain looking at those cut marks (which he was) and he immediately looked away turning back towards the bar running a hand through his hair and simply sighing and nodding silently in response, and Zoya gulped. Moment of truth. She looked up heavenwards and put her hands together underneath the bar pouting at the roof of the bar whispering under her breath "bacha lena Allah Miyan knowing full well she was about to put herself head first into the lion's den)
jo akh lad javey...saari raat neend na avey...Mainu badaa tadpave dil chain kahee na pave pave pave
Humeira choked on her drink seeing Ayaan lean in to kiss Naina and that was what finally snapped Azlan out of staring at Asad and the mystery girl. He turned towards Humeira wanting to make sure she was okay but instead saw her face look ashen and at the same time enraged, her eyes full of tears as she watched them. Azlan followed her gaze and sure enough felt the air knock out of himself too. He had to grip his stool to stop himself from falling over or worse, fly across the club and punch Ayaan's face in.
legi meri jaan ha teri ek look badshah ke gaaney ke jaisey koi hook dekhke chanda bhi gaya tujhey chhoop baat meri sun baby bilkul chup
Naina who for a moment panicked, looked over Ayaan's head towards Azlan somehow believing that Azlan held the magic powers to fix all her problems no matter how insignificant but when she saw him staring at her so broken hearted and yet enraged it was like finally after years something came back to life in her and she felt herself heal on her own, she didn't need him. Didn't need anyone. Not wanting to miss this opportunity she didn't panic or make a show instead she danced out of Ayaan's reach so he couldn't kiss her and began flirtatiously and teasingly dancing with him so he wouldn't suspect a thing but my, Azlan looked like he wanted to burn the entire place down and surely Humeira would've.
mai bawli hu teri tu jaan he na meri bas pyaar hi he manga kis baat ki he deri
Zoya - (whispered more audibly) here goes nothing...

Asad - huh?

Zoya - huh? (Her cheeks reddening with nervousness)

Asad - (frowned) kuch kaha aapne?

Zoya - huh...(his frown deepened making her nervous babble increase as always) nahin..(Asad nodded turning back towards the bar and picking up his beer again) HAAN woh- (Asad's head snapped back towards her in shock as his beer spilt over the bar since she startled him, Zoya snapped her eyes shut, this was so not going well, Asad's frown deepened even more, something was up)

Asad - Ms. Farooqui (and that patronizing Ms. Farooqui was always the first sign of impending doom, it was calm and collected but Zoya had heard the explosion it preceded to know the sort of threat that underlay beneath it..she opened one eye and Asad raised an eyebrow...making Zoya immediately shut it again and Asad spun in his barstool immediately facing her as a small smile grew on his face) I have to admit...I'm intrigued...(Zoya shook her head)

Zoya - (muttering under her breath) Aisha ki bachi...usse main hi ek bakri milli thi halal hone ke liye...yeh Gabbar Ahmed Khan yeh mere sirf haath hi nahin...taange bhi kaat dega phir naa man thakur rahoongi...aur na hi basanti...mere pe poori film bannegi, sholay revisited (shook her head, whilst Asad continued sipping his beer in amusement watching her. He could do this all night long)
aja chal tu mere saath yaara chal tu yeh raat kabhi na ave ave ave

Asad - Can you please explain how this whole talking to yourself thing started and how it works (Zoya stared at him and Asad just chuckled shaking his head spinning back towards the bar) honestly Ms. Farooqui aapko toh kissi museum mein rakhna chahiye...

Zoya - (sending up a small prayer) okay here it goes (and not trusting herself and her courage she uttered it all in one single breath better to just get it over with and wait for impending doom) Mr. Khan Haseena Chachi ne shaadi ki ek shart rakhee hai ke Dono, Arsalan Bhai aur Aahil Bhai ki shaadi ek hi din ek saath ho aur iss liye sabne mujhe appoint kiya hai aapko raazi karne ke liye ek joint wedding ke liye kyunki baaki sab raazi hain aur sirf aapki haan ki der hai? (She stopped her rant and sat there with her eyes closed and squeezed shut, her fingers crossed and her heart hammering against her chest. Asad on the other hand, had gone numb from the second he heard "ek hi din ek saath because he understood what that would entail, him occupying the same air and vicinity as the Haveli Folks and he had to give it to Haseena she had found a way to break the wedding without looking like the bad guy at all. Of course, when Anaya and Arsalan's alliance happened Asad realized that he'd be expected to attend but he had an excuse, a "business trip ready for that so he would not have to attend but Now, Aisha's wedding was going to be the same place and same time as Anaya's? How could he miss that? He felt rage boiling inside him like someone had lit a fire inside him and not knowing how to react, not being able to understand what was going on, his first need was to punch something, ANYTHING just so he could blow off some initial steam, his typical response to such a reaction and only then could he calm himself enough to deal with the situation head on. Not wanting Zoya to bear the brunt of it he without wasting another second jumped off his barstool and was storming out of the bar. Zoya feeling a void next to her as soon as he left his stool and at a lack of response opened her eyes only to find him gone, her mouth hung open) jo akh ladjave
Seeing them laugh and Ayaan so in love Humeira couldn't take enough and jumped off her stool rushing out of the club as well and Azlan hurried off his own bar stool after her not understanding what just happened or what was going on with Humeira? But he didn't want to lose sight of Asad either he wanted to satisfy his own fears and doubts that Asad was okay with this wedding scenario but being caught up in Humeira he looked over to where Asad and his friend were and saw that they were gone too. Looking over at the dance floor he saw Ayaan, Naina and Kajol, Zain laughing and dancing together and he felt so utterly and hopelessly alone, unwanted, unneeded that he did what he did best. Grabbed the hand of the first single girl readily available and throwing himself at him and ensuring Anaya was safe with Arsalan up in one of the balcony's he got the hell out of there.

Zoya - Mr. Khan (spinning in her stool) Mr. Khan...Mr. Oh God (seeing him pushing his way through the crowd, she immediately hopped off her barstool too) Mr. Khan..WAIT-

Anwar - Stupid Zeenat the word to describe that movie is stupid-

Zeenat - (rolled her eyes at him) arre yeh Asad aur Zeenat kahan gaye?

Anwar - (rolled his eyes sighing heavily) unn dono ko ek doosre ke ilaava na kuch nazar aata hai aur naa kuch samajh, unhe aur kissi ki nahin pari, forget about them. Hey Nikhil, make me one of your strongest bourbons

Zeenat - (smiled sweetly at Nikhil) and please add one of the strongest sleeping pills in there too (narrowing her eyes at Anwar)

Meanwhile Back Alleyway;

Zoya' heart broke a thousand times over at the sight that she was met with in the alleyway as she finally managed to run out after pushing and shoving her way through, breathless. A sob nearly escaped her as her lip trembled and she averted her eyes closing them, her face blanching painfully. Asad sat huddled in himself in a corner of the alleyway, his head leaning down on his arms with his hands clutching at his hair, his knuckles bloodied. Clearly at war with himself. Zoya looked up at the wall behind the club where she could see dark stains obviously where he had punched the wall. She regretted the recklessness and prematurity of her actions in telling everybody that the wedding was a done deal. In that second, it may be selfish but she wished that Arsalan hadn't decided to marry Anaya or that the marriage fell through if she decided not to force him to agree, if it meant that Asad could be saved from this pain because despite everything that had happened in her life she couldn't remember the last time she had felt pain of this magnitude since the night her Jeeju died. Flicking away her own tears and with a constantly breaking heart she walked over to Asad and struggling to breathe from the pain her heart was in she dropped on her knees next to him and with shaking and trembling hands she reached out and touched his bloodied knuckles as tenderly as Asad once desired and simultaneously thought impossible.

Zoya - (her voice a broken whisper) Asad- (he refused to budge, Zoya tried to move his arms but again, he didn't budge, and he was too heavy for Zoya to constantly struggle against. Instead She heard a strangled cry come from Asad and it just about destroyed her. Without so much as another thought Zoya wrapped her arms around him and rested her head atop of his wanting and believing she could shield him from the monstrosities and unjustness of this whole world)

Zoya - (whispering comfortingly and also extremely apologetically) I'm sorry, sorry that this is happening..and I'm sorry that I have to be the one to ask this of you...I'm sorry (Her hold on him tightened as she felt the cracks in her heart grow deeper with each passing second. She could feel Asad shaking in her hold, no doubt from the rage, the disbelief and incredulousness at the situation that had presented itself and that it was actually happening, and he wasn't imagining it all and finally at his own helplessness because he was really without much choice here, and it angered Zoya beyond belief. Angered her to a point of irrationality, to the point where she would go fight the whole world for DARING to hurt this man she was holding on to for dear life, in the slightest, whether that be Anaya, Aisha, her own brothers or even Phupi. Their love and wedding be damned in that moment. But then it was precisely that same reason, Aisha's smiling face that made the wounds in his heart press harder and his helplessness increase tenfold. Zoya felt the chill of his absence even before he had pulled away physically, she knew the instant she had lost him in this moment when his body went rigid in her hold and she didn't have to look up to know his fists were clenched as was his jaw as if made of steel. He was on his feet, roughly pulling away from Zoya's hold and Zoya sighed dejectedly, every moment she thought she had him, he never failed to prove her wrong or break her heart, but why it was easier for Asad Ahmed Khan over everybody else with the slightest of actions, simplest of words or smallest of emotions break her heart, she still hadn't quite figured out. She caught his wrist in her small hand which didn't fully enclose over his wrist but the briefest of touches was enough to make Asad stop at her beck and call, although he was as messed up as he was when he heard the words he couldn't fathom escape her mouth he still couldn't manage to fight his heart and so there he was stopping from setting fire to the whole city in his mind numbing pain and revenge for once, just because she wanted him to. Both stood breathless, breathing heavily, Zoya leaning against the wall of the alleyway trying to get a grip on herself and say something, ANYTHING to get through to him and ease his pain in the slightest, whilst Asad just wanted to get the hell out of there and find some other reckless activity to engage in just to blow off some of that steam bubbling inside him.

Zoya - (still whispering) Just think of it like an exam or a test of your own Asad (she didn't even realize she called him that, but Asad did, and all the pulse points in his being jumped to life hearing his name from her tongue)...trust me, it isn't any easier for me to step in the vicinity of IMA then it is for you to breathe in the same vicinity of them..but it's like you said yourself, it isn't about them, it's about us...it's about those who matter, those who love us...(and her tear filled eyes opened in the slightest as she stared at the back of his head) those who we love...(and both their eyes closed simultaneously as a tear slipped from them) think about Aisha Aapi...if you don't agree to this, it's her wedding at stake, both your sisters weddings are stake...and if you don't agree then the monsters win..and I'm sure you don't want your demons winning anymore than you want mine winning if I don't pursue my dreams...(she felt Asad struggle against her and her grip on is wrist tightened) I know..it isn't easy..I know it's hard, it's impossible it's...it's unbearable but Asad...you're forgetting just one thing. You're not alone. You have me. (She knew when he turned his head in the slightest to look at her that that was the instant she had gotten somewhat through to him, she knew it in his eyes that he was just as parched and in need of hearing those words as she was, they held the power to save him and his whole world from destruction) I promise you won't go through this alone just like I'm not going through my hell alone..I will be there for you every second of every minute of everyday until Aapi's Bidaai...you won't have to face them, talk to them, interact with them or put up with them...(chuckled) you'll have to deal with much worse...you'll have to deal with me..all up in your face 24/7 during the wedding. You don't want to look at them..fine, I promise everywhere you turn you'll see my (in an attempt to get even the tiniest smile that she adored to appear on his face) beautiful face, you don't want to talk to them I promise you'll wish you'd gone deaf instead of hearing me talk for another second and trust me you won't even realize they are there because I promise...you'll have your hands full with me..(little did she know that destiny was being written right this second and all that she was saying was now written in stone and more true than she herself knew) (she felt him pull away again and again she tightened her hold on him, as her eyes closed) you probably heard Jeeju all night today complaining about Aapi making him forcefully watch Hum Saath Saath Hain...and he told me that it's the collective most hated film in the Khan Household...(scoffed) well you can add another resident to that list then (held up her index finger as she came to stand before him and give him a small smile trying anything, EVERYTHING just to get a reaction out if him, but alas. He continued staring over her head and not in her tear filled eyes like she wanted him to) I've hated it since as far back as I can remember Aapi forcing me to watch it...bu Aapi loves it. Not because she believes it to showcase reality or the truth about families...but because it somewhere made her believe that even if they aren't as ridiculously perfect and sugar-coated as that movie...a family doesn't have to be as horrible as the foster home we were living in back then. That it can be better, it should be better. No one deserves to live in the hell we were at the time. That's where her dream and her yearning for a family first started...it's one of the main reasons she said yes to marrying Jeeju even though they were both so young, because she just wanted a family that bad. (Scoffed) Little did she knew she was just going from one hell to the other. (and then she couldn't help it, she couldn't not touch him, not let her touch at least TRY to melt the stone cold rigid demeanour he stood in, like a statue frozen in time just staring over her head like he was incapable of hearing, processing or feeling anything aside from the grief and anger coursing through him, anything she was saying, doing or feeling but she didn't know just how fast the glacier before her melted, all it needed was her touch. She closed her eyes stepping closer to him and held his face in her hands, one hand on his face and one on his neck as they both closed their eyes, breathing in the moment. Zoya's fingers constantly stroked his face and the small hairs at the back of his neck without her realizing it as she continued whispering soothingly)

Zoya - Zindagi ne sirf aap ko hi dukh nahin diye hain Mr. Khan...my family isn't exactly a chapter ripped from Hum Saath Saath Hain come to life. It's full of demons and monsters just like yours is. Demons who have caused more scars than it's probably possible for one person to bare. But that doesn't mean I've forsaken all of them or that I live my life according to what they're doing, saying or where they might be going...that's not fair to me or to the people who actually matter in my life. I've understood who matters to me from that family...My brothers, and Jeeju...the rest of them be damned. Mujhe koi fark nahin parta ke woh kya sochte hain, kya kehte hain, kahan jaate hain kya karte hain mujhe...(shook her head) mujhe koi fark nahin parta..(but since her eyes were closed she didn't see what she was wanting to all along, the smallest of smiles appeared on Asad's face as her voice broke and betrayed her as she said that) you need to do the same thing...so what aggar woh iss shaadi pe ayenge Mr. Khan? Aapki dono behnon ki shaadi ek hi ghar mein ho rahee hai...even if not now aage jaake toh aapko kahin na kahin kabhi na kabhi ek chat ke neeche unke aamne saamne aana parega na...(smiled as her forehead touched his chin) you're the soon to be most handsomest and youngest mayor of this town, and they are the royal family of this town...you can't escape them..and you shouldn't either..it's not fair to you..not fair to the people who matter in your life. Think of what connection to that family matters for you, it's Aisha Aapi (if only she knew) only right so think of her and the rest be damned...aapkoi fark nahin parna chahiye baakiyon se. Just think of them as strangers if they come to your house...as wedding guests, half of them will be strangers anyways. You don't want to go to their house? Fine, I promise you won't have to. But please...(placed her hand on his beating heart and as soon as she felt his rapid heartbeat she was about to pull away but Asad's hand shot out and held it steady on his heart) please let go of this hate you're holding. It'll do nothing but suffocate you, and leave no (whispered almost inaudibly but he heard it) no room for love...(and she felt his hold on her hand tighten as did her grip on his hair as both their eyes slowly fluttered open, and immediately were fixated on each others lips. Their breathings shallower and hearts racing rapidly. Asad gulped blinking slowly and agonizingly)

Asad - (whispered brokenly, although Zoya's soft soothing words and more importantly her touch did turn him into Lava, the pain and heartbreak was still there. After all these years, the first time they wanted to breathe in the same air as him and it wasn't because they finally had an awakening over the son they abandoned nor was it their love for him pulling them to do so, it was their own selfish gains and purpose for the kids they didn't forego but the ones who grew up with the privilege of a home, family, love and more importantly SAFETY...and just like that the Lava began turning to ice again as his jaw and fists clenched tightly again, blood oozing from his knuckles due to how harshly he was clutching them) I have to go...(Zoya nodded, still in a haze and tranquility, a bubble of her own that his nearness, his touch, his breaths and heartbeat his existence managed to sway her into, every time. She tilted her head up, pulling his head down even though as he realized what she was doing he resisted for a second, but she tugged harder at his hair and pulled him closer, not thinking rationally and not wanting to either. In this moment, she wanted the touch of his lips against her, everything else be damned, and so she was going to go after it)

Asad - (whispered against her lips as a groan escaped him, feeling her soft breath against his lips as he closed his eyes fighting for control) (anguished whisper) don't

Zoya - (whispered against his lips) just promise me you won't do anything reckless or stupid...(and saying that she bridged the remainder of the distance between their lips and pressed hers firmly against his in a soft but possessive kiss, she didn't move her lips but just pressed them against his. As she was pulling away though the monster inside him jolted to life and he gripped her around her waist turning them around and crushing them against the alley wall with Zoya's back hitting against it and Asad's one hand luxuriously trailing against her bare waist as he had bunched her top up when he grabbed her and his other hand rested in a tight fist against her head. Zoya gasped softly and something snapped inside of him as he crashed his lips against hers, however his lips weren't in anyway as soft, caressing or soothing like hers, they were possessive, hungry, rough and urgent against hers and Zoya realized she may have bargained for more than she could deal with here but with Asad, she simply couldn't care to use her mind. She led with her heart. Her lips moved against his demanding ones as she struggled to breathe and suddenly there were too many sensations, his lips moved from her lips down her throat and then trailing down her neck, his hand that was resting against her neck now trailing open fingered down the side of her face and neck and his other hand still stroking her waist. He stopped at the base of her neck abruptly, and she heard him inhale, his face buried deep in her neck as her fingers buried in his hair, and then all of a sudden, all Zoya felt was cold and hauntingness creep into her skin as he was gone, just like that, like she could've dreamt it all.

She saw him standing a few feet away looking drunk out of his senses and not just on the alcohol, his hair was tousled from her tugging and running her fingers through it, his eyes were unhinged and unfocused, dark as charcoal, his stubble as dark as the midnight sky, his shirt unbuttoned and untucked. She watched him run the back of his hand against his lips and she nearly moaned in desire. But Asad turned his back on her again making yet another crack appear in her heart)

Asad you're out of wishes for tonight doll. (and then he was gone, leaving Zoya alone and breathless in that alleyway, with tears fast stinging her eyes. He was so close, and yet she somehow felt that nobody could be farther from her reach than the one she wanted more than anything and everyone in this world)

xxx

xoxo - DailyDaisy!