AsYa Valentine Week SS {Completed}

Rose Day – A Fragrant Beginning

The sun had barely risen over Bhopal, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, when Zoya Farooqui burst into the living room of Khan Villa, a wide grin on her face. Dressed in a simple yet elegant white salwar kameez, her dupatta trailing behind her like an afterthought, she held a bouquet of bright red roses in her hands. The scent of the fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the crisp morning breeze that fluttered the curtains.

"Asad Ahmed Khan!" she called out, her voice ringing through the grand hall. "Aap hain kahaan?"

Asad, dressed immaculately in a grey suit, emerged from the dining area, his expression as stoic as ever. His sharp eyes scanned her from head to toe, landing on the bouquet in her hands with mild suspicion. "Miss Farooqui, subah subah itni energy kaise aajati hai aap mein?" He crossed his arms over his chest. "Aur yeh kya hai?"

Zoya flashed him a mischievous smile, twirling the roses in her fingers. "Yeh? Yeh toh bas ek chhoti si nishani hai. Aaj Rose Day hai, Mr. Khan! Pyaar ka pehla din! Aur main chahti hoon ki aap bhi is khushnuma din ka hissa banein." She extended the bouquet toward him.

Asad frowned, taking a small step back. "Mujhe yeh sab pasand nahi hai, Miss Farooqui. Aur waise bhi, mujhe kaam pe jaana hai."

Zoya sighed dramatically. "Allah miyan, what's wrong with you, Mr. Khan? Ek phool lene se duniya khatam nahi ho jayegi!" She moved closer, her expressive eyes challenging him. "Lijiye na. Mera toh yeh kehna hai ki agar aapne yeh roses accept nahi kiye, toh samajh jaungi ki aapko mujhse koi feelings nahi hai." She arched a brow, waiting for his reaction.

Asad stiffened. His heart, despite his best efforts, betrayed him for a fraction of a second. The way Zoya looked at him—eyes filled with anticipation, lips slightly curved in a teasing smile—made his pulse quicken. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his neatly combed hair. "Aisa kuch nahi hai, Miss Farooqui," he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

"Toh phir roses le lijiye," she said sweetly, inching the bouquet even closer.

Before Asad could respond, Dilshad appeared from behind, her face glowing with amusement. "Asad beta, yeh toh sirf phool hai. Le lo, na? Tumhe kya farq padta hai?"

Najma, who had been observing from the staircase, giggled. "Bhaijaan, yeh na lene ka toh sawaal hi nahi uthta. Bhool gaye? Aapko flowers pasand hain, bas aap maan nahi rahe."

Asad shot his sister a pointed look, but one glance at Zoya’s hopeful face made him relent. With a sigh, he reached out and hesitantly took the bouquet from her hands. His fingers briefly brushed against hers, sending a jolt of awareness through both of them. Zoya grinned triumphantly.

"Lo, finally! Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan ne flowers accept kar liye!" She clapped her hands together, clearly pleased with herself.

Asad shook his head, suppressing a small smile. "Bas, ab khush? Ab mujhe kaam pe jaana hai."

But Zoya wasn’t done yet. "Arey, par Mr. Khan, mujhe bhi toh koi rose chahiye! Yeh toh sirf ek taraf se gift dena ho gaya. Fairness naam ki bhi koi cheez hoti hai!"

Asad looked at her incredulously. "Aap mujhse expect kar rahi hain ki main aapko ek rose doon?"

Zoya nodded eagerly. "Bilkul! Aakhir aaj Rose Day hai!"

Dilshad and Najma exchanged a knowing glance, while Asad let out a resigned sigh. He glanced down at the bouquet in his hand, then—after a brief internal battle—plucked out a single red rose. He held it out stiffly toward her. "Yeh lijiye."

Zoya’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. Khan, yeh sach mein aap mujhe de rahe hain?"

"Miss Farooqui, agar aap zyada sawal karegi toh main wapas le lunga," Asad said, feigning impatience.

Zoya quickly grabbed the rose, hugging it to her chest dramatically. "Oh my God! Mr. Khan ne mujhe ek rose diya! Main yeh moment kabhi nahi bhool sakti!"

Najma burst out laughing, while Dilshad shook her head fondly. Asad, on the other hand, simply turned around, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up his face.

As Zoya twirled the rose between her fingers, a satisfied smile played on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something beautiful.

Propose Day – Dil Ki Baat

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over Bhopal. The Khan Villa was unusually quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves outside. Inside the living room, Zoya Farooqui paced back and forth, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her kameez. Today was Propose Day, and while she wasn’t expecting Asad Ahmed Khan to get down on one knee and confess his feelings, a part of her wished something—anything—would happen.

She sighed dramatically. "Allah miyan, what's wrong with me?" she muttered to herself, plopping down onto the sofa. "Main jaanti hoon ki Mr. Khan se romantic gestures ki umeed rakhna bekaar hai, lekin… thoda sa toh expect kar sakti hoon na?"

Just then, Najma walked in, holding a steaming cup of chai. "Zoya, aap itni restless kyun lag rahi hain?" she asked, placing the cup on the table.

Zoya huffed. "Najma, aaj Propose Day hai! Aur Mr. Khan ka koi reaction nahi! Na koi hint, na koi sign… bilkul hi boring insaan hain!"

Najma chuckled. "Bhaijaan aur romance? Aap toh jaanti hain na, unhe express karne mein kitni dikkat hoti hai."

Zoya sighed, nodding. "Haan, par kab tak? Kab tak main hi sab kuch feel karti rahungi? Kabhi toh unhe bhi realize hona chahiye ki…" She trailed off, biting her lip.

Najma smiled knowingly. "Toh phir aap koshish kijiye na! Shayad aap propose kar dengi toh unka bhi reaction aayega."

Zoya’s eyes widened. "Main? Propose?" She scoffed, shaking her head. "Nahi, nahi, nahi. Mr. Khan toh mujhe seedha ghar se nikal denge!"

Before Najma could respond, Dilshad entered the room. "Kis baat ki nikalne ki baat ho rahi hai?"

Zoya turned to her sheepishly. "Woh… kuch nahi, Phuppi. Bas, aise hi."

Dilshad’s sharp eyes didn’t miss Zoya’s unease. With a warm smile, she said, "Asad thoda reserved hai, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki uske dil mein kuch nahi hai. Tum bas thoda push karogi toh shayad kuch badal jaye."

Zoya blinked. "Aap bhi yahi keh rahi hain?"

Dilshad winked. "Koshish karne mein kya jaata hai?"

Encouraged by Dilshad and Najma, Zoya decided to take the plunge. That night, she set up the terrace with fairy lights, a small table, and a bouquet of white roses—she knew Asad wasn’t a fan of red. The air was crisp, the stars twinkling above as she rehearsed her lines.

"Mr. Khan, main jaanti hoon ki aapko yeh sab pasand nahi, par… mujhe lagta hai ki aapko mere bina jeene ki aadat nahi rahi," she muttered, trying to gauge if it sounded right. "Nahi, nahi, yeh toh bohot zyada ho gaya!" She shook her head, trying again.

Just then, Asad walked up to the terrace, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Miss Farooqui, yeh sab kya hai?"

Zoya turned swiftly, startled. "Mr. Khan! Aap aa gaye!"

Asad looked around, taking in the setup. "Aapne yeh sab kyun kiya?"

She took a deep breath and stepped closer, holding the bouquet. "Aaj Propose Day hai, Mr. Khan. Aur… mujhe aapse kuch kehna hai."

Asad stiffened, his heartbeat accelerating. "Miss Farooqui, agar yeh koi mazak hai toh—"

"Yeh mazak nahi hai, Mr. Khan." Zoya’s voice was softer now, serious. She looked into his eyes, trying to read the emotions he always kept guarded. "Mujhe nahi pata yeh sab kaise kehna chahiye, lekin… jab main aapke saath hoti hoon, toh sab kuch perfect lagta hai. Chahe hum jhagda karein ya aap mujhpe gussa hoon, par phir bhi… mujhe lagta hai ki yeh rishta, jo bhi hai, special hai."

Asad swallowed, his grip tightening on the railing. "Miss Farooqui…"

Zoya smiled nervously. "Mujhe nahi pata aap kya feel karte hain, par main jaanti hoon ki main aapse—" She stopped, her breath hitching. She wasn’t sure if she should say it.

Asad, on the other hand, was in turmoil. He wanted to stop her, to tell her that he wasn’t the kind of man who could express his feelings. But the sincerity in her eyes made his resolve waver.

"Miss Farooqui," he said finally, his voice low. "Aap jo kehna chahti hain… uska jawab main nahi de sakta."

Zoya felt her heart sink. "Matlab?"

Asad looked away. "Main aise emotions express nahi kar sakta."

A heavy silence hung between them. Zoya forced a smile, masking the slight sting in her heart. "Toh aap mana kar rahe hain?"

Asad hesitated. "Main bas… sure nahi hoon."

Zoya nodded, trying to lighten the mood. "Chaliye, koi baat nahi. Kam se kam aapne mujhe ghar se nahi nikala." She laughed, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Asad watched her carefully, guilt pooling in his chest. He wasn’t rejecting her. He just… wasn’t ready.

As Zoya turned to leave, Asad did something unexpected. He reached out, gently grasping her wrist.

"Miss Farooqui," he said softly.

She looked back, surprised.

Asad took a deep breath. "Aap… special hain."

Zoya’s eyes widened. "Kya?"

He looked down, clearly uncomfortable but determined. "Mujhe nahi pata main yeh kaise keh sakta hoon, lekin aap meri zindagi ka ek hissa ban chuki hain. Aur… main isse badalna nahi chahta."

Zoya stared at him, her heart pounding. "Mr. Khan… yeh toh almost ek proposal jaisa laga."

Asad finally met her gaze, and for the first time, she saw something in his eyes—something raw, something unspoken.

Maybe he wasn’t ready to say the words.

But he had taken the first step.

And for now, that was enough.

Chocolate Day – Meetha Hai Pyaar

The next morning, the warm sunlight streamed through the grand windows of Khan Villa, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. Zoya Farooqui sat at the dining table, her chin resting on her palm, absentmindedly stirring her tea. The events of last night—Asad’s hesitant confession, his unspoken emotions—played on a loop in her mind.

“Aap meri zindagi ka ek hissa ban chuki hain. Aur… main isse badalna nahi chahta.”

She sighed dreamily, a goofy smile forming on her lips. "Allah miyan, what's wrong with me?" she muttered, shaking her head. "Ek straight-up I love you toh nahi bola na Mr. Khan ne! Lekin phir bhi, itna bada baat keh diya!"

Just then, Najma plopped down beside her, a knowing smirk on her face. "Bhaijaan ne kuch bola kya?"

Zoya snapped out of her daze. "Kya? Nahi! Matlab, haan, thoda sa… lekin full confession nahi."

Najma giggled. "Phir toh aapko aaj kuch karna chahiye! Aaj Chocolate Day hai, Zoya!"

Zoya blinked. "Chocolate Day?"

Dilshad, who had just walked in, smiled warmly. "Haan, beta. Chocolate Day pyaar aur mithaas ka din hota hai. Agar tum chahti ho ki Asad apni feelings express kare, toh shayad isme chocolate madad kare."

Zoya sat up straight, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Toh phir Challenge Accepted! Aaj Mr. Khan ki zindagi mein meetha bharne ka zimmedaari meri!"

Najma clapped. "Yeh hui na baat!"

Zoya knew exactly what to do. She spent the entire morning preparing a batch of homemade chocolate truffles, making sure they were perfectly rich and indulgent. By noon, the entire house smelled of cocoa, and Zoya stood triumphantly in the kitchen, her hands dusted with cocoa powder.

"Mission Chocolate Khan shuru kiya jaye!" she announced, placing the chocolates in an elegant box with a golden ribbon.

Asad walked in just then, dressed in his usual crisp white shirt and black waistcoat, scanning the room with narrowed eyes. "Yeh kya ho raha hai, Miss Farooqui?"

Zoya grinned mischievously and held out the box. "Mr. Khan, aaj Chocolate Day hai! Aur yeh aapke liye!"

Asad’s brows furrowed. "Miss Farooqui, mujhe yeh sab pasand nahi hai. Main chocolates nahi khata."

Zoya gasped dramatically. "Kya? Koi kaise chocolates nahi kha sakta? Yeh toh pyaar ka doosra naam hai!"

Asad exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Miss Farooqui, mujhe meetha pasand nahi."

Zoya smirked, stepping closer. "Jhoot! Maine dekha tha ek din aapko chai ke saath one spoon sugar lete hue!"

Asad rolled his eyes. "One spoon sugar aur chocolates mein bohot farq hai."

Zoya huffed. "Mr. Khan, agar aapne ek bhi bite nahi li, toh main yeh maan loongi ki aapko mujhse bilkul bhi feelings nahi hai!"

Asad stiffened. "Aap har cheez ko emotional drama kyun bana deti hain?"

Zoya pouted. "Kyunki tabhi toh aap react karte hain, Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan!"

Dilshad, who had been listening from the doorway, stepped in. "Asad, beta, ek chocolate kha lene mein kya jaata hai?"

Najma added, "Haan Bhaijaan, please! Zoya ne aapke liye itni mehnat se banaya hai!"

Asad looked between the three women—his mother, his sister, and her. He knew he had lost this battle. With a resigned sigh, he took the smallest chocolate from the box and hesitantly put it in his mouth.

Zoya watched him eagerly, biting her lip. Asad chewed slowly, his expression unreadable. Then… his eyes slightly widened.

Zoya smirked. "Acha laga na?"

Asad swallowed, clearing his throat. "It’s… fine."

Najma gasped. "Matlab aapko pasand aaya?!"

Asad, realizing he had been caught, quickly turned toward the stairs. "Mujhe kaam pe jaana hai."

Zoya chuckled, calling after him, "Maan lijiye, Mr. Khan! Aapko chocolate bhi pasand hai, aur main bhi!"

Asad paused for a fraction of a second but didn’t turn back. Instead, he walked away, leaving behind a faint smile playing on his lips.

Later that night, Zoya was sitting in her room, humming to herself when she heard a knock on the door.

"Asad Ahmed Khan aur mere kamre mein? Kya baat hai!" she teased as she opened the door.

Asad stood there, looking almost uncomfortable. In his hand was a small, neatly wrapped package. "Yeh aapke liye hai."

Zoya blinked. "Mere liye?"

He cleared his throat. "Haan. Aapne mujhe chocolates diye, toh… mujhe laga ki aapko bhi kuch dena chahiye."

Zoya’s heart skipped a beat as she quickly unwrapped the package. Inside was a small, delicate box of Swiss chocolates.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. Khan, aapne mere liye chocolates kharide?"

Asad shifted awkwardly. "Mujhe nahi pata aapko kaunsa pasand hai, toh… bas jo sabse acha laga, woh le liya."

Zoya grinned, clutching the box. "Mujhe yeh bohot pasand hai!"

She looked up at him, her expression softening. "Aap jaante hain na, yeh ek tarah se acceptance hai? Ki aap bhi… kuch mehsoos karte hain?"

Asad met her gaze, his eyes betraying emotions he still struggled to voice. "Bas… sirf ek chhoti si mithaas ki koshish."

Zoya’s heart melted. She stepped closer, tilting her head playfully. "Ek aur mithaas ki koshish karenge?"

Asad raised a brow. "Kya?"

She held up one of the chocolates from his gift and smiled mischievously. "Aap mujhe apne haathon se khilaenge?"

Asad exhaled, shaking his head at her antics. But then, surprising even himself, he took the chocolate and gently placed it against her lips. Zoya’s breath hitched as she let him feed her, her heart pounding in her chest.

The moment was simple. Yet, in that small gesture, an unspoken promise was made.

Asad Ahmed Khan wasn’t just accepting chocolates today.

He was accepting her.

Teddy Day – Ek Narm Sa Ehsaas

The next morning, Khan Villa was bathed in the soft golden glow of the rising sun. Zoya Farooqui stretched lazily in bed, a smile tugging at her lips as she recalled the events of the previous night. Mr. Khan ne mujhe chocolates diye. Woh bhi apne haathon se khilaya! Her heart did a little happy dance at the memory. It wasn’t a grand confession, but for Asad Ahmed Khan, it was a big step.

She sat up excitedly. Aaj Teddy Day hai! Her excitement dimmed slightly as she imagined Asad’s reaction. Mr. Akdu Ahmed Khan aur teddy bears? Impossible! She let out a dramatic sigh. Par mujhe kya? Main toh apna kaam kar ke rahungi!

Just then, Najma peeked into her room with an excited grin. "Zoya! Aapne socha Bhaijaan ko kya dena hai?"

Zoya smirked. "Socha toh hai, lekin Mr. Khan ke expression ka soch ke thoda darr bhi lag raha hai."

Najma giggled. "Mujhe bhi. Bhaijaan aur ek teddy bear… sochke hi ajeeb lagta hai!"

Zoya laughed. "Lekin main unhe aaj ek teddy zaroor doongi. Challenge accepted!"

By noon, Zoya had picked out the perfect teddy bear—a medium-sized, brown fluffy one with a red bow. It wasn’t overly cute, but it was still adorable enough to annoy Asad. She held it up, admiring it.

"Aaj dekhti hoon, Mr. Khan isse kaise ignore karenge!" she declared mischievously.

She tiptoed to Asad’s study, where he sat working, his brows furrowed in concentration as he typed on his laptop. He looked so serious, so focused—bilkul boring!

Zoya smirked and dramatically cleared her throat. "Mr. Khan, aapke liye ek special gift hai!"

Asad barely looked up. "Miss Farooqui, main kaam kar raha hoon."

Zoya pouted. "Par aaj Teddy Day hai!"

Asad sighed. "Aur yeh kya naya drama hai?"

Without waiting for permission, Zoya plopped the teddy bear onto his desk. "Tadaaa! Yeh aapke liye!"

Asad blinked, staring at the fluffy object as if it were an alien creature. "Miss Farooqui… yeh kya hai?"

Zoya gasped, clutching her heart. "Aapko nahi pata? Yeh ek teddy bear hai! Soft, cute, aur pyaar ka symbol!"

Asad stared at her blankly. "Aur mujhe yeh kyun diya ja raha hai?"

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Kyunki aaj Teddy Day hai, Mr. Khan! Aur ek teddy bear kisi ko gift karna ek tarah se kehna hota hai ki 'main hamesha aapke saath hoon’."

Asad exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Miss Farooqui, mujhe yeh childish cheezein pasand nahi."

Zoya huffed. "Mr. Khan, ek teddy bear lene se aapki mardaangi kam nahi ho jaayegi!"

Najma, who had been listening outside, burst into laughter. "Bhaijaan, bas ek baar pakad lijiye na!"

Asad shot her a glare. "Najma…"

Zoya pouted dramatically, clutching the teddy bear to her chest. "Fine, agar aap nahi lenge toh main isse khud rakh loongi. Par mujhe toh laga tha ki yeh teddy bilkul aap jaisa hai."

Asad frowned. "Mere jaisa?"

Zoya nodded seriously. "Haan! Dekhiye, dono brown color ke hain, dono thode se akdu hain, aur dono andar se soft hain!"

Najma burst out laughing again, while Asad looked scandalized. "Miss Farooqui!"

Zoya giggled. "Bas ek baar pakad ke dekh lijiye. Ek second ke liye bhi nahi?"

Asad let out a frustrated sigh, clearly wanting to end this nonsense. He hesitantly picked up the teddy bear, holding it like it was some fragile object. "Ab khush?"

Zoya beamed. "Bohot!"

She quickly took out her phone. "Ek photo toh banta hai!"

Asad’s eyes widened in horror. "Bilkul nahi!" He immediately put the teddy back on the desk.

Zoya pouted. "Itna bhi kya dar Mr. Khan? Yeh teddy sirf ek narm sa ehsaas hai!"

Asad shook his head and got up, muttering, "Mujhe kaam hai." But just as he turned to leave, Zoya caught the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

That night, Zoya sat in bed, hugging the teddy bear close. She sighed. "Shayad Mr. Khan ko teddy pasand nahi aaya…"

Just then, she heard a knock. She frowned. "Itni raat ko kaun hai?"

She opened the door to find Asad standing there, looking awkward as ever. In his hands was a small, white teddy bear with a blue bow.

Zoya’s eyes widened. "Yeh kya hai?"

Asad cleared his throat. "Aapne mujhe teddy diya tha… toh maine socha…"

Zoya’s heart did a somersault. "Aapne mere liye teddy bear liya?"

Asad looked away. "Mujhe nahi pata ki yeh sab kaise kaam karta hai, par aapko pasand hai… toh bas."

Zoya’s eyes softened. She took the teddy from him, feeling her heart swell. "Mr. Khan… yeh toh bohot cute hai!"

Asad muttered, "Good night, Miss Farooqui," and quickly turned to leave.

But before he could escape, Zoya called out, "Mr. Khan!"

He turned, raising a brow.

She held up the teddy bear and grinned. "Main yeh tab tak apne paas rakhungi jab tak aap mujhe khud se replace nahi kar dete!"

Asad shook his head at her antics but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

That night, as Zoya drifted off to sleep, she held the teddy bear close, feeling an undeniable warmth spread through her heart.

Maybe Mr. Khan wasn’t just accepting teddy bears today.

Maybe, just maybe, he was slowly accepting her too.

Promise Day – Ek Vaada Mohabbat Ka

The sun had barely risen over Bhopal, casting soft golden hues over Khan Villa. Zoya Farooqui stood on the balcony of her room, the chilly morning breeze brushing against her face. Clutching the small white teddy bear Asad had given her the previous night, she smiled to herself. Mr. Khan badal rahe hain… dheere dheere hi sahi, par woh apne emotions accept kar rahe hain!

Just then, Najma entered her room, grinning mischievously. "Bhaijaan ne jo teddy diya tha, usse kitni der se ghoor rahi ho, Zoya?"

Zoya gasped dramatically. "Najma! Main ghoor nahi rahi hoon, bas… soch rahi hoon."

Najma giggled. "Acha? Kya soch rahi ho?"

Zoya twirled around, hugging the teddy bear close. "Yeh ki Mr. Khan kaafi sundar vaade kar sakte hain, bas unhe realize karne ki deri hai!"

Najma’s eyes twinkled. "Vaade? Zoya, aaj Promise Day hai!"

Zoya froze for a second before a wide smile spread across her face. "Allah miyan! That means… aaj mujhe Mr. Khan se ek promise lena chahiye!"

Najma nodded enthusiastically. "Haan! Aur agar woh promise kar lein, toh iska matlab hoga ki woh sach mein aapko apni life ka ek hissa maanne lage hain!"

Zoya grinned. Mr. Khan se ek wada lena? Challenge accepted!

Later that morning, Asad sat at the dining table, sipping his black coffee and reading the newspaper. As always, he was dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt, his expression calm and serious. Zoya, on the other hand, was anything but calm. She sat across from him, fidgeting, trying to come up with the perfect way to get a promise out of him.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned forward. "Mr. Khan, aapse ek baat karni thi."

Asad barely looked up. "Miss Farooqui, agar yeh kisi naye drama ki shuruaat hai, toh mujhe abhi se bata dijiye."

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Drama nahi, Mr. Khan! Aaj Promise Day hai!"

Asad sighed. "Aur yeh kya naya nonsense hai?"

Zoya groaned. "Arrey! Mr. Khan, Promise Day ka matlab hai ki aap kisi special insaan se ek important wada karte hain. Ek aisa vaada jo nibhaana zaroori ho!"

Asad placed the newspaper down and looked at her with mild annoyance. "Aur aap chahengi ki main aapse koi promise karoon?"

Zoya nodded enthusiastically. "Bilkul!"

Asad leaned back, folding his arms. "Aur agar maine mana kar diya toh?"

Zoya gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "Mana?! Mr. Khan, aap ek aurat ka dil tod rahe hain! Yeh toh na-insaafi hai!"

Asad shook his head. "Miss Farooqui, main bina soche samjhe koi wada nahi karta."

Zoya smirked. "Toh sochiye! Koi toh aisa wada hoga jo aap mujhse kar sakte hain?"

Asad exhaled, clearly not in the mood for this. "Fine. Bataiye, kya promise chahiye aapko?"

Zoya’s expression turned serious as she leaned forward. "Main chahti hoon ki aap mujhse yeh wada karein ki chahe kuch bhi ho jaye… aap mujhe kabhi apni zindagi se door nahi karenge."

Asad stiffened. The request caught him off guard. He had expected something childish, something playful. But this… this was serious.

He averted his gaze. "Miss Farooqui, aap jaanti hain ki main emotions par baat nahi karta."

Zoya’s heart clenched. "Lekin emotions feel toh karte hain na, Mr. Khan?"

There was a long pause. Asad clenched his jaw, clearly struggling with his words. "Meri zindagi… complicated hai, Zoya."

It wasn’t the first time he had called her by her name, but every time he did, her heart skipped a beat.

She softened her tone. "Mujhe complicated cheezein pasand hain, Mr. Khan. Par agar aap mujhe sach mein ek hissa maante hain… toh kya mujhe apni zindagi se kabhi alag nahi karenge?"

Asad looked into her eyes, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. He wanted to say yes. He wanted to promise her everything. But he was still Asad Ahmed Khan—the man bound by his fears, his responsibilities, his past.

Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than before. "Main sirf woh vaade karta hoon jo nibha sakoon, Miss Farooqui."

Zoya’s heart sank. Toh kya iska matlab hai ki woh mujhe apni zindagi ka ek hissa nahi banana chahte?

Asad saw the flash of hurt in her eyes and sighed. He hated seeing her like this. Running a hand through his hair, he finally said, "Par main itna zaroor wada kar sakta hoon… ki jab tak aap yahan ho, main aapki hamesha hifazat karunga."

Zoya blinked. She had expected rejection, but instead, she had received protection.

She forced a smile. "Protection ka promise diya hai, Mr. Khan… kabhi na chhodne ka nahi."

Asad didn’t say anything. Instead, he picked up his coffee again, his fingers tightening around the cup.

But as Zoya turned away, a single thought crossed his mind—Kya main sach mein kabhi is ladki ko apni zindagi se alag kar sakta hoon?

That evening, Zoya sat in the garden, watching the sky change colors. Her heart felt heavier than before.

Just then, she heard footsteps. She turned and found Asad standing there, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

For a moment, they stood in silence. Then, Asad spoke. "Mujhe samajh nahi aata ki aap kaise har cheez ko itna asaan bana deti hain, Miss Farooqui."

Zoya sighed. "Pyaar mushkil nahi hota, Mr. Khan. Bas usse accept karna mushkil hota hai."

Asad looked at her, something deep and unspoken in his gaze. He took a slow breath and, after a long pause, said, "Mujhe pata nahi ki main woh vaada kar sakta hoon jo aapne maanga tha."

Zoya felt a lump form in her throat.

But then, he added softly, "Lekin yeh zaroor keh sakta hoon ki jitni der tak aap meri zindagi mein hain… main aapko apne dil ke sabse kareeb rakhunga."

Zoya’s eyes widened.

Asad looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeh ek waada hai, Zoya."

Her breath hitched. He might not have promised forever, but he had promised now. And for Zoya, that was enough.

She smiled, her eyes glistening. "Mr. Khan… yeh bhi bohot bada vaada hai."

Asad met her gaze, and for the first time, he didn’t look away.

Hug Day – Jab Alfaaz Kam Pad Gaye

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Khan Villa, casting warm golden patterns on the marble floor. Zoya Farooqui stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dupatta with a small smile playing on her lips. Her heart was still fluttering from the words Asad had said last night.

"Jitni der tak aap meri zindagi mein hain… main aapko apne dil ke sabse kareeb rakhunga."

His words weren’t an outright confession, but they were the closest he had ever come to admitting his feelings. And today, on Hug Day, she felt an overwhelming urge to push his boundaries just a little more.

She turned to find Najma standing by the door, grinning knowingly.

"Kya chal raha hai, Zoya?" Najma teased.

Zoya smirked. "Aaj Hug Day hai, Tamatar! Aur maine socha hai… ki aaj Mr. Khan se ek hug leke rahungi!"

Najma gasped dramatically. "Bhaijaan aur hug? Woh bhi Zoya Farooqui ko? Allah bachaye!"

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Mr. Khan bhi insaan hain, Tamatar. Ek hug se unka mardaangi quotient kam nahi ho jayega!"

Najma giggled. "Lekin aapko pata hai na, woh aise cheezein pasand nahi karte?"

Zoya grinned mischievously. "Wahi toh mazaa hai! Mr. Khan aur unki no-hug policy—Aaj dekhti hoon, main kaise todti hoon!"

Asad Ahmed Khan sat in his study, completely engrossed in his laptop. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he typed away, oblivious to the storm that was about to arrive in the form of Zoya.

Zoya peeked inside, biting her lip in anticipation. Bas ek hug! Ek pyaara sa, innocent sa hug!

She cleared her throat dramatically. "Mr. Khan!"

Asad barely looked up. "Kya baat hai, Miss Farooqui?"

Zoya put on her best bambi-eyed innocent expression. "Aaj ek bohot special din hai!"

Asad sighed. "Ab kya naya drama hai?"

Zoya pouted. "Arrey! Mr. Khan, aap har cheez ko drama kyun kehte hain? Aaj Hug Day hai!"

Asad blinked. "Hug Day?"

Zoya nodded eagerly. "Haan! Aaj ke din special log ek dusre ko hug karke apni feelings express karte hain!"

Asad looked unimpressed. "Miss Farooqui, mujhe yeh sab bachpana pasand nahi."

Zoya huffed. "Mr. Khan, ek hug lene se kuch nahi hota!"

Asad shut his laptop and folded his arms. "Mujhe kisi se hug karne ki zaroorat nahi hai."

Zoya gasped dramatically. "Mr. Khan! Aap itne insensitive kyun hain? Hug dene ka matlab sirf romance nahi hota! Kabhi kabhi ek hug insaan ke saare dukh door kar sakta hai!"

Asad sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Miss Farooqui…"

Before he could complete his sentence, Zoya spread her arms wide and moved toward him. "Ek hug, bas ek chhota sa hug!"

Asad’s eyes widened, and in typical Akdu Ahmed Khan style, he stepped back instantly. "Bilkul nahi!"

Zoya groaned. "Mr. Khan, aap itne rude kyun hain? Itna bhi kya problem hai ek hug lene mein?"

Asad adjusted his cuffs, avoiding her gaze. "Mujhe personal space pasand hai."

Zoya rolled her eyes. "Fine! Main aapko force nahi karungi. Lekin ek din aap khud mujhe hug karenge, Mr. Khan. Yeh mera wada hai!"

Asad shook his head in exasperation, but as Zoya turned to leave, he couldn’t help but feel amused by her persistence.

Later that night, a heavy thunderstorm raged outside. The wind howled through the trees, and the occasional flash of lightning illuminated the sky. Zoya sat curled up on the living room couch, pretending to watch TV, but in reality, she was slightly unnerved by the storm.

She was fearless about most things, but thunderstorms had always unsettled her. A particularly loud thunderclap made her jump, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself.

Asad, who had just walked in with a glass of water, noticed her tense posture. He frowned. "Miss Farooqui, theek hain?"

Zoya quickly put on a brave face. "Of course! Main toh bas… news dekh rahi hoon!"

Another loud rumble of thunder echoed, and this time, Zoya flinched. Asad caught it instantly.

"Miss Farooqui, kya aap… bijli se dar rahi hain?"

Zoya scoffed. "Main aur dar? Bilkul nahi!"

A sudden bolt of lightning struck, making the lights flicker. Unable to help herself, Zoya let out a small yelp and, without thinking, launched herself into Asad’s arms.

For a moment, time stood still.

Asad froze, his arms stiff by his sides as Zoya clutched onto his shirt, her face buried in his chest. He could feel her rapid breathing, her small shivers against him.

"Mr. Khan…" she whispered, gripping him tighter as another thunderclap shook the house.

Asad’s heart pounded. Every instinct told him to step back, to push her away—but instead, his hands slowly, hesitantly lifted… and wrapped around her shoulders.

Zoya stilled. Mr. Khan… ne mujhe hug kiya?

It wasn’t a passionate embrace. It wasn’t intentional. But it was warm, protective, and unspoken in its comfort.

She looked up, meeting his gaze. His eyes were softer than usual, conflicted but undeniably caring.

"Miss Farooqui," he murmured, his voice quieter than usual. "Darne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Main hoon yahan."

Zoya swallowed. He’s comforting me?

She smiled against his shirt, her arms tightening around him for a second longer before she whispered, "Shukriya, Mr. Khan."

Asad let out a small sigh but didn’t pull away immediately. Maybe, just maybe, some things didn’t need words.

Kiss Day – Jab Nafrat Paas Laati Hai

The morning in Khan Villa began like any other—orderly, disciplined, and meticulously structured, just the way Asad Ahmed Khan preferred. However, in a stark contrast, Zoya Farooqui was chaos incarnate, buzzing with restless energy as she stood in the kitchen, humming to herself while making pancakes.

"Aaj Kiss Day hai, Mr. Khan! Dekhte hain ki kya aapka no-touch rule todh sakti hoon ya nahi!" she thought mischievously.

Najma, standing beside her, watched Zoya’s overly enthusiastic behavior and raised an eyebrow. "Zoya, aaj kya special hai? Aap itni khush kyun lag rahi hain?"

Zoya smirked. "Tamatar, aaj Kiss Day hai!"

Najma’s eyes widened in horror. "Allah! Zoya, aapko pata hai na ki Bhaijaan aise cheezein pasand nahi karte?"

Zoya waved a hand dismissively. "Mujhe pata hai! Main koi actual kiss lene nahi ja rahi, Najma! Bas thoda unka reaction test karna hai!"

Najma giggled. "Agar aap sach mein kuch aisa karne wali hain toh main apni jaan bacha ke bhaag rahi hoon!"

Zoya winked. "Bhaag lo, Tamatar! Lekin aaj ka din bohot interesting hone wala hai!"

Asad walked into the dining area, his usual serious demeanor in place. He was dressed in his crisp black shirt, his hair perfectly styled, and his gaze scanning the room, already prepared for Zoya’s usual antics.

"Good morning, Mr. Khan!" Zoya greeted him sweetly, placing a plate of pancakes in front of him.

Asad eyed her suspiciously. "Miss Farooqui, aap itni… normal kyun lag rahi hain?"

Zoya gasped dramatically, clutching her heart. "Aapko lagta hai ki main normal nahi ho sakti? Kitna bura keh diya, Mr. Khan!"

Asad sighed, unfolding his napkin. "Main sirf yeh keh raha hoon ki jab bhi aap itni shant dikhai deti hain, iska matlab hai ki kuch gadbad hone wali hai."

Zoya grinned. "Waise aapko pata hai? Aaj Kiss Day hai!"

Asad immediately stiffened, nearly dropping his fork. He looked at her, appalled. "Miss Farooqui!"

Zoya laughed at his reaction. "Relax, Mr. Khan! Main koi chhoti bachchi thodi hoon jo seedha aapko kiss karne aa jaungi?"

Asad let out a sharp breath. "Aisa sochna bhi mat!"

Zoya leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Kyun? Aapko darr lagta hai?"

Asad’s jaw tightened. "Mujhe kisi cheez se darr nahi lagta, Miss Farooqui."

Zoya smirked. "Toh ek challenge?"

Asad frowned. "Challenge?"

Zoya nodded. "Aaj poore din agar aap mujhse dur rahe bina ek bhi baar nervous nahi hue, toh main kabhi aapke touch-phobia ka mazaak nahi udaoongi!"

Asad scoffed. "Mujhe farq nahi padta."

Zoya grinned. "Acha? Toh challenge accept?"

Asad exhaled. "Fine."

"Ab dekhte hain, Mr. Khan!" Zoya thought gleefully.

The day passed with small, deliberate moments where Zoya got just close enough to Asad to make him uncomfortable. Standing too close while passing a file, brushing past him in the hallway, whispering a little too close to his ear—it was driving him insane.

By evening, Asad had had enough. He found Zoya sitting on the garden swing, looking up at the stars.

He cleared his throat. "Miss Farooqui."

Zoya turned with a soft smile. "Aap aa gaye, Mr. Khan?"

Asad crossed his arms. "Aap jo bhi kar rahi hain, ab band kijiye."

Zoya acted innocent. "Main kya kar rahi hoon?"

Asad clenched his jaw. "Aap jaanti hain."

Zoya chuckled. "Mr. Khan, aaj Kiss Day hai. Maine sirf aapka reaction dekhna chaha."

Asad exhaled sharply. "Yeh sab bachpana hai, Miss Farooqui."

Zoya’s smile faded slightly. "Acha? Aur emotions? Woh bhi bachpana hai?"

Asad looked at her, caught off guard by the sudden shift in her tone.

Zoya stood up and took a step closer. "Mr. Khan… kabhi kabhi pyaar ko express karna zaroori hota hai. Chaahe woh ek hug ho, ek chhoti si smile ho… ya ek chhoti si…"

She lifted her hand slowly, placing it gently on his cheek. Asad stiffened, his breath hitching.

"…kiss?" she whispered, her face just inches from his.

Asad’s heart pounded in his chest. Her warmth, her touch, her scent—it was all too much.

And then, as if fate had decided to mock him, a gust of wind blew, pushing Zoya slightly forward, making her lips barely graze the corner of his mouth.

Asad froze.

Zoya gasped, pulling back instantly. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized what had just happened.

"Oh my God!" she blurted out, covering her mouth. "Mr. Khan! Woh… woh… maine…"

Asad’s entire body was rigid. His eyes burned with something unreadable—shock, disbelief… something else.

Zoya panicked. "Allah miyan! Aap gussa ho gaye?"

Asad swallowed, his voice dangerously low. "Miss Farooqui…"

Zoya took a step back. "Dekhiye, woh totally accident tha! Maine jaan bujh ke nahi kiya, bas hawa—"

But before she could finish, Asad turned on his heel and walked away, his fists clenched tightly by his sides.

Zoya let out a breath, still in shock. Maine sach mein Asad Ahmed Khan ko… kiss kiya?

Her fingers touched the corner of her lips as a slow, shy smile crept up. Aur Mr. Khan… shayad is baar bhaage nahi. Yeh toh kamaal ho gaya!

Valentine’s Day – Jab Pyaar Ikraar Ban Gaya

The air in Khan Villa carried a strange, unspoken tension ever since that moment—the accidental brush of lips, the almost-kiss that had left Asad Ahmed Khan speechless and Zoya Farooqui flustered. Zoya had expected Asad to either scold her, avoid her completely, or pretend like it never happened. But he had done none of those things. Instead, he had become even more unknowable. He still spoke to her, still responded to her antics with his usual deadpan sarcasm, but something had shifted.

And today, on Valentine’s Day, Zoya felt the shift more than ever.

She stood in front of the mirror, her fingers absentmindedly trailing over the silver bracelet she always wore—a gift from her mother. "Aaj Valentine’s Day hai, Ammi. Kya Mr. Khan mujhe apni feelings bataenge?" she murmured, staring at her reflection.

Najma’s excited voice interrupted her thoughts. "Zoya! Aap ready hain?"

Zoya turned, raising an eyebrow. "Ready? Kis liye?"

Najma grinned. "Bhaijaan ne aapko terrace pe bulaya hai!"

Zoya blinked. Asad ne mujhe bulaya? "Mr. Khan? Terrace pe? Kyun?"

Najma giggled. "Jaake dekhiye na! Shayad Valentine’s surprise ho?"

Zoya’s heart skipped a beat. Valentine’s surprise? Mr. Khan? Nahi, nahi, impossible. Yeh Mr. Khan hain, woh koi filmy hero thodi na hain jo mujhe chocolates ya balloons dene wale hain.

But the curiosity burned inside her. And so, taking a deep breath, she walked towards the terrace, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

As Zoya stepped onto the terrace, she stopped in her tracks.

The sight before her was nothing short of magical. The usually plain and minimalistic terrace was transformed into something breathtaking. Fairy lights were strung along the railings, casting a soft golden glow. Small candles flickered on the table, their gentle flames dancing in the breeze. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading up to where Asad Ahmed Khan stood, his hands clasped behind his back, his face unreadable.

Zoya’s lips parted in astonishment. "Yeh… yeh sab…"

Asad exhaled, looking slightly uncomfortable but resolute. "Miss Farooqui… aapne pucha tha na ki mujhe hug dene se problem kyun hai? Kiss ka matlab sirf ek junoon kyun hota hai? Pyaar ko express karna zaroori kyun hota hai?"

Zoya gulped, her throat suddenly dry. "Haan…"

Asad took a step forward, his intense eyes locking onto hers. "Mujhe shabd dhoondhne nahi aate, Miss Farooqui. Lekin jo bhi ho, woh sach hai."

Zoya inhaled sharply. Kya Mr. Khan sach mein…

Asad’s voice softened. "Mujhe aapke bina sab sunaai dena bandh ho jaata hai. Aapke bina yeh ghar… ghar nahi lagta. Main jitna bhi aapse door bhaagta hoon, utna hi dil aapki taraf kheechta hai."

Zoya’s eyes welled up. "Mr. Khan…"

Asad took another step closer, his hand hesitating before gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Main shayad kabhi bhi aap jitna bebaak nahi ho sakta. Lekin aaj… aaj main itna keh sakta hoon ki aap meri zindagi ka ek hissa nahi, meri zindagi khud hain."

Zoya let out a small, breathy laugh, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Aap… sach keh rahe hain?"

Asad nodded. "Haan, Miss Farooqui. Main aapse…" He exhaled, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Main aapse pyaar karta hoon."

Zoya gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. For a moment, she just stood there, staring at him as if she couldn’t believe her ears.

And then, unable to stop herself, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder.

Asad stiffened for a moment before, for the first time ever, his arms wrapped around her in return. It wasn’t a hesitant embrace, nor was it a fleeting one. It was firm, warm, and full of all the emotions he had held back for so long.

Zoya sniffled, smiling against his shirt. "Mujhe laga tha ki aap kabhi nahi kahenge…"

Asad let out a small chuckle. "Mujhe bhi laga tha."

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity—two hearts beating in sync, two souls finally embracing the love they had been running from.

Then, Zoya slowly pulled back, looking up at him with shining eyes. "Aaj Valentine’s Day hai, Mr. Khan… aur aapne mujhe itna bada surprise diya."

Asad smirked slightly. "Surprise pasand aaya?"

Zoya grinned. "Sabse zyada!"

There was a moment of silence. The wind whispered around them, the fairy lights twinkled like stars, and the distance between them felt almost nonexistent.

Zoya bit her lip, her eyes flickering to his lips for a second before she blushed. "Mr. Khan…"

Asad raised an eyebrow. "Haan?"

Zoya giggled. "Aaj Kiss Day bhi hai…"

Asad’s breath caught. His eyes darkened slightly, but he didn’t step away. Instead, he reached up, gently tracing his fingers along her jawline, his gaze searching hers.

Then, with infinite tenderness, he leaned forward and pressed the softest, most delicate kiss to her forehead.

Zoya closed her eyes, her entire being melting at the simple yet profound gesture. It wasn’t a kiss of passion—it was a kiss of love, of promise, of forever.

Asad whispered against her skin, "Ek din… jab waqt sahi hoga, main tumse har woh baat kahunga jo aaj bhi shabd banne ke liye tayar nahi hai. Lekin filhaal…" He pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze with unwavering intensity. "Filhaal yeh kaafi hai."

Zoya let out a teary laugh, throwing her arms around his neck again. "Kaafi se bhi zyada, Mr. Khan!"

The stars above them sparkled, the night air wrapped around them like a warm embrace, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Because Asad Ahmed Khan and Zoya Farooqui had finally found their way to each other.

And that was the most beautiful confession of all.

—The End—

Is it different from tha other ones?

Originally posted by: heavenlybliss

Is it different from tha other ones?

Have you read the other ones?