The Sins of the Father ...An Asya Story

Part 17

Asad watched Zoya disappear out of his sight. His heart constricted. Ya Allah, please keep her safe and happy, he offered a silent prayer. He sat inside his SUV and looked at the house that broke his family apart. That house was nothing but a sign of the all the heartache his family experienced, when he looked at that house he saw his ammi's tears, his childhood all the taunts and insults his mother faced. Asad looked one more time at the house and started the vehicle, but he just couldn't put into gear and release the brake. He looked at his hand, the "Z" was permanently etched across his heart and life line, he just could not move. He kept caressing the Z on his palm gently like how he would caress Zoya. Zoya on the other hand stood at the door step not sure whether to enter or run back. In front of her stood her abbu and behind her she knew Asad was still there. Humera touched Zoya's hand urging her to enter. As she placed her foot inside the house, Siddiqi sahib rushed forward and embraced Zoya. "You home my bachi, you home, welcome" said Siddiqi sahib with tears in his eyes. Shirin was confused as always. Zoya smiled and silent tears made their way down her cheeks. Humera came forward and joined the hug. Razia adjusted her duppata to hide her fury. All the things she did for this never to happen. She would have to up her game thought Razia. Rashid caught the play of emotions on Razia's face. He knew that this time he would protect Zoya. Asad words rang in his ears "That child in the factory I think it was Zoya". This time he would not fail. Rashid came forward and touched Zoya's head. Zoya turned around and hugged him "You know dost, when I came to India, I was looking for my abbu now look at me I have two abbu's under the same roof, how lucky can a girl get" smiled Zoya. Rashid held Zoya and looked at Siddiqi sahib and Razia and said "This abbu will make sure no harm comes to whilst you are VISITING here" said Rashid emphasising on the word visiting. Shirin came forward and looked at Zoya "Aren't you Asad's wife? Why are you addressing bhai-jaan as abbu"? Ayaan rolled his eyes and explained to the entire situation. Shirin looked at Zoya and said "Oho, that means I am you phuphi. " Zoya smiled and remembered how she use to call Dilshaad phuphi but now Dilshaad was her ammi and she will not disappoint her ammi, despite all the bad things Shirin has said about Dilshaad, Dilshaas was always polite, so Zoya decided she will be like her Dilshaad ammi, Zoya smiled and hugged Shirin, Shirin smiled said, "sab kismet ki luck hai, iss main kya shaq hai".

With the girls thought it was time to show Zoya to her new room. Zoya was surprised when she opened the door, they room was filled with 18 wrapped gifts. "Baji, abbu decorated your room himself this morning". Zoya had tears in her eyes now. She looked around the room; it like an entire childhood was squeezed in that the room. Ayaan walked into the room and noticed the mood. "Areh, what's going on here? Zingo Hotties why are you making my Mona darling, sorry bhabhi cry" asked Ayaan mock scolding the girls. Zoya was smiling now, "Zingo Hotties?" what's that?" asked Zoya really curiously. Nikhat and Nuzhat tried to explain, but Ayaan stopped them. "Let Mona freshen up and we will have the ceremony later" winked Ayaan to his Zingo Hotties. Zoya was even more curious now. "No, tell me now" demanded Zoya. "Baji, let's leave some things for us to do later" Said Humera as she started pushing everyone out the door. Zoya watched them leave. Zoya walked to the window and dialled a number and put her cell to her ear, she looked at her palm where "A" was now burned into her hand, it was across her life and heart line, strange how life gives you signs she thought, she was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a whispered "Zoya" on the other end. Zoya put her hand over her heart and forced a smile and said cheerfully "You can go home Mr Khan. What will people say? The great Asad Ahmed Khan stalking a girl" Giggled Zoya. Asad meanwhile leaned back with his head on the back rest and looked towards the heavens as he savoured her voice. "Asad, I am okay. Go home. Aakeer must be waiting for you" Asad could not say anything. Zoya listened to his silence. Asad heart was so sore that it was threatening to spill through his eyes and Zoya was biting her lip not to cry. Eventually Zoya, broke the silence "Asad, please call me when you get home. I want to speak to Aakeer. And listen Mr, don't you think whilst the wife is away you can go out partying and stay out late night and look at other woman, I am watching you Mr" teased Zoya and she laughed, Asad smiled "Damn there all night orgy I had planned" said Asad. Zoya was shocked "What did you just say" she asked. Asad smiled "you think only you can tease Mrs Khan". Zoya blushed now. "I have no idea how I am going to sleep without you next to me Zoya. I always watch you sleep, I wish I could tonight as well" said Asad softly. "Don't worry Mr Khan. Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan can do anything" said Zoya cheekily "Are you coming home Zoya" asked Asad excitedly, "Soon" smiled Zoya, Asad was confused now "Then" he asked. "Wait and see Mr Khan" teased Zoya. Asad felt better now, "Zoya, please take care of yourself. Remember I love you always", "Asad, I love you forever. Speak to later, Allah Hafiz". They said their "speak to you later" and cut the call. Asad took a deep breath in and released the brake and drove off.