SS: Abbu EPILOGUE/Page 72 - Page 4

Wow gr8 part
plz pm me for next part
continue soon

Gr8 start yr
N dat guy is he related to ayaan or something like dat...????
Ltz wait ESP fr asadz n ayaats rxn...I loved dis name ayaat...it's beautiful

loved it and thnx for d pm

who's at the door?

Wow. Who's that man at asads office? Want more of it!

Very intriguing! What happened 18yrs ago? Who's son is that boy? Guess I have to wait and see how it unfolds!

I LOVED THE UPDATE PLEASE PM ME ONCE U UPDATE AND UPDATE SOON😃

You ended it there!!!! 😔 please please update the next part soon!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait!!!

So I decided to update in between my assignments. It's not how I planned anything but you know you get carried away sometimes. Wrote this from my phone, so excuse any mistakes, bad dialogues or any stupid glitches! Do let me know what you think, and If I should quit writing in between my assignments LOOL! Because you'll end up with stuff like this. Ahhh sorry for the punishment, turned out to be really long!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, I love you all beautifulsss!
P.S. Ek Nikaah will updated on Friday... HOPEFULLY!

Chapter 2 - DENIAL/REJECTION

'Ouch' Ayaat winced hitting her knee against the table with the medicine falling out of her hands.

'Be careful' The nurse closed the door and turned around to find her holding her knee,

'I'm fine' She rubbed her knee pouting; she gathered the medicine and looked at the nurse. She turned towards her mother's room, 'Is she okaay?'

She rushed towards Zoya's room. She pushed the door half open; Asad looked up following Zoya's eyes and stared wide eyed. Asad watched Zoya's 17 year old self standing there breathing heavily whilst staring at them both. He blinked a few times whilst his hold on Zoya tightened, he was hallucinating a lot these days. He had seen Zoya this morning; he almost died trying to save someone that didn't exist. One moment she was about to get run over by a truck and the next she disappeared. It wasn't anything abnormal; she had been appearing and disappearing every day for the past 18 years, but that morning felt different. His thumb brushed the back of Zoya's hand as he breathed out nervously before he opened his eyes only to find young Zoya standing there with teary eyes staring at HIS Zoya. He looked into her eyes; there was something there that indicated that this image was closer to Zoya than him. He felt a sudden pang of jealousy of Zoya's mirror image; he mentally scolded himself. He looked at Zoya and then her image, he froze hearing the words coming out of her mouth; one word to be precise, one word that pulled the ground away from him questioning his existence,

'Ammi' Ayaat whispered jumping forward on to the bed. Asad followed her movement in shock not being able to utter a single word of defence; how can she be Zoya's daughter? His mind froze. He blinked a few times wishing this image would not disappear. His heart burst open with a new sensation, a weird feeling that he had never experienced before. His mind was however unable to process his heart's conditions as he sat there with his mouth half open wondering if he was in heaven. He watched her caress Zoya's forehead, kissing it before taking her other hand and holding it against her chest; this was Ayaat. Tears overflowed from his eyes as he watched her unaware of his presence despite seeing him there. She really loved Zoya.

A small smile formed on his lips, she was a part of his Zoya. She was HIS daughter. He suddenly realised there were numerous pictures displayed against the huge walls evidence of the two members living in this house. He stared at Zoya who slowly opened her eyes, he lifted his hands towards his daughter reading Zoya's peaceful expressions, Ayaat moved back suddenly,

'You?' She got on her knees, she looked at his blood stained shirt and scruffy hair, 'Ohh, you saved Ammi' She smiled wiping away her tears. She got off the bed and walked around, 'Thank you so much, you didn't just save Ammi's life but mine too this morning...' She bit her tongue looking towards Zoya. Asad smiled at her cute expressions; she went after Zoya definitely. He then watched her press her forehead trying to hide her face before looking back at him with thankful eyes making him smile wider realising she hadn't fully gone after Zoya after all. He put his arms out to hug her, 'Thank you so much sir' Asad froze, she put her hand out for him to shake. Asad's eyes welled up yet again; he took her hand and shook it placing his other hand over it. He was hurt by her words no doubt, but her eyes pierced him seeing her looking at him like a stranger. 'And I'm sorry for my rude behaviour' She looked down at the floor, he stared at her confused. Looking back at Zoya, he mirrored her confusion. 'I know you gave me such a great opportunity to work with your company and I ran out on the first day...'She stared towards the floor playing about with her foot, But but Ammi was hospitalized...' She stuttered innocently looking here and there. Asad raised his eyebrow at the new discovery; his daughter works for him? 'But he was so rude' She scrunched her nose, I mean there was no need for him to get physically violent...' She complained, her face creased remembering his voice. She brushed her arms shuddering, Asad ran his eye over the red mark on her arms; his hands fisted as he let out a small growl. 'Why is he so heartless?' She sniffed, about to burst. She sat next to Zoya, and rest her head on her stomach. Asad stood there boiling staring apologetically at Zoya who was looking at him in disbelief. Ayaat sat up and looked at him, 'You are Mr Khan from DZ Connect, right?' She asked, feeling slightly embarrassed for sounding so unprofessional. She straightened up seeing him nod. 'I'm sorry for my behaviour and I understand I am no longer an employee there. I didn't mean to complain, it's just that it's so hard to believe someone can be so harsh. I wouldn't like to work in a company where their employees are not respected even though I was just a mere apprentice. He knew Ammi was in hospital' Asad watched her eyes flash with hurt, anger and disappointment.

'I'm sorry beta...' He whispered brushing his hands over her hair, blessing her and comforting her. She smiled slightly and he felt he had won the world with that one smile. Her tears were breaking him. This was the same girl for whom he had wished for peace and comfort, his little girl was in pain and he had to something about it.

'Zoya, please come home with me' He sat back down on the stool, holding her hands. Ayaat watched confused,

'This is our home' Ayaat grabbed his hand and moved it away slowly, 'with you? Ermm, who are you?' She asked again, suddenly unsure about his identity. And where do you want to take my Ammi' Her voice rose with each question, she was panicking.

'Ayaat beta, don't speak like that' Zoya whispered,

'Zoya, please. 18 years I have lived without you, I cannot spend another moment without you' He pleaded,

Ayaat stepped in front of Asad pushing him away from her mother. Her anger grew towards this man, she glared at him,

'Who.are.you?'She questioned, 'I know you saved Ammi but I can take care of her thank you very much. We don't need any more favours. You can leave now' She spoke wide eyed. She was shivering; is this stranger a stranger?

'Beta' He put his hand forward, she moved her head away. Asad was hurt by her behaviour; he turned towards Zoya before walking out of the room. Ayaat helped Zoya take her medicine before turning the lights off and sitting beside her idly brushing her hair continuously, with a million questions running through her mind. But she wouldn't ask them, just like the ones from her childhood; for her mother's sake.

----

He held his phone against his ear, his hands shaking with rage,

'Hello, Chac-' Zain was cut off by Asad's stern voice.

'My office, in ten minutes!' He spoke harshly slamming the phone against his thigh. He will not spare him; he had hurt his little girl. He creased his eyebrows; his nose flared remembering the red bruises on her delicate little arms. She was on the verge of breaking point; Asad's heart raced trying to imagine the amount of pain she was going through. Right this moment, it didn't matter so much that she doesn't know who he is, what matters is those tears strolling down her cheek, emptying her priceless tear bank. Seeing that one tear escaping her eyes whilst she tried remaining strong pierced his heart; 18 years he had spent without her, without protecting her, without knowing her.

'Abbu is here' He whispered as the new fatherly feelings warmed his heart before burning his heart with rage. He wore his classic Ray-Bans stepping out of the SUV fixing his suit, the world around him stopped moving in fear. A little growl left his mouth staring above at his office before entering the lift. Ayaan came rushing forward only to have the lifts close him out; no one can save him from me, not even you Ayaan. Ayaan rubbed his neck nervously praying to the Almighty; Asad's hatred towards the boy would exceed any limits today and he didn't even know the reason to be able defend the poor child against his brother's rage. He walked back and forth brushing his hair back,

'Zain, what have you done now?' He questioned for the umpteenth time, 'You should've gone abroad beta, there's nothing left for you here. It's not your fault, but your mother has cursed your future' Ayaan closed his eyes. 'I'm sorry beta, in my efforts of mending the relationship between you two; you have ended up like him.' Ayaan's eyes shot open before he ran up the stairs.

Asad stormed in through the office door before throwing the door shut making it crash close. Zain's body tensed as he stood upright, he closed his eyes hearing the deadly silence. He opened his eyes and stared at the floor in front of him with respect.

Asad stood on the other side of the desk with his back towards Zain, his harsh breathing polluted the atmosphere with fear and negativity.

'How dare you, how dare you behave like you did yesterday?' Asad's voice was calm yet sharp,

'Chachu I-'

'Don't forcefully try to make relations with me Zain. I had not allowed it 18 years ago, and I do not allow it now' Asad turned around and stared at his mirror image, but all he could see was her conniving face laughing at him. He looked away, disgusted. Zain watched his eyes turn away from him disgusted, his heart ached seeing him behave this way. He loved Asad with all his heart and all his life, he had wanted to make a place for himself in his heart. But he had failed, because in the end moment he turns away, with same looks on his face, looks of disgust. He had wondered why all these years before Dilshad Daadi told him; I am not my mother his mind screamed at Asad but his lips quivered. His eyes blurred slightly, he quickly brushed away the peeking tears.

'My Ammi did not teach you to abuse women' Asad looked into his eyes, 'Or maybe your mother's blood runs in you still, she used to treat everyone inhumanely and now you!' Asad didn't know what he was saying; all he knew was that he wanted someone to feel the pain that his daughter was suffering. Zain froze hearing those words, 'I have never, ever, in this profession in all the years that I have worked, misbehaved with my employees. I will not stand it if anyone else tries to' He spoke sternly,

'Chachu I' Asad put his hand out to stop him,

'I want you to apologise to her and bring her back to work as your PA' Asad said thoughtfully knowing she wouldn't come back on his insistence, 'and I swear, if I see a single tear in her eyes, I will not spare you Zain!' He gritted his teeth, each word coming out as a threat.

'Who?' Zain asked confused.

'Oh you don't remember abusing anyone recently?' Asad spoke sarcastically, 'Bring her back' he held his gaze, 'Not a single tear...'

'Do you understand what I'm saying Zain?'

'She's not a PA-' Zain remembered Ayaat's mocking face,

'Do you understand what I'm saying?' His voice rose,

'Yes' Zain looked down. He watched from the corner of his eyes as Asad left smacking the chair along the way. He watched it spin wildly before he held it tight, squeezing it with all his might as he shivered with hurt, anger and rejection. He looked up to his side feeling someone's weight sink onto his right shoulder, he stared with blank expressions.

'Am I that worthless that a mere apprentice means so much to Chachu?' Zain asked sadly, Ayaan watched his eyes flash with hurt.

'He didn't mean it beta, he was just angry' Ayaan explained wondering what the reason for his outburst could be.

'I guess 18 years wasn't enough to cool his anger down' He walked off,

'Come home, Humeira is cooking your favourite dishes. Zain? Are you listening, Hussain is coming home from his trip' Ayaan reminded, Zain stopped and looked over his shoulder apologetically,

'I'll come by in the evening Charlie, and Dilshad Daadi, tell her not to worry. I will come home today' Zain walked out of the office in haste.

'Zain? Stop' Ayaan rushed behind him, he stared at his back and sighed.

'Hello Alaina, did something happen yesterday?' He asked hoping she would know since he had been working in this building all day yesterday and nothing major took place. 'Oh right, Ayaat? What's her full name? Apprentice... Right. Oh, he did what? Oh shoot, and WHAT? Check again, are you sure? Okay, Thanks for that Alaina, bye' He hung up and blinked a few times. Ayaat Zoya Khan?

'Bhaijaan got in touch with bhabie?' He questioned with a smile on his face. 'No, maybe not. But Ayaat? Zoya's daughter?' He questioned again, almost jumping mentally answering his questions. He turned serious in the next moment; how was he meant to protect Zain now?

-----

Ayaat looked up from the floor whilst the nurse brought her mother out of the room. She tried getting up but Zoya put her hand up to stop her and ask her to carry on with her work. The nurse placed the wheel chair in front of the mannequin that Ayaat was working on, Zoya smiled slightly before looking at the mess on the floor. It was a clean mess as the boxes of pins were stacked on top of each other with each piece of material folded beside it. Ayaat's hair was put up in a messy bun, strands irritating her here and there, a pencil lay forgotten behind her ears.

'Ammi, you shouldn't have come out. You're not well' Ayaan spoke with concern,

'I was bored in there, It's like I'll suffocate If I stayed in there any longer' Zoya sighed, 'I'd rather watch you work on your model here' She smiled. Ayaat returned her smile,

'TV?' Zoya shook her head in a no. Ayaat held her gaze moment before tearing it away and focusing on the still model in front of her. Zoya knew it was time.

'Ayaat beta, you shouldn't have lef-'

'I'm sorry Ammi, but a placement isn't important than you' Ayaat carried on wrapping her mannequin.

'I'm fine now... I just, look at me' Zoya watched her daughter busy herself.

'It's my fault you're hurt. I should have never gone' Ayaat looked up,

'It's not your-' She stopped for a moment,

'Who is he Ammi?' Ayaat asked, loud and clear. The room went silent for a moment, all they could hear was the nurse rummaging through the kitchen. Zoya's mouth opened to speak but nothing came out of her mouth.

'Why are you scared Ammi, what are you scared of? I've kept mum all these years waiting for you to tell me, whose picture do you caress every night? Whose name is it that you breathe in your sleep?' Ayaat got up and faced the other way, 'I never asked about Abbu, it's because I don't want to know. I don't want to know whether he was a good man or not. How can he be good if he left us... Anyways, what I do want to know is, who? Who is this person and what memory is it that you haven't been able to forget?' She faced her mother, 'You're afraid that I'll come face to face with him? He's alive isn't he?' Ayaat asked suddenly, Zoya closed her eyes realising she had created a bad image of her father in her mind; he was always very much alive Ayaat.

'Mr-' Ayaat's phone rang suddenly; she picked it up from the floor,

'Hello? Oh right, hospital? One moment' She whispered to her mother indicating her phone, she stepped outside the front door and onto the porch, 'Hello?'

'Hi there Miss Khan, we need you to pay the rest of the medical expenses today' The nurse spoke on the other side.

'I've just transferred it into the account, that's another 15,000 right?'

'Yes, madam. I'll email you the receipt as soon as it updates on the system. Sorry to bother you' She apologised.

'No, it's fine thanks!' Ayaat hung up and placed her phone into her pocket. She leaned against the railings and sighed breathing in the fresh air.

'15,000 for what Ayaat?' Ayaat straightened up and turned around hearing Zoya's voice,

'Nothing Ammi, just-'

'Why Ayaat why? They were your savings to pay for your university fees next year. You've lost this placement as well... Why?' Zoya cried,

'Ammi, shhh' Ayaat wiped her tears, 'you saved that for an emergency, and this was an emergency, for the most important person in my life. It was spent in the right place. And as for the placement. It doesn't matter, I'll apply for another job, university can wait! What's important is that you're okay. You've spent the last 17 years working for me Ammi, and now it's my turn. I want to take care of you and I will no matter what happens' Ayaat placed her head on her mother's lap,

'Allah Miyaan, what's wrong with this girl?' Zoya brushed her hair, 'You don't have to worry about all these fina' Ayaat looked up at her mother, hushing her,

'I know how hard you worked to keep all the finances running at home. And now the savings gone, you're worried about that but don't stress. I'll find a solution Ammi, I'll fix everything. Please relax, please?' She rubbed her hand,

'You've grown up huh?'

'Ofcourse' Zoya tapped Ayaat's nose,

'You're still my baby, so please act your age' Zoya spoke tiredly, she looked up and went quiet. 'Please come inside' Zoya spoke, Ayaat looked up to find Asad standing there. She got up and pushed her mother's wheelchair inside with Asad following behind them.

Asad sat on the sofa and admired Zoya beside him, he watched as Ayaat moved her designs to one side and ran into the kitchen. He viewed the house in slow motion capturing its every detail, admiring the pictures of his wife and his daughter over the years and crying inside for missing out on their family portraits. Those memories would've brightened up his past which was gloomy for the past 18 years. He awkwardly glanced at his daughter walking in with a tray full of snacks and a steaming hot cup of coffee. She placed it in front of him; she served him slowly watching his every move. She froze watching his hands entwine with her mother's, she coughed and turned around.

'Ammi I'll be back' She paced forward to get away from whatever was about to be thrown at her.

'Ayaat, stop' Zoya ordered, 'Turn around, and come here' Ayaat paused, she swiftly turned on her feet and came to stand in front of them both. She fiddled with her fingers, playing with the edge of her jumper whilst she waited for them to speak. She stood like a school child about to be told off for getting a bad report by her parents.

My mother is dating my boss? She mentally grossed out, when the hell did that happen? She pressed her forehead, peeking under her hand at the two who laughed back at her.

'Qubool Nahi Hai' Ayaat yelled at the two, 'I can't believe you two' She pointed at the two. Asad and Zoya looked at each other with wide eyes and then at Ayaat. Zoya removed her hand from Asad's hold, she breathed in before closing her eyes and breathing out.

'Ayaat beta, I know you got tired of asking me and finally gave up seeing me cry every time you asked me where he was. The last time you asked me was when you were 7 years old, you chose to live without him, without the hope of seeing him just because it would hurt for me to tell you whether he would come for you. You my bacha, have come into my life as a blessing. You are the reason I am alive today' Ayaat creased her brows, 'Me and your Abbu, we, well. We drifted apart, and then we met after 18 years. Circumstances were difficult. But what I'm trying to say is that, your Abbu has lived without knowing you existed...' Zoya fumbled with her words not knowing what or how she was supposed to say all this. 'You have a family, a big one. That means more than'

'I know what that means Ammi, why are you telling me this?' Her eyes brimmed with tears. She didn't need more family, she was happy with one; her mother. If she could spend 17 years without them and him, she can spend the rest of her life without them, especially him.

'Your Abbu' Zoya looked at Asad. Ayaat followed her gaze and stopped at his teary face,

'Why is he here now?' Asked Ayaat, Asad winced at her rejection.

'Beta, he loves you'

'How can you love someone you never knew existed?'

'Because he had always wished and prayed for you... I never told him-'

'Why are you here?' Ayaat directed her question at Asad, ignoring Zoya.

'To take you both home, to where you belong' Asad whispered pleading,

'We already belong here. You can go live happily ever after with your son' She retorted. Zoya looked at Asad in disbelief,

Asad got up and took Ayaat's hand, 'I'm sorry for what he has done to you. He is not my son beta, I apologise but please... I can never live happily without you both. I have spent the last 18 years wishing Allah would take me away. Now I know why He kept me alive, to meet you, my daughter... You are a symbol of our love. You were born to complete your parents' incomplete relationship.' He caressed her face; Ayaat moved back and ran out of the house. Asad fell back against the sofa not being able to see the hatred for himself in her eyes, he glanced towards Zoya,

'Why didn't you tell me? Was my mistake so grave that you would keep me away from my children as punishment?' He buried his face into his hands, 'You have punished me well...'

'I found out after I left Asad' Zoya spoke weakly, 'And when I realised I made a mistake, life didn't allow me to come back into your life...' Asad looked up at her, surprised.

'You have forgiven me?' He cried holding her hands; she shook her head, tears strolling down her cheeks.

'You were never guilty of anything...' Her lips trembled bringing up the heart wrenching past. So many hearts were broken, some may never heal again.

'Zoya' He whispered, before hugging her. He cried on her shoulder, digging his face into her neck. He placed wet kisses brushing her back continuously to calm himself down instead of her,

'I didn't want to lose you Asad; I knew that wherever you remained, you were safe. I never thought I would pay such a huge price for it though' She shivered. Asad held her tighter, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before picking her up and taking her into the bedroom; she was knackered from everything.

'I'll make everything okay, I promise.' He whispered. He stared at her feeling guilty; they both had struggled to get by each day despite his multi billionaire business. Zoya worked day and night to make a living, for their daughter, to give her a good education and bring her up to become such an amazing woman. What use is his degree? His business? His money? When he couldn't support the two most important people in his life, the two women his sole existence depends on. The reason he works and day night is for his family, for their needs and wants. He will not them let struggle any longer, Asad Ahmed Khan will go through any extent now to make sure no harm comes their way.

-----

He felt suffocated as he drove like a madman; he let the car windows down and let the speeding wind soothe his face, calming every nerve in his body. He let the car come to a standstill; he pushed the door open and jumped out pacing towards the grass. He stopped as he stood in his favourite place; he looked up into the dark sky seeking comfort from the Almighty.

'Why did you give birth to me?' He whispered, 'for money? For status? And then left me to die?' He yelled, his voice rose with each question, 'what kind of woman are you? I hate you for abandoning me; I hate you for being the reason why Chachu cannot love me. I hate you Tanveer Ahmed!!' He fell on his knees, 'you have put mothers to shame. You are the reason why I hate the word Ammi!!' He sobbed into his hands, 'I belong to a family that is not mine, yet they are close to me than I am to my own blood' He looked at his wrist, 'If I could, I would drain this blood out of my system right now. But I want to live, so that one day when I come face to face with you, I could show you that I defeated your last motive. I am not like you and I never will be...' He whispered those last words, 'I am my Dilshad Daadi's child, her upbringing runs through my veins' he wiped his tears as he relaxed on the grass. He closed his eyes for a moment feeling everything drain out of him, he was feeling lighter already. His eyes shot open hearing someone cry, he looked to his right to find a young woman on a bench with her legs up, and her head hidden in between her legs, crying. He got up and walked up to her, her muffled sobs were doing something to him. He wanted to take her pain away from her, maybe because he wanted his pain to ease as well. He sat next to her; it was too dark to see what she looked like.

'There is no problem out there that cannot be solved with a smile' He spoke softly, forcing himself to smile. She looked up quietly, feeling slightly threatened by this stranger's words. She wiped her tears and moved away from him a little. Zain couldn't help but laugh at her, she was sitting here crying in the dark, in a lonely park and she was scared of some man offering comforting words?

'Don't worry; I'm not going to do anything. But I can't guarantee the wolves...' She came closer as she furiously looked around her. He couldn't see her face, the moon only highlighted some of her features, whoever she was; she was absolutely beautiful.

'They say it's better to share your worries with a stranger, he'll never judge you because he'll never see you again' Zain started hoping she would share her pain.

'Why are you here?' She replied sensing his turmoil, her voice seemed so familiar.

'Ahaaha' He laughed nervously, 'the past keeps cropping up!'

'The past had just cropped up...' She replied quickly, 'But a pleasant one but in my heart I've deleted any hopes, any memories of ever coming across this person' She told him, in the voice of a child crossing her legs and staring ahead of her, he smiled slightly. 'Even though I have never seen him, I still love him with all my heart'

'Lover?' Zain replied feeling slightly hurt,

'Abbu' She replied, 'I've been yearning to call him that. Now that he has come into my life and is giving me that chance, I'm too scared to accept it... It's just all these years; he never looked for me and Ammi. Whatever difficulties came our way, we dealt with it together. I've seen her cry for him yet I remained quiet. I'm so confused, is he good or bad? I've learnt to live without knowing he will ever come to me. I don't even know what I'm about to accept, should I cry or be happy? I don't know what is happening in my life at the moment...'

'Acceptance' He whispered, 'We all seek it yet never attain it...' He sighed wishing Chachu would hug him tight. 'You're lucky you're not the one seeking it' He said getting up. He watched her get up and stare at him, 'If someone is running towards you with open arms, you should do the same. Life is mysterious, you never know when you might end up in their place chasing towards someone who may never turn around to hug you back.' She walked alongside him; they both went quiet as they listened to the silence around them. The sounds of nature soothed them both as they walked towards the exit side by side. She stopped watching him walk towards his car; she wanted to see what he looked like. She turned and walked the opposite way to him, he watched her back.

'Do you want a lift?' He called out behind her,

'It's better if we remain strangers' She replied laughing. He smiled ear to ear hearing her melodious laugh.

'Remember, there is not a single problem out there that a smile cannot solve...' He said softly, he got into his car and drove off, occasionally throwing a glance at his rear view mirror until she disappeared into the distance.

Ayaat wrapped her arms around herself as she shivered; she walked quickly feeling slightly scared of the darkness around her. She tied her hair up remembering her mother's words about bad stuff lurking after sunset; she paced faster hoping she would get home sooner. She jumped back stumbling a few steps when a dark figure jumped in front of her, she stared above her; horrified. Before she knew it, a group of men surrounded her. She spun in circles staring at these wild looking men laughing at her, some licking their lips, some rubbing their hands whilst other's whistled in unison. Ayaat took her shaky hands and covered her face; I took karate lessons for this right? She mentally cursed her karate teacher for not teaching her how to deal with situations like this. How on earth does a girl take on 8 men at this time of the night? She tried running past only to rebound off one of them and fall on to the floor. She stared above her with teary eyes watching them walk around her like they were performing a death ritual. Her eyes followed one of their feet as he closed in on her, she shrieked as loud as she could placing both of her hands over her ears when she heard one of them grunt loudly before falling with a loud thud. She opened her tightly shut eyes to find the men standing a few metres away from her. She watched as they flew in different directions and cried in pain as their bodies hit the ground. She got up on to her feet and blinked a few times; a small smile formed on her lips.

She stood there on the silent road staring at her saviour breathing harshly as he fisted and un-fisted his hands, gritting his teeth whilst he fought her attackers. The last goon approached him with a punch, he gripped hold of his fist and twisted his arm; the goon grunted loudly. Ayaat looked closely only to realise it was the same guy she rebounded off, she cringed hearing his bones crack. She watched as he fell on his knees and threw curses from the excruciating pain. She stepped back when the goon flew back from his kick. He finally looked up at her with concern, his eyes called her as his body shook from his heavy breathing. Ayaat's hand moved over her mouth as she broke into a low sob, Asad shook his head in a no. She tried speaking but words refused to come out, her lips quivered. He un-fisted his bleeding hands raising them up towards her...

'You've lost him, are you sure you want to lose Asad as well?' Her laughs echoed back into Zoya's ears. Zoya twisted in her sleep,

'Would you like to hear his cries?'

'AHSAAANNN!' Zoya shot upright, her dark silent room echoed hear heart wrenching cry. Her heart thudded faster and faster, her breathing short and uneven. She slowly fell back onto her pillow, her eyes remained wide open.