Early Mornings (9)

Zoya slowly got up off the couch and Asad loosened his grip on her hand as she did so. Dilshad could not stop crying at this point, and also let go of Zoya. Zoya walked out of Asad's room as if in a trance. Asad got up to follow her, when Dilshad held him back,…

Early Mornings (8)

At the airport the next day: "You'll take care of her, promise?” Humeira asked, looking at Asad intently, while holding onto Zoya's hand. "Of course Humeira", he answered solemnly. "Really, you 2. You're acting as if Asad lives on another planet. We will see you guys in a couple of weeks", Ayaan piped in, earning…

Early Mornings (7)

Dilshad overheard their conversation, and it brought tears to her eyes. In her heart of hearts, she knew Asad was right. Zoya had every right to know this, but how was she to break her promise she'd made to Zainub all those years ago? She wearily made her way to her bedroom, and took out…

Early Mornings (6)

When he got home, it was quite late and his Ammi and Najma were already in their rooms. He went to his room and called Zoya. "Hey, I'm home safe and sound", he whispered into his phone. "You Okay?” he asked. "Yes, I just miss you", she said softly. "Hey. Listen, I forgot to ask…

Early Mornings (5)

"Zoyaaa!” screamed Humeira as she ran into the house and threw down her bags. Zoya jumped off her bed and ran down the stairs, running into Humeira and hugging her so hard, that they both stumbled onto one of the couches, both crying and giggling at the same time. When they'd finally caught their breath,…

Early Mornings (4)

Asad was at the breakfast table the next morning, almost nodding off, while having his 3 rd. cup of coffee. He felt like he had everything that night. He had Zoya in his arms, and it felt more than right, it was perfect. But his conversation with his Ammi rang in his ears all night,…

Early Mornings (3)

As the plane descended, Zoya started having a mini anxiety attack. "I mean, what am I really doing here? How could I just leave Humeira and come away with this stranger? What if he's a murderer? A- A…” she thought wildly. She felt a squeeze on her hand. "What are you thinking about Zoya?” came…

In Love and War (31)

"Asad, you need to eat something..." Dilshad coaxed her son. "No thanks, Ammi. I just can't... I can't stand the thought of doing anything until I know where Zoya is and that she's safe"   Dilshad stayed silent and walked away, full plate in hand. She of all people knew how much her son could…

In Love and War (30)

"Bet you're glad that I'm nosy right about now, aren't you?"   ***********   "I'm coming with you!" Humeira screamed. "No you're not. We don't know anything... we... I can't... take that risk. Please, please stay home" Ayaan begged. "What about Zoya?" she asked, sniffing. Ayaan sighed. "You trust me, right?" he asked.   "Of…

In Love and War (29)

"Have you spoken to Tanveer?" Zoya asked Asad as she snuggled closer to him on the couch. He was busy trying to figure out how to play the DVD he'd brought along of Zoya's favourite movie.   Asad looked at her. "Yes, I did the other day. I called her to check in and see…