Chapter-20 The Positive Side

Zuby's POV

Waking up with unbearable pain realization hits me and I accept all that happened was true and no nightmare. The marks on my hands were blood red and if I am not wrong my whole body has similar bruises. I couldn't even apply any anti septic lotion on the bruises on my back. I stayed in my bed trying to gather some strength to pick my bruised body and walk into the washroom. Silent tears rolled down my eyes as the brutal sights from last night came in my mind. I wonder how much time it will take for me to get over all this. I feel ashamed of myself for being so weak, I just couldn't do anything to defend myself. I was stunned at Ashfaq's action; I never thought he could stoop so low. But what can I expect from Uncle Jawwad's only son. I want to laugh at Ashfaq's face right now, he wanted me to believe that he loves me and cares for me and this is what he does to the one he claims to love. I am grateful to Almighty that I used my brain and not fall for his fake love.

Trying once more I was able to get out of my bed and walk into the bathroom to freshen up. I just did not want to change my clothes right now as I knew it will be very painful but anyhow I did just because I could see some blood stains. Some of the bruises didn't stop bleeding last night. I put on another large size t shirt so that I can be as comfortable as possible. I offered my morning prayers and prayed for my well-being and safety. Sitting on my prayer mat I couldn't stop thinking about my wedding which will be held tomorrow. I wonder who the guy is now. What does he do? Will he take care of me and give me the love and respect a wife deserves or will he be as mean as my uncle and his family? I take in a deep breath and decide to completely leave everything in Allah's hands. I trust my Creator and I am sure something very good is waiting for me. I was brought out of my thoughts at the ringing of my mobile. I checked the caller ID and it was Sagarika calling. I took her call....

S: Hey Sweetheart how are you feeling now?

Z: I won't lie that it's not paining Sagu....the bruises are really harsh and still hurting a lot. I was not able to aid those on my back and that's why they are feeling worst.

S: Oh Zuby I wish I had not sprained my foot and I was with you last night. May be they would have not been so cruel with me around.

Z: It's not your fault Sagu, if not last night then they would have done it later.

S: I will try to come over today after getting my bandage changed, but Sagar and mom said that it's more important for me to be there for you tomorrow so I should take proper rest today.

Z: They are absolutely correct, I can manage today but tomorrow will be very difficult for me and with my best friend by my side I won't feel lonely.

S: Hmmm...Stay strong Zuby everything will be fine. And by the way if I don't come today mom and Sagar will come.

Z: OK

S: And I just forgot telling you the joke of the century...your sick uncle called up mom almost half an hour back. He told her that last night a wild cat came and when you tried to pet it the cat attacked and you are hurt badly. I can't really understand how disgusting these people are.

Z: I guess we can never actually understand their level. Anyway I am sure this lie will be spread by them so that tomorrow no one will ask why the bride seems beaten up.

S: Anyway let's focus on tomorrow's wedding and try to see the bright side. You won't be living with these pathetic people anymore.

Z: I guess you are right, let's focus on the little bit hope that is left in my life....I will see you soon....bye.

S: Bye Zuby.

After talking to Sagu I realize the best thing to do right now is focus on the positive side of things. And there is one thing I know, if we try then we can see a positive side of any and every situation. So this is just what I am going to do. Looking at the time I realize Shifa and Neetu will head for the boutique soon. I need to give them a break for a couple of days since I don't think I can deal with anything else right now. I don't want to call them and answer their questions so I drop a text to both of them saying that I will be busy with something personal and so will keep the boutique closed. I assured them that it is a paid leave for them and I will let them know whenever we are re-opening. Taking a deep breath I walk back to my bed, it's just 9 in the morning but I am feeling too exhausted. May because of my injuries, I better get some more rest. I lie on my bed just staring at the ceiling and don't know when I fell asleep once more.

Ayaan's POV

I couldn't sleep properly last night. The whole night Zuby was on my mind, I wanted to be there for her. I was feeling extremely guilty; if it was not for my desperate behavior Zuby would have been safe. My blood boiled thinking about the sick man hitting my girl. I mean how can anyone do such a thing? Hitting an innocent girl is the worst thing a man can do. Actually no MAN can do it only cowards can.

Suddenly the door of my room is opened and Adila appi enters. I am surprised to see her and notice the time which is just 8 in the morning, which means she must have started quite early in the morning to be here so soon. I got up and sat on my bed, I did not have the courage to look in her eyes. She was standing there with her hands on her hips and glaring at me. Adila appi stood there quietly and in a while Bilal bhai and Arhan entered my room. Finally Adila appi came near me and sat on my bed right in front of me. Now I had no choice but meet her eyes, and that's when she spoke…

"For the first time in my life I am ashamed to call you my brother Ayaan." Her words cut through my heart and I could not hold her gaze any longer. I looked down ashamed of myself even more now than before. Then Adila appi hit me on my arm really hard and I had to look up again, she had tears in her eyes and I know she was disappointed because of me. Bilal bhai moved towards her and held her shoulders from behind trying to comfort her; she spoke again holding Bilal bhai's hand…

"Bilal I loved this boy and always knew that he would never let me down. But today I feel so ashamed that because of my brother an innocent girl was beaten up. I know he never meant it that way but I warned him to be careful. I warned him that one wrong action by him can put Zuby in danger. But he didn't think twice before going there and threatening that boy." Tears flowed down her eyes and I could take it no more. I loved Adila appi and seeing her cry because of me was another burden I couldn't handle. Immediately I got out of my bed and knelt in front of her holding her hands I couldn't stop my own tears and said…

"I know I messed up Adila appi but please forgive me; I was blinded with my love for Zuby and didn't realize that my action to make her my own could actually harm her. I can't tell you how guilty I feel that I am somewhere responsible for her pain. Please Adila appi forgive me, I need you right now more than ever." I just put my head on her lap and wept like a child, I didn't care what would Bilal bhai think of me or what will Arhan say. I just want my sister to help me out of this mess and then I felt her stroke my hair and take a deep breath. She lifts my head and wipes my tears before saying…

"No matter how angry I get I will never leave you alone, especially in a situation like this. But you have to promise me that today and tomorrow no matter what happens you will not act out of impulse." I quickly nod my head and she continued…

"I sure am disappointed in you but that doesn't mean I can't forgive you. But I will only forgive you completely once Zuby forgives you. And for that after marrying her you need to come out clean and tell her that you were somewhere responsible for all that she suffered last night." My eyes went wide and I shook my head saying no….

"She will hate me Adila appi, how can I do this? I want her to love me not hate me….I" I was cut by Bilal bhai this time….

"She won't hate you Ayaan, yes she might get hurt but with time she will be happy that you were honest to her. Tell me how will you survive with this guilt without asking for her forgiveness?" I realized both of them were correct and finally I nodded my head in agreement. Adila appi smiled at me and made me sit up. Just then we heard mom calling Adila appi and giving my hand a squeeze Adila appi went out to my mom followed by Arhan and Bilal bhai. I rubbed my face with my hands then walked in my washroom to freshen up. When I got out I saw Adila appi was back in my room sitting on my bed, she had already made my bed, what a caring sis I thought. As I approached her she told me that mom just got a call from Zuby's aunt telling her that last night Zuby tried to pet a wild cat and that cat attacked her. She also said that by the time they were able to save Zuby she already got bruises all over her body, I felt disgusted. The nerves those people have to lie so smoothly, Adila appi noticed the change in my mood and spoke…

"But I have good news for you as well…" there was a pause and then she continued…

"Phuppu (paternal aunt/Ayaan's mom is Adila's father's sister)) has told them that we will buy the wedding dress for Zuby and for that she is sending me to take Zuby for shopping." I nodded in understanding and my darling sister spoke again…

"And I have told phuppu that I will go with you since Arhan and Bilal have to go for other work. And on our way back we will buy your sherwani(Indian traditional coat usually worn by grooms) too." She winked at me and I just smiled, my sister knows how much I want to see Zuby right now.

Adila appi told me that we will be leaving in the next one hour till then she will be giving mom a helping hand in other chores. I called up Sagar to check about Zuby and he told me that he is on his way to Zuby's house along with his mother. I came to know that Sagarika needs to rest properly so that she can be with Zuby tomorrow and help us with our plan. I told Sagar about the sh*t lie Zuby's aunt told my mom about her bruises. He told me that the same lie has been told to his mom plus they are also told that the groom's grandma is on death bed and her last wish is to see her favorite grandson married that's why the wedding is taking place on such a short notice. I laughed without humor and told him that both my grand moms have already passed. After talking to Sagar I realized that Zuby's uncle and his family are smooth liars. I wonder if I will get to meet her cousin today, I know it will take a lot of effort for me to not beat him then and there.

I really wish I could have my parents support in all this chaos. I heard Adila appi call me and I walked out to pick up my car keys just then mom calls me and asks me to sit with her at the dining table. I wonder what's the matter? But anyhow I go and sit with her. She looks at me and says…

"I am sure you are aware of all that is going on right now…" I nod and she continues…

"Zuby is a very good girl; I have no doubt in this as I have heard all good things about her. Your brother deserves a girl like her. But I really worry about you Ayaan, the reputation you have built up for yourself as the angry bad boy of the family will never get you a good life partner. In fact I being your mother will not even think about getting you married to a sweet and decent girl." I didn't say anything and just looked straight into her eyes and mom took a deep breath and said…

"There is still time and you can improve your attitude towards life, me and your father are strict with you for a reason. I just hope you will understand…anyway I hope you will help your brother in his big day and please don't create any scene anywhere." I just said OK and then I and Adila appi head towards my car; once we are buckled up I start in the direction of Zuby's house. Her uncle had sent us the location map. The drive to her place was quiet; my mother's words kept playing in my mind. Am I that bad to not deserve someone like my Zuby? But then what mom said was not totally wrong, I have turned out into this angry-bad guy. The only thing which pricked me like a million needles was that my own parents were oblivious to the reason behind my behavior. Now I am sure that it is good that we did not inform mom and dad about me getting married to Zuby and not bhai. They will not support me in this.

We reach there in almost an hour and that's when I realize I can't face Zuby right now plus we don't want to tell her that she is getting married to me. Adila appi understood me as always and got down from the car but then she suddenly turned back to me and gasped.