Christmas in New York : the city of fairy tales Part 4

Christmas in New York: the city of fairy tales

4

Does Mr Khan know it's Christmas Eve?

Asad cranked up the engine, in an attempt to drown the festive music that blared from the faulty radio, for some reason it would not switch off and changing channels was pointless as every station played festive music. Seriously the 12 days of Christmas would make any man penniless if he went out and bought all of those items for his loved one, Asad thought as the famous carol shrieked from the speakers.  Like seriously who needed 10-Lords-leaping or 6-Geese-a- laying. Was he the only person who hated this time of year? Back home in Bhopal Christmas was not so much of an issue but here it gnawed at his peace of mind. It certainly did not feel merry or bright; well the picture that Zoya sent him definitely was not merry. And mistletoe was poisonous to him.

As far as he remembered his office staff threw Christmas parties every year and some of his female staff in a state of tipsy merriment following dousing their innards with liquor all charged towards him like animals running towards a watering hole, their tentacle like hands aiming to grasp at his face and mistletoe coming at him from all directions. Tentacle-Sheila was the worst offender of all; her long tentacle hands were relentless always aiming to grab him that he had to call his security guard to remove her from his office, permanently. 

He recalled every Christmas tentacle Sheila would gaily dance her way to his office on Christmas Eve, a mistletoe bopper stuck to her head demanding him to join her for some mistletoe fun, but Asad preferred working late on Christmas Eve and tentacle Sheila was hideous, hideously desperate. It's a good thing he sacked her.  Not a very merry thought, he certainly did not find any of his female staff appealing and he never understood the whole mistletoe thing anyway. Now if Zoya ever tried anything with mistletoe maybe it wouldn't be so poisonous but knowing her immaturity he couldn't see that happening any time soon. Zoya might just confuse ivy for mistletoe and the next thing might just be he would be nursing a rash from the ivy for the rest of the week. She was careless after all. However a part of him felt intrigued at what that might feel like, mistletoe that is and not the ivy, and Zoya and him and her luscious lips. He shook his head clearing the rubbish that flowed through his mind and brought his mind to the present moment concentrating on the directions that aired from the SatNav as he needed to get to Greenwich Village and search for Zoya.

The festive music became relentless on the radio and went onto play the Michael Buble's rendition of Bing Crosby's I'm dreaming of a white Christmas much to Asad's dismay. Asad drove as fast as he could, gloomily watching fresh soft snowflakes drifting lazily against his windscreen. He certainly had not been dreaming of a white Christmas but it seemed like he was getting one anyway. New York was already covered in blanket of white snow. What was so special about snow? It was just frozen water Asad thought, frozen water that might look like magic in one instant but a total deception in another instant as people often tripped and fell on ice, spending Christmas wrapped in bandages. Again not a merry way of spending Christmas.

The streets were a sight, as he crossed the great Manhattan Bridge over to Lower Manhattan which was crowded with tourists and native city people all keen to enjoy the festive sights of New York. He drove as fast as he could ignoring all the lights and twinkle that glinted all around him. For him it was just one combined and coalesced ribbon of shimmering white with flecks of green and red weaved through it, so he focused his attention on finding some place safe to park the car in Greenwich Village.

It was 3.50pm and Asad knew it would get dark by 4.30pm and so he needed to locate Zoya as quickly as possible. He circled around to find a parking space. It took him 20 minutes to locate a suitable and free parking spot, and parking was a chore for him especially on Christmas Eve where people parked as though they owned the road. In fact there was a motorbike hogging the space where two cars could have easily parked, in another place there was a big SUV parked sideways taking the space where three cars could have parked, and in another place there was a woman with her three kids standing in the parking spot guarding it until her husband came around with a car. For all Asad was concerned these people were the very people who claim they could still fit into their high school clothing. Humbug he thought.

He finally parked the Audi on a side street near the crowded Christmas Markets of Greenwich Village. He got out of the car and locked the door before wrapping the scarf around his neck a little more tightly, bracing the icy breeze across the square which was picking up intensity. Christmas Eve looked thunderous as he walked down towards the markets but yet the place was overcrowded with people making merry, a concept he did not quite understand. How can one be so merry in this freezing cold atmosphere? He continued searching through the never ending lengths of the traditional wooden chalet stalls decorated with festive greenery and twinkling colourful lights, themed indoor venues and the traditional Christmas carousel ride where he thought he might find Zoya. He looked on at the countless lights that twinkled on and looked through the faces of the holiday merrymakers all swaddled in thick coats, all gathered to stroll, and gawk, and finish their gift shopping or meet friends and family for an evening's merriment.

As he walked the stalls the smell of cinnamon and clove saturated the air, as did the laughter of the merry crowd. Among the twinkling stalls of toys, candy, cheese, crafts and all things Christmas related was the reverberating laughter of a rather smug Zoya. She was next to a small log chalet similar to the log cabins found in the Alps, except this was New York. The cabin was occupied by families enjoying hot chocolate. The cabin was managed by small children between the ages of 4 to 13, all with smiling faces bundled in winter coats offering yummy cakes and hot chocolate to their customers. Surely child labour was wrong, he certainly was not that kind of Scrooge. 

"So you made it after all, a little late than I expected but it's perfect because it's about to get dark and everything looks so much more beautiful in the dark, Mr Khan," Zoya giggled as she paraded towards Asad merrily, aptly carrying two hot chocolates to console him for her mischief.

"I know it's not coffee but you have to try this. It is the best hot chocolate you'll ever have, it's the Christmas speciality from Duncan's Bella Italia and this cabin is organised by Duncan's Orphanage annually as part of these markets to earn some money and raise sponsors for the children," Zoya handed Asad a hot mug of hot chocolate, it had a smiley face and Merry Christmas sprinkled onto the cream with a fine dusting of cocoa and pink-red edible glitter.

Asad looked on at Zoya, she had a different quality about her today. Whether it was the twinkling of the fairy lights scattering light on her beautiful face or the falling of fresh snowflakes around the cabin enhancing her features, or the fact that she was home for Christmas, whatever the reason there was no denying that her smile was definitely deeper and more meaningful yet maintaining a menacing quality to it, her eyes twinkled more than usual as she looked on at Asad motioning him to take a sip of the hot chocolate. There was a dreamlike quality being there in the madness of the Christmas markets with her, he certainly could not deny that there was this warm feeling of joy coursing through his body that very moment. Aapi and Jeeju were right, he really needed to enjoy today with Zoya and let the barriers fall for a change.

Zoya began taking comfort in her mug of hot chocolate, all the while smiling at him and as she gulped down the hot chocolate, there were speckles of cream froth lingering over Zoya's top lip after she finished. Zoya then motioned to Asad once more to give a try and taste his hot chocolate, "I promise you it's not poison Mr Khan, don't be such a Scrooge about it," Zoya giggled as little kids from the orphanage cajoled Asad into trying the hot chocolate too.

"Jee mein pathar dil hoon, I am Scrooge but I don't have his tasteless nightwear," Asad answered wittily. Asad complied and drank his mug of hot chocolate in one swift movement. There was something very magical about their speciality, the chocolate was the finest he had tasted, the sprinkle of glitter at the top brought a festive feeling flooding through his heart, the hot chocolate was full of flavour and body, the cream was dense and rich, and it had a hint of cherry which was unexpected. He definitely needed to take risks like this and much more often, "Beautiful risks," Asad said his thoughts audibly prompting a bigger smile from Zoya.

She reached forward to wipe the trail of cream and glitter on his top lip remaining from the hot chocolate. Her touch was warming against his cold lips, as her fingers were still hot from the heat absorbed from the hot chocolate mug. As she continued clearing the cream from his top lip, his heart kick started in his chest at her touch, his eyes stung with fresh tears, tears of joy that he suppressed and his breath lodged in his throat at the intimacy between them. He raised his right hand to remove the line of cream that also traced her upper lip, and as his right hand began tracing her upper lip, Zoya raised her head to meet his affectionate gaze, lingering in the warmth of his intense brown eyes.

"Thank you Asad," Zoya uttered in a tender whisper.

"For what Zoya?" Asad questioned Zoya as he pulled away realising they had a small audience of kids giggling around them.

"For making the effort to come out here for me in the freezing temperatures to enjoy Christmas Eve," Zoya answered sincerely.

"Well I had to after all you're hurt, haat dekhaye naa, itna khoon bahaa hoga. God knows how you manage to hurt yourself Miss Musibat Magnet," Asad pulled Zoya's cold hands forward to inspect for the damage he saw in the MMS, well what he perceived as blood.

Asad stood baffled at the clean, smooth mannequin like hands before him, not a scratch or a shed of blood could be found anywhere except her hands were extremely frozen from the cold. He looked up to meet Zoya's apologetic gaze. She chewed on her bottom lip in anticipation of another lecture from Asad but was surprised as Asad pulled out a pair of garnet leather gloves from her bag and slipped them on to her hands for her to keep her warm.

"Really Zoya, I should have known this was one of your pranks. You're so naughty even Santa's so scared of paying a visit to you; he'd be scared anyways because in place of cookies and milk he would be welcomed with an empty plate and pranks that ensured you stayed on his naughty list perpetually. Aur aap ke haat, kaap rahen hai tand ke maare, magar aap ko koi farak nahin parta ke mein pagalon ki tarah yahan tak aap ke liye aaya aur agar aap ko kuch ho jata toh mera kya hota," Asad reprimanded Zoya who stood smiling at him.

Zoya wrapped her arms around Asad's waist; hauling him closer to her that their noses collided and brushed against each other's sending a chain reaction of sparks down their respective spines. Zoya let out a whisper against his cold lips, "What's the worst that could have happened Asad? It was just a little red lipstick and some red syrup I melted from the candy cane I was busy eating, waiting for you to come here. I had to do something to get you to come here; otherwise I would have frozen to death ... aur wahaan Aapi aur Jeeju ke saat aap koi boring si kitaab par rahe hote. But I'm fine really; in fact I'm feeling ecstatic. But what I really want to know my dearest Santa baby is whether I'm on your naughty list. Am I on your naughty list Asad? I'm in dire need of some thorough spanking," Zoya breathed the last words onto Asad's lips, a hint of passion twinkled in her eyes and a naughty smile spread across her lips.

The chemistry between them in that moment was sharp that Asad pulled his stomach in, holding his breath, his heart pounding away mercilessly in his chest. He was not as romantic as he ought to be but the soft fall of snow, the velvety black sky twinkling with stars, the festive decoration and gleeful fairy lights and Zoya's intense chocolate eyes made it difficult for him to breathe and brought out the romance within him. He waited in anticipation for a kiss from Zoya but luck wasn't on his side as the kids from the orphanage and Christmas carollers circled around them singing their rendition on a mix of lovey-dovey Christmas Carols ranging from "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," to "Baby it's cold outside" and "12 days of Christmas."

Zoya giggled and pulled away realising how intimate their proximity was and she too joined in with the carollers as she began to sing and twirl with joy at the merriment of the songs that were sang in order to hide the crimson away from Asad that flourished on her cheeks. Asad watched her as she sang and danced, smiling ear to ear at how happy she was being out on Christmas Eve. The song was coming to an end as Zoya twirled around Asad and sang the last cumulative sequence of the 12 days of Christmas:

"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...

12 Drummers Drumming ... 11 Pipers Piping ... 10 Lords-a-Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing ... 8 Maids-a-Milking ... 7 Swans-a-Swimming
6 Geese-a-Laying ... 5 Gold Rings ... 4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens ...  2 Turtle Doves ... and a Partridge in a Pear Tree."

Zoya wrapped her arms around Asad once again smiling at the joy that emanated around them and her smile deepened observing the silly smile that crept across Asad's face.

"Well Mr Khan how was my singing?" Zoya asked eagerly, her big innocent eyes lingered on his face waiting for his response. He studied her face with utmost attention, he studied the glint of happiness in her eyes and decided for the earlier stunt she pulled with the MMS, he'd get his own back by teasing her.

He placed his pinky finger of his left hand into his left ear pretending to clear out his ears of the dreary tones of whatever was left in terms of her singing voice resonating in his ears and replied, "If that's what you call singing then I must tell you now that you sound so out of tune, you sound like a cat in a vacuum cleaner. Tone death," Asad giggled observing how Zoya's magical and innocent smiled turned into a frown. She stood their gawking at him in disbelief.

"You have the nerve mister to tell Zoya Farooqui that her singing is dreadful? That's it Asad I'm not talking to you for the rest of the evening, you've ruined Christmas Eve for me. I really wanted to be with you this Christmas Eve, here ... doing all the things I usually do on Christmas Eve in New York.  I want to rock around the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre with you, go ice skating with you, ride on the carriages at Central Park with you, make promises at St Patrick's Cathedral with you, make snow angels with you and damn it kiss you under the mistletoe. Kiss you everywhere I think ... I'm not sure and I don't even know how to because I don't have any experience in that area but the thought is rather appealing. I just wanted to make you happy, make you smile today but your Grinch like heart two sizes too small just won't allow it and your weird life code and your arrogance just seems to make its appearance everywhere and stops you from achieving any sort of true happiness with me. You need to just let go of everything and for a change just feel from here," Zoya placed her right hand on his heart.

She composed herself and took a deep intake of air before she directed Asad to go back to Aapi and Jeeju's for the rest of the evening, "You can go back home and I'll do whatever I please, so Goodbye," Zoya pouted as her eyes glistened in the flush of the fairy lights with unshed tears. At that very moment Asad felt an ache stabbing at his heart, as though a wrench tore through his chest and crippled his heart on seeing Zoya's unhappy state and it was all due to his brash and miserable behaviour since he got here.

Zoya turned to walk away but was pulled back as Asad's hands grabbed both of her hands, twirling her to face him until she met his apologetic gaze.

"I'm sorry Zoya, I truly am but this is who I am, I'm a total Scrooge when it comes to festivities. I don't have any memories of Christmas except tentacle Sheila, tentacle Mina and tentacle Tina from the staff office parties who I avoided like the plague and there were no Christmases in my childhood.  No fairy lights imparting their glee and glow on me, no Santa, no presents that waited my arrival so this is all new to me and very alien. For me it's all about aptly placed marketing and commercialisation on people's feelings. I mean look at that song you were singing a few moments ago ... woh kya taa ... 12 days of Christmas, if any man purchased all of those items for his beloved, which comes to a total to 78 items for one round of the lyrics, it would come to $27, 393 dollars and 17 cents, but if he chooses to buy a total of 364 items that is the number of times the items are repeated in the song over and over, then he would be set back by $114, 641 dollars. That is a lot of money to cough up but for you I'd buy everything and in addition to that I would give you everything that money can't buy and so much more. Ek baar maang ke to dekho Zoya," Asad pleaded with Zoya as he brushed the balls of his thumbs over her cheeks, wiping her tears, caressing her soft and cold skin and consoling her for his behaviour. Zoya could not believe that in such a moment he actually calculated the costs of the 12 days of Christmas, he seriously needed to leave his business brain at home sometimes. 

"And while you're thinking so diligently about my offer, I want you to consider this too. Since you're closer to Santa than I am, give him my request too," Asad said with a rather mischievous smile spreading across his perfect lips.

Asad began dictating his letter addressed to Santa to Zoya who observed his change in mood, he seemed all sensual and suggestive in his mannerisms as he voiced his letter to her,

"Dear Santa,

I hope you and Mrs Clause are living your happy-ever-after and jolly life in the picturesque beauty of the North Pole and I hope everyone from the reindeers including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and all the elves, are fine. 

I have been a very good boy this year.  Okay the balance between naughty and nice isn't exactly in my favour but I need to mend a lot of things and with Godspeed. I have quite a few requests this year and I thought that you would be the perfect man to go to, unless you know the address for Emerald City, I hear the Wizard of Oz can grant you just about anything, I mean almost anything but apparently you're the master of all givers ... so here I go ...

For Ayaan, a conscience because he obviously doesn't have one, he needs to be a little more sensitive and caring when it comes to matters of the heart, Humeira needs him. 

For Humeira, a stronger mind and courage to brace everything that comes her way without fear but face them with oodles of hope, for without hope life would be meaningless. 

For Najma, a recipe for something OTHER than cake. Did I mention cake? Just for good measure, that's right I said cake. Maybe a recipe for tomato soup is an ideal option; it'll suit our tamatar perfectly. And while you're at it send her to medical school or dental school or law school or art school because her bubble gum degree expires soon. The last time she had bubble gum, it got stuck in her hair and well that was a total disaster. Let us not dwell any further on the details of that because I kinda placed the entire blame of that situation on Zoya, regrettably.  

For Nihkat make her see that she is worth a lot more than she gives herself credit and give her the strength to be independent and make her realise that no man is worth her loyalty and love if he cannot and will not accept her for all that she is and stand with her as an equal.

For Nuzhat well she's far too studious, always writing her notes and doodling in dim light, for her I think it won't be too difficult to arrange for a MacBook and some handheld technology like a tablet to make notes on the go. Also add a variety of lamps, a lifetime supply of bulbs too, to provide her light to guide her always through the long nights.

For mum, a lifetime supply of happiness and peace for being the perfect mother. Hopefully Zoya and I can surprise her too, in a year possibly, if you get what I mean.

For Aapi and Jeeju, they're perfect; I pray they remain that way forever. I ask you to give them a long life full of health, wealth, happiness and more importantly love and more Christmases with Zoya and me.

For tentacle Sheila, tentacle Mina and tentacle Tina, a lifetime's supply of turtlenecks because everyone is tired of seeing their unsightly chests even in the cold months, seriously not a pretty sight and while you're at it donate them each a big fat reality check because the last one bounced. Those mistletoe boppers won't guarantee them any kisses so please tell your elves to stop making mistletoe boppers for them.

On a sober note for the following lost souls I humbly request you tread very carefully: For the idiots that live at Siddiqui Mansion, a therapist for their deluded heads, actually add a brain to that order because they believe the world centres around them.

And for Razia in particular deliver her a truck load of Prozac, she has a personality disorder waiting to explode. Add a good pinch of Ritalin for her hyperactivity and a big fat juicy never-ending gobstopper like those from Charlie and the Chocolate factory to block her mouth from uttering nuances and foul language to others. And finally it'll be great if you can shift them to a different city far far far away from my sight except for Ayaan, Nikhat and Nuzhat, and Humeira, the rest I don't really give a damn about.

For Zoya, give her a better me, give her a smile that is a million watts in energy and make sure that her smiles are all due to me. Give her all the love she needs and answer all her prayers especially the ones she made at St Patrick's Cathedral a few years ago, and if she is ever troubled in life and things get too chaotic then give her peace and strength and hope. One more thing ... I so want to get naughty with her, so please give her a clue too because I don't think she really has any idea of it.

For me I could do with a haircut, so please send me complimentary haircut while you're enhancing me for Zoya. But make sure the elves aren't too harsh on me, this body takes effort making and I'm sure Zoya would want to receive everything in working order, including the six packs right through to ... well you should know what I mean.  Also, add the Delhi project to my account with a massive budget ...  And while you're at it I'll have Zoya Farooqui, naked, please withhold the gift wrap. 

Yours sincerely,

Asad Ahmed Khan."

ps If you think you have it tough with all your deliveries, try babysitting Zoya for the day!

Zoya stood gawking at Asad in sheer astonishment. The man who up till now has always been so reserved in everything he does especially when it comes to displaying his affection and desire for her was now openly asking for her, in absolutely nothing but her birthday suit. "Mr Khan, cheee, kitne besharam hai aap, ... the cheek, from Bhopal to New York the atmosphere has changed, hawaa paani badal gaya aur saat mein aap ke iraade bhi," Zoya proclaimed giggling at his weird letter to Santa.

"Miss Farooqui, Aap ko to sharam ke baare mein baat hi nahi karni chahiye! Aap nihayati besharam ladki hai," Asad laughed as he recalled the exact words he uttered to her on the fateful rainy night at the desolate cottage under the influence of bhaang.

"A few minutes before I recited my Dear Santa letter, you told me how you wanted to kiss me under the mistletoe ... kya kaha ta aap ne ... oh yeah you said: I want to kiss you everywhere I think ... I'm not sure and I don't even know how to because I don't have any experience in that area but the thought is rather appealing," Asad continued laughing merrily at a overwhelmed Zoya as he quoted her back.

"Actually, aap ki buri company ka asaar hai," Asad giggled teasing her further.

"Oh really, my company isn't that bad Mr Khan," Zoya refuted. 

"Miss Farooqui aap ko acche aur bure ki beech koi farak hi nahin pata. Koi tameez hi nahin aap mein," Asad giggled back.

"Oh really Mr Khan, main besharam hoon? To aap nihayati cold blooded hai! Scrooge hai aap, in fact you're a mean one Mr Asad Grinch Khan ," Zoya countered and broke out in a song:

"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch
You really are a heel, You're as cuddly as a cactus,
You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel.

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch
Your heart's an empty hole, Your brain is full of spiders
You've got garlic in your soul, Mr Grinch.
I wouldn't touch you with a, Thirty-nine and a half foot pole.

You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch
You have termites in your smile, You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Mr Grinch. Given the choice between the two of you, I'd take the seasick crocodile.

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty-wasty skunk, Your heart is full of unwashed socks.
Your soul is full of gunk,
Mr Grinch,"-  Zoya concluded her singing wrapping her arms around Asad hugging him in a tight embrace. 

She smiled as he reciprocated the hug, pulling her closer until their noses brushed. Zoya smiled at Asad as he lingered his intense brown eyes over hers, arrested by her mesmerising smile and her big brown doe-like eyes from where he could see his face reflecting the same emotion. He felt thoroughly happy as the merry atmosphere and her teasing nature enticed him. She continued whispering in his ears, sweet words also remnant of that rainy night in the cottage, 
"Aap ke seene main dil hi nahin hai ... my big green furry recluse Grinch, dil ki jagaah ek badaa sa patthar hai!" Zoya whispered giggling.

Asad's gaze held hers, intently and hypnotically, even in that moment of being in a large crowd of the Greenwich Village Christmas markets, he did not feel uncomfortable being this close to Zoya. In fact the surmounting chemistry between them was a sparkle of pleasure and joy, a welcoming change from his mundane routine. He did not want to admit it to Zoya that he was having so much fun and how thankful he was for this experience and so he too continued his musings of that rainy night by answering back to her about his stone heart.

"Aur usi patthar se aap ka sir phodunga! Tabhi aap mera phichha chodengi," Asad breathed his words in low and sweet whisper onto Zoya's lips all the while smiling. Zoya could feel the tension between them building as his heart pulsed to the beat of her heart. In fact the heat between them was sufficient to light all the candles on the candle stall, no need for a naked flame.

"Mujhe maar na itna aasan nahi hai Mr. Khan! Aur aap ko pataa hai, main toh apni smile se har kisi ko maar sakti hoon!" Zoya whispered back on his lips, lowering her eyes in a half-lidded stare which pinched Asad's heart with longing, a longing for a kiss.

"You're right Zoya, you had me the first time you smiled, your dimples made me weak at my knees," Asad responded as he tilted his head to plant a soft kiss on her dimples, first on the right cheek and then the left, his stubble grazed against her pale soft skin, tingling her senses and making the world fade around them. She could feel her mind go blank, and everything seemed as though she was walking in a dream, a beautiful dream, like they were in a fairy tale inside a musical snow globe.

Zoya raised her eyes to meet Asad's smoky and sensuous eyes only to be drawn further into them. She wanted the rest of Chirstmas Eve to go as planned and Asad wasn't moving from there in fact they were attracting an audience and she felt overwhelmed by that amount of unwanted attention they were receiving.

Asad on the other hand was enjoying the moment. For him the people around them faded into streams of glimmering light, he forgot the little kids from the orphanage were looking and he blanked the sight of the festive stalls and merry passers-by, his heart kicking in his chest as though a wild horse resided there - its hooves kicking to escape from captivity and taste all the freedom and desires like never before.

"Zoya,aap hamehsa meri tanhaiyon mein khalaa daalti hai aur mere andhero mein roshni bankar aati hai, agar aap nahin hoti toh ... I  would never know what it's like to experience these new feelings," Asad continued his torture not realising how close for comfort he was.

"Mr Khan, when you're passionate about something your whole face lights up, there's this energy there that I love so much and I see that very passion right now but I think there's a time and place for everything. Take a look around us, we have a few spectators which I'm finding rather uncomfortable. And by the way ... I thought you didn't like Chirstmas, so next year we will go to Antarctica, we'll go whale watching because whales don't celebrate Christmas and tentacle Sheila won't be there," Zoya changed the topic breaking the contact between them.

"And one more thing Asad, I don't want you to buy me the items from the 12 days of Christmas, I already have everything I want. You're here, the night is still very young and there's so much to do so if you could join me doing those things then I'll be happy," Zoya requested Asad, hoping he wasn't going to drive back to Aapi and Jeeju's just yet.

"And one more thing I don't think you quite understood the meaning of the song12 days of Christmas, its roots have nothing to do with the materialism and commercialisation you hate so much. Its meaning runs far deeper than that. The carol was written at a time when people were persecuted for practising their faith and so to you it might appear to have nonsensical lyrics but in actual fact each of the 12 items carry a meaning. And it goes something like this:

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...

True love is God, the 12 Drummers drumming are the twelve basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed, 

the 11 Pipers piping are the eleven faithful disciples, 

the 10 Lords-a-leaping are the ten commandments of Moses, 

the 9 Ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit which are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control, the 8 Maids-a-Milking are the eight Beatitudes or teachings of Jesus, which are: 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

... the 7 Swans-a-swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit which are: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy; 

the 6 Geese-a-laying are the six days of creation, 

the 5 Gold rings are the five books of the Old Testament, 

the 4 Calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, the 3 French hens stand for  faith, hope and love,

2 Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments and the Partridge in a Pear Tree represents Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself for this world on a cross.

And Mr Khan I know you're a man who stands for all of these things, I know that these values reflect our faith too in every way possible regardless of the differences and for me on Christmas Eve I come here to the markets to spend time with these adorable kids from the orphanage. If I can spread a little hope to them and lift their spirits then I feel warm and content knowing I have the ability to offer solace and happiness to others putting my own needs to the side. Faith and hope and love, cannot be bought or sold or bartered, because these are gifts without price," Zoya spoke captivating Asad with her speech, his heart melted at her pure and innocent heart and thoughts. Could she be any more angelic, he thought puzzled by her weird nature considering her other side, the prankster that she was.

Asad decided to support Zoya in her virtuous efforts by donating a large sum of money to support the efforts of Duncan's Orphanage. This gesture warmed Zoya's heart on seeing how generous Asad truly is. 

Mr Duncan and the kids from the orphanage were truly humbled by Asad's gesture so much that one of the kids came forward and gave Asad a silver pinecone, a pair of turtle doves and mistletoe as a token of their appreciation.

"Here you go Sir, a souvenir from Greenwich Village Christmas Markets and everyone at Duncan's orphanage for you to take back as a memory. It'll bring you joy when you return to your normal, crazy and busy life, as a memory of the moments of joy you experienced here. The silver pinecone is a symbol of eternal life and happiness, the turtle doves symbolises the love and devotion between you and your Missus, and the mistletoe, well I'm sure you know what to do with that Mister," the little kid giggled.

"Thank you, I'll cherish these," Asad replied as he placed the items into his pockets. For some reason the prospect of going back to Bhopal wasn't lifting his mood. He wanted to spend more time with Zoya here in New York, at least up until a few days after New Year's day and today he just wanted to spend the night with her under the dense blanket of shimmering stars of the clear velvety sky and cherish all the things Zoya had planned for him, which was his first Christmas memory ever.

Asad and Zoya sat in the Audi and once the seat belts were on, Zoya eagerly typed in the address to Rockefeller Centre on the SatNav as Asad observed her in awe.

"What Mr Khan, this is a tradition that runs in the Farooqui family and you'll have to honour that tradition," Zoya felt she needed to explain herself.

Asad just smiled and started the engine and switched the headlights on. It was 7.30pm and it was dark outside. It was not like the darkness of the nights in Bhopal where streets were usually dotted by busy bodies going home from work, traffic jams, large neon road signs and where floodlights from nearby working steel factories always kept the stars in the sky at bay, such an unwelcoming sight except for that starry meteor shower night at Hilltop Park which was beautiful. But here the nights were different, pleasant even. 

Asad stared in awe from behind the wheel as he observed the soft falling snow, the twinkle of the fairly lights that traversed all parts of Lower Manhattan, and all of New York, the stars shined so bright in the velvety sky, the frosty air had a magical and romantic quality to it and all the streets were crowded with people of all ages. Children were busy making snow angels and snowmen and grownups joined the kids for snowball fights and sleighing in the snow, ... and for carolling around a warm fire. It was truly magical.

"Mr Khan, kahaan ko gaye aap? Tentacle Sheila, tentacle Mina and tentacle Tina ki yaad aa rahi hai? Aap toh baare chuperustum nikle?" Zoya pouted breaking Asad's train of thoughts.

"Jealous Miss Farooqui?" Asad countered back, his eyes twinkling at the burning he saw In Zoya's eyes.

"No I'm not jealous," Zoya said looking away from Asad, placing her attention on the view on her side window, observing the festivities that proliferated throughout the streets and enjoying the white blanket of snow that covered much of the ground. Asad stared at Zoya's reflection on the side window figuring a way to provoke her jealousy that much more. 

"Ah tentacle Tina ki baat hi kuch aur hai, she just goes for it," Asad uttered mockingly feigning joy.

"You've reached the voicemail of Miss I-Don't Care-a-Damn Farooqui, if you utter as so much as one syllable about tentacle Sheila, Mina or Tina or any other tentacle, I'll hunt you down and parcel you to the moon. You can go and live there with the moon pigs all alone. And while you're at it you may as well forget about your Christmas gift I was planning to gift you tonight. However if you have any other suggestions please press the star key otherwise hang up," Zoya replied sarcastically sticking her tongue out like a child.

Asad could not suppress his laughter any longer, seeing Zoya all worked up provided him inner peace after all she gave him quite a fright earlier with her MMS and this felt like good pay back.

"Mr Khan, why don't you just go back to being a right old fart, you know all grumpy and cynical," Zoya instructed Asad, who felt cheerful at the rubbish that filtered from her brain to her mouth.

"Mr Khan, in fact you should stick to your schedule, or should I remind you that you have an 8pm appointment with yourself to wallow in self-pity, 8.30pm you have some free time to stare into abyss, 9pm you have some email reminders to send to yourself all pertaining to ten ways of being efficiently grumpy, 9.30 jazzercise and kickboxing, yes I know you secretly dance in your room, 10pm dinner with yourself which you cannot cancel, uhh rabbit food and cereal diet, 11pm wrestle with your self-loathing, and midnight stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into madness, see so boring ... you could have had me minus the gift wrap at midnight but scrap that from your schedule"  Zoya dictated to Asad, staring at him who was far too busy balancing his act of concentrating on the road and changing the radio station dial for suitable music. He knew perfectly well she got those lines from the Jim Carrey version of The Grinch. Okay he'll give her credit for the extra bits she added especially her minus the gift wrap. 

"Mr Khan, you weren't even listening," Zoya shrieked annoyed by his indifference, taking a strike at Asad's hand and quickly changing the radio station for him to get his attention.

Much to her dismay he started to sing along to the carol that played on the station all the while annoying Zoya by pulling strands of her hair all over her face with his free hand as they drove down towards Times Square,

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la ..." Asad sang teasing Zoya who decided to end his onslaught of torture by pulling the dial of the radio so hard that the radio croaked on the words that aired from the speaker and soon loss transmission. 

Asad suppressed his giggle as he searched for parking while Zoya composed herself trying to think of ways to truly irritate Asad and push him to new heights.

Asad parked the car in a side street just off Times Square not too far from Rockefeller Centre and to alert Zoya that they had arrived at their destination Asad began to sing his rendition of Brenda Lee's Rocking around the Christmas tree while Zoya gawked at him in total confusion considering his lecture at the airport on trees and moths and her being listless staring at trees and fairy lights. 

                                                       

End of part 4

© Fatima B Lunat 2013

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