Chapter 9
CHAPTER 8
Arjun dribbled and passed the ball to Yash, who then shot the ball and watched it bounce off the ring of the basket.
"Stop!" Aditya ordered and the players broke away from the drill they were practicing and walked towards their captain. Yash gave a frustrated sigh and Arjun put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder as they formed a circle around Aditya.
The St. Xavier Tigers were at their usual practice after school. With their coach retired, Aditya was in charge of keeping the players in shape until a new coach was assigned. Luckily their basketball season was over, and they would not be playing any games for a few months. But as captain, Aditya had to make sure the team stayed in good condition until the new season started.
" Alright guys...this drill won't work unless someone makes that last shot." Aditya reprimanded. He then looked at Yash, who was avoiding eye contact. Aditya noticed that Yash's focus was off today, which is why he kept missing that last shot.
Aditya then looked at his teammates, sweaty and starting to look a little tired from practicing the same drill for the last hour. "Let's take a water break...we'll revisit this in 15 minutes." Aditya announced, feeling sympathetic.
As the players turned, Aditya placed a hand on Yash's arm, holding him back as the rest walked away.
"Yash...where's your focus? You haven't made a single shot today." Aditya asked, concern etched on his face.
Yash sighed again, "I'm sorry captain." Yash replied apologetically, "I just...have a lot going on in my head right now."
"Look, if you need to take some time off to sort things out...I'm ok with it. We are all here to help if you need it...but the team needs you 100% here when you are with them." Aditya reasoned gently. As captain, it was Aditya's job to lead the team to victory...but to also support each player when they needed it. That was the sign of a true leader.
Aditya felt it then...a pull...a sensation he couldn't explain. Instinct forced him to glance at the gym doors. A few seconds passed...nothing...and then Zoya walked in. Aditya's brows came together, frowning. That was weird...'' Aditya thought, unsure of what just happened.
Brushing off the feeling, Aditya turned to Yash. "In fact, why don't you take off? Look, even Zoya is here so it's perfect timing." Aditya pointed out.
Yash turned to see where Aditya was pointing and true enough, his fianc walked in and gave him a sweet smile. "Are you sure this is ok? I don't want to leave practice half way..." Yash asked hesitantly.
"Yea..." Aditya encouraged, "Take some time to clear your head. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you." Yash replied, feeling grateful. They two men bumped fists and Yash turned towards the locker rooms for his belongings.
As Yash disappeared behind the locker room doors, Zoya turned to Aditya and caught his gaze. Their eyes held for a moment...an understanding passed between them. The kind of understanding that you have with people you grew up with.
Zoya gave Aditya a small smile. A genuine smile. Grateful for what he just did. Aditya nodded, acknowledging Zoya, then turned towards his players and called out another drill.
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Zoya sipped her tea as she sat across from Yash in the college coffee shop. After Yash changed from his practice clothes, he met her and both walked to the coffee shop for some private time. It was after school hours so the shop was practically empty, giving them the privacy they needed.
Zoya waited patiently as Yash stared down at his coffee. He avoided eye contact and Zoya could tell his mind was occupied. He would start to say what was bothering him, and then change the topic...like he couldn't form into words what needed to be said.
Zoya sighed, "What's wrong Yash?" she asked, a little frustrated. "You tried to tell me something at the sangeet and now that we have the time you aren't saying anything. What has gotten into you these past few weeks?" Zoya asked outright, tired of tip toeing around.
"I've just had a lot on my mind alright." Yash snapped back, and regretted the words instantly as he watched Zoya's eyes ice over and she stands up to leave.
"I'm sorry!" Yash yelped, standing abruptly and blocking Zoya's path. "Please..I just..." Yash sighed, not sure how to approach his dilemma.
"Ok" Yash let out a long breath to catch his bearings. He then placed his hands on Zoya's arms and looked into her eyes, "If I had to tell you...that I need to leave for some time...what would you say?" Yash finally asked, his words holding weight.
Zoya gazed deeply into Yash's eyes, the eyes of her beloved. He was nervous to ask her this...she felt it...and her eyes softened as she felt her frustration from earlier melt away.
"Toh hum yeh kehte ke jao...fikar mat karna...hum yahaan sab sabmal lenge. Bas...humari shaadi tak aa jaana." Zoya replied gently. Her hands then curved gently over his, "Yash...where do you have to go?"
Yash gazed back at Zoya, her eyes filled with so much care and understanding. She didn't even know where he had to go, she simply supported him blindly. He knew in his heart what needed to be done. He loved her.
"No where..." Yash replied softly, pulling Zoya into his arms. "I'm not going anywhere...I love you." he murmured as he felt Zoya return his embrace.
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Yash entered his modest apartment and went straight to his mother's room. After his father's death, the responsibility of his mother and younger sister fell on his shoulders. Yash never complained, however. He stepped into the role of a dutiful son and fulfilled his role wholeheartedly.
Yash slowly opened his mother's bedroom and saw the sleeping figure. Not wanting to wake her, Yash closed the door as gently as possible. He then saw his little sister approach him from the corner of his eye.
"Maa neh dawaii leh li?" Yash asked his sister and he turned away from the now closed door.
"Yes bhai...She was complaining of some discomfort earlier, but took her medication and was able to fall asleep." His sister replied.
"Ok...I will check on her again after a few hours. Go and sleep...it's getting late." Yash replied, and made his way to his own bedroom.
Once inside, he rummaged through his study desk and found the letter he was searching for. He read over the words again. he must have read these words a thousand times...but he did it again tonight.
It was an offer letter, to join an international basketball team and play professionally. When the recruiter contacted him at the end of the championship game, he couldn't believe his ears. They wanted him...it's been his dream to play professionally since a little boy.
This would open so many doors...Yash would have a set career and not have to worry about his families expenses. He would not have to worry about his mother's health problems. If he signed this contract, he would not only get a hefty start up bonus payment, but he would also be gifted a new flat...a placed where his family lived comfortably.
But there was a catch. Yash read the last few lines in the letter. He had to leave for training by the end of this week...to Europe. His wedding to Zoya was in just a few days.
His mind made, Yash placed the letter back on his desk and dialed a number on his cellphone.
"Yash" the aged voice on the other end of the link answered, "I'm so glad to hear from you."
"Hello Sir..." Yash began hesitantly, "I'm sorry...but I'm going to have to decline your offer."
There was a pause on the other side, "Are you sure Yash? You are a very very talented young man...and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity." The gentleman on the other end voiced.
Yash closed his eyes, knowing he needs to do the right thing. "I'm sure sir...I'm getting married...and I just can't leave to Europe on such short notice. Thank you so much for your offer." Yash concluded, ending the phone call with a heavy heart.
Yash turned to see a picture of him and Zoya, happily smiling at the camera. He did the right thing...he knew he did the right thing.
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Aditya tested the last of the lights hanging from the ballroom ceiling. It was 2 days before the big wedding and Siddiqui mansion was in full frenzy preparing for the big day. Satisfied with how the lights looked, cascading down the ceiling, Aditya turned to see Noor give him a thumbs up. She then looked at the check list she was holding and crossed off lights from the things to do.
"Arre Noor beta, good that I found you." Wasim rushed in, "Can you please go give this to Zoya? Manish just dropped it off and I need to speak to the caterers again." Wasim said hastily while handing Manish Malhotra's designer bridal outfit to his youngest daughter.
"Abbu I need to check the flowers before they start assembling the center pieces." Noor then turned to Aditya, "Bhaiyya please, can you take this up to Zoya appi's room?" Noor asked, handing the outfit to Aditya, not waiting for an answer.
"Arre lekin..." Aditya started, but looked to see both Wasim uncle and Noor's retreating backs. Aditya then started down at the bridal gown he was holding, hesitant. He hasn't been up to Zoya's room ever since their bed incident.
Aditya looked around the now empty ballroom, not sure what to do. Ummm...'' Aditya looked down again at the bridal gown...and then mentally slapped himself. Ugh! It was nothing Aditya! Just an accident...won't happen again.'' Aditya scolded himself in his mind. He took in a deep breath, exhaled...and then made his way to Zoya's room.
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Aditya stood in front of the closed door that led to Zoya's bedroom, awkwardly staring at it. Why did he feel so nervous? They have been in the same room alone before...and this wouldn't be the first time he was alone with her after THAT incident on her bed...then why was he hesitating?
He didn't want something like that to happen again. Yea...that's why he was feeling nervous to enter. He didn't want things to get awkward between Zoya and him like last time. He preferred their usual relationship...he makes fun of her...she gets mad...he pokes more fun...she hits him.
With that in mind, he entered Zoya's bedroom without knocking...he never knocked...it was one of the many habits of his which annoyed Zoya. Aditya felt relief wash over him when he saw three pairs of eyes turn towards him.
The eyes of the elder women held immense love and adoration for the gentleman that stepped in. The last pair of green eyes flickered with annoyance.
"Aditya, how many times do I have to tell you...knock kiya karo." Zoya hissed as her frenemy walked in like he owned the room.
"Zoya, be nice." Roshnaq scolded for the millionth time as Anjana just shook her head in defeat. Their eldest children will never get along with each other. You would think that after all these years there would be some change to their relationship...nope...no change at all.
"What's yours is mine...why this discrimination?" Aditya replied smoothly, which caused Zoya to throw a pillow at him. He dodged in easily and continued, "Yeh saab kya hai?" Aditya asked, as he entered further into the room and looked down at the countless sets of jewelry which were sprawled over Zoya's bed.
"We are trying to decide which set Zoya should wear for the wedding ceremony." Anjana replied, picking up a heavy gold necklace to examine it.
"Aditya beta, aap bathayi ye naa...khaunsi wali Zoya pe acchi lagi gi?" Roshnaq asked, making room for Aditya to sit on the bed.
Before Zoya could protest, Aditya replied, "Roshnaq maa I know nothing about jewelry, I just came to drop off Zoya's wedding outfit." Just then, Zoya noticed that Aditya was holding a lehenga neatly pressed on a hanger.
She felt excitement climb up her spine as Aditya gently placed it down on her bed. Roshnaq and Anjana gushed at its beauty. The color was a deep red...the same red you found in the rarest of roses. The material soft...smooth...and the intricate working hand stitched. Zoya simply reached out and traced a finger over the delicate material.
Aditya watched Zoya...he observed her stunned expression...the softening of her features. He continued to watch her as Roshnaq pulled Zoya from the bed and sat her down in front of the vanity mirror. Anjana then placed the ghoonghat over Zoya's head.
The gorgeous design traced Zoya's face and floated around her, the deep color contrasting against her dark hair and radiant skin. Zoya stared at her reflection in the mirror, she was a bride...and she was marrying the love of her life. Zoya cast her eyes downwards...a blush creeping up her cheeks.
Aditya watched the emotions play on Zoya's face. There was...a softness to her. Eyes downcast...skin rosy...shy smile...she was so in love. Aditya felt something shift inside him...he didn't know what...but there was a tightening in his chest he didn't understand in that moment. He felt himself move without thinking.
Aditya's gaze shifted to the different jewelry sets displayed on the bed, and he saw one that stood out. It was a beautiful diamond set with an intricate design. Red and green gemstones set delicately on the diamonds, giving it a splash of color.
Without thinking, Aditya lifted the necklace and walked until he stood behind Zoya. Roshnaq and Anjana slightly stepped back as Zoya's gaze met Aditya's in the mirror. No one said a word...and the air around the room stirred.
~Banke maala prem ki tere tan pe jhar jhar jaaoo...~
Aditya placed the necklace around Zoya's neck, his hands going around and clasping the hook, his fingers slightly grazing her skin...never breaking eye contact. Zoya's round doe eyes held Aditya's intense ones...neither was able to look away...
~Baithoo naiya preet ki...Sansaar se thar jaaoo...~
"Yeh wali acchi hai..." Aditya murmured, his fingers lingering over the hook a little while longer before he adjusted the ghoonghat around Zoya's face. Zoya's eyes flickered to the diamond set around her neck for a moment and then shifted back to hold Aditya's gaze again. The air around them changed from a gentle stir to a spark...it intensified...it electrified...
~Tere pyaar se tar jaaoo... ~
This is it. This is the set Zoya will wear on her wedding day. It was the perfect choice. She knew it was the perfect choice...
Aditya was the first to break eye contact. He stepped back, not sure what had gotten into him, and left the room without a word. Zoya watched his retreating back. Once he was gone, she gently touched the necklace around her neck, and continued to look at it through the mirror.
A look passed between Roshnaq and Anjana, not sure what they should make of the moment they just witnessed.
~Saiyyan...~
Sakshi opened her eyes as she stirred from sleep. A smile adorned her aged face. "Arre Sakshi...tu utt kyon gayi?" another elderly lady, dressed in traditional rajasthani attire, asked.
"Kuch nahin...tu soh jaa" Sakshi responded, her smile not leaving her face. Sakshi then turned to look up at the sky. Her smile brightened. Something was happening...she felt it in her veins...something was happening...
With a knowing look, Sakshi turned and closed her eyes to go back to sleep.
~Saiyyan...~
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