Chapter 2

Milan!

Everyone now stood in front of the entrance of the 'Fiera, Milano'. It was the biggest of home furnishings across the world and thus a source of learning for most of the students as many were into architecture.

Zoya along with her group waited for Asad to get their 4-day pass. She was into the computer side but her Asad was already an architect. As Asad walked towards them in his business coat-suit which Ayaan called boring, she held her breath. She loved the workaholic Asad.

"Here are your passes and a map of various halls. The fair closes today at 5 in the evening. In case we scatter, we'll all meet here sharp at that time," Asad said as he handed everyone the passes holding Zoya's hand for a moment.

After Zoya examined the map, she declared, "I plan to check out all the classical halls today."

"Then you better do it alone. All the others are into modern," Ayaan replied knowing that his brother won't leave Zoya alone and they'll get time together.

As Zoya started to move, Asad stopped her with the words, "I am coming with you. I plan to check all halls in these 4 days and starting with classical is a great idea."

Asad along with Zoya enjoyed the classical feeling which left them astonished. Zoya felt that she was living a fairytale as she had seen such stuff only in movies. Asad on the other hand was familiar with stuff but some of the things left him wide-eyed.

Asad took Zoya to grab lunch after they were done with one hall and then moved to the other classical hall. Asad was glad that Zoya was with him as she voiced her opinion which he found very accurate. Plus she was patient when he talked to the people there regarding work.

After the day ended, the whole group met and they headed to hotel as they were yet tired from the travelling.

The next day, Asad and Zoya started with the modern stuff and Asad was now Asad Ahmed Khan as he did business negotiations. In his work, he forgot about lunch but not Zoya at all. Zoya enjoyed munching candies as she knew work was very important to Asad.

In the evening, it dawned on Asad that due to him even Zoya had not eaten anything so he was feeling guilty. When Ayaan suggested they visit the 'Milano Square', he agreed readily seeing Zoya's face lit up.

Zoya was so enjoying at the heart of the city and Asad was just enjoying her expressions. They had food at a pizzeria from which they could view the famous 'Milano Cathedral'.



The third day, Asad and Zoya went to various outlets of the companies Asad was working with and Zoya enjoyed the royal treatment that she got. At night, Asad took her to one of his business associates' party at their store and Zoya saw how they attracted the people by offering free drinks. Knowing Zoya's discomfort, Asad didn't stay there for more than 15 minutes.

Venice!

'The floating city'. That is what Zoya felt as she stood on the boat metro in the evening of the next day. They were going from the railway station to San Marco where their hotel was. Everyone sans Zoya was tired after the morning in exhibition (fair) and the afternoon travelling. Zoya was enjoying the view of the most beautiful city in the world.

Asad who was sitting along with his group got up to check on Zoya. He came and stood by Zoya who was lost in her world of fantasy and was clicking pictures.



"Beautiful isn't it," Zoya spoke about the city watching the sun set and acknowledging Asad's presence.

Asad who was just looking at Zoya's face agreed, "Indeed. Very beautiful."

They stood there without exchanging any further words, both enjoying what they found beautiful.

Later that night, Asad and Zoya went to have pasta for dinner as the others had gone on Gondola rides with their respective partners. After dinner, Zoya insisted on walking and Asad obliged. They walked through the small lane adjoining shops, when Zoya's eyes feel on a bag pack which she bought without a second thought though Asad wanted to buy it for her.

The following morning was spent in the three main attractions of San Marco which are St. Mark's Basilica, Clock tower and Museo correr. Then the group took the metro to Rialto and spent the remaining day there shopping and eating. In the evening, they took Gondola rides where the girls took one gondola and the boys another.

"Bhaijaan, rather than looking at the girls' gondola and admiring Zoya, why don't you take her on a ride," Ayaan whispered into his brother's ears.

Asad removed his gaze from Zoya and ran his hand through his hair. He thought about Ayaan's suggestion and decided to go for it.

Later at the last night in Venice, everyone planned to stay back in the hotel while Asad asked Zoya to join him for pasta at the same restaurant as yesterday.

After dinner, Asad shyly asked Zoya to join him for a Gondola ride to which first Zoya was shocked but later nodded with a smile.

Zoya loved the city all the more at night. The ancient city was more beautiful than ever. Maybe the person who she was with had this effect on her.

Asad pulled Zoya closer to him when she shivered a bit and she rested her head on his shoulders.

"I have never seen a couple so in love," commented the guy who was handling their gondola.

Zoya and Asad looked into each other's eyes and Asad was about to kiss her when they were disturbed by Zoya's phone ringing.

Zoya was blushing as she answered the phone. Hearing her appi, she composed herself and spoke to her animatedly. After assuring the worried Zeenat, she sent her a latest picture.

Rome!

They arrived at Rome the very same night and just spent the night in the hotel after having Indian food after a long gap there.

The next day, the first stop was the 'Colosseum'. Zoya was so in love with it that she had to be dragged out. So was the case of Asad.

Then they all visited the archeological site near the Colosseum from where the view of the Colosseum was even better.



St. Peter's Basilica was next on the list. The pope's home as it was called was the most amazing church ever. Asad and Zoya took the steps up to a huge height of the church from where their voice echoed in the church.

Finally the last place of the day came, Trevi Fountain which was famous with many legends.

"It is the fountain of love," Humeira exclaimed.

Najma argued, "Nah! It's just a simple wishing fountain."

Nikhat contradicted, "If you throw a coin in the fountain, then you are bound to visit Italy again."

"Stop it you guys. You know around 3,000 Euros are thrown into the coin every day. I wish I could just get a fraction of it," Ayaan said with a sigh.

"You need to work hard to earn money," Imran started lecturing Ayaan.

Farhan decided to end it and said, "Let's just throw our coins one by one."

Zoya's turn came and she closed her eyes and said, "I don't know what way does it work exactly but I wish that next time I come here, I throw a coin in holding hands with the love of my life, Asad."

"I wish that whatever Zoya wished for comes true," Asad wished while throwing his coin.

Unknown to the pair of them, a young girl called Ayra noticed them. She could see sparks flying between them. She threw the coin and wished, "I wish the two always remain together."

P.S. the pics I posted are the ones that I took during my trip

Insomniac || Mahima's Index