Hey guys, how have you all been? I'm finally back with my new OS. It is after the whole suicide sequence when Zoya joins back her office. Things have gotten a little too emotional for Adiya in the recent episodes, but I'm really liking their character development so far. My next OS will be lighthearted. P.S. I don't know if any such place is there in Mumbai like I've mentioned in the story. I've been there only a few times.
"Aditya have you looked at the designs I sent you? Zoya asked entering Aditya's cabin.
"No. Aditya was sprawled on his chair and playing games on his phone.
"Yaa allah, what is wrong with you? We've so much work to do. This is a corporate event Aditya, we've to be very organized with this one. Come on, just select one design. Zoya pleaded.
He looked at Zoya, finally averting his eyes from the phone. She was dressed like her usual self, and even talked like her usual self, but her eyes betrayed no one. There was a whole range of emotions in her eyes, sadness, pain and anger.
"Zoya, Zoya, we have time. Now I need you to come with me. Aditya said, getting up from the chair.
"Where?
"Just come with me. Saying that, Aditya took Zoya's hand and dragged her out of the office.
"Aditya what are you doing? Where are you taking me? Zoya shouted.
Aditya stopped a cab and got in, pulling Zoya along with him. She was annoyed but didn't say anything else because she knew nothing she said would change his mind. So she eased into her seat and started looking outside the window and at the world that flew past them. The ride was rather long, but the silence was somehow comfortable. They finally reached their destination and Zoya got out of the car. It was a beach, but not like any other beach she'd been to. It was a secluded beach. She had been to Juhu with Noor, but it was so crowded that both of them left quickly. They were used to the small town of Mussourie and hated the crowded streets of Mumbai, but this place was the perfect balance between Mumbai and Mussourie.
"Aditya, what place is this? It's beautiful. Zoya exclaimed.
"This place? This used to be my secret place where I came when I was sad. The first time I felt betrayed by my parents, I came here. Pooja was the only person whom I have brought here. We used to come here in the evenings and talk out hearts out. After we got married, we stopped coming here because I thought now that Pooja and I are married, there's no reason for me to be sad. But here we are... His voice cracked as he spoke.
Zoya was a little shocked. Why was he sharing such intimate details of his life with her? She looked at the place again. While it was serene, and beautiful, it did have an air of melancholy about it. But perhaps, that was the reason it seemed so perfect!
"Why did you bring me here? Her voice came out merely a whisper.
"Because Zoya, I want to know what you're doing.
Zoya expression changed into confusion. "What?
"From the day you've joined back office, you're acting strangely.. Aditya said.
"What? No. I've been completely fine.
"Exactly! You've been trying to act all normal, but we both know that you're not fine. Zoya, you don't have to act like you're okay when you're not. You don't have to laugh everyday, when we both know that you're broken on the inside. Zoya, just let out of your emotions. You won't be able to live if you keep these emotions bottled inside you.
Zoya didn't know how to react. It was too much for her. Yes, she had been trying to act fine, but it was really like she was walking a thin rope between insanity and self destruction. But for the outer world, she had put on a happy face and avoid her feelings which she tried to hide in the deepest pit of her heart. She had fooled everyone into believing she was fine, just not Noor who kept asking her if she was fine, and Aditya who could read her like an open book.
"Aditya please. I don't want to. Let me be.
"No Zoya. This is no way to deal with your pain. I want you to be strong and happy, but first you need to deal with your feelings for that. Zoya just do something, talk about your feelings, shout, cry, get angry, do anything but just deal with these emotions. Burn Yash's memories, even Pooja's pictures if you need to, hit me if you want. Don't keep these emotions inside you, they'll kill you.
Finally tears rushed down her cheeks. "Then what should I do Aditya? Because I really want to move on. I want to be happy but every time I try, his betrayal comes to my mind and shatters me. I know it was not my fault but somehow I cannot forget it. I will never forget my past and I can't just think about the happy memories, because they hurt me just as much. I don't know what to do Aditya. I feel so alone. I literally gave up on my family for him, and he gave me up for someone else without any thought. Atleast I don't want anyone to feel bad for me, but that's what I see when I look into their eyes; sympathy. I don't want to see their pity because that reminds of everything Yash has done to me.
Aditya's wiped his tears. He was the only one who could feel her anguish because he was going through the same. "I know what you're going through. You're not alone Zoya.
Zoya looked at him. She hugged Aditya tightly and cried. His arms enveloped her too, holding her firmly as she wept. Finally, she let him go, brushing her hair behind her ears, feeling a little embarrassed.
"It's alright. Aditya said. "I know we can't get rid of these feelings overnight, but this is a good place to start. Maybe you will help me escape this misery too, and trust me this place is magic. I feel peace whenever I come here, and moving on means being in peace with your past.
Zoya smiled at Aditya. "I want to stay here a little longer. She pleaded.
"Sure. I'm here till as long as you need me. Aditya said.
Zoya smiled and they walked on the beach silently. It didn't change anything, but as Aditya said, she found peace for some moments.