Not Okay An AdiYa OS
It was a normal day at the Siddiqui household. Waseem had gone out with Harsh to meet a potential business partner (the duo had become partners in crime of sorts after the Rajveer fiasco), Roshana was at the Hooda household herself, attending a book club she and Anjana had started given their shared love of classic literature, and Noor was out running the world (or rather Arjun) at Radio City.
Zoya, on the other hand, was home, having taken the day off from the now successful AZ Events (Zosh Events was rechristened after undergoing a complete revamp upon the triumphant return of Zoya and Adi from jail, and after Harsh and Waseem had pitched in a fair amount of cash for the bank to reinstate the company).
Not being able to bear the silence of an empty home much longer, Zoya decided to turn on the radio. Turning to one of her favourite stations, Zoya recognized the song pumping out of the radio immediately.
"Help me, it's like the walls are caving in,
Belted out Shawn Mendes' melodious voice, and Zoya couldn't help but draw a parallel to that fateful night when she discovered the divorce papers Yash had signed on; the walls did quite literally feel like they were going to collapse in on themselves and suffocate her.
"Sometimes I feel like giving up
Did Zoya understand how that felt. To feel like there's not a single ray of hope left, that the very foundations of your belief had crumbled to dust; that would do that to a person.
"But I just can't, it isn't in my blood
Then came the chorus that always struck just the right chord with her. She didn't know how powerful one verse could be until she'd heard this. Every word deeply resounded with her being, starting with how he says, "I just can't how could something so simplistic hold so much meaning. The night that she had ... Zoya audibly sighed ... the night she had tried to kill herself, Zoya had only thought about the pain and betrayal that one person in her life gave her, completely disregarding how much the other people in her life gave her strength to be a better person: whether it be her father, who gave her all the happiness in the world, her mother who taught her how strength can be shown even if you're quiet, her sister who told her that sometimes it's okay to be childish and to let go of the restraints that come with being an adult, or her Ad... she meant Aditya (he wasn't hers... not yet, anyways), Aditya had taught her that it's okay to ask for support needing people around you doesn't make you any weaker as a person. That night Zoya realized that she couldn't crumble because she had so much more to live for.
"Laying on the bathroom floor
That night she was quite literally laying on the bathroom floor, but instead of letting the water succumb her, she realized that she didn't truly want to die.
"Feeling nothing, I'm overwhelmed and insecure
Zoya couldn't believe how much one song could describe her life. Not only did this echo the emotions she felt when she... almost did what she did, but that verse also seemed to resound from when she and Aditya were on the run. Overwhelmed by the prospect of going to jail and insecurities creeping in about whether or not Harshvardhan Hooda (now her beloved Harsh Uncle) will actually come to her rescue, all those thoughts came rushing back to her.
Meanwhile, Aditya was in the backseat of a cab. Not being able to bear another story of how the driver came to the city with only 5 rupees on his person, Aditya asked for the driver to turn on the radio. He immediately recognized the station as one of Zoya's favourites and asked for the driver to leave it on.
The singer belted out,
"Give me something I could take to ease my mind slowly
Just have a drink and you'll feel better
This startled Aditya. The emotions behind the lyrics were so true and raw, and Adi had definitely felt all of those before.
Adi remembered how after Pooja's betrayal he'd made it his personal mission to drown himself in alcohol, because the only alternative was to drown himself in the memories of the woman who broke every ounce of his being with one clean blow. The drinking did make him feel better, mused Aditya, but only for a short period of time, until all the memories would come racing back, stronger than ever.
"Just take her home and you'll feel better
Adi thought back to the night his Zo sorry, not his... not just yet. He thought back to the night when Zoya had tried to take her own life. If he hadn't gotten that call from Noor, he would've taken that girl home. And maybe he would've felt better for a second, maybe even a minute, but just with the alcohol, Adi knew that the thoughts would come crashing back, with a stronger will than before, and then he wouldn't have another outlet.
"Keep telling me that it gets better
Aditya smiled to himself. That was Zoya for him. The girl who originally reminded him of his wife's betrayal every second of every minute of everyday, became his reminder that things will get better. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, or even the day after, but she was a constant reminder that it will get better.
"Does it ever?
That question plagued Zoya's mind. Does it ever get better? Sure, she had days where she thought that she could pull through this, but she also had days where the loss pricked her in the most horrible of ways where she was always left wondering, "did I do something wrong? She hadn't healed all the way through, and she wondered if she would ever return to her former self, or would she be left with a gaping hole, leaving her just a little untrusting of others, a little wary of love, and a little bitter that Yash chose Pooja over her.
"Help me, it's like the walls are caving in.
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough
Adi smirked. Evidently whoever wrote this didn't wait for the effects of the medicine to kick in before judging it. He'd learned that lesson the hard way. But, after a lot of introspection, Adi realized that the medicine Zoya gave him that day had worked in more ways than one. Along with fixing his allergies, the medicine had also set the building blocks for Adi to truly heal. However inebriated he was, he had shared his true feelings and deepest fears, and that had lightened the weight off of him a little. After that night, Adi became a lot more comfortable with sharing how he felt, at the beginning just with Zoya, but as time progressed, with Arjun, his mother, and his father as well.
"Someone help me
I'm crawling in my skin
Zoya knew how that felt. So many thoughts and emotions just floating in there, but no real way to get rid of all the intrusive thoughts. She didn't feel that as much anymore. She had started sharing how she felt, no matter how messed up her feelings really were, and that went a long way. She didn't know why, but the night that Aditya had broken into her room, drunk and depressed, she shared her thoughts with him too. She woke up the next morning feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and from then on had made a resolve to start sharing her thoughts more often, with only Aditya if not anyone else. She found talking to him about Yash made it a lot more bearable to deal with the pain, because if anyone understood her, it was Aditya.
"Sometimes I feel like giving up
"But I just can't, it isn't in my blood
Both Aditya and Zoya smile hearing the chorus of the song play again. They both had days when ending it all seemed like the easiest option, but both knew that they couldn't. They couldn't give up because if they did, then Pooja and Yash would win, if they gave up, then they'd lose each other, if they gave up, they'd betray their families.
Sure, they were not okay yet. But Aditya and Zoya could both tell you that someday they would get there. And when they did, Zoya and Aditya would be by each other's side.
Entry 3
Miles Between Us
(based on A Thousand Years by Christina Perri)
May, 1940, Abbeville, France
In his measly two decades of existence, Aditya had never seen a war. Living an idyllic life in a small town of Mussoorie, tucked away in the snow-covered Himalayan Mountains in India; life was as peaceful as it could get under the rule of the British crown.
There was a war going around him yet he had managed to remain unscathed largely so, till the World War 2. India was a British subject and so human resources from India were called on; by the British government to serve as soldiers in their army when war broke out between them and Germany.
Thus, months later, he found himself smack dab in the mid of a battleground in Abbeville, France, in a war between British-French vs German forces- surrounded by young soldiers; some from home and others from far away.
Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
He had a rifle in his hand, his thumb on the trigger, hiding behind rubble of what once may have been someone's home. The sound of bullets whooshing past him, the sound of men shouting in anger, in pain, as they charged on to their enemy, was ringing in his ears. His heart leapt wildly in his ribcage, and sweat dripped from his forehead.
He closed his eyes for an instant and focused on the one person who could give him strength. The one person whose face, whose smile was the only thing that kept him going, that made him want to fight and survive- Zoya...
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow
He had to get through this; he had to go back home, to her. She was his childhood friend, his partner in crime, his confidante, yet he had never really told her how he truly felt about her. He thought of writing her a letter when he had arrived with his battalion in France but refrained. He wanted to tell her in person. He wanted to see her face when he confessed his love.
With each action he took, each step he forwarded, it brought him closer to her. He took a deep breath and readied himself to charge...
One step closer
---------
May, 1940, Mussoorie, India
Zoya stood in the shade of a huge tree, looking at the students, who were busy scribbling with chalk on their slates. She ran a small school with voluntary aid from people, teaching two-dozen children from underprivileged families.
She'd usually be active around the kids, teaching them, playing with them, and animatedly telling them about India's glorious history, then the British invasion and their struggle for independence. She, in her own small way, contributed to the cause in the best possible way she could.
But since the past couple of months, ever since Aditya was sent to war in unknown shores, she had been listless. The one thought, the one person who occupied her each waking moment was Aditya. He was a kind-hearted, gentle person. Violence was not something he could face yet fates had been cruel and he was shipped off to fight a battle he had no idea about.
She felt her chest compress in pain at the thought of a nave Aditya with weapons, fighting for his life. It scared her... it pained her. She gathered all news she could about the war, she prayed to all Gods for his safe return.
There was so much she had to say to him; mainly that she loved him. She didn't realize when their friendship had evolved into love, how her heart had changed over the years. It was only when he was boarding the bus, which would take him to Delhi and then overseas, that it dawned upon her.
I have died everyday, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And so she waited, with bated breath, counting each day till he came back. He had to come back.
---------
June, 1940, Dunkirk, France
It was raining fire.
The sky was filled with planes, some German, some British as they bombarded one another. The German aircrafts also opened fire at the beach town of Dunkirk.
Aditya and his battalion had been made to retreat from Abbeville and they had all gathered at the small city of Dunkirk, waiting for evacuation- hundreds of thousands of soldiers, taking shelter, hoping to avoid death and cross the sea to reach Britain.
The ships were anchored in the shallow waters of the sea. The English Channel was what stood between Dunkirk and safe shores of Britain. The soldiers had to walk, waist deep in shallow seawater to reach the ships.
Aditya strode ahead in the blue sea, pushing the resistance of the waves, trying to get on board. Their British airplanes above were trying to gun down the Germans planes to let the ships sail away unharmed.
And so, shots were fired on the sea, making huge splashes, sometimes meeting their unfortunate human targets on the ground. The air around him smelled of salt, blood and fire. He resisted it all and strode ahead. This ship was his salvation. If he could get onboard, he would be home, back to her. That was all that mattered.
Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything, take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath, every hour has come to this
Just a few feet away, he told himself. A German aircraft flew dangerously close overhead making a loud whirring noise. He knew the aircraft was taking aim at the queue of soldiers below, one of whom was he. They were climbing on the ship one by one... Just a few feet away...
One step closer
---------
July, 1940, Mussoorie, India
It had been 2 months since the evacuation of Dunkirk. There was a hullabaloo everywhere. No certain news of survival and casualties reached the small hilly town, when finally one day, it was informed that the soldiers who had survived were coming home.
With bated breath Zoya waited at the bus stop with numerous people, who were expecting their sons, fathers, brothers, husbands to return. A rickety bus slowly made it's way along the snaking road and halted at the stand. One by one, people got down- some covered in bandages, some with more severe injuries, some without a scratch on them, but they had one thing in common- a huge smile on their faces.
Zoya's eyes peered around the heads of people descending the bus. Her heartbeat increased, more and more, till she thought her heart would leap out of her chest. Her lips moved in inaudible prayers. Where was he?
I have died everyday, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And then, in the midst of unfamiliar faces, she spotted him almost at the same time as he spotted her. Their eyes met and for an instant it felt the world had come to a standstill. The hordes of people around them had vanished, no noise, no chattering, only silence and in the midst of all that- Aditya.
And all along I believed, I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
They covered the distance between them in an instant and Aditya engulfed her in a hug. They held onto one another, afraid to let go. When Zoya pulled away, she saw Aditya's eyes had moistened just like hers. They had so much to say, of their time apart, of their adventure of sorts, of how their life didn't hold any meaning without the presence of the other... Of how she loved him and he loved her...
One step closer
She gazed into his eyes and he into hers. His hands were still wrapped around her back. The silence between them was deafening. They had so many words to fill it up but neither spoke.
All this time, she was contemplating how she would confess her love, yet now standing in his embrace; she realized she didn't need any words. He could read on her face what she felt for him. She knew this because his face mirrored the exact same feeling...
Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
---------
Entry 4
Dressed in A Long Yellow Plain Summer Frock with Her Hairs Pulled into a Side Braided with Few Fringes left out Her Right hand adorned in a plain diamond bracelet with stud earrings she looked alluring with her dimpled cheeks..Her eyelids fluttering closed as she breathes in the briny aroma with a slight smile adorned in her lips..Scrunching her toes , She feels the Softness of the sand , still damp from the retreating tide . She wiggles as a shiver cascades down her spine as her grin widens with her eyes closed as she feels an arm going around her waist she instantly leans back to her comforter..She could make out his lips curved up against her nape as a tinge of red adorned her cheeks as her hands voluntarily rested on his hands which were settled on her waist ..As they entangled their fingers with smiles adorned as they looked to their forward to find the last orange rays kiss them before the twilight beckons the stars as they stood enveloped in each others arms .
Kacchi Doriyon, Doriyon, Doriyon Se
Mainu Tu Baandh Le...
Pakki Yaariyon, Yaariyon, Yaariyon Mein
She turns around to look at him as he grins widely with a mischievous smile playing on his lips as she raises her brows curiously scrunching her nose throwing her arms around his neck loosely as he pulled her a bit closer looking into her hazel orbs as he bends and places a moist kiss on her forehead as she smiles and brushes his one day old stubble with the back of her palms.
Dil Diyan Gallan
Akh Naale Akh Nu Mila Ke
He goes down on his knee as she cups her mouth with her palms surprised as her eyes glows in ecstasy. He pulls out a ring as He starts his proposal "I ,Aditya Hooda , Would Like to Marry You Ms.Zoya Siddique Would You Like to Be My Mrs.?" ..She bites her lower lip with a mischievous grin as she shakes her head negatively ...He whines as She chuckles Seeing his pout She pulls his cheeks lovingly as He cribs..
Sataaye Mainu Kyun
Dikhaaye Mainu Kyun Aiven Jhuthi Mutthi Russ Ke Rusaake
"Then a Second try You Sure gonna say yes for this " He tells her with Overconfidence pulling his collars up as She rolls her eyes "I and You .. " .."Aah" ..."Let me complete Zoya .Don't Poke in ..Got it " He tells her sternly twitching his lips as she nods throwing her head back laughing .."I And You ..We Annoy each other for rest of our lives ? Say Yes" He whispers the last part hopefully as She looks away from him smiling as he gets up on his feet's..Hugging her from behind ..."Say yes " He pleads cutely in her ears as she bites her lower lips controlling her smile as a blush creeps up as his breath falls on her neck as he places a kiss on her nape and repeats again "Say Yes"...She chuckles silently seeing his efforts as she turns around cups his face and moves forward as he closes his eyes his breath quickens She smirks seeing the effect she has on him ..She leans more into him placing her hands on his shoulders as she whispers into his ears as he holds his breath..
Tenu Lakhan Ton Chhupa Ke Rakha
Akkhaan Te Sajaa Ke
Tu Hai Meri Wafaa Rakh Apna Bana Ke
Na Paavin Kade Dooriyan Haaye...
"It's a NO" He scrunches his nose pulling her forward face to face ..."Why?" He narrows his brows as She bites her lips .."Don't Do That!! " ..He groans as She smirks and bites her lips "No Zoya " He warns her Continuing "It is For me to do"..She chuckles " Hmm I Did Not Say Yes Mr ," She reminds him..His Face Warms as She creeps closer wrapping her arms around his shoulders..He longs for it "Her". Her Closeness Her Care Her Love The More He gets He craves for more ..Her nimble hands caresses his face and her gentle eyes meets his ..She is Love He knows His Hearts Falls for her every second ..and then She gives him a smile .."Zoya" He grins Her Smile it has something which he could not put into words She has the Kind of Smile Which Makes Him Feel As if the Sun had toppled down from the sky and made a home right there in his heart ..Finally He is Home in Her Arms.
Main Jeena Haan Tera Aaa...
Main Jeena Haan Tera, Tu Jeena Hai Mera
Dass Lena Ki Nakhra Dikha Ke
"Why No ?" He asks with a teasing smile locking his arms around her waist as she winks "I Have to ask My Husband" She tells him fumbling with his shirt button ..He leaves her shocked "Husband?" He Shouts with his eyes wide open ..."Haa Husband" She tells him ..."Whom Else You have to ask Zoya?'" He asks angrily..She puts her two finger to her forehead thinking as He narrows his brows with hands on his hips as She chuckles seeing him He Looks Funny "My Baby" ."Baby?" He screeches piercing her ears as she face palms herself ..
"My Husband and My Baby I'll Ask them And Let You Know Mr.Hooda " She tells him with a teasing smile .."Acha Let Me Get to your baby First I am Sure She Will Love Me More and give Her consent "he tells her winking as her mouth formed an "O" Shaped "It's A He Okay? And My Baby Will Love Me More Got it?" She tells him tying her hands across her chest puffing out in anger ...
"My Angry Bird " He locks his arms around her as She pushes him away .."I'll get you mirchi pakoda ...Stop Pushing "..Her Eyes glistens "Really !! You will get me ? " She smiles widely with her puppy eyes trying to jump but a glare from him she stops doing it and hugs him as he wounds his arms around her ..She looks up from his embrace "Then My Husband? '' ..
"Let him go to hell " He tells her irritated .."Don't you badmouth about My Husband Mr." She puffs as he widens his eyes "Why?" .."I Love My husband " She envelopes him happily.."Go tell your Husband " He tells her annoyed .."How Can I ? My Husband is a jerk He did not even propose me for Marriage before Marrying and Now I am dying to hear him tell the three words but he did not yet "..She tells him disappointed and bites her lower lip pouting ..."Zoya" he warns her Seeing her Doing that .."It is For Me to Do !!" He repeats as she chuckles lightly ..."Adi I Did Not yet.." He cuts her off "Let Me ask your baby "..He Goes down on his both knees placing his hand on her 6 month protruding belly "Doll Can I Marry your Ammi?" ..Zoya raffles his hair lovingly He looks cute. ."Adi He Kicked ".."What She kicked?" Adi asks excitedly keeping his hands on her belly as She hits on his arms .."Ouch Why?" he whines ..."It's He Got It?.." She frowns at him ..as He pouts .."No Doll" He whines..Another Kick ..as Adi jumps around in happiness "See My Doll Agreed ..Say yes " He pleads her cutely twirling her around slowly so that he does not hurt her as she laughs out loudly .."Adi..Stop ..Adi Stop please.." .He stops and pulls her close ..As She looks deeply into his eyes with happy tears as he too has tears ready to shed..
Dil Diyan Gallan...
Akh Naale Akh Nu Mila Ke
She traces his lips lightly with the tip of her finger as he pouts "Say Yes ".."No".."I Love You Mrs.Hooda " He breathes out as She lets out a teary smile "Finally!!".."Anything For your Happiness " He places a moist kiss on her forehead as They rest their foreheads against each other ..Seeing the Close proximity With his lips parted She has a sudden urge to bite , to kiss and to Do many more with him ..It is Not her Fault He is irresistible and her damn hormones is making her crazier ..A Look into her eyes he knew what she wanted ..He had Slammed his lips into hers .He kissed her slow and soft ..She granted him access as he delved inside to her mouth His hands rested below her ear..His thumb caressing her cheeks as their breaths mingled She ran her fingers down his spine , pulling him more closer until she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest .. "So Ms to Mrs?"..."With You Till Eternity " She breathed out before drawing him into another passionate kiss .
Mere Dil Saanwle
Mere Haaniyan
Lag Ke Tu Aa Gale
Mere Aasmaan Mausaman Di Na Sune
Koi Khwaab Na Poora Bune
Entry 5
It is when I am alone, I feel the demons take over, digging their nails through my skin, piercing through all my barriers at once and then I am completley consumed by my pain. But all I ever hear is her name.
"Zoya"
Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
I'm overwhelmed and insecure, give me something
I could take to ease my mind slowly
I lay bare backed atop the cold bathroom floor, the tiles gelid against my skin, sending a stinging sensation down my spine. For a second, maybe a minute if I am lucky it will distract me from the pain inside.
Each time I close my eyes, I see her winsome face. Her eyes a light brown, mixed with just a tint of orange, like a beautiful, alluring fire in her eyes, always aflame when she glanced my way. Her hair, long and soft, I can still feel it between my fingers, twirling around them, pulling me in closely, like a trap I had walked into willingly. Then last, but not least- never least, her smile, glowing, lighting up my entire being, when she smiles, there is no darkness, just bright, beaming light.
Afraid to be alone again, I hate this
I'm trying to find a way to chill, can't breathe, oh
The tears are searing, as they pour down my cheeks, leaving a scratchy feeling as they splash onto the tiles around me. Im gasping for breath, but its slowly fading away, the pain so unfathomable its beginning to suffocate me.
"Zoya, please"
She is the only one that takes the nightmares away, that holds me close, protecting me from any kind of danger. I need her, I need her more than I need oxygen, because when there is no her, the ability to breathe is non-existent.
Help me, it's like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough
But she is strong enough to take it all away. No matter where I look, I am always looking for her, in a crowd of a million faces, my eyes search for her. I drink, and I drink in the hopes of just forgetting that she's gone. I see women with similar faces, temptation is just that, a rope dangling before you, begging you to grab at it.
Just have a drink and you'll feel better
Just take her home and you'll feel better
I wouldnt, I couldnt. I could never betray my Zoya that way. Its like I am drowning, and no one understands but her. Life has always been a battle I am set to fail in, but the enemy is the man in the mirror, with ragged black hair and tired eyes, a smile on my lips, the only remnant of my lie. The lie that I am okay.
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can't
It isn't in my blood
'You're a Hooda, its not in your blood to be this weak' thats what they all say. But, Zoya, she understands, she will always save me.
Its like the world is blind to my plight. They see a smile, she sees a broken man. They see pure happiness, she sees someone who just wants to be loved with such fervour that the world becomes a little easier to handle.
As if my heart couldnt beat any faster, as if I couldnt cry anymore. My muscles clench as I release a guttural sob from deep within me. So much hurt, so much darkness.
Cool air hits my face as the bathroom door is pushed open. I turn my head slightly to see my Zoya looking down at me. My heart calmed immediatley, there she was, she was really here. It wasnt just a dream anymore.
"Aditya, im so sorry, they wouldnt let me see you"
She lifts my head, resting it on her lap, her fingers running through my hair, massaging my scalp. She leans forward, her hair tickling my face as she kisses my forehead. The sensation makes me feel alive again.
It feels like forever has passed since I last saw her, the overwhelming feeling of loneliness has tarnished me in ways I could never have imagined before. For so long I have been merely existing, not living.
Now, she is here. Zoya is here and I know its going to be okay again, its time to live again. It isnt time to give up, her shaky breath is a reminder of the life she breathes into me as she caresses my cheek with her shaky hand.
Its then I know that I can fight this. Because depression is an illness, not something that is in my bloodstream. It is a battle against my self, constantly tearing away at me, bit by bit, limb by limb. Its vines around my wrists, tugging me back into the ashes I once rose from.
If I rose once, I can rise again.
All you need is someone, not to save you, but to support you while you save yourself. For me, that was my wife, my life, my Zoya.
Her soft tinkling voice singing to me as I gripped the bathroom sink, throwing up all the alcohol and the bitter taste of possible mistakes I could have made.
Her hand in mine as I walk back to the bedroom, by my side, each step of the way, because we're getting there. Slowly, ever so slowly but surely.
Her arms wrapped around me, rocking us both. Like we're on a ship, no longer drowning under the water, but rising above it.
"I love you Aditya, i've got you"
It is when I am with her, I feel love take over, fingers tracing my wounds, my battle scars, kissing them, she knows they are a part of me. Breaking down all my barriers at once, we sit together, crying like a dam has broken and then I am completley consumed by what I could have became. But then all it takes to ground me, is her voice saying my name.
"Aditya"
Entry 6
Main fida hoon tumse - AdiYa OS
It was a bright day, morning breeze rustled the trees gently, sun briskly soared out, shoving the dusky clouds away with its arrival. The sky shone a charismatic blue adding to the energetic, fresh ambience of the morning. Hooda's mansion was at an unusual peace ,since the prime sources of ruckus of that house were fast asleep...
And disturbing the sacred peace,
"Adi... Zoya's alarming voice shrieked in AdiYa's bedroom echoing all across the Hooda mansion, riling up a drowsy and lethargic Aditya. Adi's eyelids flickered, his hands outstretched blocking the puddle of light blinding him, while Zoya opened the curtains to let their room bask in soft amber glow of sunlight, so that her hubby dearest could wake up.
"Come on get up , Adi! It's 7:30 now! Zoya said pulling out his comforter.
"Zoya come on yaar, Just 7:30!! Let me snooze for a few more minutes! He pleaded trying to grab the comforter back from her grip.
"No..! As both were quarreling over this, two tiny figures entered inside...
"Papa, mumma isn't letting me sleep. It's Saturday after all. Adya moaned in a drowsy voice, rubbing her eyes with a pout and jumped upon the bed, embracing her father fondly.
"I know baby, your Mom is so bad ...! Adi mocked, snuggling his princess with warmth .
"Papa, Mumma isn't bad. Its our school annual function, remember! Me and Adya are performing. Look at me I'm all set. You two lazy bums should also get ready, that's why mom is waking you up Zian jumped in, siding with his mother,
"Morning Mumma, Dadi dressed me up, how am I looking?! Zian asked his mother in his innocent, sweet voice, dressed up in a navy blue suit, with a black bow looking exactly like a tiny little version of Adi.
AdiYa were blessed with twins, a boy and girl, Zian and Adya, two beautiful kids as a token of their marital bliss. They were six years old, in their primaries. Their school had invited for their annual day celebration, to which Hooda family was gearing up for.
"You're so handsome, beta Zoya muttered in a sweet babyish voice planting a kiss on his cheeks, "and yeah Well said my boy. Adi, Adu baby, Now both get yourself out. I'll be waiting downstairs, we'll be leaving in an hour. UP!!! The soberness in her tone was the final ultimatum for them and thus whiningly father and daughter duo strolled out of their bed without a choice.
Half hour later, Zoya was picking up clothes for Adi, as he walked out of the shower wrapped in a white towel. His eyes fell on Zoya, who was dressed up by now, looking sexy in a Gold Lycra appliqu embroidered saree, in a sleeveless blouse, the saree hugging her curves at the right places thus accentuating her beauty furthermore. He sneaked up behind, hugging her tight,
"Aaarrrghhh, Adi... She turned around struggling to move out of his grasp, but his rippling abs, musky scent, his naughty smirk did entice her.
"Kids would come in any moment, & we'll be embarrassed like hell like we always do... she muttered looking all smitten at his smoldering eyes.
"No problem, let's take care of that when it happens, but now...! He hissed, and swooped down to steal a kiss. A minute passed,
"Papa, what are you doing to mumma? Adya walked in, dressed in a black and red off shoulder skater dress, with dangling earrings, looking very cute. She
scrutinized at her parents, her tiny button nose scrunching at the doubtful sight.
AdiYa parted away, both blushing red, Zoya hissed in annoyance "I told you...!
Few minutes later, they all met up with the senior Hoodas, and they reached school. To Zoya's delight they were early enough to acquire the front row seats. Kids were taken inside for a final rehearsal, within a short while their kids performance started,
Kacchi doriyon, doriyon, doriyon se
Mainu tu baandh le
Pakki yaariyon, yaariyon, yaariyon mein
Honde na faasley
Eh naraazgi kaagzi saari teri
Mere sohneya sunn le meri
Dil diyaan gallah
The tiny tots dancing with their faces shining with excitement was a heartwarming sight. Hoodas enjoyed the celebration very much.
A week ahead, Zoya was walking ahead in their garden, with Adi pleading behind, holding his ears in regret "Zoya, I'm sorry. You know I'm bad in remembering dates,... Forgive me!
"No Adi, you forget birthdays fine, but our own anniversary, & this is the second year in a row! She snapped.
"Zoya,... Adi grabbed her and snaked his arms around her waist, "leave your anger baby, it's our anniversary. I have a special gift for you, wanna see ? He asked trying to distract her.
"What? Trying to charm me are you? Dude move away... This isn't gonna work! She walked off looking cross, with her nose in the air.
Adi looked crestfallen and had dumped himself in the garden bench, trying to think of ways to pacify his begum Jaan. When his little tots met up with him, presenting an interesting idea.
Later that night, Zoya was dragged to their terrace by her kids, blindfolded. They left her there all alone and fled out of sight.
"Babies, where have you brought me? Can I open my eyes..? Since no one replied she took off the blindfold, only to find herself in their terrace which had turned into an embellished spot with roses & lighted candles. And standing in front was her handsome husband , adorning a delightful white kurta pyjama.
"Wow.. she gaped in awe
"Was the wow for me ? Adi quipped jovially.
Zoya rolled her eyes, Adi walked up to her clasping her hands gently, he was glad she didn't jerk him off.
"Zoya, you know that I can never bear your anger ?
Zoya still stayed mum, Adi continued, "Zoya, whenever you get angry, I go nuts. Remember the time you were furious becoz paa had defamed Yash? He asked reeling back their memories to those bittersweet days.
Zoya was taken aback at the mention of her first husband, "why are you bringing out the old wounds now?
"No, it's not about Yash, it's about me, about us. I had subconsciously started liking you by then. Your anger frustrated me beyond anything. I didn't understand for a long time why your avoidance was hurting me, why I wanted to stay in touch with you...! But I knew one thing, you had a special place in my heart!
Zoya's heart melted, her pissed expression changed to be replaced by the usual adoration reserved only for Adi.
"And the day I heard you were leaving to Mussoorie, I felt so empty as if I've lost everything., that's the time I finally realized that I was in love with you! He said in a thick voice, his love brimming out in his eyes.
"Once I realized this, I couldn't decide what to do. I dreaded getting rejected again. But then you accepted me, and loved me back for the guy I am, with all my flaws , never asked me to change... he uttered taking her hands in his, kissing her palms.
Zoya cupped his face, showering him with Kisses, "Adi, you're a great guy. I just took time to realize this. I might have been furious with you over that Yash defamation, but your efforts to pacify did move me and when Rajveer kidnapped me, he left me locked up all alone in a dark room, for a day, I was hell scared of darkness. You know what I was thinking all the time? YOU! Only If you could come & save me this time like you always did... And you did! You cared too much for me that you didn't mind my anger upon you. That's the time I started developing feelings for you. However the complex relationship between us discouraged me from admitting this to myself. In fact I decided with a heavy heart to leave only to escape this dilemma. But then you came and confessed your feelings! She said her eyes pooling.
"To hear all that from you, I was happily stupefied.. You broke all the ego and hesitation in me and made me your own...! ".
Dil diyan gallan haaye
Karaange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu mila ke
Tenu lakhan ton chhupa ke rakhaan
Akkhaan te sajaa ke tu ae meri wafaa
Tu jeena hai mera
Dass lena ki nakhra dikha ke
Dil diyan gallan
"And yeah you don't have to change. You're perfect the way you're ! She said nibbling his nose, chuckling through her tears.
"So you forgive me for my poor memory He repeated this time with a peck on her lips.
Zoya couldn't resist anymore, "I have to, I Love you, after all. Deeply, madly ! She muttered smiling heartily. "Love you too! Adi whispered, engulfing her in an eternal embrace...
Entry 7
You've always been there for me -AdiYa OS
The tiny, secluded abode, located somewhere in the middle of the jungle, hooted with the ouster of bats as an exhausted, wind worn, drenched Zoya and Aditya made their entry to bask in its dusky , dusty warmth. It was a small house with a thatched roof, with yellow painted walls. The walls were mostly in ruins,. Since they had been on the run since morning , both of them were panting hard catching their breath.
"This place is .. Zoya dragged, her teeth chattering in cold, hugging herself to instigate warmth.
"This is dirty, dark which you're scared of, I know ... Adi finished the sentence for her with a smile.
"I'll try to call my father tomorrow. Have to get in touch with him somehow to inform our whereabouts. Right now we need some rest! He declared in a tired voice.
"Its so cold Zoya moaned
"With our damp clothes, it's further freezing!. Adi said rubbing his hands together, dealing with the cold which was their next concern, he looked around the tiny house for something to burn, he pushed the small adjacent door inside the house to search for logs or paper or hay only to find rats squealing away while he stepped into an otherwise spotless, lifeless room. Aghast at the noises Zoya jumped up in fright, and held Adi's arm for support.
"There's nothing to put up fire, not even small sticks .. Blimey!
Looking crestfallen, he dusted off a small place on the floor, , he laid down with a sigh and beckoned Zoya also to settle.
"How can we stay here, Aditya? She whispered surveying the dark filled corners.
"We can't find anything better than this, Zoya., it's already dark and it's raining, staying outside in the jungle is not safe, we'd rather spend the night here, it's the best we have" He said, noticing her fearful eyes "Don't worry I'm here with you! He assured. Zoya nodded gratefully and obliged.
They laid down in complete silence, rewinding their entire day and how they were kept on their toes depriving them off their last bit of energy.
Zoya couldn't believe what was happening in her life lately, she was on a run fearing murder charges of her own husband and his lover, that too with aditya , the guy who found new ways to torture her everyday once upon a time. However she couldn't deny the fact that she felt secured with him. Aditya might have been a jerk to her earlier, but the almighty had somehow managed to solve this riddle of a guy and offered a peephole into his heart, when he had been his vulnerable best, like that overdose of allergy medicine incident. Unknown to him Zoya did feel lighter when they shared the pain of their betrayal. It was an unexplainable soothing feeling to know someone was out there going through the same as you, without any fault of theirs. Destiny had brought them together and it was a bond that pain forged between the two.
In the loneliness of their rooms, sleep never evaded them in the nights, memories reminding of the painful reality of their lives that how lonely they were. However today they dozed off within a few minutes, into a peaceful slumber, Coz of the exhaustion they went through since morning, or was it the company of each other? Can't say.
The next day, dawn spread its shiny glow around, announcing its arrival. Thin rays of sunshine peeped through the gaps in the roof waking Zoya out of her slumber for a new day. Her sight fell on the unusual surrounding. She got up with a start, eyes seeking for Adi.
"Aditya... Aditya... she sprinted across the jungle few meters away from the house they had taken refuge in, her heart thudding, when he came into view, making his way back, with a bag in his hand.
"Where were you? She demanded holding her chest in relief.
Adi couldn't help but smile, "I had gone out to the nearby village to call my father, n to fetch food and dry clothes, He said gesturing to come along.
"Aditya...! A male voice boomed behind them.
Both Zoya and Aditya turned around to see the source of the voice, and they were horrified to find Rajveer, with a gun in hand pointing directly at Adi.
"I found you, at last,... he cackled.
Adi was taken aback at this sudden appearance, he wanted to buy some time, until his father could reach here.
"Why so much interest in arresting us, Rajveer? We've done nothing! He said clasping Zoya's hand to flee any moment.
"Really? Well don't know about that, coz my department trusts my evidences
Rajveer noticed that their legs were tracking behind. " Stop, don't try to run this time, coz I can even shoot you, FYI! He chided with a mirthless laugh
"Shoot at sight for us? we aren't criminals, damnit!Adi bellowed in fury.
Zoya trembled with fear, " Listen, we are innocent, You've got the wrong person. Plz don't do this she pleaded.
" I'm not here to listen to your speeches, I don't care if you're innocent! Many innocents have suffered due to your father , Aditya. He roared.
Zoya glanced at Adi, found him blinking in horror as his father was mentioned. He looked too stumped to react.
Rajveer continued "Now he should taste his own medicine, you may not be guilty of murdering, Aditya, but you are guilty of being your father's son. So yeah take it! Saying it he took a shot at Adi, who stood aghast, trying to decipher the meaning of his words. Zoya discerned his words, paralyzed in fear, suddenly it hit upon her, the terror of losing Aditya. Don't know what came upon her, she stepped before Adi, taking the firing bullet upon herself, which penetrated her chest, puncturing her organs. The last thing she saw was Adi holding her in his arms, covered in her oozing blood,, tears streaming down his skinny cheeks, screaming "Zoya... in a faze.
Hours later, Adi was sitting in a hospital, still dressed in the blood stained shirt, looking inconsolable. He was accompanied by his brother Arjun , the Siddique's and also his parents.
"We have removed the bullet, but still she's critical, only after 12 hours we can say anything The doctor had informed, leaving Adi & Siddiqui's more devastated. Mr. Siddiqui was consoling his wife, who dropped down bursting in tears. Adi's father patted his shoulder for emotional support at a loss of words.
Luckily Mr.Hooda had also arrived, right after Rajveer shot Zoya, so he took care of Rajveer and made sure Adi wasn't arrested and Zoya reached the hospital in time. Adi and Arjun hurried as fast as they could...
Arjun observed how unsettled his brother was throughout the journey. He noticed how Adi stood away from all of them, pacing the ICU corridor. He could grasp what his bade would be going through, "Bhai. Calm down... he uttered squeezing his shoulder and was taken by surprise when Adi hugged him , with fresh drops of tears drenching his face.
"I can never forgive myself if something happens to her... Aditya weeped.
"nothing will happen, don't worry!
Adi hiccuped himself into normalcy in a few moments, he moved to watch Zoya through the glass view on the ICU door.
"Why Zoya? You sacrificed yourself for me? What did i do to you ? To earn this ? Kept troubling you? Sorry Zoya, I kept coming back to you only becoz I knew you were the only one who can understand my pain. Someone who's been innocent just like me, someone who's been betrayed just like me. I liked you Zoya. You are a friend to me, and now I think more than a friend... plz don't give up on life, At least for me.
Tu safar mera
Hai tu hi meri manzil
Tere bina guzara
Ae dil hai mushkil
Tu mera Khuda
Tu hi duaa mein shaamil
Tere bina guzara
Ae dil hai mushkil
Mujhe aazmaati hai teri kami
Meri har kami ko hai tu laazmi
Junoon hai mera
Banoon main tere qaabil
Tere bina guzaara
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
He stopped in his tracks, as he found Zoya's fingers moving, eyelids trembling. His face lit up with a teary smile, as the doctor checked & announced that she has gained consciousness & was finally out of danger.
Adi rushed inside without any second thoughts, leaving the Siddiqui's gaping at his behind. Arjun saw Adi sharing a moment of silence holding Zoya's hands, only their eyes communicating.
"I thought Bhai can never fall in love again, with anyone. But I was wrong. He has fallen for Zoya, for her devotion and unadulterated affection. He thought with a content smile that his brother has finally found his true love like Pooja hoped he would.
Entry 8
TRAPPED - Love Or Revenge
The icy January wind herded towards the apartment . He hurried his way to the pharmaceutical meeting he had to attend . Aditya Hooda was a good looking man with a lean athletic body.
Zoya Siddiqui lived in a palatial bungalow, the kind of villas you only get to read in story books. While growing up,she had the best toys and the most expensive dresses. But it was her father who was the most important person in her life as she had lost her mother at a tender age. He adored her and she worshipped him.
Aditya was feeling bored at the meeting . He saw many new faces but nothing interested him. And then he saw her. She looked radiant with a petite figure, oval shaped face and warm brown eyes. At twenty-six, Zoya was a pretty woman .The gaze in her eyes marked the innocence of a newborn baby looking for its mother. She looked very innocent and vulnerable, but at the same time there was a strange determination and optimism in her. And this combination was irresistible. She looked fragile and was the kind of lady whom any man would immediately want to protect. The expression on her face changed when she saw him staring at her. He was her "Cheeku", her best friend, with whom she had spent her childhood giggling and laughing together. She had never told him that she loved him and few years later he had disappeared. And suddenly after all these years he was there in front of her. She knew he didn't recognise her and she preferred it this way.
She had married Yash against her father's wishes. Six months into her marraige and she was one of the happiest people alive. There were many red flags in their relationship but she was just too happy to realise that the so called perfect married life was a facade. One day, suddenly on her twenty sixth birthday, everything came to an end. She had never known such pain. It was unbearable.
It began innocuously enough. Rajveer Khanna, the police inspector came to the villa. "Excuse me sir", the inspector said , "This is just a formality that I have to undergo . Actually there is some illegal activity going on and your name has been dragged into it. Please accompany me to the police station and I will see to it that you reach home by evening."
Mr. Siddiqui never came back home again. Bail was denied. He was aghast when he learned that the inspector was Yash's friend and had plotted and trapped him with false evidences to save Yash's illegal business. Trial began. Zoya was also in the courtroom everyday listening to her husband slowly and gradually destroying her father. When the trial finally ended, Mr. Siddiqui was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment. Unable to bear the humiliation, he committed suicide.It was a nightmare beyond imagination . "Dad, you shall have your vengeance" , she vowed to herself.
A sharp knife slammed into Yash's skull and his body plunged towards the unforgiving nine stories below. His body is covered with cockroaches and he is drowning. Yash's body exploded into flames and his screams awakened Zoya. She was frantic. It was always a different dream, yet always the same. Outwardly she seemed fine but was a mess inside.
Two weeks after her father died, Zoya went to Rajveer's home with a burning desire for revenge. He opened the door and stared at her in surprise.
" Zoya! What are you doing here? "
" I have come to thank you Rajveer", she timidly answered.
He studied her suspiciously and she looked deep into his eyes and continued "For saving my husband. I know you did this to save Yash. "
Rajveer stood there uncertainly. "Come in and have some tea. I am really sorry for framing your dad, but it was Yash's plan and I only supported him"
When they were seated in the living room, Rajveer noticed what a beautiful young lady Zoya was and wished he could get her for a night. She was wearing a simple white dress that revealed the outlines of her petite body. He made tea and brought in with some cookies.
"Let me. Shall I pour ", Zoya asked sweetly. Her voice was warm. He nodded and watched as she walked over and carefully poured out tea for both of them. He took a sip and grimaced. It tasted bitter. He couldn't finish his tea as he was seized by a sudden spasm.
Zoya sat there , calmly sipping her tea, watching him stumble to the floor. "That's one, Daddy", She smiled. Since past few days she had researched quite a lot about this medicine which she had added to his cup of tea.
Zoya sat in the restaurant with Aditya. They had exchanged numbers after the meeting had ended and he insisted on meeting her once. Two rowdy men came there and started approaching them menacingly. She saw his fists clench. She felt scared. NO.. not now, She thought. He must not do anything that will attract attention. She silently hoped they would go away. She looked at him pleadingly and could feel his teeth clench as he held himself under control . One of the goons looked at her and whistled . Aditya sprang to his feet and grabbed him. "No!" Zoya screamed. Chairs and tables were flying through the air. Aditya knocked down one of them but the other goon grabbed him and stabbed in the stomach.
"Aditya ! Let's go from here before more goons come. Fast! " , She screamed. He nodded in pain. She was holding him and they pushed their way through. She had to find a place to hide. Aditya stumbled and let his hand fall away from his stomach. Zoya felt sick watching the blood gushing out . "A knife", he whispered and slumped to the floor. Zoya stood there staring with tears in her eyes. She removed his shirt and pressed it against his stomach. She was trying hard to stop the blood from flowing. Zoya looked at him angrily, "You are an idiot. Who asked you to fight ?"
"How could I have let them look at you in that way", he whispered. She was touched. She stood staring at him. "I won't let anything happen to you",she said fiercely. She found water bottle and towel in her handbag and bathed his wound. She cradled his head in her arms and kept blabbering. She was talking to keep him alive.
She took him to her place and changed the dressing. "See, I told you Adi.. You are getting better. Don't die. Please" .The bleeding had almost stopped but she found that she was weeping😭 "Do you know you are a very special girl zoya? I felt it from the first time I saw you...". He loved her. Probably too much.
Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything, take away
What's standing in front of me
And she came back a week later . He stared at her. "Who are you" he asked fiercely.
" I told you, I'm ... "
He stopped her before she could complete her sentence and cried angrily , "What you are is A liar and a murderer". She felt numb. He walked over to the phone. She panicked.
"What are you doing?" She shrieked.
"Am calling the police", he said and banged his fist.
"That's not necessary. Please. Atleast give me a chance to explain" and she slumped to the ground.
His heart broke for this little girl in front of him. He was shocked on learning the truth. She had suffered a lot but not anymore and he vowed to help her. He tenderly took her hand and explained that the path she is taking will ruin everything. Zoya sat there staring out the window, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts. He had promised her that he would help her in searching for proofs so that Yash can be put behind bars. But she wanted revenge. She wanted to destroy Yash but she knew that the path she was taking is not right. She felt trapped between Revenge for Yash and love for Adi.
They talked for hours. Aditya slipped his hands in hers and they sat there in a contented silence. "Will you love me someday", he gently asked her.
I have died everyday, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
"I have always loved you Cheeku ", she tenderly replied. I have chosen the right path, she thought, because I have never known so much happiness.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Indian Mythology
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
