FF - Broken - Chapter 14 Updated @ Page 14 - Page 6

"Maahi, get up." Zoya kept the Coffee cup on the side stand and rocked Maahi lightly.

"Zoya, I have to sleep." Maahi groaned in annoyance.

"Its already 2 and if you sleep anymore, I am gonna call Sasikala Aunty." The threat worked and Maahi looked up at Zoya rubbing her puffy eyes.

"Did Sanjay called?" She searched for her mobile on the sofa.

"twice. Please give him a callback, he is worried. Your phone is in the bedroom, charging. Move..." Zoya pushed Maahi a little and sat down on the Sofa.

"Do you wanna tell me what happened?" Zoya had taken the day off for Maahi. She cooked Maahi's fav dish, read few chapters of 'Persuasion'. The whole time, Zoya's mind fretted over the thought of the trip Aditya planned. Zoya was still edgy thinking how she agreed to go on the trip with Aditya. Yet, she wanted so badly to get away from the mundaneness of her life. Maahi's reply broke her thought chain.

"I don't know how it happened, the production Manager seemed nice on phone but I could say whatever he was saying was a lie. Someone played big Zoe..." Maahi's voice cracked.

"Someone?" Aditya's and his PA's face flickered through Zoya's face.

No, why would he? Aditya would never do that.

"Or else why would they cancel the shoot just one week prior. " Maahi loosened her ponytail and took a sip of Coffee.

"Anyway, I was a washout yesterday. Isn't it? Awww My head hurts."

Zoya bopped Maahi and she screamed.

"Zoee...Don't do that." Maahi leaned in to give a knock on Zoya's head and Zoya ducked.

"You are stinking...Maahi..." Zoya chuckled.

"Do you know one thing, I have decided to move in with Sanjay," Maahi said it so abruptly that it took Zoya few seconds to grasp the full meaning.

"What!!!" Zoya's heartbeat stopped for a moment. "Nooo"

"I know Zoe, it's a big thing. But Sanjay has been asking me to move in with him for a while now. I didn't want to because..." Maahi stopped. Zoya knew the reason. It was her, the sole reason Maahi postponed her decision to move in with Sanjay was her. Zoya's eyes moistened in gratitude and her heart ached seeing how her friend had to postpone an important thing in her life for Zoya.

"Maahi, I know... It's for me." Zoya spelled it out so that Maahi knows how thankful Zoya was.

"I have something to tell you too. Dr. Inayath called the other day. She is helping me to get admission in a University in Arizona. The decision will come in a week or so. I am thinking of joining. You don't have to babysit me anymore." Zoya forced a smile. Maahi doesn't have to know the heaviness of her decision on Zoya.

"I am so happy for you Maahi. I am so so happy that it is working out with Sanjay. Sasikala Aunty?" Zoya remembered Sasikala aunty and her slightly conservative views

"That's ok. Sanjay talked to Mom yesterday. She is convinced. She even had a word with Sanjay's mom." Maahi flashed her brilliant smile and Zoya couldn't help but join her in her happiness. She hugged Maahi wholeheartedly.

"Zoya... About your admission, how will you manage the money?"

"Maahi, Dr. Inayath said she can arrange a scholarship from the University and I am planning to sell the apartment. Abbu had few FDs in my name. I should be good for a while."

"Oh..I will miss you Zoya. But I am glad that you are moving on. You need a change of environment after all that shit that happened with that drug addict. "

The sudden mention of Aditya flooded Zoya with all the emotions. The inevitability of her move hit her hard. There is no way she was staying in Mumbai without Maahi and her emotional Support.

"When are you moving?"

"Next week?" Maahi added after a pause.."If you are ok."

"Of course I am ok Maahi. I am a little worried about the Visa, travel and all. But seems like Dr. Inayath wants to help me genuinely. She feels that she owns it to Abbu. I would be fine Maahi. Just a little worried about the whole change that's gonna happen. And there is a notice period of three weeks at Office."

"Change is good for you Zoe bear. Now, I have to pee" Maahi rushed to the washroom leaving a very distraught Zoya behind.

Zoya never meant to accept Dr. Inayath's offer. The university application started by Dr. Inayath is still in the processing state. Now that Maahi is moving on, Zoya has no other reason to stay in Mumbai. Aditya came to her life like a storm but it was not a compelling enough reason for Zoya to stay in Mumbai.

Zoya wondered, what is happening with her and Aditya. Is he flirting with her? What does he want? Whenever Zoya is with Aditya, somehow she doesn't feel any awkwardness or insecurity regarding Aditya's stature. But whenever he is away, Zoya doesn't even feel that it is a reality. Zoya didn't want to pinpoint that feeling into a relationship and decide her future based on that.

"It is going to be an adventure. That's it." Zoya decided.

Zoya's mobile beeped a few times. Message from AH, think of a devil and devil messages, Zoya thought.

"Alibag...Tomorrow morning 5 AM at the Glocal Junction."

"Is it the way to message someone? Can't he ask if I can come? What does he think of himself? I am not going. Let him ask me politely." Zoya was already on the edge and Aditya's message pushed her over the edge. She dropped the message on the Sofa and left murmuring.

"I am not going anywhere..."

***

Zoya was at Glocal Junction at sharp 5 AM with a half-empty duffel bag nervously looking at the watch. Dressed casually in jeans, a white tee, and a shoe, she looked mostly like an early morning runner, but her duffel bag drew few looks from a few pedestrians. She had mailed Katherine and Rahul about a personal emergency. It was hard to convince Maahi to let her go to Delhi to visit a relative. Zoya felt bad lying to Maahi but she was not ready to tell Maahi about Aditya, Maybe never.

A weird looking black car slowed down in front of Zoya. The diver sear window rolled down and the dashing driver in his black tee smiled at Zoya. She opened the side door and slid into the seat.

"Goodmorning ..." Aditya was all smiles today. "You are looking...hmmm..."

"hmmm ...what?" Zoya lifted one of her eyebrows.

"Sleepy" Aditya added reluctantly. Zoya remembered how she got up at 4.30, managed to grab a few things and get ready in the nick of time. With Maahi leaving and the US being an inevitable choice for Zoya, this might be the last chance for Zoya to enjoy the freedom and follow her heart. She decided to enjoy the moment while it lasts and got ready at the last moment. Zoya shrugged and put on her seatbelt.

Aditya leaned in and planted a peck on her cheek.

"Still you look lovely" Zoya blushed.

"How is the car?" Aditya asked eagerly as he reversed the car. "He is Arjun's new boy. I took him for a spin."

"Eh?" Zoya blanked out for a second. "Which car is this?" She hardly knows any models in cars and was not a great fan of these beasts. She knew Aditya's father has a huge collection of imported cars, but she struggled to remember even a single name. She can't even fake knowledge of these things.

"What do you mean 'Which car'? It is a Nissan GT_R. Everyone knows about it!." Aditya sounded hurt.

"Why does this have only two seats? Isn't it a little claustrophobic?" Zoya was never comfortable with closed spaces and though the interior is luxurious, Zoya wished for Maahi's CRV for a moment.

"The windows are tinted too..." Zoya wondered if her motion sickness will kick in during the journey. It wouldn't be a pretty sight vomiting in front of Aditya. She looked around for one pretty feature she can comment about.

"It smells good." Finally, her brain racked up one fine point about the car.

"Smells good?!"

Aditya zipped his lips and thought about all the speed and safety features that made the car unique, about which Arjun wouldn't stop talking. Aditya raced the car in annoyance. The sole reason he took the car was to impress Zoya and that didn't work. He could have taken the Lexus or the Aston Martin or even a Civic, Zoya wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"Aditya I think I should have kept the bag in the trunk." Zoya tried to push the duffel back under the seat but it kept coming under her leg.

"Its a matter of few minutes. Leave it." Aditya was focused on overtaking an Audi in front of the car.

"Minutes? Aren't we going to Alibaug?" Zoya has been to Alibaug when she was in Collage. The journey was almost four to five hours on the bus.

"We are going, Zoya, I have a meeting with the creative heads of an ad agency in the morning. I can't ditch it. After that, we will leave." Aditya mind was completely on the road maneuvering his brother's favorite beast among the morning rushes of Mumbai.

The sudden change in the plan seemed to unnerve Zoya. The adventure spirit and bravado she had stored up till then had disappeared.

What a fool I am? Why did I say yes to the trip?

Aditya drove the car near to the curb and waited for the gate to open. Zoya looked outside to see the place. She remembered reading about the building 'Belleza' being one of the tallest buildings of Mumbai. Many celebrities owned flats in the building and media always lingered outside to click pictures. The last thing, Zoya wanted was to be seen with Aditya Hooda. She lowered herself a little in her seat.

Noticing a visibly upset Zoya, Aditya placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I am sorry Zoya, I can't skip it. You sleep for an hour. I will be done by that time." Little did he know Zoya was afraid of her own kind, the media, who prowled around to sniff out gossip. Now she understood the reason for the tinted glasses.

The gate opened and Aditya took the car inside. Luckily she couldn't spot anyone around so early in the morning. They went into Hooda's private garage where few more 'weird' looking cars were parked. Zoya wondered, how would Aditya be driving all these in the maddening traffic of Mumbai.

Aditya carried Zoya's bag and guided Zoya to the private lift and they reached Aditya's apartment on the 76th floor. They stepped onto an empty hallway, decorated with a lot of indoor plants. The contrast of white background and green decorations were magnanimous. Zoya felt like walking on the corridors of Palacial Hotel.

"Aditya, where is this place? Is this your home?" Zoya wondered where the Hooda's kept their actual home. They have many properties in and around Mumbai and Zoya prayed she should not meet any more Hooda's in the flat.

"Zoya, don't worry. It's my flat. You will find Miss. Smrithi, she is the caretaker and few helpers. That's all" Another woman's name eased Zoya a bit.

A helper came and took Zoya's bag from Aditya's hand. Aditya motioned upstairs and the helper left to put the bag in the upstairs room. Zoya looked around the hall. Tall ceilings, impeccable while furniture, lush green plants all around the corner, the hall seemed like a hotel lobby than a house, Zoya thought.

"Zoya, Smrithi will be coming in another half an hour. Come on, I will show you my room" Aditya's room was nothing that Zoya imagined to be, It was completely bare compared to the lavish decorations of the other parts of the house. Other than the King Size bed, the side tables, rugs, and few paintings, the room was practically empty. The only striking feature of the bedroom was the sprawling balcony, with a landscaped garden. The Arabian sea raged on one side in its full glory. Zoya understood, why the bedroom had minimal decoration. No one would prefer to sit inside when you have the magic of nature waiting right outside.

Aditya stood nearby a transfixed Zoya. The sea always managed to calm him down and he saw the same effect on Zoya. Zoya's face, made luminous by the morning light, oozed innocence, and beauty. He could not lift his eyes from her captivating face, not even to look at the sea. How can anyone be this beautiful? For the first time, he felt the sea looked less splendid compared to a lucent Zoya. He put a protective hand over Zoya's shoulder. He wondered how crazy he is to let his world run around a girl he barely knows. But then what is life, if he resisted the whims of heart. Aditya kissed Zoya's cheeks gently. Zoya came out of her reverie and smiled at Aditya.

"Aditya, the view is amazing."

"Not the kiss? " Aditya made a face.

"No, not the kiss, just the view."

"Let me see if I can change that." Aditya moved his hand among her loosely tied hair and touched her earlobe.

"No, please...Thank you" Zoya giggled and moved out of his arms. She turned to her bag, safely placed on the side table. Aditya's mobile started ringing

"Zoya, I will meet you in an hour or so. Sleep for a while and get ready." With a quick peck on her forehead, Aditya dashed out of the door. Zoya found herself alone in the large, quiet room. Zoya cranked up the AC, removed the shoes and tucked herself comfortably under the blanket. She kept looking at the sea wondering what she was doing.

With Maahi moving on with her life, Zoya was suddenly unsure of her future. Yesterday night, she replied affirmatively to Dr. Inayath and she assured her that it will be a matter of weeks before she gets the Visa. How long she will survive being a writer for Bollywood Vista? Rahul and Katherine had shielded her from many blows but Zoya didn't feel that she belong in that corporate environment. She always wanted to be an academic and higher study was a perfect path for that. Abbu would be delighted with her choice.

Then there is Aditya.

Zoya closed her eyes thinking about the heartfelt moments shared with Aditya, somehow it started overpowering the bitter ones. Though she decided to go with the flow and enjoy the present, the effect Aditya has on her scared Zoya. The more she gets entangled, the difficult it will be for her to move. With all these blurring thoughts, Zoya dozed off dreaming about Ammi and baby Noor, for the first time in a while, as if someone was reminding her of them from above the clouds.

Unlike other days, Smrithi Baggonkar was agitated beyond words. Smrithi, a middle-aged woman, was part of Anjana Hooda's personal staff before she moved to Belleza apartments. Aditya Hooda messaged her in the morning about a guest and she didn't think twice before instructing her boys on phone to make arrangements for the guest. She guessed it would be Aditya's new girlfriend or friend or whatever he calls them. From previous experiences, she knew how to handle it without making much fuss. But today, after coming to the apartment, she was informed the guest is occupying Aditya's master bedroom in the upstairs.

Anjana Hooda is very particular about keeping Aditya's girlfriends out of the family bedrooms. She had instructed Aditya personally, not to bring anyone upstairs. That's the only one rule Aditya obeyed till now. Upstairs is out of bounds for anyone other than Family. Today, Aditya has broken that rule and put her job in jeopardy.

"Martin, get a breakfast tray. I will go and check myself." Before going to Aditya's room, Smrithi made sure that Aditya is busy in the Conference Room. She didn't want to stumble upon them and create an awkward situation. Before Anjana Hooda get wind of this, Smrithi wanted to see if she can do something before things get out of hand. Smrithi knocked on Aditya's bedroom door and waited patiently for the guest to open the door.

Zoya was still groggy from sleep when she heard the knock. It took her few seconds to realize where she is and to open the door.

"Good morning. Breakfast." Smrithi smiled and motioned the breakfast tray. Zoya moved out of the way so that Smrithi can enter the room. Smrithi exhaled peacefully as she put down the breakfast tray. She expected a high profile model or an actress in Aditya's room instead there is an ordinary plain jane. The girl in Aditya's room doesn't seem like a girlfriend. Thank god for small mercies, Smrithi thought.

"Coffee or tea?"

"Hmmm..Coffee. ... Aditya?"

"Sir is busy in the conference room."

Smrithi assessed the girl sitting carelessly on Aditya's bed. Shabbily dressed, not groomed well enough for a model or an actress, Smrithi ruled out all the possibilities of Zoya being Aditya's new girlfriend. Zoya's homely features and childlike innocence on the face reassured Smrithi, seems like an acquaintance, or maybe a Director or a Creative. She is not Aditya's type, yet she is close enough to be in the master bedroom. As long as the girl is not a girlfriend, Anjana wouldn't make an issue out of it. Smrithi decided to leave the matter aside and make sure no one from the staff leaks this to Anjana.

"Enjoy your breakfast."

"If you need anything, just use this Echo. I will be here in minutes." Smrithi added to make sure Zoya doesn't come out of the room unnecessary. Anjana has spies everywhere, and Smrithi didn't want to take a chance.

Zoya got ready and came out to the balcony with her Cup of Coffee. The sun is too bright now so she stayed under the shade.

"Let's go?" Aditya whispered in her ear. With the sound of the wind, she didn't hear him coming to the balcony. Aditya had changed to a casual Jeans and a white tee, matching her outfit. Aditya looked fresh and his cologne made her heart race up.

"I had asked Martin to take your bag. Did you have breakfast?" Zoya shook her head.

Aditya and Zoya came down to the dining together. Aditya held her hand and walked along with Zoya sensing her reluctance. Smrithi was flabbergasted for a moment seeing how Aditya was leading Zoya to the table. A few minutes ago, Smrithi had dismissed Zoya as a plain jane to be Aditya's girlfriend and now seeing the way Aditya held her hand, Smrithi knew she was wrong. She wished no one saw this.

"Where is Vicky?" Aditya asked after they finished their brunch.

"He is ready, waiting for you!" Smrithi replied.

In the elevator, Aditya pressed the Rooftop button instead of the Garage button.

"Do you have any of your Ids?"

She nodded. Zoya patted the wallet in her back pocket to make sure it is there. She uses her Abbu's wallet these days. She felt safe and its small to carry around too. When they got down on the rooftop, a helicopter was on standby on the helipad waiting for Zoya and Aditya. The howling of the wind and roaring helicopter made the entire scene dramatic and Zoya literally turned away from the helicopter. Her face ashen and she cupped her ears.

"Zoya," Aditya was by her side immediately.

"Aditya. can't we drive?" Aditya was perplexed by her response. He didn't know about Zoya's fear of flying.

"Its just an hour ride Zoya."

Zoya was terrified of flying. Whenever Abbu and Zoya took a domestic flight, she would cling to him for her dear life throughout the journey. Seeing her whitened face, Aditya reassured her.

"Don't worry. We will drive Zoya."

Aditya held her hand firmly and patted it gently, Concern and disappointment etched in his face. That made Zoya instantly guilty. Zoya looked at Aditya and then the while-navy blue Helicopter. On seeing Zoya looking at him, the Pilot Vicky waved at her merrily. For a moment Zoya was stuck in her past, her old life and her Abbu, she pulled herself and nodded to Aditya. "Let's fly"

Aditya looked at her in confusion. He was disappointed with the whole thing but didn't want to push her into something Zoya is obviously afraid of. Zoya seemed determined this time. They got in the Helicopter and secured themselves. Vicky showed the victory sign and they were off to the sky.

Zoya's world was going upside down with her first Helicopter ride. Zoya was literally shivering and clung to the safety belt when they took off. Things didn't get better as they started flying. Aditya cursed himself for coming up with such an idea without asking Zoya. Aditya touched her right hand and gently removed its firm grip on the belt. He took the shivering hand in his own hand and gently squeezed. Zoya opened her eyes and met Aditya's eyes. His eyes assured her to calm down and she did.

The adrenaline of the flight, the view and the feeling of being close to someone who cares for you, all these things smoothened out Zoya's fear. Despite the initial glitch, Zoya was glad she decided to come with Aditya.

Once they landed, Aditya bid Vicky goodbye while a still fagged Zoya just smiled politely. The open helipad area was surrounded by green lush bushes and tall trees. A yellow jeep slowly glided towards the Helipad area through a muddy road and stopped. The driver jumped out from the driver seat came running towards Aditya once the Helicopter took off.

"Good Afternoon Simon." Aditya waved his hand. Simon smiled at Aditya and returned the wave.

"Zoya this is Simon, our Caretaker. Simon, this is Zoya." He nodded at Zoya and proceeded with taking Aditya and Zoya's baggage.

"Finally we are at Alibag. You can breathe Zoya. Look at your face, you are petrified"

"I am ok now." Zoya loved the scenery around her and felt the soothing effect on her. The chirping of the birds was too loud that Zoya raised her voice a little. "Where is this place, Aditya?"

"This is Hooda Farms, our Family Farmhouse. My grandfather bought it when he made his first profit. I used to come here a lot as a kid. Later my father expanded it, renovated it. Now it is kind of a Family getaway place. Ananya loves it. Whenever she comes for a vacation, we came here for a weekend." Aditya's face lit with an unusual glow talking about his family and he is extra talkative talking about his siblings, Zoya noted.

Zoya remembered an article about Ananya Hooda, who is doing her graduation in Sydney. Both Arjun and Ananya stay out of the media most of the time, so there are very few pictures of them. The dream she had this morning about Ammi and Noor flickered through her mind. Her memory of Noor is a little blurry still she remembered the cherubic face. Abbu never talked about them. Ammi is married to someone else and Noor must be with them.

"Simon, We are going to the beach," Simon loaded the Jeep with the luggage and left. Aditya took Zoya's hand and lead her to a small opening in the bushes. The small hidden pathway was wet from irrigation and Zoya gripped Aditya's hand so that she doesn't slip on the stones on the path.

The path cleared into a long beach with mirror-like water and crystal sands reflecting the sun. Zoya felt she has reached a magical place where all the diamonds and rubies are sprinkled all over the sand.

"Our own private Christal beach." Aditya let Zoya go first and see the beauty firsthand.

"It is amazing Aditya. I would never forget the moment I saw this beauty." Zoya couldn't believe her own eyes. How can a beach be so beautiful, with crystal-like sand and mirror-like water?

"Of course there must be lots of Magic in the world!" Zoya couldn't stop her excitement.

"Isn't it from a book? I forgot." Aditya was curious.

"The secret garden. How do you know?" Zoya turned in surprise.

"It used to be our childhood fav book."

The sun has already started casting tree shadows on the sand. Aditya sat down on one of the shadows and Zoya joined him.

"Zoya, I am sorry for the flying misadventure. I didn't know that you were afraid of flying. I was thinking of giving you a nice surprise."

"Its ok Aditya, I was taken aback for a second. It's been long since I have taken a flight. I was expecting a road trip and stay at a hotel." Zoya smiled at her own stupidity. How will Aditya ever check in a hotel without being clicked?

The afternoon breeze and the slight warmth of the sun were a pleasant combination and Zoya want to sit down there and look at the sea forever. Aditya also went into a pensive mood, staring at the horizon. Zoya wondered about the many facets of Aditya that she has seen. The furious, crazy one which ruined her sleep for many days and the loving, caring one which sometimes took her breath away literally. She still isn't sure what makes Aditya care for her so much, or What makes him do all these things for her. Every moment with him forces her to trust him, but on the other side, the bruises on Neethu stares at Zoya accusingly. Whom should she trust? If Zoya hadn't trusted him, she wouldn't be on an empty beach with him, Zoya thought wryly.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" Aditya broke her chain of thoughts.

"Do you see the shack there? Arjun and I spend most of the nights there drinking, whenever we are on vacation." Aditya pointed at the shack on the right side of the pathway.

"See... those are natural walls, people can not come into this part of the beach directly, they have to either take a boat or come via the farm."

"Do you drink?" Aditya winked.

"The kind of things I am doing these days, I am surprising myself. So we can't say". Zoya was honest in her reply.

They took a long walk until the end of the beach. Sometimes walk the talk, sometimes endearing silence filled the air and they returned to the farmhouse with a flushed face and heart.

***

Aditya showed Zoya her bedroom and left her to get ready for dinner. Once alone in the bedroom, a sense of desolation hit Zoya. While day, Aditya was around her caring for even a slight hitch in her breath, now without anyone, Zoya realized how lonely a person she is without anyone and how she can't stand it anymore. She googled a private detective agency based in Delhi and entered her information on their website to get a callback. She may have only a few weeks left in India, she has to find Ammi and Noor.

Zoya took a long bath and it calmed her jittery nerves. She wore her favorite pastel red color salwar with Chiffon dupatta. Zoya hadn't seen many people in the living quarters, an Occasional glimpse of the cook and Simon seems to be an overall presence. Still, the farmhouse is highly maintained so she suspected most of the crew would be off.

She came out to the front garden area. Simon had arranged table and chair in the lawn very beautifully with candles and flowers. He and the chef are getting the Dinner spread to the table. An aroma of Fish and Duck lingered in the air, reminding Zoya that she is very very hungry.

Aditya came down from upstairs in Navy blue cargo shorts and a grey tee. Even though he just left an hour ago, Zoya felt he became more handsome. These sharp jaws become more prominent when he is broody, His eyes take the center stage when he smiles, His eyebrows reflect his worry, Zoya has learned to read his face like a book.

"I am hungry Zoya..." He hollered as he pulled out a chair for Zoya. His hands graced her shoulder. Suddenly even a slight touch of him made Zoya blush. Though Aditya is very forthcoming in their relationship, Zoya always reserved her touches and kisses. The entire lawn was empty as they started their scrumptious dinner. Aditya was in a happy mood and his energy was catching. Under the stars, in front of the candles, Zoya sat there dazzled by the charm of Aditya Hooda, wishing that moment lasted forever.

***

"Zoya, Are you sleepy?" Aditya asked Zoya unexpectedly as they wrapped up their dinner. He didn't wait for the answer."Wait here. would you?" Aditya got up to go inside the house.

"No more surprises, please. I am done for the day!" It was Zoya's turn to tease Aditya. Aditya made a face at Zoya making her giggle like a college girl. Simon came with a heavy bag and kept in the jeep and went back inside. Aditya came back with a knapsack in another few minutes.

"Let's go Zoya."

Though Zoya loved night drives, she hesitated for a bit but got in the jeep. Zoya, who was used to the nightlife of Mumbai, was completely taken back by the deepness of the night. Apart from a few street lamps on the muddy road, the entire area was dark. Zoya wondered if there will be any wild animals or worse, snakes around the place.

As if he had read her mind, Aditya assured Zoya. "Don't worry dear. You may not see it, but the entire area is protected by cams and motion detectors. We, Hooda's don't take any chances." He gave a lofty smirk to Zoya. Zoya was still unconvinced.

They reached the beach area via a direct muddy road. Aditya offloaded the heavy bag and his knapsack in the Shack. The silent sea and the beach felt spooky to Zoya who stayed close to Aditya. She wondered if Aditya is planning a drinking party with her. She had no idea how to respond to that. Zoya watched Aditya intently sitting on a beach chair in front of the lightly lit shack, as Aditya assembled the equipment in the dim light from the shack.

Zoya's eyes got adjusted with the darkness, the night scene of the beach slowly unfolded in front of her. The Sky was bright with the full moon, the sea looked like a monochrome painting. There was no wind and the waves came in silently. The sand gleamed white as it absorbed moonlight. If she missed this sight, it would have been a loss. Feeling the night chill, she covered herself with the dupatta.

"Zoya, I am done," Aditya called out as he finishes putting the last piece on the equipment. One look at the equipment and to her amazement Zoya realized Aditya was setting up a telescope.

"Come here Zoya". Aditya called as he sat down and focussed the lens on something using his iPad. As Zoya reached near him, he motioned her to sit down near to him on the sand.

"Look here..." he moved the eyepiece towards her urging her to look. She took a look at the telescope and saw the closest view of Moon she had ever seen. He led her hand to adjust the dial and as she rotated the dial, the moon came closer and closer revealing its numerous craters. The moon, Eid ka Chand, which was so important to her looked so close and Zoya knew next time, for Eid, she would remember this one.

"Do you like it?" Aditya was curious to know her reaction. She nodded, unable to express her enthusiasm in words. Aditya adjusted few more settings, this time it took longer. When he offered her the eyepiece, it was a blur at first but then slowly a planet revealed in front of Zoya's eyes.

"Jupiter. Will vanish in a few minutes. Enjoy till it lasts" Zoya adjusted the dial to get a better view of it, still, the view was blurry.

"Let's try Saturn" Aditya tapped few more numbers in the iPad and he synchronized it with the telescope. He offered her the eyepiece with a glint of victory in his eyes.

"Not every day I get Saturn right" A blurred image of Saturn with its ring appeared in front of her. The image cleared out as she adjusted the setting. A very beautiful image of Saturn with its rings, a picture which Zoya wouldn't have seen in her life if not for Aditya.

"How do you know all this Aditya?" Zoya gave the eyepiece to Aditya.

"I love looking at the Stars." He fiddled with a few dials and was busy scanning the sky, as Zoya looked at the star sitting near to her. She looked at the clear sky and the stars twinkling at her and Aditya.

"Zoya, do you want to try?" Aditya offered. Zoya took her turn and look at the cluster of objects Aditya showed int he telescope. He names them, but Zoya was so lost in the vastness of space that she didn't listen.

"Do you like stars?" Zoya wanted to know this Aditya who was so unlike the image he has in the media.

"I love them. I would love to look at space and categorize them." Aditya was in a dreamy mood.

"I never knew. "

"There are so many things you don't know about me Zoya." Aditya, an Astrophysics major from the University of Massachusetts was obsessed with stars ever since he started seeing stars. He went on to continue with his economic masters on his father's insistence. But his head was always in the stars.

"No telescope can give you the joy of lying down on the beach and staring at the unknown stars in the sky" Aditya closed the lens the moved the telescope to the side. He lied down on the beach with hands under his head motioning Zoya to do the same. Zoya followed suit. An extremely conscious Zoya maintained an inch distance from Aditya while lying down.

Since morning, Aditya was very courteous with Zoya, with not even a single inappropriate touch. The guy who kissed Zoya without even asking permission has withdrawn into himself and a polite Aditya was in action today. Zoya missed the spark and spontaneity. Zoya wondered, what's going on in Aditya's mind?

"Zoya, did you like the surprises?" Aditya asked Zoya never taking out his eyes from the skies.

"I loved it."

"Those are the few things which are very close to me. That's what defines me in the core. The sea, flying and the stars. Everything else is immaterial for me." Aditya's soberness was reflected in his voice too.

"I am sorry Zoya, for all the things I have done since the beginning. I just, I just can't control my temple sometimes. With alcohol, it worsens."

"That's ok Aditya." Zoya's reply was curt.

"That's all? I tell you all these secret things, which could fetch you lakhs if you tell this to media, and all I get in return is a That's ok?" Aditya turned to Zoya's side closing the distance between them,

"You do know that I like you. right?" Aditya eyebrows sharpened.

Zoya smiled "Now the spark is back. Since morning you were kind of down."

Aditya's childish face was back."I was nervous. I wanted to impress you, but most of the things I did to impress you didn't work out. I wanted the day to be perfect and it ended up being a disaster. You were frozen during the flight and I didn't know what to do."

Zoya couldn't stop giggling. "If you had told me earlier I would have been better prepared"

"So do you need heads up for everything?" Mischief flicked in Aditya's eye and Zoya's laughter stopped at once. Aditya kissed Zoya's lips slowly, yet fiercely making Zoya inhale deeply. Though it happened suddenly Zoya was not unprepared for this. Zoya closed her eyes, welcoming the warmth of his kiss. She could feel her entire body blossoming, she touched Aditya's face.

Aditya felt Zoya's frail shaking hands on his cheek, and his happiness knew no bounds. Though Aditya was brave enough to kiss her on her birthday, he knew Zoya may not be comfortable with physical proximity, unlike his previous relationships. She has a certain level of aloofness and the touch was an inviting sign for Aditya. His lips prodded the contours of her lips as if asking for permission and Zoya parted her lips. Aditya wrapped his arm around her pressing her closely against his body. He sensed the shiver that ran down Zoya's body, the moment their tongues touched.

Zoya's arm moved over Aditya's head to pull him closer to her, maybe the boldest thing she has ever done in her life. Once the tide of passion ebbed, they pulled out to breath. Aditya looked at the moonlit face of Zoya and he knew that's the most beautiful thing he has seen ever. Her shy smile, with a sparkle in the eyes, was enticing. He moved strands of hair to see her silver earrings. He kissed the earlobes, making Zoya laugh nervously. He rained kisses on her sharp jawlines, taking his own sweet time to feel the raging skin underneath. Zoya' arms never left him so he knew he was not making her uncomfortable.

Aditya slipped his hand into small of Zoya's back, cuddling her closer. Her smell, the warmth of her neck, the swell of her breast, Aditya was falling into the whirlwind of passion with each passing moment. The phone in the shack rang breaking the magical moment. Curing the person who rang the phone, Aditya touched Zoya's flaming cheeks with his own cheeks, pausing for a minute for their breaths to calm down.

He whispered. "Zoya, I think I love you."

He planted a kiss and got into the shack to pick the call. Aditya had forgotten his mobile at the house.

Zoya adjusted her Dupatta, blushing at what Aditya just told her. Under the stars, in front of the ocean, that's the most ardent moment happened in her life yet. Her heart forgot all her fears and inhibitions, for a moment Zoya felt whole, not the broken self she had been all this while. She thought of a million things to say in reply, finally decided to give Aditya a kiss to let him guess her reply.

Seeing Aditya coming back from the shack, Zoya got up. The moment he saw his face clearly in the moonlight, she knows something was amiss. His brooding eyebrows are back and the forehead was stretched with worrylines. Without saying a word, he dismantled the telescope and stuffed it in the bag. He threw both the bag and the knapsack into the jeep.

"Zoya, I am sorry. We have to leave now." He held her hand and planted a kiss on her palm. Zoya nodded, Aditya's grave expression literally scared Zoya into silence. They rode in silence.

***

Back in the house, Aditya entered the main hall, carrying his telescope bag in one hand and firmly gripping Zoya's hand in the other. In the middle of the hall, Anjana Hooda stood, staring at the sight of Aditya and Zoya walking down the hall. In that brief moment, Anjana Hooda assessed her son and his obsession with this girl. Anjana wanted nothing but the best for Aditya and roaming around with a low-class girl was not something she can bear. She knew where to strike to get the maximum damage.

"Adi..." Her voice was laced with all the love she has for Aditya. Aditya looked around to see Mr. Shah standing near the corner along with Simon.

"Mom... Why are you here?" Aditya knew the answer to that question. Still, he wanted to know how Anjana Hooda got the wind of their date. He had planned the date meticulously, making sure that none of his Mom's spies got to know about the date. He had given off to many in their Belleza apartment and then at the farmhouse, just to be on the safe side. Not that he feard his mom, he didn't want his mother to know about Zoya yet.

"Hello, ..." Zoya offered a hello in her trembling voice. Sensing her panic, Aditya squeezed her hand in assurance. Anjana ignored Zoya and went on to address Aditya.

"Aadi...I have told you many times, don't take such low-class escorts to our home and farmhouse. I do not like it."

Zoya felt like the ground slipping away under the feet. Hatred spewed like venom from Anjana.

"Mom..." Aditya's firm yet confused voice reprimanded Anjana.

"I don't want to hear anything. If you can't stop this, at least keep them away from our home. Don't you know how special, your father feels about this place? It is his ancestral property, and you let in such low-class people in it?" Anjana has no intention to stop. Though she was addressing Aditya, Anjana knew Zoya's self-respect will be bleeding now.

"Mom what are you talking? Please stop. I invited Zoya." Aditya was taken aback by the sudden viciousness of Anjana. Anjana continued her berating without even glancing at Zoya.

"Just like you invited your other girlfriends? Don't you remember Neethu? I paid her millions to get rid of her. Money sucking leeches. She even faked the bruises and wounds to get media attention. Don't you remember spending a day in jail?. I settled her. That time I warned you to stay away from these bitches..."

"Mom...Stop it."

Aditya threw the telescope bag and it fell down on an antique shelf, bringing down the entire thing with a deafening noise. Mr. Shah and Simon looked at Aditya with a concerned expression, but Anjana Hooda stood firm in her position. She neither blinked or moved, she just stared at Aditya with an unrelenting look, meeting her son's angry eyes with equally steely eyes.

"No prostitutes allowed in our home. Aditya. Take them to a hotel or someplace else." With that Anjana walked back to her room leaving a seething Aditya and stunned Zoya behind.

Once Anjana was out of sight, Mr. Shah came up to Aditya and offered to drop Zoya home. Aditya, still gripping Zoya's hand firmly shook his head. Regaining her composure, Zoya looked at a distraught Aditya and removed her hand from his grip. She nodded to Mr. Shah. Simon got her bag and without even saying bye to Aditya, Zoya got in Mr. Shah's car.

As Mr. Shah drove Zoya back to Mumbai, Zoya sat in the back seat eyes closed, thinking about the perfect reply to tell Aditya if she ever meets him again. The clock had struck twelve, the magic had gone, the helicopter had turned back into pumpkin and Cinderella was going home with a bruised ego and bleeding hurt.

Such a poetic ending to the most romantic day! Zoya thought sarcastically.