SS-Once Upon a time!! Thread II Link in Index!! - Page 8

Originally posted by: LoveOnlyAsYa

When will u update??

Updating in 30 minutes..n its a long update...2 post long😉

Presenting to you the first chapter of this story..I'll call it Once upon a time😉..Please have a read..the first chapter is split in 2 posts so ya..its a long update..I needed to..cos I wanted to give u a good idea about the story..so read away...

This one's for you Juliet/Perfectionist2..you spammed my thread even before u knew the story..I just hope u like what I have for you🤗...

Chapter Uno!!

Hazy outlines..

Get a life do something..Everything within me screams..

I still don't understand why I became a writer. I think it was because of the air of romance that went along with the word Writer'.

Ya right. I think its anything but "Romantic". I slay and I slay and I slay. And still on most days I barely make a deadline. I mean don't even bother asking me if I produce fruitful pieces..cos trust me I don't. Now doesn't that make you ask the same question I asked?? Why I became a writer??

Well, I became a writer when I was idealistic enough to believe I could make a difference. I thought my words had power, my words had meaning, my words had the magic to move souls. I was 14. I wrote my first poetry then. It was about love. The ever elusive word, love'. I was ambushed by this emotion that fine day and I haven't looked back ever since. Love goes with me everywhere I go, sitting on my shoulders eating popcorn and shrewdly observing, well...LOVE all around.It distracts me when it finds itself somewhere and tells me to look and I do..forgetting everything else.

Love has made me venture out on strange adventures, trying to find it.I have read books that have all the sweet sappy hand holding, and I have read books that just are way too raunchy..all in the name of love. I have secretly cried whilst watching romcoms, have oohed and aahed on random couples..sat and spent hours staring at the ceiling day dreaming about my prince charming, listened to songs, doodled hearts and played games about love..

FLAMES..

He loves me he loves me not...

The percentage game and what not.

Everything takes me to love...and leaves me there...So I decided to catch it by its horn and tame it...Become a writer...write about love..that way it will listen to me and do what I want it to do. I wanted love to be my bitch..Pardon my language,but that's the truth...I want to control love...But its stubborn; it doesn't listen..it just likes to get me in trouble...like the trouble I am in right now...

Yesterday marked doom for me.I did something stupid,really really stupid and now I am afraid to go back to work today. I don't want to deal with the repercussions.

~~

I lay in my bed for the next few minutes killing myself, overthinking of what would happen at work.Then I remember my dream. It makes me queasy. It just felt too cryptic yet too clear at the same time. I don't like it.So I push it aside and go for a bath. It was time to start getting ready, and I had to make it a point to look extra good if I wanted Amy to cut me some slack.

Amy Sanders is my boss. She is the editor in chief at Vivid Magazine. A monthly subscribed magazine for the young woman of today. This magazine that covered almost every topic related to women is one of the fastest growing women's magazines in the US. It has been ranked the 3^rd most popular women's magazine for 2013, and it continues to collect rave accolades.

Working for Vivid is like a dream come true for me. For a 15 year old girl to discover her first women's magazine was like discovering a treasure chest. Out of nowhere I found a guide to life. It had all the answers for all the questions that were brewing in my head. From love, to romance,sex,relationships,womens issues..everything and soon I aspired and desired to work for them. I wanted to write the very column that introduced me to the different facets of love... the column called..."Once Upon a time".It had everything to do with love. Fictional stories real life stories, life changing stories, life affirming stories, everything. And it was all about love. It was like the chicken soup for the lover's soul or something like that.I wanted to be writing that column to take that torch from Ms Love Scribbler (it was her pen name. Her identity was always kept under wraps) I wanted to have my own pen name..I wanted to be that girl that wrote this very column.

It took me 9 years to realize that dream.I was finally hired by VIVID 2 years ago.It was a great feeling, fulfilling your primary dream.But it was a dream that had been altered a little. Once upon a time'...was no longer being written.I planned on changing that.But I wasn't given that chance; instead I was given the You can do it' column online. At first I was too elated to care.I thought it was just paying your dues. So I went with it.I wrote that column diligently for the past 2 years even though it was not the kind of writing I wanted to do.

I always dreamed of writing about love,romance, marriage,relationships and all that.But instead I was writing about women and their everyday lives. I was constantly been handed topics that depressed me. One week I was writing about pest control and the other week I was writing about the best detergents to use. Soon I was done, I had exhausted my patience and I was getting fedup.

~~

Pushing the depressing thoughts aside I walk out of the shower and dry me up.I stand there by the mirror and take a moment to look at myself.A lean petite girl stares back at me.She has long black hair, that are soaking wet.Her face has some nice features, sharp brown eyes, a simple nose, high cheek bones, and full, kiss worthy lips.

The last thought almost makes me shake my head in exasperation. I guess idealistic daydreaming with misplaced notions of romance have woken up and made their presence known.I told you, love and its byproducts have a way to sneak up on me.

I brush the thought away and gaze down at my naked body.

Small boobs, lean frame,a full ass..and mini skirt worthy legs...Not bad.Its not supermodel material, but that's what I have and I didnt mind it. Actually it doesn't bother me. I feel quite comfortable in my body and I would not have it any other way.I don't think a bigger rack would give me more confidence, or a leaner waist would add to my personality. I take the extra time I have, due to my insomniac personality and dress up with ease.And by the time I put on my shoes I feel damn good.

My red pencil skirt, black peplum top and matching pumps give me the much needed professional air.My hair left open gives me the youthfulness and my soft yet accentuating makeup adds to my glamour. I am ready to conquer yet another day at work.

I grab a breakfast sandwich and a cup of cappuccino from the neighborhood Starbucks and walk up to my bus stand to get on the bus.

As I seat myself in the bus and open the bookmarked page of my novel "The Language of Flowers' my mind starts to distract me. Today Love seems to be on the losing end, cos soon the love in the book doesn't have my attention.My attention has been kidnapped by my nerves. The thought of going to work and facing the team and then Amy is starting to make me sweat. What will she do, what will she say.What will happen, these questions are playing in my head in a constant loop.I shut my book and take in a few deep breaths..

Calm down Zoya it will be alright. I chant...over and over again.

You just expressed yourself, there's nothing to worry about. I pacify myself.

Still that moment comes back to me and replays itself.

~~

It was a regular Wednesday staff meeting. Everyone was gathered up in Amy's office, occupying every spare seat, ready with their tablets and notes. Amy called it the VIVID circle.

This meeting was to be an open circle where creative thoughts were to be discussed. There was no right or wrong topic of discussion, everything was welcomed. Each got a chance to talk about something that they were doing, something that they wanted to do, and something that they had taken inspiration from. The talking stick was your permission to talk. If you had the stick you could talk, and no one else could interrupt.

Amy sat as the moderator and took notes and gave feedback. At the end of the discussion something new would be given a chance and Amy decided that, keeping in mind, the welfare of the magazine.

I was usually a very passive participant. My work hardly ever needed me to do anything other than write out a cohesive prose for the facts and figure that were handed to me by Paul, our research head. So I kept my talking time to a minimal, sharing my ongoing article, and briefing about my not so exciting or for that matter personally relevant things I wanted to do and never really touching upon my insipiration,cos my inspiration was love and there was no room for love in a You can do it' column.

But yesterday I don't know what had gotten into me. I guess it was that bitch, Miss Rihanna Singh. She was the epitome , a multiplied personification of the mean girls. She came from a blue blood family.She was rich as hell, had a body that made the very few men in the company and the many men outside,drool at her without inhibition and she was the biggest suck up I had ever met. Just a month older than me at VIVID, she walked around as if she owned it.She had Amy and a lot of other managers wrapped around her fingers and she always got what she wanted. Aaahh she brought out the worst in me.Ofcourse she would, she was writing something that I wanted to write. She had the Love is' coloumn, and it was only because she was pretty and flirty that her column was popular.

In my opinion it wasn't even good.She just repeated herself and her opinions over and over again..And no I am not jealous of her. I want to write something a little different than one night stands and cheesy pick up lines.

So that afternoon during our VIVID circle sessions,Amy almost made my dream come true. After all our discussions, she took her time to evaluate and to my surprise gave out her verdict.

"So I've been thinking a lot lately..Amy spoke out..and I thought why not revisit some old ideas.Which I did and going through some our old magazines I was amazed at the response of this particular column used to get. I believe Ms Zoya Farooqi, our very own You can do it girl' will know what I am talking about it was her idea to bring it back...she smiled, her eyes looking into mine.

I knew at that very moment what she meant..and I was beyond happy.Finally I thought...Finally its time to make my dream come true. I sat there in anticipation, waiting for her to officially announce what I was dyin to hear..

So what I am talking about everyone is the column that went by the name of Once Upon a time'.I want to bring it back and have the first article ready for the February issue of 2015'.That means I have less than a year to relaunch a major column, and I want it to be grand.

My happiness had no bounds..I was ecstatic, I was on cloud nine...I was every happy memory of my life wrapped up in 1.

This time I had something to say, so I made my way to get the stick from the center, so that I could speak, but she got it first.Miss Rihanna.

Amy that's an amazing idea' she chirped...'It was truly an amazing column, I've read it all the time while growing up.I can think of nothing better than bringing it back. So have you decided who gets the column? She asked with sugarcoated fakeness that almost made me gag.

Well I know its Zoya's idea and she really wants to take over.She has been wanting to do that for the past 2 years.she looked at me and gave me her signature sweet smile. I liked Amy, she was the nicest boss. Tall, blonde, immaculately dressed and very focused and driven. She was truly an inspiration to the many girls that worked here.

But I would like things to be fair. So I've decided to do a little something, something that will help me realize who is best suited for you.I hope Zoya you don't mind..she looked at me and I nodded.This woman could never be unfair.I had to trust her and trust my stars. I waited for her to say what she had to say.I was up for the challenge.

First of all, whoever is interested in taking over this column please raise your hands.

5 girls in total, including me and Rihanna raised their hands.

Very well..The rest will help me with this decision. Everyone nodded.

So your challenge is to tell me a story. Something that happened in your life. The premises need to revolve around love and its counterparts. So it could be anything from friendship to marriage. Be creative tell the incident like a story, like your telling it to your readers. And then we will decide who did the best. Remember, it needs to be a real story. Just play with your words not with reality. I need emotion,I need to feel invested in what you are narrating,cos that's the only way to get this column.

Wow this was nerve racking.I had rummaged through my memories and tried looking for a moment that would stand out. Damn I was blacking out.I couldn't think.Thankfully I was the last one to go.They went alphabetically this time.Phew I sighed, I had some time think. I completely blanked out from my surrounding and started to think hard.

Andrea's story was applauded. I didn't know what she said.

Then came Daisy.Same response.

Kathy's story reached my ears and I had looked up.I had heard something about a crush and in came a tornado of memories, from the time I was 16, a freshman in highschool. There was no avoiding this story.It had to be told.I waited for Rihaana as my story built itself up. I was anxious. This had happened 10 years ago, but thinking about it still gave me the jitters...

Rihanna's story was amazing.You could see its impact in the sighs and hoots of everybody. Was it for real..I couldn't tell.I didn't care.My story would knock their socks off for sure.All I had to do was bo honest..

Zoya you're next..

I took the stick and I started...This story became very real, very tangible as I went about it.There was pin drop silence as everyone hear it intently. I was the last one, and then they had to decide. Of course they were intent. The competition was clear. It was between me and Rihanna.

My story overwhelmed me. I couldn't believe I had such a mad crush, so strong and unwavering at the age of 16.

Everyone was amazed, I could tell.Even Amy had that elated smile on her face the kind she had when she had an Eureka moment.I had this..I thought..as I ended my story..

So that's the end of my story..the short story of Zoya and Asad.I concluded giddy with joy as I looked at everyone.

The room cheered and hooted and I felt like a star...His entry in my life once again had rocked my world.

Those were some wonderful Beautiful stories girls.' Amy complimented everyone and started to note a few things down.

Rihanna picked up the stick and stated to say something.

"Everyone you had such amazing stories to tell. I was really impressed and inspired. I will definetly take inspiration from these stories for my column.And Zoya your's in particular was just wow. I mean you so beautifully expressed the state of a teenager who is crushing hard on someone..What was the name of the guy??

Asad Ahmed Khan I said taking the stick from her hand...a little flutter erupting in my tummy at his name.

OMG are you telling me it's the Asad Ahmed Khan?? Laila squeaked from the end...

I didn't know what she was talking about...

I guess its just 2 people with the same name. Rihaana chided taking the stick and blowing Laila's speculation away.

I was just a little confused...I didn't know what they were talking about.

I just hope Amy you consider me. I will be perfect for the column.I write about love all the time.It would just come so naturally to me. Don't you think...

NO...I blurted out...

Amy looked at me...

Zoya you need the stick to speak...Let Rihanna complete what she had to say and then you can share your point of view.

I didn't listen to her. I was too agitated to care..

No Amy this wont be fair.It was my idea and I waited for it.You cannot consider someone else...I am almost begged her by the time I was done.

Zoya wait for your turn .Amy insisted.

But I hadn't listened. I just went on and on.Finally Amy stood up.

I think that's it for the day. We'll discuss this later.

And Amy walked away, making me realize;I had made a huge mistake and a bigger fool of myself.

Chapter Uno!! Continued!!

15 minutes into work, my desk line rings.Its Amy...

Crap I am in trouble.

I pick up and say Hello

Good morning Zoya, can you be in my office in 5?? Amy's voice has a no nonsense tone to it and my spirits wither. This is going to be bad.

I stand up and discreetly walk up to her office and knock.

Come in..I hear her say.

I walk in and she gestures me to sit.

She shuts her laptop screen and looks at me.

Zoya I didn't appreciate your actions yesterday.I was very disappointed in you..

WOW, Amy didn't not beat around the bush.

I squirm under her gaze.

I know I am really sorry, I don't know what got into me. I just couldn't control it...I am truly very sorry. I look at her and genuinely seek forgiveness..

Zoya I completely understand where you're coming from. Believe me I've been there. I haven't gotten here to this position without any hurdles. And I get where you're coming from. But when it comes to rules I would like my team to respect it.Yesterday I was so impressed with your story.It was so real, so raw, so full of the right emotions. I felt like a teenager when I listened to your story.I remembered my first crush, and how it felt to be in that position.Zoya you were good..but...

Please don't but...I said I am really really sorry, make me do anything but please don't consider giving this column to anyone else. I am ready to do anything for it.Please...I am desperate.My dream is so close I can smell it, and I can't let it slip away.

Zoya I am not taking this chance away from you, but I have to be honsest. Rihanna is good. She knows what she is doing and she is a phenomenal story teller. I think you both deserve an equal chance at this..

But...

No buts Zoya, you said you'd do anything for this, so here is my preposition, or rather a challenge.

Anything.I'll do anything.Just tell me and I'll make it happen.

Alright. So yesterday I was intriguied by your story and when Laila mentioned his name I was taken aback. So I did some research and guess what I found out.

What..I ask..I am anxious.

Your guy, the guy in your story..Mr Asad Ahmed Khan..he is none other than..AAK, the platinum record maker, the 3 time grammy winner rockstar.

She flipped her computer open and turned the screen towards me...It had a picture of a very,very...I mean takes your breath away and leaves you wanting more kind of handsome guy, straing right at me, wearing nothing but black pants, showing off his spectacularly perfect body.I didn't recognize him.But his eyes, his eyes looked familiar. I stared at the picture for a few more seconds, just as my brain caught up.

I literally jump out of my chair and cover my face with my hands and gasped.That couldn't be him..No...that couldn't be the 18 year old high school rockstar..No no no

I shake my head in disbelief..as I see reality staring right at me though his eyes.the very eyes that had haunted in my dreams yesterday...

Sit down Zoya and calm yourself down. You still have to listen to my preposition.

I sit down and wait.What is she going to ask me to do.

I want you to interview him

What No I cant..that's not possible.

Well that's that challenge. I want you to spend a few days in the life of The Asad Ahmed Khan and get to know him, interview him,find out things that no one knows and bild up an article. He is a rave among girls and they would do anything to get their hands on anything related to him.

I shake my head..this is giving me an anxiety attack for no apparent reason.

Zoya I am not asking you to rekindle your feelings for him or to tell him how you felt.I am just asking you to interview him. I have given a similar task to Rihanna. Both of you need to show me what you can do, how far you can stretch your writing skills and only when I know your caliber, will I allot this column. So its upon you to choose. I have already taken the liberty to get permission from his PR team.He is back home for the next 2 weeks.Once you give me your answer I will get everything setup.

I listen to her intently and calm my nerves. I have to do this and I cant let my 10 year old fizzled out crush resurface and mar my progress.No I wont allow that. I am the queen of my own destiny I chant. I can do it. I will do it..and I will succeed..

With that I look at Amy and nod.

I'll do it..I announce and she smiles at me.

That's what I thought you'd say..Ia m proud of you Zoya. And I know you will do an excellent job.

Why don't you get back to your work.I will arrange everything and get back to you with the details. Meanwhile you can start some research on your highschool crush. She winks at me and I almost blush. Why would I blush?? This is ridiculous.

Sure Amy, thank you very much and once again sorry for my outburst...Its just that..

Don't worry about it Zoya it happens, and I completely understand.I know it wont happen. She smiles at me and I relax.

I walk up to my desk and sit down.All my anxiety about the meeting starts to fade away.But now I have something new to worry about.This new development is just unexpected.I don't know what I am to do with it. No, I tell myself, you are not going to overthink it.You are just going to do your job. Zoya this is the last hurdle, to reach your dream.Make it happen and you'll have your column.

I sigh. I am going to meet THE Asad Ahmed Khan, my first crush ever.Now that's going to be interesting.!!

Now a little about this story...I dont have a set story line for this one..just some random ideas and moments...but I wanna write it..cos I beleive the story will reveal itself as I write..So far you have Zoya's story..written in her prespective.It's ongoing, the prose reflets that, and as I go along and once I introduce Asad's character..he will have his prespective as well..I will also write it in his voice. So far his presence is elusive and I will leave it like that. His entry will happen in the next chapter with the story Zoya told..and I hope you like it..Other than that...Its an honest..simple..every day person's lovestory with a little bit of idealistic tadka...so enjoy the ride.. cos there are not many bumps on the road!!!❤️

PS-The Purple para is her talking in retrospect..I hope that didnt confuse you..all the tenses😛 cos it confused me😆

Love the title.
Res
I prefer juliet only.

Res

Res 😃

K this is 1 crazy story

U talking bout crushes ??
N I already drifted to sighing ...
You know wht my crush likes my frnd I got confused first then I let it all go !
And my frnd whom he likes was even ditched by her crush !!!
My two frnds recently had a breakup kinda thing ...
So basically I love this story smwht bout crushes I'd love to read. ..
As the reference to the problem zzz in my n my frnds lives. .
Bring it on !!!
Your every concept is flawless ...
It was bravo ! Excellent ! Encore !...


P. S - as far as everything burn is concerned I m sure its rihaan for whom asad is looking as zoya was referred a key for it y will an employee be referred like that secondli he acted all cuckoo when she returned !!!

Ahhh
tht was awesome..

Mind blowing prts..

A very very very gud strt...

Seriously i want to knw..
Kya khate ho yaar..

Jst hope he remember her..
Fngrs crossed..

U r sch a fabulous writter..
I love ur writing style..

Can't wait for nxt prt...

Continue soo soon plz