Here you go peeps...the big deal chapter...Lets hope u guys like it!!!
CH 15...
Invited betrayel!!
"One should rather die than be betrayed.There is no deceit in death. It delivers precisely what it has promised. Betrayel, though...betrayel is the willful slaughter of hope"-Steven Deitz
She ran by the Brooklyn brigde.Relentless, unaware of her surroundings with a mindful of turmoil. A lot had happened in the past week. Life was not making sense. Strange things were happening and she found herself in the middle of everything.
It all started with his arrival in her life. It was just downhill from there...Work was never so tedious for her, now it tested her patience. She had always been in control of the external factors surrounding her, but due to him she felt defeated in that frontier aswell..Everything was a mess and she felt helpless...
She picked up her pace and ran a little faster, some heavy metal music blaring in her earphones, in hopes of overpowering the voices in her head.. The sun had already set and the people around were starting to recede. She didn't care.She was alone in the city, her husband had just left for London yesterday and Humeira didn't show up until tomorrow..Staying at home was only making matters worse... Thougts of everything lingered around her, every step of the way seeking attention, acting bratty.She didn't even find solace in her sleep, her dreams waited in anticipation. Her mother never left her dreams, constantly staring at her..nagging her, pushing and proding her, trying to tell her something, something that she just couldn't grasp...Her dreams were even worse then before, they were the worst of everything she was dealing with.Their cryptic meanings and shady presense left a sour after taste every time she woke up. One dream in particular had her riled up even more.
It always started with her smiling with her mother, running around the backyard, and chasing butterflies...Soon she saw her mother move back and disappear...She would then cry and cry,calling out to her mother but she would never come...Next, Zoya would see herself as a teenager, burning pages of her diaries, breaking and tearing apart everything she held dear, in an uncontrable rage... ...Then it would all fast forward to her marriage.Thats when she would see her mother standing behind the tree nodding her head in a no.She would try to tell her something but her voice has no sound...Again the dream fast forwards to recent times...Everyday her mother looks pale...she is worred. She is crying, begging her to stop, begging her to turn around. She tires pulling Zoya to her, telling her to stop and listen to her. But Zoya finds her self resisting, she wants to break free.She jerks her hand from her hand free from her mothers grip and retracts away from her... Her mother screams to stop...its dangerous she mouths But Zoya finds her self not listening and turning around...She is mad at her mother...and she wants to hurt her for leaving...Stop Zoya don't go...listen to me for once...its not the right path...turn around...and listen to me...I am telling the truth just listen to me...her mother begs one last time, as she falls onto the ground on her knees her hands stretched out trying to reach Zoya..But Zoya sees herself just walking away, even as her tears roll down, even as she realizes and wants to listen to her mother...Then she sees water..deep murky water...She cant see, she cant breathe...she is being pulled down...and down and down..She gasps...for air...but just swallows water...she cant breathe...she is dying...she screams under water...but nothing happen...And then she wakes up...
Zoya felt herself getting pulled back into the dream...but thankfully the ring of her phone in her ears broke the transition..She pulled out her phone and smiled, looking at the name
Hey...she said picking up the phone and leaning by the railing...It was starting to get dark, and there were barely any people around her...
How are you doing?? He asked...
I am doing good...just drove out to the Brooklyn Bridge to run a little...
Oh...why there...its too late and its not safe to be around at this time...he sounded worried...
Relax Rihaan..I am good...I just needed some fresh air...I was getting a little irritated at home...I just needed to get away...
Zoya..the only time you go by the bridge is when you are upset...so tell me what happened...she heard him settle down and she assumed he had made it to his hotel...
Its nothing Rihaan...all good, just some work stuff...and some personal stuff I guess...nothing I cant manage...
Is it about Shahid??? Rihaan asked with concern...
Yes kinda...Zoya was trying to forget it, but now she couldn't...
Zoya share...let it out...
Rihaan its nothing...Its just that...Zoya took in a deep breath and tried to collect her thoughts...
She had found out that Shahid had been trying to get into the company database.Everything indicated that he was the one who had infiltrated the system and from what it seemed like, was trying to steal money from the company account...So she had confronted him. He had denied..he had straight out denied.. Zoya was shocked at his conviction,and almost questioned herself..But the proofs stated otherwise...So she had no other option but to fire him...
I don't know if what I did was right...strangely I feel that maybe He was not lying about it...After all the investigation clearly stated that remote attempts have been made.And as far as I know he doesn't have any access to a company computer at home..So how... she couldn't forget the anger in his eyes even when he didn't argue with his decision. He just looked at her, his gaze intent and full of unspoken conviction.She knew he was angry at her, and somehow that didn't sit well with her And then he said the last words before leaving..
You are making a huge mistake Ms Farooqi, you are making a huge mistake... she shivered at the words just as Rihan spoke on the phone..
Zoya...stop overthinking it. You did what you had to, all the proofs pointed in his direction...I don't know what else we can do..
I guess you're right....She said, her voice lacked the confidence...I just don't understand why though.He has been a very good employee, doing his job perfectly..then why...she questioned, trying to bury the nagging feeling that was starting to seep through her heart...
Money....Rihaan stated...it has to be about money...Zoya don't feel guilty...you did the right thing...you could have pressed charges..deported him but you didn't...that's good enough.So let it go and lets have a good chat.Its already late here and I need to get ready early for tommorow's meeting.
I know...whatever...maybe youre right...so u finally setteled in??? Zoya asked, wanting desperately to change the topic..
Ya all good..but I miss you...I still cant forget last weekend.It was the best time ever...I really enjoyed spending time with you..Now I cant wait to get this meeting done and finally settle in. Its been a long 6 months..I tell ya...and I know I haven't been around at all..but I promise, after this I will be there, for good. Rihaan said with sincierity...
Umm hmm..Zoya managed to say...I had a good time as well... It had indeed been a great quality time for the couple.Rihaan was everything she wanted him to be ever since they got married...Attentive, affectionate and relaxed...He had catered to all her likes and desires and had been the perfect gentleman taking her to the concert, followed by a lavish dinner and a movie..No doubt Zoya had enjoyed it, but her mind had been constantly plagued by Asad's words..They were too fresh, too recent for her to forget...They didn't sit well with her.They made her mad, and at the same time made her insecure..Stating such chauvinist statements really had her angry as he left her in her apartment. She had almost ran behind him and punch him in his face for giving her bedroom advice...when she had seen Rihaan get out of the second elevator... Seeing her outside, he had walked up to her and hugged her, taking away her chance to give Asad a piece of his mind.
Zoya you still there...you are awfully quiet..wats going on in your head...Rihaan asked...
Nothing..I was just ..watever...how the hell was she supposed to tell him what was going on in her head...That god wretched guy had left her with doubts and misery.All throught the weekend as Rihaan tried to make it up for lost time, all she could think of were Asad's words...For a liberated self reliant girl of today, his words were nothing but an indication for a war of words where she would easily put him back in his place and tell him to move out of the 18th century. But for the girl that was desperate to make her relationship work, his advice was pure gold. She knew cos she had tried. All through the night she let Rihaan be, gave him his space, and allowed him to usher her around...He was a different person, happy to tailor to her every needs...The evening had been one of the best they had had. Pictures with the band mates...Some PDA, and some quiet moments...it was just perfect...Asad's words were not the wrong advice and had it been said without any personal remarks to her feeble attempts at enticing her husband, she would have managed to appreciate them. But his arrogant, snobbish statement had just put him in her black list...She just couldn't wait to give him a piece of her mind...A week of working from home was almost over. It was now time for him to face the music face her...Zoya Farooqi...She couldn't wait till Monday...
Zoya...Zoya...hello you still there...Are you allright...Rihaan's concern voice once again seved its purpose of pulling her out of her thoughts...
Ya I am here...sorry I just have too much on my mind...you don't worry...I will be alright..I just need to run a little more...Then I will head home...
Hmm ok...I'll take your word for it.Where exactly are you??? and how long do you plan to be there huh???
I am on the bridge...I think I will run back the to docks and then in the next hour head back home...Its already getting a little quiet so most likely I'll leave by 9. As is I need to get the guest room ready for Humeira.She's flying here tomorrow evening...
Oh ya...I cant wait to see her on Monday.You gals can have fun over the weekend...She's here for a week right???
Ya...I am looking forward to it...Anyways Rihaan I guess I will get going...I just need to do this...I need some me time...
Worry not girl...I'll let you go.Have your me time...cos soon you wont...Rihaan laughed ..still a little shy doing so..
What do you mean by that...Zoya was surprised by his statement...
Cos I will be back...and everything that is your will belong to me...which included your me time...Soon it will be our time...Soon we'll both get what we've been waiting for...
Oh ok...wow...what a change Rihaan..I like it...Zoya chided...anyways..goodnight and cya soon...I will call your hotel number...tomorrow morning...
Bye goodnight...Zoya...and please get home soon..and safe...Its not a very safe area...esp the Docks...
Bye...
Her music picked up where it had stopped and Zoya once again started running...
~~
Bro you gotta come here...Ayaan spoke on the phone...
I am by his house and I just saw someone walk by his apartment... he seems fishy...he's really conscious of his surroundings...I know its not Abdul...Maybe he is Abdul's partner...I am not sure...Ayaan informed Asad as he sat in his car in a distance and tried looking thorugh his binoculars...
No it cant be his partner...cos as far as our research goes...he works alone...Ayaan you keep and eye on him. I am on my way...
Sure bro...
Ayaan kept his eyes on the person.He was trying to unlock the door, but seemed like was having some trouble with it.He tried a few more minutes and finally gave up.Grabbing his stuff he walked away...Ayaan was almost tempted to follow him, but refrained. He couldn't leave this place...It had taken him almost a week to finally be sure that this was indeed Abdul's secret hideout.. He had seen him here twice. Usually after 8.
He checked his watch and checked his time...it was 7:50..
10 more minutes..he muttered and munched on his burger...
~~
Zoya looked at her watch...It was almost 8.She ran all the way to the other side of the bridge.She was breathing heavy, her body was glistened with sweat and her cheeks were flushed red...Loud blaring music in her ears continued to motivate her.She stood and gathered her breath for a few minutes and resumed her run back to the other end of the bridge where her car was parked...Finally, her mind was ready to co-operate and focus on more important matters..
Her father called and they had their weekly chat about life, and work...Her father was starting to get sick, and Zoya worried a little.No doubt she never showed it, but Gafoor knew, so he made it a point to let her know he was doing alright...
I love you Zo..he said...
Ditto...came Zoya's reply as she
Please take care of yourself...You're the only family I have and I don't want to lose you..That will just ...he choked, not able to finish the sentence..
Dad..chill..I aint going anywhere...since when did you get so emotional...Look at you...talking as if I am dying or something...Don't worry nothing will happen to me...you have a stong daughter..and she can face anything..now quit with this emotional nonsense..and go for your evening walk with your Golf buddies...Let me run...First Rihaan and now you...I need some alon time ...now bye...and tc...She said and put the phone down...once again continuing to run...
She looked around her for a secon and realized, it was getting real dark.Strange she thought...Her ears then picked up the sound of the clouds drumming...
F**K its going to rain...she picked up her pace, she needed to get past the bridge quick...She was not even half way across..
~~
What the F**K..what's he doing here once again....Ayaan swore..grabbing his binoculars..and making sure it was the same guy who had just left...
What the hell is he doing..is he crazy...Abdul should be here anytime...I need to do something...I cant let some douche ruin this...Ayaan put the binoculars down and grabbed his jacket...It was starting to drizzle...Locking the door, he covered his head with the hood and started to walk up to that guy...
Hey you...Ayaan screamed...the man stopped and didn't turn...
Ayaan waited for a car to pass,but by the time he crossed the road...the man had started to run...
Wait you...hey...Ayaan sprinted as well...trying to catch him...
~~
Asad parked his car a block away and covered himself.Walking up to the spot where Ayaan usually parked, he was surprised to find Ayaan's car abandoned..
Where the hell did he go now??? He went to grab his phone from his pocket and realized he had left his phone in the car..
I should grab the phone he muttred and started to walk.But a movement on the other side of the road made him stop...
He turned around instantly...slowly sneaking behind Ayaan's car.
Across the road, someone opened the door of that apartment and walked in...The lights went on in the next minute and they were off again in less than 5..Asad didn't move from his spot as he waited for something to happen...There he was...dressed in a grey jacket...locking his door and walking out...
He crossed the road and continued to walk in the opposite direction from where Asad was hiding..He seemed to be in a hurry,as he checked his watch and picked up his pace...
Something wasn't right...Asad felt a strange emotion...surge thorugh his Conscience. He had something on his mind and there was only one way to find out.
~~
It had started to rain more with every minute...Zoya was already drenched by the time she reached the end of the bridge..She had wasted 15 mintues waiting for the rain to stop. But instead it had become more aggressive...She had no choice but to keep going..She checked her watch...I was already 9pm...The roads were deserted, as the last few people ran for shelter...leaving Zoya to run back to her car all alone...She ran as much as she could, but she was starting to get tired...The rain was making her cold...She was wearing only her running clothes...
She took a sip from her water bottle and sped walked her way down the bridge...The Clouds clashed and thunder struck. A chill ran down her spine as she almost spooked out at the sound...Something was starting to plague her mind...She thought she heard her mother's voice...No that couldn't be..she thought and brushed it off...
The rain was dense and nonstop...Everything was dark...The only lights were those of the few scattered street lights...
Zoya was getting restless..Something was wrong she could feel it..She was getting paranoid...told her mind...the office incident...followed by the car incident came to mind...Shut up Zoya...stop overthinking...
But she couldn't..Her heart was starting to beat faster as she descened down the stairs onto the docks...She looked around hoping to see someone, but the docks were deserted...All she could here was the rumbling of the clouds and the frequent thunders..
Zoya...stop...don't go...Zoya listen to me...her mom's voice vibrated in her mind...Trust me just once...listen to me she cried...Zoya continued to walk...Soon she found herself sprinting...She was starting to panic..and there was no escaping this feeling..She just wanted to get to her car..and get home...This was a bad choice..She should have just stuck to her everyday trail..and ran in Central park...
Seeing her car from a distance...had Zoya almost run to it in pure relief...but that relief was short lived...Cos as soon as she reached her car she screamed...
Her car was completely trashed...the widows cracked open and her purse out of sorts. It seemed like someone had broken in and tried to steal something...
Now her panic rose...What if they were still here...She looked around and fidget with the strap to unhook the car keys...She knew something wasn't right..and she needed to get out of here quick...
She grabbed her cell phone...to call 911...but she never got the chance...
A sharp sting of excruciating pain...spread across her skull onto her spine and the entire body...The world around her started to spin...and she had no control on herself anymore... Blood oozed from where she had been hit.seeping thorugh her wet hair along with the rain drops...
Her cell fell off her hands as she spiraled down and fell on the floor...
Her eyes lost focus and failed to hold on...
Thump she fell on the ground...her body hitting hard on the concrete floor...
She saw images of her mother crying...telling her to wake up...Dont close your eyes Zoya...dont close your eyes...she screamed...but Zoya was loosin consciousness fast...She was no longer able to see anything...Her eyes were moving about aimlessly...trying to hold onto the last shards of awareness...
They blinked as she swayed in and out...fighting to stay alive...Soon a dark shadow...towered over her face...
He laughed...at her plight...sinister..mean...inhuman laughter...
I am so sorry...ZOYA...but you left me no choice...he snarled...
I tried to keep it simple...tired to get what I wanted and disappear...but no...you had to interfere...with your interrogation and your investigation...
Zoya fought to stay awake to recognize who was this person..but she was failing...Gathering up all the strength...shesomehow managed to stand up...on her fours...but he didn't let her...Once again..she was hit by something...and she gave up completely... 2 blows on her head...was the end of her...Her awareness betrayed her as she fell on the ground...Her eyes shut and she let go...
Zoya...no don't...don't give up...fight it...fight it my girl..I know you can...you cant let go just yet...there's so much in store for you...wake up girl...wake up...she saw her mother...shake her...push her..slap her...just to see her open her eyes...
She was getting tired...she couldn't fight no more..
NO ZOYA...YOU ARE NOT GIVING UP...NO...I didn't raise a quitter...get up..fight...don't let go...WAKE UP...her mother screamed..shaking her body...
Zoya tried once more...she fought hard real hard to open her eyes...and finally she did...
But she was too late...
Just as she opened her eyes..he laughed...and laughed and laughed...
You're a fighter huh.,...I like it...I like it a lot...He leaned down and grabbed her limp hand and lifted her up...
Zoya swayed...her body not able to hold her weight...
He held on to her tight and laughed..
His face was covered...only his eyes visible...
I admire a girl like you...Strong...independent and full of sass...I bet you would be equally great to taste...but sadly...I'll never know...
Can I be honest with you...he pulled her close...brushing his hands on her lips...as Zoya tried to collect strength to push him away...
I always wanted to taste you..to feel your body...I used to have such dreams about you...Everyday at work..when you walked by my cubicle...I would get hard...But I couldn't act on it...I had to find replacements instead...Now isn't that a very gentleman thing to do...
He smirked...
Ha ...too bad you had to go and ruin it all...I am sorry Zoya...I have to let you go...and this time...I'll make sure I see this through...I wont lose one more time...The 1st 2 attempts were rookie mistakes...but not this time...this time..its for real...
So get ready to die!!!
Zoya was struggling...she was barely conscious and was losing a lot of blood...She heard pieces of what he said...and felt him move her someplace...
Soon he stopped...and caressed her face...such a beauty you are...I am so sad that it will go to waste...but I don't have any other option...you came between me and my money...and nobody comes between me and my money...he snarled...
So its finally goodbye Ms Farooqi...its been a pleasure working with you...
And he pushed her into the river...
Zoya fell...just like she dreamed she would...she tried to scream..but she couldn't...All she felt was water taking over all around her...squeezing the air out of her lungs and pulling her down...
She was drowning...she felt herself...dying...and this time...it was for real.
~~
And she's dead🤔...
Was this expected??? U know the drill...like...comment...and make it a win win situation...u get the updates...I get the likes and comments...
Hint...I was inspired to write this story due to 2 factors...
1-The song Everything Burns...
2- The very first episode of a show called Castle...I have stollen a possibility from this episode..so ya..
I wont talk more about it cos I am done for the day...I'll cya soon..with something special!!! 😉
P.S. -Juliet (Perfectionist2)..I hope you liked Zoya's reactions...if u know wat i mean😉😆
Edited by -StarsLinedUp- - 11 years ago
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