Zoya hung up the call after finishing her conversation but as she turned around she bumped into someone.
-Shit! I m so sorry. she said apologetically not watching who was in front of her.
-It's oo...Zoya !
Hearing her name in the familiar voice made Zoya look at the person's face & soon a beaming smile broke when she recognised.
-Dost Aap...What a pleasant Surprise..saying so she hugged Dilshaad who reciprocated.
-Itne Din baad...How are You Dost? Feeling elated Zoya asked.
-Allah ka fasal hai...I m perfectly fine. Tum yahan kaise?
-I support this place Dost.. I often come here but now it's been a while. She said regretfully. Par Aap Yahan kaise?
-Humari family bhi is orphanage ko support karti hai... Ketni ajeeb baat hai we both are connected with this place but never got chance to meet before. Dilshad said with wonder.
-Right Dost strange things happens..Aayiye na Hum wahan bethte hain.
Zoya & Dilshaad moved towards a corner where a bench was fixed under the shade of a hug tree.
The weather was very cool & fresh winds were blowing letting the leaves & soft braches to sway with its flow. It was Monsoon season so weather in Mumbai was unpredictable, no one knows when it will start raining. And today also the cool breeze was like broadcasting the arrival of rain or maybe this cool wind was due to rain showering in any nearby place. Whatever maybe the cause but this cool breeze was very relaxing & pleasant for occupants of this city.
Making themselves comfortable both the ladies started chitchatting about random things enjoying each other's company.
-Toh Zoya tumhari family main kon kon hain? If I m not wrong you are single child na?
-Yes Dost...Sometimes I do wish mere bhi dher sare Bhai Behan hote...It must be really fun na to have such a big family? She asked expectantly voice full of joy.
-Hmm... Fun toh hai but i m sure even you must be a pampered child... Afterall being the only child has lots of advantages... And I m sure your parents will be blessed to have a child like you. Dilshaad praised her happily.
Zoya's smile flattened a little. She looked down & spoke...
-It's so strange na Dost...Mujhe theek se na jaante hue bhi You love me so much... Kabhi kabhi hum insaan ko samjhne main itna waqt lga dete hain ki jabtak hum apni galti realise karen woh insaan humse boht door ja chuka hota hai. Zoya said having a faraway look.
Dilshaad gets confused & concerned for Zoya, who just some moments ago was talking so happily, why suddenly she started talking so seriously. She kept her hand on Zoya's shoulder to bring her back to present.
-Zoya Kya Hua beta why you became so sad suddenly?
-Nahi Dost aesa kuch nahi hai...
-Dekho agar mujhe sach main dost manti ho toh sach sach btao kya baat hai?.. Dil ki baatein share karne se man ka bojh halka ho jata hai beta... So come on tell me & No lies. Dilshaad demanded.
-I m sorry Dost! I just didn't knew how to tell you... But you are right, na jane kab se yeh dard mere ander hi daba hai & who can I trust more than you to share it with... I know you'll always be my secret keeper. Zoya emotionally said holding Dilshaad's hands.
-Ofcourse Beta. You can trust me. Dilshaad assured Zoya but looking into her eyes she was feeling anxious that what's the secret which was so emotional & painful for Zoya that she kept it hidden in her heart while she smiled to the world.
-Life is always so complex & unpredictable Dost. We live in such an illusion that we often can't differentiate between real & fake... Mujhse bhi wahi galti ho gyi. Zoya started the tail with a sombre look ...
You are asking about my family na? I'll tell you... My Abbu Rehman Farooqui, he was from Hyderabad,.. that time he used to work with my Dadu in a Gudiya factory. He was the only son between two sisters so he was loved by all...Zoya's face held smile & Dilshaad too smiled seeing that... Dadu wished that he stays here & take over his responsibilities but Abbu was very ambitious he wanted to earn money & fame... Dadu ne meri Ammi, Shaheen Sheikh se yeh sochkar abbu ki shaadi kra di ki Ammi ke pyar main woh ghar se door jane ka irada badal denge... But that didn't happened... She shook her head sadly...Abbu convinced my eldest Phuphi to shift with Dadu & Dadi to take care of them & their business & they agreed... A few months after that, he left India with Ammi.
Abbu ne London jake garments business shuru kiya... And with grace of almighty it flourished very well... After sometimes I was born, everyone was very happy... Soon he started a chain of companies, Business kept soaring... His dreams to earn money, they did got fulfilled... Ammi says he used to consider me as his lucky charm. She softly smiled.
Par kehte hain na everything has a price, he too had to pay that... Due to Business he used to stay away from Home so many times & to maintain their Social life Ammi too used to accompany him... Ammi bhi dhire dhire unhi ke rang main rang gyi thi...Zoya's voice became heavy with emotions...They forgot that, they had a child who needed their Company, their Love... But sadly they had ignored their duty as a parent in exchange of being rich & famous.
Then they appointed Zmom i mean Zainub aunty as my care taker, She sighed... Abbu called my other Phuphi & Husband there too thinking ki Phuphi will keep a watch if Zmom takes good care of me... Par Zmom se milke unne ehsaas ho gya that she was nice lady... Phuphi couldn't daily come to see me because she had her own family & a son to take care too.
Bas phir kya tha Zmom was so sweet & caring that I grew very close to her... Infact I started calling her Zmom too..Smile returned on Zoya's face.. & I remember Ammi Abbu didn't liked it because when they used to come back home even after many days,.. I liked to spend more time with Zmom & Zeenat aapi instead of them...she spoke with a chuckle.. It was a relief to them that I m not in bad company like many young teenagers who used to get influenced on the wrong path, but that didn't meant they were Ok & didn't objected.
So to get back with me they changed a little, started taking out time for me but I was so reckless those days...Zoya's forehead creased... I still used to run to spend time with Zeenat Appi or my friends... & When they complained for it, I used to reply that why are they doing such big favour to me when they never cared before...Zoya revealed haking her head.. They never said anything but I know, their eyes used to say that they got hurt with my words & they were sorry for their mistakes, but what I could do I was teenager that time You see. She said with a pointed look towards Dilshaad.
But all hell broke loose that day, which I still remember clearly...
********************
Zoya along with her Abbu Rehman & Ammi Shaheen was sitting at the dining table having their dinner. Zainub was standing behind with a chef serving them the dinner. Zoya has grown to become a very beautiful girl at 21 now. She loved her family immensely just like them but their few rules still irks her. Few days before her pictures were accepted that one of her friend Eric sent to a casting director & she was asked to visit India for further talks. Thus Zoya was thinking to break the news to her parents & take their permission.
-Zoya why are you not eating beta... Don't you like it.. Come on take a roti.. Shaheen said.
-Yes Ammi.. Zoya answered distractedly.
-What's wrong beta You look nervous? kuch kehna chahti ho? She asked finding Zoya thoughtful.
Hearing this Rehman too looked at Zoya, silently asking the same question.
-Ammi Abbu darasal ! Woh Eric hai na ! He sent my pictures to a casting director & I got selected too..hehe... but I have to go to India now so? She told gleefully & than waited for their reactions nervously.
-What Films? Zoya when did you started dreaming of acting? It was Shaheen who recovered first & asked surprisingly.
-Ammi I like acting.. & I want to try my luck in it.. trust me I m good in acting.. all my friends also say this.. Zoya explained desperately.
-What non sense are you talking Zoya?.. how have you thought we'll allow this?... Besides it's already decided You'll join my Business once your studies finishes. It was Rehmaan this time who spoke in his firm tone.
-And how could you decide that Abbu... jab Dadu ne aapko India main ruk ke unka Business sambhalne bola tha, Did you listened to him?.. then why you think I'll listen to you?.. Zoya asked outrageously getting up from her seat... Waise bhi business ka toh sawal hi peda nahi hota I never wanted to become Business woman & you know that. She spoke nonchalantly.
-Zoya yeh kaise baat kar rahi ho tum apne Abbu se? asked Shaheen getting up & coming to stand next to Zoya appalled with Zoya's outburst.
-Why Ammi? Isn't it truth?... When Dadu needed him he left him alone there. Zoya grimaced.
-But he regularly visit them & we even called your Dadu & Dadi here. Shaheen lamented as Rehmaan too came to stand next to his wife.
-Toh ismain konsi badi baat hai Ammi? It's his duty being their son. Zoya mocked.
-Zoya beta please shaat ho jao.. Zainub intervened trying to calm her.
-You.. it's all because of you.. you corrupted my daughter.. You brain washed her to take her away from us. Rehmaan accused Zainub angrily.
-No abbu... You have no right to accuse Zmom... apni galti ka ilzaam aap inpe nahi daal sakte.. Zoya revolted.. She just gave me love as her own daughter when it was your duty.. but you.. both of you had no time for your only daughter.. Aapke liye bas paise kamana hi zaroori tha na.. but sadly Abbu.. iss daulat ko kamaane ke chakar main aapne is duniya ki sabse haseen neimat ko khud se door kar diya pehle Dadu Dadi ke roop main aur phir mere. She cried her heart throbbing in agony.
-Aisa nahi hai beta we love you.. Rehmaan pleaded to her.
-No you don't... you don't love anyone but yourself...She said loudly... If you would have loved me you wouldn't have it in you to leave me like this alone for so many days...She said as tears were continuously falling down her cheeks.. I know you both are jealous of Zmom because she's more close to me than you two... but didn't you thought why?.. When you guys used to enjoy in your trips I used to cry missing you & that time Zmom used to wipe my tears... When I used to be ill she used to take care of me... Whenever I scored high in school she was the one who cooked sweets to celebrate it... It was always her.. why not you Ammi abbu? why not you? She broke down crying badly.
Rehman rushed towards her gathering her in his strong arms shedding tears himself.
-I m sorry beta I m so sorry... You are right I have been so selfish.. I missed the most precious time of my life trying to earn money when it was you who was my real treasure... Please forgive your Abbu.. I did tried making up for you in past three years but it was too late already... Please give another chance to your Abbu beta.. please... He kept apologising rocking his daughter by placing her head on his chest the way he was supposed to do always.
-I was your Princess Abbu than why you forgot me?.. why you left your princess alone? She kept whining in his arms.
later that night Rehman & Shaheen apologised to Zainub & Zoya both, promising they'll always be by their daughter's side & supporting her always in whatever gives her happiness. That night Zoya slept on her bed in between her Father & mother refreshing her childhood memory once again.
********************
Dilshaad felt really bad listening Zoya's story. Her heart ached thinking what Zoya would have gone through or felt while growing up in absence of her parents. She put a hand on Zoya's shoulder to bring her out of the reverie.
-I just went back in memories... Zoya said feeling embarrassed.
-I understand..
-But after that only i realised Dost that Ammi Abbu were not how I thought them to be...Zoya revealed turning around to face Dilshaad completely... Mujhe toh yeh baat baad main pta chali that many times my fvrt dishes that Zmom used to feed me they were actually cooked by Ammi,.. she used to cook & send through Zmom knowing I might not eat it... And I used to think Ammi never cared...Zoya said in a guilt ridden voice... Whenever they stayed out tab toh Zmom se daily dus dus baar phone karke meri khabar liya karte the...at this she chuckled... Han woh baat alag hai ki maine woh sab nahi dekha so I assumed something else... even though they were not physically present with me but they always used to care for me...
& Zmom jinhe mujhe lagta tha they didn't liked at all woh bhi galat tha... they were just insecure for losing their only daughter whom they loved a lot but sadly they didn't showed it to me before. Aapko pta hai Zeenat Aapi ki studies se leke Zmom ki har Zroorat ko bhi abbu ne pura kiya bina koi ehsaan jtaye...par mujhe yeh kabhi pta hi nahi tha. She sadly said sighing in the end over her foolishness.
Par Allah Miyan ka shukar hai after that night it changed they became the parents anyone can only wish for,..A smile came on her face...Waise toh my Happiness was always their priority,.. there was nothing in the world they didn't gave me... they ensured I have anything I desire for... but after that day they made it a habit to stay as close to me as much as they can. Ammi became a doting mother who used to do everything for me like a loving mother & Abbu danced on my pinky finger. She giggled..But the sad end was that I have to come here for acting & Abbu has to stay there. So Ammi & Zmom came with me & when aapi's studies finished she too joined me here while Ammi & Zmom returned back to London.
-I m really Happy for you beta... As much as it must be hard for you in Childhood.. I m glad that you finally got the Love of your parents which was rightfully yours... I totally understand your pain & helplessness in the start but it was good that everything fell into place & you got to realise that they truly loved you before it was too late. Dilshaad explained to Zoya wisely squeezing her hand that was still resting in her.
-I know Dost.. & It was such a relief.. I couldn't be happier that time when I realised My Ammi Abbu always loved me... Zoya said with a broad genuine smile. You know aap se yeh baat share karke aaj I m feeling like a wait has been lifted off of my chest, Pata hai mujhe hamesha guilty lagta tha yeh sochke ki I m such a bad daughter who always thought worst of her parents...
-No Zoya never think like that..Dilshaad said cutting her talk in the middle.. Tumhe guilty feel karne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai beta...you were right from your point of view... she said sweeping hand over Zoya's hair...It was just the misunderstandings & miscommunication between you & your parents... aur waise bhi bachon ko pura haq hota hai apne parents se shikayat karne ka unse rothne ka... Aur galti tumhare Ammi abbu ki bhi thi... Dilshaad explained gently
You know what Zoya ! kuch logon ki yahi problem hoti hai ke woh apni feelings apne ehsaas kisi se keh nahi paate... ya kehna nahi chahte thinking that there is no need to say that & that only causes misunderstandings which often lead to ending relationships. Dilshaad expressed her thoughts succinctly.
-Sahi keh rahi hain aap.. Isiliye kayi baar main sochti hun ki uss raat jo hua.. na hota toh, Ammi Abbu aur Mujhe kabhi mauka hi nahi milta to share our issues... Woh kehte hain na dost? humari koi sabse pyari cheez jab humse door chali jaati hai hame uska ehsaas tabhi hota hai, shayad wahi hamare saath bhi hua. When we realised we are about to lose each other, we finally stepped ahead & held on tight. Zoya expressed thoughtfully.
-Parents always love their Children Zoya... It's just that sometimes we just take our near one's for granted & our attention gets shifted to the goals we want to achieve... Aur aisa sirf parents hi nahi balki bachon ke saath bhi hota hai infact har shaqs ke saath... & for avoiding that we just need to set a balance between work & relations... Dilshaad explained.
-Sach Dost I feel so happy to meet you... Aapse itna kuch seekhne ko milta hai.. You have such a great knowledge about relations... I m sure if I'll spend some good time with you I'll be a very good person. Zoya said with smile.
-Woh toh tum already ho Zoya... there is no need to change for anyone... Tum jaisi ho waise hi achi ho. Dilshaad said with love cupping Zoya's face with a hand.
-Awe dost you are so sweet... Zoya hugged her lovingly... No but really Dost whenever I meet you, I feel so positive, kuch apna sa lagta hai, I feel like I can share anything with you without any hesitance, aur aapse baatien share karke I feel so relieved...Zoya said with amazment blinking her eyes..Aap na sach main meri wonder women hai who always shoo away all my worries with your magic wand & lift my mood. Zoya animatedly spoke.
-Acha jee... ab main tumhari filmon ki tarah jaadugarni bhi ban gayi.. Dilshaad joked raising her brows.
-Jaadugarni nahi Dost your my Pari...Zoya kissed her cheek saying so.. & I love you so much...She sang childishly.
-And I love you too beta...she said with smile.
After sometime Dilshaad spoke..
-Waise isn't it strange tum jab bhi mujhse milti ho udaas hoti ho... Han uss din se yaad aaya Zoya woh matter solve hua? Dilshaad asked remembering their conversation.
-No Dost... nothing happened.. Usne koi jawab nahi diya...She said dejectedly.
-Don't lose hope beta atleast look at the bright side usne han nahi kiya par na bhi toh nahi kaha? Maybe he's also thinking about you? Dilshaad tried to cheer her.
-Par kitna time dost? It's been a month... Mujhe yeh toh pta hona chahiye na that should I wait for him or not.. I didn't even know that. Zoya sadly said in small voice.
-Sab theek ho jayega Zoya
-I hope Dost...
-Acha chalo woh sab chodo... Tumhe pata hai uss din jab ghar jake maine tumhare bare main btaya toh pucho mat my daughters didn't left me... They kept asking Ammi ! Zoya real main bhi utni hi beautiful lagti hai? What was she wearing? What was she doing there? Did she prayed with you? And how did she talked with you?...Allah main toh pareshaan ho gyi thi sach main.. Dilshaad shook her head telling with smile at her daughters craziness.
When she didn't heard anything from Zoya she looked at her & found her looking somewhere longingly. She followed her gaze & smiled seeing Asad standing there talking with the kids. As she turned to Zoya to tell it's her Son, her brows frowned in confusion seeing the way Zoya was looking at Asad.
Yeh Zoya ko kya hua hai? The way she's looking unblinkingly at Asad...OMG! can it be what I m thinking? Dilshaad's eyes widened thinking about it.
Once again Dilshaad followed Zoya's eyes to make sure she was looking at Asad only or what & it was him only. She looked again at Zoya & found her eyes stuck at Asad only. Closing her eyes she sighed thinking she need to find out.
-Zoya...Placing a hand over Zoya's shoulder she softly calls her. Kahan kho gayi beta? she asked trying to read her face.
-woh... Zoya spoke distractedly coming back from her trance.
-Tum janti ho usse?... not beating around the bush she directly asked.
-Dost woh...She shuttered..He's the same guy...jis se main.. I love..She managed to say incoherently with broken words.
Dilshaad closed her eyes as her suspicion turns correct. When she opened her eyes She found herself at a loss of words as she watched Zoya fight her emotions and put on a brave face. She was really fighting with inner turmoil.
-Usse baat nahi karogi? She asked uncertainly.
-No Dost ! I have already taken the first step towards him & confessed... Now it's his turn... Agla kadam usse badhana hoga... I have given him chance Dost... now he'll decide... Zoya said expectantly eyes still stuck on him.
-Par tum abhi keh rahi thi...
-Han dost but seeing him here today gave me that strength to hold on tight on the faith I have on my Love...She said turning towards Dilshaad... Abhi thodi der pehle hum yahi toh baat kar rahe the na Dost... Aur un sab baton ka ek hi main point tha TRUST & HOPE... Zoya spoke meaningfully... We should always have trust & hope for our relationships... because once that is lost our relationship automatically fails... She shook her head...Isliye Dost I m taking a chance here... Apne pyaar pe Trust karke aur Allah Miyan se Umeed karke, I m giving time to Asad that he needs... And I feel I m not going to fail in this... Humari Kismat hume zaroor saath layegi. She spoke optimistically her eyes shining with a new found spark.
-Inshallah ! Dilshaad whispered looking at her.
-Ok Dost I need to go now..Aapi ko kuch kaam tha.. Zoya apologetically told.
-Yeah sure ! par jane se pehle tumhe mera ek kaam karna hoga... Dilshaad said & took out a notebook & pen from her bag... Yeh notebooks aur pen main bacho ke liye laayi thi.. but looks like I need it more, So Miss Farooqui autograph please...She asked sweetly.
-Dost aap bhi na why would you need it? Zoya laughed.
-Well meri teeno betiyion ne boht shikayat ki thi last time ki I met You but didn't bring them an autograph of you, so ab aaj mauka mil gya hai toh kyun chodon. Dilshaad said innocently.
Zoya smiled shaking her head & started signing while Dilshaad looked on at her with smile.
-Here. Anything else Madam ! Zoya said bowing infront of her cutely.
-Yes ! Your dost needs your phone no. if you don't mind? Dilshaad smiled flashing her Mobile.
-Ofcourse Dost why would I mind that... Infact I m such a dambo... thank God aapne yaad kra diya warna I keep missing You like last time. Zoya fretted while exchanging their Phone nos.
-Hmm Ab next time itna lamba intzaar nahi karna padega humein baat karne ke liye. But you have to call me yourself... mujhe kya pta tum kab free ho kab nahi? Dilshaad said confusingly.
-Come on Dost you can call me itni bhi busy nahi hoti hun main ki baat na kar sakun...Ok theek hai You do one thing jab bhi aapka man kare just message me & I'll call you back. She said resolving the issue quickly.
-Yeah that's better..I'll message you..Dilshaad agreed... Chalo ab tum jao aur apna khyaal rakhna.
-You too take care of yourself Dost..Khuda Hafis !!... Zoya said hugging her.
-Alaah Hafis Beta...Dilshaad wished as they broke the hug.
Dilshaad looked on as Zoya walked back through the gardens towards the main gate. As she was about to go out she once turned back to look at Asad who was talking with the children unaware of her presence. Although Zoya looked fine from outside but when she looked at Asad her face held that sadness seeing which Dilshaad felt bad especially after listening to her childhood story.
Zoya looked at Dilshaad & waved goodbye, a gesture she found extremely naive & childish yet really cute, Dilshaad smiled & waved her back.
Once Zoya left Dilshaad moved inside the office area where Asad was present.
-Ammi kahan thi aap? Maine socha aapko wapas lete chalun.. Asad said
Avoiding him completely Dilshaad went towards Tina & gave her the handbag which had some study material for the children. Accepting the bag both ladies started talking with each other.
-Yeh Ammi ko kya hua hai? Asad thought in confusion.
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