AsYa(KaBhi) TS 'Friendship : A Priceless Treasure'

Hellooo Friends

No more bakbak and directly coming to the point

Wishing you all Happy Friendship Day

And a gift from me... hope you like it 😳

This TS is dedicated to all my friends here

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"A Friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself"

PART ONE

It was the month of August... chilliness in the atmosphere around & soaked roads of Bhopal did signify the visit of the pitter patter shower... Drinking in the sights of Bhopal after years... seven years precisely, she was driving lost in thoughts & her heart raced as the distance towards her destination reduced with each second...

Finally a car stopped near the gates of Model College, Bhopal... Getting out of the car she stood in front of the gate... her eyes wandered over the surrounding & stopped to the gate again... Inching a bit towards the gate she caressed the metal bar for a moment... A chuckle let out as something flashed in her mind...

~~ ❤️ ~~

Welcome to Model College...' He said rushing ahead and pushed the gate open for her, you will learn the life's most important thing here...you really needs lessons for...' he paused and she narrowed her eyes, How to smile' He said stretching his fingers as he made a smiley sign and she glared at him, You are very stubborn student but I am sure before your college life complete you will turn into a smiley person...' She pushed him aside and walked ahead, don't forget I am a stubborn tutor too...I won't give up until you learn to smile...' He yelled from behind while she cursed him under her breath...

~~ ❤️ ~~

A smile graced on her lips as she pushed the gate open and entered inside... Walking inside she stopped in the middle of the campus, which was filled with chaotic noises of the students... Everyone seemed lost in their own world... wishing each other...capturing selfies...making promises... Different types of bands adorned in everyone's hands...& unknowingly she touched her wrist...she caressed the letters on the beads...

FR-ENDS...'I' was missing there... I don't want to call you as my friend anymore...'

Her own words echoed and she felt nostalgic as the pages of the memories flipped in front of her eyes & tears touched her cheeks through the glasses... Removing her specs she wiped her tears & again covered her almond shaped eyes behind the glasses...

"OMG!!!...Zoya Farooqui...!!!! She came to her senses hearing the loud squeals of some students & within next few moments she was surrounded by the group of surprised and excited students...

Zoya Farooqui... The well Known Novelist... Famous in youth... Idol of many youngsters... The Pride of the Model College... But is this what she decided or planned...? Never ever...!!!

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Zoya was one of those most ambitious, self possessed but reserved type girls...

Her Parent's disturbed relationship & lonely childhood made her rude but self dependant... She had a blur memory of a lovely time with her parents but then everything changed with time and she left with those bitter memories only... She had witnessed her father always treated her mother like a trash but her mother never utter a word against him and suffered till her last breath... She stopped calling that man as her father but at some point she developed extreme dislike towards her mother for being so weak... just because of stupid emotion called Love she never raised her voice against her so called husband who never treated her as his wife...

It was a fire accident at her home when she was seventeen, her both parents died in fire that made her more aloof... She was left with no emotions... Reading was used to be her hobby but she started to hate those all fake things writers used to portray... After that she came to Bhopal with her grand-mother who was the only person she was feeling a little attached with... But she stopped showing her emotions...she controlled herself totally and she was determined about what she wants in her life... She had planned everything in her life before coming to Bhopal, but little did she know her destiny...

Everything started to change in her life against her wish from the day her Dadi introduced her to him... He used to irritate her a lot and always tagged behind her as her Dadi had given him the responsibility to look after her that she hated the most in earlier days...

Asad... He was a neighbour but never resembled like the one as he used to found in her house only... Her Dadi was very fond of him and treated him as her own grandson... He was the person, a stubborn tutor who taught her how to smile... He was the person whom she accepted as her friend... Her first and only friend... A person she started to trust a little... And he was the reason she left the Bhopal and also he was the reason that she was again here in Bhopal...

Today she was in Bhopal as she had decided it years ago... Friendship day of 2017...a day exact after seven years from now and I'll meet you here only as a successful entrepreneur...let's see who will win the challenge...' Today is the day she had promised to meet him and she was here... the only difference that she was not what she had decided... Not an ambitious girl she used to be once but a totally different person... And it's also the truth that she wasn't here to win any of her challenge but with a hope to get back something precious which she had lost years ago... Her inspiration... Her Friend...

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I am your very big fan'

I have read all your books'

One selfie please'

Students surrounded her in excitement and she smiled answering to everyone's question, posing with them for selfies...

How you always come with unique concepts...What is your inspiration?' Someone asked and she sighed...

Friend...' She paused and then smiled looking towards the group of curious students who were waiting to know more... Friends are always the big inspiration in our life...' A genuine friend is a precious thing; don't lose if you have the one...'

So you have a friend who is your inspiration...' One of the students asked

Hmmm...' She let out a breath, Yes...he is the person who inspires me to write...' He predicted it years ago that one day I'll become a successful writer, even though I never wished to be the one...'

~~ ❤️ ~~

Why you are doing this Zoya? He asked as he picked up the crumbled paper from the floor...

And what is your problem?' I didn't ask you to collect the garbage'

Garbage?' Seriously?' He asked as he smoothed the paper, you will regret one day... because of your stubbornness you are slaying your talent...'

It's my life and I very well know what I want...' She said irritated and banged the notebook on the desk, its garbage and it should be in the dustbin' she said as she snatched the paper from his hand...

Ohh...sorry to say but now you don't have any rights on it... it's mine now and it's definitely not a garbage but a treasure and I'll see what to do with it' He said taking the paper back from her hand

Don't be a mermaid... Turning into bubbles because you can't forget your love is too sad, isn't it?

He read the line and looked up, Do you have any idea how beautifully you write... It's a god gift Zoya, can't you see, even though you don't want to write it just simply comes to you...' He tried to make her understand but she just ignored him and sat down with a book of costing open in front...

It's all rubbish...' I know what I want...I am not that soft hearted and emotional fool person who believe in all the stupid stuff of sentiments...' She crossed her arms and raised her brows... Being a writer is pathetic and I don't want to be the one...' Looking at him for a moment she turned her attention back to the book, Now please if you are done with your suggestions, let me focus on my studies...'

He shook his head and placed the paper in his pocket, Mark my words Zoya, one day you'll become a successful writer, writing is something that comes from your heart, for now you can ignore it but there will be a day when you'll understand what your heart actually want...'

~~ ❤️ ~~

She smiled cherishing the memory... Always follow your heart' She said to the group of students who were silently listening to her, Sometimes you are not able to understand what your heart actually wants but your best friend is always able to do that for you...' Friends are like a guide you need in every step of this journey of life...they always know the right path for you...'

Is it something related to your new book?' One of the student asked, You said it in your earlier interview that your new book will publish on Friendship day as the story is about Friends...' Another question rose from the group of eager students who want to know about her new book...

She shook her head and adjusted her specs, Yeah as I said it's about Friends and its almost complete... But still something is missing in the story...and I am trying to get it...trying to find the missing essence in the story...' She sighed, I hope I could complete it soon...' Smiling she waved her hand, See you later guys...' Saying she walked out of the crowd...

Sitting on the bench nearby, she took out a white envelope from her hand bag... A smile lifted on her lips as she caressed his hand writing on it... This belongs to you Zoya...you have the right to decide what to do with it...'

Thank you for showing me the right path Asad...it was always the garbage for me but you treasured it...' After two years when I realized finally what I want, I came to meet you, I came to ask you what to do but you wasn't there...you just left it for me...and I understood what I have to do...' But this is not belongs to me Asad... It's your treasure and you are my inspiration...I don't want to find my inspiration in these pieces of papers anymore...' Today I am here to give it back to you...and take back something that is mine...' She inhaled holding an envelope to her heart... I want to tell you today that I am happy even though I did lose the challenge...but it's still my victory, and I know it now...' She got up with a smile...

I want to see the real you...enough of hiding behind the mask all the time...don't you suffocate?' See it's breezy around here, come out and breathe...'

His words ringed in her mind and she breathed in the familiar surrounding cherishing the memories... and he was there in each one of that... A memory of this place means him only...

By any chance are you looking for me' His husky voice echoed and she turned back... I have told you already Zoya, you will miss me so much in these seven days' He smile big flashing his dimple and ruffling his hair with his one hand...dressed in his football tracksuit, backpack slung over his shoulder, he just stood there with that mischievous glint in his brown orbs...

Smile touched her lips slowly as her legs moved to reach him... But within a moment that figure disappeared in air and she sighed, It's not just seven days Asad...it's been seven years now...' Where are you?' Why you are hiding like this...Are you still upset with me...but you can't be upset?'

I wish you would understand me Zoya...' But remember one thing; whenever you look back... you will find your friend always there...remember it...'

Then why you are not here...I am tired now Asad...come back please...you promised me...and see it's your victory, don't you want to celebrate...don't you want to see the real me...don't you want to make a fun of me...' Her heart cried out as she walked towards the football ground...

~~ ❤️ ~~

Oye hoye...look who is here...' He yelled running towards her, dressed in his football jersey and shorts... Huhhh!!!' He breathed wiping sweat off his forehead and grinned looking at her as he ran a hand through his hair, pushing it off his forehead... So you are here to watch me play...' He asked stretching his arms and she rolled her eyes looking towards the girls as they sighed dreamily staring at him...

I don't have time to waste...' She pressed her lips and he laughed

Give it a try...It's a desirable sight to watch me on the ground...' He winked and she groaned

I don't have any desire to watch you like those stupid girls...' She pressed her lips, But Dadi is wishing to see you in the evening...' She shook her head, I really don't understand why she loves to have you around...'

Hmm...so you are here to convey Dadi's message only...'

Or else why would I come here?'

To follow me'

Do I look like a fool?'

Yes...you are fool, one day you would regret... you are missing this opportunity, the guy standing in front of you is the future of Indian football...' He said with attitude and she rolled her eyes

I don't have any interest in your football' Saying she turned to go but two steps ahead and she turned back again, The only reason I may like football a little is...' She paused and he raised his brows, Football is the only thing that keeps you away and I get some break from you'

Ouch!!! It's hurt' He cried dramatically clutching his hand to his heart

She rolled her eyes and turned to go, Stupid' Never take anything seriously ...'

Hey, what did you say...?' He asked following her

Why are you following me now...' Turning back she yelled

I am not...' He raised his brows teasingly, Not my fault that we have to use the same path to reach our destination...' He smirked and she growled, See...there is a restroom and this is the only way I can use to reach there...so I have to follow you'

Urgh!!! I can't tolerate you' She shook her head

But still you have to tolerate me Miss Zoya Farooqui...' He wiggled his brows, When I decide something seriously, I don't give up and there are two things I am really thinking seriously about...' he crossed his arms pretending to be serious and her narrowed gaze focused on him, One obviously my passion, football and second one is to teach my stubborn student how to smile...' He winked and she gritted her teeth glaring at him before turning to walk away... And I am not going to give up on both at any cost...' He yelled from behind enraging her more...

~~ ❤️ ~~

She sighed looking around the football ground... See I am here today to follow you' her eyes wandered over... looking for a familiar face but everyone around was unknown... She slumped on the nearby bench dejectedly, How can you give up on football Asad...it's your craze...'

~~ ❤️ ~~

Will you stop please...?' She yelled getting up from the sofa and banged her book on the table in front... Urgh!!!' She growled as he didn't bother and kept playing with his ball...his all focus on his foot controlling the ball...

She walked towards him in rage... This is the living room of my house and not your football ground Asad'

He stopped finally covering his ears... God!! Why you are shouting in high volume Zoya...'

Because you were so engaged with your ball'

You know doing something that you love is fun...but you won't understand it'

Not again Asad...' And I am doing what I need to do...'

Don't ignore that come from your heart Zoya...one can't breathe killing the heart's yearning...' Your heart is yearning to dance in the rain...stop hiding inside...'

How can you be so sure...?' Why you think that I can't breathe?'

Because I know you are ignoring what your heart always wants to do' I can see you are suffocating inside the mask' Just once try to come out and feel the pleasure...feel that peace...'

And how do you know there will be a peace...'

I know because I am feeling that peace...that pleasure when I am on the ground...' My heart yearns to be there and I know I can't breathe if I kill that yearning...'

You and I are different Asad...' And what you are talking about is craze...and I don't want to be crazy...it's always better to have control...'

Finding something that you like enough to be called crazy about' is incredibly difficult Zoya'

She ignored him and walking towards sofa again sat with her books... A moment later she got up annoyed and glared at him as he smiled and shrugged his shoulders before focusing on his ball... A crumbled paper fell on the floor as she stomped towards her room...

~~ ❤️ ~~

Then why Asad?' She looked around exasperate... Why you left it behind, why you are not there, where you has to be...' Football was your passion...your craze then why you killed it...'

Zoya...you are here?' Someone asked and she looked up

Sir...' She smiled getting up and her eyes glistened with hope looking at the coach... Asad...did he come here?' Did you get any information about him?' Where is he?'

I really don't know about his whereabouts Zoya Coach sighed

"I don't believe you sir...he was always very close to you Don't you know why he gave up? "Why you are not telling me?' Please tell me where is he?' She pleaded

Hmm, I know the reason for his withdrawal Zoya but I can't tell you...' He pressed his lips, "That day when he left that envelope with me to give you, I promised him not to tell you anything...I am sorry...'

she sighed miserably as he turned to go...

But Zoya...' He called again turning back, "He will be here today may be...' He said and her eyes lit up with hope... Last time when I met him he accidently mentioned something about your challenge...I didn't inquire much as he always did avoid talking about things related to the time when he was...' He paused and shook his head, I guess he will be here in some time...'

I know he will come to meet me...' She smiled as her eyes glistened with tears... Removing her specs she rubbed her palm over her face... Her heart danced with hope... I know he will never let go the chance to taunt me, how I was wrong and he was right all the time...' He always wished to see the real me...I wonder why did he wait till today...' She rubbed the corner of her eyes and wear her specs again, Today I'll watch him play...how can he give up like this...whatever it is I am not going to listen to him...' Her face was radiating with big smile on her lips... See you later sir, I know where I would find him...' She waved her hand and rushed towards the college building...

Miss Perfectionist, don't you think, you are quite late today...' She halted in her track and turned... He was standing there, leaning back to the wall... Hands in his jeans pocket and a teasing smile playing on his lips...

She chuckled, You are still the same Asad...' She mumbled walking towards him...

Did you expect me to change?' He raised his brows and stepped back

So here is the first part... I am sorry I couldn't post it whole... It's very difficult to squeeze out some time from my busy schedule right now... but just give me a day only and I'll post the second part...

and also will try to update other stories too

sorry for delay...

Till then enjoy reading this one and tell me how is it? Do you like it?

Waiting for your Reviews

❤️

--Deepti--

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PART TWO

"Miss Perfectionist, don't you think, you are quite late today...

She was ascending the stairs in excitement when his voice echoed in the corridor...the same teasing voice she used to listen all the time... A wave of happiness surged through her as she halted in her track and turned... He was standing there, leaning back to the wall of the same classroom... Hands in his jeans pocket and a teasing smile playing on his lips...

She chuckled, "You are still the same Asad... She mumbled walking towards him...

"Did you expect me to change? He raised his brows and stepped back

"Never ever!!! I expected you just like this...bright and carefree... She smiled moving ahead... Her heart danced with happiness... seeing him after whole seven years...

"But I can see you have changed a lot Zoya... He crossed his arms, "And I win the challenge...I was right all the time... He said with attitude and she shook her head...

"Yes you were right Asad...always right... She smiled and narrowed her eyes as he kept moving back... within a moment his smiling figure faded in air and she sighed looking around... "I miss you Asad...I really have missed you a lot She breathed walking towards the classroom beside... Pushing the door open she walked inside... Again there was him only... Asking her to smile, forcing her to eat some junk food, hiding her books so she would listen to his stupid stuff, doing some or other things just to irritate her, pulling her out from the classroom to enjoy the rain outside and sometimes out of the blue just sitting beside her and chatting seriously about life... She smiled cherishing those memories and walked towards the bench where she used to sit... I am wishing to learn everything again Asad...I need my tutor...' She sat on the bench and again another memory flashed in front...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"God!!! You are sitting here peacefully and I am looking for you everywhere... He shook his head walking towards the bench where she was seated...

"Give me your hand? He said as he sat beside her

"Huh!!! She stared at him questioningly

"Zoya...we are friends, right?

"Tsk... She shook her head, "How many times I have to tell you that Asad...? "Yes you are my friend now...stamp paper pe likh ke dena padega kya? She asked irritated...

He shook his head as he laughed, "Hehe...no need of that...friendship is not any agreement... He said as he took her hand in his while she stared at him confused...

He smiled as he fetched something from his pocket, "If you forgot, today is friendship day and I want to tie this band... He said as he tied the band around her wrist... "Friends forever...

"And what is the need of it... She asked examining the band around her wrist, "I really don't understand this stupid show off...

"Huhhh... He sighed rubbing his head, "It's not show off Zoya...just a celebration with friends... "What is wrong in expressing love for friends and cherishing their presence in life...? He asked but she just shook her head... "Its fine, you are just on the first stage of learning such things...but I am sure, with the help of tutor like me you will learn soon...

"You are really intolerable...

"Am I, Really?

"Hmm...I am trying my best to tolerate you she smiled as she adjusted the band on her wrist

"See, just like you have learned to smile, soon you will be master in everything...

"Hmm...So I have to tie such band on your wrist too? She asked

"No need of it Zoya... He smiled, "not just because I tied one, you don't have to...I know still you don't believe in such things and its fine with me..."But you have to remember that it's not just a band for me...it's a promise...promise of forever friendship...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"I am sorry Asad... She mumbled and her fingers moved to touch the band on her wrist, "Sorry for not respecting the precious thing you gave me... "I wasn't capable to understand the value of most precious gift... "I wasn't and still I am not capable Asad...but I am willing to learn again and I need my tutor... "How can you forget your promise Asad...? Her heart cried remembering the day when she left him...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"Zoya...listen to me please...just once... He followed her but ignoring him she walked inside the classroom...

"See, you are getting it wrong, let me explain... He pleaded

"Explain what Asad... She yelled turning back... a furious, hurt look of her and he closed his eyes in dismay... "All the time you were lying to me...how can you...

"I never lied to you Zoya...

"Then what was that I heard... She demanded, "Everyone is aware except me... "I don't want your explanation Asad...I just want to hear the truth...yes or no...

He took a deep breath as she looked straight in his eyes waiting to hear his truth, "Yes... He breathed and she moved a step back, "its true... it's more than just friends for me...I don't know when and how it happened... "I didn't realize when I fall for you Zoya...

VERY NICE' she clapped...her hurtful gaze fixed on him, "You just make a big fool of me... "You made me believe that there is a one relation that is different and noble than any other relations in life... And I started to believe it... believe you... believe in friendship... "And what did you do? "You ruined it... "You were walking around with mask and I didn't realize... She slumped back on the bench...

"Zoya just once listen to me... He said and sat in front of her... "Nothing is ruined...we are friends... and nothing is more important to me than our friendship... "Yes I love you more than just friends... He sighed as she flinched back, "I never wanted to hurt you Zoya...but feelings are things that you have no control over... "But then it's also the truth that I didn't expect anything more from you... "I would never let my feeling to get control over our friendship Zoya... He pleaded hoping her to understand...there was urgency in his voice but she ignored him and he sighed running his fingers through his hair desperately... Not knowing how to make her understand... "I am not lying Zoya...our friendship is more important to me than anything else...this is the truth only...believe me please...

"Truth...really? She stood up cutting his words, "The only truth is that your friendship was never pure... She yelled...her breathing uneven and eyes glistened with hot tears, "Love...that emotion always have the power of destroying everything...see, you mixed that with our friendship and it's finish... "I don't want to call you as my friend anymore... Her fist clenched hard and she pulled out the band around her wrist... "No more...friends... She hurled it and it shattered on the floor...

"Zoya...wait... He called out as she turned to go, "I am sorry Zoya...but please don't disrespect our friendship...It's really did hurt a lot..."I know you must be feeling hurt but trust me our friendship is always my priority..."I am not going to force you for anything...just once think rationally...

"I wasn't thinking rationally before...but now I'll for sure' She retorted back

He sighed rubbing his palm over his face, "I wish you would understand me Zoya..."But remember one thing; whenever you look back... you will find your friend always there...remember it...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"I am really sorry Asad... Tears welled up in her eyes and her fingers tighten around the band on her wrist...

This is also something you have thrown...and I kept it with me...I tried my best to fix it again...but still I couldn't found the missing part...'

"Thank you she mumbled remembering his written words on the small pouch she had found inside that envelope he left for her with coach... He did fix the broken band and returned it to her with those papers of her writing he treasured... And from past five years these two things gave her the hope and strength to wait until today... She was sure; wherever he was, he will come to meet her...he has to come...

Taking a deep breath she stood up and walked out of the classroom, "I know you will come and you have to Asad... Today I have a band for you... Smiling she ascended the stairs in hurry... "Not just band but a promise Asad...promise of being a good student and learn everything you will teach... She breathed halting for a moment before stepping on the rooftop... It was her place...away from the chaos around... but then he found this hiding place of her too...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"What are you doing here all the time...? He asked walking towards her and she turned

"This is the place where I find peace...away from everything... She sighed leaning back and crossed her arms... "But it's no more peaceful here too from the day you stepped here...

He laughed walking towards her, "Don't you think I made this silence bearable and more enjoyable He stood beside her and she shook her head

"What you will take to leave me alone for sometime

"It's a day of celebration, a fun with friends Zoya and I won't leave my friend alone...

"Please Asad...I really don't want to come anywhere...I just need some alone time

"Okay I'll leave you if you give me a proper reason for alone time

"Everything doesn't need a reason...it just I want some peace that I found here without anyone around...

"You know you are not looking for peace, you are running away from everything and hiding here...

"For god sake Asad, I am not hiding...I am trying to focus on the things I want to achieve...

"Really!!!' He raised his brows facing her, "But from where I am seeing you are trying to run away from the things you actually need, you are scared to face the reality Zoya..."You are aware that you are forcing yourself to different directions...if you are truly doing what you want, you don't need to run away...nothing can distract you...

"How many times I have to tell you that I very well know what I want in my life...

"Hmmm!!! I don't want to argue more...not today...

"Thank you very much She pressed her lips and he sighed... "I have planned my life Asad...just like you have yours...why don't you understand...

"Hmm... He shoved his hands in his pant pockets, "There is a big difference in our planning Zoya... He said looking in her eyes... "I am not running away to focus on my planning because I know nothing can distract me...

"And nothing can distract me too Asad... She cut his words... "I have planned everything...I'll complete my MBA from Harvard that will take two years and then within five years I'll achieve what I have decided...a successful entrepreneur...

"I'll be happy to see you successful Zoya...and not just successful but happy and satisfied...

"It's a challenge... wanna try...? She raised her brows

"Huh!! He looked at her questioningly

"Today is a friendship day and exact after seven years from now, friendship day of 2017, I'll meet you here as a successful entrepreneur... let's see who will win...your doubt or my resolve

"Do you mean we are not going to meet for seven years after college...?

"Maybe...I'll go to Harvard and Dadi will shift to Mumbai with ZeenatAapi...so I don't know when we will meet next... She shrugged her shoulders, "besides you are also shifting to Delhi...and who knows you'll have a time to meet me or not...after all you are not an ordinary guy but a future of Indian football...

He laughed listening to her comment, "Yeah, but whatever it is I'll always have a time for my friend... and I'll not wait for seven years but yeah, in 2017 we will definitely meet here...I promise...

~~ ❤️ ~~

"You told, you won't wait for seven years but you didn't come...why Asad? She looked around on the rooftop... Her heart sank feeling that silence in the atmosphere... "Where are you...I can't bear this silence now...you have to come...to make it bearable Asad... She cried as her gaze wandered in every corner... She started getting restless and clutched her hand over her heart...feeling her spirit sinking low with each passing second...

"You should come...you promised... She sobbed turning back and rushed to other side...

"Yes...I had promised Ms. Writer a voice reached to her and she stilled on her place... couldn't dare to look up she closed her eyes wishing it not to be her hallucination again... Taking a deep breath once she opened her eyes...and it took a moment for her brain to process as she stared ahead... Asad' her whisper muffled as she covered her mouth with her palms and stumbled back... "You are here...right? Her voice quivered as her eyes glistened with tears... "And I am not hallucinating again... She asked with a teary smile...

"You started having hallucinations Zoya? He raised his brows... standing there leaning back to the wall... dressed in white shirt and blue jeans... his silky black hair neatly combed unlike before when he used to ruffled it all the time enjoying a messy look... And with that light stubble he was looking matured now...

She narrowed her eyes as he stared at her... A small smile was playing on his lips but something was amiss... His smile was not it used to be always... A teasing, mischievous...that reflected in his eyes... "What is it Asad... She asked still rooted on her spot... scared if she would take a step ahead and he would disappeared again... her gaze was fixed on his face... "I didn't expect you like this? "Something has changed in you

"Hmm... He hummed adjusting himself to the wall... "But I expected you like this only...

She blinked realizing a weird calmness in his voice... Her gaze was fixed on him as she tried to decipher the transformation in him...that she didn't expect...

"Congratulations Zoya...umm... He shook his head, "A novelist Zoya Farooqui "I am really happy that I am seeing the real you... He smiled but the calmness in his voice troubled her... It was something she wasn't used to...

"Asad...are you upset with me? She asked finally moving a step ahead, "I am really sorry for what I did Asad... I should have listened to you but you know how I was then... relations were always complicated for me to understand and still I am not able to understand it... But I realized how our friendship is really different... I tried to run away Asad only to be left with nothing but darkness again...and then I realized how it was brightening all the time when you were around... She was desperate to tell him everything... "I realized what mistake I did when I left without listening to you... I was miserable Asad...without having my friend... I was clueless what to do and then I came back to you...to ask you to be my guide again...but you were not there Asad... She poured her heart out while taking slow steps towards him... "You said you will be there always whenever I look back...then where were you hiding Asad? "And Why? "Are you really upset with me? She questioned standing in front of him...

"I am not upset Zoya "How can I?

"Really? She raised her brows... "Then where is my carefree friend and where is that crazy footballer...? "What is it Asad? How can you give up on football? She asked and her heart sunk noticing a flicker of sadness on his face

He exhaled averting his gaze for a moment before looking towards her again... His gaze stilled on her wrist... "Hehh...you again tied it... He laughed noticing a band on her wrist... "I am sorry...I couldn't fix it as before...

"It was me Asad...who broke it in the first place...why you are sorry... She stared at him while he stared on her wrist... "Thank you for fixing it... She said following his gaze and caressed the letters on the band... "I am sorry for not respecting our friendship...something that is very precious...I wasn't able to understand it then... Tears rolled down through her glasses... She shook her head as she removed her glasses and rubbed the corner of her eyes before looking at him, "Wait, I have a something for you today She said excitedly while opening her bag... "See...I have a band for you... She smiled big showing him a band, "It's my promise to be a good student and learn everything that my tutor would teach...I want my tutor back...I am willing to learn again... Again her eyes welled up in tears...

He grabbed the wall behind balancing himself before turning to other side and she noticed something beside him... Band she was holding fell down and her eyes widened in shock...a wave of horror surged through her "Asad... Her hand reached to cover her mouth and she just stood there numb...

"I am sorry Zoya...I am not able to teach you anything anymore... His gaze was fixed ahead...looking over the football ground... "You were right; being crazy is not something really good... He sighed and fetched something out from his pocket... Balancing himself he again turned back to look at her... She was standing there like a statue, not able to move or react...

"This one...I didn't return back to you He said showing her the paper in his hand, "Finding something that you like enough to be called crazy about' is something that speaks spontaneity... But what's difficult is to have control over the craziness... One can't control the life but having control over desires is better somehow... He read what she had written once... "You were right Zoya... He said looking up to her and finally she reacted coming out of her frozen state as she moved a step ahead...

"I was never right... She shook her head...her voice came out weakly as if she didn't have any strength to utter a word... Taking another step towards him she snatched the paper from his hand and crumbled it with all strength... and it dropped down before her hands wrapped around him an instant... "What happened to you? She cried out as her grip tightened around him and his eyes closed in agony... "It's not true...it can't be...Tell me that it's my worst hallucination...hai na Asad...tell me please... She sobbed hugging to him... He took a breath and his one hand moved to wrap around her while other reached to hold the crutch that placed beside him...

"You can't be hallucinating Zoya...you are always able to see the reality He said after a moment and moved back, "See, now I am not even able to make you smile...

"You are the only one Asad who is able to make me smile... She said earnestly while her hand touched the crutch he was holding under his left arm... "That is the only truth and nothing can change it, not any other reality

He sighed as he removed her hand from crutch, "You are still stubborn...and your stubbornness never allowed you to see the reality Zoya... He smiled looking at her and leaned back, "Let's not talk about this...finally I am seeing the real you...tell me how you are...? How is it felt being a writer...? He asked but she didn't react, "I am here to celebrate my victory Zoya...and you can't just spoil it like this... understand? He raised his brows looking at her but her eyes welled up in tears...

"I know Asad it must be killing you...not to be there, where your heart yearned to be always... moving ahead she squeezed his hand and he just looked other way... "How did this happen?

He smiled sadly...his gaze was hovering over at distance...towards the football ground... "Accident...life just takes control and everything finished... He sighed and kept looking ahead silently...

"Why didn't you tell me Asad...why did you hide like this...?

"What I was going to tell you Zoya...you were back to meet your friend who can guide you on the right path... He turned to look at her, "But that friend of yours is not able to even walk by himself anymore...

"Stop it Asad... She cut his words, "I know what you are able to do...just one incident can't break you like this... "You are the one who always know what I need...it's because of you I can breathe...you showed me where to go... "Your promise kept me going till now Asad...but not anymore...today I came here deciding to get back that I left behind because of my stupidity... "You were, you are and you will always be my strength...my inspiration...I need you...

"Don't look back for that Zoya... He sighed and fumbled with the crutch as he moved away from her...and her heart cried in pain looking at him in that broken state... "When you are on the right direction, it's not wise to look back for the things you left behind...

It was hurting her lot to see him miserable... She had always seen him carefree and smiling... "Will you stop this rubbish Asad...? She yelled walking towards him...

"You are really intolerable now Zoya

"But you have to tolerate me as I am not going anywhere now

"God!!! Why don't you understand? He asked irritated, "I was right, I shouldn't have come here "I just come because once I wanted to see the real you...again I couldn't control my heart's desire and again it's proven wrong... He avoided looking at her while her gaze fixed at him...

"How you can say its wrong? She held his hand urging him to look at her, "You know how it's suffocating, forcing your heart to wrong direction... "Then why you are doing this to yourself

He let out a chuckle as he freed his hand from her hold, "Sometimes it's not necessary to force your heart in wrong direction...life do that against your wish... "It's not always we get chance to choose our priorities...life had chosen this for me and I have no option but follow...

"Then now it's my turn to follow you She said determined... "And I'll...

He just stared at her not having the strength to argue more...pleading her not to do this... She shook her head silently and looked around for something... Fetching the band she had dropped earlier she again stood in front of him... Taking his hand in hers she smiled and tied it around his wrist...and he didn't protest... "It's my promise Asad...promise of forever friendship and dare you break it... She threatened...

"Zoya...you are not getting it... He sighed looking at his wrist and then adjusting his crutch moved back but before he turned she grabbed his hand forcing him to look at her again...

"You know Asad I have you only...once I did mistake and left you...it took me a long to learn but I have learned Asad...I have learned how to treasure that is precious... She let go his hand and moving ahead hugged him... "Let me hold you please...

He didn't move and let her hug him for some moments as they stood there in silence...

"Where you will follow me Zoya? He asked breaking the silence and his hand moved to hug her back... "I don't even know where to go now... "You have your writing and you are following the road you are meant to take...but I don't even know what I am supposed to do now...where to go...I am clueless...the road ahead is not clear...it's like everything is filled with smoke and I don't know if I could breath in that anymore... her hand tightened around him and he squeezed his eyes shut... "It's wise to not follow me Zoya... He tried to make her understand

"I'll help... She said looking up...her eyes glistened with tears again sensing his pain... He shook his head silently and moving back she cupped the side of his face... "I'll help you Asad... "Let's take one step at a time and soon it will all be clear... "The mist around will clear soon... She smiled assuring... "I know it's not easy to find something new again that you like enough to be called crazy about...but I know my friend too... he never give up easily...Right? She asked holding his hand in hers, "Let's finds it together...

"You are not going to listen Zoya? He asked as he sighed defeated

"Never ever... She smiled, "I am not going to follow you Asad...I'll walk beside you holding your hand... She said as she squeezed his hand... "And as you said our paths are always same so let's walk together... "That is what friends do...right?

He just nodded and pulled her to himself... "You are too stubborn Zoya...but your tutor doesn't have that strength now A tear rolled down from the corner of his eye as he hugged her close...

"I know my tutor very well...if he is capable of handling the student like me then he can do anything She mumbled against him and he smiled...

"I have missed my friend a lot Zoya... He confessed letting his heart to win once again...

"I have missed you too Asad...you are my priceless treasure and I won't let you go now...never ever...!!!' She hugged him close...confessing her heart's desire for the first time...

She held him giving him the strength that she had drawn from him only...

And he let her hold him, his heart has ceased to believe in himself but then it wants to believe in her belief...

I miss the words we used to say

I miss the sounds of yesterday

And I miss the game we used to play...

I miss you...

I miss you...

~~ !!! ❤️❤️ !!! ~~

So finally it's end... Not actually, it's the new beginning of their journey together...

And I hope you like it...

Let me know what you think

Waiting for your reviews 😳

❤️

--Deepti--