Chapter 11:
Zoya and Najma walked into the house laughing from the discussions that they had in car. Zoya walked into her room to put her bags down and so did Najma.
Zoya went to go freshen up as she did feel a bit tired. She then started to wrap the gift that she had bought for Shukria and Husain.
Asad walked towards zoya's room to ask her about tomorrow when her phone rang
*ring ring*
Zoya looked at her phone. It was her friend from New York. She put it on speaker while she continued to wrap the present
Zoya: HEY ASIF!
Asif: ZOYAA!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope I'm not too late!
Zoya: Haha not late at all! Actually a bit early! But thank you!
Asif: Damn, sorry! I'm really bad at these timings things. So how's your trip so far? Any plans for tomorrow?
Zoya: Well trip is fine. I am staying at someone's house as a guest. And no plans for tomorrow. The only person who knows my birthday is tomorrow is Shukria and she's too busy with her wedding and all.
Asif: Oh yeah, true! Tell her I say congrats! I have to go. I'll talk to you soon! Have an awesome birthday Zoya!
Zoya: I will and thanks Asif! Bye
Asif: Bye!
Both cut the phone and Zoya finished her wrapping.
Asad heard the whole conversation. He went to his room without asking her anything.
Asad (to himself) Her birthday! Tomorrow! I don't even have time to buy her a gift! What should I do?
As he was pacing his room something caught his eye.
Asad: Thats it!
***** At the dinner table*****
Everyone had their dinner. It was a quiet normal dinner, though no one spoke. Finally Dilshad broke the silence.
Dilshad: Zoya beta, is the sangeet tomorrow or the day after?
Zoya: Its the day after. By the way, will you and Najma be able to make it?
Dilshad: I'm affraid not. If it were tomorrow, we could have come. But the day after tomorrow Najma and I have to visit someone. You and Asad enjoy the sangeet though
Zoya: Aww. That sucks. But atleast we can all go to the mehendi in a week and then the wedding.
Najma: Yeah, I am really excited for the mehendi expessialy. But tell Shukria we say sorry and congrats.
Zoya: Sure Tamatar.
Everyone finished their dinner and went to their rooms.
Every year Zoya stays up till 12 looking up the stars, wishing her family were with her, and this year she was going to do the same.
It was 11: 50pm and Zoya went outside to the garden and sat on the bench. She kept her phone with her to count down.
Zoya: Just 5 minutes left, and yet I'm alone just like every year.
She wasn't in the greatest mood. Every year on her birthday, the only thing she could think of was another year passed without a family.
*** In asads room***
Asad: Damn, 5 minutes left. Im gonna check if shes sleeping.
Asad excited his room and entered her room. He looked around and saw no Zoya.
Asad: Either she's sleep walking or she went out for her midnight birthday moment.
He walked outside to the garden to see her sitting on the bench. He checked his watch. There was 1 minute.
He slowly walked towards her without her noticing.
Zoya: Allah Miya, all i ask for you is a family. Someone who I can love and someone who can love me forever.
Asad heard this and thought "your wish will come true Ms. Farooqui. Just wait and watch"
There was 10 seconds left. Zoya began to countdown
Zoya: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one and...
Asad: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOYA!
She was startled! She turned to see Asad right behind her with a guitar in one hand and a piece of cake in the other.
Zoya: UH, Thanks! But how did you know.
Asad: Thats not important. Now blow your candle before the breeze does it for you.
He put the guitar down and held the cake to her. She closed her eyes and made a wish. Asad looked at her natural beauty. He could do anything to have this moment stay forever.
Zoya opened her eyes and blew out the candle.
Zoya: Thanks Asad. Thats really sweet of you!
Asad: No problem.
Zoya and asad sat down as she ate her cake.
Zoya: Did you want a bite?
Asad: No thats okay.
Zoya: Yeah sure you dont. this is good. Just try it!
Zoya took the fork and put it to his mouth waiting for him to open it. He opened up as she fed him like a child.
Asad: It is good!
Zoya: See I told you!
Asad: Okay, for your birthday, I thought why not teach you how to play a guitar.
Zoya: Really! YAY! I didn't even have to wait that long!
Asad picked up the guitar and put it on her lap. She held it but was a bit confused on how to play it and where to position her hands. Asad got up and walked behind her. He put his face beside hers and his hands on her gentle small hands. He positioned her hands and taught her how to strum correctly. One she got the hang of it she began to move away, but his force stopped her. There was something about him that made her feel all weird inside, somewhat nervous. He brushed his cheeks one her and his hands slowly traveled up her soft arms. He could her feel her Goosebumps forming and was glad he had that effect on her. She put the guitar on the side and got up. She turned and looked at him. There were so many emotions going through her right now.
He began to walk forward. She was completely lost in his eyes. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. He then cupped her face and started to move his close. She closed her eyes and was breathing heavily. Just before their lips could touch, something scarred them both.
*WOOF WOOF*
A dog started to bark out of no where. They both moved back and looked up at each other.
Zoya smiled, blushed and ran inside.
Asad: Happy birthday Zoya (he whispered)
Precap: Dilshad and Najma singing Happy birthday to Zoya!
Cricket
CID
19