Zoya was having a hard time battling with her emotions as she drove through the streets of Bopal. She was back in India after a whole year. Zoya rested her head against the taxi seat. So much had happened. She looked at her right palm and gently touched the "A" that was now burned into her hand. Who thought mendhi could be so deadly. She smiled to herself and rolled the window down letting the breeze in. Zoya looked out and then opened her iPad and began idly flipping through pictures of all that happened a year ago. She would have been still living in India if he had only listened to her. But what is the point of a relationship if there is no trust. I gave him the all evidence still he didn't trust me thought Zoya. She stopped at a picture of their photo shoot. When he told called her "khubsoorat". She closed her eyes at that memory and recalled his touch on her scar. She loved him then and still loved him now. But it was too late. Who knows what went on in his life? She didn't want to come back. But she had too. She was back in India for the same reason she came to India one year ago. Before everything happened, before she was forced to face the reality of life. She looked at the letter that was the sole reason for her return.
Dear Miss Farooqi
You may not remember me, but I am the man you brought your abbu's picture too. I am the man that told you your abbu was dead. Miss Farooqi, the reason I write to is to tell you the truth. I have been living with that guilt for over a year now. Miss Farooqi, your abbu is alive. I was paid a large amount of money to tell you that lie. I know you have no reason to believe me now. But Allah, has punished me. I am dying and I want to face my maker with a guilt free conscience. I don't know how this information is going to help you, but it was woman that knows you very well. And someone that I feel had a lot to lose. You were very close Miss Farooqi to the truth about abbu. I did recognise your abbu. He is alive and in Bopal. I will try and find out more information for you. And will let you know once I do.
Allah Hafiz Miss Farooqi.
That was a month ago and Zoya had not heard since from the man. Zoya had to find out answers. The taxi driver announced that they had arrived at the market. Zoya got out the taxi and asked the driver to wait. Zoya knew exactly where to go. This was very familiar to her. As Zoya approached the shop she saw a crowd. She made her way to the front, what Zoya saw in front of her , brought her to her knees, the tears began to freefall down her cheeks. Is this some sort of joke, thought Zoya. Ya Allah, what do you want from me can my life never be simple. In front of Zoya covered in a white sheet was the man that brought her to India. So close yet so far. She came all this way, pushed away all the memories she tried to forget, only for this man that had all the answers she needed. Allah Miya what do I do now. Zoya was still on her knees sobbing her heart out. As the men lifted the body and began to walk away, the crowd followed. Zoya was now alone again when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Zoya" came a shaky voice. Zoya wiped her tears got up and turned around. The girl in front of her crushed her in a hug and cried. Zoya just held the shaking girl. Finally pulling away from her and wiping her tears. "Tamatar" said Zoya smiling hugged her back. Najma and Zoya held each other and cried for everything that was, is and could have been. Zoya finally moved their reunion to the nearest bench. Najma asked "What are you doing here, when did you come back, why didn't you come home Zoya" Home thought Zoya. She thought the Khan mansion was her home. Zoya wiped Najma's tears and smiled "One question at a time Tamatar, I came here to meet that man, he had some information about my abbu. Don't ask, long story. I got back now only. And Najma, you know that was never my home. I was only a guest there. I could not come back" smiled Zoya sadly. Najma just cried some more. Zoya now began to get worried. "Hey hey, tamatar what's wrong." Zoya looked at the bag Najma was holding, it was filled with loads of medication, In the panic that Zoya was in she mistakenly dropped the bag. "Tamatar, who is all that medication for?" asked Zoya. Najma just started crying more. Zoya was now really worried. "Najma, you are scaring me. What's wrong? Is everyone okay?". Najma just said "Ammi" and Zoya felt the heart squeeze. "What's wrong with phupi Najma? Asked Zoya all in a panic. "Woh Zoya" hiccupped Najma, Zoya rubbed her back and prompted her to speak. "Zoya, ammi is really very sick. At first she used to get dizzy spells, headaches which eventually led to a stroke, now she is completed bed ridden" cried Najma. Ya Allah, thought Zoya how much more cruel can you be. My phuphi did nothing to any one, then why all this pain. Zoya wiped away her tears. She will not ask about Mr Khan, as much as her heart was dying to know she will not. Zoya then bent down to pick up all the medication that she dropped. Zoya picked up a bag of baby diapers. Zoya's mind was working over time. "Eerr Tamatar who is this for?" asked Zoya trying to sound calm. Najma looked at Zoya "Oh that's for Tanveer's baby, she asked me pick on some on my home" explained Najma. Zoya felt her heart shatter and the pieces we poking her chest. Mr Khan married Tanveer and they have a baby. Ya Allah, can you destroy me anymore. Zoya pushed back the pain she was feeling. No she was not going to cry over him anymore.
"Zoya, you have to come home. Ammi will see you and be very happy. Zoya ammi has never forgotten you. She still believes that someday you will come back" smiled Najma and continued "You know Zoya, she once told me that you will come rescue her. You know Zoya ammi believed you even after Ajmer, all that you had said ammi believed you. She fought with bhaijaan to bring you back. She contacted your appi and your appi refused to tell her anything. Ammi kept saying that you will rescue her" cried Najma some more. Zoya. Zoya held Najma closer. Najma was the little sister she always wanted, her best friend; she could stand to see the tears in her eyes. Phuphi, thought Zoya and her heart ached. Why would phuphi think I would rescue her? Thought Zoya. Is somebody harming her? Zoya remembered Najma mentioned Tanveer was still there. Was she harming phuphi? But why? She has all that she wants now, why would she still hurt anyone. All these questions were swimming in Zoya's head repeatedly when she felt a shake on shoulder. "Zoya, zoya" said Najma a little louder. Zoya cleared her head. "Yeah, yeah I am listening" said Zoya. "Zoya, please come home. I don't know what happened. But maybe if ammi sees you she will be better and besides bhaijaan is not home, please Zoya, for ammi" Najma pleaded with tears in her eyes. How could Zoya say no. She was never a selfish person and this was for her phuphi, the closest person she had to a mother.
Najma and Zoya made their way back to the taxi that Zoya had waiting for. On the way Zoya couldn't help think how she promised herself that she will never step foot in that house again. All the things she faced in that house, was not all bad. There were moments of love and joy but the pain and betrayal shadowed all those moments. She looked at the "A" that was now embedded in her hand forever. No, she is not going back for him but for her phuphi. Zoya had to know why phuphi thought she will rescue her. She could not turn a blind eye to that. Najma could sense Zoya's turmoil. Najma held Zoya's hand and a lone tear streaked down Zoya's face. The ride to Khan Mansion was silent. As they approached the house, Zoya's heart constricted. The taxi stopped and she asked the driver to wait. Najma and Zoya walked to the door. A flood of memories hit Zoya once Najma opened the door. She could see Mr Khan and her in every part of the house. The living room, when he asked if she wanted to be engaged to him. The dining table brought back numerous memories, his bedroom door. No, Zoya. Zoya scolded herself, do not think of all that. It never mattered to him. Focus Zoya. You are here to see phupi. Najma left her bags down. And they moved to Dilshaads room. Najma opened the door and Zoya froze. Dilshaad lay all frail on the bed, looking really bad. Like she has been threw a thousand torture. Tears free flowed from Zoya's eyes. She moved slowly to Dilshaad. Zoya sat on the bed next to her beloved phuphi and held her hand. Dilshaad slowly opened her eyes. First Dilshaad eyes registered shock, to see Zoya and then the love could easily be seen. Zoya held Dilshaad's hand to her heart and dropped her head and cried. Najma held Zoya's shoulder. And the 3 ladies cried feeling each other's pain. Zoya then noticed Dilshaad's grip get tighter on her hand. Zoya looked at Dilshaad struggling to move her other hand. Zoya and Najma frantically tried to help Dilshaad but Dilshaad kept trying to move her hand. "Najma, get some water quick" said Zoya quickly. Dilshaad's hand was still moving slowly and shakily towards her nightstand. Zoya looked at what Dilshaad was trying to get, and it broke her heart. There was a framed picture of the engagement. A family picture of Dilshaad, Najma, Zoya and Mr Khan. Zoya picked up the frame and a fresh set of tears made its way down her cheeks. Zoya handed Dilshaad the picture. But Dilshaad with all the strength she had dropped the frame. At first Zoya was shocked. She looked down at the broken frame and noticed a page. Zoya bent down to pick up the folded page. Zoya looked at Dilshaad again and noticed a watery smile. Zoya opened the letter and held Dilshaad's hand.
My dearest Zoya,
I knew deep down in my heart you would come back. Let me start by saying that I am really sorry. I should have never let you go. You are the heart of my home. You are my daughter. Zoya beta, whatever happened. We cannot change. But I also wanted you to come back home. This is your home Zoya. You belong here. Everything that happened was not your fault. I am not going to defend my son. But he thought he was doing the right thing. You see Asad could never let anyone down. Once he took responsibility for that person, he stuck by them. Asad never thinks about his self, just like you. I am not going to get into that. Right now, he is heartbroken and too blinded.
Zoya, something is wrong. I believe whatever you said about Tanveer is the truth. Whenever I tried to confront her or tell Asad about it she just proved me wrong. She made me think I am paranoid and going crazy. Whenever I confronted her, I always got sick. I have no proof to say that she doing anything. But I know she is really angry cos I was getting to close to the truth, she is hiding alot of things Zoya. Beta, she is trying to take your place. How could I Zoya that place in my family belongs to you.
Zoya, the reason I am writing to you and I do hope you get this is because I am scared something might happen to me and my family will be destroyed. I know you will come save us. Zoya, I need your help to protect my family, your family Zoya. Something bad is going to happen, I can feel it. Zoya, I need to protect my children to protect yours and our home. I know I am asking too much of you, especially after everything that has happened, I have no one else to turn to Zoya. Please rescue us.
Zoya, you can decide to leave and I will understand. After all I am a woman and given everything that I have been through I would not want you go through the same pain. But Zoya, if you loved me, please stay and fight for our family. Help me save them Zoya, please.
Love and always love
Your phuphi that loves you like a daughter
Zoya was too shocked to respond. She looked and Dilshaad and cried some more. "Phupi, I am sorry. I was not here. I could have stopped all this. I am so sorry phuphi. Phuphi, you are the only ammi I recongise. I will stay and fight for you and Najma phuphi." Zoya held Dilshaad's hand to her heart. "but phuphi you have to get better. I will stay and fight, but you have to fight too, to get better" Zoya kissed Dilshaad's forehead. Zoya fold the letter and puts it into her pocket. She will stay and protect her family, leaving for a mistake, I let them down. I am so sorry phuphi. I was too hurt and I thought going away would actually lessen my pain. I was wrong. Zoya bent down to pick up the glass pieces, life and the heart is like glass ' once it breaks it can never be put back the way it was. Zoya caressed the picture and held it to her heart. No, Tanveer outwitted me once before thought Zoya and I let her. No, this time she has nothing to prove to Mr Khan ' he has his little family. This time she will fight for phuphi. I came to India to find my abbu, but this time it's about my ammi, maybe Allah Miya has other plans for me. Zoya looked at Dilshaad, Dilshaad was always treated her like a daughter and Zoya always felt a mother's love from Dilshaad. Phuphi is my ammi and I will protect her, and God forbid if Tanveer has hurt her, I will make you pay Tanveer, and this time Tanveer I don't care who is protecting you. Zoya stood up, placed the picture on the night stand and kissed her ammi. Dilshaad smiled, Dilshaad finally looked relaxed, and she squeezed Zoya's hand like telling her thank you. "I will be back ammi" smiled Zoya. Dilshaad's hand slowly rose to touch Zoya's cheek. At that moment Najma entered, Najma shouted "Ammi!" Najma rushed forward and hugged Dilshaad. Zoya was surprised. "Zoya, ammi could not lift her hand before. Thank you Zoya, Thank you. I knew ammi needed you, Zoya please don't leave, please Zoya "Sobbed Najma whilst pleading with Zoya.
"No Tamatar, I am not going anywhere" Said Zoya as she touched the letter in her pocket. "I will not leave our ammi alone now" proclaimed Zoya. Zoya hugged Dilshaad and Najma. "Zoya, your room is exactly how you left it, bhaijaan didn't allow to change a thing" said Najma. Zoya was surprised, why Mr Khan would do that thought Zoya. He has moved on. Oh well, thought Zoya, shrugging her shoulders' he was always a complicated man. "Ammi, I will be right back, I have to get my bags and send the taxi away" smiled Zoya. Zoya walked outside, paid the taxi driver and rolled her bags towards her room. As Zoya slowly opened the door, the flood of memories hit her hard. The first time he saw her scars and called her beautiful, all the times he scolded her. NO! Zoya's brain shouted. You are here for ammi and Najma ' no one else. Zoya walked out of the room. As she took the first step, she heard a voice "Who are you? What are you doing here? Who let you inside?" Zoya fisted her hands and slowly turned around. Tanveer dropped the baby bottle she was holding. The stare down was brutal. Every threat, every word of Tanveer's played in Zoya's head. Tanveer slowly approached Zoya and gritted "What are you doing here?" "Don't you have any shame coming back here" growled Tanveer and continued "Was the humiliation not enough the first time round, that you are back for more?" smirked Tanveer. Zoya smiled and said "Why scared Tanveer?" "Please Zoya, I got rid of you the first time. I will get rid of you again" challenged Tanveer. "Oh Really" laughed Zoya. "You see Tanveer, the first time I was fighting for the wrong person but this time I am here for my family and I swear Tanveer, if I find out you are responsible for anything that my ammi has gone through I will destroy you. Don't think this is the same Zoya that left. Tanveer, look at me carefully, I am the shield between you and my ammi" warned Zoya. Tanveer laughed "Ammi, Zoya? Now you are making relationships where there is none". Zoya smiled and replied "Tanveer, that's where you are wrong, that was one relationship that was the strongest and you could never touch. Even after I left you couldn't fill that place. Tch, Tch Tanveer, you still the outsider looking inside". Tanveer was now beyond furious, she raised her hand to slap Zoya "How dare you? Who the hell do you think you are to threaten me" Shouted Tanveer . Zoya caught her hand and said "Keep your voice down Tanveer" pushing her hand away Zoya continued "Who am I you ask? I am Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan" announced Zoya directly looking into Tanveer's eyes.
CRASH!!
Zoya turned around to follow the crash and there stood her husband..Asad Ahmed Khan..
Thank you Sohini..🤗
