SantaClaus &Tooth Fairy-FF,Chapt 16 updated,(23/7) PG 70

"Ya Allah Sara! I am going to be late... Its already 5.30 and the parents will soon take away all the children home.. please Sara, just cover for me this once and in return I will do anything for you that you wish me to do."

Zoya Siddique pleaded with her colleague Sara Shaik for what Sara would describe as the thousandth time since that afternoon. Sara groaned and looked at Zoya who was struggling to push a red and white costume which Sara already knew was a replica of a Santa Claus's dress, into her already overstuffed large carry bag.

"Zoe...how many times have I already told you to go? You are the one dilly dallying all this time, because you are afraid to go." Sara quipped.

Zoya knew that Sara was right and Zoya knew that Sara would always help her as well, but what could she do when of all the days, on this Christmas Eve, her boss had to give them so much work to do and had instructed them not to leave the office till everything was done.

It has been 5 months since Zoya had started working in the office of Sunrise Designs, an Architectural firm as a software engineer, and she was still in her probation period and she did not want to jeopardize her job at any cost.

She could very well remember her struggling days and how she went from one job interview to another without any hope till she met Sara at a cafe one day and became friends with her.

She has firsthand experience of how difficult it was to get a job even with a degree from a prestigious College, even in a city like Bhopal, or perhaps it's better to say that especially in a city like Bhopal where there still weren't too many job opportunities for females, unlike in places like Mumbai.

So she really thanked Allah for her chance meeting with Sara that day. During the course of their chit chatting, Sara had found out about Zoya's job hunting and had told Zoya about a vacancy at her office and had instructed her to apply for it. Zoya did but because of her nervousness, the interview did not go as well as Zoya wanted, and the rudeness of the CEO of the company wasn't a help either.

So Zoya was really surprised when they called her two days later and informed her that although they weren't very satisfied with her, she was the best out of the lot and hence they were offering her the job but she has to prove herself during her probation period of six months.

To say that Zoya was ecstatic would be simple; and she was all the more happy when she learnt that she would be working along with Sara. Even after a single meeting she knew that Sara was someone very genuine and caring and someone with whom she would get along very well, and she promised herself that she would work very hard to prove her capability during these six months so that she could secure this job permanently.

Zoya knew that she could not afford to lose this job at any cost and she had worked so hard during the past five months, but there were also some other things in her life that were so close to her heart that no matter how much she wanted and tried, it was too hard to refrain herself from doing them as well, and what she was about to do today was one such thing.

"Thanks Sara! You are the best" Zoya blew a kiss to Sara and finally managed to muster enough courage to walk out from their cabin.

"I know that I'm the best Zoe... enjoy yourself." Sara chuckled seeing her friend rushing out. She knew that only Zoya would do such a thing as dressing up as Santa Claus and go to a children's Park on the eve of Christmas day to distribute gifts to children; gifts on which she had spent half of her previous month's salary while she was still struggling financially as well.

After getting to know Zoya, Sara realized how lucky she was to have been born to two loving parents and having an elder brother who looks after her well being, and for never having to struggle for anything in her life, despite them being not so rich and a typical middle class family. Compared to her, Zoya's life till now was so different and so difficult. Zoya never liked divulging about her past, but during the course of their five month friendship, Sara has learnt quite a lot about Zoya and she always marveled at how Zoya tried to be happy and cheerful and content with her life, despite all her problems and her loneliness.

As soon as Zoya was out of her office building, she ran to the Auto stand nearby and without even asking the driver first, she sat on the backseat of the first Auto in line.

"Bhai please hurry up to BHEL Children's Park" an impatient and out of breath Zoya told the Auto driver.

The driver looked at Zoya bewildered but luck was on Zoya's side this time because he started the ignition without saying anything.

As soon as she reached the park, Zoya gave a 100 Rupees note to the driver, and without even waiting for the change, rushed madly to the entry ticket counter.

Once inside the park, she sighed in relief when she saw many children still at the park enjoying their evening. That sight and the sound of the children's laughter brought so much peace to Zoya that she hugged herself warmly.

She then searched for the restroom and luck was again on her side because when she entered, the whole place was very unusually quiet and deserted. She quickly entered the first cubicle and dragged the Santa Clause costume out of her bag. First, she put the red trouser above her pants and next she took out a red velvet jacket and put that above her kurta Top. She caressed the white fluffy borders around the sleeves and the edges of the jacket which was made with a fur like material and this reminded her of the day when she went to a tailor to stitch this costume five years back and how specific she had been about the white border and the incredulous look the tailor gave her. She had ignored the tailor's look and asked him to do it exactly as she requested, knowing very well that the tailor or for that matter anyone else also would never understand how close to her heart this was , and how much she wanted the costume to be an exact replica of the Santa Claus.

She then proceeded with putting on the cape, which again had a white fluffy trimming and a pom pom dangling from one side.

The next item she took out of her bag was a long fake beard with mustache and she smiled excitedly while putting it on. A pair of white gloves, glasses and a black belt completed her look.

Seeing herself in the mirror she smiled in satisfaction and proceeded to go out carrying her large canvas bag.

PS. i know there is no introduction to Asad in this yet and believe me , i am as eager as you for Asad's introduction but you will have to bear with me till the end of next chapter for Asad... because i don't want to rush it as this story needs a full and detailed introduction to Zoya and her life and what makes Zoya who she is.😉

Originally posted by: MisHumptyDumpty

YAYAAYAYa

Originally posted by: s120

This is so adorable 😳

Looking forward to it

Glad you started writing another story 😃

And wish you a Merry Christmas 🤗

Originally posted by: kaussar

Shreya you both trolling me or what!..😆.. just joking,, actually its so wonderful to see you both comment so fast.

Gald you liked the start.. will try to update soon.

Wish you a merry Christmas too and a wonderful New Year.😃

Originally posted by: starsinmyeyes

Hey Kaussar...great to see u back regularly...lovely story...do continue soon😃,,and Merry Christmas

Originally posted by: GitaIyer

THat's so well written.

Asad missing in the episodes and in your SS too.

But thankfully, you gave an assurance that he will appear in the next chapter.

Pls. update soon.