FF: Under the Wishing star (New update Ch 19)

Zoya re-read the shayeri she found online. The poem touched her heart. Tonight she felt a deeper empathy towards the unlucky star. "Woh kehte hain na..dusro ke liye khud khatam hone ki chah sirf ek toothe huae tare mein hi hoti hai"

"Allah Mia! Wish I had the strength to do the same" She prayed. She was on the terrace watching the preparation for Asad's engagement which was going on in the lawn, with a full swing. No matter how much she tried, she couldnt bring herself to help Poophi and Najma with the event planning. Every person has a limit to how much pain they can endure. And planning a wedding for the man she loved; was hers.

Instead she stood there quietly in the dark hoping to catch a glimpse of the ill-fated star so that she could ask for another wish. That thought made her think of the last time she asked for a wish. It was the night Asad came to Hill top garden to take her home. God! How much she had annoyed him that night. Then, right before they could walk away she had wished that he would fall in love with a girl who wore jeans, who was independent and broad minded and who would refuse to live by his rules. She had unconsciously wished that he would fall in love with her. But looks like their fate wished otherwise. For Asad was definitely not in love with her. She winced remembering the incident when she had accidently over heard Asad and Poophi arguing with each other'

"Asad, Zoya is perfect for you; son. She comes from a very good family and we all love and adore her. Why won't you agree to marry her?"

"Ami, she might come from a nice family but she is very undisciplined and stubborn. She does not listen to anybody and I don't think she cares about anyone but herself. Why would you want such a women to marry your son is beyond me" Asad replied in disgust.

"That's precisely why I think she is perfect for you. She is the only person who stands up to you, who can make you do things you don't want to do and who has the inane ability to push you out of your comfort zone, beta. That's exactly the kind of girl you need. Not a submissive one whom you can dominate."

"Inane ability?" Asad was exasperated, " Ami, you must mean insane ability, coz that's what she is insane. I can't stand her and you want me to marry her! I cant believe this! Ami few days ago you brought the proposal of Hashim Aziz's daughter Aaliya. Woh mujhe pasand hain. Why don't you proceed with that proposal. Main unse nikah karne ke liye razi hu. "

"Par Asad, ek bar toh'

"Nahi Ami'She is brought up in a different culture. Her lifestyle, her opinions and her outlook is completely different then ours'Woh kuch din ke liye yaha aayi hain'Aur unhe please apna kaam kar ke jaane di jiye. The sooner she leaves the better I will feel."Asad had walked away that day leaving Poophi very disturbed. Nobody bothered to notice Zoya standing in the corner with tears in her eyes.

Tonight those tears were back in her eyes. She didn't realize that Asad hated her so much. If she had, she would not have made the folly of falling in love with him. That Impossible Man had stolen her heart!

And now, she had to watch him marry another woman. A woman who was flawless and perfect.

Before she met Asad, she never thought that she was lacking in any way. But now she felt like she was totally flawed and unsuitable. "Jahapanah is definitely not good for my self esteem" she muttered to herself. And if she had one more wish she would hope that she could fall out of love so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain of her heartbreaking. But she was having no such luck. Tonight, for the first time in a long while she felt lonely. She wished her mom was alive so she could hug her and cry in her arms. Cry for the love that would remain incomplete.

"Allah Mia! What's wrong with me? If M.r Asad Ahmed Khan thinks that he is so much better than me then he is delusional. He would be ever so lucky if I give him any time of my day. Waise bhi'I may not be in love with him, after all it could be just a crush an infatuation'Hota hai sab ko aisi khatarnak bimari apne life time main kabhi na kabhi'Aur maine haali main internet pe Desert Syndrome ke bare main pada tha..Desert syndrome mein jab do log saath rahte hain toh unhe ek doosre ke liye pyar vyar jaise ehasaas ho jaata hai. But that's not real love. That's it! Zoya you are not in love'Its just Desert syndrome. May be if I concentrate on finding Abu I won't feel so bad. That's it kal main woh purne khandar ke baju wali building ki owners ka pata laga thi hu. Once I find my abu I can leave this country and Asad Ahmed Khan forever" Zoya spoke to herself in quiet determination as she watched the hustle and bustle of planners running around to do the decoration for tomorrow.

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Asad was watching the same scene from the window of his study. No matter how much he tried he couldn't concentrate on his work tonight. Everything was happening just like he wanted. He was marrying a girl who was cultured and was inbred in their tehzeeb. Aaliya would make him a perfect wife. But then why was his heart getting so restless at the thought of marrying her? Why was Zoya so constantly on his mind? He cannot be in love with her, could he? No. No way. He had to admit to himself that he may be slightly attracted to her'but that's it. He cannot make her his life partner. The girl had no respect for traditions, culture or even marriage. Hell! She even ran away from her own nikah. Admittedly Akram and his family were totally wrong. But still a woman, who can run out on her nikah without so much as by your leave, can run out on her marriage, her husband without any remorse. Just like Rashid Ahmed Khan.

And he would be damned if he let another person run out on him. No his decision was right. Zoya was not for him at all. And like he told his Ami, it is better if she finishes her work and leave asap.

He turned and spotted his earlier-broken-but-now-fixed cellphone on the table. He picked it up and all the moments he spent arguing with Zoya flashed before his eyes. He recalled every word, every look and every touch that passed between them. He could still remember how she felt when he had held her in his arms. She fit him perfectly.

"Stop it! Stop it! Stop thinking about Zoya. You are getting engaged to Aaliya. That it!" he lectured himself and got back to his laptop with high hopes to try and work for the rest of the night.

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Chapter Two

Dil ke dard ko dil torne wale kya jana,

Pyar ki rasmo ke yeh zamane wale kya jane,

Hoti hai kitni taklif kabar ke niche,

Yeh upar se phool charane wale kya jane...

Who was she kidding? She was still very much in love with her Jahapanah. But she knew she had to be strong. She could never let him know how she felt about him. Not now, not ever. He was an engaged man now. And she was still Zoya. A very much flawed Zoya who had stood by bravely watching him put an engagement ring on the finger of another woman. Allah Mia! Even her thoughts were depressing her these days. Her only satisfaction was that she was making some progress in her investigation. The khandar walla building belonged to Riyaz Construction Company. A company that was dissolved 18 years ago. The names of the principals are still unknown as no legitimate papers could be found that named the owners. All she could find out was that the building that burned down was involved in an insurance scam. But the details of the case were missing from the police records. Someone had managed to hush up the whole affair and had managed to dust the ashes under the rug so no one could be held accountable. And because of them she had lost every one. Her parents. She was standing at the door way of their house planning her next move when a husky voice interrupted...

"Are you going to stand here the whole day or are you going to come in?

Zoya snapped out of her bubble "Well...uh...Well actually I am on my way out. So...uh...So ... I am leaving. Bye." Zoya walked out of the house in a hurry. Avoiding Asad as much as possible was her only defense against her pain. The less time she spent with him the lesser it would hurt. Out of sight, out of mind as they say was a good strategy. But obviously luck was not on her side these days as...

" Zoya wait. I am on my way out too. May be I can drop you to your destination." Asad had followed her outside.

Zoya stopped abruptly and turned around astonished. What is this? Asad Ahmed Khan offering me...Zoya Farooqi a lift... Well hell no...I cant be around him.

"uhm... No thanks M.r. Khan. I can find my own way. Beside I am not going the way you are going anyway. Humare raaste alag alag hain"

"May be. Where are you going? Mera matalb hain which way are you going?"

"I am going towards the lakeroad. Which is in the opposite direction to your office. So don't bother. I can go on my own." She explained in a hurry.

"Well actually, I am going towards lake road too. Ami needs some things from the market. So get in I will drop you." He replied and walked around his car to open the door for her.

Left with no other choice but to get in she stomped her way around the car and got in.

"Put your seat belts on" he instructed as he pulled the car out from the drive way.

Zoya forced herself to look out the window. These days she couldn't bear being in his presence without feeling like an emotional wreck. Allah Mia! What is wrong with me? I am stronger than this. I am no purni film ki actress who pines away for her lover. Zoya Farooqi does not pine. She thought. It's time to face the situation like a rational person. He doesn't love me while I might have some slight feelings for him... Ok hell I am in love with him. But I will deal with it... I will show...

"Are you ok?" once again Asad interrupted her

"uhm Sorry?"

Asad hesitated "Well it looked like you were talking to yourself"

"Oh..yeah?" She laughed nervously "Well you know what they say I am having an interesting conversation with an interesting person"

Asad looked blankly at her.

"Me." Zoya pointed at herself unnecessarily.

"uh huh" he looked unconvinced.

Awkward silence again. Zoya bit her lips and forced herself to look out the window. She sighed. It was so hard to carry on a simple conversation with him without wanting to fall at his feet and proclaim her love for him.

"What are you going to do at the lake road?" Asad asked after few minutes.

Zoya snapped her head back in his direction. This was the first time Jahapanah had taken any interest in her affairs. She knew she couldn't tell him her real reason but was thrilled that he cared enough to ask. Allah Mia! What's wrong with you Zoya? It could just be polite interest from his part. Now for god sake answer the man he is waiting.

" Er...Woh I needed to find the owners of that burned building. So I am going to the community Centre to look for some records."

"Huh...yeh wohi building hain naha jiski tasveer tumhne dikahi thi?

"Yes."

"Is building mein itna interest kyu hain? I mean it's not even a good property for investment purposes either. Besides it is kind of tied up in court because of a scam case" Asad informed

"I know. Woh..uh ..woh main ek project kar rahi hu. That's why I am gathering information."

"Project?" Asad sounded skeptical.

"Yeah. Jiju ke liye...Thodi top secret hain so I can't talk about it much"

"hmm" Asad started tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

I have to get out of here, Zoya thought desperately. Luckily they were turning towards lake road already. Now she can get the hell away from him.

"Bas yaha rokh dijiyega." Zoya snapped the order. She was already out of her seat belts way before he could stop the car. She literally jumped out of the car without even letting him park.

"Thanks Mr. Khan. Now I will go on my own. Bye" she rushed with her speech and then turned around and walked away.

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Asad sat in his car staring at Zoya's retreating back. That girl was a constant puzzle to him. One minute she is demanding and bratty and then next minute she is sweet and adorable. She is constantly getting in to trouble and messing up. Before she wouldn't stop talking and now these days he couldn't get her to say a sentence. She had been unusually quiet in these past weeks. Even Ami and Najma noticed her behavior. They were getting worried about her. Earlier she used to follow him around trying to annoy him. But lately he was hard put to find her in the same room with him for more than few minutes. She was forever sneaking out to that old building and coming home at odd hours. Spending very little time with Ami and Najma. So she was avoiding everyone not just him he thought feeling a little relieved.

Not that it mattered to him he said shaking himself out of that train of thought. But still he had gotten used to her chattering away in his presence. And he had already reached a point where he would come home to zoya and her messes and not blink an eye. And just when he got used to her interfering ways she went and changed on him again. She became quiet. These days it was hard for him to tell if Zoya was home.There were no bad shayaris at the breakfast table. No loud laughter from the living room. It almost felt his life had gotten back to normalcy- before zoya normalcy ie. And he wasn't happy.

God! He was losing his mind. He didn't know why Zoya ki khamoshi bothered him. But it did.

Hope the girl was not getting herself in to trouble. He thought. He parked his car and went about his shopping.

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Zoya was frustrated. The community centre lead was complete dead end. Not a single document existed which held any reference to the Riyaz Construction. It was almost as if the company vanished in to thin air.

"Allah Mia! What's wrong with you? Give me a break. Please help me find my Abu fast. I can't leave India without finding him. And I can't stay in that house with Mr. Khan. It's too difficult. If this search takes too long then I will have to move out. And I don't know how I will explain this to Poophi and Najma. Though Mr.Khan would be happy to see me go. Great! now i have to add house hunting in my to do list "

She stopped by the samosa stalls to buy lunch. "Bhaiya ek plate samosa dena." She placed the order and started shuffling through her backpack for cash.

Suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her from behind. One hand went around her waist and the other covered her mouth so she couldn't scream.

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Chapter Three

Jaane kyu log hame aajmate hai

kuch pal sath rahne ke baad dur chale jate hai

sach hi kahte hai log ki sagar ke milne ke baad

log barish ko bhul jate hai'

Asad had just finished his shopping and was placing his purchases in his car when he saw Zoya heading towards the Samosa stall. He shook his head in disapproval. How in the world does this girl digest so much junk food during the day was beyond him? May be if he offered to take her for lunch in a decent restaurant she won't have to eat that crap. It was already lunch time and he could do with some food before he had to head over for a meeting. He was already half way towards her when he saw someone grab her from behind.

He swore before he took off running towards them. He grabbed the man by his jacket and turned him around making him lose his grip on Zoya and then punched him across his face. The man lost his balance and fell on the ground.

He turned towards Zoya.

"Are you Ok?" He asked as he grabbed her checking for wounds.

"I am fine Mr. Khan." She replied slightly breathless.

" Are you sure? " he asked looking in to her eyes trying to confirm again

"Yeah I am. He just startled me" She confirmed looking in to eyes.

It always shook him how easily her eyes could capture his as if they would never let go. He could stay there looking in to her clear midnight eyes and search for all the answers in the world and find them in there. And like always something always interfered with his intentions...

"Uhm excuse me? Why the hell did you punch me out." The man on the ground muttered in an accusatory tone.

He was struggling to sit up. Asad pushed Zoya behind him placing himself between her and the threat.

The so- called threat was a young goofy Imran Khan (the actor) look- a- like who looked like he had just got off the plane at an international airport.

Great! Save me from all the foreign return people, Asad thought to himself grimly.

"You had the guts to grab a lady at a public place and you are asking me why I punched you. Apka dimaag toh tikhane pe hai na? Is mulkh main koi paraye aurtoh koh ankh Utah kar nahi dekta waha apne inhe haat lagane ki zurat ki hai," Asad replied menacingly.

" Who Paraye aurat? Maine toh Zoya ko pakda tha?" Imran Khan look-a-like grumbled

Hearing his words Zoya pushed Asad aside to stare at the guy's face and shrieked " Rehaan! Allah Miah!"

Zoya rushed to give Rehaan a hand.

"Rehaan ! What the hell are you doing here?" Zoya was busy shaking him

"Arrey! Pehle yeh toh batao is it safe to stand now? Ya yeh janab mujhe phir se punch karne waale he kya?" he asked wryly glancing at Asad who was looking very irritated.

"No. Mr. Khan sirf mujhe protect kar rahe the. He wont hurt you. Par Baatao nah tum India main kya kar rahe ho?"

"All in good time Zoya . Pehle give me hug." He asked giving Zoya a wide grin.

Zoya smiled fondly and threw herself into his arms. "Allah Mia! I missed you"

Rehaan enveloped her in a tight bear hug "I missed you too babes. Isliye toh...

But before he could finish, Zoya was yanked from his arms.

Asad pulled her aside "Yeh aap kya kar rahi hai? This is a public place. Achhe ghar ki ladkiya aise kisi Paraye Mardo ke gale nahi lagthi. Yeh Janab hai kaun?" Asad sounded annoyed.

His tone irritated Zoya " Achha ...toh jab beech beech main aap mujhe is tarah apne baho main leyte rehte, woh kya zamane ke samne tikh hain?..."

Asad fumbled to answer " Woh toh.."

Zoya stopped his answer by raising a hand " ...Aur waise bhi yeh paraya nahi hain..Yeh Rehaan hain mere bachpan ka dost aur mera best friend. Toh aap ke rules is par nahi fit hote hai."

"Oh Hellooo. If am not interrupting an important discussion toh can I say something" Rehaan sounded amused.

Zoya turned towards him sheepishly " Ya I am sorry haan. Par Mr Khan ki aadat hain mere har cheez main nooks nikalne ki..."

"Tum koi bhi cheez dangse karti hi nahi ho to koi kya kar sakta hai." Asad thundered

Zoya again turned towards him to argue, " Oh realllyyy"

"Ab tum dono phir se ladna shur karo isse pehle koi mujhe medical attention dega. Zoya, I think tumhare Mr Khan ne mera nose break kar diya hain." Rehaan winced.

Zoya rushed towards him "Allah mia! Bahot blood nikal raha hain kya? Chalo tum mere saath mere poophi ke ghar chalo. Waha main tumhare first aid karva deti hu. aur woh mere Mr Khan nahi hai got it"

Rehaan winked at her

Zoya grabbed Rehaan's arm and helped collect his bag.

"Tum mere saath chalo main tum dono ko ghar drop kar deta hu." Asad offered.

Zoya turned and glared towards him " Koi zarurat nahi hai Mr Khan. Rehaan ki aisi halat aapki wajay se hui hai. Now we don't need your help. Mere main itni capabilities toh hain ki main apne dost koh khud ghar le jaa sakti hu. Aur agar mere aisa karne se log mujhe batameez ya characterless samaj the hai to Samje.I don't care." She walked away with Rehaan in tow.

********************************************

Asad was fuming. Nope he was beyond pissed. He felt like throwing something around and then following that ungrateful girl home and shaking some sense in to her. Didn't she realize he was just protecting her? How was he to know that ...that cartoon looking NRI was her friend? And what was she thinking hugging a guy in broad daylights. Doesn't she realize that any reputation she might have would be in absolute shreds after such display. Or doesn't she care at all? This is India and not her NewYork where she can cozy up with any random guy in the name of friendship. And that friend of hers...He was grinning like a buffoon while he shamelessly asked her to hug him." I don't like the guy", Asad muttered to himself . It is better to follow them home and keep an eye on both of them...That cartoon doesn't seem to have right intentions. I mean Zoya might be annoying but she is after all Ami's and my responsibility. If anything happens to her under my care I would have to answer to Zoya's Jiju...Besides its not just her I am thinking about, there is Najma at home ...And I definitely don't want that cartoon around her.

Having satisfied his reasoning Asad Stomped towards his car. Time to find out all he can about this Rehaan fella.

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Chapter Four

Abu,

Jindagi Ki Har Lamho Me Apko Pate Hain,

Bhool Jayenge Khud Ko Par Apko Nahi Bhoolate Hain,

Jane Kya Baat Hai Aapme Ae Khuda,

Jitna Bhoolate Hain Aap Utna Yaad Aate Hain'

By Zoya

"Ouch"Rehaan winced. "Zoya tum mere zakhm ka illaz kar rahi ho ki naye Zakhm mujhe de rahi ho?"

"Stop fidgeting Rehaan. Tum tikh kar nahi betoge toh main medicine kaise lagaongi."

"hmm...'ouch...pyar se...'Toh yeh tumhare Jahapanah he huh? Tumne apni emails main bahut hi sahi description diya hain unka. Kya kaha ta tumne ki woh bilkul shero ki tarah looks deyte hai...'Right on the marks huh...'Woh toh mujhe aise dekh rahe hai jaise ki abhi mujhe Kahane wale hai...'Ouch! Araam se Zoya!"

"Sorry" Zoya turned to find Asad pacing outside her bedroom. She turned back to her task

"Unhe mind mat karna Rehaan woh toh aise hi hai. Par tum ne yeh abhi tak nahi bataya ki tum India Kyun aaye hon'Yeh lo tumhare first aid hogaya hain."

Rehaan sat up and drank the glass of water that Zoya handed him

"Hmm' I got an photo assignment from National Geographic magazine. So I was gonna come to India'...Jijju found some stuff that belonged to your abu in your Ami's belongings and wanted to send it to you...'So I offered to bring it over'...Gives me a reason to drop in and check on you too."

"Tum mere abu ke cheeze laye ho. Wow thanks haan."

"Haan aur tum chaho toh kuch din rehkar tumhare investigation main help bhi kar sakta hoon"

"Are you sure tum mujhe help karna chahte hoon. Kyunki U S main toh tum kuch aur hi dun gaa rahe the'tum aur Aapi dono mere India aane ke khilaf the."

"Ya Zoya because we were worried about you. Man! You were talking about finding your Abu after so many years. What if you don't find him? Or even worse what if you find him and then learn something terrible about him? Would you be able to handle that?

"I will deal with whatever comes in my way. Don't worry I will handle anything. But I need to know 'I need to know ki mere abu kaha hai'... he is the only one I have got left Rehaan. I cant lose him too " Zoya choked

"Zoya..Zoya" Rehaan was exasperated " None of us are against you finding your abu ...'we are just concerned about the danger that will follow you. You are trying to solve an 18 year old murder case. There is also foul play and cover up involved and not to mention an insurance scam. There are lot of questions and very few answers available. And how can you be sure your Abu is still alive?

"He is alive" zoya replied stubbornly

"How do you know? Because of a letter? Any one could have written that. If your Abu was really alive then why hasn't he made any efforts to communicate with you? Either he doesn't care about you or he has chosen not to contact you to ensure your safety. In either cases Zoya you trying to find him will only stir the pot."

Zoya was frustrated "Rehaan please. If you have come to discourage me. Toh tum yaha se jaa sakte ho. Par main apne Abu ko dunde bageyar nahi aana chahoongi"

Rehaan walked towards her putting his arm around her shoulder " No Zoya main tumhe discourage nahi karoonga...'mere kuch din ki chutiya hain'toh main yaha rehkar tumhe help kar sakta hoon after all hum ek team hain yaar. And also it will give me some time to check out your Mr Sher Khan." Rehaan said in a cheerful tone glancing at Asad who was still pacing outside her corridor.

Zoya pushed Rehaan's hand off her shoulder " He is not my Mr Khan. Woh sirf meri guardian ban kar gumthe rehte hain. He doesn't like me and only puts up with me because I am Poophi's guest ' Besides he is engaged to someone else." Zoya bit off painfully

"Really." Rehaan sounded amused.

In truth Rehaan was finding the whole scenario with Mr Asad Ahmed Khan too hilarious. It was pretty clear that Zoya had fallen in love with the tyrant. But for some reasons the usually bold Zoya had chosen not to reveal her feelings to her quarry. And Mr Asad Ahmed Khan has got it bad too. But he just doesn't want to admit it either. The guy was very possessive and protective about Zoya. And clearly he couldn't stand Zoya being close to anyone. Isn't that why he was currently digging a hole by pacing in the corridor. Might be fun to kick that horse or tickle the lion in this scenario. Rehaan liked what he saw in Asad. The man was in every way a perfect match for his Zoya. So why not stay here and play cupid for a while

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Not very far away, a phone rang in a well to do house hold. Some one picked it up.

A soft voice spoke "May i speak to Bhaijaan?"

The voice on the other side was bit stern "Speaking."

"Bhaijaan aaj koi ladki community centre main Riyaz constructions ke baare main ponch taj kar rahi thi...'Aur uske paas woh purane Khandar ke building ki bhi tasveer thi.."

There was silence on the other side.

Then the voice cracked sharply in to the receiver " Nazar rakho uspar."

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Chapter Five

Jab Kisi Ki Hassi Kisi Ki Muskaan Ban Jaye

Jab Kisi ka Choth kisi ka Dard Ban Jaye

Pyar Kehte Hai Usse

Jab Kisi Ki Saanse Kisi Ki Jaan Ban Jaye'

Zoya knew she was being followed. Every instinct in her body was screaming warnings out loud. It was 9.30 pm and there was absolutely nobody on the road. She increased her pace desperately wanting to leave the small gully she found herself in, this evening. Her search for her Abu was taking her to weird places. And now she was lost in these catacombs of narrow gullies and there was no cab in sight. Allah Mia! She should have waited for Rehaan to return from his assignment before she set out on her search today. But she was getting restless. Waiting around was never Zoya's game plan. Besides, Jahapanah was home today and she just wanted to stay clear from him. Lately, he seemed to be on a warpath, biting everyone's head off who was unfortunate enough to cross him. Allah Mia! How could you let me fall in love with this Akdu Ahmed Khan? She wondered.

Suddenly something crashed to the ground behind her. She turned around in fear. A black cat raced across the road. "Allah Mia! Calm down Zoya. It was just a cat'just a cat" Zoya muttered to herself nervously. May be it would be better if she calls Mr Khan to come and pick her up she was sure he would find her... "Wait'Allah Mia! What's wrong with you Zoya? Tum us Jillehlahi ko bulana chati ho'arrey agar unhe pata chal gaya ki tum raat ke 9.30 baje bahar ghum rahi ho toh woh aaj tumhe junglee haati ke pero tale khuchalwa denge'Nope not an option'Main Rehaan ko call karti hoon'maybe he might have reached home." Saying she removed her cell phone but there was no network signal on it. "Allah Mia! Yeh network ko bhi abhi jaana tha'now what do I do?..."

Footsteps echoed behind her and the street lamp flickered. Zoya turned to see who was coming but couldn't see the man's face in the dark. But then he increased his pace as if he was hurrying towards her. Zoya instinctively knew that whoever was now heading towards her meant business. She turned around and ran. She turned in to another one of those damn gullies which had no street lights. This one looked like a commercial one with rows of shops on either side. But all of their shutters were down and everyone seemed to have gone home for the day. Zoya stumbled in the dark but kept moving. She didn't know if that man was still following her and she didn't want to stop and find out. She tried to search for a phone booth but couldn't find one. Damn this country doesn't even have a useful phone shelters anywhere. She stopped to catch her breath. Allah Mia! Why did she forget to bring her pepper spray today? Aar woh paas hota toh us insaan pe main pepper spray mar paati' Was he still following her? She stopped to look'Nope she couldn't see anyone'ok enough break, time to go. She turned around and ran in to a stone wall. She shrieked and then everything faded into black.

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Asad kept glancing at an unconscious Zoya who was slumped sideways in his passenger seat. She was out cold for good and it worried him. May be he should drive her directly to a clinic and have her checked.

He and Rehaan had been out since an hour looking for her. Rehaan had headed over to that Khandar whalla building while Asad decided to check the mill house area. Thank God! She told Najma she was going to check out this place. Otherwise he would have never found her in these catacombs. What was wrong with that girl? Doesn't she have a lick of good sense? Anything could have happened to her in those dark alleys. As it is, it seemed like she was running from someone, he thought grimly. Asad had caught the look of terror flicker in her eyes moments before she collapsed at his feet. After he had managed to place her in his car he had turned around to check if he could see any one was following her. Noone.

But something or someone had terrified her. Asad could feel himself getting angry. He had told her not to roam around alone so late in the night. But does she listen? Nooo'Atleast she could have taken that foreign return buffoon with her. Not that he wanted her to spend any more time with that guy. Asad still didn't trust him. But someone would have been with her and she wouldn't have been so scared' He glanced over at her to check on her and saw that she was coming around. He stopped the car at the side of the road and turned towards her. "Zoya, Are you ok"

"uh'Mr Khan?" Zoya whispered feeling dazed. She tried to sit up but her head hurt too badly.

"Zoya don't try to sit up yet. You hit your head too hard when you fainted" Asad explained

"I fainted?"'Zoya couldn't understand. She tried to remember. " No I was running'someone (she choked) someone was following me and I bumped in to him'"

"No Zoya. You ran in to me. Then you screamed and fainted." Asad cleared

Zoya was slowly getting her bearings back' "I Screamed and Fainted?" she screeched feeling mortified. How embarrassing, she thought blushing.

"Yes ' Aap ki awaz sun kar yeh hi lagtha hain ki aap ko better feel kar raha hai. Warna main aap ko doctor ke paas le jaane walla tha." Asad turned back to the steering and started his car.

"Nahi'I am perfectly fine. Thank you. Mujhe ghar jaana hain. Poophi intezaar kar rahi hogi na" Zoya mumbled

"Aap ko kya fark padta hain'aap toh kissi ke baare main sochti nahi' Aapne ek baar bhi nahi socha ki Ami pareshaan hogi aap ke is taraha batakne ki aadat ke waje se'Apko bas apni man mani karne ki aadat hogayi hain' Aap jaanti hain yeh gulliyaan kitni sun saan hain? Aaj main agar waqt par nahi aata toh kuch bhi ho sakta tha aapke saat'Magar main kyun apni energy waste kar raha hoon'Aap par toh is sab ka koi aasar hi nahi hota" Asad bitoff in frustration.

"Dekhiye Mr Khan'Main jaanti hoon ki aaj mujhse galti hui hain' par I got lost and I couldn't find a cab'and'

"Apko cab milega kaise. Time pata hain kya hua hain? Raat ke 10.00 baaj chuke hai. Maine Aapse kaha tha ki ye aapka New York nahi hai'Yeh India hain'Yaha raat ko cabs milna mushkil hai...Par aap phir bhi wohi karti hai jo aap chahe'Kya zaroorat thi is samay aise jaage par jaane ki?

"Sorry Mr Khan ki aap ko mere wajese itni takleef utani padi'Par main kuch malumat karne yaha aayi thi 'uh..apni jiju ke project ke liye'par I promise ye dubara nahi hoga" zoya stammered

"hmm'Ab chaliye ghar ja kar baat karte hain. Ami Kafi upset hain aap se"

Zoya stared at his face. Allah Mia! He is so handsome that it hurts to even look at him. She looked out the window. She could still feel the rush of adrenaline pumping in her veins- an evidence of her harrowing experience tonight. She wished her Jahapanah would give her a hug. She needed it. She always felt safe when he was around. Wish he would take her in his arms and tell her everything will be alright and that even after today's disappointing results, she would still find her Abu. But she knew such things cannot happen. Because Jahapanah doesn't care about her. He is probably cursing his fate for putting her in his life. Clearly his evening plans got disturbed because he had to look for her. That's why he is so grumpy. Allah Mia! What's wrong with you Zoya? Stop over analyzing him and get a life! She snapped at herself.

Asad was still trying to calm down. He had been frantic while he was looking for her. He had imagined every worst case scenario that could have happened to her' And all that while she was coolly strutting around trying to find useless information for an unworthy project'She was putting her life in danger scouring such neighbor for her so- called project. God! Where was she when god was distributing brains to everyone? Probably sitting in a corner trying to quote bad shayeris, he mused. What if something had happened to her tonight? No. He told himself don't go there. She was fine! He turned to look at her and then repeated. "She is fine."

***********************************************

Back in the ally at Mill house road, Munna pulled out his cellphone to give his report. The phone rang on the other side and someone answered.

"Bhaijaan. I followed her like you told me to. Je haan woh ladki abhi bhi punch taj kar rahi hain'Aaj toh woh Mill House road taka a ponchi hai,"

The person on the other side asked something.

"Nahi Bhaijaan woh abhi tak Lala singh tak nahi poonch payi hai." Munna answered.

"Aur woh kabhi poonche na'iska khyal rahe'"

" Jee Bhaijaan. Aur ek aur baat'woh ladki akeli nahi hain' uske saat ek janab bhi the."

There was silence on other side.

"Pata karo uske baare main" the voice snapped over the phone.

______________________________________________________

Next Chapter :https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/73454898

Edited by snehatalk - 12 years ago

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Soumya

@Siaa_Rickman

Voyager

+ 7

Posted: 12 years ago

The suspense through out the update was very good! "Where was she when god was distributing brains to everyone? Probably sitting in a corner trying to quote bad shayeris, he mused" This had me in splits..LOL!

Poor Zo, jitni door apni jahapanah se jaane ki koshish karti hai, utni hi paas aakar baithi hai! And Asad just uses the excuse of Ammi but he is the one who was more concerned and worried off!

Splendid description :)

Edited by -Siaa- - 12 years ago