Unpredictable Lives: Link to T2 Page 152 - Page 24

Zoya cleaned her face up before she was taken by Raj to meet with Arjun. Arjun had been a narcotics officer for the best part of his life, he was 43 of age. He was very much respected for his work and achievement during his life time. He greeted Zoya with a hand shake and introduced her to his team that compromised of an administrative officer called Ana and two other officers Kunal and Haroon.

The team were very welcoming, especially Haroon, he was a relatively new to the team; he had come on secondment from the police service. He was also quite young, full of character, someone Zoya knew she would get on with. Haroon on the other hand was besotted by her from the minute he saw her and he couldn't have been happier for Arjun to have agreed for Zoya to join them.

Having had a look through your college timetable I think it would be best for you to maybe come in Wednesday and Friday afternoons, and if you want you are more than welcome to pop in on Saturdays, most of us are always in and out of the office'. That would be great sir' Zoya said. Zoya was about to leave their office when Haroon jumped in front of I'll walk you down' Zoya looked at his animated face and started to laugh thank you' no...seriously thank you' you're a bit weird aren't you?' she asked as she walked past him.

On their way down they bumped into Asad who was talking to another member of staff. Zoya froze for a second as the emotions from their earlier conversation reeled back in. Asad noticed Zoya and Haroon walking towards him Asad Ahmed Khan...it has been ages, how you doing my man?' Haroon said sticking his hand out for Asad to shake Asad Shook his hand but his eyes were fixated on Zoya's face who was looking in the opposite direction. Haroon saw Asad looking at Zoya oh how rude of me...Asad let me introduce you to my new girl...this is Zoya' as soon as he said my girl Zoya turned her head to look at him nearly choking on the air that she just took in and at the same moment Asad's eyes narrowed and darkened viciously excuse me?' Zoya managed to get out oh come on Zoya...you're the new girl on the block and that too on my team...so it makes you my girl' he said with a wink. Zoya looked at Asad who met her gaze in return, it was the most uncomfortable two second, as that's exactly how long she could hold them for, clearing her throat um...I need to go, I'll see you on Friday'.

Zoya quickly walked away but she knew Asad was still starring at her, she could almost feel the heat of his gaze burn through her. Haroon...I'm warning you, stay away from her' Asad said in a stern voice Oh come on now Mr Khan, you know me it's always a bit of fun...and why...hang on do you know her' Haroon asked wondering why Asad had asked him to stay away yes, I do...so...' ok ok...I promise to behave' Asad nodded and walked off leaving Haroon smiling even more like hell I will behave...Miss Zoya Farooqui...this will be fun' he said to himself mischievously. Asad liked Haroon as an officer but not as a person, he was well known as a ladies man, a total womaniser, although a lot of it was harmless fun, the thought of him being his foolish self around Zoya did not sit well with him, he was still severely pissed off with the idea of Zoya working here so this for him was the icing on the cake.

The preparations for the Festival were in full swing. Mr Anand had led a group of student to the venue to help set up. Rehan, Jai and Zoya started their work as soon as they reached by setting up their camera equipment. As Zoya and Rehan walked around trying to familiarise themselves with the area they saw a number of security officers also walking around we should definitely talk to those guys too' Rehan looked at Zoya waiting for a response but she seemed miles away Zoya are you ok, you seem a little pre occupied?' Zoya smiled bleakly yeah...all good' Rehan reised his eye brow really...you seem to forget I know you a little too well to believe you' Zoya took in a deep breath its...I had a little run in with Asad...Mr Khan the NIA Officer yesterday' the guy who Najma teases you about?' Yes' she said rolling her eyes remembering Najma's nonsense talk. What did he say?' Uggh...basically we don't really see eye to eye and he seems to have a problem with me conducting my research, am not sure what his problem with me is, sometimes he is ok and the rest of the time he is just full of rudeness...schizophrenic moron' Rehan started to laugh, it wasn't like Zoya to let anyone get to her, she was a strong girl and was pretty much able to take on anything this guy seems to be affecting you' hmmm...anyway...you wanted to interview a few people, have you got a list?'.

The day seemed to pass by quickly, Zoya had a lot of fun working with Jai and Rehan, they managed to capture a lot on camera and talk to lots of people, students, teacher and event managers alike. As Zoya packed her bag her phone started to ring Assalam O Alaikum Humera, how are you?' I am ok, how are you? I am so sorry for Bhaijaan's behaviour Zoya, I have been meaning to call you but didn't know what to say' Zoya took in a sigh its ok, you are not the one that needs to apologise and especially not for him' Zoya, Ammi and Abu are flying out to Malaysia on a business trip and my auntie is staying with her friends again, would you like to come over...I mean if you want' Zoya smiled of course I will, I am at the Youth Festival, let me go and pick up a few things then I will come to you' No, by the time you do it will be late, Ayaan is coming, as he is taking my parents to the airport, I will ask him to pick you up on the way' ok, see you soon, Allah Hafiz'.

Zoya quickly met with Rhea and Najma for a catch up, their changing study schedules meant that they didn't get to see much of one another. Rhea, I really don't mind...and I promise I won't make it obvious, at least let's try and get an inkling, and if he does like you then I think you should tell him' Rhea looked at Zoya me tell him...when does the girl ever propose?' Ya Allah, what is wrong with you, what century do you live in Rhea, you're a strong independent young woman, you still believe in the notion that the guy should always be the first one to make the move...ok how about once we find out...we set up a situation where you both have to come out with it?' Rhea started feeling nervous Najma, you please talk to her...I have to go Ayaan is coming to pick me up, I'll see you guys tomorrow, and Rhea by the end of this Festival, I want you and Aarav joined at the hip' giving her wink and quick hug Zoya left Rhea in Najma's hands.

Zoya saw Asad's SUV and stopped, the black tinted windows made it difficult for her to see who was in the car Ya Allah, please let that be Ayaan' Zoya heard the door open and at the same time felt her heart palpitate but as soon Ayaan's curly hair came into sight she managed to calm down You want me to carry you to the car?' he said as he walked towards her ha ha...what are you doing with his car, I nearly had a panic attack' Ayaan laughed out loud mine has gone in for servicing, so am borrowing Bhaijaan's, you ready?' Yep let's go'.

Zoya really enjoyed talking to Humera's parents, being with them she realised how much she missed being back at home with Zeenat and Anwar. Thank you so much for staying with Humera, we really don't like leaving her by herself, but with our work...' It's ok auntie, I am more than happy to stay, me and Humera have become very good friends so it's all good' Humera's mum cupped Zoya's face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead and then turned around to hug her daughter we should be back in a week's time...If your phoopi is going to be away for any more days, then I have asked Ayaan to take you home, I promise this will be the last one for a long time' Humera nodded with tears in her eyes Allah Hafiz Ammi, take care'.

Humera brought out the popcorn and Zoya followed her with two big glasses and a big bottle of coke do we really have to see this mushy movie...can we not compromise on an action one' Zoya said pouting, she wasn't a romantic and having to sit through nearly three hours of a Bollywood movie didn't entice her in the slightest. No we cannot compromise and yes you do have to watch this with me and you will enjoy it...now you can park your bum over there and get comfortable' Zoya slumped herself on a big cushion and lay back to watch a guy and a girl dancing around trees.

Aaah that was such a feel good movie...don't you think' Humera said looking towards Zoya who just looked back at her blankly Humera, the guy married the wrong girl, and she betrayed her best friend...how is that a good feel movie?' Yes, but they got together in the end...and that's what matters' Zoya gave in 'ok...fine' there was no point arguing with Humera when it came to Salman Khan. 'You have an early start tomorrow, you want to go to bed?' 'No, am not really tired, plus you said Ayaan is coming back, so I can wait until he comes'. It couldn't have been more than five minutes and the doorbell rang Humera opened the door and hugged Ayaan as soon as he came in, Zoya cleared her throat 'I'll be in the garden if you need me...but come to think of I don't think you will' Zoya ran out quickly to let Ayaan and Humera catch up on their hugging.

I can't stay long, I had to pick Bhaijaan up on the way, he is waiting in the car' Humera hit Ayaan's shoulder I can't believe you Ayaan, I get to spend some time with you after so long and now you are saying that you can't stay, ask Bhaijaan to come in' are you crazy, with Zoya here too, this place will turn into a battle field with in minutes' are you not forgetting that it was you who felt that Zoya was the right girl for him, you said yourself that you see something in him that you have never seen before, call him in...maybe...' Ok ok...stop, I'll call him in'.

Ayaan walked back to the house ahead of a very annoyed Asad, it had started to rain and the last thing he wanted was to get caught up in it. Assalam O Alaikum Bhaijaan' Wa Ailaikum Assalam Humi, how are you?' Good...thank you for coming in...' Asad held his hand up its ok...I'll be in the garden...Ayaan ten minutes'. As Asad started to walk off Humera opened her mouth to tell him that Zoya was in the back garden too, only for Ayaan to place his hand over her mouth Ayaan what are you doing?' Shhh let him go, if you had told him he would have walked straight back out and taken me with him' I wish he would just loosen up, Zoya is right you know he is a bit of an Akdu' Ayaan looked at Humera with a raised eyebrow ok...sorry he is not but still doesn't hurt to smile once in a while...Allah knows what will happen now'.