Unpredictable Lives: Link to T2 Page 152 - Page 35

Nineteen

Raghu had been released on bail, but due to the trouble he had caused himself Dev had put him out of action for the time being. Dev up until now had successfully managed to shift a lot of his bags of poison, being a spoilt rich brat made gave him an identity, through his unfortunate popularity he was able to get on board a lot of wannabe's who seriously would do anything to be associated with him.

Some of Asad's undercover officer had managed to find out the secret code Dev Raaj was using to sell his drugs 'you are definitely sure it's sandal wood?...what kind of a dumbass secret code is that?' Asad said shaking his head at the stupidity of the younger generation. Apparently Sandal Wood was the name given to a new mixture of marijuana that had hit the market, the only thing that made it more lethal was its lacing with heroine. 'Sir, there is one more thing, we found out that Victor is using Arvind Shinde to safe keep the load that is being brought in' 'so Moti Mahal is our next target...Ayaan, I want the team split in two, I am going to ask Mr Roy for more officers, if the intelligence received is true then this raid will not only be big in terms of us being able to seize there consignment but it will also knock Victor down...well at least for a short time'. 'You do realise that you will have to link in with Arjun's team, they are working on that region especially since the Priya Naik case' Ayaan reminded Asad hmmm, I'll have word with him when I get back, may it will be worth calling in a meeting with all of us'.

Where Asad was planning his next big mission, Zoya was heads down in her books working on her dissertation, she had spoken to Arjun, who had confirmed that it was ok for her to come in on Wednesday, Zoya hoped that by then her bruising would have gone down.

Seeing that Zoya was not venturing out further than the parameters of her room, Humera came to visit her 'it's so good to see you Zoya, after that day...I really am sorry and also very thankful' Zoya rolled her eyes at Humera 'Humera, please how many times you going to say sorry for something you did not do or have no control over and why you saying thank you...am I not your friend?' 'You are more than a friend Zoya, you are Ayaan's sister, so that makes you my sister in law, a relationship that is far deeper and greater' Zoya felt overwhelmed she hugged Humera 'thank you...talking of which, where is my new found brother?' 'ohhh...Bhaijaan is keeping him busy, I haven't seen him myself, hopefully once this Festival is over he will get some time off'.

The minute Humera mentioned Asad her expression changed h...he came to see me...here' looking a little surprised Humera probed for more information Bhaijaan, came here...why...I mean what did he say?' letting out a little laugh Zoya pushed her hair back and sat up straight not a lot actually, I don't think I gave him much of a chance, but what he did say before he left was sorry' Humera's eyes widened as she gulped Bhaijaan said sorry...he actually apologised?' not understanding her reaction Zoya just nodded yeah...why do you sound so surprised, it's the least he could've done considering what he did' no...I mean of course ...it's just that in all the time I have known Bhaijaan and from all that I know of him through Ayaan, the one thing he never says is sorry' Zoya raised her eye brow what kind of stupidness is that, if you are wrong then it is only right to apologise to someone you have hurt...or is there a totally different rule here in India?' Humera started laughing no silly...that's just Bhaijaan, I know you always land on each other's toes...and haven't had the best start, but I promise you that you will never come across someone so caring as he is, he may look tough and scary on the outside but he is still human. He would give up his life for the people he cares about without a second thought, and when you are a part of his life then there is no going back, he has a lot to give Zoya, but just has never found anyone to give it to, his life and upbringing have not been easy sailing, you really have to know him to understand who he really is...I admit I still don't know him, but Ayaan does...and I tell you if he said sorry to you then he not only really means it but he must definitely like you, because seriously if he didn't he wouldn't give a damn'.

That night Zoya pondered over her conversation with Humera, she brought to light all that she knew about Asad, and with every piece of information, with everything she learnt about him, from the time he was in the orphanage to the time be became a Narcotics officer made her heart fill with sadness. She had one thing in common with him and that was that they were both orphans, they both spent time in an orphanage, the only difference was that Zoya was adopted by her cousins family and Asad had to make it on his own, the one difference that change who they were and what they were going to become for the rest of their lives. May be Humera was right, maybe he wasn't bad behind that tough no nonsense exterior, but it was a side to him that would take her forever to access, with the way she was going with him, they were sure to be declaring world war three.

Rhea had given Zoya enough makeup to cover her bruising, it was the last day of the Festival and they didn't want her to miss out. 'Rhea, I have never worn this in my life...how do you even apply it?' she said looking at the foundation bottle oh come on 'Zoya, it's not rocket science...here sit I'll do it' once Rhea had finished there wasn't a mark out of place not bad Rhea...I like it' Zoya said inspecting her face over and over again.

Zoya spent a lot of time talking to Mr Anand and another tutor, they were asking her what she planned to do once the year was over I would have to return to the US to finish my final year and once that is over, am not sure...maybe work for United Nations again, I really enjoyed my time with them' would you not consider coming to India and working here?' Mr Anand asked her haven't really thought about that sir, maybe one day, if I find anything that brings me back to India I certainly will come'.

The atmosphere at the Festival was really something, it was full of life and happiness, there was dancing, singing more food than you could imagine and to top it all off there was a fireworks display taking place in the evening. Zoya started walking around with Najma when she saw Humera and Ayaan Najma, give me a minute' Zoya said and then ran up to them Hey, what are you guys doing here?' Looking past Zoya Humera smiled at Najma your friend told us you would be here, so we came to see you and enjoy the last day too' Zoya turned to look at Najma who was now standing next to Rehan, Zoya mouthed a thank you and then turned back towards Humera and Ayaan 'well...dont I get a hug?' Humera asked pouting 'of course you do' Zoya said laughing and hugging her at the same time 'excuse me...you seem to forget I am still standing here' Ayaan said clearing his throat. This was the first time Zoya had seen him since the incident she stepped up to him 'what you did for me, I will never forget and what you said will stay with me forever' Ayaan cupped Zoya's face and wiped away the single tear that had just escaped 'Allah really has blessed me Zoya, the one thing I didn't have and craved for was a sister, and now I have you...and I promise that this brother of yours will stand by you always' Zoya couldn't help but crashing into Ayaan's arms. Ayaan wrapped his arms around her and comforted her 'come on...the first time you met me as your brother and you start crying...not good sis...you and Humera go ahead, I can't hang for too long, am on duty...so' Zoya smiled at him 'its ok, you go ahead, we will meet you for the fireworks display, we will be close to our college stand if you are trying to find us'.