Wanted: Fugitive

Wanted: Fugitive...

Zoya sighed a breath of relief.

Ever since the Travelers Association had been after her, she couldn't stand outside a local store for a minute.

Everywhere she went, she'd grab eyeballs. She was a wanted fugitive after all. A betrayed, conned fugitive.

Posters with her smudged sketched face were hung up every door skipped.

Buying cheap hair dye and tanning her skin didn't get her far.

She had no money left and no where to go. She was trapped in Oman.

Several attempts to catch her were made but none worthy.

She had been trained for the time mentally. It happened to her ancestors. It was bound to happen to her.

Zoya leaned against a pillar of a mosque breathing rapidly and clutching her chest.

Her eyes scorned around the empty area.

Suddenly she felt a weight on her shoulder.

She screamed.

"Relax... Its only me..." Ayaan smiled in the dim light.

"Oh its you.. You had me scared..." Zoya replied rolling her eyes.

Zoya looked at a package in Ayaan's hand.

"Whats that?" She asked.

"Food for you. I know that you haven't eaten for two days! So I bought you some Jam sandwiches."

Zoya grinned.

"Thank you Ayaan. I wouldn't have survived till now if it weren't for you..." She offered a grateful smile.

"No Zoya. Its you. Its your courage and will that's helped you till now... And it is Allah's protection."

Zoya quickly ate the sandwiches and nodded at Ayaan.

"Thanks for the sandwiches Ayaan but I have to find somewhere to stay during the night. The weather gets nasty here at night..." said Zoya.

"Well why don't you..."

Zoya cut him off.

"No Ayaan I cant stay at your place and put you in danger again... Its too risky."

Zoya hugged Ayaan and walked off into the dark.

"I wish I could tell you Zoya, That I care for you... And I love you..." Ayaan whispered.

*******

Zoya struggled to fall asleep that night. All she could think of was Asad.

Her Asad.

She had wedged herself between a small dumped fridge and huge board. But it was extremely uncomfortable.

She slowly fell asleep remembering her first time meeting Asad.

**Flashback**

"Oh Really?"

"Yes really! I was right here on my phone standing still and YOU bumped into me!" Asad shouted.

Zoya frowned.

"Well excuse me! You don't have to get all hypo over a small thing!"

"I'm not hyped OK?" Said Asad.

"Then stop screaming at me like a gorilla Mr KING KONG!!" Zoya shouted.

**Flashback Changes**

"Why are you caring for me so much Asad? Why? Its scaring me!"

Asad grabbed Zoya and pulled her close.

"Because I love you dammit!!!"

Zoya froze.

**Flashback Ends**

Clouds thickened and became pregnant with rain.

Tiny droplets started falling fast and soon it was torrential rain.

Zoya woke up and found herself drenched.

She quickly got up and pulled her jacket over her head.

She ran to a nearby bus stop hoping no one would recognize her.

There was a man walking around.

He walked up to Zoya.

"Excuse me Miss but would you care to say if you have seen this person?" asked the man holding up a picture of Zoya.

Zoya's eyes bulged and she covered herself even more.

"No Sir, But I heard she's staying somewhere around the Tilo Bar. Down west." Said Zoya in a different voice.

"What? How did she get there? Well anyway thank you for your help..." He shrugged and walked into the rain.

Zoya sighed.

She smiled.

She had to get changed otherwise she would look like a freak. Obviously like a fugitive on the run.

An hour later Zoya was sitting in Ayaans lounge and writing something on a notepad.

Dear Asad,

Id like to tell you why I am not with you today. This is my story and be careful. Its dangerous...

When I was 5 my mother disappeared. She went to get the shopping In the Mumbai Markets and was never heard of again. The Police demolished the case and nothing was done and she was not searched for. 10 years later, I saw my Abu on the Oman News Channel. He never came home after that.

My ancestors all disappeared the same way. I wanted to know why. And I learnt that there is someone in our family heritage which the Travelers association want. I do not know what or why. Which is why I left India and came here. I'm sorry Asad. I know it was our engagement but Time was ticking and is now. Whatever is happening is Gods choice Asad... I will mail you again when I find out more.. And one more thing. If I do die here then always remember that I will Love you Hamesha...

Your most loved,

Zoya...

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Love Andrea...